The idea that MLS hasn't done enough to win over new fans and/or Eurosnobs with MLS is Back just strikes me as a very odd and specific complaint, especially since we're less than one week into the tournament. Strikes me as piling on the negativity.
If everybody who usually goes to a game watches the same match on TV we'll be in record territory for non-playoff games.
I don't think I said anything like that, I said that if the time off and heat/humidity is lowering the quality of product, that undermines the advantages of not having to compete against other sports. It's not piling on anything. It's remarking on how the sword has two edges. I will pile on USL, though. What they're doing is simply reckless.
If that's what you were trying to say initially I don't think it was clear at all based on what I was responding to.
Today's Bournmouth (relegation) versus Leicester City (CL qualification) was a good example of why having teams with very different goals adds a dimension to pro/rel leagues that's absent in closed leagues.
You might want to reread my comment, nothing about what I wrote was negativity towards MLS and everything about how the facts of the matter don’t make growing their audience a simple affair.
I did reread it. My opinion is unchanged. But to the restated point, I agree growing the audience isn’t simple. But hard fought competitive games are a good foundation to start with, and that’s what I’ve gotten from the tournament thus far.
If only it was a single-entity! Most games didn't have fans. This was the supporter's section at Colorado Springs. Not many fans but not much social distancing. The rest of the stand was pretty empty. Supporter's Section at Indy.
Not sure it's about winning new fans so much as holding on to the ones they got. MLS is a quarter-century old. It's expanded a lot in the past decade-plus; it can't afford to take support for granted. I'm not arguing this tournament was a good idea, mind you. Although I can understand the case for it--heck, the NBA is setting up shop next door.
There were 7 games this weekend, only 2 didn’t have fans. The game tomorrow night in Oklahoma will also have fans. USL is reporting an attendance of 1,000, which would be 20%. 4700 reported, which obviously is practically empty for Lucas Oil, but on the flip side, I seriously doubt the whole stadium was open. Obviously you’ll also have ushers and security and vendors and custodians and whatnot as well. None of the other games have announced attendance.
Indy did segregate fans, selling assigned seats rather than general admission. Fans had to wear masks and had their temperatures taken as they entered the stadium. That's still not enough in my book. RSL limited the Monarchs to 5,300 tickets but the Monarchs got less than 3,000 the last time they played at Rio Tinto. I'd love it if Notts County were allowed 200 fans in the 3,500 seat kop for the National League playoffs. The stand has got great acoustics and would give the team a bit of a home advantage.
Soccer fans inside the stadium for Louisville City's #USL game on ESPN2. Irresponsible or in compliance? pic.twitter.com/MkLyTbqBI2— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) July 12, 2020
I don't think it's a good idea but at least: Literally everyone in this picture is wearing a mask. In fact, everyone in the stadium was wearing one. And, with the exception of this very small section in the picture, the entire stadium was arranged where all groups of season ticket holders were spaced 6ft apart.— Daniel (@DanielC70265604) July 13, 2020 4,500 in a stadium that can hold over 15,000.
MLS needs open league rules. Like allowing Man City to violate financial fair play rules and escape punishment.
And by the way that stadium in Louisville is very nice for a second division club. Big day in American soccer as Lou City FC opens up their brand new stadium (at partial capacity).Gorgeous stadium and a landmark moment for American soccer to have these kind of facilities in the 2nd division.🏟👀🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HVTWCDgOiJ— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) July 12, 2020
Still trying to figure out if I am okay with USL having fans in the stands. On one hand we are learning that the chances of catching the virus while outside socially distanced, and wearing a mask is incredibly low. And it will help the clubs a lot if they can reduce the amount of season ticket refunds they'll need to give out. On the other hand I think it's a terrible visual. Countries with 10x's fewer cases are still playing behind closed doors, and just continues to send out mixed messages. The reality is I won't have to make a decision anytime soon, California is a LOOOONNG way from approving fans in the stands (thank goodness).
I think Man City were sanctioned, it's that pesky CAS that overruled. Win some https://kennethrusso.com/2020/03/30...st-compelling-promotion-and-relegation-in-us/ https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-l...panel-releases-detailed-ruling-in-yedlin-case lose some...
It wasn't a decision made by an open league, or any league for that matter. And it's a piss poor decision imo.
I think the problem in England and maybe Italy, would be, if they opened stadiums, but limited capacity, thousands of fans would show up without tickets. Not much danger of that at this stage of the USL season.