Maybe it was it because it took so long, or maybe it's simply a sign of the times but I've never seen a media crush over a Canadian soccer player like the witnessed at the Dwayne de Rosario unveiling.
There were no less than 11 television cameras in a jam-packed room at the Air Canada Centre. I remember days when there would be no more than eleven people in the room for a soccer newser.
Two things to keep in mind regarding what De Rosario had to say: If you watch the interview (in this blog) you'll hear de Rosario say money was definitely an issue with him coming to Toronto. Since league rules stipulate that unless a player is a designated player, his maximum salary can be no more than $400,000. That's likely what he's making. On the lighter side, there's the question of what number he'll wear. He wore No. 7 as a kid, but has worn No. 14 since his days with the Toronto Lynx. He says he'll work out something with Tyrone Marshall, whatever that means.
(Since Toronto needs plenty of help in central defence, maybe Mo Johnston will settle the issue himself?)
On to the expansion issue. There is so much misinformation out there regarding potential new teams. Many people have made up their minds based on wishful thinking and not the cold facts. For example, some think that since St. Louis is considered the historical home of soccer in the U.S. in many ways, then the league simply has to go there. I remember having a conversation with an American journalist a couple of years ago who proclaimed MLS can't be taken seriously until they have a franchise in St. Louis. He was a soccer hater who also overlooked the fact that the NFL does quite nicely without a team in Los Angeles. The fact is the St. Louis group is short of money; and in these uncertain economic times, that's a big problem.
On to Miami, where is it written that FC Barcelona is prepared to write a blank cheque to kickstart a franchise in the previously moribund South Florida market. All I hear about is their 'considerable involvement'. Again. whatever that means.
Next up Portland. Maybe they had a chance. But the newly elected major, who says he supports "new business" (whatever that means) also has problems with the truth. The 44-year-old has just admitted he lied about having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old man who used to work for the city. No word if he'll keep his job. And we thought a lack of money was a problem.
Now the two Canadian bids. Most Americans will dump on Ottawa as being a too small market, yet Ottawa is comparable in size to Columbus, Kansas City, Salt Lake City and San Jose (although the Earthquakes have the entire bay area at their disposal). Ottawa is also as big as Portland. There are no scandals in the Nation's Capital and plenty of money thanks to Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. He's also a man of action who backs up his words with his deeds, and the league likes that.
Finally, Vancouver. What's not to like? A great market with plenty of history, a stadium plan and boatloads of money. Enough said.
The league is now saying it "hopes" to announce the winning bids by the start of the new season. Translation: the staggering economy has thrown a monkey wrench into its plans. Leagues always go where the money is when it comes to expansion. The second priority is bids that are safe. No controversy and no potential controversy. They don't need fires to put out. The MLS has enough on its plate.
The burning question, as I see it, is this: Does the league have the guts to expand into Canada not only with one team, but with two? There will be one for sure and it will be Vancouver.
But the facts say Ottawa is a better bid than its competitors.
