OREGON EXECS TARGET MLS EXPANSION FRANCHISE FOR PORTLAND

          A Portland civic group aiming to bring pro soccer to
     the city by 2000 was formally established with the
     announcement of Soccer City 2000.  Soccer City 2000 will
     assist in discussion and negotiations with the City of
     Portland, local commissions and city boards, neighborhood
     groups and other interested parties regarding the
     possibility of bringing an MLS team to the city.  Soccer
     City 2000 will also target potential local investors,
     sponsors and supporters.  Included among some of the board
     members of Soccer City 2000: Joe Elsmore, Nike Sports
     Marketing Manager U.S. Soccer; James Hamilton, Chair of U.S.
     Soccer Federation Foundation; Jim Taylor, Portland Venue Dir
     of the '99 Women's World Cup; and Doug Hamilton, Business
     Unit Manager, soccer, adidas America (Soccer City 2000).  In
     Portland, Abby Haight reported that MLS execs "have
     indicated they are interested in expanding to the Northwest"
     (Abby Haight, Portland OREGONIAN, 5/25).