When Grumpy Crows Fly: What Minneapolis City SC leaving means for the PLA and Rampage United

  Word has broken today that Minneapolis City SC (nicknamed "Twitter SC" for their, shall we say "vociferous" social media account) will be taking their ball and smack talk to the larger and truly national NPSL. The NPSL seemingly has ambitions to become the 3rd Division in American pro soccer, now that the USL would seem to move up in the wake of NASL II's demise. They are agressively expanding their national footprint, particular in the midwest. Interestingly, they had a presence in Eastern Iowa for a few years with Quad City Eagles, which haven't fielded a men's team since 2013. Rumors swirled that Cedar Rapids Rampage United would join the NPSL, but it appears this won't come to fruition. So, where does that leave the PLA and Rampage United? 

  The answer to what does this all mean is quite clear if this is a single-defection: not much. With Muskegon Risers SC joining the PLA next season, the most logical conclusion is that Aurora Borealis SC moves to take Minneapolis' place in the West. Risers addition also means the league is large enough to qualify it's champion to the US Open Cup as it did last year. With any more defections, they would need to add a club to each defection in order to maintain that automatic qualifying spot. It appears to be an isolated team, but stay tuned...