(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87ruol/looking_to_go_to_my_first_game_against_ottowa_any/
Looking to go to my first game against Ottowa, any tips? (self.TampaBayRowdies)
I'm coming from up in Pasco and I'll probably be on my own but was wondering if anyone had anything I should know beforehand. Seems like a lot of fun at the games so I figured I'd try coming out to one. Is there a specific area I should get tickets for that might be better view wise?
Also kinda dumb, but is there parking around the stadium? I'm not really familiar with the area.
For parking you'll probably find McNulty Garage the easiest, it's just a couple blocks from the stadium. There's parking at the stadium but it fills up. If you have a marina pass (or yacht club membership) that is also good, but they heavily patrol and hand out tickets there if you don't have the sticker.
If you do not like loud noises, sit away from Ralph's Mob. They are very boisterous :).
GA is open seating so you can move about the stadium until you find a vantage point you like. The further up you are the more protected you are if rain is in the forecast, and can keep the sun off of your depending on game time and sun positioning.
Kids running on the hill can and do get hit by an errant ball.
Thanks man, the fella below seems pretty nice so we’ll see where I end up seating ha
ralphsmob.com check out ralph's mob page on facebook, come hang out with us at Thirsty First downtown before the match (couple blocks north of the stadium). Feel free to come hang out in our section during the match, any GA ticket is fine to do so. Go online and buy your tickets from their ticket master, there's no extra fees. Parking there's a few garages around near the stadium that will probably be your best bet unless you get down there early and find a non-time capped spot on the street (doubtful). Enjoy!!!
Thanks boss ✌️
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/901967?referrer_id=2349190
USL Insights — Rowdies Drive Left
Tampa Bay's left side was key to its victory against Bethlehem, how will it match up with Louisville?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87xnto/rowdies_youth_club_to_compete_in_foyle_cup_in/
Rowdies Youth Club To Compete In Foyle Cup in Ireland - Osprey Observer (ospreyobserver.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ospreyobserver.com/2018/03/rowdies-youth-club-to-compete-in-foyle-cup-in-ireland/
Rowdies Youth Club To Compete In Foyle Cup in Ireland
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/902362?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive
Riverhounds SC Adds Versatile Franke
Former Creighton player joins Hounds ahead of home opener
Franke featured in midfield for the Bluejays as he recorded four goals and 10 assists in 71 appearances over his collegiate career. Franke also competed last summer in the Premier Development League for the Tampa Bay Rowdies U23, recording one assist in nine appearances for the club.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://upstatebusinessjournal.com/business-of-soccer/
Soccer soars in the Upstate, and the arrival of new pro and semi-pro teams is just the beginning
Opportunity. That’s what Steven Short and Josh Keller, executives of the United Soccer League’s newly minted Division III, sensed when they arrived in Greenville this past summer.
The purpose of their trip: to meet with Upstate entrepreneur Joe Erwin and his leadership team at Erwin Creates to discuss Greenville’s potential as an expansion city for the league’s inaugural season, which kicks off in March 2019.
That meeting and others that followed culminated March 13, as USL awarded Greenville and Erwin Creates with franchise rights for the D3 league’s third team in addition to South Georgia Tormenta FC and FC Tucson.
“We can look at spreadsheets; we can look at numbers, and it all looks good,” said Short, senior vice president of USL D3. “Once you set foot in a city, that’s when you really know. There was just an energy in Greenville.”
“It’s a great soccer city,” Short added. “We’re excited to bring pro soccer to the Upstate. … We were huge fans of Joe and his team from day one. It’s not a Joe Erwin project. It’s something for the region. We were impressed with their vision and the way they were able to convey it. They want a first-class product on the field — something that would set the bar for the league. We know they’re going to do it right.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/77293/mls-expansion-the-wait-continues-in-cincinnati-b.html
MLS expansion: The wait continues in Cincinnati, but for how much longer?
Since MLS narrowed its expansion list down to four cities, and then three, after Nashville was named the league's 25th team, set to begin play in 2020, Cincinnati has been considered the favorite ahead of Sacramento (ready-to-go stadium project, under-financed ownership group) and Detroit (strong ownership, late change in stadium plan from building a downtown soccer stadium to sharing Ford Field with the NFL Lions).
(Follow link for full article.)
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2766881-welcome-to-the-la-soccer-war-a-tale-of-celebrities-money-and-the-black-army
Welcome to the LA Soccer War: A Tale of Celebrities, Money and the Black Army
Since 1996, "tradition" in Los Angeles soccer has been defined by the LA Galaxy. The team has won five Major League Soccer Cups and served as a landing spot for world-class footballers—notably high-priced, big-name European superstars in the twilight of their careers, like David Beckham. Last week, the team made headlines for signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the massively talented, hyper-confident former Manchester United star from Sweden. This is what the Galaxy do: They buy the best to win. The team is the MLS equivalent of the "evil empire," more Yankees and Lakers than Mets and Clippers—all champagne and expensive silverware.
But there is a less heralded soccer tradition, one that, for the last four years, has drifted in the background of the cacophonous Los Angeles sports landscape: a blue-collar fan culture that aligns with the underdog. These fans—many of whom have been the orphaned sons and daughters of the dearly departed Chivas USA—have grown accustomed to losing but have found other reasons to love their team.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-galaxy-lafc-20180328-story.html
Galaxy and LAFC fans are taking new rivalry very seriously
The first signs of a burgeoning Southern California sports rivalry came from a splat of paint.
Last month, hours after Jiovanny Lopez and Diego Mendoza finished a mural on a brick building in the Pico Union neighborhood, one welcoming Mexican national team star Carlos Vela to the fledgling Los Angeles Football Club, the artwork was defaced with splashes of blue, white and gold paint — the colors of the cross-town rival Galaxy.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics-extra/2018/03/28/px-column-finally-someone-said-enough-enough-fc-cincinnati-stadium-shell-game/464906002/
PX column: Finally, someone said enough is enough on FC Cincinnati stadium shell game
Finally, someone showed some leadership around here.
Charlie Luken said ...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://patch.com/tennessee/nashville/nashville-councilmembers-propose-moving-mls-stadium
Nashville Councilmembers Propose MLS Stadium Changes
A pair of Metro councilmembers filed a resolution removing language requiring the MLS stadium be built at the fairgrounds.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/20-the-score/post/68150-indy-eleven-expecting-record-attendance-for-home-opener
Indy Eleven expecting record attendance for home opener
Indy Eleven officials are expecting a big crowd for the team’s home opener on Saturday—most likely the largest in its short history.
“We’re selling tickets like mad here,” Indy Eleven President Jeff Belskus said on Monday.
The obvious reason is that the team is moving from the Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium on the IUPUI campus, its home since the team started play in 2014, to spacious Lucas Oil Stadium.
No one expects Saturday’s crowd to come close to filling the 63,000-seat venue. But drawing 15,000, which team officials are anticipating, would handily beat the team’s previous single-game attendance record of 11,000. That’s how many showed up for the Eleven’s inaugural game.
At Lucas Oil, 15,000 would pretty much fill the stadium’s lower bowl, Belskus said.
“I think that will have a real good feel to it,” he noted.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2018/03/28/orlando-city-sc-sells-minority-stake-at-a-nearly-500-million-valuation/#6e37dfdc2dee
Orlando City SC Sells Minority Stake At A Nearly $500 Million Valuation
Major League Soccer's Orlando City SC has struggled on the field, failing to make the playoffs in its first three seasons, but off the field the Lions have been nothing short of stellar. Orlando is one of the league's few profitable clubs, and now the fourth-year franchise has sold a minority stake at a nearly $500 million valuation to investor Albert Friedberg, who owns an investment firm based in Toronto.
The sale of 8.63% of the team's parent company Orlando Sports Holding, which owns Orlando City SC, the NWSL's Orlando Pride and Orlando City Stadium, values it at $490.53 million. Friedberg's investment of some $42 million is a mix of cash and stadium debt; the $155 million stadium, which opened last season, was privately financed by majority owner Flavio da Silva and some minority partners.
"This valuation reflects the growth of the league and also the growth of soccer in this country," says Da Silva, who will continue to own 78.96% of the team. Minority partners who have been with the club since expansion own the remaining 12.41% of the team. Da Silva says the team had been in talks with Friedberg for the last ten months.
Last summer Forbes ranked Orlando as Major League Soccer's fifth-most valuable club, with the team alone being worth $272 million. Orlando has been strong financially from the start, turning a profit since its debut season.
Da Silva says the near-$500 million valuation may sound huge but that it's hardly outrageous given the current MLS landscape. He predicts the next round of expansion will come with a $200 million fee and that other team expenses will more than double that investment. "If you consider that you'll need to spend working capital, and a training center, and a stadium," says Da Silva, "If you're awarded [an expansion team], you will spend no less than $450 million...We understand that $490 million is not a high value, because it's very close to a new franchise that hasn't sold any tickets, any sponsorships."
Few pro sports properties are as in-demand as Major League Soccer teams. The ongoing round of league expansion drew a dozen bids from prospective ownership groups, and the newest owners are expected to pay $150 million in expansion fees alone. That's a sizable increase from the $100 million NYCFC paid in 2013, and up a staggering 275% since just eight years ago when the Montreal Impact joined for $40 million.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-ibrahimovic-is-taking-a-whopping-95-pay-cut-in-joining-la-galaxy-20180328
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Is Taking A Whopping 95% Pay Cut In Joining LA Galaxy
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly taking a massive pay cut in joining Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy.
He's plied for some of the biggest clubs around the world; Juventus, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, to name but a few.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/28/best-expansion-team-ever-schmid-puts-his-sounders-vs-bradleys-fire
Best expansion team ever? Schmid puts his Sounders up vs. Bradley's Fire
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2018/03/28/cincinnati-mayor-john-cranley-pushing-soccer-stadium-west-end/466026002/
After everything, Cranley pushing soccer stadium in the West End
When the deal passed City Council in November to put a Major League Soccer stadium in Oakley, one councilman shouted, "Goal!" What nobody knew then was there were still 89 minutes left in the game.
Even as an apparent Saturday deadline for picking a stadium site nears, where FC Cincinnati will choose remains unclear after 14 months of study and negotiations.
Soccer fans know all games have stoppage time tacked on at the end. That's where the team is now in its stadium site selection, and it's clear the West End remains on the team's list – despite FC Cincinnati's statements earlier this month.
Mayor John Cranley said during Wednesday's Cincinnati City Council meeting that he plans to introduce legislation to support a West End stadium.
"I believe somebody has to speak up for common sense," Cranley said. "Somebody has to speak up for growth."
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.law360.com/sports/articles/1027262/canadian-investor-snags-stake-in-orlando-mls-franchise
Canadian Investor Snags Stake In Orlando MLS Franchise
Law360 (March 28, 2018, 4:56 PM EDT) -- A Canadian investor, steered by an O'Melveny & Myers LLP team, has scored a minority stake in Major League Soccer franchise Orlando City SC, the team announced Wednesday.
O’Melveny partner Irwin Raij couldn’t say the size of the stake Albert Friedberg bought or for how much, but said the deal is an extension of Friedberg’s passion for the sport and came after he looked at several opportunities throughout the league. The team’s announcement noted that its current chairman and majority owner, Flávio Augusto da Silva, will...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/77293/mls-expansion-the-wait-continues-in-cincinnati-b.html
MLS expansion: The wait continues in Cincinnati, but for how much longer?
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Orlando City GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019 (themaneland.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87eaqt/orlando_city_gm_hints_at_strategy_to_develop/
Orlando City GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019 (themaneland.com)
Fuck off. We aren’t takin a single one of your damn players.
Hahahahahahahahaha. No.
Ugh....Uck Forlando....Rowdies are not going to be your B team. F___ off.
"Niki Budalic told ESPN that OCB will return in the new USL third division in 2019, which shows how the club will develop its prospects."
"While most MLS clubs without second teams in the USL have affiliations with other clubs, Orlando City has yet to come to such an agreement. The Tampa Bay Rowdies seem to have failed in their push for MLS and the NASL appears to have seen its final days. The Jacksonville Armada is currently playing in the fourth division NPSL, but could certainly make the jump to the USL in 2019, as multiple MLS second teams will likely drop to the third division. This would provide the Lions with a choice of two nearby USL teams to affiliate with for players that have advanced beyond OCB but aren’t quite ready for the first team."
One of the curious comments made from this bit: "The Tampa Bay Rowdies seem to have failed in their push for MLS......" brings me to the Rowdies Fan Fest of which I didn't hear one word mentioned regarding the MLS expansion bid from either Edwards or Rob Stone. Interesting!? Rob Stone mentioned he had met with Edwards in his office earlier that day and can't help but wonder if Edwards informed RS that there was no MLS bid to look forward to for a few years.
This certainly seems to be the case right now.
A lot could change very quickly of course if a sufficiently large billionaire ownership group were to emerge interested in taking the Rowdies to MLS.
There is a slim margin of entry right now if things continue to drag on in Cincy/Detroit/Sacramento.
Someone would have to move quickly but it isn't inconceivable.
A live look.
https://i.imgur.com/VbDXXGy.gif
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.themaneland.com/2018/3/26/17161468/orlando-city-to-unveil-new-player-development-strategy-in-2019
Orlando City’s GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019
Niki Budalic told ESPN that OCB will return in the new USL third division in 2019, which shows how the club will develop its prospects.
While most MLS clubs without second teams in the USL have affiliations with other clubs, Orlando City has yet to come to such an agreement. The Tampa Bay Rowdies seem to have failed in their push for MLS and the NASL appears to have seen its final days. The Jacksonville Armada is currently playing in the fourth division NPSL, but could certainly make the jump to the USL in 2019, as multiple MLS second teams will likely drop to the third division. This would provide the Lions with a choice of two nearby USL teams to affiliate with for players that have advanced beyond OCB but aren’t quite ready for the first team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87h90o/naming_rights_for_sale_at_st_petes_mahaffey/
Naming rights for sale at St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater, likely the Pier (tampabay.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/Naming-rights-for-sale-at-St-Pete-s-Mahaffey-Theater-likely-the-Pier_166626209
Naming rights for sale at St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater, likely the Pier
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.leoweekly.com/event/louisville-city-fc-vs-tampa-bay-rowdies/
Louisville City FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2018/03/27/kharlton-belmar-earns-second-straight-selection-usl-team-week
Kharlton Belmar earns second straight selection to USL Team of the Week
M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/03/27/usl-player-of-the-week-phoenix-rising-fc-forward-cortez-is-honored/
USL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Phoenix Rising FC forward Cortez is honored
M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes, who played for the Cosmos, scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.goal.com/id/daftar/freddy-adu-nii-lamptey-20-bintang-muda-yang-gagal-memenuhi/br3d22ybraa11vxzbvonremd8
Freddy Adu, Nii Lamptey & 20 Bintang Muda Yang Gagal Memenuhi Potensinya
#19 FREDDY ADU
Dari kemunculannya di usia 14 tahun yang membuat orang-orang menjulukinya sebagai ‘The New Pele’ hingga meredup di usia 27 tahun, mungkin tidak ada pemain yang mengalami kejatuhan lebih spektakuler ketimbang Freddy Adu. Membela negaranya di usia 16 tahun, nama Adu bertambah besar ketika ia merapat ke Benfica setahun berselang. Meski begitu, Adu tidak pernah membuktikan kelasnya di Estadio da Luz dan akhirnya menjadi pesepakbola nomaden, bermain di liga seperti Serbia dan Finlandia sebelum akhirnya dilepas Tampa Bay Rowdies pada Januari kemarin.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87ke5x/nanchoff_learning_to_coach_with_tampa_bay_united/
Nanchoff Learning To Coach With Tampa Bay United (rowdiessoccer.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/892491
Nanchoff Learning To Coach With Tampa Bay United
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLSzuC2S99w
Marcel Schäfer: American Sports SuperFan
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 27, 2018
Marcel Schäfer joined the Rowdies over a year ago, and has made sure to take in as many sporting events as possible, including @Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Tampa Bay Rays games.
We caught up with the former VfL Wolfsburg star to chat about his favorite experiences over in America.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87ebq7/3_doors_down_collective_soul_soul_asylum_coming/
3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Soul Asylum coming to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg (tbo.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tbo.com/blogs/soundcheck/2018/03/26/3-doors-down-collective-soul-soul-asylum-coming-to-al-lang-stadium-in-st-petersburg/
3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Soul Asylum coming to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg
We've seen a couple of false starts when it comes to getting live music into Al Lang Stadium.
First there was a '90s package tour led by TLC, which was supposed to take place last fall, but got canceled shortly beforehand. Then, in January, a show by Flo Rida was also canceled.
But now it looks like we might have a show that'll stick.
Alt-rockers 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul and Soul Asylum are teaming up for a package tour that'll hit Al Lang on July 11. Tickets start at $49.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Click here for details.
Like the other shows, this one is promoted by Bill Edwards, the St. Pete entrepreneur behind the Mahaffey Theater and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Despite the false starts with TLC and Flo Rida, if he can build Al Lang into a reliable outdoor concert venue, it could have a big effect, bringing tours to town that otherwise might not come. Stay tuned to see if this one actually happens.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87o1kb/the_louisville_11_picking_your_short_field_lineup/
The Louisville 11 - picking your short field lineup! (imgur.com)
Ok Gang! Last year we saw Louisvilles insanely small pitch, and the fits it gave the Rowdies. The small dimensions played against our desire to pry the outside of their defense and look for holes, all while pinching our own defense. But we're deeper this year and we have a new found quick strike capability.
So the question for you is: who do you put in your starting 11. Who do you put in, sit out, or stand pat with and why!
As always COYR!!!
I think we're gonna have a hard time no matter what on that garbage fucking embarrassment of a pitch they have, ugh.
https://imgur.com/6ulZRi0
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/27/stejskal-chris-klein-explains-how-la-galaxy-landed-zlatan-ibrahimovic
Stejskal: The inside story of how the LA Galaxy landed Zlatan Ibrahimovic
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.wsmv.com/story/37820179/metro-councilmen-file-bill-making-changes-to-proposed-mls-soccer-stadium-location
Metro councilmen file bill making changes to proposed MLS soccer stadium location
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Two Metro Council members say they’re for professional soccer in Nashville but that the Council should be open to looking at other sites besides the Fairgrounds.
Councilman Steve Glover filed a bill on Tuesday that would remove the language requiring the stadium be built at the Fairgrounds.
The Fairgrounds location has been a landmine since it was announced the stadium for the new Major League Soccer team awarded to Nashville would be built there.
Fears are that building a soccer stadium in the middle of the Fairgrounds property would impact crowd favorites like the flea market.
There’s also been opposition to giving the stadium developers 10 acres for free to build houses, hotels and other retail establishments.
Councilmen Steve Glover and DeCosta Hastings said it’s not a good deal for taxpayers.
“The last thing I think they want us to do is give away 10 acres to people who have billions of dollars,” Glover said.
There’s land in Hasting’s district, District 2, that they want the Council to look at, 83 undeveloped acres next to Ted Rhodes Golf Course.
Hastings believes it would be less controversial and less expensive to develop.
“We have lots of areas here in the city that could probably suit the soccer team a little better,” Hastings said.
The councilmen also want to change the language about the bonds to pay for the stadium.
Right now there is no requirement that Metro get bids and look for the best deal.
Glover said there wasn’t enough oversight because the soccer deal was rushed through Council.
“This is how we miss little words, little phrases, little pieces of the contract that end up hurting the citizens of Nashville,” Glover said.
The legislation was filed on Tuesday to make these changes. It is expected to be on the agenda of the next Metro Council meeting.
Glover tried at last week’s Metro Council meeting to rescind the bonds for the stadium, but he was unsuccessful.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.kolotv.com/content/sports/Marcinkowski-earns-spot-on-USL-team-of-the-week-478104223.html
Marcinkowski earns spot on USL team of the week
M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87eaqt/orlando_city_gm_hints_at_strategy_to_develop/
Orlando City GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019 (themaneland.com)
Fuck off. We aren’t takin a single one of your damn players.
Hahahahahahahahaha. No.
Ugh....Uck Forlando....Rowdies are not going to be your B team. F___ off.
"Niki Budalic told ESPN that OCB will return in the new USL third division in 2019, which shows how the club will develop its prospects."
"While most MLS clubs without second teams in the USL have affiliations with other clubs, Orlando City has yet to come to such an agreement. The Tampa Bay Rowdies seem to have failed in their push for MLS and the NASL appears to have seen its final days. The Jacksonville Armada is currently playing in the fourth division NPSL, but could certainly make the jump to the USL in 2019, as multiple MLS second teams will likely drop to the third division. This would provide the Lions with a choice of two nearby USL teams to affiliate with for players that have advanced beyond OCB but aren’t quite ready for the first team."
One of the curious comments made from this bit: "The Tampa Bay Rowdies seem to have failed in their push for MLS......" brings me to the Rowdies Fan Fest of which I didn't hear one word mentioned regarding the MLS expansion bid from either Edwards or Rob Stone. Interesting!? Rob Stone mentioned he had met with Edwards in his office earlier that day and can't help but wonder if Edwards informed RS that there was no MLS bid to look forward to for a few years.
This certainly seems to be the case right now.
A lot could change very quickly of course if a sufficiently large billionaire ownership group were to emerge interested in taking the Rowdies to MLS.
There is a slim margin of entry right now if things continue to drag on in Cincy/Detroit/Sacramento.
Someone would have to move quickly but it isn't inconceivable.
A live look.
https://i.imgur.com/VbDXXGy.gif
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.themaneland.com/2018/3/26/17161468/orlando-city-to-unveil-new-player-development-strategy-in-2019
Orlando City’s GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019
Niki Budalic told ESPN that OCB will return in the new USL third division in 2019, which shows how the club will develop its prospects.
While most MLS clubs without second teams in the USL have affiliations with other clubs, Orlando City has yet to come to such an agreement. The Tampa Bay Rowdies seem to have failed in their push for MLS and the NASL appears to have seen its final days. The Jacksonville Armada is currently playing in the fourth division NPSL, but could certainly make the jump to the USL in 2019, as multiple MLS second teams will likely drop to the third division. This would provide the Lions with a choice of two nearby USL teams to affiliate with for players that have advanced beyond OCB but aren’t quite ready for the first team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87h90o/naming_rights_for_sale_at_st_petes_mahaffey/
Naming rights for sale at St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater, likely the Pier (tampabay.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/Naming-rights-for-sale-at-St-Pete-s-Mahaffey-Theater-likely-the-Pier_166626209
Naming rights for sale at St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater, likely the Pier
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.leoweekly.com/event/louisville-city-fc-vs-tampa-bay-rowdies/
Louisville City FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2018/03/27/kharlton-belmar-earns-second-straight-selection-usl-team-week
Kharlton Belmar earns second straight selection to USL Team of the Week
M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/03/27/usl-player-of-the-week-phoenix-rising-fc-forward-cortez-is-honored/
USL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Phoenix Rising FC forward Cortez is honored
M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes, who played for the Cosmos, scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.goal.com/id/daftar/freddy-adu-nii-lamptey-20-bintang-muda-yang-gagal-memenuhi/br3d22ybraa11vxzbvonremd8
Freddy Adu, Nii Lamptey & 20 Bintang Muda Yang Gagal Memenuhi Potensinya
#19 FREDDY ADU
Dari kemunculannya di usia 14 tahun yang membuat orang-orang menjulukinya sebagai ‘The New Pele’ hingga meredup di usia 27 tahun, mungkin tidak ada pemain yang mengalami kejatuhan lebih spektakuler ketimbang Freddy Adu. Membela negaranya di usia 16 tahun, nama Adu bertambah besar ketika ia merapat ke Benfica setahun berselang. Meski begitu, Adu tidak pernah membuktikan kelasnya di Estadio da Luz dan akhirnya menjadi pesepakbola nomaden, bermain di liga seperti Serbia dan Finlandia sebelum akhirnya dilepas Tampa Bay Rowdies pada Januari kemarin.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87ke5x/nanchoff_learning_to_coach_with_tampa_bay_united/
Nanchoff Learning To Coach With Tampa Bay United (rowdiessoccer.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/892491
Nanchoff Learning To Coach With Tampa Bay United
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLSzuC2S99w
Marcel Schäfer: American Sports SuperFan
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 27, 2018
Marcel Schäfer joined the Rowdies over a year ago, and has made sure to take in as many sporting events as possible, including @Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Tampa Bay Rays games.
We caught up with the former VfL Wolfsburg star to chat about his favorite experiences over in America.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87ebq7/3_doors_down_collective_soul_soul_asylum_coming/
3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Soul Asylum coming to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg (tbo.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tbo.com/blogs/soundcheck/2018/03/26/3-doors-down-collective-soul-soul-asylum-coming-to-al-lang-stadium-in-st-petersburg/
3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Soul Asylum coming to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg
We've seen a couple of false starts when it comes to getting live music into Al Lang Stadium.
First there was a '90s package tour led by TLC, which was supposed to take place last fall, but got canceled shortly beforehand. Then, in January, a show by Flo Rida was also canceled.
But now it looks like we might have a show that'll stick.
Alt-rockers 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul and Soul Asylum are teaming up for a package tour that'll hit Al Lang on July 11. Tickets start at $49.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Click here for details.
Like the other shows, this one is promoted by Bill Edwards, the St. Pete entrepreneur behind the Mahaffey Theater and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Despite the false starts with TLC and Flo Rida, if he can build Al Lang into a reliable outdoor concert venue, it could have a big effect, bringing tours to town that otherwise might not come. Stay tuned to see if this one actually happens.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87o1kb/the_louisville_11_picking_your_short_field_lineup/
The Louisville 11 - picking your short field lineup! (imgur.com)
Ok Gang! Last year we saw Louisvilles insanely small pitch, and the fits it gave the Rowdies. The small dimensions played against our desire to pry the outside of their defense and look for holes, all while pinching our own defense. But we're deeper this year and we have a new found quick strike capability.
So the question for you is: who do you put in your starting 11. Who do you put in, sit out, or stand pat with and why!
As always COYR!!!
I think we're gonna have a hard time no matter what on that garbage fucking embarrassment of a pitch they have, ugh.
https://imgur.com/6ulZRi0
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/27/stejskal-chris-klein-explains-how-la-galaxy-landed-zlatan-ibrahimovic
Stejskal: The inside story of how the LA Galaxy landed Zlatan Ibrahimovic
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.wsmv.com/story/37820179/metro-councilmen-file-bill-making-changes-to-proposed-mls-soccer-stadium-location
Metro councilmen file bill making changes to proposed MLS soccer stadium location
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Two Metro Council members say they’re for professional soccer in Nashville but that the Council should be open to looking at other sites besides the Fairgrounds.
Councilman Steve Glover filed a bill on Tuesday that would remove the language requiring the stadium be built at the Fairgrounds.
The Fairgrounds location has been a landmine since it was announced the stadium for the new Major League Soccer team awarded to Nashville would be built there.
Fears are that building a soccer stadium in the middle of the Fairgrounds property would impact crowd favorites like the flea market.
There’s also been opposition to giving the stadium developers 10 acres for free to build houses, hotels and other retail establishments.
Councilmen Steve Glover and DeCosta Hastings said it’s not a good deal for taxpayers.
“The last thing I think they want us to do is give away 10 acres to people who have billions of dollars,” Glover said.
There’s land in Hasting’s district, District 2, that they want the Council to look at, 83 undeveloped acres next to Ted Rhodes Golf Course.
Hastings believes it would be less controversial and less expensive to develop.
“We have lots of areas here in the city that could probably suit the soccer team a little better,” Hastings said.
The councilmen also want to change the language about the bonds to pay for the stadium.
Right now there is no requirement that Metro get bids and look for the best deal.
Glover said there wasn’t enough oversight because the soccer deal was rushed through Council.
“This is how we miss little words, little phrases, little pieces of the contract that end up hurting the citizens of Nashville,” Glover said.
The legislation was filed on Tuesday to make these changes. It is expected to be on the agenda of the next Metro Council meeting.
Glover tried at last week’s Metro Council meeting to rescind the bonds for the stadium, but he was unsuccessful.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.kolotv.com/content/sports/Marcinkowski-earns-spot-on-USL-team-of-the-week-478104223.html
Marcinkowski earns spot on USL team of the week
M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Eastern Conf. Notebook — Rowdies Avoid ‘One of Those Nights’
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/901496?referrer_id=2349190
Eastern Conf. Notebook — Rowdies Avoid ‘One of Those Nights’
Battery aim to gain momentum from victory; Despite defeat, Kickers produce positive response
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies were well on top in Saturday night's clash against Bethlehem Steel FC but come halftime they found themselves deadlocked at Al Lang Stadium. Having racked up 13 shots in the first half, including one that had appeared to cross the line only to be ruled out by the assistant referee, it was starting to look like a frustrating evening with Bethlehem goalkeeper John McCarthy proving difficult to get through.
“[McCarthy] was tough to crack,” said Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell. “I thought Cody did well, too. He made a couple of great saves again. Especially early on in the game, the first real chance they had, he made a big save to tip it round the post.”
The frustration was starting to come through at the end of the first half following Leo Fernandes' effort that was ruled to have been cleared off the line by Steel FC defender A.J. Paterson, but that gave way to a phenomenal relief through the sellout crowd of 7,368 fans on hand when Rowdies forward Georgi Hristov hit the back of the net in the 62nd minute. A second goal six minutes later by Fernandes gave the Rowdies a solid cushion, and the 2-0 victory made it two wins of two to start the regular season.
“It was really tough because you start thinking maybe it’s just one of those nights, you know? It was really hard to score,” said Hristov. “I’m happy that we stepped up our level even higher in the second half and scored two very good goals. I’m happy we won because they’re a good team.”
The goal capped a strong performance from the Rowdies, who got the win they deserved against a difficult Steel FC side. With a visit to Louisville City FC coming up next weekend, Tampa Bay got the sort of performance it was looking for to face the defending USL Cup champions with plenty of confidence.
“I thought it was a really good performance from the first minute, really,” said Campbell. “I thought we defended really well as a team and we attacked really, really well as a team. We created multiple chances and I thought their goalkeeper was exceptional.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/901484?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive
11 Things – Hounded Out
Pittsburgh almost spoils Nashville’s opener, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tampa Bay earn rousing receptions
2. WELCOME HOME: Nashville’s crowd of 18,922 saw its side earn the first point in club history, but it also had the distinction of being the highest-attended game in the United States over the weekend, leading another tremendous week for the USL overall in the stands. More than 80,000 fans turned out overall, and the league’s nine home openers saw an average of 7,421 fans in attendance on Saturday night as fans of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Phoenix Rising FC and Las Vegas Lights FC in particular welcomed their clubs for the first time this regular season in what turned into a memorable night of action for all three teams.
6. POWER PLAY: After the manner of their victories in the opening weekend of the regular season, there was a sense of anticipation going into the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ home opener against Bethlehem Steel FC, and while the visitors almost landed the first blow early the night ended up showing the sort of separation a club like Tampa Bay might have on the rest of the pack in the Eastern Conference in the early going. The Rowdies were consistently a step faster, cheered on by a sellout crowd of 7,368 fans, especially down the left side where the trio of Zac Portillos, Marcel Schafer and Leo Fernandes combined to put consistent pressure on Bethlehem’s defense. Fernandes’ second goal of the season capped a marvelous display, and if he’s able to stay in better health than last season’s 11 appearances then the Rowdies have another potent attacking weapon at their disposal.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://floridapolitics.com/archives/259514-not-just-a-body-of-water-a-briefing-on-tampa-bay-politics-3-26-18
Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing on Tampa Bay politics — 3.26.18
Childhood cancer survivor to sing anthem for Rowdies
At the age of 10, Marissa Preddie stood on the pitch for the first time at Al Lang Stadium at a “Gold Together for Childhood Cancer” match, wowing the crowd with her heartfelt rendition of the national anthem. Two years earlier, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia. Now, the 12-year-old Peddie is cancer free and the first ever official anthem singer of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. “I’m so excited to become the Rowdies’ official anthem singer,” Marissa said. “When the Rowdies asked me if I was interested, I was like OMG, really? YES!! I love coming to the games and cheering the Rowdies to victory.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87ebq7/3_doors_down_collective_soul_soul_asylum_coming/
3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Soul Asylum coming to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg (tbo.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tbo.com/blogs/soundcheck/2018/03/26/3-doors-down-collective-soul-soul-asylum-coming-to-al-lang-stadium-in-st-petersburg/
3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Soul Asylum coming to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg
We've seen a couple of false starts when it comes to getting live music into Al Lang Stadium.
First there was a '90s package tour led by TLC, which was supposed to take place last fall, but got canceled shortly beforehand. Then, in January, a show by Flo Rida was also canceled.
But now it looks like we might have a show that'll stick.
Alt-rockers 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul and Soul Asylum are teaming up for a package tour that'll hit Al Lang on July 11. Tickets start at $49.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Click here for details.
Like the other shows, this one is promoted by Bill Edwards, the St. Pete entrepreneur behind the Mahaffey Theater and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Despite the false starts with TLC and Flo Rida, if he can build Al Lang into a reliable outdoor concert venue, it could have a big effect, bringing tours to town that otherwise might not come. Stay tuned to see if this one actually happens.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/879ivx/hristov_nears_scoring_milestone_in_rowdies/
Hristov Nears Scoring Milestone in Rowdies’ Dominant Win (stpetecasual.wordpress.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://stpetecasual.wordpress.com/2018/03/26/hristov-nears-milestone-in-rowdies-dominant-win/
Hristov Nears Milestone in Rowdies’ Dominant Win
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87bukm/rowdie_takeaways_week_2_tbr_vs_bst/
Rowdie Takeaways Week 2: TBR vs BST (self.TampaBayRowdies)
-A domineering performance by the Rowdies. The result was never in doubt despite the Rowdies being "disallowed" a score in the first half. Outside of the first seven minutes, the Rowdies dominated on the ball and created a plethora of great chances capped off by a wonderfully slotted ball by Fernandes and Hristov with an on-target header. This W was never really in doubt, Bethlehem was simply overmatched outside of inspired performances by Burke and Epps.
-This may be controversial but it needs to be said. There HAS to be some sort of goal line or replay system to remedy awful calls like the Fernandes botch. To have goals called back that clear as day crossed the line is just little league officiating. I say hire a league-wide replay official who can be called on in two instances, if a ball crossed the line, or if a foul called on the edge of the box is a penalty. I wouldn't want an oversaturated replay system, but it's getting painful to see replays where there's a game-changing bad call.
-Defensive improvement this week is a positive sign. Gorskie made a great sliding tackle. Najem has taken on some lethal runs. Positioning and marking looked solid in the back.
-I was really excited by the signings of Flemmings and Graf but I'm wildly surprised by how great Jack Blake is. His curled shots are LETHAL. Blake is all over the field defending and making passes.
-I'm fascinated by Campbell's fixation with Guenzatti being a go-to guy. We got the Flemmings debut for all of 20 minutes which I pray that the injury news comes back positive, and the immediate replacement choice is Guenzatti. It's not that I think Guenzatti is a bad player, he's just okay. I need someone to make a pro-Guenzatti case for me. I just see a guy who is okay on the ball, okay passer, not a major scoring threat, but he'll get in good positions. I just think there's a very high upside with Graf and Morrell and they're spending a majority of their time on the bench.
-Speaking of Guenzatti, my opinion of Fernandes has improved after two straight weeks of scoring and good overall play. I see Fernandes as a better version of Guenzatti. Fernandes is able to get in good positions for good runs pretty frequently. Good passer and his shots have been on target with great placement.
-TV commentary was lackluster. I watched the game on YouTube and cringed to the point I fell out of my skin listening to the announcer call Fernandes goal his "first of the season" with a graphic accompanying it saying the same... Did anybody in the studio watch week 1? The color analysis was mostly dry, and the play-by-play guy has good tonality but Pepper last year really sold you on the goals.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87crv7/are_rowdies_practices_open/
Are Rowdies' practices open? (self.TampaBayRowdies)
My son has spring break this week and it'd be fun to take him to watch a practice. If they are open, any ideas when they practice?
Kinda. You can't get into the stadium when they practice there, but the big open section of the stadium on Bayshore means you can just stand there up against the fence and watch. Similar story if they're practicing at the facility they share with USF a few blocks away. The fence is closer to the field there, so you can get a better view.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87eaqt/orlando_city_gm_hints_at_strategy_to_develop/
Orlando City GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019 (themaneland.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.themaneland.com/2018/3/26/17161468/orlando-city-to-unveil-new-player-development-strategy-in-2019
Orlando City’s GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019
Niki Budalic told ESPN that OCB will return in the new USL third division in 2019, which shows how the club will develop its prospects.
While most MLS clubs without second teams in the USL have affiliations with other clubs, Orlando City has yet to come to such an agreement. The Tampa Bay Rowdies seem to have failed in their push for MLS and the NASL appears to have seen its final days. The Jacksonville Armada is currently playing in the fourth division NPSL, but could certainly make the jump to the USL in 2019, as multiple MLS second teams will likely drop to the third division. This would provide the Lions with a choice of two nearby USL teams to affiliate with for players that have advanced beyond OCB but aren’t quite ready for the first team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/26/miamis-mls-expansion-ownership-considering-additional-stadium-sites
Miami's MLS expansion ownership considering additional stadium sites
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utI_d2lI3sQ
How Would the Rowdies Spend a Day at the Beach?
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 26, 2018
We went ahead and asked the players what their ideal day at the beach would look like. Check out what they had to say!
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH4GEVJzz1Y
GOALS from Rowdies vs Bethlehem Steel - March 24, 2018
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 26, 2018
Check out the goals from Saturday's 2-0 win over Bethlehem Steel.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuVrWMkkcNY
Meet Marissa Peddie, the Rowdies' National Anthem Singer
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 23, 2018
The Rowdies announce Marissa Peddie, a 12-year-old childhood cancer survivor, as the 2018 official anthem singer.
READ: http://bit.ly/2GiqkTd
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/901496?referrer_id=2349190
Eastern Conf. Notebook — Rowdies Avoid ‘One of Those Nights’
Battery aim to gain momentum from victory; Despite defeat, Kickers produce positive response
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies were well on top in Saturday night's clash against Bethlehem Steel FC but come halftime they found themselves deadlocked at Al Lang Stadium. Having racked up 13 shots in the first half, including one that had appeared to cross the line only to be ruled out by the assistant referee, it was starting to look like a frustrating evening with Bethlehem goalkeeper John McCarthy proving difficult to get through.
“[McCarthy] was tough to crack,” said Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell. “I thought Cody did well, too. He made a couple of great saves again. Especially early on in the game, the first real chance they had, he made a big save to tip it round the post.”
The frustration was starting to come through at the end of the first half following Leo Fernandes' effort that was ruled to have been cleared off the line by Steel FC defender A.J. Paterson, but that gave way to a phenomenal relief through the sellout crowd of 7,368 fans on hand when Rowdies forward Georgi Hristov hit the back of the net in the 62nd minute. A second goal six minutes later by Fernandes gave the Rowdies a solid cushion, and the 2-0 victory made it two wins of two to start the regular season.
“It was really tough because you start thinking maybe it’s just one of those nights, you know? It was really hard to score,” said Hristov. “I’m happy that we stepped up our level even higher in the second half and scored two very good goals. I’m happy we won because they’re a good team.”
The goal capped a strong performance from the Rowdies, who got the win they deserved against a difficult Steel FC side. With a visit to Louisville City FC coming up next weekend, Tampa Bay got the sort of performance it was looking for to face the defending USL Cup champions with plenty of confidence.
“I thought it was a really good performance from the first minute, really,” said Campbell. “I thought we defended really well as a team and we attacked really, really well as a team. We created multiple chances and I thought their goalkeeper was exceptional.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/901484?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive
11 Things – Hounded Out
Pittsburgh almost spoils Nashville’s opener, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tampa Bay earn rousing receptions
2. WELCOME HOME: Nashville’s crowd of 18,922 saw its side earn the first point in club history, but it also had the distinction of being the highest-attended game in the United States over the weekend, leading another tremendous week for the USL overall in the stands. More than 80,000 fans turned out overall, and the league’s nine home openers saw an average of 7,421 fans in attendance on Saturday night as fans of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Phoenix Rising FC and Las Vegas Lights FC in particular welcomed their clubs for the first time this regular season in what turned into a memorable night of action for all three teams.
6. POWER PLAY: After the manner of their victories in the opening weekend of the regular season, there was a sense of anticipation going into the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ home opener against Bethlehem Steel FC, and while the visitors almost landed the first blow early the night ended up showing the sort of separation a club like Tampa Bay might have on the rest of the pack in the Eastern Conference in the early going. The Rowdies were consistently a step faster, cheered on by a sellout crowd of 7,368 fans, especially down the left side where the trio of Zac Portillos, Marcel Schafer and Leo Fernandes combined to put consistent pressure on Bethlehem’s defense. Fernandes’ second goal of the season capped a marvelous display, and if he’s able to stay in better health than last season’s 11 appearances then the Rowdies have another potent attacking weapon at their disposal.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://floridapolitics.com/archives/259514-not-just-a-body-of-water-a-briefing-on-tampa-bay-politics-3-26-18
Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing on Tampa Bay politics — 3.26.18
Childhood cancer survivor to sing anthem for Rowdies
At the age of 10, Marissa Preddie stood on the pitch for the first time at Al Lang Stadium at a “Gold Together for Childhood Cancer” match, wowing the crowd with her heartfelt rendition of the national anthem. Two years earlier, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia. Now, the 12-year-old Peddie is cancer free and the first ever official anthem singer of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. “I’m so excited to become the Rowdies’ official anthem singer,” Marissa said. “When the Rowdies asked me if I was interested, I was like OMG, really? YES!! I love coming to the games and cheering the Rowdies to victory.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87ebq7/3_doors_down_collective_soul_soul_asylum_coming/
3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Soul Asylum coming to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg (tbo.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tbo.com/blogs/soundcheck/2018/03/26/3-doors-down-collective-soul-soul-asylum-coming-to-al-lang-stadium-in-st-petersburg/
3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Soul Asylum coming to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg
We've seen a couple of false starts when it comes to getting live music into Al Lang Stadium.
First there was a '90s package tour led by TLC, which was supposed to take place last fall, but got canceled shortly beforehand. Then, in January, a show by Flo Rida was also canceled.
But now it looks like we might have a show that'll stick.
Alt-rockers 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul and Soul Asylum are teaming up for a package tour that'll hit Al Lang on July 11. Tickets start at $49.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Click here for details.
Like the other shows, this one is promoted by Bill Edwards, the St. Pete entrepreneur behind the Mahaffey Theater and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Despite the false starts with TLC and Flo Rida, if he can build Al Lang into a reliable outdoor concert venue, it could have a big effect, bringing tours to town that otherwise might not come. Stay tuned to see if this one actually happens.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/879ivx/hristov_nears_scoring_milestone_in_rowdies/
Hristov Nears Scoring Milestone in Rowdies’ Dominant Win (stpetecasual.wordpress.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://stpetecasual.wordpress.com/2018/03/26/hristov-nears-milestone-in-rowdies-dominant-win/
Hristov Nears Milestone in Rowdies’ Dominant Win
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87bukm/rowdie_takeaways_week_2_tbr_vs_bst/
Rowdie Takeaways Week 2: TBR vs BST (self.TampaBayRowdies)
-A domineering performance by the Rowdies. The result was never in doubt despite the Rowdies being "disallowed" a score in the first half. Outside of the first seven minutes, the Rowdies dominated on the ball and created a plethora of great chances capped off by a wonderfully slotted ball by Fernandes and Hristov with an on-target header. This W was never really in doubt, Bethlehem was simply overmatched outside of inspired performances by Burke and Epps.
-This may be controversial but it needs to be said. There HAS to be some sort of goal line or replay system to remedy awful calls like the Fernandes botch. To have goals called back that clear as day crossed the line is just little league officiating. I say hire a league-wide replay official who can be called on in two instances, if a ball crossed the line, or if a foul called on the edge of the box is a penalty. I wouldn't want an oversaturated replay system, but it's getting painful to see replays where there's a game-changing bad call.
-Defensive improvement this week is a positive sign. Gorskie made a great sliding tackle. Najem has taken on some lethal runs. Positioning and marking looked solid in the back.
-I was really excited by the signings of Flemmings and Graf but I'm wildly surprised by how great Jack Blake is. His curled shots are LETHAL. Blake is all over the field defending and making passes.
-I'm fascinated by Campbell's fixation with Guenzatti being a go-to guy. We got the Flemmings debut for all of 20 minutes which I pray that the injury news comes back positive, and the immediate replacement choice is Guenzatti. It's not that I think Guenzatti is a bad player, he's just okay. I need someone to make a pro-Guenzatti case for me. I just see a guy who is okay on the ball, okay passer, not a major scoring threat, but he'll get in good positions. I just think there's a very high upside with Graf and Morrell and they're spending a majority of their time on the bench.
-Speaking of Guenzatti, my opinion of Fernandes has improved after two straight weeks of scoring and good overall play. I see Fernandes as a better version of Guenzatti. Fernandes is able to get in good positions for good runs pretty frequently. Good passer and his shots have been on target with great placement.
-TV commentary was lackluster. I watched the game on YouTube and cringed to the point I fell out of my skin listening to the announcer call Fernandes goal his "first of the season" with a graphic accompanying it saying the same... Did anybody in the studio watch week 1? The color analysis was mostly dry, and the play-by-play guy has good tonality but Pepper last year really sold you on the goals.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87crv7/are_rowdies_practices_open/
Are Rowdies' practices open? (self.TampaBayRowdies)
My son has spring break this week and it'd be fun to take him to watch a practice. If they are open, any ideas when they practice?
Kinda. You can't get into the stadium when they practice there, but the big open section of the stadium on Bayshore means you can just stand there up against the fence and watch. Similar story if they're practicing at the facility they share with USF a few blocks away. The fence is closer to the field there, so you can get a better view.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/87eaqt/orlando_city_gm_hints_at_strategy_to_develop/
Orlando City GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019 (themaneland.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.themaneland.com/2018/3/26/17161468/orlando-city-to-unveil-new-player-development-strategy-in-2019
Orlando City’s GM Hints at Strategy to Develop Players in 2019
Niki Budalic told ESPN that OCB will return in the new USL third division in 2019, which shows how the club will develop its prospects.
While most MLS clubs without second teams in the USL have affiliations with other clubs, Orlando City has yet to come to such an agreement. The Tampa Bay Rowdies seem to have failed in their push for MLS and the NASL appears to have seen its final days. The Jacksonville Armada is currently playing in the fourth division NPSL, but could certainly make the jump to the USL in 2019, as multiple MLS second teams will likely drop to the third division. This would provide the Lions with a choice of two nearby USL teams to affiliate with for players that have advanced beyond OCB but aren’t quite ready for the first team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/26/miamis-mls-expansion-ownership-considering-additional-stadium-sites
Miami's MLS expansion ownership considering additional stadium sites
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utI_d2lI3sQ
How Would the Rowdies Spend a Day at the Beach?
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 26, 2018
We went ahead and asked the players what their ideal day at the beach would look like. Check out what they had to say!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH4GEVJzz1Y
GOALS from Rowdies vs Bethlehem Steel - March 24, 2018
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 26, 2018
Check out the goals from Saturday's 2-0 win over Bethlehem Steel.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuVrWMkkcNY
Meet Marissa Peddie, the Rowdies' National Anthem Singer
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 23, 2018
The Rowdies announce Marissa Peddie, a 12-year-old childhood cancer survivor, as the 2018 official anthem singer.
READ: http://bit.ly/2GiqkTd
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Rowdies Too Much for Steel FC
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/901201?referrer_id=2333971
Rowdies Too Much for Steel FC
Sellout crowd of 7,368 on hand as Tampa Bay opens home slate with win
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https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/charleston-battery-beats-penn-fc---send-president-andrew/article_6fb6f950-2edb-11e8-bb30-e735f7fe6a29.html
Charleston Battery beats Penn FC, 1-0; send president Andrew Bell out in style
Andrew Bell turned out the lights and the third floor hallway at MUSC Health Stadium went dark.
Bell headed down a flight of stairs to say his final goodbyes of the night to the Charleston Battery fans who had hung around for the team’s postgame celebration at the Three Lions Pub.
Bell arrived in the Lowcountry in 1996 as a 23-year-old archeology student hoping to find a local soccer team that he could support. Bell stumbled onto the Charleston Battery, a minor league franchise playing downtown at a Stoney Field, and within three years was working for the club as its play-by-play radio broadcaster.
The team moved to Daniel Island in 1999, Bell's first season with the team, and by 2008 he was running the joint as the club’s president.
Earlier in the week, Bell, 45, announced his resignation to become president of the new United Soccer League franchise in Memphis. He will be the first employee of the new team in Memphis, which is set to begin play in 2019.
Bell’s last official day with the Battery will be Monday.
Charleston sent Bell out in style, defeating Penn FC 1-0 on Ataulla Guerra’s goal in the 62nd minute Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium.
“This is bittersweet night for me, I’ve spent a large part of my adult life in Charleston working for the Battery,” Bell said. “I’ve been so fortunate to be able to work for a great ownership group, first led by Tony Bakker and now Eric Bowman, and I’ve been able to make so many great friends here. It’s a tough place to leave, but I know it’s in good hands.”
One of those friends that Bell will leave behind in the Lowcountry is Charleston’s head coach Mike Anhaeuser. The two worked side-by-side for almost two decades, helping build the Battery into a national brand.
“First and foremost, Andrew has been a great friend over the years,” Anhaeuser said. “He’s done everything for this organization from top-to-bottom. I’m going to miss him and I know the people around the office are going to miss him, too. I’ve got mixed emotions tonight because I’m happy he’s going to get this opportunity to start a new club, but I hate to see him move on.”
The opportunity to build a minor league franchise from the ground up in Memphis was one that Bell said he couldn’t pass on. pc-032518-sp-batterybell
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance in another great city with a great soccer market,” Bell said. “They have a very strong ownership group that is committed to building a strong club.”
On the field, Bell witness a strong defensive performance from both clubs. Neither team was able to generate much offense as only five combined shots were recorded for the entire game. A week ago, the Battery generated plenty of scoring chances, but failed to score in a 1-0 loss to Minnesota United in the season opener for both clubs.
“Penn sat in there and did a nice job defensively,” Anhaeuser said. “Last week we had a ton of chances and couldn’t finish, so every game is different. In the end, Atualla scores a great goal and you get the three points and the result you wanted and hopefully this gets us rolling.”
Guerra’s goal came after a nice build-up. Guerra got the ball on the right side, stepped past one Penn FC defender, eluded another, and then ripped the ball past Romuald Peiser for the score.
“It was a touch of experience and composure in front of the goal,” Guerra said. “I just relaxed because I knew I was going to get a chance. It was a nice finish with my left foot, my weaker foot.”
The Battery will head out on the road for four straight games. Charleston’s next home match will be April 28 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2018/03/25/match-report-bethlehem-steel-0-2-tampa-bay-rowdies/
Match Report: Bethlehem Steel 0-2 Tampa Bay Rowdies
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http://www.live5news.com/story/37802736/charleston-battery-blanks-penn-fc-for-first-win-of-the-season
Charleston Battery blanks Penn FC for first win of the season
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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/03/24/rowdies-dominate-in-second-half-to-defeat-bethlehem-2-0-in-usl-home-opener/
Rowdies dominate in second half to defeat Bethlehem 2-0 in USL home opener
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https://www.moultrienews.com/sports/battery-shuts-out-penn-fc-for-season-s-first-win/article_d22b2b7e-308e-11e8-840c-8fee246ccff8.html
Battery shuts out Penn FC for season's first win
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-beckham-moves-miami-manchester-12247328
David Beckham moves to Miami as Manchester United legend attempts to lure Carlo Ancelotti to new MLS franchise
Victoria and the former England superstar's children will stay in England as he attempts to fulfil his Stateside vision
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http://www.tbo.com/sports/rowdies/2018/03/23/childhood-cancer-survivor-is-rowdies-official-anthem-singer/
Childhood cancer survivor is Rowdies’ official anthem singer
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/900773?referrer_id=3199518
Eastern Conf. Notebook – Nashville Ready for Home Comforts
Bethlehem, Charlotte looking to back up big opening weekend victories
STEEL FC LOOK TO KEEP FORM: After both teams came out with good wins to open the 2018 season, Saturday’s match between the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Bethlehem Steel FC is set to be a barn burner in the Rowdies' home opener at Al Lang Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET | Match Center), with a sellout crowd expected to provide a raucous atmosphere.
After Steel FC's home win last week against the Richmond Kickers, this road test is on a different level, against a team that also made the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs. After their experience facing the Rowdies last season Steel FC Head Coach Brendan Burke knows his side is in for a strong test.
“The quality of their individual players is excellent, probably at or near the top of the league in terms of experience but also quality and it really flows through their whole team,” said Burke. “There is not going to be anything easy about going to their place.”
Despite that difficulty, Burke remains confident in his team’s passing style that was key to last week’s big 4-1 win against Richmond at Goodman Stadium. There may be opportunities for Bethlehem to exploit and those will have to be taken on Saturday against a Rowdies side that was clinical in taking its chances in its season-opening victory.
“They were pretty well organized and probably sat a little deeper than they wanted to at times and the game became a little wide open in transition moments but I think for them to go away and win 3-1 at North Carolina FC and to be coming home to very big crowd sets us up for a very difficult game,” said Burke. “I don’t think we change our approach at all but I do think there is going to be a lot more critical moments in the game than there were last weekend.”
Playing against a team in its home opener can be difficult and with the Rowdies expecting a sellout the atmosphere will be electric, making it an even tougher scenario. But proper management of the game can help that and the Bethlehem players are already working on bringing the right mentality.
“It will be there home opener so I think they will try to come out and come after us early in the game. I think if we can take it in chunks and get settle into the game within the first 15 minutes, that we’ll be fine,” said Steel FC defender Matt Mahoney. “Like every game, they are just players and we’re just players and we know that we can compete with them.”
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http://kwese.espn.com/football/las-vegas-lights-fc/story/3429347/freddy-adu-officially-registered-with-new-usl-club-las-vegas-lights
Freddy Adu officially registered with new USL club Las Vegas Lights
Adu has been out of the game since 2016, when he played with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL, but he wrote in January that he was interested in returning.
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http://www.squawka.com/news/freddy-adu-signs-contract-with-new-usl-outfit-las-vegas-lights/1023790#Ww8TzIj094u8w81T.97
Freddy Adu signs contract with new USL outfit Las Vegas Lights
Since then, his career has tailed off, with the forward enduring spells with 14 clubs in 14 years, while his last appearance as a professional footballer came during his stint with Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2016.
Adu has made 17 appearances for the United States national side, registering two goals, while his last cap came in 2011, some seven years ago.
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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/03/23/rowdies-hope-to-match-last-seasons-home-dominance/
Rowdies hope to match last season’s home dominance
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http://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/rowdies-name-12-year-old-cancer-survivor-as-2018-official-anthem-singer/1074655477
Rowdies name 12-year-old cancer survivor as 2018 official anthem singer
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http://www.espn.com/soccer/las-vegas-lights-fc/story/3429347/freddy-adu-officially-registered-with-new-usl-club-las-vegas-lights
Freddy Adu officially registered with new USL club Las Vegas Lights
Adu has been out of the game since 2016, when he played with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL, but he wrote in January that he was interested in returning.
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/900388?referrer_id=2333971
Mkosana Added to Penn FC Attack
Zimbabwean forward recorded 20 regular-season goals in two prior seasons at club
Mkosana went on to make 94 combined appearances for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and New York Cosmos, winning a pair of championships in New York. Most recently, Mkosana made 15 appearances and scored for IFK Mariehamn in the Finnish Premier League in 2017. He scored also two goals in Finland’s domestic cup, the Suomen Cup, which helped propel IFK Mariehamn to the quarterfinals.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86gjeb/the_usl_qa_rob_stone_tampa_bay_rowdies_fan/
The USL Q&A – Rob Stone, Tampa Bay Rowdies Fan (uslsoccer.com)
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/900561?referrer_id=2349190
The USL Q&A – Rob Stone, Tampa Bay Rowdies Fan
FOX Sports host talks Rowdies fanhood, soccer’s domestic growth, love of Al Lang Stadium
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies welcomed lifelong fan Rob Stone to be the guest emcee at Monday night’s official season kickoff party at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg as the Fox Sports host told stories about his history with the club and hosted a Q&A with Rowdies Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Governor Bill Edwards and players Joe Cole, Marcel Schafer and Georgi Hristov.
Stone, who will host Fox’s 2018 FIFA World Cup coverage this summer, also talked with USLSoccer.com about his history with the sport, which saw him compete collegiately at Colgate University, and the massive strides soccer has made since he first became a Rowdies fan as a youngster.
GROWING UP ROWDIES
Q: What does it mean to be part of this, the launch of a new season for a club that you have so much history with?
Rob Stone: Yeah, I think it just goes to show the growth of this game that there are now events that happen like this in American soccer, and that you get a turnout and a huge pop for this, it shows the continued growth at a really staggering rate. The beauty about the Rowdies is it’s one of those few iconic names and brands that has shown the legs to survive from the 70s, 80s, 90s to where we are now. It’s arguably the most iconic name and brand in American soccer, and it’s the oldest team that’s still around now, which is surreal that we’re talking in those kinds of terms.
Q: You grew up with the Rowdies, what was it like growing up as a soccer fan in that era when you had such incredible names playing for the club?
RS: When I grew up as a fan of soccer, it was a chase. It was a chase to find the game. It wasn’t everywhere on television, it was Soccer Made in Germany on PBS, it was a random NASL game maybe on ABC Sports, and you prayed to God your team was there so you could actually see them. I lived in North Carolina and Connecticut as a fan of the Rowdies, and I would chase them down and badger my parents to take me to New England Tea Men games, take me to New York Cosmos games when the Rowdies were in town.
I was that idiot kid in the green and yellow hooped socks, the full kit – yes, I was a full-kit w----r as a kid – because that was my team and I didn’t care. I didn’t care going into the den of Giants Stadium in the swamp of New Jersey all kitted out as a kid because that was my team and that’s what I cared about. I took a lot of heat from Cosmos fans, but it was a good lesson for me to stick up for what you believe in, and I’ve always believed in the Rowdies. It’s my first love in sports, so I’m going to stay with them.
Q: We’ve seen the hooped socks on broadcasts as well, is it fun to be able to transmit that to the national audience?
RS: It is fun, because sometimes we’re asked to do things and other times we want to do it and it’s purely organic, and whenever the Rowdies come up, no-one’s asking me to talk about them, I’m doing it of my own free will and I think you can hear the change in my volume and my energy level and my passion.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Al Lang Stadium?
RS: The uniqueness of it. The view. I just love that opening, that odd opening in the stadium that really makes no sense, but I love how the Rowdies have embraced it. It makes it different, it sets it apart where you’ve got this gorgeous view of what Florida should be. If you close your eyes and you say Florida, you’re seeing palm trees, you’re seeing water, you’re seeing boats, you’re seeing flip flops and you’re seeing leisure, and you see all of that through the channel, and yet all you need to do is tilt your head down to another degree and you see top-level soccer, an amazing fanbase, and a history that really right now is second-to-none in American soccer.
Q: The thing I find most interesting right now is soccer is becoming a much greater part of community pride, and it’s not just at the Major League Soccer Level, it’s across the country. You with the Rowdies, Alexi [Lalas] with Detroit, everyone is proud to represent Cincinnati, Sacramento, Louisville, Nashville, wherever it is, it’s being embraced as a civic entity now.
RS: Yeah, you’re seeing that everywhere, and there’s no way you could have forecast that phenomenon maybe even 10 years ago. I remember going to Asheville, North Carolina to go watch a World Cup 2014 game, and it’s Asheville, North Carolina, it’s out in the mountains, it’s the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s not where you thought soccer would be, and guess what? Soccer was staring me right in the face and it was a sold-out bar. I had to call ahead to reserve a table for me and my friends, and it’s everywhere now. The gospel has been spread.
It’s almost like the California Missions, spreading the gospel up the coast of California, well guess what, this is the Soccer Missions, and it’s infiltrated everywhere. I take great joy in seeing these “smaller, minor-league cities” saying we’re now worthy of a team. We have a population that wants it, we have a fan-base that deserves it, we have ownership that wants to do it, and we have enough talent that the American population can handle it. It’s just spreading and spreading, and what the USL is doing and now what I’m seeing with USL D-3 absolutely warms my heart.
I remember when I graduated college I did a road trip with my best friend, and we wanted to hit ballparks. We weren’t diehard baseball fans, but it just felt like the thing to do, and we were like “yeah, we want to hit a couple of major league parks, but we also want to hit some of the minor league parks too, really get the nuances of the Durham Bulls or the San Antonio Mission, whatever these smaller teams were. Now, you can do it with soccer, and I wish I was graduating college now so I could do a summer road trip to all of these wonderful growing soccer communities that will take you in as one of their own just by pulling into the parking lot.
Q: You see the places where it’s springing up now, Birmingham, Memphis, you’ve got all of these Southeastern cities where the game has come alive following the tradition of the Rowdies. I don’t think anyone quite expected what Atlanta’s done, but there seems to have been this groundswell in the Southeast that the Rowdies are part of?
RS: For a long time the Southeast was confusing the experts. Boy, we’ve got to have a market here but nothing seems to stick, and there’s no way it’ll work here or there or Point A or Point B, and I for one didn’t think Atlanta was a fully-wise decision soccer-wise. I got it for the ownership and the stadium concept where we can get two teams there, but I grew up opposed to playing on artificial surface and in a football stadium, that just rubbed me the wrong way, but Atlanta has single-handedly changed that dynamic in one year.
That is the South, my friend, that’s Waffle House, Cracker Barrell, that is not where you expect soccer to be growing up, and it’s there, and it’s alive and well, and I think it sends a strong message to potential ownership groups, to potential sponsors, to the population itself not just here in North America but overseas as well that, holy cow, there’s more than just New York and L.A. for soccer. We can go to Atlanta, we can go to Tampa, we can go to Nashville, we can go to Portland, we can go from coast to coast, and including Canada, and you’re going to see a passionate fanbase, ownership and crowd that you’re going to want to be part of.
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
Q: Your playing career…
RS: … was awesome. It’s going to go down in the record books as one of the greatest Americans to ever play in the Patriot League!
Q: … what did you enjoy most about playing?
RS: I enjoyed the competition and the camaraderie. I love competing, and I loved fighting for a goal particularly with a team. It’s that team concept that I really miss. We replicate it to an extent in your workplace and I think we have a great team at Fox Sports, whether it’s my soccer team, or college football, or college basketball, but to be on stage tonight and see that team introduced one by one, and see the bond they have and the subtle looks they can give each other, and you know it means something, and the battles they’ve been through, the ups and the downs, that’s what I miss, and that’s what really drew me to the game, just this sense of “we’re all in this together, let’s fight for a good cause doing something that we absolutely love.”
Q: Your first World Cup was as a sideline reporter, now you’ve gradually moved up the food chain, what’s it going to be like sitting in the big chair this summer?
RS: This summer, I’ve been preparing for it mentally and physically for a long, long time and to be handed the keys to this World Cup castle is daunting, I don’t take it lightly, I think of the names that have had it, but I also think of the growth that those people have been part of, and to where it is now. This World Cup presentation will be nothing compared to what you would have seen eight years ago, and to a point four years ago. ESPN was a master steward for the sport, and what they did for the World Cup, elevating it to a massive level of importance, and when we covered it in ’98 there was this fear among the remotes that once the U.S. is out all the remotes were going to say, “no, thank you”, and turn off, and every four years that sentiment kinda got eroded, and they said, “wait a second, people understand these other teams, they can talk about Germany, they’re intrigued by what’s going on in South America, oh my goodness, look at the Asian explosion.”
Now we have for the first time in decades no U.S. National Team, and for the first time in decades this country can handle it because this country knows what’s at stake, they understand the game, they understand what it means, and they understand what an event it is. No longer do we have to “educate the viewership”, they know what they’re getting themselves into, and now we just have to present it properly. We are going to overdeliver this summer, that’s my one guarantee.
Q: Speaking of overdelivering, some good promises made out there by [Bill Edwards on a championship season]. Marcel [Schafer] wouldn’t go quite as far, but this team looks like it has the makings of a serious championship contender. You’ll be remote in Russia, remote in L.A., is it going to be fun watching this team, this season?
RS: I’m pulled in so many directions in my life, but if there was a pie graph of my life there’s a chunk there that’s Green and Gold and keeps an eye on what’s going on. I’ve got people who remind me, I’ve got a lot of good friends who still live in the Tampa Bay area who send me texts, who’ll send me pictures, send me videos in the moment, who’ll Facetime me from games, so even if I’m back in California or in Red Square this summer I will be keeping track on how the Green and Gold are doing this season.
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http://www.fox13news.com/good-day/charley-s-world/tampa-bay-rowdies-home-opener-kicks-off-on-saturday
Tampa Bay Rowdies home opener kicks off on Saturday
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https://patch.com/florida/stpete/12-year-old-cancer-survivor-named-rowdies-anthem-singer
12-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Named As Rowdies Anthem Singer
The teen, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia four years ago, has been named the official anthem singer of the Rowdies
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/900652?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive
Lights FC Makes Adu Signing Official
Added to Las Vegas’ squad ahead of inaugural home opener Saturday vs. Reno
Adu had trained with Lights FC throughout preseason and saw action in Las Vegas’ scrimmage against his first professional club, D.C. United, on February 24 during which he recorded an assist. Now more than a year removed from his last official appearance professionally for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Adu is set to return to action with Lights FC.
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http://www.bradenton.com/sports/mlb/tampa-bay-rays/article206334704.html
Koch brothers’ group targets new Tampa Bay Rays stadium
Starting Wednesday, residents of the Tampa Bay area may have started to see a new video ad on their social media feeds assailing the idea that public money could be used to build a new baseball stadium — complete with an animated “taxpayer” being bowled over by a player sliding into a base.
It’s part of a new campaign by Americans for Prosperity, the activist arm funded by the billionaire Koch brothers, Charles and David, as the powerful conservative group sets its sights on the Tampa Bay Rays stadium fight.
According to Chris Hudson, director of AFP’s Florida operations, the group aims to draw a line in the sand as discussions continue between local government officials and the Rays to ensure no taxpayer money is used to woo the team from one side of the bay to the other.
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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2018/03/mls-in-miami-needs-a-stadium.html
MLS in Miami needs a stadium
The soccer news starts with what now seems like an old story in MLS. Where will a team find land and concessions to build a nice new stadium somewhere in the greater metro area? DC United spent over a decade trying to answer that question, eventually ending up on the right side of the District line to satisfy the latest incarnation of MLS. That's playing within the city limits, preferably near downtown. Now, it's MLS in Miami's turn to sift through the options and make a decision.
With Miami, that means potentially starting over. The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reports that the Miami MLS expansion group is now looking at suburban stadium sites. David Beckham's expansion bid had a stadium site, in the Overtown community. That faced public backlash and basic questions over access and parking. Now it seems the stadium could be anywhere in the greater Miami area, which means playing outside the city limits.
As it stands, two of the city's four major sports teams play outside the city limits. The NHL's Panthers are in Sunrise and the Dolphins play in what now looks like a European soccer stadium in Miami Gardens. Peru is using that stadium to play Croatia on Friday, but most MLS teams aren't in the market to rent a venue with almost 65,000 seats. Part of the reason the Beckham bid finally has an MLS expansion team is the stadium plan, or at least the commitment that they will eventually build somewhere. MLS doesn't need a replay of NYCFC, where building somewhere in the five boroughs is now another season with more to follow at Yankee Stadium.
MLS Miami can't follow that model without raising the type of questions that don't have easy answers. With talk of a bigger stadium complex, finding available land is once again the issue. With the Atlanta Braves moving out of downtown Atlanta and the Cowboys building a training center that costs more than most stadium an exit north of FC Dallas in Frisco, there's a point that we might be seeing the end of the downtown stadium trend. That's worth highlighting and underlining when it comes to pro sports. Stadium construction and location always feeds off of trends. What seems obvious right now might not look that way in a few years. It's predicting a future that has a tendency to reward some teams and punish others.
For Miami, the bigger issue is embracing MLS. This isn't the same scenario that drove their last MLS expansion team too far north in Fort Lauderdale, but it's also not what most expected. MLS is in a moment where getting what they want in some markets doesn't mean being able to push for the same in other markets. LAFC set yet another new standard, but there's no indication that it's a template for MLS in major American cities.
The Washington Post's Steven Goff talks to USMNT player Andrija Novakovich. Pro Soccer Talk's Nicolas Mendola highlights the new faces with the USMNT. Bundesliga.com highlights Schalke and USMNT player Weston McKennie. ESPN FC's Mark Ogden cites sources that have Zlatan Ibrahimovic moving to MLS. MLSsoccer.com's Sam Stejskal has Seattle looking for a Designated Player.
Barcelona's Gerard Pique in The Players' Tribune. Inside World Football's Andrew Warshaw with West Ham's response to crowd issues at London Stadium.
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https://miami.curbed.com/2018/3/22/17148560/david-beckham-mls-stadium-location
David Beckham’s team goes back to the drawing board for MLS stadium location
More than five sites are in consideration
After zeroing in on Overtown and considering Melreese golf course, David Beckham and his partners in Miami’s new MLS team are broadening their search for a stadium location.
“We’re actively looking at five or so sites,” MLS Miami partner Jorge Mas told the Miami Herald. “There are a handful of sites that are interesting.”
Mas declined to confirm individual sites, but the paper’s sources floated a few new locations that might be in the hunt. Besides Overtown and the golf course (both of which face opposition in the form of neighbor apprehension and a petition to save Melreese), possible sites under consideration include land at Hialeah Park and Casino, a Pepsi distribution center in Doral, and land near Jackson Memorial Hospital. The site is meant to accommodate more than just a stadium: Mas wants to include youth soccer fields and a “tech hub” as well.
Soccer in the suburbs? Beckham group is looking beyond Miami for its stadium site. [Miami Herald]
This Miami golf course could be the MLS soccer stadium’s new home [Curbed Miami]
Here’s what David Beckham partner Jorge Mas wants in the MLS stadium site [Curbed Miami]
Neighbors are vowing to fight David Beckham’s proposed MLS stadium in Overtown [Curbed Miami]
(Follow link for full article.)
https://therealdeal.com/miami/2018/03/22/here-are-the-new-sites-beckham-group-is-reportedly-eyeing-for-200m-soccer-stadium/
Here are the new sites Beckham group is reportedly eyeing for $200M soccer stadium
PepsiCo distribution center in Doral is among them
The Hialeah Park Casino, a Pepsi distribution center in Doral, the Melreese golf course and a truck depot near Jackson Memorial Hospital are among the sites David Beckham and his partners are now considering for their $200 million Major League Soccer stadium.
Jorge Mas, who joined the group as a partner with his brother José late last year, confirmed to the Miami Herald that he and his partners are “actively looking at five or so sites.” The Mas brothers have reservations about the previous Overtown site’s size, location and lack of parking, as well as the site’s significant opposition from Spring Garden neighbors.
But Overtown, which has been the site since 2015, is still a possibility. Beckham’s group owns 6 acres of land that it purchased for $19 million in 2016, and is under contract to buy 3 acres from Miami-Dade County.
Earlier this month, Miami City Manager Emilio González met with Jorge Mas to discuss building the stadium on the city-owned Melreese golf course near Miami International Airport.
Other options include land inside the Hialeah Park and Casino, which covers about 40 square blocks off Palm Avenue; a roughly 20-acre, city-owned site near Jackson Memorial Hospital that’s currently a truck depot; and the nearly 24-acre PepsiCo distribution center that Terra and Terranova purchased for $40 million earlier this year. [Miami Herald] – Katherine Kallergis
(Follow link for full article.)
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2018/03/22/clock-ticking-as-beckham-soccer-group-considers-stadium-sites/
Clock Ticking As Beckham Soccer Group Considers Stadium Sites
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – When soccer superstar David Beckham announced nearly five years ago he would bring soccer to Miami, he made it clear he wanted the team to play in Miami.
But proposed site after site has fallen through and now Beckham’s group is exploring building a stadium outside of the Magic City.
When Beckham was officially granted a soccer team in January, plans to build a stadium on a mostly county-owned plot in Overtown immediately were shot down. Never mind residents were threatening a lawsuit, Jorge and Jose Mas, Beckham’s new, big gun Miami partners, made it clear they didn’t like the Overtown site; no parking, no easy access, no space for a training facility.
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https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/77226/report-beckham-mls-group-is-looking-at-five-stadi.html
Report: Beckham MLS group is looking at five stadium sites in Miami
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/85y2on/college_coaching_moves_ohio_states_john_bluem_set/
College Coaching Moves: Ohio State's John Bluem set to retire (socceramerica.com)
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https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/77190/college-coaching-moves-ohio-states-john-bluem-se.html
College Coaching Moves: Ohio State's John Bluem set to retire
John Bluem will step down as Ohio State's men's soccer coach on April 30 after 21 years with the Buckeyes.
He played at Hartwick and spent two seasons in the NASL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/85y378/rowdies_rally_at_mayors_food_truckit/
Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Food Truck-It (web.stpete.com)
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http://web.stpete.com/events/Rowdies-Rally-at-Mayors-Food-TruckIt-3667/details
Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Food Truck-It
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8642g1/new_blake_pro_video_carolina_trip/
New Blake Pro Video - Carolina Trip! (youtu.be)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WXrsShho-0&feature=youtu.be
Jack Blake: The Life Of A Professional Soccer Player - Episode 4
Jack Blake
Published on Mar 21, 2018
This video contains footage of our travel day to North Carolina to compete in our first game of the 2018 USL season. You will see everything from waking up in my apartment in St Petersburg, to going to sleep in my hotel room in Raleigh, North Carolina.
I hope you all enjoy! Let me know in the comments below what you would like to see on the upcoming videos.
Please like, share and subscribe!
Music: https://www.bensound.com
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86fsxk/tropics_sc_and_pinellas_county_united_sc_partner/
Tropics SC and Pinellas County United SC Partner on WPSL Franchise, Lady Tropics SC - will play 2018 season in St. Pete (fltropics.com)
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http://www.fltropics.com/news/tropics-soccer-club-and-pinellas-county-united-sc-
Tropics Soccer Club and Pinellas County United SC Partner on WPSL Franchise, Lady Tropics SC
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86mx3j/rowdies_ready_for_home_opener/
Rowdies Ready for Home Opener (stpetecasual.wordpress.com)
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https://stpetecasual.wordpress.com/2018/03/23/rowdies-ready-for-home-opener/
Rowdies Ready for Home Opener
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86pwqc/cross_post_usl_goal_of_the_week_jack_blake/
Cross Post - USL Goal of the week - Jack Blake (youtu.be)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAJw87SieGM&feature=youtu.be
USL Goal of the Week presented by Select - Week 1: Winner Jack Blake
United Soccer League
Published on Mar 22, 2018
Jack Blake is the winner of our fan vote for Goal of the Week presented by Select for week 1 of the USL season.
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http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-david-beckham-has-already-identified-who-he-wants-to-manage-miami-20180325
David Beckham Has Already Identified Who He Wants To Manage Miami MLS Team
David Beckham's Miami franchise likely won't be able to play in the MLS until 2020 but the footballing legend is already making moves.
The Mirror reports that while his family is to remain in England, Beckham is putting in the extra hours in Florida to prepare for the challenge.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86s0xw/rowdies_hope_to_match_last_seasons_home_dominance/
Rowdies hope to match last season’s home dominance (tampabay.com)
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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/03/23/rowdies-hope-to-match-last-seasons-home-dominance/
Rowdies hope to match last season’s home dominance
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86uli9/the_bench_volume_3_issue_1_the_unused_substitutes/
The Bench, volume 3 issue 1 – The Unused Substitutes (OC) (theunsubs.com)
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/03/24/the-bench-volume-3-issue-1/3529
The Bench, volume 3 issue 1
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86y7i1/postmatch_thread_it_was_over_the_line/
Post-Match Thread POST-MATCH THREAD: IT WAS OVER THE LINE!!!!! (self.TampaBayRowdies)
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/871dk0/rowdies_attendance_thread_game_1_vs_bethlehem/
Attendance Thread Rowdies Attendance Thread - Game 1 vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (self.TampaBayRowdies)
A really solid opening night - I think they really oversold GA, because there were lots of people who couldn't find seats. Weather was perfect - energy was great. A bit down from the Orlando opener last year, but we were missing out on that whole caged in section for their supporters. Nice start to the season...
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/870e93/highlights_tampa_bay_rowdies_2_0_bethlehem_steel/
Highlights Highlights: Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 - 0 Bethlehem Steel (youtu.be)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjIVNX2LRMg&feature=youtu.be
Highlights: Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 - 0 Bethlehem Steel
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 24, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS - Rowdies defeat Bethlehem Steel FC 2-0 with goals from Georgi Hristov and Leo Fernandes. 7,368 fans showed up to Al Lang Stadium to witness the home opener victory!
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/872aco/unsubs_coffee_talk_no_mixtape_needed/
UnSubs Coffee Talk: No Mixtape needed (theunsubs.com)
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/03/25/coffee-talk-no-mixtape-needed/3535
Coffee Talk: No Mixtape needed
We’re bringing Coffee Talk back. Don’t remember Coffee Talk? Well that’s probably because we only did like three of a few years ago (My bad). Anyway, it’s back and we’re trying something different. This time will have the etnire Unused Substitutes staff sound off with their quick thoughts following a match. Sometimes they’ll be insightful. Sometimes they’ll just be stuff we found amusing at the match or on the broadcast.
So let’s get into it.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML4wy3Xy4K0
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Bethlehem Steel FC: March 24, 2018
United Soccer League
Streamed live on Mar 24, 2018
Visit http://www.uslsoccer.com for upcoming games, live scores and match highlights.
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/901201?referrer_id=2333971
Rowdies Too Much for Steel FC
Sellout crowd of 7,368 on hand as Tampa Bay opens home slate with win
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https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/charleston-battery-beats-penn-fc---send-president-andrew/article_6fb6f950-2edb-11e8-bb30-e735f7fe6a29.html
Charleston Battery beats Penn FC, 1-0; send president Andrew Bell out in style
Andrew Bell turned out the lights and the third floor hallway at MUSC Health Stadium went dark.
Bell headed down a flight of stairs to say his final goodbyes of the night to the Charleston Battery fans who had hung around for the team’s postgame celebration at the Three Lions Pub.
Bell arrived in the Lowcountry in 1996 as a 23-year-old archeology student hoping to find a local soccer team that he could support. Bell stumbled onto the Charleston Battery, a minor league franchise playing downtown at a Stoney Field, and within three years was working for the club as its play-by-play radio broadcaster.
The team moved to Daniel Island in 1999, Bell's first season with the team, and by 2008 he was running the joint as the club’s president.
Earlier in the week, Bell, 45, announced his resignation to become president of the new United Soccer League franchise in Memphis. He will be the first employee of the new team in Memphis, which is set to begin play in 2019.
Bell’s last official day with the Battery will be Monday.
Charleston sent Bell out in style, defeating Penn FC 1-0 on Ataulla Guerra’s goal in the 62nd minute Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium.
“This is bittersweet night for me, I’ve spent a large part of my adult life in Charleston working for the Battery,” Bell said. “I’ve been so fortunate to be able to work for a great ownership group, first led by Tony Bakker and now Eric Bowman, and I’ve been able to make so many great friends here. It’s a tough place to leave, but I know it’s in good hands.”
One of those friends that Bell will leave behind in the Lowcountry is Charleston’s head coach Mike Anhaeuser. The two worked side-by-side for almost two decades, helping build the Battery into a national brand.
“First and foremost, Andrew has been a great friend over the years,” Anhaeuser said. “He’s done everything for this organization from top-to-bottom. I’m going to miss him and I know the people around the office are going to miss him, too. I’ve got mixed emotions tonight because I’m happy he’s going to get this opportunity to start a new club, but I hate to see him move on.”
The opportunity to build a minor league franchise from the ground up in Memphis was one that Bell said he couldn’t pass on. pc-032518-sp-batterybell
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance in another great city with a great soccer market,” Bell said. “They have a very strong ownership group that is committed to building a strong club.”
On the field, Bell witness a strong defensive performance from both clubs. Neither team was able to generate much offense as only five combined shots were recorded for the entire game. A week ago, the Battery generated plenty of scoring chances, but failed to score in a 1-0 loss to Minnesota United in the season opener for both clubs.
“Penn sat in there and did a nice job defensively,” Anhaeuser said. “Last week we had a ton of chances and couldn’t finish, so every game is different. In the end, Atualla scores a great goal and you get the three points and the result you wanted and hopefully this gets us rolling.”
Guerra’s goal came after a nice build-up. Guerra got the ball on the right side, stepped past one Penn FC defender, eluded another, and then ripped the ball past Romuald Peiser for the score.
“It was a touch of experience and composure in front of the goal,” Guerra said. “I just relaxed because I knew I was going to get a chance. It was a nice finish with my left foot, my weaker foot.”
The Battery will head out on the road for four straight games. Charleston’s next home match will be April 28 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2018/03/25/match-report-bethlehem-steel-0-2-tampa-bay-rowdies/
Match Report: Bethlehem Steel 0-2 Tampa Bay Rowdies
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http://www.live5news.com/story/37802736/charleston-battery-blanks-penn-fc-for-first-win-of-the-season
Charleston Battery blanks Penn FC for first win of the season
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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/03/24/rowdies-dominate-in-second-half-to-defeat-bethlehem-2-0-in-usl-home-opener/
Rowdies dominate in second half to defeat Bethlehem 2-0 in USL home opener
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https://www.moultrienews.com/sports/battery-shuts-out-penn-fc-for-season-s-first-win/article_d22b2b7e-308e-11e8-840c-8fee246ccff8.html
Battery shuts out Penn FC for season's first win
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-beckham-moves-miami-manchester-12247328
David Beckham moves to Miami as Manchester United legend attempts to lure Carlo Ancelotti to new MLS franchise
Victoria and the former England superstar's children will stay in England as he attempts to fulfil his Stateside vision
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http://www.tbo.com/sports/rowdies/2018/03/23/childhood-cancer-survivor-is-rowdies-official-anthem-singer/
Childhood cancer survivor is Rowdies’ official anthem singer
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/900773?referrer_id=3199518
Eastern Conf. Notebook – Nashville Ready for Home Comforts
Bethlehem, Charlotte looking to back up big opening weekend victories
STEEL FC LOOK TO KEEP FORM: After both teams came out with good wins to open the 2018 season, Saturday’s match between the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Bethlehem Steel FC is set to be a barn burner in the Rowdies' home opener at Al Lang Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET | Match Center), with a sellout crowd expected to provide a raucous atmosphere.
After Steel FC's home win last week against the Richmond Kickers, this road test is on a different level, against a team that also made the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs. After their experience facing the Rowdies last season Steel FC Head Coach Brendan Burke knows his side is in for a strong test.
“The quality of their individual players is excellent, probably at or near the top of the league in terms of experience but also quality and it really flows through their whole team,” said Burke. “There is not going to be anything easy about going to their place.”
Despite that difficulty, Burke remains confident in his team’s passing style that was key to last week’s big 4-1 win against Richmond at Goodman Stadium. There may be opportunities for Bethlehem to exploit and those will have to be taken on Saturday against a Rowdies side that was clinical in taking its chances in its season-opening victory.
“They were pretty well organized and probably sat a little deeper than they wanted to at times and the game became a little wide open in transition moments but I think for them to go away and win 3-1 at North Carolina FC and to be coming home to very big crowd sets us up for a very difficult game,” said Burke. “I don’t think we change our approach at all but I do think there is going to be a lot more critical moments in the game than there were last weekend.”
Playing against a team in its home opener can be difficult and with the Rowdies expecting a sellout the atmosphere will be electric, making it an even tougher scenario. But proper management of the game can help that and the Bethlehem players are already working on bringing the right mentality.
“It will be there home opener so I think they will try to come out and come after us early in the game. I think if we can take it in chunks and get settle into the game within the first 15 minutes, that we’ll be fine,” said Steel FC defender Matt Mahoney. “Like every game, they are just players and we’re just players and we know that we can compete with them.”
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http://kwese.espn.com/football/las-vegas-lights-fc/story/3429347/freddy-adu-officially-registered-with-new-usl-club-las-vegas-lights
Freddy Adu officially registered with new USL club Las Vegas Lights
Adu has been out of the game since 2016, when he played with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL, but he wrote in January that he was interested in returning.
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http://www.squawka.com/news/freddy-adu-signs-contract-with-new-usl-outfit-las-vegas-lights/1023790#Ww8TzIj094u8w81T.97
Freddy Adu signs contract with new USL outfit Las Vegas Lights
Since then, his career has tailed off, with the forward enduring spells with 14 clubs in 14 years, while his last appearance as a professional footballer came during his stint with Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2016.
Adu has made 17 appearances for the United States national side, registering two goals, while his last cap came in 2011, some seven years ago.
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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/03/23/rowdies-hope-to-match-last-seasons-home-dominance/
Rowdies hope to match last season’s home dominance
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http://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/rowdies-name-12-year-old-cancer-survivor-as-2018-official-anthem-singer/1074655477
Rowdies name 12-year-old cancer survivor as 2018 official anthem singer
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http://www.espn.com/soccer/las-vegas-lights-fc/story/3429347/freddy-adu-officially-registered-with-new-usl-club-las-vegas-lights
Freddy Adu officially registered with new USL club Las Vegas Lights
Adu has been out of the game since 2016, when he played with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL, but he wrote in January that he was interested in returning.
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/900388?referrer_id=2333971
Mkosana Added to Penn FC Attack
Zimbabwean forward recorded 20 regular-season goals in two prior seasons at club
Mkosana went on to make 94 combined appearances for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and New York Cosmos, winning a pair of championships in New York. Most recently, Mkosana made 15 appearances and scored for IFK Mariehamn in the Finnish Premier League in 2017. He scored also two goals in Finland’s domestic cup, the Suomen Cup, which helped propel IFK Mariehamn to the quarterfinals.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86gjeb/the_usl_qa_rob_stone_tampa_bay_rowdies_fan/
The USL Q&A – Rob Stone, Tampa Bay Rowdies Fan (uslsoccer.com)
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/900561?referrer_id=2349190
The USL Q&A – Rob Stone, Tampa Bay Rowdies Fan
FOX Sports host talks Rowdies fanhood, soccer’s domestic growth, love of Al Lang Stadium
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies welcomed lifelong fan Rob Stone to be the guest emcee at Monday night’s official season kickoff party at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg as the Fox Sports host told stories about his history with the club and hosted a Q&A with Rowdies Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Governor Bill Edwards and players Joe Cole, Marcel Schafer and Georgi Hristov.
Stone, who will host Fox’s 2018 FIFA World Cup coverage this summer, also talked with USLSoccer.com about his history with the sport, which saw him compete collegiately at Colgate University, and the massive strides soccer has made since he first became a Rowdies fan as a youngster.
GROWING UP ROWDIES
Q: What does it mean to be part of this, the launch of a new season for a club that you have so much history with?
Rob Stone: Yeah, I think it just goes to show the growth of this game that there are now events that happen like this in American soccer, and that you get a turnout and a huge pop for this, it shows the continued growth at a really staggering rate. The beauty about the Rowdies is it’s one of those few iconic names and brands that has shown the legs to survive from the 70s, 80s, 90s to where we are now. It’s arguably the most iconic name and brand in American soccer, and it’s the oldest team that’s still around now, which is surreal that we’re talking in those kinds of terms.
Q: You grew up with the Rowdies, what was it like growing up as a soccer fan in that era when you had such incredible names playing for the club?
RS: When I grew up as a fan of soccer, it was a chase. It was a chase to find the game. It wasn’t everywhere on television, it was Soccer Made in Germany on PBS, it was a random NASL game maybe on ABC Sports, and you prayed to God your team was there so you could actually see them. I lived in North Carolina and Connecticut as a fan of the Rowdies, and I would chase them down and badger my parents to take me to New England Tea Men games, take me to New York Cosmos games when the Rowdies were in town.
I was that idiot kid in the green and yellow hooped socks, the full kit – yes, I was a full-kit w----r as a kid – because that was my team and I didn’t care. I didn’t care going into the den of Giants Stadium in the swamp of New Jersey all kitted out as a kid because that was my team and that’s what I cared about. I took a lot of heat from Cosmos fans, but it was a good lesson for me to stick up for what you believe in, and I’ve always believed in the Rowdies. It’s my first love in sports, so I’m going to stay with them.
Q: We’ve seen the hooped socks on broadcasts as well, is it fun to be able to transmit that to the national audience?
RS: It is fun, because sometimes we’re asked to do things and other times we want to do it and it’s purely organic, and whenever the Rowdies come up, no-one’s asking me to talk about them, I’m doing it of my own free will and I think you can hear the change in my volume and my energy level and my passion.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Al Lang Stadium?
RS: The uniqueness of it. The view. I just love that opening, that odd opening in the stadium that really makes no sense, but I love how the Rowdies have embraced it. It makes it different, it sets it apart where you’ve got this gorgeous view of what Florida should be. If you close your eyes and you say Florida, you’re seeing palm trees, you’re seeing water, you’re seeing boats, you’re seeing flip flops and you’re seeing leisure, and you see all of that through the channel, and yet all you need to do is tilt your head down to another degree and you see top-level soccer, an amazing fanbase, and a history that really right now is second-to-none in American soccer.
Q: The thing I find most interesting right now is soccer is becoming a much greater part of community pride, and it’s not just at the Major League Soccer Level, it’s across the country. You with the Rowdies, Alexi [Lalas] with Detroit, everyone is proud to represent Cincinnati, Sacramento, Louisville, Nashville, wherever it is, it’s being embraced as a civic entity now.
RS: Yeah, you’re seeing that everywhere, and there’s no way you could have forecast that phenomenon maybe even 10 years ago. I remember going to Asheville, North Carolina to go watch a World Cup 2014 game, and it’s Asheville, North Carolina, it’s out in the mountains, it’s the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s not where you thought soccer would be, and guess what? Soccer was staring me right in the face and it was a sold-out bar. I had to call ahead to reserve a table for me and my friends, and it’s everywhere now. The gospel has been spread.
It’s almost like the California Missions, spreading the gospel up the coast of California, well guess what, this is the Soccer Missions, and it’s infiltrated everywhere. I take great joy in seeing these “smaller, minor-league cities” saying we’re now worthy of a team. We have a population that wants it, we have a fan-base that deserves it, we have ownership that wants to do it, and we have enough talent that the American population can handle it. It’s just spreading and spreading, and what the USL is doing and now what I’m seeing with USL D-3 absolutely warms my heart.
I remember when I graduated college I did a road trip with my best friend, and we wanted to hit ballparks. We weren’t diehard baseball fans, but it just felt like the thing to do, and we were like “yeah, we want to hit a couple of major league parks, but we also want to hit some of the minor league parks too, really get the nuances of the Durham Bulls or the San Antonio Mission, whatever these smaller teams were. Now, you can do it with soccer, and I wish I was graduating college now so I could do a summer road trip to all of these wonderful growing soccer communities that will take you in as one of their own just by pulling into the parking lot.
Q: You see the places where it’s springing up now, Birmingham, Memphis, you’ve got all of these Southeastern cities where the game has come alive following the tradition of the Rowdies. I don’t think anyone quite expected what Atlanta’s done, but there seems to have been this groundswell in the Southeast that the Rowdies are part of?
RS: For a long time the Southeast was confusing the experts. Boy, we’ve got to have a market here but nothing seems to stick, and there’s no way it’ll work here or there or Point A or Point B, and I for one didn’t think Atlanta was a fully-wise decision soccer-wise. I got it for the ownership and the stadium concept where we can get two teams there, but I grew up opposed to playing on artificial surface and in a football stadium, that just rubbed me the wrong way, but Atlanta has single-handedly changed that dynamic in one year.
That is the South, my friend, that’s Waffle House, Cracker Barrell, that is not where you expect soccer to be growing up, and it’s there, and it’s alive and well, and I think it sends a strong message to potential ownership groups, to potential sponsors, to the population itself not just here in North America but overseas as well that, holy cow, there’s more than just New York and L.A. for soccer. We can go to Atlanta, we can go to Tampa, we can go to Nashville, we can go to Portland, we can go from coast to coast, and including Canada, and you’re going to see a passionate fanbase, ownership and crowd that you’re going to want to be part of.
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
Q: Your playing career…
RS: … was awesome. It’s going to go down in the record books as one of the greatest Americans to ever play in the Patriot League!
Q: … what did you enjoy most about playing?
RS: I enjoyed the competition and the camaraderie. I love competing, and I loved fighting for a goal particularly with a team. It’s that team concept that I really miss. We replicate it to an extent in your workplace and I think we have a great team at Fox Sports, whether it’s my soccer team, or college football, or college basketball, but to be on stage tonight and see that team introduced one by one, and see the bond they have and the subtle looks they can give each other, and you know it means something, and the battles they’ve been through, the ups and the downs, that’s what I miss, and that’s what really drew me to the game, just this sense of “we’re all in this together, let’s fight for a good cause doing something that we absolutely love.”
Q: Your first World Cup was as a sideline reporter, now you’ve gradually moved up the food chain, what’s it going to be like sitting in the big chair this summer?
RS: This summer, I’ve been preparing for it mentally and physically for a long, long time and to be handed the keys to this World Cup castle is daunting, I don’t take it lightly, I think of the names that have had it, but I also think of the growth that those people have been part of, and to where it is now. This World Cup presentation will be nothing compared to what you would have seen eight years ago, and to a point four years ago. ESPN was a master steward for the sport, and what they did for the World Cup, elevating it to a massive level of importance, and when we covered it in ’98 there was this fear among the remotes that once the U.S. is out all the remotes were going to say, “no, thank you”, and turn off, and every four years that sentiment kinda got eroded, and they said, “wait a second, people understand these other teams, they can talk about Germany, they’re intrigued by what’s going on in South America, oh my goodness, look at the Asian explosion.”
Now we have for the first time in decades no U.S. National Team, and for the first time in decades this country can handle it because this country knows what’s at stake, they understand the game, they understand what it means, and they understand what an event it is. No longer do we have to “educate the viewership”, they know what they’re getting themselves into, and now we just have to present it properly. We are going to overdeliver this summer, that’s my one guarantee.
Q: Speaking of overdelivering, some good promises made out there by [Bill Edwards on a championship season]. Marcel [Schafer] wouldn’t go quite as far, but this team looks like it has the makings of a serious championship contender. You’ll be remote in Russia, remote in L.A., is it going to be fun watching this team, this season?
RS: I’m pulled in so many directions in my life, but if there was a pie graph of my life there’s a chunk there that’s Green and Gold and keeps an eye on what’s going on. I’ve got people who remind me, I’ve got a lot of good friends who still live in the Tampa Bay area who send me texts, who’ll send me pictures, send me videos in the moment, who’ll Facetime me from games, so even if I’m back in California or in Red Square this summer I will be keeping track on how the Green and Gold are doing this season.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.fox13news.com/good-day/charley-s-world/tampa-bay-rowdies-home-opener-kicks-off-on-saturday
Tampa Bay Rowdies home opener kicks off on Saturday
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https://patch.com/florida/stpete/12-year-old-cancer-survivor-named-rowdies-anthem-singer
12-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Named As Rowdies Anthem Singer
The teen, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia four years ago, has been named the official anthem singer of the Rowdies
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/900652?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive
Lights FC Makes Adu Signing Official
Added to Las Vegas’ squad ahead of inaugural home opener Saturday vs. Reno
Adu had trained with Lights FC throughout preseason and saw action in Las Vegas’ scrimmage against his first professional club, D.C. United, on February 24 during which he recorded an assist. Now more than a year removed from his last official appearance professionally for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Adu is set to return to action with Lights FC.
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http://www.bradenton.com/sports/mlb/tampa-bay-rays/article206334704.html
Koch brothers’ group targets new Tampa Bay Rays stadium
Starting Wednesday, residents of the Tampa Bay area may have started to see a new video ad on their social media feeds assailing the idea that public money could be used to build a new baseball stadium — complete with an animated “taxpayer” being bowled over by a player sliding into a base.
It’s part of a new campaign by Americans for Prosperity, the activist arm funded by the billionaire Koch brothers, Charles and David, as the powerful conservative group sets its sights on the Tampa Bay Rays stadium fight.
According to Chris Hudson, director of AFP’s Florida operations, the group aims to draw a line in the sand as discussions continue between local government officials and the Rays to ensure no taxpayer money is used to woo the team from one side of the bay to the other.
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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2018/03/mls-in-miami-needs-a-stadium.html
MLS in Miami needs a stadium
The soccer news starts with what now seems like an old story in MLS. Where will a team find land and concessions to build a nice new stadium somewhere in the greater metro area? DC United spent over a decade trying to answer that question, eventually ending up on the right side of the District line to satisfy the latest incarnation of MLS. That's playing within the city limits, preferably near downtown. Now, it's MLS in Miami's turn to sift through the options and make a decision.
With Miami, that means potentially starting over. The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reports that the Miami MLS expansion group is now looking at suburban stadium sites. David Beckham's expansion bid had a stadium site, in the Overtown community. That faced public backlash and basic questions over access and parking. Now it seems the stadium could be anywhere in the greater Miami area, which means playing outside the city limits.
As it stands, two of the city's four major sports teams play outside the city limits. The NHL's Panthers are in Sunrise and the Dolphins play in what now looks like a European soccer stadium in Miami Gardens. Peru is using that stadium to play Croatia on Friday, but most MLS teams aren't in the market to rent a venue with almost 65,000 seats. Part of the reason the Beckham bid finally has an MLS expansion team is the stadium plan, or at least the commitment that they will eventually build somewhere. MLS doesn't need a replay of NYCFC, where building somewhere in the five boroughs is now another season with more to follow at Yankee Stadium.
MLS Miami can't follow that model without raising the type of questions that don't have easy answers. With talk of a bigger stadium complex, finding available land is once again the issue. With the Atlanta Braves moving out of downtown Atlanta and the Cowboys building a training center that costs more than most stadium an exit north of FC Dallas in Frisco, there's a point that we might be seeing the end of the downtown stadium trend. That's worth highlighting and underlining when it comes to pro sports. Stadium construction and location always feeds off of trends. What seems obvious right now might not look that way in a few years. It's predicting a future that has a tendency to reward some teams and punish others.
For Miami, the bigger issue is embracing MLS. This isn't the same scenario that drove their last MLS expansion team too far north in Fort Lauderdale, but it's also not what most expected. MLS is in a moment where getting what they want in some markets doesn't mean being able to push for the same in other markets. LAFC set yet another new standard, but there's no indication that it's a template for MLS in major American cities.
The Washington Post's Steven Goff talks to USMNT player Andrija Novakovich. Pro Soccer Talk's Nicolas Mendola highlights the new faces with the USMNT. Bundesliga.com highlights Schalke and USMNT player Weston McKennie. ESPN FC's Mark Ogden cites sources that have Zlatan Ibrahimovic moving to MLS. MLSsoccer.com's Sam Stejskal has Seattle looking for a Designated Player.
Barcelona's Gerard Pique in The Players' Tribune. Inside World Football's Andrew Warshaw with West Ham's response to crowd issues at London Stadium.
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https://miami.curbed.com/2018/3/22/17148560/david-beckham-mls-stadium-location
David Beckham’s team goes back to the drawing board for MLS stadium location
More than five sites are in consideration
After zeroing in on Overtown and considering Melreese golf course, David Beckham and his partners in Miami’s new MLS team are broadening their search for a stadium location.
“We’re actively looking at five or so sites,” MLS Miami partner Jorge Mas told the Miami Herald. “There are a handful of sites that are interesting.”
Mas declined to confirm individual sites, but the paper’s sources floated a few new locations that might be in the hunt. Besides Overtown and the golf course (both of which face opposition in the form of neighbor apprehension and a petition to save Melreese), possible sites under consideration include land at Hialeah Park and Casino, a Pepsi distribution center in Doral, and land near Jackson Memorial Hospital. The site is meant to accommodate more than just a stadium: Mas wants to include youth soccer fields and a “tech hub” as well.
Soccer in the suburbs? Beckham group is looking beyond Miami for its stadium site. [Miami Herald]
This Miami golf course could be the MLS soccer stadium’s new home [Curbed Miami]
Here’s what David Beckham partner Jorge Mas wants in the MLS stadium site [Curbed Miami]
Neighbors are vowing to fight David Beckham’s proposed MLS stadium in Overtown [Curbed Miami]
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https://therealdeal.com/miami/2018/03/22/here-are-the-new-sites-beckham-group-is-reportedly-eyeing-for-200m-soccer-stadium/
Here are the new sites Beckham group is reportedly eyeing for $200M soccer stadium
PepsiCo distribution center in Doral is among them
The Hialeah Park Casino, a Pepsi distribution center in Doral, the Melreese golf course and a truck depot near Jackson Memorial Hospital are among the sites David Beckham and his partners are now considering for their $200 million Major League Soccer stadium.
Jorge Mas, who joined the group as a partner with his brother José late last year, confirmed to the Miami Herald that he and his partners are “actively looking at five or so sites.” The Mas brothers have reservations about the previous Overtown site’s size, location and lack of parking, as well as the site’s significant opposition from Spring Garden neighbors.
But Overtown, which has been the site since 2015, is still a possibility. Beckham’s group owns 6 acres of land that it purchased for $19 million in 2016, and is under contract to buy 3 acres from Miami-Dade County.
Earlier this month, Miami City Manager Emilio González met with Jorge Mas to discuss building the stadium on the city-owned Melreese golf course near Miami International Airport.
Other options include land inside the Hialeah Park and Casino, which covers about 40 square blocks off Palm Avenue; a roughly 20-acre, city-owned site near Jackson Memorial Hospital that’s currently a truck depot; and the nearly 24-acre PepsiCo distribution center that Terra and Terranova purchased for $40 million earlier this year. [Miami Herald] – Katherine Kallergis
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http://miami.cbslocal.com/2018/03/22/clock-ticking-as-beckham-soccer-group-considers-stadium-sites/
Clock Ticking As Beckham Soccer Group Considers Stadium Sites
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – When soccer superstar David Beckham announced nearly five years ago he would bring soccer to Miami, he made it clear he wanted the team to play in Miami.
But proposed site after site has fallen through and now Beckham’s group is exploring building a stadium outside of the Magic City.
When Beckham was officially granted a soccer team in January, plans to build a stadium on a mostly county-owned plot in Overtown immediately were shot down. Never mind residents were threatening a lawsuit, Jorge and Jose Mas, Beckham’s new, big gun Miami partners, made it clear they didn’t like the Overtown site; no parking, no easy access, no space for a training facility.
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https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/77226/report-beckham-mls-group-is-looking-at-five-stadi.html
Report: Beckham MLS group is looking at five stadium sites in Miami
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/85y2on/college_coaching_moves_ohio_states_john_bluem_set/
College Coaching Moves: Ohio State's John Bluem set to retire (socceramerica.com)
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https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/77190/college-coaching-moves-ohio-states-john-bluem-se.html
College Coaching Moves: Ohio State's John Bluem set to retire
John Bluem will step down as Ohio State's men's soccer coach on April 30 after 21 years with the Buckeyes.
He played at Hartwick and spent two seasons in the NASL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/85y378/rowdies_rally_at_mayors_food_truckit/
Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Food Truck-It (web.stpete.com)
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http://web.stpete.com/events/Rowdies-Rally-at-Mayors-Food-TruckIt-3667/details
Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Food Truck-It
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8642g1/new_blake_pro_video_carolina_trip/
New Blake Pro Video - Carolina Trip! (youtu.be)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WXrsShho-0&feature=youtu.be
Jack Blake: The Life Of A Professional Soccer Player - Episode 4
Jack Blake
Published on Mar 21, 2018
This video contains footage of our travel day to North Carolina to compete in our first game of the 2018 USL season. You will see everything from waking up in my apartment in St Petersburg, to going to sleep in my hotel room in Raleigh, North Carolina.
I hope you all enjoy! Let me know in the comments below what you would like to see on the upcoming videos.
Please like, share and subscribe!
Music: https://www.bensound.com
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86fsxk/tropics_sc_and_pinellas_county_united_sc_partner/
Tropics SC and Pinellas County United SC Partner on WPSL Franchise, Lady Tropics SC - will play 2018 season in St. Pete (fltropics.com)
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http://www.fltropics.com/news/tropics-soccer-club-and-pinellas-county-united-sc-
Tropics Soccer Club and Pinellas County United SC Partner on WPSL Franchise, Lady Tropics SC
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86mx3j/rowdies_ready_for_home_opener/
Rowdies Ready for Home Opener (stpetecasual.wordpress.com)
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https://stpetecasual.wordpress.com/2018/03/23/rowdies-ready-for-home-opener/
Rowdies Ready for Home Opener
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86pwqc/cross_post_usl_goal_of_the_week_jack_blake/
Cross Post - USL Goal of the week - Jack Blake (youtu.be)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAJw87SieGM&feature=youtu.be
USL Goal of the Week presented by Select - Week 1: Winner Jack Blake
United Soccer League
Published on Mar 22, 2018
Jack Blake is the winner of our fan vote for Goal of the Week presented by Select for week 1 of the USL season.
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http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-david-beckham-has-already-identified-who-he-wants-to-manage-miami-20180325
David Beckham Has Already Identified Who He Wants To Manage Miami MLS Team
David Beckham's Miami franchise likely won't be able to play in the MLS until 2020 but the footballing legend is already making moves.
The Mirror reports that while his family is to remain in England, Beckham is putting in the extra hours in Florida to prepare for the challenge.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86s0xw/rowdies_hope_to_match_last_seasons_home_dominance/
Rowdies hope to match last season’s home dominance (tampabay.com)
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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/03/23/rowdies-hope-to-match-last-seasons-home-dominance/
Rowdies hope to match last season’s home dominance
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86uli9/the_bench_volume_3_issue_1_the_unused_substitutes/
The Bench, volume 3 issue 1 – The Unused Substitutes (OC) (theunsubs.com)
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/03/24/the-bench-volume-3-issue-1/3529
The Bench, volume 3 issue 1
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/86y7i1/postmatch_thread_it_was_over_the_line/
Post-Match Thread POST-MATCH THREAD: IT WAS OVER THE LINE!!!!! (self.TampaBayRowdies)
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/871dk0/rowdies_attendance_thread_game_1_vs_bethlehem/
Attendance Thread Rowdies Attendance Thread - Game 1 vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (self.TampaBayRowdies)
A really solid opening night - I think they really oversold GA, because there were lots of people who couldn't find seats. Weather was perfect - energy was great. A bit down from the Orlando opener last year, but we were missing out on that whole caged in section for their supporters. Nice start to the season...
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/870e93/highlights_tampa_bay_rowdies_2_0_bethlehem_steel/
Highlights Highlights: Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 - 0 Bethlehem Steel (youtu.be)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjIVNX2LRMg&feature=youtu.be
Highlights: Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 - 0 Bethlehem Steel
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Mar 24, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS - Rowdies defeat Bethlehem Steel FC 2-0 with goals from Georgi Hristov and Leo Fernandes. 7,368 fans showed up to Al Lang Stadium to witness the home opener victory!
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/872aco/unsubs_coffee_talk_no_mixtape_needed/
UnSubs Coffee Talk: No Mixtape needed (theunsubs.com)
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/03/25/coffee-talk-no-mixtape-needed/3535
Coffee Talk: No Mixtape needed
We’re bringing Coffee Talk back. Don’t remember Coffee Talk? Well that’s probably because we only did like three of a few years ago (My bad). Anyway, it’s back and we’re trying something different. This time will have the etnire Unused Substitutes staff sound off with their quick thoughts following a match. Sometimes they’ll be insightful. Sometimes they’ll just be stuff we found amusing at the match or on the broadcast.
So let’s get into it.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML4wy3Xy4K0
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Bethlehem Steel FC: March 24, 2018
United Soccer League
Streamed live on Mar 24, 2018
Visit http://www.uslsoccer.com for upcoming games, live scores and match highlights.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Rowdies Unveil New Nike Uniforms
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/899599?referrer_id=2349190
Rowdies Unveil New Nike Uniforms
Fox Sports’ Stone hosts festive season kickoff party in downtown St. Petersburg
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies unveiled their new 2018 uniforms on Monday night at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg at the club’s official season kickoff party hosted by Fox Sports’ Rob Stone.
Rowdies players and coaches were joined by more than 1,000 fans at the Mahaffey Theater to formally welcome the 2018 season that also saw Stone moderate a Q&A session with Rowdies captain Joe Cole, Georgi Hristov and Marcel Schäfer, as well as Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards, before the 2018 roster was introduced in front of a raucous crowd.
The Rowdies launched three brand new Nike kits for the 2018 season, including two variations of the hooped jersey that has become synonymous with the club in recent seasons, one that is primarily gold, which the team wore in Saturday’s win, and one which is primarily green.
Also launched was a stylish white alternate kit featuring broad green hoops across the chest and gold detailing. All three uniforms feature the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel logo across the chest and a Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater logo on the sleeve.
The Rowdies get back on the practice field Tuesday morning to continue preparations for what promises to be an exciting home opener against the Bethlehem Steel at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/77190/college-coaching-moves-ohio-states-john-bluem-se.html
College Coaching Moves: Ohio State's John Bluem set to retire
John Bluem will step down as Ohio State's men's soccer coach on April 30 after 21 years with the Buckeyes.
He played at Hartwick and spent two seasons in the NASL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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https://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/899671?referrer_id=2584136
Belmar Named USL Player of the Week
Rangers forward had two goals, two assists in opening-weekend victory
M – Jack Blake, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Blake completed 35 of 45 passes, registered two tackles and two clearances and capped the Rowdies’ 3-1 win against North Carolina FC with a fine long-range goal.
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https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2018/03/20/kharlton-belmar-named-usl-player-week-after-heroic-performance-season-opening-win
Kharlton Belmar named USL Player of the Week after heroic performance in season-opening win
M – Jack Blake, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Black completed 35 of 45 passes, registered two tackles and two clearances and capped the Rowdies’ 3-1 win against North Carolina FC with a fine long-range goal.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://learnopen.org/event/rowdies-season-kickoff-lunch/
Rowdies Season Kickoff Lunch
March 20 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Celebrate the start of the 2018 season with the St. Pete Chamber,
Tampa Bay Rowdies coaches and players! Thank you to our presenting sponsor Florida Print Solutions.
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https://www.facebook.com/events/162879677687014/
Rowdies Season Kickoff Lunch
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http://web.stpete.com/events/Rowdies-Rally-at-Mayors-Food-TruckIt-3667/details
Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Food Truck-It
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Food Truck-It
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
Williams Park
330 2nd Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Help us kick off the 2018 season at Williams Park on Wednesday, March 21st from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. with a special Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Lunch Truck-It. Stop by to enjoy food from your favorite local food trucks + an afternoon of FUN!
We'll have appearances from Rowdies players, Pete the Pelican + the Rowdies Squad, in addition to a DJ, raffles, games + more!
Food + fun is brought to you by the Tampa Bay Rowdies, City of St. Petersburg, Florida USA + Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/how-mls-compares-to-other-leagues-in-playing-domestic-players/
How MLS compares to other leagues in playing domestic talent
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https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2018/03/20/heineken-renews-major-league-soccer-partnership-1/#104aff4052ea
Heineken Renews Major League Soccer Partnership
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https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfc-toronto-fc-mls-major-league-soccer-concacaf-champions-league-club-america-liga-mx/
CONCACAF Champions League final next frontier for Toronto FC
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/20/new-england-revolution-players-hail-increased-professionalism-under-friedel
New England Revolution players hail increased professionalism under Friedel
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http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3413037/us-national-team-worst-flop-missing-2018-world-cup-what-happened-howler-magazine?src=com
What happened? An inquest into America's most embarrassing flop
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https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/mls-play-kids-movement-complicated-youth-development
Ready or not? The double-edged sword of the ‘play your kids’ movement
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https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heineken-renews-multi-year-sponsorship-as-the-official-beer-of-major-league-soccer-300616843.html
Heineken Renews Multi-Year Sponsorship As The Official Beer Of Major League Soccer
With Five-Year Renewal, Heineken Continues to Grow the Beautiful Game in the U.S. with World-Class Experiences and Fan-Favorite Beer
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/20/heineken-extends-partnership-mls-five-years
Heineken extends partnership with MLS for five years
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https://www.portada-online.com/2018/03/20/exclusive-interview-part-ii-las-vegas-lights-fc-owner-brett-lashbrook/
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Part II. Las Vegas Lights FC: Owner Brett Lashbrook
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https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/03/20/nashville-councilman-proposes-rescind-major-league-soccer-stadium-deal/443693002/
Nashville councilman proposes to rescind Major League Soccer stadium deal
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https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2018/03/20/2026-fifa-world-cup-fc-cincinnati-2019-gold-cup/441554002/
FIFA World Cup: FC Cincinnati, Reds lobby for state tax money to help Cincinnati land big events.
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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/how-mls-compares-to-other-leagues-in-playing-domestic-players/
How MLS compares to other leagues in playing domestic talent
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https://www.law360.com/articles/1023641/nasl-adds-major-league-soccer-to-antitrust-suit
NASL Adds Major League Soccer To Antitrust Suit
Law360 (March 19, 2018, 6:36 PM EDT) -- The North American Soccer League on Friday added Major League Soccer to a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation that claims the two are conspiring to keep it from competing as a top professional league, pushing forward with antitrust claims despite losing out on a preliminary injunction and being forced to cancel its latest season.
The NASL filed an amended complaint Friday in a New York federal court adding MLS to its lawsuit over the federation’s standards for professional leagues, alleging the federation and MLS want...
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http://www.technicianonline.com/sports/article_bc0c6ba8-2bd6-11e8-aae7-83f8298c05a9.html
NCFC returns to USL as NASL lawsuit stalls
The North Carolina Football Club hosted the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a USL regular season match at Sahlen's Stadium at Wake Med Soccer Park on Saturday, March 17.
It’s that soccer time of year again for the Triangle and for the nation. Two weeks after the start of the MLS season, the United Soccer League (USL) regular season is underway.
After its failed MLS bid and the decline of the North American Soccer League (NASL), NCFC made the switch to the USL in order to face stronger and more varied opposition. The move will also allow NCFC to continue play as the NASL has suspended its entire 2018 season.
At the end of last month, the NASL’s attempt to get a preliminary injunction at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit failed, as the league’s suit against the United States Soccer Federation did not demonstrate a clear chance of success. The league contends that its demotion to Division III by the Federation constitutes a violation of U.S. antitrust laws as the Federation allegedly is attempting to limit competition with MLS by illegally denying NASL Division II status. This past weekend, the NASL added MLS to the list of defendants, claiming that the influence that league exerts over the Federation constitutes an action through which the league can claim civil damages.
The move to the court system is not surprising in the litigious U.S., where lawsuits regarding professional sports organizations like the NFL are common. However, this lawsuit goes against precedent in the sport of soccer, as FIFA encourages all disputes in the game to be settled in-house or through FIFA arbitration.
If NCFC is ever going to return to the NASL, it may be contingent upon the league regaining that higher classification.
Now in the only remaining Division II league with 32 teams to play against as opposed to the 7 they had last season, the Blues hopes to gain experience through the crucible of the USL.
Their home opener this past Saturday ended in a 3-1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. NCFC was able to wipe away the one-goal deficit it gave up on a turnover in the first half with a Steven Miller tally. Minutes later, an ill-advised challenge put the ball on the spot for the Rowdies, which Georgi Hristov converted to give his team a 2-1 lead at the half. The second frame staged a battle up and down the field before Jack Blake settled the game for Tampa Bay with a spectacular long-range finish in the final minutes of play.
The Blues hit the road for the next two weeks, taking on Louisville City FC and the Richmond Kickers before returning to Cary on April 7 to face Indy Eleven at 7 p.m. The season runs from March to October, with 17 home games to look forward to before the playoff stage begins.
U.S. Soccer’s final pro-league kickoff will take place at 3:30 p.m. this coming Saturday when the North Carolina Courage play host to the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League. The Courage are coming off a shield-winning season where they fell in heartbreaking fashion to the Thorns in the championship final.
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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/03/19/a-new-challenge-ex-cosmos-menjivar-signs-with-penn-fc/
A NEW CHALLENGE: Ex-Cosmos Menjivar signs with Penn FC
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https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/footballs-maddest-tour-ever-when-dallas-tornado-wandered-world-1967
Football's maddest tour EVER: When Dallas Tornado wandered the world in 1967
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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/03/20/adding-on-cosmos-b-signs-borrajo-velela-wojcik/
ADDING ON: Cosmos B signs Borrajo, Velela, Wojcik
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https://www.statesman.com/sports/soccer/alter-mckalla-place-could-welcome-mls-stadium-affordable-housing/w69KJ5d1ny0C9HwxuMi70L/
Alter: McKalla Place could welcome MLS stadium or affordable housing
City Council Member Alison Alter suggested Tuesday that city officials need to do a deeper dive into the possible uses of McKalla Place, including weighing the benefits of building a Major League Soccer stadium there against the good that might arise from putting affordable housing on the city-owned property in North Austin.
Alter said she wants to add several amendments to item 48 on Thursday’s agenda, which if approved directs City Manager Spencer Cronk to conduct further analysis of McKalla Place as a potential home for Columbus Crew SC, the Ohio-based MLS franchise.
“We need to make sure we do more than just an analysis of benefits. We need to consider its use for affordable housing,” Alter said during a work session. “It might make a great site for affordable housing; it might make a great site for a stadium.
“But there are so many questions to ask. What are the opportunity costs? We don’t have any idea of the financial wherewithal of this company. What are they putting down? Are they able to fund a stadium without using the land as collateral? “
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.wsmv.com/story/37761368/metro-official-apologizes-for-spending-135k-on-stadium-without-permission
Metro official apologizes for spending $135K on stadium without permission
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - An admission and an apology.
That’s the fallout after the News 4 I-Team investigation last week into spending for the proposed Major League Soccer stadium at the Nashville Fairgrounds.
The project hasn’t gotten approval from the Metro Council yet.
The I-Team found the Rich Riebeling, the city’s chief operating officer, authorized hiring architects and planners to get started.
Riebeling sent Metro Council members a letter on Monday admitting spending $135,000 without permission. That money was taken from the arena budget.
The Nashville Sports Authority didn’t know that until told by News 4’s Nancy Amons.
Riebeling has apologized and said he won’t spend any more money on the soccer stadium without prior approval.
“When you get to our age, you know better. You don’t do that,” said Councilman Steve Glover. “When you’ve been in government as long as he and I have been, you don’t do that.”
Glover said he’s going to ask the Metro Council to reverse its vote to issue bonds for the MLS stadium project.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20180320/crew-cuts-austin-city-council-to-discuss-mckalla-place-resolution-on-thursday
Crew Cuts: Austin City Council to discuss McKalla Place resolution on Thursday
Austin City Council will move forward Thursday with a resolution discussing McKalla Place in north Austin.
The resolution would ask city staff to conduct analysis and stakeholder outreach focused on the 24-acre, city-owned location as a potential Major League Soccer stadium site.
Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, who drafted the resolution, initially planned to postpone its discussion until April due to absences of several council members, including Councilmember Leslie Pool, whose District 7 includes McKalla Place. Pool, however, posted her thoughts on the resolution and several proposed amendments to the Austin City Council message board Sunday in the event it moves forward Thursday.
Viewing Pool’s amendments — including one that calls for an examination of traffic considerations and input from Capitol Metro, Austin’s public transportation authority — as friendly, Tovo said both during a Tuesday Austin City Council work session and in a message board post shortly after that she will no longer move to postpone the resolution.
“We just want to be sure the community understands that we’re now shifting and potentially taking it on the 22nd (Thursday),” Tovo said.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.calisportsnews.com/la-galaxys-new-beckham/
Who Could Be LA Galaxy’s New Beckham?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2018/03/20/west-end-votes-against-fc-cincinnati-stadium-amid-theories-deal-isnt-dead/444249002/
West End votes against FC Cincinnati stadium amid theories that deal isn't dead
Even though FC Cincinnati said it was done in the West End, the neighborhood's community council voted Tuesday on whether it would welcome a soccer stadium.
The answer was a resounding "no."
About 100 people attended the meeting, 65 of whom cast votes. Fifty voted against a Major League Soccer stadium coming to the West End, 10 voted in favor of it and five abstained. FC Cincinnati is trying to line up a stadium site in hopes that MLS will select Cincinnati for an expansion team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sgbonline.com/fanatics-partners-with-los-angeles-football-club/
Fanatics Partners With Los Angeles Football Club
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced a long-term partnership with Fanatics to become the Club’s official in-venue retail provider at Banc of California Stadium. Fanatics will also power the e-commerce for the team through its multi-year deal as the operator of MLSStore.com, the official League shop.
“We believe our LAFC crest and our distinct black and gold merchandise will emerge as an iconic symbol of the world’s game in the Heart of Los Angeles,” LAFC President & Co-Owner Tom Penn said. “Our partnership with a global leader like Fanatics allows us to provide our fans and Supporters with a best-in-class retail experience at Banc of California Stadium or online.”
LAFC set a new Major League Soccer (MLS) record for opening weekend expansion team merchandise sales on Feb. 24-25 when the Club’s kits and other items were first available to purchase at the team’s pop-up store in downtown Los Angeles and simultaneously on-line as part of Fanatics’ seamless omnichannel experience.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/03/20/nashville-councilman-proposes-rescind-major-league-soccer-stadium-deal/443693002/
Nashville council defeats proposal to rescind Major League Soccer stadium deal
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.prosoccerusa.com/new-york-city-fc/ben-sweat-provides-balance-at-the-back-for-new-york-city-fc/
Ben Sweat provides balance at the back for New York City FC
Sweat devoted two seasons in the NASL to the Tampa Bay Rowdies before his NYCFC test and has registered one goal and eight assists in regular matches. His assist that christened Jesus Medina in the win at Sporting KC to open the season was delivered following an exquisite penetrating run through the inside channel.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.burgundywave.com/2018/3/20/17143470/switchbacks-colorado-springs-usl-season-preview-switchbacksfc
Colorado Springs Switchbacks look to bounce back after disappointing 2017 season
Will something old, something new, and something borrowed, help the Black and Blue?
But all was not dark clouds for the Switchbacks. The team again looked to outside the US to find new talent, signing Cameroonian center-back Ayukokata Tambe from Isidro Metapan in the Primera Division, the top flight in the El Salvador football league. They also looked again to Scandinavia, signing Verneri Välimaa from JJK Jyväskylä in the 2nd division of the Finnish League. Prior to that, he was on loan with Orange County SC from the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2016.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/85lx0r/oc_closest_mlsuslnasl_team_to_every_us_county_and/
[OC] Closest MLS/USL/NASL Team to Every US County and Canadian Census Division - 2018 (imgur.com)
https://imgur.com/a/C1Uh8#0L59Qjq
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/899599?referrer_id=2349190
Rowdies Unveil New Nike Uniforms
Fox Sports’ Stone hosts festive season kickoff party in downtown St. Petersburg
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies unveiled their new 2018 uniforms on Monday night at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg at the club’s official season kickoff party hosted by Fox Sports’ Rob Stone.
Rowdies players and coaches were joined by more than 1,000 fans at the Mahaffey Theater to formally welcome the 2018 season that also saw Stone moderate a Q&A session with Rowdies captain Joe Cole, Georgi Hristov and Marcel Schäfer, as well as Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards, before the 2018 roster was introduced in front of a raucous crowd.
The Rowdies launched three brand new Nike kits for the 2018 season, including two variations of the hooped jersey that has become synonymous with the club in recent seasons, one that is primarily gold, which the team wore in Saturday’s win, and one which is primarily green.
Also launched was a stylish white alternate kit featuring broad green hoops across the chest and gold detailing. All three uniforms feature the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel logo across the chest and a Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater logo on the sleeve.
The Rowdies get back on the practice field Tuesday morning to continue preparations for what promises to be an exciting home opener against the Bethlehem Steel at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/77190/college-coaching-moves-ohio-states-john-bluem-se.html
College Coaching Moves: Ohio State's John Bluem set to retire
John Bluem will step down as Ohio State's men's soccer coach on April 30 after 21 years with the Buckeyes.
He played at Hartwick and spent two seasons in the NASL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/899671?referrer_id=2584136
Belmar Named USL Player of the Week
Rangers forward had two goals, two assists in opening-weekend victory
M – Jack Blake, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Blake completed 35 of 45 passes, registered two tackles and two clearances and capped the Rowdies’ 3-1 win against North Carolina FC with a fine long-range goal.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2018/03/20/kharlton-belmar-named-usl-player-week-after-heroic-performance-season-opening-win
Kharlton Belmar named USL Player of the Week after heroic performance in season-opening win
M – Jack Blake, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Black completed 35 of 45 passes, registered two tackles and two clearances and capped the Rowdies’ 3-1 win against North Carolina FC with a fine long-range goal.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://learnopen.org/event/rowdies-season-kickoff-lunch/
Rowdies Season Kickoff Lunch
March 20 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Celebrate the start of the 2018 season with the St. Pete Chamber,
Tampa Bay Rowdies coaches and players! Thank you to our presenting sponsor Florida Print Solutions.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.facebook.com/events/162879677687014/
Rowdies Season Kickoff Lunch
(Follow link for full article.)
http://web.stpete.com/events/Rowdies-Rally-at-Mayors-Food-TruckIt-3667/details
Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Food Truck-It
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Food Truck-It
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
Williams Park
330 2nd Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Help us kick off the 2018 season at Williams Park on Wednesday, March 21st from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. with a special Rowdies Rally at Mayor's Lunch Truck-It. Stop by to enjoy food from your favorite local food trucks + an afternoon of FUN!
We'll have appearances from Rowdies players, Pete the Pelican + the Rowdies Squad, in addition to a DJ, raffles, games + more!
Food + fun is brought to you by the Tampa Bay Rowdies, City of St. Petersburg, Florida USA + Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/how-mls-compares-to-other-leagues-in-playing-domestic-players/
How MLS compares to other leagues in playing domestic talent
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2018/03/20/heineken-renews-major-league-soccer-partnership-1/#104aff4052ea
Heineken Renews Major League Soccer Partnership
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfc-toronto-fc-mls-major-league-soccer-concacaf-champions-league-club-america-liga-mx/
CONCACAF Champions League final next frontier for Toronto FC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/20/new-england-revolution-players-hail-increased-professionalism-under-friedel
New England Revolution players hail increased professionalism under Friedel
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3413037/us-national-team-worst-flop-missing-2018-world-cup-what-happened-howler-magazine?src=com
What happened? An inquest into America's most embarrassing flop
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/mls-play-kids-movement-complicated-youth-development
Ready or not? The double-edged sword of the ‘play your kids’ movement
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heineken-renews-multi-year-sponsorship-as-the-official-beer-of-major-league-soccer-300616843.html
Heineken Renews Multi-Year Sponsorship As The Official Beer Of Major League Soccer
With Five-Year Renewal, Heineken Continues to Grow the Beautiful Game in the U.S. with World-Class Experiences and Fan-Favorite Beer
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/20/heineken-extends-partnership-mls-five-years
Heineken extends partnership with MLS for five years
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.portada-online.com/2018/03/20/exclusive-interview-part-ii-las-vegas-lights-fc-owner-brett-lashbrook/
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Part II. Las Vegas Lights FC: Owner Brett Lashbrook
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/03/20/nashville-councilman-proposes-rescind-major-league-soccer-stadium-deal/443693002/
Nashville councilman proposes to rescind Major League Soccer stadium deal
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2018/03/20/2026-fifa-world-cup-fc-cincinnati-2019-gold-cup/441554002/
FIFA World Cup: FC Cincinnati, Reds lobby for state tax money to help Cincinnati land big events.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/how-mls-compares-to-other-leagues-in-playing-domestic-players/
How MLS compares to other leagues in playing domestic talent
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.law360.com/articles/1023641/nasl-adds-major-league-soccer-to-antitrust-suit
NASL Adds Major League Soccer To Antitrust Suit
Law360 (March 19, 2018, 6:36 PM EDT) -- The North American Soccer League on Friday added Major League Soccer to a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation that claims the two are conspiring to keep it from competing as a top professional league, pushing forward with antitrust claims despite losing out on a preliminary injunction and being forced to cancel its latest season.
The NASL filed an amended complaint Friday in a New York federal court adding MLS to its lawsuit over the federation’s standards for professional leagues, alleging the federation and MLS want...
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.technicianonline.com/sports/article_bc0c6ba8-2bd6-11e8-aae7-83f8298c05a9.html
NCFC returns to USL as NASL lawsuit stalls
The North Carolina Football Club hosted the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a USL regular season match at Sahlen's Stadium at Wake Med Soccer Park on Saturday, March 17.
It’s that soccer time of year again for the Triangle and for the nation. Two weeks after the start of the MLS season, the United Soccer League (USL) regular season is underway.
After its failed MLS bid and the decline of the North American Soccer League (NASL), NCFC made the switch to the USL in order to face stronger and more varied opposition. The move will also allow NCFC to continue play as the NASL has suspended its entire 2018 season.
At the end of last month, the NASL’s attempt to get a preliminary injunction at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit failed, as the league’s suit against the United States Soccer Federation did not demonstrate a clear chance of success. The league contends that its demotion to Division III by the Federation constitutes a violation of U.S. antitrust laws as the Federation allegedly is attempting to limit competition with MLS by illegally denying NASL Division II status. This past weekend, the NASL added MLS to the list of defendants, claiming that the influence that league exerts over the Federation constitutes an action through which the league can claim civil damages.
The move to the court system is not surprising in the litigious U.S., where lawsuits regarding professional sports organizations like the NFL are common. However, this lawsuit goes against precedent in the sport of soccer, as FIFA encourages all disputes in the game to be settled in-house or through FIFA arbitration.
If NCFC is ever going to return to the NASL, it may be contingent upon the league regaining that higher classification.
Now in the only remaining Division II league with 32 teams to play against as opposed to the 7 they had last season, the Blues hopes to gain experience through the crucible of the USL.
Their home opener this past Saturday ended in a 3-1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. NCFC was able to wipe away the one-goal deficit it gave up on a turnover in the first half with a Steven Miller tally. Minutes later, an ill-advised challenge put the ball on the spot for the Rowdies, which Georgi Hristov converted to give his team a 2-1 lead at the half. The second frame staged a battle up and down the field before Jack Blake settled the game for Tampa Bay with a spectacular long-range finish in the final minutes of play.
The Blues hit the road for the next two weeks, taking on Louisville City FC and the Richmond Kickers before returning to Cary on April 7 to face Indy Eleven at 7 p.m. The season runs from March to October, with 17 home games to look forward to before the playoff stage begins.
U.S. Soccer’s final pro-league kickoff will take place at 3:30 p.m. this coming Saturday when the North Carolina Courage play host to the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League. The Courage are coming off a shield-winning season where they fell in heartbreaking fashion to the Thorns in the championship final.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/03/19/a-new-challenge-ex-cosmos-menjivar-signs-with-penn-fc/
A NEW CHALLENGE: Ex-Cosmos Menjivar signs with Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/footballs-maddest-tour-ever-when-dallas-tornado-wandered-world-1967
Football's maddest tour EVER: When Dallas Tornado wandered the world in 1967
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/03/20/adding-on-cosmos-b-signs-borrajo-velela-wojcik/
ADDING ON: Cosmos B signs Borrajo, Velela, Wojcik
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.statesman.com/sports/soccer/alter-mckalla-place-could-welcome-mls-stadium-affordable-housing/w69KJ5d1ny0C9HwxuMi70L/
Alter: McKalla Place could welcome MLS stadium or affordable housing
City Council Member Alison Alter suggested Tuesday that city officials need to do a deeper dive into the possible uses of McKalla Place, including weighing the benefits of building a Major League Soccer stadium there against the good that might arise from putting affordable housing on the city-owned property in North Austin.
Alter said she wants to add several amendments to item 48 on Thursday’s agenda, which if approved directs City Manager Spencer Cronk to conduct further analysis of McKalla Place as a potential home for Columbus Crew SC, the Ohio-based MLS franchise.
“We need to make sure we do more than just an analysis of benefits. We need to consider its use for affordable housing,” Alter said during a work session. “It might make a great site for affordable housing; it might make a great site for a stadium.
“But there are so many questions to ask. What are the opportunity costs? We don’t have any idea of the financial wherewithal of this company. What are they putting down? Are they able to fund a stadium without using the land as collateral? “
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.wsmv.com/story/37761368/metro-official-apologizes-for-spending-135k-on-stadium-without-permission
Metro official apologizes for spending $135K on stadium without permission
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - An admission and an apology.
That’s the fallout after the News 4 I-Team investigation last week into spending for the proposed Major League Soccer stadium at the Nashville Fairgrounds.
The project hasn’t gotten approval from the Metro Council yet.
The I-Team found the Rich Riebeling, the city’s chief operating officer, authorized hiring architects and planners to get started.
Riebeling sent Metro Council members a letter on Monday admitting spending $135,000 without permission. That money was taken from the arena budget.
The Nashville Sports Authority didn’t know that until told by News 4’s Nancy Amons.
Riebeling has apologized and said he won’t spend any more money on the soccer stadium without prior approval.
“When you get to our age, you know better. You don’t do that,” said Councilman Steve Glover. “When you’ve been in government as long as he and I have been, you don’t do that.”
Glover said he’s going to ask the Metro Council to reverse its vote to issue bonds for the MLS stadium project.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20180320/crew-cuts-austin-city-council-to-discuss-mckalla-place-resolution-on-thursday
Crew Cuts: Austin City Council to discuss McKalla Place resolution on Thursday
Austin City Council will move forward Thursday with a resolution discussing McKalla Place in north Austin.
The resolution would ask city staff to conduct analysis and stakeholder outreach focused on the 24-acre, city-owned location as a potential Major League Soccer stadium site.
Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, who drafted the resolution, initially planned to postpone its discussion until April due to absences of several council members, including Councilmember Leslie Pool, whose District 7 includes McKalla Place. Pool, however, posted her thoughts on the resolution and several proposed amendments to the Austin City Council message board Sunday in the event it moves forward Thursday.
Viewing Pool’s amendments — including one that calls for an examination of traffic considerations and input from Capitol Metro, Austin’s public transportation authority — as friendly, Tovo said both during a Tuesday Austin City Council work session and in a message board post shortly after that she will no longer move to postpone the resolution.
“We just want to be sure the community understands that we’re now shifting and potentially taking it on the 22nd (Thursday),” Tovo said.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.calisportsnews.com/la-galaxys-new-beckham/
Who Could Be LA Galaxy’s New Beckham?
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2018/03/20/west-end-votes-against-fc-cincinnati-stadium-amid-theories-deal-isnt-dead/444249002/
West End votes against FC Cincinnati stadium amid theories that deal isn't dead
Even though FC Cincinnati said it was done in the West End, the neighborhood's community council voted Tuesday on whether it would welcome a soccer stadium.
The answer was a resounding "no."
About 100 people attended the meeting, 65 of whom cast votes. Fifty voted against a Major League Soccer stadium coming to the West End, 10 voted in favor of it and five abstained. FC Cincinnati is trying to line up a stadium site in hopes that MLS will select Cincinnati for an expansion team.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://sgbonline.com/fanatics-partners-with-los-angeles-football-club/
Fanatics Partners With Los Angeles Football Club
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced a long-term partnership with Fanatics to become the Club’s official in-venue retail provider at Banc of California Stadium. Fanatics will also power the e-commerce for the team through its multi-year deal as the operator of MLSStore.com, the official League shop.
“We believe our LAFC crest and our distinct black and gold merchandise will emerge as an iconic symbol of the world’s game in the Heart of Los Angeles,” LAFC President & Co-Owner Tom Penn said. “Our partnership with a global leader like Fanatics allows us to provide our fans and Supporters with a best-in-class retail experience at Banc of California Stadium or online.”
LAFC set a new Major League Soccer (MLS) record for opening weekend expansion team merchandise sales on Feb. 24-25 when the Club’s kits and other items were first available to purchase at the team’s pop-up store in downtown Los Angeles and simultaneously on-line as part of Fanatics’ seamless omnichannel experience.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/03/20/nashville-councilman-proposes-rescind-major-league-soccer-stadium-deal/443693002/
Nashville council defeats proposal to rescind Major League Soccer stadium deal
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.prosoccerusa.com/new-york-city-fc/ben-sweat-provides-balance-at-the-back-for-new-york-city-fc/
Ben Sweat provides balance at the back for New York City FC
Sweat devoted two seasons in the NASL to the Tampa Bay Rowdies before his NYCFC test and has registered one goal and eight assists in regular matches. His assist that christened Jesus Medina in the win at Sporting KC to open the season was delivered following an exquisite penetrating run through the inside channel.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.burgundywave.com/2018/3/20/17143470/switchbacks-colorado-springs-usl-season-preview-switchbacksfc
Colorado Springs Switchbacks look to bounce back after disappointing 2017 season
Will something old, something new, and something borrowed, help the Black and Blue?
But all was not dark clouds for the Switchbacks. The team again looked to outside the US to find new talent, signing Cameroonian center-back Ayukokata Tambe from Isidro Metapan in the Primera Division, the top flight in the El Salvador football league. They also looked again to Scandinavia, signing Verneri Välimaa from JJK Jyväskylä in the 2nd division of the Finnish League. Prior to that, he was on loan with Orange County SC from the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2016.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/85lx0r/oc_closest_mlsuslnasl_team_to_every_us_county_and/
[OC] Closest MLS/USL/NASL Team to Every US County and Canadian Census Division - 2018 (imgur.com)
https://imgur.com/a/C1Uh8#0L59Qjq
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