I was watching the Metro Soccer Report on MSG just now and there was an interview with Don Garber saying there would be two expansion teams in 2005 and two more in 2006. I think the two in 2006 is two soon. I think it would be better to put of the second round of expansion until 2007 or 2008. Let the talent level catch up to the number of teams. Also they would have to announce their expansion plans for 2006 before they were able to judge the effects on the level of play in 2005. My advice to MLS. Just take your time and be patient the way you have been up until now. There is no need to hurry and expand to the 20 team league so fast. It is more important to get there strong than to get there fast. Don't rush into things like the NHL did. Be smart.
if they actually have four different I/Os with SSS or an NFL-style arrangement and four cities that want them, then go for it, quick, before people change their minds. the youth system is producing players faster than they can be placed, and presumably with the infusion of investor money MLS would be planning on opening their wallets and bringing in some quality forerigners, etc. to make up for some of the loss - or diffusion - of domestic talent. i agree it is a bit of a worry that the quality of play may go down but if you actually have investors ready, willing and able to "get stuck in" with the league, MLS isn't in any position to turn them away at this point. like i say, i understand your concerns and share them, but the league needs to grow. did Garber really says the league is DEFINITELY expanding by 2 in 2005 and then 2 in 2006? or was this just their hope? just curious.
He said on tonight's show that the plan was 2 in 2005 and 2 more in 2006. Maybe he mispoke. Whatever he said I wouldn't think anything was written in stone.
I've always thought they should expand in smaller markets like OKC, Tulsa, or Rochester in 2005 with their promise of I/Os, SSS, and little entertainment competition, then two teams in larger markets like Houston, Seattle, or Philly were these markets can cash in on WC buzz in 2006 as well as New Team buzz. That would enable the large saturated markets a little jump start in publicity.