MLS in Toronto?

[Krammerhead]

For those not wishing to watch the clip he basically says that it's not in the best interest for the US soccer federation to do anything to develop Canadian soccer.

Despite Garber mentioning Toronto as a possible MLS expansion city, I doubt there is any real interest by the MLS in putting clubs in Canada. Hell they turn down enough American cities as it is.

[sslazio_1900]

Originally posted by Krammerhead

Despite Garber mentioning Toronto as a possible MLS expansion city, I doubt there is any real interest by the MLS in putting clubs in Canada. Hell they turn down enough American cities as it is.

far as Im concerned Garber, (by quoting Toronto) is simply 'fishing' for investor interest. Im sure he'd love to have Toronto Billionaire Frank Stronach (who also happens to own Austria Vienna) plunk down some cool $$$$

[DoyleG]

Originally posted by sslazio_1900


far as Im concerned Garber, (by quoting Toronto) is simply 'fishing' for investor interest. Im sure he'd love to have Toronto Billionaire Frank Stronach (who also happens to own Austria Vienna) plunk down some cool $$$$

Too busy trying to find the next Northern Dancer to be interested in MLS.

[Daniel from Montréal]

Originally posted by Gordon
The few well heeled Billionaires/Millionaires we have who are interested in soccer are involved with European teams and seemingly uninterested in domestic soccer. Alas no Hunts/Krafts et al in Canada it appears.

[Cough] Joey Saputo [Cough]

[Krammerhead]

I highly doubt he'd invest in the MLS. I just read an interview where he states that he'd like to see the A-League go down to 15 clubs with the bottom team getting relegated to D3 and and the top D3 team promoted.

For a guy that pulled his team out of the A-League because he didn't like the bush league way he believed things were being run back then, why would he invest in a single entity league where he has even less control of things?

[Daniel from Montréal]

Originally posted by Krammerhead
I highly doubt he'd invest in the MLS. I just read an interview where he states that he'd like to see the A-League go down to 15 clubs with the bottom team getting relegated to D3 and and the top D3 team promoted.

For a guy that pulled his team out of the A-League because he didn't like the bush league way he believed things were being run back then, why would he invest in a single entity league where he has even less control of things?

Only I wasn't talking about MLS, but talking about local millionaires who actually care about the local game.

[Krammerhead]

Oh. Well slap me with a wet fish.

[DoyleG]

Originally posted by Crazy_Yank
Wouldn't having say 4 Canadian MLS teams with predominantly Canadian players help your national team out quite a bit? It would give those who can't get a European work permit a decent league to play in. Much better than the A-league.

Would owners be interested in Canadian players?

Since it seem more important to ahve a good bototm line, you would most likely see Canaian teams filled up with American players.

[Gordon]

Originally posted by DoyleG


Would owners be interested in Canadian players?

Since it seem more important to ahve a good bototm line, you would most likely see Canaian teams filled up with American players.

I am confused as to what you mean here? Are you suggesting that Canadian players will demand more in Salary so American's will be cheaper (a la the CFL)? I suppose if it were to stay an American owned single entity league, I could see why Canadian players might be given short shift as the MLS is unusually tight with the US Soccer Federation. Is that what you were implying?

[Crazy_Yank]

Originally posted by DoyleG


Would owners be interested in Canadian players?

Since it seem more important to ahve a good bototm line, you would most likely see Canaian teams filled up with American players.


Well for one thing the CSA would have to approve it and there is no way they would approve it unless they had a guarentee that the Canadian clubs would use predominantly Canadian players. For fun, would someone like to make a mock roster using Canadian standouts from the A-league and MLS? I don't know enough about the Canadian players to do so.

[Captain Canuck]

Originally posted by Crazy_Yank



Well for one thing the CSA would have to approve it and there is no way they would approve it unless they had a guarentee that the Canadian clubs would use predominantly Canadian players. For fun, would someone like to make a mock roster using Canadian standouts from the A-league and MLS? I don't know enough about the Canadian players to do so.

Strikers: Jason Jordan (Whitecaps) (turned down an offer to sign with Rapids last year), Niki Budalic (A-league rookie of the year for 2002), De Rosario, & if he gets his Canadian citizenship, Eddie Sebrango of the Impact. Throw in Ali Ngon also of Toronto & Chris Lemire of the Storm as future starters (assuming they don't sign elsewhere).

Midfield: Patrice Bernier (Montreal Impact, I wish he'd get a look at by National team), Robbie Aristodemo (A-league rookie of the year for 2001), Jeff Clarke (occasionally plays for Cdn. national team), Martin Nash (Rhinos standout), Atiba Hutchison (Cdn U-20 standout for Tor. Lynx) Mauro Biello (Impact vet)

Defense: Rick Titus (Rapids) Mark Watson (Charleston), Gabriel Gervais (A-league all-star this year) Carl Fletcher (Atlanta), Pizzolitto (Impact) Braz (Impact)

Keeper: Pat Onstad, Greg Sutton

This is a bit of an "east-centric" squad since I'm not as familiar with Calgary & Vancouver as I am with Montreal, Toronto or even Rochester.

[sslazio_1900]

Since we're speculating with Team rosters, how about Team Names?
Id call it either: Toronto Toros (old WHA name)
Toronto St.Pats (pre leafs)
or use the old NASL nick. Toronto Blizzard

comments?

[Krammerhead]

Originally posted by Captain Canuck


Strikers: Jason Jordan (Whitecaps) (turned down an offer to sign with Rapids last year), Niki Budalic (A-league rookie of the year for 2002), De Rosario, & if he gets his Canadian citizenship, Eddie Sebrango of the Impact. Throw in Ali Ngon also of Toronto & Chris Lemire of the Storm as future starters (assuming they don't sign elsewhere).

Midfield: Patrice Bernier (Montreal Impact, I wish he'd get a look at by National team), Robbie Aristodemo (A-league rookie of the year for 2001), Jeff Clarke (occasionally plays for Cdn. national team), Martin Nash (Rhinos standout), Atiba Hutchison (Cdn U-20 standout for Tor. Lynx) Mauro Biello (Impact vet)

Defense: Rick Titus (Rapids) Mark Watson (Charleston), Gabriel Gervais (A-league all-star this year) Carl Fletcher (Atlanta), Pizzolitto (Impact) Braz (Impact)

Keeper: Pat Onstad, Greg Sutton

This is a bit of an "east-centric" squad since I'm not as familiar with Calgary & Vancouver as I am with Montreal, Toronto or even Rochester.

Okay, you'd have to add Whitecaps midfielder Steve Kindel, A-League second team allstar for the second consecutive season (also led the team in minutes played and was second in scoring with 8 goals).

If you are gpoing to add old players (Onstad) you can throw in Nick Dasovic as well.

Oh and as for team name, I'd call the team the Vancouver Whitecaps, as the MLS would really want to play in the Canadian city that has supported pro soccer the best! :)

[DoyleG]

Originally posted by Crazy_Yank

Well for one thing the CSA would have to approve it and there is no way they would approve it unless they had a guarentee that the Canadian clubs would use predominantly Canadian players. For fun, would someone like to make a mock roster using Canadian standouts from the A-league and MLS? I don't know enough about the Canadian players to do so.

I hate to say it, but I would see the CSA getting run over by potential owners.

The idea of capitalism seems to hold more value in Canada than in the U.S.