Is St. Pete too close to Orlando to let the Tampa Bay Rowdies into MLS? Let's look at the numbers.

Is St. Pete too close to Orlando to let the Tampa Bay Rowdies into MLS? Let's look at the numbers. 

Edit: 2017-02-21, to add Cincinnati to Columbus comparison.

Edit: 2017-02-08, to add San Diego to Los Angeles comparison.

https://www.mapquest.com/directions/from/us/florida/orlando/32805-2207/655-w-church-st-28.540160,-81.388408/to/us/fl/saint-petersburg/33701-4343/230-1st-st-se-27.768764,-82.633987

From:

655 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805-2207 (Orlando City SC's new stadium in Orlando.)

To:

230 1st St SE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701-4343 (Tampa Bay Rowdies, Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.)

Result:

1hr 42min 107mi

https://www.mapquest.com/directions/from/us/ca/san-jose/95110-1104/1123-coleman-ave-37.352732,-121.924720/to/us/california/sacramento/95814-2308/401-i-st-38.583540,-121.501038

From:

1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110-1104 (San Jose Earthquakes, Avaya Stadium in San Jose.)

To:

401 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814-2308 (Sacramento (Republic?), Sacramento Amtrak Station, near the Sacramento Railyards Project where the Sacramento MLS stadium is planned to be built.)

Result:

1hr 50min 116mi

Edit to add San Diego to LA:

https://www.mapquest.com/directions/from/us/ca/san-diego/92108-1718/9449-friars-rd-32.787208,-117.118296/to/us/ca/carson/90746-2135/18400-avalon-blvd-33.863048,-118.266006

From:

9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108-1718 (San Diego proposed MLS stadium site, currently Qualcomm Stadium.)

To:

18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746-2135 (Los Angeles Galaxy, StubHub Center, greater Los Angeles area.)

1hr 46min 111mi

Edit to add Cincinnati to Columbus:   

https://www.mapquest.com/directions/from/us/oh/cincinnati/45219/174-w-corry-st-39.129690,-84.516228/to/us/oh/columbus/43211-2091/1-black-and-gold-blvd-40.007512,-82.991593

From:

174 W Corry St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 (FC Cincinnati, Nippert Stadium.)

To:

1 Black and Gold Blvd, Columbus, OH 43211-2091 (Columbus Crew, Mapfre Stadium.)

Result:

1hr 47min 110mi 
 
So, there's your difference. The Rowdies would be 9 miles, or 8 minutes, closer to Orlando than the distance from San Jose to Sacramento (or 4 miles, or 4 minutes, closer than San Diego to LA). Now the shortest route in Northern California goes through a lot more developed areas than the route from Orlando to St. Pete, so there's more potential for traffic delays in Northern California than in Central Florida, but that's not really an issue on weekends when traffic is light - which is also why the whole "hurr durr, MLB, Rays can't draw fans in St. Pete, so you can't put MLS in St. Pete", non-argument, does not apply to the situation for MLS in St. Pete, where most games will be on weekends.

Notice we hear absolutely nothing about how Sacramento (or San Diego) can't get into MLS because it's too close to San Jose (or LA). In fact most people were giving Sacramento Republic (or San Diego) the best chances of getting into MLS of the 12 markets applying for MLS expansion, before the recent kerfuffle over the ownership group, which may be resolved in any case. So apparently that extra 9 miles (or 4 miles) difference is decisive because reasons.

Also note that the travel times will vary by a few minutes, depending on who/where you are on the internet and at what time you are asking, etc.; but the mileage doesn't change, assuming that the route doesn't change, which it should not; Mapquest picked the shortest route via major highways. 

Edit to add: and San Diego to LA Galaxy home stadium is even closer than Sacramento to San Jose, only 4 miles (or 4 minutes) further, than Orlando to St. Pete. So that's two cities almost as close to each other in major league sports, as Orlando and St. Pete are, not counting multi-team cities like NYC, Chicago, or LA, or cross-bay rivals San Francisco and Oakland. Proximity really isn't the issue here; this is only an objection that comes up when Tampa Bay Rowdies to MLS is mentioned as a possibility.   

Edit to add: and Cincinnati to Columbus is only 3 miles further than St. Pete to Orlando. Columbus has voiced objections to Cincinnati though; hopefully that won't be a factor in the decision process. So contra my last comment above, this isn't just an objection to the Rowdies going to MLS; but it is a fanboy objection you hear mostly against the Rowdies.     

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/753034?referrer_id=2943429

Rowdies U23 to Compete in USL’s Premier Development League

By Rowdies Communications, 02/02/17, 5:00PM EST

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (February 2, 2017)—The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced they will field a team in the USL’s Premier Development League, with Rowdies U23 set to join the league this coming season.

The Rowdies U23 team will remain based in Tampa at the Waters Soccer Complex and will compete in the PDL’s Southern Conference’s Southeast Division, which currently features seven other teams from around the Sunshine State.

"Rowdies U23 will give us an opportunity to develop young talent in the Tampa Bay area, while also developing a strong connection with the community,” said Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards. “There are many talented youth players in the region and Rowdies U23 will hopefully guide them towards becoming professional soccer players in the years to come. We want the sport to continue to grow in Tampa Bay and Rowdies U23 will do just that."

The PDL, a part of the United Soccer Leagues – which also operates the USL and Super Y League – has served as a major development platform for aspiring professional players for more than two decades. Since 2010, nearly 70 percent of all MLS SuperDraft selections have had PDL experience, with 59 PDL alums chosen in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

FC Miami City, The Villages SC, Palm Beach Suns FC, IMG Academy, the South Florida Surf, Weston FC, Floridians F.C. and the Tropics will serve as the Rowdies U23’s in-state rivals.

“The PDL is always excited and supportive of highly-operated teams from the USL, given the resources they provide to aspiring professionals,” PDL Director Todd Eason said. “There is a hotbed of talent in this region, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies U23 will provide an exceptional environment for the development of many college-aged players. I have no doubt the Rowdies U23 will adopt the ‘Path to Pro’ model and field a talented side to compete in a tough Southern Conference.”

The PDL, acknowledged as a leading “Path to Pro,” is a key phase in the development of emerging soccer talent in this country. As an amateur competition, the PDL allows college-aged players to retain their college eligibility, while also benefiting from high-level, competitive play during the college offseason.

The Rowdies U23 will enter the PDL alongside the Weston FC, Lakeland Tropics, Myrtle Beach Mutiny, Nashville SC U23, Tobacco Road FC, Wilmington Hammerheads FC and a San Diego-based team as expansion franchises.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/rowdiesU23/photos/a.214755798863388.1073741827.208047309534237/415235505482082/?type=3&theater

Rowdies U23

NEWS: Rowdies U23 to Compete in USL PDL’s Southern Conference’s Southeast Division, which currently features seven other teams from around the Sunshine State.

The Rowdies U23 team will remain based in Tampa at the Waters Soccer Complex.

READ: http://tinyurl.com/jmhqrqe

(Follow link for full article.)

http://saintpetersblog.com/tampa-bay-rowdies-announce-23-development-team/

Tampa Bay Rowdies announce their under 23 development team

Gary Shelton

The Tampa Bay Rowdies would like to grow a player or two on their own.

The Rowdies will field a team in the USL’s Premier Development league this year, as the Rowdies U23 team is to begin play.

The team will remain based in Tampa at the Waters Soccer Complex and will compete in the PDL’s Southern Conference’s Southeast Division, which currently features seven other teams from around the Sunshine State.

“Rowdies U23 will give us an opportunity to develop young talent in the Tampa Bay area, while also developing a strong connection with the community,” said Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards. “There are many talented youth players in the region and Rowdies U23 will hopefully guide them towards becoming professional soccer players in the years to come. We want the sport to continue to grow in Tampa Bay and Rowdies U23 will do just that.”

The PDL, a part of the United Soccer Leagues – which also operates the USL and Super Y League – has served as a major development platform for aspiring professional players for more than two decades. Since 2010, nearly 70 percent of all MLS SuperDraft selections have had PDL experience, with 59 PDL alums chosen in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

FC Miami City, The Villages SC, Palm Beach Suns FC, IMG Academy, the South Florida Surf, Weston FC and the Tropics will serve as the Rowdies U23’s in-state rivals.

“The PDL is always excited and supportive of highly-operated teams from the USL, given the resources they provide to aspiring professionals,” PDL Director Todd Eason said. “There is a hotbed of talent in this region, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies U23 will provide an exceptional environment for the development of many college-aged players. I have no doubt the Rowdies U23 will adopt the ‘Path to Pro’ model and field a talented side to compete in a tough Southern Conference.”

The PDL, acknowledged as a leading “Path to Pro,” is a key phase in the development of emerging soccer talent in this country. As an amateur competition, the PDL allows college-aged players to retain their college eligibility, while also benefiting from high-level, competitive play during the college offseason.

The Rowdies U23 will enter the PDL alongside the Weston FC, Lakeland Tropics, Myrtle Beach Mutiny, Nashville SC U23, Tobacco Road FC, Wilmington Hammerheads FC and a San Diego-based team as expansion franchises.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/NASLFanPage/videos/10154992297494932/?pnref=story

North American Soccer League (NASL)

No sleep till Brooklyn! See professional soccer at Coney Island as the New York Cosmos move to MCU Park: http://nasl.io/7kUOFrdP

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http://www.nasl.com/news/2017/02/02/new-york-cosmos-move-to-mcu-park-

New York Cosmos Move To MCU Park

The club has previously hosted games at the Brooklyn venue

New York Cosmos Staff | Feb 2, 2017

The New York Cosmos announced today that MCU Park in Brooklyn will be the new home of the legendary soccer club. The team will host a total of 16 regular-season NASL matches at MCU Park this year beginning with the home opener on April 1st.  Season ticket membership packages for the upcoming 2017 season at MCU Park will go on sale Friday, February 3rd. 

“When I took control of the club on January 10, our immediate priorities were to stabilize the NASL, re-hire the Cosmos front office personnel and coaching staff, rebuild our team roster, and relocate to a fan friendly venue within the five boroughs,” Cosmos Chairman Rocco B. Commisso said. “In less than a month, we have achieved those objectives, including re-signing many of the starters from our 2016 championship team.

“During the Cosmos’ inaugural season in 1971, the team played at Yankee Stadium. With our move to MCU Park in Brooklyn, we are not only able to offer fans easy access to a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, but we are also reconnecting the club to its original New York City roots. Adding the excitement of Cosmos games to Coney Island’s already vibrant atmosphere will be a win-win for our club and soccer enthusiasts throughout the metropolitan area.”     

Located just steps from Coney Island's famed boardwalk, MCU Park is also home to the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the New York Mets. The stadium sits under the majestic Parachute Jump, and is surrounded by public beaches, amusement park attractions, restaurants and bars. This unique locale features ample parking, and is served by the D, F, N, and Q subway trains and numerous bus routes from the adjacent Coney Island – Stillwell Avenue Station. 

"We are thrilled to showcase MCU Park as a multi-purpose venue and welcome the Cosmos, a storied franchise in American soccer history,” New York Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon said. “All New York area soccer fans will enjoy watching the Cosmos make their mark in Brooklyn."

"With the Cosmos coming to Brooklyn, we're adding a world-class franchise to New York City's proud soccer tradition,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “We couldn't be more proud to welcome the New York Cosmos to the five boroughs."

“Coney Island has been an iconic destination for generations of New York families,” Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams said. “This historic Brooklyn neighborhood’s remarkable renaissance will hopefully accelerate even further with the move of the New York Cosmos to MCU Park.” 

"The New York Cosmos are back where they belong: New York City,” New York City Councilman Vincent Gentile said. "Cementing themselves in Brooklyn at MCU Park in Coney Island with a passionate fan base dating back to the 1970s, the Cosmos will attract soccer fans and casual fans of the beautiful game alike."

“Coney Island and the Cosmos are a perfect fit,” New York City Councilman Mark Treyger said. “I welcome the Cosmos to MCU Park and back to New York City, and look forward to seeing a whole new generation enjoy one of our city’s legendary sports clubs.”

“Brooklyn scores again in the wide world of sports," Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Andrew Hoan said. "Bringing the Cosmos to MCU Park gives an even bigger kick to Coney Island as a destination and provides another option for families looking to spend a fun day together.”

"We are excited to welcome the New York Cosmos to Coney Island," said Alexandra Silversmith, Executive Director of the Alliance for Coney Island. "Having the historic soccer club join the Amusement District will allow soccer fans to see the Cosmos while also enjoying an amazing ocean breeze and all Coney Island has to offer."

(Follow link for full article.)

http://view.exacttarget.com/?qs=113b7184c8b033ac29a22b09fe7ab0f86dd2a6bd899db6cb2f397fab1701750794e71730fd196f0ffc242f67c9251b534f3648cbab30bed2f0bc3600a04baea12a5ecdafac4161b50f903dd7861ea0c7

These 12 cities submitted bids for the next round of MLS expansion

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http://www.socceramerica.com/article/72176/mls-expansion-sacramento-from-sure-bet-to.html?edition=16769

MLS Expansion: Sacramento, from sure bet to ...?

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https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2017/02/02/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/MLS.aspx

Miami Expansion Still Top Of Mind For MLS; Can Cincinnati Support A Third Pro Team?

Published February 2, 2017

There was only a brief mention of Miami yesterday during a conference call about expansion with MLS Deputy Commissioner & President Mark Abbott, but it was a comment that should "give hope to South Florida fans who may be thinking the David Beckham deal will never materialize," accordi...

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https://therealdeal.com/miami/2017/02/02/beckhams-miami-stadium-is-still-in-the-works-mls-says/

Beckham’s Miami stadium is still in the works, MLS says

Beckham plans to build a $150M, 25,000-seat stadium in Overtown

February 02, 2017 05:20PM

Despite multiple delays, the Major League Soccer organization is still counting Miami into its expansion plans.

MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott said at a conference on Wednesday that the league will add two teams this season in Atlanta and Minnesota, Los Angeles in 2018 and Miami possibly in 2019, joining as the 24th market, according to the Miami Herald.

Abbot said the league is focused on finalizing a stadium deal in Miami, and confirmed that Miami will be the 24th team.

His statements follow commissioner Don Garber’s in December who said that it was time to reach a conclusion with David Beckham and his partners, who are missing land and financing backing for the project. Garber said “I remain a big believer in the importance of Miami to extending MLS’s reach to south of the border and to connect with a very diverse and culturally important city in our country,” the Herald reported.

Beckham plans to build a $150 million, 25,000-seat stadium in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, a project that has already spurred new real estate deals and developments. But to move forward, Beckham’s group needs to close on an additional 3 acres owned by Miami-Dade County and is also reportedly looking for investors. Miami Beckham United paid $19 million earlier this year for 6 privately owned acres.

If they don’t finalize agreements, the Overtown site would mark the fourth time in roughly three years that Beckham’s group failed to make it work. [Miami Herald] – Katherine Kallergis

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http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/pulse/poll/do-you-support-investing-public-money-to-build-mls-stadium/20973261

Do you support investing public money to build MLS stadium?

Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports, has submitted a bid to bring a Major League Soccer team to Charlotte. However, final details on funding for a proposed $175 million, 20,000-seat stadium to house the team have yet to be ironed out. Mecklenburg County has already voted to provide the 16-acre site near uptown at no cost to Smith and to spend $43.75 million of taxpayer money for construction costs. Charlotte City Council has not made a commitment. Explain your position in the comments section.

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http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2017/02/01/a-dozen-u-s-cities-are-vying-for-two-mls-expansion.html

A dozen U.S. cities are vying for two MLS expansion teams

Atlanta United, which starts its inaugural season later this year, is about to get some new competition.

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http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170201/NEWS/170209995/gilbert-gores-soccer-bid-faces-competition-from-ceos-sports-moguls

Gilbert-Gores soccer bid faces competition from CEOs, sports moguls

The face of Detroit's pro soccer bid is the joint venture led by Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores, the billionaire NBA owners.

Their competition for an expansion Major League Soccer team includes Hewlett Packard CEO Meg Whitman, San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York and American Financial Group CEO Carl Lindner III, as well as a variety of business people with established reputations in their markets. Several are owners or co-owners of pro sports teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics and San Diego Padres.

MLS released the names of the prospective owners from 12 groups that submitted bids for expansion teams on Tuesday. Each of the 12 seek one of the four expansion clubs that will be awarded beginning with two in the third quarter of this year, and two at an undetermined time after that.

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2017/02/02/mls-expansion-effort-still-aims-to-bring-republic.html

MLS expansion effort still aims to bring Republic on board

Despite the dispute between two groups backing a Sacramento bid to join Major League Soccer, a resolution is still possible.

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/02/02/kick-mls-fantasy-back-expansion-updates-badji-nyc

Kick Off: MLS Fantasy is back! | Expansion updates | Badji to NYC?

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http://www.centerlinesoccer.com/2017/2/2/14484630/the-economics-of-major-league-soccer

The Economics of Major League Soccer

2016 was a somber year for Toronto FC fans, but not for the folks at the MLS front office.

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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/other-sports/article130087669.html

Independence soccer team moving to Matthews from temporary complex at Ramblewood

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http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/soccer/article/Pundits-believe-San-Antonio-is-looking-at-long-10903508.php

Pundits believe San Antonio is looking at long odds in MLS pursuit

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http://wfae.org/post/charlotte-independence-making-move-matthews

Charlotte Independence Making A Move To Matthews

The bid to bring Major League Soccer to Charlotte has tripped up plans by the city's existing pro soccer team to play at a renovated Memorial Stadium near uptown. So the Charlotte Independence have come up with a plan B for now - a move to Matthews Sportsplex.

The Independence compete in the United Soccer League, in the second level of U.S. pro soccer. They had been playing in a temporary stadium erected at Ramblewood Soccer complex off Nations Ford Road. But they had their eyes on something bigger and more permanent.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.ksat.com/sports/soccer/mls-bid-could-require-public-money-for-stadium-expansion

MLS bid could require public money for stadium expansion

SUB: Spurs Sports & Entertainment gunning for 1 of 12 MLS spots

SAN ANTONIO - After one season in the soccer business, Spurs Sports & Entertainment is one of 12 teams making its bid for four MLS spots.

SS&E, which owns the minor league San Antonio FC franchise, announced its bid for a major league franchise, which was the goal behind the partnership between the Spurs, the city and the county.

"What they're going to do, who they're going to pick, I don't know," said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff. "But we're in the game, and we'll see where it leads."

If it leads to the big time, it will also lead to big bucks

The expansion fee, which would be paid after the team is selected, has been reported to be between $150 and $200 million. That fee would be on the Spurs organization to pay.

There's another cost to consider. To make the city and county-owned, Toyota Field meet MLS standards would require at least another 10,000 seats beyond its current 8,400-person capacity.

Wolff guessed the stadium expansion project, which he said would also need more amenities, could end up in the area of $100 million.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2017/02/01/32217782/mls-downplays-friction-in-sacramento-expansion-bid

MLS downplays friction in Sacramento expansion bid

MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said the league isn't alarmed by controversy surrounding Sacramento's bid for an expansion team.

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/mls-new-markets-old-expansion-marketing-attendance

Energy around new markets leaves MLS' old guard playing catch up

Attendance and marketing standards are being set by MLS' newest teams. How do the league's oldest teams change the message around their clubs?

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http://www.journal-news.com/sports/mls-lack-stadium-plan-may-not-hurt-cincinnati/mVsXopw63NW3viv2wXNZDK/

MLS: Lack of stadium plan may not hurt FC Cincinnati

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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/02/02/soccer/mls-extends-time-sacramento-expansion-bid/

MLS extends time for Sacramento expansion bid

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https://www.thecoastnews.com/2017/02/02/jay-paris-donovan-on-board-with-a-mls-team-coming-to-san-diego/

Jay Paris: Donovan on board with a MLS team coming to San Diego

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http://wtop.com/mls/2017/02/nwsl-matches-will-be-shown-on-lifetime-each-saturday/

A+E buys stake in NWSL, will televise games on Lifetime

NEW YORK (AP) — A+E Networks has bought a stake in the National Women’s Soccer League and will broadcast a game each weekend on the Lifetime network.

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2017/02/02/5-things-to-know-today-and-why-were-feeling.html

5 things to know today, and why we're feeling romantic

Maybe all this talk of warm, fuzzy feelings will help resolve the local Major League Soccer dispute. Quick summary: On Wednesday, Major League ...

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http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/1438155-mls-last-holdout-as-nasl-joins-usl-in-treating-canadian-u.s.-players-the-same

MLS last holdout as NASL joins USL in treating Canadian, U.S. players the same

TORONTO — The North American Soccer League has joined the United Soccer League in counting Canadian players as domestics south of the border, leaving Major League Soccer as the lone holdout.

"Canadian players have played a big role in the development of our league on the field," NASL interim commissioner Rishi Sehgal said in a statement Thursday. "We believe that this change will help us become better contributors to the growth of the game, not only in Canada but in the U.S. as well."

MLS, which has 19 teams in the U.S. as well as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal in Canada, is at the top of the soccer pyramid in North America. Both the NASL and USL are operating this year with provisional Division II status, as per the U.S. Soccer Federation.

NASL teams are allowed seven internationals. Under the league's new rule, any American or Canadian player on an NASL roster will count as domestic and not affect that international player count.

The USL has had a similar rule in place for some years now, treating Canadians and Americans as equals on both sides of the border.

The Canadian Soccer Association, which has been working behind the scenes to ease access for Canadian players in the U.S., welcomed the NASL move.

"It's encouraging, it's positive. It's moving in the right direction," said CSA general secretary Peter Montopoli.

MLS has been harder to budge, although Montopoli praised moves announced by the league in November to take the international tag off some Canadians south of the border.

MLS modified its roster rules to increase the number of Canadian players considered domestic. Younger players are the main beneficiaries, with commissioner Don Garber saying the rule change immediately meant 40 per cent of all Canadians in the league counted as domestics with more to come.

However, Garber has consistently said his hands are tied when it comes to treating Canadians the same as Americans in the U.S.

"When you look at U.S. law which does not allow any employer to treat one passport-holder differently than another, we could not have a different rule for Canadians than we have for Hondurans or Guatemalans," he said in his state of the league address in Toronto in December. "We have players from 60 (now 61) countries."

"So we came up with a mechanism that will allow us to designate players based on whether or not they played in an academy in Canada or United States. And that's something that will allow us, based on our legal advice, to be able to manage this issue."

Under the new MLS rules, Canadian players who qualify as a homegrown player as a member of an MLS club academy or who have met similar requirements as a member of a Canadian-approved youth club will count as a domestic player for all MLS clubs, provided they meet certain conditions.

If treated as an international player in the U.S., Canadians essentially only have a shot at the eight international spots on a team's 28-man roster.

The MLS did not immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment on how the two Division 2 leagues have managed to do what Garber has said is not possible.

All U.S. players are considered as domestics in Canada, a move Garber said was made to allow teams north of the border to be competitive with their American counterparts.

Like the NASL, USL teams each have seven international slots that cannot currently be traded.

The NASL has 10 teams including FC Edmonton. The USL has 30 clubs including Ottawa Fury FC, Toronto FC 2 and the Vancouver Whitecaps 2.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.austinchronicle.com/sports/2017-02-03/soccer-watch/

Soccer Watch

As expected, Spurs Sports & Entertain­ment submitted its application for Major League Soccer's expansion process before this week's deadline. San Antonio is one of 12 cities in the running for four next-round expansion slots to begin play in 2020 or thereafter. The Spurs, who currently own second-division San Antonio FC, issued a statement thanking "Bexar County, the City of San Anton­io, our corporate partners, and all of our supporters for their collaboration." See their video presentation, which includes the Austin market prominently, at www.sanantoniofc.com.

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http://www.thestate.com/news/nation-world/national/article130283014.html

Will deep pockets, NASCAR help Charlotte win major-league soccer team?

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https://therealdeal.com/miami/2017/02/02/beckhams-miami-stadium-is-still-in-the-works-mls-says/

Beckham’s Miami stadium is still in the works, MLS says

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http://www.americansoccernow.com/articles/why-are-so-many-mls-clubs-signing-costa-ricans

Why Are So Many MLS Clubs Signing Costa Ricans?

Five Major League Soccer clubs have signed Costa Rican players so far this offseason, prompting Jonathan Sigal to explore why so many players from this Central American country are heading north.

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http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2017/02/02/mls-president-discusses-fc-cincinnati-stadium-plan.html

MLS president discusses FC Cincinnati stadium plan

A new stadium could be a vital part of FC Cincinnati’s efforts to win a Major League Soccer expansion franchise, MLS’ president indicated Wednesday.

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http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2017/02/02/what-the-mls-is-saying-about-nashville-s-soccer.html

What the MLS is saying about Nashville’s soccer pitch

A top Major League Soccer official said this week’s sit-down with the Nashville group striving to land an expansion team “was a wonderful meeting.”

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https://www.sportstalkflorida.com/uncategorized/major-league-soccer-wants-teams/

Major League Soccer Wants More Teams

By Evan Weiner

February 2, 2017

Tampa area soccer investors would like to join Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer with the addition of a franchise in the Twin-Cities of Minnesota, now has 22 teams. In 2018, Los Angeles will join the league and possibly Miami although the story of the Miami franchise is not complete. The team needs still needs a stadium. The soccer business has been expanding into cities for years and years anticipating a major growth in the number of people becoming interested in soccer and hoping for the day when teams actually make money.

Business and political leaders in Nashville have indicated a strong interest in getting a team. Former Nashville Mayor and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen who helped cut deals to bring the NFL and NHL to Nashville is among the business leaders who plan to lobby the MLS for a team.  There is a group that has formed in Detroit that wants a franchise. Sacramento, San Antonio,  Cincinnati are also rumored to be interested in joining the MLS. Major League Soccer has come a long way since the shaking beginnings after the United States-hosted 1994 World Cup and the start of a new league. The MLS is not the only group playing soccer in the United States and Canada, the lower level leagues include the United Soccer League. The MLS is just like every other major sports league in the US and Canada as the league gets some big money from TV, depends on local governments to assist in the building of stadiums, and it appears the New York Yankees ownership which includes an MLS team playing in Yankee Stadium is planning to ask for some government money in an attempt to build a soccer stadium somewhere in New York City. So the MLS is like any other league depending on government, TV and corporate support. That’s the formula to succeed in sports.

David Beckham still lacks a Miami stadium for the MLS’s 24 team, his expansion team has been on hold for years but the league hopes Miami will operate in 2019.

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https://thewhistler.ng/story/super-green-fc-makes-history-seal-promotion-to-american-soccer-league

Super Green FC Makes History, Seal Promotion To American Soccer League

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/muslim-travel-ban-mls-players-kei-kamara-darlington-nagbe

New political climate is already having its impact on Major League Soccer

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http://www.soccerwire.com/news/clubs/youth-boys/three-mls-academy-teams-added-to-2017-dallas-cup-super-group/?loc=prince-edward-island

Three MLS academy teams added to 2017 Dallas Cup Super Group

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http://www.kcra.com/article/could-republic-fc-dispute-derail-sacramento-railyards-projects/8671230

How Republic FC dispute impacts Sacramento Railyards projects

Sacramento Republic FC not mentioned in MLS bid

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http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2017/02/02/seattle-sounders-head-coach-brian-schmetzer-weighs-recent-mls-expansion-bids

Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer weighs in on recent MLS expansion bids

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http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article130499334.html

Mayor: Two sides make ‘tremendous progress’ in settling dispute over Major League Soccer bid

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http://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/article130433554.html

Seattle Sounders visit Merced, consider soccer academy for partner

Fernando Aguilera, president of Merced Soccer Academy, speaks during a dedication ceremony for the new artificial turf soccer pitches at McNamara Park in Merced in June 2015.

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http://www.lawinsport.com/sports/item/case-review-us-soccer-federation-v-national-players-association-use-of-player-likenesses?category_id=152

Case review: US Soccer Federation v National Players Association (use of player likenesses)

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http://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/U-S-Soccer-s-Sunil-Gulati-confident-new-CBA-10904530.php
    
US Soccer's Sunil Gulati confident new CBA for USWNT will be signed

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http://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/U-S-Soccer-s-Sunil-Gulati-confident-new-CBA-10904530.php

U.S. Soccer’s Sunil Gulati confident new CBA for USWNT will be signed

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http://phillysportsnetwork.com/2017/02/02/preseason/

Previewing phases 2 and 3 of the Philadelphia Union's preseason

Jim said that in phase three of the Union’s preseason will be filled with four quality opponents. Three of them are in an invitational tournament hosted by the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Suncoast invitational is a tournament where the USL side Tampa Bay Rowdies hosts some MLS sides in preseason matches. In this invitational the Union play Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday Feb. 18th 7:30 PM, Montreal Wednesday Feb 22nd 7PM and DC United Saturday Feb 25th 5PM. All of these games should be streamed somewhere, so it will give all you fans something to look forward too closer to the season.

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http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2017/02/02/orlando-city-b-announces-2017-preseason-friendlies

Orlando City B Announces 2017 Preseason Friendlies

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http://www.thetelegram.com/sports/2017/2/2/mls-last-holdout-as-nasl-joins-usl-in-treating-canadian-u-s-players-the-same.html

MLS last holdout as NASL joins USL in treating Canadian, U.S. players the same

TORONTO — The North American Soccer League has joined the United Soccer League in counting Canadian players as domestics south of the border, leaving Major League Soccer as the lone holdout.

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http://theprovince.com/sports/soccer/mls/mls-last-holdout-as-nasl-joins-usl-in-treating-canadian-and-american-players-the-same

MLS last holdout as NASL joins USL in treating Canadian and American players the same

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http://www.flamboroughreview.com/sports-story/7100129-nasl-to-treat-u-s-canada-players-the-same/

NASL to treat U.S., Canada players the same

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https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/02/napa-valley-gets-its-own-football-team/

Napa Valley gets its own football team

The Napa Valley now has its very own football team – named Napa Valley 1839 in honour of the year in which vines were first planted in the northern Californian wine region.

The newly founded semi-professional club Napa Valley 1839 FC will join the fourth-tier National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Golden Gate Conference. The team boasts an abundance of local and international footballing experience.

“1839 is a very historic year for the Napa Valley,” Arik Housley, team co-owner and board member of the local Napa United Youth Soccer Club, told the Napa Valley Register.

“That is the year George C Yount planted the first wine grapes in the Napa Valley. Our soccer club understands the impact our wine industry has on our community and we wouldn’t be here without it. We embrace our history and pay respect to the wine industry throughout the entire Napa Valley.”

The Napa Valley 1839 team will play in the West Region of NPSL, joining CD Aguiluchos USA, East Bay FC Stompers, Sacramento Gold and Sonoma County Sol in the Golden Gate Conference.

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http://midfieldpress.com/2017/02/02/fc-wichita-draws-on-local-soccer-history-while-building-for-the-future/

FC Wichita Draws On Local Soccer History While Building For The Future

Wichita, Kansas has a soccer legacy dating back to the late 1970s. The Wichita Wings of Major Indoor Soccer League drew crowds of 9000+ on a regular basis, through the end of that league’s run in 1992. After MISL, the Wings continued on in the indoor game for another decade with less box-office success until they eventually folded in 2001. However, over 20 years of professional soccer made a lasting mark on the city. FC Wichita looks to carry the legacy on, this time in the outdoor game via the National Premier Soccer League.

FC Wichita was founded by Blake Shumaker and two partners, including former Wings player Larry Inlow, to provide more options to the area’s many soccer players. FC Wichita has been met with enthusiasm from the local community, who often fill or come close to filling the 1853 seats at the Stryker Soccer Complex.

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http://www.newstalk.com/reader/47.302/92161/0/

Meet the man who played for Pele's Cosmos and Dundalk

Bobby Smith chats to Newstalk's Team 33 about a career in his native USA and an important sejour in Ireland

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http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2017/02/01/top-five-orlando-city-b-matches-2017

Top Five Orlando City B Matches In 2017

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Orlando City B - Saturday, March 25th

Orlando City B will have only a short distance to travel for their first match of the season as they face off against their regional rivals, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The match will be the first for the Rowdies in the USL; they played their last six season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and made the switch to USL during the offseason. Don’t be surprised when you see a sea of purple welcoming Tampa Bay to the league.

Orlando City B vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies - Thursday, July 13th

Do we really need to say anything about this one? Expect a packed house as Tampa visits Orlando’s new downtown stadium.

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http://dailytimes.com.pk/sports/02-Feb-17/trump-policies-cloud-potential-usa-football-world-cup-bid

Trump policies cloud potential USA Football World Cup bid

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http://wina.com/news/030030-mls-says-12-groups-submit-expansion-applications/

MLS says 12 groups submit expansion applications

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http://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/new-stadium-a-must-for-fc-cincinnati-to-join-major-league-soccer

New stadium a must for FC Cincinnati to join Major League Soccer

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/my/news/fabregas-wants-mls-refuses-rule-out-csl-move

Fabregas wants MLS but refuses to rule out CSL move

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http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/02/02/mls-bid-latest/

MLS Bid Latest

Sacramento CA (CBS 13)- The rift between the Sacramento Republic FC and the lead investor of Sacramento’s Major League Soccer bid is reportedly resolving.   After meeting with Sacramento’s mayor, the two sides releasing a joint statement reading:

“We want to thank Mayor Steinberg for helping us meet on these very important sets of issues. We look forward to continuing this discussion tomorrow afternoon with the mayor and are committed to delivering for the Sacramento region.”

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http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/soccer/mls/last+holdout+nasl+joins+treating+canadian+american/12830822/story.html

MLS last holdout as NASL joins USL in treating Canadian and American players the same

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http://www.heraldandnews.com/sports/mls-to-give-sacramento-groups-time-to-come-together-for/article_29e3c7aa-844b-54ff-a184-9fa84a0fd184.html

MLS to give Sacramento groups time to come together for bid

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2017/02/02/republic-fcs-smith-investor-nagle-made-tremendous.html

Republic FC's Smith, investor Nagle made 'tremendous progress' in talks, Steinberg says

Mayor Darrell Steinberg said in a statement that "tremendous progress" was made in a meeting to resolve a dispute between Warren Smith, president of the Sacramento Republic FC soccer team, and Kevin Nagle, the principal investor in Sacramento's effort to obtain a Major League Soccer franchise.