US Open Cup

[ZooCougar]

Tonight on Goltv at 6 pm est. This one snuck up on me. I don't even know if I have that channel. Seattle looks great but I think they may be tired after a brutally competitive match with RSL this weekend. The game is in Philly and the Union have been really tricky as of late and have been solid in this competition.

Seattle is really the best team over here in this part of the world. Right now they are the favorites for the Supporter's Shield, the only team to clinch a playoff spot and are probably the favorites for the overall.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...inal-sounders-vs-union-preview-and-prediction

 

[SAMCRO]

Looks like the Sounders found their form in Extra time.

 

[ZooCougar]

Wish it were on a channel that more than three people get. Turns out if you have Directtv the only way you get this channel is if you subscribe to the Spanish language package. Sunil Gulati needs to move on. If he can't get this game on ESPN 3 or FS1 then he is incompetent.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Looking forward to seeing the Sounders on Saturday at Red Bull Arena. The soccer league I play for bought 60 tickets for the game. Should be fun.

 

[ZooCougar]

Looking forward to seeing the Sounders on Saturday at Red Bull Arena. The soccer league I play for bought 60 tickets for the game. Should be fun.

Nice. I'll be at Sporting Park tomorrow for the Champions League match against Saprissa. Going to be a tough one, they have a very good team.

 

[SAMCRO]

Nice. I'll be at Sporting Park tomorrow for the Champions League match against Saprissa. Going to be a tough one, they have a very good team.

Zoo, does KC get the same type of crowd for CL games as well as MLS? I'm guessing yes given the level of support they have, but I notice some teams barely draw for the stage games.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Zoo, does KC get the same type of crowd for CL games as well as MLS? I'm guessing yes given the level of support they have, but I notice some teams barely draw for the stage games.

It is anticpated that the Red Bulls v Sounders game will be sold out in Harrison, a good sign.

 

[ZooCougar]

Zoo, does KC get the same type of crowd for CL games as well as MLS? I'm guessing yes given the level of support they have, but I notice some teams barely draw for the stage games.

Tonight's game and Tuesday's game are pretty much sold out. There are probably a few resales on Ticketmaster but they would be $100.00 and up. It's been a few weeks since there was a home game so there is some pent up demand.

CONCACAF Regs forbid standing room only tickets so the attendance will be a little lower.

I noticed that Portland had less than full stadium for their game, which was weird for Portland.

I'll be there Tuesday night, and then see New England play at the end of the month and see the Red Bulls for the last regular season game.

 

[ZooCougar]

It is anticpated that the Red Bulls v Sounders game will be sold out in Harrison, a good sign.

It's surprising that every game doesn't sell out up there. That game should be a real treat though. Dempsey is back on it after slumping a bit after the WC. Plus, these could be Thierry Henry's last games and he is still really, really good.

 

[progrocks]

Houston usually drew around 10k for these games. Central America and the Caribbean have some dreadful teams. Every Mexican and MLS team is better than any team south of Mexico, just sometimes those teams have a couple young kids who are great and do great things. With the new champions league format it really should be 4 Mexican and 4 MLS teams advancing to knockout in the spring.

 

[ZooCougar]

Crowd was a bit less than normal. Maybe 16,000? 7pm on a work night might be cutting it close. People were still filing in at halftime. Saprissa had their moments but they weren't nearly as good as I what I was expecting.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

MLS appears to be averaging about 18K with a 89% capacity per game for all teams with Seattle at the very top with a 44K average and Chivas way down below with 8K (please move them to Minneapolis, St. Louis, etc.). The Red Bulls average 19K a game with a 73% capacity. That puts them in the middle of the pack. I think the challenge is that the Red Bulls are in Jersey, which puts it out of mind for a lot of New Yorkers and makes it hard for families from the east side of the Hudson to get, too.

It will be interesting what happens to Red Bulls attendance once NYC FC is up in running. In the short-run, putting them at Yankee Stadium will attract more folks from NYC, as sport fans are used to taking the Subway to Yankee Stadium already, and from Westchester and Fairfield counties. They could also pull in folks from North Jersey and Rockland Countries, which may hurt the Red Bulls. Ideally, NYC FC’s permanent home will be somewhere in Queens where they can pull in Straphangers from NYC and car based families from Long Island and Westchester countries. That would create two distinctly separate markets for 2 separate teams.

By the way, cute to see the Rev’s average capacity is 76% with just an average attendance of 17K. They get that by ‘closing’ off most of Gillette Stadium. Not a good situation. Sadly, Mohegan lost its casino bid for Revers, which many tough may include a soccer stadium as part of a large development, to Wynn’s Everett bid. Thus, Kraft will continue to wait for someone else to build him a soccer stadium in metro Boston. Sad.

 

[Waquoit]

They have had a few US Cup games in New Britian. I remember seeing Valderrama there when the TB Mutiny played the Connecticut Wolves. The Revs played a couple games there a few years back.

 

[ZooCougar]

MLS appears to be averaging about 18K with a 89% capacity per game for all teams with Seattle at the very top with a 44K average and Chivas way down below with 8K (please move them to Minneapolis, St. Louis, etc.). The Red Bulls average 19K a game with a 73% capacity. That puts them in the middle of the pack. I think the challenge is that the Red Bulls are in Jersey, which puts it out of mind for a lot of New Yorkers and makes it hard for families from the east side of the Hudson to get, too.

It will be interesting what happens to Red Bulls attendance once NYC FC is up in running. In the short-run, putting them at Yankee Stadium will attract more folks from NYC, as sport fans are used to taking the Subway to Yankee Stadium already, and from Westchester and Fairfield counties. They could also pull in folks from North Jersey and Rockland Countries, which may hurt the Red Bulls. Ideally, NYC FC’s permanent home will be somewhere in Queens where they can pull in Straphangers from NYC and car based families from Long Island and Westchester countries. That would create two distinctly separate markets for 2 separate teams.

By the way, cute to see the Rev’s average capacity is 76% with just an average attendance of 17K. They get that by ‘closing’ off most of Gillette Stadium. Not a good situation. Sadly, Mohegan lost its casino bid for Revers, which many tough may include a soccer stadium as part of a large development, to Wynn’s Everett bid. Thus, Kraft will continue to wait for someone else to build him a soccer stadium in metro Boston. Sad.

Chivas is probably going to take a Donovan next year so they can get a proper buyer for the team. MLS wants to keep a second team in LA.

Problem with Chivas is that the concept was flawed to begin with. It would be like starting a team in Philly or Boston with the premise that they only sign Irish players. It was probably one of the few major missteps by MLS when they expanded years ago.

Meanwhile you have clubs like Minnesota, San Antonio and Indianapolis just killing it.

 

[ZooCougar]

MLS appears to be averaging about 18K with a 89% capacity per game for all teams with Seattle at the very top with a 44K average and Chivas way down below with 8K (please move them to Minneapolis, St. Louis, etc.). The Red Bulls average 19K a game with a 73% capacity. That puts them in the middle of the pack. I think the challenge is that the Red Bulls are in Jersey, which puts it out of mind for a lot of New Yorkers and makes it hard for families from the east side of the Hudson to get, too.

It will be interesting what happens to Red Bulls attendance once NYC FC is up in running. In the short-run, putting them at Yankee Stadium will attract more folks from NYC, as sport fans are used to taking the Subway to Yankee Stadium already, and from Westchester and Fairfield counties. They could also pull in folks from North Jersey and Rockland Countries, which may hurt the Red Bulls. Ideally, NYC FC’s permanent home will be somewhere in Queens where they can pull in Straphangers from NYC and car based families from Long Island and Westchester countries. That would create two distinctly separate markets for 2 separate teams.

By the way, cute to see the Rev’s average capacity is 76% with just an average attendance of 17K. They get that by ‘closing’ off most of Gillette Stadium. Not a good situation. Sadly, Mohegan lost its casino bid for Revers, which many tough may include a soccer stadium as part of a large development, to Wynn’s Everett bid. Thus, Kraft will continue to wait for someone else to build him a soccer stadium in metro Boston. Sad.

Another idea that has been floated around by Mike Petke (A SCSU Grad) is the idea of getting the Red Bulls to have a more regional tendency. It's been speculated post Thierry Henry that they could go get Guiseppe Rossi, Jozy Altidore (who many think is done at Sunderland) and Bedoya. You look at the clubs that have good attendance and they all feature prominent American talent.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Chivas is probably going to take a Donovan next year so they can get a proper buyer for the team. MLS wants to keep a second team in LA.

Problem with Chivas is that the concept was flawed to begin with. It would be like starting a team in Philly or Boston with the premise that they only sign Irish players. It was probably one of the few major missteps by MLS when they expanded years ago.

Meanwhile you have clubs like Minnesota, San Antonio and Indianapolis just killing it.

MLS should not make the same mistake other leagues have made. There is just too much else to do in LA to support more than 1 team and it dilutes each team's value. Minneapolis, San Antonio, St. Louis, etc. would all back a team and have strong soccer roots (why U Minn does not field a men's soccer team is crazy, though I know it is all about Title IX and costs).

 

[UCFBfan]

MLS should not make the same mistake other leagues have made. There is just too much else to do in LA to support more than 1 team and it dilutes each team's value. Minneapolis, San Antonio, St. Louis, etc. would all back a team and have strong soccer roots (why U Minn does not field a men's soccer team is crazy, though I know it is all about Title IX and costs).

They are making the mistake of putting a team in Miami. I know everyone believes it'd be a great market but it's just not for really any sport. Now that Lebron is gone from the Heat, attendance will plummet there. The Marlins have NEVER drawn and the Dolphins pull in decent but not outstanding numbers. I just don't see a MLS team doing well in Miami, David Beckham led or not.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

They are making the mistake of putting a team in Miami. I know everyone believes it'd be a great market but it's just not for really any sport. Now that Lebron is gone from the Heat, attendance will plummet there. The Marlins have NEVER drawn and the Dolphins pull in decent but not outstanding numbers. I just don't see a MLS team doing well in Miami, David Beckham led or not.

I agree that Miami is a mistake for MLS. The only team that has historically drawn well in Miami are the Dolphins. The Panthers have never been in the top half of the NHL and are usually in the bottom 5. The Marlines have only averaged over 20K fans 9 times in their 20 years of existence, 6 of which were in their first 6 years. Plus, local fans despise their ownership. The heat go up and down based on popularity. Plus, throw in the fact that the MLS season is in the summer, who is going to pick sitting in a stadium in 90 F heat hoping for shade and a breeze over sitting on the beach? MLS tried with the Fusion and failed. They are better off looking at a market that wants soccer.

Quote from Wiki, plus the Fusion's average attendee was 9K.

"Miami ownership had reportedly experienced $15 million in operating losses since Miami joined the league. The Fusion's owner, Ken Horowitz, described several difficulties with operating an MLS soccer franchise in South Florida. Many Miami residents are not originally from the area and don't necessarily identify with and support the local sports teams. Additionally, the MLS season is in the summer, which is different from the youth soccer season, making it difficult to draw youth soccer teams to attend Fusion matches, and which issues with the local summertime heat and rain. Finally, Horowitz identified a lack of corporate support for the team."​

 

[DarthGrumpy]

They are making the mistake of putting a team in Miami. I know everyone believes it'd be a great market but it's just not for really any sport. Now that Lebron is gone from the Heat, attendance will plummet there. The Marlins have NEVER drawn and the Dolphins pull in decent but not outstanding numbers. I just don't see a MLS team doing well in Miami, David Beckham led or not.

I agree that Miami is a mistake for MLS. The only team that has historically drawn well in Miami are the Dolphins. The Panthers have never been in the top half of the NHL and are usually in the bottom 5. The Marlines have only averaged over 20K fans 9 times in their 20 years of existence, 6 of which were in their first 6 years. Plus, local fans despise their ownership. The heat go up and down based on popularity. Plus, throw in the fact that the MLS season is in the summer, who is going to pick sitting in a stadium in 90 F heat hoping for shade and a breeze over sitting on the beach? MLS tried with the Fusion and failed. They are better off looking at a market that wants soccer.

Quote from Wiki, plus the Fusion's average attendee was 9K.

"Miami ownership had reportedly experienced $15 million in operating losses since Miami joined the league. The Fusion's owner, Ken Horowitz, described several difficulties with operating an MLS soccer franchise in South Florida. Many Miami residents are not originally from the area and don't necessarily identify with and support the local sports teams. Additionally, the MLS season is in the summer, which is different from the youth soccer season, making it difficult to draw youth soccer teams to attend Fusion matches, and which issues with the local summertime heat and rain. Finally, Horowitz identified a lack of corporate support for the team."​

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Apologies for the duplicate posting, Explorer froze on me

 

[ZooCougar]

I agree that Miami is a mistake for MLS. The only team that has historically drawn well in Miami are the Dolphins. The Panthers have never been in the top half of the NHL and are usually in the bottom 5. The Marlines have only averaged over 20K fans 9 times in their 20 years of existence, 6 of which were in their first 6 years. Plus, local fans despise their ownership. The heat go up and down based on popularity. Plus, throw in the fact that the MLS season is in the summer, who is going to pick sitting in a stadium in 90 F heat hoping for shade and a breeze over sitting on the beach? MLS tried with the Fusion and failed. They are better off looking at a market that wants soccer.

Quote from Wiki, plus the Fusion's average attendee was 9K.

"Miami ownership had reportedly experienced $15 million in operating losses since Miami joined the league. The Fusion's owner, Ken Horowitz, described several difficulties with operating an MLS soccer franchise in South Florida. Many Miami residents are not originally from the area and don't necessarily identify with and support the local sports teams. Additionally, the MLS season is in the summer, which is different from the youth soccer season, making it difficult to draw youth soccer teams to attend Fusion matches, and which issues with the local summertime heat and rain. Finally, Horowitz identified a lack of corporate support for the team."​

I agree that Miami is a mistake. Square peg round hole. And it isn't a given that Miami will end up getting a team.

Last week the Fort Lauderdale, NASL Strikers (Yes those same Strikers) were sold. Apparently Beckham's group was trying to buy it with the assumption that they could upgrade that club to MLS. MLS has said that they want a stadium in downtown Miami or no deal. And so far Miami really doesn't care enough to accomodate.

It sounds like the next place to get an expansion team will be Sacramento. The Sacramento Republic has exploded and they have very strong attendance. I think they are USL Pro like Orlando City was, but they are developing and following the Orlando model. They also have what MLS likes which is strong ownership and backing from an existing Major League franchise (The Sacramento Kings).

MLS wants Chivas in southern Cal. They will probably take time off until someone is willing to pay 100 Million and have a stadium plan in north LA to differentiate it from the Galaxy.

BTW has anyone seen a game at the Stubhub Center? Remember when that place was the premier venue in the league? Looks like a dump now.

 

[UCFBfan]

I agree that Miami is a mistake. Square peg round hole. And it isn't a given that Miami will end up getting a team.

Last week the Fort Lauderdale, NASL Strikers (Yes those same Strikers) were sold. Apparently Beckham's group was trying to buy it with the assumption that they could upgrade that club to MLS. MLS has said that they want a stadium in downtown Miami or no deal. And so far Miami really doesn't care enough to accomodate.

It sounds like the next place to get an expansion team will be Sacramento. The Sacramento Republic has exploded and they have very strong attendance. I think they are USL Pro like Orlando City was, but they are developing and following the Orlando model. They also have what MLS likes which is strong ownership and backing from an existing Major League franchise (The Sacramento Kings).

MLS wants Chivas in southern Cal. They will probably take time off until someone is willing to pay 100 Million and have a stadium plan in north LA to differentiate it from the Galaxy.

BTW has anyone seen a game at the Stubhub Center? Remember when that place was the premier venue in the league? Looks like a dump now.

I know there was talk a month ago or so that the owners of the Kings were looking to buy or invest in the Sacramento club. Their money, coupled with the massive support already there, could easily put them into MLS. Add them to the mix of Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver and you have a nice Northwest presence (I consider Sacramento part of the NW) That part of the country has seemed to really embrace the MLS and soccer.

I think Sacramento and Minneapolis would be the best adds. Scrap Miami and head to locations where the support is already there for USL or NASL teasm. I'm bullish on San Antonio as there is already a team in Dallas and Houston. Let some other locales have a team.

 

[ZooCougar]

I know there was talk a month ago or so that the owners of the Kings were looking to buy or invest in the Sacramento club. Their money, coupled with the massive support already there, could easily put them into MLS. Add them to the mix of Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver and you have a nice Northwest presence (I consider Sacramento part of the NW) That part of the country has seemed to really embrace the MLS and soccer.

I think Sacramento and Minneapolis would be the best adds. Scrap Miami and head to locations where the support is already there for USL or NASL teasm. I'm bullish on San Antonio as there is already a team in Dallas and Houston. Let some other locales have a team.

If San Antonio can build the stadium they are planning then they have a good shot. I just think they would need a name change. "Scorpions" isn't major league. It's more arena league.


http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/9/2/6097513/san-antonio-scorpions-stadium-renderings

 

[UCFBfan]

That's a nice looking stadium. Still don't like having three MLS teams in Texas. I think they need to reach all areas of the country and right now the only team in the North Central are the Chicago Fire (I don't count Columbus as North Central). In all honesty, I'm not 100% clear on the amount of interest in that part of the country but I believe that Minnesota United (?) draws well. I think it's in the best interest of the state of soccer in the country that the top tier reaches as many areas as possible. Scrap Miami. Scrap San Antonio. Go for Minnesota.

Is Atlanta a definite addition? I think they are a good add because that part of the country (NC, SC, GA) is rich in soccer interest and a good get. There is no soccer in the Southeast in terms of MLS. Orlando and Atlanta will be good adds.

 

[ZooCougar]

That's a nice looking stadium. Still don't like having three MLS teams in Texas. I think they need to reach all areas of the country and right now the only team in the North Central are the Chicago Fire (I don't count Columbus as North Central). In all honesty, I'm not 100% clear on the amount of interest in that part of the country but I believe that Minnesota United (?) draws well. I think it's in the best interest of the state of soccer in the country that the top tier reaches as many areas as possible. Scrap Miami. Scrap San Antonio. Go for Minnesota.

Is Atlanta a definite addition? I think they are a good add because that part of the country (NC, SC, GA) is rich in soccer interest and a good get. There is no soccer in the Southeast in terms of MLS. Orlando and Atlanta will be good adds.

Atlanta is a sure thing. Arthur Blank is behind it, and they already have 14,000 people committed for season tickets.