MLS will be at 24 teams in 2018, two years ahead of the commissioner's timetable. MLS' long-term plans are to expand to 28 teams. That probably means Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio (or Austin), and Indianapolis. I don't know about Indy, but the other cities would support a professional soccer team quite well. At 28 teams, though, MLS would almost have to divide into divisions, making it look more still like the other major American sports than like the European football models. With four 7-team divisions they could play a 33 match schedule akin to the present 34 match schedule (2x within division, 1x outside). Remaining with the conference format at 14 teams would mean a 40 match schedule. 40 is doable but I think that's a lot to ask for a league like MLS.
They should have twenty teams that each play each other once at home and once away, with promotion/relegation to the ASL. It's the format that works for every decent league in the world.
Teams in pre-season now... my Timbers looking sharp to repeat! Anyone else getting a little excited for MLS season to start in a few weeks? And Elle, Sac Republic FC is looking sharp as well. I was up that way earlier this week for an unrelated soccer matter and watched them train for a bit. Much sharper than when Preki was coaching, even when they won the title! Should be a good season for them!
They should do well. They just got 2 more youth teams set up which is good and their stadium site has been set aside I believe. They really should have gotten the MLS team instead of Miami but they will get it the next go around.
I follow the Timbers as a 2nd team (there, I said it) after my time living in Portland. I try to arrange visits to the in-laws over the summer to coincide with a couple of games. The supporters generate a terrific atmosphere at the stadium. The stadium is a lot better since they kicked the baseball team out and its devoted to football but they could still do with increasing the capacity.
I'm very excited about the season. FC Dallas finished 2nd overall last season and going all in for their first championship. Should be a good season in Frisco. I'm interested to see how Maynor Figeuroa fares this year. I'll have to seek him out when I'm wearing my Hull City jersey. I think Sacramento will get a club. MLS wants to expand to 28 clubs, and I think Sacramento and St. Louis are locks for two of the spots.
Well, it's back. The Timbers beat Columbus 2-1, a scoreline that repeated last year's final. According to reports in the local rag there, they have signed Jack Barmby on loan for the season. http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2016/03/portland_timbers_sign_winger.html
Am following MLS this season as I have a big gap in my football roster (don't do online streams anymore mostly due to bad internet and cancelled BT Sport.) Watching a recording of Chicago v NYC, terrible defending but some good goals, I like the look of that Gilberto
It was a good opening weekend for MLS. I was glad to see Dallas win 2-0 in a dominating performance at home. Figueroa started for Dallas and played well. Urruti played well and scored - I don't know why Portland wasn't interested in him. There were a lot of exciting matches to start the season. Two late goals saw Toronto win at NY Red Bull. Vancouver scored the game winner against trans-Canadian rival Montreal at 90'+3. New England also scrored at 90'+3 to draw at Houston. But the best may have been Orlando City, who scored at 90'+4 AND 90'+5 to earn a draw against Real Salt Lake. Takes the sting out of all four MLS sides losing their quarterfinal matches in CONCACAF Champions League earlier in the week. The Mexican clubs are in form,while MLS clubs have just completed pre-season training. And besides, these are clubs which earned qualifying in the 2014 season.
Enjoyed the Chicago Fire v New York City game last night. Finished 3-4 to NYC however Chicago missed so many chances. Started to watch the Portland Timbers v Columbus Crew game but switched over for MOTD2 and nodded off watching the Wba / Man Utd game. Pulis football comes highly recommended for those who need sleep.
SJ won last night, wasnt an amazing game but Wondo scored again which shouldnt be a surprise to anyone.
Which MLS team is most similar to Hull City, I need one to support. I don't fancy the Portland Timbers, LA Galaxy Columbus Crew or New York so it will have to be one of the rest!
Guess it made a change from the usual Hull City fans who get in touch. Try DC United. They look decent even though they lost 4-1 @ LA Galaxy on sunday night.
Dont go for DC United they have a horrid fan base. You might want to go for a team on the East Coast though so that it would be easier for you to watch their games based off the time they play.
