http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/former-st-pete-mayor-rick-baker-fields-rowdies-stadium-questions/2316791
Former St. Pete Mayor Rick Baker fields Rowdies stadium questions
Waveney Ann Moore
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 11:26pm
ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rowdies took the team's quest for a long-term lease agreement at Al Lang Stadium to neighborhood leaders Wednesday.
The team's campaign in preparation for a May 2 citywide vote included a video, flyers and refrigerator magnets to help woo the small crowd at the Council of Neighborhood Associations' (CONA) monthly meeting.
The team's goal is to convince St. Petersburg voters to let the city negotiate a lease of up to 25 years for the waterfront stadium, which Rowdies owner Bill Edwards wants to renovate for a Major League Soccer expansion franchise.
It's been the task of former St. Petersburg mayor Rick Baker, president of the Edwards Group, to sell the idea. He's been making the rounds of neighborhood groups. Wednesday he wove a tale of history, interspersed with mentions of his family and reminders of his tenure as mayor.
There were questions.
How long will the stadium renovations take? About 18 months to a year, Baker said. What about those blinding lights that shine into downtown condominiums? The architects will address that with directed LED lights. Will the stadium be able to accommodate baseball? No, think rugby, football or even cricket. What about jobs? There will be plenty of construction jobs. And, mentioning the city's sewer problems, one person wanted to know what was the team's position about reopening the nearby Albert Whitted Water Reclamation Facility.
"I'm not sure I'd be against reopening it. I'm not sure why they closed it in the first place," Baker said.
Earlier, the former mayor set the stage for his pitch. He spoke of neighborhoods as being "the strength of the city," talked about what it was like when he arrived in St. Petersburg in the 1980's and fast-forwarded to the present day emergence of "the coolest downtown."
The Rowdies, he promised, will enhance that success that developed "bit by bit to create what we have today. That's what the Rowdies can be a part of," he told those gathered in the auditorium at the Sunshine Center.
"The Rowdies can be one of the things in the city that just provides another activity for people to enjoy," he said.
Before Edwards bought the team, which had been in financial straits, he had never been to a soccer match, Baker said.
"The first time that Bill Edwards ever attended a soccer match was when he owned the team," he said, adding that his boss is now a fan and intimately involved with the team.
Now he wants to get the team into the MLS.
"In order to do that, you have to have a stadium with at least 18,000 seats," he said.
So the Rowdies plan to add 18,000 seats and upgrade the historic stadium within its current footprint. The $80 million renovation will be financed by Edwards, who is also paying for the special election, which will cost $270,542.
Success of the May 2 referendum — a city charter requirement for long-term leases of public downtown waterfront property — would allow city officials to negotiate the desired lease. Any agreement, though, would have to be approved by a supermajority City Council vote and would be contingent on the team actually being awarded an MLS franchise.
Twelve teams are competing for four MLS expansion franchises, Baker said. Two franchises could be decided within a few months.
Baker said MLS officials also are looking for strong community support. The Rowdies have that, he said, adding that over 200 businesses have committed to support the team, including HSN, Raymond James and Jabil.
Someone wanted to know, what would happen to the stadium at the end of 25 years?
The city would own it, Baker said, but "the team may want to re-up."
He said that the Rowdies had worked with various community groups, including the Concerned Citizens of St. Petersburg — which scuttled a proposed Pier redesign they said was unsuitable for the waterfront — and Preserve Our Waterfront and Wallets, which fought a proposed waterfront baseball stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The team, which has already hired an architect, wants the stadium to fit the scale of the city and adhere to the city's Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, Baker said.
Will Michaels, a former CONA president, said he was pleased.
"I do want to acknowledge your sensitivity to the downtown waterfront parks," he said.
There were questions about noise. District 6 City Council candidate Corey Givens Jr. wanted to know whether the team would support the local hiring ordinance. Baker said he couldn't answer that question. Disston Heights Civic Association president Jennifer Joern wanted to know about accommodations for bikes. His administration created the city's bike trails, Baker said.
But there was one question he skirted. Was he running again for mayor?
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/tampa-bay-rowdies-will-brief-neighborhood-associations-about-their-stadium/2316623
Tampa Bay Rowdies will brief neighborhood associations about their stadium plans Wednesday night
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 5:08am
ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rowdies want to make the jump to Major League Soccer. But to get ready, they'll need an MLS-type of stadium. Rowdies owner Bill Edwards has pledged to spend $80 million to make it happen without having to use public dollars.
But the Rowdies still need the public's help: Voters have to approve a new 25-year lease with historic Al Lang Stadium that would allow the team to upgrade its home stadium to 18,000 seats.
The whole deal is contingent on MLS awarding St. Petersburg an expansion franchise. But that won't happen unless the Rowdies can show they'll be able to build an MLS-quality home.
Rowdies' officials plan to hold a public briefing on their plans tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at a meeting of the Council of Neighborhood Associations at the Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N.
Edwards even said he'll pay for the $270,542 bill to hold the citywide election. Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark said mail ballots for military and overseas voters go out March 17. The rest of mailed ballots will be sent out March 28. No early voting will be held.
For updates, check tampabay.com this evening.
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https://www.facebook.com/RalphsMob/photos/a.384624768950.169766.345399658950/10154449992228951/?type=3&theater
Ralph's Mob
10 days! Here's a little throwback inspiration to get this home opener sold out!!! #COYR #MLS2StPete #MLS2TAMPABAY #MobFam #MobLife
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http://www.brewbound.com/news/big-storm-brewing-partners-tampa-bay-rowdies
Big Storm Brewing Partners with Tampa Bay Rowdies
Press Release Mar. 15, 2017 at 7:16 PM
CLEARWATER, FL – Big Storm Brewing Co is pleased to announce their official “craft beer” partnership with the Tampa Bay Rowdies for the 2017 season. This marks Big Storm’s first major announcement in conjunction with a professional sports franchise since announcing their partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016.
The iconic Al Lang Stadium, situated on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront and home to the Rowdies, will serve a variety of locally brewed Big Storm beers to fans.
“Big Storm is thrilled about this partnership with such a community centric organization,” stated Jonathan Golden, CEO. “The Rowdies have been a part of the Tampa Bay area sports landscape since 1975. We are excited to partner with them to not only honor their history but the future proposed expansion into Major League Soccer,” Golden continued.
According to Mike Bishop, Founder of Big Storm, “Big Storm has built a reputation of making exceptionally drinkable craft beer perfect for a tailgate party with loyal and enthusiastic Rowdies fans,” Bishop stated.
ABOUT BIG STORM
Big Storm Brewing Co. is one of the fastest growing independent craft breweries in Florida. Big Storm has two brewing and taproom facilities in Tampa Bay and their innovative craft beers have received critical acclaim for the past five consecutive years, including the top prize in 2016’s Best Florida Beer Championship. Big Storm beers can also be found in many local bars and restaurants, as well as local Publix, Whole Foods, Total Wine and ABC Liquors.
For additional information visit www.bigstormbrewery.com
Breweries
Big Storm Brewing Co.
bigstormbrewery.com
Founded:
2012
Big Storm Brewing Co.
Something Big is Brewing. We're launching new beers, new taprooms, and a new look. Visit http://www.whatisbrewing.beer for more info!
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https://www.facebook.com/events/317417818652962/
Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association's photo.
MAR17
1st Inaugural St. Pete French Fry Festival
Public · Festival · Hosted by Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association
Friday at 6 PM - 9 PM
Port St. Pete
250 8th Ave SE,
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
Details
Join Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association for Food, Fun and Live Entertainment as we host the ST PETE 1ST ANNUAL FRENCH FRY FESTIVAL!
FOOD TRUCK LINEUP:
Flip'n Tasty Filipino Food Truck
Surf and Turf Truck FL
The Boom Boom Box
Cajun in a Truck
Vanchetta Food Truck
I WANNA WOK
Merica Food Truck
In the Middle Food Truck
Bacon Boss Food Truck
Mr. C's Grilled Cheese
Krepelicious
Cake Girl
**All of our trucks will serve up Specialty French Fries as well as offering their normal cuisine**
LIVE BAND: Glass Half Full
We are excited to continue our partnership with the Marine Discovery Center and the Tampa Bay Rowdies this year. Please join us in supporting both organizations and bringing #MLS2STPETE.
Tour the Sir Winston Cruise Ship docked at the Port. Marina Discovery Center will be set up outside, anxiously awaiting their permanent home inside the building.
Located at the Marine Discovery
Center in Downtown St. Pete.
250 8th Ave SE, Port St. Pete
6pm-9pm
FREE Admission and Parking!
Adult Beverages Available for Purchase!
Inside and Outside WATERFRONT seating
PET FRIENDLY
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
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http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/events/pass-the-ketchup-st-pete-is-hosting-a-french-fry-festival-march-17/2316544
Pass the ketchup: St. Pete is hosting a french fry festival
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 2:00pm
ST. PETERSBURG — Move over, grilled cheese: the Sunshine City has moved onto another fast-food favorite to celebrate.
The french fry.
This Friday is the first St. Pete French Fry Festival, hosted by the Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association. A dozen trucks will be at the marina ready to dish out speciality fries and some of their regular menu items from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Among the offerings are "stoner fries," a new creation from the I Wanna Wok truck that's debuting at the fest. They're topped with Korean bulgogi beef and macaroni and cheese. That truck also serves the "wrappers delight," a massive wrap that includes fries as an ingredient.
In the Middle food truck said its perfecting a new feta fondue to top its feta fries with.
The day is in partnership with the Marine Discovery Center and the Tampa Bay Rowdies, organizers said.
The Sir Winston cruise ship will be docked at the port for visitors at the French Fry Festival to tour, and the marine center will have a booth set up outside.
So head to 250 8th Ave. SE to munch the beloved bits of deep-fried potato on March 17.
Admission is free and open to all ages, but alcohol will be available for purchase. Local band Glass Half Full will also be playing.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.socceramerica.com/article/72660/mls-expansion-who-stands-where-in-stadium-race.html
MLS Expansion: Who stands where in stadium race
by Paul Kennedy, March 15th, 2017 3:56AM
The 12 cities seeking MLS's four expansion spots all have a record of soccer support and all are backed by heavy hitters.
What will separate them is their success in finalizing a stadium deal in the next six months. A tall order, considering the many moving parts. Several bidders face voter referendums on aspects of their stadium projections, beginning with St. Louis on April 4.
Here's a look at where the 12 expansion bidders stand in terms of their stadium plans and what public support, if any, they are seeking.
(Reminder: Two cities will be picked before the end of 2017 and will begin play in MLS by the 2020 season. The other two will be picked at an undetermined time after that.)
Tampa/St. Petersburg. The Rowdies' Bill Edwards plans to spend $80 million to expand Al Lang Stadium, their bay-front home in the NASL and now USL, from 7,200 seats to 18,000.
PUBLIC ROLE. St. Petersburg residents must approve an ordinance giving the St. Petersburg city council the authority to negotiate a use agreement for the Rowdies for city-owned Al Lang Stadium on a long-term basis. (The ordinance would require Rowdies to pay for all work on Al Lang Stadium.)
KEY DATE. A May 2 referendum (paid for by the Rowdies) is in the works.
If the St. Pete referendum goes through to approval the Al Lang expansion is perfect for MLS. Downtown St. Pete is growing rapidly with a built in fan base as well as the growing millennial demo. The issue with Orlando City proximity is no issue...look at the two NYC franchises as well as their proximity to Philadelphia. St. Pete works on all levels.
San Diego's proposed stadium is close to LAG's home stadium. Sacramento Republic's proposed stadium is close to SJ Earthquake's home stadium. No one seems to mind or object to those new teams joining MLS due to geographical proximity. FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew are also close. http://supportyourlocalfootballclub.blogspot.com/2017/02/is-st-pete-too-close-to-orlando-to-let.html
I can vouch for downtown St. Pete's growth, Millennial demographics and generally hipsterism based on recent visits to St. Pete. They even have artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches! Central Melt FTW! It's like Cascadia only with much more sunlight. http://supportyourlocalfootballclub.blogspot.com/2016/11/updated-letter-writing-campaign-so-far.html
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http://www.the42.ie/david-beckham-miami-mls-franchise-3288029-Mar2017/
David Beckham's dream ownership of MLS franchise met with fierce opposition in Miami
The former Manchester United midfielder is finding his value is not what it once was.
IT’S THREE YEARS now since David Beckham made a high-profile public declaration of his intent to bring a Major League Soccer side to Miami.
As part of his MLS contract in 2007, there was an option which allowed him buy into a franchise for $25 million. And in 2014, he exercised that option.
But the dream is dying and the entire proposal has been met with vociferous criticism. At a time when MLS expansion has never been greater, it seems that not every one can be charmed by Beckham and his PR posse.
For a while it seemed like the Miami franchise could be up and running by 2018. But that proved far too optimistic a timeframe. No-one – not MLS and certainly not Beckham – want to raise a white flag just yet so there remains plenty of chatter about it.
The league remains committed to getting the deal done. A Beckham-owned team would be a massive coup while the Miami market is a potentially lucrative one. The city has been without a football club since the Fusion collapsed in 2001 and it seems strange that such a vibrant place with such a strong Latin culture is still without a MLS franchise. But everything rests on Beckham’s plans.
Next year, another Los Angeles-based club – LAFC – will debut in the league, bringing the overall number of teams to 23.
There is still hope that Beckham’s will be number 24.
But the city’s decision-makers remain unconvinced. Three various stadium locations were pitched, challenged and successfully vetoed and the latest idea – to build the 25,000 stadium in Overtown, northwest of the downtown core – is also mired in complications.
Beckham’s team purchased six acres of privately-owned land for $19 million. But, they require three more. However, that other land is owned by the county and that means some intense lobbying and deal-making needs to happen. And earlier this week, some key political personnel weren’t exactly overjoyed at the prospect, despite the mayor admitting to being open to negotiation.
One local commissioner, Xavier Suarez, discussed the delays with advancing the conversation and how the land may be used for something more beneficial to affected members of the community.
“How long are we going to negotiate for the use of that [county-owned land] before we decide that maybe that ought to be made available for some affordable housing?”, he said.
Are we going to wait for these folks forever before we use that property for something more?”
And there was another dissenting voice too - Commissioner Audrey Edmonson – who was irritated by the lack of updates from Beckham’s camp.
“Are they bringing a stadium there? I haven’t heard anything”, she said.
Edmonson is Overtown’s county commissioner so getting her on side is key. And while she has admitted that extra jobs for the vicinity would be a good thing, she’ll listen to constituents for guidance on the matter.
Beckham remains frustrated by the delays. His expertly-manicured, boy-next-door public persona took a hit last month when emails between him and his publicist were leaked. And, what they showed more than anything else is that he is used to getting what he wants and is apoplectic when that doesn’t happen.
The business world is cut-throat and ruthless. But it goes against the public-facing personality Beckham has painfully attempted to cultivate for the last 20 years. In interviews, at press-conferences, he is calm, measured, polite and generous. He will shake everyone’s hand, pose for countless pictures. At the official Miami announcement in 2014, Beckham was inundated with media interviews and instead of speaking with business outlets and pressing the flesh with key stakeholders and lobbyists, he was on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show discussing his Valentine’s Day plans.
He remains consumed by Brand Beckham and the importance of how he looks to other people. He can put his name to aftershave and H&M y-fronts but none it’s completely different when dealing with counsellors and commissioners in Miami-Dade county. They aren’t placated with a selfie. They, quite rightly, have no idea who Simon Fuller is. More importantly, they don’t care.
Beckham is now a retired athlete. The showbiz accompanied his arrival to LA ten years ago, though his relevance was already on the wane. But he’s now David Beckham, former footballer. He is slowly trying to push an MLS franchise he was gifted for a massively cut-price rate. Consider that investment groups are now lining up with $150 million to get their hands on a team. So, Beckham’s value is not what it once was.
Doors are not opening as easily as before. And he’s finding that out the hard way.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/own-goal-costs-whitecaps-in-2-0-concacaf-loss-to-mexico-s-tigres-uanl-1.3325440
Own goal costs Whitecaps in 2-0 CONCACAF loss to Mexico's Tigres UANL
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https://abc7ny.com/sports/andrea-pirlo-major-league-soccer-must-change-to-compete-with-china/1799681/
Andrea Pirlo: Major League Soccer must change to compete with China
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http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/transfer-talk/news/bastian-schweinsteiger-agrees-mls-switch_293833.html
Bastian Schweinsteiger agrees Major League Soccer switch?
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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2017/03/andrea-pirlo-china-the-wrong-example-to-push-mls-transfers-china-major-league-soccer.html
China is the wrong example to push MLS in the transfer market
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Mar 15, 2017) US Soccer Players - Andrea Pirlo is many things. Fashion icon. Wine connoisseur. New Yorker. Soccer legend. What he is not is an expert on the business of Major League Soccer, or how the way MLS operates affects its ability to compete in the larger soccer world. It’s important to keep that in mind when parsing Pirlo’s recent comments to Gazzetta dello Sport in his native Italy.
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http://www.10news.com/sports/push-to-bring-major-league-soccer-team-soccercity-project-to-san-diego-begins-031517
Push to bring Major League Soccer team, 'SoccerCity' project to San Diego begins
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/15/kick-fc-dallas-meet-pachuca-tonight-vancouver-hole-vs-tigres
Kick Off: FC Dallas meet Pachuca tonight | Vancouver in a hole vs. Tigres
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http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2017/03/15/fc-cincinnati-coach-koch-this-is-a-major-league.html
FC Cincinnati coach Koch: ‘This is a Major League Soccer city’
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http://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/mls-overreacting-to-hilarious-l-a-galaxy-video-and-twitter-feud-with-timbers/
MLS overreacting to hilarious L.A. Galaxy video and Twitter feud with Timbers
Nothing is wrong with some Twitter banter, but MLS thinks differently
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/03/15/mix-diskerud-did-deal-frustrations-took-zen/
Mix Diskerud: How did I deal with my frustrations? It took some Zen
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http://www.legalsportsreport.com/13376/mls-sports-betting/
Major League Soccer Commish On Sports Betting: ‘Bring It Out Of The Dark Ages’
Dustin Gouker, March 15, 2017 10:58 PDT
The number of North American professional sports leagues that believe legal sports betting would be good for the US — or at least aren’t adamantly opposed to it — continues to grow. The latest: Major League Soccer.
What the MLS commish said on sports betting
MLS Commissioner Don Garber spoke at SXSW in Austin, Texas, over the weekend. That event also featured a panel just about the future of US sports betting. But Garber was asked about sports betting in a wide-ranging one-on-one chat. More from GeekWire:
“We have a project going on now to really dig in deeply and understand it. I’ll be the third commissioner (along with NBA’s Adam Silver and MLB’s Rob Manfred) in and say I’m very open to understanding how we can get more engaged in this market in a way that I think if done properly, can be regulated and managed and controlled.
I’ll join the chorus of saying it’s time to bring it out of the dark ages. We’re doing what we can to figure out how to manage that effectively.”
MLS and sports betting
MLS, of course, is a smaller league in terms of importance, behind the big four of the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and NHL. And betting on MLS pales in comparison to the sports those leagues represent. Still, any pro sports league with a US presence advocating for regulation is an interesting development.
Betting on soccer is prevalent in Europe and is the most popular game to wager on. However, betting action on MLS overseas is much smaller than many of the major pro soccer leagues, like the English Premier League and LaLiga. MLS partnered with Sportradar to monitor game integrity as it relates to sports betting a couple of years ago.
MLS also has a deal with daily fantasy sports site DraftKings dating back to 2015.
MLS joins the party
The NBA is definitely for the legalization and regulation of sports betting — Silver has made that clear in the past.
It’s not clear anyone is quite that far along. Garber seems to be throwing Manfred in the same basket as Silver. And while Manfred has certainly been saying some good things about sports betting, it’s a little more tepid.
Still, Manfred did a series of interviews at the start of MLB’s spring training, and he answered questions about sports betting several times. Most famously, last month Manfred said his league is “reexamining” its stance on sports wagering. The mere fact that Manfred agreed to talk about the issue more than once is meaningful.
Also, both those leagues remain plaintiffs in the ongoing NJ sports betting case.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan also said this year that the pro golf organization has an “open mind” on sports betting.
The NFL, meanwhile, has remained publicly opposed to sports betting.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://ohlonemonitor.com/opinions/2017/03/15/dear-mls-quantity-does-not-mean-quality/
Dear MLS: Quantity does not Mean Quality
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http://news.co.cr/costa-rica-important-source-soccer-players-mls/57967/
Costa Rica is an important source of talent for the MLS
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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/zlatan-ibrahimovic-rumor-la-galaxy-mls-analysis-not-worth-money
Is an aging Zlatan Ibrahimovic really worth the money for the LA Galaxy?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://mlsgb.com/2017/03/16/schweinsteiger-mls-chicago-fire-man-united/
Second Manchester United star closing in on Summer MLS move
Bastian Schweinsteiger could follow Ibrahimovic to MLS this summer with Chicago Fire interested
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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2017/03/the-best-version-of-mls-vs-liga-mx.html
The best version of MLS vs Liga MX
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http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15155331.Steven_Defour_returns_to_action_as_Burnley_beat_NASL_side_Edmonton_in_a_friendly/
Steven Defour returns to action as Burnley beat NASL side Edmonton in a friendly
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http://www.vcstar.com/story/sports/2017/03/15/soccer-guerreros-fall-short-npsl-opener/99231026/
Soccer: Guerreros fall short in NPSL opener
Oxnard Guerreros FC made its competitive debut in San Diego on Saturday.
The National Premier Soccer League expansion team fell 4-1 to defending Southwest Conference champion Albion SC Pros at Mission Bay High in San Diego.
Fittingly, an Oxnard product, attacker Raul Yepez scored the first competitive goal in club history.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2017/03/15/mls-this-week-a-look-at-the-youth-movement-battle-of-2-0s/99234636/
Major League Soccer experiencing a youth movement
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https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2017/03/15/Media/MLS.aspx
MLS' Don Garber Discusses New Streaming Deal With Facebook For Univision Games
Published March 15, 2017
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the deal with Facebook to live stream at least 22 regular-season games through a pact with the league and Univision “came about proactively.” Garber, appearing on an SI podcast from SXSW, said, “Like all leagues we did the Silicon Valley...
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http://futebolcidade.com/tigres-liga-mx-whitecaps-mls-lesson/
Tigres and Liga MX Teach Whitecaps and Major League Soccer a Major Lesson
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http://pulse.ng/sports/football/concacaf-champions-league-tigres-pounce-as-vancouver-sunk-id6371175.html
CONCACAF Champions League
Tigres pounce as Vancouver sunk
The winners of the CONCACAF Champions League qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup staged in Tokyo each year.
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https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2017/03/15/get-hyped-2017-la-galaxy-ii-season-usls-raise-your-game-campaign
Get hyped for the 2017 LA Galaxy II season with USL's 'Raise Your Game' campaign
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http://www.tampabay.com/news/morning-watch-search-for-missing-boaters-continues-public-meetings-on-key/2316650
Morning watch: Search for missing boaters continues; public meetings on key Pinellas issues; Northeast digging out after blizzard; Rays seek to lock up Kiermaier
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 8:56am
MEETINGS TONIGHT ON INITIATIVES ACROSS PINELLAS COUNTY
Voters will be able to offer their input during three separate public meetings tonight: On the Tampa Bay Rowdies' plans for a new stadium; the first public Penny for Pinellas renewal meeting; and a St. Petersburg City Council discussion on sewage issues and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://torontoobserver.ca/2017/03/15/rowdies-damion-lowe-walking-in-fathers-footsteps/
Rowdies’ Damion Lowe walking in father’s footsteps
Young Jamaican follows international tradition of his family
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http://saintpetersblog.com/tampa-bay-rowdies-finalize-2017-opening-day-roster/
Tampa Bay Rowdies finalize 2017 Opening Day roster
The Tampa Bay Rowdies round out their roster by signing three more players ahead of next weekend’s season opener, pending league and federation approval.
Forward Martin Paterson, goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald and defender Kyle Porter have all earned contracts after lengthy trials with the Rowdies. The trio arrived in February to train with Tampa Bay and play in preseason matches.
Paterson, 29, has appeared in four matches as a trialist and scored the Rowdies’ game-winning goal against the University of Tampa March 4. Paterson is a Northern Ireland international that brings Premier League experience to the Rowdies, having played for clubs including Stoke City and Burnley, among others.
Fitzgerald, also 29, arrives in Tampa Bay after spending the previous six seasons with the Carolina RailHawks, now known as North Carolina FC. He appeared in four matches as a trialist, including keeping a clean sheet against the University of Tampa Spartans March 4. In his 229 minutes of preseason action, Fitzgerald just conceded just two goals from open play, one each against the Philadelphia Union and Jacksonville Armada.
Porter, 27, appeared in four matches as a right back for the Rowdies this preseason. His playing career includes stints with FC Edmonton, the Atlanta Silverbacks and Ottawa Fury FC after turning pro with Energie Cottbus in the German 4th division as an 18-year old. Born in Toronto, Porter has earned seven caps with the Canadian National Team.
“These three players have been training with us for a several weeks now,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “They’ve fit in quickly with our group and played well in our preseason matches. With Martin, Akira and Kyle all signing, we’re happy with our roster as we head into next weekend’s USL season opener.”
The Rowdies head to Miami this weekend to take on Miami FC in their final preseason tuneup before opening the USL season at Al Lang Stadium Saturday, March 25, against Orlando City B.
For tickets, call (727) 222-2000 or click here.
Tampa Bay Rowdies 2017 roster
Goalkeepers (3): Nico Campbell, Akira Fitzgerald, Matt Pickens
Defenders (7): Luke Boden, Neill Collins, Darnell King, Damion Lowe, Tamika Mkandawire, Kyle Porter, Zac Portillos
Midfielders (9): Justin Chavez, Joe Cole, Leo Fernandes, Darwin Jones, Alex Morrell, Michael Nanchoff, Keith Savage, Marcel Schäfer, Martin Vingaard
Forwards (3): Deshorn Brown, Georgi Hristov, Martin Paterson
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/19/video/3081668/max-and-herc-the-guys-grill-don-garber
Max & Herc: The guys grill Don Garber
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