You know you are a true fan when you sit through Fox Soccer Channel’s Soccer Night in America two-hour special live from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) convention. A who’s who in American soccer served as panelists to discuss all facets fo the game here in the US, from youth development and the national team to MLS and WPS.
For me, it was quite affirming because I, like you, have long suspected that I have no idea what I’m talking about. But a lot of the things I’ve been talking about, and arguing for, were echoed by the best minds in the business. Plus, it’s good to hear that the people in charge, the experts, are asking the right questions and steering the sport in the right direction.
As expected, MLS Commissioner Don Garber was asked about expansion, New York City, and the New York Cosmos. He confirmed that the league is working to build a stadium in New York City and that the new Cosmos owners – CosmoSela – are focused on helping make that happen. But, again, things won’t be able to move forward until that stadium is underway.
What was new is the degree of certainty that Garber added when talking about a stadium and the 20th MLS franchise in New York City. “It’s not if, but when,” he said.
While the Cosmos are waiting on the stadium, the fans are doing what they can to help pave the way. The Borough Boys, who have been championing an MLS franchise for New York City since 2007, recently relaunched This Is Cosmos Country. The Web site serves as a portal for all things Cosmos, providing fans with a single source for information on the club, MLS, and soccer in New York City. It features a blog, columnists, and a forum. All we need now is a team!
When it comes to finding a stadium site in New York City, hopefully they will keep an open mind, like the developers of this pitch in Singapore, where I imagine the ball boys double as lifeguards. (image source: itechgiz.com)
[Editor's Note: This story also appears in my new Total Cosmos column on the This Is Cosmos Country site.]
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I’ve been pitching this for years. Here’s the link. Some of it a bit dated, but the essential plan doable.
http://www.thisisamericansoccer.com/soccer-culture/one-last-chance-for-mls/
Yup, that’s the kind of thinking I’m talking about. Sure there are challenges, but they are no greater than the ones faced by sites such as Randall’s Island.
Well done. And thanks. I’ll buy you a pint at the Ear Inn after the first game!
The Ear shuts down it’s sidewalk early now in a very aggressive maneuver, bad tidings for future Pier 40 MLS fans who enjoy an outdoor pint. Sadly, The Ear has caved. I see you scuba. I don’t, but an old college friend is coming in from San Diego to scuba lecture in early Feb. and show photos of trips. You can look at scuba and we can strategize a West Village football plan. Let’s organize a group walking tour of all of the New York soccer bloggers, borough boys, West 33rd’ers, and others so I can explain the plan and politics in person. Many misconceptions. We’ll invite press. You in?
Sorry I missed this, Patrick. Methinks a walking tour is a bit premature at this point. Besides, most in the NYC soccer community are familiar with Pier 40, having played or watched games there at some point.
But I did share your TIAS link with MLS, so at least they are aware of it. I’m still not sure how serious or sophisticated the hunt for a stadium site is, but at least they will have the option.
I’ll let you know if I hear anything further on an NYC stadium. Hoping for some good news soon!
I appreciate that. Thanks as always, keep up the great work. Mostly I just want people to understand the core idea, which is pre-lease the boxes and not sell or give away public property. Whether Pier 40, Kingbridge Armory with the Pier 40 idea (a retractable roof would be cool, and the 4/5 would drop off directly into a stadium entrance there) or even to finance a new SSS owned by the City on land in Greenpoint, the idea is to create a mutually financially beneficial civic partnership between NYC and MLS, letting the corporate box owners pay for the development and upkeep. It’s just been misrepresented and misunderstood by too many people to not want to help them visualize it on a tour. Enjoyed the Rovers post.