MLS comissioner: Red Bulls see bump from NYCFC

Note to MLS commissioner Don Garber: this lesson applies to central Florida as well. A "war on I-4" rivalry between the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Orlando City would be very good for MLS and for the visibility of pro soccer nationally and in the Florida/Southeast region as well. What works for Cascadia, and greater NYC, works for central Florida, too. Do not let Orlando City's short sighted, blinkered "muh MLS territorial rights" type thinking prevent you from seeing the greater potential here.   

(Follow link for full article.) 

http://nypost.com/2016/09/17/mls-comissioner-red-bulls-see-bump-from-nycfc/

MLS comissioner: Red Bulls see bump from NYCFC

By Brian Lewis

September 17, 2016 | 12:40am

With both local MLS teams near the top of the standings — and playing huge games this weekend that could help determine the Supporters’ Shield — league commissioner Don Garber said the arrival of New York City FC has been great for area soccer.

NYCFC are on the verge of clinching a playoff berth, their 44 points two off the Eastern Conference lead and just a tiebreaker away from second place. They will host MLS-leading Dallas — fresh off Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup title — Saturday at Yankee Stadium (7 p.m., YES). The second-place Red Bulls, who hold the tiebreaker over their rivals, travel to face East-leading Toronto (5 p.m., FOX) Sunday.

“NYCFC is a great MLS team. It’s proven that the market can support two clubs. The Red Bulls are better because NYCFC is in town,” Garber told reporters at Dallas’ Cup win. “More people care about the sport in a very important city. The rivalry breaks through the professional sports clutter in the tri-state area. Both teams are performing very well competitively.