So, we are within a month away from an announcement. Jeff Cooper and the Saint Louis soccer community has made enormous strides over the past two months, and everything points to us getting a franchise. Then why does everything I read make me nervous? Seattle is confident they are team #15, and has been printed as such in a couple places (although both are PNW papers) While Philly is behind us in developing their stadium plan, they feel they have the political muscle to get their proposal set before the deadline. Normally I wouldn't care except..... The Portland paper listed team #16 as an East Coast team. What the butt. I wasn't nervous until I read this, because these things have a chance of being right. I am convinced that STL has a class proposal and ownership team and that we will get a team.....but I'm still nervous. Anyone else?
I'm always nervous when I think about this, but only because I've invested so much anticipation and emotion into it. If we don't get this team, it will be an absolute travesty. If they deny us the team for 2009, I'm going to set Don Garber's head on fire.
This line made me laugh out loud. I thought you guys had already laid claim to an animal being harmed. I know that there are less stray puppies on the streets in Philadelphia recently. I think Scarf Machine is collecting them for their hazing. Keep your wits about you and keep being cautiously optimistic, that's all fans can do.
i was pretty optimistic until i heard garber's commits on the portland radio show, which maid me much more nervous. its a poor interview in portland but he says something to the extent of "we are finalizing a deal in philidelphia" heres the website, its the first hour of Bald Face Truth 0ct 17th. garber comes on around the 13th minute http://www.kxl.com/ArDisplay.aspx?SecID=22&ID=48534
If I had to guess, I think we are out. If we do not get announced before or along with Seattle and Philly I will be through with MLS. They said in April 2006 that either StL or Cleveland will get a team in "60 to 90 days" They said build a SSS we have that taken care of, but they are going to let 3 teams who don't (SJ, Sea, Philly) into the league. They posted on their own web site. "Major League Soccer is excited about St, Louis Soccer United's efforts to bring an MLS team to one of the most passionate and storied soccer markets in the United States," said MLS president Mark Abbott. "We continue to believe the greater St. Louis area would be a tremendous home for an MLS club and are pleased to see the interest from the city of Collinsville in a soccer-specific stadium and mixed-use development. If approved, Collinsville would join a long line of communities that have partnered with MLS clubs to build world-class stadiums." What more do they want from us? If we don't get a team in November, I'm done.
I am nervous about the expansion race. When I think that MLS can't pass us up it seems they are. We seemed in good shape a couple months ago when we were talking to Checketts about Real Salt Lake, passed all the collinsville votes, then Garber said Philly was in the lead, Seattle was "announced", and now this Portland thing. I just want MLS to say that since all three cities qualify for expansion and that all three cities are granted franchises in 09. I actualy feel more confused then nervous
It just confuses me so much. Jeff Cooper's done so much, we're so much further ahead of Phillly OR Seattle with an SSS... what the hell have we got to do? If we aren't given this team, I will not support MLS whatsoever. I will not watch a game. I certainly won't ever go to one. It'll be Premiership only for me. I've supported the league for a while because it's my country and I want to support local and national soccer. But this would be the last straw. I won't hold it against the other cities if they get teams; I'll hold it against MLS.
Yeah, I have to agree. MLS passing up St. Louis to put a team in an NFL stadium would be as dumb and minor-league as anything the clowns who run the MISL have ever done. I'll still have SLU to follow.
I am not nervous. I'll share my "recipe for peace of mind," in case others find it useful. 1. Spend a few minutes browsing SLSU.com, and be sure to read through the testimonials: http://www.stlouissoccerunited.com/ 2. Assume for the moment that the SLSU proposal is sound, meaning that there are no major risks with financing, ownership, or stadium construction. 3. From your own perspective, answer the following question: Is it advisable to invest, emotionally and financially, in a league that does not award an expansion franchise to a sound proposal from SLSU? If (2) is not a valid assumption, then our expansion prospects were never as good as we have been led to believe. If (2) is a valid assumption, and St. Louis is not awarded an expansion franchise next month, then my answer to (3) gives me peace of mind. If (2) is a valid assumption, and St. Louis is awarded an expansion franchise next month, I will be among the first season ticket holders.
I am still optimistic, just nervous. Don Garber's head and all puppies and/or monkies are safe for now. I guess a question I have is do we have any knowledge whether this Collinsville deal is for 2009? Or could it be for 2010? As much as we deserve a team for having everything lined up before the other cities, I completely understand choosing Philly before us....as long as we get a team in 2010. My prediction for now is Seattle/STL 2009 with Philly/Portland 2010. I'm just not convinced Philly will get it all in line in time. ps Don Garber's head doesnt have much hair, so we may need some kindling to get that one going.
Will Collinsville wait until 2010? - I wouldn't - they made a bold and courageous step accepting the stadium plan. I don't know if they could take the embarrassment/politcal heat if it's pushed to 2010. Which is what I don't understand - Seattle could wait until 2010 and lose nothing. The owner owns the team and stadium. Will MLS really risk StL falling apart to have Qwest for 2009? Idiots.
It may be the case they have to let all 3 cities in 2009, play an uneven schedule for 1 more year, and give <city> a team 2010. This is the situation MLS puts themselves into when they let teams in the league without SSS.
I am extremely nervous. I would think that STL would be perfect for an expansion team, but this wouldn't be the first time that the MLS has made a bad decision, we'll not go into that. I keep feeling that if all three cities have a SOUND plan for an expansion team, why not award us it? And could somebody explain to me why would the MLS "leak" that Seattle is going to get it? What are the trying to do? Force other's hands to work faster, because if that's the case it certainly seeems that STL is the furtherest along with the plan. We have a SSS proposal pending our award and it will be built within a reasonable amount of time. We have an organization that already wants to run the team. And, the most important point of all, we already have a fan base that will accept the team. I tend to agree with many. If we don't awarded a team I may have to pass on the MLS and get those premium channels to watch European football including, of course, my team of Chelsea. On the other hand, if we do get a team for 2009, I will be out of school and back home in STL and I will be standing out in whatever weater, rain, sleet or snow to get my hands on the first season tickets plus the home kit to wear. I was so excited when I first found the SLSU website that I couldn't stop talking about it (talk to my friends, the are all sick of me) but now I am feeling really nervous and anxious. What will the MLS do? Or a better question: What are they trying to do to me? Make me have heart problems? -truebluestl
Do not forget that Cooper's plans INCLUDE a women's pro team for the revival of the WUSA. They are scheduled to begin play in the Spring of 2009, and are slated to play in this SSS in Collinsville. Though it is only one man behind the project, TWO teams (and therefore two leagues) are banking on this stadium deal getting done. That may up the ante.
I was just reading the other stuff on Portland and other things. Lately it seems like Philly is in the lead for some reason. How?! We are done! I think MLS has made a bad decision by going San Jose with no SSS and giving Seattle a team with a NFL stadium. If we don't get a team by MLS Cup, I won't support MLS. I'll just keep follow European leagues. I also agree that Collinsville may not stay on this course for a stadium if they don't get it this November. It's now or never
There are 13 teams in the MLS, I am not very good at math but that's a odd number, So what's the matter with 17 teams for a year or so? MLS wonders why there still concidered a minor league, it's suff like this. Let ALL THREE IN and just bring in more global talent if thats the worry. They will create excitement in three cities and gain fans instead of loseing a solid fanbase in one city before there is a team. It seems clear now that we are nothing more than a back up plan. I DON'T watch the MLS and I will NEVER watch if we get *%$$%#. Don't forget everybody, Portland is SOCCERTOWN U.S.A. according to Garber I consider that the death blow I hope I am wrong
There is no reason to panic. For every conceivable logical reason, we should get the franchise for 2009. If Garber mentioned "close to finalizing a deal" in Philly, that doesn't necessarily mean for 2009 - it could easily mean 2010. MLS would simply be retarded to pass on St. Louis. We have a stadium deal. We have a fantastic ownership group. The city produces many great players, and has a strong history of supporting the game in general. We also have 2.8 million people in the metro area - we may not be the biggest market, be we are certainly not the smallest, either. I've noticed that a lot of the Philly guys on here argue from emotion, and less from facts (though we all respect them). Garber has made a lot of wild statements in the past regarding franchises - his comments in Portland are quite possibly fluff. I'll be cuatiously optimistic until Garber makes an announcement. I've lived in Portland - it's not "soccer town USA". St. Louis would have a strong following, and everybody knows it.
I agree with you it would be very disappointing. We in Seattle know what it is like to be passed up for expansion 2 times. I supported the Sounders when they were in the old NASL. We have been working on bring an MLS team to Seattle since 1998. We thought we were going to get a team a few years back and then it seemed like Salt Lake and Chivas came out of nowhere. Needless to say, it was a real bummer, we were confused and angry but we never gave up hope. and remained undaunted and had strong resolve. After 10 years of working dilligently and having a comitted owner. It now looks like we are on the verge of reaching our dream and that is top flight soccer returning to Seattle. Please don't take this as a knock but how can you call your self real dedicated fans, if when you come up across adversity you pick up your ball and go home and say that you won't support MLS. That just is not the right approach. I am saying this in a positive way because I really admire you guys for your passion and zeal and I don't want to see you lose that. MLS needs fans like you guys. Although we may not have an "SSS" I think Qwest, which resembles a euro footy stadium more than an NFL stadium will work out great. We also have a first class owners group. (Every great sport franchise is built from the top down). If for some reason the league decides to go with another city and does not select St. Louis, you have to remain steadfast and diligent. Don't ever give up the fight. If you are not selected for 2009, I am confident that you would be for 2010. That is better than nothing. Hey, we waited 10 years. I also happen to think that St. Louis and Philly will be in the league in either 2009 or 2010. You both deserve it. Like Seattle, both of rich soccer history, great fans and very organized and passionate supporters groups. Hang in there and keep fightiing the good fight. If you do, good things will happen, they just may not happen when you want them to. If all three of us are awarded franchises for 2009 and 2010. I think we should all have a virtual celebration party! I sincerely hope it works out for you and Philly. I think it will and I will be one of the first to come on here to congratulate you.
You don't understand. There is no future with StL. Collinsville passed the stadium plan contingent on us receiving a team in 2009. If it doesn't happen, we are back to square 1. MLS basically said do xyz and you'll get a team. We did XYZ. If we don't get a team - fcuk em - St. Louis has too strong of a soccer history to be a pawn for MLS.
You make a very valid point, gregro, unfortunatley Sport Billy is right as well. If we fail to get the team I don't see how we can get in 2010 without a set plan, and they one we got depends greatly on whether or not we get awarded the team for 2009. Sport Billy made a great point earlier as well: I think that about sums up most of our fears: will the Cooper/Collinsville really shelf the plan an extra year or will they cut their losses and move on? Bringing us back to: "square one"?
Garber on MLS Thursday thing: Developments in Pennsylvania and St. Louis (mentioned in that order); so much stuff happening, blah blah blah, hope to add two teams in 2009 and possibly two more in 2010. Basically not much new, except for Philly being mentioned before us in a sentence. Important? For you to decide.
Ok, I'm watching the LA-NY game and I leave the room for a second and come back and I believe it was Don talking and he said St. Louis. I seriously walked in and he said St. Louis and then the interviewer asked him something else, but what did he say?!? Anyone, please, I'm dying here!