Wisconsin Soccer Central

The Princeton-56ers have changed their name as they prepare for their fifth season in the National Premier Soccer League next summer, rebranding themselves as the Madison 56ers.

General manager Charles Billings said the 56ers have increased their financial support of the men's amateur team, which now has the official name of Madison 56ers NPSL. The team's affiliation with the Princeton Club ceased a few years ago with the end of the club's soccer program.

Jim Launder said Tuesday that he is set to continue as the 56ers' coach, and the team will return to Breese Stevens Field after the historic stadium was closed last summer due to renovation.

Also, the NPSL Midwest Region looks to be in better shape heading into 2009.

Billings — the Midwest commissioner — said the Brooklyn Knights from the Minneapolis area are close to joining and there's a good chance that Missouri's Springfield SC could be added to the region, which featured just four teams last summer: the Princeton-56ers, St. Paul Twin Stars, Chicago Fire and Milwaukee Bavarians.

He said there's also a possibility that Detroit United, which beat the Princeton-56ers 2-1 in a U.S. Open Cup regional qualifier two years ago, could be added to the Midwest.

Overall, Billings said the NPSL is poised to grow by 10 to 12 teams in 2009; this year, the league featured 24 teams. After adding a Southeast Region in 2008, it appears the NPSL will introduce a region in the Texas and Oklahoma area next season.