Checking out our NASL brethren, Minnesota United FC's, new Allianz Field

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bd6x57/sunday_morning_friendly_v_sarasota_metropolis_fc/

Sunday Morning Friendly v Sarasota Metropolis FC fun facts!

I know not a lot of people knew about this friendly so I figure I’ll drop some fun facts in this post.

The Rowdies took on Sarasota Metropolis FC, a new side in USL League 2, at Al Lang Stadium at 10:30 am on Sunday morning. Rowdies lineup was a mixed bag of subs and reserves with a few trialists we didn’t recognise as well. From the back, Macklin Robinson played in goal with Ryan Felix and Mohamed Kone and an unknown trialist making up the back line. Jordan Doherty played in the defensive midfield with Poku and Zach Steinberger in front of him. Up top was Leon Taylor, Brandon Allen, and Juan Tejada. I realise now that I’m missing someone from this lineup but I can’t for the life of me remember who else was out there. Our subs were 3 very young looking and possibly rowdies youth affiliated players, which was great to see.

The final scoreline was 5-1 to the good guys with Brandon Allen scoring one, assisted by Leon Taylor out wide, Leon Taylor picking up a hat trick, and Poku solo charging through their defense to score in the closing moments. The only goal conceded was a penalty we gave up, with Robinson catching the few shots that came his way in the run of play with ease.

This might have been Sarasota’s first game as a team together and afaik they haven’t released a signed roster yet so of course this doesn’t mean anything other than extra training for our guys who don’t get as many minutes, but Sarasota has what looks like some promising players and I look forward to cheering against them as a tropics fan this season lol.

Most of the fans in attendance seemed to be Sarasota friends and family of the players, with a few of the rowdies loyal as well. All in all a fun way to spend Sunday morning, even though we were sweating our butts off.

Edit: I would like to see the rowdies do more open friendlies but I’m sure if it’s up to Neill he probably wants them closed just so we don’t get excited as a fan base about the goings on. It was clear this was open to give Sarasota fans and family a chance to see the team before their season starts next month.

Thanks for posting this! I was there sweating to death but I'll jump on any chance I can to say hi to Tejada.

Glad it wasn't just me who didn't know who the middle centerback was but he was tall and played well. The Tropics part of me wants to say it was Ramzi Toure, a former Tropics and University of Tampa CB who had trialled with the Rowdies before, but I'm fairly certain it wasn't.

Leon Taylor looked a like he was a level above Sarasota, which is exactly what you wanna see. He and Brandon Allen were very tidy together. Tejada played his ass off as always, but I still prefer him in the middle rather than on the right wing.

The TBU kids that came in during the 2nd half played very well. I was especially impressed with the left winger, but I'm sure part of that is just the nearness bias.

I absolutely wanna see more of these Sunday morning friendlies though. Now that we've got TBU to supplement our bench & reserves, I think we should definitely keep playing some local squads. It helps get everybody game time and helps to further cement Neilly's philosophy through our organization. I'd really, really love more scrimmages against Tropics, The Villages, Central Florida Panthers, Naples United, Huracan, & St Pete Aztecs though.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bcvlbn/hey_everyone_lafc_fan_that_just_moved_from_la/

Hey everyone. LAFC fan that just moved from LA this week. I live 3 blocks from Al Lang and pumped for my new USL team! Wanted to hit the match today and lookin to pregame. Was thinking thirsty first w Ralph’s. Hope you don’t mind me reppin my old city today til I get situated w a Rowdies Jersey

All of this sounds dope but you should also stop by the parking lot tailgate for the skyway casuals too! Right in front of the stadium

Edit: also WELCOME lol

Will do!

Where are your tickets for, or do you plan on just full sending it and chanting with the mob lol

Corner reserve. Same as my LAFC seats. I like that viewing angle for some reason

Good spot, not really a bad seat in the house imo! Hope you enjoy the game and COYR

Welcome. Have a good time COYR!

Alright!.....cheer..on...your....rowdies?

It's an English soccer thing...Come On You Spurs (COYS), Come On You Reds (COYR), etc.; thus COYR in this case is Come On You Rowdies.

Come on you Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bclhnz/checking_out_our_nasl_brethren_minnesota_united/

Checking out our NASL brethren, Minnesota United FC's, new Allianz Field

Very sweet digs!

Man...that place looks unreal. The wall and the clock are really damn cool.

One day my friends, one day we’ll have this (sigh)

They skipped the best part - a Skyway Casuals sticker left on the front door during the recent Final Four games (or so I heard...)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5avjLACmLA&feature=youtu.be

All Access at Minnesota United FC's Allianz Field | Major League Soccer

ESPN FC

Published on Apr 11, 2019

Minnesota United FC's Ethan Finlay and Brent Kallman give ESPN an all access tour of Allianz Field from the locker rooms to the field and the state of the art Brew Hall.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bcgtk2/tommy_smith_who_became_known_as_the_tank_during/

Tommy Smith, who became known as "The Tank" during his loan spell with the Rowdies in 1976, has passed away.

https://imgur.com/a/AM0mIKS

A photo of The Tank at a Rowdies "Fannies" day

RIP. Sad day as a Rowdies and Liverpool supporter...

Double whammy on the subreddits today. RIP

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https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announcements/345657-rest-in-peace-tommy-smith

Rest in peace, Tommy Smith

Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of club legend Tommy Smith.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bchxkj/tampa_bay_homecoming_sees_hackworth_face/

Tampa Bay Homecoming Sees Hackworth Face Childhood Club

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https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1011745

Tampa Bay Homecoming Sees Hackworth Face Childhood Club

LOUCITY HEAD COACH RETURNS TO FACE ROWDIES HE ‘WAS BORN AND RAISED WITH’ ON SATURDAY

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bceyat/uthemonsieurs_top_5_intracity_rivalries_in_modern/

/u/TheMonsieur's Top 5 Intracity Rivalries in Modern U.S. Soccer History | #3 - Tampa Bay Rowdies vs VSI Tampa Bay

Hi there – I’m /u/TheMonsieur. I’ve been following American soccer closely since around 2012, and I’ve been a mod on /r/MLS since around 2014 or 2015 (I really can’t remember). However, since I’ve been less active here over the past year or two, I thought now seemed like a good time to step down from moderation duties. As a last hurrah and thank-you, I’ve put together some of my memories (and research) into this five-day series of posts. I’ve provided plenty of links in all of them so you can check my sources and see what fans were saying at the time. I hope you enjoy it.

#5 - Tulsa Athletic vs Tulsa Roughnecks FC

#4 - New York Cosmos vs New York Red Bulls

#3 - Tampa Bay Rowdies vs VSI Tampa Bay FC (2013)

Has there ever been one single game that killed a team? In modern American soccer, probably not, but this is about the closest we’ve come.

Back in November 2011, the Tampa Bay Rowdies were still pretty new to the scene. In fact, they weren’t even the Rowdies yet; Tampa Bay FC, playing in the NASL, had just completed its second season, and would change its name to match their retro inspiration the next month. In essence, the team was still getting started, still building its fanbase.

But in an era of #SoccerWarz, no one was safe. On Nov. 14, the USL-Pro announced a Tampa Bay franchise, set to kick off in 2013. Why did they do it? Honestly, I’ve only got guesses. Perhaps it was just a coincidence that an ownership group wanted a team there; maybe they wanted a club closer to USL HQ.

Certainly, there must have been some element of wanting to torpedo the Rowdies. After all, the NASL and USL were not exactly on good terms at the time, and USL-Pro, despite its third-division status, regularly billed itself as “the strongest U.S. men’s professional soccer league on and off the field below and in support of Major League Soccer.” Moreover, FC Tampa Bay was originally intended to be a USL team, and had joined the league before the lower divisions split in 2010. Fans at the time speculated that USL had put the team there “out of spite”, though we may never know the full truth.

At once, Tampa soccer fans could tell the city would struggle to support two pro teams. Rowdies supporters worried that a fractured fanbase could lead to the dissolution of their club. As more neutral observers pointed out, the new “VSI” team (VisionPro Sports Institute – the ownership group) would have a local rival in Orlando and had promised to play within the city of Tampa, while the Rowdies were out in St. Petersburg. The Rowdies had also struggled with marketing and attendance, and at first there was no reason to think that VSI wouldn’t be able to overtake them. To top it all off, VSI announced plans to build a 6-8,000-seat, downtown stadium. Things were not looking good for the Rowdies.

But come 2013, VSI Tampa Bay still didn’t have a place to play. Eventually, it settled for Plant City, a whole 30-minute drive away from Tampa. The team struggled at first to draw fans, but in late May, they had a golden opportunity to seize momentum in the struggle for Tampa Bay supremacy: VSI hosted a U.S. Open Cup match against the Rowdies, with the winner moving on to play MLS’s Seattle Sounders in the next round. This was truly do-or-die.

The highlights of the game, though sparsely viewed, still exist on YouTube. The Rowdies’ supporters are clearly visible behind the right-hand goal, and the atmosphere seems to have been pretty decent – you can imagine it might have been, given the threat each team posed to the other. The first and only “Tampa Bay Derby” lived up to the hype. VSI probably should’ve had the lead early on, but Rowdies goalkeeper Diego Restrepo made a fingertip penalty save. With the score tied at 1-1 just before halftime, Rowdies striker Georgi Hristov (who would go on to win the NASL MVP award that year) sliced through the entire VSI defense and slotted home the goal that would carry his team to a 2-1 victory.

With the match done, the two teams went in opposite directions. The Rowdies hosted the Sounders in one of its highest-attended matches of the season, and came away with one of the most famous wins in club history, handing Seattle its first Open Cup loss in regulation since 2005.

Meanwhile, VSI lost all momentum. It averaged 378 fans per game, easily the worst attendance in the USL-Pro. After the season, the team that had come to conquer had instead found itself at the bottom of the ocean on a failed kamikaze mission. VSI Tampa Bay folded in November 2013.

Result: Rowdies win

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are now thriving, and VSI an ever-more-distant memory of the past. Ironically, the Rowdies now play in the league that once tried to kill them, moving to the USL during the NASL’s collapse.

This whole saga was right before I came into Rowdies fandom, so I definitely missed it all – didn’t even fully realize it appeared to be as threatening as it was...

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bc8p97/quote_from_article_on_hartford_athletic_indy/

Quote from article on Hartford Athletic, “Indy Eleven and the Tampa Bay Rowdies have the highest payrolls in the league...”

Are we still in the top 2? I would be a little surprised by that....

We were having a conversation about it on Twitter. I believe it. I think the guys we brought back we all on solid deals. Then we added USL “all-star” caliber players like Hoppenot, Allen, Ekra, etc. Then some MLS guys like Barry and especially McCarthy. Then the wild card? Poku is on an Edwards deal.

I’d be willing to bet Poku and McCarthy are our highest paid and are half of an average USL roster alone.

(Also I bet Diakite held out for so long waiting for a good deal.)

He’s earned every penny so far.

Don’t know if it’s true. Could very well be. But if it is, it would say a lot more about the rest of the USL than it would the Rowdies, I think. The Rowdies take Joe Cole and Martin Vingaard off the books (roughly guessing about $1 million) and they’re still in the top two in roster spending? It’s really time for the USL to step up to make sure the average player is getting a reasonable, living wage.

Agree and agree.

I think Poku is probably the top reason why we might be in the top 2 echelon.

My estimation is that we're somewhere in the $900k to $1.2M this year, and I'd guess the average USL Championship team is closer to $500k to $600k. (With teams like Phoenix, Indy, Nashville, San Antonio being higher).

Steinberger apparently has had to start working as a realtor as a side job so I don't know if the average wage is really that high...

Or it’s something he’s been interested in doing and is getting around to it... I’m not saying anyone on the Rowdies is making “fuck you” money. I’m saying, compared to the rest of the league, the Rowdies are paying a better living wage than many teams. I’m not sure real estate is something you just take up on a whim to make a little extra scratch.

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https://www.courant.com/sports/hc-sp-hartford-athletic-early-season-struggles-20190411-53dcyteddjfexjyxubsxwt64jq-story.html

After winless start to the season, Hartford Athletic looks to regain its confidence

Hartford Athletic opened at Atlanta United II. Atlanta United, the defending MLS champs, sent nine players down to its USL affiliate for the game. Hartford then played a Charleston team which has made the playoffs consistently. Indy Eleven and the Tampa Bay Rowdies have the highest payrolls in the league, and Louisville City has won back-to-back championships.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bc68x2/player_impact_thesis_project_scoring_manual_v10/

Player Impact Thesis Project: Scoring Manual v1.0

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XbelZmSNEGIy05vAx1DAf_qL9v5TlUdKExq6V4hptIs/edit

Full details in the doc but after five weeks of analyzing the games and gathering data, this is where the numbers I'm generating are coming from and the types of plays and situations being recorded. Will continued to be edited, shaped, and molded with time, advice, suggestions, critiques, so on and so forth.

Player Impact Tea Sis

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QITSA0kuqeI

...And We're Just Getting Started!

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 12, 2019

The unbeaten Tampa Bay Rowdies take on Louisville City FC tomorrow night at Al Lang Stadium.

🎟️: http://bit.ly/2I56nRf

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTs5zq875UA

Rowdies Highlights vs Hartford Athletic - April 6, 2019

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 13, 2019

Full highlights of tonight's 1-1 draw against Louisville City FC. Andrew Tinari scored the lone goal for the Rowdies

Might want to fix the title...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsCddaS_JV4

Why Doesn't MLS Have Promotion and Relegation?

Tifo Football

Published on Aug 11, 2017

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Major League Soccer is the single entity structure. In essence, no team can be promoted or relegated from MLS in the traditional sense. Rather, new teams buy into the league, just as Minnesota and Atlanta United did earlier this year. In this video, we examine why MLS doesn't have a promotion/relegation system, and whether it's possible for the league to ever adopt this.

► Subscribe! It's free! http://bit.ly/TifoSubscribe

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► http://tifofootball.com

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bbtwax/roll_call_the_reddit_us_open_cup_pick_em_is_going/

Roll Call: The Reddit US Open Cup Pick ‘em is going to be starting soon...who is in for team r/TampaBayRowdies?

REDDITORS ASSEMBLE

We’ve traditionally had a bunch of us who have done well in the tourney, but if we get a bunch of entries we’d have a shot a winning the whole thing.

They take the top 5 entries repping each sub and add those together. Last year we only had four because we didn’t coordinate and some people repped other subs.

The pick ‘em usually gets posted the week before the USOC starts, so in the next few weeks.

Soooooo...who is in for team r/TampaBayRowdies?

EDIT: LAST YEAR WE FINISHED THIRD

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/9jbzwf/2018_us_open_cup_pickem_final_results_we_finished/

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https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2019/04/14/rowdies-remain-unbeaten-set-team-record/

Rowdies remain unbeaten, set team record

The club extends its scoreless-minutes streak to 358 before seeing it come to an end in a 1-1 tie against Louisville City FC.

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https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/louisville-city-fc/2019/04/13/louisville-city-fc-soccer-ties-tampa-bay-rowdies/3462358002/

Louisville City FC snaps losing streak with tie at Tampa Bay Rowdies

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https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-fans-chance-meeting-legend-16123959

Liverpool fan's chance meeting with legend Tommy Smith that he'll never forget

“He looked at me and said ‘yer not an Evertonian are ya?’ I said no mate"

"He showed me his trophies, medals, caps, he showed me some great pictures of the great and glorious years when they were winning trophies, the laugh, the players, it was great I was loving it.

"He told me one of his best moments in football was when he played in the USA, he played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and they were playing Pele's team in the cup final.

"He said it was the best game he played because - in his words - he kicked Pele up and down the park for 90 minutes.

"He had a massive poster of it and pointed, there it was... Tommy Smith kicking Pele up in the air, when I looked back at him he had a grin like a Cheshire cat."

Mr Reeve, left that evening at around 10pm, but says that years later he is still filled with pride at having met one of his heroes.

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https://therealdeal.com/miami/2019/04/10/renderings-revealed-beckham-groups-miami-stadium/

Beckham group unveils new renderings of $1B Miami stadium complex

$1B complex calls for 25K-seat stadium, hotel, office park

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https://www.evensi.us/food-trucks-at-tampa-rowdies-tampa-bay-food-trucks/297909823

Join us at our first ever Rowdies Game! We will have food trucks both inside and outside the stadium to help you pregame - and feed you during the game! Check out the food truck line up below -
Tampa Bay Rowdies VS Louiseville City April 13th TBA
5pm-7:30pm Outside
Boardwalk Vibes
Smokin Bowls
Open Fire Grilled Brazilian
6:30pm-End of Match Inside
Nico's Arepas Grill
The Bacon Boss Food Truck
Vanchetta Food Truck

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https://www.facebook.com/events/tampa-bay-food-trucks/food-trucks-at-tampa-rowdies/316255399074984/

APR 27

Food Trucks at Tampa Rowdies

Public · Hosted by Tampa Bay Food Trucks

Details
Join us at our first ever Rowdies Game! We will have food trucks both inside and outside the stadium to help you pregame - and feed you during the game! Check out the food truck line up below -

Tampa Bay Rowdies VS Louiseville City April 13th TBA
5pm-7:30pm Outside
Boardwalk Vibes
Smokin Bowls
Open Fire Grilled Brazilian

6:30pm-End of Match Inside
Nico's Arepas Grill
The Bacon Boss Food Truck
Vanchetta Food Truck

Port Authority expansion bill, soccer stadium funding faces aldermanic vote Monday

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https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/port-authority-expansion-bill-soccer-stadium-funding-faces-aldermanic-vote/article_2e4005c1-3bda-5df8-a2bf-2f6ded95cf4a.html

Port Authority expansion bill, soccer stadium funding faces aldermanic vote Monday

ST. LOUIS • A plan to expand the St. Louis Port Authority — and in the process help fund a Major League Soccer stadium — is among key issues facing city aldermen as they gather Monday for the final meeting of their 2018-2019 session

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https://www.twincities.com/2019/04/14/is-allianz-field-too-small-mls-commissioner-don-garber-thinks-so/

Is Allianz Field too small? MLS Commissioner Don Garber thinks so

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https://www.crainscleveland.com/kevin-kleps-blog/ohio-now-has-competing-proposals-some-major-differences-would-legalize-sports

Ohio now has competing proposals, with some major differences, that would legalize sports betting

New home for the Force?

Last July, we reported that Greg and Shaw Abrams, brothers who operate six Force Sports facilities in Northeast Ohio, were looking to bring back the Cleveland Force.

Unlike the indoor soccer team that regularly outdrew the Cavs in the 1980s at Richfield Coliseum, however, the Abrams' plan is to launch a Cleveland entry in the United Soccer League. The USL is an outdoor league that operates one slot below Major League Soccer in the U.S. Soccer hierarchy.

Greg Abrams told us at the time that locations throughout the region, including downtown, were being considered for the future home of the Force.

Well, on March 30 the NEOtrans blog reported that the Abrams brothers and a team of investors have zeroed in on an Ohio Department of Transportation-owned piece of land south of the Innerbelt. The site, if it's selected and developed, would involve "less than half of the 49-acre, former Norfolk Southern intermodal rail yards," NEOTrans reported.

We reached out to Abrams, who in an email said the report is "speculation" and the group is "still some time away from" an announcement. He said he didn't have any additional information to share "at this time."

The owners would have to pay a $5 million USL franchise fee. Developing a site downtown would satisfy the league's goal of having any new additions, as well as its current clubs, playing in soccer-specific stadiums.

The USL schedule runs from late March until October, which means that even if a deal is struck soon, we're likely at least a couple years away from the Force playing a match.

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/commentary/mls-clubs-badges-illustrate-leagues-evolving-identity/

MLS clubs’ badges illustrate league’s evolving identity

There is no greater illustration of a soccer team’s identity than its badge. More than anything else — more than the name, the manager, even the players on the pitch — it represents the principles and values of the club as a whole. And in Major League Soccer, the subject of badge design is discussed more than is generally common in other leagues around the soccer world.

This, of course, is down to the still fledgling nature of North America’s top flight. While other divisions, such as England’s Premier League or Germany’s Bundesliga, have their roots in decades, centuries even, of history, leaving room for evolution, but not revolution, MLS is still growing at a grassroots level, with new franchises being added almost every season. And with every new franchise comes a new badge.

Just in the last year alone, Austin FC, Inter Miami and Nashville released crests. Going a little further back, Atlanta United, Minnesota United, Los Angeles FC and FC Cincinnati, as expansion teams, also all carried new designs into MLS with varying degrees of success.

Some have been better than others. While LAFC’s badge has become an instant icon, potentially as recognizable in MLS circles as the New York Yankees’ world famous logo in baseball, Nashville’s badge, released last month, has been widely panned. So what makes a good soccer badge?

“I think a good badge design is not just a good design, it’s so much more,” said Nathen McVittie of the soccer design studio Where is Football. “It’s so nuanced compared to other types of design. You can’t just brand a football team like you would a supermarket or a clothing company. I think the best designs are the ones that have the best context and the best research.”

According to David Bruce, vice president of brand at MLS, “it’s all about the story.” It’s not just about designing a stylish badge to be stamped on the chest of a group of soccer players, it’s about conveying the character of a city, of a community, of the history of that team. But in many cases, MLS teams, especially expansion teams, don’t have a history.

So what happens then?

“It can be brilliant if you’ve got a really defined city identity or if you’ve got a rich, vibrant creative context to pull from,” McVittie said. “I think it can afford you a really nice blank slate, as long as you’re not being tone deaf to the city and the community as a whole.”

Future MLS expansion sides Austin FC and Inter Miami have used that blank slate to great effect, coming up with distinct identities before even taking to a soccer field.

MLS team badges

There is no greater illustration of a soccer team’s identity than its badge. More than anything else — more than the name, the manager, even the players on the pitch — it represents the principles and values of the club as a whole. And in Major League Soccer, the subject of badge design is discussed more than is generally common in other leagues around the soccer world.

This, of course, is down to the still fledgling nature of North America’s top flight. While other divisions, such as England’s Premier League or Germany’s Bundesliga, have their roots in decades, centuries even, of history, leaving room for evolution, but not revolution, MLS is still growing at a grassroots level, with new franchises being added almost every season. And with every new franchise comes a new badge.

Just in the last year alone, Austin FC, Inter Miami and Nashville released crests. Going a little further back, Atlanta United, Minnesota United, Los Angeles FC and FC Cincinnati, as expansion teams, also all carried new designs into MLS with varying degrees of success.


Some have been better than others. While LAFC’s badge has become an instant icon, potentially as recognizable in MLS circles as the New York Yankees’ world famous logo in baseball, Nashville’s badge, released last month, has been widely panned. So what makes a good soccer badge?

“I think a good badge design is not just a good design, it’s so much more,” said Nathen McVittie of the soccer design studio Where is Football. “It’s so nuanced compared to other types of design. You can’t just brand a football team like you would a supermarket or a clothing company. I think the best designs are the ones that have the best context and the best research.”

According to David Bruce, vice president of brand at MLS, “it’s all about the story.” It’s not just about designing a stylish badge to be stamped on the chest of a group of soccer players, it’s about conveying the character of a city, of a community, of the history of that team. But in many cases, MLS teams, especially expansion teams, don’t have a history.

So what happens then?

“It can be brilliant if you’ve got a really defined city identity or if you’ve got a rich, vibrant creative context to pull from,” McVittie said. “I think it can afford you a really nice blank slate, as long as you’re not being tone deaf to the city and the community as a whole.”

Future MLS expansion sides Austin FC and Inter Miami have used that blank slate to great effect, coming up with distinct identities before even taking to a soccer field.

Jan 15, 2019; Austin, TX, USA: Austin Anthem fan support crew join mayor Steve Adler, Don Garber, Major League Soccer commissioner and Anthony Precourt, Chairman and CEO of Austin FC after announcing Austin FC as the newest MLS team at the Rustic Tap. (Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports)

“This town has a bit of a reputation for being eco-minded and being a place where the quality of life is deeply informed by the outdoors,” explained Adam Butler of The Butler Bros. agency, which designed Austin FC’s badge. “So, to have a green tree as a symbol was an interesting place to go.”

Nashville’s new badge, however, wasn’t received so positively when it was released in preparation for the franchise’s expansion season in 2020. Designed to evoke the sound and vibrations of the city’s famed music scene, it sparked widespread confusion among fans.

“I don’t understand it,” says McVittie. “I think any time you look at a badge or a crest and you don’t initially understand it, that’s a problem.”

Nashville SC

Nashville SC official crest. (Photo Credit: Nashville SC)

Unlike Austin FC and Inter Miami, Nashville already has history as a second-tier USL team. FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United and Orlando City were all in the same situation when they entered MLS.

Does the league’s central office demand that existing teams rebrand before joining the top flight?

“We definitely want [expansion] teams to step up their game, so we will look under the hood and understand what’s going on,” Bruce said, before adding that rebrands are considered on a case-by-case basis. “Orlando City came in fairly recently and there was a need for them to step up their game, and they recognized that straight away. There’s also a need to distinguish when moving from one league to another, and one of the big signals of that is a rebrand.”

MLS is somewhat unique in its makeup, in its centralization and single-entity business structure. While clubs in most other worldwide leagues would have complete autonomy to design or rebrand their badge as they please, it’s a slightly different scenario for those in North America’s top flight.

“We don’t force anything on anyone, we don’t do that,” Bruce said. “But we want to make sure they are fit for purpose and ready to enter into MLS.”

New badges undergo a series of tests before being signed off by the league. One of those tests is with adidas, which evaluates its suitability on jerseys and merchandise. Another test concerns digital suitability.

“Something we thought about was, ‘Could this fit in the ESPN mobile app where your badge gets reduced to the size of a pea?’” Butler said. “And then how would it look on the side on a building?”

So if these are the parameters, which are the good badges in MLS?

LAFC supporter Cecilia Portillo feels that her new club captures more of the “heart of LA” than the Galaxy ever did. (Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA)

“I think LAFC’s badge design felt like a bit of a watershed moment,” McVittie said. “It’s quite minimal, but they’ve owned that identity as a whole, . . .  not just the logo, but the black and gold, the wings, the art deco. It’s really captured that city and offers a point of difference to the Galaxy, which is a big thing in a multi-team market.”

McVittie picked out the Portland Timbers’ badge as another shining example of strong design in the division.

“I don’t think it gets brought enough because it’s part of the older guard,” he said, drawing a comparison with Cascadia rival the Seattle Sounders, whose badge he labeled “quite generic.” The Timbers’, in contrast, is “just iconic. Portland don’t even have their name on their logo.”

May 5, 2018; San Jose, CA, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Lawrence Olum (13) before the match against the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

And which are the bad badges in MLS?

The New England Revolution’s, left unchanged since the division’s establishment 24 years ago, is painfully dated, evoking the spirit of the first phase of MLS and not the modern, progressive nature of the league today.

“I would never say Atlanta United’s logo is bad, but I still feel underwhelmed by it a couple years later,” McVittie said. “It serves a purpose, but to me Atlanta is more about the black and red than they are about the logo.”

In many cases, MLS, as a case study in badge design, suffers from what is known as skeuomorphism. This is where an object in design mimics its real world counterpart. See how the Chicago Fire’s badge imitates that of a fire department? There is also a certain Clip Art quality to many of the badges designed during the second phase of MLS history, between David Beckham’s arrival and the expansion of New York City FC and Orlando. The Houston Dynamo, the Montreal Impact and Sporting KC all fall into this category.

Orlando City’s new 2019 #BringTheNoise kit. (Photo courtesy of Mark Thor/Orlando City SC)

Of course, MLS itself has gone through a rebrand in recent years, ditching the soccer ball-dominated logo of 20 years ago for a much bolder, abstract crest. There is no soccer ball in sight.

“You look at modern brands, you don’t literally need to say what you do because they’re never really seen out of context,” Bruce said. “A great example of this is Apple. If you looked at their logo and didn’t know anything about that company, you would literally take that logo to be a fruit monger’s.”

A culture of creativity, when it comes to badge design, is also being harnessed below MLS level. Look at third-tier USL League One side Forward Madison FC’s audacious design around a pink, plastic lawn flamingo, playfully named the “Official Bird of Madison.” Or the colorful tree design, which has the distinct look of a lifestyle brand, of the Oakland Roots in the National Premier Soccer League. It’s not just in MLS where ideas are being pushed.

Some may denounce such creativity as little more than just superficiality. After all, a badge does nothing to help a team win games. However, a badge says a lot about a team, a league and a community. And as North American soccer continues to find its identity, it’s encouraging that this is being reflected in the crests and shields on the chests of players and fans alike. It’s about much more than just green trees and pink flamingos.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/04/14/what-was-it-mls-last-time-tiger-woods-won-major

What was it like in MLS the last time Tiger Woods won a major?

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/podcasts/soccer-fans-speak-grow-game-us-world-soccer-talk-podcast/

Soccer fans speak out about how to grow the game in US: World Soccer Talk Podcast

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/04/11/mls-new-york-now-blight-league-product/

MLS: New York now a blight on league product

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http://www.startribune.com/standing-only-by-design-wonderwall-holds-2-900-ardent-noisemakers/508466872/

Standing-only by design, Wonderwall holds 2,900 ardent noisemakers

Boisterous section behind south goal will sing, chant and stomp, but never sit — there are no seats

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https://www.usaonlinecasino.com/casino-news/mls-ready-to-embrace-legalized-sports-gambling/

MLS Ready to Embrace Legalized Sports Gambling

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/minnesota-united-gives-mls-another-soccer-oriented-home/2019/04/12/e9ee727e-5d89-11e9-98d4-844088d135f2_story.html?utm_term=.0bf989722382

Minnesota United gives MLS another soccer-oriented home

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2019/04/11/episode-198-whats-your-safe-word/4289

Episode 198 – What’s Your Safe Word?

The Rowdies rebound with a hammering of hapless Hartford and Matt & Dan have the scoop!

Rowdies 4:0 Hartford
Eastern Conference Roundup
Guenzatti & Fernandes in TOTW, Najem w/Honorable Mention
Lousiville preview
Jake interviews David Najem
Dan’s got some news…

Inter Miami launches official club website

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/expansion/miami/inter-miami-launches-official-club-website/

Inter Miami launches official club website

Inter Miami CF launched its official website on Wednesday morning.

The club’s new online digs, www.intermiamicf.com, is accessible to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences, provides visitors with team news, ticketing information, and access to merchandise promotions and events. The website also includes visuals for Inter Miami’s planned 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium at Miami Freedom Park.

Another one of the site’s features is a supporters section that streams Inter Miami’s social media feed and links to the club’s official fan groups, The Southern Legion and 1896 Vice City.

The new website proudly and prominently displays the club’s pink and black crest, noteworthy because the club and the league are locked in a trademark dispute with Serie A side FC Internazionale Milano over the use of the word “Inter” in the MLS side’s name.

Inter Miami will kick off its inaugural season as Major League Soccer’s 25th active club next year.

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http://www.capradio.org/articles/2019/04/10/sacramento-approves-a-new-soccer-stadium-but-the-republic-fcs-journey-continues-heres-a-look-back-at-the-teams-mls-adventure/

Sacramento Approves A New Soccer Stadium, But The Republic FC’s Journey Continues. Here’s A Look Back At The Team’s MLS Adventure.

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https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/sizing-st-louis-major-league-soccer-chances#stream/0

Sizing Up St. Louis' Major League Soccer Chances

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https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/04/10/13/42/20190410-2019-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup-first-round-pairings-unveiled

2019 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND PAIRINGS UNVEILED

USL LEAGUE ONE, USL LEAGUE TWO, NPSL AND LOCAL QUALIFYING TEAMS BEGIN FIRST ROUND PLAY MAY 7-8; SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS TO BE ANNOUNCED APRIL 17

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https://www.abcactionnews.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/whats-happening-this-weekend-in-tampa-bay-april-12-14

What's happening this weekend in Tampa Bay | April 12-14

Tampa Bay Lightning VS Blue Jackets

When: 7 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: $89
Info: The Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Blue Jackets in the second game of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Beach n' Food Truck & Music Festival

When: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Coquina Beach Park, Bradenton Beach
Cost: FREE
Info: This fun family festival is an all-day celebration right alongside the azure Gulf waters and white sandy beaches at the south end of Coquina Beach, just south of the trolley turn around. Local bands will be performing live music to keep you jamming all throughout the day into the evening. There will be plenty of opportunities for shopping at vendor booths, a Kids Zone with all kinds of fun games and bounce houses, The Bill Mergens Memorial Car Show with over 100 classic cars on display, and a variety of Food Trucks serving delectable eats and treats. There is sure to be something for everyone. Refreshing adult beverages will be available – from wine, margaritas, rum runners and cold beer to soft drinks and water to wet your whistle.

Tampa Bay Lightning Playoffs Bar Crawl & Party

When: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: The Franklin Manor at 912 N Franklin St, Tampa
Cost: $25
Info: Bar lineup is Franklin Manor, Yeoman’s Cask and Lion, District Tavern and more to come. You'll get one free welcome drink at every bar, free transportation on the Crawler Bus (plus Bud Light shotgun beer), free bar games and a free raffle ticket for a chance to win signed pucks, gear and more! Round up your crew and make sure to wear BLUE.

Related: Florida's tallest launch coaster 'Tigris' will open April 19 at Busch Gardens

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Louisville City FC

When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Al Lang Stadium at 1st Street Southeast, St. Petersburg
Cost: $17
Info: The Tampa Bay Rowdies will take on Louisville City FC. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

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https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/louisville-city-fc/2019/04/10/louisville-city-fc-signs-oldham-county-teenager-elijah-wynder-academy-team/3426530002/

Louisville City FC signs 16-year-old Collegiate student as first Academy signing

Louisville City FC on Wednesday announced the signing of its first Academy player in 16-year-old Oldham County native Elijah Wynder....

He'll join Louisville City for its upcoming road trip to Florida, where they'll take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday. Justin Sayers: 502-582-4252; ...

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/usl-louisville-city-aeg-new-future-stadium

Louisville City turn to AEG for new stadium management

USL Championship side set to open new 14,000 capacity arena in 2020.

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http://www.capradio.org/articles/2019/04/10/sacramento-approves-a-new-soccer-stadium-but-the-republic-fcs-journey-continues-heres-a-look-back-at-the-teams-mls-adventure/

Sacramento Approves A New Soccer Stadium, But The Republic FC’s Journey Continues. Here’s A Look Back At The Team’s MLS Adventure.

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https://www.lawinsport.com/topics/articles/item/esports-in-south-korea-a-short-overview-of-the-legal-ecosystem

Esports in South Korea – a short overview of the legal ecosystem

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https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/sizing-st-louis-major-league-soccer-chances#stream/0

Sizing Up St. Louis' Major League Soccer Chances

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/2019/04/10/mls-fails-close-tv-ratings-gap-premier-league-liga-mx/

MLS fails to close TV ratings gap with Premier League and Liga MX

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https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/andy-carroll-could-make-mls-move-with-west-ham-exit-imminent-report/

Andy Carroll could make MLS move with West Ham exit imminent - report

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https://talksport.com/football/525439/top-15-best-supported-leagues-europe-bundesliga-premier-league-ligue-1-laliga-serie-a-mls-championship/

FANS Top 15 Best supported leagues in the world, including Europe’s top five, MLS, and the Championship

Which divisions have the highest average attendances?

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https://www.abc10.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/morning-blend/sacramento-city-council-approves-plan-to-build-republic-fc-stadium-for-mls-bid-daily-blend/103-2dcf81f3-e904-4ba9-9571-fef204ce0c1a

Sacramento City Council approves plan to build Republic FC stadium for MLS bid | Daily Blend

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/04/10/sacramento-city-council-unanimously-approves-stadium-plans

Sacramento City Council unanimously approves stadium plans

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https://www.kmov.com/news/competition-is-tough-new-renderings-of-sacramento-mls-stadium-adds/article_7914a3ca-5bc2-11e9-8078-53f2e1fa41e1.html

"Competition is tough;" New renderings of Sacramento MLS stadium adds pressure to MLS4TheLou movement

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https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2019/04/11/mls-commissioner-don/

MLS commissioner Don Garber calls Real Salt Lake a ‘model club’ for other cities looking to join league

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http://theinscribermag.com/impact-of-european-stars-in-mls-soccer/

Impact Of European Stars In MLS Soccer

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https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2019/04/10/beckham-groups-stadium-design-revealed.html

Beckham group's stadium design revealed (Renderings)

The MLS club wants a partial roof on its stadium.

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http://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2019/04/10/qcfc/panthers-owner-gauges-local-fans-interest-in-major-league-soccer/

Panthers owner gauges local fans' interest in Major League Soccer

Survey part of stadium upgrade questionnaire

The Carolina Panthers, whose owner, David Tepper is interested in acquiring a Major League Soccer franchise, emailed a soccer questionnaire to selected fans.

David Tepper keeps taking steps to indicate his interest in Major League Soccer.

The Carolina Panthers owner’s latest outreach includes Bank of America Stadium enhancement surveys and an MLS survey, which were sent to fans via email.

“You are among a select group of fans invited to participate in a survey about potential enhancements to Bank of America Stadium,” the email read. “In addition to this survey, we would love to hear your feedback regarding a potential expansion Major League Soccer team in Charlotte that could also call Bank of America Stadium home. Upon completion of the Stadium Enhancement survey, you will receive a prompt to take the MLS survey.”

The Panthers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tepper made his interest in the league known prior to purchasing the Panthers in July for $2.2 billion and hired Tom Glick, an executive with extensive soccer experience, as team president. Glick spent six years with City Football Group, which operates English Premier League team Manchester City. The Panthers held focus groups at a private marketing firm in South Charlotte in February to determine local interest.

Tepper has expressed interest in holding events beyond football in the 75,525-seat stadium. Charlotte will host the stadium will host both the International Champions Cup game between Arsenal and Roma on July 20 and two Group A CONCACAF Gold Cup games on June 23: Canada-Cuba and Martinique-Mexico. This is the third time Charlotte has hosted the Gold Cup (2011 and 2015). ICC games were played at Bank of America Stadium 2014-16, as well as last summer.

International soccer showcases have produced a combined $74.2 million in economic impact in Charlotte, with the exception of the 2016 ICC match, which Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority did not produce an economic impact report for, as well as excluding the 2011 Gold Cup.

The next additions to MLS will be Miami and Nashville in 2020 and Austin, Texas in 2021. A 28th team is expected to join in 2022. Charlotte submitted a bid for an MLS franchise in 2017, with Speedway Motorsports Inc. at the helm and Mecklenburg County-operated American Legion Memorial Stadium as the proposed stadium site. The bid was rejected, and USL Championship franchise Charlotte Independence, who began negotiations with the county in 2016 as the primary tenant once stadium renovations were complete, are expected to play there in 2021. Renovations are set to begin in June.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900065253/real-salt-lake-holds-special-place-in-mls-commishs-heart.html

Real Salt Lake holds special place in MLS commish's heart

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https://winslowrecord.com/david-beckham-v-inter-milan-who-will-gain-upper-hand-in-trademark-battle/373379/

David Beckham v Inter Milan: Who will gain upper hand in trademark battle?

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https://www.tampabay.com/florida/2019/04/10/could-tampa-bay-be-the-future-location-of-hallmark-films-we-traveled-to-a-film-set-to-find-out/

Could Tampa Bay be the future location of Hallmark films? We traveled to a film set to find out

A second Hallmark movie was shot in St. Petersburg in almost as many months. Here’s a behind the scenes look from the set.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bbhyhq/hackworth_heads_home_to_face_my_team/

Hackworth heads home to face 'my team'

Local or not, it will be nice to have some awayish supporters in the stands. I wonder if he will pony out enough to sit them behind the Louie bench?

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.wdrb.com/sports/hackworth-heads-home-to-face-my-team/article_873ef6aa-5b11-11e9-a8cf-bb457ce02031.html

MATAS | Hackworth heads home to face 'my team'

LOUISVILLE, Ky (WDRB) -- Call them the Boys in Black and Purple.

Louisville City FC is a bruised and bumped football club right now and heads into the weekend down four starters.

“That’s something you don’t predict,” head coach John Hackworth said.

It doesn’t help that they’re limping into a game against one of the top teams in the league, a team Hackworth knows well.

“They were my team," he said. "They were my club."

Hackworth grew up just outside of Tampa.

"I joked that I was born and raised a Tampa Bay Rowdies fan," Hackworth said after Tuesday's training session in Louisville. "I used to go and watch every single game."

Florida was home until he took the job with Louisville City.

“I’m absolutely, 100 percent from 'The Ville' now, and my only objective is to go down there and beat the Tampa Bay Rowdies with all we have,” Hackworth said.

This will all be routine at some point, but this is the first time he’s headed back to coach against his old favorite team.

“It’s neat, and it’s going to be fun to coach against them," he said. "It’s also going to be a little nostalgic and emotional.”

Add expensive to that list.

“I think I’m somewhere around 56 tickets that I’m asking for and buying, and I’m trying hard with any ancillary family members saying you might be on your own,” Hackworth said.

It’s not just seats his family needs; They all need the right colors to wear.

“I might have to go back to the owners and ask for a little more in my pay check, because I’ve lost so much money on tickets and gear,” Hackworth said.

He wants only one thing in return:

“Hyper focus on making sure we beat them,” he said.

A win makes it all worth it.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bbptd9/tropics_to_host_the_villages_sc_in_us_open_cup/

Tropics to host The Villages SC in US Open Cup 1st Round

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https://twitter.com/lakelandtropics/status/1116047380711972864

Lakeland Tropics
‏
@lakelandtropics

It’s official! We are hosting Polk Counties first ever @opencup match Vs. @uslleaguetwo rival @thevillagessc! Game date is Tuesday May 7th with a 7pm kickoff at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex Stadium. The game will also be nationally broadcast on ESPN+.
#Lakeland #Auburndale #Polk

11:36 AM - 10 Apr 2019

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bbne03/najem_reflects_on_emotional_comeback/

Najem Reflects On Emotional Comeback

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/1011543

NAJEM REFLECTS ON EMOTIONAL COMEBACK

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https://www.tampabayfoodtruckrally.com/rowdies-soccer-food-trucks

Rowdies Soccer
Food Truck Schedule
Select Games
Outside: 4pm - 7:30pm and Inside: 5pm - End of Game

Saturday 4/13
Outside:
Boardwalk Vibes
Smokin Bowls
Open Fire Grilled Brazilian
Inside:
Vanchetta
Bacon Boss

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https://www.tampabayfoodtruckrally.com/event-details.aspx?id=8310&title=Rowdies+Soccer+Game

Rowdies Soccer Game
Date: 3/30/2019 | Time: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: 230 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Join us at the Rowdies Game at Al Lang Stadium! We will be serving from 4pm - end of game! We will have food trucks both inside and outside of the stadium - please remember no outside food is allowed into the stadium. Make sure to check out our mobile DJ truck while you're there!

March 30th:

Outside (4pm-7:30pm)

Vanchetta

Off The Block

Melt Machine

Taste of Brazil

Cajun Cuisine

Inside (5pm- end of match)

Smokin Bowls

Vanchetta

Dave's Jukebox Diner

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https://www.evensi.us/food-trucks-at-tampa-rowdies-tampa-bay-food-trucks/297909823

Town 'n' Country ›  Tampa Bay Food Trucks ›  Food Trucks at Tampa Rowdies

Join us at our first ever Rowdies Game! We will have food trucks both inside and outside the stadium to help you pregame - and feed you during the game! Check out the food truck line up below -
Tampa Bay Rowdies VS Loudon United March 30th
5pm-7:30pm Outside
Off The Block - Artisan Snow
The Melt Machine Food Truck
Taste of Brazil
Cajun Cuisine Food Truck
6:30pm-End of Match Inside
Smokin Bowls
Vanchetta Food Truck
Dave's Jukebox Diner

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

Off the Pitch: Shawn Barry

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 10, 2019

He may radiate confidence on the field, but what is Shawn Barry like off the pitch?

Rowdies to play League 2's Sarasota Metropolis FC on Sunday morning

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bb33of/rowdies_to_play_league_2s_sarasota_metropolis_fc/

Rowdies to play League 2's Sarasota Metropolis FC on Sunday morning

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https://twitter.com/SarasotaMetroFC/status/1115434349065904130

Sarasota Metropolis FC
‏
@SarasotaMetroFC

Join us this Sunday, April 14th for our pre-Season Opener against the Rowdies. Coach Marazzina and his crew will test and tune our players in preparation for our 2019 season. The game is #FREE to all #Fans #soccer #soccerpreneur #goal #friendly #sarasotametropolisfc #Bradenton

6:54 PM - 8 Apr 2019

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bbayt9/leo_fernandes_and_sebastian_guenzatti_earn_week_5/

Leo Fernandes and Sebastian Guenzatti earn Week 5 Team of the Week honors

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https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1011179

Galaxy II’s Koreniuk Earns Championship Player of the Week

NOTCHED TWO GOALS, ONE ASSIST AS LOS DOS SWEPT PAST ROUGHNECKS FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes recorded two assists in a strong two-way performance that also saw him win 6 of 8 duels and claim seven recoveries.

F – Sebastian Guenzatti, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Guenzatti had a pair of goals as the Rowdies continued their undefeated start with a convincing 4-0 victory against Hartford Athletic.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bbefe3/player_impact_thesis_project_week_5/

Player Impact Thesis Project Week 5

Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kcs5D_0BPsGORIv_Nf1HPXzxzqpphkIKNdybGRtynn4/edit#gid=0

Since player form is kind of its own weird thing, I've decided to change the name of my new project this season to the Player Impact Thesis since the points system is charting player impact by charting significant events during games. It plays into the form concept but I like the idea of saying this is a points system based on who impacts the game in what ways makes more sense to me, for now. The process of creating this statistical algorithm is as always a work in progress. The hope for me is to see correlations in my numbers, what I'm seeing on the field, what fans are seeing on the field, and the basic statistical numbers provided by the USL. So far so good I think. Here are some base conclusions:

Through five weeks the Rowdies are a defensive juggernaut: Diakite, the starting centre back, and Ekra, the box to box midfielder, are leading the metric.

Strongest in the middle, rarely vulnerable on the edges: When the Rowdies have had to absorb pressure, it's usually come at the expense of going past Richards or Morad, or Fernandes and Barry on the wings. Now, there really hasn't been much exploitation since no goals have been scored in the run of play, but when teams build up, they rarely find any room to attack through the middle. The Rowdies defensive pressure in the middle often forces turnovers or the ball to go outside.

Individuals with negative numbers: The biggest negative impact results have been Oduro in passing and Fernandes in dribbling. This is consistent with Oduro and Fernandes' turnover ratio in their respective categories.

Worked today on some spreadsheet formulas to add some more fun numerical context. There's a per 90 system where minutes are turned into per 90 which are divided into a players total value. Maybe around the halfway point of the season I'll add these averages to each individual category but for now it's just tracking the totals. All Centre-Mid's (Tinari, Steinberger, Ekra) rank above 5 along with Diakite.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article228991379.html

Mayor Steinberg’s Major League Soccer proposal deserves strong support

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http://theinscribermag.com/impact-of-european-stars-in-mls-soccer/

Impact Of European Stars In MLS Soccer

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http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2019/04/09/sacramentos-mls-bid-boosted-citys-financial-buy/

Sacramento’s MLS bid boosted by city’s financial buy-in

April 9 – It is almost make or break for Sacramento and its longstanding Major League Soccer aspirations this month, but the California club has received a timely boost from the city, with local government proposing a financial package to support the team.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has laid out the league’s roadmap: the recent period of rapid expansion is to be followed by a conservative phase with the MLS just adding one more franchise to its portfolio in 2019. The league then plans to take an expansion break.

At the moment, Sacramento and St. Louis are frontrunners in the race for this year’s expansion spot. In April, the MLS will discuss expansion at a meeting in Los Angeles without taking a final decision.

Local authorities have now given Sacramento Republic FC, which plays in the second tier USL, major backing by proposing a range of financial support packages for a new stadium. Mayor Darrell Steinberg announced a $33 million package for the club, including fee waivers, tax rebates, advertising rights and infrastructure financing following negotiations with Ron Burkle, who is leading the drive for Sacramento to secure an MLS spot.

Burkle, a billionaire businessman from the private equity industry, has teamed up with Matt Alvarez, a Hollywood film producer and owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League, to bolster Sacramento’s MLS bid.  The club and the city brought in the pair two months ago after MLS officials had stated that the bid needed sound financial backing.

Sacramento has long aspired to join America’s topflight and the financial muscle of the Burkle-Alvarez duo might well push them over the finish line. On a visit to St. Louis Garber hinted that the city still needs to take a few steps. Sacramento’s proposals include a plan to build a new $252 million football-specific stadium, with the promise of private funding.

“This partnership with the city is a final and big step prior to the board meeting that shows all the work we have done and [what] we have been able to create,” said Republic’s president Ben Gumpert.

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http://www.glendalestar.com/features/article_a48600ea-57cf-11e9-8722-bb4ade0af3e6.html

Hickman's, Phoenix Rising partner for competition

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https://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/4/9/18301580/toronto-fc-tried-to-sign-arjen-robben

Major Link Soccer: Toronto FC tried to sign Arjen Robben

Andy Carroll may also be considering MLS

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https://www.intergameonline.com/igaming/news/betting-on-sports-america-hits-major-leagues

Betting on Sports America hits major leagues

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3820564/toronto-held-exploratory-talks-with-bayern-munichs-robben-source

Toronto held 'exploratory' talks with Bayern Munich's Robben - source

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/04/09/mls-11-european-stars-come-stateside/

MLS: 11 European stars who could come Stateside

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6903757/David-Beckhams-Inter-Miami-MLS-franchise-release-teaser-video-new-stadium-design.html

David Beckham's Inter Miami MLS franchise release teaser video of new stadium design

A teaser video of Inter Miami's new stadium was released for fans on Tuesday

The plan is to build the heavily pink stadium on the Melreese Country Club site

Plans are already afoot to develop Lockhart Stadium before this ground is built

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https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/major-league-soccer-an-option-for-andy-carroll-as-west-ham-exit-looms-cfgsfmrdf

Major League Soccer an option for Andy Carroll as West Ham exit looms

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https://sportsradiopd.com/espn-wins-us-open-cup-rights-through-2022/

ESPN+ WINS US OPEN CUP RIGHTS THROUGH 2022

“The U.S. Open joins the MLS, the United Soccer League (USL) Championship and USL League One on ESPN+ as the digital streaming service continues to rack in the exclusive rights to high quality niche market sports.”

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/are-stable-rosters-lineups-becoming-fashionable-in-mls/

Will stable rosters, lineups becoming fashionable in MLS?

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/04/08/what-will-dc-united-do-without-wayne-rooney/

What will D.C. United do without Wayne Rooney?

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https://www.affiliateinsider.com/affiliate/betting-on-sports-america-2/

Inaugural Betting on Sports America boasts starstudded list of sporting greats

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https://www.wdrb.com/sports/hackworth-heads-home-to-face-my-team/article_873ef6aa-5b11-11e9-a8cf-bb457ce02031.html

Hackworth heads home to face 'my team'

LOUISVILLE, Ky (WDRB) -- Call them the Boys in Black and Purple.

Louisville City FC is a bruised and bumped football club right now and heads into the weekend down four starters.

“That’s something you don’t predict,” head coach John Hackworth said.

It doesn’t help that they’re limping into a game against one of the top teams in the league, a team Hackworth knows well.

“They were my team," he said. "They were my club."

Hackworth grew up just outside of Tampa.

"I joked that I was born and raised a Tampa Bay Rowdies fan," Hackworth said after Tuesday's training session in Louisville. "I used to go and watch every single game."

Florida was home until he took the job with Louisville City.

“I’m absolutely, 100 percent from 'The Ville' now, and my only objective is to go down there and beat the Tampa Bay Rowdies with all we have,” Hackworth said.

This will all be routine at some point, but this is the first time he’s headed back to coach against his old favorite team.

“It’s neat, and it’s going to be fun to coach against them," he said. "It’s also going to be a little nostalgic and emotional.”

Add expensive to that list.

“I think I’m somewhere around 56 tickets that I’m asking for and buying, and I’m trying hard with any ancillary family members saying you might be on your own,” Hackworth said.

It’s not just seats his family needs; They all need the right colors to wear.

“I might have to go back to the owners and ask for a little more in my pay check, because I’ve lost so much money on tickets and gear,” Hackworth said.

He wants only one thing in return:

“Hyper focus on making sure we beat them,” he said.

A win makes it all worth it.

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https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2019/04/09/49483-major-league-teams-gear-up-for-betting-on-sports-america

Major league teams gear up for Betting on Sports America

The show's agenda will touch on a number of issues interesting to sports teams, such as data, integrity and sponsorship.

Representatives from teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, as well as from international leagues such as La Liga will be attending the upcoming sports betting trade show in New Jersey.

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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-takes-big-step-toward-major-league-soccer-stadium/103-b84256b5-ee3e-458f-85fb-d0d561a9871f

Sacramento takes big step toward Major League Soccer stadium

Sacramento council members unanimously approved a “Preliminary Term Sheet” for developing an MLS stadium, which Mayor Darrell Steinberg called a big move.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento has taken a big step toward being considered for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team.

Sacramento council members unanimously approved a “Preliminary Term Sheet” for developing an MLS stadium, which Mayor Darrell Steinberg called a big move.

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https://europeangaming.eu/portal/press-releases/2019/04/09/42982/betting-on-sports-america-hits-major-leagues-with-sporting-delegates/

Betting on Sports America hits major leagues with sporting delegates

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https://www.sacbee.com/sports/mls/article229023294.html

Sacramento council unanimously approves soccer deal, gets immediate praise from MLS

Is Sacramento finally about to become a Major League Soccer city?

That question could be answered as early as next week in Los Angeles, when the MLS board of governors meets behind closed doors to discuss adding another franchise to the fast-growing league.

In an 11th-hour move to improve its chances of being chosen, Sacramento tossed a $33 million deal-sweetener into the mix: The Sacramento City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday night to approve an incentive package to help a local investment group build streets and other infrastructure around a privately financed $252 million soccer stadium in the downtown railyard.

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https://www.kcra.com/article/sacramento-major-league-soccer-stadium-term-sheet/27095071

Sacramento leaders approve MLS stadium plans

City now waits for soccer league to decide on next expansion team

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https://fox40.com/2019/04/09/republic-fc-celebrates-after-city-council-approves-stadium-agreement/

Republic FC Celebrates after City Council Approves Stadium Agreement

Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 3 vs. Hartford Athletic [4/6]

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bav5zs/rowdies_home_attendance_thread_game_3_vs_hartford/

Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 3 vs. Hartford Athletic [4/6]

Do you want the good news or the bad news? The good news is the game was outstanding and the crowd was pretty live. The bad news? Attendance was bad - worse than any game last year (we only dipped in the 4k range once). A couple years ago this happened as well...and in a very similar situation. We opened our season with three consecutive home games in 2017 and the second match was the worst of the three (Game 1: 7,710, Game 2: 4,326; Game 3: 5,310). Three game homestands are tough on the attendance front as there's little turnaround time to capture those sales and people tend to pick and choose if they'll miss one.

Now, want some more good news. Next week's game against Louisville has already outsold the Hartford match and seems to be ahead of pace for even the home opener (with what appears to be less than 800 reserved seats left available - no way to tell on GA). Here's hoping sales keep going strong...we need a good crowd for that one.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bap2hu/highlights_tbr_40_hfd_whats_your_safe_word/

Highlights: TBR 4-0 HFD "What's Your Safe Word"

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdx37c2hxaY&feature=youtu.be

HIGHLIGHTS #TBRvsHFD | 04-06-2019

USL Championship

The Tampa Bay Rowdies played host to expansion side Hartford Athletic at Al Lang Stadium in the first meeting between the clubs.

Visit https://www.uslchampionship.com for upcoming games, live scores and match highlights.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bat9md/record_crowd_of_4031_see_tropics_drop_final_home/

Record crowd of 4,031 see Tropics drop final home game 4-2 to Baltimore

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https://www.fltropics.com/news/record-crowd-can-t-root-home-tropics-to-win-as-bla

RECORD CROWD CAN'T ROOT HOME TROPICS TO WIN AS BLAST TAKE 4-2 TRIUMPH

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wbPgei4_iU

Rowdies' Jersey Numbers

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Find out how the Rowdies chose their jersey numbers.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrePD9v_mwg

Rowdies Highlights vs Hartford Athletic - April 6, 2019

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Full highlights of tonight's 4-0 win over Hartford Athletic. Sebastian Guenzatti (2), David Najem and Andrew Tinari all scored for the Rowdies and Leo Fernandes had a pair of assists.

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https://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/norwich-city-loan-watch-marshall-millwall-oliveira-reading-1-5983815

Norwich City loan watch: Marshall helps Millwall beat Baggies, as Oliveira returns for Reading

Caleb Richards played the full 90 minutes again as Tampa Bay Rowdies continued their unbeaten start to the United Soccer League season, the second tier in the USA, beating Hartford Athletic 4-0 in the Championship Eastern Conference

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/mls-chicago-fire-buyout-soldier-field-return

Chicago Fire consider buyout to secure Soldier Field return

Franchise has to pay off SeatGeek Stadium lease to move back downtown.

Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise the Chicago Fire are negotiating to buy out the remainder of their SeatGeek Stadium lease in order to move back to the centre of the city, according to multiple reports.

The Fire are tied to a punitive 30-year lease at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, until 2036 but the club’s inability to attract large crowds to the 26,000-seater venue reportedly could see them take early action to move back to downtown Chicago.

The Fire moved to the purpose-built facility in 2006, touted at the time as one of the premier soccer stadiums in MLS, after spending the majority of their early years at Soldier Field – home to the National Football League’s (NFL) Chicago Bears.

However, the inaccessibility of Bridgeview, located 15 miles southwest of Downtown Chicago, has alienated current and potential supporters alike.

Since 2015 the Fire have been 18th or lower in average attendance in MLS. Last season, the average gate at SeatGeek Stadium was 14,806 with Columbus Crew the only team drawing lower crowds amid a relocation dispute.

During the Fire’s last two seasons at Soldier Field (2004 and 2005), the club averaged an announced 17,153 and 17,238 fans, respectively, per game. Those crowd numbers were not topped in Bridgeview until 2017, when Bastian Schweinsteiger arrived to boost a team that finished with the third-best record in MLS and averaged 17,383 fans per game.

Further compounding problems for the Fire following the move in 2006, Bridgeview had planned to make the stadium the centrepiece of future development in the area. But with little to show for its ambition, the town now finds itself crippled by debt, with the stadium being heavily blamed.

In February 2018, Bloomberg reported Bridgeview had amassed approximately US$260 million of general obligation debt. It added that property taxes had doubled for its 17,000 residents and the town took on added debt to help cover revenue shortfalls from the stadium.

If the Fire are to return to the city limits a buyout is the only option as the stadium agreement was deliberately drawn up to prevent the franchise from exiting Bridgeview early.

All Fire home games must be played in Bridgeview unless the local authority is compensated or the expected attendance is not sufficient for making the stadium a cost-effective venue. Additionally, there is a clause that states any potential second MLS team in the Chicago market would have to play in Bridgeview. Even if the Fire folded and a new MLS franchise took its place, that team would still be bound to play at SeatGeek Stadium.

Speculation was fuelled earlier this year by MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who suggested the league was pursuing a solution to finding an appropriate stadium in the Chicago market.

In 2018, Joe Mansueto, founder of Morningstar, bought a 49 per cent stake in Chicago Fire. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, he is the driving force behind the potential move back to Soccer Field.

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https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/08/new-indy-eleven-stadium-prospects-improve-lawmakers-scrap-major-league-soccer-franchise-requirement/3399401002/

New Indy Eleven stadium prospects improve as lawmakers scrap Major League Soccer franchise requirement

The Indy Eleven's hopes for a new stadium just got a lot better.

The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously Monday to allow the soccer team to negotiate with Indianapolis to build a $150 million soccer stadium without first attracting a Major League Soccer franchise.

That means the current incarnation of the Indy Eleven could play in the stadium.

As part of the proposal, Indianapolis would have to approve a special taxing district centered around the stadium to fund construction. The state's budget committee also would have to sign off.

Todd Huston, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, said the project may need to get started for MLS to take it seriously. Republicans and Democrats have increasingly emerged as united in the decision to create a way to make a deal happen.

"I think a lot of people see the excitement around the current team and see the momentum that soccer has in our society," Huston said. "Our committee has felt like it’s an exciting new opportunity. There's a general belief and excitement that professional soccer has got a lot of momentum and people want Indianapolis to be a part of it."

Still, it's not a done deal. The legislation now heads to the House floor, where more changes are possible. It's likely a House-Senate committee will negotiate a final version in the closing days of the legislature at month's end.

"Today’s vote is just the latest step in the legislative process and is a result of all sides working together to achieve a positive result," said Tim Phelps, a spokesman for Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir. "We will continue to work directly with legislators and all stakeholders as Senate Bill 7 continues to move through the Statehouse."

Senate Bill 7 has involved three proposals: a 25-year lease extension for the Indiana Pacers, a $120 million expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and a $150 million soccer stadium.

Scrapping the MLS franchise requirement is a big change for lawmakers, who earlier this year required the team to enter into a 25-year agreement with MLS by 2022 as part of any stadium deal. The Senate approved the bill with that stipulation, 48-1.

It's a big opening for the Indy Eleven, which now doesn't need to worry about signing an elusive MLS franchise or paying the hefty expansion fee that has recently been as high as $150 million.

In December 2017, MLS announced it would expand from 24 to 28 teams. Three of those slots have been filled, and one remains open. Though future expansions are possible, MLS commissioner Don Garber recently discussed such plans that didn't include Indianapolis.

The city applied but was not chosen, in part because it did not have funding for a stadium.

The House committee that voted Monday left in one hefty stipulation the Senate added: The team must pay 20 percent of the construction cost before receiving taxpayer funds, either up front or in annual payments.

To fund the remaining cost of the stadium, the legislation would allow the Indy Eleven to use cash from a special taxing district around the team's proposed development.

Ozdemir, who runs the development company Keystone Group, has proposed the $550 million development called Eleven Park, which would include $400 million in private investment in restaurants, shops, offices and apartments at a to-be-decided location, as well as the $150 million stadium and other public investments.

Ozdemir, who expanded team ownership to seven new investors this year, has said he's considering three locations in the city and sent a letter to Indianapolis Public Schools offering to purchase Broad Ripple High School.

He has pledged that his six-year-old franchise would pay for any shortfalls if the development does not generate enough taxes to cover the cost of the stadium.

Still, some lawmakers are concerned the state ultimately may have to bail Ozdemir out if he can't afford to pay back the debt.

The Indy Eleven plays its home matches at Lucas Oil Stadium. Ozdemir has for years been pushing the state help to build a stadium for the team, but lawmakers have balked at providing public subsidies.

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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/04/07/offside-remarks-when-metro-soccer-goes-from-boom-to-bust/

OFFSIDE REMARKS: When metro soccer goes from boom to bust

HARRISON, N.J. — Just a few years ago, we enjoyed a soccer boom in the metropolitan area.

In 2015, New York City FC took its first competitive kick in Major League Soccer behind the likes of David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard. The new team did not fare that well in its maiden season, but certainly generated a lot of excitement. The Red Bulls captured the Supporters Shield and the Cosmos, buoyed by the legendary Raul, won the North American Soccer League title.

It got even better in 2016. An improved NYCFC squad, under the guidance of Patrick Vieira, gave the Red Bulls a run for their money for Supporters Shield glory, but the latter prevailed. And the Cosmos won their second consecutive NASL title.

Let’s speed forward to 2019 and take the professional soccer temperature of the metropolitan area as of April 7.

Let’s see, the ninth-place Red Bulls, the 2018 Supporters Shield winners, have stumbled out to a poor 1-3-1 start. They have lost three successive matches under Chris Armas, the most recent being a 2-1 home loss to Minnesota United Saturday night.

With Dome Torrent in charge, 11th-place NYCFC has been a nothing short of a disaster, accruing but four points in five games while struggling to a 0-1-4 mark. That includes a pair of scoreless draws on an atrocious Yankee Stadium field, including Saturday’s result.

As for the Cosmos, we won’t know their early-season prognosis until August, when they embark to play in their next professional league, the National Premier Soccer League Founders Cup. Before then they will play in the semi-pro NPSL starting April 27.

The Red Bulls’ and NYCFC’s records are a combined and an abysmal 1-4-5 start, with eight points out of a possible 30.

At the moment, we are going through a soccer recession. If their fall from grace continues, we could call it a depression. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

The slow starts for the Red Bulls and City are worrisome.

NYCFC, which had trouble winning even when Torrent took over last summer, can’t kick itself out of a paper bag these days. The team hasn’t been able to score goals, especially after the departure of star striker David Villa to Japan.

A good portion of City’s results this season have taken similar paths. They will outplay the opposition, outshoot their foes, but cannot find the net.

Brazilian forward Heber, who made his debut as a late-match substitute Saturday, showed promise in limited minutes. But then again, there have been dozens of other foreign forwards who were high on potential but low on goal-scoring celebrations.

There have been some rumblings out of the NYCFC camp that Torrent has lost the team. If that is true, expect some of thoses T’s to turn into L’s. And, if that occurs, don’t be surprised if the powers that be in Manchester give him the hook. It might sound like an internal transfer back to the English Premier League team or to another team in the Manchester City empire.

The Red Bulls have their own problems. They scored four times in their 4-1 triumph over the lowly San Jose Earthquakes but have struggled against the rest of the league with only two goals in their four other matches.

Bradley Wright-Phillips has gotten off to a rotten start with one goal as the Red Bulls have had their problems setting up the striker in dangerous positions. It remains to be seen how Kaku’s offseason disappointment of not being transferred to Club America in Mexico has hurt his performances, but it looks like it hasn’t help. The other theory impeding Wright-Phillips’ goal-scoring prowess is his age. BWP is 34, a precarious age for forwards. Losing a little speed here or some quickness there could be devastating for a high-scoring forward. Perhaps he can find his finishing touch.

Both teams’ problems have one common denominator — they are without young holding/defensive midfielders who made a difference in the past couple of years.

That would be Yangel Herrera, who was a dynamic force during his short NYCFC tenure before ManCity decided to pull back his MLS loan and lend him to Huesca in Spain. He broke up plays and helped initiate attacks. NYCFC has not found anyone else to replace him.

Ditto for the Red Bulls and Tyler Adams, who is turning heads in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. Adams had/has the speed and work ethic to be part of the attack and then recover back on defense. Hardly the last word in attacking soccer, the Wappingers Falls, N.Y. native certainly found time to impact an impact. During a seven-pass scoring sequence against Columbus Crew SC in the Eastern Conference semifinals series last year, Adams touched the ball three times.

And here’s a crazy number to throw into the mix:

Pro soccer teams in the New York area just don’t fare well or come close to reaching their potential in years ending with nine.

In 1979, the Cosmos failed to reach Soccer Bowl, the only time during a six-year period in which they won four NASL titles. They were eliminated in the semifinals.

For the Red Bulls, it has been disastrous. They were horrendous in 1999 during the reign of error of Bora Milutinovic and were just as hopeless in 2009, a season after reaching MLS Cup during a Cinderella-like run during the playoffs.

Can both teams bounce back and break the “nine curse?”

Of course they can. There is plenty of time left in the season. Red Bulls captain Luis Robles reminded the media how the Red Bulls rebounded from that nightmare 1-6 start in 2016 to win the Eastern Conference crown with the third-best record in the league.

While Torrent has a fabulous background coaching in Europe and as Pep Guardiola’s first lieutenant, we all know of the problems many foreign coaches have faced trying to cope with soccer, American- and MLS-style (with his countless rules and regulations).

Quite frankly, unless NYCFC turns it around quickly, I just don’t see Torrent surviving the season. If that is the case, then we could say that City is in a real soccer depression.

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https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2019/04/08/lloyd-scores-twice-in-uswnts-rout-of-belgium/

Lloyd scores twice in USWNT’s rout of Belgium

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https://www.independent.ng/arjen-robben-interested-more-in-mls-than-inter-milan/

Arjen Robben Interested More In MLS Than Inter Milan

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/sacramento-republic-mls-expansion-252m-stadium

Sacramento up MLS expansion stakes with $252m stadium plan

City and investor Ron Burkle agree various packages to attract new franchise.

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https://www.ibj.com/articles/73228-update-lawmakers-drop-mls-requirement-for-indy-eleven-stadium

UPDATE: Lawmakers drop MLS requirement for Indy Eleven stadium

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https://sbcamericas.com/2019/04/08/betting-on-sports-america-hits-major-leagues-with-sporting-delegates/

Betting on Sports America hits major leagues with sporting delegates

Teams from all of the major professional sports leagues across the US are flocking to Betting on Sports America, the biggest dedicated sports betting trade show in the country taking place at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey from 23-25 April.

Representatives from teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, as well as from international leagues such as La Liga will be attending Betting on Sports America, including the Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76-ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Jersey Devils, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls.

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/announcements/betting-on-sports-america-hits-major-leagues-with-sporting-delegates

Betting on Sports America hits major leagues with sporting delegates

Teams from all of the major professional sports leagues across the US are flocking to Betting on Sports America, the biggest dedicated sports betting trade show in the country taking place at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey from 23-25 April.

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https://www.foxsports.com.my/football/transfer-buzz/71548/reports-manchester-united-star-all-set-to-join-wayne-rooney-at-d-c-united/

Reports: Manchester United star all set to join Wayne Rooney at D.C. United

After David Beckham, Bastian Schweinstiger, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney, a fifth Manchester United star is all set for a move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) – and it is none other than Antonio Valencia.

The Equadorian defender had not extended his current contract with the club that is set to end in 2019 June, and it was hence understood that he will leave the club in the upcoming summer.

A latest update on the player’s situation reveals that he will be joining his former teammate Wayne Rooney at D.C United in the MLS, as per SportBible‘s reports.

The agency reports that the United captain’s father, Luis, recently revealed to radio station Area Deportiva that the 33-year old has a two-year offer from an MLS club who were not named.

Immediately afterwards, the star himself gave rise to further talks by liking a tweet which indicated that he will be making a switch to D.C and reuniting with Rooney:

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/04/08/toronto-fc-arjen-robben-can-take-reds-new-level/

Toronto FC: Arjen Robben can take Reds to new level

The latest star player to be linked to a possible MLS move is Bayern Munich’s, Arjen Robben, who has been named as a possible target for Toronto FC. The Dutch superstar would take the Reds to a new level.

Bundesliga legend Arjen Robben appears to be making a move to Major League Soccer at the conclusion of the 2018-19 European season. Reports have linked the Dutch winger to Toronto FC as the Reds look to land another star player.

Robben would be joining whichever club he ends up at on a free transfer, with his contract expiring this summer. This would be mean he could join Toronto at the end of Bayern Munich’s season without a transfer fee needing to be paid.

After 1,952 days, Beckham doesn’t have a Miami deal. Fort Lauderdale took nine weeks

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https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article228790019.html

After 1,952 days, Beckham doesn’t have a Miami deal. Fort Lauderdale took nine weeks

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https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/inter-miami-secures-lockhart-deal-but-faces-inter-milan-lawsuit/

Inter Miami secures Lockhart deal – but faces Inter Milan lawsuit

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https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Fort-Lauderdale-Says-Beckham-Can-Demolish-Lockhart-Stadium-508032591.html

Fort Lauderdale Says Beckham Can Demolish Lockhart Stadium

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https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/inter-v-inter-beckham-in-legal-battle-with-serie-a-giants/9llfb4gf2vmx1mp5pn56suhg5

Milan vs Miami - Beckham in legal battle with Serie A giants Inter over MLS club name

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https://miami.cbslocal.com/2019/04/03/fort-lauderdale-gives-beckham-group-go-ahead-to-demolish-lockhart-stadiums/

Fort Lauderdale Gives Beckham Group Go Ahead To Demolish Lockhart Stadiums

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https://www.local10.com/sports/soccer/inter-miami-cf/david-beckham-is-ready-to-demolish-lockhart-stadium

David Beckham is ready to demolish Lockhart Stadium

Miami Beckham United to demolish Lockhart Stadium within 180 days

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https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/International/fort-lauderdale-says-beckham-can-demolish-lockhart-stadium-20190403

Fort Lauderdale says Beckham can demolish Lockhart Stadium

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https://www.rt.com/sport/455507-david-beckham-inter-milan/

David Beckham v Inter Milan: Who will gain upper hand in trademark battle?

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https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2019/04/03/fort-lauderdale-says-beckham-can-demolish-lockhart-stadium-build-anew/

Fort Lauderdale says Beckham can demolish Lockhart Stadium, build anew

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/inter-miami-inter-milan-lockhart-mls-legal

Inter Miami seal Lockhart Stadium but face Inter Milan legal battle

David Beckham’s franchise and MLS counter Italian soccer giant’s patent claim.

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https://www.worldipreview.com/news/beckham-and-mls-take-on-inter-milan-at-ttab-17749

MLS battles Inter Milan over Beckham team name

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https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/mls-10-most-famous-players-to-have-played-in-major-league-soccer-in-the-usa

MLS: 10 most famous players to have played in Major League Soccer in the USA

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https://www.beinsports.com/us/mls/news/beckham/1156625

Milan vs Miami - Beckham in Trademark Battle Over Use of 'Inter'

David Beckham's MLS expansion franchise is contesting a US Patent and Trademark application filed by Serie A club Inter Milan over the use of the word 'Inter.'

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https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/04/04/inter-milan-miami-trademark-rights-mls-expansion-team-name-beckham

Inter Miami, MLS Go on Attack in Trademark Opposition to Inter Milan

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https://www.football-italia.net/136606/inter-legal-battle-inter-miami-and-mls

Inter legal battle with Inter Miami and MLS

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http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-inter-milan-in-legal-battle-with-david-beckham-over-his-mls-club-20190404

Inter Milan In Legal Battle With David Beckham Over His MLS Club Inter Miami

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https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/mls-inter-milan-battle-david-beckham-s-inter-miami-franchise-in-court-over-naming-rights

MLS: Inter Milan battle David Beckham's Inter Miami franchise in court over naming rights

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https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/04/05/david-beckham-facing-legal-battle-with-euro-giants-over-naming-of-his-mls-franchise/

David Beckham facing legal battle with Euro giants over naming of his MLS franchise

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https://www.businessobserverfl.com/article/tampa-bay-rays-rowdies-brian-auld

Double vision: Baseball executive tries his hand, er, foot at soccer

After the acquisition of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld faces the challenge of guiding not one, but two, local sports franchises to victory.

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2019/04/05/episode-197-loudoun-letdown/4286

Episode 197 – Loudoun Letdown

Fresh off the scoreless draw at home to Loudoun United, the guys talk about what’s worked and what hasn’t so far this season, what else is going on around the Eastern Conference, what to expect this week vs. Hartford and Jake chats with THE LEGEND GEORGI HRISTOV about his new Tampa Bay futsal project

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https://www.tampabayfoodtruckrally.com/rowdies-soccer-food-trucks

Rowdies Soccer
Food Truck Schedule
Select Games
Outside: 4pm - 7:30pm and Inside: 5pm - End of Game

Saturday 4/6

Outside:
Anju Korean Gastrotruck
Vanchetta
Slammer Shop

Inside:
Kebablicious
Cajun Cuisine
Mr C's Grilled Cheese

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https://www.tampabayfoodtruckrally.com/event-details.aspx?id=8311&title=Rowdies+Soccer+Game

Rowdies Soccer Game
Date: 4/6/2019 | Time: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: 230 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Join us at the Rowdies Game at Al Lang Stadium! We will be serving from 4pm - end of game! We will have food trucks both inside and outside of the stadium - please remember no outside food is allowed into the stadium. Make sure to check out our mobile DJ truck while you're there!

March 30th:

Outside (4pm-7:30pm)

Vanchetta
Off The Block
Melt Machine
Taste of Brazil
Cajun Cuisine

Inside (5pm- end of match)

Smokin Bowls
Vanchetta
Dave's Jukebox Diner

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https://www.facebook.com/events/tampa-bay-food-trucks/food-trucks-at-tampa-rowdies/316255399074984/

Food Trucks at Tampa Rowdies
Public · Hosted by Tampa Bay Food Trucks

Saturday at 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

APR 13 Sat 5:00 PM

Tampa Bay Food Trucks

Join us at our first ever Rowdies Game! We will have food trucks both inside and outside the stadium to help you pregame - and feed you during the game! Check out the food truck line up below -

Tampa Bay Rowdies VS Hartford Athletic April 6th

5pm-7:30pm Outside

Vanchetta
Anju Korean Gastrotruck
SLAMMER SHOP
CJ Traveling Pizzeria

6:30pm-End of Match Inside
Kebablicious
Cajun Cuisine Food Truck
Mr C's Grilled Cheese

Tampa Bay Rowdies VS Louiseville City April 13th TBA
5pm-7:30pm Outside
TBA

6:30pm-End of Match Inside
TBA

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/sacramento-republic-mls-expansion-252m-stadium

Sacramento up MLS expansion stakes with $252m stadium plan

City and investor Ron Burkle agree various packages to attract new franchise.

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https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/chicago-fire-eyeing-rebrand-and-move-to-soldier-field/

Chicago Fire eyeing rebrand and move to Soldier Field