Beckham group announces date to reveal plans for MLS stadium on Miami golf course

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http://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article213663424.html

Beckham group announces date to reveal plans for MLS stadium on Miami golf course

If David Beckham and his partners want to build a Major League Soccer stadium on Miami's only public golf course, they'll need voters to let them. As time runs tight to place a question on November's ballot, the public has yet to see any plans.

Beckham's group was awarded an MLS franchise in January when it was believed a stadium would be built in Overtown, but plans unofficially shifted to Melreese Golf Course shortly afterward. When Beckham partnered with Jorge Mas, an executive at Miami-based infrastructure giant MasTec, the concept evolved beyond a stadium into a larger complex that spurred talks with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and City Manager Emilio Gonzalez about using the larger tract of land at Melreese.

Thus, Melreese emerged as the front-runner for the soccer group's plans to build a home for the franchise. Yet after four months of promising plans to Miami officials, Beckham and partner Jorge Mas have yet to publicly present a single rendering, site plan or economic impact report to the public regarding what is expected to be a significant redevelopment of the publicly owned Melreese golf course — a plan that will likely be a political tinderbox heading into election season.

The Overtown site didn't need voter approval because the Beckham group bought that land — though some of that sale is tied up in litigation. When Melreese came into the picture, Suarez and Gonzalez committed to putting any proposal to a public vote.

In order to put the question on the November ballot, Miami commissioners would need to approve the measure at either their July 12 or July 26 meeting, unless they agree to hold a special meeting before the Aug. 7 deadline to submit ballot items to Miami-Dade's elections department. The soccer group needs at least three commissioners' votes to get their plan to a referendum.

This means the pressure is on for Beckham and Mas to present their vision to elected officials and the public in the next few weeks. Apparently, the Beckham group is preparing for a big reveal soon.

Sources familiar with the proposal have told the Miami Herald that Mas is seeking meetings with all five Miami commissioners this week to present a plan, which will include a stadium, hotel and retail space, several public soccer fields and a large public park.

Sources said the team tapped Miami-based Arquitectonica to develop conceptual images, which is expected to debut publicly at the July 12 commission meeting at City Hall.

The Beckham group did not respond to the Herald's request for comment. But an hour after this story was published online Tuesday night, Mas sent tweets confirming that plans will soon be revealed for a "world class park, soccer village and tech hub."

When a Univision journalist asked if the plans involve Melreese, Mas responded, in Spanish, that the plans would be revealed on July 12 — the day of the Miami commission meeting.

When a Herald reporter asked on Twitter for confirmation that the plan would be revealed to Miami commissioners July 12, Mas responded: "Stay tuned. This is the people's team. Our fans are at the center of everything we do."

Gonzalez, who began talks with the Beckham group in March, said on Tuesday he was eager to see a final proposal.

"This is a transformational project," he said, saying it's good timing to debut a plan during this year's FIFA World Cup.

The anticipated Melreese plan has already stirred up opposition from golfers who want to keep the golf course the way it is and from supporters of the First Tee youth program, which teaches kids how to golf. An online petition to preserve the golf course has so far garnered 1,600 signatures. Advocates for more open green space are expected to come out against any development at Melreese, which is presently the only public golf course within Miami city limits.

A contingent of soccer supporters who have long awaited the formation of a Miami MLS team would also likely campaign for a stadium plan — regardless of the location.

Melreese's terrain and location raise questions: Is it possible to build a suitable stadium complex so close to Miami International Airport? Would any environmental remediation be required? When the adjacent Grapeland Water Park was built more than a decade ago, early soil testing detected pockets of polluted soil and buried ash — likely from a city waste incinerator closed down decades ago. How would a stadium complex generate revenue for the city of Miami?

The Beckham group has not answered those questions.

No matter what, the first significant vote would be at the Miami commission. If Beckham and Mas do not win that vote or if they fail at the ballot box in November, the group might pivot to a location outside of Miami. Mas has met with Doral officials to discuss the possibility of building a stadium complex on land privately owned by real estate developers David Martin and Stephen Bittel. Public officials in Doral have publicly expressed their enthusiasm for an MLS stadium in their city.

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https://www.mystatesman.com/sports/soccer/mayor-adler-encouraged-about-austin-mls-shot-after-council-session/VIVYqDkPtl9HG7LqsvluMN/

Mayor Adler encouraged about Austin’s MLS shot after council session

Mayor on McKalla stadium proposal: ‘I think we can find a way forward.’

Ora Houston echoes concerns that ‘we’re not giving away the farm.’

Delia Garza on potential Crew move to Austin: ‘an amazing opportunity.’

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https://www.kvue.com/video/news/local/community/affordable-housing-added-to-mls-rendering/269-8171768

Affordable housing added to MLS rendering

The company trying to bring a Major League Soccer team to Austin is now adding affordable housing to its site plan.

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http://news.sportslogos.net/2018/06/26/mls-our-similar-logo-is-just-a-coincidence/

MLS: Our Similar Logo is Just a Coincidence

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/06/26/mls-expansion-team-fc-cincinnati-reveal-plans-training-facility

MLS expansion team FC Cincinnati reveal plans for training facility

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https://www.burgundywave.com/2018/6/29/17512088/burgundy-boys-loan-usl-mls-colorado-rapids-charlotte-independence-phoenix-rising-switchbacks

Burgundy Boys on Loan, Week 16

Ties. Ties. Ties. Yeah!!! (And one win)

Charlotte Independence 2:2 Tampa Bay Rowdies (June 27)

The Jacks returned home to Matthews and face thunder and lighting and a Rowdies team that was up for it. All I’ll say is that if:

You are up 2-0 at home

In the 64th Minute

You should not do anything but take all three points

Sigh.

Dykstra started and played the full 90 in goal making two saves. Vines, Calvert and Perez did not play.

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https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/ottawa-fury-fc-to-take-on-fc-cincinnati-971057

Ottawa Fury FC to take on FC Cincinnati

Ottawa will play its sixth game in 18 days, as Fury FC takes on FC Cincinnati.

Fury FC's Eddie Edward leads the Eastern Conference with most yellow cards received in a three-way tie between Edward, Dekel Keinan (FC Cincinnati), and Joe Cole (Tampa Bay Rowdies).

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/930674

Eastern Conf. Notebook — Independence Aim to get Over Frustration

NCFC preparing for new-look Kickers; Penn looking to cap successful month

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With a two-goal lead in the second half on Wednesday night and seemingly cruising to another victory, the Charlotte Independence were left frustrated when the Tampa Bay Rowdies came from behind to steal a 2-2 road draw at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/ac-milan/story/3550649/rocco-commisso-ac-milan-not-willing-to-sell-club-in-timely-manner

Rocco Commisso: AC Milan 'not willing' to sell club in timely manner

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https://www.footballparadise.com/david-beckham-mls-move-is-the-right-one-for-wayne-rooney/

David Beckham: MLS move is the right one for Wayne Rooney

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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.

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https://www.ghanacrusader.com/official-kwadwo-poku-joins-tampa-bay/

OFFICIAL: Kwadwo Poku Joins Tampa Bay

Ghanaian midfielder, Kwadwo Poku have completed his move to Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Poku, 26 on Tuesday joined the American lower-tier football club from Russian powerhouse, Anzhi Makhachkala.

The club’s CEO, Bill Edwards said,”We are excited to have Poku join the Tamapa Bay Rowdies. He bring 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 2018.”

”Poku is a player that has succeeded at many levels of professional soccer and I have no doubt he will do same under  Head coach Neil Collins,”he added.

Poku has had a taste of American soccer already, having spent the 2015/2016 with New York City and Miami FC in the 2016/2017 season. During his time with the latter, he scored 15 goals in 55 appearances.

He has played three times for the Black Stars of Ghana.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/930333

Gameday Report: June 27, Week 16

Tulsa gets first win of the season; TFC II rallies, earns 3-3 draw with Cincinnati

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE (2) VS. TAMPA BAY ROWDIES (2)

The Charlotte Independence finished with nine men as the Tampa Bay Rowdies came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw at Sportsplex at Matthews.

Charlotte’s pressure, with 64 percent possession, finally told in the 57th minute after a long run from Cordell Cato allowed him to square from the left to the middle of the box for Jorge Herrera who scored with a powerful shot.  Cato turned scorer in the 64th minute when Herrera’s touch drew the Rowdies defense which left Cato open who shot from a tight angle with too much power for Akira Fitzgerald.

Those goals seemed to open the floodgates with Tampa pulling a goal back in the 66th minute after a ball into the box couldn’t be cleared, falling to Tamika Mkandawire who slammed it home from close range.

One minute from time the Independence were reduced to ten men when Joel Johnson earned his second yellow card in a space of three minutes. The Rowdies immediately took advantage, with the ball from the free kick falling to Dominic Oduro who launched a powerful half-volley that saw him score on his Rowdies debut.

Things got even worse for Charlotte in stoppage time when Donnie Smith was shown a red card for violent conduct, reducing Charlotte to nine men but they held on for the point with little time remaining.

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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/06/26/a-roadblock-report-commissos-bid-to-buy-a-c-milan-hits-a-snag/

A ROADBLOCK?: Report: Commisso’s bid to buy A.C. Milan hits a snag

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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/06/27/no-deal-reports-owner-turns-down-commissos-offer-to-buy-a-c-milan/

NO DEAL: Reports: Owner turns down Commisso’s offer to buy A.C. Milan

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https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2018/06/28/Franchises/Miami-MLS.aspx

Miami MLS Closing In On Name, Colors, Branding Of Franchise

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https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/david-beckham-mls-move-is-the-right-one-for-wayne-rooney-37060663.html

David Beckham: MLS move is the right one for Wayne Rooney

Rooney has joined DC United on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

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https://247sports.com/Article/Manchester-United-DC-United-announce-signing-of-Wayne-Rooney-118125686/

D.C United announce signing of Wayne Rooney

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https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article213917199.html

These two names on short list for Beckham's Miami MLS team. 'Really close' on colors.

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https://ussoccerplayers.com/2018/07/the-importance-of-training-facilities-in-mls.html

The importance of training facilities in MLS

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https://www.nashvillepost.com/politics/metro-government/article/21011728/metro-seeks-construction-manager-for-mls-stadium

Metro seeks construction manager for MLS stadium

More council members raise questions about process as Skanska, DF Chase, others seek information on bid

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/02/watch-dc-united-hold-wayne-rooney-introductory-press-conference

WATCH: DC United hold Wayne Rooney introductory press conference

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5909345/Wayne-Rooney-kicks-DC-United-career-training-session.html

Wayne Rooney kicks off his MLS career with first DC United training session following move from Everton

    Wayne Rooney shares images from the first training session with his new club
    The 32-year-old moved to the United States from Everton after month-long talks
    Rooney to make his debut on July 14 when DC United play Vancouver Whitecaps

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https://www.aol.co.uk/video/view/rooney-newest-mls-superstar-here-to-win-/5b3a6a96158f855373e76898/?guccounter=1

Rooney, newest MLS superstar, 'here to win'

Wayne Rooney, the latest international superstar to join Major League Soccer, says he's "here to compete, here to win" for his new club, D.C. United. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/rooney-says-he-needed-mls-move-as-new-challenge-looms

Rooney says he 'needed' MLS move as new challenge looms

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https://www.football365.com/news/rooney-determined-to-succeed-in-mls-not-on-wind-down

Rooney determined to succeed in MLS; not on wind down

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3554418/wayne-rooney-made-dc-united-and-mls-move-because-time-was-right

Wayne Rooney made D.C. United and MLS move because time was right

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/02/new-orlando-city-manager-oconnor-finds-best-opportunity-where-it-started

New Orlando City manager O'Connor finds best opportunity where it started

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http://punchng.com/mls-move-im-here-to-compete-win-rooney/

MLS move: I’m here to compete, win – Rooney

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https://www.oaoa.com/sports/article_23eeb05f-ec19-5118-b126-44873bc8bfb3.html

DC United hoping Wayne Rooney can turn its fortunes

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsqmZ9-svtI

HIGHLIGHTS: Rowdies at Charlotte Independence - June 27, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Jun 27, 2018

HIGHLIGHTS presented by Tampa International Airport

The Rowdies score two unanswered goals in the 2nd half to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against Charlotte Independence. Tamika Mkandawire and Dominic Oduro scored the goals for the visiting team.

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https://twitter.com/phat7deuce/status/1013141859986739202

Mike Pendleton
‏
@phat7deuce

Replying to @marksimat

@AngelCityDre It’s in Downtown St. Pete...packed in here now.  Opened Friday...all the way until the Final where they’ll have a block party with Green Bench Brewing...

3:26 PM - 30 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/phat7deuce/status/1013125704744128512

Mike Pendleton
‏
@phat7deuce

Sooooooo...this place is great.  Open for the next two weeks.  Get in it St. Pete...

2:22 PM - 30 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/saintleowsoc/status/1013765932190261248

Saint Leo W. Soccer
‏
@saintleowsoc

Reminder! We'll be teaming up with @TampaBayRowdies in hosting our first ever youth camp this summer from Aug 6th-8th! Don't miss out on 3 days of soccer fun! Campers will be given a ticket to the Rowdies game vs North Carolina FC on 8/11!

Register here: https://bit.ly/2H3oC6i

8:46 AM - 2 Jul 2018

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https://twitter.com/tbusoccer/status/1013094021189853184

tbusoccer
‏
@tbusoccer

12:16 PM - 30 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1013798681940815872

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

For those of you wondering what @HunterGorskie’s forehead looks like after Wednesday match🤕

#HarryPotter⚡️

10:56 AM - 2 Jul 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1013837365654278146

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Congratulations to @tbusoccer's U19s for earning a 4-3 win over South Carolina United FC 99 Elite in the Southern Regional Championship match.

The U19 Tampa Bay United Rowdies squad now advances to Nationals to compete for the James P. McGuire Cup.

1:30 PM - 2 Jul 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1013869248282873856

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

This Wednesday, July 4, we'll be hosting our annual Independence Day Celebration presented by @Budweiser. Kickoff vs @TorontoFCII is at 7 p.m.

Tickets to the match also include the best view of the postgame @StPeteFL fireworks show!

TIX: http://bit.ly/2tl3gvh  / 727-222-2000

3:37 PM - 2 Jul 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1013938885590769664

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Tampa Bay Rowdies Retweeted tbusoccer

👏👏👏

Tampa Bay Rowdies added,

tbusoccer

@tbusoccer

TBUR U17B win 4-0 to top the group at the ENPL Regionals. The boys advance to the quarter final tomorrow at 11am. Let's go boys!

8:14 PM - 2 Jul 2018

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8utko5/rowdies_midfielder_martin_vingaard_on_world_cup/

Rowdies midfielder Martin Vingaard on World Cup, Danish national team experiences (OC)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/29/martin-vingaard-talks-world-cup-danish-national-team-experiences/3947

Martin Vingaard Talks World Cup, Danish National Team Experiences

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ufsil/dominic_oduros_first_goal_on_his_debut_night/

Dominic Oduro’s first goal on his debut night against Charlotte

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https://twitter.com/tampabayrowdies/status/1012156697404583936?s=21

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Here's another look at @DominicOduro's 🚀, which made it 2-2 with just minutes left to play.

10:12 PM - 27 Jun 2018

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ufqff/rowdies_report_week_15_clt_v_tbr/

Post-Match Thread Rowdies Report Week 15 - CLT v TBR

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https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2018/07/02/mls-working-local-bidders-bring-professional-soccer-ford-field/751741002/

Detroit officials work to redevelop plans for MLS at Ford Field bid

Detroit — The bidders hoping to bring Major League Soccer to Ford Field say they can produce a soccer experience like the best venues in the league, and even in the major European leagues.

MLS remains interested.

It is actively pursuing the best possible use of the indoor NFL stadium for soccer, according to the bidders and the league.

As the expansion process continues, with the top professional soccer league in North America looking for two additional cities, Detroit remains in the mix. The disappointment of Nashville and Cincinnati receiving MLS franchises over the past year is apparently little discouragement.

“I think MLS has now accepted the fact that Ford Field is the right place,” said Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Pistons, who has been charged by owner Tom Gores with coordinating the bid in Detroit.

“We’re continuing our discussions with them.

“They view Detroit favorably and our application favorably, and we’re just going to continue to answer some of the questions that they have.”

“It’s been ongoing, the process.”

Dan Gilbert, the chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder of Quicken Loans, and the owner of the Detroit Lions, Martha Firestone Ford, are partners with Gores in the effort.

The clear preference for MLS is soccer-specific stadiums, to the point that it waited several months for Cincinnati to clear considerable site acquisition issues for its new stadium, while the proposal for Ford Field lay fallow.

But Tellem said there will not be any effort by the bidders, now or in the future, to develop a soccer-specific stadium in Detroit.

“Ford Field is and will continue to be the only place that we will consider playing soccer as part of MLS,” he said.

“I think the MLS state-position has been, at least in the first round of expansion, was that they have preferred soccer-specific stadiums. And I think there are two different perspectives here.

“Their perspective is that model works, and I guess where we have a different view on this,” Tellem said.

“We believe the most successful teams, Atlanta and Seattle, are playing in multi-purpose stadiums,” Tellem said. “They’re playing in football stadiums.”

Atlanta United FC (48,200) and the Seattle Sounders (43,666) led MLS in attendance last season.

Both Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and CenturyLink Field in Seattle are outdoors, and architects were specifically charged with designing a dual-purpose stadium in Atlanta for soccer and North American football.

But Tellem also argues “location, location, location …

“And, there is no better location for a stadium in MLS than Ford Field,” he said.

“The most successful franchise are the ones that are situated in the core, the heart of the city. And the teams that have struggled are the ones in the ’burbs.

“It’s not so much about the size of a stadium or the purpose of a stadium, it’s about location; it’s really what is the most determining factor,” Tellem said.

Indeed, MLS officials have stressed the desirability of venues in an urban core — almost as much as they have stressed soccer-specific stadiums.

When MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced in May that Cincinnati would finally receive what had been intended as one of two expansion franchises awarded in 2017, he said passing over Detroit would give the bidders a chance to reconsider how they would feature soccer.

“We’re working with that ownership group on possible modifications of Ford Field that could, perhaps, make that city more MLS ready than it is today,” Garber said, the night MLS fans in Cincinnati celebrated, according to Cincinnati.com.

“What is going on now is MLS is taking deeper dive into Ford Field and doing an analysis. It is going to come back with some recommendations at some points as to what they feel needs to be done to make it perfect for soccer,” Tellem said.

“And then, we’ll evaluate what their recommendations are.

“I think we can have a soccer experience there that rivals not only any MLS stadium but any European soccer experience, which is the thing that we’re trying to do.”

“We want to duplicate what the fans would feel if they are going to a game, whether it’s in Liverpool, or in Manchester, or in Berlin, or in Madrid, or Barcelona. We want to have that similar type of experience for our fans.”

MLS has announced no new timetable for awarding the next two expansion franchises, which had been planned for the end of 2018.

But one of the 2017 awards came five months into 2018, even as the league continued to work on the bid in Miami, for four years.

Sacramento, Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas and San Antonio are the prime competitors at this juncture. All propose developing soccer-specific stadiums.

But each must surmount either ownership or siting issues.

That said, they are likely to have plenty of time.

As MLS has shown in Cincinnati, Miami and with some other franchises, it is willing to be patient.

“It’s an ongoing dialogue that we’re having, and we don’t have all of the analysis done, yet,” Tellem said of retrofitting Ford Field for soccer.

“MLS has had some teams of people come out and spend time here looking at it, and we’re going to have a deep dive here over the next few months.

“The only way that we’re going to be involved is if it’s at Ford Field.”

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https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414e7a4d544e78457a6333566d54/share_p.html

Wayne Rooney looks forward to MLS challenge 

Investing in soccer may be wise, says Goldman Sachs investment banking co-head

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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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8u09nk/ives_galarcep_poku_signing_with_the_rowdies/

POKUWATCH 2018 [Ives Galarcep] Poku signing with the Rowdies

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏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

(Follow link for full article.)

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

(Follow link for full article.)

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)

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

Powered by SnappyTV

1:53 PM - 25 Jun 2018

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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

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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

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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.

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.”

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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

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http://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article213704979.html

Rick Scott announces potential high-speed rail linking Tampa and Orlando

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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.

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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.

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http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2018/06/22/footy-on-the-telly-june-22-29/

Footy on the Telly – June 22 – 29

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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

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http://www.tbo.com/sports/rowdies/2018/06/22/rowdies-fall-to-penn-fc/

Rowdies fall to Penn FC

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8t6zte/rowdies_report_week_14_tbr_v_pen/

Rowdies Report Week 14- TBR v PEN

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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

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/929149

Ten-Man Rowdies Defeated 2-1 by Penn FC

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8t0nb9/match_preview_tbrvpen_auf_wiedersehen_sch%C3%A4fi/

Match Preview: #TBRvPEN - Auf wiedersehen, Schäfi!

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/928481

Match Preview: #TBRvPEN

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8swdo0/usl_top_five_marcel_sch%C3%A4fer_moments/

USL Top Five – Marcel Schäfer Moments

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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

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8su3kv/sch%C3%A4fer_readies_for_emotional_final_match_oc/

Schäfer Readies for Emotional Final Match (OC)

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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