People have tried to put together lists of unwritten rules for various sports ever since the term came into sports culture. Writing a list of unwritten rules (ignore the obvious irony) has often sparked serious debate among those involved in sports over what should be expected of athletes, coaches, fans, the front office and owners in specific situations. These rules and controversies vary from sport to sport, but in team sports there is one that is generally universally excepted.
If you're playing in a game that is useless for you, but means something for your opponents and other teams in the league, you play a full squad.
If you don't know which event I'm talking about yet, last night Toronto FC won the Voyageurs Cup after beating a Montreal "B" squad 6-1. Toronto went into the game needing at least a four goal win to prevent Vancouver from taking home the Voyageurs Cup. Montreal had lost every game in the tournament up to this point and had nothing at stake (except the apparently irrelevant factors of dignity and pride).
Last night's performance from the Montreal Impact showed a lack of respect for the Voyageurs Cup, and Canadian soccer. Montreal's 2008 Voyageurs Cup victory was considered by many supporters to be their greatest moment in club history. It also became the stepping stone for a successful CONCACAF Champions League run in which the Impact played a quarterfinal in front of 55,000 people at the Big O. Just to put this in perspective on average there are two sporting events in Canada every year that attract this type of audience, the Grey Cup and the Blue Jay's home opener. After Montreal realized the potential that winning the Voyageurs Cup presents one would have thought they would have shown more respect to the other two teams in the competition by playing a full squad.
This disrespect for the competition was not one shared by Vancouver in 2008, in fact Vancouver played a big part in helping Montreal win the tournament. They beat Toronto 1-0 at BMO Field, then tied Toronto 2-2 at Swangard, giving Montreal an opportunity to close out the tournament against Toronto which they did. Vancouver played these games after they had lost both their opening games to Montreal, which essentially eliminated them from the competition. Vancouver was apparently wrong in assuming that Montreal would have remembered this favour.
Even if these factors weren't evident, even if this match had been a useless friendly the prospect of a Toronto-Montreal match should have been enough to yield a full line up from both of these teams. These two cities share a rich history of sports rivalries with the Habs and the Leafs, as well as the Argos and the Alouettes. This rivalry between the Impact and Toronto FC seemed to be shaping up nicely, but Marc De Santos, the Impact coach, seems to have deemed that games against the likes of Miami and Austin to be more important.
Now maybe De Santos believed the team he put out against Toronto had the ability to beat them, or at least hold them to a three goal win. If this is true then he was well in his right to send out a team that could benefit from the experience, while maintaining the competition's integrity. It would have been evident at 3-1 that Toronto had some chance of pulling off this improbable victory. Maybe it took until 4-1, but eventually it would have been obvious that Toronto was in with a shout. So why not bring on the array of talent available on the bench to calm the match down a little if nothing else. Team MVP Sandro Grande, the team's top forward Roberto Brown, and young Canadian standout defender Alex Surprenant, were all on the bench to start the match. They were all still there after the ninety minutes were up.
With all this being said, last night obviously was an embarrassing night for the Impact, a disappointing night for Vancouver, but before anyone says that last night was bad for the competition, look again. It was by far the most drama that this Nutrilite Canadian Championship tournament has provided. The football Toronto played last night was not only entertaining, but a display of some of the best quality they've shown in a long time. In the final game of the Canadian Championship, the man who really lifted Toronto to the Cup was a Canadian, Dwayne DeRosario, who scored the first ever hat trick in Toronto FC history. Most importantly the biggest club in terms of fan support, media attention, and cash is going to the CONCACAF Champions League which can only mean more exposure for footy in Canada.
[Cross-posted to The Canadian Stretford End]
Showing posts with label Vancouver Whitecaps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vancouver Whitecaps. Show all posts
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A tale of three cities
The seemingly-impossible 6-1 victory Toronto FC pulled off against the Montreal Impact tonight gives them the Voyageurs Cup, the one fact everyone can agree on. Apart from that, there's no clear lesson or moral to draw from this one, though. It means drastically different things to fans of all the teams involved, and there's no one right answer. Read on for my thoughts on what this result means to fans in each city.
Toronto: It's a great day to be a Toronto FC fan. Almost everyone wrote them off after the Vancouver game; sure, they've got a solid team, but a four-goal victory on the road is hard for any side. For a team that's suffered some significant setbacks recently, including a brutal home loss to the L.A. Galaxy, a series of fan protests and a recent roster makeover, this is a huge step forward. They finally have the CONCACAF Champions League berth they've coveted for so long, and they have some tangible silverware to show their fans. The load on Mo Johnston's shoulders just got significantly lighter; regardless of how TFC do in the remainder of the MLS season, this year will be seen as at least a partial step forward thanks to tonight's events.
Vancouver: For Vancouver fans, it's the opposite. The championship seemed in their grasp, and it would have been a perfect stepping stone on the road to MLS as well as a way to bring some well-deserved Eastern media attention to the Whitecaps. To have that ripped away by a stellar TFC performance would have been bad enough. However, the way this went down was much worse. Their old archrivals, the Montreal Impact, first decided to dress a B-squad, including former Whitecaps' backup goalkeeper Srdjan Djekjanovic. That B-squad then went on to roll over and play dead (after notching the game's first goal on a penalty) in a manner that made the Montreal Screwjob look positively fair, all but assuring TFC's triumph. The faces of head coach Teitur Thordarson and the Whitecaps in the stands told the story of the night; first joy, then cautious optimism, then worry and then disbelief.
In the end, though, Vancouver fans don't have anything to be ashamed of. Their side put in a great tournament and may have deserved the trophy. With a credible effort from Montreal, they might even have won it. There's no point in kicking themselves or their franchise over something that in the end was out of their hands. You can bet they'll be fired up for Saturday's USL game against the Impact, though.
Montreal: In many ways, Montreal fans come out of this in the worst situation. They just watched their side demonstrate that they don't care about the Voyageurs Cup when they don't have a chance to win it. The appalling effort shown by the Impact tonight gives Montreal fans nothing to be proud of, and that's made worse by their lacklustre performance handing the championship to their Toronto-based rivals. Montreal's going to take a lot of criticism over the next few days, and much of it will be deserved. That's not the fans' fault, but it's going to be awfully tough for them to defend their franchise at the moment. Tonight's showing brought back horrible memories of the Santos Laguna defeat, and perhaps was even worse. That was an Impact team that had overachieved; just making it to that point was an accomplishment, and getting any sort of result in Mexico is always difficult. Losing by six goals at home to an MLS team with a poor recent run of form? It's hard to find a way to rationalize that.
In the end, I don't think it necessarily means much for Canadian soccer as a whole. Toronto FC will make a great representative for the country in the CONCACAF Champions League, but as I argued a while ago, Vancouver would have as well. Each would bring a different audience to the table, and a run by either will be good for the game. For Toronto, their focus now shifts to the CCL; for Vancouver and Montreal, the mission's now to succeed in the USL and come back hungry for the Voyageurs Cup title next year. It's been a great, thrilling, dramatic tournament, and it's really shown that these sides at their best can compete with each other and give us some fantastic soccer to watch. In my mind, that's the most important thing to take away from this one.
[Cross-posted to Sporting Madness].
Toronto: It's a great day to be a Toronto FC fan. Almost everyone wrote them off after the Vancouver game; sure, they've got a solid team, but a four-goal victory on the road is hard for any side. For a team that's suffered some significant setbacks recently, including a brutal home loss to the L.A. Galaxy, a series of fan protests and a recent roster makeover, this is a huge step forward. They finally have the CONCACAF Champions League berth they've coveted for so long, and they have some tangible silverware to show their fans. The load on Mo Johnston's shoulders just got significantly lighter; regardless of how TFC do in the remainder of the MLS season, this year will be seen as at least a partial step forward thanks to tonight's events.
Vancouver: For Vancouver fans, it's the opposite. The championship seemed in their grasp, and it would have been a perfect stepping stone on the road to MLS as well as a way to bring some well-deserved Eastern media attention to the Whitecaps. To have that ripped away by a stellar TFC performance would have been bad enough. However, the way this went down was much worse. Their old archrivals, the Montreal Impact, first decided to dress a B-squad, including former Whitecaps' backup goalkeeper Srdjan Djekjanovic. That B-squad then went on to roll over and play dead (after notching the game's first goal on a penalty) in a manner that made the Montreal Screwjob look positively fair, all but assuring TFC's triumph. The faces of head coach Teitur Thordarson and the Whitecaps in the stands told the story of the night; first joy, then cautious optimism, then worry and then disbelief.
In the end, though, Vancouver fans don't have anything to be ashamed of. Their side put in a great tournament and may have deserved the trophy. With a credible effort from Montreal, they might even have won it. There's no point in kicking themselves or their franchise over something that in the end was out of their hands. You can bet they'll be fired up for Saturday's USL game against the Impact, though.
Montreal: In many ways, Montreal fans come out of this in the worst situation. They just watched their side demonstrate that they don't care about the Voyageurs Cup when they don't have a chance to win it. The appalling effort shown by the Impact tonight gives Montreal fans nothing to be proud of, and that's made worse by their lacklustre performance handing the championship to their Toronto-based rivals. Montreal's going to take a lot of criticism over the next few days, and much of it will be deserved. That's not the fans' fault, but it's going to be awfully tough for them to defend their franchise at the moment. Tonight's showing brought back horrible memories of the Santos Laguna defeat, and perhaps was even worse. That was an Impact team that had overachieved; just making it to that point was an accomplishment, and getting any sort of result in Mexico is always difficult. Losing by six goals at home to an MLS team with a poor recent run of form? It's hard to find a way to rationalize that.
In the end, I don't think it necessarily means much for Canadian soccer as a whole. Toronto FC will make a great representative for the country in the CONCACAF Champions League, but as I argued a while ago, Vancouver would have as well. Each would bring a different audience to the table, and a run by either will be good for the game. For Toronto, their focus now shifts to the CCL; for Vancouver and Montreal, the mission's now to succeed in the USL and come back hungry for the Voyageurs Cup title next year. It's been a great, thrilling, dramatic tournament, and it's really shown that these sides at their best can compete with each other and give us some fantastic soccer to watch. In my mind, that's the most important thing to take away from this one.
[Cross-posted to Sporting Madness].
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Toronto FC - Vancouver Whitecaps live blog
It's almost time for what could be the crucial match of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Both Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps enter tonight's clash in Vancouver with six points, but Vancouver's played three matches and TFC only two. If Toronto wins or ties, they claim the Voyageurs Cup. For Vancouver to claim the trophy, they have to win tonight and then have Montreal either lose by a small margin or get a result against TFC in the final match. You can check out the full tie-breaking process in Duane's post here. This rivalry's been getting better all the time, so it should be a great match tonight! Join me in the live blog below for more coverage.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Getting Canadian Clubs to the MLS
Joey Saputo recently went on record saying that "Montreal's entry into MLS is no longer a question of if, but when." Vancouver already has a guaranteed spot in the 2011 MLS season. Toronto is currently the home to a financially successful MLS team for a third season. Eugene Melnyk has been quoted as saying that getting an MLS team to Ottawa is "a no-brainer". Most recently Edmonton has been throwing around the idea of an MLS bid.The idea of whether or not the MLS is the best way forward for Canadian clubs to develop is up for debate, but what is not up for debate is that the MLS is the future of the sport in this country. The MLS is bringing in the money, is catching audiences from across Canada, and is "the only league" in many people's eyes.
You could go on debating the quality of the MLS compared to the USL for hours, and believe me its been done. The simple fact is for Canadian teams to gain the national recognition they need from a mainstream audience they need to be competing in the MLS. The USL just doesn't have the exposure and as long as the MLS continues to maintain its status as the top league financially the USL will always be a second option to the MLS.
With all that in mind getting as many Canadian clubs into the league has to be the top priority. With Toronto and Vancouver already there the obvious next step is Montreal.
For a USL team Montreal has a solid fan base getting a sell out of over 12,000 out to their home opener last weekend and of course bringing 55,000 people out to the Big O for a CONCACAF Champions League game. The fans want the MLS, the organization is ready to make the jump and the only thing that stopped them in their 2011 bid was Joey Saputo's arrogance, refusing to pay the $40 million entry fee.
What needs to happen in order to get Montreal to the MLS is to get back on commissioner Don Garber's good side and for Joey Saputo to get off his high horse. According to Saputo these things are going well, they are in talks with MLS and a franchise looks inevitable in the near future.
The next prospective site is Ottawa. I think for Ottawa it's a case of "If you build it they will come". Getting an agreement with the city to build a 20-30,000 seat soccer specific stadium in downtown Ottawa is the only way this bid is going to get going. Melnyk is convinced that building a stadium near the Scotiabank Place (home to the Ottawa Senators) would work, but I doubt the city would allow this considering the mess that the location of the Scotiabank Place created.
Garber has said he speaks very highly of Ottawa and if a viable stadium plan is in place I think an MLS team in Ottawa is the future.
Edmonton Oilers owner, Daryl Katz is the newest billionaire to consider the MLS north of the 49th. Although at the moment he is just considering, The Edmonton audience has shown the interest in soccer is there time and time again. People point to poor men's national team attendances, but the U-19 Women's World Cup drew excellent crowds as did an L.A. Galaxy - Vancouver Whitecaps friendly. With relatively little advertising for these games these attendances are all the more impressive.
Although Commonwealth Stadium isn't really an option, because of its enormous size so a new soccer specific stadium would have to be built in Edmonton to accommodate an MLS franchise.
Getting Canadian clubs into the MLS will help the sport in this country more than anything else could right now and making sure this happens should be these club's number one priority.
[Cross-posted to The Canadian Stretford End]
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Whitecaps - Toronto FC live blog
I'll be live-blogging the first match of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC here tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern (5 p.m. Pacific). This is a big one; it's the first match in a six-game set to see which Canadian team emerges triumphant with the Voyageurs Cup and a coveted berth in the CONCACAF Champions League. You can check out my match preview at The 24th Minute. Hope to see you here then!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Importance of the Voyageurs Cup
This Wednesday BMO Field will host the opening match in the second ever Nutrilite Canadian Championship between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC. They are vying for the Voyageurs Cup, the title of Canadian Champions and a spot in the 2009-2010 CONCACAF Champions League. Now this Cup competition is a short one consisting of only six games between Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, but it represents one of the most important advances in Canadian soccer.
The Voyageurs Cup (sponsored by the Canadian Soccer Supporters, The Voyageurs) used to be awarded to the winner of the season series between Canadian teams in the USL. During this era the Montreal Impact won the cup all six years that it was awarded. At this time the Voyageurs Cup was something the real supporters of these clubs talked about but it hadn't really gotten out to the media what this trophy was all about. In its new format it has, and it is a hit among the fans.
In the new format three teams from different leagues play in games that are scheduled out side of their respective leagues (the Voyageurs Cup games are no longer USL games) and vie for the title of Canadian Champion instead of just recognition from one supporters group. Not only has this heated up the rivalries between the three Canadian clubs, but it has also got people thinking about possible future ramifications.
Being Canadian Champions is a big deal for these teams, just look at the Impact last year. Many Impact supporters put winning the Voyageurs Cup above winning the USL title several years earlier. The idea of being a Canadian Champion means something to these cities and these supporters. Which paves the idea of a possible Canadian league.
The issue of whether or not Canadian teams should just stay in leagues like the MLS and USL or form their own league is a controversial one in Canadian soccer circles. Many believe that playing our American counterparts keeps Canada part of the North American scene and helps develop our at a higher level since the quality of opposition is greater. It also gives a more financially sound base as it has been proven that Canadian Soccer Leagues (or Canadian sports leagues in general) aren't always set for success.
There was a very poor attempt made at a Canadian league in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The CSL (Canadian Soccer League) as it was called was made in order to develop more and stronger players after Canada qualified for the World Cup in 1986. The structure and interest just wasn't there and the league folded.
Right now the Voyageurs Cup is proof that the interest is there. Fans of the national team see a national league as an avenue to grow more players and at a higher level. Fans of individual clubs see it as a chance to get another dig at their local rivals. If it worked I believe that a new Canadian Soccer League would help grow the game in this country.
Even if this league may not ever come to fruition the mere fact that the Voyageurs Cup hints to the possibility of this league is a big plus. Don Garber, the MLS commissioner, has said many times before that he wants further expansion into Canada. With the success of Toronto FC and the projected success of Vancouver it would be a massive financial incentive to explore the option of more Canadian teams. The Voyageurs Cup and the threat of a national league may help speed this process up.
Garber doesn't want to lose his Canadian market to a break off Canadian league so the Voyageurs Cup may give him the incentive to bring as many Canadian teams into the league as soon as he can. With Vancouver coming in 2011, Ottawa and Montreal still showing interest as well as recent talk of an Edmonton bid, the prospective of a Canadian league grows bigger while Garber will try harder to accommodate these teams into the MLS.
So whether it leads to more Canadian teams in the MLS, a Canadian League or something completely different, enjoy the Voyageurs Cup this year it could mean big things for the future of Canadian soccer.
[Cross-posted to The Canadian Stretford End]
The Voyageurs Cup (sponsored by the Canadian Soccer Supporters, The Voyageurs) used to be awarded to the winner of the season series between Canadian teams in the USL. During this era the Montreal Impact won the cup all six years that it was awarded. At this time the Voyageurs Cup was something the real supporters of these clubs talked about but it hadn't really gotten out to the media what this trophy was all about. In its new format it has, and it is a hit among the fans.
In the new format three teams from different leagues play in games that are scheduled out side of their respective leagues (the Voyageurs Cup games are no longer USL games) and vie for the title of Canadian Champion instead of just recognition from one supporters group. Not only has this heated up the rivalries between the three Canadian clubs, but it has also got people thinking about possible future ramifications.
Being Canadian Champions is a big deal for these teams, just look at the Impact last year. Many Impact supporters put winning the Voyageurs Cup above winning the USL title several years earlier. The idea of being a Canadian Champion means something to these cities and these supporters. Which paves the idea of a possible Canadian league.
The issue of whether or not Canadian teams should just stay in leagues like the MLS and USL or form their own league is a controversial one in Canadian soccer circles. Many believe that playing our American counterparts keeps Canada part of the North American scene and helps develop our at a higher level since the quality of opposition is greater. It also gives a more financially sound base as it has been proven that Canadian Soccer Leagues (or Canadian sports leagues in general) aren't always set for success.
There was a very poor attempt made at a Canadian league in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The CSL (Canadian Soccer League) as it was called was made in order to develop more and stronger players after Canada qualified for the World Cup in 1986. The structure and interest just wasn't there and the league folded.
Right now the Voyageurs Cup is proof that the interest is there. Fans of the national team see a national league as an avenue to grow more players and at a higher level. Fans of individual clubs see it as a chance to get another dig at their local rivals. If it worked I believe that a new Canadian Soccer League would help grow the game in this country.
Even if this league may not ever come to fruition the mere fact that the Voyageurs Cup hints to the possibility of this league is a big plus. Don Garber, the MLS commissioner, has said many times before that he wants further expansion into Canada. With the success of Toronto FC and the projected success of Vancouver it would be a massive financial incentive to explore the option of more Canadian teams. The Voyageurs Cup and the threat of a national league may help speed this process up.
Garber doesn't want to lose his Canadian market to a break off Canadian league so the Voyageurs Cup may give him the incentive to bring as many Canadian teams into the league as soon as he can. With Vancouver coming in 2011, Ottawa and Montreal still showing interest as well as recent talk of an Edmonton bid, the prospective of a Canadian league grows bigger while Garber will try harder to accommodate these teams into the MLS.
So whether it leads to more Canadian teams in the MLS, a Canadian League or something completely different, enjoy the Voyageurs Cup this year it could mean big things for the future of Canadian soccer.
[Cross-posted to The Canadian Stretford End]
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Vancouver in MLS; what's it mean for Montreal (idly wondering)
Vancouver is officially in MLS, as you know since Rollins was out front. Meantime, Théo Gauthier, the Ottawa Sports Guy, has some misgivings about what it might mean for Montreal Impact owner Joey Saputo.
It piqued some interest, to say the least. Gillett has his hands full with Liverpool, by most accounts; replacing CEO Rick Parry, trying to replace undersized Anfield (44,000 seats; Manchester United has 76,000) and making nice with co-owner Tom Hicks. There's also the matter that FIFA boss Sepp Blatter isn't hot on having Americans own European teams and wants MLS season to start in late summer and run through the winter, which might be a bit of a problem in Toronto and Montreal.
Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for Montreal in 2013 and, yeah, there's Ottawa too.
Related:
Hooray! I think? (Théo Gauthier, Ottawa Sports Guy)
"It's difficult to tell, but remember that George Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens and Liverpool FC, has made it known he'd love an MLS franchise. It's not out of the realm of possibility that (MLS commissioner) Don Garber is much less comfortable with a French-Italo-Canadian-cheese and Jos Louis maker than with a WASP Texas businessman with much deeper pockets that would immediately link his MLS club to the storied Liverpool FC.There was a similar situation, you will recall, when MLSE-owned Toronto FC came into being and the Toronto Lynx owners promptly folded its team post-haste. They were a mom-and-pop store up against Wal-Mart. It passed with barely any notice, even though MLSE-bashing might be Toronto's official sport.
"If I'm right, and this is what truly happened, it would be quite unfair to the Saputo family. They have nurtured the soccer culture in Montreal from its embryonic stage to the solid franchise it is today. To have the rug swept from under them by a swaggering cowboy would be sad indeed."
It piqued some interest, to say the least. Gillett has his hands full with Liverpool, by most accounts; replacing CEO Rick Parry, trying to replace undersized Anfield (44,000 seats; Manchester United has 76,000) and making nice with co-owner Tom Hicks. There's also the matter that FIFA boss Sepp Blatter isn't hot on having Americans own European teams and wants MLS season to start in late summer and run through the winter, which might be a bit of a problem in Toronto and Montreal.
Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for Montreal in 2013 and, yeah, there's Ottawa too.
Related:
Hooray! I think? (Théo Gauthier, Ottawa Sports Guy)
Vancouver to MLS!
I’ll have far more on this as the story plays itself out, but it appears that the news that I first broke on The 24th Minute, that Vancouver will be awarded a MLS team, will be confirmed at a press conference later today.
This is awesome news for soccer fans in Canada. Although the USL does provide a decent brand of soccer it does not match-up with MLS in terms of exposure or potential growth. As good as the current Whitecaps are, they are still playing in a stadium that sits 5,000 with limited attention outside of the Lower Mainland. By joining TFC in MLS, the ‘Caps have the potential to become a truly national brand.
There are some questions. Most notably, whether the ‘Caps will be allowed to keep their current player development system. Here’s hoping they are because it’s top notch.
What isn’t a question is the future of the league or sport in this country (don’t believe me? Then ask Stephen Brunt). MLS soccer is in Canada to stay. If you are a soccer fan, rejoice. If you don’t like soccer...why should we soccer fans care what you think? Back away from the comments section. We’ve heard whatever “joke” you’re going to post already. Let us enjoy our moment...
As stated, I’ll have more on this tomorrow...
This is awesome news for soccer fans in Canada. Although the USL does provide a decent brand of soccer it does not match-up with MLS in terms of exposure or potential growth. As good as the current Whitecaps are, they are still playing in a stadium that sits 5,000 with limited attention outside of the Lower Mainland. By joining TFC in MLS, the ‘Caps have the potential to become a truly national brand.
There are some questions. Most notably, whether the ‘Caps will be allowed to keep their current player development system. Here’s hoping they are because it’s top notch.
What isn’t a question is the future of the league or sport in this country (don’t believe me? Then ask Stephen Brunt). MLS soccer is in Canada to stay. If you are a soccer fan, rejoice. If you don’t like soccer...why should we soccer fans care what you think? Back away from the comments section. We’ve heard whatever “joke” you’re going to post already. Let us enjoy our moment...
As stated, I’ll have more on this tomorrow...
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Vancouver wins MLS team; according to highly placed MLS source
Vancouver and Portland will be granted MLS franchises later this month, according to a highly placed MLS source.
The failure of Miami to secure the backing of Barcelona has effectively ended the expansion race. Ottawa remains at play for 2013 and will go into that bidding process as the likely frontrunner if it approves a soccer specific stadium in April.
The source says that "all bets are off" for 2013 as several of the bids that pulled out for ’11 will be back in the hunt.
St. Louis still lacks significant financial backing to be a legitimate factor in the 2011 bid. Quietly the St. Louis bid has been negotiating with MLS to allow a structured deal similar to what Montreal and Miami asked for. It has been suggested that St. Louis was only prepared to pay about $9 million US in expansion fees, with the rest of its money tied up in infrastructure improvements required for MLS.
To this point MLS has not budged on the $40 million asking price and does not seem likely to do so with St. Louis either.
"St. Louis is banking on the league looking for a natural rival for Kansas City and nostalgia for what the league once was," as second source said.
The decision to go to Portland and Vancouver was based on "stadium plan, political support and geographical factors," the MLS source said.
MLS is waiting for Portland to give final approval on its stadium plan to make the announcement. That's expected to come March 11. If Portland approves the stadium, the expansion announcement will likely take place March 17 or 18.
The failure of Miami to secure the backing of Barcelona has effectively ended the expansion race. Ottawa remains at play for 2013 and will go into that bidding process as the likely frontrunner if it approves a soccer specific stadium in April.
The source says that "all bets are off" for 2013 as several of the bids that pulled out for ’11 will be back in the hunt.
St. Louis still lacks significant financial backing to be a legitimate factor in the 2011 bid. Quietly the St. Louis bid has been negotiating with MLS to allow a structured deal similar to what Montreal and Miami asked for. It has been suggested that St. Louis was only prepared to pay about $9 million US in expansion fees, with the rest of its money tied up in infrastructure improvements required for MLS.
To this point MLS has not budged on the $40 million asking price and does not seem likely to do so with St. Louis either.
"St. Louis is banking on the league looking for a natural rival for Kansas City and nostalgia for what the league once was," as second source said.
The decision to go to Portland and Vancouver was based on "stadium plan, political support and geographical factors," the MLS source said.
MLS is waiting for Portland to give final approval on its stadium plan to make the announcement. That's expected to come March 11. If Portland approves the stadium, the expansion announcement will likely take place March 17 or 18.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
News of debatable importance out of Van City
MLS King Don Garber had nothing but positive things to say about Vancouver's MLS bid during his tour there yesterday. Shocking!
Don's Expansionpalooza Tour, where he is visiting each of the six remaining cities, is a mostly feel good affair (with a liberal sprinkling of thinly veiled threats). It's hard to take much of what he says seriously.
Of course, the true believers in each city hang on every syllable, looking for the nugget of "truth" that might be there.
Then, people like me will take his words and over analysis them for days on end (until he shows up in the next location).
For the record Don said that "(w)e were impressed with BC Place Stadium during yesterday's tour and believe that the downtown location in the heart of Vancouver's sports and entertainment district could provide a world-class environment for an MLS expansion team. Seeing the stadium helped to bring the renderings of the proposed renovations to life and confirmed that the renovations are on track to create an intimate soccer atmosphere."
There ya go. It's gotta be the Whitecaps to lose, right? Unless it's Portland's. Or Miami's. Or...
This post is so good you should read it twice!
Don's Expansionpalooza Tour, where he is visiting each of the six remaining cities, is a mostly feel good affair (with a liberal sprinkling of thinly veiled threats). It's hard to take much of what he says seriously.
Of course, the true believers in each city hang on every syllable, looking for the nugget of "truth" that might be there.
Then, people like me will take his words and over analysis them for days on end (until he shows up in the next location).
For the record Don said that "(w)e were impressed with BC Place Stadium during yesterday's tour and believe that the downtown location in the heart of Vancouver's sports and entertainment district could provide a world-class environment for an MLS expansion team. Seeing the stadium helped to bring the renderings of the proposed renovations to life and confirmed that the renovations are on track to create an intimate soccer atmosphere."
There ya go. It's gotta be the Whitecaps to lose, right? Unless it's Portland's. Or Miami's. Or...
This post is so good you should read it twice!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Vancouver (maybe) waffling on MLS fee
Some disturbing (or confusing) news out of Vancouver may set back that city's bid for a MLS franchise.
The Financial Post is reporting that the potential ownership group is "reconsidering" the $40 million franchise fee. Last month, MLS pulled the rug out from the Montreal group after it tried to negotiate the fee down.
Confusing the issue was this statement from the article:
The main concern of the backers is the $350 million price tag on the renovations of BC Place. Although it's as clear as the tap water in Kitchener-Waterloo (seriously, that stuff is vile), it appears that the money people are telling the soccer people that they ain't paying the $40 million unless they can be assured that there won't be a $350 million surprise after they are awarded a team.
Interestingly, the article also talks about the St. Louis group waffling on the $40 million as well. With St. Louis the question has always been around money. So, if there are doubts there, then there is little chance of success (which will be awkward since the announcement of successful bids will likely be made in St. Louis at the draft in January.
Meanwhile, Portland is facing some serious problems securing the public money and the Atlanta bid has never really been that serious about a spot in this round of bidding.
Absurd a month or so ago, the Ottawa bid is looking less and less crazy.
Update: I go into detail on the Portland bid over at The 24th Minute.
The Financial Post is reporting that the potential ownership group is "reconsidering" the $40 million franchise fee. Last month, MLS pulled the rug out from the Montreal group after it tried to negotiate the fee down.
Confusing the issue was this statement from the article:
He said his group still expects to pay a $40-million fee if it is selected to join the league..."We know the league is looking for $40 million and we respect that," Mallett said in an interview. "All our financial modelling has been done around the $40 million."
The main concern of the backers is the $350 million price tag on the renovations of BC Place. Although it's as clear as the tap water in Kitchener-Waterloo (seriously, that stuff is vile), it appears that the money people are telling the soccer people that they ain't paying the $40 million unless they can be assured that there won't be a $350 million surprise after they are awarded a team.
Interestingly, the article also talks about the St. Louis group waffling on the $40 million as well. With St. Louis the question has always been around money. So, if there are doubts there, then there is little chance of success (which will be awkward since the announcement of successful bids will likely be made in St. Louis at the draft in January.
Meanwhile, Portland is facing some serious problems securing the public money and the Atlanta bid has never really been that serious about a spot in this round of bidding.
Absurd a month or so ago, the Ottawa bid is looking less and less crazy.
Update: I go into detail on the Portland bid over at The 24th Minute.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Montreal pulls out of MLS expansion
Update: Great (or not-so-great) minds thought alike here: Duane wrote about this at the same time I did. Check out his post below for more thoughts on the matter.
With all the focus on Canadian football this weekend, the interesting news tonight on that other kind of football (European, not American) might be overlooked. According to The Associated Press (via The Globe and Mail), Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber announced Friday that Montreal has officially dropped out of the crowded field of entrants trying to get a MLS franchise. Some of Garber's quotes and an analysis of what this could mean for the other Canadian franchise bids follow after the jump.
From the story:
Garber said that Montreal's delegation — led by Joey Saputo and George Gillett, who owns Liverpool FC in England's Premier League and the NHL's Montreal Canadiens — had informed him within the past week of possible trouble.
"Montreal has had to evaluate what kinds of private capital they needed to refinance their stadium to fund the expansion fee, and what kind of public support would be available," Garber said. "I'm not sure they were able to come to terms in this economic environment." ...
"They're out for the next round of expansion," Garber said. "I don't think it's gone forever but it's gone for now."
This is a pretty big shocker. Duane ranked Montreal as 90 per cent likely to get in his initial evaluation of the bids, and many others, including famed American analyst Yves Galarcep, concurred. In fact, it was even speculated for a while that Montreal would jump the queue entirely and replace Philadelphia as a franchise entering in 2010 instead of in 2011. Thus, this is a dramatic twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, and also perhaps one of the first real quantifiable effects of the economic crisis on sports.*
*Interestingly, Gillett was on Prime Time Sports for almost an hour today and discussed how the economic crisis might affect sports for a good part of that, but never once mentioned soccer. The focus was on the Canadiens. Keep in mind that he's facing massive debt issues in England with regards to Liverpool that could result in fire sales of players [James Ducker, The Times of London] or even the team [Ian Herbert and Andrew Warshaw, The Independent]. If things are in that bad shape over there, you can bet he has no money to pay a high Montreal expansion fee and renovate their stadium, especially with the hits his investments have likely taken recently (if his stocks are like anyone else's). It would have been nice to see Bob McCown and Stephen Brunt ask him about Liverpool's troubles, especially with the economic focus of their show; that was probably nixed by McCown's hatred for all things soccer, though. It's too bad; he might have landed a nice scoop on the Impact.
Keep in mind that this didn't come completely out of the blue, though. Back in September, there were musings and rumours floating around about how the club might decide to stay in the USL. I saw where the club was coming from, but ultimately concluded that MLS is a much better long-term solution for them. Duane was less gentle. Remember that they do have a very strong and high-profile USL franchise, though, and a nice new stadium that's USL-suitable, but would need significant expensive upgrades to be MLS-ready. If they can't pull off the MLS expansion at the moment, it may hurt them down the road, but they'll still be successful in the USL for the immediate future, and they may get another shot at MLS once the economic situation improves.
Paradoxically, though, what's bad for Canada in one way may be good for the country in another. It's obviously disappointing that the Impact won't be playing in MLS in the near future; they're a great team, and they already have a good rivalry with Toronto, plus their success in the CONCACAF Champions League seemed a natural foundation on which to create a strong MLS franchise. However, Montreal's loss could be a gain for Vancouver and Ottawa. Montreal had the best of the Canadian bids by many evaluations; with them out of the picture, the other two cities look better by comparision. This is especially important considering that Garber added that the Canadian bids are strong, but "expanding into Canada might jeopardize the growth of the sport in the United States" (the AP writer's words, not Garber's).
"We don't have a lot of commercial businesses in Canada today," Garber said of league sponsorships. "The more teams we add there, the more it takes away out from growing our footprint and our television ratings in the United States."
With comments like that, it seems likely that MLS would have been hesistant to expand by only two Canadian teams even if Montreal and Vancouver had the best bids. Thus, if the league decideds they're going to stick with the quota of only allowing two teams to join in 2011 and will only include one Canadian team in that, Vancouver's chances look a lot better all of a sudden. Again, Duane's a much bigger Vancouver skeptic than many thanks to the stadium issue, and he had them ranked third in the initial list behind only Montreal and St. Louis.
Garber also had some very positive things to say about Vancouver, as the AP story goes on to show. "Garber called Vancouver's presentation "one of the best I've ever seen, and I was involved in sports expansion in (the NFL)," he said." That's some high praise right there. Furthermore, the man is smart; he endorsed the rivalry concept I've been promoting for quite a while. Rivalries are what sell, especially in sports that aren't necessarily as popular, and soccer has a better tradition of fierce rivalries than almost anyone else. There's a long-established rivalry on the West Coast between the USL versions of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers; bringing them all into MLS gives the league a strong West Coast presence and a great way to sell those games to fans, advertisers and television networks. Vancouver-Toronto would be a similarly great rivalry to sell to Canadian television and marketers.
Ottawa's bid, which seemed somewhat ridiculous at first, also seems to be growing stronger.
Ottawa blew us away," Garber said. "They do give a very focused plan as to where they'd build the stadium. Their presentation was not just about how they were going to build the stadium but how they were going to build the sport."
That's good to hear, but a presentation can only do so much. Ottawa may still be a longer-term project, and there are also issues with their bid coming into conflict with the CFL plan. What could help them is if rather than limiting expansion to two teams, the league goes ahead with four or five and brings in both Vancouver and Ottawa to strengthen the Canadian part of MLS and try and pick up a lucrative national television deal. Ottawa isn't as helpful as Montreal in that regard, but it's still something. Still, when you look at the other bids and how they're shaping up (especially with Albert Pujols buying in in St. Louis), Ottawa seems to come up a bit short.
We'll see what becomes of this, but this decision could substantially change the MLS expansion discussion. The favourites are out, and that will make room for some of the challengers. The question is if Vancouver and Ottawa will be in that group.
With all the focus on Canadian football this weekend, the interesting news tonight on that other kind of football (European, not American) might be overlooked. According to The Associated Press (via The Globe and Mail), Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber announced Friday that Montreal has officially dropped out of the crowded field of entrants trying to get a MLS franchise. Some of Garber's quotes and an analysis of what this could mean for the other Canadian franchise bids follow after the jump.
From the story:
Garber said that Montreal's delegation — led by Joey Saputo and George Gillett, who owns Liverpool FC in England's Premier League and the NHL's Montreal Canadiens — had informed him within the past week of possible trouble.
"Montreal has had to evaluate what kinds of private capital they needed to refinance their stadium to fund the expansion fee, and what kind of public support would be available," Garber said. "I'm not sure they were able to come to terms in this economic environment." ...
"They're out for the next round of expansion," Garber said. "I don't think it's gone forever but it's gone for now."
This is a pretty big shocker. Duane ranked Montreal as 90 per cent likely to get in his initial evaluation of the bids, and many others, including famed American analyst Yves Galarcep, concurred. In fact, it was even speculated for a while that Montreal would jump the queue entirely and replace Philadelphia as a franchise entering in 2010 instead of in 2011. Thus, this is a dramatic twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, and also perhaps one of the first real quantifiable effects of the economic crisis on sports.*
*Interestingly, Gillett was on Prime Time Sports for almost an hour today and discussed how the economic crisis might affect sports for a good part of that, but never once mentioned soccer. The focus was on the Canadiens. Keep in mind that he's facing massive debt issues in England with regards to Liverpool that could result in fire sales of players [James Ducker, The Times of London] or even the team [Ian Herbert and Andrew Warshaw, The Independent]. If things are in that bad shape over there, you can bet he has no money to pay a high Montreal expansion fee and renovate their stadium, especially with the hits his investments have likely taken recently (if his stocks are like anyone else's). It would have been nice to see Bob McCown and Stephen Brunt ask him about Liverpool's troubles, especially with the economic focus of their show; that was probably nixed by McCown's hatred for all things soccer, though. It's too bad; he might have landed a nice scoop on the Impact.
Keep in mind that this didn't come completely out of the blue, though. Back in September, there were musings and rumours floating around about how the club might decide to stay in the USL. I saw where the club was coming from, but ultimately concluded that MLS is a much better long-term solution for them. Duane was less gentle. Remember that they do have a very strong and high-profile USL franchise, though, and a nice new stadium that's USL-suitable, but would need significant expensive upgrades to be MLS-ready. If they can't pull off the MLS expansion at the moment, it may hurt them down the road, but they'll still be successful in the USL for the immediate future, and they may get another shot at MLS once the economic situation improves.
Paradoxically, though, what's bad for Canada in one way may be good for the country in another. It's obviously disappointing that the Impact won't be playing in MLS in the near future; they're a great team, and they already have a good rivalry with Toronto, plus their success in the CONCACAF Champions League seemed a natural foundation on which to create a strong MLS franchise. However, Montreal's loss could be a gain for Vancouver and Ottawa. Montreal had the best of the Canadian bids by many evaluations; with them out of the picture, the other two cities look better by comparision. This is especially important considering that Garber added that the Canadian bids are strong, but "expanding into Canada might jeopardize the growth of the sport in the United States" (the AP writer's words, not Garber's).
"We don't have a lot of commercial businesses in Canada today," Garber said of league sponsorships. "The more teams we add there, the more it takes away out from growing our footprint and our television ratings in the United States."
With comments like that, it seems likely that MLS would have been hesistant to expand by only two Canadian teams even if Montreal and Vancouver had the best bids. Thus, if the league decideds they're going to stick with the quota of only allowing two teams to join in 2011 and will only include one Canadian team in that, Vancouver's chances look a lot better all of a sudden. Again, Duane's a much bigger Vancouver skeptic than many thanks to the stadium issue, and he had them ranked third in the initial list behind only Montreal and St. Louis.
Garber also had some very positive things to say about Vancouver, as the AP story goes on to show. "Garber called Vancouver's presentation "one of the best I've ever seen, and I was involved in sports expansion in (the NFL)," he said." That's some high praise right there. Furthermore, the man is smart; he endorsed the rivalry concept I've been promoting for quite a while. Rivalries are what sell, especially in sports that aren't necessarily as popular, and soccer has a better tradition of fierce rivalries than almost anyone else. There's a long-established rivalry on the West Coast between the USL versions of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers; bringing them all into MLS gives the league a strong West Coast presence and a great way to sell those games to fans, advertisers and television networks. Vancouver-Toronto would be a similarly great rivalry to sell to Canadian television and marketers.
Ottawa's bid, which seemed somewhat ridiculous at first, also seems to be growing stronger.
Ottawa blew us away," Garber said. "They do give a very focused plan as to where they'd build the stadium. Their presentation was not just about how they were going to build the stadium but how they were going to build the sport."
That's good to hear, but a presentation can only do so much. Ottawa may still be a longer-term project, and there are also issues with their bid coming into conflict with the CFL plan. What could help them is if rather than limiting expansion to two teams, the league goes ahead with four or five and brings in both Vancouver and Ottawa to strengthen the Canadian part of MLS and try and pick up a lucrative national television deal. Ottawa isn't as helpful as Montreal in that regard, but it's still something. Still, when you look at the other bids and how they're shaping up (especially with Albert Pujols buying in in St. Louis), Ottawa seems to come up a bit short.
We'll see what becomes of this, but this decision could substantially change the MLS expansion discussion. The favourites are out, and that will make room for some of the challengers. The question is if Vancouver and Ottawa will be in that group.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Propaganda is fun!
Today, the Vancouver Sun was nice enough to give Bob Lenarduzzi an opportunity to spread some propaganda about the proposed BC Place renovations.
According to Bobby (when did he become just Bob?) anyone that thinks that playing in a football stadium with drapes hung over the upper deck isn't the same thing as a nice, intimate 20,000 seater is, well, on crack.
According to Bobby (when did he become just Bob?) anyone that thinks that playing in a football stadium with drapes hung over the upper deck isn't the same thing as a nice, intimate 20,000 seater is, well, on crack.
"I trust this will put to rest any of those concerns," he said. I would question anybody to suggest it's not a great venue. The way it's portrayed in the rendering, it's a soccer-specific stadium."
Well, since the Lions are playing there the specific part is debatable. And, there is the FieldTurf issue. Has Vancouver not been paying attention to what's happening at BMO?
If you have been to an Argos game down at the Dome you will understand what a stadium feels like when it's been artificially shrunk. It's better than having 20,000 people and 30,000 empty seats, no doubt. But, to suggest that it's the same thing as being in a place where every seat is full is ludicrous. People aren't stupid. They know where the hidden seats are.
It's Lenarduzzi's job to sell this dog, but it is hardly a long term answer.
And, what's with the hanging scoreboard???
Cross posted at The 24th Minute
Thursday, November 06, 2008
BC Place soccer renovation plans released
Worst. Headline. Ever.
Vancouver soccer fans got a sneak peak at what BC place would look like if the city is awarded a MLS team today, with the release of the stadium's reno plans.
If it was 1998, MLS would be excited by them. As it is, there was nothing announced today that makes it seem like the stadium isn't what's holding Vancouver back in the race for one of the next MLS expansion spots.
The rendering below the jump.
What's with the hanging scoreboard???
Vancouver soccer fans got a sneak peak at what BC place would look like if the city is awarded a MLS team today, with the release of the stadium's reno plans.
If it was 1998, MLS would be excited by them. As it is, there was nothing announced today that makes it seem like the stadium isn't what's holding Vancouver back in the race for one of the next MLS expansion spots.
The rendering below the jump.
What's with the hanging scoreboard???
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The final seven
There were no surprise bids today when MLS announced the seven cities that have officially bid for a team. Well, Ottawa was the surprise, but, of course, we've known about that bid for sometime.
The league must also be disappointed that the second New York bid did not materialize.
The cities and a few comments on each below the jump.
Montreal (The Saputo's and Gillett's) - There is lots of money and a bare bones stadium already up. Additionally, Montreal has a strong USL history, is a natural rival for Toronto (as well as Boston and New York) and has pre-existing supporter's culture. However, Montreal has been lukewarm about MLS at times and the stadium really isn't remotely close to being MLS standard. Still...Chance of success - 90%
St. Louis (an investment group) - Show me the money. MLS has long wanted in to St. Louis, but St. Louis has never been able to find the type of rich investor that the other bids have. In the free falling economy, that might be deadly (MLS might be leery of dealing with 15 individual investors, any one of which could end up being Boots Del Biaggio. The rest of the bid is solid. Chance of success - 70%
Vancouver (Greg Kerfoot, Steve Nash and Jeff Mallett) - If they weren't planning on playing out of BC Place the Whitecaps could likely start selling the season tickets. Everything else is there--a committed ownership with deep pockets, a passionate supporter's culture, soccer tradition and a great point guard. But that stadium plan. And, the whole more than one team in Canada thing. Chance of success - 66%
Atlanta (Arthur Blank) - Backed by some big NFL money Atlanta has the advantage of representing a region that currently does not have a MLS team--the American south-east. Of course, Atlanta is a notoriously poor sports market, the bid is late to the game and the stadium plan is vague at best. Chance of success: 50%
Miami (FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure) - It's unclear how much Barcelona is actually involved in the bid at this time. Some are suggesting that the club is full on into this, while others are suggesting that its involvement is symbolic at best. The market has a lot of potential soccer fans, but it failed once before. There is next to no stadium plan. Chance of success - 33%
Ottawa (Eugene Melnyk) - Solid ownership and a nice little stadium plan. That's good. No soccer tradition and a tiny little market. Not so much. Plus, is it really likely that two Canadian teams will get in? It seems like Melnyk might be planting a seed rather than seriously going for it for 2011. Chance of success - 20%
Portland (The Paulson's) - A wonderful pre-existing supporter's culture and, well...they are everyone's favourite. That's only going to get Portland so far. The money seems shaky, they play in a AAA baseball park (an old AAA baseball park) and the bid is relying on way too much public money. Chance of success - 10%
The more the bids shake out, the more it becomes apparent that the best two bids are from Canada. The only reason not to put both teams here is to not put both teams here.
It's likely MLS will give into pressure from a small, but loud group that does not want Canadian involvement in the league by compromising with the single new Canuck team for 2011.
Regardless, you can expect as many as four to five of these cities to eventually get teams. Some through the expansion from 18 to 20 teams and others through relocation.
Related:
The league must also be disappointed that the second New York bid did not materialize.
The cities and a few comments on each below the jump.
Montreal (The Saputo's and Gillett's) - There is lots of money and a bare bones stadium already up. Additionally, Montreal has a strong USL history, is a natural rival for Toronto (as well as Boston and New York) and has pre-existing supporter's culture. However, Montreal has been lukewarm about MLS at times and the stadium really isn't remotely close to being MLS standard. Still...Chance of success - 90%
St. Louis (an investment group) - Show me the money. MLS has long wanted in to St. Louis, but St. Louis has never been able to find the type of rich investor that the other bids have. In the free falling economy, that might be deadly (MLS might be leery of dealing with 15 individual investors, any one of which could end up being Boots Del Biaggio. The rest of the bid is solid. Chance of success - 70%
Vancouver (Greg Kerfoot, Steve Nash and Jeff Mallett) - If they weren't planning on playing out of BC Place the Whitecaps could likely start selling the season tickets. Everything else is there--a committed ownership with deep pockets, a passionate supporter's culture, soccer tradition and a great point guard. But that stadium plan. And, the whole more than one team in Canada thing. Chance of success - 66%
Atlanta (Arthur Blank) - Backed by some big NFL money Atlanta has the advantage of representing a region that currently does not have a MLS team--the American south-east. Of course, Atlanta is a notoriously poor sports market, the bid is late to the game and the stadium plan is vague at best. Chance of success: 50%
Miami (FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure) - It's unclear how much Barcelona is actually involved in the bid at this time. Some are suggesting that the club is full on into this, while others are suggesting that its involvement is symbolic at best. The market has a lot of potential soccer fans, but it failed once before. There is next to no stadium plan. Chance of success - 33%
Ottawa (Eugene Melnyk) - Solid ownership and a nice little stadium plan. That's good. No soccer tradition and a tiny little market. Not so much. Plus, is it really likely that two Canadian teams will get in? It seems like Melnyk might be planting a seed rather than seriously going for it for 2011. Chance of success - 20%
Portland (The Paulson's) - A wonderful pre-existing supporter's culture and, well...they are everyone's favourite. That's only going to get Portland so far. The money seems shaky, they play in a AAA baseball park (an old AAA baseball park) and the bid is relying on way too much public money. Chance of success - 10%
The more the bids shake out, the more it becomes apparent that the best two bids are from Canada. The only reason not to put both teams here is to not put both teams here.
It's likely MLS will give into pressure from a small, but loud group that does not want Canadian involvement in the league by compromising with the single new Canuck team for 2011.
Regardless, you can expect as many as four to five of these cities to eventually get teams. Some through the expansion from 18 to 20 teams and others through relocation.
Related:
- Expansion discussion board chatter
- Las Vegas not out of expansion plans
- (Barcelona president) Laporta thrilled by MLS opportunity
- Whitecaps confident on the pitch
- Seven's not heaven in MLS bidding
- Mets' MLS bid put off to 2012
Monday, October 13, 2008
Finally! Good news for a Canadian soccer team
For the second time in three years and the seventh in club history (includes play in USL-1, NASL and CSL), the Vancouver Whitecaps are champions.The 'Caps captured the USL-1 title with a 2-1 win over Puerto Rico in Vancouver Sunday.
It's moments like this that it becomes clear that the Whitecaps deserve to be awarded a MLS franchise (deserve and "are gonna get" are two very different things). The team, which has survived the folding of two leagues, is as close as you can get to a football institution in this country. An argument can be made that the Whitecaps are the only club left that can trace itself directly back to the NASL -- that's something to be proud of.
Who knows whether the 'Caps will get the MLS nod for 2011. But, if they don't it won't be Vancouver that is losing out.
Monday, October 06, 2008
MLS Expansion watch: The Vegas factor - Is relocation the way for more Canadian teams in MLS?
The Columbus Crew are the best team in MLS this season. They may also be headed out of town, relocated to Las Vegas as part of MLS' continued tinkering to get the league to the next level. As outlined in the linked article, Columbus has always been the forgotten one when it comes to the league. Crew fans feel unappreciated by a league that would seemingly rather force a second team into the New York market--even though the first team there barely draws--than help the top team stay in a small market.
It probably isn't fair. OK, it undoubtedly isn't fair, but it 's the way MLS swings. It picked up and left San Jose for Houston just a year removed from that team's second MLS Cup (and they have since won two more and are the favourite to three-peat in seven week's time).
It begs the question. If MLS is open to relocation provided that the right investors and market are in place--and it sure seems like they are--then why shouldn’t those Canucks interested in bringing teams to their respective cities save themselves the $40 million expansion fee and cut to the chase of buying up a struggling team? It appears the casino folks have their eye on the most obvious candidate, but it's unclear who in Kansas City would notice if the Wiz were to leave town. Denver has never really taken for this whole soccer thing. And who knows how long Salt Lake can sustain interest after the novelty of a new stadium (which opens this Thursday) is gone.
Harsh? You bet, but if Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver are serious about joining Toronto then they may want to start putting feelers out to see what American investors are out there looking to get out of the soccer game.
Four Canadian MLS teams by 2011? In the post sub-prime mortgage American world it's not all that absurd of a thought.
It probably isn't fair. OK, it undoubtedly isn't fair, but it 's the way MLS swings. It picked up and left San Jose for Houston just a year removed from that team's second MLS Cup (and they have since won two more and are the favourite to three-peat in seven week's time).
It begs the question. If MLS is open to relocation provided that the right investors and market are in place--and it sure seems like they are--then why shouldn’t those Canucks interested in bringing teams to their respective cities save themselves the $40 million expansion fee and cut to the chase of buying up a struggling team? It appears the casino folks have their eye on the most obvious candidate, but it's unclear who in Kansas City would notice if the Wiz were to leave town. Denver has never really taken for this whole soccer thing. And who knows how long Salt Lake can sustain interest after the novelty of a new stadium (which opens this Thursday) is gone.
Harsh? You bet, but if Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver are serious about joining Toronto then they may want to start putting feelers out to see what American investors are out there looking to get out of the soccer game.
Four Canadian MLS teams by 2011? In the post sub-prime mortgage American world it's not all that absurd of a thought.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Is MLS the ultimate answer?
No, it's 42...
The Globe and Mail's Ben Knight had a very interesting post [On Soccer] the other day on how Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact have gone in drastically different directions since their draw in the final match of the Nutrilite Canadian Championships, which sent Montreal through to the CONCACAF Champions League. As Knight points out, Montreal's gone on to jump from 10th to 3rd in the USL standings (although they trail Seattle 2-1 after one game in the first round of the playoffs, a two-game total-goals series). They've also done very well in the Champions League: many, including Duane, expected they would crash and burn in the group stage (a very reasonable prediction at the time), but they're currently perched atop their group after a draw with Mexican powerhouse side Atalante and a win over Trinidad's Joe Public FC (the same team that embarrassed the New England Revolution of MLS by an aggregate score of 6-1 over two games). Joe Public isn't much of a minnow, either: they also happen to be owned [CBCSports.ca] by FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.*
*Aside: Does this not raise conflict of interest questions to anyone else? I'd certainly be concerned if Gary Bettman or Bill Daly ran an NHL franchise. Keep in mind that Warner's hugely influential in CONCACAF, so it's not like they're a long way removed from the decisions he makes or the impact he has.
For Toronto FC, though, the matches since that fateful July day have been extremely disappointing. They've only earned five points from nine matches, with two draws and one solitary win against six losses. As Knight writes, "The playoffs are gone, the season-long roster rebuild is a bust, and the league's most fanatical fans are looking at their season-ticket renewal forms, many with doubt and sadness in their otherwise lusty, giddy hearts." He then uses the teams' contrasting fortunes, combined with a quote from Randy Phillips' interview with Saputo in the Montreal Gazette, to suggest that Montreal perhaps is only interested in MLS on their terms.
Here's the full relevant quote from Saputo's interview:
Phillips: "Is the future of the franchise necessarily in Major League Soccer?"
Saputo: "There may be other options out there and we have to explore all the different ones. Right now, we're fine where we are. There is the aspect of MLS that's looming and we're going to take a look at that. Does it mean we're going to go into it at all costs? Not necessarily, but the soccer landscape is going to change over the next couple of years and we have to be smart and financially responsible about the decisions we make."
That is a fascinating quote at this point, given how many markets are actively battling for one of the few MLS expansion slots. Any suggestion that Montreal isn't going all-out is something new, and that might hurt them in a drive for one of the two slots in 2011.
There are reasons for Saputo to be cautious, though. MLS isn't looking quite as fantastic as it used to, especially when you take into account the dismal record of its clubs in the CONCACAF Champions League and the spending restrictions cranked so tight that Toronto FC can only spend [Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press via The Globe and Mail, August 19, 2008] $500,000 of the $3 million they got for Maurice Edu on player acquisitions, while the New York Red Bulls aren't even allowed [Ben Knight, On Soccer, August 29, 2008] to buy a USL striker for $200,000. At the same time, after the initial frenzy surrounding Beckham and the other designated players, interest in the league seems to be returning to normal levels, which aren't bad, but also aren't overly in favour of shelling out $40 million for the privilege of buying a franchise.
Moreover, Montreal would have to shell out a lot of dough to get their stadium up to MLS levels and then plenty more on player salaries, so $40 million isn't the entire cost here. When you've got a successful team that's drawing considerable amounts of fans already and gaining continent-wide exposure with their Champions League success, MLS perhaps becomes less imperative. The other thing to consider is that Saputo would have to go up against some great ownership bids in an attempt to gain one of the two slots for 2011, including Steve Nash and Greg Kerfoot in Vancouver, the New York Mets in their push for a second New York team, FC Barcelona's attempt to put a team in Miami and even Eugene Melnyk's surprisingly impressive Ottawa bid. Most of those owners have less options: it's MLS or bust for them, whereas Saputo appears to have a very successful fallback plan. Perhaps his strategy is to take the USL franchise in hand over the MLS ambitions in the bush.
However, that plan bears risks of its own. The USL is extremely viable and producing high-quality soccer at the moment, but who's to say how long that will last? As the number of MLS clubs increases, so will the poaching of the best USL players, decreasing the quality of that league's on-field product. Additionally, many of the strongest USL franchises are already on their way out (Seattle) or hoping to make the jump to MLS (Vancouver, Portland). If you lose your marquee franchises, your league suffers.
Furthermore, there's a certain advantage to being first. Look at the national coverage TFC gets compared to the Impact or the Vancouver Whitecaps. The small amount of attention paid to the Impact at the moment will undoubtedly diminish further if Vancouver and Ottawa get MLS franchises and Montreal remains in the USL: they'll be seen as the minor-league team and will be largely overlooked. The condescension towards the USL is bad enough in this country with only one Canadian MLS franchise: imagine what it would be like with three.
If expansion works out well for MLS and the league captures increasing ratings and exposure, you can bet that the franchise fees will only go up. In this way, if Saputo decides to stay put, it's not necessarily a safe move. He's gambling that the MLS will regress or stay around the same level and that the USL will continue to be viable, which may be as big of a risk as going for it now and shelling out the necessary cash. Staying put is perhaps less dangerous in the short term, but that could come back to haunt the Impact.
The Globe and Mail's Ben Knight had a very interesting post [On Soccer] the other day on how Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact have gone in drastically different directions since their draw in the final match of the Nutrilite Canadian Championships, which sent Montreal through to the CONCACAF Champions League. As Knight points out, Montreal's gone on to jump from 10th to 3rd in the USL standings (although they trail Seattle 2-1 after one game in the first round of the playoffs, a two-game total-goals series). They've also done very well in the Champions League: many, including Duane, expected they would crash and burn in the group stage (a very reasonable prediction at the time), but they're currently perched atop their group after a draw with Mexican powerhouse side Atalante and a win over Trinidad's Joe Public FC (the same team that embarrassed the New England Revolution of MLS by an aggregate score of 6-1 over two games). Joe Public isn't much of a minnow, either: they also happen to be owned [CBCSports.ca] by FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.*
*Aside: Does this not raise conflict of interest questions to anyone else? I'd certainly be concerned if Gary Bettman or Bill Daly ran an NHL franchise. Keep in mind that Warner's hugely influential in CONCACAF, so it's not like they're a long way removed from the decisions he makes or the impact he has.
For Toronto FC, though, the matches since that fateful July day have been extremely disappointing. They've only earned five points from nine matches, with two draws and one solitary win against six losses. As Knight writes, "The playoffs are gone, the season-long roster rebuild is a bust, and the league's most fanatical fans are looking at their season-ticket renewal forms, many with doubt and sadness in their otherwise lusty, giddy hearts." He then uses the teams' contrasting fortunes, combined with a quote from Randy Phillips' interview with Saputo in the Montreal Gazette, to suggest that Montreal perhaps is only interested in MLS on their terms.
Here's the full relevant quote from Saputo's interview:
Phillips: "Is the future of the franchise necessarily in Major League Soccer?"
Saputo: "There may be other options out there and we have to explore all the different ones. Right now, we're fine where we are. There is the aspect of MLS that's looming and we're going to take a look at that. Does it mean we're going to go into it at all costs? Not necessarily, but the soccer landscape is going to change over the next couple of years and we have to be smart and financially responsible about the decisions we make."
That is a fascinating quote at this point, given how many markets are actively battling for one of the few MLS expansion slots. Any suggestion that Montreal isn't going all-out is something new, and that might hurt them in a drive for one of the two slots in 2011.
There are reasons for Saputo to be cautious, though. MLS isn't looking quite as fantastic as it used to, especially when you take into account the dismal record of its clubs in the CONCACAF Champions League and the spending restrictions cranked so tight that Toronto FC can only spend [Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press via The Globe and Mail, August 19, 2008] $500,000 of the $3 million they got for Maurice Edu on player acquisitions, while the New York Red Bulls aren't even allowed [Ben Knight, On Soccer, August 29, 2008] to buy a USL striker for $200,000. At the same time, after the initial frenzy surrounding Beckham and the other designated players, interest in the league seems to be returning to normal levels, which aren't bad, but also aren't overly in favour of shelling out $40 million for the privilege of buying a franchise.
Moreover, Montreal would have to shell out a lot of dough to get their stadium up to MLS levels and then plenty more on player salaries, so $40 million isn't the entire cost here. When you've got a successful team that's drawing considerable amounts of fans already and gaining continent-wide exposure with their Champions League success, MLS perhaps becomes less imperative. The other thing to consider is that Saputo would have to go up against some great ownership bids in an attempt to gain one of the two slots for 2011, including Steve Nash and Greg Kerfoot in Vancouver, the New York Mets in their push for a second New York team, FC Barcelona's attempt to put a team in Miami and even Eugene Melnyk's surprisingly impressive Ottawa bid. Most of those owners have less options: it's MLS or bust for them, whereas Saputo appears to have a very successful fallback plan. Perhaps his strategy is to take the USL franchise in hand over the MLS ambitions in the bush.
However, that plan bears risks of its own. The USL is extremely viable and producing high-quality soccer at the moment, but who's to say how long that will last? As the number of MLS clubs increases, so will the poaching of the best USL players, decreasing the quality of that league's on-field product. Additionally, many of the strongest USL franchises are already on their way out (Seattle) or hoping to make the jump to MLS (Vancouver, Portland). If you lose your marquee franchises, your league suffers.
Furthermore, there's a certain advantage to being first. Look at the national coverage TFC gets compared to the Impact or the Vancouver Whitecaps. The small amount of attention paid to the Impact at the moment will undoubtedly diminish further if Vancouver and Ottawa get MLS franchises and Montreal remains in the USL: they'll be seen as the minor-league team and will be largely overlooked. The condescension towards the USL is bad enough in this country with only one Canadian MLS franchise: imagine what it would be like with three.
If expansion works out well for MLS and the league captures increasing ratings and exposure, you can bet that the franchise fees will only go up. In this way, if Saputo decides to stay put, it's not necessarily a safe move. He's gambling that the MLS will regress or stay around the same level and that the USL will continue to be viable, which may be as big of a risk as going for it now and shelling out the necessary cash. Staying put is perhaps less dangerous in the short term, but that could come back to haunt the Impact.
Friday, September 26, 2008
CIS Corner; GGs star finding role with U20 team
Notes on our teams of interest in The 613 ... apparently there is a big football game going on in K-Town on Saturday, but there's so much more...
Gee-Gees: It would be remiss not to link to the one Ottawa media outlet which has caught up with Gee-Gees defender Amanda Robinson, who's out in Vancouver with the U20 women's team.
There's so many good elements to this story. Ms. Robinson, U20/Vancouver Whitecaps coach Bob Birarda and Steve Johnson from the Gee-Gees were very engaging (and patient with the soccer neophyte).
Birarda seemed very high on Robinson's personal qualities and ability to help "create a culture which is positive," which Canada will need when it heads down to Chile for the U20 Women's World Cup in November. They just won a 4 Nations tourney down there, while they won their CONCACAF qualitying tournament in the summer.
Time is tight today, but there will be some effort to post the quotes from all three. A huge glove tap goes to Richard Scott and Anne Pellerud from Soccer Canada, plus uOttawa SID Dan Carle, for helping arrange the interviews.
Ravens: Carleton hung in with a national power, Lakehead, for two periods on Friday -- and that was all they got to play.
There was a major storm system moving through northwestern Ontario, meaning a bank of lights were knocked out in the arena. It was 2-2 after two, and Alex Archibald had stopped 28-of-30 for the Ravens when the game had to be called. Lakehead was coming on and it's a game in September, but still, taking an early two-goal lead in one of the toughest places to play in the OUA should turn a few heads.
Mike Testa and Francis Walker scored for Carleton.
They will play, in effect, four periods of hockey on Saturday.
(How long until this blog refers to Alex Archibald as Adam Archibald, the former McMaster quarterback who was from Kingston?)
Golden Gaels: Sporting Madness has word of a bit of a bombshell.
Teddi Firmi, who's been a starting point guard on the women's basketball team over the past few seasons, has left to play for the rugby team. It's Bucholtz's story, so check back with him later. (Tyler, at this point, would ask if anyone would want to bet money that Carleton's going to finish ahead of Queen's in women's basketball, even though it's unknown how much he's seen either team play.)
Queen's hockey might have picked up a defenceman for next season. Stephane Chabot, as you probably heard, was cut by the Frontenacs and signed on with the Kingston Voyageurs. He is enrolled at Queen's. That's not indicative of anything other than that if he wants to play in the CIS eventually, at least he'll have got to know the campus and the city.
Small world: Felicidade Pereira, who got the goal in the women's soccer Gaels' 1-0 win over Carleton the other night, is from Simcoe, one of my old stamping grounds. (No word if she's related to Rick Pereira, a long-time pillar of the Simcoe Thunder's back four and Norfolk County's soccer community.
Yes, stamping ground. Look it up.
Gee-Gees: It would be remiss not to link to the one Ottawa media outlet which has caught up with Gee-Gees defender Amanda Robinson, who's out in Vancouver with the U20 women's team.
There's so many good elements to this story. Ms. Robinson, U20/Vancouver Whitecaps coach Bob Birarda and Steve Johnson from the Gee-Gees were very engaging (and patient with the soccer neophyte).
Birarda seemed very high on Robinson's personal qualities and ability to help "create a culture which is positive," which Canada will need when it heads down to Chile for the U20 Women's World Cup in November. They just won a 4 Nations tourney down there, while they won their CONCACAF qualitying tournament in the summer.
Time is tight today, but there will be some effort to post the quotes from all three. A huge glove tap goes to Richard Scott and Anne Pellerud from Soccer Canada, plus uOttawa SID Dan Carle, for helping arrange the interviews.
Ravens: Carleton hung in with a national power, Lakehead, for two periods on Friday -- and that was all they got to play.
There was a major storm system moving through northwestern Ontario, meaning a bank of lights were knocked out in the arena. It was 2-2 after two, and Alex Archibald had stopped 28-of-30 for the Ravens when the game had to be called. Lakehead was coming on and it's a game in September, but still, taking an early two-goal lead in one of the toughest places to play in the OUA should turn a few heads.
Mike Testa and Francis Walker scored for Carleton.
They will play, in effect, four periods of hockey on Saturday.
(How long until this blog refers to Alex Archibald as Adam Archibald, the former McMaster quarterback who was from Kingston?)
Golden Gaels: Sporting Madness has word of a bit of a bombshell.
Teddi Firmi, who's been a starting point guard on the women's basketball team over the past few seasons, has left to play for the rugby team. It's Bucholtz's story, so check back with him later. (Tyler, at this point, would ask if anyone would want to bet money that Carleton's going to finish ahead of Queen's in women's basketball, even though it's unknown how much he's seen either team play.)
Queen's hockey might have picked up a defenceman for next season. Stephane Chabot, as you probably heard, was cut by the Frontenacs and signed on with the Kingston Voyageurs. He is enrolled at Queen's. That's not indicative of anything other than that if he wants to play in the CIS eventually, at least he'll have got to know the campus and the city.
Small world: Felicidade Pereira, who got the goal in the women's soccer Gaels' 1-0 win over Carleton the other night, is from Simcoe, one of my old stamping grounds. (No word if she's related to Rick Pereira, a long-time pillar of the Simcoe Thunder's back four and Norfolk County's soccer community.
Yes, stamping ground. Look it up.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I'm not prepared to make another Impact pun here
Arguably for the first time in the competition, the Montreal Impact entered last night’s CONCACAF Champions League game as a clear favourite. And, they lived up to the billing. The Impact were easy 2-0 winners over minnow Joe Public of Trinidad and Tobago.
Montreal’s win was the second by an USL-1 team in two days. On Tuesday, Puerto Rico defeated Panama side Tauro FC 2-1. Meanwhile MLS sides are struggling. With D.C. United’s 2-0 loss to Costa Rician power Deportivo Saprissa on Tuesday, the league’s record fell to 0-4-1 in the competition (and that’s not counting Toronto’s 1-1-2 record in Canadian qualifying against entirely USL competition).
Joe Public had the most shocking result against MLS teams in the previous round, when is won 6-1 on aggregate against New England.
The results are causing many fans of the league to worry. What does it mean? What will the league need to do to improve moving forward? Does anyone really like us?
It isn’t causing the same concerns with the teams themselves, who barely seem interested. With a packed fixture list and restrictive roster rules that don’t allow MLS sides to carry any type of true depth, teams are required to make choices. Some competitions get thrown to the side so that the full focus can be put on other ones. In the MLS, teams are almost always going to focus on the MLS Cup.
It’s possible that Houston might save the day for the league. Certainly the two-time MLS champions are best placed to do so, especially after the Mexican team in their group, UNAM Pumas, dropped points yesterday. Having won back-to-back titles, it’s possible that Houston might view this competition as a more appropriate challenge.
There is no such debate going on in Montreal, where the CCL is clearly the focus. It’s going to get much tougher moving forward, with Mexican side Atlante up next and a solid Honduran team Olimpia. If Atlante takes it seriously, the Impact are unlikely to have a chance. However, if they play a near perfect game there is a chance against the Hondurans. MLS teams have defeated Olimpia in the past, after all.
Canada’s other two pro teams are still playing, of course, albeit in less sexy competition. TFC can’t be mathematically eliminated this weekend, but if the Reds lose to Kansas City they will likely fall more than six points back of the final playoff sport. If that happens, with just five more games left, it’s pretty much over (if they win, however…)
Vancouver, with a 14-7-8 record, has clinched a playoff spot in the USL and can earn the top seed with a win (at Seattle) and if Puerto Rico loses its final two matches. They can finish no lower than second.
The Impact are also in the thick of the playoff battle in the USL. With a 12-11-5 record they have clinched a playoff spot and currently are in third place. They can secure the third place spot with a win at either Minnesota or at home against Puerto Rico. They can finish no lower than sixth.
The top seven teams make the playoffs in the USL, with the top seed receiving a bye through the first round. The other six teams play a home and home (2 v 7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5) with the winners joing the top team in the semis.
The championship final is Oct 11.
Montreal’s win was the second by an USL-1 team in two days. On Tuesday, Puerto Rico defeated Panama side Tauro FC 2-1. Meanwhile MLS sides are struggling. With D.C. United’s 2-0 loss to Costa Rician power Deportivo Saprissa on Tuesday, the league’s record fell to 0-4-1 in the competition (and that’s not counting Toronto’s 1-1-2 record in Canadian qualifying against entirely USL competition).
Joe Public had the most shocking result against MLS teams in the previous round, when is won 6-1 on aggregate against New England.
The results are causing many fans of the league to worry. What does it mean? What will the league need to do to improve moving forward? Does anyone really like us?
It isn’t causing the same concerns with the teams themselves, who barely seem interested. With a packed fixture list and restrictive roster rules that don’t allow MLS sides to carry any type of true depth, teams are required to make choices. Some competitions get thrown to the side so that the full focus can be put on other ones. In the MLS, teams are almost always going to focus on the MLS Cup.
It’s possible that Houston might save the day for the league. Certainly the two-time MLS champions are best placed to do so, especially after the Mexican team in their group, UNAM Pumas, dropped points yesterday. Having won back-to-back titles, it’s possible that Houston might view this competition as a more appropriate challenge.
There is no such debate going on in Montreal, where the CCL is clearly the focus. It’s going to get much tougher moving forward, with Mexican side Atlante up next and a solid Honduran team Olimpia. If Atlante takes it seriously, the Impact are unlikely to have a chance. However, if they play a near perfect game there is a chance against the Hondurans. MLS teams have defeated Olimpia in the past, after all.
Canada’s other two pro teams are still playing, of course, albeit in less sexy competition. TFC can’t be mathematically eliminated this weekend, but if the Reds lose to Kansas City they will likely fall more than six points back of the final playoff sport. If that happens, with just five more games left, it’s pretty much over (if they win, however…)
Vancouver, with a 14-7-8 record, has clinched a playoff spot in the USL and can earn the top seed with a win (at Seattle) and if Puerto Rico loses its final two matches. They can finish no lower than second.
The Impact are also in the thick of the playoff battle in the USL. With a 12-11-5 record they have clinched a playoff spot and currently are in third place. They can secure the third place spot with a win at either Minnesota or at home against Puerto Rico. They can finish no lower than sixth.
The top seven teams make the playoffs in the USL, with the top seed receiving a bye through the first round. The other six teams play a home and home (2 v 7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5) with the winners joing the top team in the semis.
The championship final is Oct 11.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
