Blixtein
Active Member
Yup.
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Official Toronto FC Thread
- Thread starter Jarrek
- Start date
Yup.
Jarrek
Active Member
Where do you sit?
wyliepoon
Senior Member
Star
Link to article
Toronto to host '08 MLS all-star game
Jul 19, 2007 04:30 AM
Matthew Chung
Sports Reporter
The home of Toronto FC and main stage for the Under-20 World Cup is adding a Major League Soccer all-star game to its credentials.
Yesterday, the MLS announced that BMO Field will host the 2008 all-star game.
"I think everyone around the league has kind of taken notice of our launch, the exuberance of the fans," said Tom Anselmi, chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Everybody has been talking about how authentic it is.
"The city of Toronto is really good at hosting events," he added. "We're going to want to do it big."
The MLS made the announcement ahead of tonight's 2007 all-star game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Colorado. Toronto FC defender Ronnie O'Brien has been named to the MLS side's starting lineup by coach Steve Nichol. The MLS faces Scotland's Premier League champion Celtic.
Next year's opponent will be named later.
"Clearly, BMO Field will provide a vibrant and enthusiastic setting for the 2008 ... MLS all-star game," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement.
*****
Link to article
Beckham may miss MLS games: Galaxy GM
Jul 19, 2007 05:10 PM
CARSON, Calif. (AP) – Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has advised the team's fans that David Beckham may miss some Major League Soccer games because of his obligation to England's national team, including an October match against Toronto FC.
In a letter to fans posted this week on the team's website, Lalas listed specific dates that Beckham could be called away. They are Aug. 22 for an exhibition game against Germany, and Sept. 8-12, Oct. 13-17 and Nov. 17-21 for European Championship qualifiers.
That could mean Beckham misses Galaxy games on Aug. 23 against Chivas USA; Sept. 8 against Colorado; and Oct. 13 against Toronto in Los Angeles. The MLS Cup is Nov. 18 at Washington.
FIFA, soccer's governing body, mandates that clubs release players to national teams during these times, which are set aside years in advance under the sport's international calendar. Lalas said the Galaxy would not be informed of Beckham's call-up until a few weeks before each game.
"We know L.A. Galaxy fans are eager to see David Beckham play, and we're working to ensure that he is available for as many games as possible," Lalas wrote. "As MLS continues to attract more international talent, we must also accept that these players will represent their respective countries.
"International duty is a unique element of professional soccer and emphasizes that we are part of a global game."
Beckham is scheduled to make his Galaxy debut in an exhibition Saturday night against Chelsea. But it could be delayed by a nagging left ankle injury.
He's scheduled to play in Toronto on Aug. 5.
Beckham originally hurt his ankle playing for England in a European Championship qualifier on June 6 and it flared up again June 17 in his final game with Real Madrid.
Beckham has regained his place on England's team with his improved play during the country's bid to gain a berth in the 2008 European championships.
Link to article
Toronto to host '08 MLS all-star game
Jul 19, 2007 04:30 AM
Matthew Chung
Sports Reporter
The home of Toronto FC and main stage for the Under-20 World Cup is adding a Major League Soccer all-star game to its credentials.
Yesterday, the MLS announced that BMO Field will host the 2008 all-star game.
"I think everyone around the league has kind of taken notice of our launch, the exuberance of the fans," said Tom Anselmi, chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Everybody has been talking about how authentic it is.
"The city of Toronto is really good at hosting events," he added. "We're going to want to do it big."
The MLS made the announcement ahead of tonight's 2007 all-star game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Colorado. Toronto FC defender Ronnie O'Brien has been named to the MLS side's starting lineup by coach Steve Nichol. The MLS faces Scotland's Premier League champion Celtic.
Next year's opponent will be named later.
"Clearly, BMO Field will provide a vibrant and enthusiastic setting for the 2008 ... MLS all-star game," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement.
*****
Link to article
Beckham may miss MLS games: Galaxy GM
Jul 19, 2007 05:10 PM
CARSON, Calif. (AP) – Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has advised the team's fans that David Beckham may miss some Major League Soccer games because of his obligation to England's national team, including an October match against Toronto FC.
In a letter to fans posted this week on the team's website, Lalas listed specific dates that Beckham could be called away. They are Aug. 22 for an exhibition game against Germany, and Sept. 8-12, Oct. 13-17 and Nov. 17-21 for European Championship qualifiers.
That could mean Beckham misses Galaxy games on Aug. 23 against Chivas USA; Sept. 8 against Colorado; and Oct. 13 against Toronto in Los Angeles. The MLS Cup is Nov. 18 at Washington.
FIFA, soccer's governing body, mandates that clubs release players to national teams during these times, which are set aside years in advance under the sport's international calendar. Lalas said the Galaxy would not be informed of Beckham's call-up until a few weeks before each game.
"We know L.A. Galaxy fans are eager to see David Beckham play, and we're working to ensure that he is available for as many games as possible," Lalas wrote. "As MLS continues to attract more international talent, we must also accept that these players will represent their respective countries.
"International duty is a unique element of professional soccer and emphasizes that we are part of a global game."
Beckham is scheduled to make his Galaxy debut in an exhibition Saturday night against Chelsea. But it could be delayed by a nagging left ankle injury.
He's scheduled to play in Toronto on Aug. 5.
Beckham originally hurt his ankle playing for England in a European Championship qualifier on June 6 and it flared up again June 17 in his final game with Real Madrid.
Beckham has regained his place on England's team with his improved play during the country's bid to gain a berth in the 2008 European championships.
adma
Superstar
Posh is going to make a point of not looking at the FOOD sign, I'll betcha
wyliepoon
Senior Member
Star
Link to article
No Becks, no refund, says Toronto FC
Galaxy visit Sunday just `another regular-season game,' club maintains
Aug 01, 2007 04:30 AM
Matthew Chung
Sports Reporter
Toronto FC fans might think David Beckham's regular-season debut Sunday is a special game, but there will be no special treatment for ticket holders if Beckham stays on the bench.
Following the adage that the best defence is a good offence, team officials were reminding fans yesterday that whether Beckham plays or not is out of their control.
"Consistent with all sporting events, we are not in a position to guarantee that any player will appear in a match," the organization said in a statement. "Those decisions are determined by the coaching staff ... at match time.
"As with any other player under contract with either club participating in the game, should Mr. Beckham be unable to play in the game no refunds will be issued."
The statement came after FC Dallas offered disappointed fans at last night's Dallas/L.A. SuperLiga match – Beckham didn't even travel to Texas as he nurses his injured ankle – first shot at tickets the next time the Galaxy are in town.
Toronto FC points out they already had sold 8,000 season tickets prior to Beckham's signing.
But back in January they were also happy to announce they had sold 2,600 more season tickets within two days of Beckham's signing.
"For us, it's another regular-season game. We are sold out throughout the season," said Toronto FC marketing director Cesar Velasco.
Prior to the Dallas game last night, there had been 15 sellouts for MLS thus far this season, eight of which were in Toronto.
And of the 11 remaining road games for Beckham and the Galaxy, eight have sold out or nearly so, according to the MLS. Those games are against Toronto, Washington, New England, Colorado, Houston, Chicago, Columbus and Chivas USA.
Beckham will fly to Toronto with his teammates Friday but his status for the game remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, an ailing Toronto FC hope to have another starting goalkeeper practising with the team by tomorrow.
Whether that will be 22-year-old Canadian Josh Wagenaar, Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston wasn't saying.
Wagenaar, of Grimsby, plays his football with Division One Dutch League team ADO den Haag.
"We're looking at adding an experienced goalkeeper here in the next 48 hours," was all Johnston offered.
Four different goalkeepers have started for Toronto this year – Greg Sutton (concussion), rent-a-goalie Sam Reynolds (leg), backup Srdjan Djekanovic and, most recently, David Monsalves.
Injuries to a number of other key players, including forward and fan favourite Danny Dichio, means Johnston will be fielding a bare-bones squad Sunday.
"It feels better, but it's upsetting we have a big game coming up this weekend," said Dichio, expected to be out at least a month with a strained hip flexor. "With all the injuries we've got it's not a good time to get injured, but hopefully I'll be back sooner than expected."
Link to article
No Becks, no refund, says Toronto FC
Galaxy visit Sunday just `another regular-season game,' club maintains
Aug 01, 2007 04:30 AM
Matthew Chung
Sports Reporter
Toronto FC fans might think David Beckham's regular-season debut Sunday is a special game, but there will be no special treatment for ticket holders if Beckham stays on the bench.
Following the adage that the best defence is a good offence, team officials were reminding fans yesterday that whether Beckham plays or not is out of their control.
"Consistent with all sporting events, we are not in a position to guarantee that any player will appear in a match," the organization said in a statement. "Those decisions are determined by the coaching staff ... at match time.
"As with any other player under contract with either club participating in the game, should Mr. Beckham be unable to play in the game no refunds will be issued."
The statement came after FC Dallas offered disappointed fans at last night's Dallas/L.A. SuperLiga match – Beckham didn't even travel to Texas as he nurses his injured ankle – first shot at tickets the next time the Galaxy are in town.
Toronto FC points out they already had sold 8,000 season tickets prior to Beckham's signing.
But back in January they were also happy to announce they had sold 2,600 more season tickets within two days of Beckham's signing.
"For us, it's another regular-season game. We are sold out throughout the season," said Toronto FC marketing director Cesar Velasco.
Prior to the Dallas game last night, there had been 15 sellouts for MLS thus far this season, eight of which were in Toronto.
And of the 11 remaining road games for Beckham and the Galaxy, eight have sold out or nearly so, according to the MLS. Those games are against Toronto, Washington, New England, Colorado, Houston, Chicago, Columbus and Chivas USA.
Beckham will fly to Toronto with his teammates Friday but his status for the game remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, an ailing Toronto FC hope to have another starting goalkeeper practising with the team by tomorrow.
Whether that will be 22-year-old Canadian Josh Wagenaar, Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston wasn't saying.
Wagenaar, of Grimsby, plays his football with Division One Dutch League team ADO den Haag.
"We're looking at adding an experienced goalkeeper here in the next 48 hours," was all Johnston offered.
Four different goalkeepers have started for Toronto this year – Greg Sutton (concussion), rent-a-goalie Sam Reynolds (leg), backup Srdjan Djekanovic and, most recently, David Monsalves.
Injuries to a number of other key players, including forward and fan favourite Danny Dichio, means Johnston will be fielding a bare-bones squad Sunday.
"It feels better, but it's upsetting we have a big game coming up this weekend," said Dichio, expected to be out at least a month with a strained hip flexor. "With all the injuries we've got it's not a good time to get injured, but hopefully I'll be back sooner than expected."
adma
Superstar
Come to think of it, the promoters of the Simpsons movie could have taken advantage of the sign's newfound visibility by adding a temporary statue next to it
wyliepoon
Senior Member
Yahoo! Sports praises TFC...
Link to article
How to make MLS major league
By Martin Rogers, Yahoo! Sports
August 7, 2007
Martin Rogers
Yahoo! Sports
TORONTO – David Beckham could have been forgiven for thinking he was back in the United Kingdom on Sunday night.
Sure, it was hot and humid and everyone spoke differently, but the newest franchise in Major League Soccer – Toronto FC – could have been lifted straight from England.
There were raucous and knowledgeable supporters and there wasn't a spare seat in the stands – all thanks to an inspired marketing strategy that does not try to dumb down its product but celebrates its uniqueness compared to more traditional North American sports.
Just like a game in the English Premiership or Championship, there was constant chanting and singing, some of it hostile towards the Los Angeles Galaxy but all of it imaginative, entertaining and passionate nonetheless.
Since joining MLS as its lone Canadian team, Toronto FC has done everything right and now stands as a blueprint for future expansionist ventures, starting with San Jose in 2008.
If every team in the league adopts a similar approach to that taken by owners Maple Leaf Sports, then American soccer could move forward quicker than anyone imagines. In the city of Toronto, soccer is trendy. The BMO Field is a fashionable place to see and be seen, whether a global heartthrob is in town or not.
Local sports lawyer Gord Kirke believes that in Canada, soccer now has "sex appeal."
"The demographic has changed," Kirke said. "There are a lot more women at games and you have people who both like the sport and like the atmosphere and the trendiness that comes with it."
Every Toronto FC game is selling out well ahead of time and there is already a hardcore posse of the loudest and most fervent fans who congregate under the banner of "The Red Patch Boys."
"Toronto FC has done everything perfectly so far," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "Their example is what other new teams will look to now."
Hopefully now, the league itself will spread the message. No one is suggesting that the English Premier League is a flawless product, but it has had years to iron out the major faults and has many lessons to offer. Despite complaints that it is top-heavy and overly predictable, the Premiership is watched in virtually every soccer-viewing country on the planet.
The MLS does not need to Americanize the most popular sport in the world. It should do away with the contrived conference system and change to an all-in league with 14 teams for next year.
There have been mutterings that the U.S. public may not "get" a league that is not hacked up into various conferences, divisions and pools. Come on, how hard it is to understand the concept of every team in the league playing each other once at home and once on the road?
The powers that be at the MLS are doing many things right and are riding the crest of a wave with the Beckham show having pitched up in Tinseltown.
The publicity value of having Becks chat with the New York Yankees, like he did at the SkyDome on Monday with pictures of the meeting beamed around the globe, is immeasurable.
On the soccer side, the ludicrous shootouts to decide drawn games a few years ago have thankfully been ditched, but MLS still has some challenges ahead. A playoff system that sees eight out of 13 teams qualify for the postseason may keep interest alive for some clubs later in the season, but that number should really be trimmed down.
Remember, in virtually every other soccer league in the world, there is no playoff system at all but a simple process that sees the side at the top of the standings crowned as champion. The MLS playoffs are exciting and have merit, but they would benefit from being whittled down to four or maybe six teams.
The MLS does not need to model itself on the sports it is trying to gain a foothold alongside. Baseball, basketball and football have all had their share of scandals, so to be different just now is not to be inferior. It is to be fresh, innovative and affordable.
Paving the way for the deal to secure David Beckham took courage, foresight and conviction. Now the MLS must be brave enough to block out the barbs aimed by doom-mongering traditionalists and continue to carve its own path towards parity.
Martin Rogers is a soccer writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Martin a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
Link to article
How to make MLS major league
By Martin Rogers, Yahoo! Sports
August 7, 2007
Martin Rogers
Yahoo! Sports
TORONTO – David Beckham could have been forgiven for thinking he was back in the United Kingdom on Sunday night.
Sure, it was hot and humid and everyone spoke differently, but the newest franchise in Major League Soccer – Toronto FC – could have been lifted straight from England.
There were raucous and knowledgeable supporters and there wasn't a spare seat in the stands – all thanks to an inspired marketing strategy that does not try to dumb down its product but celebrates its uniqueness compared to more traditional North American sports.
Just like a game in the English Premiership or Championship, there was constant chanting and singing, some of it hostile towards the Los Angeles Galaxy but all of it imaginative, entertaining and passionate nonetheless.
Since joining MLS as its lone Canadian team, Toronto FC has done everything right and now stands as a blueprint for future expansionist ventures, starting with San Jose in 2008.
If every team in the league adopts a similar approach to that taken by owners Maple Leaf Sports, then American soccer could move forward quicker than anyone imagines. In the city of Toronto, soccer is trendy. The BMO Field is a fashionable place to see and be seen, whether a global heartthrob is in town or not.
Local sports lawyer Gord Kirke believes that in Canada, soccer now has "sex appeal."
"The demographic has changed," Kirke said. "There are a lot more women at games and you have people who both like the sport and like the atmosphere and the trendiness that comes with it."
Every Toronto FC game is selling out well ahead of time and there is already a hardcore posse of the loudest and most fervent fans who congregate under the banner of "The Red Patch Boys."
"Toronto FC has done everything perfectly so far," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "Their example is what other new teams will look to now."
Hopefully now, the league itself will spread the message. No one is suggesting that the English Premier League is a flawless product, but it has had years to iron out the major faults and has many lessons to offer. Despite complaints that it is top-heavy and overly predictable, the Premiership is watched in virtually every soccer-viewing country on the planet.
The MLS does not need to Americanize the most popular sport in the world. It should do away with the contrived conference system and change to an all-in league with 14 teams for next year.
There have been mutterings that the U.S. public may not "get" a league that is not hacked up into various conferences, divisions and pools. Come on, how hard it is to understand the concept of every team in the league playing each other once at home and once on the road?
The powers that be at the MLS are doing many things right and are riding the crest of a wave with the Beckham show having pitched up in Tinseltown.
The publicity value of having Becks chat with the New York Yankees, like he did at the SkyDome on Monday with pictures of the meeting beamed around the globe, is immeasurable.
On the soccer side, the ludicrous shootouts to decide drawn games a few years ago have thankfully been ditched, but MLS still has some challenges ahead. A playoff system that sees eight out of 13 teams qualify for the postseason may keep interest alive for some clubs later in the season, but that number should really be trimmed down.
Remember, in virtually every other soccer league in the world, there is no playoff system at all but a simple process that sees the side at the top of the standings crowned as champion. The MLS playoffs are exciting and have merit, but they would benefit from being whittled down to four or maybe six teams.
The MLS does not need to model itself on the sports it is trying to gain a foothold alongside. Baseball, basketball and football have all had their share of scandals, so to be different just now is not to be inferior. It is to be fresh, innovative and affordable.
Paving the way for the deal to secure David Beckham took courage, foresight and conviction. Now the MLS must be brave enough to block out the barbs aimed by doom-mongering traditionalists and continue to carve its own path towards parity.
Martin Rogers is a soccer writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Martin a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
ElChico
New Member
wyliepoon
Senior Member
^ The irony is that since I use Rogers Yahoo! internet, I was actually accessing "Rogers Yahoo! Sports" when reading that article.
dowlingm
Senior Member
Amen.
Jarrek
Active Member
Toronto won last night 2-1 ... Wonderful atmosphere at the stadium yet again, and it was Sold Out!
Ticket renewals for next year are running at an astonishing 94% !!!
Rumour has it that they'll be expanding the season ticket base from 14,000 to 15,000 ...
Ticket renewals for next year are running at an astonishing 94% !!!
Rumour has it that they'll be expanding the season ticket base from 14,000 to 15,000 ...
Jarrek
Active Member
Well, there's barely any season tickets remaining, and that's after the team added an additional 1000 seats into the season seat pool.
If this keeps up, BMO Field is looking at an expansion in 3-4 years.
If this keeps up, BMO Field is looking at an expansion in 3-4 years.
Blixtein
Active Member
Danny Dichio is God.
Jarrek
Active Member
Wow, that was amazing.
More amazing was the craziness that followed and the pitch invasion after the game ended.
More amazing was the craziness that followed and the pitch invasion after the game ended.
billonlogan
Active Member
MLS expansion news...
By Larry Stone
Seattle Times staff reporter
Jimmy Gabriel, one of the pioneers of pro soccer in Seattle, was elated by Friday's news that Major League Soccer is coming to Seattle in 2009.
"The city of Seattle will be buzzing," said Gabriel, the Seattle Sounders' first captain when they played here in the 1970s.
That's the hope of the 12-year-old MLS, which confirmed Friday that Seattle has been awarded an expansion franchise that will begin play in two years at Qwest Field.
"There is no doubt in our mind the market exists for a successful MLS team in Seattle," said Dan Courtemanche, league senior vice president.
And it's also the hope of the new ownership group, which according to sources now includes comedian Drew Carey, an admitted soccer fanatic. The remainder of the ownership group will comprise Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer, Hollywood executive Joe Roth and Seahawks owner Paul Allen.
The official announcement of Seattle's new team will come Tuesday in a news conference to be attended by Don Garber, the MLS commissioner. He oversees the top professional soccer league in the U.S. and Canada, which currently has teams in 13 cities. It will expand to 16 teams, with San Jose in 2008 and potentially Philadelphia or St. Louis joining Seattle as the newbies in 2009.
The San Jose franchise paid an expansion fee of $20 million to join the league next season. That's twice the $10 million paid by the Toronto franchise that joined MLS in 2007 and played to capacity crowds this season.
The Seattle franchise, according to sources, will pay a $30 million expansion fee. The trebling of expansion fees from Toronto to Seattle is seen as a sign that the once-struggling league will reach its goal of profitability by 2010. Certainly, the signing of English superstar David Beckham by the Los Angeles Galaxy this past season gave the MLS a huge boost.
It now has television agreements with four networks — Disney (which includes ESPN and ABC), Fox (through the Fox soccer channel), Univision, and HD Net. The MLS championship game, to be played Nov. 18, will be telecast on ABC.
Boosted by the presence of Beckham, attendance in the league increased by 10 percent this season. With Paul Allen aboard, MLS now has at least four billionaires among its owners — Allen, Philip Anschutz, Stan Kroenke and Robert Kraft — and recently forged a major sponsorship deal with Adidas.
"We believe 2007 was the best season ever for professional soccer in this country," Courtemanche said.
The new Seattle franchise will play on FieldTurf at Qwest. It will be stocked with players from an expansion draft, with each existing team able to protect a certain number of their players. The draft for the San Jose franchise will be Nov. 28, and it is likely the draft to stock the Seattle team will occur next November, right after the championship game.
The MLS has a salary cap of approximately $2.1 million, but last year added the so-called "Beckham rule," which allows each team to sign one player outside the salary cap.
Alan Hinton, a former Sounders coach with a long involvement in professional soccer here, believes it will be important to add some familiar names to fans.
"If they have some name players that this city recognizes immediately, I think it could be a bonanza," Hinton said. "But the players who come here have to want to come, and settle into the lifestyle.
"If the owners do their homework right, I'm sure they'll be successful. I truly believe that. I'm so excited. This is exactly what the city needs."
----------------------------------------
'With Paul Allen aboard, MLS now has at least four billionaires among its owners — Allen, Philip Anschutz, Stan Kroenke and Robert Kraft'
Deep pockets hopefully can lure some more big name players and give the league some more credibility in the world.
By Larry Stone
Seattle Times staff reporter
Jimmy Gabriel, one of the pioneers of pro soccer in Seattle, was elated by Friday's news that Major League Soccer is coming to Seattle in 2009.
"The city of Seattle will be buzzing," said Gabriel, the Seattle Sounders' first captain when they played here in the 1970s.
That's the hope of the 12-year-old MLS, which confirmed Friday that Seattle has been awarded an expansion franchise that will begin play in two years at Qwest Field.
"There is no doubt in our mind the market exists for a successful MLS team in Seattle," said Dan Courtemanche, league senior vice president.
And it's also the hope of the new ownership group, which according to sources now includes comedian Drew Carey, an admitted soccer fanatic. The remainder of the ownership group will comprise Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer, Hollywood executive Joe Roth and Seahawks owner Paul Allen.
The official announcement of Seattle's new team will come Tuesday in a news conference to be attended by Don Garber, the MLS commissioner. He oversees the top professional soccer league in the U.S. and Canada, which currently has teams in 13 cities. It will expand to 16 teams, with San Jose in 2008 and potentially Philadelphia or St. Louis joining Seattle as the newbies in 2009.
The San Jose franchise paid an expansion fee of $20 million to join the league next season. That's twice the $10 million paid by the Toronto franchise that joined MLS in 2007 and played to capacity crowds this season.
The Seattle franchise, according to sources, will pay a $30 million expansion fee. The trebling of expansion fees from Toronto to Seattle is seen as a sign that the once-struggling league will reach its goal of profitability by 2010. Certainly, the signing of English superstar David Beckham by the Los Angeles Galaxy this past season gave the MLS a huge boost.
It now has television agreements with four networks — Disney (which includes ESPN and ABC), Fox (through the Fox soccer channel), Univision, and HD Net. The MLS championship game, to be played Nov. 18, will be telecast on ABC.
Boosted by the presence of Beckham, attendance in the league increased by 10 percent this season. With Paul Allen aboard, MLS now has at least four billionaires among its owners — Allen, Philip Anschutz, Stan Kroenke and Robert Kraft — and recently forged a major sponsorship deal with Adidas.
"We believe 2007 was the best season ever for professional soccer in this country," Courtemanche said.
The new Seattle franchise will play on FieldTurf at Qwest. It will be stocked with players from an expansion draft, with each existing team able to protect a certain number of their players. The draft for the San Jose franchise will be Nov. 28, and it is likely the draft to stock the Seattle team will occur next November, right after the championship game.
The MLS has a salary cap of approximately $2.1 million, but last year added the so-called "Beckham rule," which allows each team to sign one player outside the salary cap.
Alan Hinton, a former Sounders coach with a long involvement in professional soccer here, believes it will be important to add some familiar names to fans.
"If they have some name players that this city recognizes immediately, I think it could be a bonanza," Hinton said. "But the players who come here have to want to come, and settle into the lifestyle.
"If the owners do their homework right, I'm sure they'll be successful. I truly believe that. I'm so excited. This is exactly what the city needs."
----------------------------------------
'With Paul Allen aboard, MLS now has at least four billionaires among its owners — Allen, Philip Anschutz, Stan Kroenke and Robert Kraft'
Deep pockets hopefully can lure some more big name players and give the league some more credibility in the world.