In its fourth season, MLS needs "dynamic leadership and
vanguard ideas to flourish," according to Steve Davis of the
DALLAS MORNING NEWS, who writes that the league is "still
struggling for media exposure and acceptance [and] needs a
higher-profile central figure." Davis notes that the
financial losses are "discomforting but right in line with
the original business blueprint." But Davis writes that
there "are signs of stagnation and leadership failure" from
the league office and notes that MLS Commissioner Doug Logan
"is living now among rumors of his imminent demise." Davis
writes that Logan "possesses some desirable attributes" and
is "refreshingly candid," but MLS needs "more than an
engaging spokesman." Attendance "is OK. TV ratings are
adequate by soccer standards. The quality of play has
improved steadily. ... [But] given the tenuous relationship
between soccer, its American fans and a cynical media,
warning signs can't be ignored" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/30).
NOTES: In Miami, Linda Robertson writes that the Fusion
must move to Miami from Ft. Lauderdale to succeed, as it is
"too far from its natural fan base." But Fusion Operator
Ken Horowitz said, "Moving the team to Miami -- I just don't
buy it" (MIAMI HERALD, 6/30)....In Denver, Alan Pearce
reports that MLS sold Rapids G Marcus Hahnemann to English
First Division team Fulham F.C. for a transfer fee "believed
to be" worth $200,000. Hahnemann's contract was up at the
end of the year (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 6/30). In CO Springs,
Luke DeCock criticizes the move: "In search of a quick buck,
MLS has deprived a first-place team of a player key to its
championship aspirations." Logan, on the transfer: "At the
end of the day, we're playing a global game with global
rules in a global setting" (CO Springs GAZETTE, 6/30).