"We wanted to have as much of the season taking place at the same time that youth soccer is under way," said committee member Kevin Payne, managing director of AEG Soccer, the parent company of the MetroStars. "It's far easier for us to sell group tickets to soccer clubs when they're actually together. It's very difficult to reach out to those teams in the summer time. Now you've seen games in October that have drawn strong attendance figures." http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr...lRUV5eTY0NDIzOTcmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2 Apparently, Payne wasn't at the US Open Cup final.
Probably doesn't help that most youth soccer players probably assume the Open Cup to be something you stick down your shorts to protect the twig and berries from a swift kick. The Magpie
Re: Re: Kevin Payne: "October draws strong attendance figures" Remember that MLS does not have anything to do with the U.S. Open Cup as far as promotion or organization is concern. So, i am sure that Payne was not referring to the U.S. Open Cup.
Ives did a good job with this article. He wrote about game preparation in cold weather. This topic has not often been addressed in the soccer media. Definitely a worthwhile read.
in response the the posts on this thread sat. game was very well attended even with the Yanks playing . ive been a local area soccer fan all my life ((41 yrs.)) and i'm really amazed when we get anywhere near 15 to 20 k in the stands. once again sat. game had a great turn out. imagine if (when) we get our own stadium and can use profits to get some famous quality star power player or two!!! we'll really draw then. mark my words. to the nay sayer's" fook off and go cheer your y@nk$$s..."