Where’s The Beef?

[BoyWithTheArabStrap]

Are we ever going to hear any news about this team? Do we even officially have the team yet? I think it’s about time for MLSE to toss us a bone or two!

:mad: BoyWithTheArabStrap

[Andre v2.0]

Wasn't the team officially MLSE's once the stadium agreement was finalised by city council? So, yes the team is there's.

But I think the reason why many things have not been given to the public info-wise, such as team name, team coach, stadium design etc., is that they are in the process of being completed. Wouldn't make much sense to release incomplete info now would it?

Best advice? Be patient.

[BoyWithTheArabStrap]

I don’t think we for sure have the team - I don’t think they’ve had an “official” official announcement from MLS yet. They’ve got to get rolling soon - it’s an absolute must for them to build off the interest around the upcoming World’s Cup. I’m really starting to wonder.

BoyWithTheArabStrap

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

Are we ever going to hear any news about this team? Do we even officially have the team yet? I think it’s about time for MLSE to toss us a bone or two!

:mad: BoyWithTheArabStrap

I think there is still an inspection visit by FIFA on the horizon some time this month. Probably a formality but premature to formally announce certain things until it is out of the way.

[Nodak]

I thought the only delay was MLS trying to delay them til 2008 or MLS trying to find a partner to enter in 2007. That way they aren't sitting with 13 teams.

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

Don't have time to google for it right now but I've seen statements from Garber and co in which Toronto in 2007 and one team in 2008 and two more by 2010 is the likely expansion scenario.

[Old Man!]

I believe the league would prefer to have an even number of teams but will be willing to move forward with only 13 in 2007 if they cannot get another ready in time(Cleveland? San Jose?). Milwaukee has already stated they are not going for a 2007 entry, but rahter 2008.

[Captain Canuck]

I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a formal announcement until June, to capitalize on the huge popularity & publicity the World Cup has in Toronto every four years. Waiting until that time makes a lot of sense, its probably the best time to make such an announcement, and with construction happening on the stadium, and with someone from MLSE already meeting with over 30 members of a supporters group, no one should be panicking that this isn't happening.

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

I thought the only delay was MLS trying to delay them til 2008 or MLS trying to find a partner to enter in 2007. That way they aren't sitting with 13 teams.

Just noticed a thread elsewhere that the Logan's Revenge blog is saying Cleveland for 2007. This blog hinted at the Houston Dynamo renaming correctly so whoever runs the blog does appear to be a league insider:-

http://www.logansrevenge.blogspot.com/

[FuzzyForeigner]

the biggest reason for which you guys have not been hearing much is because of MLS being soooo busy with NY Red Bull and Houston Dynamo.

So, I dont think anything has change or fallen through, but I do ex[ect by the beginning of this MLS season to hear something official.

Keep in mind they are also in talks for 2 expansions in 2008 or 2009. So they are busy.

I have never seen such interesting and changing times in North American Soccer (lol i said it...NOT AMERICAN SOCCER!!...can i get a kiss for that??)

[FuzzyForeigner]

with someone from MLSE already meeting with over 30 members of a supporters group


thats awesome! what was discussed?? i know im not from toronto, but im curious to compare with other MLS investors...

[paladius]

Just noticed a thread elsewhere that the Logan's Revenge blog is saying Cleveland for 2007. This blog hinted at the Houston Dynamo renaming correctly so whoever runs the blog does appear to be a league insider:-

http://www.logansrevenge.blogspot.com/
It also appears that progress is being made on a stadium plan for Cleveland, and that ownership is in place. Just found out that Cleveland has an enormous ethnic mix of soccer-savvy fans that would create a natural attendance base. Somebody's been working hard behind the scenes, because we all thought Cleveland was dead as a doornail.

[RealGooner]

thats awesome! what was discussed?? i know im not from toronto, but im curious to compare with other MLS investors...

The guy from the Leafs (who sometimes posts here as 'mlsintoronto' ) just wanted to get to know the embryonic supporters group. Briefly, he would like Toronto's supporters to emulate Chicago and DCUnited's well known supporters groups, but on a bigger scale. They are open to providing a separate supporter area behind one of the goals, locker space for storage of flags, banners, drums and tifo materials. They are open to to working out discount ticketing deals with us, and were willing to consider assistance for road trips. The MLS guy even suggested putting the words to songs and chants on the video board to encourage the entire stadium to sing and chant. Nothing is conclusive, because the team hasn't been announced yet, but MLSE seem to see a large, loud, colourful and fun supporter's section being important to creating an authentic soccer atmosphere that can attract the very sophisticated soccer fans in this city.