Minneapolis is on the short list for MLS expansion


During today’s 2014 MLS Season Kick Q&A w/ Commissioner Don Garber, the commissioner said Minneapolis is on the short list for MLS expansion (start at 16:40.) He also mentioned by name that there has been a high level of activity with Minnesota United FC.

In Garber’s words, MN United are a strong, passionate group that are very embedded in the community. They are smart, focused, and great community citizens that really care about their city. They are asking how a MLS team can really enhance the city (similar to what happened in KC).

http://www.mls4mn.com/minneapolis-short-list-mls-expansion/

NASL's San Antonio Scorpions supporters launch online petition to push city toward MLS expansion


In San Antonio a group completely independent of the local team or city that's making the most MLS expansion-related noise this week. The supporters of the North American Soccer League's (NASL) San Antonio Scorpions have launched an online petition in an attempt to unify their efforts to bring MLS to town.

"We're giving San Antonio fans the opportunity to come together, in one single voice, and say, 'Yes, we are ready for Major League Soccer," Michael Macias, founder of the Crocketteers, a 1,500-member independent soccer supporters group based in San Antonio, told MLSsoccer.com by phone on Tuesday.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/sideline/news/article/2014/02/25/nasl-san-antonio-scorpions-supporters-online-petition-push-mls-expansion

New York City F.C. to Play at Yankee Stadium for Three Years

New York City F.C., a team that will enter Major League Soccer next year, will play its first three seasons at Yankee Stadium, according to two people familiar with the team’s plans.

The team, which is jointly owned by the Yankees and Manchester City of the Premier League, is expected to make the announcement next week.

The Yankee Stadium solution is a temporary reprieve; the team must find a site for a permanent home and construct it, and the three-year commitment at Yankee Stadium could be a hint at how difficult that might be.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/15/sport ... ports&_r=2

MLS is headed to the ATL.

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced on Wednesday that Atlanta has been awarded the league’s 22nd team, the culmination of six years of courtship between the league and the one of the nation’s most diverse and influential markets.

The expansion team – which will begin play in the 2017 season – will be owned by Arthur Blank, the co-founder of The Home Depot and the owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. A state-of-the-art retractable roof stadium in downtown Atlanta will house both the Falcons and the new MLS franchise, and is expected to host more than 29,000 fans for soccer matches upon its completion.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/16/major-league-soccer-names-atlanta-22nd-franchise-set-2017-debut

Rumor:
Chivas USA's new owner to be announced after the World Cup?


Is the future sooner than we think?

Does Chivas USA have a new owner(s) in place? And will we hear about the new owner in just a few months?

Guadalajara-based journalist San Cadilla reported in his column on Thursday that the sale of Chivas USA is already complete, and it will be announced following the World Cup (Spanish).

According to the report, the owners will be an unnamed Mexican businessman based in California and a "wealthy American executive." Additionally, the new owners will look at possibly rebranding Chivas USA to the LA Aztecs, something that has been a persistent topic among observers, though some fans of the club bristle at that name.

Furthermore, the report says that the alleged new owners wanted to buy the team directly from Jorge Vergara, but the league may have taken control of the team to "clean up the mess a little" before moving on with the next owners.


http://www.reddit.com/tb/23gcw0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Curious you're trying to rehash the Aztecs. LA never had the NASL nostalgia that the Northwest or even the Cosmos did.

Besides, it's not the main direction of conversation. This is: http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014 ... os-leaked/

The other thing: probably all the lawsuits have to be settled before any actual transfer announcement is made. "After the World Cup" is kind of open-ended, anyway.

those two logos were before the team was sold, Garber has already stated that they will NOT be used
I am not the one trying to rehash the LA Aztec logo, the rumor is that the two new owners are

New York City FC outline plans for Yankee Stadium's baseball-to-soccer conversion

Per a release, NYCFC's 2015 home schedule will not have an impact on the schedule of the stadium's primary tenants, Major League Baseball's New York Yankees.

"By hosting the New York City FC for its inaugural season, Yankee Stadium will be hosting a very special chapter in sports history,” Yankees president Randy Levine said in a statement. “The Yankees are pleased to welcome New York City FC, all of its players and its fans, to our home, and believe the team’s dynamic presence in 2015 will make the stadium the most vibrant venue in the world.”

According to Yankees chief operation officer Lonn A. Trost, the stadium will be downsized from its current capacity of 49,642 seats to 33,444 seats for MLS matches. The field will be 110 yards by 70 yards. Conversion of the stadium from baseball to soccer, and vice versa, takes three days.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/21/new-york-city-fc-announce-yankee-stadium-be-home-field-2015-season
http://nycfc.com/Tickets

MLS contemplating playoff format tweak:
Give higher seed choice of home leg


Major League Soccer could be close to finalizing a tweak to its playoff format that will offer additional reward, albeit slight, to clubs finishing higher in the regular season standings. SI.com understands that MLS is working on giving the higher-seeded team in the two-game conference semifinals and finals the option of hosting either the first or second leg.

Ultimately, it’ll get passed,” a source said of the new rule. “I would think it’ll be finalized before the start of the season.”

Another source expressed a bit more caution, saying that a “majority” favors the change but that “by no means was there overwhelming consensus.”

The league’s competition committee and board of governors would have to sign off on the rule change before it takes affect.


http://www.reddit.com/tb/1vpk1l

Major League Soccer to introduce away-goals rule for first time in 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs


There are few changes to this years Competition Rules and Regulations as released by Major League Soccer on Friday. Except for one big one:

Away goals count.

That's the biggest addition to the competition format, and the tiebreaker method that's used around the world for two-leg series – most notably in European and South American tournaments, as well as the CONCACAF Champions League – will become the norm once the MLS Cup playoffs resume in the fall.

Here's the exact ruling, as will apply in MLS to both the Conference Semifinals and Conference Championships:

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/03/07/major-league-soccer-introduce-away-goals-rule-first-time-2014-mls-cup-playof

"Atlanta Phoenix" wins fan vote for Atlanta's MLS expansion team name

http://boards.sportslogos.net/topic/98377-atlanta-mls-concept/


The Atlanta Phoenix — how does that sound to you?

Because to nearly 26 percent of Atlanta Business Chronicle readers, it's the best name suggested thus far for Major League Soccer 22nd team, which was announced two weeks ago.

In a poll conducted over the weekend, the Business Chronicle offered up a whole host of names for the club, brought to you by readers, fans and marketers alike.

Other top choices, according to the poll? Premier Atlanta (more than 15 percent) and Atlanta Blaze (nearly 12 percent).

"Phoenix" — referring to a bird, not the city in Arizona — would fall in line with the bird-named theme of Atlanta's Falcons (NFL) and Hawks (NBA).


http://www.mlssoccer.com/sideline/news/article/2014/04/28/poll-atlanta-phoenix-leading-choice-among-fans-mls-expansion-team-name

New York City FC's Claudio Reyna, Tim Pernetti discuss
roster, jersey plans for 2014 and beyond


NYCFC director of soccer operations Claudio Reyna outlined during a Q&A with fans on Thursday evening at a pub in Manhattan the various strategies the club would be using to build its roster, additionally revealing that the team could expect its first signings sooner rather than later:

@CReynaNYCFC: "We hope to have some signings this summer. No shortage of interest in players wanting to play in this city."

Many of Reyna's other roster-related answers came as little surprise to those familiar with his team's affiliation with high-spending English outfit Manchester City FC. For example, there was head coach Jason Kreis' interest in several MCFC youngsters that NYCFC could potentially take on loan, and Reyna's assertion that the club would use all three available Designated Player spots as it looked to build a team:

.@CReynaNYCFC: "We are using our global scouting network to find people that play the way we want to play. We plan on using all 3 DP slots."

However, Reyna also assured fans that despite its global reach in building a roster, the team would not neglect its own community when searching for talent:

.@CReynaNYCFC: "We'd love to have American players in our team. It's important that we eventually have New York City players in our team."

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/05/01/new-york-city-fc-bosses-claudio-reyna-tim-pernetti-discuss-roster-jersey-pla

The Throw-In:
Like LA Clippers, Chivas USA have found their inner strength in tough times


They share a market, the same colors and similar intrigue. And meanwhile, all their respective players are trying to do is play the game.

No, Chivas USA are not in the same situation as the Los Angeles Clippers. Not exactly, anyway. But when you look at it, they’ve got a lot in common.

Besides the geography, both are dealing with controversial owners either out or on their way there. Players on both teams are being asked to do their jobs while a whirlwind of speculation surrounds them away from the court/field. And they’re watching somewhat from afar as their respective leagues are intervening to correct what were previously tough situations.


http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/05/02/throw-la-clippers-chivas-usa-have-found-their-inner-strength-tough-times?module=from_footer

MLS, U.S. Soccer sign landmark TV
and media rights partnerships with ESPN, FOX & Univision Deportes



For the first time in Major League Soccer’s history, all three television partners will feature an exclusive MLS Match of the Week, providing soccer fans throughout the country with a destination day and time for each network. The Univision family of networks will televise a game of the week on Friday evenings -- primarily on UniMás -- and a wrap-up show on Sundays. The Friday night match on the Univision family of networks will be the first time a Spanish-language television network will have its own exclusive night with a major professional sports league based in the United States.

Soccer fans will be able to enjoy a doubleheader of MLS action every Sunday, as ESPN2 and FOX Sports 1 will televise back-to-back MLS matches on Sundays at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET, respectively. More than 125 MLS matches will be televised annually on the three networks

All three networks will televise both U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches. ESPN and FOX Sports 1 will split the English-language Men’s National Team broadcast package of approximately 10 games per year, and will share the schedule of Women’s National Team games. Univision Deportes is the exclusive Spanish language home of U.S. Soccer, broadcasting all of the U.S. Men’s National Team games, and a minimum of four Women’s National Team matches each year during the term.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/05/12/mls-us-soccer-sign-landmark-tv-media-rights-partnerships-espn-fox-univision-deportes

Orlando City Unveils its New Major League Soccer Logo


Orlando, Fla.– In anticipation of Major League Soccer (MLS) entry, Orlando City SC began its rebranding process today by unveiling its new logo. The logo was released via the club’s social media outlets and maintains a representation of Orlando City’s identity, while also incorporating prominent Floridian aspects, featuring the sun, the color purple, and a single lion.

The color purple has become a highly recognizable feature for Orlando City over the years. Employed as the club’s primary color, purple distinguishes Orlando City from any other club in the North American soccer landscape.

Remaining as the central focal point of the logo, is the Lion, indicating strength and pride. The King of the Jungle reflects Orlando City’s successful tenure in USL PRO and reluctance to shy away from an opponent.

The logo is also symbolic of a new beginning for Orlando City. The 21 sun flares bordering the Lion signifies the club being named MLS’ 21st franchise in November of 2014.

The sun is emblematic of a new goal for Orlando City. With Florida being widely known as the Sunshine State, the integration of the sun in the new
logo describes OCSC’s aspiration to become the team that not only represents the City of Orlando but also the State of Florida.

http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/?article_id=1854

Las Vegas could get pro soccer team, downtown stadium


Findlay Sports and Entertainment and The Cordish Companies today announced plans to build a 24,000-seat stadium downtown at Symphony Park. The stadium would be designed specifically for a pro soccer team.

Cordish has been in a development contract with Las Vegas since 2008 to build a stadium at the 61-acre site and negotiate with professional leagues for a team to play there. The park already includes the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

The agreement between Cordish and Las Vegas expires May 31. During the May 21 City Council meeting, the Cordish and Findlay groups plan to ask for an extension and request a change to the proposal to include both organizations.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/may/14/las-vegas-could-get-mls-team-soccer-specific-stadi/