MLS in Toronto in 2007?
Publié : 17 mars 2005 16:13
MLS chief pleased with league's status
By Larry Morgan , Staff Writer
Major League Soccer is heading for another round of expansion in two years, interest by the Hispanic community has been tapped locally with the arrival of expansion Chivas USA and soccer-specific facilities are being built around the country.
Commissioner Don Garber has plenty to be pleased with, but he also admitted there is plenty of work to be done with the league, which is entering its 10th season.
"Over the last nine years, we've accomplished more than most people thought we would,' he said on Thursday at Home Depot Center, the latest stop in his league-wide meetings with players and officials. "The overall credibility and respect toward soccer in America has improved ... that's one thing we're the most proud of.
"But I'm not satisfied, even remotely close to that. We have a long way to go to push through some of the skeptics that still exist in the media and the general marketplace. We're committed to growing the sport and doing whatever it takes to make the United States a soccer nation.'
Attendance is up, television ratings have increased and the league recently entered into a 10-year, $150 million sponsorship agreement with Adidas. But one of the most significant steps taken toward improving MLS' marketability, particularly locally, is Chivas USA, which will be based along with the Galaxy at Home Depot Center.
Garber said it took him a year before he was convinced two professional soccer franchises could work in Southern California.
"Los Angeles is America's soccer city,' he said. "We're finally seeing the fruits of our efforts here over the last nine years with two clubs. We believe the Galaxy is strong enough, the fan base is committed enough, and team administrators are strong enough to manage through the ultimate indication of strength competition.
"That will keep everyone honest here. Teams will have to work harder to create a cauldron of soccer excitement in the Home Depot Center almost every weekend.
"We have a mini soccer nation here in Southern California,' Garber went on, "and we have to find that in other MLS markets.'
Garber said he has high hopes for Chivas, one of two expansion teams (Real Salt Lake is the other). If those clubs are successful, that could bode well for other potential franchises. One of them could be Club America, arguably Chivas' biggest rival in the Mexican first division. It also could be Toronto, which is believed to be the front-runner for 2007 expansion plans. Other cities in the mix include Houston, San Antonio, Seattle and Cleveland.
Garber also said Major League Soccer could go international in the future. He even envisions combining forces with the Mexican first division, but he quickly admitted, "That's not happening tomorrow.'
"I would argue that a merge between Major League Soccer and the Mexican first division would be one of the most powerful and popular sports in North America, bar none,' he said. "Imagine what those games would look like on Univision. A game against the Galaxy here, and an away game in Estadio Azteca.
"But you have to walk before you run.'
Defender Danny Califf is making steady progress from right knee surgery a little more than three weeks ago and is cautiously optimistic he'll be available for the Galaxy's regular-season opener in Columbus on April 2.
Califf made his first appearance on the practice field on Monday and is hoping to get in more serious work starting today.
"It's coming along,' he said. "I'm trying to take it slowly, but I'm definitely encouraged by the progress.'
Califf revealed he not only had torn cartilage removed in his knee, but some repairs also were made to the medial collateral ligament.
He said the frustration of being on the sideline has been worse than he ever could have imagined.
"Being healthy the entire offseason, looking forward to coming in and playing and having this happen makes you contemplate your future,' he said. "It's definitely the toughest thing I've had to go through. It's been a challenge.' Larry Morgan can be reached at (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2272 or by e-mail at larry.morgan@sgvn.com .
By Larry Morgan , Staff Writer
Major League Soccer is heading for another round of expansion in two years, interest by the Hispanic community has been tapped locally with the arrival of expansion Chivas USA and soccer-specific facilities are being built around the country.
Commissioner Don Garber has plenty to be pleased with, but he also admitted there is plenty of work to be done with the league, which is entering its 10th season.
"Over the last nine years, we've accomplished more than most people thought we would,' he said on Thursday at Home Depot Center, the latest stop in his league-wide meetings with players and officials. "The overall credibility and respect toward soccer in America has improved ... that's one thing we're the most proud of.
"But I'm not satisfied, even remotely close to that. We have a long way to go to push through some of the skeptics that still exist in the media and the general marketplace. We're committed to growing the sport and doing whatever it takes to make the United States a soccer nation.'
Attendance is up, television ratings have increased and the league recently entered into a 10-year, $150 million sponsorship agreement with Adidas. But one of the most significant steps taken toward improving MLS' marketability, particularly locally, is Chivas USA, which will be based along with the Galaxy at Home Depot Center.
Garber said it took him a year before he was convinced two professional soccer franchises could work in Southern California.
"Los Angeles is America's soccer city,' he said. "We're finally seeing the fruits of our efforts here over the last nine years with two clubs. We believe the Galaxy is strong enough, the fan base is committed enough, and team administrators are strong enough to manage through the ultimate indication of strength competition.
"That will keep everyone honest here. Teams will have to work harder to create a cauldron of soccer excitement in the Home Depot Center almost every weekend.
"We have a mini soccer nation here in Southern California,' Garber went on, "and we have to find that in other MLS markets.'
Garber said he has high hopes for Chivas, one of two expansion teams (Real Salt Lake is the other). If those clubs are successful, that could bode well for other potential franchises. One of them could be Club America, arguably Chivas' biggest rival in the Mexican first division. It also could be Toronto, which is believed to be the front-runner for 2007 expansion plans. Other cities in the mix include Houston, San Antonio, Seattle and Cleveland.
Garber also said Major League Soccer could go international in the future. He even envisions combining forces with the Mexican first division, but he quickly admitted, "That's not happening tomorrow.'
"I would argue that a merge between Major League Soccer and the Mexican first division would be one of the most powerful and popular sports in North America, bar none,' he said. "Imagine what those games would look like on Univision. A game against the Galaxy here, and an away game in Estadio Azteca.
"But you have to walk before you run.'
Defender Danny Califf is making steady progress from right knee surgery a little more than three weeks ago and is cautiously optimistic he'll be available for the Galaxy's regular-season opener in Columbus on April 2.
Califf made his first appearance on the practice field on Monday and is hoping to get in more serious work starting today.
"It's coming along,' he said. "I'm trying to take it slowly, but I'm definitely encouraged by the progress.'
Califf revealed he not only had torn cartilage removed in his knee, but some repairs also were made to the medial collateral ligament.
He said the frustration of being on the sideline has been worse than he ever could have imagined.
"Being healthy the entire offseason, looking forward to coming in and playing and having this happen makes you contemplate your future,' he said. "It's definitely the toughest thing I've had to go through. It's been a challenge.' Larry Morgan can be reached at (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2272 or by e-mail at larry.morgan@sgvn.com .
