Rick Baker confident in Tampa Bay Rowdies' MLS pitch but uncertain of possible pitfalls

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/rick-baker-confident-in-tampa-bay-rowdies-mls-pitch-but-uncertain-of/2318427

Rick Baker confident in Tampa Bay Rowdies' MLS pitch but uncertain of possible pitfalls

Charlie Frago, Times Staff Writer

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 2:41pm

ST. PETERSBURG — Rick Baker's gut feels pretty good about the Tampa Bay Rowdies' chances to become a Major League Soccer franchise playing in front of 18,000 screaming fans in an iconic waterfront stadium.

The region has the nation's 11th largest media market, and the other 10 already have MLS teams. Al Lang stadium's views of the bay and location in a thriving downtown core are selling points. So are the 200 pledges of support from local businesses. Last week's season opener selling out doesn't hurt, either.

But while Baker was long on confidence in a meeting with the Tampa Bay Times editorial board on Wednesday, he was short on details about Rowdies' owner Bill Edwards' legal issues and MLS rights to the bay area market.

The Rowdies are seeking voter approval in a May 2 citywide referendum to negotiate a 25-year lease with the city to expand Al Lang Stadium. Talks would only move forward if MLS awards one of four expansion slots to St. Petersburg. The league is expected to announce its decision by the end of this year.

Rowdies owner Bill Edwards is paying the estimated $250,000 cost of the referendum. Leading the campaign is Baker, a former St. Petersburg mayor and president of the Edwards Group, a development and entertainment company.

However, despite Baker's confidence in the Rowdies' MLS hopes, he was less certain about possible pitfalls facing Edwards and his team.

An ongoing federal lawsuit lodged by two whistleblowers accused Edwards of looting millions from his defunct mortgage company. An adverse judgement could cost Edwards hundreds of millions of dollars. Edwards has dismissed the suit as baseless.

Does the lawsuit concern MLS?

Baker said the issues has not been raised "in my presence or not to my knowledge. It may have been that Bill had conversations with them. But I'm not aware of that."

Last year, Florida's first MLS franchise, Orlando City Soccer Club, told the Times that its franchise had territorial rights over the Tampa Bay area.

"The only time I've seen that is in the newspaper," Baker said. "We've talked to (MLS Commissioner) Don Garber about that, we've talked to other officials about that. And Don Garber has — I mean I can show you a video of him speaking — he said he feels that (a Tampa Bay team) would be a great thing."

MLS already requires a $150 million expansion franchise fee on top of the $80 million that Edwards has said he'll pay to expand Al Lang. He has also said the Rowdies won't use or need public financing.

But would the team have to pay Orlando to compensate them for a lost market?

"We have never been told we have to do that," Baker said.

Baker admitted that when it comes to the details of territorial rights and whether the team would have to pay Orlando City for them: "I honestly don't know."

The former mayor has been making the circuit of neighborhood groups to pitch the plan. He said reaction has been positive whenever he has explained that there will be 9,500 parking spots available downtown for Rowdies fans and the team plans to limit noise and lights during games and other events.

Downtown neighborhood associations have been supportive and, so far, no organized opposition to the plan has emerged. At this point, there are no plans for direct mail or other campaign spending for the referendum, Baker said. Mail ballots were sent out earlier this week.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/times-recommends-vote-yes-on-st-petersburg-soccer-referendum/2318460

Times recommends: Vote yes on St. Petersburg soccer referendum

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 5:16pm

St. Petersburg voters have an exciting, low-risk opportunity to help bring Major League Soccer to Tampa Bay. A single question on ballots arriving by mail this week asks voters to allow the city to negotiate a long-term lease for a new waterfront stadium if the Tampa Bay Rowdies win an MLS franchise. Rowdies owner Bill Edwards would pay for the expansion franchise and a compact, 18,000-seat stadium on the Al Lang Stadium site. Voters should say yes.

MLS expects to add four teams over the next couple of years, and Edwards is competing with 11 other cities in hopes of winning one of the first two expansion franchises later this year. That would move the Rowdies into the top tier of U.S. professional soccer. Edwards is emphasizing the media exposure — Tampa Bay is the 11th-largest media market and MLS already has teams in the top 10 markets — and strong support from fans and businesses. Voter approval of moving forward would strengthen the case that Tampa Bay is ready for a major league soccer team.

The City Charter requires that voters approve long-term leases of public waterfront land. Edwards is paying for the May 2 special election, and mail ballots should be arriving now. The ballot language asks voters to authorize the city to enter into an agreement of up to 25 years to make Al Lang the home field for an MLS team. It makes clear that no public money would pay for stadium construction, expected to be about $80 million, or buying the franchise, another $150 million. That sounds steep, but Edwards already is talking to other potential investors. And if St. Petersburg is not awarded a franchise, no stadium would be built.

The stadium design fits within the existing footprint of Al Lang and preserves open views of the water. Some downtown residents have voiced concerns about parking, noise and light pollution from games and other events. The team has fairly addressed those concerns and won the support of several downtown groups. It cites a parking study that identified nearly 5,000 public parking spaces available downtown after the stadium fills up during a home game. The design also incorporates directional lighting and sound technology to limit the impact on nearby residents. Those requirements and other details could be cemented in a lease or similar agreement that would be negotiated with the city and approved by at least six of eight council members.

On its merits, the Rowdies proposal is ambitious but reasonable. The team averages about 5,500 fans per game now, and attendance has increased since Edwards bought the team in 2013. The Rowdies also have forged strong ties with youth soccer clubs across Tampa Bay and foster a family-friendly atmosphere at games, finding a niche in a region that has three other major sports franchises. The new stadium would be roughly as tall as the adjacent Mahaffey Theater and not out of scale, and fixtures such as the Saturday Morning Market and the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg would not be affected.

It's hard to make significant changes to St. Petersburg's treasured downtown waterfront, and that's by design. The Rowdies have a well-conceived plan to remake Al Lang Stadium into a home for a Major League Soccer franchise that would be an asset to the city and the entire region. Voter approval for moving forward would send a powerful message to MLS that this market is supportive and ready.

On the May 2 referendum question to St. Petersburg voters, the Tampa Bay Times recommends voting yes.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/775018

Schäfer Settling Into Life With The Rowdies

By Rowdies Communications, 03/28/17, 1:30PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (March 28, 2017) — Eight days after arriving in the United States, Marcel Schäfer finally had a chance to catch his breath and do what he loves most Saturday night — compete on the field.

Schäfer made his Rowdies debut in Tampa Bay’s win over Orlando City B, playing the full 90 minutes in his first match with his new teammates.

He arrived in Miami on Friday, March 17 to meet the Rowdies and watch their preseason match against Miami FC the following morning. From there, he had his first journey across Alligator Alley and up the west coast of Florida, his first crossing of Tampa Bay’s iconic Sunshine Skyway bridge and his first visit to Al Lang Stadium.

His first week in the U.S. can be best described as “hectic.”

Schäfer had medical and paperwork appointments Monday, trained with the team for the first time and served as co-social captain at the Tampa Bay Lightning game on Tuesday and met Rowdies fans at the season kickoff party Thursday. Mixed in all that was more training sessions, getting to know St. Petersburg and finding a place to live, as well as preparing for the arrival of his family Sunday night.

“It was a lot to do,” Schäfer said Tuesday morning after training. “I had one week to organize a lot before my family arrived and it was an amazing week. We had a big win against Orlando City B with a great atmosphere Saturday night. I was really excited. First week, first win. Everything is really good.”

As exhausted as he may have been physically and emotionally, you wouldn’t have known it from his intensely-focused demeanor on the field.

Schäfer played as one half of the Rowdies’ double pivot of defensive midfielders alongside Martin Vingaard. As a defensive unit, Tampa Bay stifled Orlando City B to the point of suffocation, allowing just three shots (one on target) and one touch in the Rowdies’ 18-yard box all night.

The German completed 35 passes, had two tackles and three interceptions.

“To win games is the most important thing in my life since I was five years old,” Schäfer said. “As a soccer player, you train every day for Saturday night, for the main part of the week. To win games is why I’m here. That’s why I’m a soccer player and that’s what I live for.”

With his family in town and his green and gold debut in the books, Schäfer can now settle into his groove and really get to know his new environment.

“My wife and I are looking for a house now because we need space for our three kids and all the family that wants to come visit us in Florida,” he said. “I’m excited to see more of St. Pete. The first impression from us is that it’s really, really nice. It’s a great downtown with everything you need, plus it’s on the water. It’s nice to wake up and see the sun. You’re very happy and you can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the day.”

Schäfer hopes to keep the good vibes going this weekend when the Rowdies host Toronto FC II at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday night. For tickets, call (727) 222-2000 or click here.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Tampa-Bay-Rowdies-tickets/artist/1420961?brand=tbrowdies

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-uniteds-wayne-rooney-big-12812744

Is Manchester United's Wayne Rooney a big enough brand for the MLS?

Houston Dynamo chief questions whether Red Devils skipper will be wanted in USA

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2017/03/29/Media/notes.aspx

Media Notes: MLS Expansion Team Atlanta United Signs BBC Broadcaster Alan Green

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bastian-schweinsteiger-poised-to-set-chicago-on-fire-after-mls-switch-completed-35576825.html

Bastian Schweinsteiger poised to set Chicago on Fire after MLS switch completed

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bbc-commentator-alan-green-lands-12816448

BBC commentator Alan Green lands broadcasting job at MLS side Atlanta United

Belfast man will begin exciting new role after the Champions League final

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/244719103-story

"Footy McFooty Face" is potential name of MLS team

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/bastian-schweinsteiger-chicago-fire-transfer-10123295

Bastian Schweinsteiger officially joins MLS side Chicago Fire after leaving Manchester United

The German World Cup winner agreed to join Fire earlier this month after a disappointing spell at Old Trafford

(Follow link for full article.)

http://the18.com/soccer-news/mls-contracts-spending-designated-players-salary-cap

The Disparity In MLS Salaries Turns Club Rosters Into A Gimmick

The clear pay imbalance between different positions in MLS leaves an incomplete product on the field.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/sports-business/article/20856559/nashville-sc-brings-on-ticketing-exec

Nashville SC brings on ticketing exec

VP spent almost five years at MLS club, also has worked in other leagues

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/schweinsteiger-to-mls-with-chicago-fire-56144

Schweinsteiger to MLS with Chicago Fire

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.massivereport.com/2017/3/29/15109334/big-picture-thinner-mls-minnesota-defense-columbus-crew-new-england-revolution-new-york-salt-lake

The Big Picture: Which was thinner, the MLS slate or Minnesota’s defense?

Massive Report’s Josh Mlot & Nathaniel Marhefka talk about last week’s MLS action.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://fox5sandiego.com/2017/03/29/soccer-city-group-fulfills-signature-collecting-goal/

‘Soccer City’ group fulfills signature-collecting goal

SAN DIEGO – Proponents of a “Soccer City” development in Mission Valley announced Wednesday that they’ve collected around 108,000 signatures, more than enough to force the San Diego City Council to either approve the project or place it before voters.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/bastian-schweinsteiger-mobbed-former-man-10119614

Bastian Schweinsteiger mobbed as former Man United midfielder arrives in Chicago ahead of MLS debut

The German World Cup winner agreed to join Fire earlier this month after a disappointing spell at Old Trafford

Bastian Schweinsteiger was mobbed by fans on his arrival in Chicago as he prepares for the next stage of his career.

The former Manchester United midfielder and wife Ana Ivanovic flew to the US on Tuesday after Schweinsteiger's switch to MLS outfit Chicago Fire earlier this month.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3091616/bastian-schweinsteiger-on-final-manchester-united-appearances-dream-came-true

Bastian Schweinsteiger on final Man United appearances: 'Dream came true'

(Follow link for full article.)

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/schweinsteiger-eager-start-mls-career-220906640--sow.html

Schweinsteiger eager to start MLS career

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2017/03/29/building-upon-seattle-sounders-method-expansion-atlanta-united-thriving-so-far-mls

Building upon the Seattle Sounders’ method of expansion, Atlanta United thriving so far in MLS

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.inverse.com/article/29713-boaty-mcboatface-mls-legacy-footy-mcfootface-facebook-poll

The Legacy of Boaty McBoatface Lives on in a New Soccer Poll

(Follow link for full article.)

http://lethbridgeherald.com/sports/national-sports/2017/03/29/his-talent-was-evident-whitecaps-teenage-soccer-phenom-turning-heads/

‘His talent was evident’: Whitecaps’ teenage soccer phenom turning heads

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sd-me-soccercity-signatures-20170329-story.html

SoccerCity developers gather needed signatures in record time

Developers proposing the $1 billion SoccerCity project in Mission Valley said Wednesday they’ve gathered enough signatures to force the San Diego City Council to approve the project or submit it to city voters.

The signatures will need to be validated by the Registrar of Voters, but a spokesman said the developers have gathered 108,000 — far more than the 71,646 required under city law for initiatives and higher than their own goal of 100,000.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/1454561-coldbrook%E2%80%99s-macrae-being-tutored-by-former-liverpool-star

Coldbrook’s MacRae being tutored by former Liverpool star

He wants to be part of the action this season, not a spectator. That could be Andrew MacRae’s catchphrase for the upcoming Ottawa Fury FC season.

As the Fury’s third-string goalkeeper in 2016 — his first season as a professional — MacRae did not see a minute of North American Soccer League game action.

Two summers ago, the Fury offered the Coldbrook native and former Acadia Axemen goalkeeper a training tryout.

The former NASL team — which switched to the United Soccer League — liked what they saw and signed MacRae to a contract. Since then, he has emerged as an ideal project for Fury goalkeeping coach Bruce Grobbelaar.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/football-schweinsteiger-eager-to-start-mls-career/3636932.html

Football: Schweinsteiger eager to start MLS career

(Follow link for full article.)

http://onwardstate.com/2017/03/29/riley-grant-signs-professional-contract-with-usls-sounders-2/

Riley Grant Signs Professional Contract With USL’s Sounders 2.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/real-salt-lake-names-former-red-bulls-coach-mike-petke-new-head-coach

Real Salt Lake names former Red Bulls coach Mike Petke as new head coach

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2017/3/29/344912/Diane-Siskin-St.-Petersburg-Florida.aspx

Diane Siskin: St. Petersburg, Florida Offers A Waterfront Panorama

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 - by Diane Siskin

All along Southwest Florida there are cities, towns and barrier islands which offer enticements to both visitors and residents alike. Some of those cities can boast of historic hotels which have gotten a new lease on life.

If you are looking for a gulf coast sanctuary that offers a charming downtown, along with great resort hotels, a gorgeous marina, world-famous cultural institutions and glorious sunsets look no further than St. Petersburg and the magnificent reconstruction of the historic Vinoy Hotel.

When it opened in 1925 The Vinoy was an elegant retreat which saw lots of history and glamour within its walls.

In later decades the Vinoy fell into disrepair and for a time it was totally abandoned. Along came the Renaissance hotel group which is still in the midst of a multi-phase renovation project. The hotel now has a new spa, a fitness center, tennis courts and dining facilities, a nearby golf course and a beautiful new pool.

A step back in time is provided in the hotel’s History Gallery which spans two walls and the period of 1901 to 2010, linking the resort with history of St. Petersburg.

The main hotel building with its Mediterranean style salmon and light green accents has been retained. There is a modern addition which now adjoins it.

I found  the greatest attribute of this historic hotel is its setting, facing Tampa Bay, and  offering amazing panoramic views of all sorts of sailing and water vessels against a backdrop of beautiful sunsets.

In the daytime you can walk, jog, run or ride a bike around the marina across from the hotel. At night you can sit on the Esplanade deck of the hotel and enjoy a drink while the sun sets.

Or if you are lucky you can secure a guest room that boasts of this fabulous panorama around the clock. My stay at The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club was the first time I can remember in recent years that I was drawn to spend more time in my hotel room than outside.

With a wall of windows and the most comfortable beds facing those windows you can’t help saying to yourself, “now this is a relaxing vacation.”

Add some food and a big March Madness basketball game on the large screen television and you have the makings of a really good evening.

When we did leave the room it was to explore the hotel’s tranquil gardens, the lobby’s sea of turquoise and gilded elements and the unique one-of-kind Chihuly chandelier which graces the Grand Ballroom.
The hotel’s Moorish influence is still evident in the decorative archways and stone main entrance door and the great arched windows in the south wall of the dining room wing.

The downtown offers a museum featuring a collection of Dale Chihuly’s breathtaking installations and works of art.

As I mentioned since the hotel is located in the heart of the downtown area the best way to see sights to walk, or hop on the St. Petersburg Trolley which stops right in the front the hotel.

Not only is the trolley inexpensive, (there is even a Free Fare Zone) the driver gives you a wonderful narrative about everything located along the Downtown Loop. You can get off and on at any stop. The trolley runs every 15 minutes during the day between 10 a.m and 5 p.m. and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Another excellent resource for information about St. Petersburg are the Vinoy navigators.  These two women are experts on the Historic Old Northeast, Historic Uptown and the area further south where the Dali Museum, the area’s most famous attraction is located.

This museum houses thousands of works of renowned artist Salvador Dali.
Those works include iconic melting clocks, imaginative visual illusions and other avant-garde symbols by the artist whose Surrealism abstractions are world famous.

The museum itself is worthy of a visit. The building is a work of art featuring 1,062 triangular shaped glass panels, the only structure of its kind in North America.
The museum has been nicknamed the Enigma on St. Petersburg’s picturesque waterfront.

A current show at the Dali is that of Frida Kahlo, one of the most celebrated female artists of all time her autobiographical paintings deal with every momentous experience of the artist’s life.

The exhibition, which will remain until April 17th, is drawing record attendance. Ms. Kahlo, who was married to another world-famous painter, Diego Rivera, is known for her striking self-portraits. She has been quoted as saying, “They thought I was a Surrealist, but I wasn’t. I never painted dreams. I painted my own reality.’’

The museum show offers 15 of her paintings, seven drawings and lots of personal photographs.

A real plus of the show is the museum’s gardens which were planted with oleander, bougainvillea and yucca, some of the same botanicals that Frida Kahlo grew in her Mexico City garden, which was essential part of her identity and life.

A work of contemporary art has also been created in the garden on a large tree where visitors have placed their museum paper entry bracelets.

Haslam’s Book Store, established in 1933, is Florida’s largest new and used book store. Located at 2025 Central Avenue, the bookstore is considered “Florida’s Great Rainy Day" attraction for more than 80 years. And while it didn’t rain on our trip to sunny St. Petersburg, the bookstore remains an option to do whatever the weather. You can hop onto the Central Avenue Trolley for this enlightening experience.

Just a couple of decades ago I and many others thought of St. Petersburg as a quiet city with lots of retired people. Not any longer!  Today with the city’s moniker “Sunshine City”” (since on average the sun shines 360 days a year) it is a popular destination for people of all ages.

For Your Information:

Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, 501 Fifth Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, Fl 33701. (727) 894-1000. vinoyrenaissanceresort.com

TheDali.org
One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, Fl 33701.(727) 823-3767

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2017/03/29/34131482/real-salt-lake-tabs-mike-petke-as-coach

Real Salt Lake tabs Mike Petke as coach

The former New York Red Bulls boss will return to MLS management after a brief stint in charge of RSL's second-tier affiliate.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/nfl-s-j-kraft-also-head-of-mls-expansion-committee/article_befe6d94-2b23-56b2-918f-0c4a3787b53e.html

NFL's J. Kraft, also head of MLS expansion committee, bullish on St. Louis soccer

By Jim Thomas

St. Louis Post-Dispatch Mar 28, 2017

PHOENIX • At the NFL owners meeting here this week, Jonathan Kraft is wearing his football hat as president of the New England Patriots.

But on a day when league owners approved the relocation of the Raiders from Oakland to Las Vegas, Kraft was well aware of soccer events taking place Monday in St. Louis.

He knew that Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber was in town, and he knew of the MLS2STL rally at Ballpark Village.

As chairman of the five-person MLS expansion committee, he knows more about the effort to bring soccer to the Gateway City than all but a few St. Louisans. Besides his football duties as the son of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, the younger Kraft is owner/investor of the New England Revolution of the MLS.

Kraft and the other members of the MLS expansion committee are sorting through information from 12 cities vying for four expansion spots. Two berths will be awarded this year, with those teams to begin play in 2020.

Kraft said the committee, as well as the MLS as a whole, is looking at three factors in deciding which cities are awarded expansion berths:

• Strength of the market in terms of soccer interest.

• Quality of the ownership group.

• Stadium plan.

“We’ve been in the league since obviously Day 1,” Kraft said, speaking of the Revolution. “And before the league was started, whenever we talked about potential cities, St. Louis has been talked about as a great, passionate, vibrant soccer market from the beginning.

“So it’s always been a market that everyone in the league felt would be a great addition to the league. Now with Paul (Edgerley) and Terry (Matlack) and Dave Peacock, you’ve got great ownership,” Kraft said. “And full disclosure — I’ve known Paul for 30 years.”

Kraft worked for Edgerley at Bain Capital from 1986-88.

“Paul was my last boss at Bain,” Kraft said. “Paul actually was responsible for recruiting my wife from Rice University to Bain.

“Paul’s an exceptional businessman. He’s an amazing person. He’s a philanthropist. He’s passionate about sports. He’s passionate about the Midwest, and I think he understands.

“He’s had a view to professional sports management from his involvement with the (Boston) Celtics. I think he’d be an unbelievable majority owner of the club, and he and I have talked about this for a long time.”

So getting back to the three main factors in awarding the expansion franchises, Kraft said St. Louis “checks the boxes” in terms of market and ownership group.

As for the third factor? The stadium?

“I think the stadium plan (in St. Louis) is really spectacular,” Kraft said. “From an MLS perspective, stadiums in downtown urban cores are really what it’s all about. So the location is great, the architecture is beautiful. And it just seems to all fit.”

So Kraft obviously sounds bullish on the St. Louis candidacy. All that’s missing, of course, is the St. Louis stadium vote on April 4 — which would provide $60 million to help build the venue.

“If the votes go the right way on the 4th, you’ll have the opportunity — the potential opportunity — to have a really great asset in your city,” Kraft said.

At some point in the process, Kraft’s expansion committee will make a recommendation on the two expansion teams for 2020, after which the full MLS team ownership must vote on the teams.

“Look, we’ve got a lot of great cities competing,” Kraft said. “It’s gonna be tough. It’s like Christmas morning.”

But with a successful stadium vote April 4, Kraft indicated that St. Louis would be tough to beat.

He repeated that message several times during an interview Monday night at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, site of the NFL owners meetings.

Kraft said the expansion committee already has spent a fair amount of time studying and evaluating the 12 candidate cities. The MLS office, he added, has spent an “inordinate amount of time” on expansion.

“We’ve had a lot of great options,” he said. “But as I said, St. Louis: exceptional soccer market, exceptional owner group. And if the vote goes the right way, exceptional stadium opportunity, which would make St. Louis a very strong competitor.”

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/775348

Premier League Veteran joins Cincinnati

Former Arsenal fullback Hoyte joins FCC for 2017 season

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-4361516/Bastian-Schweinsteiger-poised-set-Chicago-Fire-MLS-switch-completed.html

Bastian Schweinsteiger poised to set Chicago on Fire after MLS switch completed

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/775295

USL Match Preview – #ORLvLOU

Orlando City Stadium hosts as OCB, Louisville look for first win

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/footy-mcfoot-face-facebook-poll-wants-to-give-mls-team-silly-name

'Footy McFoot Face' Might Be The Name of a New Pro Soccer Team

(Follow link for full article.)

http://fox2now.com/2017/03/29/mls-supporters-look-to-bosnian-community-in-push-to-win-votes-for-proposed-stadium/

MLS supporters look to Bosnian community in push to win votes for proposed stadium

ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – The group trying to bring Major League Soccer to St. Louis called on all Bosnians in the city to attend a town hall style meeting Wednesday night.

There are about 70,000 Bosnians in St. Louis which STL FC sees as instant fans and potential yes votes for Proposition 1 and Proposition 2.

Admir Hodzic, a St. Louis- Bosnian says everyone he knows is a soccer fan and wants to bring a team and the culture to the city.

"Honestly, it's a nostalgia thing," Hodzic said. "We all had it in Europe. We're missing here, it's a big chunk of our lives that we will be filling in hopefully."

For a stadium to be built, voters must approve both Prop 1 and Prop 2.

Prop one is a half-cent sales tax to go toward the metro link expansion.

Prop 2 asks voters to approve 60 million dollars in funding for the new MLS stadium by increasing the use tax.  The use tax primarily applies to businesses that buy goods outside of the state.

STL-FC is counting on the Bosnian community to get the word out and vote.

While supporters say an MLS team will create jobs and revenue for the city, opponents question how it will benefit people living in the struggling neighborhoods.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sltrib.com/home/5117266-155/kragthorpe-rsls-mike-petke-will-wait

Kragthorpe: RSL’s Mike Petke will wait to make his mark

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.news.com.au/sport/breaking-news/bastian-schweinsteiger-arrives-in-chicago-for-major-league-soccer-career/news-story/a661bd1c5b5af40373f4edaae9386173

Bastian Schweinsteiger arrives in Chicago for Major League Soccer career

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.thesportsblaze.com/bradley-wright-phillips-red-bulls/22498

Bradley Wright-Phillips inks new multi-year contract extension with New York Red Bulls

(Follow link for full article.)

https://mlsmultiplex.com/2017/03/29/fire-supporters-welcome-bastian-schweinsteiger-chicago/

Fire Supporters Welcome Bastian Schweinsteiger to Chicago

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2017/03/29/how-sacramentos-soccer-passion-compares-to-other.html

How Sacramento's 'soccer passion' compares to other MLS contenders

There's still some local uncertainty about how unified the bid is, but an independent evaluation gives high marks to Sacramento's worthiness as a soccer market for Major League Soccer expansion.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.eurosport.com/football/bastian-schweinsteiger-poised-to-set-chicago-on-fire-after-mls-switch-completed_sto6111147/story.shtml

Bastian Schweinsteiger poised to set Chicago on Fire after MLS switch completed

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/soccer/ortiz-city-s-poor-shouldn-t-be-paying-for-a/article_88bdee59-1bd9-51e2-80db-b78c6a9a67ed.html

Ortiz: City's poor shouldn't be paying for a soccer stadium

(Follow link for full article.)

http://thepeoplesperson.com/2017/03/30/houston-dynamo-president-chris-canetti-claims-wayne-rooney-will-not-receive-mls-offers-177406/

Houston Dynamo president Chris Canetti claims Wayne Rooney will not receive MLS offers

(Follow link for full article.)

http://themontclarion.org/new-york-red-bulls-ii-crash-montclair-state/

New York Red Bulls II Crash Campus Ahead of Home Opener

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/3092066/san-diego-consortium-gathers-100000-signatures-to-lure-mls-franchise

San Diego fans gather 100,000 signatures to lure MLS franchise

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11828810

Football: Bastian Schweinsteiger arrives in Chicago for Major League Soccer career 

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tbreporter.com/local-news/pinellas/st-petersburg/vote-rowdies-referendum/

Want to Vote in the Rowdies Referendum?

TBadmin | March 30, 2017

Monday (April 3) is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the May 2 Rowdies referendum. You don’t have to re-register if you’re already registered.

ST. PETERSBURG – The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections is reminding St. Petersburg residents that Monday (April 3) is the deadline to register to vote in the May 2 St. Petersburg Special Election Referendum.

Registration is required for new voters by this deadline in order to participate in the Special Election Referendum. Voters who are already registered to vote in Florida do not need to re-register but can update their voter registration address.

The referendum gives St. Petersburg residents a chance to decide whether the city can approve a deal to lease Al Lang Field for up to 25 years to be primarily used for a home field for a Major League Soccer expansion team. Any upgrades to the stadium would be paid for by the team and not with tax money. The Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team, which is applying for a Major League Soccer expansion franchise, has asked to lease the field. The team has said it will pay for upgrades.

Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark has already mailed 67,222 ballots to domestic voters who live in St. Petersburg. There’s still time for eligible registered voters to an request a mail ballot. Voted mail ballots must be received at one of the three Elections Offices by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Please note, postal delivery service has changed. Voters are advised to allow at least ONE WEEK for their ballot to be returned by mail to the Supervisor of Elections Office. Additional mail ballot requests will be fulfilled as received.

Voter registration applications are available at any Supervisor of Elections office, public library, tax collector office, government office handling social services or online at VotePinellas.com. To request a mail ballot, go to VotePinellas.com, call 727-464-VOTE (8683) or email MailBallot@VotePinellas.com. The deadline to request that a ballot be mailed is 5 p.m. on April 26.
Pinellas Elections Supervisor | Tampa Bay Rowdies | Rowdies Referendum | Elections | St. Petersburg Election | TB Reporter

#PinellasElectionsSupervisor #TampaBayRowdies #RowdiesReferendum #Elections #StPetersburgElection #TBReporter

Summary
Want to Vote in the Rowdies Referendum?
Article Name
Want to Vote in the Rowdies Referendum?
Description
Monday (April 3) is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the May 2 Rowdies referendum. You don't have to re-register if you're already registered.
Author
TB Reporter
Publisher Name
TB Reporter

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/us-sport/major-league-soccer/manchester-united-transfer-news-football-bastian-schweinsteiger-chicago-fire-mls-attacking-midfield-a7657191.html

Bastian Schweinsteiger set for attacking midfield role after completing Chicago Fire transfer from Manchester United

The 32-year-old looks set for a return to the advanced role he fulfilled at Bayern Munich after two frustrating years at Old Trafford

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.espnfc.com/chicago-fire/story/3091982/bastian-schweinsteiger-ready-for-chicago-fire-debut-after-first-practice

Bastian Schweinsteiger ready for Chicago Fire debut after first practice

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170329/sports/170328647/

Fire's newest designated player has big expectations to fulfill

As Chicago Fire news conferences go, Wednesday's introduction of midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger ranks right behind the October 1997 announcement of the team nickname and just ahead of the introductions of Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Brian McBride.