Seattle and Charleston who were the favorites are both out now. Here is what it looks like Richmond Kickers Rochester Rhinos Milwakke Rampage Vancover Southsiders My picks are Richmond and Vancover.
I believe you mean Whitecaps rather than Southsiders. If it were the Southsiders to turn up in Vancouver kits, I'd have to put my $$$ on Milwaukee I'm going with the Caps and Rochester to advance, then it depends on where the final is held -- home team wins whoever that is. Of course, I went 1 for 4 in the 2nd round so what do I know...
If it were those two teams in the final it would be a smart move by the league to hold it in Vancouver if only to showcase the team and the league to potential new owners in Vancouver.
I'll join the bandwagon and go with Rochester versus Vancouver too. I wouldn't bet on the final being at Swangard though. The league might prefer the guarantee of a bigger crowd in Rochester.
So Rochester gets the advantage of hosting the final every year? Doesn't quite seem fair, nor does it do anything to promote the game outside of Rochester. If it were Rochester vs Vancouver (and thats a big if) which would look better on TV? A game held in Rochester in a baseball stadium on a small inferior pitch with grass laid out over the baseball diamond, or a packed stadium of 8000 on an FIFA regulation sized pitch?
Rochester vs. Vancouver would definitely be in Vancouver. I don't think that would be up for debate. Vancouver vs. Richmond could be a different story. Both teams would probably put on a good final, but all other things being even it's probably in the best interest of the A-League to give the West a chance to host the final, especially with Vancouver trying to secure a new owner. The once city that I don't think has a prayer of hosting is Milwaukee, because there are no hotels within a few miles of the stadium and it only seats a few thousand, at best. Wherever the final, I'll be going. Time to get my paperwork in order, I may have to cross the border.
I absolutely endorse Vancouver getting the final should they and Rochester be drawn. Again, I don't necessarily think that they deserve it over the Kickers - the crowd would be larger in Richmond, who've done a phenomenal job with their resources. But I don't think it's going to come to that - I think the Rhinos are going to be firing on all cylinders come game time, and I see them handily moving on the finals. Say 4-1 on aggregate.
As much as I'd like for Richmond to get the final should they get to it, Vancouver would HAVE to get it. Richmond would draw 5 or 6,000 tops, mainly because Richmond is not a very big sports town. Vancouver would get a larger crowd and would probably look a little better for the league...
Allison is clueless. There are plenty of hotels within a 5-mile radius of the stadium. Some less than 2 miles away. One wonders where he head was on the team bus if it wasn't looking out the window. How *was* the ride back to Minneapolis?
Allison is highly respected around the A-league for her knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport of soccer. You can correct her for a mistake but no reason to personally attack her on a public board. With or without hotels your city won't be getting the finals.
According to travelocity.com the closest hotel is a Red Roof Inn that is 3.0 miles away. Yes, there are plenty of hotels listed within about 5-6 miles away. Which hotels are less than 2 miles away again? I sure didn't see any, online or in person.
Does Millwaukee even care ? Trying finding ANY coverage on the Rampage you may find one news paper article thats about it.This a team that is heading into a semi final match ? The fans don't even have a website or a forum. I think the Wave the indoor team draws more.
your right you wont find much. that is why they dont have many fans. the sports section is too full of packer news and the latest brewers loss, they dont even realize that the best ball team in WI is right under there nose. also they changed soccer parks and the old one was much better and used to have some better crowds. see you at the game.