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https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/26/investing-in-soccer-may-be-wise-goldman-sachs-investment-banking-head.html
Investing in soccer may be wise, says Goldman Sachs investment banking co-head
Major League Soccer has been growing in popularity since the 1994 World Cup.
MLS has 23 teams, and the average attendance per game has recently surpassed that of the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association.
In the long run, the value of an MLS team might catch up with that of a National Football League team.
If you're wealthy enough to buy a National Football League franchise, you might want to consider Major League Soccer instead.
According to Gregg Lemkau, co-head of investment banking at Goldman Sachs, the value of NFL teams has been stable but MLS teams are on the rise.
"The growth of soccer in the U.S. has actually been quite positive," Lemkau said on "Closing Bell."
With the U.S. hosting the World Cup in 2026, Lemkau said the popularity of soccer will continue to expand. The average attendance per game has recently surpassed that of the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association, he added.
When it comes to investments, the NFL is one of the most expensive to make. The league has 32 franchises valued at about $2 billion each, according to Lemkau. An MLS team might sell for $500 million now; however, in the long run, its value might catch up with that of the NFL, he said. There are 23 MLS teams.
And it's not just soccer. The NBA also may eventually be more valuable than the NFL, with live sports assets remaining highly profitable, said Lemkau.
In fact, overall, live sports draw large audiences, attracting advertisers and media companies looking to purchase rights, he added.
"Sports rights continues to be the holy grail for media," Lemkau said.
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/929916
Rowdies Make Splash with Poku’s Addition
Former New York City FC standout set for action upon opening of transfer window on July 10
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Tuesday the club had signed former New York City FC midfielder Kwadwo Poku for the remainder of the USL season. The signing is pending receipt of his ITC clearance and league and federation approval. He will eligible to play once the transfer window opens on July 10.
The 26-year-old most recently played for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League, but is well known in the American soccer scene for his time with New York City FC in Major League Soccer in 2015 and 2016, during which time he made 36 appearances and scored seven goals in the top flight.
“We are so excited to have Poku join the Tampa Bay Rowdies,” said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. “He brings a level of excitement on the field that will be very important for this team as we enter the second half of the season. Poku is a player that has succeeded at many levels of professional soccer and I have no doubt he'll do the same under Head Coach Neill Collins.”
Poku also featured prominently for Miami FC after a midseason move during the 2016 season from New York and scored 15 goals in 55 appearances for the South Florida club. During his time in Miami, Poku helped the club reach the Quarterfinals of the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup before it was eliminated by current USL Eastern Conference-leader FC Cincinnati.
“Marcel Schäfer will be difficult to replace, but Poku is an unbelievable person to bring in and a huge coup for the club,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins said. “For us to sign him at the age he is is really big. I’ve played against him and he was a very tough opponent. He’s a player the fans will love and he brings us something we’ve lacked in terms of strength, presence and goals from midfield."
Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Poku has played in three matches for Ghana’s senior national team, with his first one coming in 2015. He will wear the No. 88 jersey for the Rowdies. He is the third new addition to the Rowdies in the last week, joining Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro as the newest players on the roster.
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http://ghanasoccernet.com/ghanaian-midfielder-kwadwo-poku-joins-american-side-tampa-bay-rowdies
Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Poku joins American side Tampa Bay Rowdies
American side Tampa Bay Rowdies have sealed the capture of midfielder Kwadwo Poku after the Ghanaian left the Russian top-flight league.
The 26-year-old sealed the move on Tuesday to make a return to the North American country after a short stint with the Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
The signing is pending receipt of his ITC clearance and league and federation approval.
He will eligible to play once the transfer window opens on July 10.
Poku most recently played for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League, but is well known in the American soccer scene for his time with New York City FC in MLS in 2015 and 2016 and then Miami FC in the NASL in 2016 and 2017.
"We are so excited to have Poku join the Tampa Bay Rowdies," said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards.
"He brings a level of excitement on the field that will be very important for this team as we enter the second half of the season and chase down the USL Cup in 2018.
"Poku is a player that has succeeded at many levels of professional soccer and I have no doubt he'll do the same under Head Coach Neill Collins."
A physical force, Poku scored seven goals in 36 appearances for NYCFC, and was named to the MLS "24 under 24" after his stellar 2015 season.
“Marcel Schäfer will be difficult to replace, but Poku is an unbelievable person to bring in and a huge coup for the club,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins said.
“For us to sign him at the age he is is really big. I’ve played against him and he was a very tough opponent.
"He’s a player the fans will love and he brings us something we’ve lacked in terms of strength, presence and goals from midfield."
In South Florida, he scored 15 goals in 55 matches, while also guiding Miami FC to both the 2017 Spring and Fall Season Championships.
Poku was also fundamental in Miami's long Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run in 2017, where they reached the quarterfinals.
Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Poku has played in three matches for Ghana’s senior national team, with his first one coming in 2015.
He will wear the No. 88 jersey for the Rowdies.
He is the third new addition to the Rowdies in the last week, joining Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro as the newest players on the roster.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/us-bidders-acquire-ac-milan-ricketts-commisso
Reports: US bidders looking to acquire AC Milan
Chicago Cubs owners and Rocco Commisso competing for Italian soccer side.
Two separate US bidders are in talks to acquire Italian top-tier soccer side AC Milan, according to US and Italian media reports.
According to the Associated Press news agency, the Ricketts family, owners of Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise the Chicago Cubs, are looking to take control of the Serie A side.
The agency reports that the Milan office of Edelman, the public relations company hired by the Ricketts, said the entire family is interested in a takeover of Milan for “a medium-to long-period investment” and wants to create “a strong bond with the city”.
Meanwhile, Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport says that Rocco Commisso, the American billionaire owner of the New York Cosmos soccer side, is already in negotiations with current Milan chairman Yonghong Li.
Gazzetta reports that Commisso is being backed by US financial services company Goldman Sachs in his approach, and says that he is “ahead of Thomas Ricketts in the Rossonero club race”.
Commisso is a prominent figure in the US soccer market. Earlier this month, media reported that Commisso had withdrawn his offer of US$500 million in funding for a revived North American Soccer League (NASL) after the US Soccer Federation refused to meet his demands.
The Cosmos played in the NASL until 2018, when the USSF refused to sanction it as a second-division league because it failed to meet certain standards.
The interest in AC Milan comes after increasing concerns over the financial stability of the Italian giants. The side qualified for the Uefa Europa League last season, but faces possible ejection from the competition by European soccer’s governing body following a breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
In April 2017, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s holding company, Fininvest, completed the sale of its 99.93 per cent stake in AC Milan to Luxembourg-based Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux, which is controlled by Li.
US private equity fund Elliott provided Rossoneri Sport with €180 million to complete the deal, as well as a further €128 million to aid investment in the playing squad, with AC Milan spending over €200 million on players in 2017 alone. The loans, with an average interest rate of just below ten per cent, are due to be repaid by October 2018.
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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/06/24/aiming-for-milan-reports-commisso-vying-to-buy-italian-club/
AIMING FOR MILAN: Reports: Commisso vying to buy Italian club
Rocco B. Commisso reportedly wants to purchase A.C. Milan. (Photo courtesy of the Cosmos)
Cosmos owner Rocco B. Commisso reportedly is in the lead to buy A.C. Milan of Italy’s Serie A.
Commisso, who recently had a $500 million proposal to revive the North American Soccer League rejected by the U.S. Soccer Federation, is trying to by the storied club after current owner Yonghong Li missed a payment, according to Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium.
The CEO and founder of Mediacom, a cable television company, reportedly is negotiating with David Han Li in New York. The talks include lawyers and financial advisors, which are supported by Goldman Sachs, Sky Sport Italia reported.
Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts is the other top contender and has the help of Morgan Stanley.
Commisso is trying to put together a group to buy the Italian club.
No purchase amount has been reported yet.
A.C. Milan was put into this position when owner Yonghong Li recently failed to pay a $37.2 million to increase the capital by a deadline. Instead, Elliott Management, a hedge fund, will pay the amount.
So, Yonghong Li has 10 days to repay that figure or Elliott will start to call in his assets and begin a takeover of the Italian club.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross also might be interested in purchasing Milan, Sky Sport Italia reported, although that was not confirmed.
A Cosmos spokesman had no comment on the possible deal. If one is finalized, Commisso will comment.
Commisso is a long-time Juventus supporter, so if his purchase comes through it will be interesting to see what he has to stay about owning the team that is the rival of his favorite club.
The Cosmos are not participating in a league this season as the North American Soccer League is taking a hiatus after the USSF rescinded the league’s Division Two status for 2018. The NASL has filed an anti-trust lawsuit against the federation.
There is a team wearing the Cosmos’ colors as Cosmos B is competing in the National Premier Soccer League. The team clinched a playoff berth with a 5-0 win over the defending champion Elm City Express Saturday night.
For the original story, visit:
https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2018/06/23/milan-news-nuova-proprieta.html
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https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/pac-calls-foul-on-austin-s-mls-stadium-plan/1264776880
PAC calls foul on Austin's MLS stadium plan
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Days before the Austin City Council is expected to make a big decision on whether to move forward with a Major League Soccer team at a city-owned lot on the northside of town, a political action committee is blasting out ads against the soccer team.
The group Austin for a Better Future posted a Facebook video Monday with the title "Austin Throws Away $1 Billion!" The video features a man listing other options the city can do besides help build up a soccer team. The group says the city could use the money to build more affordable housing, update city roads and help the homeless.
The video states if the city decides to move forward with the MLS team, it will be at the "expense of our community." The PAC also bought the domain: BillionDollarGiveaway.com. The "billion" comes from predicted property tax loss over 80 years.
Bill Worsham filed as treasurer for Austin for a Better Future PAC. In 2014, Worsham unsuccessfully ran for Austin City Council District 10.
"We simply want to shine light on all of the impacts, not just the positives, and give voice to affected residents before this far-reaching proposal is rushed through," Worsham wrote to KXAN via email. "To date, the potential alternative uses of the affected resources have not even been considered."
"We call this the Austin process. It's not always the prettiest thing," said Mark Littlefield, a lobbyist and consultant for Precourt.
Littlefield says Precourt would build the stadium but the city would continue ownership of the land and the city doesn't pay property taxes on its land because it would be used outside of soccer games.
"That's something that all of Austin can have and enjoy," said Littlefield.
On Tuesday morning, Precourt Sports Ventures released a rendering of how it would incorporate affordable housing into the lot if the city were to go that route. Precourt says it would work with Foundation Communities as a partner for the project. The company has already pledged more than $4 million to the non-profit if the deal goes through.
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http://www.spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/news/2018/06/26/pac-condemns-mls--billion-dollar-giveaway--plans
Messages of support, protest surface regarding MLS
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin City Council is slated to make a decision Thursday as to whether it will continue with plans to bring a Major League Soccer team to city-owned lot in North Austin, near the Domain.
On Tuesday morning, Precourt Ventures released a draft of a conceptual rendering for a stadium and soccer park at McKalla Place, including a potential on-site location for affordable housing.
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https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/06/26/new-mls-stadium-site-plans-in-austin-include-more.html
New MLS stadium site plans in Austin include more parking, affordable housing
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https://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/fc-cincinnati-proposes-more-significant-changes-at-nippert-stadium-until-its-own-stadium-is-ready
FC Cincinnati proposes more significant changes at Nippert Stadium until its own stadium is ready
New turf, LED boards, revamped locker room
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https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/26/fc-cincinnati-shares-plans-for-30m-facility-photos.html
FC Cincinnati shares plans for $30M facility: PHOTOS
FC Cincinnati is planning a huge $30 million soccer facility that it expects to be a “world-class team training complex” where it will hold its practice sessions and build a youth academy.
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https://www.portada-online.com/2018/06/26/mls-looking-to-capitalize-on-world-cup-bounce-and-el-tri/
MLS Looking to Capitalize on “World Cup Bounce” and “El Tri”
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https://www.kvue.com/article/sports/austin-mls-soccer-stadium-conceptual-site-plan-now-includes-affordable-housing/269-567646272
Austin MLS soccer stadium conceptual site plan now includes affordable housing
The new area for a soccer stadium in Austin could include affordable housing apartment units.
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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/06/26/stejskal-carlos-salcedo-window-what-couldve-been-rsl-mls
Stejskal: Carlos Salcedo a window into what could've been for RSL, MLS
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https://www.mystatesman.com/sports/pro-sports/precourt-releases-new-mckalla-concept-with-onsite-affordable-housing/VtdLs6SIU6VhwvhWmwvnUM/
Precourt releases new McKalla concept with onsite affordable housing
Precourt Sports Ventures released Tuesday a conceptual site plan that, if implemented, would add affordable housing and additional parking to the proposal for a Major League Soccer stadium in North Austin.
The new concept calls for up to 130 affordable housing units and a four-story parking garage for up to 600 cars near the south corner of the McKalla Place site. The previous concept showed a parking/staging area with 300 parking spaces in that location.
Richard Suttle, a lobbyist for PSV and MLS, said that the affordable housing would be built in partnership with Foundation Communities, a local nonprofit that provides affordable housing and other services. It is not clear how much the development would cost or how it would be funded.
“At this point in the process, there are a lot of scenarios that may work. In an effort to respond to ideas we have heard in our meetings with the community, our planners have looked at how to integrate additional uses on the site including the potential for on-site affordable housing,” Suttle said in a statement to the American-Statesman.
In its June 1 proposal, PSV pledged an upfront cash contribution of $500,000 to Foundation Communities for a new Waters Park Studio development and $125,000 annually to the organization.
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https://www.journal-news.com/sports/cincinnati-build-training-facility-milford/TquP0sR1pLHniWtepzMyuL/
FC Cincinnati to build training facility in Milford
FC Cincinnati will be building its training facility in Milford.
Milford City Council has a special meeting tonight for FC Cincinnati to present its plans to construct a “world-class team training complex” on 23.6 acres of land at the Expressway Park softball complex and adjoining property.
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https://247sports.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/Article/David-Tepper-opting-not-to-bring-in-limited-partners-with-Carolina-Panthers-ownership-119378312/
Report: David Tepper opting not to bring in minority owners
David Tepper is apparently about to join a very exclusive list.
The Panthers' new owner has decided to waive his opportunity to bring in limited partners and will purchase and be responsible for 100 percent of the franchise when the sale of the team officially closes in July or early August, Daniel Kaplan of Sports Business Daily is reporting.
Tepper is buying the Panthers from current owner Jerry Richardson for $2.275 billion, including $2.2 billion in cash. The other $75 million is being deferred. Tepper's representatives and Tepper himself have yet to confirm the report, but it isn't exactly unforeseen, especially given the fact his net worth is at least $11 billion, according to Forbes.
Richardson owned 48 percent of the franchise, which equated to around $1 billion of the selling price. The other 52 percent was made up of the following minority owners: Richardson’s wife Rosalind; his children Mark and Ashley; M.C. Belk Pilon; Katie Belk Morris; H.C. Bissell; Erskine Bowles; Derick Close; Elliott Close; Cameron Harris; John Harris; Leon Levine; Jerry Wordsworth; and Steve Wordsworth. NFL majority owners are required to purchase at least 30 percent of the team to make it theirs.
When asked about bringing in limited partners shortly after the purchase was approved by the NFL last month, Tepper didn't really give a direct answer, indicating he was still deciding upon the best plan of action.
"Minority partners? I'm trying to figure out the structure right now," Tepper said. "Obviously there are some advantages to having some local partners. I'm trying to determine the development I want to have in the community. The more development there is in the community, that might make it more difficult to have minority partners.
"If you want to have, for instance, an MLS (Major League Soccer) team or something like that – which might some sense if you are in fact in Charlotte – or you do other things, I'm just trying to determine that in the next six weeks. If I'm moving someplace and we're doing this in Carolina, the first thing I care about is winning. The second thing I care about is winning. And the third thing I care about is…you guys are smart. That's on and off the field. That includes the charity aspect, the community aspect and how we make a community better. You win in a lot of ways, and I don't like to lose in any way."
Buying 100 percent of the Panthers would be a statement of sorts by Tepper, meaning all of the decision-making and funding would go through himself. There are only a few owners across the league who have been able to do the same. Of course, if it gets to be too much responsibility, Tepper could always bring in limited partners at a later date to help with the process.
But as of now, it appears it's going to be all Tepper.
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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/06/26/report-reveals-everton-forward-wayne-rooney-will-sign-mls-side-dc-united-tuesday
Report Reveals Everton Forward Wayne Rooney Will Sign for MLS Side DC United on Tuesday
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https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2018/06/26/meet-the-league-new-mexicos-soccer-team-is-joining.html
Meet the league New Mexico's soccer team is joining (slideshow)
According to an article from Forbes, USL teams pumped more than $100 million into stadium construction from April 2015 to October 2016.
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http://thecontributor.org/news/nashville-soccer-club-spreads-soccer-culture-to-the-south-
Nashville Soccer Club Spreads Soccer Culture To The South
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https://www.lanereport.com/102696/2018/06/louisville-city-fc-ready-to-break-ground-on-new-stadium/
Louisville City FC to break ground on new $65M stadium
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City Football Club will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new stadium in Butchertown on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Plans now call for the $65 million stadium to have 11,300 seats – up from the original estimate of approximately 10,000 seats.
At the ceremony, Gov. Matt Bevin and Mayor Greg Fischer will speak along with Metro Council members David James (council president) and Barbara Sexton Smith, whose 4th District includes the stadium site. Additional speakers include Ryan Gedney, VP and Senior Project Designer of the stadium with HOK; Mike Mountjoy, Co-Chair Soccer Holdings, LLC; and LouCity head coach James O’Connor.
The public is invited to attend. Anyone wishing to attend should arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. at the stadium construction site at Cabel and Adams streets (use 200 Cabel Street for GPS mapping directions).
“We’re ready to turn dirt and start seeing the stadium rise,” said Brad Estes, executive vice president for LouCity. “This is a major step in fulfilling our strategic plan, which includes having the best team and facilities in the United Soccer League. And when Major League Soccer comes calling, we will be ready.”
Construction of the state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium is being handled by HOK, a global leader in sport facilities with a history of providing creative and functional designs for USL and MLS facilities. The LouCity stadium will be part of a 40-acre development adjacent to Louisville’s Waterfront Park at the convergence of Interstates 71, 65 and 64.
Premium components of the stadium include:
18 luxury suites
Premier Club area with accommodations for 250
Club and loge seating options
40 by 72-foot video board
Eight bars in strategic locations throughout the stadium
Louisville City FC is the reigning USL champion and the only USL team to make it to this year’s Round of Eight in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The remaining seven teams are all from Major League Soccer.
“There’s no doubt this team is ready for any challenge,” said coach O’Connor, a former Irish professional footballer. “Both the team and the fans deserve a first-class stadium. Building it speaks volumes for the city and the state’s commitment to traditional football. They understand that this is America’s growth sport, and Louisville is being positioned very well to take the next step.”
LouCity has been playing its games at Louisville Slugger Field, which does not allow for traditional soccer field dimensions. The new soccer-specific stadium will open for the 2020 season.
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http://www.wric.com/sports/richmond-kickers-coach-stepping-down-after-19-seasons/1265809899
Richmond Kickers coach stepping down after 19 seasons
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Kickers announced Tuesday that head coach Leigh Cowlishaw is stepping down after 19 seasons at the helm of the team.
The organization says Cowlishaw will remain an 'integral' member of the Kickers staff, shifting his full-time focus towards his role as Director of Soccer.
Cowlishaw, the longest-tenured coach in the United Soccer League, coached his 560th and final match on June 23 -- a 1-1 draw against Charlotte Independent City Stadium. He achieved his 276th career win two weeks prior following a 2-0 win over long-time rival Charleston Battery.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8u4e26/get_ready_for_some_midweek_rowdies_soccer/
Get Ready for some Mid-Week Rowdies Soccer!
It's cliche to say the season is on the line as we come upon halfway through the season, but the way the table is set up, this is a must-win game. Lots of injuries, news players likely in the lineup, a road game... General Cole's last stand.
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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/929853
Match Preview: #TBRvCLT
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8u1fkf/rowdies_sign_dynamic_midfielder_kwadwo_poku/
Official Rowdies Sign Dynamic Midfielder Kwadwo Poku
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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/929815
Rowdies Sign Dynamic Midfielder Kwadwo Poku
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 26, 2018) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed midfielder Kwadwo Poku, the club announced Tuesday. The signing is pending receipt of his ITC clearance and league and federation approval. He will eligible to play once the transfer window opens on July 10.
Poku, 26, most recently played for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League, but is well known in the American soccer scene for his time with New York City FC in MLS in 2015 and 2016 and then Miami FC in the NASL in 2016 and 2017.
"We are so excited to have Poku join the Tampa Bay Rowdies," said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. "He brings a level of excitement on the field that will be very important for this team as we enter the second half of the season and chase down the USL Cup in 2018. Poku is a player that has succeeded at many levels of professional soccer and I have no doubt he'll do the same under Head Coach Neill Collins."
A physical force, Poku scored seven goals in 36 appearances for NYCFC, and was named to the MLS "24 under 24" after his stellar 2015 season.
“Marcel Schäfer will be difficult to replace, but Poku is an unbelievable person to bring in and a huge coup for the club,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins said. “For us to sign him at the age he is is really big. I’ve played against him and he was a very tough opponent. He’s a player the fans will love and he brings us something we’ve lacked in terms of strength, presence and goals from midfield."
In South Florida, he scored 15 goals in 55 matches, while also guiding Miami FC to both the 2017 Spring and Fall Season Championships. Poku was also fundamental in Miami's long Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run in 2017, where they reached the quarterfinals.
Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Poku has played in three matches for Ghana’s senior national team, with his first one coming in 2015.
He will wear the No. 88 jersey for the Rowdies. He is the third new addition to the Rowdies in the last week, joining Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro as the newest players on the roster.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8u09nk/ives_galarcep_poku_signing_with_the_rowdies/
POKUWATCH 2018 [Ives Galarcep] Poku signing with the Rowdies
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https://twitter.com/SoccerByIves/status/1011605262032146437
Ives Galarcep
Verified account @SoccerByIves
In non-World Cup related Russian (and American) soccer news, I’m told former #NYCFC midfielder Kwadwo Poku is signing with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the #USL , leaving Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala. He’s still only 26, definitely see him back in #MLS eventually.
9:41 AM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011627719434604544
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
We'll be dropping some news around noon that you won't want to miss.
11:10 AM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011630195332337667
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
You may have won $6,000 in the #RowdiesRiches Sweepstakes! Grab your match program this past Friday & head to http://RowdiesRiches.com .
11:20 AM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011641382459658240
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
OFFICIAL: Rowdies announce the signing of midfielder Kwadwo @Poku. The Ghanaian midfielder most recently played in Russia for @fc_anji.
MORE INFO: http://bit.ly/NoPokuNoParty
#POKUPOWER
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Prior to departing to the Russian Premier League, Poku spent time with @NYCFC and @TheMiamiFC.
12:04 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011644475976888320
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Rowdies Head Coach @neillycollins3🗣️
“Marcel Schäfer will be difficult to replace, but @Poku is an unbelievable person to bring in and a huge coup for the club. For us to sign him at the age he is is really big. I’ve played against him and he was a very tough opponent."
12:16 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/UnusedSubsPod/status/1011640420596637697
The Unused 👌 Substitutes ⚽ Show
@UnusedSubsPod
Hear what @TampaBayRowdies head coach @neillycollins3 had to say about the signing of @poku https://clyp.it/jg5hlz13?token=64b4de8c5be0d7506e394227fd7e48f5 … #WelcomePoku #NoPokuNoParty
12:00 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TheHoopedSleeve/status/1011640893621854208
The Hooped Sleeve ⚽️ 👌
@TheHoopedSleeve
Welcome to the @TampaBayRowdies family, @Poku!...We're relieved to see you on our side of the lineup sheet! 😅👍🇬🇭💚💛
12:02 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011663647850967040
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Welcome to the #RowdiesFamily, @Poku!
Rowdies Sign Kwadwo Poku
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1:33 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/martin_vingaard/status/1011659886655148038
Martin Vingaard
@martin_vingaard
Yeeeeees!!!!!! No need to take the flag down #roundof16 #prouddane #fordanmark landsholdet @FIFAWWC @ Saint Petersburg, Florida https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkfu5gInBbe/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=1eg5w19tp25ps …
1:18 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011667269833887745
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Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Meanwhile, we’ve arrived safely in Charlotte for tomorrow night’s clash against @CLTIndependence.
1:47 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/jochengraf/status/1011667066808565761
Jochen Graf
@jochengraf
Jochen Graf Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
@Poku welcome my guy!
Jochen Graf added,
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
OFFICIAL: Rowdies announce the signing of midfielder Kwadwo @Poku. The Ghanaian midfielder most recently played in Russia for @fc_anji.…
Show this thread
1:46 PM - 26 Jun 2018 from Charlotte, NC
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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1011671212873969672
USL
Verified account @USL
"We are so excited to have Poku join the @TampaBayRowdies."
Details ↓
2:03 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011700812777644033
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Giovanni Scanio, one of our Jr. Reporters, got the chance to meet @Poku and interview him after one of our recent practices.
Meet Poku with the help of Jr. Reporter Giovanni Scanio
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4:00 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/RobStoneONFOX/status/1011752268960620546
Rob Stone
Verified account @RobStoneONFOX
Rob Stone Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
Whhoooaaaaa. Tremendous.
cc: @EricWynalda
Rob Stone added,
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
OFFICIAL: Rowdies announce the signing of midfielder Kwadwo @Poku. The Ghanaian midfielder most recently played in Russia for @fc_anji.…
Show this thread
7:25 PM - 26 Jun 2018 from Moscow, Russia
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011640289604374528
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
OFFICIAL: Rowdies announce the signing of midfielder Kwadwo @Poku. The Ghanaian midfielder most recently played in Russia for @fc_anji.
MORE INFO: http://bit.ly/NoPokuNoParty
12:00 PM - 26 Jun 2018
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/930032
Cowlishaw Steps Down as Kickers’ Head Coach
2013 USL Coach of the Year had led club in 560 contests since appointment in 2000
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https://www.abqjournal.com/1189602/civic-plaza-is-site-of-more-viewing-parties.html
World Cup: Civic Plaza is site of more viewing parties
Cameron Torres, a Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal fan, watches the Portugal vs. Spain World Cup game in Civic Plaza, Friday, June 15. Civic Plaza is hosting several more watch parties with its screen television. (Marla Brose/Journal file)
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 7 vs. Penn FC [6/22]
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8tmpet/rowdies_home_attendance_thread_game_7_vs_penn_fc/
Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 7 vs. Penn FC [6/22]
5,369 is the official number. It was absolutely dead at kickoff, but filled in a bit as the game wore on. Traffic into the city was tough - the Yankees were playing the Rays (to a far above average crowd of 27,252) and lots of people were flooding into town for Pride. Next up is July 4th against Tworonto. Usually this game is a sellout with the city fireworks after...we'll see how much they hype it...
Didn't take into account the traffic and even though I left an hour earlier than usual I didn't get there until after kickoff so makes sense it was dead
I mean shit, when are the Yankees gonna move to Tampa...
Upvote
Tworonto
Anything Toronto is now named LeBronto. Bron's plan and all that.
It's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.insidesport.co/chicagos-mlb-cub-owners-seek-majority-stakes-in-ac-milan-0525062018/
Chicago’S MLB Cub owners seek majority stakes in AC Milan
The owners Major League Baseball (MLB) Team Chicago Cubs have shown interest in taking a controlling stake in Italian Serie A club AC Milan.
The announcement comes after the present ownership of the Italian club has been cast in doubts in the recent months.
The Ricketts Family, who bought one of America’s more valuable baseball teams in 2009, released a statement saying they wanted to buy a controlling stake in the Serie A club, whose ownership has faced uncertainty in recent months.
“The Ricketts Family brought a championship to the Chicago Cubs through long-term investment and being great stewards of the team… They would bring this same approach to AC Milan,” the family said in a statement.
Chinese businessman Li Yonghong has purchased AC Milan from former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi last year, but a string of questions about his finances have since followed. Berlusconi had owned the club for 31 years.
AC Milan is a subsidiary of Rossoneri Sport Investment Luxembourg since 13 April, 2017, which acquired 99.92973% shares of AC Milan S.0p.A. from Fininvest. Li Yonghong became the new chairman and Marco Fassone was confirmed as CEO.
The Ricketts Family’s statement comes as multiple reports in Italy on Friday suggested that Li missed a €32 million ($37.25m) payment on the loan he used to purchase the team, which will allow investment firm Elliott Management to control the club.
Under Li, AC Milan had committed over €200 million to new signings last summer with the expectation that they would lead the club back into the UEFA Champions League next season, but they finished sixth in the Italian league the last season, failing to qualify for the financial windfall that comes with UCL participation.
The Ricketts family made the first move into soccer in May when they bought a Chicago expansion team that will play in the second-division United Soccer League (USL).
The Cubs, valued at $2.9 billion by Forbes, had not won a championship in over a century before Ricketts took over in 2009. They won the World Series seven years later.
AC Milan, which Forbes values at $612 million, have won Serie A 18 times, but only once since 2004. They’ve also been crowned European champions seven times, winning the Champions League in 2003 and 2007.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/929552
Eastern Conf. Notebook — Rowdies Say Goodbye to Schäfer
Team effort key for Fury FC; Tactical changes boost NCFC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0K1ILpj5Bo
Rowdies Rundown - Marcel's Farewell & Penn FC Preview
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 25, 2018
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VhUpYbplPk
Joe Cole on his 2002 World Cup Call Up
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 25, 2018
Joe Cole talks us through the moment he found out he made his first World Cup roster
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxBW7fsqSTU
Rowdies Favorrite Beverage
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 25, 2018
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https://twitter.com/CharleyBelcher/status/1011195029916999685
Charley Belcher FOX
Verified account @CharleyBelcher
A beautiful beginning of a Good Day from St. Petersburg. It’s World Cup week in Charley’s World. We kick things off with our @TampaBayRowdies. #WorldCup #GoodDayTB #WeLiveHere
6:30 AM - 25 Jun 2018 from Al Lang Stadium
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011215700667584512
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
In just minutes @neillycollins3 will be on @MyFoxTampaBay with @CharleyBelcher live from Al Lang Stadium.
WATCH: http://fox13news.com
7:53 AM - 25 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011223221667065856
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Coming up next on @FOX13News with @CharleyBelcher, Joe Cole will be talking @FIFAWorldCup and England’s performance so far.
8:22 AM - 25 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011243882980528130
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Getting ready for a midweek test in Charlotte.
9:45 AM - 25 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/CharleyBelcher/status/1011226114059063297
Charley Belcher FOX
Verified account @CharleyBelcher
Charley Belcher FOX Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
Joe Cole. He’s the real deal right there. Played more than 50 games for his country and scored a goal in the World Cup! #England #WorldCup
Charley Belcher FOX added,
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Coming up next on @FOX13News with @CharleyBelcher, Joe Cole will be talking @FIFAWorldCup and England’s performance so far.
8:34 AM - 25 Jun 2018 from St Petersburg, FL
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011253432328556544
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Hope you enjoy the green and gold hoops, @SuperDuperKyle! 💚💛💚
10:23 AM - 25 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011306348598870016
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Check out the recap of Marcel Schäfer's final match in the green and gold, with the latest Rowdies Front Row.
Rowdies Front Row vs Penn FC
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1:53 PM - 25 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011347786061582336
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Our Jr. Reporters asked some of the players what their favorite memory with Marcel Schäfer was. Watch to see what they said 🎙
4:37 PM - 25 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/RowdiesTickets/status/1011287200514887681
Rowdies Tickets
@RowdiesTickets
No #4thofJuly plans yet? Get your tickets for our #IndependenceDay Celebration on Wednesday July 4th! All fans will be welcomed on to the field Post Game to watch the @StPeteFL Fireworks show! Call (727) 5211-7267 for groups tickets or (727) 222-2000 for individual seats!
12:37 PM - 25 Jun 2018
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/13/episode-164-farewell-marcel/3929
June 13, 2018 By Matthew Cox
Episode 164 – Farewell, Marcel
Despite no game to look forward to this weekend, the guys have plenty of Rowdies news to discuss…
In this episode:
Rowdies 1:1 Nashville SC
Eastern Conference Standings
Rowdies News
Leon Taylor named to Team of the Week
Joe Cole adds assistant coach role
TBU Rowdies U19 win State Cup
Marcel Schafer returns to Vfl Wolfsburg
Bill Edwards interview in Business Observer
US/Canada/Mexico United bid wins World Cup 2026
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/25/episode-165-dan-solo/3938
June 25, 2018 By Matthew Cox
Episode 165 – Dan Solo
Dan’s all by his lonesome tonight, but he’s got the latest on the Eastern Conference standings as well as Jake’s interviews with head coach Neill Collins and nearly departed Marcel Schäfer, who discusses his return to Wolfsburg and talks about his last match for the Rowdies, coming up on Friday.
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8tmpet/rowdies_home_attendance_thread_game_7_vs_penn_fc/
Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 7 vs. Penn FC [6/22]
5,369 is the official number. It was absolutely dead at kickoff, but filled in a bit as the game wore on. Traffic into the city was tough - the Yankees were playing the Rays (to a far above average crowd of 27,252) and lots of people were flooding into town for Pride. Next up is July 4th against Tworonto. Usually this game is a sellout with the city fireworks after...we'll see how much they hype it...
Didn't take into account the traffic and even though I left an hour earlier than usual I didn't get there until after kickoff so makes sense it was dead
I mean shit, when are the Yankees gonna move to Tampa...
Upvote
Tworonto
Anything Toronto is now named LeBronto. Bron's plan and all that.
It's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.insidesport.co/chicagos-mlb-cub-owners-seek-majority-stakes-in-ac-milan-0525062018/
Chicago’S MLB Cub owners seek majority stakes in AC Milan
The owners Major League Baseball (MLB) Team Chicago Cubs have shown interest in taking a controlling stake in Italian Serie A club AC Milan.
The announcement comes after the present ownership of the Italian club has been cast in doubts in the recent months.
The Ricketts Family, who bought one of America’s more valuable baseball teams in 2009, released a statement saying they wanted to buy a controlling stake in the Serie A club, whose ownership has faced uncertainty in recent months.
“The Ricketts Family brought a championship to the Chicago Cubs through long-term investment and being great stewards of the team… They would bring this same approach to AC Milan,” the family said in a statement.
Chinese businessman Li Yonghong has purchased AC Milan from former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi last year, but a string of questions about his finances have since followed. Berlusconi had owned the club for 31 years.
AC Milan is a subsidiary of Rossoneri Sport Investment Luxembourg since 13 April, 2017, which acquired 99.92973% shares of AC Milan S.0p.A. from Fininvest. Li Yonghong became the new chairman and Marco Fassone was confirmed as CEO.
The Ricketts Family’s statement comes as multiple reports in Italy on Friday suggested that Li missed a €32 million ($37.25m) payment on the loan he used to purchase the team, which will allow investment firm Elliott Management to control the club.
Under Li, AC Milan had committed over €200 million to new signings last summer with the expectation that they would lead the club back into the UEFA Champions League next season, but they finished sixth in the Italian league the last season, failing to qualify for the financial windfall that comes with UCL participation.
The Ricketts family made the first move into soccer in May when they bought a Chicago expansion team that will play in the second-division United Soccer League (USL).
The Cubs, valued at $2.9 billion by Forbes, had not won a championship in over a century before Ricketts took over in 2009. They won the World Series seven years later.
AC Milan, which Forbes values at $612 million, have won Serie A 18 times, but only once since 2004. They’ve also been crowned European champions seven times, winning the Champions League in 2003 and 2007.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/929552
Eastern Conf. Notebook — Rowdies Say Goodbye to Schäfer
Team effort key for Fury FC; Tactical changes boost NCFC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0K1ILpj5Bo
Rowdies Rundown - Marcel's Farewell & Penn FC Preview
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 25, 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VhUpYbplPk
Joe Cole on his 2002 World Cup Call Up
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 25, 2018
Joe Cole talks us through the moment he found out he made his first World Cup roster
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxBW7fsqSTU
Rowdies Favorrite Beverage
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 25, 2018
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https://twitter.com/CharleyBelcher/status/1011195029916999685
Charley Belcher FOX
Verified account @CharleyBelcher
A beautiful beginning of a Good Day from St. Petersburg. It’s World Cup week in Charley’s World. We kick things off with our @TampaBayRowdies. #WorldCup #GoodDayTB #WeLiveHere
6:30 AM - 25 Jun 2018 from Al Lang Stadium
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011215700667584512
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
In just minutes @neillycollins3 will be on @MyFoxTampaBay with @CharleyBelcher live from Al Lang Stadium.
WATCH: http://fox13news.com
7:53 AM - 25 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011223221667065856
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Coming up next on @FOX13News with @CharleyBelcher, Joe Cole will be talking @FIFAWorldCup and England’s performance so far.
8:22 AM - 25 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011243882980528130
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Getting ready for a midweek test in Charlotte.
9:45 AM - 25 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/CharleyBelcher/status/1011226114059063297
Charley Belcher FOX
Verified account @CharleyBelcher
Charley Belcher FOX Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
Joe Cole. He’s the real deal right there. Played more than 50 games for his country and scored a goal in the World Cup! #England #WorldCup
Charley Belcher FOX added,
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Coming up next on @FOX13News with @CharleyBelcher, Joe Cole will be talking @FIFAWorldCup and England’s performance so far.
8:34 AM - 25 Jun 2018 from St Petersburg, FL
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011253432328556544
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Hope you enjoy the green and gold hoops, @SuperDuperKyle! 💚💛💚
10:23 AM - 25 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011306348598870016
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Check out the recap of Marcel Schäfer's final match in the green and gold, with the latest Rowdies Front Row.
Rowdies Front Row vs Penn FC
Powered by SnappyTV
1:53 PM - 25 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011347786061582336
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Our Jr. Reporters asked some of the players what their favorite memory with Marcel Schäfer was. Watch to see what they said 🎙
4:37 PM - 25 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/RowdiesTickets/status/1011287200514887681
Rowdies Tickets
@RowdiesTickets
No #4thofJuly plans yet? Get your tickets for our #IndependenceDay Celebration on Wednesday July 4th! All fans will be welcomed on to the field Post Game to watch the @StPeteFL Fireworks show! Call (727) 5211-7267 for groups tickets or (727) 222-2000 for individual seats!
12:37 PM - 25 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/13/episode-164-farewell-marcel/3929
June 13, 2018 By Matthew Cox
Episode 164 – Farewell, Marcel
Despite no game to look forward to this weekend, the guys have plenty of Rowdies news to discuss…
In this episode:
Rowdies 1:1 Nashville SC
Eastern Conference Standings
Rowdies News
Leon Taylor named to Team of the Week
Joe Cole adds assistant coach role
TBU Rowdies U19 win State Cup
Marcel Schafer returns to Vfl Wolfsburg
Bill Edwards interview in Business Observer
US/Canada/Mexico United bid wins World Cup 2026
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/25/episode-165-dan-solo/3938
June 25, 2018 By Matthew Cox
Episode 165 – Dan Solo
Dan’s all by his lonesome tonight, but he’s got the latest on the Eastern Conference standings as well as Jake’s interviews with head coach Neill Collins and nearly departed Marcel Schäfer, who discusses his return to Wolfsburg and talks about his last match for the Rowdies, coming up on Friday.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
American Menace: When Fall River ruled U.S. soccer
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https://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/2018/06/21/american-soccer-history-fall-river-world-cup
American Menace: When Fall River ruled U.S. soccer
The best American World Cup team came thanks to a "Golden Age."
Tucked behind a sports bar in Tiverton, Rhode Island is an utterly anonymous field. Overgrown and forlorn, the “Private Property” sign on the surrounding fence hardly seems necessary.
It’s impossible to imagine, but this was once the site of American soccer greatness. Almost a century ago, it was where Mark’s Stadium stood, home of the Fall River Marksmen. They were the pride – and direct result – of a city built on immigrant labor. Attracting and developing world class talent, the Marksmen were a dynasty that frequently outdrew the Red Sox in their brief heyday.
And yet the modern state of the field serves as a perfect metaphor. All signs of its past glory have been erased from history (no one knows exactly when it was torn down). Not even a woebegone plaque or vine-covered statue remain to offer acknowledgement of a time when United States teams – New England teams in particular – were so feared in parts of Europe that they were deemed an “American Menace.”
Between 1921 and 1931, Fall River was central in what historian Colin Jose referred to as the “Golden Age” of American soccer.
“Spindle city”
Strangely enough, the early 20th century boom in American soccer is intertwined with the textile industry. The exponential growth of mills in the late 19th century (following the decline of the whaling industry) led to large scale immigration as skilled laborers were funneled in.
Fall River (gaining the nickname “Spindle City“) and New Bedford collectively amassed over 100 mills at their height, and immigrants swelled the population.
Answering the call were people who already had textile experience: those from Lancashire and the valley of Clyde. These regions, as historian Roger Allaway points out, “in addition to being the heart of the English textile industry also was the area of England in which association football [soccer] had most taken root among working class people in those same years.”
And because of this, “textiles brought immigration and immigration brought football.”
By the early 20th century, a local soccer scene was becoming a staple of southern New England. The original powerhouse from the area, the Fall River Rovers, won numerous trophies in the late 19th and early 20th century, thanks to Scottish-American (and later Portuguese) immigrants who injected passion and talent.
Not for the first time, outside events played a debilitating role. World War I forced a suspension of play, and when it resumed, many teams had disappeared. It was into this void that America’s first attempt at a major league emerged.
“American Menace”
Not unlike baseball, soccer developed a vibrant (and ever-changing) world of amateur, semi-pro, and professional teams during the early 20th century.
By 1921, a handful of the premier teams from two regional leagues (including the Southern New England Soccer League) formed into the American Soccer League. In its first iteration, from 1921-1933, it was maybe the most comparatively talented soccer league in U.S. history.
Local companies and entrepreneurs, sensing opportunity, jumped into the action. The J&P Coats Company (based in Pawtucket) and Bethlehem Steel overtly represented industry names, while Fall River found financial rejuvenation in the form of a single man: Sam Mark.
A former basketball and baseball promoter, Mark had no natural affinity for soccer. What he saw was an opportunity to profit from the region’s passionate love of the game.
An example of this was in the stadium that was built to host Mark’s team, which he renamed the “Marksmen.” Sam Mark Stadium was technically built just over the Rhode Island border (and not in Fall River) so to avoid strict Massachusetts Blue Laws, which at the time prohibited charging for fan entry on Sundays.
Rapidly, Mark turned Fall River back into a championship team, harnessing a not-so-subtle tactic of recruiting foreign talent.
“There is not an American-born player on the Fall River roster,” wrote the Boston Globe in 1924. Mark would be one-upped by other local teams. The Boston Wood Workers, named after their owner, G.A.G. Wood, aggressively raided leagues abroad.
“We spend a lot of money because we realized that nothing was too good for the Hub,” Wood once boasted.
In fact, the incursions by Mark, Wood and others would prove so painful to English and Scottish leagues that European reports soon began labelling the trend as the “American Menace.”
In this period, Fall River and New Bedford (known as the Whalers) developed the best rivalry in the league. Historian Colin Jose’s account describes regular five-figure attendance for games between the two sides.
Across the course of the season, the Marksmen’s average attendance of 8,000 in 1925 frequently topped that of the Red Sox.
“The Babe Ruth of soccer”
Though Mark’s Fall River team established its reputation by recruiting foreigners, the region also produced world class talent of its own.
Of the U.S. players who went to the first World Cup in 1930, six were based (or from) either Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Indicative of the strong foundation that the ASL had provided, the third place finish the American team achieved in Uruguay that summer remains the highest finish the men’s national team has ever achieved at the tournament.
At the center of it were two players who grew up in Fall River and fed off its soccer roots.
Bert Patenaude, a forward, became one of the most prolific goal scorers in American history. And while it took decades before it was officially acknowledged, it was Patenaude who recorded the first hat-trick in World Cup history.
The other talent to emerge from Fall River was Billy Gonsalves, who became known as the “Babe Ruth of American soccer.”
U.S. forward Bert Patenaude battles Belgium’s Nicholas Hoydonck in the first American World Cup game in 1930. Patenaude capped a 3-0 win with a goal. —Popperfoto/Getty Images
Growing up in Fall River, Gonsalves first broke into the ASL with the Wood Workers in Boston. Aged 19, he had to wait for his chance, but scored only two minutes into his professional debut.
Known for his power and technical ability, Gonsalves would appear in a LeBron James-esque eight consecutive U.S. Open Cup finals. He won the respect of foreign opposition, who had been forced to reckon with his domination of games.
“I asked the foreign players the inevitable question,” sports writer Dent McSkimming said when canvassing about U.S. talent, “and en total they agreed that Gonsalves would win a place in any team in the world.”
Yet while Gonsalves was capable of memorable performances against world class opponents, he unerringly chose to avoid signing abroad. Despite receiving offers from Brazilian, Scottish, English, and Italian teams, Gonsalves remained in the U.S. for the duration of his career. It left historian David Wangerin, writing in his book, “Soccer in a Football World,” to give a melancholy eulogy of Gonsalaves’ career.
“Approached on more than one occasion to play abroad, he never went,” wrote Wangerin, “and so unwittingly consigned himself to little more than a footnote in the notoriously unsympathetic annals of American sport.”
“No bullion”
Even as Mark’s Marksmen became a renowned American soccer powerhouse (winning six ASL titles and four National Challenge Cups), the decline around them was self evident.
The area’s mills, having failed to keep pace with innovations taking place elsewhere, fell into decline during the 1920s.
“Having risen to such dizzying heights in the nineteenth century, [Fall River] was, during the twentieth, to fathom depths of depression such as such she had never known,” wrote The New Republic’s William Robinson in 1924. “Today, Fall River is a city of misery, want, unemployment, hunger and hopelessness.”
Amazingly, the Marksmen warded off the full effects of the decline for more than half a decade.
The erosion began in earnest when the ASL, never solidly organized, engaged in a “soccer war” with the major U.S. soccer body, the United States Football Association. Back and forth disputes led to an ASL boycott of the Challenge Cup.
Eventually, the ASL was branded an “outlaw league” by FIFA. Formally, the disputes were settled in Oct. 1929, though a “single” disastrous season would take 14 months afterward, passing through three separate years.
Fan interest began to sour, as the Fall River Herald News noted following the Marksmen’s incredible “treble” (trio of trophies) in 1930.
“Despite the fact that the Fall River team performed a feat unheard of in American soccer, that of winning every title possible in one season, the fans have adopted a ‘don’t care’ attitude that does not make the future of the game here look any too promising.”
And once again, larger historical events played a role in hurting (perhaps ruinously) U.S. soccer during the era. Only weeks after the “soccer war” between the ASL and USFA was resolved, the stock market crashed in 1929.
The onset of the Great Depression, so disastrous in every other sector of American life, proved the final blow for the ASL and U.S. soccer’s “Golden Age.” The original league folded due to glaring financial problems in 1933 (Fall River, as a city, went bankrupt).
Though it was revived in future iterations, it would never achieve the capacity to produce world class talent or “menace” Europe again. Unlike its distant cousin, American football, professional soccer in the U.S. would require decades to build itself back up.
“The Golden Age,” Wangerin lamented, “had produced no bullion.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/6/24/17497782/match-recap-penn-fc-2-tampa-bay-rowdies-1
Match Recap: Penn FC 2 - Tampa Bay Rowdies 1
Tampa Bay’s nineteen match home unbeaten streak comes to an end at the hands of Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article213704979.html
Rick Scott announces potential high-speed rail linking Tampa and Orlando
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/06/22/rick-scott-announces-potential-high-speed-rail-linking-tampa-and-orlando/
Rick Scott announces potential high-speed rail linking Tampa and Orlando
Brightline has offered to pay for and build the line without using taxpayer dollars.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://hypebeast.com/2018/6/american-football-soccer-team-2018-fifa-world-cup-failed-to-qualify
Here's Why Americans Aren't Good at Football
An explanation on the nation’s current handicap.
The world is well into the heat of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which is currently being held in Russia, and with that the creatives over at VOX have analyzed the reasons why Americans just aren’t good at the sport. Though the national team made it into the round of 16 (where they were knocked out by Belgium) during the 2014 World Cup, they failed to even qualify for this year’s tournament, the first time they failed to do so in over 30 years.
In the seven-and-a-half minute video posted above, VOX’s Phil Edwards presents his theory on why American’s are just so terrible at the Beautiful Game with the main reason being the 1920s football wars between the ASL (American Soccer League) and USFA (United States Football Association). By the time the depression hit, American soccer was not able to rebound as well as European and South American soccer culture was able to, which led to the nation’s current handicap. Watch the full clip above.
Be sure to keep up with our 2018 FIFA World Cup coverage here and tune into our Destined series featuring the likes of Dele, Suárez, Chicharito, and Gabriel Jesus.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2018/06/22/footy-on-the-telly-june-22-29/
Footy on the Telly – June 22 – 29
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/928818
Gameday Report: June 22, Week 15
Penn FC downs ten-man Rowdies, ends Tampa Bay home undefeated run
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tbo.com/sports/rowdies/2018/06/22/rowdies-fall-to-penn-fc/
Rowdies fall to Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/06/21/one-last-chance-to-see-mf-marcel-schafer-in-a-rowdies-uniform/
One last chance to see MF Marcel Schafer in a Rowdies uniform
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/6/21/17486750/match-preview-penn-fc-at-tampa-bay-rowdies
Match Preview: Penn FC at Tampa Bay Rowdies
A lot has changed since these teams last met in May
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wfla.com/video/schafer-s-exit-from-rowdies-is-an-opportunity-too-good-to-pass_20180620230506/1252252295
Schafer's exit from Rowdies is an opportunity too good to pass
Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder Marcel Schafer will play his final game with the club on Friday at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/places/bobby-lewis-on-the-road/junior-reporter-feels-at-home-on-tampa-bay-rowdies-soccer-field/67-566408945
Junior reporter feels at home on Tampa Bay Rowdies' soccer field
The Tampa Bay Rowdies took on three junior reporters for the season.
Giovanni Scanio stretched his arm as high as it would go in order to get his microphone to Joe Cole’s face.
“So, the two signings that we have this week, what do you think about all the frequent movement?” he asked.
The 12-year-old Scanio is one of three junior reporters for the Tampa Bay Rowdies this season.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/county-commissioners-vote-to-bring-back-the-cross-bay-ferry
County Commissioners vote to bring back the Cross Bay Ferry
SAINT PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - Hillsborough County commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to commit funding to bring back the Cross Bay Ferry, which wrapped up a pilot program earlier this year.
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, who has been one of the biggest backers of the ferry, made a presentation to the commission, urging members to vote to help fund the ferry.
"This was clearly a transit option that the residents in Hillsborough and Pinellas County made good use of," Kriseman told commissioners.
The St. Pete mayor said, during its pilot program which wrapped up in April 2017, the ferry carried 40,000 people across the bay.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/2018/06/20/hillsborough-county-commissioners-on-board-for-return-of-ferry-service/
Hillsborough County commissioners on board for return of ferry service
TAMPA – St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman cleared another hurdle in his bid to bring back a seasonal ferry service between his city and Tampa when Hillsborough County commissioners agreed to back the project.
Kriseman is asking the City of Tampa and Pinellas and Hillsborough counties to join St. Petersburg in paying $150,000 each to subsidize the service, which would run between November and April.
He made his pitch to Hillsborough County commissioners Wednesday saying that the pilot program, which ran in 2016 and sold over 37,000 tickets, proves there is a demand for the service.
But he acknowledged that the infrequent one-boat service is not going to get many commuters out of their cars.
A survey of riders showed that for two-thirds of passengers took the trip for recreation.
For that reason, if the service returns it will not include early morning trips from St. Petersburg that were targeted at commuters.
Of those who did ride, about 75 percent dined out at their destination and 30 percent visited a museum.
That and other spending passenger amounted to an economic impact of $1.6 million, Kriseman said.
"That's money spent in our two communities that might not have otherwise been spent," he said.
But its unclear how much of that spending would have taken place anyway. Spending on events or attractions like a ferry ride is often in place of other spending such as going to the cinema, economists say.
The seasonal service would help the county as it looks to start a ferry service between south Hillsborough and MacDill Air Force Base, Kriseman said.
The county has yet to finalize its 2019 budget but Commission Chairwoman Sandy Murman said she has already instructed County Administrator Mike Merrill to earmark its share of the cost of the ferry. Commissioners voted unanimously in support of that move.
"It was a huge success and I think we get a big return on it," she said.
Kriseman's biggest obstacle may be convincing Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who earlier this month told the Tampa Bay Times that the ferry should be viable without subsidies. Tampa is also dealing with a $5 million anticipated shortfall as it prepares its 2019 budget.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/06/19/passenger-ferry-in-south-hillsborough-closer-to.html
Passenger ferry in south Hillsborough closer to reality as commissioners prepare to approve contract
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2018/6/18/17477184/walter-bahr-dead-91-1950-world-cup-usa-usmnt
Walter Bahr, last remaining member of U.S. 1950 World Cup squad, passes away
The 91-year-old USMNT legend played a pivotal role in the USMNT’s 1950 World Cup victory over England.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/06/18/18/23/20180618-news-mnt-walter-bahr-passes-away-1950-world-cup-england
National Soccer Hall of Famer Walter Bahr Passes Away
Last Surviving Member of USA’s 1950 FIFA World Cup Team Dies at Age 91
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/6/19/17476506/walter-bahr-was-also-a-philly-soccer-lighthouse-sc-temple
USMNT star Walter Bahr was also a Philly soccer and college coaching legend
The last surviving member of the 1950 USMNT, Bahr died on Monday at the age of 91
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/928233-monarchs-acquire-blake-on-loan-from-rowdies
Monarchs Acquire Blake on Loan from Rowdies
Midfielder joins Real for remainder of 2018 season
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.abcactionnews.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/whats-happening-in-tampa-bay-this-weekend-june-22-24
What's happening in Tampa Bay this weekend? June 22-24
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Penn FC
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Al Lang Stadium at 230 1st Street South, St. Petersburg
Cost: Click here for ticket information
Info: Come watch the Tampa Bay Rowdies take on Penn FC Friday night! Game begins at 7:30 p.m.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rslsoapbox.com/2018/6/19/17479370/real-monarchs-sign-jack-blake-on-loan
Real Monarchs sign Jack Blake on loan from Tampa Bay Rowdies
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder is a seasoned professional who signed his first contact in 2012 with Nottingham Forest
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8t6zte/rowdies_report_week_14_tbr_v_pen/
Rowdies Report Week 14- TBR v PEN
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8t5ngp/starters_and_subs_for_tonights_match_vs_penn_fc/
Starters and Subs for tonight's match vs. Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/929149
Ten-Man Rowdies Defeated 2-1 by Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8t0nb9/match_preview_tbrvpen_auf_wiedersehen_sch%C3%A4fi/
Match Preview: #TBRvPEN - Auf wiedersehen, Schäfi!
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/928481
Match Preview: #TBRvPEN
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8swdo0/usl_top_five_marcel_sch%C3%A4fer_moments/
USL Top Five – Marcel Schäfer Moments
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/928944
USL Top Five – Marcel Schäfer Moments
As he hangs up his boots, a look back on a memorable stint in Tampa Bay
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8su3kv/sch%C3%A4fer_readies_for_emotional_final_match_oc/
Schäfer Readies for Emotional Final Match (OC)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8sjebi/rowdies_strengthen_midfield_with_signing_of_afrim/
Official Rowdies Strengthen Midfield with Signing of Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/928457
Rowdies Strengthen Midfield with Signing of Taku and Oduro
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8scdmk/chopra_hearing_rumblings_that_ex_themiamifc_nycfc/
Rumor [Chopra] Hearing rumblings that ex- @TheMiamiFC @NYCFC and @ATLSilverbacks forward, Poku, is currently training with @TampaBayRowdies . Poku has struggled to break into the Anzhi Makhachkala team since moving there in January. Unclear if an xfer is imminent.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/NipunChopra7/status/1009135315687301120
Nipun Chopra, PhD
@NipunChopra7
Hearing rumblings that ex- @TheMiamiFC @NYCFC and @ATLSilverbacks forward, Poku, is currently training with @TampaBayRowdies . Poku has struggled to break into the Anzhi Makhachkala team since moving there in January.
Unclear if an xfer is imminent.
2:06 PM - 19 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8sapa8/jack_blake_loaned_to_real_monarchs_new_signing/
Official Jack Blake loaned to Real Monarchs; New signing tomorrow
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1009103548683079682
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEWS: We've loaned @jackblake_18 to @RealMonarchs for the remainder of the 2018 @USL season. Good luck, Jack!
12:00 PM - 19 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn8dfA6c9K0
Highlights - Rowdies vs Penn FC - June 22, 2018
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 22, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS presented by Tampa International Airport
The Tampa Bay Rowdies undefeated streak at home came to an end on Friday night after a 2-1 loss to Penn FC.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1010914709883760640
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEXT HOME GAME presented by @Budweiser
Rowdies vs @TorontoFCII
Wednesday, July 4 - 7 p.m.
Al Lang Stadium
TIX: http://bit.ly/2tl3gvh / 727-222-2000
11:57 AM - 24 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/Flemmo_77/status/1010953566431993862
Junior”Flemmo”Flemmings
@Flemmo_77
Farewell big man 🤝,all the best in your new endeavor 💪.@TampaBayRowdies @USL @Marcel schafer
2:31 PM - 24 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/tbusoccer/status/1010683531004002304
tbusoccer
@tbusoccer
What an amazing morning for our TBU Rowdies 03 DA Boys today in San Diego! Kayak Tour over at La Jolla Cove Beach. Building memories on and off the field!
@ussoccer_acad @tbusoccer @TampaBayRowdies
8:38 PM - 23 Jun 2018 from San Diego, CA
https://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/2018/06/21/american-soccer-history-fall-river-world-cup
American Menace: When Fall River ruled U.S. soccer
The best American World Cup team came thanks to a "Golden Age."
Tucked behind a sports bar in Tiverton, Rhode Island is an utterly anonymous field. Overgrown and forlorn, the “Private Property” sign on the surrounding fence hardly seems necessary.
It’s impossible to imagine, but this was once the site of American soccer greatness. Almost a century ago, it was where Mark’s Stadium stood, home of the Fall River Marksmen. They were the pride – and direct result – of a city built on immigrant labor. Attracting and developing world class talent, the Marksmen were a dynasty that frequently outdrew the Red Sox in their brief heyday.
And yet the modern state of the field serves as a perfect metaphor. All signs of its past glory have been erased from history (no one knows exactly when it was torn down). Not even a woebegone plaque or vine-covered statue remain to offer acknowledgement of a time when United States teams – New England teams in particular – were so feared in parts of Europe that they were deemed an “American Menace.”
Between 1921 and 1931, Fall River was central in what historian Colin Jose referred to as the “Golden Age” of American soccer.
“Spindle city”
Strangely enough, the early 20th century boom in American soccer is intertwined with the textile industry. The exponential growth of mills in the late 19th century (following the decline of the whaling industry) led to large scale immigration as skilled laborers were funneled in.
Fall River (gaining the nickname “Spindle City“) and New Bedford collectively amassed over 100 mills at their height, and immigrants swelled the population.
Answering the call were people who already had textile experience: those from Lancashire and the valley of Clyde. These regions, as historian Roger Allaway points out, “in addition to being the heart of the English textile industry also was the area of England in which association football [soccer] had most taken root among working class people in those same years.”
And because of this, “textiles brought immigration and immigration brought football.”
By the early 20th century, a local soccer scene was becoming a staple of southern New England. The original powerhouse from the area, the Fall River Rovers, won numerous trophies in the late 19th and early 20th century, thanks to Scottish-American (and later Portuguese) immigrants who injected passion and talent.
Not for the first time, outside events played a debilitating role. World War I forced a suspension of play, and when it resumed, many teams had disappeared. It was into this void that America’s first attempt at a major league emerged.
“American Menace”
Not unlike baseball, soccer developed a vibrant (and ever-changing) world of amateur, semi-pro, and professional teams during the early 20th century.
By 1921, a handful of the premier teams from two regional leagues (including the Southern New England Soccer League) formed into the American Soccer League. In its first iteration, from 1921-1933, it was maybe the most comparatively talented soccer league in U.S. history.
Local companies and entrepreneurs, sensing opportunity, jumped into the action. The J&P Coats Company (based in Pawtucket) and Bethlehem Steel overtly represented industry names, while Fall River found financial rejuvenation in the form of a single man: Sam Mark.
A former basketball and baseball promoter, Mark had no natural affinity for soccer. What he saw was an opportunity to profit from the region’s passionate love of the game.
An example of this was in the stadium that was built to host Mark’s team, which he renamed the “Marksmen.” Sam Mark Stadium was technically built just over the Rhode Island border (and not in Fall River) so to avoid strict Massachusetts Blue Laws, which at the time prohibited charging for fan entry on Sundays.
Rapidly, Mark turned Fall River back into a championship team, harnessing a not-so-subtle tactic of recruiting foreign talent.
“There is not an American-born player on the Fall River roster,” wrote the Boston Globe in 1924. Mark would be one-upped by other local teams. The Boston Wood Workers, named after their owner, G.A.G. Wood, aggressively raided leagues abroad.
“We spend a lot of money because we realized that nothing was too good for the Hub,” Wood once boasted.
In fact, the incursions by Mark, Wood and others would prove so painful to English and Scottish leagues that European reports soon began labelling the trend as the “American Menace.”
In this period, Fall River and New Bedford (known as the Whalers) developed the best rivalry in the league. Historian Colin Jose’s account describes regular five-figure attendance for games between the two sides.
Across the course of the season, the Marksmen’s average attendance of 8,000 in 1925 frequently topped that of the Red Sox.
“The Babe Ruth of soccer”
Though Mark’s Fall River team established its reputation by recruiting foreigners, the region also produced world class talent of its own.
Of the U.S. players who went to the first World Cup in 1930, six were based (or from) either Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Indicative of the strong foundation that the ASL had provided, the third place finish the American team achieved in Uruguay that summer remains the highest finish the men’s national team has ever achieved at the tournament.
At the center of it were two players who grew up in Fall River and fed off its soccer roots.
Bert Patenaude, a forward, became one of the most prolific goal scorers in American history. And while it took decades before it was officially acknowledged, it was Patenaude who recorded the first hat-trick in World Cup history.
The other talent to emerge from Fall River was Billy Gonsalves, who became known as the “Babe Ruth of American soccer.”
U.S. forward Bert Patenaude battles Belgium’s Nicholas Hoydonck in the first American World Cup game in 1930. Patenaude capped a 3-0 win with a goal. —Popperfoto/Getty Images
Growing up in Fall River, Gonsalves first broke into the ASL with the Wood Workers in Boston. Aged 19, he had to wait for his chance, but scored only two minutes into his professional debut.
Known for his power and technical ability, Gonsalves would appear in a LeBron James-esque eight consecutive U.S. Open Cup finals. He won the respect of foreign opposition, who had been forced to reckon with his domination of games.
“I asked the foreign players the inevitable question,” sports writer Dent McSkimming said when canvassing about U.S. talent, “and en total they agreed that Gonsalves would win a place in any team in the world.”
Yet while Gonsalves was capable of memorable performances against world class opponents, he unerringly chose to avoid signing abroad. Despite receiving offers from Brazilian, Scottish, English, and Italian teams, Gonsalves remained in the U.S. for the duration of his career. It left historian David Wangerin, writing in his book, “Soccer in a Football World,” to give a melancholy eulogy of Gonsalaves’ career.
“Approached on more than one occasion to play abroad, he never went,” wrote Wangerin, “and so unwittingly consigned himself to little more than a footnote in the notoriously unsympathetic annals of American sport.”
“No bullion”
Even as Mark’s Marksmen became a renowned American soccer powerhouse (winning six ASL titles and four National Challenge Cups), the decline around them was self evident.
The area’s mills, having failed to keep pace with innovations taking place elsewhere, fell into decline during the 1920s.
“Having risen to such dizzying heights in the nineteenth century, [Fall River] was, during the twentieth, to fathom depths of depression such as such she had never known,” wrote The New Republic’s William Robinson in 1924. “Today, Fall River is a city of misery, want, unemployment, hunger and hopelessness.”
Amazingly, the Marksmen warded off the full effects of the decline for more than half a decade.
The erosion began in earnest when the ASL, never solidly organized, engaged in a “soccer war” with the major U.S. soccer body, the United States Football Association. Back and forth disputes led to an ASL boycott of the Challenge Cup.
Eventually, the ASL was branded an “outlaw league” by FIFA. Formally, the disputes were settled in Oct. 1929, though a “single” disastrous season would take 14 months afterward, passing through three separate years.
Fan interest began to sour, as the Fall River Herald News noted following the Marksmen’s incredible “treble” (trio of trophies) in 1930.
“Despite the fact that the Fall River team performed a feat unheard of in American soccer, that of winning every title possible in one season, the fans have adopted a ‘don’t care’ attitude that does not make the future of the game here look any too promising.”
And once again, larger historical events played a role in hurting (perhaps ruinously) U.S. soccer during the era. Only weeks after the “soccer war” between the ASL and USFA was resolved, the stock market crashed in 1929.
The onset of the Great Depression, so disastrous in every other sector of American life, proved the final blow for the ASL and U.S. soccer’s “Golden Age.” The original league folded due to glaring financial problems in 1933 (Fall River, as a city, went bankrupt).
Though it was revived in future iterations, it would never achieve the capacity to produce world class talent or “menace” Europe again. Unlike its distant cousin, American football, professional soccer in the U.S. would require decades to build itself back up.
“The Golden Age,” Wangerin lamented, “had produced no bullion.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/6/24/17497782/match-recap-penn-fc-2-tampa-bay-rowdies-1
Match Recap: Penn FC 2 - Tampa Bay Rowdies 1
Tampa Bay’s nineteen match home unbeaten streak comes to an end at the hands of Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article213704979.html
Rick Scott announces potential high-speed rail linking Tampa and Orlando
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/06/22/rick-scott-announces-potential-high-speed-rail-linking-tampa-and-orlando/
Rick Scott announces potential high-speed rail linking Tampa and Orlando
Brightline has offered to pay for and build the line without using taxpayer dollars.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://hypebeast.com/2018/6/american-football-soccer-team-2018-fifa-world-cup-failed-to-qualify
Here's Why Americans Aren't Good at Football
An explanation on the nation’s current handicap.
The world is well into the heat of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which is currently being held in Russia, and with that the creatives over at VOX have analyzed the reasons why Americans just aren’t good at the sport. Though the national team made it into the round of 16 (where they were knocked out by Belgium) during the 2014 World Cup, they failed to even qualify for this year’s tournament, the first time they failed to do so in over 30 years.
In the seven-and-a-half minute video posted above, VOX’s Phil Edwards presents his theory on why American’s are just so terrible at the Beautiful Game with the main reason being the 1920s football wars between the ASL (American Soccer League) and USFA (United States Football Association). By the time the depression hit, American soccer was not able to rebound as well as European and South American soccer culture was able to, which led to the nation’s current handicap. Watch the full clip above.
Be sure to keep up with our 2018 FIFA World Cup coverage here and tune into our Destined series featuring the likes of Dele, Suárez, Chicharito, and Gabriel Jesus.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2018/06/22/footy-on-the-telly-june-22-29/
Footy on the Telly – June 22 – 29
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/928818
Gameday Report: June 22, Week 15
Penn FC downs ten-man Rowdies, ends Tampa Bay home undefeated run
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tbo.com/sports/rowdies/2018/06/22/rowdies-fall-to-penn-fc/
Rowdies fall to Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/06/21/one-last-chance-to-see-mf-marcel-schafer-in-a-rowdies-uniform/
One last chance to see MF Marcel Schafer in a Rowdies uniform
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/6/21/17486750/match-preview-penn-fc-at-tampa-bay-rowdies
Match Preview: Penn FC at Tampa Bay Rowdies
A lot has changed since these teams last met in May
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wfla.com/video/schafer-s-exit-from-rowdies-is-an-opportunity-too-good-to-pass_20180620230506/1252252295
Schafer's exit from Rowdies is an opportunity too good to pass
Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder Marcel Schafer will play his final game with the club on Friday at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/places/bobby-lewis-on-the-road/junior-reporter-feels-at-home-on-tampa-bay-rowdies-soccer-field/67-566408945
Junior reporter feels at home on Tampa Bay Rowdies' soccer field
The Tampa Bay Rowdies took on three junior reporters for the season.
Giovanni Scanio stretched his arm as high as it would go in order to get his microphone to Joe Cole’s face.
“So, the two signings that we have this week, what do you think about all the frequent movement?” he asked.
The 12-year-old Scanio is one of three junior reporters for the Tampa Bay Rowdies this season.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/county-commissioners-vote-to-bring-back-the-cross-bay-ferry
County Commissioners vote to bring back the Cross Bay Ferry
SAINT PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - Hillsborough County commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to commit funding to bring back the Cross Bay Ferry, which wrapped up a pilot program earlier this year.
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, who has been one of the biggest backers of the ferry, made a presentation to the commission, urging members to vote to help fund the ferry.
"This was clearly a transit option that the residents in Hillsborough and Pinellas County made good use of," Kriseman told commissioners.
The St. Pete mayor said, during its pilot program which wrapped up in April 2017, the ferry carried 40,000 people across the bay.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/2018/06/20/hillsborough-county-commissioners-on-board-for-return-of-ferry-service/
Hillsborough County commissioners on board for return of ferry service
TAMPA – St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman cleared another hurdle in his bid to bring back a seasonal ferry service between his city and Tampa when Hillsborough County commissioners agreed to back the project.
Kriseman is asking the City of Tampa and Pinellas and Hillsborough counties to join St. Petersburg in paying $150,000 each to subsidize the service, which would run between November and April.
He made his pitch to Hillsborough County commissioners Wednesday saying that the pilot program, which ran in 2016 and sold over 37,000 tickets, proves there is a demand for the service.
But he acknowledged that the infrequent one-boat service is not going to get many commuters out of their cars.
A survey of riders showed that for two-thirds of passengers took the trip for recreation.
For that reason, if the service returns it will not include early morning trips from St. Petersburg that were targeted at commuters.
Of those who did ride, about 75 percent dined out at their destination and 30 percent visited a museum.
That and other spending passenger amounted to an economic impact of $1.6 million, Kriseman said.
"That's money spent in our two communities that might not have otherwise been spent," he said.
But its unclear how much of that spending would have taken place anyway. Spending on events or attractions like a ferry ride is often in place of other spending such as going to the cinema, economists say.
The seasonal service would help the county as it looks to start a ferry service between south Hillsborough and MacDill Air Force Base, Kriseman said.
The county has yet to finalize its 2019 budget but Commission Chairwoman Sandy Murman said she has already instructed County Administrator Mike Merrill to earmark its share of the cost of the ferry. Commissioners voted unanimously in support of that move.
"It was a huge success and I think we get a big return on it," she said.
Kriseman's biggest obstacle may be convincing Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who earlier this month told the Tampa Bay Times that the ferry should be viable without subsidies. Tampa is also dealing with a $5 million anticipated shortfall as it prepares its 2019 budget.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/06/19/passenger-ferry-in-south-hillsborough-closer-to.html
Passenger ferry in south Hillsborough closer to reality as commissioners prepare to approve contract
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2018/6/18/17477184/walter-bahr-dead-91-1950-world-cup-usa-usmnt
Walter Bahr, last remaining member of U.S. 1950 World Cup squad, passes away
The 91-year-old USMNT legend played a pivotal role in the USMNT’s 1950 World Cup victory over England.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/06/18/18/23/20180618-news-mnt-walter-bahr-passes-away-1950-world-cup-england
National Soccer Hall of Famer Walter Bahr Passes Away
Last Surviving Member of USA’s 1950 FIFA World Cup Team Dies at Age 91
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/6/19/17476506/walter-bahr-was-also-a-philly-soccer-lighthouse-sc-temple
USMNT star Walter Bahr was also a Philly soccer and college coaching legend
The last surviving member of the 1950 USMNT, Bahr died on Monday at the age of 91
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/928233-monarchs-acquire-blake-on-loan-from-rowdies
Monarchs Acquire Blake on Loan from Rowdies
Midfielder joins Real for remainder of 2018 season
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.abcactionnews.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/whats-happening-in-tampa-bay-this-weekend-june-22-24
What's happening in Tampa Bay this weekend? June 22-24
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Penn FC
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Al Lang Stadium at 230 1st Street South, St. Petersburg
Cost: Click here for ticket information
Info: Come watch the Tampa Bay Rowdies take on Penn FC Friday night! Game begins at 7:30 p.m.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rslsoapbox.com/2018/6/19/17479370/real-monarchs-sign-jack-blake-on-loan
Real Monarchs sign Jack Blake on loan from Tampa Bay Rowdies
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder is a seasoned professional who signed his first contact in 2012 with Nottingham Forest
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8t6zte/rowdies_report_week_14_tbr_v_pen/
Rowdies Report Week 14- TBR v PEN
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8t5ngp/starters_and_subs_for_tonights_match_vs_penn_fc/
Starters and Subs for tonight's match vs. Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/929149
Ten-Man Rowdies Defeated 2-1 by Penn FC
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8t0nb9/match_preview_tbrvpen_auf_wiedersehen_sch%C3%A4fi/
Match Preview: #TBRvPEN - Auf wiedersehen, Schäfi!
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/928481
Match Preview: #TBRvPEN
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8swdo0/usl_top_five_marcel_sch%C3%A4fer_moments/
USL Top Five – Marcel Schäfer Moments
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/928944
USL Top Five – Marcel Schäfer Moments
As he hangs up his boots, a look back on a memorable stint in Tampa Bay
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8su3kv/sch%C3%A4fer_readies_for_emotional_final_match_oc/
Schäfer Readies for Emotional Final Match (OC)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8sjebi/rowdies_strengthen_midfield_with_signing_of_afrim/
Official Rowdies Strengthen Midfield with Signing of Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/928457
Rowdies Strengthen Midfield with Signing of Taku and Oduro
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8scdmk/chopra_hearing_rumblings_that_ex_themiamifc_nycfc/
Rumor [Chopra] Hearing rumblings that ex- @TheMiamiFC @NYCFC and @ATLSilverbacks forward, Poku, is currently training with @TampaBayRowdies . Poku has struggled to break into the Anzhi Makhachkala team since moving there in January. Unclear if an xfer is imminent.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/NipunChopra7/status/1009135315687301120
Nipun Chopra, PhD
@NipunChopra7
Hearing rumblings that ex- @TheMiamiFC @NYCFC and @ATLSilverbacks forward, Poku, is currently training with @TampaBayRowdies . Poku has struggled to break into the Anzhi Makhachkala team since moving there in January.
Unclear if an xfer is imminent.
2:06 PM - 19 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8sapa8/jack_blake_loaned_to_real_monarchs_new_signing/
Official Jack Blake loaned to Real Monarchs; New signing tomorrow
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1009103548683079682
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEWS: We've loaned @jackblake_18 to @RealMonarchs for the remainder of the 2018 @USL season. Good luck, Jack!
12:00 PM - 19 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn8dfA6c9K0
Highlights - Rowdies vs Penn FC - June 22, 2018
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 22, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS presented by Tampa International Airport
The Tampa Bay Rowdies undefeated streak at home came to an end on Friday night after a 2-1 loss to Penn FC.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1010914709883760640
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEXT HOME GAME presented by @Budweiser
Rowdies vs @TorontoFCII
Wednesday, July 4 - 7 p.m.
Al Lang Stadium
TIX: http://bit.ly/2tl3gvh / 727-222-2000
11:57 AM - 24 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/Flemmo_77/status/1010953566431993862
Junior”Flemmo”Flemmings
@Flemmo_77
Farewell big man 🤝,all the best in your new endeavor 💪.@TampaBayRowdies @USL @Marcel schafer
2:31 PM - 24 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/tbusoccer/status/1010683531004002304
tbusoccer
@tbusoccer
What an amazing morning for our TBU Rowdies 03 DA Boys today in San Diego! Kayak Tour over at La Jolla Cove Beach. Building memories on and off the field!
@ussoccer_acad @tbusoccer @TampaBayRowdies
8:38 PM - 23 Jun 2018 from San Diego, CA
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
St. Pete lands in the top 50 best cities for soccer fans (bizjournals.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8s7f0u/st_pete_lands_in_the_top_50_best_cities_for/
St. Pete lands in the top 50 best cities for soccer fans (bizjournals.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/06/18/st-pete-falls-in-the-top-50-best-cities-for-soccer.html
St. Pete lands in the top 50 best cities for soccer fans
As the FIFA world cup matches begin in Russia, WalletHub narrowed down the best cities for soccer fans (or fútbol fans, depending on who you ask).
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8s7ewl/mls_expansion_update_cincinnati_is_in_miami/
MLS Expansion Update: Cincinnati is in, Miami, Phoenix, Detroit, Austin/Columbus, Nashville, Sacramento, San Diego, Louisville (thebluetestament.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.thebluetestament.com/2018/6/14/17449016/mls-expansion-update-cincinnati-miami-phoenix-detroit-austin-columbus-nashville-sacramento-san-diego
MLS Expansion Update: Cincinnati is in, Miami, Phoenix, Detroit, Austin/Columbus, Nashville, Sacramento, San Diego, Louisville
We all know the Cincinnati news, but there is a lot of news on the other teams trying to get into MLS.
Completely left out were Indianapolis, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, St. Louis, or Tampa/St. Petersburg. So Vegas, who weren’t in the original 12, are getting more discussion than the five above cities. That seems bad for those sites. Then again, all it takes is a billionaire and a stadium (from the MLS perspective preferably with some public assistance and downtown) to be back in the conversation.
6. Tampa Bay Rowdies (Previous Rank: 7)
A lack of news out of Tampa continues. No updates on the legal troubles of their owner either. And they haven’t been very successful in USL sitting mid-table.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180617/without-us-team-many-local-fans-support-soccer-not-teams
Without a U.S. team, many local fans support soccer, not teams
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6559496/joe-cole-frank-lampard-steven-gerrard-tampa-bay-rowdies/
ROWDY ROAD Joe Cole following in footsteps of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard with Tampa Bay Rowdies appointment
Ex-Chelsea star is the latest member of England's Golden Generation to move into the dug-out after his old team-mates also recently began their coaching journey
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/ex-coventry-city-liverpool-chelsea-14798089
Ex-Coventry City, Liverpool and Chelsea man takes up coaching role in USA - but he's playing on
Former Three Lions midfielder made 22 appearances for Coventry City
Former Coventry City and England midfielder Joe Cole has been appointed to his first coaching role - but he hasn't given up playing just yet.
The 36-year-old has been confirmed as the assistant manager of United Soccer League club Tampa Bay Rowdies, following former Three Lions teammates Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard into making the transition from pitch to dugout.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.thesackrace.com/news/18th-june-2018/joe-cole-moves-into-management-and-has-a-surprise-advantage-over-pals-frank-lampard-and-steven-gerrard
Joe Cole moves into management and has a surprise advantage over pals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8rcrut/heres_why_tampa_wont_host_world_cup_matches_in/
Here's why Tampa won't host World Cup matches in 2026 (wtsp.com)
But an expanded Al Lang with updated facilities might make a good base for a country with matches in the southeast to train and prepare.
Pretty dumb article...there's nothing specific to Tampa as to why we aren't hosting any matches other than the fact we withdrew our bid 5 months ago...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/sports/soccer/world-cup/heres-why-tampa-wont-host-world-cup-matches-in-2026/67-564049825
Here's why Tampa won't host World Cup matches in 2026
Orlando and Miami are among the U.S. cities that could host World Cup matches in 2026.
TAMPA, Fla. – The city of Tampa is not among the U.S. cities that will host World Cup games in 2026.
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission withdrew from bidding on the World Cup in January, the first of numerous American cities to withdraw because of unknown expenses demanded by FIFA – soccer’s governing body.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8r33h7/rowdies_page_on_the_newlylaunched_football/
Rowdies page on the newly-launched Football Reference site (fbref.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://fbref.com/en/squads/28dabcec/
Tampa Bay Rowdies Stats and History
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdq0h0gML60
Rowdies' World Cup Predictions
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 14, 2018
Listen in on which countries the Rowdies' think will take home this summer's World Cup trophy
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1008782787535503360
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Don’t miss Marcel Schäfer’s final professional match this FRIDAY, June 22, when the Rowdies host @PennFCOfficial.
TICKETS: 727-222-2000 / http://bit.ly/2MaNCKK
Rowdies vs Penn FC - Schäfer's Final Pro Match
2:45 PM - 18 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.charlotteagenda.com/130389/mls-bidders-say-charlottes-chances-of-landing-a-team-arent-dead-yet/
MLS bidders say Charlotte’s chances of landing a team aren’t dead yet
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.cbs8.com/story/38420866/got-world-cup-fans-in-your-office-bend-the-rules-like-beckham
Got World Cup fans in your office? Bend the rules like Beckham
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8s7f0u/st_pete_lands_in_the_top_50_best_cities_for/
St. Pete lands in the top 50 best cities for soccer fans (bizjournals.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/06/18/st-pete-falls-in-the-top-50-best-cities-for-soccer.html
St. Pete lands in the top 50 best cities for soccer fans
As the FIFA world cup matches begin in Russia, WalletHub narrowed down the best cities for soccer fans (or fútbol fans, depending on who you ask).
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8s7ewl/mls_expansion_update_cincinnati_is_in_miami/
MLS Expansion Update: Cincinnati is in, Miami, Phoenix, Detroit, Austin/Columbus, Nashville, Sacramento, San Diego, Louisville (thebluetestament.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.thebluetestament.com/2018/6/14/17449016/mls-expansion-update-cincinnati-miami-phoenix-detroit-austin-columbus-nashville-sacramento-san-diego
MLS Expansion Update: Cincinnati is in, Miami, Phoenix, Detroit, Austin/Columbus, Nashville, Sacramento, San Diego, Louisville
We all know the Cincinnati news, but there is a lot of news on the other teams trying to get into MLS.
Completely left out were Indianapolis, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, St. Louis, or Tampa/St. Petersburg. So Vegas, who weren’t in the original 12, are getting more discussion than the five above cities. That seems bad for those sites. Then again, all it takes is a billionaire and a stadium (from the MLS perspective preferably with some public assistance and downtown) to be back in the conversation.
6. Tampa Bay Rowdies (Previous Rank: 7)
A lack of news out of Tampa continues. No updates on the legal troubles of their owner either. And they haven’t been very successful in USL sitting mid-table.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180617/without-us-team-many-local-fans-support-soccer-not-teams
Without a U.S. team, many local fans support soccer, not teams
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6559496/joe-cole-frank-lampard-steven-gerrard-tampa-bay-rowdies/
ROWDY ROAD Joe Cole following in footsteps of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard with Tampa Bay Rowdies appointment
Ex-Chelsea star is the latest member of England's Golden Generation to move into the dug-out after his old team-mates also recently began their coaching journey
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/ex-coventry-city-liverpool-chelsea-14798089
Ex-Coventry City, Liverpool and Chelsea man takes up coaching role in USA - but he's playing on
Former Three Lions midfielder made 22 appearances for Coventry City
Former Coventry City and England midfielder Joe Cole has been appointed to his first coaching role - but he hasn't given up playing just yet.
The 36-year-old has been confirmed as the assistant manager of United Soccer League club Tampa Bay Rowdies, following former Three Lions teammates Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard into making the transition from pitch to dugout.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.thesackrace.com/news/18th-june-2018/joe-cole-moves-into-management-and-has-a-surprise-advantage-over-pals-frank-lampard-and-steven-gerrard
Joe Cole moves into management and has a surprise advantage over pals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8rcrut/heres_why_tampa_wont_host_world_cup_matches_in/
Here's why Tampa won't host World Cup matches in 2026 (wtsp.com)
But an expanded Al Lang with updated facilities might make a good base for a country with matches in the southeast to train and prepare.
Pretty dumb article...there's nothing specific to Tampa as to why we aren't hosting any matches other than the fact we withdrew our bid 5 months ago...
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.wtsp.com/article/sports/soccer/world-cup/heres-why-tampa-wont-host-world-cup-matches-in-2026/67-564049825
Here's why Tampa won't host World Cup matches in 2026
Orlando and Miami are among the U.S. cities that could host World Cup matches in 2026.
TAMPA, Fla. – The city of Tampa is not among the U.S. cities that will host World Cup games in 2026.
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission withdrew from bidding on the World Cup in January, the first of numerous American cities to withdraw because of unknown expenses demanded by FIFA – soccer’s governing body.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8r33h7/rowdies_page_on_the_newlylaunched_football/
Rowdies page on the newly-launched Football Reference site (fbref.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://fbref.com/en/squads/28dabcec/
Tampa Bay Rowdies Stats and History
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdq0h0gML60
Rowdies' World Cup Predictions
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Published on Jun 14, 2018
Listen in on which countries the Rowdies' think will take home this summer's World Cup trophy
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1008782787535503360
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Don’t miss Marcel Schäfer’s final professional match this FRIDAY, June 22, when the Rowdies host @PennFCOfficial.
TICKETS: 727-222-2000 / http://bit.ly/2MaNCKK
Rowdies vs Penn FC - Schäfer's Final Pro Match
2:45 PM - 18 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.charlotteagenda.com/130389/mls-bidders-say-charlottes-chances-of-landing-a-team-arent-dead-yet/
MLS bidders say Charlotte’s chances of landing a team aren’t dead yet
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.cbs8.com/story/38420866/got-world-cup-fans-in-your-office-bend-the-rules-like-beckham
Got World Cup fans in your office? Bend the rules like Beckham
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Schäfer to Depart Rowdies, Return to Vfl Wolfsburg
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/926608
Schäfer to Depart Rowdies, Return to Vfl Wolfsburg
German midfielder appointed Sporting Director at former club, will make final appearance June 22
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.eurosport.de/fussball/bundesliga/2017-2018/ruckkehr-nach-wolfsburg-schafer-wird-sportdirektor-an-der-seite-von-schmadtke_sto6805908/story.shtml
Rückkehr zum VfL Wolfsburg: Marcel Schäfer wird Sportdirektor an der Seite von Schmadtke
Der frühere Fußball-Nationalspieler Marcel Schäfer beendet seine Profikarriere und kehrt in neuer Funktion zum Bundesligisten VfL Wolfsburg zurück. Der 34-Jährige wird ab 1. Juli Sportdirektor bei den Niedersachsen und damit ein enger Mitarbeiter des neuen Wölfe-Geschäftsführers Jörg Schmadtke. Zuletzt spielte Schäfer in den USA bei den Tampa Bay Rowdies (United Soccer League).
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/06/13/just-as-the-world-cup-prepares-to-go-on-without-us-hope-arrives/
Just as the World Cup prepares to go on without us, hope arrives
"There's no way to really explain it," said Tampa Bay Rowdies player and assistant coach Joe Cole, who played for England in three World Cups, the last in 2010. "Countries stop for it. But we want you to come to the party. Sometimes you leave early. Sometimes you never show up. I think the hard part is America, it has so many other things. And it likes to win. There's not much chance of you winning the World Cup right now. What does it mean to us? You can't put it into words."
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/926585
USL Players, Coaches Welcome World Cup Decision
Three-time participant Cole believes announcement will further sport’s growth in United States
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article213081354.html
The United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup. Here's how Miami plans to be involved
The 2026 World Cup is coming to America — and Miami is expected to be one of the venues.
The united bid of the United States, Mexico and Canada on Wednesday morning was selected to host the 2026 Cup by the FIFA Congress in Moscow, Russia, where the 2018 World Cup kicks off Thursday morning. The tri-nation bid, a first in Cup history, won by a vote of 134 to 65 over Morocco.
It is the first time the tournament will be played in North America since the United States hosted in 1994.
Two Miami residents — newly-elected U.S. Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro and former University of Miami president and congressional candidate Donna Shalala, a U.S. Soccer board member — were deeply involved in the bid process. Cordeiro, who was co-chair of the bid, spent much of his first few months in office traveling the world, lobbying.
"Obviously, Miami is very special to me, being my hometown; in fact, the beaches figure prominently in some of our slides," Cordeiro said by phone from Moscow following the announcement. Hard Rock Stadium, which was built to FIFA soccer specifications by Joe Robbie and recently renovated by Stephen Ross, has hosted sellout soccer crowds the past few summers for the International Champions Cup and is considered a leading candidate to be a World Cup stadium in 2026.
The fact that Miami is a gateway to Latin America and easy to get to from Europe will also make it a favorable site for team training camps. In the past few years, many of the world's top clubs have played here. Barcelona and Real Madrid sold out last summer for El Clasico Miami. This summer, in late-July, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City will play at Hard Rock, and the national teams of Colombia and Venezuela have a game there Sept. 7.
Twenty-three proposed cities were included in the winning bid -- 17 from the United States, three from Mexico and three from Canada. That list will be whittled down to 16 host cities by the bid committee and FIFA. In addition to Miami, the U.S. cities are Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
The Mexican cities are Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Canadian cities are Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton.
Miami Dolphins president and CEO Tom Garfinkel is hopeful Miami will be chosen to play a significant role in the 2026 World Cup. Miami was not a host city for the 1994 Cup because of schedule conflicts with the Marlins, who played at the stadium at the time.
“I think it’s exciting for the United States and North America...we’ll see what it means for Hard Rock Stadium. That’s something that still needs to be seen. I know that (Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium Owner) Stephen Ross put a lot of money into the stadium, and we designed it to be a global entertainment destination," Garfinkel said. "I think it’s among, if not the best, place to do soccer in the world now. We had El Clasico last year. We’ve got three matches coming here soon... We’re excited about that. We’ll have a couple more, hopefully, to announce by the end of the season. International soccer is going to be a big thing here. We hope to get one of the big games and be one of the final places for the World Cup when it comes here.”
Sixty of the 80 games will be played on U.S. soil, including all games from the quarterfinals through the final.
"We are blessed with 23 world class facilities, some iconic, some brand new, cutting edge and everything in between," Cordeiro said. "We will have a very difficult decision to make when we have to determine the final 16. It's a good problem. It speaks to the quality of the facilities we have. This is not a decision I'm looking forward to, but we are very, very excited about hosting. We got outstanding marks from from the FIFA task force for our facilities; that’s Miami, but also everywhere else."
Although the United States, Mexico and Canada have had some rifts on political fronts, the three nations -- and their governments -- were united in their efforts to secure the World Cup.
“Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a rare and important moment to demonstrate that we are all truly united through sport," Cordeiro said. “We are humbled by the trust our colleagues in the FIFA family have put in our bid; strengthened by the unity between our three countries and the CONCACAF region; and excited by the opportunity we have to put football on a new and sustainable path for generations to come.”
David Beckham, owner of the Miami Major League Soccer team scheduled to begin play in 2020, has been behind the United Bid from the start. He said in a video: "I played for the L.A. Galaxy for six years and I know the passion that runs through those three countries." He said the 2026 Cup should be even more exciting than the 1994 Cup because "the excitement is more there now, and the infrastructure is more there."
"Hosting a FIFA World Cup is an extraordinary honor and privilege," said Steven Reed, President of Canada Soccer and Co-Chair of the United Bid. "Canada, Mexico, and the United States are ready to welcome the world to North America and serve as stewards of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. Our vision is of a world of opportunity for our Candidate Host Cities and for the global football community."
"We are grateful for the chance to bring to life FIFA's new vision for the future of football," said Decio de Maria, President of Mexico Football Federation and Co-Chair of the United Bid. "Together-in partnership with our Candidate Host Cities, the Member Associations, and FIFA-we will use this platform to unite the world around football and help create a new and sustainable blueprint for the future of FIFA World Cups."
DeMaria congratulated Miami soccer investors such as Robbie, Ross and now Beckham and his partners Jorge and Jose Mas and Marcelo Claure for their efforts.
"Miami being part of this project is a recognition of the investors for a long time and now more openly in investing in development of football in Miami," he said. "If someone had to be very excited, and receive an applause, it’s those investors that now are going to develop further football in the area of Miami."
MLS released the following statement: “The decision to host World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States is a testament to our three nations coming together for the United Bid, and a monumental step in our collective mission to further advance the game of soccer in North America. We congratulate all of those who worked tirelessly to bring the World Cup back to North America and thank the countries that voted for the United Bid, and for their belief in our vision for the future of the sport in our region. There is no doubt that World Cup 2026 will elevate the sport of soccer to entirely new levels and Major League Soccer is honored to be a part of this joyous day.”
The United Bid is expected to generate more than $14 billion in revenue and $11 billion in profits for FIFA, which will be shared with the 211 FIFA Member Associations, helping further develop and expand the game of football across the globe.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/private-donors-step-up-for-st-pete-pier-sculpture
Private donors step up for St. Pete Pier sculpture
ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - The city of St. Petersburg is hoping to bring in a world-renowned artist to create a sculpture to make the new pier pop.
Until now, the fight has been how to pay for the massive hanging rope sculptures.
Wayne Athernolt, with St. Pete’s Cultural Affairs Office, says the artwork designed by sculptor Janet Echelman would allow St. Pete to join cities like London and Boston, which feature her work.
Athernolt says the signature art piece would be one of the most significant displays of public art in Florida.
“It says St. Petersburg is ready to play on the world market in terms of art,” Athernolt said.
There had been a controversy between Mayor Rick Kriseman and members of City Council over the $2.5-million price tag, but some private donors are stepping in and helping foot almost half of the bill. That was enough to get council member Steve Kornell onboard.
“The only way I would say no is if the donations didn’t come through,” Kornell told FOX 13 Tuesday.
A little less than half of the money needed for the design would come from private donors. The rest of the sculpture would be funded through St. Pete’s Art Council and money the city gets from the county.
Athernolt says the county money is specifically required to be spent on infrastructure projects like the Echelman piece.
“Somebody who is complaining about potholes in the Old Northeast, [the money] can’t be used for that,” Athernolt said.
Echelman is from St. Pete and her mom still lives there. Mayor Rick Kriseman tweeted pictures while visiting her studio in Boston.
The city just completed a study to engineer the sculpture with the size of the pier. The study also indicates it wouldn’t pose a threat to wildlife.
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https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2018/06/12/rangers-midfielder-chase-minter-named-usl-team-week
Rangers midfielder Chase Minter named to USL Team of the Week
F – Leon Taylor, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Taylor scored a late equalizer on his debut for the Rowdies to preserve Tampa Bay’s undefeated home record in a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC.
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/926331
USL Fans’ Choice Save of the Week – Week 13
Some of the league’s top shot-stoppers featured prominently in the past week, who gets your vote?
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qslrp/leon_taylor_named_to_usl_team_of_the_week/
Leon Taylor Named To USL Team of the Week (rowdiessoccer.com)
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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/926382
Leon Taylor Named To USL Team of the Week
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 12, 2018) — Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Leon Taylor has been named to the USL Team of the Week following his excellent debut.
Taylor came off the bench in his first-ever appearance for the Rowdies and scored the game-tying goal in the 84th minute.
The full USL Team of the Week is below.
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qx7b5/rowdies_partnering_with_spiideo_and_cinesports/
Rowdies partnering with Spiideo and CineSports for advanced video capture analysis (spiideo.com)
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.spiideo.com/tampa-bay-rowdies-spiideo-agreement-soccer-usa/
USL Pro club Tampa Bay Rowdies using Spiideo for video capturing and analysis
The Tampa Bay Rowdies, Spiideo and CineSports have recently agreed to a new and exciting partnership. Established in 1975, the Florida based team played its inaugural season as part of the NASL (North American Soccer League), the first professional league based in the United States and Canada.
As part of the growing United Soccer League (USL), Tampa Bay haven’t wasted any time utilizing Spiideo’s camera system to enhance their home pitch.
“The installation of the Spiideo camera system has provided the staff with an enhanced teaching tool for providing players with immediate tactical feedback.” says Stuart Dobson, assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
The Spiideo camera system is already transforming how the Rowdies incorporate video and analysis into their daily routine by recording training and their most recent USL match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
“The live tagging feature has given us powerful teaching moments in which we are able to immediately review key moments from pitchside, whether it be during training sessions or following games. The system allows the staff to switch between having the full team in view, for assessing key tactical moments, to zooming in on a small area to focus on an individual play.”, Stuart continues.
As coach or analyst you can pan and zoom in on the footage, pause, rewind, create clips, draw, tag, create presentations etc. Spiideo puts a lot of focus on ease of use and accessibility, since anything that you want to use in our daily process must be extremely low maintenance and remove manual work like charging batteries, dealing with memory cards and cables etc. (here are a few such examples of how coaches are using Spiideo in their work )
To to know more about the Tampa Bay Rowdies setup visit: www.cinesports.tv
To learn more about Spiideo solutions in general for football visit: https://www.spiideo.com/soccer/
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qwf99/what_position_do_you_think_is_most_important_for/
What position do you think is most important for the Rowdies to add midseason? (twitter.com)
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https://twitter.com/BayInvasion/status/1006964180602245120?s=19
Bay Invasion - Tampa Bay Sports Coverage
@BayInvasion
With three starters now gone from the pitch (Collins, Schäfer, Najem), plus other injuries, what position is most important for the #Rowdies to acquire mid-season? #COYR
2:19 PM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qslbq/marcel_sch%C3%A4fer_departs_rowdies_for_vfl_wolfsburg/
Official Marcel Schäfer Departs Rowdies for VfL Wolfsburg Return (rowdiessoccer.com)
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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/926592
Marcel Schäfer Departs Rowdies for VFL Wolfsburg Return
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qtcjr/vfl_wolfsburg_%C7%80_early_return_for_sch%C3%A4fer/
VfL Wolfsburg ǀ Early Return for Schäfer (vfl-wolfsburg.de)
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https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/news/detailspage/artikel/early-return-50429.html
Early return
VfL’s all-time record appearance maker Marcel Schäfer ends his active playing career and returns as the Wolves new Sporting director.
Early than expected, Marcel Schäfer is to end his stint with American second-flight club Tampa Bay Rowdies and return to VfL Wolfsburg, where the Green-Whites all-time record appearance maker (256 league games/13 goals) will take over the function as Sporting director as from July 1st. It had originally been planned that the 34-year-old would end the season in the United States and return to take over a functionary position at VfL Wolfsburg in 2019. Following intensive discussions between the Supervisory Board and management, a decision was quickly reached, which effectively marks the end of the active playing career of the eight-time German international.
"The return of a figure of identification"
"In our talks with Marcel, it quickly became clear that we were on the same wave-length and following the same target. He knows VfL inside-out, is highly motivated and has a lot of good ideas, as to how we can guide the club back on to a successful track. We are really looking forward to collaborating with him," commented VfL general-manager Jörg Schmadtke. His management colleague Dr. Tim Schumacher added: "In Marcel Schäfer, we can look forward to the return of a real figure of identification to VfL Wolfsburg. Everyone who knows Marcel, knows how much the Wolves mean to him and just how much will and energy he will bring to the task. As a player, he always had his eye on the big picture, gave his all for VfL and he now brings some new impressions with him from the USA, which we can benefit from."
"Raring to go"
Marcel Schäfer is very eager to get stuck in again with the Wolves: "I am delighted about returning to help the club that’s holds such a special place in my heart. What VfL has to offer immediately convinced me and I am very happy about the opportunity to play my part. Of course I am also leaving Tampa Bay with a tear in my eye. I am very thankful to the Rowdies, in particular club owner Bill Edwards, for making my dream of playing in America and gathering some new experiences come true. They laid no stones in the path of my return either! My family and I always felt completely comfortable in Florida and we made a lot of friends. I will never forget my time at Tampa Bay, but I am now raring to go in my new function at VfL. I want to get stuck right in and have lots to learn in my new area."
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ql5fh/scottish_daily_mail_sport_collins_has_found_his/
Scottish Daily Mail Sport: Collins Has Found His Light at End of Tunnel (i.redd.it)
https://i.redd.it/lg51tf2y0m311.jpg
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qds3p/reports_sch%C3%A4fer_may_depart_rowdies_early_to_join/
Reports: Schäfer may depart Rowdies early to join Wolfsburg Front Office (OC) (theunsubs.com)
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/11/reports-marcel-schafer-may-depart-rowdies-early-to-join-wolfsburg-front-office/3924
Reports: Marcel Schäfer may depart Rowdies early to join Wolfsburg Front Office
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006538711893454849
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
You may have won $5,000 in the #RowdiesRiches Sweepstakes! Grab your match program this past Saturday & head to http://RowdiesRiches.com .
10:08 AM - 12 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/JHollowayWriter/status/1006435852464087040
Jonathan Holloway
@JHollowayWriter
Check out my article in todays Scottish Daily Mail @ScotMailSport, @neillycollins3's impressive rise to management is a credit to himself, his career and @TampaBayRowdies. Great guy and pleasure to talk to, Neill is flying the flag for Scottish coaches abroad.
3:19 AM - 12 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006591199950594048
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
1️⃣ appearance,
1️⃣ goal,
1️⃣ @USL Team of the Week nod!
Congrats to El Smoove, @LeonTTaylor!
1:36 PM - 12 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1006854186703769601
USL
Verified account @USL
BREAKING: #United2026 has won the right to host the #WorldCup after earning 67% of the FIFA Congress vote!
7:01 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/spiideo/status/1006853768405757952
Spiideo
@spiideo
Read more about how USL pro club Tampa Bay Rowdies, one of the latest additions to the Spiideo family, use the system in their daily work #sportstech #soccer #USL
7:00 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/united2026/status/1006851829769129984
United 2026
Verified account @united2026
The world will unite in North America! #United2026 has officially won the right to host the @FIFAWorldCup!
🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸 | http://united2026.com
6:52 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/united2026/status/1006854226713161728
United 2026
Verified account @united2026
The moment our united dream became a reality! 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸
7:02 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/ussoccer/status/1006856402059612161
U.S. Soccer
Verified account @ussoccer
The world's biggest sporting event is returning to our shores! #United2026 will host the @FIFAWorldCup!
🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸 | http://united2026.com
7:10 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006859985245138944
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Rowdies midfielder Joe Cole🗣
“Having the 2026 FIFA World Cup awarded to the region shows how much the sport has grown here in the US in recent years. Traveling around the country during the season, it’s easy to note the passion fans have for soccer here in America.”
#United2026
7:25 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1006858832241137777
USL
Verified account @USL
Are you ready?
#United2026 | #WorldCup
7:20 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/NJEMurray/status/1006861038124445696
Nicholas Murray
@NJEMurray
"Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing the biggest tournament on the globe to North America once again.” - @TampaBayRowdies & former @England international Joe Cole.
The #USL's #WorldCup alumni welcome success of @united2026 bid.
7:29 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1006865546250539009
USL
Verified account @USL
Need the complete #United2026 rundown? We have the highlights from @FIFAcom!
More → http://uslsc.cr/2l8pIn2
7:47 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006883928668561411
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEWS: The Rowdies are releasing Marcel Schäfer from his contract to allow him to return to @VfL_Wolfsburg to take the position of Sporting Director. Schäfer will make his final appearance for the Rowdies on June 22.
Read more: http://bit.ly/2HLw5We
9:00 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006885619640029184
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Comments from Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards, Head Coach @neillycollins3 and Marcel Schäfer on Schäfer’s return to Wolfsburg.
9:06 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006886266896609282
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
While he's leaving soon, we still have one chance to watch Marcel Schäfer play in the green and gold! He'll make his final appearance for the Rowdies on June 22 against @PennFCOfficial at Al Lang Stadium.
9:09 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TheHoopedSleeve/status/1006896697589395459
The Hooped Sleeve
⚽️
👌
@TheHoopedSleeve
The Hooped Sleeve
⚽️
👌 Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
As sad as it is to let him go, we know that this is a huge opportunity for ANY player with the storied career and legendary status that Marcel has had at @VfLWolfsburg_US. 🐺
He certainly graced us with that quality here. 🙂
#ThankYouMarcel #DankeMarcel 💪👏🇩🇪🇺🇸
The Hooped Sleeve
⚽️
👌 added,
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEWS: The Rowdies are releasing Marcel Schäfer from his contract to allow him to return to @VfL_Wolfsburg to take the position of Sporting Director. Schäfer will make his final appearance for the Rowdies on June 22.…
9:50 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/RalphsMob/status/1006944540597473280
Ralph's Mob
@RalphsMob
Danke Schäfi! Thanks Marcel, for giving us your all. All the best back at @VfLWolfsburg_US 💚💛
1:01 PM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006982897293672448
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
You’ll be seeing some new faces on the sidelines this summer, our first EVER Rowdies Jr. Reporters. Stay tuned to our social media for some Jr. Reporter content!
Meet this year's Rowdies Jr. Reporters
Powered by SnappyTV
3:33 PM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006997389738160128
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Marcel Schäfer addressing his teammates before we hit the field for this afternoon’s training session.
4:31 PM - 13 Jun 2018
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http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/city-beat/article213123774.html
Texts reveal new details about Sacramento's MLS bid and the financiers being courted
Southern California billionaire Ron Burkle toured Sacramento's soccer stadium site and has had detailed discussions with Republic FC and Mayor Darrell Steinberg about becoming the lead investor in a Major League Soccer expansion franchise, according to text messages obtained by The Sacramento Bee.
City and team officials also have met with a group led by former Sacramento Kings player Omri Casspi and two East Coast real estate magnates, one of whom owns a stake in the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, text messages show.
Public records show that a third ownership scenario for an MLS team in Sacramento may also be in play. A city records request filed by an Austin, Texas, law firm in April sought correspondence between city officials and Anthony Precourt, owner of the Columbus Crew MLS team. Precourt plans to move the Crew to Austin before next season, but the records request — combined with an ESPN analyst’s prediction last week that the Crew will move to Sacramento — has fueled speculation that Sacramento may be Precourt’s second option if he’s unable to secure a stadium deal in Austin.
Neither Precourt nor the law firm that filed the records request responded to requests for comment.
The text messages obtained by The Bee through a Public Records Act request detail the intense campaign by Republic FC and City Hall to recruit a deep-pocketed investor who can lead Sacramento's bid for one of two remaining expansion spots in Major League Soccer. Potential investors were given tours of a planned soccer stadium site in the downtown railyard and the mayor was in frequent communication with MLS Commissioner Don Garber over the past six months.
The messages from the mayor, his aides and top Republic FC officials also show that in addition to the Burkle and Casspi groups, several other potential investors have expressed interest in leading or becoming involved in Sacramento’s bid, including a financier from Miami and an individual from Chicago who was not identified in the messages.
Sacramento was passed over for a spot in the latest round of MLS expansion because the league wants Republic FC to find a wealthy investor who can help cover the $400 million upfront cost of a franchise and keep the team financially viable in the long term. Teams were instead awarded to Nashville and Cincinnati, although MLS plans to add two more teams in the future.
Republic FC Chairman Kevin Nagle has said he is willing to bring in a new investor to help lead the bid. Text messages showed that Nagle has agreed to contribute $125 million toward the MLS franchise fee.
“As we’ve shared before, we’ve been in active discussions for some time with several potential investors to finalize our ownership group and deliver the MLS club our fans and community deserve,” Nagle said in a written statement. “We remain in close contact with both MLS and Mayor Steinberg as we make steady progress towards our goal. We look forward to sharing more details with our fans, but must continue to respect the private nature of our ongoing conversations at this time.”
Major League Soccer spokesman Dan Courtemanche said Wednesday that the league’s board of governors will discuss the next round of expansion during its meeting at the All-Star Game on Aug. 1 in Atlanta. Multiple cities are expected to compete with Sacramento for the final two spots, including Detroit, Phoenix and San Diego.
Steinberg has made recruiting a lead investor a priority, telling Garber in a December text message he would “personally vet any potential investors with you and your team before we went too deep in any one direction.”
During that same text message, Steinberg asked that MLS give Sacramento “due consideration” toward an expansion franchise when it secures a lead investor and requested that the league not force the city to compete against other cities vying for the final two spots.
“Please don’t put Sacramento back in the larger pile,” he wrote to Garber. “We have earned a different consideration. I will deliver for MLS and Sacramento if you give me and us the chance.”
Garber did not respond to the message with a text of his own, although texts show the two have spoken on the phone on numerous occasions.
In an interview Wednesday, Steinberg said he has “been encouraged by all of the conversations we’ve had over the months because what I’ve seen is a significant interest in partnering with our local ownership group and making Sacramento a Major League Soccer city.”
“This takes time, but these months have not been wasted in any way,” the mayor said.
Burkle appears to be Sacramento’s preferred investor.
The Southern California billionaire was recruited to lead Sacramento’s bid to purchase the Kings in both 2011 and 2013, but had to back out over concerns that his ownership stake in a sports management company would create a conflict of interest. Burkle owns a share of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins and his net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion.
On March 14, Burkle was joined by three partners during a visit to Sacramento, according to a text message from Republic FC Chief Operating Officer Ben Gumpert to mayoral aide Scott Whyte. The Burkle group toured the site of a planned soccer stadium in the downtown railyard with developer Larry Kelley, whose company owns the site; had lunch with Kelley and Sacramento developer Mark Friedman; and visited the Republic FC offices.
“Ron certainly is up the curve on sports investing given his experience (unlike most of the other ones you have met or spoken with),” Gumpert wrote to Whyte. “Also has spent enough time in Sacramento to appreciate the market.”
Steinberg personally texted Burkle as recently as April 30, asking if there was “anything new on the MLS front?” Burkle did not respond to the text.
Frank Quintero, a principal at Burkle’s Yucaipa Company investment firm, confirmed in an interview that he and Burkle were “definitely up in Sacramento,” but declined to elaborate on Burkle’s interest in Republic FC. Burkle sat in the front row of a Kings game at Golden 1 Center the night of his visit.
The group involving Casspi also received significant attention, according to the text messages. Casspi, who was drafted by the Kings in 2009 and most recently played for the Golden State Warriors last season, first expressed interest in buying a stake in Republic FC in 2014.
His partners in the MLS bid were identified in messages as Meyer Orbach and Ezra Stark.
Orbach is a New Jersey-based real estate investor whose company owns hundreds of high-end apartments on the East Coast, including several prominent properties in Manhattan. He purchased a 9.5 percent stake in the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Stark, based in Cleveland, is the chief operating officer of Stark Enterprises, a real estate firm that has been quickly expanding, especially in the New York area.
Gumpert told city officials in a text that Stark and Orbach are “connected to Omri through Israel/Jewish organizations.” Casspi is a native of Israel. Gumpert said both Stark and Orbach had met with MLS league officials and that “both are very focused on the real estate side” of an investment in Republic FC.
Casspi, Stark and Orbach did not return messages Wednesday.
As for Precourt, there were no text messages released this week detailing conversations between his company and Sacramento officials. Precourt is in negotiations with the city of Austin to take control of a site for a planned MLS soccer stadium, setting a deadline for the end of June.
Last week, ESPN soccer analyst Taylor Twellman said on air that he does not think the Crew will move to Austin, but instead will “end up in Sacramento.” He did not elaborate.
(Follow link for full article.)
http://wwd.com/eye/lifestyle/simon-doonan-soccer-style-1202708235/
Simon Doonan’s Deep Dive Into ‘Soccer Style’
For his ninth book, Doonan is kicking it back to the Sixties, when the birth of soccer style began. Here, he opens up about "Soccer Style: The Magic and Madness," out now.
n a Venn diagram of soccer and fashion, the overlap might include some combination of David Beckham in a sarong, Neymar in head-to-toe black and Cristiano Ronaldo napping under an Hermès blanket on a private plane. If there’s one person who knows the ins and outs of this overlap, it’s Simon Doonan, creative director at large for Barneys New York whose latest work, “Soccer Style: The Magic and Madness,” is out now.
In the book — the author’s ninth, though he’s “stopped counting” — Doonan dives deep into the off-the-field fashion of soccer’s biggest players. His research included four years of reading autobiographies and magazine interviews, as well a lifetime of watching the sport. The result is a highly detailed, yet equally amusing read in which the biggest soccer players in the world are classified into one of the following fashion tribes: Good Taste Ambassadors, Label Kings, Psychedelic Ninjas, Hired Assassins and Bohemians and Fauxhemians.
“As I looked at the landscape of contemporary football, I felt a burning need to classify it and understand it because there were clearly very different groups here,” says Doonan on a recent afternoon at his Manhattan apartment. “What most people do is say, ‘I don’t like this but I do like that.’ I don’t do that ‘cause I’m looking at the culture of football.”
The Good Taste Ambassadors, he says, are more reserved — think Álvaro Morata, Xabi Alonso and modern-day Beckham — whereas the Label Kings — Ronaldo, for example — are more flashy. “They’re great patrons of à la mode,” Doonan says of the Label Kings. “God bless them, because they pay full retail. Hello.”
The Psychedelic Ninjas, Doonan’s favorite group, love to mix and match designer and vintage finds — and most likely own a Givenchy rottweiler printed T-shirt — while the Hired Assassins wear “lots of black, a black ripped Balmain jean, maybe an Off-White hoodie.” The Bohemians and Fauxhemians go against soccer’s traditionally antihippie attitude, with Andy Carroll, who posed for Alexander Wang’s 2014 H&M collaboration, as a leading example.
“Soccer players are very noteworthy in their absolute commitment to style and to fashion,” says Doonan. “It comes from several things. First of all, their build. They’re totally sample-size, they’re like a designer dream. Secondly, they’ve got the cash. I have quotes from Georgie Best in the Sixties. People who played with him would note that even after training, he would get washed and look like he was going dancing. Shouldn’t we all look like we’re going dancing all the time?”
Doonan identifies the start of true soccer style as the moment the Professional Footballers’ Association lifted its 20-pound wage cap in 1961.
“Suddenly you have players like George Best buying clothes, opening a boutique, having an E-Type Jaguar, that was all unheard of,” Doonan says. “Before they barely had bicycles to go to the training and the game. This incredible moment of timing came together where the Swinging Sixties collided with sports, collided with a new era of personality obsession. The same kind of confluence happened in the Nineties, where with new TV deals, football was suddenly this mega financial thing and new obsession with celebrity and new obsession with fashion.”
He also dedicated a section of the book to the personal tastes of the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes, and in another, he explores the players’ tattoo choices and various hairdos throughout the years. The most stylish player, he says, is “absolutely David Beckham.”
“He’s the patron saint of soccer style, no question,” Doonan says. “If you’re a working-class English kid and you’re hardworking and you’re creative and you’re positive in the way you approach life and you look great, it’s a fantastically inspiring story. I have nothing but admiration for [David and Victoria Beckham]. Both of them made that same transition. [David] from being a footballer, which was historically not considered to be so cool and he made it cool. She was a pop star, she made it into the fashion world very successfully. Victoria Beckham is cool. People want to be her, they want to see what she’s wearing.”
(Follow link for full article.)
https://www.dentonrc.com/sports/ap_sports_headlines/atlanta-s-hot-soccer-scene-featured-in-winning-world-cup/article_19a5a1ea-018b-51c8-ad9a-0aa9fb2b2867.html
Atlanta's hot soccer scene featured in winning World Cup bid
ATLANTA — Atlanta’s burgeoning soccer scene was featured in North America’s successful bid for 2026 World Cup.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was shown off in the videos the North American bid officials played for FIFA voters Wednesday in Russia. The images were all shiny, new and impressive — from the stadium’s retractable roof and huge oval video board to the all-important shots of sellout crowds for MLS Atlanta United.
The video evidence helped sway FIFA to overwhelmingly approve the bid from the United States, Mexico and Canada. The bid suggested Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth as host sites for 2026 semifinals, and Atlanta United season ticket-holder Ken Harper can’t wait.
“Based on the worldwide interest in the World Cup, I think it has the potential to have the same impact the Olympics did in ’96 on our city,” Harper said Wednesday. “I think it’s fantastic.”
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https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/canada-will-ride-enormous-wave-soccer-support-2026-world-cup/
Canada will ride enormous wave of soccer support into 2026 World Cup
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https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2018/06/13/world-cup-foxborough-think-have-great-chance-bid-president-says/UR2Da4QLoESnRYhHMTCZ7O/story.html
World Cup in Foxborough? ‘I think we have a great chance,’ bid president says
FOXBOROUGH — The World Cup is coming to North America in 2026. Will Gillette Stadium be one of the host locations?
Brian Bilello, president of Boston Soccer 2026, believes his recently launched nonprofit can lure World Cup action to the Greater Boston area.
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https://www.thedailytimes.com/sports/local-soccer-coaches-thrilled-by-news-of-u-s-hosting/article_22df1b1d-ebda-5a97-8bce-6f35ad7cef43.html
Local soccer coaches thrilled by news of U.S. hosting 2026 World Cup
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http://bluehqmedia.com/tom-ricketts-bringing-more-soccer-to-chicago/
Tom Ricketts Bringing More Soccer to Chicago?
Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts appears to be taking a business venture with another Chicago sports team. Ricketts has recently become the majority owner of Chicago’s new United Soccer League team. The team, which is still unnamed, is expected to begin playing for the USL in 2021. There is currently a club name contest going on for the future team. Simply fill out the information on this page to have your vote cast for the new team’s name.
Ricketts and real estate developer Sterling Bay have joined together to bring another soccer team to Chicago. While the new team is not affiliated with the Chicago Fire, that could happen in the near future. Ricketts and Sterling Bay seem to be the perfect duo to start a sports team. Sterling Bay will keep a minority ownership stake and will be responsible for developing the stadium, while Ricketts controls the more day-to-day operations. The team is expected to be one of the main attractions to the new Lincoln Yards development. The location of the stadium could be a vital part of the expansion of the USL. The Chicago Fire are criticized often for being located in the suburbs. The stadium in Lincoln Yards could have advantages when trying to lure fans from the Fire.
The USL is rapidly growing and game attendance continues to climb. Teams like FC Cincinnati consistently have over 20,000 people in attendance, higher than many of the teams in the MLS. Major League Soccer is still superior, but the USL is on the rise. If the United Soccer League can form a formidable farm system for the MLS, it could do wonders for soccer in the United States. Soccer is growing and it’s not too crazy to expect the United States national team making large steps forward in the future. The team may not hit the field for a few more years, but there is quite a bit of excitement for the new team.
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http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2018/06/14/mls-investors-text-messages/
Texts Shed Light On Sacramento’s Hunt For MLS Investors
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento is still fighting hard to bring an MLS franchise to the capital city, despite losing an official bid to Cincinnati last month.
Now newly revealed text messages and emails are showing some of the behind the scenes deal-making to get a Major League Soccer team awarded here.
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http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/united-states/660/blog/post/3524720/what-winning-the-2026-world-cup-election-means-for-future-of-united-states-soccer
Will winning the 2026 World Cup election unite a fractured U.S. Soccer Federation?
https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/926608
Schäfer to Depart Rowdies, Return to Vfl Wolfsburg
German midfielder appointed Sporting Director at former club, will make final appearance June 22
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https://www.eurosport.de/fussball/bundesliga/2017-2018/ruckkehr-nach-wolfsburg-schafer-wird-sportdirektor-an-der-seite-von-schmadtke_sto6805908/story.shtml
Rückkehr zum VfL Wolfsburg: Marcel Schäfer wird Sportdirektor an der Seite von Schmadtke
Der frühere Fußball-Nationalspieler Marcel Schäfer beendet seine Profikarriere und kehrt in neuer Funktion zum Bundesligisten VfL Wolfsburg zurück. Der 34-Jährige wird ab 1. Juli Sportdirektor bei den Niedersachsen und damit ein enger Mitarbeiter des neuen Wölfe-Geschäftsführers Jörg Schmadtke. Zuletzt spielte Schäfer in den USA bei den Tampa Bay Rowdies (United Soccer League).
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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/06/13/just-as-the-world-cup-prepares-to-go-on-without-us-hope-arrives/
Just as the World Cup prepares to go on without us, hope arrives
"There's no way to really explain it," said Tampa Bay Rowdies player and assistant coach Joe Cole, who played for England in three World Cups, the last in 2010. "Countries stop for it. But we want you to come to the party. Sometimes you leave early. Sometimes you never show up. I think the hard part is America, it has so many other things. And it likes to win. There's not much chance of you winning the World Cup right now. What does it mean to us? You can't put it into words."
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/926585
USL Players, Coaches Welcome World Cup Decision
Three-time participant Cole believes announcement will further sport’s growth in United States
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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article213081354.html
The United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup. Here's how Miami plans to be involved
The 2026 World Cup is coming to America — and Miami is expected to be one of the venues.
The united bid of the United States, Mexico and Canada on Wednesday morning was selected to host the 2026 Cup by the FIFA Congress in Moscow, Russia, where the 2018 World Cup kicks off Thursday morning. The tri-nation bid, a first in Cup history, won by a vote of 134 to 65 over Morocco.
It is the first time the tournament will be played in North America since the United States hosted in 1994.
Two Miami residents — newly-elected U.S. Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro and former University of Miami president and congressional candidate Donna Shalala, a U.S. Soccer board member — were deeply involved in the bid process. Cordeiro, who was co-chair of the bid, spent much of his first few months in office traveling the world, lobbying.
"Obviously, Miami is very special to me, being my hometown; in fact, the beaches figure prominently in some of our slides," Cordeiro said by phone from Moscow following the announcement. Hard Rock Stadium, which was built to FIFA soccer specifications by Joe Robbie and recently renovated by Stephen Ross, has hosted sellout soccer crowds the past few summers for the International Champions Cup and is considered a leading candidate to be a World Cup stadium in 2026.
The fact that Miami is a gateway to Latin America and easy to get to from Europe will also make it a favorable site for team training camps. In the past few years, many of the world's top clubs have played here. Barcelona and Real Madrid sold out last summer for El Clasico Miami. This summer, in late-July, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City will play at Hard Rock, and the national teams of Colombia and Venezuela have a game there Sept. 7.
Twenty-three proposed cities were included in the winning bid -- 17 from the United States, three from Mexico and three from Canada. That list will be whittled down to 16 host cities by the bid committee and FIFA. In addition to Miami, the U.S. cities are Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
The Mexican cities are Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Canadian cities are Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton.
Miami Dolphins president and CEO Tom Garfinkel is hopeful Miami will be chosen to play a significant role in the 2026 World Cup. Miami was not a host city for the 1994 Cup because of schedule conflicts with the Marlins, who played at the stadium at the time.
“I think it’s exciting for the United States and North America...we’ll see what it means for Hard Rock Stadium. That’s something that still needs to be seen. I know that (Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium Owner) Stephen Ross put a lot of money into the stadium, and we designed it to be a global entertainment destination," Garfinkel said. "I think it’s among, if not the best, place to do soccer in the world now. We had El Clasico last year. We’ve got three matches coming here soon... We’re excited about that. We’ll have a couple more, hopefully, to announce by the end of the season. International soccer is going to be a big thing here. We hope to get one of the big games and be one of the final places for the World Cup when it comes here.”
Sixty of the 80 games will be played on U.S. soil, including all games from the quarterfinals through the final.
"We are blessed with 23 world class facilities, some iconic, some brand new, cutting edge and everything in between," Cordeiro said. "We will have a very difficult decision to make when we have to determine the final 16. It's a good problem. It speaks to the quality of the facilities we have. This is not a decision I'm looking forward to, but we are very, very excited about hosting. We got outstanding marks from from the FIFA task force for our facilities; that’s Miami, but also everywhere else."
Although the United States, Mexico and Canada have had some rifts on political fronts, the three nations -- and their governments -- were united in their efforts to secure the World Cup.
“Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a rare and important moment to demonstrate that we are all truly united through sport," Cordeiro said. “We are humbled by the trust our colleagues in the FIFA family have put in our bid; strengthened by the unity between our three countries and the CONCACAF region; and excited by the opportunity we have to put football on a new and sustainable path for generations to come.”
David Beckham, owner of the Miami Major League Soccer team scheduled to begin play in 2020, has been behind the United Bid from the start. He said in a video: "I played for the L.A. Galaxy for six years and I know the passion that runs through those three countries." He said the 2026 Cup should be even more exciting than the 1994 Cup because "the excitement is more there now, and the infrastructure is more there."
"Hosting a FIFA World Cup is an extraordinary honor and privilege," said Steven Reed, President of Canada Soccer and Co-Chair of the United Bid. "Canada, Mexico, and the United States are ready to welcome the world to North America and serve as stewards of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. Our vision is of a world of opportunity for our Candidate Host Cities and for the global football community."
"We are grateful for the chance to bring to life FIFA's new vision for the future of football," said Decio de Maria, President of Mexico Football Federation and Co-Chair of the United Bid. "Together-in partnership with our Candidate Host Cities, the Member Associations, and FIFA-we will use this platform to unite the world around football and help create a new and sustainable blueprint for the future of FIFA World Cups."
DeMaria congratulated Miami soccer investors such as Robbie, Ross and now Beckham and his partners Jorge and Jose Mas and Marcelo Claure for their efforts.
"Miami being part of this project is a recognition of the investors for a long time and now more openly in investing in development of football in Miami," he said. "If someone had to be very excited, and receive an applause, it’s those investors that now are going to develop further football in the area of Miami."
MLS released the following statement: “The decision to host World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States is a testament to our three nations coming together for the United Bid, and a monumental step in our collective mission to further advance the game of soccer in North America. We congratulate all of those who worked tirelessly to bring the World Cup back to North America and thank the countries that voted for the United Bid, and for their belief in our vision for the future of the sport in our region. There is no doubt that World Cup 2026 will elevate the sport of soccer to entirely new levels and Major League Soccer is honored to be a part of this joyous day.”
The United Bid is expected to generate more than $14 billion in revenue and $11 billion in profits for FIFA, which will be shared with the 211 FIFA Member Associations, helping further develop and expand the game of football across the globe.
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http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/private-donors-step-up-for-st-pete-pier-sculpture
Private donors step up for St. Pete Pier sculpture
ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - The city of St. Petersburg is hoping to bring in a world-renowned artist to create a sculpture to make the new pier pop.
Until now, the fight has been how to pay for the massive hanging rope sculptures.
Wayne Athernolt, with St. Pete’s Cultural Affairs Office, says the artwork designed by sculptor Janet Echelman would allow St. Pete to join cities like London and Boston, which feature her work.
Athernolt says the signature art piece would be one of the most significant displays of public art in Florida.
“It says St. Petersburg is ready to play on the world market in terms of art,” Athernolt said.
There had been a controversy between Mayor Rick Kriseman and members of City Council over the $2.5-million price tag, but some private donors are stepping in and helping foot almost half of the bill. That was enough to get council member Steve Kornell onboard.
“The only way I would say no is if the donations didn’t come through,” Kornell told FOX 13 Tuesday.
A little less than half of the money needed for the design would come from private donors. The rest of the sculpture would be funded through St. Pete’s Art Council and money the city gets from the county.
Athernolt says the county money is specifically required to be spent on infrastructure projects like the Echelman piece.
“Somebody who is complaining about potholes in the Old Northeast, [the money] can’t be used for that,” Athernolt said.
Echelman is from St. Pete and her mom still lives there. Mayor Rick Kriseman tweeted pictures while visiting her studio in Boston.
The city just completed a study to engineer the sculpture with the size of the pier. The study also indicates it wouldn’t pose a threat to wildlife.
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https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2018/06/12/rangers-midfielder-chase-minter-named-usl-team-week
Rangers midfielder Chase Minter named to USL Team of the Week
F – Leon Taylor, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Taylor scored a late equalizer on his debut for the Rowdies to preserve Tampa Bay’s undefeated home record in a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC.
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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/926331
USL Fans’ Choice Save of the Week – Week 13
Some of the league’s top shot-stoppers featured prominently in the past week, who gets your vote?
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qslrp/leon_taylor_named_to_usl_team_of_the_week/
Leon Taylor Named To USL Team of the Week (rowdiessoccer.com)
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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/926382
Leon Taylor Named To USL Team of the Week
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 12, 2018) — Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Leon Taylor has been named to the USL Team of the Week following his excellent debut.
Taylor came off the bench in his first-ever appearance for the Rowdies and scored the game-tying goal in the 84th minute.
The full USL Team of the Week is below.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qx7b5/rowdies_partnering_with_spiideo_and_cinesports/
Rowdies partnering with Spiideo and CineSports for advanced video capture analysis (spiideo.com)
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https://www.spiideo.com/tampa-bay-rowdies-spiideo-agreement-soccer-usa/
USL Pro club Tampa Bay Rowdies using Spiideo for video capturing and analysis
The Tampa Bay Rowdies, Spiideo and CineSports have recently agreed to a new and exciting partnership. Established in 1975, the Florida based team played its inaugural season as part of the NASL (North American Soccer League), the first professional league based in the United States and Canada.
As part of the growing United Soccer League (USL), Tampa Bay haven’t wasted any time utilizing Spiideo’s camera system to enhance their home pitch.
“The installation of the Spiideo camera system has provided the staff with an enhanced teaching tool for providing players with immediate tactical feedback.” says Stuart Dobson, assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
The Spiideo camera system is already transforming how the Rowdies incorporate video and analysis into their daily routine by recording training and their most recent USL match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
“The live tagging feature has given us powerful teaching moments in which we are able to immediately review key moments from pitchside, whether it be during training sessions or following games. The system allows the staff to switch between having the full team in view, for assessing key tactical moments, to zooming in on a small area to focus on an individual play.”, Stuart continues.
As coach or analyst you can pan and zoom in on the footage, pause, rewind, create clips, draw, tag, create presentations etc. Spiideo puts a lot of focus on ease of use and accessibility, since anything that you want to use in our daily process must be extremely low maintenance and remove manual work like charging batteries, dealing with memory cards and cables etc. (here are a few such examples of how coaches are using Spiideo in their work )
To to know more about the Tampa Bay Rowdies setup visit: www.cinesports.tv
To learn more about Spiideo solutions in general for football visit: https://www.spiideo.com/soccer/
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qwf99/what_position_do_you_think_is_most_important_for/
What position do you think is most important for the Rowdies to add midseason? (twitter.com)
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https://twitter.com/BayInvasion/status/1006964180602245120?s=19
Bay Invasion - Tampa Bay Sports Coverage
@BayInvasion
With three starters now gone from the pitch (Collins, Schäfer, Najem), plus other injuries, what position is most important for the #Rowdies to acquire mid-season? #COYR
2:19 PM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qslbq/marcel_sch%C3%A4fer_departs_rowdies_for_vfl_wolfsburg/
Official Marcel Schäfer Departs Rowdies for VfL Wolfsburg Return (rowdiessoccer.com)
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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/926592
Marcel Schäfer Departs Rowdies for VFL Wolfsburg Return
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qtcjr/vfl_wolfsburg_%C7%80_early_return_for_sch%C3%A4fer/
VfL Wolfsburg ǀ Early Return for Schäfer (vfl-wolfsburg.de)
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https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/news/detailspage/artikel/early-return-50429.html
Early return
VfL’s all-time record appearance maker Marcel Schäfer ends his active playing career and returns as the Wolves new Sporting director.
Early than expected, Marcel Schäfer is to end his stint with American second-flight club Tampa Bay Rowdies and return to VfL Wolfsburg, where the Green-Whites all-time record appearance maker (256 league games/13 goals) will take over the function as Sporting director as from July 1st. It had originally been planned that the 34-year-old would end the season in the United States and return to take over a functionary position at VfL Wolfsburg in 2019. Following intensive discussions between the Supervisory Board and management, a decision was quickly reached, which effectively marks the end of the active playing career of the eight-time German international.
"The return of a figure of identification"
"In our talks with Marcel, it quickly became clear that we were on the same wave-length and following the same target. He knows VfL inside-out, is highly motivated and has a lot of good ideas, as to how we can guide the club back on to a successful track. We are really looking forward to collaborating with him," commented VfL general-manager Jörg Schmadtke. His management colleague Dr. Tim Schumacher added: "In Marcel Schäfer, we can look forward to the return of a real figure of identification to VfL Wolfsburg. Everyone who knows Marcel, knows how much the Wolves mean to him and just how much will and energy he will bring to the task. As a player, he always had his eye on the big picture, gave his all for VfL and he now brings some new impressions with him from the USA, which we can benefit from."
"Raring to go"
Marcel Schäfer is very eager to get stuck in again with the Wolves: "I am delighted about returning to help the club that’s holds such a special place in my heart. What VfL has to offer immediately convinced me and I am very happy about the opportunity to play my part. Of course I am also leaving Tampa Bay with a tear in my eye. I am very thankful to the Rowdies, in particular club owner Bill Edwards, for making my dream of playing in America and gathering some new experiences come true. They laid no stones in the path of my return either! My family and I always felt completely comfortable in Florida and we made a lot of friends. I will never forget my time at Tampa Bay, but I am now raring to go in my new function at VfL. I want to get stuck right in and have lots to learn in my new area."
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ql5fh/scottish_daily_mail_sport_collins_has_found_his/
Scottish Daily Mail Sport: Collins Has Found His Light at End of Tunnel (i.redd.it)
https://i.redd.it/lg51tf2y0m311.jpg
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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qds3p/reports_sch%C3%A4fer_may_depart_rowdies_early_to_join/
Reports: Schäfer may depart Rowdies early to join Wolfsburg Front Office (OC) (theunsubs.com)
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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/11/reports-marcel-schafer-may-depart-rowdies-early-to-join-wolfsburg-front-office/3924
Reports: Marcel Schäfer may depart Rowdies early to join Wolfsburg Front Office
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006538711893454849
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
You may have won $5,000 in the #RowdiesRiches Sweepstakes! Grab your match program this past Saturday & head to http://RowdiesRiches.com .
10:08 AM - 12 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/JHollowayWriter/status/1006435852464087040
Jonathan Holloway
@JHollowayWriter
Check out my article in todays Scottish Daily Mail @ScotMailSport, @neillycollins3's impressive rise to management is a credit to himself, his career and @TampaBayRowdies. Great guy and pleasure to talk to, Neill is flying the flag for Scottish coaches abroad.
3:19 AM - 12 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006591199950594048
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
1️⃣ appearance,
1️⃣ goal,
1️⃣ @USL Team of the Week nod!
Congrats to El Smoove, @LeonTTaylor!
1:36 PM - 12 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1006854186703769601
USL
Verified account @USL
BREAKING: #United2026 has won the right to host the #WorldCup after earning 67% of the FIFA Congress vote!
7:01 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/spiideo/status/1006853768405757952
Spiideo
@spiideo
Read more about how USL pro club Tampa Bay Rowdies, one of the latest additions to the Spiideo family, use the system in their daily work #sportstech #soccer #USL
7:00 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/united2026/status/1006851829769129984
United 2026
Verified account @united2026
The world will unite in North America! #United2026 has officially won the right to host the @FIFAWorldCup!
🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸 | http://united2026.com
6:52 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/united2026/status/1006854226713161728
United 2026
Verified account @united2026
The moment our united dream became a reality! 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸
7:02 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/ussoccer/status/1006856402059612161
U.S. Soccer
Verified account @ussoccer
The world's biggest sporting event is returning to our shores! #United2026 will host the @FIFAWorldCup!
🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸 | http://united2026.com
7:10 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006859985245138944
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Rowdies midfielder Joe Cole🗣
“Having the 2026 FIFA World Cup awarded to the region shows how much the sport has grown here in the US in recent years. Traveling around the country during the season, it’s easy to note the passion fans have for soccer here in America.”
#United2026
7:25 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1006858832241137777
USL
Verified account @USL
Are you ready?
#United2026 | #WorldCup
7:20 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/NJEMurray/status/1006861038124445696
Nicholas Murray
@NJEMurray
"Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing the biggest tournament on the globe to North America once again.” - @TampaBayRowdies & former @England international Joe Cole.
The #USL's #WorldCup alumni welcome success of @united2026 bid.
7:29 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1006865546250539009
USL
Verified account @USL
Need the complete #United2026 rundown? We have the highlights from @FIFAcom!
More → http://uslsc.cr/2l8pIn2
7:47 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006883928668561411
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEWS: The Rowdies are releasing Marcel Schäfer from his contract to allow him to return to @VfL_Wolfsburg to take the position of Sporting Director. Schäfer will make his final appearance for the Rowdies on June 22.
Read more: http://bit.ly/2HLw5We
9:00 AM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006885619640029184
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
Comments from Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards, Head Coach @neillycollins3 and Marcel Schäfer on Schäfer’s return to Wolfsburg.
9:06 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006886266896609282
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
While he's leaving soon, we still have one chance to watch Marcel Schäfer play in the green and gold! He'll make his final appearance for the Rowdies on June 22 against @PennFCOfficial at Al Lang Stadium.
9:09 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TheHoopedSleeve/status/1006896697589395459
The Hooped Sleeve
⚽️
👌
@TheHoopedSleeve
The Hooped Sleeve
⚽️
👌 Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies
As sad as it is to let him go, we know that this is a huge opportunity for ANY player with the storied career and legendary status that Marcel has had at @VfLWolfsburg_US. 🐺
He certainly graced us with that quality here. 🙂
#ThankYouMarcel #DankeMarcel 💪👏🇩🇪🇺🇸
The Hooped Sleeve
⚽️
👌 added,
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
NEWS: The Rowdies are releasing Marcel Schäfer from his contract to allow him to return to @VfL_Wolfsburg to take the position of Sporting Director. Schäfer will make his final appearance for the Rowdies on June 22.…
9:50 AM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/RalphsMob/status/1006944540597473280
Ralph's Mob
@RalphsMob
Danke Schäfi! Thanks Marcel, for giving us your all. All the best back at @VfLWolfsburg_US 💚💛
1:01 PM - 13 Jun 2018
(Follow link for full article.)
https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006982897293672448
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Verified account @TampaBayRowdies
You’ll be seeing some new faces on the sidelines this summer, our first EVER Rowdies Jr. Reporters. Stay tuned to our social media for some Jr. Reporter content!
Meet this year's Rowdies Jr. Reporters
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3:33 PM - 13 Jun 2018
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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006997389738160128
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Marcel Schäfer addressing his teammates before we hit the field for this afternoon’s training session.
4:31 PM - 13 Jun 2018
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http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/city-beat/article213123774.html
Texts reveal new details about Sacramento's MLS bid and the financiers being courted
Southern California billionaire Ron Burkle toured Sacramento's soccer stadium site and has had detailed discussions with Republic FC and Mayor Darrell Steinberg about becoming the lead investor in a Major League Soccer expansion franchise, according to text messages obtained by The Sacramento Bee.
City and team officials also have met with a group led by former Sacramento Kings player Omri Casspi and two East Coast real estate magnates, one of whom owns a stake in the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, text messages show.
Public records show that a third ownership scenario for an MLS team in Sacramento may also be in play. A city records request filed by an Austin, Texas, law firm in April sought correspondence between city officials and Anthony Precourt, owner of the Columbus Crew MLS team. Precourt plans to move the Crew to Austin before next season, but the records request — combined with an ESPN analyst’s prediction last week that the Crew will move to Sacramento — has fueled speculation that Sacramento may be Precourt’s second option if he’s unable to secure a stadium deal in Austin.
Neither Precourt nor the law firm that filed the records request responded to requests for comment.
The text messages obtained by The Bee through a Public Records Act request detail the intense campaign by Republic FC and City Hall to recruit a deep-pocketed investor who can lead Sacramento's bid for one of two remaining expansion spots in Major League Soccer. Potential investors were given tours of a planned soccer stadium site in the downtown railyard and the mayor was in frequent communication with MLS Commissioner Don Garber over the past six months.
The messages from the mayor, his aides and top Republic FC officials also show that in addition to the Burkle and Casspi groups, several other potential investors have expressed interest in leading or becoming involved in Sacramento’s bid, including a financier from Miami and an individual from Chicago who was not identified in the messages.
Sacramento was passed over for a spot in the latest round of MLS expansion because the league wants Republic FC to find a wealthy investor who can help cover the $400 million upfront cost of a franchise and keep the team financially viable in the long term. Teams were instead awarded to Nashville and Cincinnati, although MLS plans to add two more teams in the future.
Republic FC Chairman Kevin Nagle has said he is willing to bring in a new investor to help lead the bid. Text messages showed that Nagle has agreed to contribute $125 million toward the MLS franchise fee.
“As we’ve shared before, we’ve been in active discussions for some time with several potential investors to finalize our ownership group and deliver the MLS club our fans and community deserve,” Nagle said in a written statement. “We remain in close contact with both MLS and Mayor Steinberg as we make steady progress towards our goal. We look forward to sharing more details with our fans, but must continue to respect the private nature of our ongoing conversations at this time.”
Major League Soccer spokesman Dan Courtemanche said Wednesday that the league’s board of governors will discuss the next round of expansion during its meeting at the All-Star Game on Aug. 1 in Atlanta. Multiple cities are expected to compete with Sacramento for the final two spots, including Detroit, Phoenix and San Diego.
Steinberg has made recruiting a lead investor a priority, telling Garber in a December text message he would “personally vet any potential investors with you and your team before we went too deep in any one direction.”
During that same text message, Steinberg asked that MLS give Sacramento “due consideration” toward an expansion franchise when it secures a lead investor and requested that the league not force the city to compete against other cities vying for the final two spots.
“Please don’t put Sacramento back in the larger pile,” he wrote to Garber. “We have earned a different consideration. I will deliver for MLS and Sacramento if you give me and us the chance.”
Garber did not respond to the message with a text of his own, although texts show the two have spoken on the phone on numerous occasions.
In an interview Wednesday, Steinberg said he has “been encouraged by all of the conversations we’ve had over the months because what I’ve seen is a significant interest in partnering with our local ownership group and making Sacramento a Major League Soccer city.”
“This takes time, but these months have not been wasted in any way,” the mayor said.
Burkle appears to be Sacramento’s preferred investor.
The Southern California billionaire was recruited to lead Sacramento’s bid to purchase the Kings in both 2011 and 2013, but had to back out over concerns that his ownership stake in a sports management company would create a conflict of interest. Burkle owns a share of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins and his net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion.
On March 14, Burkle was joined by three partners during a visit to Sacramento, according to a text message from Republic FC Chief Operating Officer Ben Gumpert to mayoral aide Scott Whyte. The Burkle group toured the site of a planned soccer stadium in the downtown railyard with developer Larry Kelley, whose company owns the site; had lunch with Kelley and Sacramento developer Mark Friedman; and visited the Republic FC offices.
“Ron certainly is up the curve on sports investing given his experience (unlike most of the other ones you have met or spoken with),” Gumpert wrote to Whyte. “Also has spent enough time in Sacramento to appreciate the market.”
Steinberg personally texted Burkle as recently as April 30, asking if there was “anything new on the MLS front?” Burkle did not respond to the text.
Frank Quintero, a principal at Burkle’s Yucaipa Company investment firm, confirmed in an interview that he and Burkle were “definitely up in Sacramento,” but declined to elaborate on Burkle’s interest in Republic FC. Burkle sat in the front row of a Kings game at Golden 1 Center the night of his visit.
The group involving Casspi also received significant attention, according to the text messages. Casspi, who was drafted by the Kings in 2009 and most recently played for the Golden State Warriors last season, first expressed interest in buying a stake in Republic FC in 2014.
His partners in the MLS bid were identified in messages as Meyer Orbach and Ezra Stark.
Orbach is a New Jersey-based real estate investor whose company owns hundreds of high-end apartments on the East Coast, including several prominent properties in Manhattan. He purchased a 9.5 percent stake in the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Stark, based in Cleveland, is the chief operating officer of Stark Enterprises, a real estate firm that has been quickly expanding, especially in the New York area.
Gumpert told city officials in a text that Stark and Orbach are “connected to Omri through Israel/Jewish organizations.” Casspi is a native of Israel. Gumpert said both Stark and Orbach had met with MLS league officials and that “both are very focused on the real estate side” of an investment in Republic FC.
Casspi, Stark and Orbach did not return messages Wednesday.
As for Precourt, there were no text messages released this week detailing conversations between his company and Sacramento officials. Precourt is in negotiations with the city of Austin to take control of a site for a planned MLS soccer stadium, setting a deadline for the end of June.
Last week, ESPN soccer analyst Taylor Twellman said on air that he does not think the Crew will move to Austin, but instead will “end up in Sacramento.” He did not elaborate.
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http://wwd.com/eye/lifestyle/simon-doonan-soccer-style-1202708235/
Simon Doonan’s Deep Dive Into ‘Soccer Style’
For his ninth book, Doonan is kicking it back to the Sixties, when the birth of soccer style began. Here, he opens up about "Soccer Style: The Magic and Madness," out now.
n a Venn diagram of soccer and fashion, the overlap might include some combination of David Beckham in a sarong, Neymar in head-to-toe black and Cristiano Ronaldo napping under an Hermès blanket on a private plane. If there’s one person who knows the ins and outs of this overlap, it’s Simon Doonan, creative director at large for Barneys New York whose latest work, “Soccer Style: The Magic and Madness,” is out now.
In the book — the author’s ninth, though he’s “stopped counting” — Doonan dives deep into the off-the-field fashion of soccer’s biggest players. His research included four years of reading autobiographies and magazine interviews, as well a lifetime of watching the sport. The result is a highly detailed, yet equally amusing read in which the biggest soccer players in the world are classified into one of the following fashion tribes: Good Taste Ambassadors, Label Kings, Psychedelic Ninjas, Hired Assassins and Bohemians and Fauxhemians.
“As I looked at the landscape of contemporary football, I felt a burning need to classify it and understand it because there were clearly very different groups here,” says Doonan on a recent afternoon at his Manhattan apartment. “What most people do is say, ‘I don’t like this but I do like that.’ I don’t do that ‘cause I’m looking at the culture of football.”
The Good Taste Ambassadors, he says, are more reserved — think Álvaro Morata, Xabi Alonso and modern-day Beckham — whereas the Label Kings — Ronaldo, for example — are more flashy. “They’re great patrons of à la mode,” Doonan says of the Label Kings. “God bless them, because they pay full retail. Hello.”
The Psychedelic Ninjas, Doonan’s favorite group, love to mix and match designer and vintage finds — and most likely own a Givenchy rottweiler printed T-shirt — while the Hired Assassins wear “lots of black, a black ripped Balmain jean, maybe an Off-White hoodie.” The Bohemians and Fauxhemians go against soccer’s traditionally antihippie attitude, with Andy Carroll, who posed for Alexander Wang’s 2014 H&M collaboration, as a leading example.
“Soccer players are very noteworthy in their absolute commitment to style and to fashion,” says Doonan. “It comes from several things. First of all, their build. They’re totally sample-size, they’re like a designer dream. Secondly, they’ve got the cash. I have quotes from Georgie Best in the Sixties. People who played with him would note that even after training, he would get washed and look like he was going dancing. Shouldn’t we all look like we’re going dancing all the time?”
Doonan identifies the start of true soccer style as the moment the Professional Footballers’ Association lifted its 20-pound wage cap in 1961.
“Suddenly you have players like George Best buying clothes, opening a boutique, having an E-Type Jaguar, that was all unheard of,” Doonan says. “Before they barely had bicycles to go to the training and the game. This incredible moment of timing came together where the Swinging Sixties collided with sports, collided with a new era of personality obsession. The same kind of confluence happened in the Nineties, where with new TV deals, football was suddenly this mega financial thing and new obsession with celebrity and new obsession with fashion.”
He also dedicated a section of the book to the personal tastes of the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes, and in another, he explores the players’ tattoo choices and various hairdos throughout the years. The most stylish player, he says, is “absolutely David Beckham.”
“He’s the patron saint of soccer style, no question,” Doonan says. “If you’re a working-class English kid and you’re hardworking and you’re creative and you’re positive in the way you approach life and you look great, it’s a fantastically inspiring story. I have nothing but admiration for [David and Victoria Beckham]. Both of them made that same transition. [David] from being a footballer, which was historically not considered to be so cool and he made it cool. She was a pop star, she made it into the fashion world very successfully. Victoria Beckham is cool. People want to be her, they want to see what she’s wearing.”
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https://www.dentonrc.com/sports/ap_sports_headlines/atlanta-s-hot-soccer-scene-featured-in-winning-world-cup/article_19a5a1ea-018b-51c8-ad9a-0aa9fb2b2867.html
Atlanta's hot soccer scene featured in winning World Cup bid
ATLANTA — Atlanta’s burgeoning soccer scene was featured in North America’s successful bid for 2026 World Cup.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was shown off in the videos the North American bid officials played for FIFA voters Wednesday in Russia. The images were all shiny, new and impressive — from the stadium’s retractable roof and huge oval video board to the all-important shots of sellout crowds for MLS Atlanta United.
The video evidence helped sway FIFA to overwhelmingly approve the bid from the United States, Mexico and Canada. The bid suggested Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth as host sites for 2026 semifinals, and Atlanta United season ticket-holder Ken Harper can’t wait.
“Based on the worldwide interest in the World Cup, I think it has the potential to have the same impact the Olympics did in ’96 on our city,” Harper said Wednesday. “I think it’s fantastic.”
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https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/canada-will-ride-enormous-wave-soccer-support-2026-world-cup/
Canada will ride enormous wave of soccer support into 2026 World Cup
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https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2018/06/13/world-cup-foxborough-think-have-great-chance-bid-president-says/UR2Da4QLoESnRYhHMTCZ7O/story.html
World Cup in Foxborough? ‘I think we have a great chance,’ bid president says
FOXBOROUGH — The World Cup is coming to North America in 2026. Will Gillette Stadium be one of the host locations?
Brian Bilello, president of Boston Soccer 2026, believes his recently launched nonprofit can lure World Cup action to the Greater Boston area.
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https://www.thedailytimes.com/sports/local-soccer-coaches-thrilled-by-news-of-u-s-hosting/article_22df1b1d-ebda-5a97-8bce-6f35ad7cef43.html
Local soccer coaches thrilled by news of U.S. hosting 2026 World Cup
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http://bluehqmedia.com/tom-ricketts-bringing-more-soccer-to-chicago/
Tom Ricketts Bringing More Soccer to Chicago?
Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts appears to be taking a business venture with another Chicago sports team. Ricketts has recently become the majority owner of Chicago’s new United Soccer League team. The team, which is still unnamed, is expected to begin playing for the USL in 2021. There is currently a club name contest going on for the future team. Simply fill out the information on this page to have your vote cast for the new team’s name.
Ricketts and real estate developer Sterling Bay have joined together to bring another soccer team to Chicago. While the new team is not affiliated with the Chicago Fire, that could happen in the near future. Ricketts and Sterling Bay seem to be the perfect duo to start a sports team. Sterling Bay will keep a minority ownership stake and will be responsible for developing the stadium, while Ricketts controls the more day-to-day operations. The team is expected to be one of the main attractions to the new Lincoln Yards development. The location of the stadium could be a vital part of the expansion of the USL. The Chicago Fire are criticized often for being located in the suburbs. The stadium in Lincoln Yards could have advantages when trying to lure fans from the Fire.
The USL is rapidly growing and game attendance continues to climb. Teams like FC Cincinnati consistently have over 20,000 people in attendance, higher than many of the teams in the MLS. Major League Soccer is still superior, but the USL is on the rise. If the United Soccer League can form a formidable farm system for the MLS, it could do wonders for soccer in the United States. Soccer is growing and it’s not too crazy to expect the United States national team making large steps forward in the future. The team may not hit the field for a few more years, but there is quite a bit of excitement for the new team.
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http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2018/06/14/mls-investors-text-messages/
Texts Shed Light On Sacramento’s Hunt For MLS Investors
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento is still fighting hard to bring an MLS franchise to the capital city, despite losing an official bid to Cincinnati last month.
Now newly revealed text messages and emails are showing some of the behind the scenes deal-making to get a Major League Soccer team awarded here.
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http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/united-states/660/blog/post/3524720/what-winning-the-2026-world-cup-election-means-for-future-of-united-states-soccer
Will winning the 2026 World Cup election unite a fractured U.S. Soccer Federation?
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