MLS Expansion, Garber talks, Miami, Cosmos, NASL, etc....

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http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2016/12/15/rumors-swirl-future-nasl-indy-eleven-remains-unclear/95476594/

Rumors swirl as future of NASL, Indy Eleven remains unclear

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/cosmos-roster/they-should-have-joined-mls-from-the-start-ayoze-shares-his-take-on-the-cosmos-situation/

“They should have joined MLS from the start” – Ayoze shares his take on the Cosmos situation

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/interview/that-is-just-not-an-option-for-us-cosmos-chairman-seamus-obrien-on-nasl-usl-prospects/

“That is just not an option for us” – Cosmos chairman Seamus O’Brien on NASL, USL prospects

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/03/05/life-capo-they-may-not-always-watch-game-they-always-affect-it

The Life of a Capo: They may not always watch the game, but they always affect it

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http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/american-soccer-english-football-culture?utm_source=vicefbuk&utm_campaign=global

The Strange World of Americans Trying to Emulate English Football Culture

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https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/dec/13/new-york-cosmos-nasl-staff-laid-off-problems?CMP=twt_a-sport_b-ussports_c-us_g-1

Are the New York Cosmos dead again, or waiting for another resurrection?

The club that brought Pelé and Raúl to America have shed their staff and players. So why does their chairman insist the team has a future?

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http://www.firstcoastnews.com/mb/sports/soccer/armada-fc/armada-denies-reports-of-club-releasing-all-players/370046452

Armada denies reports of club releasing all players

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http://www.empireofsoccer.com/jacksonville-armada-terminate-all-player-contracts-56384/

Jacksonville Armada move to terminate all player contracts

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/fifa-world-cup-expansion-europe-top-clubs-resistance-121516

Europe’s top clubs don’t want FIFA to expand the World Cup to 48 teams

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/734830

Major League Soccer Announces Tampa Bay Rowdies as Potential Expansion Team

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (December 15, 2016) – Major League Soccer, through Commissioner Don Garber, unveiled on Thursday that the Tampa Bay Rowdies are one of ten potential expansion cities. MLS also announced a detailed expansion plan related to the League’s future as it continues to grow to 28 clubs.

Bill Edwards said, “I want to be the first of the ten potential cities to earn an MLS franchise.”

To read the complete expansion process and timeline, click here.

The Rowdies are focused on bringing Major League Soccer to Tampa Bay by 2020, and will submit an expansion application by the Jan. 31, 2017 date.

“It’s great to know that less than two weeks after announcing our #MLS2StPete campaign, Major League Soccer is acknowledging us as one of the potential expansion cities,” stated Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards. “Bringing Major League Soccer to the Tampa Bay Area by 2020 is my goal.”

As part of this plan, it was announced that Teams 25 and 26 would be the next expansion teams, beginning play in 2020. Both expansion teams would be announced during the second or third quarter of 2017.

As part of this application, MLS stated the following as key aspects when reviewing candidates:

1. A committed local ownership group that has a passion for the sport, a deep belief in Major League Soccer and the resources to invest in the infrastructure to build the sport in their respective market.

2. A market that has a history of strong fan support for soccer matches and other sporting events, is located in a desirable geographic location and is attractive to corporate sponsors and television partners.

3. A comprehensive stadium plan that ensures the club will have a proper home for their fans and players while also serving as a destination for the sport in the community.

Fans need to show their support for #MLS2StPete by purchasing 2017 season tickets. Call (727)222-2000 or click here to secure your seats for the upcoming season.

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https://www.facebook.com/RalphsMob/photos/a.384624768950.169766.345399658950/10154195589903951/?type=3&theater

Mob Members! Thank you for your overwhelming response for the Holiday Party tomorrow, we are really looking forward to it! At this point the Holiday Party is SOLD OUT and there will be no additional tickets available at the door that haven’t been already reserved. The Hard Rock assigned us a smaller space for this years party due to the fact only 34 tickets were sold last year. They secured us a room for 50 people which at the time seemed like it would be more than able to accommodate our needs. While we put out a few notes in the last couple of weeks to buy tickets in advance because space was limited, we are sure there may be some of you who are disappointed or didn’t have a chance to see it. Know that we would have absolutely loved to have you there, and we will certainly be searching next year for a larger venue!

This will be our highest ever attended Holiday Party, and we only have you to thank for that! Thank you for all of your support throughout the year and we look forward to a great season ahead!

COYR! #MLS2StPete

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http://fiftyfive.one/2016/12/game-chicken-steep-price-exit-fees-dictating-nasls-future/

A Game of Chicken: Steep Price of Exit Fees Dictating NASL’s Future

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http://www.armadafc.com/news/2016/12/14/armada-fc-makes-five-roster-moves

Armada FC Makes Five Roster Moves

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/734314?referrer_id=2333971

Portillos, Nanchoff Return to Rowdies

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/mls-expansion-candidates-st-louis-sacramento-carolina-detroit-cincinnati-121516

The 10 cities in the mix for an MLS expansion team

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https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/12/promotion-and-relegation-the-american-way-how-mls.html

Promotion and Relegation the American Way: How MLS Can Implement Pro/Rel Right Now

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/2016/12/15/mls-faces-uphill-battle-trying-improve-lagging-tv-ratings/

MLS faces uphill battle trying to improve lagging TV ratings

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/nasl-news/where-do-they-stand-now-2016-nasl-teams-and-their-current-positions/

Where do they stand now? 2016 NASL teams and their current positions

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/new-york-cosmos/cosmos-offseason-circus-continues-threatened-with-eviction-from-offices/

Cosmos offseason circus continues, threatened with eviction from offices

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/cosmos-stadium/years-after-stadium-bid-cosmos-finally-receive-a-no/

Years after stadium bid, Cosmos finally receive a “no”

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http://www.the42.ie/nasl-irish-players-3133594-Dec2016/

Chaos in the lower tiers of North American football and Irish players are caught up in it

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http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/david-beckham-insists-hes-not-giving-up-on-miami-for-las-vegas-8986784

David Beckham Insists He's Not Giving Up on Miami for Las Vegas

The rumors spiked across Twitter on Friday: David Beckham was finally ready to pull the plug on his tortured attempts to bring Major League Soccer back to Miami. Instead, one soccer writer suggested, he was turning his sights to the more pliable city of Las Vegas.

The sketchily sourced news had the ring of truth. It's been more than a thousand days since Beckham promised top-tier fùtbol in South Florida. He's now on his fourth stadium plan after watching politicians scuttle idea after idea. His fabled "search for investors" is beginning to feel like the hunt for Jimmy Hoffa's body.

Even stalwart local MLS backers such as the Southern Legion sounded like they needed a stiff whiskey:

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https://twitter.com/pedroheizer/status/807306073724121089

Hearing that #DavidBeckham's bid for #MLS2Miami may be over and that the Englishman is taking his clout (and checkbook) to #LasVegas.

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http://saintpetersblog.com/mls-commissioners-deadline-miami-stadium-good-news-bill-edwards-rowdies/ 

MLS Commissioner’s deadline on Miami stadium could be good news for Bill Edwards, Rowdies
Peter Schorsch

Bill Edwards’ effort to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to St. Petersburg may have received a major boost from MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Last week, the Miami Herald reported that Garber put a time limit on the prospective MLS stadium in Miami set up by superstar soccer player David Beckham.

“There is a deadline on the Miami deal,” Garber told reporters in Toronto. And if Beckham fails to meet that as-yet-unspecified deadline, MLS owners may have to turn to an alternative.

Enter Edwards, the St. Petersburg entrepreneur who recently unveiled a privately funded $80 million renovation and expansion plan for Al Lang Stadium, which is part of a larger strategy to add his Tampa Bay Rowdies as a possible MLS franchise.

Earlier this year, Beckham and his Miami partners purchased 6 acres of land in Overtown, and are in the process of negotiating an additional 3-acre parcel currently owned by Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez told the Herald the county is ready to sell the land, but Beckham and his representatives seem to be struggling to line up investment for a privately financed MLS stadium.

But Miami Herald reporters Douglas Hanks and Michelle Kaufman note that privately, insiders say the extensions for Miami “won’t last forever.”

Garber said MLS owners meet this week to discuss expansion plans, which could bring more clarity to Miami’s timetable.

Miami-based public relations executive Aaron Gordon, who represents the Beckham, said in a statement: “Our partners are 100 percent committed to Miami, and we will continue working with Commissioner Garber and the league as we finalize the launch of our world-class soccer club. We’re making progress, and we appreciate the strong support of our fans as our launch draws closer.”

“We continue to work with the ownership group because we want a team in Miami,” Garber said when asked by reporters about the Miami deal. “We continue to be very engaged there.”

But as other prospective teams – including Edwards’ Rowdies – developing stadium proposals, Garber suggested that any further delays in Beckham’s deal could result in the league looking elsewhere for new fans.

“We need to resolve the Miami situation so we can move forward,” he said.

Estimates have the cost of the Miami project at least $150 million, nearly double that of Edward’s plan for St. Petersburg. That cost difference could make Edwards’ concept much more attractive to the MLS, especially if Beckham’s Miami stadium should fall through.

According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Garber had positive things to say about the Tampa Bay region as a new MLS market during an October appearance at the University of South Florida.

While Orlando City Soccer may be the dominant team in the region, particularly with TV rights, an Edwards representative said it is something “that can be worked out.”

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http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2016/12/12/triangle-could-find-out-path-to-mls-this-week.html

Triangle could find out path to MLS this week

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http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2016/12/12/path-to-mls-could-come-into-focus-for-charlotte.html

Path to MLS could come into focus for Charlotte, Triangle this week

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2016/12/12/5-things-to-know-today-and-did-this-brewery-close.html

5 things to know today, and did this brewery close?

This week, Major League Soccer could reveal more details about its ... revealed for what the MLS commissioner said would be the league's 25th, 26th, ...

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http://www.sbnation.com/2016/12/12/12919610/detroit-city-fc-soccer-mls

MLS wants a Detroit expansion team, but Detroit City FC fans want them to get lost

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http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12/12/will-raiders-share-las-vegas-with-david-beckham-mls-franchise/

Will Raiders share Las Vegas with David Beckham…

Will the Raiders be sharing space in Las Vegas with David Beckham?

It’s not certain yet that the Raiders are bound for Vegas, and there’s even less so that Beckham, who owns a Major League Soccer franchise will land there.

But the stadium deal put together by Los Vegas, Clark County and the state government in Nevada not only is beckoning to Raiders’ owner Mark Davis but to Beckham as well. Beckham bought the franchise in 2014 with the expectation of putting it in Miami.

However, the first three sites didn’t come together, and the plan for a fourth, in the Miami enclave of Overtown, is only partially complete. In addition, new investors beyond the group that Beckham originally bought in with have been hard to come by. Some of that has to do with an established NASL team already playing in Miami.

Late Sunday night, Las Vegas blogger Joe Arrigo said he’s “been told that David Beckham is focusing on owning an MLS expansion team in Las Vegas and no longer in Miami.”

Late in the day Monday, however, spokesman Tadd Schwartz of Miami Beckham United threw cold water on that speculation.

“Our partners are 100 percent committed to Miami,”Schwarz said in a statement. “And we will continue working with Commissioner Garber and the league as we finalize the launch of our world-class soccer club. We’re making progress, and we appreciate the strong support of our fans as our launch draws closer.”

It’s clear that Beckham, ostensibly the 24th team in the MLS, is going to have to settle on a plan because the league wants to add four more teams, and having Beckham’s franchise in limbo is a severe impediment.

“There is a deadline,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said on the Planet Fútbol Podcast. “I’m not going to share that with you publicly. I can, but I’m not. There is a deadline, and I think everybody knows that we’ve got to get this thing moving or figure out what David’s plan and alternatives are and what the league needs to do. Clearly if we’re going to teams 25-28 and we’ve not resolved team 24, it has a knock-on effect and has a real impact on our expansion strategy.”

Teams in Minnesota and Atlanta are on pace to join the league as teams 21 and 22, and Los Angeles is due to have a stadium ready to go come 2018 as No. 23. Only Miami is up in the air.

“We need to resolve the Miami situation so we can go forward with our expansion plans and [teams] 25 through 28, because they (Beckham’s group) are 24. If they are not going to be 24, then there are going to be things that need to move around.”

Other areas with MLS dreams fitting in as part of grouping for franchises 25-28 include Sacramento, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Tampa/St. Petersburg and Raleigh-Durham.

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http://www.twincities.com/2016/12/12/st-paul-mn-major-league-soccer-stadium-mn-united/

Soccer stadium’s look tweaked, but construction start still uncertain

New renderings show Minnesota United’s future stadium in the St. Paul Midway will be even less boxy and lower than previous depictions, but a firm start date for major construction remains up in the air.

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http://www.kare11.com/sports/minnesota-united-fc-breaks-ground-on-new-stadium/368727607

Minnesota United FC breaks ground on new stadium

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/734009?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

USL Becoming Pathway to Top for Coaches

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http://www.indomitablecitysoccer.com/2016/12/13/13934360/sacramento-is-built4mls-but-is-that-enough

Sacramento is #Built4MLS, but is that enough?

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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/tv/article120747428.html

Seattle's win seen by 3.5M on TV, the most-viewed MLS final

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http://www.yorktonthisweek.com/toronto-fc-already-seeing-ticket-boost-after-successful-mls-playoff-run-1.4474722

Toronto FC already seeing ticket boost after successful MLS playoff run

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http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/soccer/2016-MLS-Cup-final-sets-TV-viewership-record.html

2016 MLS Cup final sets TV viewership record

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/68000-a-game-how-mls-cup-could-vault-seattle-even-higher-levels

'68,000 a game': How MLS Cup could vault Seattle to even higher levels

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http://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2016/12/14/la-galaxy-brass-look-forward-having-competition-ahead-lafc-entering-mls-2018-insider

LA Galaxy brass “look forward to having competition” ahead of LAFC entering MLS in 2018 | INSIDER

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http://medicinehatnews.com/sports/national-sports/2016/12/13/toronto-fc-already-seeing-ticket-boost-after-successful-mls-playoff-run/

Toronto FC already seeing ticket boost after successful MLS playoff run

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http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2016/12/14/detroit-major-league-soccer-expansion-gilbert-gores/95455460/

Bid for a Detroit Major League Soccer team heats up

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/mls-cup-december-schedule-snow-toronto

MLS dodged storms in Toronto, but how long until snow falls at a final?

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http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2016/12/15/30538702/beckhams-mls-project-could-be-based-in-las-vegas
    
Beckham's MLS project could be based in Las Vegas

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/15/mls-announces-expansion-process-and-timeline

MLS announces expansion process and timeline

NEW YORK—The process for Major League Soccer's next round of expansion has been set.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced Thursday that Teams 25 and 26 will be announced during the second or third quarter of 2017, at an expansion fee of $150 million each, and begin MLS play by 2020. Teams 27 and 28 will be announced at a later date, at a price delivered in conjunction with the timeline.

“There is tremendous interest in professional soccer across the United States and Canada,” Commissioner Garber said. “Since announcing plans to expand to 28 clubs late last year, many potential ownership groups have contacted us, and numerous public officials have stated their desire to bring an MLS expansion team to their city. We look forward to reviewing expansion applications in the coming months and conducting formal meetings in 2017 with possible team owners.”

Garber initially revealed in December that the league would continue expanding to 28 teams. Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC enter the league next season, which bumps the league to 22 teams; LAFC is slated to follow in 2018. According to a league statement, MLS is making progress with plans for an expansion team in Miami (No. 24).

The league acknowledged ownership groups from 10 markets have publicly expressed interest in securing an MLS expansion team: Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg.

Interested expansion owners must submit applications by Jan. 31, 2017.  After review, a series of in-person meetings will take place during the first and second quarters of 2017.

Qualified applicants will submit documentation that focuses on the following three areas: 1) Ownership – Structure and financial informations; 2) Stadium – details on proposed site, financing, approvals and support; and 3) Financial Projections, Corporate Support and Soccer Support – a business plan, projections and commitment letters for naming rights and a jersey-front sponsor, along with an overview of support from the soccer community.

Three key aspects are considered top priorities when reviewing candidates:

A committed local ownership group that has a passion for the sport, a deep belief in Major League Soccer and the resources to invest in the infrastructure to build the sport in their respective market.
 
A market that has a history of strong fan support for soccer matches and other sporting events, is located in a desirable geographic location and is attractive to corporate sponsors and television partners.
 
A comprehensive stadium plan that ensures the club will have a proper home for their fans and players while also serving as a destination for the sport in the community.

Major League Soccer’s expansion committee consists of ownership representatives from five clubs including Jonathan Kraft (New England Revolution), Andrew Hauptman (Chicago Fire), Anthony Precourt (Columbus Crew SC), Phil Rawlins (Orlando City SC) and Jay Sugarman (Philadelphia Union).

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http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/3020615/mls-commissioner-don-garber-details-next-round-of-expansion

MLS chief Don Garber outlines criteria for next round of league expansion

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http://www.heraldonline.com/news/business/article121142143.html

MLS announces expansion process, including timeline and fees

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https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-15/buying-a-new-major-league-soccer-team-will-cost-150-million

Buying a New Major League Soccer Team Now Costs $150 Million

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http://www.oregonlive.com/mls/index.ssf/2016/12/mls_unveils_formal_expansion_p.html

MLS unveils formal expansion process and timeline

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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article121184193.html

Bruton and Marcus Smith in talks with MLS to land Charlotte an expansion team

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2016/12/15/county-pursuing-mls-stadium-fundingplan-as-league.html

County pursuing MLS stadium funding plan as league unveils expansion timeline

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http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20161215/NEWS/161219883/major-league-soccer-announces-formal-expansion-plan-but-no-word-on

Major League Soccer announces formal expansion plan, but no word on Detroit bid

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http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2016/12/15/mckee-s-northside-could-benefit-if-tif-is-sought.html

McKee’s NorthSide could benefit if TIF is sought at MLS stadium site

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http://www.bnd.com/sports/article121225743.html

Major League Soccer may be expanding to St. Louis

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http://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-mls-expansion-idINKBN14430Q

Major League Soccer to announce two more teams next year

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http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-mlsexpansion-20161215-story.html

San Diego on latest MLS expansion list

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/12/15/mls-expansion-don-garber-timeline-28-teams-fees-miami

MLS sets timetable for expansion to 28 teams, $150M fee for teams No. 25, 26

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http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2016/12/15/mls-expansion-don-garber-mls-in-detroit/95488190/

MLS commissioner announces expansion timeline; Detroit a contender

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http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4563/main/2016/12/16/30544162/mls-set-to-review-expansion-explications

MLS set to review expansion applications

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http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/soccer/article/MLS-announces-expansion-process-including-10799519.php

MLS announces expansion process, including timeline and fees

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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article121201883.html

Soccer chief to David Beckham on Miami deal: 'It's time for us to reach a conclusion'

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http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/transcript-mls-commissioner-don-garber-unveils-expansion-process-timeline-and-fee

TRANSCRIPT: MLS Commissioner Don Garber Unveils Expansion Process, Timeline and Fee

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http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2016/12/15/nashville-among-10-cities-vying-four-mls-expansion-teams/95210014/

Nashville among 10 cities under consideration for four MLS expansion teams

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http://fox2now.com/2016/12/15/is-st-louis-set-to-score-mls-franchise/

Is St. Louis set to score MLS franchise?

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http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-mlsexpansion-20161215-story.html

San Diego on latest MLS expansion list

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/rowdies-among-10-finalists-for-mls-expansion-spot/2306522

Rowdies among 10 finalists for MLS expansion spot

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http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2016/12/15/major-league-soccer-announces-expansion-process-and-timeline

Major League Soccer announces expansion process and timeline

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http://www.kmov.com/story/34055411/mls-public-funding-answers-could-lie-in-proposed-sales-tax-bill

MLS public funding answers could lie in proposed sales tax bill

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http://www.ksdk.com/sports/soccer/mls-commissioner-talks-st-louis-expansion1/371419461

MLS Commissioner talks St. Louis expansion

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http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2016/12/15/mls-announces-expansion-process/

MLS Announces Expansion Process

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http://en.as.com/en/2016/12/15/football/1481814544_488366.html

Las Vegas may replace Miami for David Beckham's new MLS club

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http://www.themaneland.com/2016/12/15/13925650/2017-florida-cup-preview-fc-challenge-stage

2017 Florida Cup Preview: FC Challenge Stage

Know more about the first six teams that will compete in the Sunshine State next month

Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are the lone representatives of the United States in the third edition of the Florida Cup. The St. Petersburg club, which was founded in 1974, ceased operations in 1994 and was reactivated in 2008, and has won the North American Soccer League (NASL) twice: in 1975 and 2012. The Rowdies will compete in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2017.

3 Things to Know:

American forward Roy Wegerle, who played for the USMNT both in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, started his career with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1984.

Longtime England international midfielder Joe Cole is the star of the Rowdies roster. He joined the club in 2016 and played 24 matches, scoring nine goals and notching seven assists.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies recently launched #MLS2StPete, a public campaign to join Major League Soccer as an expansion franchise in the future.

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http://patch.com/florida/stpete/rowdies-bucking-support-mls-considers-expansion-teams

Rowdies Bucking For Support As MLS Considers Expansion Teams

Major League Soccer has set a schedule for naming its next expansion teams. One of those teams may be the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

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http://wfla.com/2016/12/15/major-league-soccer-considers-st-petes-rowdies-as-possible-expansion-team/

Major League Soccer considers St. Pete’s Rowdies as possible expansion team

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/miami-mls-expansion-david-beckham-120916

There's a deadline for David Beckham to get his Miami MLS expansion team running

The MLS commissioner offered the first hint a Miami team might not happen.

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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/beckham-faces-deadline-on-miami-mls-franchise/3357018.html

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/1156301/clock-ticking-on-beckhams-miami-plan-mls-chief

Clock ticking on Beckham's Miami plan - MLS chief

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-beckham-faces-deadline-miami-mls-franchise-235304392--sow.html

Soccer-Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/fort-lauderdale-strikers/fl-mls-talks-deadline-beckham-miami-1211-20161210-story.html

Deadline, Miami: Beckham on notice, MLS commissioner says

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https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/beckham-faces-deadline-miami-mls-franchise-000209631--sow.html

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/david-beckham-faces-deadline-on-miami-mls-franchise-4420330/

David Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

David Beckham's Miami team is slotted in to become the league's 24th franchise following Atlanta and Minnesota United.

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/gerrard-lampard-experiment-shows-mls-120101761.html

Gerrard and Lampard experiment shows MLS still has much to prove

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https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/sports/2016/12/10/clock-ticking-beckhams-miami-plan-mls-chief/

TORONTO, Canada, Dec 10 – David Beckham’s protracted efforts to bring a Major League Soccer team to Miami are coming up against a deadline, league commissioner Don Garber said Friday.

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Clock-ticking-on-Beckhams-Miami-plan-MLS-chief/articleshow/55903194.cms

Clock ticking on Beckham's Miami plan: MLS chief

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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/12/10/soccer/mls-boss-says-clock-ticking-beckhams-team-miami/

MLS boss says clock ticking on Beckham’s team in Miami

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http://dailytimes.com.pk/sports/11-Dec-16/beckham-faces-deadline-on-miami-mls-franchise

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/in-moving-on-from-the-gerrards-lampards-and-drogbas-a-growing-mls-is-underscoring-its-own-credibility-052619586.html

MLS underscoring its own credibility by moving on from the Gerrards, Lampards and Drogbas

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http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/david-beckham-insists-hes-not-giving-up-on-miami-for-las-vegas-8986784

David Beckham Insists He's Not Giving Up on Miami for Las Vegas

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/12/12/mls-miami-david-beckham-las-vegas-don-garber-expansion

Time ticking on Beckham's Miami MLS team amid deadline, Las Vegas speculation

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http://therealdeal.com/miami/2016/12/12/deadline-looms-on-david-beckhams-stadium-deal/

Deadline looms on David Beckham’s stadium deal

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http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12/12/will-raiders-share-las-vegas-with-david-beckham-mls-franchise/

Will the Raiders be sharing space in Las Vegas with David Beckham?

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http://www.ktnv.com/sports/reports-david-beckham-soccer-franchise-interested-in-sharing-raiders-stadium-in-las-vegas

Reports: David Beckham soccer franchise could be interested in sharing Raiders stadium in Las Vegas
 
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https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/elsewhere/2016/dec/12/will-raiders-share-las-vegas-with-david-beckhams-m/

Will Raiders share Las Vegas with David Beckham’s MLS franchise?

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http://www.chattsportsnet.com/locker-room-buzz/david-beckham-mls-news-dumps-miami-plans-eyes-raiders-in-las-vegas/30132/

David Beckham MLS News: Dumps Miami Plans for Raiders in Las Vegas?

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http://en.as.com/en/2016/12/15/football/1481814544_488366.html

Las Vegas may replace Miami for David Beckham's new MLS club

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http://www.goal.com/en/news/14202/mls/2016/12/15/30536962/beckhams-mls-project-could-be-based-in-las-vegas

Beckham's MLS project could be based in Las Vegas

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/beckham-club-limbo-mls-outlines-expansion-plans-233356035--sow.html

With Beckham club in limbo, MLS outlines expansion plans

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http://www.themalaymailonline.com/sports/article/with-beckham-club-in-limbo-mls-outlines-expansion-plans

With Beckham club in limbo, MLS outlines expansion plans

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46644

SEAMUS SPEAKS

Report: O'Brien says Cosmos have no debt, no interest in joining USL

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/12/13/fc-cincy-has-goals-question-how-many-do/95393868/

FC Cincy has goals. Question is, how many will do it?

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https://sgbonline.com/united-soccer-league-names-vp-of-marketing-and-communications/

United Soccer League Names VP Of Marketing And Communications

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/12/14/fc-cincy-names-alan-koch-technical-staff/95403010/

FC Cincy coaching hire to help build youth academy

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/15/d-c-united-planning-to-launch-usl-team-in-2018/?utm_term=.df6f00fbf753

D.C. United planning to launch USL team in 2018

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http://www.lasoccernews.com/leagues/nasl2.php?article_id=15741

PLANNING AHEAD

Source: NASL hopes to have 8-10 teams in 2017

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http://jacksonville.com/sports/2016-12-14/armada-future-question-after-release-five-players

Armada future in question after release of five players

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http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2016/12/15/ny-cosmos-face-another-stellar-fall-unless-obrien-finds-new-magic-trick/

NY Cosmos face another stellar fall, unless O’Brien finds a new magic trick

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http://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2016/12/14/13958932/investors-pro-soccer-teams-atlanta-nwsl-nasl-usl-united

Investors considering Atlanta for more pro soccer teams

NWSL and un-named men’s pro league under consideration

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46651

WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR

Cosmos back-rent case adjourned until Jan. 5

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/734314?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

Portillos, Nanchoff Return to Rowdies

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/14/freddy-adu-is-searching-for-a-new-soccer-team-again/

Freddy Adu is searching for a new soccer team … again

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http://www.mrt.com/sports/article/SOCCER-Sockers-making-move-from-PDL-to-NPSL-10794495.php

SOCCER: Sockers making move from PDL to NPSL

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http://www.oaoa.com/sports/local/franchise/sockers/article_ae3472c4-c1be-11e6-bd1b-9bfe96c26d7b.html

LOCAL SOCCER: Sockers FC changes name to join National Premier Soccer League

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/733441?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

England Legend Cole Leads Trio of Returnees to Rowdies

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http://saintpetersblog.com/core-tampa-bay-rowdies-roster-set-return-team-2017/

Core of Tampa Bay Rowdies’ roster set to return to team in 2017

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http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/core-tampa-bay-rowdies%E2%80%99-roster-set-return-team-2017

Core of Tampa Bay Rowdies’ roster set to return to team in 2017

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https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/dec/13/new-york-cosmos-nasl-staff-laid-off-problems

Are the New York Cosmos dead again, or waiting for another resurrection?

The club that brought Pelé and Raúl to America have shed their staff and players. So why does their chairman insist the team has a future?

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46640

BACK RENT

Cosmos landlord pushes for eviction to recover more than $55K in arrears for team's Long Island offices

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http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12/12/will-raiders-share-las-vegas-with-david-beckham-mls-franchise/

Will the Raiders be sharing space in Las Vegas with David Beckham?

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http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2016/12/12/beautiful-game-what-a-gamethe-best-everhistoric

BEAUTIFUL GAME: What a game…the best ever…historic!

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http://blog.sfgate.com/soccer/2016/12/12/san-francisco-deltas-announce-first-player-signings/

San Francisco Deltas announce first player signings

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/12/minnesota-united-brave-elements-stadium-groundbreaking-ceremony

Minnesota United brave elements for stadium groundbreaking ceremony

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http://www.masslive.com/mutiny/index.ssf/2016/12/united_womens_soccer_announces.html

United Women's Soccer announces four-team expansion for 2017 season

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http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/city-beat/article119692843.html

Will Major League Soccer’s expansion timing finally be revealed?

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3014831/don-garber-says-he-supports-lower-divisions-mls-not-to-blame-for-nasl-troubles

Don Garber backs lower divisions but says MLS not to blame for NASL peril

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3015086/mls-chief-don-garber-not-swayed-by-promotion-relegation-report

MLS chief Don Garber not swayed by promotion/relegation report

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3015149/don-garber-qa-mls-commissioner-talks-expansion-pro-rel-and-more

Don Garber Q&A: MLS commissioner talks expansion, pro-rel, NASL, more

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/09/mls-commissioner-don-garber-hold-state-league-address-friday

WATCH: MLS Commissioner Don Garber's 2016 State of the League address

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http://www.americansoccernow.com/articles/garber-slow-and-steady-trumps-exciting-and-fun

Garber: "Slow and Steady" Trumps "Exciting and Fun"

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http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/Live-video-MLS-commissioner-Don-Garbers-2016-State-of-the-League-address.html

Live video: MLS commissioner Don Garber's 2016 State of the League address

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http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/mls/watch-live-mls-state-league-address/

Watch Live: MLS State of the League address

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/ranking-expansion-markets-lining-get-major-league-soccer

Ranking the expansion markets lining up to get into Major League Soccer

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http://www.nycfc.com/post/2016/12/08/watch-don-garbers-state-league

Watch: Don Garber's State of the League

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http://www.sounderatheart.com/2016/12/9/13902698/watch-don-garber-s-state-of-mls-address

Watch Don Garber’s State of MLS address

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http://www.atlutd.com/post/2016/12/09/mls-commissioner-don-garber-delivers-state-league-address

MLS Commissioner Don Garber delivers "State of the League" address

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3015795/don-garber-on-cosmos-mls-is-not-going-to-have-a-third-team-in-new-york

Don Garber on Cosmos: MLS is 'not going to have a third team' in New York

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/don-garber-mls-state-league-002918106.html

Don Garber in MLS State of the League: 'We need to resolve the Miami situation'

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-usa-mlscup-garber-idUKKBN13Y2RY

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/pro-sports/don-garber-upbeat-before-mls-cup-austin-usl-team-still-grounded/wQVUXukz0FYyqimsqMmOzK/

Don Garber upbeat before MLS Cup; Austin’s USL team still grounded

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/12/09/don-garber-details-mls-expansion-revealed-next-week/95224974/

Don Garber: Details on MLS expansion revealed next week

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/09/mls-commissioner-don-garber-provides-update-miami-expansion-bid

MLS Commissioner Don Garber provides update on Miami expansion bid

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/fort-lauderdale-strikers/fl-mls-talks-deadline-beckham-miami-1211-20161210-story.html

Deadline, Miami: Beckham on notice, MLS commissioner says

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http://www.euronews.com/2016/12/09/beckham-faces-deadline-on-miami-mls-franchise

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2016/12/09/commissioner-don-garber-delivers-state-league

Commissioner Don Garber Delivers the 'State of the League'

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http://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2016/12/09/watch-don-garbers-state-league-address

WATCH: Don Garber's State of the League address

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http://www.indomitablecitysoccer.com/2016/12/9/13902762/don-garber-barely-comments-on-mls-expansion

Don Garber (Barely) comments on MLS expansion

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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/on-the-pitch/os-mls-commissioner-don-garber-gives-state-of-the-league-address-20161210-story.html

MLS commissioner Don Garber gives State of the League address

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4019258/David-Beckham-s-planned-Miami-franchise-facing-MLS-deadline.html

David Beckham's planned Miami franchise facing MLS deadline

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http://www.burgundywave.com/2016/12/11/13907290/mls-state-of-the-league-summary-tam-video-review-and-expansion-don-garber-major-league-soccer-news

MLS State of the League summary: TAM, video review, and expansion

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http://www.dailynebraskan.com/opinion/tracey-mls-must-reform-system/article_a7aa529e-bcfe-11e6-94d5-ab705ce1de35.html

TRACEY: Major League Soccer must reform its system

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http://sport360.com/video/football/204638/what-would-have-happened-if-david-beckham-never-moved-to-the-mls-and-joined-la-galaxy

WATCH: What if Beckham never went to the MLS?

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http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/city-beat/article119692843.html

Will Major League Soccer’s expansion timing finally be revealed?

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http://www.mor-tv.com/article/mls-2-stpete/8360122

Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Tampa Bay Rowdies got big plans for Saint Petersburg, Florida as a Major League Soccer (MLS) city including a renovated and expanded Al Lang Stadium!

MLS has made it clear that it is looking to expand into cities that have demonstrated their support for soccer via season ticket memberships, single game ticket sales and sponsorships. We need the people of St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, Sarasota/Bradenton and our entire region to get behind this effort. We need you to show MLS leadership that we are the next great MLS town!

About #MLS2STPETE

The Rowdies were the first professional sports franchise in our region. Over the last 41 years the team has undergone multiple changes, but none as dramatic as what has taken place over the last few years. The team has seen a resurgence in popularity – and the caliber of the franchise, both on and off the field rivals that of the team’s heyday. The Rowdies have made their home in St. Petersburg, which has undergone a remarkable renaissance and continues to grow by leaps and bounds. And for the team, there’s no place else we’d rather be.

In 2015 the Rowdies unveiled the marketing slogan We Stand for Soccer, but it has become so much more than a tagline. It is our mission, our passion and why we come to work (and play) every day.

We are committed to keeping and expanding the world’s game right here, and we feel strongly that joining Major League Soccer (MLS) is the next logical step. We’ve examined the criteria, retained the best stadium architects and have put together a plan to move forward.

We Stand for Soccer. We Need You to Stand With Us.

Bill Edwards Rowdies Chairman, CEO and Governor

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http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/hasty-push-for-soccer-stadium-financing-raises-red-flags/article_a19c3bb8-a763-56f0-a70d-947aa15d0fbb.html

Rush for soccer stadium financing raises red flags ‌

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3014831/don-garber-says-he-supports-lower-divisions-mls-not-to-blame-for-nasl-troubles

Don Garber backs lower divisions but says MLS not to blame for NASL peril

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http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/soccer/carolina-railhawks/article119751923.html

How a mid-level soccer team can make a major league dream come true

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http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/martin-rogers/2016/12/08/mls-cup-toronto-fc-seattle-sounders/95163074/

When should MLS put a halt to expansion?

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http://www.kmov.com/story/34010497/officials-meet-in-jefferson-city-over-mls-stadium

Officials meet in Jefferson City over MLS stadium

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http://thecomeback.com/soccer/mls-st-louis-40-million-tax-credits.html

New MLS owners in St. Louis want $40 million in state tax credits for new stadium

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http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2016/12/08/detroit-still-major-league-soccers-radar/95169730/

Detroit still on Major League Soccer’s radar

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http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2016/12/08/april-vote-to-decide-city-state-contributions-to.html

April vote to decide city, state contributions to MLS stadium

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http://www.reuters.com/article/us-keepingscore-8dec-idUSKBN13X2GU

How MLS found its niche in North America

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3014831/don-garber-says-he-supports-lower-divisionsmls-not-to-blame-for-nasl-troubles

Don Garber backs lower divisions but says MLS not to blame for NASL peril

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http://www.lakeexpo.com/news/top_stories/st-louis-seeks-million-in-state-tax-credits-for-major/article_7497da56-bd09-11e6-94be-27e0678fa32d.html

St. Louis seeks $40 million in state tax credits for Major League Soccer stadium

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/notes_and_insights/mls_in_rude_health_as_nasl_battles_for_survival

MLS in rude health as NASL battles for survival

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http://portcitydaily.com/2016/12/09/sports-mls-north-carolina-fc-174435/

Could Major League Soccer be coming to the Tar Heel State?

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http://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/to-join-mls-fc-cincinnati-feels-pressure-to-build-a-soccer-specific-stadium

To join MLS, FC Cincinnati feels pressure to build a soccer-specific stadium

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http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2016/12/09/mls-expansion-don-garber/95210774/

Major League Soccer commissioner: Expansion details coming soon

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2016/12/09/new-details-on-mls-expansion-expected-next-week.html

New details on MLS expansion expected next week

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http://www.espnfc.com.ng/major-league-soccer/story/3015086/mls-chief-don-garber-not-swayed-by-promotion-relegation-report

MLS chief Don Garber not swayed by promotion/relegation report

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http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/local-sports/fury-fc-enters-into-partnership-with-montreal-impact

Fury FC enters into partnership with Montreal Impact

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http://www.firstcoastnews.com/sports/soccer/armada-fc/armada-owner-commits-to-teams-future-but-where-they-play-is-up-in-the-air/366143650

Armada owner commits to team's future, but where they play is up in the air

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/1155497/ny-cosmos-fate-uncertain-as-crisis-engulfs-us-lower-leagues

NY Cosmos fate uncertain as crisis engulfs US lower leagues

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/fort-lauderdale-strikers/fl-strikers-nasl-fate-on-hold-1209-20161208-story.html

U.S. Soccer postpones decision on NASL

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ny-cosmos-fate-uncertain-crisis-engulfs-us-lower-014929253--sow.html

NY Cosmos fate uncertain as crisis engulfs US lower leagues

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http://portcitydaily.com/2016/12/09/sports-mls-north-carolina-fc-174435/

Could Major League Soccer be coming to the Tar Heel State?

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/09/a-minor-meltdown-why-nasls-collapse-matters-to-north-american-soccer-fans/?utm_term=.5e5b5c46c371

A minor meltdown: Why NASL’s collapse matters to North American soccer fans

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/no-place-mls-troubled-cosmos-garber-230703589--sow.html

No place in MLS for troubled Cosmos - Garber

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http://pulse.ng/sports/football/ny-cosmos-clubs-fate-uncertain-as-crisis-engulfs-us-lower-leagues-id5872905.html

Club's fate uncertain as crisis engulfs US lower leagues

The uncertainty shrouding the Cosmos is a direct consequence of the problems engulfing the NASL.

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http://www.ottawasun.com/2016/12/09/ottawa-fury-fc-enters-into-partnership-with-montreal-impact-of-major-league-soccer

Ottawa Fury FC enters into partnership with Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/roughriders2.php?article_id=46626

A USL TEAM FOR SUFFOLK COUNTY?

Report: Rough Riders propose $8-10 million stadium to play at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood

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http://www.bendbulletin.com/sports/4889273-151/as-mls-crowns-winner-minor-league-craters

As MLS crowns winner, minor league craters

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http://www.albawaba.com/sport/innovative-roof-khalifa-stadium-nears-completion-913250

Innovative roof at Khalifa Stadium nears completion

Meanwhile, Eng. Mohemed Ahmed, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Project Manager for Khalifa International Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City, explained: “The design of the roof is a fantastic idea from an engineering perspective. ETFE is a material that is now becoming popular for this type of use and it was also used for the Allianz Arena in Munich.”

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/731864?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

Rowdies Re-Sign Hristov for New Season

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http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/dynamo-realigns-with-npsl-midwest-east/ZW4nj8VTBCORA8FDanMZfN/

Dynamo realigns with NPSL Midwest East

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http://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/future-of-nasl-up-in-the-air-due-to-financial-woes-heres-what-to-know-about-it/

Future of NASL up in the air due to financial woes; Here's what to know about it

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http://jacksonville.com/sports/2016-12-07/nasl-s-struggles-could-mean-changes-armada-2017

NASL’s struggles could mean changes for Armada in 2017

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http://www.intelligencer.ca/2016/12/07/czech-points-move-over-argos

CZECH POINTS: Move over, Argos

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/where-does-mls-ussf-partnership-leave-lower-division-soccer

Where does the MLS-USSF partnership leave lower-division soccer?