Another site for Beckham’s soccer stadium? Miami has a golf course in mind.

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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article203678634.html

Another site for Beckham’s soccer stadium? Miami has a golf course in mind.

Miami’s top administrator this week met with David Beckham partner Jorge Mas about building a Major League Soccer stadium on the city-owned Melreese golf course, floating a 180-acre alternative near Miami International Airport as Mas is raising doubts about long-standing plans to build the stadium on nine acres in Overtown.

Mas and brother José met with Miami City Manager Emilio González on Monday afternoon and discussed how the Melreese park could mesh with the Mas ambitions for a sprawling soccer complex, with room for a youth academy, restaurant and retail and an adjoining “tech village” office complex, González said.

“I suggested that perhaps Melreese could be an interesting place to consider, given what it provides,” González said. “They expressed an interest. We both agreed to continue a dialogue.”

The careful language from the new city manager hints at the delicate path ahead in the coming days as González floats the possibility of renting at least a sizable portion of Miami’s largest park and a public 18-hole golf course to a for-profit soccer stadium and commercial complex. If embraced by city commissioners and championed by Mayor Francis Suarez, Melreese could offer the Beckham group an exit route from the Overtown plan the Mas brothers inherited when they joined the partnership late last year.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/82g3yd/big_storm_brewing_extends_partnership_with_the/

Big Storm Brewing extends partnership with the Tampa Bay Rowdies (rowdiessoccer.com)

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/894150

Big Storm Brewing extends partnership with the Tampa Bay Rowdies

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https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/mag-mbappe-world-exclusive-young-players-special-van-der-vaart-one-one

In the mag: Mbappe world exclusive! Young players special! Van der Vaart One-on-One!

Upfront

In our fun-packed front section, Steph Houghton answers some silly questions, Joe Cole tells us about life with Tampa Bay Rowdies and a possible date with Didier Drogba, and Didi Hamann recalls his greatest goal. Plus, columnist Lothar Matthaus reveals how living room games against his brother helped him become a legend.

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https://www.onceametro.com/2018/3/5/17081828/feuersteins-fire-naslvussf-lawsuit-update-with-rocco-commisso

Feuerstein’s Fire: NASL v USSF Lawsuit Update with Rocco Commisso

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https://www.law360.com/articles/1018725/nasl-antitrust-claims-likely-won-t-cause-us-soccer-reform

NASL Antitrust Claims Likely Won't Cause US Soccer Reform

Law360 (March 5, 2018, 10:29 PM EST) -- The Second Circuit last week dealt what may be a fatal blow to the upstart North American Soccer League, which had once sought to challenge Major League Soccer as the premier league in the U.S., in a ruling that suggests the structural issues in professional soccer may not be solved with antitrust claims.

The Second Circuit last week affirmed a lower court’s refusal to grant NASL a preliminary injunction to force the United States Soccer Federation to renew NASL’s status as a Division II league in the...

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http://cincinnatisoccertalk.com/2018/03/05/nasl-situation-hits-home-for-fc-cincinnati-newcomers

NASL Situation Hits Home for FC Cincinnati Newcomers

The NASL sat at 12 members in 2016, and the Deltas were set to begin play in 2017. But Minnesota United began play as a Major League Soccer expansion side, and the Ottawa Fury and Tampa Bay Rowdies left for the USL. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Rayo OKC folded. This left the NASL with eight teams.

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https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/2265659/richie-ryan-relieved-to-have-his-future-secure-with-american-giants-fc-cincinnati/

CIN CITY Richie Ryan relieved to have his future secure with American giants FC Cincinnati

The former Sligo Rovers star feared for his future after the USL were denied Division 2 status by the US soccer federation last year

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/82kjok/pro_sports_united_soccer_league_visits_fort_myers/

Pro sports: United Soccer League visits Fort Myers for possible D3 expansion team (news-press.com)

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https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/2018/03/06/pro-sports-united-soccer-league-visits-fort-myers-possible-d-3-expansion-team/400443002/

Pro sports: United Soccer League visits Fort Myers for possible D3 expansion team

Officials from the United Soccer League, a nationwide men’s professional league, visited Fort Myers last week as a potential expansion city for a lower-tier division it is launching in 2019.

USL Division III will be a lower division to the USL, which itself is formally classified by the United States Soccer Federation as a Division 2 league beneath Major League Soccer, America’s top league.

USL officials met with potential expansion owners and with staff from Lee County Sports Development. They toured seven existing venues in the county and visited “some vacant land” for possible development options, said Steven Short, vice president of USL Division III.

“We’ve been in discussions with several groups in Fort Myers for months now,” Short said of potential owners, which he declined to name citing confidentiality agreements with a league slated to debut in March 2019.

“We believe that Fort Myers is on a great track to that point."

More: USL's second-division status maintained by U.S. Soccer Federation

More: NASL cancels season after losing injunction bid against USSF

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https://deadspin.com/ohio-sues-mls-and-anthony-precourt-over-the-columbus-cr-1823554455

Ohio Sues MLS And Anthony Precourt Over The Columbus Crew's Potential Move

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https://www.sounderatheart.com/2018/3/6/17080810/concacaf-champions-league-is-the-only-way-mls-can-prove-its-quality

CONCACAF Champions League is the only way MLS can prove its quality

Yes, concurrent tournaments can be confusing, but the biggest trophy on offer right now is the CCL.

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/3408773/north-american-2026-world-cup-bid-makes-leadership-changes

North American 2026 World Cup bid makes leadership changes

The joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico to win the hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup has undergone a leadership shuffle aimed at changing the bid's campaign tactics. ESPN reported last week that the bid could be in jeopardy.

In a letter sent to the other FIFA member associations, the United Bid Committee announced that the three federation presidents -- Steven Reed of Canada Soccer, the Mexico Football Federation's Decio de Maria, and the U.S. Soccer Federation's Carlos Cordeiro -- have been elevated to co-chairs of the United Bid Committee.

Former USSF president Sunil Gulati will no longer hold the title of chairman, though he remains on the United Bid Committee's board of directors.

According to sources with knowledge of the decision, the move was made in response to the recent election of Cordeiro as USSF president, as well as the perception that the bid, while comprised of three countries, was looked upon as a U.S.-led effort. That view had been reinforced by Gulati's position as chairman, as well as the fact that the bid proposal will see the U.S. host 60 of the 80 games.

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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/03/06/columbus-crew-lawsuit-austin-texas-relocation-anthony-precourt-mls

Columbus, Ohio Attorney General Sue Precourt, MLS Over Relocation of Crew

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http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/columbus-crew-owner-mls-review-ohio-suit-move-53550786

Columbus Crew owner, MLS review Ohio suit over possible move

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http://galliahometownherald.com/blog/2018/03/05/ag-dewine-files-lawsuit-to-savethecrew/

AG DeWine Files Lawsuit to #SaveTheCrew

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https://www.10tv.com/article/columbus-crew-owner-mls-review-ohio-suit-over-possible-move

Columbus Crew owner, MLS review Ohio suit over possible move

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http://www.quchronicle.com/2018/03/why-you-should-be-watching-major-league-soccer/

Opinion | Why you should be watching Major League Soccer

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https://www.10tv.com/article/precourt-mls-respond-lawsuit-over-potential-move-crew-sc

Precourt, MLS respond to lawsuit over potential move of Crew SC

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https://www.mystatesman.com/sports/soccer/fox-holden-not-sold-idea-austin-can-miss-mls-market/6FWxLAWbQDmScCThBkdfRN/

Fox’s Holden not sold on idea of Austin as a can’t-miss MLS market

One of the top TV personalities in American soccer needs to be persuaded that Austin is a can’t-miss Major League Soccer market, although his wife’s a believer.

Former U.S. national team standout Stuart Holden will be one of several Fox Sports personalities in town this week for South by Southwest as the network rolls out its Fox Sports House at Hangar Lounge, 318 Colorado St. FOX will televise the World Cup for the first time this summer, when 32 sides will square off in Russia.

As excited as Holden is for the World Cup, he’s also keenly following the MLS2ATX saga involving Columbus Crew SC. Along with his family, many of whom attend the games in Columbus.

“I love Austin in so many ways,” Holden told the American-Statesman recently. “I’ve visited a number of times, and it’s a city I would consider living in. It’s exciting from a business perspective with all the tech start-ups and other things going for it. The University of Texas is big, bold and arrogant.

“But I’m still not sold that Austin has a vibrant soccer culture. It is an unproven market. I’m a skeptic. My wife, however, is convinced it’s a major-league town. Austin had USL, which is second division. My wife knows people here and is convinced Austin has just been waiting on major league and would draw really well for MLS.”

Major League Soccer hasn’t exactly flourished in Texas lately.

FC Dallas finished last in home attendance in 2017, averaging 15,122 fans. The Houston Dynamo ranked 17th at 17,500, but Columbus lagged behind in 20th with an average of 15,439.

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/971047717911891968

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account

@TampaBayRowdies

NEWS: @BigStormBrewing extends partnership with the Tampa Bay Rowdies

Four-packs of @BigStormBrewing's "Kick in the Grass" lager will be available at select Tampa Bay retailers soon!

📰: http://bit.ly/KITGBigStorm

7:39 AM - 6 Mar 2018

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https://twitter.com/BigStormBrewing/status/971082894633553920

Big Storm Brewing Co
‏
@BigStormBrewing

Big Storm Brewing Co Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies

Oh, happy day 😀🍻

Big Storm Brewing Co added,

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Verified account

@TampaBayRowdies

NEWS: @BigStormBrewing extends partnership with the Tampa Bay Rowdies

Four-packs of @BigStormBrewing's "Kick in the Grass" lager will…

9:59 AM - 6 Mar 2018

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https://twitter.com/USFMSOC/status/971139686935777280

USF Men's Soccer
‏
@USFMSOC

Spring soccer action returns to Corbett Stadium this Friday! Come out and support us as we take on the @TampaBayRowdies at 7 p.m.!

🎟 http://bit.ly/USFvsRowdies18

1:45 PM - 6 Mar 2018

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https://twitter.com/USL/status/971143916987846657

USL

‏Verified account

@USL

With the 2018 #USL season gearing up, so is a new voice.

Wednesday marks a new chapter. From the players. For the fans.

Don't miss it.

2:02 PM - 6 Mar 2018

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http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20180306/crew-sc-owner-mls-respond-we-strongly-disagree-with--interpretation-of-modell-law

Crew SC owner, MLS respond, ‘We strongly disagree with ... interpretation of Modell Law’

Precourt Sports Ventures, which owns Crew SC, and Major League Soccer, said in a statement Tuesday night they “strongly disagree” with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the city of Columbus’ use of the so-called Modell Law to try to keep the team from relocating to Austin, Texas.

The statement came in response to DeWine and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announcing Monday they had filed a lawsuit against PSV and MLS in Franklin County.

“Precourt Sports Ventures and Major League Soccer are disappointed that the Ohio Attorney General and the City of Columbus have chosen to commence litigation rather than encouraging public officials in Columbus to engage in constructive discussions about the future of Columbus Crew SC,” the statement read.

The city and state’s complaint, MLS and Precourt Sports Ventures argue, ignores fact and law. The statement cites “significant investments” PSV has made “both on and off the field” in an attempt to make the Crew a viable business operation in Columbus.

“Despite these efforts and the on-field success of the Club, Crew SC has been at or near the bottom in the League with respect to box office results and corporate support,” the statement read. “Marketplace challenges have existed in Columbus for 22 years since the club’s founding in 1996.”

Precourt Sports Ventures announced in October it would explore relocation to Austin “while also continuing to see if Columbus can be a successful MLS market, and in particular, whether there is a path to a new stadium.”

MLS and PSV went on to say they remain willing to engage with public officials and possible private investors to gauge whether a path to viability, which would include a new stadium, exists in Columbus.

“Throughout this process, PSV and MLS have complied, and will continue to comply, with all relevant laws, but we strongly disagree with the AG’s and City’s interpretation of the Modell Law, its applicability to Columbus Crew SC, and the remedies they seek,” the statement read.

The law in question, enacted in 1996 after Art Modell moved the NFL’s Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, prohibits owners of professional sports teams who use tax-supported facilities or receive public assistance from leaving without either receiving government consent or giving six months’ notice and providing locals a chance to purchase the team. It has never been tested.

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https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/toronto-fc-tfc-mls-major-league-soccer-concacaf-champions-league-osorio-vanney-tigres/

Toronto FC in unfamiliar role as underdogs vs. accomplished Tigres

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https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2018/03/06/seattle-sounders-fighting-regional-dominance-legitimacy-against-liga-mx-concacaf

Seattle Sounders fighting for regional dominance, legitimacy against Liga MX in CONCACAF Champions League

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https://www.supersport.com/football/fifa-internationals/news/180307/Concacaf_bid_reshuffles_leadership

Concacaf bid reshuffles leadership

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/2018/03/06/concacaf-2026-world-cup-bid-reshuffles-leadership/

CONCACAF 2026 World Cup bid reshuffles leadership

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/06/2026-world-cup-bid-shuffles-leadership-sunil-gulati-remains-board

2026 World Cup bid shuffles leadership, Sunil Gulati remains on Board

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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/03/06/columbus-crew-lawsuit-austin-texas-relocation-precourt-mls-ohio-modell-law

Can a Lawsuit vs. Anthony Precourt and MLS Save the Crew for Columbus?

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https://sports.yahoo.com/concacaf-champions-league-preview-eyeing-020528604.html

CONCACAF Champions League preview: Eyeing MLS chances

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http://www.fox7austin.com/news/local-news/ohio-attorney-general-sues-to-keep-columbus-crew-soccer-from-moving-to-austin

Ohio Attorney General sues to keep 'Columbus Crew' soccer from moving to Austin

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http://www.wlwt.com/article/fc-cincinnati-wants-stadium-site-selected-by-months-end/19141508

FC Cincinnati wants stadium site selected by month's end

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http://www.timescolonist.com/tfc-hopes-exhibition-games-in-mexico-pay-off-against-tigres-in-ccl-quarterfinal-1.23193361

TFC hopes exhibition games in Mexico pay off against Tigres in CCL quarterfinal

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http://lethbridgeherald.com/sports/national-sports/2018/03/06/tfc-hopes-exhibition-games-in-mexico-pay-off-against-tigres-in-ccl-quarterfinal/

TFC hopes exhibition games in Mexico pay off against Tigres in CCL quarterfinal

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/894190?referrer_id=2349190

From The Pitch to Bring Fans an Inside Look at USL

Players from across the league will deliver unique, firsthand content

It’s time for a new era.

Introduced for the 2018 campaign, USLSoccer.com’s From the Pitch series will deliver a unique look at what it takes to be a professional player in the USL and much more each week – straight from the source.

Through exclusive, player-generated written and video content, fans will gain direct, unfiltered access to players from across the league as they provide a first-person look into the professional game and their everyday lives.

From the Pitch is slated to feature regular installments from the likes of Premier League veteran Neill Collins (Tampa Bay Rowdies), 2017 First Team All-League performer Forrest Lasso (FC Cincinnati), OKC Energy FC stalwart Cody Laurendi, reigning USL Goalkeeper of the Year Diego Restrepo (San Antonio FC), 2017 Second Team All-League honoree Billy Forbes (Phoenix Rising FC), a trio of former USL champions in Christian Duke (Orange County SC), Devon "Speedy" Williams (Louisville City FC) and Luke Vercollone (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC), as well as ascendant attacking talents Wilson Kneeshaw (Sacramento Republic FC) and Antoine Hoppenot (Reno 1868 FC) – with guest contributions from many more USL standouts throughout the season.

Get ready for a new voice. From the players. For the fans.

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https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/big-storm-brewing-extends-partnership-with-the-tampa-bay-rowdies/n-5301468

Big Storm Brewing Extends Partnership with the Tampa Bay Rowdies

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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/photos/a.442996013834.230638.109366663834/10157165425403835/?type=3&theater

Tampa Bay Rowdies

NEWS: Big Storm Brewing Co. extends partnership with the Tampa Bay Rowdies

Four-packs of Big Storm Brewing Co.'s "Kick in the Grass" lager will be available at select Tampa Bay retailers soon!

📰: bit.ly/KITGBigStorm

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/DaveMartinezNY/status/963139281580642304

Dave Martinez

‏Verified account

@DaveMartinezNY

Dave Martinez Retweeted The Unused⭐Substitutes Soccer Show

I was told recently the #Rowdies lacked the ownership money to make a viable case for #MLS consideration. This despite ticking all other boxes.

New investors will fix that. It may also minimize the role of Edwards, considered a loose cannon in some circles (not good in MLS).

Dave Martinez added,

The Unused⭐Substitutes Soccer Show

@UnusedSubsPod

Statement from @TampaBayRowdies owner Bill Edwards on today’s report that he is putting the team up for sale.

11:54 AM - 12 Feb 2018