The Orlando Tuzos Supporters Club is having its first meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11th, to watch the USA/Mexico qualifier. If you live in the Orlando area, or don't mind making a little bit of a drive, come join us! Although many of us will be USA supporters, we welcome any fans of El Tri to come join us. We'll be at Buffalo Wings and Rings, just off of Town Center Blvd. and South OBT. It is in the Target plaza just off the 417. For more info, check out our website: http://orlandotuzossupportersclub.wordpress.com
Do you guys think this is going to work out for Pachuca? Florida already had two soccer teams and they failed. I hear Orlando is more of a family oriented city, so maybe more fans will attend the games, but the past doesn't lie.
MLS back then was a completely different league, and it has been argued that they pulled out of the Florida markets too soon. USL is also a completely different situation. While the object is still to make some money, Pachuca's ultimate goal is to build the strength of their organization (I assume). Rather than make a connection with another pro team, its much easier (and better) to run the minor league team yourself. For a successful model, see Major League Baseball.
SSS does change the game dramatically, but I think there is more to it than that. The league has better exposure, higher quality players, and a better infrastructure. Although the deal is royally f'd, the Beckham situation right now is promoting MLS around the world. If LA manages to hold their ground, MLS won't be seen as the pushover some of the world obviously thinks they are. You are right though, Austin. MLS is here to stay. It is growing and evolving. It will take a while for it to get to European league status, or even Mexican league status, but that day will come.