MLS yesterday "left the future of a Minnesota franchise in doubt ... saying that it is sticking to a July 1 deadline for a local group to finalize its plan for a soccer-only stadium in Minneapolis," according to Mike Kaszuba of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The comments by MLS Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott "came only two days after the Legislature adjourned for the year without considering a public subsidy package proposed by a group" led by NASL club Minnesota United Owner Bill McGuire. McGuire’s group, which includes Twins Owner Jim Pohlad and T'Wolves Owner Glen Taylor, had "pledged to privately build a soccer stadium, but sought a series of property-tax breaks and other tax reductions." But the plan "immediately ran into opposition at the State Capitol." Abbott said one of the "primary reasons (we) selected Minnesota and its ownership group was this plan” to build a soccer-specific stadium. He added the plan "needs to be something that’s final enough so that we understand and know that it will ultimately be built. July 1st is the deadline that we put out there in March, and it remains the deadline." NASL club Minnesota United President Nick Rogers said, "We are disappointed the Legislature didn’t take any action regarding our stadium proposal this year. We are still dedicated to moving forward with the stadium project" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/16).
