MLS to Charlotte 'inevitable': Tepper expected to request public money

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https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/soccer/mls-to-charlotte-inevitable-tepper-expected-to-request-public-money/275-2428302e-f7bb-4796-93ea-b3834be3cde4

SOCCER

MLS to Charlotte 'inevitable': Tepper expected to request public money

“I would be very surprised at this point if Charlotte doesn’t get franchise 30,” Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl told NBC Charlotte.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/e22ss2/collins_dissects_2019_talk_roster_cuts_looks_ahead/

Collins Dissects 2019, Talk Roster Cuts, Looks Ahead

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2019/11/26/collins-dissects-2019-talk-roster-cuts-looks-ahead/4588

Collins Dissects 2019, Talk Roster Cuts, Looks Ahead

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/26/industrious-to-bring-coworking-space-to-centro.html

Commercial Real Estate

Industrious to bring coworking space to Centro Ybor's old movie theater

Muvico Theaters in Centro Ybor

Industrious will take over the remaining movie theater space in Centro Ybor in a deal that some say is the future of the coworking business model.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/25/midtown-tampa-unveils-the-loft-a-boutique-office.html

Commercial Real Estate

Midtown Tampa unveils The Loft, a boutique office building with street-level retail (Renderings) (Video)

Midtown Tampa has unveiled plans for a boutique office building with street-level retail space.

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https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2019/11/26/coworking-space-industrious-to-take-over-former-ybor-amc-theater/

Coworking space Industrious to take over former Ybor AMC theater

This will be Industrious’ second flexible work space location in Tampa.

Gabriel Robles, left, and Cecilia Morales, right, head to the AMC Classic Centro Ybor 10 movie theater a week before it closed in June.

TAMPA — Centro Ybor’s former movie theater will become the second in-town Industrious coworking space, the company announced Tuesday.

Industrious, which has 90 locations nationwide, and investment...

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https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/hoodline/best-spots-cuban-food-tampa/67-b7cf5032-686f-4b03-a932-456141f562e6

HOODLINE

5 best spots for Cuban food in Tampa

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Cuban spots around Tampa. Here's a rundown of top businesses in the city, with ratings, photos and more.

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https://www.cltampa.com/news-views/local-news/article/21103412/new-coworking-space-taking-over-theater-space-in-centro-ybor-in-2020

New coworking space taking over movie theater in Centro Ybor in 2020

Renovations to the old Centro Ybor theater will include installing large windows, among other stylistic changes to create an open, collaborative space.

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https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2019/11/david-beckham-stars-in-haig-club-documentary-series/

David Beckham stars in Haig Club documentary series

Diageo-owned Haig Club Scotch has launched a series of documentary-style adverts starring co-founder David Beckham.

David Beckham tried his had at barrel-making in the documentary-style series

The three one-minute spots highlight the work of coopers in making whisky, celebrate the Scottish bar scene and see Beckham host a beach party.

Deva Smith, senior producer at LS Productions, said: “Working with the likes of David Beckham means you have to run an incredibly tight ship to ensure they’re not exposed to swarms of fans and press.

“The purpose of this spot was to capture David’s natural curiosity and reactions in the different scenarios, so it was imperative that his every need, as well as that of his team and his entourage, were met – alongside that of client and crew.”

Shot by director Hopi Allard and director of photography Cedric Schanze, the first video in the series follows Beckham as he travels to Diageo’s Cambus Cooperage, where he tries his hand at barrel-making.

In the second film, Beckham explores the creative ways bartenders in Scotland are using Scotch whisky, visiting venues such as Glasgow’s The Barrowland Ballroom, Radisson Red Sky Bar and The Finnieston.

The series concludes with a “vibrant” beach party, attended by those who feature in the other videos as well as Haig Club influencers from across the world.

The spots were produced by LS Productions in partnership with creative agency adam&eveDDB, Studio 99 and DB Ventures.

Beckham partnered with Diageo to launch Haig Club in 2014. He has since worked with the brand on its rollout in the US and starred in a responsible drinking campaign launched by the brand in 2017.

The first film in the series is available to watch below.

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https://dentondaily.com/rooney-to-leave-mls-for-player-coach-position/

Rooney to leave MLS for player-coach position

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/26/juan-carlos-osorio-colombian-midfielder-may-be-mls-bound

Juan Carlos Osorio: Colombian midfielder may be MLS bound

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/26/landon-donovan-coaching-and-why-he-wont-tell-his-team-play-barcelona

Landon Donovan on coaching, and why he won't tell his team to play like Barcelona

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http://www.ansa.it/english/news/sports/2019/11/26/mls-urges-balotelli-to-come-to-america_d9c8a6ca-a6d0-475d-ae29-1d4d57e8ff33.html

MLS urges Balotelli to come to America

LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, Toronto, Montreal 'most appealing'

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/new-england-revolution/michael-mancienne-renegotiated-contract-revolution/

Michael Mancienne accepts large pay cut to stay with New England Revolution

Mancienne missed 12 games due to plantar fasciitis and was limited to just 13 starts in 16 appearances in 2019

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https://www.fcdallas.com/post/2019/11/26/fc-dallas-acquires-philadelphia-union-winger-fafa-picault

FC Dallas Acquires Philadelphia Union Winger Fafa Picault

Picault started his professional soccer career with NASL team Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2012 after playing youth soccer with Cagliari in Italy from 2006 to 2011. He appeared in 18 matches for Tampa Bay and helped the team with the NASL championship that season. Picault also played for NASL team Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2014, scoring five goals and recording two assist in 14 regular season appearances.

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https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog-espn-fc-united/story/3994614/is-mls-next-for-afshin-ghotbius-soccers-international-globetrotter

Is MLS next for Afshin Ghotbi, U.S. soccer's international globetrotter?

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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2019/11/26/20983851/vereinigung-erzgebirge-u-s-open-cup-bound-for-the-first-time-since-2002

LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP

U.S. OPEN CUP

WEST CHESTER UNITED

Vereinigung Erzgebirge U.S. Open Cup bound for the first time since 2002

VE topped West Chester United in the final round of qualifiers for the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Sunday

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/e1rqxs/georgi_hristov_scored_two_goals_with_nashville/

Georgi Hristov scored two goals with Nashville United (Middle Tennessee Soccer Alliance) over the weekend to qualify for the 2020 U.S. Open Cup

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https://thecup.us/2019/11/25/2020-us-open-cup-qualifying-win-youre-in-nashville-united-flattens-soda-city-in-the-rain/

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying Win & You’re In: Nashville United flattens Soda City in the rain

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b_KEfyOOGQ

#TogetherRowdies

Back for 2020: Juan Tejada

Tampa Bay Rowdies

He's still got the best hair in the land!

Lets look back at some of Juan Tejada's best moments of the season!

#TogetherRowdies

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF2QrohJvQ0

#TogetherRowdies

Back for 2020: Malik Johnson

Tampa Bay Rowdies

He's young, hungry, and back to create havoc!

Lets look back at some of Malik Johnson's best moments of the season!

#TogetherRowdies

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https://stpetecatalyst.com/kriseman-picks-edge-central-to-redevelop-old-st-pete-police-site/

Kriseman picks EDGE Central to redevelop old St. Pete Police site

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https://stpetecatalyst.com/local-boys-take-on-major-development-in-the-edge-district/

‘Local boys’ take on major development in the EDGE District

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https://wellstonjournal.com/st-louis-mls-expansion-team-shouldnt-deter-las-vegas.html

St. Louis MLS expansion team shouldn’t deter Las Vegas

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https://wellstonjournal.com/st-louis-awarded-mls-expansion-team.html

St. Louis awarded MLS expansion team

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https://wellstonjournal.com/david-beckham-stadium-site-has-unsafe-arsenic-levels-report-shows.html

David Beckham stadium site has unsafe arsenic levels, report shows

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https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/the-zlatan-continues-to-surprise-as-he-finally-reveals-next-move

The Zlatan Continues To Surprise As He Finally Reveals Next Move

It’s too quiet in here...any rumored players?

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/e1ki15/its_too_quiet_in_hereany_rumored_players/

It’s too quiet in here...any rumored players?

Any word if we are staying local or going overseas to talk to possible new incoming players? Still too early to talk? Maybe BWP to the Rowdies?

I've heard Zlatan is still without a team...

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/25/louisiana-sports-bar-and-restaurant-franchise.html

Food & Lifestyle

Louisiana sports bar and restaurant franchise plans Tampa Bay expansion with six locations in the next five years

Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar, a Louisiana-based full-service family sports bar chain is brining six franchises locations to Tampa Bay starting next year.

WALK-ON'S BISTREAUX & BAR

The first restaurant is expected to open in 2020, though no specification location has been announced yet.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/25/tampa-lakeland-airports-receive-millions-in.html

Transportation

Tampa, Lakeland airports receive millions in transportation funds for expansion and rehabilitation

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/25/more-details-emerge-on-amazon-air-cargo-facility.html

Transportation

More details emerge on Amazon air cargo facility at Lakeland airport

Site plan for Amazon's sorting facility and ground handling area

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Plans show further details on the sorting facility and ground service equipment warehouse.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/25/chef-jeannie-pierola-is-almost-ready-to-debut.html

Food & Lifestyle

Chef Jeannie Pierola is almost ready to debut Counter Culture off Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa

Counter Culture should open in South Tampa by early December.

ASHLEY GURBAL KRITZER

The former home of Pach's Place in South Tampa has gone through a major renovation. Here's when it should open.

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https://photos.cltampa.com/everyone-we-saw-at-the-castles-27-year-anniversary-party-in-ybor-city/

Everyone we saw at The Castle’s 27-year anniversary party in Ybor City

For nearly three decades, The Castle has been a place where denizens of the night can just walk in and completely be themselves. On Saturday, the Ybor City institution celebrated 27 turns under the sun with yet another delightful night of debauchery and camaraderie.

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https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/what-to-do-in-tampa-when-you-visit-five-must-see-sights

What to do in Tampa when you visit: Five must-see sights

When it comes to what to do in Tampa, how do you choose the attractions you want to see? Use this guide to find what's essential.

Tampa is the  third-largest city  in Florida. It's an up-and-coming metropolitan area, where many locals are proud to call home and thousands of tourists visit every year.

There are plenty of events happening all over the city all year 'round, and there really is something for everyone here. If you're planning a visit soon and asking yourself what to do in Tampa, not to worry - just make sure the following five items are on your list!

1. Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is one of the main attractions of Tampa Bay. It's mostly known for its roller coasters and annual events, like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town.

But, there is a wild world waiting to be discovered here! Animal habitats are spread throughout the park for visitors to enjoy. They are home to cheetahs, elephants, kangaroos, otters, and more. The animals are part of Busch Garden's conservation efforts, and their presence definitely puts a special touch on this theme park.

2. The Florida Aquarium

Speaking of animals, have you heard of the Florida Aquarium?

The aquarium is the perfect family-friendly activity or date night destination. It's home to many different kinds of marine life, from stingrays to penguins and sharks. It is located just outside of downtown Tampa, making it easy to work in a visit as part of other plans you may have while in the city - like seeing the Glazer Museum or doing an  escape room .

3. Armature Works

Another must-see site in Tampa is Armature Works. This is the place to be if you want a fun night out, a place to relax on Sunday afternoon, or somewhere to eat where the whole family can get what they'd like.

Armature Works is a food hall featuring local favorites. It's a great way to try many of the institutions Tampa natives love, without having to drive all over town. Not to mention, the space itself is beautiful inside and out!

4. Ybor City

While Armature Works can be a great way to spend an afternoon, Ybor City is also a nice choice. Ybor is the historic area of Tampa. It has a quaint, cozy feel during the day and is actually a popular nightlife destination when the sun goes down.

Ybor has a little bit of everything. It's home to the elegant Colombia restaurant, laid-back cigar bars and coffee shops, and unique dive bars. It may not sound like all of these things go well together, but in Ybor, they make perfect sense.

5. Enjoy a Florida sunset

The final thing to make sure you do while in Tampa is to catch a Florida sunset. There are plenty of prime sunset spots throughout the city to enjoy the view from - you just have to stop and pay attention.

Whether you're on the Riverwalk, driving down Kennedy Boulevard, or hanging out at Armature Works, don't forget to take in this beautiful sight. If you have the time, drive out to the beach and catch a proper sunset view from the shore.

What to do in Tampa if you're just passing through
If you ever find yourself in Tampa for just a few hours, keep these 3 things in mind: coffee, Cuban sandwiches, and craft beer.

At the heart of this thriving metropolitan city run deep roots. Tampa was started as a small immigrant community, and that history is still evident today. So, it only makes sense to get a feel for Tampa's heritage with a hot cafe con leche or a Cuban.

But, it's also worth checking out everything Tampa has to offer if you can! From the buzzing craft beer scene to the cool coffee shops and locally-owned restaurants, if you have any doubt about what to do in Tampa, all you have to do is grab a bite (or a pint) to get to know this city.

Don't forget to bookmark our site to never miss our latest posts!

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https://hoodline.com/2019/11/the-5-best-cuban-spots-in-tampa

Tampa

The 5 best Cuban spots in Tampa

La Segunda Central Bakery

Columbia Restaurant

Las Palmas Latin Grill

La Teresita Cafe

Michelle Faedo's Tampeño Cuisine

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https://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/olympic-club-led-by-former-pros-qualifies-for-u-s-open-cup/

The San Francisco Olympic Club men’s soccer team. (Courtesy / SF Olympic Club)

Olympic Club, led by former pros, qualifies for U.S. Open Cup

SF Olympic Club men’s soccer team claims one of 12 bids for national knockout tournament

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https://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/2019/11/25/revolution-usl-clint-peay

An interview with Clint Peay, the inaugural coach of Revolution II

The Revolution's newly-formed USL team now has a head coach.

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https://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/11/25/20981445/luis-suarez-to-mls-rumors-are-back

LATEST NEWS

Major Link Soccer: Luis Suarez to MLS rumors are back

Lodeiro’s best friend is talking about coming to MLS again.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.shots.net/news/view/david-beckham-revisits-the-scottish-whisky-scene-with-haig-club-and-ls-productions

David Beckham revisits the Scottish whisky scene with Haig Club and LS Productions

The service production company's extensive experience working with high profile talent supports the scenic new whisky spot from adam&eveDDB.

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https://www.shortlist.com/lists/david-beckhams-haig-club-whisky-has-44-off-this-black-friday-401412

HOME > ALCOHOL

David Beckham’s Haig Club whisky has 44% off this Black Friday

It's time to raise a glass (or three).

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https://pittsburghsoccernow.com/2019/11/24/us-open-cup-2020-qualifying-preview-steel-fc-in-for-dogfight-vs-christos-fc-in-win-in-scenario/

Open Cup Preview: If Steel FC win, they’re in

2020 US Open Cup Qualifying – Third Round

Steel FC (USASA / Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League) vs Christos FC

(USASA / Maryland Major Soccer League)

North County HS – Glen Burnie, MD | Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET  | LIVE VIDEO: NONE

Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League side Steel FC have one more big step to go.

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

Back for 2020: Sebastian Guenzatti

Tampa Bay Rowdies

El capitán to the rescue!

Let's look back at Sebastian's best moments of the season!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17iXCGUlZ54

Back for 2020: Dom Oduro

Tampa Bay Rowdies

He's never been one to shy away from blasting it!

Lets look back at some of Dom's best moments of the season!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbV8s-pQS6c

Back for 2020: Lucky Mkosana

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Back like he never even left!

Lets look back at some of Lucky's best moments of the season!

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

Back for 2020: Leo Fernandes

Tampa Bay Rowdies

FERNANDEEEESSS!!!

Lets look back at some of Leo's best moments of the season!

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https://www.curbed.com/2019/11/25/20982594/soccer-stadium-design-mls-urbanism

ARCHITECTURE

How a new generation of U.S. soccer stadiums fit into the urban fabric

A new proposal for the forthcoming St. Louis team showcases ‘MLS urbanism’

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/25/extratime-come-mls-mario-balotelli-open-coaching-jobs-free-agents-listener-mail

Extratime: Come to MLS, Mario Balotelli! Open coaching jobs, free agents & listener mail

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https://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/11/25/20981445/luis-suarez-to-mls-rumors-are-back

LATEST NEWS

Major Link Soccer: Luis Suarez to MLS rumors are back

Lodeiro’s best friend is talking about coming to MLS again.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2019/11/25/if-mls-is-on-the-way-what-are-davidteppers-next.html

If MLS is on the way to Charlotte, what are David Tepper's next steps?

Assuming that Major League Soccer awards Charlotte a team in December, the new ownership group will have plenty to do in the months ahead. Ticket and sponsorship sales, stadium construction and rallying supporters' groups top the list.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/25/report-new-england-revolution-pass-signing-bradley-wright-phillips

Report: New England Revolution pass on signing Bradley Wright-Phillips

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/25/report-nycfc-looking-sign-georgian-winger-papu-out-spain

Report: NYCFC looking to sign Georgian winger Papu out of Spain

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/new-england-revolution/clint-peay-new-england-revolution-usl-2019/

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

Clint Peay named New England Revolution II head coach

Clint Peay brings 17 years of coaching experience to New England, where he also reunites with former coaches Bruce Arena and Richie Williams.

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/ianquillen/2019/11/26/don-garber-keeps-moving-the-mls-expansion-target---heres-why/#7b6de312cd97

Don Garber Keeps Moving The MLS Expansion Target — Here’s Why

Major League Soccer comissioner Don Garber made some minor news recently by revealing the league will eventually expand to 32 teams after the official announcement of a 30th expansion club before the end of the calendar year.

While Garber indicated there would be no hurry to move beyond 30 teams in his remarks at the Soccerex convention, this appears to be the first time he confirmed 32 teams are coming at all. That should be no particular surprise to longtime MLS observers, who can remember less than a decade ago when the idea of getting to 24 teams still seemed audacious.

What is notable is Garber’s willingness to keep the target No. of total MLS teams as an unofficial moving target, even while suggesting otherwise. Consistently revising the final capacity of the league can feel reckless to younger followers of North American sports, who weren’t around when the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB were in their own ages of more rapid expansion. Yet a close look shows there’s clearly a few reasons why Garber is taking this tack.

Supply and Demand

Most obviously, there remains an abundance of interested ownership groups willing to pony up the expansion fee (Most recently set at $200 million for St. Louis and Sacramento, teams No. 28 and 29) and requisite investments in facilities and infrastructure. Charlotte, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Raleigh, Detroit and San Diego are among the cities that have put together credible bids for team No. 30.

By making it clear that 30 won’t be a hard cap, Garber might incite those groups that don’t believe they have a shot at No. 30 to improve the caliber of their bids now with an eye toward the future. And if they eventually rise to a desirable caliber in the opinion of the league, there’s little financial risk from MLS’ perspective, even if there are some questions surrounding what expansion means for the on-field product.

History Repeating Itself

If you consider the MLS the fifth addition to the club of major North American sports leagues, its rate of expansion actually mirrors that of the NHL, NFL and NBA when they were in their most rapid stages of growth.

As late as 1959, there were only 10 teams in the National Football League. By 1970 after the AFL-NFL merger, there were 26.

The NHL more than tripled in size from the famed Original 6 in 1966 to 18 teams by 1974, a stretch of a mere eight years. That included the absorbtion of four teams from the WHA.

And the NBA grew from 8 teams to 22 teams over a 15-year stretch, spurred in part by a merger with the ABA.

In that context, the growth of MLS from as few as 10 teams as late as 2004 to 26 teams in the upcoming 2020 season is not particularly audacious, but right on schedule.

Times Will Change

There’s also the reality that if Garber doesn’t continue to push the expansion target now, a future economic slowdown might not allow him the leeway to do so in the future.

Following the Great Recession, the U.S. economy is in one of its longest periods of sustained economic growth, no doubt a contributing factor to the willingness of so many potential ownership groups to throw their hats in the ring.

A look back at the expansion in other major sports leagues shows how economic slowdowns can stall expansion momentum.

Take the 1980s, for example, which began with twin recessions that bleeded into 1982. The NFL, NHL and MLB all completely avoided expansion during the decade. The NBA also went without expansion between 1990 and 1998.

Similarly, there was not a single new team launched in those four leagues after 2004 until the Las Vegas Knights joined the NHL in 2017. We all know the financial hardships that intervened in the interim.

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https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/charlotte-mls-bid-what-does-the-city-need-to-do-next-/1012678392

Charlotte MLS bid: What does the city need to do next?

Brotherly Game Daily Links: Garber says MLS expansion stops at 32

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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2019/11/23/20978663/brotherly-game-daily-links-garber-says-mls-expansion-stops-at-32

Brotherly Game Daily Links: Garber says MLS expansion stops at 32

Tanner isn’t messing around, MLS free agency announced, and more in today’s links

Garber says MLS will stick at 32 teams as he headlines Soccerex USA opening day

MLS commissioner Don Garber, speaking at the Soccerex convention in Miami, said that the league’s “30th team will be announced before the end of the year” and that while there will be further expansion, the MLS is in no hurry to make it happen.

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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/luis-suarez-tempted-transfer-mls-20941467

Luis Suarez tempted by transfer to MLS with David Beckham's Inter Miami team

Luis Suarez is out of contract at Barcelona at the end of next season. Meanwhile, David Beckham's Inter Miami is set to make their debut in the MLS next season

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https://stockdailydish.com/ethics-complaint-about-beckham-soccer-complex-in-miami-spurs-question-who-owns-team/

Ethics complaint about Beckham soccer complex in Miami spurs question: Who owns team?

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https://stockdailydish.com/billionaire-burkle-to-join-sacramento-republic-fc-is-a-major-league-soccer-spot-next/

Billionaire Burkle to join Sacramento Republic FC. Is a Major League Soccer spot next?

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https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/armadas-downtown-stadium-plans-more-than-soccer

Armada's Downtown stadium plans more than soccer

Moving RP Funding offices from Baymeadows is part of the plan for the proposed stadium complex.

There’s more than one goal for the Jacksonville Armada FC’s quest to build a new stadium near the Downtown Sports Complex.

The club’s proposed deal could bring along a corporate building for some of team owner and Florida entrepreneur Robert Palmer’s businesses.

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https://houston.sportsmap.com/landon-donovan

U.S. SOCCER LEGEND SPEAKS

Landon Donovan: Professional sports in the United States have become "very corporate"

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https://stockdailydish.com/miami-mayor-enters-second-year-with-streamlined-vision-and-political-bruises/

Miami mayor enters second year with streamlined vision and political bruises

 the commercial/stadium complex for David Beckham’s MLS team, but Suarez faced criticism for backing a deal that would allow the soccer group to build a large retail, hotel and office park on Melreese golf course — even if it is supposed to come with a 58-acre public park. That lease is in the negotiation phase, and

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https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/11/third-qualifying-round-winners-to-advance-to-2020-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup

THIS WEEKEND’S QUALIFYING ROUND WINNERS WILL CLINCH BERTHS TO 2020 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP

OPEN CUP COMMITTEE DECIDES TO FOREGO FOURTH QUALIFYING ROUND IN DECEMBER AFTER PROJECTING TOTAL SLOTS AVAILABLE TO OPEN DIVISION CLUBS

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https://www.statesman.com/sports/20191121/soccer-notebook-claudio-reynas-roots-passion-for-youth-both-assets-for-austin-fc

Soccer notebook: Claudio Reyna’s roots, passion for youth both assets for Austin FC

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https://www.tampabay.com/news/2019/11/23/where-does-st-petes-carter-g-woodson-museum-belong-its-up-for-debate/

Where does St. Pete’s Carter G. Woodson Museum belong? It’s up for debate.

As the city’s African-American museum plans for expansion, fissures grow over where it should go and who should pay for it.

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https://theathletic.com/1396751/2019/11/21/how-englands-mavericks-and-misfits-of-the-1970s-found-their-place-in-the-nasl/

How England’s mavericks and misfits of the 1970s found their place in the NASL

It’s March 1977 and Ray Hudson touches down on U.S. soil for the first time. 

“What’s the purpose of your visit?” asks the immigration officer at Miami International Airport.

“I’m here to play football,” replies the enthusiastic 22-year-old in a thick Geordie accent.

“What are you?” the incredulous officer replies. “A kicker?”

“Well… yeah, I am,” says a confused Hudson, confirming George Bernard Shaw’s observation that the United States and Great Britain are two countries separated by a common language.

After making his debut for Newcastle United at the age of 18, the Tyneside native struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI over the seasons that followed.

“I was getting into the first team, and then the bigger stars would get fit, and I’d get pushed aside,” Hudson tells The Athletic. 

The midfielder was sent north of the border to Greenock Morton for a month in 1975 in a...

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/minnesota-united-fc/minnesota-united-miguel-ibarra-declines-contract-option-mls-roster-2020/

IN-DEPTH

Miguel Ibarra’s likely exit leaves Minnesota United fans reeling

Miguel Ibarra had been synonymous with Minnesota United for years, and now he’s gone.

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https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/new-york-cosmos-to-join-third-tier-league-nisa/

New York Cosmos to join third-tier league NISA

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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2019/11/mls-liga-mx-and-the-mls-all-star-game.html

MLS, LIGA MX, AND THE MLS ALL-STAR GAME

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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2019/11/the-chicago-fire-continues-to-revamp.html

THE CHICAGO FIRE CONTINUES TO REVAMP

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http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2019/11/22/garber-says-mls-will-stick-32-teams-headlines-soccerex-usa-opening-day/

Garber says MLS will stick at 32 teams as he headlines Soccerex USA opening day

November 22 – MLS commissioner Don Garber, speaking at the Soccerex convention in Miami, said that the league’s “30th team will be announced before the end of the year” and that while there will be further expansion, the MLS is in no hurry to make it happen.

Garber would not confirm that Charlotte, looking like nailed-on favourites, would get the 30th franchise. He did say that “with five new teams and seven new stadia, we need to consolidate.”

Citing the 60-70,000 mile players have to travel a year as a reason to put a brake on expansion, he said that “32 teams will happen at some point but it is not happening any time soon.”

The growth of the MLS into the world’s largest top-tier national league in terms of numbers of clubs, has been driven by market demand. But as the league has grown, so has the cost of entry with the expansion fess now in the region of $300 million for those looking at filling the next two slots.

While the title of Garber’s session paid tribute to the MLS entering its 25th season (Garber is entering his 20th with the organisation), he said both the league and soccer in the US are “still in the early stages of growth. The best days are still ahead.”

MLS owners need to have deep pockets with Garber reckoning that, with stadia, they are making $500-600 million investments. Training facilities costing upwards of $70 million are not uncommon. “That’s what will take this country to another level. Hundreds of professionally developed players cost a lot of money. ESPN, Fox and Univision will have to pay us a lot of money,” he joked.

This is the second year Soccerex has been in Miami. While the opening ceremony was very much a celebration of the city, its ambition for hosting 2026 World Cup games, and an acknowledgment of the huge investment and anticipation of its own MLS franchise in the shape of Inter Miami CF, it was Garber who was the centre of attention. Receiving the Duncan Revie Award, presented annually to a person or institution who have changed football for the better, he paid tribute to the “drive of committed owners and their desire to build a soccer nation in our country.”

Asked what made him most proud of the achievements of the MLS he said that “25 years after founding we have teams that matter in 30 markets. We have created thousands of jobs in professional soccer.”

But it wasn’t always easy. When Garber joined he said “we needed to expand. We needed to build stadiums, infrastructure , audiences and it was not going to happen without some dramatic experiences.” This involved folding teams, recapitalising the league and raising money to support the ambition. With 30 teams and the doors being beaten down by others who want to join, those days seem like a long time ago.

Asked where he thought the league would be in 25 years time, he said: “One of the top leagues in the world because our owners will not accept anything less. That will take time and we cannot accelerate faster than natural evolution. We will not be much bigger than we are (in terms of number of teams) and we will attract the best players in the world, and I believe there will be a cultural change and a global market for American players that raises the profile of our league and national teams.”

When Garber started at the MLS people used to tell him every day that soccer would never make it in America. “Now they tell me what clubs they support,” he said.

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https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/nov/22/bradley-wright-philips-new-york-red-bulls-mls

Did Bradley Wright-Philips' success show MLS's weakness or its strength?

The Englishman routinely tore through defences in North America after a humdrum career in Europe. But his Red Bulls career was far from a joke

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/22/report-former-nycfc-coach-dome-torrent-contacted-several-mls-teams

Report: Former NYCFC coach Dome Torrent "contacted by several MLS teams"

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/11/22/mls-3-reasons-star-game-format-change-fantastic/

MLS: 3 reasons why All-Star Game format change is fantastic

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/22/luis-suarez-calls-mls-attractive-league-any-player-would-be-interested

Luis Suarez calls MLS "attractive league" that "any player would be interested in"

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/22/inter-miamis-jorge-mas-professes-huge-admiration-mauricio-pochettino

Inter Miami's Jorge Mas professes "huge admiration" for Mauricio Pochettino

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https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/luis-suarez-tempted-transfer-mls-20941467

Luis Suarez tempted by transfer to MLS with David Beckham's Inter Miami team

Luis Suarez is out of contract at Barcelona at the end of next season. Meanwhile, David Beckham's Inter Miami is set to make their debut in the MLS next season

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https://www.tampabay.com/news/hillsborough/2019/11/22/ybor-citys-boutique-hotel-has-a-name-hotel-haya-to-open-in-spring-2020/

Ybor City’s boutique hotel has a name: Hotel Haya to open in spring 2020

The hotel on one of Ybor’s most historic blocks gets a historic name to match.

A hotel room model for Ybor's coming Hotel Haya. It will open in spring 2020. [Aparium]

TAMPA — Ybor City’s long-awaited $52 million boutique hotel now has a historic name to match its positioning on a historic block: Hotel Haya.

The name pays homage to one of Ybor’s founding fathers,...

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https://thatssotampa.com/popular-st-pete-cocktail-bar-copper-shaker-opening-in-ybor-city/

Popular St. Pete cocktail bar, Copper Shaker, opening in Ybor City

MLB to Orlando? What to know about the Dreamers and their unlikely pitch to land a baseball team

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https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-to-orlando-what-to-know-about-the-dreamers-and-their-unlikely-pitch-to-land-a-baseball-team/

MLB to Orlando? What to know about the Dreamers and their unlikely pitch to land a baseball team

Former Orlando Magic GM Pat Williams presented his vision for an Orlando MLB team on Wednesday

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https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/11/mlb-rumors-is-baseball-coming-to-orlando.html

MLB rumors: Is baseball coming to Orlando? What it could mean for Rays, Marlins

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https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2019/11/20/orlando-wants-an-mlb-team-and-we-have-a-history-of-giving-stadiums-to-rich-guys

Orlando wants an MLB team, and we have a history of giving stadiums to rich guys

Pat Williams, Orlando Magic co-founder, held a press conference Wednesday morning discussing the possibility of bringing a baseball team to the city of Orlando. According to Williams, the proposed team would be called the “Orlando Dreamers,” a name he hasn’t given much, if any, background about.

What’s the likelihood that our local Rays will simply move across I-4 and head to the land owned by the rat? Well, it’s a lot better than that Montreal plan, which calls for the Rays to play the first half of their season in Tampa, then move to Montreal for the second half.

The MLB hasn't gotten very deep into the specifics of the plan (like, where the team would play in the postseason? Would the players get paid in Canadian or U.S. currency?), but the Rays are seeking two new, smaller stadiums to be built in both cities (because if Tampa wasn’t eager to pay for a stadium with the team playing all their games here, they’ll definitely go for half a season).

The Orlando Magic averages over 16,000 fans a game, and Orlando City soccer is in the top-ten for attendance in the MLS.

There’s also the problem of getting approval from the players’ union. If players aren’t already tired of being on the road for 81 games out of the year, they’ll be really excited to have an additional 40 road games (making for 121 road games, for those like me that are mathematically challenged). And with the Rays having the lowest payroll for players in all of baseball, clearly owner Stuart Sternberg is great about paying his players. So they’ll be very well compensated.

All of this is to say, Orlando is a much more viable option for the Rays.

For one, O-Town sports teams don’t seem to have the same attendance problems as the Rays. The basketball team, the Orlando Magic, averages over 16,000 fans a game, and the soccer team Orlando City is top 10 in the MLS for attendance, so who’s to say those fans wouldn’t want to watch Kevin Kiermaier go 0-5 with three groundouts to first and two strikeouts?

But arguably the best reason Sternberg might go for Orlando is that he may actually get his stadium. The City of Orlando would probably have to foot most of the bill, but this is something they’ve been more than willing to do in the past. Back in the early 2000s, the city did offer a massive chunk of downtown to convicted fraudster and boy band mogul Lou Pearlman for practically nothing. The City of Orlando also spent $8.2 million on land for their MLS stadium, and even approved another $20 million in tourist development tax funds to be deferred to the project. Plus, Robert DeVos convinced Orlando to spend millions on his new Amway Center back in 2007.

Sure, it’s a little far-fetched, but it is a possibility.

Especially if Tampa and St. Pete continue to shuffle their feet in regards to stadium funding. Plus, it already seems like Sternberg has one foot out the door. When asked at a press conference about the Montreal plan if he thinks a full season could work in either Tampa or St. Pete, he said, "I don't see it. I don't see it happening in St. Petersburg and I would be hard-pressed to see it in Tampa as well, given what I know."

Williams says that he called the MLB commissioner’s office with his proposed plan for having a team in Orlando, but he said he wants to find out how invested the community would be in the team before he does any serious work in planning for the team.

But it sure sounds like Orlando is more than ready for another big investment.

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http://www.orlandorays.com

Orlando Rays Professional Baseball

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https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2019/11/20/no-details-or-plans-lure-rays-just-dreamers-right-now-in-orlando/

No details or plans to lure Rays, just Dreamers right now in Orlando

Longtime sports executive Pat Williams’ pitch to get an MLB team starts with fans showing interest. Stadium, owners ‘"not pertinent right now."

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https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2019/11/21/orlando-baseball-is-not-a-threat-to-tampa-bay-but-apathy-is/

Orlando baseball is not a threat to Tampa Bay, but apathy is

While communities across North America are gearing up for MLB expansion or relocation, Tampa Bay seems to be reacting with indifference to Rays attendance and stadium concerns.

Pat Williams, co-founder of the NBA Orlando Magic basketball team, kisses a baseball at a news conference to announce a campaign to bring a Major League Baseball team to Orlando, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 in Orlando, Fla. Williams brought good luck to the Orlando Magic by kissing ping pong balls before the NBA draft two years in a row bringing the number one picks twice.

ST. PETERSBURG — It would be easy to poke fun of the Orlando Dreamers today.

To point out this nascent Major League Baseball fantasy lacks a stadium plan, an ownership group or, more importantly, a...

https://www.mcall.com/sns-bc-bbo--orlando-baseball-20191120-story.html

Former NBA executive wants to bring MLB to Orlando

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnperrotto/2019/11/24/orlando-mlb-team/#733665f13bd0

Another MLB Team In Florida? Orlando Must Be Dreaming

I have covered MLB regularly since 1988.

Orlando Baseball
Pat Williams, co-founder of the NBA Orlando Magic basketball team, kisses a baseball at a news ... [+]ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pat Williams wants to bring Major League Baseball.

Seriously.

The former Orlando Magic executive held a press conference this past week to talk about trying to land a baseball team for the theme park mecca.

Williams’ contention is that Orlando is ready for MLB because it has 2.5 million residents in its metropolitan area. Furthermore, the city attracts 75 million tourists each year.

Williams said he believes Orlando is a better market than those mentioned as possible expansion cities or places where a team with stadium issues like the Oakland Athletics or Tampa Bay Rays could relocate. Among the cities he mentioned where Charlotte, Las Vegas, Montreal, Nashville, Portland and Vancouver.

Not to burst Williams’ bubble but it’s certainly hard to make any kind of case to place a third team in Florida or even move the Rays across I-4 to the land of Mickey Mouse.

The Sunshine State has proven it can’t even support one MLB franchise. The Rays and Marlins are annually among the lowest franchises in attendance.

The Rays drew just 1,178,735 this past season to Tropicana Field. That was pathetic considering Tampa Bay won 96 games, beat the Athletics on the road in the wild card and pushed the Houston Astros – who had the best regular-season record in the major leagues – to the full five games before losing in an American League Division Series.

The Rays drew 2.5 million fans during their expansion season in 1998. They cracked 1.9 million in a season since then.

Beyond being the only stadium in the major leagues with a permanent roof, the complaint about Tropicana Field is its location in south St. Petersburg. That represents nearly an hour’s drive for fans in the northern part of Tampa.

The Rays have also unsuccessful tried to get a new ballpark built in the Tampa/St. Pete area for year. The latest failed attempt came last December when a proposed facility in Tampa’s Ybor City section fell through.

Yet speaking of driving, have you ever tried to navigate I-4 in the Orlando area during tourist season? There are few experiences you can have in a vehicle that are worse.

The Marlins’ situation isn’t any better as fans haven’t exactly flocked to Marlins Park since it opened in 2012. In fact, interest is so low in professional baseball in the city that the Marlins have yet to secure a naming rights’ deal for the 7-year-old facility.

The Marlins haven’t come close to drawing one million fans the last two seasons. This year, the total attendance was 811,302. That was up all of 198 fans from 2018. Of course, Miami lost 98 games last year and 105 this year.

Miami also had the lowest attendance in the major leagues in 2019. Tampa Bay was second.

It is hard to blame the citizens of Miami for not supporting their team. Though the Marlins produced World Series winners in 1997 and 2003, they have usually not been competitive since joining the National League as an expansion franchise in 1993.

Williams, though, is undeterred. He even has a nickname already selected for the Orlando team – the Dreamers.

Quite ironic in a state that has turned out to be a nightmare for MLB.

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https://spotonflorida.com/fl-sports/orlando-magic/1007517/details-on-the-latest-pitch-to-bring.html

Details on the latest pitch to bring an MLB team to Orlando

Will Major League Baseball ever come to Central Florida? Well, that's exactly what Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams is pushing for. Williams held a news conference Wednesday to announce the ...

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/23/hyde-house-the-tampa-outpost-of-st-petes-station.html

Hyde House, the Tampa outpost of St. Pete's Station House, opens in Hyde Park Village — and it already has a big expansion in the works (Photos)

Gianco Cos. is growing its footprint within Hyde Park Village — and it's also taken over South Tampa's historic Anderson-Frank House for more events and office space.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/23/penthouse-in-the-towers-at-channelside-sells-for.html

Penthouse in the Towers at Channelside sells for second-highest price per square foot ever (Photos)

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/22/tampa-opens-bid-for-first-200m-comprehensive.html

Tampa opens bid for $200M comprehensive infrastructure project, including Streetcar extension

New infrastructure projects are slated for Tampa neighborhoods and the city has issued its first advertisement for a design-build firm to work on what it's calling the Comprehensive Infrastructure Project.

This is the first of approximately 10 neighborhood infrastructure projects expected over the next 20 years, the city's release states.

The proposed budget is estimated at $200 million, according to the request for qualifications.

The city has identified East Tampa, Forest Hills, MacFarland Park and Virginia Park as the neighborhoods where the projects will take place. The selection was made based on infrastructure needs for those areas.

The historic effort will coordinate four major programs

PIPES (progressive infrastructure planning to ensure sustainability)

Tampa MO>ES (mobility, opportunity, vision, equity, safety) powered by All for Transportation

Stormwater improvement assessment and later the TECO Line Streetcar extension

The project includes design and construction, performing public relations, improvements for water, wastewater, stormwater and transportation infrastructure, which will all be performed at the same time for the selected locations, the release said.

The projects will also create a large economic impact. The design-build firm selection process will focus heavily on maximizing women and minority businesses and small local business enterprise involvement. The program should include apprenticeship opportunities, mentoring and on-the-job training, according to the release.

The deadline is Jan. 9, 2020 before 2 p.m.

View the full RFQ here.

The announcement takes place after Tampa Mayor Jane Castor recently unveiled her transportation priority list, which included the TAMPA MO>ES program and the Streetcar extension.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/06/11/tropicana-field-to-be-transformed-into-world-s.html

Tropicana Field to be transformed into world’s largest Christmas light maze (Video)

St. Petersburg will be home to a winter wonderland full of mazes and light displays.

The event called Enchant Christmas will be at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, Nov. 22 through Dec. 29.

The outfield will be transformed into the world's largest maze of light displays and a Christmas market stocked with over 60 local food and artisan merchant vendors. The infield will house an ice skating trail.

“After overwhelmingly popular events in Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, Canada and Dallas, Texas, we are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Rays and to bring Enchant Christmas to the greater St. Petersburg community and beyond,” said Enchant Christmas Founder Kevin Johnston in Enchant's news release.

The festivities include:

Light maze: “The Great Search” is the world’s largest Christmas light maze where guests search for Santa’s missing reindeer

Christmas market: Taste seasonal delights and shop for holiday gifts from dozens of local vendors showcasing home decor, jewelry, gourmet foods and more.

VIP event experiences: Tropicana Field’s private suites and club spaces will be transformed into exclusive rooms for holiday parties and special events.

Food and beverage: Holiday-themed food and drinks that are sure to please everyone throughout the concourse with a special bar experience on the field in the maze.

Ice skating trail: Visitors can rent a pair of skates.

Adult tickets prices start at roughly $20. However, there's an early bird special going on until June 23.

There are also sponsorship and vendor opportunities.

The event is produced by Enchant Christmas LLC, a subsidiary of Enchant Christmas Light Maze and Market Ltd., a Vancouver-based Christmas light company, according to the release.

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7717375/Luis-Suarez-open-MLS-Barcelona-career-over.html

'The United States is a nice possibility': Luis Suarez open to MLS move after Barcelona career is over with David Beckham's Inter Miami among options

Luis Suarez's Barca contract is due to expire at the end of the 2020-21 season

The Uruguay international has been continuously linked with Inter Miami

Suarez has hinted he could end his professional career in the United States

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https://upnewsinfo.com/2019/11/23/luis-suarez-barcelona-striker-admits-that-mls-is-an-attractive-leaguequot-soccer-news/

Luis Suarez: Barcelona striker admits that MLS is an "attractive league,quot; | Soccer news

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https://stockdailydish.com/ethics-complaint-about-beckham-soccer-complex-in-miami-spurs-question-who-owns-team/

Ethics complaint about Beckham soccer complex in Miami spurs question: Who owns team?

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https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/11/23/barcelona-star-open-to-mls-move/

Barcelona star open to MLS move

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https://skystatement.com/luis-suarez-tempted-by-transfer-to-mls-with-david-beckhams-inter-miami-team/

Luis Suarez tempted by transfer to MLS with David Beckham’s Inter Miami team

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/11/23/mls-edinson-cavani-impacts-luis-suarez-inter-miami-move/

MLS: How Edinson Cavani impacts Luis Suarez Inter Miami move

Luis Suarez’s arrival in Major League Soccer may happen sooner rather than later as the Uruguayan star continues to be linked with a move to MLS.

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https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/11/24/james-rodriguez-inter-miami-transfer-from-real-madrid/

David Beckham’s Inter Miami line up ambitious transfer by preparing huge salary offer to Real Madrid star

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/24/inter-miami-cf-managing-owner-jorge-mas-we-aspire-bring-best-players-world

Inter Miami CF managing owner Jorge Mas: "We aspire to bring the best players in the world"

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https://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/2019/11/24/scooters-went-where-they-shouldnt-more-than-1150-times-tampa-report-says/

Scooters went where they shouldn’t more than 1,150 times, Tampa report says

Four companies vying to serve the city logged about 600,000 trips since the test program started Memorial Day weekend.

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https://stockdailydish.com/brightline-to-start-building-rail-from-south-florida-to-orlando-in-march-while-it-rebrands-as-virgin-trains/

Brightline to start building rail from South Florida to Orlando in March while it rebrands as Virgin Trains

Also announced in 2018 is the rail service’s plan to extend operations from Orlando’s airport to Tampa at an undisclosed station location between its downtown and historic community of Ybor City.

Filed in late November, a preliminary prospectus for stock in Virgin Trains USA Inc. predicts that service between Miami and Tampa through Orlando has the potential to carry 9.5 million passengers annually.

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https://www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41004093/hotel-haya-ybor-city.html

Hotel Haya Ybor City

Aparium Hotel Group Announces Hotel Haya to Open in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida Spring 2020
Scheduled for Spring 2020 – 91 Rooms

OFFICIAL: five more signings for Bekcham's Inter Miami

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https://www.besoccer.com/new/official-five-more-signings-for-bekcham-s-inter-miami-748017

OFFICIAL: five more signings for Bekcham's Inter Miami

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https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1066319

Championship Standouts Help Countries to Success in Nations League

BATTERY’S PATERSON, GRENADA EARN PLACE IN 2021 GOLD CUP, JOIN JAMAICA IN PROMOTION TO LEAGUE A

USL INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS – NOVEMBER 2019

Afghanistan – David Najem (Tampa Bay Rowdies), Adam Najem (Memphis 901 FC)

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https://www.newsday.com/sports/soccer/ben-sweat-nycfc-inter-miami-expansion-draft-1.38731945

SPORTS SOCCER

NYCFC loses defender Ben Sweat to Inter Miami CF in 2019 MLS Expansion Draft

Sweat, a Florida native, heads to his home state after making 72 league appearances and recording one goal with nine assists for NYCFC during his tenure. A 2014 MLS Superdraft selection by Columbus Crew SC, Sweat joined NYCFC from the second-division Tampa Bay Rowdies in February 2017, soon becoming a feature in the starting lineup during a breakout season.

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http://jamaica-star.com/article/sports/20191120/drogba-wants-flemmings-lambert-chelsea

Drogba wants Flemmings, Lambert at Chelsea

The 22-year-old Lambert has been in the United States Soccer League (USLC) with Phoenix since 2017, while Flemmings joined them this season after previous stints with New York Red Bulls and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

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https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mls/nota/_/id/6338470/inter-miami-de-beckham-ficha-a-cinco-jugadores

Inter Miami de Beckham ficha a cinco jugadores

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/20/amazon-confirms-new-1m-square-foot-fulfillment.html

Amazon confirms new 1M-square-foot fulfillment center in Polk County

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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/11/20/a-new-league-a-new-challenge-cosmos-to-join-nisa-for-2020/

A NEW LEAGUE, A NEW CHALLENGE: NISA accepts Cosmos for 2020 fall season

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https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/professional-soccer-team-could-be-heading-to-buffalo/71-1c73b33b-c1de-4765-81f9-858eed1a34b7

LOCAL

USL Championship soccer team may be headed to Buffalo

Real estate developer John McClutchy, Jr. has reached an initial agreement to bring a USL franchise to the city.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/20/2020-mls-all-star-announcement-0

2020 MLS All-Star Announcement

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/20/landon-donovan-don-garber-and-enrique-bonilla-react-2020-mls-all-star-game

Landon Donovan, Don Garber and Enrique Bonilla react to 2020 MLS All-Star Game announcement, format

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https://www.dailybulletin.com/2019/11/20/mls-all-star-game-coming-to-banc-of-california-stadium-in-2020/

SPORTS SOCCER

MLS All-Star Game coming to Banc of California Stadium in 2020

League's best players will face a team of all-stars from Mexico’s Liga MX on July 29 at the home of the LAFC

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https://www.stltoday.com/sports/waiting-on-the-mls/article_d17032a9-48ea-578c-9990-f6a5236312f8.html

SPORTS

WAITING ON THE MLS

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/dz6dir/joe_morrell_from_failed_trials_to_crucial_wales/

Joe Morrell: From failed trials to crucial Wales qualifiers (trialed with the Rowdies)

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https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50372765

Joe Morrell: From failed trials to crucial Wales qualifiers

With his Ashton Gate future in doubt, Morrell had unsuccessful trials with the likes of Fleetwood and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

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https://www.courant.com/sports/hc-sp-usl-soccer-connecticut-20191120-20191120-th3572t6ljbsnpukbfmtatuhoe-story.html

Connecticut real estate developer looking to start USL soccer club

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/united-soccer-league-buffalo-expansion

United Soccer League agrees deal for Buffalo expansion

Expansion franchise could join second-tier USL Championship in 2023.

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https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/oakland-county-fc-joins-usl-s-league-two-a-top/article_91a847f4-0bdd-11ea-8497-9ffaec0c2b72.html

Oakland County FC joins USL's League Two, a top pre-professional league

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https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2019/11/21/herriman-throws-parade/

Herriman throws a parade for its USL Champion Real Monarchs, and Jamison Olave is named club’s permanent coach

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https://sports.yahoo.com/why-landon-donovan-made-carrie-taylor-his-first-assistant-and-what-it-could-mean-for-women-coaching-mens-soccer-184439919.html

Why Landon Donovan made Carrie Taylor his first assistant, and what it could mean for women coaching men's soccer

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https://charlatan.ca/2019/11/soccer-community-rattled-after-ottawa-fury-suspend-operations/

SOCCER COMMUNITY RATTLED AFTER OTTAWA FURY SUSPEND OPERATIONS

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https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/11/20/mls-and-liga-mx-2020-all-star-game-los-angeles/4245477002/

Major League Soccer furthers relationship with Liga MX, announces new All-Star Game format

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https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/mls-expansion-draft-results-inter-miami-and-nashville-sc-add-five-players-to-their-rosters/

MLS Expansion Draft results: Inter Miami and Nashville SC add five players to their rosters

Here's what you need to know about the 2019 Major League Soccer Expansion Draft

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/20/anthony-precourt-teases-sporting-director-mls-expansion-club-austin-fc

Report: Claudio Reyna set to leave NYCFC for Austin FC

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https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/mls-liga-mx-stars-face-193655528.html

MLS, LIGA MX All-Stars to face off in 2020

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https://asumetech.com/liga-mx-transfer-news-the-latest-rumors-and-news-from-chivas-club-america-the-mexican-national-team-and-much-more/

Liga MX Transfer News: The latest rumors and news from Chivas, Club America, the Mexican national team and much more

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https://valliantnews.com/2019/11/20/detroit-bid-now-puts-mls-team-at-ford-field/

Detroit bid now puts MLS team at Ford Field

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https://www.givemesport.com/1523115-creating-a-starting-xi-from-the-players-linked-to-david-beckhams-inter-miami

Creating a starting XI from the players linked to David Beckham's Inter Miami

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https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/USL-could-bring-soccer-club-to-Buffalo-NY-14848791.php

USL could bring soccer club to Buffalo, NY

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https://www.whec.com/news/usl-soccer-club-buffalo/5558409/?cat=565

USL could bring soccer club to Buffalo

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https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/south-bend-lions-fc-unveiled-as-newest-usl-league-two-expansion-club

South Bend Lions FC unveiled as newest USL League Two Expansion Club

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/20/armchair-analyst-state-miami-nashville-rosters-post-expansion-draft

Armchair Analyst: State of Miami & Nashville rosters post-Expansion Draft

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https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/about-time-mls-finally-correct-all-star-game-issues-by-providing-/1rk3651l4zrbv1er36mqp1l6mi

About time! MLS finally correct All-Star Game issues by providing Liga MX clash

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/vancouver-whitecaps-fc/vancouver-whitecaps-transfer-doneil-henry-korean-suwon-bluewings-mls-2019/

Vancouver Whitecaps transfer Doneil Henry to Korean side Suwon Bluewings

Vancouver Whitecaps made two roster moves Wednesday.

If Melreese lease goes ahead, more voices must be heard

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https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2019/11/19/if-melreese-lease-goes-ahead-more-voices-must-be-heard/

If Melreese lease goes ahead, more voices must be heard

Miami commissioners wisely delayed a vote last week to lease the city’s golf course for a century to a massive shopping-office-hotel complex with a soccer stadium until they get all details.

Waiting was an easy choice. An even better option was to say “no thanks” to the unsolicited offer for Miami’s largest green space, but it might be too far down the road to say no without seeing the full deal.

When the Mas brothers, their partners and former soccer star David Beckham first asked for Melreese because they wanted a stadium site, the city shouldn’t have asked voters for an OK to cut a no-bid deal, first because the land should remain open and second because no-bid deals give governments the short end.

With an OK to negotiate, the Mas team can now claim a mandate that never was. Permission to talk does not require a deal – especially when the city last week got a swiss cheese agreement with a slew of holes. So the commission didn’t OK it by vote and pushed any action to Dec 12 or later.

By then, commissioners want big gaps filled. One is exactly what green space the city would get in return from a developer who would lease more than 70 acres of the golf course at below-market rates.

They also asked to know the land’s appraised value before setting lease rates. That’s basic. But when they met last week they had no idea of the appraised value or the standard upon which an appraisal will be based. If you don’t know what your property is worth, how can you possibly agree to a price?

Commissioners need all of those facts before considering a contract.

They also must know how much it will cost to remediate the former dump that became a golf course decades ago. The site is laced with all sorts of pollutants.

The community also must know where developers plan to build exactly what at exactly what height. The partners have talked in generalities, but not exactly where buildings would sit at what size. The deal went into negotiation listing the minimum developers could build, not the maximum – no ceiling. The city should never approve that.

Once all details are in hand, a contract could be studied but wouldn’t yet be ready for a vote.

Typically once a large deal with government is unveiled a developer rushes a vote. The claim this time is likely to be that the league requires approval, even though team owners are now building a stadium in Broward County and the need for a soccer stadium was the driving sales pitch for the city to yield its golf course.

In this case in particular, other stakeholders should vet the lease. Those include transportation and environmental interests as well as neighbors, all of which would have to be consulted if the vast project were totally private.

The largest stakeholder isn’t yet at the table at all. It’s next door neighbor Miami International Airport, this county’s largest economic engine with 46 million passengers a year.

Aviation Director Lester Sola was at city hall last week for the vote but didn’t weigh in because the project is still like a bowl of Jello – so slippery that you can’t grip it.

What the county and the Federal Aviation Administration must know is what buildings of what size are planned where at the end of a major runway. As Mr. Sola has explained, buildings could limit how much federal administrators will allow that runway to handle and could constrict aviation.

Until the airport, the county, the federal government, transportation interests and neighbors have weighed in after adequate time to examine the finished pact, the only votes the city should take are to either reject the whole idea of leasing the golf course or, failing that, to at least seek open biddings. The only rationale for no bids – the need for a stadium – vanished when the team built one elsewhere.

If the city still intends to turn green open space into a vast no-bid private project, however, the most interested parties must study the contract first.

Primarily, the city should make sure that it gets Miami International Airport’s blessing. The city gave the county the airport many years ago and has a vital interest that it does no harm there. It’s crucial to our economy.

The golf course deal has been an effort to bring in soccer (which the now-rising Broward stadium does) and to fill city coffers (admirable, but there are better ways). It has also been a political soccer ball at city hall.

As the blanks in the deal are filled in, the city should shift from looking at the politics and placing blame to looking at quality of life and public good. There can be only one outcome among competing interests.

That requires open discussions with all interests after the city gets negotiated documents with all the details.

There is just one golf course. Put it to the best use – which might mean no change at all – under fully shared agreements.

We rushed through a disastrous baseball stadium deal with incomplete knowledge – including its $3 billion cost. Don’t do it again.

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https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/major-league-soccer-reportedly-makes-big-change-to-all-star-game-format-adds-liga-mx-stars-to-fold/

Major League Soccer reportedly makes big change to All-Star Game format, adds Liga MX stars to fold

The All-Star Game will be played in Banc of California Stadium, home of Los Angeles FC

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https://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/11/19/20972018/mls-expansion-draft-day

Major Link Soccer: MLS Expansion Draft Day

The draft is here! Nashville and Miami will make their picks

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https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/mls-expansion-draft-results-inter-miami-and-nashville-sc-add-five-players-to-their-rosters/

MLS Expansion Draft results: Inter Miami and Nashville SC add five players to their rosters

Here's what you need to know about the 2019 Major League Soccer Expansion Draft

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/19/zlatan-ibrahimovics-12-best-quotes-his-time-mls-sam-jones

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 12 best quotes from his time in MLS | Sam Jones

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https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2019/11/19/nutmeg-podcast-chief-communications-officer-rob-thomson

The Nutmeg Podcast: Chief Communications Officer Rob Thomson

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https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2019/11/19/alvas-powell-selected-mls-expansion-draft-inter-miami-cf/4243851002/

MLS expansion draft: FC Cincinnati trades for attacker Brandon Vazquez, parts with Alvas Powell, 2020 SuperDraft pick

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https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/mls-all-stars-to-face-liga-mx-players-in-2020/

MLS All-Stars ‘to face Liga MX players in 2020’

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https://esportsobserver.com/emls-fifa20-sxsw-2020/

SXSW to Host 2020 eMLS Cup Presented by PlayStation

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https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world/thierry-henry-montreal-impact-mls-major-league-soccer-as-monaco-latest-a9208681.html

Thierry Henry on how he’ll learn from AS Monaco mistakes at Montreal Impact

Henry was sacked by Monaco in January after just 103 days in charge

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https://commonwealthtimes.org/2019/11/19/press-box-the-u-s-mens-national-team-should-not-play-anyone-over-28-years-old/

Press Box: The U.S. men’s national team should not play anyone over 28 years old

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https://dentondaily.com/mls-power-rankings-lafc-top-dogs-at-all-star-break-arenas-revs-keep-rising/

MLS Power Rankings: LAFC top dogs at All-Star break, Arena‘s Revs keep rising

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https://adncuba.com/deportes/yo-hablo-futbol/maikel-chang-y-la-historia-de-los-cubanos-en-la-mls

Maikel Chang y la historia de los cubanos en la MLS

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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/11/19/going-south-inter-miami-fc-choose-nycfcs-sweat-in-expansion-draft/

GOING SOUTH: Inter Miami FC picks NYCFC”s Sweat in expansion draft

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https://africa.espn.com/football/major-league-soccer/story/3993409/report-mls-to-play-liga-mx-in-2020-all-star-game-at-lafcs-stadium

Report: MLS to play Liga MX in 2020 All-Star Game at LAFC's stadium

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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/11/19/very-high-honors-wingert-to-be-inducted-into-st-johns-athletics-hall-of-fame/

VERY HIGH HONORS: Wingert to be inducted into St. John’s Athletics Hall of Fame

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https://www.goshennews.com/sports/south-bend-lions-football-club-to-debut-in-may/article_6ae09cb6-0b06-11ea-8977-0bfc90c33fe3.html

South Bend Lions Football Club to debut in May 2020

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https://www.newschannel5.com/news/mls-stadium-construction-put-on-hold-delayed-at-least-7-weeks

MLS stadium construction put on hold, delayed at least 7 weeks

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https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/soccer/2019/11/19/here-are-players-revolution-left-unprotected-for-mls-expansion-draft/WQlFO9BzcSTZmSBcLETLkI/story.html

SOCCER

Here are the players the Revolution left unprotected for the MLS expansion draft

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https://valliantnews.com/2019/11/18/us-world-cup-hopes-in-jeopardy-after-2-0-loss-to-costa-rica/

US World Cup hopes in jeopardy after 2-0 loss to Costa Rica

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https://stpetersburgfoodies.com/podcast/interview-with-matt-bonano-of-brooklyn-south-st-petersburg-foodies-podcast-episode-64/

Interview with Matt Bonano of Brooklyn South – St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast Episode 64

Interview with Matt Bonano from Brooklyn South

Welcome to the St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast Episode 64! Our featured interview today is with Matt Bonano from Brooklyn South. Brooklyn South is known for their great selection of meats and cheeses, and for their great sandwiches. Matt himself is a Cheesemonger, and has some great tales that are literally cheesy. Our musical guest is Paul Fournier from the band Wild Root Music. We talk food and music with Paul, and feature the single, "Tesla Man". We start the show off with Abby's amazing recipe for some of the best ramen we've ever had, "Bone Broth Ramen with Gochujang Chicken".

Listen right here with our player above, or use your favorite podcast listening app below.

Matt Bonano, Cheesemonger & Owner / Operator of Brooklyn South

The St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast features interviews with chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, bartenders, and more, and covers the burgeoning food scene in St. Petersburg, Florida. Episodes air every Tuesday.

This episode of the St. Petersburg Foodies Podcast is brought to you by Rollin' Oats, Pacific Counter, The Brass Bowl Kitchen & Juicery, Buya Ramen, and Engine No. 9. Please keep them in mind the next time you are hungry for some fantastic food.

Our announcer is Candice Aviles from Food for Thought  and Channel 10 News. Our theme music is provided by The Chris Walker Band.

Links:

Brooklyn South

Wild Root Music

Cheese Primer by Steven Jenkins

Bone Broth Ramen with Gochujang Chicken Recipe