Attendance Thread Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 6 vs. Nashville SC [6/9] (self.TampaBayRowdies)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8q9kbh/rowdies_home_attendance_thread_game_6_vs/

Attendance Thread Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 6 vs. Nashville SC [6/9] (self.TampaBayRowdies)

We've had a really strong start to the season at the gate this year. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the Nashville game. 6,082 showed up for the game, which felt about right in context to our numbers. With the Lightning wrapping up their season, good chance we see some of those folks come across. We're 12.5% up against the first 6 games of last season (which we didn't have a great start against).

Next match against Penn FC is our first Friday match (ever?...or at least in a long, long time). Was originally Saturday, it got bumped to Friday because of the Pride parade in Downtown St. Pete (which will be absolutely crazy packed). It's also Pride night for the Rowdies. A lot of people come into town, so it's possible that could bring people in, but a Friday night is a total wild card. I have no idea what to expect.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qebzy/tropicana_field_will_come_down_one_day_what_will/

Tropicana Field will come down one day. What will replace it? (tbo.com)

For anyone interested, it’s kind of cool to see the current redevelopment plan...there’s so much potential there. It really will be transformational for the city and probably the Rowdies – whether we stay at the current Al Lang site or not. I think a lot of people don’t realize how big this project will be for the region if done well...

http://www.stpete.org/city_initiatives/tropicana_field_conceptual_master_plan/docs/Tropicana%20Report%20FINAL%20-%20Page.pdf

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http://www.tbo.com/news/business/Tropicana-Field-will-come-down-one-day-What-will-replace-it-_168943176

Tropicana Field will come down one day. What will replace it?

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8qds3p/reports_sch%C3%A4fer_may_depart_rowdies_early_to_join/

Reports: Schäfer may depart Rowdies early to join Wolfsburg Front Office (OC) (theunsubs.com)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/11/reports-marcel-schafer-may-depart-rowdies-early-to-join-wolfsburg-front-office/3924

Reports: Marcel Schäfer may depart Rowdies early to join Wolfsburg Front Office

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https://wsvn.com/sports/david-beckham-shares-update-on-miami-mls-team/

David Beckham shares update on Miami MLS team

MIAMI (WSVN) - Soccer icon David Beckham is back in Miami to continue working on the Major League Soccer team he’s bringing to South Florida.

Beckham posted a photo on his Instagram with the caption, “Productive few days in Miami working on @futbolmiamimls can’t wait to tell you soon …”

Beckham became the owner of the MLS team set to debut in Miami in 2020.

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http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/world-cup/sd-sp-us-soccer-world-cup-zeigler-20180610-story.html

Column | What's changed since U.S. failed to qualify for 2018 World Cup? Sadly, nothing

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https://www.themaneland.com/2018/6/11/17445950/should-orlando-citys-usl-pro-stats-be-compared-with-its-mls-stats

Orlando City’s USL Stats are an Important Part of Its History

Some say Orlando City’s USL stats are incomparable with its MLS stats, but the past should be remembered.

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https://communityimpact.com/austin/northwest-austin/city-county/2018/06/11/austin-city-council-will-discuss-mls-proposal-tuesday-and-4-other-things-to-know-about-mckalla-place-this-week/

Austin City Council will discuss MLS proposal Tuesday and 4 other things to know about McKalla Place this week

Austin City Council is planning to discuss the official proposal from Precourt Sports Ventures to build a $200 million soccer park on the city-owned property at McKalla Place.

Catch up on news from last week on McKalla Place here and here. This week, here are 5 things to know:

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https://blogs.voanews.com/all-about-america/2018/06/11/the-us-wont-be-at-the-world-cup-but-soccer-still-strong/

The US Won’t Be at the World Cup, but Soccer Still Strong

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https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/11/fc-cincinnati-changing-national-perception-of-city.html

FC Cincinnati changing national perception of city, Forbes says

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https://theathletic.com/388793/2018/06/11/what-moves-should-fc-cincinnati-make-in-its-major-league-soccer-transition/

What moves should FC Cincinnati make in its Major League Soccer transition?

Jeff Rueter wrote last week about what FC Cincinnati can learn from other Major League Soccer expansion franchises as it prepares for its first MLS season. Which current players would you keep? What big-name Designated Players, if any, would you pursue? On what aspect of the team would you focus resources? What strategy would you like to see heading to MLS?

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http://www.spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/news/2018/06/11/poll--majority-of-austin-residents-would-welcome-major-league-soccer

Poll: Majority of Austin residents would welcome Major League Soccer

AUSTIN, Texas -- New poll results show nearly 75 percent of Austin residents would welcome Major League Soccer to the city.

The survey of 400 likely voters was paid for by Precourt Sports Ventures.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/06/11/crew-sc-owner-major-league-soccer-ask-appeals.html

Crew SC owner, Major League Soccer ask appeals court to dismiss lawsuit

Precourt Sports Ventures, Major League Soccer and Columbus Crew SC are taking their battle with Columbus and the state to the Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals, saying that the "Art Modell Law" being used to try to keep the team in Columbus is unconstitutional and that the Franklin County Common Pleas Court overstepped its reach in the case.

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http://www.dw.com/en/world-cup-2026-when-donald-trump-takes-to-twitter/a-44157571

World Cup 2026: When Donald Trump takes to Twitter

FIFA is set to decide which country or countries will host the 2026 World Cup: the United States, Canada and Mexico – or Morocco. Could a tweet by the US president swing the vote in Morocco's favor?

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-spt-2026-world-cup-bid-vote-20180611-story.html

North America is confident ahead of 2026 World Cup vote: 'We have a path to victory'

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https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2018/06/11/how-nms-newest-pro-team-owner-went-from-finance-to.html

How NM's newest pro team owner went from finance to soccer

After meeting with a group of potential investors for a potential soccer club in New Mexico, Peter Trevisani took it a step further and decided he wanted to run the team.

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http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20180611/crew-cuts-psv-mls-file-brief-in-appeal-of-judges-order

Crew Cuts: PSV, MLS file brief in appeal of judge’s order

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https://www.mystatesman.com/sports/soccer/council-discussion-could-first-chance-gauge-psv-mls-proposal/CfaEluhghvVBA67P1Xp5PJ/

Council discussion could be first chance to gauge PSV’s MLS proposal

Kathie Tovo on McKalla: ‘supportive of (MLS) stadium to this point’

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http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2018/06/11/world-cup-terms-to-know.html

World Cup terms to know

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on Thursday in Russia -- but do you know how to discuss “the beautiful game”? 

Certain terms may repeatedly pop up while watching coverage of the international soccer tournament over the next few weeks.

Read to discover a few words you may encounter and what they signify.

Cap: This is when a someone “plays for his national team in an international game,” Major League Soccer (MLS) explains online.

Corner kick: The International Football Association Board (IFAB) says such a move is given out “when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored.”

Boots: A player’s soccer cleats.

Free kick: Viewers tuning in may see both indirect and direct free kicks during a competition, depending on the circumstances involved. 

"Direct and indirect free kicks and penalty kicks can only be awarded for offenses committed when the ball is in play," the IFAB says.

Header: This term describes when a player uses their head to maneuver the ball.

Kit: A player’s uniform, which may feature bright colors and designs. You can check out the kits for all 32 teams competing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup here.

Match: A soccer game.

Nutmeg: It’s a move that involves kicking a soccer ball through another person’s legs, according to MLS.

Panenka: A way of making a penalty kick “in which the player, instead of kicking the ball directly into the goal, gives a subtle touch underneath the ball, causing it to rise and fall within the goal thus deceiving the goalkeeper,” MLS says.

Panini sticker books: An Italian collectibles company called Panini publishes sticker books, whose allure is similar to baseball or Pokemon cards — challenging fans to complete the set.

Each book has spots for 681 stickers depicting stadiums, players, host cities and other items. The stickers themselves are sold in packs of six.

Pitch: Another term for the soccer field.

Offside: “When a player is closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball or the penultimate defender,” the Washington Post explains.

Set piece: These can happen after play has stopped, the MLS team Orlando City Soccer Club says online.

Depending on the particular circumstances involved, a goal kick, corner kick, throw-in, free kick or a penalty kick can take place, during this time.

Throw-ins: This is when players throw the ball back onto the pitch. The IFAB explains online who gets to complete the move.

“A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air,” it says.

Yellow card: Referees give these to players as warnings. If they get two yellow cards, they are automatically given a red card and kicked out of the game.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvobe5O3uSQ

Front Row: Rowdies vs Hounds May 19, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Jun 11, 2018

Relive all the action from Neill Collin's coaching debut against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_F8b3ImjGg

Rowdies Front Row vs Nashville SC

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Jun 11, 2018

Relive the action from Matt Pickens' homecoming as the Rowdies battled Nashville SC

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ceZ_JfvBxI

Rowdies' World Cup Memories

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Jun 11, 2018

As we prepare for the World Cup to kick off, the Rowdies' reflect back on their favorite memories from the tournament.

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https://twitter.com/CoachesVoice/status/1006159118422495234

The Coaches’ Voice
‏
@CoachesVoice

🗣️ "I'm proud of what I've done, but if I could give back all the medals, the money, the memories and start my career again, I would."

📝 | @TampaBayRowdies player/assistant coach Joe Cole on his love for the game. ⚽️ #WHUFC #CFC

➡️ https://www.coachesvoice.com/the-next-step/

6:00 AM - 11 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006187912109707265

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Join us at our next home game on Friday, June 22, when we host @PennFCOfficial for #PrideNight, presented by @tbtnewspaper.

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

7:54 AM - 11 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006198382833094656

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Check out the @GasSouth Quote of the Game from Saturday's draw against @NashvilleSC🎙️

8:36 AM - 11 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/ccchsmarauders/status/1006179775596187654

CCC High School
‏
@ccchsmarauders

Shoutout to @kyle_curinga10 and the @TampaBayRowdies for our incredible front cover photo!!! We are so proud to call you an alumni, Kyle!!! #ForeverAMarauder #InspiringExcellence

7:22 AM - 11 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006246109084200961

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Saturday was a special night for @NashvilleSC goalkeeper Matt Pickens, as he came to Al Lang Stadium to face his former club for the first time.

Here's what Pickens had to say after the match.

Matt Pickens discusses his return to Al Lang

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11:45 AM - 11 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1006257526843662336

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

The Rowdies and @NashvilleSC faced off for the first time this past Saturday. Check out the recap with the latest Rowdies Front Row.

Rowdies Front Row vs Nashville SC

Relive the action from Matt Pickens' homecoming as the Rowdies battled Nashville SC

12:31 PM - 11 Jun 2018

USL Surges Past 1 Million Attendance in 2018

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/925706?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

USL Surges Past 1 Million Attendance in 2018

League reaches major landmark one month earlier than record-setting 2017 season

Sacramento Republic FC’s sellout crowd of 11,569, the final game of Saturday night’s slate, sent the league past the one-million mark, with Indy Eleven also welcoming a five-figure crowd to Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night as 10,034 fans saw the hosts take a 2-0 victory against ATL UTD 2. The Tampa Bay Rowdies continued their strong season at the turnstiles as 6,082 fans were on hand for a compelling contest against fellow Eastern Conference playoff contender Nashville SC, while Penn FC recorded its highest attendance of the season with 4,507 fans on hand for a thrilling 3-2 victory for the hosts against Toronto FC II.

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https://www.themaneland.com/2018/6/10/17444180/lion-links-6-10-18

Lion Links: 6/10/18

City visits Vancouver, Yanks surprise Les Bleus, FC Cincinnati supporters join the #SaveTheCrew movement, and more.

I really like this one: Joe Cole has taken on a player-coach role for the USL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies.

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http://www.infosurhoy.com/cocoon/saii/xhtml/en_GB/news/joe-cole-becomes-assistant-coach-of-second-tier-tampa-bay/

Joe Cole becomes assistant coach of second-tier Tampa Bay

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Joe Cole has been appointed assistant coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the United Soccer League while continuing to play for the second-tier club.

The 36-year-old midfielder joined the team in 2016 after splitting the 2015-16 season between Aston Villa and Coventry City. Cole scored 10 goals in 56 appearances for England from 2001-10 and also has played for West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Lille, West Ham.

Rowdies head coach Neill Collins says “Joe has an incredible store of knowledge about the game to share with our young players and with our coaching staff.

“One of the main provisos of me taking the head coaching job a few weeks ago was that I wanted to open an avenue for Joe to share that knowledge as an assistant coach. Though he is now a member of the coaching staff as well, Joe’s primary role will remain as a player for the Rowdies.”

Tampa Bay announced the appointment Friday.

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https://www.expressnews.com/guidetosa/article/San-Antonio-s-pro-sports-scene-features-Spurs-12967332.php

San Antonio’s pro sports scene features Spurs, Rampage, San Antonio FC, Missions

Three of San Antonio’s four pro sports teams are owned and operated by Spurs Sports and Entertainment. The lone exception is the San Antonio Missions.

A fifth franchise, the Spurs-owned Stars of the WNBA, moved to Las Vegas after the 2017 season following the sale of the team.

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

San Antonio Football Club

Skinny: San Antonio FC kicked off its’ third season in the United Soccer League in March 2018. The USL is the largest pro soccer league in North America with 33 teams covering 22 states and two Canadian provinces. The USL is split into two conference, Eastern and Western (SAFC is in the West). The USL is expanding with six more teams joining the league in the next three years (four in 2019, two in 2021). San Antonio FC is an affiliate of Major League Soccer’s New York City FC.

Head coach: Darren Powell.

Notable players: Diego Restrepo, goalkeeper

Restrepo, who helped lead Virginia to the 2009 NCAA Division I championship, signed with San Antonio FC in March 2017. He didn’t begin last season as the starter but assumed the spot when Matt Cardone was injured five games into the season. Restrepo ended 2017 leading the USL in shutouts with 12 clean sheets. This season, Restrepo is one of the USL’s top five leaders in saves and ranks in the top 10 league wide in clean sheets.

Season: 34 regular season games (17 home, 17 away) over a 31-week period that began in mid-March and concludes in early October.

Home: Toyota Field (seating 8,296), 5106 David Edwards Dr.

Online: www.sanantoniofc.com

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8q12gm/random_fandom_a_rowdies_jersey_features/

Random Fandom: A Rowdies jersey features prominently on the studio set for "The Ringer's" World Cup coverage (youtube.com)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0E2N83mY6A&list=PLiI3wRw9PbSY_BuJHQQu-w8HJElyEa0tQ

Can an Underdog Win the World Cup? | Ringer FC 2018 World Cup Preview | The Ringer

The Ringer

Published on Jun 6, 2018

Only eight countries have won the World Cup in its 88-year history. Why is it so hard to do, when in other tournaments upsets abound? Our 'Ringer FC' crew (Chris Ryan, Donnie Kwak, Ryan O'Hanlon) speculates on which teams could surprise audiences at this year's World Cup, and which top-tier teams could have an early exit.

We finally have merch! Get your official Ringer gear at the web store: https://theringer.com/shop

CONNECT
Website: http://theringer.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ringer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ringer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ringer
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT83YP07yVuaH9J19YABhlw

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8q0x78/newcomer_salvages_tie_for_rowdies/

Newcomer salvages tie for Rowdies (tampabay.com)

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/06/09/newcomer-salvages-tie-for-rowdies/

Newcomer salvages tie for Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8q2hoy/coffee_talk_still_unbeaten_yet_still_a_work_in/

Coffee Talk: Still Unbeaten, Yet Still a Work in Progress (theunsubs.com)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/10/coffee-talk-still-unbeaten-yet-still-a-work-in-progress/3919

Coffee Talk: Still Unbeaten, Yet Still a Work in Progress

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https://twitter.com/Ry_Bass/status/1005613505377169409

Ryan Bass

‏Verified account @Ry_Bass

Haven’t been to many @TampaBayRowdies games, but I’ll tell you what, I’ll sign up for any sporting event with @RalphsMob in the crowd. These guys are amazing.

5:51 PM - 9 Jun 2018 from St Petersburg, FL

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https://twitter.com/Ry_Bass/status/1005596529434988544

Ryan Bass

‏Verified account @Ry_Bass

This is gorgeous @TampaBayRowdies

4:44 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005801105496985600

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Rowdies fans, who was your Man of the Match in last night’s 1-1 draw against @NashvilleSC?

6:17 AM - 10 Jun 2018

Joe Cole takes on player-coach role for USL's Tampa Bay Rowdies

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/united-soccer-leagues/story/3521193/joe-cole-takes-on-player-coach-role-for-usls-tampa-bay-rowdies

Joe Cole takes on player-coach role for USL's Tampa Bay Rowdies

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http://kwese.espn.com/football/tampa-bay-rowdies/story/3520354/former-england-midfielder-joe-cole-becomes-assistant-coach-at-tampa-bay-rowdies

Former England midfielder Joe Cole becomes assistant coach at Tampa Bay Rowdies

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https://tucson.com/sports/joe-cole-becomes-assistant-coach-of-second-tier-tampa-bay/article_d7781ebd-05fb-5611-acf4-be99dcd4edc6.html

Joe Cole becomes assistant coach of second-tier Tampa Bay

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https://www.360nobs.com/2018/06/joe-cole-appointed-assistant-coach-at-tampa-bay-rowdies-fc/

Joe Cole Appointed Assistant Coach At Tampa Bay Rowdies FC

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https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nashvillesc/2018/06/09/nashville-sc-score-tampa-bay-rowdies-saturday/685164002/

Nashville SC extends unbeaten streak in 1-1 draw with Tampa Bay Rowdies

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https://patch.com/florida/stpete/st-pete-boutique-hotel-owner-open-3-restaurants-pier

St. Pete Boutique Hotel Owner To Open 3 Restaurants At Pier

The St. Petersburg City Council has approved a lease Birchwood restaurant owner Chuck Prather to open three eateries at The Pier.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ub0A0mqVbg

Rowdies Rundown - Rowdies vs Nashville SC

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Jun 9, 2018

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

Highlights - Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Nashville SC - June 9, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Jun 9, 2018

HIGHLIGHTS presented by Tampa International Airport

The Rowdies score a late equalizer, as Tampa Bay and Nashville SC battle to a 1-1 draw.

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005634810507874304

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

.@LeonTTaylor's debut goal earned up a point against @NashvilleSC. #TBRvNSH

Recap  👉 http://bit.ly/2sIgTnU

10:16 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005632184521142272

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

HIGHLIGHTS presented by @FlyTPA

The Rowdies score a late equalizer, as Tampa Bay and @NashvilleSC battle to a 1-1 draw. #TBRvNSH

10:06 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005632060260847622

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Congratulations to @LeonTTaylor on scoring his first goal as a member of the Tampa Bay Rowdies!

10:05 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005623448058630145

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

FINAL @LeonTTaylor's late equalizer earns us a point and extends our home unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw against @NashvilleSC. #TBRvNSH

9:31 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005621907528417280

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

84' - ROWDIES GOAL presented by @VSPC

@LeonTTaylor makes it 1-1 as we inch closer to the end of the match. #TBRvNSH

9:25 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005621800741597184

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

84' ROWDIES GOAL! @LeonTTaylor scores on his debut to pull us even at 1-1 against @NashvilleSC! #TBRvNSH

9:24 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005619860192354304

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

83' @KapokMarketing Rowdies sub

Jochen Graf IN

Max Lachowecki OUT

3/3 used

9:17 PM - 9 Jun 2018

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005615538595422209

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

64' @KapokMarketing Rowdies sub

Leon Taylor IN

Sebastian Guenzatti OUT

2/3 used

9:00 PM - 9 Jun 2018

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005610548350869504

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

46' @KapokMarketing Rowdies sub

Leo Fernandes IN

Alex Morrell OUT

1/3 used

8:40 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005606667592065025

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

HALFTIME @NashvilleSC leads 1-0 after 45.

8:24 PM - 9 Jun 2018

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8prknx/nsc_matt_pickens_ready_for_rowdies_in_return_to/

[NSC] Matt Pickens Ready for Rowdies in Return to Tampa Bay (nashvillesc.com)

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https://www.nashvillesc.com/news_article/show/925390

Matt Pickens Ready for Rowdies in Return to Tampa Bay

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8psek6/sidelined_by_yellow_cards_rowdies_joe_cole_adds/

Sidelined by yellow cards, Rowdies’ Joe Cole adds assistant coach to his title (tampabay.com)

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/06/08/sidelined-by-yellow-cards-rowdies-joe-cole-adds-assistant-coach-to-his-title/

Sidelined by yellow cards, Rowdies’ Joe Cole adds assistant coach to his title

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8pt0ni/unused_substitutes_the_bench_vol_3_issue_3_oc/

Unused Substitutes: The Bench Vol 3 Issue 3 (OC) (theunsubs.com)

Nice piece on "What's Next"...couldn't match my sentiment any more...

I'm going to post a string of thoughts that occurred to me on Twitter, after reading Jake's piece. (And I'm copy/pasting because I'm lazy).

As far as I am aware, the four-year term of control of Al Lang by Edwards Group ends at the end of this season (unless there was a renegotiation I missed @jakenutting?) Edwards got control by promising (and over delivering) on capital into the facility (rumored to be $2M-$4M)

As far as we know publicly it's a great deal. Yes there was a capital investment, but from an operating profitability standpoint, the Rowdies have full control over the revenue in that exchange which is the holy grail of "make it or break it" in the lower divisions.

It stands to reason that Edwards would be inclined to make a similar deal to get a longer-term extension for the facility – I'll invest more capital in the facility if you allow us to retain the management and revenue control of Al Lang.

W/ the insane development of DTSP, the Rays uncertainty, the plan for the site for this purpose in the Waterfront Master Plan, & the unlikeliness of someone privately funding a Spring Training redevelopment of Al Lang, it would seem to be a good option for the city to consider

(One other note, if he is even considering selling the team at any point, a huge part of the valuation would be due to the economics related to control of the facility. Doing what he can to get a favorable extension would be likely worth his while.)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/09/the-bench-volume-3-issue-3/3914

The Bench, volume 3 issue 3

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/06/07/episode-163-sliders-on-max/3906

Episode 163: Sliders on Max

Dan’s found his voice and we’re back to talk about everything from the last two weeks and looking ahead to this weekend!

In tonight’s show:

    TFC2 2:4 Rowdies
    Rowdies 0:0 ATL2Nited
    Eastern Conference Standings
    League & Club News
    Patron Questions
    Chat with Speedway Soccer Podcast

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8pwl39/lineups_up_for_the_pickens_return/

Lineups up for the Pickens return! (rowdiessoccer.com)

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/925601?referrer_id=2909153

Taylor Scores Debut Goal In 1-1 Draw

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8pytrg/rowdie_takeaways_week_13_tbr_v_nsh/

Rowdie Takeaways Week 13 - TBR v NSH (self.TampaBayRowdies)

F***ING PICKENS- Man I loved rooting for Pickens. But man it SUCKS to root against him. I had many an expletive as he continuously did his usual Pickens routine and swatted away shots and opportunities. His Nanchoff save was absolutely incredible. Nanchoff hit a rocket and Pickens goes full Air Bud World Pup and swats the ball away like he's offended that Nanchoff would even take a shot on him. Pickens is the sort of keeper where if you don't beat his defense, you'll need an extraordinary effort to get by him.

Counter-attacking School- The most frustrating part of the Rowdies game right now is their inability to capitalize off of the counter-attack. The Rowdies create great runs up the field after working hard to get turnovers, but get too sloppy or don't have the vision to make the right pass at the right time. That was especially evident tonight for Morrell and Flemmings who are the two guys you want to give the ball to on a quick counter. But even Fernandes had a moment where he gave away a clear counter-attacking opportunity. The Rowdies made it extremely hard on themselves to score a goal tonight because most of their chances came when Nashville was settled into their defense. If I'm Neill Collins, I'm practicing counter attacks with my forwards all week long. 2 on 1 counter attacks. 3 on 2. 3 on 3. The through balls the Rowdies played were all much too heavy or off target. Too many missed opportunities in the counter department.

A Half to Forget About- Morrell's halftime substitution was likely a disciplinary reaction by Collins letting Morrell know he can't make critical mistakes like the turnover that led to the Nashville goal. I think it's the right move because it's a teachable moment for Morrell, you need to earn your minutes by playing smart on and off the ball. Morrell in the first 30 minutes went full Flemmings on the ball before settling in for the last 15 and creating a few good chances. This game should've been a shutout if it wasn't for that bad turnover by Morrell.

Solid Defense, For Now- I'm weary of the current defensive roster the Rowdies have right now as far as talent is concerned. Tam is a depth guy I would've said is washed that's been thrust into Collins' role. I'm glad to admit that Tam has more than admirably stepped up to the task but I'm not sure Tam is a viable starting center back when the Rowdies have to face against Cinci, Louisville, or especially Red Bulls 2. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple defensive signings in the near future. Magalhaes and Gorskie have been fine. I'll say Lachowecki has made me the most nervous of the group. The back line played well tonight and were unlucky not to have a clean sheet. They'll need to take care of business against Penn before we see the Rowdies really up against it versus Charlotte on the road.

Offensive pace- With Cole and Schafer out of the lineup, the Rowdies midfield was admirably championed by Nanchoff. I haven't liked Nanchoff when Cole and Schafer are in the lineup, but with both of them out, he was definitely making it happen in the midfield tonight in the distributor role. Fernandes once again showed he may be worthy of more and more minutes. Even Guenzatti had some moments where I was like, wait, Guenzatti did that? Flemmings continues to be a short-fused dynamite that explodes before it was supposed to. He'll have a moment where you think he's about to do something great, and then he places his game-winning chip like a missed Phil Mickelson putt 5 feet wide of the net. Moving Flemmings to the striker position though is an adjustment I'm a fan of, the less Flemmings has to pass the better. I thought Flemmings was playing way too far wide in the second half.

Trashville?- Am I going too far? I know I heard that the almighty Brandon Allen wasn't playing and that Nashville had some other subs in the game. I would assume that's because they're still in the Open Cup having just beat the worst team in the MLS (PRO-REL system come on US Soccer!!!). Nashville didn't look good since the opening whistle. After they got their goal they went full on park the bus. It was astounding to see, and it almost worked.

Welcome to the Club- Finally, a quick shoutout to Leon Taylor for his first ever goal as a Rowdie. A clutch goal at that. In pure Georgi fashion, the ball took a ping pong deflection in the box and bounced right at his feet. Taylor had the wherewithal to bury it in the back of the net, nothing Pickens could do. Hopefully someone bought Taylor a beer or two tonight.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2018/06/09/while-austin-weighs-whether-to-put-a-soccer.html

While Austin weighs whether to put a soccer stadium at McKalla Place, competing mixed-use visions emerge

Other uses for site would come with their own benefits, challenges

A June 1 report from the city of Austin found that McKalla Place was a "suitable site" for a Major League Soccer stadium. But it also left the window open for other development opportunities, such as affordable housing, creative space, parks and partnerships with non-profits.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/925645?referrer_id=2603770

Late Strike Sees Rowdies, Nashville End Level

Taylor’s first goal for Tampa Bay earns 1-1 draw before crowd of 6,082

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/06/09/newcomer-salvages-tie-for-rowdies/

Newcomer salvages tie for Rowdies

ST. PETERSBURG — Former Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens, coming off a game with Nashville that required him to make no saves, was a lot busier Saturday. As were the Rowdies, making their effort throughout a humid night mostly to no avail.

Until the new kid came through. Leon Taylor, a 24-year-old making his Rowdies debut, hammered a loose ball past Pickens in the 84th minute for a 1-1 draw with Nashville that still might have been less than what Tampa Bay desired.

"Leon's been unfortunate in the last few games, that circumstances dictated that I couldn't really get him (in)," Rowdies coach Neill Collins said. "He's everything that this club needs in terms of hunger, desire, almost like a chip on their shoulder. We need to get more of that into our team. It's just the start for him."

The Rowdies (5-5-3) were not happy with just leveling matters, pressing hard for a winner before a crowd of 6,082 at Al Lang Stadium.

Early into the five minutes of extra time, Pickens was drawn out of goal but Tampa Bay's Junior Flemmings could not score on a chipped shot. It resulted in the Rowdies' third straight home draw since Collins took over as coach.

"I praise their hard work and effort, but the times for praising hard work and effort are going to be slowly coming to an end here. That's the minimum," Collins said.

Tampa Bay ended up with a 25-7 shot advantage.

Collins inserted Taylor in the 64th minute, and he quickly boosted the energy level.

Nashville's approach, seemingly, was to score a goal and then hang on for dear life. And, have Pickens pull off a couple of clutch stops. He was coming off a shutout win against Colorado last week, holding the Rapids to no shots on net.

The Tampa Bay starter for the previous four seasons obliged until one of the Rowdies' surges resulted in the ball bouncing to Taylor, who scored Tampa Bay's goal.

"It feels real good to be able to pull my side back from 1-0 down and put us back even," Taylor said.
"The ball kind of just fell to me. Somebody crossed from the right and the ball was kind of just bouncing around and I got my foot on it. I connected well with it and beat a good keeper in Matt Pickens."

Lebo Moloto scored Nashville's goal in the 22nd minute with a left-footed strike past Rowdies keeper Akira Fitzgerald.

Rowdy return: Bill Edwards comes back with a plan (businessobserverfl.com)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8poh7z/rowdy_return_bill_edwards_comes_back_with_a_plan/

Rowdy return: Bill Edwards comes back with a plan (businessobserverfl.com)

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https://www.businessobserverfl.com/article/stpete-bill-edwards-rowdies-soccer

Rowdy return: Leader comes back with a plan

Bill Edwards endured a health scare that forced him to take a step back from his businesses and beloved soccer team. Now he’s back, and ready to continue to reshape downtown St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg real estate impresario and entertainment businessman Bill Edwards acknowledges it was unusual for him to be out of the public eye for much of 2017 and into the early months of 2018.

“I spent about a year in a fog,” says the 72-year-old owner and general manager of the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer club, reflecting on the health scare that sidelined him, just as the St. Petersburg-based team was amid what would prove to be an unsuccessful push to join the Major League Soccer pantheon.

Edwards had double-bypass heart surgery in May 2017. Looking back, he says the time away from the Rowdies and his other business dealings — he also owns the Sundial shopping, dining and entertainment complex in downtown St. Pete, in addition to Big 3 Entertainment, which manages the city’s Mahaffey Theater — helped teach him the latest in a series of lessons he’s learned from the classic texts of the School of Hard Knocks.

While Edwards is known mostly for owning the Rowdies, he maintains a significant real estate portfolio. His investment company, the Edwards Group, spent $12 million to acquire and assemble vacant land in downtown St. Pete now being developed by the Kolter Group LLC. Kolter is building the 41-story One St. Petersburg tower there, which will help reshape the city’s skyline.

“It was a big deal to unlock that parcel for downtown St. Pete,” says Greg Holden, the 2016 chairman of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and an area financial planning executive. “The number one characteristic of Bill’s success is his bold vision. That’s what you have to do when you are a leader.”

That, and have a deep perspective.

“I’ve had three life-threatening instances in my life — one was when I was in the Marines, in Vietnam; one in the '90s; and now with the double-bypass, and each time, it’s enlightened me,” Edwards says. “Each time, it’s changed my life for the better. I got closer to my family, my children, and that was huge. I work out more now, as much as I can, and I’m feeling better. It’s changed my life in a lot of ways.”

MAN WITH A PLAN

Despite the Rowdies not making the cut for the first round of MLS expansion — although the team’s bid is still alive — Edwards has come roaring back with a plan to bring even more high-profile live entertainment to downtown St. Pete. It's a city he’s grown to love and call home after a childhood in Boston and a detour to Detroit as an adult.

In May, Big 3 Entertainment announced a deal with Live Nation that will bring performers such as Counting Crows, Lauryn Hill, Poison, Collective Soul, 3 Doors Down and Soul Asylum to Al Lang Stadium, the downtown waterfront home of the Rowdies, for a series of outdoor concerts. The shows are intended to goose economic activity for downtown hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers during the slow summer months. Edwards’ company has also booked a slate of high-profile speakers and entertainers — ranging from Joe Biden and David Blaine to Donny and Marie Osmond — for shows at the nearby Mahaffey Theater.

Edwards says he looked across the bay, to downtown Tampa, for inspiration when considering ways to “activate” what he views as underutilized real estate — namely, Al Lang Stadium. He points out Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is often a hive of activity — thanks to concerts, circuses, conferences and other events — when the Bolts are on the road and during the NHL offseason.

“How can you afford to pay for the seats and the electricity and all the rest of it if you don't have other income coming in from an asset that's sitting there underutilized?” he asks. “In our little corner of the world down here at Al Lang, there's no reason why we can’t have five to 10 summer concerts and fully utilize the stadium."

Edwards says ticket sales for the events have been brisk, and it's not just locals.

“We did a study of the people who are buying tickets and about 60 to 65% have been bought in the five-county [Tampa Bay] area,” he says, “but the other 35% were bought in Austin, Texas; Chicago; Alberta, Canada; and all these other places. So we know that people are going to come and need rooms. They're going to spend time here. They're going to shop here; they're going to eat here."

ROWDY BEHAVIOR

Hot on the heels of the concert series announcement, Edwards made more headlines in mid-May, when he cut ties with Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell, elevating veteran Tampa Bay player Neill Collins, 34, to take his place. Collins owns and operates NC3 Coaching Academy in Lakewood Ranch in east Manatee County.

The hiring follows one of Edwards' guiding principles of his business career: to groom people for leadership. “Don’t hire bosses — make bosses,” he says.

Another key piece of the team’s future — its bid to join MLS — presented Edwards with a roadblock he hopes to turn into an opportunity. MLS chose Nashville and Cincinnati for its latest round of expansion — a disappointment, to be sure, but that brings the number of teams in the league to 26 and it wants to get to 28, which leaves the door open for the Rowdies.

Edwards’ plan to upgrade Al Lang Stadium, via $80 million in private financing, already won the approval of St. Petersburg voters in a 2016 referendum. Now he says he might  go ahead with improvements regardless of whether the Rowdies join MLS or stay put in the second-tier but rapidly growing United Soccer League.

“I have two different business plans,” he says. “As a businessman, you have to make a decision: Which one’s better for me? Which one’s better for the fans? Which one’s better for … whatever? You make those decisions and then you move on. This is our second year in the USL and we’re very satisfied with the competition."

MLS expansion would not come cheap, says Holden, vice president of Manning & Napier Advisors in St. Petersburg and leader of the Rowdies Council, a volunteer group that drums up business community support for the team. As soccer’s popularity has grown in the United States, MLS has hiked its franchise fee to $200 million — and that’s just to get into the club.

“Major League Soccer, they don't just want a billionaire; they want several billionaires,” Holden says. “They want a David Beckham and a Spice Girl sitting on the sidelines at every game. So I think that’s part of the magic that Bill is trying to pull together.”

Edwards doesn’t deny that he is looking to bolster the Rowdies ownership team with additional investors. The process, he says, is confidential, but he indicates investors with deep ties to professional soccer would be top the list.

“Everybody has a partner,” he says. “Sometimes you have to go out and get other people to make things work and get input, and you know I’m no authority on soccer. Five years ago, I had never even been to a soccer game, so I’ve learned the sport quite a bit, but certainly I’m no expert; I’m still learning; but I’ve learned enough to realize how to run the team and get it where I wanted it to go.”

Edwards is similarly coy when asked whether he intends to remain majority owner of the team if/when additional investors come onboard, saying only he intends to “play an active role with the team for many years to come.”

PERSONALLY INVESTED

Unlike many a pro sports team owner, no one could accuse Edwards of being a hands-off, passive executive. His office in western St. Petersburg overflows with Rowdies memorabilia, and he is quick to drape team scarves around visitors’ necks and pose for photos with them. He loves talking about the team and is quick to make decisions about it based on a sense of personal responsibility that has shaped the way he’s done business over the course of his entire career.

“I look at things differently than a lot of entrepreneurs,” Edwards says. “I look at people who, if they’re not doing well [in their jobs], it’s my fault. If they’re not succeeding, it’s my fault. I look at myself as being responsible for everything that’s going wrong and then it’s my job to fix it."

That attitude has impressed people who’ve been pulled into Edwards’ orbit. Like Holden, a Business Observer 40 under 40 winner in 2017 who first met Edwards after the mogul arrived in St. Petersburg and bought the beleaguered Rowdies franchise in late 2013.

“Bill did not cut corners,” Holden says of Edwards’ free-spending efforts to rescue the Rowdies from the brink of annihilation. “And so he has not been willing to discount tickets to put butts in seats. Many of the other USL teams give heavily discounted tickets out, and that’s helpful; you can get big [attendance] numbers that way. But when you think about your path to Major League Soccer, you really want to have fans who see the value proposition and are willing to pay to be part of it. Also, when you look across the country at sports franchises, the ones that are most successful, and almost all the ones that have true fan love and loyalty, have strong local ownership representation.”

Work ethic and dedication to community are two other key Edwards strengths, says Holden. “Bill doesn't have to put his capital at risk in St Pete. He could do that in a lot of places and spend his time in a lot of places," Holden says."But he sees the opportunity in St. Pete and he cares about making the place better and leaving his mark.”

Holden, who says the colorful Edwards is prone to say things both profound and profane, has come back from his medical leave with vigor. “He’s come back swinging,” he says. “When he came back, he came back with gusto.”

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8pq1j0/ybor_city_fc_jersey_release/

Ybor City FC Jersey release (twitter.com)

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https://twitter.com/YborCityFC/status/1005088492035198976?s=19

Ybor City FC
‏
@YborCityFC

Jersey release time!!  Inspired by the craft beer, wine, and cigar culture of Ybor City; presenting our home kit.

Big thanks to @soccerdotcom and @coppertail for making it all possible!

#homejersey #jerseyrelease #LosGallos #YborCityFC

10:05 AM - 8 Jun 2018

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8porr4/toronto_fc_ii_tampa_bay_rowdies/

Toronto FC II @ Tampa Bay Rowdies :) (self.TampaBayRowdies)

Hey, sorry to be a bother again. It's now a few weeks out from the game and when I go to MLS games to watch Toronto play on the road I usually get in contact with the FO at this time to see if there's an away section and code of conduct for us and what can be brought in and most importantly if we can get a security escort in and out of the stadium. If anyone has emails of important people in the club that would be much appreciated. Thanks, and enjoy the rest of your season.

How many people are you bringing? I don’t think you’d need security with us (only Orlando does).

No smoke, only home supporters with a waiver. They might set aside part of the GA section, but you’re going to want to get on it. The July 4th game often sells out.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8pomyt/nashville_unbeaten_in_nine_risks_ending_streak/

Nashville, unbeaten in nine, risks ending streak against hot-at-home Tampa [OC] (nashvillegoldengoal.com)

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https://nashvillegoldengoal.com/2018/06/08/nashville-sc-looks-to-extend-unbeaten-streak-with-rowdy-florida-trip/

Nashville SC looks to extend unbeaten streak with rowdy Florida trip

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8pjps2/joe_cole_promoted_to_playerassistant_coach_for/

Joe Cole Promoted to Player/Assistant Coach for Tampa Bay Rowdies (rowdiessoccer.com)

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/925137?referrer_id=2824806

Joe Cole Promoted to Player/Assistant Coach for Tampa Bay Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8plogd/oc_checking_in_on_matt_pickens_after_his/

C: Checking in on Matt Pickens after his departure from Tampa Bay (nashvillegoldengoal.com)

Matt Pickens thrilled Rowdies fans during his tenure in Tampa Bay, and he hasn't cooled off since leaving the Sunshine State. We took a look at his Tampa tenure and how it compares to his early returns in Nashville.

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https://nashvillegoldengoal.com/2018/06/07/nashvilles-pickens-continues-to-prove-hes-a-keeper/

Nashville’s Pickens continues to prove he’s a keeper

Ralph’s Mob doesn’t cheer for opposing players, but expect Nashville SC goalkeeper Matt Pickens to get a warm welcome when he returns to Al Lang Stadium on Saturday to take on his former club.

Pickens, nicknamed the “The Beard” by Rowdies supporters, made 107 appearances in goal from 2014 to 2017 before joining Nashville SC this season. He is one of five players to make more than 100 appearances for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in its modern era.

Ralph’s Mob honored Pickens’ 100 appearance milestone on Aug. 5, 2017 with a special tifo adorned with his face and the message “Fear The Beard” and the number 100.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/925293?referrer_id=2349190

Cole Promoted to Rowdies Assistant Coach

Midfielder adds coaching to playing responsibilities

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1004803138036039689

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Make sure to get to the stadium early this Saturday to get your Rowdies/@AshleyHomeStore  thunder sticks!

The first 1,000 fans in the gates go home with this great giveaway! Gates open at 6 P.M.

TIX: 727-222-2000 / http://bit.ly/TBRvsNSHJun9

3:11 PM - 7 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005072024983793664

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

NEWS: Joe Cole has been named a player/assistant coach for the Rowdies, effective immediately. His primary role will remain as a player, but he has taken on additional duties as an assistant coach.

Read more: http://bit.ly/2xTFuLT

9:00 AM - 8 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1005083275008749569

USL

‏Verified account @USL

“I’m very excited to start this chapter of my career with the Rowdies."

Joe Cole is now a player/assistant coach for the @TampaBayRowdies.

Details ↓

9:45 AM - 8 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/DrewSportsTV/status/1005102874253242369

Drew Fellios 👌🏻
‏
@DrewSportsTV

Competition and Community ... @TampaBayRowdies greeting some young visitors at training this morning. @USL

11:02 AM - 8 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005104668446425088

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

💪 Set and ready to face @NashvilleSC tomorrow night at Al Lang.

11:10 AM - 8 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/neillycollins3/status/1005113653182500869

Neill Collins

‏Verified account @neillycollins3

I am delighted to announce that Joe Cole will join our @TampaBayRowdies coaching staff as a player/coach. 🔰

11:45 AM - 8 Jun 2018 from St Petersburg, FL

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1005116609877307392

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Make sure to get to the stadium early this Saturday to get your Rowdies/@AshleyHomeStore  thunder sticks!

The first 1,000 fans in the gates go home with this great giveaway! Gates open at 6 P.M.

TIX: 727-222-2000 / http://bit.ly/TBRvsNSHJun9

Help Pete the Pelican cheer on the Rowdies with Thunder Sticks
Powered by SnappyTV

11:57 AM - 8 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/whnz/status/1005169856860295168

1250 WHNZ
‏
@whnz

SOCCER tomorrow night 7:30 @tampabayrowdies v @nashvillesc on 1250 AM radio @whnz plus iHeartRadio app on your phone + Amazon Echo http://ihe.art/lprhHNh

3:29 PM - 8 Jun 2018

‘Wish we could do a little bit more.’ Republic grapples with MLS on and off the pitch

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http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mls/article212596239.html

‘Wish we could do a little bit more.’ Republic grapples with MLS on and off the pitch

Sacramento lost its expansion bid to join Major League Soccer last week, but the nation’s top professional soccer league will still be headed to the state capital Wednesday.

Seattle Sounders FC, coming off of back-to-back MLS Cup appearances, will play Republic FC of the United Soccer League for a spot in the round of 16 in the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The fourth-round match comes after Sacramento missed out on an expansion franchise for the second time in about six months. The MLS awarded Cincinnati its 26th franchise on May 29 after tabbing Nashville on Dec. 20.

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https://www.wpxi.com/sports/moving-up-cincinnati-latest-team-added-in-mls-expansion/759042991

Moving up: Cincinnati latest team added in MLS expansion

CINCINNATI (AP) - No longer just a pro baseball or football city. Not just a hotbed for college hoops. Thousands of soccer fans held a pep rally to celebrate Cincinnati's surprising ascendance on the pitch.

It's now a soccer city, too.

Major League Soccer added Cincinnati in its latest round of expansion Tuesday, rewarding a city that set attendance records during three seasons of United Soccer League play and has a stadium deal in place.

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https://sports.yahoo.com/domestic-league-sending-players-world-cup-005336094.html

Which domestic league is sending the most players to the World Cup?

How many going from Mexico?

Marquez is one of 22 players from Mexico’s Liga MX. Major League Soccer, which features 20 teams in the United States and three in Canada, is sending 19 players. Both North American leagues have fewer World Cup-bound players than they did four years ago. In 2014, 26 Liga MX reps and 21 from MLS went to Brazil.

All 19 MLS players going to Russia play for national teams other than the U.S. and Canada, both of which failed to qualify. Only the top leagues in England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy are sending more players who don’t play for the national squads of those countries.

England’s second-tier Championship contributes 24 players, the most of any lower division.

The French, Mexican and Spanish second divisions sent one player each, as did the English and Spanish third tiers and the top leagues in Honduras, Guinea, Finland, Iceland, Nigeria, Norway, Romania, Slovakia and South Africa.

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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/6/5/17428504/temple-university-graduate-has-spearheaded-independent-coverage-of-the-us-open-cup

For 15 years, Temple University graduate has spearheaded independent coverage of the U.S. Open Cup

Josh Hakala helped launch the site now known as TheCup.us shortly before moving to Philadelphia to attend Temple University

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https://www.theringer.com/2018/6/5/17428184/2018-world-cup-us-soccer-inside-story-jurgen-klinsmann-sunil-gulati-bruce-arena

Own Goal: The Inside Story of How the USMNT Missed the 2018 World Cup

In October, the United States failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in more than 30 years. A loss to Trinidad and Tobago sealed their fate, but according to players, coaches, commentators, and executives across American soccer, the disaster doesn’t come down to just one unfortunate result. No, it was the culmination of nearly a decade of mismanagement that broke the team’s spirit and condemned them to failure.

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https://www.curbed.com/2018/6/5/17428974/tampa-real-estate-development-water-street

Tampa’s multibillion-dollar downtown development boom starts on the waterfront

Ground-up new neighborhood offers city a chance to “reinvent itself—and even rebrand itself”

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn remembers how underutilized, underappreciated, and unattractive the city’s waterfront was when he first arrived in 1987.

The blocks of offices and surface parking lots located downtown, near the confluence of the Hillsborough River and the bay, provided few reasons to come downtown beyond work.

“The city had turned its back on the water,” Buckhorn says. “At the time, the waterfront was filled with broken-down wharfs and was more industrial than pedestrian. There was no Riverwalk, and Harbour Island, a neighborhood now home to 10,000 people, was a phosphate-dumping pit filled with weeds and rats.”

Today, Tampa’s waterfront is a magnet for investment: The city’s downtown has become the locus of a wave of construction projects that will bring an estimated $13 billion on investment to the Tampa region through 2022, according to Dodge Data & Analytics.

Its centerpiece, the new Water Street Tampa, is a $3 billion, 16-block mega-development, which recently broke ground on a new JW Marriott hotel and the $164.7 million University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute, a new facility that backers hope will become the centerpiece of an emerging medical-tech cluster.

A project of Strategic Property Partners (which is a joint venture of Cascade Investment, owned by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and Jeffrey N. Vinik, the owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey franchise), Water Street is the largest and highest profile of a series of developments reshaping the city.

“This is bigger than just a bunch of buildings going up during a boom time,” says architect Robert M. MacLeod, professor at the University of South Florida School of Architecture & Community Design. “It’s a chance for Tampa to reinvent itself—and even rebrand itself—as a downtown that’s very walkable and pedestrian friendly.”

A thousand little things reshaping the city

The changes sweeping Tampa’s waterfront and urban core may seem relatively sudden. But today’s transformative developments were the result of decades of slow, methodical effort, what Buckhorn calls “a moment 20 years in the making.”

The 53-acre Water Street site, a former industrial zone situated in the Garrison Channel and Hillsborough Bay, had traditionally been plagued by many of the same planning and connectivity issues that held back other urban districts in the U.S.

Cut off by a large highway, the neighborhood was a jumble of surface parking, nondescript offices, and disconnected big-ticket projects, including a convention center, an aquarium and the Tampa Bay Lightning’s arena. It exemplified the ways Tampa had traditionally lagged behind when it come to urban development, and lacked a true sense of place downtown. Salon once called the city a “hot urban mess.”

When billionaire Jeffrey Vinik realized he could acquire 53 acres of land near his team’s arena and have a hand not only in developing a collection of properties, but also methodically creating a new neighborhood, he seized the opportunity. According to James Nozar, CEO of Strategic Property Partners, the construction team has spent the last two year redesigning and rebuilding the street grid, instituting road diets to create walkable and bikeable streets and sidewalks and landscaping waterfront paths along with nearly 13 acres of new parks.

It’s all part of an ambitious plan to make Water Street the first WELL-Certified district in the world, meaning it will meet a new, evolving standard that prioritizes design for health and well-being, and elements like daylighting, outdoor access, and air quality. A new development-wide cooling system will save energy and allow rooftops to trade AC units for green roofs and gardens.

According to Nozar, the grid redesign and green focus shows just how Vinik and others are building Water Street with a long-term vision. Eventually, when the development is complete in 2027, Water Street will contain one million square feet of cultural and retail space, 3,500 residential units, hotels, and innovation hubs.

But that’s far from the only project recently opened or under construction near downtown. According to a recent New York Times article, New York-based Bromley Company will develop a 1.8-million-square-foot mixed-use project called Midtown Tampa. BTI Partners, out of Fort Lauderdale, is building the $400 million Westshore Marina District, transforming a 52-acre formerly industrial parcel on the waterfront.

Coming on the heels of new creative reuse projects such as Tampa Armature Works, a former trolley car garage-turned-upscale food hall in the Tampa Heights neighborhood, and Ulele, a riverfront restaurant, as well as public space investments like the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, these development underscore how Tampa’s urban core is creating the amenities to accommodate thousands of new residents.

Nozar has compared all the activity in the once-overlooked urban core as filing in a hole in a doughnut. But it can also be seen as a zipper: The new downtown core, as well as the development heading north along the Hillsborough River, will ideally pull together the neighborhoods on the east and west of the waterway.

“Leadership needed to get behind the idea that you could transform this unproductive part of the city into a vibrant neighborhood,” says Diane Egner, publisher and editor of 83 Degrees, a local news site. “It’s more about 1,000 little things than one big thing. Vinik and Water Street is important, but it’s the little things that all add up into a huge investment into our downtown.”

By the time the first round of buildings at Water Street open in early 2021, coinciding with Tampa welcoming Super Bowl 55, Nozar, Vinik, and others believe Water Street will have completely redefined downtown.

Riverwalk and redevelopment

Each of these new projects capitalizes on the renewed focus on the city’s waterfront. Like many reviving downtowns focused on walkable urbanism and economic development, Tampa directed investment and energy into its riverfront, hoping to create a focal point for the city. Buckhorn, the latest in a line of mayors who have worked for decades to stitch together downtown Tampa, says the riverwalk had a “generational impact” on Tampa.

“If we were going to attract business capital, and the young people fleeing Tampa for other cities, we had to create a downtown that was exciting and focused on the waterfront,” Buckhorn says. “I spent the last seven years trying to build that, and the critical piece was the 2.4-mile Riverwalk. It was six mayors and 40 years in the making.”

The resurgent waterfront and downtown have come into their own just as Tampa was, in Buckhorn’s words, “changing its economic DNA.” Once more focused on the service economy and real estate, the Tampa region has rapidly developed a new urban economy, says Egner, and becoming increasingly attractive to young professionals and tech workers and creating a pent-up demand for housing downtown. According to the Tampa Downtown Partnership, downtown’s population had doubled to 8,100 people between 2008 and 2016.

Tampa has been a leading city for job growth in Florida over the last few years, and in the last few years, companies such as Amgen, Johnson and Johnson, and Bristol Meyers Squibb have relocated down here. Buckhorn sees the resurgent downtown attracting more such employers, and views the under-construction medical center as the locus of a growing medical tech hub that can become a “mecca for intellectual capital.”

“This medical tech cluster will drive the economy for decades to come,” he says. “That’s a lot bigger than getting a baseball team in Tampa.”

Growing pains and transit challenges

While the growth that has fueled Tampa’s current downtown development has helped reshape the landscape, it’s also in danger of exacerbating existing issues. The city needs to focus more on affordable housing, especially in the face of rising real estate prices, says Egner.

Transportation presents another big challenge for a downtown expected to add thousands of new residents and become an even bigger job center. The city’s public bus system isn’t nearly robust enough or well-funded enough to accommodate the expected population growth.

“We do not have the mobility options we need if we’re going to continue to grow at this pace,” says Buckhorn. “Florida is a very car-centric state, and we need to look at a more robust bus system, as well as rail and bus rapid transit.”

Tampa’s current wave of redevelopment offers potential for both redevelopment and reinvention. MacLeod sees promise and peril in how these forthcoming towers reshape not just the city’s plain skyline, but its public realm. Can these large developments be more than just signature architecture, and help shape the street? Can they bolster the emerging sense that downtown Tampa can have its own sense of place?

“I tell my current students that they’re lucky,” says MacLeod. “They will watch a city being designed and built before their eyes.’”

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http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/fc-edmonton-soccer-canadian-premier-league-1.4693263

Edmonton expected to join new Canadian soccer league

Canadian Premier League hints at the news in social media video

Edmonton's professional soccer team FC Edmonton, shown playing the Ottawa Fury in 2016, was formerly part of the North American Soccer League. (Steve Kingsman/Freestyle Photography)

A video released on social media Tuesday by the Canadian Premier League has kicked up the interest of Edmonton soccer fans.

The video suggests that an Edmonton team will be joining Canada's new professional soccer league, set to begin play next year.

Though no specifics about the team have been released, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) is inviting soccer fans to join them for a "special unveiling" Friday evening, in front of the Old Strathcona Farmers Market.

"We're planting the seeds for the future of professional soccer in Canada," reads the invite from the CPL.

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http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/professional/united/atl-utd-notes-goalkeeper-paul-wall-christensen-shows-consistency-with/article_3215468c-68ed-11e8-8f59-fb366de69450.html

ATL UTD 2 NOTES: Goalkeeper Paul "Wall" Christensen shows consistency with Atlanta United 2

Perhaps Atlanta United 2 has found a stable answer to its goalkeeping difficulties.

Coming off its first clean sheet in the road match against Tampa Bay Rowdies, goalie Paul Christensen reflected on what can be considered fairly a strange game.

Atlanta United 2 appeared to be doomed, down one man for the remainder of the first half and entire second half after left back Will Crain took his second yellow card and was sent off. Roughly three minutes later, the Rowdies’ Marcel Schafer was sent off with a straight red card after a kick to the back of the leg to Oliver Shannon was deemed violent conduct

Whatever the source, it’s a sight for sore eyes after a 4-0 defeat at North Carolina FC. Atlanta United 2's 25 goals conceded are tied for third most in the USL. Saturday's match was also the first time since 2016 the Rowdies had been shut out at home by a USL club.

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5808987/David-Beckham-backs-exciting-led-bid-2026-World-Cup-Moscow-vote-edges-closer.html

David Beckham backs 'very exciting' US-led bid for 2026 World Cup as Moscow vote edges closer

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https://en.as.com/en/2018/06/06/football/1528289833_912706.html

David Beckham: ''Mexico, USA and Canada deserve World Cup''

The owner of the new MLS side in Miami spoke passionately about the 2026 Fifa tournament and the growing football interest in that region of the world.

David Beckham speaks with authority about the beautiful game and says that if the joint bid to host the 2026 World Cup by Mexico, Canada and the United States of America would be "very special".

Beckham knows the passion

In an interview with AP, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, PSG, AC Milan and LA Galaxy midfielder spoke highly of the three countries hoping to be granted Fifa's showpiece tournament.

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http://thecomeback.com/soccer/fc-cincinnati-fans-will-make-the-trip-to-columbus-crew-game-to-support-savethecrew.html

FC Cincinnati fans will make the trip to Columbus Crew game to support #SavetheCrew

Hopeful rival fanbases unite?

Imagine a scenario where Ohio State fans would make the trip up north to Ann Arbor, Michigan to show support for the Wolverines. Or Bears and Packers fans uniting for a common purpose. Red Sox and Yankees fans standing side by side cheering the same team in the same stadium? It would take a once-in-a-lifetime circumstance to see those fanbases who are intense rivals lay aside their differences and come together.

But that’s exactly what we’ll see on Saturday June 9th when FC Cincinnati fans will make the 100 mile drive up I-71 to Mapfre Stadium to show their support for the #SavetheCrew movement and keeping the Columbus Crew in Columbus.

FCC fans have a lot to celebrate with officially being named as a new MLS franchise after being a great success playing in the USL. In case you’re wondering what the #KeepHellReal hashtag means, it pays homage to the “Hell is Real” name given to the Cincinnati-Columbus rivalry. Hell is Real owes its name to the apocalyptic apocalyptic sign along I-71 that connects the two cities and vaults it into the top five derby names in world soccer.

This is a remarkable gesture from FC Cincinnati fans to show solidarity to MLS among Ohio soccer fans. The Buckeye state is not going to settle for having one team ripped away in Columbus to be “replaced” by FC Cincinnati. If Don Garber thinks that Crew fans will suddenly become FC Cincinnati fans overnight, he is badly, badly mistaken. Of course, Garber and all of MLS has been badly mistaken throughout the entire Crew relocation debacle. Sadly, that hasn’t stopped MLS from empowering monorail salesman Anthony Precourt from bumbling his way forward through this monumental, self-inflicted PR disaster.

While outside observers might see FCC as a death knell for the Columbus Crew, it actually should be the opposite. A Crew-FCC rivalry would immediately become one of the best in MLS alongside Portland-Seattle and lift both fanbases. As such a relatively young league with so much rapid expansion, it’s hard for MLS to actually create organic rivalries that mean something. Oftentimes, MLS’s attempt to manufacture rivalries out of nothing can feel contrived. There isn’t a pre-existing Columbus-Cincinnati rivalry in professional sports, but it would certainly come naturally. (Just ask Cincinnati sports fans their thoughts on Ohio State and you’ll see why.)

What makes this support from FC Cincinnati all the more meaningful is that it’s the only home game the Crew will have on national television this year. That is astounding considering the #SavetheCrew story is the biggest story in MLS this year and the team made the conference final last year. It’s almost like MLS wants to suppress fans in Columbus! This show of support from FCC fans for what could be their biggest rival should be one of the biggest feel-good stories in sports right now. At least for anyone outside of Precourt Sports Ventures or the MLS offices.

MLS and Anthony Precourt have done everything they can to demoralize Crew fans in attempting to rip one of the league’s own founding franchises out of its city. Precourt is letting Mapfre Stadium fall apart while spending $2 million trying to astroturf in Austin. Don Garber continues to offer little more than empty words while his league funds lobbyists in Austin and MLS/PSV lawyers bash Columbus in legal briefs.

At a time when Crew fans must feel like it’s Columbus Against the World, it’s reassuring to know that even their biggest rival fanbase is willing to stand alongside them in the fight to Save the Crew.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.columbusalive.com/entertainment/20180606/last-season-where-and-when-will-other-boot-drop

The Last Season?: Where and when will the other boot drop?

Feelings of inevitability starting to build in special season

The game highlights, in other words, were many, and given the way the week started, they were also majorly needed by the Crew faithful.

In the last week, You Know Who released his latest stadium renderings for his proposed venue in You Know Where.

Officials in You Know Where likewise released a study of the site that said it’d be suitable for a soccer stadium.

And MLS also granted an expansion team to FC Cincinnati. (Commissioner Don Garber was non-committal about what that addition meant for Crew SC.)

Another boot, it would appear, is about to drop. And if I were a betting man, I’d wager it’ll fall, when it does eventually fall, on You Know Who.

Do I have anything other than an educated guess to support this? Not at all.

But I can smell You Know Who’s fear. And like any good wolf pack, our comrades in Save the Crew are circling.

Can you sense it, too?

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2018-06-07/detail-ifyuyvzv3224898.shtml

Beckham tries ancient football in China (1/2)

Former professional football star David Beckham plays cuju, known as the origin of modern football, at the Bengbu Ancient Buildings Expo Park ahead of the 2018 G-EXPO Global Top Summit in Bengbu City, East China’s Anhui Province, June 6, 2018. (Photo: China News Service/Zhong Xin)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2018-06-07/detail-ifyuyvzv3224898.shtml#

Beckham tries ancient football in China (2/2)

Former professional football star David Beckham plays cuju, known as the origin of modern football, at the Bengbu Ancient Buildings Expo Park ahead of the 2018 G-EXPO Global Top Summit in Bengbu City, East China’s Anhui Province, June 6, 2018. (Photo: China News Service/Zhong Xin)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/sports/pro-soccer-lands-in-new-mexico/article_8cc1950c-43d9-5be5-9840-c76da418ef46.html

Pro soccer lands in New Mexico

Peter Trevisani can see it now.

Under the glow of stadium lights, a black and white ball falls to the ground, a whistle blows, and a pack of muscular legs and fast-paced feet rush across a grassy field.

A breeze pulses through the bleachers, where crowds with face paint and handmade posters cheer. Young and old, wealthy and poor, women and men, families and couples, soccer enthusiasts and sport illiterates — a group of strangers are joined together as friends to share a passion, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.

This is the dream of New Mexico’s United Soccer League team — and Trevisani, the leader of its ownership group and a Santa Fe resident.

Chief Operating Officer Justin Papadakis awarded the newest USL franchise to New Mexico on Wednesday night, giving the state a pro soccer team that will begin its inaugural season in March 2019.

During the announcement at Albuquerque’s Fusion Theatre, Trevisani — who also is the team’s president — joked that the news is “New Mexico’s worst-kept secret,” since he said so many people knew about it already.

Founded in 2011, the United Soccer League is just one step below the Major Soccer League and currently has 33 teams, spanning from Las Vegas, Nev., to New York. Until 2017, the league was considered third-tier, but in the U.S. Soccer Federation named the league Division II.

Although the Albuquerque franchise doesn’t yet have a coach or even a nickname, Trevisani introduced the team’s first player, bringing Devon Sandoval — a former Albuquerque Eldorado and University of New Mexico star — to the stage.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1004371171750469632

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Check out what our amazing medical staff provided by @BayCare's St. Anthony's Hospital brings to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. We're happy to have them as our official medical providers.

St. Anthony's Hospital - The Rowdies Official Medical Provider

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7:35 AM - 6 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/WFLADan/status/1004404811658391552

Dan Lucas

‏Verified account @WFLADan

Great chat today with @TampaBayRowdies Joe Cole, a 3-time World Cup player for England. He previews #WorldCup2018 with us this week on @WFLA Super Sports Sunday!

9:49 AM - 6 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1004419439649943553

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

We caught up with Rowdies head coach @neillycollins3 after training. Hear what he had to say about the club's recent performances since he took over.

Neill Collins on the team's recent performance

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10:47 AM - 6 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1004448624615534592

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

This afternoon, Neill Collins and his coaching staff hosted a training session with some of the best young local talent in the area, including several players from @tbusoccer.

12:43 PM - 6 Jun 2018