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Leagues and Governing Bodies

Race For U.S. Soccer Presidency Heats Up Between Martino, Carter

Martino believes he is one of the least polarizing candidates in the electionGETTY IMAGES

U. S. Soccer presidential candidate Kyle Martino has taken hold of the momentum "heading into the final three weeks of the campaign where much of the attention has been focused on Kathy Carter and Eric Wynalda at the opposite ends of the spectrum," according to Paul Kennedy of SOCCER AMERICA. Martino, 36, is the second youngest candidate in the field behind Hope Solo -- and the "youngest of the candidates given a shot at winning." But that youth has been "one of the concerns about his candidacy." Martino: "No one in this race has done this job, no one in the race, even those on the inside, has seen the job done it the way it should be done. We’re taking a leap with anyone." He added, "I'm on the change side of the spectrum, one of the least polarizing candidates in the election." Martino added that he is "dismayed with the tone of the campaign on social media." He said, "Ugliness and nastiness has come out and it's really, really disappointing," Martino: "Most of the [federation] membership I'm on the phone with say it disappoints them. It's abhorrent and it should stop. I've yet to talk to someone who enjoys these attacks" (SOCCERAMERICA.com, 2/7). 

COACH CARTER: Carter in a special to CNN.com wrote under the header, "Answering The Question: Am I Woman Enough?" Carter will "fight for all the things any good leader wants, confronting challenges, such as rebounding from the failure" of the USMNT to qualify for this year's FIFA World Cup and "remedying our confusing youth soccer landscape." Carter: "It is a time of change and we must focus on unity and collaboration to drive progress. This work starts with changing the federation's culture, prioritizing improvements in youth soccer, growing the adult game, building a new technical department to support all our national teams, and going all-in on the women's game." Carter is excited for the "opportunity to address diversity and equality head on." Carter: "I want treatment of our girls and women to be equal across the sport and from top to bottom -- from pay to training staff to field conditions and beyond" (CNN.com, 2/6). NBA Senior VP/WNBA League Operations Ann Rodriguez, who also held numerous MLS roles over the years, yesterday tweeted her support for Carter: "Thanks for all your advice and support over last 10+ years, appreciate you always being in my corner and being an inspiration. Buena suerte!" (TWITTER.com, 2/6).  Kraft Analytics Group CEO Jessica Gelman called Carter a "phenomenal leader" and an "inspiration." Gelman: "Let’s get this right @ussoccer_mnt" (TWITTER.com, 2/6).

TAPE REVIEW: USSF VP Carlos Cordeiro, a candidate for the presidency, sat for a Q&A with SI.com's Grant Wahl, where he was asked about his past connection to late former CONCACAF and FIFA exec Chuck Blazer, who in '15 received a lifetime ban from the sport. Cordeiro: "I have been subject to some of these anonymous videos. ... Most anyone and everyone who’s been involved with the sport would have met Chuck in one form or another." But Cordeiro disputed that he was "some close personal friend" of Blazer. Cordeiro: "Or that I was his private banker. ... I wasn’t involved in private banking in the slightest. So I think it was a bit unfair, whoever put that video together, to suggest what they did" (SI.com, 2/6). In Miami, Michelle Kaufman wrote Cordeiro's immigrant experience is a "big reason his platform includes a plan to significantly increase the U.S. Soccer budget to strengthen and expand grassroots programs, making soccer more affordable for disadvantaged youth by lowering coach costs and subsidizing scholarships." Although Cordeiro and outgoing President Sunil Gulati "worked closely together at U.S. Soccer for many years, and Cordeiro was viewed as Gulati’s right-hand man, he says he has a different management style and ideas of his own" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 2/2).

STIRRING THE POT: In New Jersey, Melanie Anzidei wrote attorney Michael Winograd on Saturday will "find out if being the 'outsider' in this year's contested election serves as an advantage." Winograd: "I liked being looked at as an outsider, because I am. I’m not beholden to any of these people. I don’t have special ties. I’ve met with all the key constituents, and have great relationships with them. I think I’ve earned respect. But I like being the outsider, because I think that’s what it’s going to take." Winograd: "As far as name recognition, it’s not a popular election. It’s not like a presidential election, where the whole public gets to vote. The voters here are sophisticated, and they’re smart. I think they’re going to say: Who will be best for U.S. Soccer? Who is going to be in a position not just to talk about change, but who do we think really means it and who can deliver it? Who can execute and actually do this job?" (NORTHJERSEY.com, 2/4).

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