Jones: Not sure the MLS odds are in the Rowdies' favor (tampabay.com)

Lots of misinformation and FUD out there right now about the Tampa Bay Rowdies bid for an MLS expansion spot. Really wish Bill Edwards would make a major announcement about his additional MLS investors soon. 

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/6rlh64/jones_not_sure_the_mls_odds_are_in_the_rowdies/

Jones: Not sure the MLS odds are in the Rowdies' favor (tampabay.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/jones-not-sure-the-mls-odds-are-in-the-rowdies-favor/2332596

Jones: Not sure the MLS odds are in the Rowdies' favor

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tbo.com/sports/soccer/jones-not-sure-the-mls-odds-are-in-the-rowdies-favor/2332596

Jones: Not sure the MLS odds are in the Rowdies' favor

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-spt-united-soccer-league-schedule-20170804-story.html

United Soccer League expanding schedule in 2018

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.eightysixforever.com/2017/8/4/16095586/var-is-coming-heres-what-to-expect

VAR is coming! Here’s what to expect:

The dawn of a new technological era is upon us. But will it be a positive or negative?

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elmhurst/sports/ct-elh-nick-groenewold-soccer-hobart-zebras-tl-0803-20170802-story.html

Timothy Christian grad Nick Groenewold playing pro soccer in Tasmania

As a high school soccer player at Timothy Christian in Elmhurst, Nick Groenewold never thought he'd have the opportunity to play the sport professionally.

Now less than two years removed from his senior college season, Groenewold finds himself halfway around the world, in the midst of his first professional season and receiving interest from larger clubs.

Groenewold, who called himself a "very average soccer player" before high school, didn't play club soccer until his sophomore year. He hoped to play Division I in college but fractured a vertebrae the summer before his senior year, causing him to miss half the season and hurting his chances of being recruited. He chose to attend Division III Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., a top Division III program.

At Calvin, Groenewold, a center back, became one of the program's top players. As a senior in 2015, he helped the Knights to a 24-1-1 record. Their lone loss came in the national semifinals. He was the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association's MVP and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division III First Team All-American, helping Calvin's defense record 20 shutouts while giving up just six goals.

After the season, he tried out for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the United Soccer League but was not offered a contract. A former Calvin teammate had played for the Hobart Zebras in Tasmania, Australia. The club watched Groenewold's film and spoke with him several times, then offered him a contract for this season.

The team is happy it took a chance on Groenewold.

"He is a leader and probably the player of the league according to all the press," club president Nick Di Giovanni said via email. "(He) has dominated this year and (is) the reason our club has conceded the least amount of goals for the league. Nick is a great leader who trains hard, plays hard and certainly puts in 100 percent for whichever club he is representing."

The Hobart Zebras season wraps up at the end of the summer, and Groenewold is currently preparing for the next leg of his professional career. He has trials for teams in mainland Australia in the coming weeks, and he's hoping to receive a contract offer from one of them. If he doesn't, he is considering returning to the states to play for a USL team, or possibly playing somewhere in Scandinavia.

"Because I'm only just in my first season there are a lot of unknowns, but I need to just control what I can control, which is my work ethic and attitude," Groenewold said by email. "If I control those two things I think the pieces should hopefully fall into place."

Soccer has led Groenewold from his hometown of Oak Brook to Michigan to Tasmania. Groenewold isn't sure where soccer will take him next, but he said he's excited to see what's in his future.

"The journey that soccer has taken me on has overall been absolutely incredible," Groenewold wrote. "Looking back and seeing not only the progress I've made as a soccer player, but all the different places I've played, the coaches I've played under, and the players I've played with have been incredible. Just like anything in life, there have been some very, very great times and there have been some pretty horrible times, but looking back I wouldn't change a thing."

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.sounderatheart.com/2017/8/4/16093082/s2-will-play-a-34-match-regular-season-in-2018

S2 will play a 34 match regular season in 2018

In addition to the two extra matches the season will take place over four more weeks.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/soccer/come-2018-usl-will-keep-growing-without-reviving-aztex/UVYIOMmYMnMXcCMYf0QdVJ/

Come 2018, USL will keep growing without reviving Aztex

Posted: 4:57 p.m. Friday, August 04, 2017

The United Soccer League announced plans Thursday for an expanded 2018 season that will feature two new teams, but for the third year in a row, an Austin franchise won’t take the pitch.

The Austin Aztex made their USL debut in 2015, playing at high school football stadiums and suffering substantial financial losses. Team owners told the American-Statesman the Aztex would not return to competition until they had a soccer-specific stadium that would allow them to control the franchise’s revenue streams.

USL officials said that in 2018 Nashville and Fresno will become the 31st and 32nd teams in the rapidly growing league. Since the Aztex suspended operations, the U.S. Soccer Federation has elevated the USL from Division III to Division II status, making it the top feeder league for Major League Soccer.

The USL’s 2018 season will stretch from 29 to 31 weeks, running from mid-March to mid-October. The schedule has expanded from 32 to 34 games, and the 2018 USL Cup playoffs will kick off Oct. 19, with the USL Cup final taking place the weekend of Nov. 9-11.

The league said it will keep its two-conference structure, with a revised alignment to be announced at a future date.

There are two active USL teams in Texas: San Antonio FC and Rio Grande Valley.

Kris Tyrpak, a former Aztex winger and a two-time All-Central Texas player of the year while at Dripping Springs, has four goals this season for San Antonio, tying him for second on the team. A little more than halfway through the 2017 season, San Antonio FC (11-1-7) sits in second in the USL’s Western Conference.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/mls-gaining-respectability-soccer-league-on-a-good-path-080417

MLS gaining respectability, soccer league ‘on a good path’

(Follow link for full article.)

https://sports.yahoo.com/mls-chief-expects-beckham-win-approval-miami-club-124809258--sow.html

MLS chief expects Beckham to win approval for Miami club

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sportspromedia.com/insight/americas-bulletin-las-sweet-olympics-deal-mls-comes-of-age-again-wme-img-ge

Americas Bulletin: LA’s sweet Olympics deal; MLS comes of age - again; WME | IMG gets busy and more

SportsPro's weekly Americas Bulletin, bringing you the latest news and talking points from the business of sport in the Americas.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2017/08/04/us-club-owners-go-cas-demanding-end-closed-mls-league-system/

US club owners go to CAS demanding end to closed MLS league system

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.journal-news.com/sports/cincinnati-open-cup-semifinals-things-know/GI8g4S8aXSgFSicDaWVV4K/

FC Cincinnati in U.S. Open Cup semifinals: 5 things to know

(Follow link for full article.)

https://worldsoccertalk.com/2017/08/03/5-things-learned-2017-mls-star-game-real-madrid/

5 things we learned from 2017 MLS All-Star Game against Real Madrid

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.brotherlygame.com/2017/8/4/16087858/major-league-soccer-reveals-new-var-protocol

Major League Soccer reveals new VAR protocol

Right before the Homegrown game kicked off, media was given a sneak peak at the new VAR system.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/entertainment/article165389007.html

MLS gaining respectability, soccer league 'on a good path'

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2017/08/04/cbj-morning-buzz-whats-next-for-mls-get-ready-for.html

CBJ Morning Buzz: What's next for MLS; get ready for Panthers Fan Fest

That's, uh, relegation, not delegation.....

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2017/aug/04/rangers-interested-in-promotion-delegat/

Rangers interested in promotion/delegation

Arkansas Online

A team that competes in the National Premier Soccer League filed a claim Thursday ... in exchange for three teams at the top of that league's standings. ... The MLS signed a $750 million deal with ESPN, FOX and Univsion for the ...

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2017/08/04/var-is-here-rsl-mls-set-for-first-game-with-new-replay-technology/

VAR is here: RSL, MLS set for first game with new replay technology

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2017/08/03/sounders-fc-enters-agreement-wme-img-search-future-naming-rights-partner

Sounders FC enters agreement with WME | IMG in search for future naming rights partner

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3171955/chicago-fire-look-to-fan-flames-of-enthusiasm-nycfc-new-york-red-bulls-to-clash

Fire look to fan flames of enthusiasm; Big Apple rivalry ready to heat up

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-fire/fire-gm-nelson-rodriguez-rings-nasdaq-closing-bell

Fire GM Nelson Rodriguez rings NASDAQ closing bell

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/08/05/mls-introduce-video-review-weekend

MLS to introduce video review this weekend

Major League Soccer will join the A-League this weekend as one of few competitions to incorporate the contentious video review system.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170804/news/635621/mls-detroit-among-4-cities-to-make-progress-on-expansion-team-efforts

MLS: Detroit among 4 cities to make progress on expansion team efforts

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/rolls+video+review+this+weekend/14027677/story.html

Major League Soccer rolls out video review this weekend -- on certain plays

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/earnie-stewart-philadelphia-union-groundskeeper-talen-energy-field-20170804.html

For Union groundskeeper, field is reflection of passion

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2017/08/04/on-the-current-usl-league-meetings/

On the current USL league meetings

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/how-does-var-work-a-comprehensive-guide-to-video-review-in/4w4m0twmpg3j11tmx1waaehdz

How does VAR work? A guide to video review in MLS

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/08/04/extratime-radio-mls-all-star-week-redux-roger-bennett-men-blazers

ExtraTime Radio: MLS All-Star week redux + Roger Bennett (Men In Blazers)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://news.wabe.org/post/atlanta-united-other-teams-put-soccer-league-good-path

Atlanta United, Other Teams Put Soccer League ‘On A Good Path'

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/soccer/north-carolina-fc-courage/article165547632.html

Are Charlotte’s MLS hopes hurt? If so, good, Raleigh soccer fans say

(Follow link for full article.)

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/mls-gaining-respectability-soccer-league-good-path-49028610

MLS gaining respectability, soccer league 'on a good path'

(Follow link for full article.)

https://ussoccerplayers.com/2017/08/notes-from-the-2017-mls-all-star-game.html

Notes from the 2017 MLS All-Star Game

Expansion drama ahead... perhaps

Amid all the ASG’s corollary events, the most meaningful is the MLS Board of Governors meeting. That took place all day Wednesday. One prominent item on the agenda was the fate of David Beckham’s Miami expansion project.

“Miami Beckham United” has dragged on for years thanks to an interminable search for a stadium site and, frankly, some questionable decisions by Beckham and his partners. Progress came through acquiring a stadium site. Beckham made an apparently well-received personal presentation to the Board of Governors in Chicago, including the introduction of his newest partner, wealthy Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly.

Garber turned a few heads afterwards by admitting that he’d harbored worries about Beckham & Company gaining approval to continue the process. Reports suggest that some incumbent owners are none too pleased with Beckham keeping hold of his long-held right to a cut-price expansion fee of $25 million. That's no surprise given that the going rate has recently risen well past the $100 million mark.

As it stands, the Miami group has clearance to continue. They could be official as a future MLS team by the end of this year. Wednesday’s approval was not unequivocal. The matter is in the hands of a committee that will report back in the coming months.

“We're not announcing MLS Miami today, but I am confident we'll be able to do that, perhaps by the end of the summer,” Garber said. “We're at the finish line. Now we're one foot closer to it, but not quite over it. But we're getting really, really, really close.”

Close is nice, but it’s hardly a done deal. With the fraternity of MLS owners now larger, more diverse and more unruly, Beckham’s bid for entry might well face further challenges ahead.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/major-league-soccer-implements-video-replay-49021527

It's here: Major League Soccer implements video replay

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2017/08/04/sigi-schmid-praises-mls-implementation-video-review-get-important-calls-right

Sigi Schmid praises MLS' implementation of Video Review: "To get the important calls right is worthwhile" | INSIDER

(Follow link for full article.)

http://americansoccernow.com/articles/mls-grabs-attention-by-introducing-video-replay

MLS Grabs Attention by Introducing Video Replay

The Major League Soccer season can drag this time of year, and with so many teams making the playoffs it's hard to inject meaning at this stage of the season. Solution: experiment with video replay!

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tbo.com/news/localgovernment/money-for-pier-enhancements-on-st-pete-city-council-agenda-today/2332456

St. Pete sends Pinellas request to add millions to pier project

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2017/08/04/usl-expands-season-31-weeks-makes-room-nashville-fresno-las-vegas/

USL expands season to 31 weeks as it makes room for Nashville, Fresno and Las Vegas

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.pennlive.com/cityislanders/index.ssf/2017/08/islanders_visit_tampa_bay.html

MATCH PREVIEW: Islanders prepare for first meeting with the Tampa Bay Rowdies

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/820050

Fans' Choice Save of the Month - July

Your chance to choose the best stop from July in the USL season

Alex Tambakis (CHS) - #TBRvCHS, 7/22/17 – Tambakis’ reflexes were put to the test by the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Joe Cole, but the young goalkeeper came through with a big stop at Al Lang Stadium.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.india.com/news/agencies/miami-closer-to-football-franchise-after-mls-vote-2377240/

Miami closer to football franchise after MLS vote

Chicago, Aug 4 (IANS) The top football league for the United States and Canada is now closer to awarding an expansion franchise to Miami Beckham United, an investment group headed by former Manchester

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.mlive.com/sports/detroit/2017/08/a_guide_for_detroit_city_fcs_n.html

A guide for Detroit City FC's NPSL semifinal soccer match on Saturday

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/08/04/detroit-city-fc-npsl-playoffs/540675001/

Training, recovery program a key to Detroit City FC's success

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2017/08/03/david-beckham-moving-closer-to-his-expansion-mls-team-for-miami/

David Beckham moving closer to his expansion MLS team for Miami

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2017/08/03/mls-one-step-closer-awarding-expansion-miami-david-beckham/535127001/

MLS is one step closer to awarding expansion to Miami, David Beckham

(Follow link for full article.)

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/08/03/david-beckham-closer-to-having-mls-expansion-team-in-miami/

David Beckham Closer To Having MLS Expansion Team In Miami

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2017/08/03/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/MLS.aspx

Beckham Miami MLS Bid Wins Permission For Formal Talks; Garber Praises A Few Cities

(Follow link for full article.)

http://remezcla.com/sports/mls-beckham-miami-united/

David Beckham’s Miami Soccer Club Should Begin Play in 2020, According to MLS Commissioner

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.patriotledger.com/sports/20170803/sports-briefs-classes-for-football-officials-at-whitman-hanson

SPORTS BRIEFS: Classes for football officials at Whitman-Hanson

David Beckham gets good news

MIAMI – Major League Soccer says it will move forward in the coming weeks to finalize David Beckham’s plan to bring an expansion franchise to Miami in time for the 2020 season. Beckham met with MLS owners in Chicago on Wednesday. It’s another significant step for the Beckham group, which struck a deal with Miami-Dade County in June to pay $9 million for the final plot of land needed for its planned stadium site.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/dave-hyde-blog/fl-sp-hyde5-brady-at-40-story.html

Hyde5: Brady at 40 - and why he's not on Jason Taylor's toughest-to-sack list

3. Is it David Beckham’s franchise anymore? MLS soccer seems to be coming to Miami, but Todd Boehly is reportedly the lead investor for the group that MLS commissioner Don Garber said Tuesday is on track to get approved. Boehly is an owner with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Beckham seems to be taking the Derek Jeter route: Get the money together. We’ll see if he wants to run the team like Jeter, though.

4. Looks like South Florida saw the last of Neymar in a Barcelona uniform.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.espnfc.com/miami-fc/story/3171424/miami-fc-taking-promotion-relegation-fight-to-court-of-arbitration-for-sport

Miami FC taking promotion-relegation fight to Court of Arbitration for Sport

(Follow link for full article.)

http://clicklancashire.com/2017/08/03/mls-owners-to-vote-on-david-beckham-39-s-miami-franchise.html

MLS Owners To Vote On David Beckham's Miami Franchise

(Follow link for full article.)

https://soundcloud.com/wlrn/820am-david-beckhams-group-took-one-step-closer-to-finally-getting-that-mls-team-in-miami

8:20am: David Beckham's group took one step closer to finally getting that MLS team in Miami

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ailene-voisin/article165372867.html

Sacramento a sure bet to get Major League Soccer team? How city broke from the pack.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://ghanasoccernet.com/trending-neymar-move-sparks-fee-debate

Trending: Neymar move sparks fee debate

MLS: Real Madrid needed a penalty shootout to beat Major League Soccer's All-Star team after goals from Dom Dwyer and Borja Mayoral saw the teams end 1-1 after 90 minutes at Chicago's Soldier Field.

- The MLS Board of Governors voted on Wednesday to authorize commissioner Don Garber, and a committee of owners and league executives, to "finalize the details" and later "officially close" on granting David Beckham's investment group, Miami Beckham United, an MLS expansion franchise.

- The Seattle Sounders have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Victor Rodriguez, the club has announced.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2441235&CategoryId=13002

Miami Closer to Having Expansion Soccer Team after MLS Vote

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tbo.com/ap/sports/here-is-the-latest-florida-sports-news-from-the-associated-press-ap_sportsd6805a41a2b548e5761f5ab4fe808227

Here is the latest Florida sports news from The Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) — Major League Soccer says it is closing in on awarding David Beckham his long-awaited Miami expansion franchise, which hopes to play in 2020. It's a huge step forward in Beckham's four-year quest to bring a team to Miami, and there's still a legal challenge to clear before the plan can truly become reality.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.firstpost.com/sports/mls-commissioner-don-garber-expects-david-beckham-to-win-the-bid-for-miami-franchise-3890255.html

MLS commissioner Don Garber expects David Beckham to win the bid for Miami franchise

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sportspromedia.com/insight/americas-bulletin-las-sweet-olympics-deal-mls-comes-of-age-again-wme-img-ge

Americas Bulletin: LA’s sweet Olympics deal; MLS comes of age - again; WME | IMG gets busy and more

SportsPro's weekly Americas Bulletin, bringing you the latest news and talking points from the business of sport in the Americas.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://m.startribune.com/mls-gaining-respectability-soccer-league-on-a-good-path/438492863/?section=sports

MLS gaining respectability, soccer league 'on a good path'

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/5-top-footballers-who-own-football-clubs

5 top footballers who own football clubs

A new trend is emerging with high-profile players taking up ownership of football clubs.

#1 David Beckham - Miami MLS

David Beckham's move to the United States in 2007 attracted a lot of eyeballs as many regarded the main motive to be money.

A lesser-known fact about the deal is that the popular Englishman was given a chance to buy a team outside New York for $25 million. Beckham duly exercised the option in 2014.

Thus, Miami MLS team came to be founded and is all set to be a part of the latest expansion of Major League Soccer. After a few hiccups, Beckham's investment group, consisting of top businessmen, is very close to starting the team in the next two years.

The new team is yet to get a name and the stadium is yet to be built. However, just like the way he kick-started the trend of top players moving across the Atlantic, Beckham is one of the first players to begin the new trend of high-profile players buying football clubs.

#2 Didier Drogba - Phoenix Rising

In football, player-manager is a term known to many. This role is still performed by players in lower leagues across the world. However, Didier Drogba probably is the first to become a player-owner when he signed for Phoenix Rising this year.

One of the greatest Chelsea and African player of all time, Drogba explained his decision to become a player owner as “To own a team and be a player at the same time is unusual but it’s going to be very exciting. It’s a good transition because I want to carry on playing but I’m almost 40 and it’s important for me to prepare for my later career.”

The team plays in the United Soccer League, the country's second division. Drogba along with Phoenix’s MLS expansion franchise ownership group is aiming at getting the team into the top division in one of the upcoming expansion plans.

Thus, Drogba not only co-owns a football club but also made history by becoming arguably the first-ever player owner in football history.

#4 Paolo Maldini - Miami FC

While everyone was expecting Beckham to bring football to Miami, AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini sneaked ahead to own a team in Miami. He tied up with TV rights businessman Riccardo Silva to form Miami FC in the North American Soccer League (NASL), the second division in the United States.

Furthermore, Maldini convinced his long-time team-mate and another footballing legend Alessandro Nesta to become the manager. The result was such that Miami FC won the Spring season of the NASL this year.

The 5-time Champions League winner said, "Miami has been my second home for 15 years, so I look forward to spending more and more time here as co-owner of Miami FC, giving my enthusiastic contribution for its success,” as his reason to choose Miami.

Maldini has already contributed to the development of football in Miami with his reputation and contacts as was seen in Nesta's appointment and acquiring popular kit-maker Macron for Miami FC.

#5 Demba Ba's consortium - San Diego NASL

The most recent one among the list, Demba Ba along with Chelsea's Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye and Moussa Sow are the owners of an NASL expansion club in San Diego. The club is expected to compete in the 2018 season and a team name is yet to be announced.

Former Chelsea and Newcastle forward Demba Ba, who currently plays for Shanghai Shenhua, owns 35% of the club, making him the lead owner. On combining with the stakes controlled by the rest of the players, the consortium is the majority owners of the new team.

Eden Hazard was delighted with the announcement of the ownership deal and said,"We can't wait to get started and win some games." The University of San Diego will serve as their home base till a new stadium is built.

"San Diego is a beautiful place and the love and passion the people have for soccer made this an easy choice for us. My friends and I are honoured to turn this dream into a reality," the Belgian superstar added.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://awfulannouncing.com/ratings/espn-ratings-mls-la-galaxy-seattle-canadian-football-league-atlanta-open-tennis-rise.html

ESPN Ratings: MLS LA Galaxy-Seattle, Canadian Football League and Atlanta Open Tennis All Rise

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2017/08/04/alamodome-out-as-long-term-option-for-mls.html

Alamodome out as long-term option for MLS expansion

But the downtown dome could still play a role in San Antonio landing a second big-league franchise.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-usa-review-idUSKBN1AK27Y

MLS set to introduce video review technology this weekend

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/6rl6az/portland_design_commission_chair_832017/

[Portland Design Commission Chair] 8/3/2017: Commission voted 5-0 in favor Providence Pk Stadium Expansion. +4000 seats. Mjr Encroachment recommended to Council. (twitter.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/portlanddcchair/status/893473646051680256

PORTLAND DC CHAIR‏

@PortlandDCChair

8/3/2017: Commission voted 5-0 in favor Providence Pk Stadium Expansion. +4000 seats. Mjr Encroachment recommended to Council. Allied Works.

7:08 AM - 4 Aug 2017

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/6rp53l/providence_park_expansion_lowered_from_4_levels/

Providence Park Expansion lowered from 4 levels to only 3 (oregonlive.com)

Key part of the article, which has new-er renderings:

During the Design Commission review process, a few key changes were made to the design that the Timbers originally proposed. The design now includes the construction of three new levels, instead of four, and a larger roof on the east side of the Providence Park, as well as the widening of the sidewalk and the covered arcade on SW 18th Ave.

Estimation on the new number of expansion seats?

No impact per Jamie Goldberg.

The fourth floor was group seating

From comparing the old renderings to the new ones it looks like they just added the fourth floor seats into the third floor seats, so there won't be an impact to the aesthetic and number of expanded seats.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2017/08/design_commission_approves_por.html#incart_river_home

Design Commission approves Portland Timbers stadium expansion proposal

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iSjwitt-1c

Zombie Apocalypse Part 2: Which Teammate Would You NOT Want With You?

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Aug 4, 2017

Apparently, no one wants Joe Cole or Zac Portillos with them during a zombie apocalypse...

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2017/08/04/q-a-atlanta-united-president-says-arthur-blank.html

Q&A: Atlanta United president says Arthur Blank built club like startup company (Video)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/accam-highlights-the-importance-of-african-players-in-mls/havl7xv6hzj91rne1k18b9zod

Accam highlights the importance of African players in MLS

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/AlexiLalas/status/893130559676928002

Alexi Lalas

‏Verified account

@AlexiLalas

Alexi Lalas Retweeted Ryan Cahalane

Go spend the billions that @MLS has spent and build a better mousetrap that includes pro/rel. Then let the customer decide.

Alexi Lalas added,

Ryan Cahalane @stlryanc

Replying to @AlexiLalas

How would you implement pro/rel without mandating it?

Mls team finishes last and gets to be like "nah i dont feel like being relegated"

8:24 AM - 3 Aug 2017

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.socceramerica.com/article/74410/pro-rel-to-cas-the-hurdles-proponents-face.html

Pro-Rel to CAS: The hurdles proponents face

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/tampabayrowdies/status/893519021357883396

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account

@TampaBayRowdies

Prost!

#HappyInternationalBeerday

10:08 AM - 4 Aug 2017 

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/820343

Match Preview: Rowdies Host Harrisburg For First Time