What in the world happened to those players/coaches from the Fusion? It was one of the most intertaining teams to ever play in MLS, yet look at the level of the players now. Preki-ok, this guy is still a soccer stud, no doubt Chacon-wow, he really was player of the year? Talk about your "one hit wonders". Serna-WTF? He's been TERRIBLE since leaving Miami. Henderson-talk about your fall from grace. Not even an average midfielder anymore.... Mastroeni-shouldn't this guy be getting better? He was a total stud in Miami, but seems to be just average for a D-mid in Colorado. Rooney-Done, stick a fork in him Marshall-just looks like a hack for LA.... Cullen-borderline bench player right now Llamosa-Age seems to be catching up to him in a hurry. Still is savvy and big, but needs to foul more and more to keep from being beaten. Rimando-He's looked very good for DC, but some weaknesses have been exposed (like being beat on long range shots up high). Hudson-looked like a miracle worker in Miami, looks like a pool cleaner in Washington.
Well, Henderson is not a below average midfielder, but has been battling injuries. Same for Serna, who I agree sucked this year for the Galaxy. Sure, Llamosa is over the hill (but still solid), but that doesn't say anything about how he performed two years ago. Pablo actually plays great for the Rapids, at least when he's not getting in card trouble. Chacon is the real enigma. The definition of a one-hit wonder. Maybe it was a just a case of all the pieces fitting seamlessly together. Bishop was a great player for them, don't forget.
What the hell happened to them? Why did Miami and Tampa fold? I mean Florida's population is constantly going up and they should have had great support from Latino-Americans....what gives??? I also remember reading that Miami was a powerhouse.
I'm not sure they would've folded if the Earthquakes hadn't won the Championship and the abortive McKinney Stadium hadn't been announced. At some point down the road, I think we'll see the Rowdies and the Strikers on the field once again. If for no other reason that Raymond James and Lockhart have those gorgeous, wide fields.
Another factors in the demise of the two teams is that the increase in Florida's population is largely due to people moving there, rather than being born there, thus they hold loyalty to the teams rom their original hometown (The case with much of my family). Even the Miami Dolphins have trouble getting people to their games- When they were in the playoffs a couple of years ago, it didn't sell enough tickets to even get carried on local TV - ouch.
Good point, but what about supporting your local team. I mean unless you put up big bucks for one of the league packages you will be hard pressed to see your former team in any sport. My neighbor said the same is true for Atlanta...it is a crappy sports town because it is filled with transplants.
Yeah, did they need to pull both teams? Tampa I understand, but Miami, with that weather and those demographics. But, look at the Heat and Marlins, if those teams are not in first place nobody shows up. Too much competition from South Beach nightclubs.
Neither team was drawing great attendance, though I have always wondered what would have happened if MLS had only folded TB instead of both. Would former Mutiny fans have slowly converted? Was 4 years long enough to form a fan base in South Florida? Any predictions on when MLS might return?
if miami comes back we need to put them in real miami not ft lauderdale, and sign some big players so the miami hispanic population will come out in force and support this team, plus a lot of doubleheaders down at the orange bowl wouldn't hurt.