Monday, December 19, 2016

Could the Tampa Bay Rowdies replace David Beckham’s Miami as MLS Team #24?

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https://thefloridasqueeze.com/2016/12/19/could-the-tampa-bay-rowdies-replace-david-beckhams-miami-as-mls-team-24/

Could the Tampa Bay Rowdies replace David Beckham’s Miami as MLS Team #24?

December 19, 2016 · by Kartik Krishnaiyer

On Thursday, Major League Soccer announced the list of the 10 locales that are in the running for Major League Soccer clubs 25-28. Miami which was originally slated as team 20 or 21 has slipped to 24 and from the outside view is nowhere closer to securing a team than they were in 2013 – and rumors persist that David Beckham is close to pulling the plug on the area.

Tampa Bay was named among the 10 locales by MLS on Thursday and as we discussed on December 7, the bid to bring the top soccer league in the United States and Canada to Downtown St Petersburg is a sure-fire winner. On Thursday Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards said:

“It’s great to know that less than two weeks after announcing our #MLS2StPete campaign, Major League Soccer is acknowledging us as one of the potential expansion cities,” stated Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards. “Bringing Major League Soccer to the Tampa Bay Area by 2020 is my goal.”

The Rowdies formal bid for an MLS team was announced on August 6, but the side which currently plays in the lower division United Soccer Leagues has major advantages over many of the other nine finalists. In Bill Edwards, the Rowdies have an owner whose net worth probably meets MLS requirements unlike most of the other interested cities and clubs. The Rowdies have a solid stadium plan which is far ahead of each of the other potential new MLS markets with the possible exception of San Antonio. But unlike San Antonio, whose facility is far from the center of town, the Rowdies Al Lang Stadium is right on Tampa Bay in Downtown St Petersburg. Finally, the Tampa Bay media market is the largest single one that does not have an MLS team currently – with the league increasingly concerned about lagging TV ratings this market makes sense.

Since Miami continues to be a struggle why should Tampa Bay with an existing club, a real stadium plan and a capable owner step right in? As was written here a little over a week ago (with some revisions):

It is important to note while arguments can be made for Miami as an important MLS market, the Tampa/St Petersburg TV market is actually larger than Miami/Fort Lauderdale. It is also critical to note that between 1975 and 2016, the Tampa Bay area and Miami/Fort Lauderdale areas have had pro teams in the same soccer leagues for 25 seasons. In that period only three times did the southeast Florida team boast higher attendance than the Tampa Bay-based one. This includes four seasons in Major League Soccer (1998-2001), where Tampa Bay led Miami in attendance three of the years, and nine seasons in the NASL (1975-1983) when Tampa Bay led Miami or Fort Lauderdale every single season.

Miami is more of a global branding opportunity than a soccer-crazed market. Major League Soccer has survived for years without a Miami team, and now is thriving despite the debacle taking place under the palm trees in southern Florida. But Tampa Bay’s stadium plans – a waterfront vista in St Petersburg probably represents something far more “Florida” than anything Miami can conjure up. This is also exactly what MLS wanted David Beckham to produce – a waterfront vista, but he was unable to secure the community and political support for the project.

While the Tampa Bay market “failed” once before in MLS, that was a different time. A fear about cannibalization of the audience from Orlando which is nearby could be real, but the rivalry implications (Orlando City and the Tampa Bay Rowdies already have a robust rivalry fostered at the lower-division and US Open Cup level) probably offset those concerns. A “war on I-4” rivalry would be far bigger for MLS then an organic club like Orlando City battling a manufactured and largely plastic club like Beckham’s Miami entry promises to be.



MLS has to likely add a 24th team in 2018 or 2019 before the next round of expansion begins in 2020. With LAFC entering the league in 2018, the idea of the Tampa Bay Rowdies replacing Miami as team 24 to begin league play let’s say in 2019 should be strongly considered.

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http://www.espnfc.com/atletico-madrid/story/3023638/antoine-griezmann-hopes-to-play-in-miami-for-david-beckham-and-says-usain-bolt-perfect-for-atletico-madrid

Antoine Griezmann hopes to play in Miami for David Beckham in future

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http://www.wbtv.com/story/34086713/bruton-and-marcus-smith-in-talks-with-pro-soccer-league-to-bring-new-team-to-charlotte

Bruton and Marcus Smith in talks with pro soccer league to bring new team to Charlotte

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http://www.nashvillepost.com/politics/legislation/article/20847120/capitol-roundup-mls-vouchers-child-abuse-legislation

Capitol roundup: MLS, vouchers, child abuse and nursing homes

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http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/greitens-opposes-public-funds-for-mls-stadium/373338874

Greitens opposes public funds for MLS stadium

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3023545/missouri-governor-elect-calls-st-louis-mls-stadium-plan-welfare-for-millionaires

St. Louis MLS stadium plan 'welfare for millionaires' - Missouri governor-elect

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http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2016/12/19/nashville-host-2017-gold-cup-us-soccer-july/95612812/

Nashville to host US Soccer in 2017 Gold Cup tournament

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http://ussoccerplayers.com/2016/12/changing-mls-for-the-better-major-league-soccer.html

Changing MLS for the better

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http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2016/12/19/gov-elect-greitens-opposes-public-money-for-st.html

Gov.-elect Greitens opposes public money for St. Louis MLS stadium

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/735993?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

Goals Align Between Blues, New Partner LAFC

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http://saintpetersblog.com/st-petersburg-face-tough-climb-get-mls-team/

Does St. Petersburg face tough climb to get MLS team?

Gary Shelton

From the outside, it would appear that St. Petersburg has some catching up to do in its pursuit of Major League Soccer, particularly if it wants to be on the front-burner of expansion.

St. Petesburg, home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, has announced that it wishes to expand Al Lang and join the MLS. But the website fivefiftyone.com, evaluating the 10 cities that are scrambling for a team, ranks St. Petersburg only eighth.

Owner Bill Edwards has said he would like to join the MLS in short order.

However, the website ranks Sacramento and St. Louis as the odds-on favorites, followed by Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Raleigh and San Antonio. On this site’s list, St. Petersburgh-Tampa Bay ranks ahead of only San Diego and Nashville. The site used demographics such as population, grown and Forbes 500 companies, which isn’t the entire picture, but it’s a start.

Of course, it’s hard to see the league expanding to both Charlotte and Raleigh. Cincinnati needs stadium expansion. Detroit needs to shore up its ownership.

Regardless,the perception is out there that  if St. Pete is to crack the list – particularly for the next expansion – then there is work to do. Edwards’ plea of fan support is vital, and the stadium plan has to come together quickly.

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/19/tennessee-legislature-proposes-bill-help-fund-nashville-mls-stadium

Tennessee legislature proposes bill to help fund Nashville MLS stadium

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/incoming-governor-opposes-st-louis-soccer-stadium-funding-170321587--mls.html

Incoming governor opposes St. Louis soccer stadium funding

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https://www.soccernation.com/mls-to-san-diego-and-the-sports-elephant-in-the-room/

MLS to San Diego and The Sports Elephant In The Room

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https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/incoming-governor-opposes-st-louis-soccer-stadium-funding-170321587--mls.html

Incoming governor opposes St. Louis soccer stadium funding

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http://www.riverfronttimes.com/newsblog/2016/12/19/governor-elect-greitens-blasts-st-louis-stadium-deal-complicating-aldermanic-discussion#

Governor-Elect Greitens Blasts St. Louis Stadium Deal, Complicating Aldermanic Discussion

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http://www.prweb.com/releases/usl/teamworks/prweb13935908.htm

United Soccer League Adopts Teamworks to Streamline Operations and Internal Communication

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https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/16/12/p8821762/united-soccer-league-adopts-teamworks-to-streamline-operations-and-inte

United Soccer League Adopts Teamworks to Streamline Operations and Internal Communication

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46683

December 18, 2016

SAD, DISAPPOINTED, BUT HOPEFUL

Former members of the original Cosmos comment about the NASL franchise's problems, potential fate


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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci8ULeZKhGE 

CONCACAF Gold Cup 2017 - Tampa Bay 


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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/posts/10155556034743835

Let us know you want Major League Soccer (MLS) in Tampa Bay by sharing these beautiful renderings of the future of Al Lang Stadium. Bill Edwards wants MLS here by 2020, but we need YOUR help!

MORE INFO: MLS2StPete.com

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/mls2stpete

#MLS2StPete Dec. 6 Event - Photo Gallery

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http://www.espnfc.com/concacaf-gold-cup/story/3023239

CONCACAF confirms 14 venues to host matches at the 2017 Gold Cup


The 2017 Gold Cup will feature four first-time hosts: the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas; FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio; Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California; and Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Returning in 2017 are 10 previous Gold Cup host venues: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston; Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia; Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida; Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey; the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California; Sports Authority Field in Denver; Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas; University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona; and Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

The group stage venues and dates are as follows:

July 7, Group A -- Red Bull Arena (Harrison, New Jersey)
July 8, Group B -- Nissan Stadium (Nashville)
July 9, Group C -- Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego)
July 11, Group A -- BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston)
July 12, Group B -- Raymond James Stadium (Tampa)
July 13, Group C -- Sports Authority Field (Denver)
July 14, Group A -- Toyota Stadium (Frisco, Texas)
July 15, Group B -- FirstEnergy Stadium (Cleveland)
July 16, Group C -- Alamodome (San Antonio)

Knockout Round venues (in alphabetical order by metropolitan area):

Bay Area -- Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Dallas -- AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Los Angeles -- Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California)
Philadelphia -- Lincoln Financial Field
Phoenix -- University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, Arizona)

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/roads-set-u-s-mexico-concacaf-gold-cup-group-stage-121916

USMNT and Mexico learn cities and dates for 2017 Gold Cup

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/12/19/st-louis-mls-expansion-stadium-funding-governor-elect

Missouri's governor-elect: St. Louis MLS stadium plan is 'welfare for millionaires'


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http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2016/12/19/san-antonio-scores-concacaf-gold-cup-next-summer.html

San Antonio scores major international soccer event


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http://www.consumerelectronicsnet.com/article/United-Soccer-League-Adopts-Teamworks-to-Streamline-Operations-and-Internal-Communication-4744891

United Soccer League Adopts Teamworks to Streamline Operations and Internal Communication


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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/griezmann-reveals-mls-dream-104522078.html

Griezmann reveals MLS dream

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has revealed a desire to end his career in MLS, saying the chance to play for David Beckham's Miami franchise would be "the best".

More Rowdies, MLS Expansion, #MLS2StPete #MLS2TampaBay #TampaBayRowdies #COYR

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article121579102.html

MLS will expand to 26 by 2020 — with or without Miami

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http://outside90.com/mls-state-of-the-league-2016-high-energy-but-work-still-to-be-done/

MLS State of the League 2016 – High energy but work still to be done

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http://www.sportal.co.in/football/north-carolina-fc-soccer-team-would-need-to-pay-150-million-to-join-mls-news-observer/

North Carolina FC soccer team would need to pay $150 million to join MLS – News & Observer

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http://thetelegraph.com/sports/93941/st-louis-one-of-favorites-for-mls-expansion

St. Louis one of favorites for MLS expansion

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http://the18.com/soccer-news/5-cities-truly-deserve-mls-teams

5 Cities That Truly Deserve MLS Teams

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http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/soccer/2016/12/mls_to_expand_to_28_teams_with_150m_entry_fee_for_newcomers

MLS to expand to 28 teams with $150m entry fee for newcomers

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/17/orlando-city-bringing-wall-major-league-soccer

Orlando City bringing The Wall to Major League Soccer

Orlando City are in the process of building a new stadium, and the MLS club is emulating the eight-time Bundesliga champions by erecting their very own wall, a steep section at the end of the stadium for supporters groups that will be the first safe-standing section in an MLS stadium.

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http://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2016/12/17/qcfc/charlotte-in-mls-expansion-derby/

Charlotte in MLS expansion derby

Market one of 10 markets considered for team

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http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2016/12/17/state-bill-seeks-help-nashville-mls-bid-stadium/95567466/

State bill seeks to help Nashville MLS bid with stadium

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http://patch.com/tennessee/green-hills/legislation-filed-give-nashville-help-mls-bid

Legislation Filed to Give Nashville Help With MLS Bid

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http://www.heraldandnews.com/sports/mls-to-expand-to-teams-with-m-entry-fee-for/article_f4b22180-eca8-56d2-a760-f5de9f65ce03.html

MLS to expand to 28 teams with $150m entry fee for newcomers

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http://www.centerlinesoccer.com/2016/12/18/14001030/north-carolina-not-deterred-by-150m-mls-expansion-price-tag

North Carolina not deterred by $150M Expansion Price Tag

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http://www.expressnews.com/sports/columnists/roy-bragg/article/MLS-in-SA-A-kick-and-a-miss-10803663.php

MLS in SA: A kick and a miss.

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http://thetelegraph.com/sports/93941/st-louis-one-of-favorites-for-mls-expansion

St. Louis one of favorites for MLS expansion

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http://www.empireofsoccer.com/don-garber-to-become-nyrbiis-first-season-ticket-holder-in-special-event-56449/

Don Garber to become NYRBII’s first season ticket holder in special event

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http://www.mantecabulletin.com/section/154/article/140186/

MLS plans expansion to 28 teams

Sacramento Republic FC remains strong candidate

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http://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/detroit-still-in-contention-for-new-major-league-soccer-expansion-team

Detroit still in contention for new Major League Soccer expansion team

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http://www.onceametro.com/2016/12/17/13994670/don-garber-is-getting-a-new-york-red-bulls-ii-season-ticket-usl

Don Garber is getting a New York Red Bulls II season ticket

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http://www.thebentmusket.com/2016/12/17/13995338/jonathan-kraft-will-help-decide-future-mls-expansion-sites

Jonathan Kraft will help decide future MLS expansion sites

Jonathan Kraft is one of five MLS owners on the expansion committee.

Kraft is one of five MLS owners who will serve on the expansion committee. The other members are Andrew Hauptman (Chicago Fire), Anthony Precourt (Columbus Crew SC), Phil Rawlins (Orlando City SC), and Jay Sugarman (Philadelphia Union).

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/opinion/the_long_read_mls_has_come_of_age_now_for_the_growing_pains

The Long Read: MLS has come of age - now for the growing pains

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46674

December 16, 2016

THIS MIDFIELDER IS MOVING FORWARD


Ex-Cosmos Danny midfielder Szetela could sign with another NASL team as early this weekend


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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/12/16/soccer/mls-announces-expansion-plans/

MLS announces expansion plans

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http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/soccer/expansion+into+canada+looks+like+bargain+with+fees+pegged/12539046/story.html

MLS expansion into Canada looks like a bargain with fees pegged at $150 million for next set of teams

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https://www.indianagazette.com/news/national-sports/mlsexpanding-to-28-teams,50018074/

MLS expanding to 28 teams

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https://www.facebook.com/TampaBayRowdies/videos/10155545484038835/

The Rowdies want Major League Soccer (MLS) in Tampa Bay by 2020 and we need YOU to make it happen!

Share this to let everyone know that you want to bring #MLS2StPete!
INFO: MLS2StPete.com


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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/734830?referrer_id=2983139

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER ANNOUNCES TAMPA BAY ROWDIES AS POTENTIAL EXPANSION TEAM

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/mls2stpete

#MLS2StPete Dec. 6 Event - Photo Gallery

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/season-tickets

Tampa Bay Rowdies 2017 Season Tickets. 

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/griezmann-reveals-mls-dream-104522078.html

Griezmann reveals MLS dream

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has revealed a desire to end his career in MLS, saying the chance to play for David Beckham's Miami franchise would be "the best".

Friday, December 16, 2016

Rowdies, MLS Expansion, #MLS2StPete #MLS2TampaBay #TampaBayRowdies #COYR

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http://soccer.nbcsports.com/2016/12/16/joe-cole-talks-mishmash-of-nasl-level-mls-aims-of-tampa-bay/

Joe Cole talks “mishmash” of NASL level, MLS aims of Tampa Bay


Tampa Bay Rowdies man Joe Cole‘s word carries some weight in the English media, and the ex-Three Lions man was asked to assess the quality of the NASL.

Cole posted nine goals and seven assists in 24 matches for the Rowdies this year across their Spring and Fall seasons, and also was asked about the direction of Tampa Bay.

Here are his thoughts, taken from on Sky Sports TV in England…

On the standard: “Every team’s got 5 or 6 international, but they’re all sort of Ecuador, El Salvador. The standard’s okay, but then you’ve got some players who wouldn’t get into a League Two, Conference-style side. It’s a mishmash. There’s some players, you think, He’s got a chance here.”

On Tampa’s ambition: “The plan was always MLS but we couldn’t say that when we went out there. The whole thing the owner wants to do it take the club, cause it’s got a name Tampa Bay Rowdies from the 1970s,  to MLS. Now with all the politics is out of the way they can say, ‘This is what we want to do’ 2018, 19, 20, the stadium is being built so it’s all looking like going to MLS.”

Was it easy? “I loved the home games cause I can stroll down the bay, you get there an hour and a half before kickoff, stroll back stop in a nice restaurant, it’s lovely. But the away games are a nightmare. It’s like a three hour flight, change, hour flight, and you can play on some real bad pitches. Astroturf and things like that.  It’s the same like MLS, you can speak to Frank and Stevie, they are tough physically cause of the travel and the time zones.”

All-in-all, nothing wildly surprising — especially the travel bit — but it is interesting to hear Tampa Bay’s in-house goals were hardline MLS. And what’s wrong with Ecuador, Joe?

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/leagues/nasl2.php?article_id=46662

PLANNING AHEAD

Source: NASL hopes to have 8-10 teams in 2017


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http://www.socceramerica.com/article/71651/whos-who-of-the-mls-expansion-race.html

Who's who of the MLS expansion race

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2016/12/15/rowdies-pushing-for-2020-mls-entrance-after-league-sets-expansion-timetable

Rowdies Pushing For 2020 MLS Entrance After League Sets Expansion Timetable

by JAKE NUTTING

A week after officially launching their campaign to gain admittance into Major League Soccer, the Tampa Bay Rowdies have learned the timetable for achieving their goal.

On Thursday, MLS Commissioner Don Garber revealed that the 25th and 26th and teams to enter the league will be announced at some point in the second half of 2017, with the timeline for numbers 27 and 28 to be decided at a later date. It was also announced that the 25th and 26th teams will pay an expansion fee of $150 million and kick off in MLS in 2020.

Despite only recently announcing their MLS ambitions, the Rowdies are pushing hard to beat out a crowded field of potential expansion groups and become one those two new teams in 2020.

Rowdies Owner Bill Edwards laid out his cards in a statement after MLS’ announcement, saying, “I want to be the first of the ten potential cities to earn an MLS franchise.”

Competing with the Rowdies are a number of attractive markets. MLS acknowledged Charlotte, Raleigh, San Antonio, Sacramento, Detroit, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Miami, San Diego and Nashville are the other teams vying to earn a spot in MLS. The league has requested that all interested groups submit a formal expansion application for review by the end of January.

“It’s great to know that less than two weeks after announcing our #MLS2StPete campaign, Major League Soccer is acknowledging us as one of the potential expansion cities,” said Edwards. “Bringing Major League Soccer to the Tampa Bay Area by 2020 is my goal.”

Edwards and the Rowdies likely have a lot of work to do if they wish to make the move to MLS in 2020. The USL’s Sacramento Republic FC has long been considered a favorite for expansion to MLS since announcing their campaign a few years ago. With a stadium plan in place, strong season ticket numbers in the USL and local officials on board, Sacramento would be appear to be a lock.

St. Louis is another formidable contender. The city’s historical ties to the sport in America has kept it high on the list of MLS and fans for many years and they might finally have their way. An investment group that includes the owner of USL side St. Louis FC has unveiled a plan for a stadium in downtown, but the group’s proposal will face a crucial test in April when voters decide if they will award them $80 million for the stadium. Garber told media members that should St. Louis not win the vote, the group would have to decide on how to proceed.

A wrinkle to the whole expansion process is David Beckham’s long-gestating quest to bring MLS to Miami. Garber reaffirmed that MLS has not wavered from its goal of making Miami its 24th team. However, Garber admitted that the time for a final decision on Miami is approaching quickly after years of stagnation.

“We are very focused on Miami being our 24th team and we’ll continue to work to try to achieve that,” said Garber. “I think I’m more optimistic than I was in the past … but I’ve learned not everything you want to do gets done and sometimes you have to step back and if you can’t get it done, you move on. That’s not something that’s driving any energy on this to a conclusion. Much more, it’s just about everybody needs to understand, including David and his partner and the league and everybody else, that we’ve worked hard and it’s time for us to reach a conclusion.”

A decision on Miami is seemingly guaranteed before MLS makes a decision on teams 25 and 26. If Beckham’s bid were to fall apart, it would potentially open up a vacuum for another expansion group to slide in. Garber declined to provide insight on how a failure in Miami would impact the expansion process.

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/rowdies-among-10-finalists-for-mls-expansion-spot/2306522

Rowdies among 10 finalists for MLS expansion spot

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http://wfla.com/2016/12/15/major-league-soccer-considers-st-petes-rowdies-as-possible-expansion-team/

Major League Soccer considers St. Pete’s Rowdies as possible expansion team

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2016/12/16/former-tampa-bay-mutiny-star-steve-ralston-backs-rowdies-mls-campaign/2470

Former Tampa Bay Mutiny Star Steve Ralston Backs Rowdies’ MLS Campaign

by JAKE NUTTING

The Tampa Bay Rowdies have received some backing in their effort to earn an expansion spot in Major League Soccer from someone well acquainted with the league’s first foray into the market in the mid 1990s

Former Tampa Bay Mutiny star and current San Jose Earth Quakes assistant coach Steve Ralston voiced his support for the Rowides MLS push in a recent interview with Jason Davis on SiriusXM FC.

Having represented the Mutiny in all six seasons of their stint in MLS from 1996 to 2001, Ralston is in a unique position to speak on the viability of the area getting another shot in the top division.

“I thought it had ups and downs,” Ralston told Davis. “We had some great crowds, we had a great fanbase and the loyal ones who showed up all the time. There’s a lot to do in Florida and Tampa and it’s a new league and a new sport and we struggled at times, but I think it’s different now. If they were to get a MLS team I think it would survive and I think it would do well. I think where we are as a league, and if you look at the markets and the cities and everyone wanting a piece of it, I think [Tampa Bay] would do well and I’m hoping they get another opportunity.”

The Mutiny came out of the gate strong in 1996, claiming the league’s Supporters’ Shield and averaging 11,679 in the the stands at Tampa Stadium. Like many MLS markets, though, the Mutiny’s attendance began to dip five years in and the axe finally came down after the 2001 season when MLS failed to secure local ownership for the team.

This time around, Tampa Bay has the local owner willing to invest in Bill Edwards, but Ralston believes the history and recognition that comes a long with the Rowdies name should also go along way toward getting more fans engaged in an MLS team.

“Well, I think the Rowdies have us,” he said. “They were there a lot longer than we were, they were there first and I think that name has more appeal in the city. When we came there as the Mutiny, everyone still talked about the Kick in the Grass and the whole Rowdies thing, so I think they’ve got us in the naming rights.”

Ralston’s perspective is a common one. Many involved with the Mutiny mention the lasting impact the Rowdies had in the area even after the glory days of the original NASL had come and gone. Unlike many of the teams from the NASL, the Rowdies name stayed alive in one form or another in various leagues until 1993.

The fact that the Mutiny were living in the shadow of the Rowdies was something Ralston was well aware of. In his 177 appearances for the Mutiny, Ralston earned plenty of respect with the fans and even won individual hardware with Rookie of the Year honors in the team’s debut season. However, he admits guys like Rodney Marsh and others were in a league of their own.

“Those guys, they were kings, they were big, they were outdrawing the Buccaneers probably back in those days. Well, the Bucs weren’t a very good team then, but I think the Rowdies had really implanted themselves in the community and were drawing very well and were a big deal. And those guys, a lot of them stayed in the area and that’s a big part of it as well.”

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/12/15/mls-expansion-don-garber-timeline-28-teams-fees-miami

MLS sets timetable for expansion to 28 teams, $150M fee for teams No. 25, 26

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http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/3020615/mls-commissioner-don-garber-details-next-round-of-expansion

MLS chief Don Garber outlines criteria for next round of league expansion

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http://www.empireofsoccer.com/garber-lays-out-path-to-28-says-its-time-for-a-conclusion-in-miami-56416/

Garber Lays Out Path to 28, Says it’s Time for a Conclusion in Miami

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http://saintpetersblog.com/tampa-bay-among-10-cities-announced-future-mls-franchise/

Tampa Bay among 10 cities announced for potential MLS franchise

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http://www.empireofsoccer.com/new-big-money-investors-may-tip-scales-in-mls-ownership-divide-56412/

New, big-money investors may tip scales in MLS ownership divide

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https://therivardreport.com/soccer-officials-reveal-san-antonios-potential-path-to-major-league/

Soccer Officials Reveal San Antonio’s Potential Path to Major League

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http://www.athleticbusiness.com/stadium-arena/stadium-a-priority-if-mls-to-seek-cincinnati-expansion.html

Stadium a Priority if MLS to Seek Cincinnati Expansion

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http://ussoccerplayers.com/2016/12/soccer-fandom-in-the-era-of-mls-dominance-major-league-soccer.html

Soccer fandom in the era of MLS dominance

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https://www.soccernation.com/mls-confirms-san-diego-among-10-interested-expansion-markets/

MLS Confirms San Diego Among 10 Interested Expansion Markets

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http://90soccer.com/ussoccer/soccer-is-the-future-in-the-us-with-mls-expansion/

Soccer is the future in the US with MLS expansion

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http://www.themalaymailonline.com/sports/article/with-beckham-club-in-limbo-mls-outlines-expansion-plans

With Beckham club in limbo, MLS outlines expansion plans

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https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/12/15/tazawa-marlins-agree-for-over-two-years/X7E541HS7lRgibho5WbwyH/story.html

MLS eyes more teams

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/with-beckham-club-in-limbo-mls-outlines-expansion-plans/articleshow/56015703.cms

With Beckham club in limbo, MLS outlines expansion plans

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http://www.twcnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2016/12/16/charlotte-motor-speedway-ceo-bidding-for-mls-team-.html

Charlotte Motor Speedway CEO Bidding for MLS Team

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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/12/16/soccer/mls-announces-expansion-plans/

MLS announces expansion plans

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http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/soccer/article121281283.html

North Carolina FC soccer team would need to pay $150 million to join MLS

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http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/12/15/mls-unveils-expansion-process-timeline-and-fee

MLS Unveils Expansion Process, Timeline and Fee

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http://ussoccerplayers.com/2016/12/mls-wants-more-teams-expansion-soccer.html

MLS wants more teams

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http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2016/12/16/150m-price-tag-doesnt-deter-triangles-bid-for.html

$150M price tag doesn't deter Triangle's bid for Major League Soccer

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http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/atlanta-united/news/mls-confirms-expansion-to-28-teams_287485.html

MLS confirms expansion to 28 teams

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http://sleterfc.com/hofstras-holland-mls-combine-invite/

Hofstra’s Holland Gets MLS Combine Invite

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http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2016/12/15/nashville-among-10-cities-vying-four-mls-expansion-teams/95210014/

Nashville among 10 cities under consideration for four MLS expansion teams

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2016/12/16/5-things-to-know-today-and-this-movie-theater.html

Major League Soccer is planning to select its next two expansion teams within the next year, with Sacramento Republic FC expected to submit a ...

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http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-beckhams-mls-franchise-moves-9469046

David Beckham's MLS franchise moves closer as league confirms further expansion

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http://thecomeback.com/soccer/mls-expanding-to-28-teams-ambitious-but-it-can-work.html

MLS expanding to 28 teams is ambitious, but there’s a way it can work

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http://www.the42.ie/major-league-soccer-expansion-3144737-Dec2016/

Major League Soccer continues rapid growth as it's revealed 26 teams will compete by 2020

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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12096/10697709/major-league-soccer-announces-plans-to-add-four-more-teams

Major League Soccer announces plans to add four more teams

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/opinion/the_long_read_mls_has_come_of_age_now_for_the_growing_pains

The Long Read: MLS has come of age - now for the growing pains

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http://www.pennlive.com/cityislanders/index.ssf/2016/12/lopes_new_islanders_president.html

Harrisburg City Islanders Name Tiago Lopes Club President

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/12/16/alan-koch-fc-cincys-ambitions-match-my-ambitions/95537644/

Alan Koch: FC Cincy's ambitions match my ambitions

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http://www.newstalkflorida.com/featured/craig-sager-one-kind-broadcaster/

Craig Sager was a “One of a kind broadcaster.”

I first met Sager when he covered the old Tampa Bay Rowdies, in the “Golden Days of the North American Soccer League in 1976. I had just graduated from USF, meanwhile, he was working at channel 40 and a radio station in Sarasota, and was just two years out from getting his degree from Northwestern University.

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http://saintpetersblog.com/tampa-bays-best-time-soccer-performer-bill-edwards/

Is Tampa Bay’s best all-time soccer performer … Bill Edwards?

Gary Shelton

He did not grow up on the pitch.

He did score golden goals to break nil-nil ties.

Before it’s all said and done, however, the finest soccer performer in Tampa Bay history might just be a smiling man named Bill Edwards.

With all forgiveness to Rodney Marsh, Derek Smethurst and Oscar Fabbiani, it is Edwards who is the current steward of the sport in Tampa. And it is Edwards who sees a bigger stadium, a better league and larger crowds for his Rowdies.

And isn’t that cool?

Edwards doesn’t have a foot like Joe Cole. He isn’t magnetic like Marsh. Above all, he doesn’t have hair like Carlos Valderrama. But, man, is he a player.

Edwards, a habitually dissatisfied man, is the George Steinbrenner of his sport. Like Steinbrenner, filled stadiums and pretty good does not quite cut it. Like Steinbrenner, Edwards wants his team to be the talk of the town. Like Steinbrenner, he believes in spending money to make money.

Take Joe Cole. Given that the Rowdies missed the playoffs this season, you could suggest that Cole – as wonderful as he was – wasn’t worth the money. But to Edwards, he was. He was a star, a marquee player, the straw that stirs the drink. You get the feeling that Edwards wants more Coles, not fewer.

Then there is the MLS. Edwards might have been happy with the NASL if it had been more functional. But it wasn’t, and Edwards began to flirt with the MLS. Now, he’s on a 10-team expansion list. He has media market size in his corner. He has history. He has a fan base. If he can get Al Lang expanded, he’ll have the stadium. Given that the 10 media markets that are bigger than Tampa Bay already have MLS, he’s a good bet.

Ah, and the stadium. This is where Edwards’ vision is particularly lovely. He sees Al Lang growing to more than 18,000 season seats, which would indeed make Saturday night a part and fill downtown. And he sees it with no cost to the taxpayer. If it’s free, is it for thee?

All of which would make the Rowdies more vital, and the sport more enjoyable. Who has made a bigger impact on the game locally than Edwards?

Oh, it will cost him some cash. Better players would be needed. Stadium improvements. Nicer restrooms, he has said, demonstrating his attention to detail.

But Edwards sees this as his legacy, and bully for him that he does. Bully for us, too. Call it Bill Edward’s golden gold.

It’s a fine sport, and it’s a good crowd that enjoys itself. For Tampa Bay, the future looks bright.

On the other hand, the Rowdies could use a few more goals.

Think Edwards can fill it up?

(Follow link for full article.)


http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/tampa-bay%E2%80%99s-best-all-time-soccer-performer-%E2%80%A6-bill-edwards

Is Tampa Bay’s best all-time soccer performer … Bill Edwards?

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http://www.hudsonriverblue.com/2016/12/16/13977142/mls-expansion-garber-lafc-miami-cincinnati-sacramento

Major League Soccer details expansion plans for the coming years

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http://www.wcpo.com/sports/fc-cincinnati-has-its-work-cut-out-for-it-joining-mls

FC Cincinnati has its work cut out for it joining MLS

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/16/kick-mls-reveals-expansion-plans-rsl-icon-set-join-fc-dallas

Kick Off: MLS reveals expansion plans | RSL icon set to join FC Dallas?

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http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/mls-consider-possible-expansion-to-charlotte/476613501

MLS consider possible expansion to Charlotte

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http://www.wdio.com/sports/amateur-soccer-duluth-fc-joins-npsl/4346373/

Duluth FC Joins National Premier Soccer League

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http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/4181255-local-names-news

Duluth FC joins NPSL


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http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2016/12/15/rumors-swirl-future-nasl-indy-eleven-remains-unclear/95476594/

Rumors swirl as future of NASL, Indy Eleven remains unclear


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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/beckham-club-limbo-mls-outlines-expansion-plans-233356035--sow.html

With Beckham club in limbo, MLS outlines expansion plans

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http://www.sounderatheart.com/2016/12/16/13979426/sounders-top-attended-usa-matches

Sounders dominate list of top-attended soccer matches in USA

MLS Expansion, Garber talks, Miami, Cosmos, NASL, etc....

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http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2016/12/15/rumors-swirl-future-nasl-indy-eleven-remains-unclear/95476594/

Rumors swirl as future of NASL, Indy Eleven remains unclear

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/cosmos-roster/they-should-have-joined-mls-from-the-start-ayoze-shares-his-take-on-the-cosmos-situation/

“They should have joined MLS from the start” – Ayoze shares his take on the Cosmos situation


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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/interview/that-is-just-not-an-option-for-us-cosmos-chairman-seamus-obrien-on-nasl-usl-prospects/

“That is just not an option for us” – Cosmos chairman Seamus O’Brien on NASL, USL prospects

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/03/05/life-capo-they-may-not-always-watch-game-they-always-affect-it

The Life of a Capo: They may not always watch the game, but they always affect it

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http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/american-soccer-english-football-culture?utm_source=vicefbuk&utm_campaign=global

The Strange World of Americans Trying to Emulate English Football Culture

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https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/dec/13/new-york-cosmos-nasl-staff-laid-off-problems?CMP=twt_a-sport_b-ussports_c-us_g-1

Are the New York Cosmos dead again, or waiting for another resurrection?

The club that brought Pelé and Raúl to America have shed their staff and players. So why does their chairman insist the team has a future?

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http://www.firstcoastnews.com/mb/sports/soccer/armada-fc/armada-denies-reports-of-club-releasing-all-players/370046452

Armada denies reports of club releasing all players

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http://www.empireofsoccer.com/jacksonville-armada-terminate-all-player-contracts-56384/

Jacksonville Armada move to terminate all player contracts

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/fifa-world-cup-expansion-europe-top-clubs-resistance-121516

Europe’s top clubs don’t want FIFA to expand the World Cup to 48 teams


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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/734830

Major League Soccer Announces Tampa Bay Rowdies as Potential Expansion Team

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (December 15, 2016) – Major League Soccer, through Commissioner Don Garber, unveiled on Thursday that the Tampa Bay Rowdies are one of ten potential expansion cities. MLS also announced a detailed expansion plan related to the League’s future as it continues to grow to 28 clubs.

Bill Edwards said, “I want to be the first of the ten potential cities to earn an MLS franchise.”

To read the complete expansion process and timeline, click here.

The Rowdies are focused on bringing Major League Soccer to Tampa Bay by 2020, and will submit an expansion application by the Jan. 31, 2017 date.

“It’s great to know that less than two weeks after announcing our #MLS2StPete campaign, Major League Soccer is acknowledging us as one of the potential expansion cities,” stated Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards. “Bringing Major League Soccer to the Tampa Bay Area by 2020 is my goal.”

As part of this plan, it was announced that Teams 25 and 26 would be the next expansion teams, beginning play in 2020. Both expansion teams would be announced during the second or third quarter of 2017.

As part of this application, MLS stated the following as key aspects when reviewing candidates:

1. A committed local ownership group that has a passion for the sport, a deep belief in Major League Soccer and the resources to invest in the infrastructure to build the sport in their respective market.

2. A market that has a history of strong fan support for soccer matches and other sporting events, is located in a desirable geographic location and is attractive to corporate sponsors and television partners.

3. A comprehensive stadium plan that ensures the club will have a proper home for their fans and players while also serving as a destination for the sport in the community.

Fans need to show their support for #MLS2StPete by purchasing 2017 season tickets. Call (727)222-2000 or click here to secure your seats for the upcoming season.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.facebook.com/RalphsMob/photos/a.384624768950.169766.345399658950/10154195589903951/?type=3&theater

Mob Members! Thank you for your overwhelming response for the Holiday Party tomorrow, we are really looking forward to it! At this point the Holiday Party is SOLD OUT and there will be no additional tickets available at the door that haven’t been already reserved. The Hard Rock assigned us a smaller space for this years party due to the fact only 34 tickets were sold last year. They secured us a room for 50 people which at the time seemed like it would be more than able to accommodate our needs. While we put out a few notes in the last couple of weeks to buy tickets in advance because space was limited, we are sure there may be some of you who are disappointed or didn’t have a chance to see it. Know that we would have absolutely loved to have you there, and we will certainly be searching next year for a larger venue!

This will be our highest ever attended Holiday Party, and we only have you to thank for that! Thank you for all of your support throughout the year and we look forward to a great season ahead!

COYR! #MLS2StPete

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http://fiftyfive.one/2016/12/game-chicken-steep-price-exit-fees-dictating-nasls-future/

A Game of Chicken: Steep Price of Exit Fees Dictating NASL’s Future

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http://www.armadafc.com/news/2016/12/14/armada-fc-makes-five-roster-moves

Armada FC Makes Five Roster Moves

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/734314?referrer_id=2333971

Portillos, Nanchoff Return to Rowdies

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/mls-expansion-candidates-st-louis-sacramento-carolina-detroit-cincinnati-121516

The 10 cities in the mix for an MLS expansion team

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https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/12/promotion-and-relegation-the-american-way-how-mls.html

Promotion and Relegation the American Way: How MLS Can Implement Pro/Rel Right Now

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http://worldsoccertalk.com/2016/12/15/mls-faces-uphill-battle-trying-improve-lagging-tv-ratings/

MLS faces uphill battle trying to improve lagging TV ratings

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/nasl-news/where-do-they-stand-now-2016-nasl-teams-and-their-current-positions/

Where do they stand now? 2016 NASL teams and their current positions

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/new-york-cosmos/cosmos-offseason-circus-continues-threatened-with-eviction-from-offices/

Cosmos offseason circus continues, threatened with eviction from offices

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http://www.thisiscosmoscountry.com/cosmos-stadium/years-after-stadium-bid-cosmos-finally-receive-a-no/

Years after stadium bid, Cosmos finally receive a “no”

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http://www.the42.ie/nasl-irish-players-3133594-Dec2016/

Chaos in the lower tiers of North American football and Irish players are caught up in it

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http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/david-beckham-insists-hes-not-giving-up-on-miami-for-las-vegas-8986784

David Beckham Insists He's Not Giving Up on Miami for Las Vegas

The rumors spiked across Twitter on Friday: David Beckham was finally ready to pull the plug on his tortured attempts to bring Major League Soccer back to Miami. Instead, one soccer writer suggested, he was turning his sights to the more pliable city of Las Vegas.

The sketchily sourced news had the ring of truth. It's been more than a thousand days since Beckham promised top-tier fùtbol in South Florida. He's now on his fourth stadium plan after watching politicians scuttle idea after idea. His fabled "search for investors" is beginning to feel like the hunt for Jimmy Hoffa's body.

Even stalwart local MLS backers such as the Southern Legion sounded like they needed a stiff whiskey:

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https://twitter.com/pedroheizer/status/807306073724121089

Hearing that #DavidBeckham's bid for #MLS2Miami may be over and that the Englishman is taking his clout (and checkbook) to #LasVegas.

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http://saintpetersblog.com/mls-commissioners-deadline-miami-stadium-good-news-bill-edwards-rowdies/ 

MLS Commissioner’s deadline on Miami stadium could be good news for Bill Edwards, Rowdies
Peter Schorsch

Bill Edwards’ effort to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to St. Petersburg may have received a major boost from MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Last week, the Miami Herald reported that Garber put a time limit on the prospective MLS stadium in Miami set up by superstar soccer player David Beckham.

“There is a deadline on the Miami deal,” Garber told reporters in Toronto. And if Beckham fails to meet that as-yet-unspecified deadline, MLS owners may have to turn to an alternative.

Enter Edwards, the St. Petersburg entrepreneur who recently unveiled a privately funded $80 million renovation and expansion plan for Al Lang Stadium, which is part of a larger strategy to add his Tampa Bay Rowdies as a possible MLS franchise.

Earlier this year, Beckham and his Miami partners purchased 6 acres of land in Overtown, and are in the process of negotiating an additional 3-acre parcel currently owned by Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez told the Herald the county is ready to sell the land, but Beckham and his representatives seem to be struggling to line up investment for a privately financed MLS stadium.

But Miami Herald reporters Douglas Hanks and Michelle Kaufman note that privately, insiders say the extensions for Miami “won’t last forever.”

Garber said MLS owners meet this week to discuss expansion plans, which could bring more clarity to Miami’s timetable.

Miami-based public relations executive Aaron Gordon, who represents the Beckham, said in a statement: “Our partners are 100 percent committed to Miami, and we will continue working with Commissioner Garber and the league as we finalize the launch of our world-class soccer club. We’re making progress, and we appreciate the strong support of our fans as our launch draws closer.”

“We continue to work with the ownership group because we want a team in Miami,” Garber said when asked by reporters about the Miami deal. “We continue to be very engaged there.”

But as other prospective teams – including Edwards’ Rowdies – developing stadium proposals, Garber suggested that any further delays in Beckham’s deal could result in the league looking elsewhere for new fans.

“We need to resolve the Miami situation so we can move forward,” he said.

Estimates have the cost of the Miami project at least $150 million, nearly double that of Edward’s plan for St. Petersburg. That cost difference could make Edwards’ concept much more attractive to the MLS, especially if Beckham’s Miami stadium should fall through.

According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Garber had positive things to say about the Tampa Bay region as a new MLS market during an October appearance at the University of South Florida.

While Orlando City Soccer may be the dominant team in the region, particularly with TV rights, an Edwards representative said it is something “that can be worked out.”

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2016/12/12/triangle-could-find-out-path-to-mls-this-week.html

Triangle could find out path to MLS this week

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http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2016/12/12/path-to-mls-could-come-into-focus-for-charlotte.html

Path to MLS could come into focus for Charlotte, Triangle this week

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2016/12/12/5-things-to-know-today-and-did-this-brewery-close.html

5 things to know today, and did this brewery close?

This week, Major League Soccer could reveal more details about its ... revealed for what the MLS commissioner said would be the league's 25th, 26th, ...

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http://www.sbnation.com/2016/12/12/12919610/detroit-city-fc-soccer-mls

MLS wants a Detroit expansion team, but Detroit City FC fans want them to get lost

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http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12/12/will-raiders-share-las-vegas-with-david-beckham-mls-franchise/

Will Raiders share Las Vegas with David Beckham…

Will the Raiders be sharing space in Las Vegas with David Beckham?

It’s not certain yet that the Raiders are bound for Vegas, and there’s even less so that Beckham, who owns a Major League Soccer franchise will land there.

But the stadium deal put together by Los Vegas, Clark County and the state government in Nevada not only is beckoning to Raiders’ owner Mark Davis but to Beckham as well. Beckham bought the franchise in 2014 with the expectation of putting it in Miami.

However, the first three sites didn’t come together, and the plan for a fourth, in the Miami enclave of Overtown, is only partially complete. In addition, new investors beyond the group that Beckham originally bought in with have been hard to come by. Some of that has to do with an established NASL team already playing in Miami.

Late Sunday night, Las Vegas blogger Joe Arrigo said he’s “been told that David Beckham is focusing on owning an MLS expansion team in Las Vegas and no longer in Miami.”

Late in the day Monday, however, spokesman Tadd Schwartz of Miami Beckham United threw cold water on that speculation.

“Our partners are 100 percent committed to Miami,”Schwarz said in a statement. “And we will continue working with Commissioner Garber and the league as we finalize the launch of our world-class soccer club. We’re making progress, and we appreciate the strong support of our fans as our launch draws closer.”

It’s clear that Beckham, ostensibly the 24th team in the MLS, is going to have to settle on a plan because the league wants to add four more teams, and having Beckham’s franchise in limbo is a severe impediment.

“There is a deadline,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said on the Planet Fútbol Podcast. “I’m not going to share that with you publicly. I can, but I’m not. There is a deadline, and I think everybody knows that we’ve got to get this thing moving or figure out what David’s plan and alternatives are and what the league needs to do. Clearly if we’re going to teams 25-28 and we’ve not resolved team 24, it has a knock-on effect and has a real impact on our expansion strategy.”

Teams in Minnesota and Atlanta are on pace to join the league as teams 21 and 22, and Los Angeles is due to have a stadium ready to go come 2018 as No. 23. Only Miami is up in the air.

“We need to resolve the Miami situation so we can go forward with our expansion plans and [teams] 25 through 28, because they (Beckham’s group) are 24. If they are not going to be 24, then there are going to be things that need to move around.”

Other areas with MLS dreams fitting in as part of grouping for franchises 25-28 include Sacramento, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Tampa/St. Petersburg and Raleigh-Durham.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.twincities.com/2016/12/12/st-paul-mn-major-league-soccer-stadium-mn-united/

Soccer stadium’s look tweaked, but construction start still uncertain

New renderings show Minnesota United’s future stadium in the St. Paul Midway will be even less boxy and lower than previous depictions, but a firm start date for major construction remains up in the air.

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http://www.kare11.com/sports/minnesota-united-fc-breaks-ground-on-new-stadium/368727607

Minnesota United FC breaks ground on new stadium

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/734009?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

USL Becoming Pathway to Top for Coaches

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http://www.indomitablecitysoccer.com/2016/12/13/13934360/sacramento-is-built4mls-but-is-that-enough

Sacramento is #Built4MLS, but is that enough?

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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/tv/article120747428.html

Seattle's win seen by 3.5M on TV, the most-viewed MLS final

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http://www.yorktonthisweek.com/toronto-fc-already-seeing-ticket-boost-after-successful-mls-playoff-run-1.4474722

Toronto FC already seeing ticket boost after successful MLS playoff run

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http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/soccer/2016-MLS-Cup-final-sets-TV-viewership-record.html

2016 MLS Cup final sets TV viewership record

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/68000-a-game-how-mls-cup-could-vault-seattle-even-higher-levels

'68,000 a game': How MLS Cup could vault Seattle to even higher levels

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http://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2016/12/14/la-galaxy-brass-look-forward-having-competition-ahead-lafc-entering-mls-2018-insider

LA Galaxy brass “look forward to having competition” ahead of LAFC entering MLS in 2018 | INSIDER

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http://medicinehatnews.com/sports/national-sports/2016/12/13/toronto-fc-already-seeing-ticket-boost-after-successful-mls-playoff-run/

Toronto FC already seeing ticket boost after successful MLS playoff run

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http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2016/12/14/detroit-major-league-soccer-expansion-gilbert-gores/95455460/

Bid for a Detroit Major League Soccer team heats up

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/mls-cup-december-schedule-snow-toronto

MLS dodged storms in Toronto, but how long until snow falls at a final?

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http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2016/12/15/30538702/beckhams-mls-project-could-be-based-in-las-vegas
    
Beckham's MLS project could be based in Las Vegas

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/15/mls-announces-expansion-process-and-timeline

MLS announces expansion process and timeline


NEW YORK—The process for Major League Soccer's next round of expansion has been set.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced Thursday that Teams 25 and 26 will be announced during the second or third quarter of 2017, at an expansion fee of $150 million each, and begin MLS play by 2020. Teams 27 and 28 will be announced at a later date, at a price delivered in conjunction with the timeline.

“There is tremendous interest in professional soccer across the United States and Canada,” Commissioner Garber said. “Since announcing plans to expand to 28 clubs late last year, many potential ownership groups have contacted us, and numerous public officials have stated their desire to bring an MLS expansion team to their city. We look forward to reviewing expansion applications in the coming months and conducting formal meetings in 2017 with possible team owners.”

Garber initially revealed in December that the league would continue expanding to 28 teams. Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC enter the league next season, which bumps the league to 22 teams; LAFC is slated to follow in 2018. According to a league statement, MLS is making progress with plans for an expansion team in Miami (No. 24).

The league acknowledged ownership groups from 10 markets have publicly expressed interest in securing an MLS expansion team: Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg.

Interested expansion owners must submit applications by Jan. 31, 2017.  After review, a series of in-person meetings will take place during the first and second quarters of 2017.

Qualified applicants will submit documentation that focuses on the following three areas: 1) Ownership – Structure and financial informations; 2) Stadium – details on proposed site, financing, approvals and support; and 3) Financial Projections, Corporate Support and Soccer Support – a business plan, projections and commitment letters for naming rights and a jersey-front sponsor, along with an overview of support from the soccer community.

Three key aspects are considered top priorities when reviewing candidates:

A committed local ownership group that has a passion for the sport, a deep belief in Major League Soccer and the resources to invest in the infrastructure to build the sport in their respective market.
 
A market that has a history of strong fan support for soccer matches and other sporting events, is located in a desirable geographic location and is attractive to corporate sponsors and television partners.
 
A comprehensive stadium plan that ensures the club will have a proper home for their fans and players while also serving as a destination for the sport in the community.

Major League Soccer’s expansion committee consists of ownership representatives from five clubs including Jonathan Kraft (New England Revolution), Andrew Hauptman (Chicago Fire), Anthony Precourt (Columbus Crew SC), Phil Rawlins (Orlando City SC) and Jay Sugarman (Philadelphia Union).

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http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/3020615/mls-commissioner-don-garber-details-next-round-of-expansion

MLS chief Don Garber outlines criteria for next round of league expansion

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http://www.heraldonline.com/news/business/article121142143.html

MLS announces expansion process, including timeline and fees

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https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-15/buying-a-new-major-league-soccer-team-will-cost-150-million

Buying a New Major League Soccer Team Now Costs $150 Million

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http://www.oregonlive.com/mls/index.ssf/2016/12/mls_unveils_formal_expansion_p.html

MLS unveils formal expansion process and timeline

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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article121184193.html

Bruton and Marcus Smith in talks with MLS to land Charlotte an expansion team

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2016/12/15/county-pursuing-mls-stadium-fundingplan-as-league.html

County pursuing MLS stadium funding plan as league unveils expansion timeline

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http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20161215/NEWS/161219883/major-league-soccer-announces-formal-expansion-plan-but-no-word-on

Major League Soccer announces formal expansion plan, but no word on Detroit bid

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http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2016/12/15/mckee-s-northside-could-benefit-if-tif-is-sought.html

McKee’s NorthSide could benefit if TIF is sought at MLS stadium site

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http://www.bnd.com/sports/article121225743.html

Major League Soccer may be expanding to St. Louis

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http://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-mls-expansion-idINKBN14430Q

Major League Soccer to announce two more teams next year

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http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-mlsexpansion-20161215-story.html

San Diego on latest MLS expansion list

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/12/15/mls-expansion-don-garber-timeline-28-teams-fees-miami

MLS sets timetable for expansion to 28 teams, $150M fee for teams No. 25, 26


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http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2016/12/15/mls-expansion-don-garber-mls-in-detroit/95488190/

MLS commissioner announces expansion timeline; Detroit a contender

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http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4563/main/2016/12/16/30544162/mls-set-to-review-expansion-explications

MLS set to review expansion applications

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http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/soccer/article/MLS-announces-expansion-process-including-10799519.php

MLS announces expansion process, including timeline and fees

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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article121201883.html

Soccer chief to David Beckham on Miami deal: 'It's time for us to reach a conclusion'

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http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/transcript-mls-commissioner-don-garber-unveils-expansion-process-timeline-and-fee

TRANSCRIPT: MLS Commissioner Don Garber Unveils Expansion Process, Timeline and Fee

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http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2016/12/15/nashville-among-10-cities-vying-four-mls-expansion-teams/95210014/

Nashville among 10 cities under consideration for four MLS expansion teams

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http://fox2now.com/2016/12/15/is-st-louis-set-to-score-mls-franchise/

Is St. Louis set to score MLS franchise?


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http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sd-sp-mlsexpansion-20161215-story.html

San Diego on latest MLS expansion list

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/rowdies-among-10-finalists-for-mls-expansion-spot/2306522

Rowdies among 10 finalists for MLS expansion spot

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http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2016/12/15/major-league-soccer-announces-expansion-process-and-timeline

Major League Soccer announces expansion process and timeline

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http://www.kmov.com/story/34055411/mls-public-funding-answers-could-lie-in-proposed-sales-tax-bill

MLS public funding answers could lie in proposed sales tax bill

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http://www.ksdk.com/sports/soccer/mls-commissioner-talks-st-louis-expansion1/371419461

MLS Commissioner talks St. Louis expansion

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http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2016/12/15/mls-announces-expansion-process/

MLS Announces Expansion Process

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http://en.as.com/en/2016/12/15/football/1481814544_488366.html

Las Vegas may replace Miami for David Beckham's new MLS club

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http://www.themaneland.com/2016/12/15/13925650/2017-florida-cup-preview-fc-challenge-stage

2017 Florida Cup Preview: FC Challenge Stage

Know more about the first six teams that will compete in the Sunshine State next month

Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are the lone representatives of the United States in the third edition of the Florida Cup. The St. Petersburg club, which was founded in 1974, ceased operations in 1994 and was reactivated in 2008, and has won the North American Soccer League (NASL) twice: in 1975 and 2012. The Rowdies will compete in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2017.

3 Things to Know:

American forward Roy Wegerle, who played for the USMNT both in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, started his career with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1984.

Longtime England international midfielder Joe Cole is the star of the Rowdies roster. He joined the club in 2016 and played 24 matches, scoring nine goals and notching seven assists.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies recently launched #MLS2StPete, a public campaign to join Major League Soccer as an expansion franchise in the future.

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http://patch.com/florida/stpete/rowdies-bucking-support-mls-considers-expansion-teams

Rowdies Bucking For Support As MLS Considers Expansion Teams

Major League Soccer has set a schedule for naming its next expansion teams. One of those teams may be the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

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http://wfla.com/2016/12/15/major-league-soccer-considers-st-petes-rowdies-as-possible-expansion-team/

Major League Soccer considers St. Pete’s Rowdies as possible expansion team

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http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/miami-mls-expansion-david-beckham-120916

There's a deadline for David Beckham to get his Miami MLS expansion team running

The MLS commissioner offered the first hint a Miami team might not happen.

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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/beckham-faces-deadline-on-miami-mls-franchise/3357018.html

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/1156301/clock-ticking-on-beckhams-miami-plan-mls-chief

Clock ticking on Beckham's Miami plan - MLS chief

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-beckham-faces-deadline-miami-mls-franchise-235304392--sow.html

Soccer-Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/fort-lauderdale-strikers/fl-mls-talks-deadline-beckham-miami-1211-20161210-story.html

Deadline, Miami: Beckham on notice, MLS commissioner says


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https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/beckham-faces-deadline-miami-mls-franchise-000209631--sow.html

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/david-beckham-faces-deadline-on-miami-mls-franchise-4420330/

David Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

David Beckham's Miami team is slotted in to become the league's 24th franchise following Atlanta and Minnesota United.

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/gerrard-lampard-experiment-shows-mls-120101761.html

Gerrard and Lampard experiment shows MLS still has much to prove

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https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/sports/2016/12/10/clock-ticking-beckhams-miami-plan-mls-chief/

TORONTO, Canada, Dec 10 – David Beckham’s protracted efforts to bring a Major League Soccer team to Miami are coming up against a deadline, league commissioner Don Garber said Friday.

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Clock-ticking-on-Beckhams-Miami-plan-MLS-chief/articleshow/55903194.cms

Clock ticking on Beckham's Miami plan: MLS chief

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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/12/10/soccer/mls-boss-says-clock-ticking-beckhams-team-miami/

MLS boss says clock ticking on Beckham’s team in Miami

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http://dailytimes.com.pk/sports/11-Dec-16/beckham-faces-deadline-on-miami-mls-franchise

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise


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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/in-moving-on-from-the-gerrards-lampards-and-drogbas-a-growing-mls-is-underscoring-its-own-credibility-052619586.html

MLS underscoring its own credibility by moving on from the Gerrards, Lampards and Drogbas

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http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/david-beckham-insists-hes-not-giving-up-on-miami-for-las-vegas-8986784

David Beckham Insists He's Not Giving Up on Miami for Las Vegas

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http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/12/12/mls-miami-david-beckham-las-vegas-don-garber-expansion

Time ticking on Beckham's Miami MLS team amid deadline, Las Vegas speculation

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http://therealdeal.com/miami/2016/12/12/deadline-looms-on-david-beckhams-stadium-deal/

Deadline looms on David Beckham’s stadium deal

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http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12/12/will-raiders-share-las-vegas-with-david-beckham-mls-franchise/

Will the Raiders be sharing space in Las Vegas with David Beckham?

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http://www.ktnv.com/sports/reports-david-beckham-soccer-franchise-interested-in-sharing-raiders-stadium-in-las-vegas

Reports: David Beckham soccer franchise could be interested in sharing Raiders stadium in Las Vegas
 

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https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/elsewhere/2016/dec/12/will-raiders-share-las-vegas-with-david-beckhams-m/

Will Raiders share Las Vegas with David Beckham’s MLS franchise?

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http://www.chattsportsnet.com/locker-room-buzz/david-beckham-mls-news-dumps-miami-plans-eyes-raiders-in-las-vegas/30132/

David Beckham MLS News: Dumps Miami Plans for Raiders in Las Vegas?

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http://en.as.com/en/2016/12/15/football/1481814544_488366.html

Las Vegas may replace Miami for David Beckham's new MLS club


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http://www.goal.com/en/news/14202/mls/2016/12/15/30536962/beckhams-mls-project-could-be-based-in-las-vegas

Beckham's MLS project could be based in Las Vegas

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/beckham-club-limbo-mls-outlines-expansion-plans-233356035--sow.html

With Beckham club in limbo, MLS outlines expansion plans

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http://www.themalaymailonline.com/sports/article/with-beckham-club-in-limbo-mls-outlines-expansion-plans

With Beckham club in limbo, MLS outlines expansion plans

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46644

SEAMUS SPEAKS

Report: O'Brien says Cosmos have no debt, no interest in joining USL

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/12/13/fc-cincy-has-goals-question-how-many-do/95393868/

FC Cincy has goals. Question is, how many will do it?

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https://sgbonline.com/united-soccer-league-names-vp-of-marketing-and-communications/

United Soccer League Names VP Of Marketing And Communications

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/12/14/fc-cincy-names-alan-koch-technical-staff/95403010/

FC Cincy coaching hire to help build youth academy

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/15/d-c-united-planning-to-launch-usl-team-in-2018/?utm_term=.df6f00fbf753

D.C. United planning to launch USL team in 2018


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http://www.lasoccernews.com/leagues/nasl2.php?article_id=15741

PLANNING AHEAD

Source: NASL hopes to have 8-10 teams in 2017

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http://jacksonville.com/sports/2016-12-14/armada-future-question-after-release-five-players

Armada future in question after release of five players

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http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2016/12/15/ny-cosmos-face-another-stellar-fall-unless-obrien-finds-new-magic-trick/

NY Cosmos face another stellar fall, unless O’Brien finds a new magic trick


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http://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2016/12/14/13958932/investors-pro-soccer-teams-atlanta-nwsl-nasl-usl-united

Investors considering Atlanta for more pro soccer teams


NWSL and un-named men’s pro league under consideration

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46651

WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR

Cosmos back-rent case adjourned until Jan. 5

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/734314?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

Portillos, Nanchoff Return to Rowdies


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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/14/freddy-adu-is-searching-for-a-new-soccer-team-again/

Freddy Adu is searching for a new soccer team … again

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http://www.mrt.com/sports/article/SOCCER-Sockers-making-move-from-PDL-to-NPSL-10794495.php

SOCCER: Sockers making move from PDL to NPSL

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http://www.oaoa.com/sports/local/franchise/sockers/article_ae3472c4-c1be-11e6-bd1b-9bfe96c26d7b.html

LOCAL SOCCER: Sockers FC changes name to join National Premier Soccer League

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/733441?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

England Legend Cole Leads Trio of Returnees to Rowdies


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http://saintpetersblog.com/core-tampa-bay-rowdies-roster-set-return-team-2017/

Core of Tampa Bay Rowdies’ roster set to return to team in 2017


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http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/core-tampa-bay-rowdies%E2%80%99-roster-set-return-team-2017

Core of Tampa Bay Rowdies’ roster set to return to team in 2017

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https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/dec/13/new-york-cosmos-nasl-staff-laid-off-problems

Are the New York Cosmos dead again, or waiting for another resurrection?

The club that brought Pelé and Raúl to America have shed their staff and players. So why does their chairman insist the team has a future?

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/cosmos2.php?article_id=46640

BACK RENT

Cosmos landlord pushes for eviction to recover more than $55K in arrears for team's Long Island offices

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http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12/12/will-raiders-share-las-vegas-with-david-beckham-mls-franchise/

Will the Raiders be sharing space in Las Vegas with David Beckham?

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http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2016/12/12/beautiful-game-what-a-gamethe-best-everhistoric

BEAUTIFUL GAME: What a game…the best ever…historic!

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http://blog.sfgate.com/soccer/2016/12/12/san-francisco-deltas-announce-first-player-signings/

San Francisco Deltas announce first player signings

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/12/minnesota-united-brave-elements-stadium-groundbreaking-ceremony

Minnesota United brave elements for stadium groundbreaking ceremony

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http://www.masslive.com/mutiny/index.ssf/2016/12/united_womens_soccer_announces.html

United Women's Soccer announces four-team expansion for 2017 season

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http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/city-beat/article119692843.html

Will Major League Soccer’s expansion timing finally be revealed?

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3014831/don-garber-says-he-supports-lower-divisions-mls-not-to-blame-for-nasl-troubles

Don Garber backs lower divisions but says MLS not to blame for NASL peril

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3015086/mls-chief-don-garber-not-swayed-by-promotion-relegation-report

MLS chief Don Garber not swayed by promotion/relegation report

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3015149/don-garber-qa-mls-commissioner-talks-expansion-pro-rel-and-more

Don Garber Q&A: MLS commissioner talks expansion, pro-rel, NASL, more


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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/09/mls-commissioner-don-garber-hold-state-league-address-friday

WATCH: MLS Commissioner Don Garber's 2016 State of the League address

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http://www.americansoccernow.com/articles/garber-slow-and-steady-trumps-exciting-and-fun

Garber: "Slow and Steady" Trumps "Exciting and Fun"

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http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/Live-video-MLS-commissioner-Don-Garbers-2016-State-of-the-League-address.html

Live video: MLS commissioner Don Garber's 2016 State of the League address


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http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/mls/watch-live-mls-state-league-address/

Watch Live: MLS State of the League address

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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/ranking-expansion-markets-lining-get-major-league-soccer

Ranking the expansion markets lining up to get into Major League Soccer

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http://www.nycfc.com/post/2016/12/08/watch-don-garbers-state-league

Watch: Don Garber's State of the League


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http://www.sounderatheart.com/2016/12/9/13902698/watch-don-garber-s-state-of-mls-address

Watch Don Garber’s State of MLS address

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http://www.atlutd.com/post/2016/12/09/mls-commissioner-don-garber-delivers-state-league-address

MLS Commissioner Don Garber delivers "State of the League" address

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3015795/don-garber-on-cosmos-mls-is-not-going-to-have-a-third-team-in-new-york

Don Garber on Cosmos: MLS is 'not going to have a third team' in New York

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/don-garber-mls-state-league-002918106.html

Don Garber in MLS State of the League: 'We need to resolve the Miami situation'

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-usa-mlscup-garber-idUKKBN13Y2RY

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise

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http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/pro-sports/don-garber-upbeat-before-mls-cup-austin-usl-team-still-grounded/wQVUXukz0FYyqimsqMmOzK/

Don Garber upbeat before MLS Cup; Austin’s USL team still grounded

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/12/09/don-garber-details-mls-expansion-revealed-next-week/95224974/

Don Garber: Details on MLS expansion revealed next week

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/09/mls-commissioner-don-garber-provides-update-miami-expansion-bid

MLS Commissioner Don Garber provides update on Miami expansion bid

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/fort-lauderdale-strikers/fl-mls-talks-deadline-beckham-miami-1211-20161210-story.html

Deadline, Miami: Beckham on notice, MLS commissioner says

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http://www.euronews.com/2016/12/09/beckham-faces-deadline-on-miami-mls-franchise

Beckham faces deadline on Miami MLS franchise


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http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2016/12/09/commissioner-don-garber-delivers-state-league

Commissioner Don Garber Delivers the 'State of the League'

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http://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2016/12/09/watch-don-garbers-state-league-address

WATCH: Don Garber's State of the League address

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http://www.indomitablecitysoccer.com/2016/12/9/13902762/don-garber-barely-comments-on-mls-expansion

Don Garber (Barely) comments on MLS expansion

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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/on-the-pitch/os-mls-commissioner-don-garber-gives-state-of-the-league-address-20161210-story.html

MLS commissioner Don Garber gives State of the League address

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4019258/David-Beckham-s-planned-Miami-franchise-facing-MLS-deadline.html

David Beckham's planned Miami franchise facing MLS deadline

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http://www.burgundywave.com/2016/12/11/13907290/mls-state-of-the-league-summary-tam-video-review-and-expansion-don-garber-major-league-soccer-news

MLS State of the League summary: TAM, video review, and expansion

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http://www.dailynebraskan.com/opinion/tracey-mls-must-reform-system/article_a7aa529e-bcfe-11e6-94d5-ab705ce1de35.html

TRACEY: Major League Soccer must reform its system

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http://sport360.com/video/football/204638/what-would-have-happened-if-david-beckham-never-moved-to-the-mls-and-joined-la-galaxy

WATCH: What if Beckham never went to the MLS?


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http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/city-beat/article119692843.html

Will Major League Soccer’s expansion timing finally be revealed?

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http://www.mor-tv.com/article/mls-2-stpete/8360122

Tampa Bay Rowdies


The Tampa Bay Rowdies got big plans for Saint Petersburg, Florida as a Major League Soccer (MLS) city including a renovated and expanded Al Lang Stadium!

MLS has made it clear that it is looking to expand into cities that have demonstrated their support for soccer via season ticket memberships, single game ticket sales and sponsorships. We need the people of St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, Sarasota/Bradenton and our entire region to get behind this effort. We need you to show MLS leadership that we are the next great MLS town!

About #MLS2STPETE

The Rowdies were the first professional sports franchise in our region. Over the last 41 years the team has undergone multiple changes, but none as dramatic as what has taken place over the last few years. The team has seen a resurgence in popularity – and the caliber of the franchise, both on and off the field rivals that of the team’s heyday. The Rowdies have made their home in St. Petersburg, which has undergone a remarkable renaissance and continues to grow by leaps and bounds. And for the team, there’s no place else we’d rather be.

In 2015 the Rowdies unveiled the marketing slogan We Stand for Soccer, but it has become so much more than a tagline. It is our mission, our passion and why we come to work (and play) every day.

We are committed to keeping and expanding the world’s game right here, and we feel strongly that joining Major League Soccer (MLS) is the next logical step. We’ve examined the criteria, retained the best stadium architects and have put together a plan to move forward.

We Stand for Soccer. We Need You to Stand With Us.

Bill Edwards Rowdies Chairman, CEO and Governor

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http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/hasty-push-for-soccer-stadium-financing-raises-red-flags/article_a19c3bb8-a763-56f0-a70d-947aa15d0fbb.html

Rush for soccer stadium financing raises red flags ‌

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3014831/don-garber-says-he-supports-lower-divisions-mls-not-to-blame-for-nasl-troubles

Don Garber backs lower divisions but says MLS not to blame for NASL peril

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http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/soccer/carolina-railhawks/article119751923.html

How a mid-level soccer team can make a major league dream come true


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http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/martin-rogers/2016/12/08/mls-cup-toronto-fc-seattle-sounders/95163074/

When should MLS put a halt to expansion?

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http://www.kmov.com/story/34010497/officials-meet-in-jefferson-city-over-mls-stadium

Officials meet in Jefferson City over MLS stadium

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http://thecomeback.com/soccer/mls-st-louis-40-million-tax-credits.html

New MLS owners in St. Louis want $40 million in state tax credits for new stadium

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http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2016/12/08/detroit-still-major-league-soccers-radar/95169730/

Detroit still on Major League Soccer’s radar

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http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2016/12/08/april-vote-to-decide-city-state-contributions-to.html

April vote to decide city, state contributions to MLS stadium


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http://www.reuters.com/article/us-keepingscore-8dec-idUSKBN13X2GU

How MLS found its niche in North America

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http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3014831/don-garber-says-he-supports-lower-divisionsmls-not-to-blame-for-nasl-troubles

Don Garber backs lower divisions but says MLS not to blame for NASL peril

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http://www.lakeexpo.com/news/top_stories/st-louis-seeks-million-in-state-tax-credits-for-major/article_7497da56-bd09-11e6-94be-27e0678fa32d.html

St. Louis seeks $40 million in state tax credits for Major League Soccer stadium

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/notes_and_insights/mls_in_rude_health_as_nasl_battles_for_survival

MLS in rude health as NASL battles for survival

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http://portcitydaily.com/2016/12/09/sports-mls-north-carolina-fc-174435/

Could Major League Soccer be coming to the Tar Heel State?

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http://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/to-join-mls-fc-cincinnati-feels-pressure-to-build-a-soccer-specific-stadium

To join MLS, FC Cincinnati feels pressure to build a soccer-specific stadium

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http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2016/12/09/mls-expansion-don-garber/95210774/

Major League Soccer commissioner: Expansion details coming soon

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http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2016/12/09/new-details-on-mls-expansion-expected-next-week.html

New details on MLS expansion expected next week

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http://www.espnfc.com.ng/major-league-soccer/story/3015086/mls-chief-don-garber-not-swayed-by-promotion-relegation-report

MLS chief Don Garber not swayed by promotion/relegation report

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http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/local-sports/fury-fc-enters-into-partnership-with-montreal-impact

Fury FC enters into partnership with Montreal Impact

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http://www.firstcoastnews.com/sports/soccer/armada-fc/armada-owner-commits-to-teams-future-but-where-they-play-is-up-in-the-air/366143650

Armada owner commits to team's future, but where they play is up in the air

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/1155497/ny-cosmos-fate-uncertain-as-crisis-engulfs-us-lower-leagues

NY Cosmos fate uncertain as crisis engulfs US lower leagues

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/soccer/fort-lauderdale-strikers/fl-strikers-nasl-fate-on-hold-1209-20161208-story.html

U.S. Soccer postpones decision on NASL

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ny-cosmos-fate-uncertain-crisis-engulfs-us-lower-014929253--sow.html

NY Cosmos fate uncertain as crisis engulfs US lower leagues

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http://portcitydaily.com/2016/12/09/sports-mls-north-carolina-fc-174435/

Could Major League Soccer be coming to the Tar Heel State?

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/09/a-minor-meltdown-why-nasls-collapse-matters-to-north-american-soccer-fans/?utm_term=.5e5b5c46c371

A minor meltdown: Why NASL’s collapse matters to North American soccer fans

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http://sports.yahoo.com/news/no-place-mls-troubled-cosmos-garber-230703589--sow.html

No place in MLS for troubled Cosmos - Garber


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http://pulse.ng/sports/football/ny-cosmos-clubs-fate-uncertain-as-crisis-engulfs-us-lower-leagues-id5872905.html

Club's fate uncertain as crisis engulfs US lower leagues

The uncertainty shrouding the Cosmos is a direct consequence of the problems engulfing the NASL.

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http://www.ottawasun.com/2016/12/09/ottawa-fury-fc-enters-into-partnership-with-montreal-impact-of-major-league-soccer

Ottawa Fury FC enters into partnership with Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer

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http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/roughriders2.php?article_id=46626

A USL TEAM FOR SUFFOLK COUNTY?

Report: Rough Riders propose $8-10 million stadium to play at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood

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http://www.bendbulletin.com/sports/4889273-151/as-mls-crowns-winner-minor-league-craters

As MLS crowns winner, minor league craters

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http://www.albawaba.com/sport/innovative-roof-khalifa-stadium-nears-completion-913250

Innovative roof at Khalifa Stadium nears completion


Meanwhile, Eng. Mohemed Ahmed, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Project Manager for Khalifa International Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City, explained: “The design of the roof is a fantastic idea from an engineering perspective. ETFE is a material that is now becoming popular for this type of use and it was also used for the Allianz Arena in Munich.”

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/731864?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

Rowdies Re-Sign Hristov for New Season

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http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/dynamo-realigns-with-npsl-midwest-east/ZW4nj8VTBCORA8FDanMZfN/

Dynamo realigns with NPSL Midwest East

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http://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/future-of-nasl-up-in-the-air-due-to-financial-woes-heres-what-to-know-about-it/

Future of NASL up in the air due to financial woes; Here's what to know about it

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http://jacksonville.com/sports/2016-12-07/nasl-s-struggles-could-mean-changes-armada-2017

NASL’s struggles could mean changes for Armada in 2017

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http://www.intelligencer.ca/2016/12/07/czech-points-move-over-argos

CZECH POINTS: Move over, Argos


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http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/where-does-mls-ussf-partnership-leave-lower-division-soccer

Where does the MLS-USSF partnership leave lower-division soccer?