MIAMI, Fla. (Oct 4, 2012) – The North American Soccer League (NASL) announced today that Commissioner David Downs will step down from that post after completing the 2012 season and assisting in an orderly transition to a new NASL Commissioner.  Downs has served as the league’s Commissioner for its first two seasons, but has informed the league’s Board of Governors that he intends to retire and move back to the New York area.

“I’m so proud of what the NASL has accomplished in just its first two seasons and am confident that this league has a great future in the North American soccer landscape,” said Commissioner Downs.  “Soccer continues to grow as a participant and spectator sport here, and the NASL is perfectly poised to deliver entertainment for our fans, while serving to boost the sport’s reach across the continent and offer professional soccer players a chance to showcase their considerable skills.”

Chairman of the Board of Governors, Aaron Davidson, stated “On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to thank David for his tireless efforts over the past two seasons as the first Commissioner of the 21st century NASL.  We will forever be grateful to David for laying the foundation for our bright future and appreciate his continued efforts as we transition to new leadership.”

The Board of Governors has formed a search committee to identify a new Commissioner and has retained Odgers Berndtson, an internationally recognized executive recruiting firm, to lead the process.  Chairman Davidson commented, “We are working with Odgers on a thorough search to identify qualified candidates domestically and internationally.  Our new Commissioner will be someone who will build on our history and recent success as we look to continue our role in growing the sport in North America.  We are committed to finding the right candidate to serve as our new Commissioner and will complete the search as expeditiously as possible.”