I think it's in the best intrest of the MLS right now not to expand just yet. If anything, a few teams can be moved. Right now, MLS games are quite bland and to expand would mean a thinning of the already shallow talent pool. I do want the MLS and soccer in general to thrive in this country, but maybe the league should wait until its young players like Martino, Buddle, Johnson, Quaranta, Convey...and so forth have a at least two more years to develop into quality vets that would form the backbone of their teams.
Wouldn't expansion not happen till at least 2005? So that does give these players a few more years to develop into the backbone of their teams. I think we would be fine to expand in 2005, bring in some more good south or central american players, and we have plenty of good americans coming through the ranks.
We need to expand. The two teams will be announced after this year and then begin play in 2005. The big thing MLS needs is to make more money so they can expand the talent pool as they expand. I think the HDC will do a good job of that and so will Dallas's new stadium. The time is definately right for expansion.
As long as it's good expansion... Obviously, the last expansion was a mixed bag. Maimi seemed to have problems from the start and never could find a way to be successful. Chicago on the other hand is solid. The important thing is that the new clubs be well-organized and capable of supporting themselves. A good stadium deal is absolutely essential. By the way, I hear that OKC has already started rebuilding their stadium so they must be a lock.
Oh ok, I was under the impression that MLS would expand by two teams by 2004. After seeing a few MLS games, I was not at all for expansion. MLS has got to do something about the style of play (not necessarily the level of play). Teams have got to be more dynamic and attacking oriented. Most of the teams are way to cautious and hardly attack. To tell you the truth, I found that a women's game Atlanta-Carolina: http://www.digicastcorp.tv/wusa/index.htm was more exciting (highlights)
If the OKC rumor is true, then it'll be them and Rochester. MLS would be utterly stupid to start a club from scratch in a new city, instead of choosing Rochester. They have a ready made club, an established fan base, infastructure, and SSS being built. It's absolutley perfect.
I think two, eight-team divisions would be about right. The divisional structure would serve to foster rivalries, and help keep travel costs down. But then, MLB was single table (AL & NL) for the longest time until 1969, and it seemed to work okay for them.
Rochester will join when they're owners are ready to take a loss. Cleveland might be on the docket as they're looking to acquire property to build a SSS. Oklahoma City is definitely on the short list (which according to Bergin, also includes Houston.) BTW, when expansion time comes, I do think the Senior International slot for each team should be expanded to four from three. I think that will also help expand the talent pool and keep it from getting to thin.
OKC is going to rebuild the stadium regardless... its the Univ of Central Oklahoma's stadium, Wantland Stadium, where the MLS games would be played if City is awarded a franchise... The size/scale of the renovations depends on whether or not MLS expands here... Not trying to shoot down any hopes of MLS in OKC, but don't assume too much in rumors... yes, construction has begun (in a small form), no, it does not mean we're a lock... yet.
Truth be told, I'll be disappointed if MLS doesn't expand in 2005... but I'll understand. Rushing things into place is worse than having 12 teams for a "show" of stability. None of us know what's on the inside... which must be my way of saying that the speculation on this thread is a bit on the boring side. Move San Jose to Walla Walla!