Ryan Johnston

Follow TFC and the Champions League with Twitter. I will update from training, on match day and whenever news breaks.

MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Chalk one up to diplomacy; as apparently it still breathes.

Thanks to flexibility and the understanding that concessions are an integral part of negotiation, a group of owners and officials saved Division 2 soccer for supporters in at least 12 cities. The sworn acronymic enemies we know as the USL and NASL decided to put the greater good of the game ahead of anything else and in seven short days a makeshift league was forged.

It might actually be an unprecedented act.

As a general rule, looming work stoppages lead to actual work stoppages. In the end the posturing wins and it is the fan who suffers. We witnessed it in 2004 with the NHL lockout and we are witnessing it again today as MLS is prepared to snap closed the proverbial padlock on February 1.

I mean, theoretically, if MLS was to commit to a work stoppage this would be the year. The World Cup in South Africa is a massive distraction and should intoxicate North American supporters to the point where forgiveness comes easy. Plus, upon completion of the game's biggest tournament the thirst for more will be so strong that new and old enthusiasts will flock back, wallets in hand.

But the precedent of the USSF D2 agreement changes it all. Now, MLS has in the area of three weeks to iron out the details or the obvious question of "If they can do it, why can't you?" will be asked. Plus, there is the added concern that locked out MLS players will see the new USSF D2 as a greener pasture, and with a year head start just might supplant North America's longest-tenured league as the destination of choice.

The USL in this country has already proven itself to be superior on the field, if it reaches a similar status off the field it will be back to square one for recruitment.

The dragged-out USL-NASL disagreement has been listed as a headache for many who follow the game. I disagree, and my usual role of conscientious objector may melt in to full-time fan -- especially if MLS can't get its act together.