in november 2009 the impact announced their intent to leave the usl first division to become the co-founders of a new north american soccer league, which would begin play in 2010. the league, which has yet to be sanctioned by the united states soccer federation or the canadian soccer association, would also comprise the atlanta silverbacks, carolina railhawks, crystal palace baltimore, miami fc, minnesota thunder, tampa bay rowdies, vancouver whitecaps and a brand new team led by st. louis soccer united.