http://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article213663424.html
Beckham group announces date to reveal plans for MLS stadium on Miami golf course
If David Beckham and his partners want to build a Major League Soccer stadium on Miami's only public golf course, they'll need voters to let them. As time runs tight to place a question on November's ballot, the public has yet to see any plans.
Beckham's group was awarded an MLS franchise in January when it was believed a stadium would be built in Overtown, but plans unofficially shifted to Melreese Golf Course shortly afterward. When Beckham partnered with Jorge Mas, an executive at Miami-based infrastructure giant MasTec, the concept evolved beyond a stadium into a larger complex that spurred talks with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and City Manager Emilio Gonzalez about using the larger tract of land at Melreese.
Thus, Melreese emerged as the front-runner for the soccer group's plans to build a home for the franchise. Yet after four months of promising plans to Miami officials, Beckham and partner Jorge Mas have yet to publicly present a single rendering, site plan or economic impact report to the public regarding what is expected to be a significant redevelopment of the publicly owned Melreese golf course — a plan that will likely be a political tinderbox heading into election season.
The Overtown site didn't need voter approval because the Beckham group bought that land — though some of that sale is tied up in litigation. When Melreese came into the picture, Suarez and Gonzalez committed to putting any proposal to a public vote.
In order to put the question on the November ballot, Miami commissioners would need to approve the measure at either their July 12 or July 26 meeting, unless they agree to hold a special meeting before the Aug. 7 deadline to submit ballot items to Miami-Dade's elections department. The soccer group needs at least three commissioners' votes to get their plan to a referendum.
This means the pressure is on for Beckham and Mas to present their vision to elected officials and the public in the next few weeks. Apparently, the Beckham group is preparing for a big reveal soon.
Sources familiar with the proposal have told the Miami Herald that Mas is seeking meetings with all five Miami commissioners this week to present a plan, which will include a stadium, hotel and retail space, several public soccer fields and a large public park.
Sources said the team tapped Miami-based Arquitectonica to develop conceptual images, which is expected to debut publicly at the July 12 commission meeting at City Hall.
The Beckham group did not respond to the Herald's request for comment. But an hour after this story was published online Tuesday night, Mas sent tweets confirming that plans will soon be revealed for a "world class park, soccer village and tech hub."
When a Univision journalist asked if the plans involve Melreese, Mas responded, in Spanish, that the plans would be revealed on July 12 — the day of the Miami commission meeting.
When a Herald reporter asked on Twitter for confirmation that the plan would be revealed to Miami commissioners July 12, Mas responded: "Stay tuned. This is the people's team. Our fans are at the center of everything we do."
Gonzalez, who began talks with the Beckham group in March, said on Tuesday he was eager to see a final proposal.
"This is a transformational project," he said, saying it's good timing to debut a plan during this year's FIFA World Cup.
The anticipated Melreese plan has already stirred up opposition from golfers who want to keep the golf course the way it is and from supporters of the First Tee youth program, which teaches kids how to golf. An online petition to preserve the golf course has so far garnered 1,600 signatures. Advocates for more open green space are expected to come out against any development at Melreese, which is presently the only public golf course within Miami city limits.
A contingent of soccer supporters who have long awaited the formation of a Miami MLS team would also likely campaign for a stadium plan — regardless of the location.
Melreese's terrain and location raise questions: Is it possible to build a suitable stadium complex so close to Miami International Airport? Would any environmental remediation be required? When the adjacent Grapeland Water Park was built more than a decade ago, early soil testing detected pockets of polluted soil and buried ash — likely from a city waste incinerator closed down decades ago. How would a stadium complex generate revenue for the city of Miami?
The Beckham group has not answered those questions.
No matter what, the first significant vote would be at the Miami commission. If Beckham and Mas do not win that vote or if they fail at the ballot box in November, the group might pivot to a location outside of Miami. Mas has met with Doral officials to discuss the possibility of building a stadium complex on land privately owned by real estate developers David Martin and Stephen Bittel. Public officials in Doral have publicly expressed their enthusiasm for an MLS stadium in their city.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mystatesman.com/sports/soccer/mayor-adler-encouraged-about-austin-mls-shot-after-council-session/VIVYqDkPtl9HG7LqsvluMN/
Mayor Adler encouraged about Austin’s MLS shot after council session
Mayor on McKalla stadium proposal: ‘I think we can find a way forward.’
Ora Houston echoes concerns that ‘we’re not giving away the farm.’
Delia Garza on potential Crew move to Austin: ‘an amazing opportunity.’
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https://www.kvue.com/video/news/local/community/affordable-housing-added-to-mls-rendering/269-8171768
Affordable housing added to MLS rendering
The company trying to bring a Major League Soccer team to Austin is now adding affordable housing to its site plan.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://news.sportslogos.net/2018/06/26/mls-our-similar-logo-is-just-a-coincidence/
MLS: Our Similar Logo is Just a Coincidence
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/06/26/mls-expansion-team-fc-cincinnati-reveal-plans-training-facility
MLS expansion team FC Cincinnati reveal plans for training facility
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.burgundywave.com/2018/6/29/17512088/burgundy-boys-loan-usl-mls-colorado-rapids-charlotte-independence-phoenix-rising-switchbacks
Burgundy Boys on Loan, Week 16
Ties. Ties. Ties. Yeah!!! (And one win)
Charlotte Independence 2:2 Tampa Bay Rowdies (June 27)
The Jacks returned home to Matthews and face thunder and lighting and a Rowdies team that was up for it. All I’ll say is that if:
You are up 2-0 at home
In the 64th Minute
You should not do anything but take all three points
Sigh.
Dykstra started and played the full 90 in goal making two saves. Vines, Calvert and Perez did not play.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/ottawa-fury-fc-to-take-on-fc-cincinnati-971057
Ottawa Fury FC to take on FC Cincinnati
Ottawa will play its sixth game in 18 days, as Fury FC takes on FC Cincinnati.
Fury FC's Eddie Edward leads the Eastern Conference with most yellow cards received in a three-way tie between Edward, Dekel Keinan (FC Cincinnati), and Joe Cole (Tampa Bay Rowdies).
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/930674
Eastern Conf. Notebook — Independence Aim to get Over Frustration
NCFC preparing for new-look Kickers; Penn looking to cap successful month
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With a two-goal lead in the second half on Wednesday night and seemingly cruising to another victory, the Charlotte Independence were left frustrated when the Tampa Bay Rowdies came from behind to steal a 2-2 road draw at the Sportsplex at Matthews.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.espn.com/soccer/ac-milan/story/3550649/rocco-commisso-ac-milan-not-willing-to-sell-club-in-timely-manner
Rocco Commisso: AC Milan 'not willing' to sell club in timely manner
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https://www.footballparadise.com/david-beckham-mls-move-is-the-right-one-for-wayne-rooney/
David Beckham: MLS move is the right one for Wayne Rooney
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http://ghanasoccernet.com/ghanaian-midfielder-kwadwo-poku-joins-american-side-tampa-bay-rowdies
Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Poku joins American side Tampa Bay Rowdies
American side Tampa Bay Rowdies have sealed the capture of midfielder Kwadwo Poku after the Ghanaian left the Russian top-flight league.
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https://www.ghanacrusader.com/official-kwadwo-poku-joins-tampa-bay/
OFFICIAL: Kwadwo Poku Joins Tampa Bay
Ghanaian midfielder, Kwadwo Poku have completed his move to Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Poku, 26 on Tuesday joined the American lower-tier football club from Russian powerhouse, Anzhi Makhachkala.
The club’s CEO, Bill Edwards said,”We are excited to have Poku join the Tamapa Bay Rowdies. He bring a level of excitement on the field that will be very important for this team as we enter the second half of the season and chase down the USL Cup 2018.”
”Poku is a player that has succeeded at many levels of professional soccer and I have no doubt he will do same under Head coach Neil Collins,”he added.
Poku has had a taste of American soccer already, having spent the 2015/2016 with New York City and Miami FC in the 2016/2017 season. During his time with the latter, he scored 15 goals in 55 appearances.
He has played three times for the Black Stars of Ghana.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/930333
Gameday Report: June 27, Week 16
Tulsa gets first win of the season; TFC II rallies, earns 3-3 draw with Cincinnati
CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE (2) VS. TAMPA BAY ROWDIES (2)
The Charlotte Independence finished with nine men as the Tampa Bay Rowdies came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw at Sportsplex at Matthews.
Charlotte’s pressure, with 64 percent possession, finally told in the 57th minute after a long run from Cordell Cato allowed him to square from the left to the middle of the box for Jorge Herrera who scored with a powerful shot. Cato turned scorer in the 64th minute when Herrera’s touch drew the Rowdies defense which left Cato open who shot from a tight angle with too much power for Akira Fitzgerald.
Those goals seemed to open the floodgates with Tampa pulling a goal back in the 66th minute after a ball into the box couldn’t be cleared, falling to Tamika Mkandawire who slammed it home from close range.
One minute from time the Independence were reduced to ten men when Joel Johnson earned his second yellow card in a space of three minutes. The Rowdies immediately took advantage, with the ball from the free kick falling to Dominic Oduro who launched a powerful half-volley that saw him score on his Rowdies debut.
Things got even worse for Charlotte in stoppage time when Donnie Smith was shown a red card for violent conduct, reducing Charlotte to nine men but they held on for the point with little time remaining.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/06/26/a-roadblock-report-commissos-bid-to-buy-a-c-milan-hits-a-snag/
A ROADBLOCK?: Report: Commisso’s bid to buy A.C. Milan hits a snag
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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/06/27/no-deal-reports-owner-turns-down-commissos-offer-to-buy-a-c-milan/
NO DEAL: Reports: Owner turns down Commisso’s offer to buy A.C. Milan
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2018/06/28/Franchises/Miami-MLS.aspx
Miami MLS Closing In On Name, Colors, Branding Of Franchise
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https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/david-beckham-mls-move-is-the-right-one-for-wayne-rooney-37060663.html
David Beckham: MLS move is the right one for Wayne Rooney
Rooney has joined DC United on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://247sports.com/Article/Manchester-United-DC-United-announce-signing-of-Wayne-Rooney-118125686/
D.C United announce signing of Wayne Rooney
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article213917199.html
These two names on short list for Beckham's Miami MLS team. 'Really close' on colors.
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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2018/07/the-importance-of-training-facilities-in-mls.html
The importance of training facilities in MLS
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https://www.nashvillepost.com/politics/metro-government/article/21011728/metro-seeks-construction-manager-for-mls-stadium
Metro seeks construction manager for MLS stadium
More council members raise questions about process as Skanska, DF Chase, others seek information on bid
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/02/watch-dc-united-hold-wayne-rooney-introductory-press-conference
WATCH: DC United hold Wayne Rooney introductory press conference
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5909345/Wayne-Rooney-kicks-DC-United-career-training-session.html
Wayne Rooney kicks off his MLS career with first DC United training session following move from Everton
Wayne Rooney shares images from the first training session with his new club
The 32-year-old moved to the United States from Everton after month-long talks
Rooney to make his debut on July 14 when DC United play Vancouver Whitecaps
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.aol.co.uk/video/view/rooney-newest-mls-superstar-here-to-win-/5b3a6a96158f855373e76898/?guccounter=1
Rooney, newest MLS superstar, 'here to win'
Wayne Rooney, the latest international superstar to join Major League Soccer, says he's "here to compete, here to win" for his new club, D.C. United. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/rooney-says-he-needed-mls-move-as-new-challenge-looms
Rooney says he 'needed' MLS move as new challenge looms
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.football365.com/news/rooney-determined-to-succeed-in-mls-not-on-wind-down
Rooney determined to succeed in MLS; not on wind down
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3554418/wayne-rooney-made-dc-united-and-mls-move-because-time-was-right
Wayne Rooney made D.C. United and MLS move because time was right
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/02/new-orlando-city-manager-oconnor-finds-best-opportunity-where-it-started
New Orlando City manager O'Connor finds best opportunity where it started
(Follow link for full article.)
http://punchng.com/mls-move-im-here-to-compete-win-rooney/
MLS move: I’m here to compete, win – Rooney
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.oaoa.com/sports/article_23eeb05f-ec19-5118-b126-44873bc8bfb3.html
DC United hoping Wayne Rooney can turn its fortunes
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsqmZ9-svtI
HIGHLIGHTS: Rowdies at Charlotte Independence - June 27, 2018
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 27, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS presented by Tampa International Airport
The Rowdies score two unanswered goals in the 2nd half to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against Charlotte Independence. Tamika Mkandawire and Dominic Oduro scored the goals for the visiting team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/phat7deuce/status/1013141859986739202
Mike Pendleton
@phat7deuce
Replying to @marksimat
@AngelCityDre It’s in Downtown St. Pete...packed in here now. Opened Friday...all the way until the Final where they’ll have a block party with Green Bench Brewing...
3:26 PM - 30 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/phat7deuce/status/1013125704744128512
Mike Pendleton
@phat7deuce
Sooooooo...this place is great. Open for the next two weeks. Get in it St. Pete...
2:22 PM - 30 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/saintleowsoc/status/1013765932190261248
Saint Leo W. Soccer
@saintleowsoc
Reminder! We'll be teaming up with @TampaBayRowdies in hosting our first ever youth camp this summer from Aug 6th-8th! Don't miss out on 3 days of soccer fun! Campers will be given a ticket to the Rowdies game vs North Carolina FC on 8/11!
Register here: https://bit.ly/2H3oC6i
8:46 AM - 2 Jul 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/tbusoccer/status/1013094021189853184
tbusoccer
@tbusoccer
12:16 PM - 30 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1013798681940815872
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
For those of you wondering what @HunterGorskie’s forehead looks like after Wednesday match🤕
#HarryPotter⚡️
10:56 AM - 2 Jul 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1013837365654278146
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Congratulations to @tbusoccer's U19s for earning a 4-3 win over South Carolina United FC 99 Elite in the Southern Regional Championship match.
The U19 Tampa Bay United Rowdies squad now advances to Nationals to compete for the James P. McGuire Cup.
1:30 PM - 2 Jul 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1013869248282873856
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
This Wednesday, July 4, we'll be hosting our annual Independence Day Celebration presented by @Budweiser. Kickoff vs @TorontoFCII is at 7 p.m.
Tickets to the match also include the best view of the postgame @StPeteFL fireworks show!
TIX: http://bit.ly/2tl3gvh / 727-222-2000
3:37 PM - 2 Jul 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1013938885590769664
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Tampa Bay Rowdies Retweeted tbusoccer
👏👏👏
Tampa Bay Rowdies added,
tbusoccer
@tbusoccer
TBUR U17B win 4-0 to top the group at the ENPL Regionals. The boys advance to the quarter final tomorrow at 11am. Let's go boys!
8:14 PM - 2 Jul 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8utko5/rowdies_midfielder_martin_vingaard_on_world_cup/
Rowdies midfielder Martin Vingaard on World Cup, Danish national team experiences (OC)
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/29/martin-vingaard-talks-world-cup-danish-national-team-experiences/3947
Martin Vingaard Talks World Cup, Danish National Team Experiences
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ufsil/dominic_oduros_first_goal_on_his_debut_night/
Dominic Oduro’s first goal on his debut night against Charlotte
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/tampabayrowdies/status/1012156697404583936?s=21
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Here's another look at @DominicOduro's 🚀, which made it 2-2 with just minutes left to play.
10:12 PM - 27 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ufqff/rowdies_report_week_15_clt_v_tbr/
Post-Match Thread Rowdies Report Week 15 - CLT v TBR
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https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2018/07/02/mls-working-local-bidders-bring-professional-soccer-ford-field/751741002/
Detroit officials work to redevelop plans for MLS at Ford Field bid
Detroit — The bidders hoping to bring Major League Soccer to Ford Field say they can produce a soccer experience like the best venues in the league, and even in the major European leagues.
MLS remains interested.
It is actively pursuing the best possible use of the indoor NFL stadium for soccer, according to the bidders and the league.
As the expansion process continues, with the top professional soccer league in North America looking for two additional cities, Detroit remains in the mix. The disappointment of Nashville and Cincinnati receiving MLS franchises over the past year is apparently little discouragement.
“I think MLS has now accepted the fact that Ford Field is the right place,” said Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Pistons, who has been charged by owner Tom Gores with coordinating the bid in Detroit.
“We’re continuing our discussions with them.
“They view Detroit favorably and our application favorably, and we’re just going to continue to answer some of the questions that they have.”
“It’s been ongoing, the process.”
Dan Gilbert, the chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder of Quicken Loans, and the owner of the Detroit Lions, Martha Firestone Ford, are partners with Gores in the effort.
The clear preference for MLS is soccer-specific stadiums, to the point that it waited several months for Cincinnati to clear considerable site acquisition issues for its new stadium, while the proposal for Ford Field lay fallow.
But Tellem said there will not be any effort by the bidders, now or in the future, to develop a soccer-specific stadium in Detroit.
“Ford Field is and will continue to be the only place that we will consider playing soccer as part of MLS,” he said.
“I think the MLS state-position has been, at least in the first round of expansion, was that they have preferred soccer-specific stadiums. And I think there are two different perspectives here.
“Their perspective is that model works, and I guess where we have a different view on this,” Tellem said.
“We believe the most successful teams, Atlanta and Seattle, are playing in multi-purpose stadiums,” Tellem said. “They’re playing in football stadiums.”
Atlanta United FC (48,200) and the Seattle Sounders (43,666) led MLS in attendance last season.
Both Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and CenturyLink Field in Seattle are outdoors, and architects were specifically charged with designing a dual-purpose stadium in Atlanta for soccer and North American football.
But Tellem also argues “location, location, location …
“And, there is no better location for a stadium in MLS than Ford Field,” he said.
“The most successful franchise are the ones that are situated in the core, the heart of the city. And the teams that have struggled are the ones in the ’burbs.
“It’s not so much about the size of a stadium or the purpose of a stadium, it’s about location; it’s really what is the most determining factor,” Tellem said.
Indeed, MLS officials have stressed the desirability of venues in an urban core — almost as much as they have stressed soccer-specific stadiums.
When MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced in May that Cincinnati would finally receive what had been intended as one of two expansion franchises awarded in 2017, he said passing over Detroit would give the bidders a chance to reconsider how they would feature soccer.
“We’re working with that ownership group on possible modifications of Ford Field that could, perhaps, make that city more MLS ready than it is today,” Garber said, the night MLS fans in Cincinnati celebrated, according to Cincinnati.com.
“What is going on now is MLS is taking deeper dive into Ford Field and doing an analysis. It is going to come back with some recommendations at some points as to what they feel needs to be done to make it perfect for soccer,” Tellem said.
“And then, we’ll evaluate what their recommendations are.
“I think we can have a soccer experience there that rivals not only any MLS stadium but any European soccer experience, which is the thing that we’re trying to do.”
“We want to duplicate what the fans would feel if they are going to a game, whether it’s in Liverpool, or in Manchester, or in Berlin, or in Madrid, or Barcelona. We want to have that similar type of experience for our fans.”
MLS has announced no new timetable for awarding the next two expansion franchises, which had been planned for the end of 2018.
But one of the 2017 awards came five months into 2018, even as the league continued to work on the bid in Miami, for four years.
Sacramento, Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas and San Antonio are the prime competitors at this juncture. All propose developing soccer-specific stadiums.
But each must surmount either ownership or siting issues.
That said, they are likely to have plenty of time.
As MLS has shown in Cincinnati, Miami and with some other franchises, it is willing to be patient.
“It’s an ongoing dialogue that we’re having, and we don’t have all of the analysis done, yet,” Tellem said of retrofitting Ford Field for soccer.
“MLS has had some teams of people come out and spend time here looking at it, and we’re going to have a deep dive here over the next few months.
“The only way that we’re going to be involved is if it’s at Ford Field.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414e7a4d544e78457a6333566d54/share_p.html
Wayne Rooney looks forward to MLS challenge
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