It Finally Happened: David Beckham awarded Miami MLS team, will begin play 2020

So it finally happened; that gets the Miami situation out the way, at least. 

Now Bill Edwards really, really, REALLY needs to get more, bigger investors involved to take the Tampa Bay Rowdies to MLS. 

Reading below however even though they say they want to start Miami in 2020, a lot of hurdles remain. 

I would not be surprised if Miami in MLS gets pushed back to 2021 (when the TV deal is going to be renegotiated anyway) simply because playing in multiple, ill-suited stadia in 2020 is not a good way to launch this new club (whatever it will be called).

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http://www.tampabay.com/It-Finally-Happened-David-Beckham-awarded-Miami-MLS-team-will-begin-play-2020_164967526

It Finally Happened: David Beckham awarded Miami MLS team, will begin play 2020

Yes, it finally happened.

David Beckham was officially awarded a Miami Major League Soccer team Monday after a four-year odyssey beset by more twists and turns than he ever imagined when he smiled at a bayside news conference on Feb. 5, 2014, and announced his plans.

Many South Florida fans and observers worldwide had given up hope on the seemingly never-ending project, but the English soccer icon and his partners finally checked all the boxes to the liking of MLS officials, who had been cautious in awarding the 25th franchise after the league’s original Miami team, the Miami Fusion, folded in 2002 following its fourth season.

Read More: Tampa Bay misses out on MLS expansion this time

http://www.tampabay.com/Tampa-Bay-misses-out-on-MLS-expansion-this-time_163107862

The new team is scheduled to begin play in 2020, probably at a temporary site until the permanent stadium is ready in 2021. The team name, logo and colors will be rolled out in the next few months, with input from fans, according to Beckham and his co-owners. There have been hints black and white will be in the color scheme.

The new team is scheduled to begin play in 2020, probably at a temporary site until the permanent stadium is ready in 2021. The team name, logo and colors will be rolled out in the next few months, with input from fans, according to Beckham and his co-owners. There have been hints black and white will be in the color scheme.

Beckham confirmed he will oversee the soccer aspect of the team, and he plans to be a very hands-on owner.

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/2018/01/30/mls-takes-calculated-risk-miami-amidst-stadium-concerns/

MLS takes calculated risk with Miami amidst stadium concerns

By MLS suddenly fast-tracking Miami as an expansion team even without a stadium finalized, the question is ‘why the rush?’ In my opinion, there are three factors: (1) MLS wanted to announce Miami as team number 25 before it makes a decision of whether to award the next expansion team to either Cincinnati, Detroit or Sacramento. (2) MLS desperately needs to have Miami launch in 2020 so that the league can ensure that the 16th largest TV market in the country (Miami-Fort Lauderdale) is part of Major League Soccer’s next TV deal when negotiations begin in 2021. And (3) the timing of the decision arms USSF Presidential Candidate Kathy Carter with a major feel-good story that she can use to illustrate how MLS is continuing to grow in the United States, which could help her win some vital votes in the USSF Presidential Election in less than two weeks.

With Miami scheduled to launch in 2020, a permanent stadium solution won’t be ready until 2021 at the earliest. If Matheson wins the appeal in August, it’s back to the drawing board for MLS Miami.

For 2020, the current plan being discussed is for the Miami MLS team to play in up to three stadiums in the area, dividing the home games between (presumably) Marlins Park, Hard Rock Stadium and Riccardo Silva Stadium. Other stadiums in the area are being considered.

In determining whether MLS will be a success in Miami, everything comes back to the stadium. With the Overtown location up in the air and a myriad of temporary stadiums being contemplated, this Miami MLS investment continues to be a risky proposition.

MLS, David Beckham and the investors have gone all-in on finding a stadium. Let’s hope they finalize one soon.

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/881363?referrer_id=2349190

Lachowecki Added to Rowdies' Back Line

Roughnecks re-sign Ugarte for second season at club

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7t6mk2/ben_sweat_signs_new_contract_with_new_york_city_fc/

Ben Sweat Signs New Contract with New York City FC (nycfc.com)

Looks like our local product and former Rowdie is making a go of it in MLS!

That’s good for him!

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https://www.nycfc.com/post/2018/01/26/ben-sweat-signs-new-contract-new-york-city-fc

Ben Sweat Signs New Contract with New York City FC

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7u1ltg/rowdies_fortify_back_line_with_addition_of_max/

Rowdies Fortify Back Line with Addition of Max Lachowecki (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/881299

Rowdies Fortify Back Line with Addition of Max Lachowecki

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7u5a7p/meta_subreddit_refresh_and_brand_new_rowdies_flair/

META: Subreddit Refresh and BRAND NEW Rowdies Flair! (self.TampaBayRowdies)

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-miami-mls-beckham/beckham-formally-handed-miami-mls-franchise-idUSKBN1FI1W8

Beckham formally handed Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.goal.com/en/news/david-beckham-wants-zlatan-ibrahimovic-to-stay-at-manchester/1ug8u9q306sh1rf73o58vkbb7

Beckham wants Ibrahimovic to stay at Manchester United amid MLS interest

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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11228147/david-beckham-says-zlatan-ibrahimovic-would-boost-the-mls

David Beckham says Zlatan Ibrahimovic would boost the MLS

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http://kwese.espn.com/football/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3364875/miami-offers-beckhams-new-mls-franchise-glitzglamour-and-growth-potential

Miami offers Beckham's new MLS franchise glitz, glamour and growth potential

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http://lastwordonsoccer.com/2018/01/30/beckham-brings-mls-back-to-miami/

Beckham Brings MLS Back to Miami

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article197476834.html

Now that the party is over the real work begins. Here is what’s next for Beckham’s MLS team.

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https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/beckhams-miami-mission-more-tortuous-than-he-had-expected-ft02nfnwt

David Beckham: I almost gave up on Miami mission

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https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2018/01/29/miami-mls-david-beckham-marcelo-claure-masa-son.html

How two top Sprint execs helped David Beckham land a new MLS team

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article197212084.html

Celebrities already on board with MLS Miami. One even offered to play for the team.

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https://www.click2houston.com/sports/david-beckham-awarded-miami-mls-franchise

David Beckham awarded Miami MLS franchise

Retired star has been seeking team since 2014

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https://socceramerica.com/publications/article/76579/david-beckham-i-dont-give-up.html

David Beckham: 'I don't give up'

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https://www.timeout.com/miami/news/david-beckham-celebrated-miamis-mls-announcement-at-an-irish-pub-in-brickell-013018

David Beckham celebrated Miami’s MLS announcement at an Irish pub in Brickell

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https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/mls-franchise-getting-the-nod-is-a-dream-come-true-beckham-36544958.html

MLS franchise getting the nod is a dream come true: Beckham

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https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180130/p2g/00m/0sp/052000c

Soccer: At long last, Beckham's MLS team in Miami is born

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https://www.ktbs.com/sports/national/david-beckham-awarded-miami-mls-franchise/article_bf7c3661-c3e2-5235-9fb9-82a68c1b185d.html

David Beckham awarded Miami MLS franchise

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/01/30/kick-mls-comes-miami-meram-goes-orlando-stocking-out-west

Kick Off: MLS comes to Miami | Meram goes to Orlando | Stocking up out West

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https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2018/01/30/Franchises/Beckham.aspx

MLS Formally Awards David Beckham Group Expansion Franchise

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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/30/david-beckham-hails-astonishing-alexis-sanchez-capture-launch-his-new-mls-franchise

David Beckham Hails 'Astonishing' Alexis Sanchez Capture at Launch of His New MLS Franchise

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5455475/david-beckham-football-team-miami-family-home/

BYE BYE, BECKS! David Beckham is moving to Miami to launch his football team and is leaving his family at home

David is moving stateside to live his dream of managing his own football team

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http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42864461

David Beckham launches Miami Major League Soccer team

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http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/beckham-miami-mls-1.4509184

David Beckham makes MLS Miami dream official

'It has been a hell of a journey,' former England star says of league's latest expansion franchise

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/story/3364620/david-beckham-says-zlatan-ibrahimovic-great-for-mls-but-hopes-he-stays-at-man-united?src=com

David Beckham: Zlatan Ibrahimovic great for MLS, but hopes he stays at Man United for now

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2756685-lionel-messi-hints-at-interest-in-playing-for-david-beckhams-mls-miami-team

Lionel Messi Hints at Interest in Playing for David Beckham's MLS Miami Team

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https://www.who.com.au/david-beckham-miami-football-club

David Beckham leaves London for Miami

The former professional football player has started his own club!

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http://www.elleuk.com/life-and-culture/culture/news/a41288/congratulate-david-beckham-video/

Watch The Beckham Children, Serena Williams, Jay-Z And More Congratulate David Beckham

Victoria Beckham posted the cutest videos to her Insta stories.

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http://people.com/sports/david-beckham-soccer-team-jay-z-serena/

JAY-Z, Serena Williams & More Congratulate David Beckham on Launch of His New Miami Soccer Team

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http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/30/david-beckhams-family-wont-move-us-mls-miami-move-7271998/

David Beckham’s family won’t move with him to the US for MLS Miami move

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http://www.kyma.com/sports/david-beckham-awarded-miami-mls-franchise/693239447

David Beckham awarded Miami MLS franchise

Retired star has been seeking team since 2014

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http://cyprus-mail.com/2018/01/30/david-beckham-moving-back-us-without-family/

David Beckham is moving back to the US without his family

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https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/n/david-beckham-miami-celebrate-announcement-of-mls-franchise/vp-BBIq5Jp

David Beckham, Miami celebrate announcement of MLS franchise

Major League Soccer commissioner officially announces Miami as an expansion franchise.

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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/30/call-me-maybe-lionel-messi-hints-interest-playing-david-beckhams-mls-side-future

Call Me Maybe: Lionel Messi Hints Interest in Playing for David Beckham's MLS Side in Future

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/greg-cote/article197280844.html

Flashy and brash entrance sets up next Beckham goal: Reach Dolphins/Heat-level popularity

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http://www.businessinsider.com/celebrities-congratulate-david-beckham-on-new-miami-mls-club-2018-1

Some of the world's biggest celebrities sent personal videos to David Beckham congratulating him on the launch of his new soccer club

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/274942-david-beckham-launches-his-own-miami-football-club

David Beckham launches his own Miami football club

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https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/miami-franchise-a-great-deal-for-david-beckham-and-mls-tzlqzdm8z

Miami franchise a great deal for David Beckham and MLS

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http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/jan/29/at-long-last-david-beckhams-mls-team-in-miami-is-b/

At long last: David Beckham’s MLS team in Miami is born

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5462703/posh-angry-at-becks-miami-move/

SPITE GIRL! Victoria Beckham is ‘seething and furious’ at ‘selfish’ husband David for move to Miami to launch footie team

There's no turning back for Becks who has already invested £18million in the club along with other co-owners

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article197476834.html

Now that the party is over the real work begins. Here is what’s next for Beckham’s MLS team.

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5457908/brooklyn-beckham-gets-mobbed-by-female-fans-on-the-beach-after-dad-david-announces-hes-moving-to-miami/

SNAP HAPPY Brooklyn Beckham gets mobbed by female fans on the beach after dad David announces he’s moving to Miami

The teen posed with a group of bikini-clad girls as he supported his dad in Florida

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http://www.espn975.com/weekly-soccer-recap-david-beckham-brings-mls-to-miami-dynamo-kick-off-preseason/

Weekly Soccer Recap: David Beckham brings MLS to Miami; Dynamo kick off preseason

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/sport/video-1617550/Video-Footballing-icon-David-Beckham-announces-birth-MLS-franchise.html

Footballing icon David Beckham announces birth of MLS franchise

This is the moment that footballing superstar and ex-England and Manchester United great David Beckham finally announced his Miami Major League Soccer franchise alongside business counterparts.

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3364164/beckhams-miami-has-questions-to-answer-before-it-can-be-an-mls-hit

Beckham's Miami team has questions to answer before it can be an MLS hit

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/3364968/messi-leads-long-list-of-celebrities-congratulating-beckham-on-new-mls-franchise?src=com

Messi leads long list of celebrities congratulating Beckham on new MLS franchise

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article197394399.html

Would you like to watch Messi play for Miami’s MLS club? He hinted at the possibility

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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-beckham-launches-new-miami-11943507

David Beckham launches new Miami life with dinner and wild night out at mobster's nightclub with son Brooklyn

Goldenballs announced he is launching a football club in the city yesterday and looks to be enjoying the scenery already

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http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/messi-invites-call-from-beckhams-new-miami-mls-franchise/1dr80ftrj9oxg10a7yto8boms3

Messi invites call from Beckham's new Miami MLS franchise

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https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/International/class-of-92-blueprint-for-miami-beckham-20180130

'Class of 92' blueprint for Miami - Beckham

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http://thepeoplesperson.com/2018/01/30/david-beckham-tells-zlatan-ibrahimovic-to-stay-at-manchester-united-and-avoid-mls-for-now-194018/

David Beckham tells Zlatan Ibrahimovic to stay at Manchester United and avoid MLS for now

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https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/678291/Lionel-Messi-David-Beckham-Barcelona-exit-hint-MLS-franchise-gets-go-ahead

Lionel Messi drops Barcelona exit hint as David Beckham’s MLS franchise gets go-ahead

LIONEL MESSI has hinted that he wants to join David Beckham’s new MLS franchise in Florida.

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https://www.joe.co.uk/life/david-beckham-announces-hes-moving-to-the-usa-to-fulfil-dream-160029

David Beckham announces he's moving to the USA to fulfil dream

David Beckham seals Miami soccer deal after four-year battle

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https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/david-beckham-seals-miami-soccer-deal-after-four-year-battle-wbjbq0958

David Beckham seals Miami soccer deal after four-year battle

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbymcmahon/2018/01/29/miamis-day-finally-comes-for-david-beckham-partners-and-fans-as-mls-name-its-25th-team/#473dd61f4fa6

Miami's Day Finally Comes For David Beckham, Partners And Fans As MLS Names 25th Team

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https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/677884/Man-Utd-David-Beckham-Jose-Mourinho-Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-Miami-La-Galax-Transfer-News-Gossip

David Beckham sends Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho transfer message at MLS club launch

MANCHESTER UNITED should keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the club, according to David Beckham.

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https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Miami-MLS-Expansion-Team-Adds-to-Soccer-History-in-South-Florida-471659004.html

Miami MLS Expansion Team Adds to Soccer History in South Florida

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http://www.oregonlive.com/mls/index.ssf/2018/01/david_beckham_formally_announc.html

David Beckham formally announces Major League Soccer team in Miami

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http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/daniel-theis-diary-boston-celtics-news-kyrie-irving-al-horford-brad-stevens-roster-schedule/1mnwhbleir60g1iomnjunmfcmh

Daniel Theis diary: Traveling to London, battling All-Stars and answering your questions

I also had a good time when my buddy Marcel Schaefer and his family visited us. He plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in Florida and recently came to Boston to support me at the TD Garden in person. I hope to return the favor soon. He definitely has the better weather.

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https://www.local10.com/sports/soccer/david-beckham-officially-awarded-major-league-soccer-franchise-for-miami

David Beckham officially awarded Major League Soccer franchise for Miami

After 4 years of waiting, Miami will soon be getting MLS team

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https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2018/01/29/heres-what-david-beckhams-miami-mls-franchise-announcement-means-fc-cincinnati/1075343001/

Here's what David Beckham's Miami MLS franchise announcement means for FC Cincinnati

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https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/29/sports/soccer/david-beckham-mls-miami.html

For David Beckham and M.L.S., a Miami Marriage at Last

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http://www.bta.bg/en/gallery/image/4661290

Jose Mas, Simon Fuller, Francis Suarez, Carlos Gimenez

Jose Mas, left, Simon Fuller, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, right, attend an event where it was announced that Major League Soccer is bringing an expansion team to Miami, Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, in Miami. The team is backed by David Beckham and a group of investors. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7t1cjy/feature_on_tbu_rowdies_the_rowdies_initial_plan/

Feature on TBU Rowdies: “The Rowdies initial plan is to also have a women’s team, which is very important for us and I know it was something in the discussions that was big part for us.” (jeffersoncup.strikerstournaments.com)

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http://jeffersoncup.strikerstournaments.com/home/938743.html

Jefferson Cup Club Feature: Tampa Bay United Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7sjzt1/2018_florida_cup_recap_al_langstpete_cross_post/

2018 Florida Cup Recap - Al Lang/St.Pete (cross post: r/mls and r/uslpro) (youtu.be)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RQ4or2Kr4k

2018 Florida Cup Recap

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Jan 23, 2018

Saturday night's Florida Cup was so much fun! Congratulations to both Atlético Nacional and Legia Warszawa for a great match, and to Atletico for lifting the 🏆 at Al Lang!

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7swv0p/lineup_lookahead_building_out_previews_for_the/

Lineup Lookahead – Building Out (Previews for the Rowdies, Phoenix, and Fresno) (uslsoccer.com)

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/879678?referrer_id=

Lineup Lookahead – Building Out

Our next overview puts the spotlight on the Rowdies, Foxes and Rising FC

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHhwBEekk6I

Florida Cup 2018. Legia Warszawa v Atletico Nations St. Petersburg Florida

Edward Kulinski

Published on Jan 22, 2018

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T-6xp4pUdM

(4k) Gasparilla Invasion in Tampa Bay 2018

Edward Kulinski

Published on Jan 29, 2018

Gasparilla 2018 brought out the pirate in all of us !!!

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3364875/miami-offers-beckhams-new-mls-franchise-glitzglamour-and-growth-potential

Miami offers Beckham's new MLS franchise glitz, glamour and growth potential

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http://www.bta.bg/en/gallery/image/4661261

David Beckham, Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, Marcelo Claure, Don Garber, Francis Suarez, Carlos Gimenez

David Beckham, third from left, poses for a group photo at an event where it was announced that Major League Soccer is bringing an expansion team to Miami, Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, in Miami. From left to right are Jorge Mas, Marcelo Claure, Beckham, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Jose Mas, Simon Fuller, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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http://www.bta.bg/en/gallery/image/4661280

Marcelo Claure

Marcelo Claure, CEO of Sprint, speaks at an event where it was announced that Major League Soccer is bringing an expansion team to Miami, Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, in Miami. The team is backed by David Beckham and a team of investors, including Claure. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article197285729.html

How J.Lo helped bring David Beckham’s soccer team to Miami

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http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/mls-announces-beckham-led-miami-franchise/llbahdy9p06g1weu1uixl2rwn

MLS announces David Beckham-led Miami franchise

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http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/david-beckham-mls-miami-team-announcement-big-party-but-few-facts-10037497

David Beckham's MLS Party Was Big on Confetti, Very Low on Information

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https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/29/david-beckham-co-owners-awarded-major-league-soccer-team-in-miami.html

David Beckham thrilled to move forward with MLS team in Miami, 'a hotbed of young talent'

David Beckham and his co-owners are excited to be awarded a Miami franchise by MLS.

"Soccer runs in their blood," co-owner Jorge Mas says of Miami residents.

Team name, logo, colors and start date have not yet been revealed.

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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-beckham-officially-awarded-mls-11934843

David Beckham's field of dreams: The truth behind Becks' cut-price £18million team (but could it turn into a nightmare?)

Manchester United great unveiled his Miami club, which is set to enter the US top flight in 2020 despite continued wrangling over a site for its controversial home ground

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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article197314534.html

Fans packed a Miami bar after David Beckham’s MLS announcement. Guess who showed up?

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http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/other/2018/01/29/miami-awarded-latest-mls-franchise/109923558/

Miami awarded latest MLS franchise

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http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article197327054.html

Soccer superstar David Beckham stuck with it and scored a stadium in Miami

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http://fox40.com/2018/01/29/david-beckham-awarded-miami-mls-franchise/

David Beckham Awarded Miami MLS Franchise

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https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/video/1148802115945

New MLS owner David Beckham gets signing advice from Fernando Fiore

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/fl-sp-beckham-mls-announcement-20180129-story.html

David Beckham finally gets Miami MLS team; fans will have input on name, colors

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https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2018/01/29/at-long-last-beckhams-mls-team-in-miami-is-born/109911260/

David Beckham's Major League Soccer team in Miami is finally born

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https://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article197197799.html

At long last: Beckham's MLS team in Miami is born

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/us-sport/major-league-soccer/david-beckham-miami-football-soccer-team-cristiano-ronaldo-signings-manger-launch-a8184411.html

No badge, no name and no stadium but the Miami dream is alive for David Beckham as he talks signings, managers and academies

Beckham launched his MLS franchise following the approval of their license but there were still few details on the project

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/insight/david-beckham-miami-mls-franchise-owner

David Beckham’s MLS story: How an icon became an owner

After four years of legal wrangling and false dawns, the former England captain is finally getting his team in Major League Soccer. How has it come to pass, and why has it taken so long?

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/at-long-last-beckhams-mls-team-in-miami-is-born/2018/01/29/a4ad8808-051a-11e8-aa61-f3391373867e_story.html?utm_term=.1adefc0f0ab4

At long last: Beckham’s MLS team in Miami is born

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https://www.whatahowler.com/david-beckhams-smoke-mirrors-fc-inches-closer-semblance-supposed-existence/

David Beckham’s Smoke & Mirrors FC inches closer to some semblance of supposed existence

MLS in South Florida, Pt. II is official, but it isn’t much more than that 

Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards is moving out of downtown St. Pete (bizjournals.com)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7s75tz/tampa_bay_rowdies_owner_bill_edwards_is_moving/

Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards is moving out of downtown St. Pete (bizjournals.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/01/17/tampa-bay-rowdies-wner-bill-edwards-is-moving-out.html

Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards is moving out of downtown St. Pete

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7ryy9z/ralphs_mob_2018_membership_packages_now_available/

Ralph's Mob 2018 Membership Packages - NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER (squareup.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://squareup.com/store/ralphs-mob

2018 Memberships (PREORDERS – DUE FEBRUARY 19TH)

All revenue from Ralph's Mob memberships help fund our activities throughout the year including: creating tifo, banners and flags; maintaining drums and equipment; and putting on events/coordinating travel. Thank you for supporting Ralph's Mob! (NOTE: PACKAGES INCLUDING SHIRTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AS PREORDER ONLY!)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7rlifx/rowdies_unveil_full_2018_usl_schedule/

Rowdies Unveil Full 2018 USL Schedule (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/877599?referrer_id=2909153

Rowdies Unveil Full 2018 USL Schedule

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/5392865/david-beckham-spent-27-million-to-launch-us-team/

SPEND IT LIKE BECKHAM David Beckham’s bid to launch new MLS football team in Miami has already cost him £27.6million

The Sun can reveal that £20million of it is loans to buy land for a 25,000 seat stadium in Miami

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https://www.themaneland.com/2018/1/21/16913728/our-city-was-orlandos-usl-to-mls-transition-a-total-failure-orlando-city-soccer-club-history

Our City: A Look Back at Orlando City’s Transition from the USL to MLS

Orlando City moved from USL to MLS with a solid plan for success, and seemingly none of it went well.

The instantaneous rise of New York City FC, Atlanta United, and, presumably, the newly minted LAFC, are showing the best path to MLS club building is a clean slate and a stack of cash. Meanwhile, Minnesota United, a club cut from a similar cloth to Orlando City, has shared in the struggles of league transitioning. Perhaps it’s a lesson to the teams like the Sacramento Republic, Tampa Bay Rowdies, or FC Cincinnati, who are looking to make the same leap one day.

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https://playingfor90.com/2018/01/20/nasl-shift-international-calendar-major-gamble/

NASL shift to international calendar is a major gamble

In sitting out its spring season, the NASL is making a bold gamble by aligning to a European calendar. Can it save the league from extinction?

 (Follow link for full article.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zynct767jzQ

Rodney Marsh humour

MCFC

Published on Jun 8, 2010

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrNCcrDNofo

George Best & Rodney Marsh Interview 1976 Fulham

Ged Martin

Published on Feb 25, 2011

George Best & Rodney Marsh Sept 25 th 1976

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz2l-xUQmc0

Best, Marsh and Moore playing for Fulham

russsmiff1

Published on Jan 22, 2008

George Best and Rodney Marsh feature heavily in this footage of Fulham beating Hereford Utd 4-1 in 1976. Bobby Moore was also in the line-up.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPyO_n9SL5k

BEST & MARSH - THE PERFECT MATCH - TONY WILSON - BOB LATCHFORD

WELLINGTON 51

Published on Jan 23, 2015

George Best and Rodney Marsh discuss great goal scorers with Tony Wilson. This clip features great goal scorers of the 70's (part episode).

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlg-P4uRAX0

Rodney Marsh A Look Back 1993

Bryan Wilson

Published on Apr 6, 2013

This was a segment I edited and produced for Rodney Marsh with his daughter Joanna when I worked for the Tampa Bay Rowdies for the 1992 and 1993 seasons. This TV segment was shipped over to the UK to air on BBC Sports.

Beach chamber members hear about the importance of sports

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http://www.tbnweekly.com/beach_beacon/beach-chamber-members-hear-about-the-importance-of-sports/article_5d9ea4c2-fbb7-11e7-b69c-ef06798c3706.html

Beach chamber members hear about the importance of sports

ST. PETE BEACH – Tampa Bay Rays president Brian Auld and two other leaders in sports marketing explained the importance of sports and sports organizations on the local economy Jan. 11 to members of the Tampa Bay Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking during the chamber’s annual dinner at the TradeWinds Island Grant Resort, Auld was joined by Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and Tim Ramsberger, chief operating officer of Visit St. Pete Clearwater.

Auld, who lives with his family in St. Petersburg and is a graduate of Harvard Business School, is credited with an employees-first culture within the Rays organization and the creation of a community service program that awards Rays employees one paid day per month to volunteer in the community. His accomplishments also include the addition of maternity and paternity benefits for full-time staff, paid parental leave, adoption benefits, a staff wellness program and a $10 minimum wage for all part-time employees.

“We just want to represent the region the right way,” said Auld. “We hope you can be as proud of the organization as we are.”

From a marketing standpoint, Auld said sports “have a unique way of attracting attention to themselves” and the Rays, being a small market Major League Baseball franchise, must often make decisions that are unpleasant to fans, from a business standpoint.

“We’re not doing stupid stuff on purpose,” he said.

Higgins, who served on the committee that landed the 2009 Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium and most recently the award of the 2021 Super Bowl to Tampa, said sports provide both a social and economic impact to the area. As an example, he pointed to last year’s college football national championship game in Tampa, which he said provided Pinellas County with more than $4.5 million in revenue over the same weekend a year earlier.

Ramsberger, an attorney and former director of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, is involved in a wide range of projects, including marketing of Pinellas County as a sports destination.

Ramsberger, who works closely with Higgins, said their partnership resulted in 125 events last year, providing over 130,000 hotel room nights and an estimated $500 million economic impact to the local economy.

Ramsberger said Visit St. Pete Clearwater has marketing partnerships with the Rays, Tampa Bay Rowdies, P1 Powerboats and Major League Soccer, which now has three teams that train in Pinellas County. Those teams are the New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union and DC United.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.the42.ie/nasl-usl-us-soccer-3804732-Jan2018/

'A shambles - nobody has thought about the players': Irish contingent caught up in US chaos

The NASL still boasted an iconic brand in the New York Cosmos, it had teams with strong historical ties to the game in the US like the Tampa Bay Rowdies and a substantial foothold in strong, interested football communities like Minnesota and Indianapolis.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7rj9jr/tomorrow_ralphs_mob_holiday_after_party_saturday/

TOMORROW: Ralph's Mob "Holiday After Party" - Saturday, January 20th - 3-6PM, Thirsty First (facebook.com)

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https://www.facebook.com/RalphsMob/photos/a.384624768950.169766.345399658950/10155330406393951/?type=3&theater

Ralph's Mob

Tomorrow is our Ralph's Mob Holiday "After Party"! Event starts at 3PM and goes until 6PM - just enough time to go to the Florida Cup match after. Food, drink, fun and great auctions - INCLUDING THESE GAME WORN, AUTOGRAPHED Marcel Schäfer CLEATS!!! You can only get these (and some other cool items) at the party!

Get tickets here >>> https://squareup.com/store/ralphs-mob/

(We'd love to get a good idea on the amounts of food to have ready - so if you can buy your tickets in advance, it will help us out a lot!)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7rk5a5/freddy_adu_on_twitter_have_made_a_decision_to/

[Freddy Adu on Twitter] Have made a decision to start fresh after a year away from soccer. This decision is solely based on the fact that I want to play as much as possible this year then move forward from there. Have discovered my love for the sport again. News soon! (twitter.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/FreddyAdu/status/954411916075700224

Freddy Adu

‏Verified account

@FreddyAdu

Have made a decision to start fresh after a year away from soccer. This decision is solely based on the fact that I want to play as much as possible this year then move forward from there. Have discovered my love for the sport again 🙏🏿. News soon!

9:55 AM - 19 Jan 2018

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7rlifx/rowdies_unveil_full_2018_usl_schedule/

Rowdies Unveil Full 2018 USL Schedule (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/877599?referrer_id=2909153

Rowdies Unveil Full 2018 USL Schedule

Sacramento Mayor Wants Firm Number From MLS On Expansion Goal

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http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2018/01/16/sacramento-mayor-wants-firm-number-from-mls-on-expansion-goal/

Sacramento Mayor Wants Firm Number From MLS On Expansion Goal

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https://sports.yahoo.com/usl-granted-2018-2nd-division-003441868.html

USL granted 2018 2nd-division sanctioning by U.S. Soccer

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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/1/16/16897926/tim-hanley-goalkeeper-coach-philadelphia-union-mls-combine

Veteran goalkeeper coach with Union staff at MLS Combine

Union are in the process of “finalizing an agreement” with Tim Hanley

Hanley, a 57-year-old former goalkeeper who played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Earthquakes in the original NASL, served three stints and a total of 11 seasons coaching for his hometown San Jose Earthquakes before parting ways with the team in November. He has also held technical staff positions with the LA Galaxy (2007), Houston Dynamo (2009-2014) and Stanford University (2001-2005).

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/875829?referrer_id=2349190

Fans Happy Overall With Offseason Moves

Head Coaches across league receive strong support as signings pick up steam

Perhaps the most notable goalkeeper move so far has been Matt Pickens, who was the first signing for Nashville SC, joining from the Tampa Bay Rowdies. With some starting positions up for grabs as preseason gets underway, there will be some battles that will be worth monitoring over the next couple of months.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/876290?referrer_id=2349190

Flemmings Makes Move to Rowdies

Former Red Bulls II standout heads to Tampa Bay for new season

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/01/17/tampa-bay-rowdies-wner-bill-edwards-is-moving-out.html

Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards is moving out of downtown St. Pete

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/usl-s-second-division-status-maintained-by-us-soccer-011618

USL’s second-division status maintained by US Soccer

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http://www.tbo.com/From-Finland-with-love-Kyle-Curinga-s-back-stateside-with-Rowdies_164569851

From Finland, with love: Kyle Curinga’s back stateside with Rowdies

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-us-soccer-grants-usl-2nd-division-status-20180117-story.html

US Soccer grants USL 2nd-division status

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https://mlsgb.com/2018/01/17/david-beckhams-miami-franchise-finally-set-official-launch-end-january/

David Beckham’s Miami franchise finally set for official launch before the end of January

Official team name and kit designs expected to be revealed before the end of the month

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r1mi5/tampa_bay_rowdies_boss_stuart_campbell_on/

Tampa Bay Rowdies boss Stuart Campbell on managing Joe Cole and the US soccer boom (thesetpieces.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://thesetpieces.com/world-football/tampa-bay-rowdies-boss-stuart-campbell-managing-joe-cole-us-soccer-boom/

Tampa Bay Rowdies boss Stuart Campbell on managing Joe Cole and the US soccer boom

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http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article195130934.html

Sacramento City Council must hold the line on public money for MLS stadium

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https://www.soccerwire.com/news/pro/u-s-soccer-board-of-directors-grants-pro-league-sanctions-for-2018/

U.S. Soccer Board of Directors grants pro league sanctions for 2018

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2018/1/17/16879454/us-soccer-fractured-relationship-fans

US Soccer has fractured its relationship to the fans

And U.S. Soccer fans have had enough.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/876748?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

USL Leadership Welcomes U.S. Soccer Sanctioning

Awarded full Division II sanctioning ahead of 2018 season by USSF Board of Directors

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r2007/rowdies_to_face_fc_cincinnati_on_feb_10_in/

Rowdies to Face FC Cincinnati on Feb. 10 in Preseason Friendly at IMG Academy (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/876791

Rowdies to Face FC Cincinnati on Feb. 10 in Preseason Friendly at IMG Academy

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r21z1/from_finland_with_love_kyle_curingas_back/

From Finland, with love: Kyle Curinga’s back stateside with Rowdies (tampabay.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tampabay.com/From-Finland-with-love-Kyle-Curinga-s-back-stateside-with-Rowdies_164569851

From Finland, with love: Kyle Curinga’s back stateside with Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r1jpc/wefoundgeorgi_rowdies_resign_georgi_hristov/

#WeFoundGeorgi - Rowdies Re-Sign Georgi Hristov!! UNLEASH THE BULGARIAN!! (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/876724

#WeFoundGeorgi - Rowdies Re-Sign Georgi Hristov Who Plans On Making All-Time Rowdies History for First Time in Many Years

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r4rj1/usf_mens_soccer_announces_spring_schedule/

USF Men's Soccer Announces Spring Schedule, Including 3/9 Match vs. Rowdies (gousfbulls.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://gousfbulls.com/news/2018/1/17/mens-soccer-announces-spring-schedule.aspx

Men's Soccer Announces Spring Schedule

USF wraps up its spring season on March 9 in its annual match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Time and location to be determined.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://cincinnatisoccertalk.com/2018/01/17/fc-cincinnati-will-play-new-england-revolution-tampa-bay-rowdies-indy-eleven-and-more-in-preseason-matches

FC Cincinnati Will Play New England Revolution, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Indy Eleven and more in Preseason Matches

(Follow link for full article.)

https://mlsgb.com/2018/01/17/david-beckhams-miami-franchise-finally-set-official-launch-end-january/

David Beckham’s Miami franchise finally set for official launch before the end of January

Official team name and kit designs expected to be revealed before the end of the month

David Beckham's Miami group expecting MLS announcement soon

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3349612/david-beckhams-miami-group-expecting-mls-announcement-soon?src=com

David Beckham's Miami group expecting MLS announcement soon

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https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2018/01/16/Franchises/Beckham-MLS-Club.aspx

David Beckham's Miami MLS Club Preparing For Official Launch In Late January

David Beckham and his business partners are preparing for a "late-January official launch of Miami's long-awaited" MLS team, according to Michelle Kaufman of the MIAMI HERALD. The team is scheduled to begin play in the '20 season, although it "may have to play in a temporary site the first...

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/876290?referrer_id=2349190

Flemmings Makes Move to Rowdies

Former Red Bulls II standout heads to Tampa Bay for new season

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2018/1/16/16895370/analyzing-david-kilpatricks-brilliant-open-letter-ussf

Analyzing David Kilpatrick’s brilliant open letter to the USSF

Add Kilpatrick to the “USSF, please reconsider your awful decision” club.

In case some have missed it, the USSF’s decision that seems as if it took place years ago came to the conclusion to strip the NASL’s status as a Division II league. The result has put an array of current NASL clubs in trouble, and it still continues to haunt the New York Cosmos’ franchise.

A variety of public figures have come together to go against the final decision made by the USSF. The Cosmos’ Club Historian David Kilpatrick joined the fray when writing an open letter to the USA Soccer Federation, and it was filled with amazing claims to say the least.

Kilpatrick was born in 1968, coincidentally right as the original NASL was formed. The historian has had plenty of time to gather notes on New York’s long history that includes the Pele time period and much more.

To say that Kilpatrick was likely upset with the recent decision is a bit of an understatement. The Cosmos staff member made a very solid opening claim when saying this, which was noted by the Cosmos’ website:

"When I speak about soccer overseas, the single most frequent question I am asked is not, “when will the USA win the World Cup,” but “when will the Cosmos play in the MLS?”"

"If failure to understand how winning a 2nd division doesn’t earn promotion to a 1st division has proven a popular talking point, how then can one explain an entire league being relegated from 2nd division to 3rd division status?"

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qr099/a_glimmer_of_hope/

A Glimmer of Hope (businessobserverfl.com)

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https://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/a-glimmer-of-hope/

A Glimmer of Hope

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qsu6s/rowdies_strengthen_their_attack_with_signing_of/

Rowdies Strengthen their Attack with Signing of Junior Flemmings (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/876278

Rowdies Strengthen their Attack with Signing of Junior Flemmings

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qw4aw/ill_be_back/

“I’ll be back” (i.redd.it)

https://i.redd.it/4d91kevo8ia01.jpg

A Glimmer of Hope

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https://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/a-glimmer-of-hope/

A Glimmer of Hope

In late November, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and their outspoken owner, area property magnate Bill Edwards, found out they would not be one of the contenders for Major League Soccer’s next round of expansion.

Insiders close to Edwards and the team, however, believe the Rowdies’ odds of clinching a future expansion slot remain better than average.

MLS wants to expand from 24 to 28 teams in the coming years, and it plans to hold two rounds of expansion to meet that goal. In early December, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento were announced as the four finalists of the present round. Of those, Nashville and one other, yet to be announced, will begin play in 2020 — growing the league to 26 teams.

That leaves two additional, post-2020 expansion slots, meaning the Rowdies’ bid isn’t dead. Far from it, if you ask Greg Holden, vice president of investment firm Manning & Napier. A Business Observer 40 under 40 winner last year, Holden is also co-chair of the Rowdies Council, a volunteer group that builds support for the St. Petersburg-based team among the Tampa business community.

Holden says it’s telling that MLS has been slow to announce the second team to join the league alongside Nashville. “Things change quickly in the world of professional sports and stadium finance,” he says. “It was only a few months ago that St. Louis and San Diego were considered the favorites for this first round of expansion and referendum woes veered them both off course.”

In addition to a privately financed, $80 million plan to more than double the capacity of Al Lang Stadium, home of the Rowdies, Edwards’ bid also boasts a team increasingly supported by enthusiastic fans. Led by British football legend Joe Cole, in 2017 the Rowdies made a deep playoff run and set a new attendance record despite having one of the highest average ticket prices in the United Soccer League.

“This is important,” says Holden, “as other clubs vying for MLS entrance with higher average attendance have much lower average ticket prices, raising questions of how many of those fans would convert.”

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article194653114.html

Beckham’s Miami soccer team has been a dream for years. The reality may be days away.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.goal.com/en/news/david-beckhams-miami-mls-venture-owners-team-name-everything-you-/l2xokkiehv5d1szx8sinm75wz

David Beckham's Miami MLS venture: Owners, team name & everything you need to know

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.prosoccerusa.com/expansion/miami/david-beckhams-miami-mls-expansion-team-may-finally-play-2020-report-says/

David Beckham’s Miami MLS expansion team may finally play in 2020, report says

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http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/2018/01/15/former-st-petersburg-mayor-rick-baker-leaves-the-edwards-group/

Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker leaves the Edwards Group

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qkeru/rowdies_resign_defender_tamika_mkandawire/

Rowdies Re-sign Defender Tamika Mkandawire (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/875830?referrer_id=2909153

Rowdies Re-sign Defender Tamika Mkandawire

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qjz7v/rick_baker_resigning_as_president_of_the_edwards/

Rick Baker resigning as president of The Edwards Group (floridapolitics.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://floridapolitics.com/archives/253582-rick-baker-resign-edwards-group-president

Rick Baker resigning as president of The Edwards Group

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7q00xc/rowdies_open_the_season_march_17_at_north/

Rowdies open the season March 17 at North Carolina FC; home opener March 24 vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (uslsoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/875213?referrer_id=

USL Sets Course for 2018 with Home Openers

New season to open with 14-game slate weekend of March 16-18

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7py0jl/clearwaters_kyle_curinga_returns_to_play_for/

Clearwater’s Kyle Curinga Returns to Play for Rowdies [OC] (theunsubs.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/01/12/home-again-clearwaters-curinga-returns-to-play-for-rowdies/3406

Home Again: Clearwater’s Curinga Returns to Play for Rowdies

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7py45r/season_ticket_members_receive_free_tickets_to_jan/

Season Ticket Members Receive FREE Tickets to Jan 20 Florida Cup Match - Atletico Nacional vs. Legia Warsaw (i.imgur.com)

https://i.imgur.com/XvAozx0.png

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7px5ib/rowdies_add_brazilian_defender_ivan_magalh%C3%A3es/

Rowdies Add Brazilian Defender Ivan Magalhães (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/875053

Rowdies Add Brazilian Defender Ivan Magalhães

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7pony2/rowdies_continue_to_build_roster_with_signing_of/

Rowdies Continue to Build Roster with Signing of Defender David Najem (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/874405?referrer_id=2824806

Rowdies Continue to Build Roster with Signing of Defender David Najem

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7pomfa/sky_sports_punditry_or_coaching_joe_cole_gives/

Sky Sports: Punditry or coaching? Joe Cole gives his views on life after football (skysports.com)

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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11197310/watch-punditry-or-coaching-joe-cole-gives-his-views-on-life-after-football

WATCH: Punditry or coaching? Joe Cole gives his views on life after football

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7pjd7f/promising_goalkeeper_matias_reynares_joins/

Promising Goalkeeper Matias Reynares Joins Rowdies Ahead of 2018 Season (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/874320

Promising Goalkeeper Matias Reynares Joins Rowdies Ahead of 2018 Season

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https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/76399/tim-hanley-mlss-longest-serving-coach-on-mls-th.html

Tim Hanley, MLS's longest-serving coach, on MLS then and now and his specialty, American goalkeepers

Tim Hanley (far right) with the old NASL's Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Your playing career included goalkeeping at Foothill College in Northern California, with the San Jose Earthquakes in the old-NASL when your teammates included George Best, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and stints in Scotland and Switzerland. How much did that experience help you in guiding American goalkeepers during a very different era of American soccer?

The goalkeeper coach is a relatively new position in soccer. I was 19 years old at my first club, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and was mentored by the starting goalkeeper, Winston DuBose, a fantastic goalkeeper. In San Jose, it was my teammate goalkeepers, Bob Rigby and Bill Irwin. We worked on our own sharing ideas, technique, exercises. When I began coaching goalkeepers, this playing experience and sort of self-taught foundation allowed me to really understand each of my keepers, their qualities, and exactly what each needed to improve.

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http://wfla.com/2018/01/12/tampa-bay-rowdies-to-host-bethlehem-steel-in-2018-usl-home-opener/

Tampa Bay Rowdies to host Bethlehem Steel in 2018 USL home opener

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/875213

USL Sets Course for 2018 with Home Openers

New season to open with 14-game slate weekend of March 16-18

In the Eastern Conference a pair of familiar foes will meet at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park as North Carolina FC makes its USL debut against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and for a third successive year the Charleston Battery will host FC Cincinnati at MUSC Health Stadium on the opening Saturday of the season.

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https://www.thedailystampede.com/2018/1/12/16887232/first-usf-bulls-mens-soccer-preseason-game-announced-philadelphia-union-marcus-epps-mls

First USF Men’s Soccer Preseason Game Announced, Will Play Philadelphia Union in Clearwater

Former Bull Marcus Epps is coming home.

As reported by Brotherly Game, the Philadelphia Union are coming to Tampa for preseason training as part of the Suncoast Invitational put on by the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The matchup is especially intriguing for USF soccer fans as former midfield standout Marcus Epps comes back to the Bay Are

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http://wfla.com/2018/01/10/rowdies-set-to-play-against-mls-clubs-in-st-petersburg/

MLS clubs heading to Pinellas for games against Rowdies, preseason training sessions

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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/1/10/16873672/philadelphia-union-2018-preseason-schedule-tampa-bay-rowdies

Philadelphia Union announce preseason schedule

The blue and gold will face division rivals, a pair of college teams and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in preseason

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https://kaplanherald.com/2018/01/16/beckhams-miami-soccer-group-has-been-a-dream-for-years-the-fact-could-also-be-days-away/

Beckham’s Miami soccer group has been a dream for years. The fact could also be days away.

Suncoast Invitational confirmed: NYCFC vs. PHI & Rowdies vs. MTL on 2/24 (facebook.com)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7p8jro/suncoast_invitational_confirmed_nycfc_vs_phi/

Suncoast Invitational confirmed: NYCFC vs. PHI & Rowdies vs. MTL on 2/24 (facebook.com)

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https://www.facebook.com/events/531000850593836/

FEB 24

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Montreal Impact

2018 Rowdies Suncoast Invitational Montreal Impact vs New York City FC @ 5:00 PM EST and Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Philadelphia Union @ 7:30 PM For Military Tickets, please call (727) 222-2000 For Group Tickets, please call (727) 521-7267

Sale Dates and Times:

Public Onsale : Tue, 9 Jan 2018 at 10:00 AM

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7pbxiy/joe_cole_almost_played_with_pep_guardiola_at_west/

Joe Cole almost played with Pep Guardiola at West Ham but now he wants to coach like Man City master (thesun.co.uk)

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/5305222/joe-cole-pep-guardiola-west-ham-chelsea/

dream team Joe Cole almost played with Pep Guardiola at West Ham but now he wants to coach like Man City master

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7p7lyb/tampa_bay_rowdies_sign_tampa_bay_native_kyle/

Tampa Bay Rowdies Sign Tampa Bay Native Kyle Curinga (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/873675

Tampa Bay Rowdies Sign Tampa Bay Native Kyle Curinga

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7p36ki/jaguars_kicker_josh_lambo_fondly_remembers_time/

Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo fondly remembers time with Tampa Bay Rowdies (tampabay.com)

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/Jaguars-kicker-Josh-Lambo-fondly-remembers-time-with-Tampa-Bay-Rowdies_164287733

Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo fondly remembers time with Tampa Bay Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7oz7nw/rowdies_expand_roster_with_signing_of_midfielder/

Rowdies Expand Roster with Signing of Midfielder Lance Rozeboom (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/873083

Rowdies Expand Roster with Signing of Midfielder Lance Rozeboom

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http://www.tbo.com/blogs/hometeam/2018/01/09/rowdies-sign-former-ccc-player-kyle-curinga/

Rowdies sign former CCC player Kyle Curinga

The Tampa Bay Rowdies have added a local player to their roster for the 2018 season. Former Clearwater Central Catholic standout Kyle Curinga was signed by the club on Tuesday to play defender. Curinga, 23, also played at Florida Atlantic, in Finland with GBK Kokkola and with Real Monarchs SLC in the USL.

Curinga trained with the Rowdies last winter and played as a trialist in the 2017 Florida Cup. Last season he played in 26 matches with the Monarchs and helped lead them to the USL regular season championship.

As a senior at CCC in 2012, Curinga scored 33 goals and added 31 assists. He was named the Times All County Player of the Year.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/01/09/third-major-league-soccer-team-to-launch-preseason.html

Third Major League Soccer team to launch preseason training in Pinellas County

A third Major League Soccer team is coming to Pinellas County to conduct its preseason training.

The New York Red Bulls will come to the area for preseason training from Jan. 22 to Feb. 3 at the Oldsmar Sports Complex. The New York Red Bulls join D.C. United and Philadelphia Union, who both hold their preseason training in Clearwater at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex.

“It was a real concerted strategic effort to identify MLS teams that we would want to come to build their preseason training program,” said Tim Ramsberger, chief operating officer for Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, which is an official marketing partner of the New York Red Bulls during the 2018 season.

The partnership should expand the number of visitors from the New York area, Tampa Bay's No. 2 market for tourists year-round.

"We expect to get a big push in that New York market throughout the coming year," Ramsberger said. VSPC will do so through activities such as fireworks night at Red Bull Arena and the Match Time Temperature.

The Red Bulls decision comes after the Tampa Bay Rowdies were officially out of this year's Major League Soccer bid. Four cities- Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento - were named finalists for the next two expansion teams, the league announced in November. While those cities are being considered for the next two expansion teams, in a release, the MLA said that all the remaining markets, which includes Tampa Bay, are under consideration for the following two expansion clubs that will be announced at a later date. Last year, St. Petersburg voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum allowing Rowdies owner Bill Edwards to self-fund $80 million in upgrades to the team’s home, Al Lang Stadium. The improvements, which would expand stadium capacity, were intended to help boost the chances of becoming an MLS expansion team.

Despite the Rowdies' outcome, the addition of the Red Bulls preseason training, "is going to help grow soccer and our image in the soccer community," Ramsberger said.

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/5305222/joe-cole-pep-guardiola-west-ham-chelsea/

dream team Joe Cole almost played with Pep Guardiola at West Ham but now he wants to coach like Man City master

Barcelona legend was leaving after winning six La Liga titles and the Hammers were ready for a bit of tiki-taka

Cole’s mind is ticking away now, in overdrive as he contemplates a career in coaching.

He is 36, promising Tampa Bay Rowdies another season Stateside in the United Soccer League before he calls time on his magnificent career.

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https://www.news4jax.com/sports/armada-owner-says-team-could-play-in-different-league-in-2018

Armada owner says team could play in different league in 2018

NASL sanctioning keeps future uncertain

WATCH: Punditry or coaching? Joe Cole gives his views on life after football

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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11197310/watch-punditry-or-coaching-joe-cole-gives-his-views-on-life-after-football

WATCH: Punditry or coaching? Joe Cole gives his views on life after football

Should a player be a pundit or coach after he retires? Joe Cole gave his views on both career paths as he ponders which one is best for him.

Former Chelsea and West Ham forward Cole currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, but has dipped his toe into the pundit pool recently with Sky Sports.

He has also been completing his coaching badges, and discussed the pros and cons of both options as well as which one he would prefer to do as a career when he retires.

"It's hard, you've got to find where you're most comfortable and happy," he said on Soccer AM. "I'm in a position where I want to give back to football one day, so coaching is partly the plan.

"I don't know [if I want to be a manager]. I won't say I'll definitely do it, and put pressure on myself, but I'd like to be involved whether as a No 1 or No 2, or I might try that, not like it and try to make it as a career as a pundit.

"I've been working with England U18s, just going in a few times and watching and learning. At this stage it is getting experience, seeing how they do it. I've been coaching a bit over in Tampa, I'm nearly through my A licence."

Hit play on the video above to see what he had to say.

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https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2018/01/05/report-indy-eleven-join-usl-2018/1009460001/

Report: Indy Eleven to join USL in 2018

The Indy Eleven's future has been up in the air since U.S. Soccer didn't grant the North American Soccer League Division II status in September. The league sued the U.S. Soccer Federation and is currently awaiting word on its appeal, but it seems the Eleven aren't waiting around....

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/Jaguars-kicker-Josh-Lambo-fondly-remembers-time-with-Tampa-Bay-Rowdies_164287733

Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo fondly remembers time with Tampa Bay Rowdies

After record-setting year, Tampa Bay Rowdies look ahead to 2018

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https://floridapolitics.com/archives/252911-record-setting-year-tampa-bay-rowdies-look-ahead-2018

After record-setting year, Tampa Bay Rowdies look ahead to 2018

“Coming off a successful 2017 season, we felt in order for us to put a dominant team on the pitch next season, it was important to bring back several key players of the 2017 season,” Tampa Bay Rowdies chairman and CEO Bill Edwards said about the signings. “This adds to an important list of already signed players, as we continue to work on strengthening the squad for next year. We believe this team to be even more exciting for fans to watch than it was during the 2017 record-breaking season.”

“We saw some really exciting things from Leo last season before his injury and Hunter obviously played really well for us down the stretch,” Tampa Bay Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell said in the press release about the two players. “Both players work extremely hard in training and set a good example for the players around them, so we’re delighted to see what they can do in 2018.”

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/01/05/from-the-editor-in-chief-five-stories-i-m-closely.html

From the editor-in-chief: Five stories I’m closely watching in 2018

Rowdies ascension

The Tampa Bay Rowdies evolved in 2017 — adding star talent, making the United Soccer League playoffs, and winning a referendum to build a waterfront stadium as part of a Major League Soccer bid. It was not among the first teams chosen to negotiate for an MLS franchise, but it isn’t out of the running. Key for 2018, and for owner Bill Edwards: Can the community move the needle on its average of nearly 6,000 fans a game? For that, he’ll need Tampa, let alone many more central Florida soccer fans to come across the bridges to more than double the nightly gate. We’ll be watching how the owner challenges the community to show up.

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/872370?referrer_id=2349190

Mizell Makes Return to Rowdies

Goalkeeper set for second stint in Tampa Bay after shining in Charlotte

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/872016?referrer_id=2333971

Graf Unveiled as Rowdies Strengthen Attack

First new addition of the offseason for Tampa Bay

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7o3i26/rowdies_strengthen_attack_with_addition_of/

Rowdies Strengthen Attack with Addition of Forward Jochen Graf (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/871997?referrer_id=2909153

Rowdies Strengthen Attack with Addition of Forward Jochen Graf

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7obpcw/rowdies_sign_talented_goalkeeper_cody_mizell/

Rowdies Sign Talented Goalkeeper Cody Mizell Ahead of 2018 Season (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/872362

Rowdies Sign Talented Goalkeeper Cody Mizell Ahead of 2018 Season

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http://www.tbo.com/blogs/soundcheck/2018/01/03/flo-ridas-concert-at-al-lang-stadium-in-st-petersburg-canceled/

Flo Rida’s concert at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg: Canceled

Maybe Florida just got too cold for Flo Rida.

The mega-selling hip-pop star was scheduled to perform an open-air concert at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg on Jan. 14, but that show has been called off.

No reason has been given for the abrupt cancellation. It has been scrubbed from Ticketmaster and the website of the Mahaffey Theater, which booked it. It's still listed on the theater's Facebook page, but general manager Joe Santiago confirmed that it is no longer happening.

If you had a ticket and are not automatically refunded, look for more info at your point of purchase.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2018/01/04/see-210-new-developments-mapped-in-miami-for-crane.html

See 210 new developments mapped in Miami for Crane Watch update

South Florida Business Journal

High-profile new additions to the map include the Beckham United MLS stadium, the expansion of Miami Jewish Health, the River Landing-mixed use project, the renovations to Jungle Island, a creative hotel in the Miami Design District, the Magic City Innovation District, and new facilities for both ...

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https://www.sportstalkflorida.com/soccer/miami-beckham-united/major-league-soccers-awkward-expansion-process-stalls/

Major League Soccer’s Awkward Expansion Process Stalls

expansion has been slow for David Beckham and the MLS.