New LA MLS Team Has 22 Owners

Yay! Los Angeles still has no NFL team, but in 2017, they'll have Major League Soccer.

And...if all of the owners attend a home game, they are guaranteed great attendance---ha!---just kidding.

Seriously though, the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) really does have 22 owners. They range from Magic Johnson, who owns half of L.A to Mia Hamm and her husband Nomar. Tony Robbins (the motivational guys) is an owner and so is one of the guys who founded YouTube. Oh, and Vincent Tan a guy who owns Cardiff City in the Premier League and was called by USA Today "The Worst Owner in Sports".

But the group is led by a grouping including Henry Ngueyn, Peter Guber and Tom Penn

So there is that.

The LAFC has a website...but no stadium. They have owners, but no team. But if you look at the website, hey, they are lobbying for fans and corporate sponsors. The 2017 start date will coincide with new MLS franchise in Atlanta, giving the league 22 teams and the intention of adding 2 more by 2020.

Here's a live feed of the presser. Maybe they'll keep the video up at this link too?



KNX1070's Claudia Peschiutta was there as well...


The larger hope of the HQ is that Vincent Tan gets kept as far away as possible from the day-to-day operations...

What The Ref Doesn't See, He Can't Call...Like A Cup Check...

((HT: Aaron Ward's Vine))

Last night, Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake drew at ones in Rio Tinto.
But the move that caught some folks eye was this cup check by New York's Jameson Olave


Best (or worst part)- RSL's Olmes Garcia was the one that got the yellow for diving...

Would the ref like to see how HE'D react in a situation like that...???
The HQ thinks it would be similar...

Michael Bradley Might Be Getting A Phone Call

((HT: Sportsnet/MLS))

If you ask Toronto FC about Saturday night's contest against Sporting KC, they'll come at you from a few different angles.

Head coach Ryan Nelsen will tell you about missed opportunities and a defense that wasn't helping matters, but the players will jump at head referee Ted Unkel and his spotty and inconsistent job performance.

He got some calls right, but others he got wrong and issued 8 cautions when, at times, it wasn't warranted.

“The referee was having trouble giving me calls and maybe it’s because they want me to learn how to play in MLS, and how the style of the league is here. However, I want them to know that I’m not going to roll over. … I’m not somebody who’s going to be a pushover. I want to be treated fairly like every other player,” the Reds' Gilberto told Sportsnet's John Molinaro after the match.

Here's the highlights where you won't see any of Unkel's goofs...


And TFC captain Michael Bradley was less than diplomatic after the match- much like Gilberto, but unlike his coach- demanding that the officiating fix itself post haste...

Here's Bradley's postgame that will, probably, get him a fine...

OSG Prem: Lampard Joins NYC FC

((HT: NYCFC/MLS))

As another signing in the middle-aged, but still incredibly talented soccer players club, the still-not playing NYC FC has added Frank Lampard on a two-year contract to go with David Villa.

Head Coach Jason Kreis now will, probably, send Lampard down to Australia to play in the A-League with Villa since the club, co-owned by Manchester City and the Yankees, has a year to go before their MLS debut.

Here's his introduction
((HT: Sky Sports))


NYC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna is still aglow with the signing:

"He is a professional, a leader and he ticked all the boxes in terms of the qualities to help grow our team."

The larger question is now, other than fitness, Lampard's international career and if he will add to the 106 caps he has for his country.

Manchester United Blows Out Galaxy By 7

((HT: beINSport))

When you looked at the Starting XI in the Los Angeles Galaxy-Manchester United, there was the prevailing opinion that the Galaxy were more concerned about the MLS regular season than the nearly 86,000 people watching the game at the Rose Bowl were.

ManU put up 7 on a non-starting side with a starting side of their own that included Welbeck, Rooney, Mata, Valencia et al.

It was the worst defeat Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena had as boss...


Louis van Gaal had a good debut as manager, but it's all about what you take from it.

Marcelo Sarvas had the common thought of the Galaxy players:

"I feel embarrassed. I can’t talk about the others, but I feel like that. Doesn't matter who you're playing, I think this is too much -- seven -- and here in Los Angeles. I think we could do much better."

Seattle Sounders To The Front Of The Cool Line...

((HT:ESPN/MLS))

Xander Bailey had his moment...

Through the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Sounders, the 18-year-old from West Virginia got his chance to not only practice with Seattle, but start against Tottenham Hotspurs in their friendly Saturday.


The Sounders even got to catch up with Bailey post-match and it's a moment he will never forget...
((HT: Seattle Sounders FC))


Sounders and Spurs drew at 3 in the visitor's first stop on their American tour

Mike Magee's Day Off

((HT: KICKTV/MLS))

The HQ has an affinity for "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

So, Major League Soccer decided to have some fun with the movie and riff involving reigning MVP Mike Magee of the Chicago Fire. The main characters include Hope Solo and Sydney Leroux.

Here's the end result- see if you can nail all the cameos...


Magee...???
Magee...???

Wondo Back On The Mainland, Still Apologizing

((HT: CSN Bay Area))

And he is still apologizing for what went down against Belgium

Remember, San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski took to Twitter and apologized for his miss that could have sent the USMNT to the quarters to play Argentina.

I'm gutted to have let down everyone but especially my teammates. It's been an incredible ride but I know this will make me stronger.

Thank you to all the great fans that has supported this wonderful team. This is a special group made up of great teammates

Now, that he's back here in the States to get the Quakes out of the bottom of the Western Conference standings in MLS, Wondo is thinking that what went down will only make him stronger as a player.


The HQ wasn't all that cool with people turning him into a verb, but we hope he is right.
And he doesn't need to apologize for anything, but it is our way...

Firefighter Hit by Lightning at Columbus Soccer Game

((ht: 10tv.com))

There's a rule that exists among meteorologists and weather folks that says if you can hear thunder, take cover because you could get hit by lightning.

And if you happen to find yourself at a sporting event when a thunderstorm rolls in. Well, you need to take cover, which is easier said than done.

Lt. Stu Tudor of the Columbus (OH) Fire Department is in an area hospital in critical condition after being struck by lightning in the parking lot of a Columbus Crew (MLS) soccer game.

According to WBNS-TV in Columbus, a man who took cover in a nearby portable toilet said he could feel the electricity and it sounded like a bomb going off. The man told the TV station he opened the door and saw Tudor lying on the ground.

The Crew postponed Saturday nights game, delaying it to Sunday afternoon though the forecast for the area says there is a very good chance more thunderstorms will be in the area.

WBNS provides Saturday night's TV report on what happened:

Atlanta Silverbacks Beat Colorado in USOpen Cup With 8 Men

((HT: Colorado Rapids))

It was, let's face it, a weird night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in suburban Denver last night as the winner prepped for the quarterfinals in the US Open Cup- the United States version of the FA Cup- where any team, regardless of level can have a chance at winning a $250,000 cash prize for their franchise.

And the NASL is making their mark in the tourney. Carolina Railhawks beat the LA Galaxy 1-0, and the Silverbacks knocked off the Rapids 2-1 in a wild game that had weather delays (pictured, scarily right by Kevin Pugh/Colorado Rapids)

and ended up with the Rapids playing with a 10-on-8 advantage after a massive scrum and disagreements that led to five Silverbacks red cards- three to players and two to coaches who left the box and two reds for the Rapids- one player and a coach.

The end result is that it was 10v8 for 35 minutes- the last 25 of regulation and another 10 of stoppage time while everything was being settled on the pitch.

Here's the highlights- skip ahead to the hour mark
((HT: Atlanta Silverbacks/Colorado Rapids))


Rapids defender Drew Moor, the guy at the bottom of the pile and recipient of the cleats to the face said the loss was unacceptable
((HT: Colorado Rapids))


The Silverbacks will play either Columbus or Chicago in July in the Open Quarters. It will be interesting to see what the red card situation is for that match and how it may affect the home team.

They Said It Would Happen...And It Did In The US Open Cup... NASL Beats MLS

((HT: atpdv/Real Salt Lake))

Pundits (whoever consider themselves as such) thought that, at least, one NASL side would knock off MLS sides in the opening

night of 4th Round US Open Cup play.

It actually, happened three times.

New York Cosmos beat NY Red Bulls 3-0. Carolina Railhawks beat Chivas USA in PK's and the Atlanta Silverbacks may have had a signature win for the franchise in their stoppage-time win over Real Salt Lake, 2-1, at Silverbacks Park (the full house pictured, right).

The reason "they"- whoever the "they" is was that the critical mass of a domestic tournament combined with the tournament in Brazil took a lot of key players out of circulation. In the RSL-Atlanta match-up, Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando are in Brazil and Saborio was out with injury- otherwise he would have been with the Costa Rican side that won their opening round match.

The Red Bulls were without Tim Cahill and Roy Miller for their World Cup competition. Dax McCarty was out due to knee injury, and, Thierry Henry and Jamison Olave because of turf.

The Goats were, well, the Goats... as a 9th-place team in the MLS Western Conference, only had Minda called up by Ecuador as a replacement at the last...

But, getting back to the action at the HQ home base, after a horrific gaffe by Carillo in the 10th minute that gave RSL the 1-0 lead the Silverbacks pressed for the remainder of the clock and got the duke.

Here's the highlights


OSG Sports caught up with Poku afterwards about what is, probably, "that" win for the franchise in the soccer-scape:

"The coaches and players were ready," he admitted post-match. "It's the first time I played against a professional team. And since we're a new team together with new coaches, we're starting to figure it out. I think we're getting there."

And in stoppage time, Poku was getting some encouragement to go ahead and shoot to keep the match from going to the same fate the last time the two played where RSL took the match in extra time to advance in the Cup.

"I had the ball and the guys were saying, "Poku, just take it!' So, I gotta take it, right? There was what...??? One minute left...??? So I took the shot..."

And with a shrug of his shoulders, Poku described how games can change on a drop. The Silverbacks looked like a team that knew they could work the far channels with Rudolph and Burgos- working crosses into the box for guys like Chavez to elevate and cause problems for RSL keeper Joe Attinella.

Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda, who is a joy to watch and cover if only for educational purposes for starters, sees the win as one of those victories that you can grow from:

"I think it's one of those seminal moments, yeah," he said. "The season, at times, has been painful for us this year. But when you excel, it can breathe life into a franchise.

"It's what this tourney is all about. You talk about how this is a game for us and a time to shine. We've embraced it. We've showcased it. And it's why I love this competition. It's been a hard go, and there are times where we've let ourselves down. But to the other part... we believe we can win games like this. We've got another game, now, in ten days and we'll put a lot into that. It gives us another quality opponent and it couldn't come at a better time."

The Silverbacks get either a trip to Orlando to play Orlando City SC or to Colorado to play the MLS Rapids on June 24.

And as for Willie B FC...???

Growth comes in stages... it's why it's called exactly that- sometimes it's in spurts. Sometimes it's in fits and starts and as long as the new faces in new places can figure it out, the curve under Wynalda looks like the stair-steps the franchise is looking for after last year's Soccer Bowl appearance.

It's about building an attitude with the players who buy in and bringing the right players to fit the philosophy that will court success. The thought process Wynalda is looking for with guys who wear the red and black kits over time will fill in just fine...

OSG Prem: David Villa (And Lampard?) To NYCFC

((HT: NYCFC/Manchester City))

The folks over at NYCFC are going all in from the beginning in their search to make both rivalries and statements in Major League Soccer come the 2015 season.

First up, David Villa is signed on a three-year deal and will be paired with former Chelsea stand-out Frank Lampard (on a free transfer of all things) for two marquee names on head coach Jason Kreis' roster off the top.

Here's David Villa on the move and the challenges


While Lampard is not official yet, the Telegraph's Ben Findon has some background:

Lampard and another New York City transfer target, Spain’s David Villa, are believed to have visited Manchester City’s training complex at Carrington on Saturday. The two men met with New York City head coach Jason Kreis, who has been in charge of Manchester City’s MLS franchise since January.

It is understood that Lampard has agreed to a substantial wage drop from his previous £150,000-a-week deal at Stamford Bridge, although that could be supplemented with hefty bonuses.

Harry Redknapp is Lampard's uncle and he would, naturally, like to add him to his Queens Park Rangers side.

Kreis has admitted that any players signed would likely be loaned out to keep them in form before the 2015 season.

David Villa to Manchester City, anyone...???

David Beckham Working Two Sites In Miami Now

((HT: WSVN-TV))

David Beckham was encouraged to move away from his idea of a Port of Miami site for his Miami MLS squad.

Now, he is being told that he might want to look at an area next to the American Airlines Arena downtown where the Miami Heat say.

The idea of being at the Port wasn't warmly received by those who have businesses in and around the area and by those who would use the Port.

Jen Bisram is outside one of the prospective sites where there is a greenspace concern...
WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miami Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco

And Atlanta MLS Makes 22 By 2017

((HT: 11Alive.com))

It's an interesting thought...

Can a mega-owner, whose town is (in pockets) quite soccer-rabid, and is a soccer dad himself make soccer a success at the largest professional level in the United States...??? Or is it just another loss leader for a vertically-integrated corporation...???

That's only for Arthur Blank to answer over time as he is now the proud owner of the 22nd Major League Soccer franchise...

After the attendance numbers that the Georgia Dome puts out for international friendlies (the last time was with MLS Commissioner Don Garber in attendance), it was a no-brainer for the largest media market in the country that DOESN'T have a team was going to get a team...

Orlando, New York City, and Miami are also on the clock as MLS Atlanta comes on board for 2017...

Here's FOSG Jeff Hullinger at the party...

Looking at the attendance numbers that Julie Wolfe put in the piece above, it will be interesting to see if MLS Atlanta turns into more like Seattle (which the town traditionally has not shown) or Chivas (and you'd have to be gawd awful for that to happen...)

The HQ is looking at somewhere close to the middle...

BREAKING: MLS To Atlanta

((HT: AJC/Roberson))

According to the Roberson piece, the announcement (although not official) would be in the neighborhood of April 16th.

The league and prospective owner Arthur Blank have been dancing around the topic for a few years now. All the attendance figures that have been accumulated over the friendlies and exhibitions have been a good carrot to dangle under the nose of the "Soccer Don"- MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Miami, along with David Beckham's cache and ownership, are in the queue and the league would like to get to an even 24 franchises in the next five years or so. The team will be looking to play in the new and improved Georgia Dome by 2017.

Adding Atlanta would give the league another top-nine media TV market and another team in the under-served southeast.

As an example as to how the market responds to international football (the Mexico-Nigeria friendly), here's what happens when 68,000 show up...
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

More when we know more...

NPPA Has No Fear From Thierry Henry's Skills

((HT: MLS/Altitude))

Thierry Henry scored in the Red Bulls game against Colorado and had this for a goal celebration...


After the videographer was startled, the HQ wonders if he was rolling and what Henry's skills actually are...

Anyone find the inside video yet...???
Let us know... and would this be called a photobomb or a video bomb...???

Not Your Father's Toronto FC

((HT: BT Sport/MLS))

It was a busy first 45 minutes for the new guys playing for the Reds...

Jermain Defoe had two goals and becomes the first player in TFC history to score two goals in a debut...


With a roster of Bradley, Defoe, and Julio Cesar, it might be a little early to say something
But these guys are good...

TFC hung on for a 2-1 win at Seattle and Defoe has only been in since the early part of the week...

Imagine what can happen with a lot of practice time...

Becks Brings MLS To Miami...

((HT: WSVN-TV))

It's official...

With a high falooting presser at an art gallery, David Beckham, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, and Miami-Dade County mayor Carlos Gimenez said their peace about bringing the 22nd franchise in the league to a city where they're still trying to find a location to play...

Here's the short version...
WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miam Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco

Beckham and his folks will pay for the stadium their own selves.

The next piece is wondering who his partners are. He has been seen scouting the city with Marcelo Claure, the owner of Brightstar Corporation. Miami will start up in either 2016 or 2017 and wil have a natural rivalry with the Orlando City FC group...

The Miami Beckham's: MLS Franchise to Miami on Wednesday

((ht: @bicyclemoore))

Well, it appears the oft rumored David Beckham/MLS Miami franchise rumors are about to be confirmed.

At least according to a Miami area PR person...

Kathryn Moore's tweet shows an invite to a "Major" announcement featuring Miami's mayor, commissioner of the MLS, Don Garber and Becks, his own-self.

See you there, @Miami_MLS !! pic.twitter.com/XLB1ku5G0E
— Kathryn Moore (@bicyclemoore) February 1, 2014

From what we understand--with Orlando on board, Miami coming up next, who will be #3, giving the league the ability to have a southern division. Money is going on Atlanta, something Falcons owner Arthur Blank has been talking about for several years. 

Defoe, Bradley Introduced In Toronto

((HT: Sportsnet))

With Tim Leiweke taking over at MLSE for everything MLSE- including Toronto FC's woeful on-field status- they needed to make some kind of a splash in the MLS marketplace...

And the HQ thinks that the league getting Michael Bradley for US$10-million and bringing in Tottenham's Jermain Defoe certainly qualifies...

But, for those of you who understand this kind of thing, just because you sign stars doesn't mean instant success...

The LA Galaxy brought in Donovan and Beckham, but they needed a Juninho, a Keane, and a Ricketts to fill in the holes around them. That's the task ahead for TFC...

Here's Defoe's introduction...
"I have never been more excited, and more motivated, for any challenge in my career,” Bradley said at the press conference. “What they’re trying to build here is really special, something really unique and different from anywhere else in MLS and North American soccer.”
After seven straight losing seasons, it better be special...

Defoe will remain with Spurs until March 1 before joining the club. Bradley is expected to part in the club’s pre-season preparations, and TFC opens the 2014 MLS regular season March 15 at Seattle.