One More Try
Again, I hear the rumblings of a San Jose club return. This time, however, I think it’s the real thing. If the MLS and the Earthquakes can agree, an announcement could come as early as this year.
The only potential problem that still remains could be that the Earthquakes might not leave San Jose State University (aka Spartan Stadium). The proposed renovation of the stadium is between 23,000-30,000 seats with the extension based on football, concerts, and of course soccer events.
This is similar to the expansion plan for a Philadelphia MLS team in which the potential team partnered up with a University or College to rebuild or promote a particular part of the school. Both Philadelphia and San Jose are dealing with a stadium on a college campus.
After almost a year, Philadelphia has been unsuccessful to get a stamp of approval from MLS. If an expansion team in the West can get an approval can one from the East?
San Jose was one of the original seven teams in the MLS (called San Jose Clash until the 2000 season) and featured such players as Jeff Agoos, young Landon Donavon, and Eric Wynalda. Now after a two-year hiatus, the owners want to make a return by renovating the old Spartan Stadium which will hold roughly 30,000 seats.
The irony remains, however, that the Earthquakes moved to Houston after the 2005 season because the team could not build a soccer specific stadium. Houston currently plays in Robertson Stadium at the University of Houston.
Here are a few links if this piqued your interest:
Sports Illustrated article about San Jose
Philadelphia MLS partnership
USA Today article from last year
2 comments:
I agree. Give them another try. There are ample opportunities for MLS in california. But since they already have two teams, maybe a team in Arizona or New Mexico would be in order??
As much as I'd like to see Philadelphia get an MLS franchise, they may have some things working against them. One, Philadelphia may be on the verge of sports saturation. Yes, the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and Sixers have and will continue to draw well. College basketball does well overall. The "lesser" franchises, lacrosse and minor league hockey get by. But any more teams may stretch the Philly fan thin. Soccer had been fairly well recieved in Philly, but will they show up during baseball AND football seasons? I would like to see MLS in Philly. This would create a natural rivalry with NY Red Bull, which could prove to be interesting. But it would need a strong and dedicated fan base to survive.
Post a Comment