One possible expansion scenario I've heard in the past several days ; Chivas USA plays in Los Angles (HDC), the Galaxy move to Seattle (western conference). The 12th team is announced as Philly (eastern conference).
Since LA is one of the league's real flagship teams (well, the Rapids certainly aren't ;-) I can't imagine that the Galaxy moving would be a serious part of any scenario.
Nice. That would put the Rapids, ohhh in Seattle. Seriously, I heard that Chiva was looking in the Chicago area. I'm not sure MLS is at the point where they can concentrate teams in one city. If NY and LA don't have two teams, I can't see Chicago having two as a good idea.
It's my understanding, the original plan was for Chivas USA to play in Houston however that didn't work out. Now it appears Chivas USA will play in Los Angles and the Galaxy move to Seattle. If Chivas USA lands in Chicago then look for the Fire to re-locate to Philly and Seattle will get the new franchise. IMO - it's a great idea for Chivas USA to join MLS !
Not to doubt you too much but I have a hard time believing that MLS would be dumb enough to move an established franchise of LA's calibre, that just built the best stadium in MLS to another city and replace them with a Mexican based team. It would be a huge slap in the face to current Galaxy fans. I have no doubt that MLS would lose those fans if this were to happen. Again, not say it won't, but it sure as hell shouldn't.
Here's a decent 3-part article on the subject of MLS Expansion. This is the 3rd part (it has links to parts I and II at top). Very enlightening article as to what types of issues are at stake, what sorts of solutions have been proposed, and why 2005 may just not see 2 extra teams added. Basically, sounds like many ideas are being thrown around, but it's not an easy concept for the MLS. As for LA moving to Seattle... that's not in the article. In fact, they say that having Chivas USA and LA Galaxy could create a great local darby-rivalry. Oh, and there is a rumored $10 Million expansion fee to join MLS. That's a sticking point as well. Cheers, BilFish
Just out of curiousity....any mention of Rochester being looked at for a team at some point in the future? Based upon the success of the Raging Whinos..errr....Rhinos, the area could probably field a successful club at the MLS level. Or how about US Footy's first true promotion.....bump the Rhinos up to MLS competition. Would be good to see CC back on an MLS pitch, although would rather it were back in a Rapids kit.
Maybe its just me - maybe I'm exhausted from running. But why would MLS seek to introduce a new team by displacing another popular franchise (ie, LA?). I mean, LA is a draw. Their attendance, last I checked, was fine. They seem to have support. The have the bucks of Phil Anschutz behind them. And this is the first I've heard of Chicago as well - are there ANY sources for any of this speculation? I thought they were considering San Diego if Houston didn't pan out? I think its good for Chivas USA to join MLS, but I think its rather silly for the league to bend over backwards for them. It only perpetuates the stereotype abroad that MLS is a retirement home that is desperate for any foreign name (or in this case, team association) to join in.
DOH! Guess I should've read the article before asking the question about Rochester.... it's all right there. OK, back to my hole now.
We all misunderstood. Chivas is buying the LA Clippers and plans to have an all-mexican NBA team. Could you imagine an NBA team with no black guys and all the players under 5'6"? Probably could beat the current Clippers.
This situation is really fluid, a group of Seattle investors has raised the capital required purchase a franchise, Chivas USA will be located in Chicago, and the Fire will move to Toronto. Evidentially, the Canadian Gov't is now committed to building a soccer specific stadium in Toronto for use by their National Team and an MLS team.
Kenn failed to include with his rolling eyes a link to his article on USsoccerUK.com Here 'tis Interesting stuff, glad to hear we'll know before the snows hit in Chicago, or LA, or wherever Chivas ends up. Cheers, BilFish
Let me just say this: With only ten teams in the league, there is absolutely no reason to relocate any of them. There are plenty of cities that want an MLS club and if ChivasUSA needs to be accomodated so that a current team like Chicago or LA has to be moved, then MLS should just tell Chivas "No Thanks."