MLS BOG To Meet, Outline Expansion Plan; Garber Assesses League

Garber Says MLS BOG Meeting Today To Outline Expansion Plans

SLOWLY BUT SURELY: Garber said MLS is "in no rush to expand." Garber: "I anticipate that we'll provide more news regarding expansion clubs before (November's) MLS Cup." The NATIONAL POST's Eric Koreen notes if one of the Canadian cities "does not get one of those next two teams, it will not close the door on the possibility of another Canadian team joining the MLS in the near future." Garber: "I don't think it's necessary for us to put either a limit or a target (on the number of teams in the league) at this point, because the league is still in its growth stage and evolutionary stage" (NATIONAL POST, 7/24). Garber: "We haven't made any decision on anything beyond 18 (teams)." In Toronto, Cathal Kelly writes "none of the competitors have Montreal's unique set of credentials -- an existing state of the art soccer-specific stadium, a domestically inclined team in place and a proven local history of attendance." Talks are ongoing between MLS and the Saputo family, which owns the USL Montreal Impact. Impact President Joey Saputo: "We've put in a bid. We're still waiting to hear if that bid has been accepted." Kelly notes Montreal has "offered a [US$30M] franchise fee, plus another $15-20[M] in improvements to boost the 13,000-seat capacity of the Stade Saputo" (TORONTO STAR, 7/24). In Toronto, Frank Zicarelli notes Canadiens Owner and English Premier League club Liverpool co-Owner George Gillett also "has expressed interest in a Montreal-based side." Meanwhile, Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk "has explored the possibility of bringing an MLS franchise to Ottawa" (TORONTO SUN, 7/24).

CLAIMING THEIR TURF: Garber, asked about reports that the CFL Toronto Argonauts "might like to move from the cavernous Rogers Centre" to Toronto FC's BMO Field, "stressed the importance that BMO Field remain a soccer-only facility." Garber: "We wish the CFL all the success in this market. But we feel very strongly that BMO Field is a soccer-specific stadium" (TORONTO SUN, 7/24).

Garber Discusses Benefits Of Having Blanco (l)  And Beckham Join MLS

MOVING FORWARD: Garber indicated that ticket sales remain strong for expansion teams in Seattle and Philadelphia, which join the league in '09 and 2010, respectively. Seattle is closing in on 16,000 season tickets -- a 95% conversion from deposits taken, Garber said. Philadelphia has sold 5,000. Garber outlined five goals for the next five years, saying he wanted to: raise the level of awareness and improve the credibility of MLS in the U.S.; see all teams playing in a stadium they control; continue growth across the standard metrics of attendance, TV ratings and Web traffic; convert soccer fans to be followers of MLS; and ensure quality of play improves. Garber: "We believe over the next five years our best years are still ahead of us" (Mickle).

MISSING THE MARK: YAHOO SPORTS' Martin Rogers wrote MLS, in selecting English Premier League (EPL) club West Ham United to face the MLS All-Stars tonight, chose the "wrong opponent." Despite "making great strides in the past few years, MLS is not yet at a stage where it can simply snap its fingers and summon the creme of the European leagues." Still, West Ham is a "thoroughly inappropriate option." The club last season finished 10th in the 20-team EPL and does not play a "particularly thrilling brand of soccer." The reputation of West Ham supporters, who last Sunday fought with MLS Crew fans during a friendly, is "another reason why having the club come to Toronto was ... puzzling" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/23). The Bergen RECORD states tonight's All-Star Game is a "missed opportunity for MLS, and does little to showcase American soccer. Not only is the opponent a midlevel club from East London, but the game is being held in Canada." A "far better showcase would be the traditional All-Star format of East versus West, or a modified version such as the U.S. stars versus the World" (Bergen RECORD, 7/24). In Toronto, Mike Zeisberger writes, "Let's be honest here: Without Beckham, much of the sizzle of tonight's event would be lacking." With the ATP Tour Rogers Cup and PGA Tour RBC Canadian Open taking place in Toronto currently, this is "one of the biggest sporting weeks [Toronto] has seen in years." Zeisberger: "With Beckham as the face of its all-star game, MLS officials have the star power needed to compete with those events. Without him, well, [Galaxy F] Landon Donovan hardly carries the celebrity status of a [Roger] Federer or [Mike] Weir in these parts" (TORONTO SUN, 7/24).

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