The spotlight is on MLS.
David Beckham coming to LA, a new Superliga tournament pitting MLS teams against Mexican clubs, the possibility of Cuahutemoc Blanco in Chicago plus Toronto FC has already sold over 14,000 season tickets and hasn’t even played a game yet.
MLS is finally getting tv money for their product from ESPN, Fox, and HDNET and you would think that will translate in to more tertiary support on those networks. Sportscenter producers are you listening? Give us more than a score……..
Fact is legitimacy is growing and many good signs abound and MLS will have to manage the future.
Seven new coaches will handle teams this year plus it is the first round of expansion since 2005.
According to Don Garber in three years a possible second DP will be allotted to teams and continued globalization continues with loose agreements with foreign establishments like the Bundesliga who will share ideas with MLS.
Not sure about the Colorado deal with Arsenal seems a bit smoke and mirrors to me. Memo to Jeff Plush and the Rapids: SHOW US YOU CAN BE RELEVANT IN YOUR OWN MARKET, CREATE TIES WITH YOUR COMMUNITY AND GIVE A SENSE OF PRIDE TO YOUR PLAYERS AND FANS. NEW STADIUMS, UNIFORM COLORS AND POOR MEDIA SUPPORT WILL NOT CUT IT. WE ARE ROOTING FOR YOU BUT PLEASE DON’T GIVE US THE SMOKE AND MIRRORS!!!
New facilities are in the future, the Superliga is providing great incentive for MLS teams and Soccer United Marketing is raising the profile of the game.
Gold Cup and Copa America this summer will be intriguing and broadcast partners like ESPN, FOX, HDNET are excited.
The league is looking for 16 teams come 2010 with Philly, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle, Cleveland and Atlanta all in the mix.
DC United was sold for 34.6 million dollars so franchise values are going up.
MLS will look to capitalize in the next four to five years by focusing on the game itself.
No more music please during games in KC…..fans are more sophisticated and deserve to be treated that way. No more American Football comparisons please. Play to the highest common denominator.
More games will matter this year with Superliga and the Concacaf Champions Cup, yes international competition will grow the credibility and significance of the league. Better scouting systems have been set-up and teams are chasing DC to figure out how to create that small “pipeline”.
Who is the best team in MLS at finding players? Competition is great.
Hey Red Bull, Bruce get it done.
Create the cultural connection folks, if you don’t get the media behind you it won’t work. Yeah San Jose Equakes I am talking about you and the local newspaper.
More prize money to teams means better performances, more urgency and realism.
Four professional referee’s this year means the officiating should be better Joe Machnik.
Game presentation will be more authentic……I hope the theme music is outstanding for MLS.
Youth development programs in MLS markets you should be king. You have one tool that no one can replicate. Mixing youth with professional players. Use these resources to the fullest, bring kids in your locker room and above all work with the community. Be an ally with your community.
Yes every game must matter this year, more pressure needs to be put on all involved and yes David Beckham is bringing the spotlight. Now all must shine !!!

If the Dynamo advance past Pachuca this Thursday it will once again bring up the need for a soccer specific stadium.
Both Robertson and Reliant from my understanding is booked. DC United has the unenviable task of going to Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara to take on Chivas. With a first leg 1-1 draw this would be monumental if DC could advance on Mexican soil.
So assuming it would be Chivas if the Dynamo advanced means BIG CROWD.
Yes a soccer specific stadium is needed in this international city.
So Sugarland, Pearland and downtown are all in the running.
My vote as mentioned before is cast for downtown. Think big here.
Sugarland has been agressive and the issue will be discussed this week.
Check it out at www.sugarlandtx.gov_hall/city_secretary/agendas/FY2007/040307cc/040307cc.asp
The stadium falls under the category of entertainment district in section VII B.

Where do you think the stadium should be built for this franchise?