MLS Galaxy President Tim Leiweke said MLS wants to work
with the new Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) rather
than have the two work independently of each other on a
women's pro soccer league, according to Frank Robledo of the
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE. But Robledo writes, "As of now,
the WUSA plans to be independent of [MLS] -- setting up a
possible war down the road, especially" with corporate
sponsors. While MLS has expressed interest in being
involved with the women's league, WUSA "officials haven't
offered anything more than sharing ideas with" MLS, which
"has bothered some MLS investors." If the two sides don't
work together, MLS can submit its own application for a
women's league by April 1. Leiweke: "I think the opinion of
Major League Soccer toward the women's league is unanimous.
They've rushed into it pretty quickly. They've absolutely
ignored the years of work that our staff has done. What we
can't and won't stand for is to have the women's league go
out there, be unsuccessful, disappear and put a black mark
on soccer in this country." Robledo: "That's not going to
happen. MLS' major concern is that the WUSA could be more
popular than [MLS]. ... It will be interesting to see where
American families show their support next season if the
women's league is formed. Chances are they won't support
both with the current plan" (S.G. VALLEY TRIBUNE, 3/23).
