Montreal withdraws MLS bid

[Grizzly]

quote:Originally posted by Keano

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/2008/11/tough_pill_but_right_decision.html

DeVos

If the USL were remaining solid I could buy this argument but with it losing its best teams I am very worried about this league's future. However, offering $20 million instead of 40 is splitting hairs in DeVos' opinion? And yes MLS could throw out the bids if none are acceptable, they are under no ultimatum to expand yet reports seem to indicate there are acceptable bids and more of them than the desired 2 expansion teams.

[Tuscan]

Every article I read re-enforces my belief that removing Montreal from the expansion race was nothing more than a ploy to ensure that MLS could keep its focus on furthering US soccer. Garber's comments towards this pretty much solidifies this theory for me. Knowing that Montreal AND Vancouver were the perceived front-runners by DeVos's colleagues really begs the question of how far MLS is willing to go to ensure US soccer is purposely favoured for expansion. I will not be surprised if Vancouver is not chosen.

On the other hand, I also won't be surprised if Vancouver is one of three or four new expansion clubs chosen, with the other three based in the US. I really hope Montreal gets another crack at MLS entry, because the USL's days are numbered as far as I'm concerned.

[Massive Attack]

quote:Originally posted by Tuscan

Every article I read re-enforces my belief that removing Montreal from the expansion race was nothing more than a ploy to ensure that MLS could keep its focus on furthering US soccer.

I don't think it was that sinister at all.

I think Garber wanted to let the other 6 bidders know that the $40 million expansion fee was non-negotiable.

I also think Saputo's own arrogance was the Impact's downfall. He bluffed and lost.

[spiral]

so when can we expect the decision? before Christmas?

[piltdownman]

^The Spring has been mentioned. I think they are waiting to see if the City of Portland will pay for things there

[DoyleG]

quote:Originally posted by Calgary Boomer

One of the factors MLS Governors will take into consideration will be geographic rivalries. In that case Vancouver looks good in the west, and St Louis looks good in the central/east. St Louis's proximity to Columbus, KC, and Chicago makes sense.

More and more it looks as if Vancouver will only get in if expansion involves 4 teams. If it is just 2, Portland comes ahead since it still provides Seattle with a rivalry and would allow MLS to cover all 4 major regions on the US West Coast.

[ag futbol]

quote:Originally posted by Massive Attack

I don't think it was that sinister at all.

I think Garber wanted to let the other 6 bidders know that the $40 million expansion fee was non-negotiable.

I also think Saputo's own arrogance was the Impact's downfall. He bluffed and lost.

Agreed.

And Garber hasn't said anything new recently that hasn't been said before. The USSF is a major stakeholder in MLS so he has to keep that in mind whenever he considers bringing a team to Canada. The weight of more Canadian teams vs. more US markets has been mentioned before this process even started.

It's not that he's anti-Canada for the purpose of expansion and the bids are still going to be considered.