MetroStars investor/operator Stuart Subotnick "is
expected to officially announce" on December 5 that he will
add a second MLS team in the N.Y. area for the 2002 season,
according to Michael Lewis of CNNSI.com, who wrote that he
has "mixed feelings" about the decision. Lewis: "Why can't
MLS expand and spread itself out? With 12 teams today and
another two coming in 2002, it is unwise not to spread out.
... Before Subotnick and company start another team, they
should make sure the MetroStars' own house is in order.
Let's face it. In their five years of existence, the
MetroStars haven't exactly set the world on fire filling up
cavernous Giants Stadium." Lewis noted that the MetroStars'
attendance increased 20% in 2000, but an average crowd of
17,621 "still is disappointing for a region this size."
Lewis also noted the "ongoing battle of getting more media
coverage" for two teams. Lewis: "Would sports editors and
TV producers give the teams more room or would they split
the already meager space they give?" (CNNSI.com, 11/24).
