http://www.stltoday.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=517631 In his Bernie's Pressbox forum, Bernie Miklasz lets off some steam about MLS's cynical, manipulative tactics. See page two of the forum for another choice comment from him, in which he half-seriously hopes MLS will fold. More importantly, he says MLS has "lost me as a media person, and as a fan, who will help grow their league." For out of towners: Bernie Miklasz is the most influential columnist and radio host in St. Louis sports. He's given soccer tons of attention (not just this MLS expansion bid), had Cooper on his radio show, etc. - he's not some xenophobic anti-soccer goon. Way to go, MLS! Piss on your best potential markets! Piss off your best potential friends! But, hey - Miami has palm trees! Oooh!
It sounds to me Bernie has the same feelings we all do. We are frustrated that the MLS is jerking us around and drawing this out, but if awarded a team we will sure support them. It just shows that the nation doesn't care about Mid-America between Chicago and Dallas. But what else is new.
And the league has invited criticism and perpetuated the notion of soccer being an eltist game in this country by frequently mentioning how "cosmopolitan" certain candidate cities are...that happen not even to be located in this country. Writers and fans have done the same. It's not "our" game. It's no longer "a league to call our own." It's our "acceptable" face. It's our "internationalist" statement. It's our pretext for cross-border "derbies." Remember: it's not an American league. It's a North American league. It doesn't surprise me in the least that MLS is messing with St. Louis. Mention Montreal and Vancouver, though, and watch them get excited.