Amazing all the attention that Houston and the sport of soccer are getting with the investment of Golden Boy Promotions and the Brener International Group.
It may not be David Beckham status but it has certainly got people talking.
We all know the interest and attention comes from boxer Oscar De La Hoya’s involvement.
Over the year’s I have always wished that more owners like Philip Anschutz, Robert Kraft, the late Lamar Hunt and others would have been more visible. More statements and quotes on MLS and the sport of soccer, more visibility with the strength that their words and appearances hold. Why were they not out front more from a P.R. stand-point. Probably because they did not want to be.
Charisma is important in sports these days from a leadership standpoint and De La Hoya brings that. He is one of the most popular athletes on the globe. Now I don’t expect him to be hands on like Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks but lets face it. Have a visible owner like this is a real strength.
Imagine how other franchises around the league feel looked at what has happened in Houston.
And San Jose fans, I am not buying your resentment any more, get over it and get on with it. Much of it was misdirected on people in Houston who were in celebration mode of having professional soccer. Much sympathy was spread back your way from Htown.
My favorite stop was Spartan Stadium for tv games . I look forward to returning for broadcasts to San Jose this season and have missed that city and most importantly the fans and atmosphere that they have provided.
The fans and the team was never supported properly either by AEG or by those involved in the front office. The team was never relevant to local media so I hope that is being addressed this time around. Fans can and will make the difference in the future. Demand more from your local media, ask your organization what they are doing to create relationships with local media…..And above all put pressure on your organization . Sitting back will not get it done and that is what is currently happening in some MLS markets yet they have been exposed as has leadership due to the arrival of David Beckham and success in markets like Toronto, Houston and DC who have created “environments”. Lets let loose and have some fun.
Ok back to De La Hoya. He made it clear that the organization is running smoothly and will it seems look to wrap themselves around the knowledge of what is going on in Houston from the perspective of operations which AEG will continue to run in the immediate future.
Where they fit in with the stadium is still unknown yet the pressing question. Does it accelerate the stadium process that an outsider has recognized what a high ceiling soccer has in Houston? Will Golden Boy Promotions take the entire club over in the future after stadium issue is resolved and by the way it does not seem a slam dunk with all the politics involved so fans need to be heard about now. Prejudice still occurs with soccer and some can’t look beyond at what it brings to this city.
I don’t often hit the Symphony but I know it’s importance in a city like Houston, Texas.
Franco Caraccio was introduced to the Dynamo faithful today and lets see how this youngster turns out for the Dynamo. He has played little at Arsenal in Argentina but has strong qualities according to many. It will be a roll of the dice with a large upside if it works out for at team that needs support for Brian Ching .
Alot will have to do with the young man’s adapting to leaving home and the way the game is played in MLS.

*Philadelphia will be awarded the next MLS franchise in a press conference tomorrow with MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Glenn