I have only seen a Pats ad in the paper one time this year. I went to the Rapids game last saturday and had a really good time. I plan on attending the last two games of the season vs the Louisiana teams in July. I just can't believe the Pats dont advertise. Most people I talk to don't even know the Pats exist. I really don't think the owners even really try. The EP Times could also do more. They always have EP Rumble stories but only have blurbs on the Patriots, if we're lucky.

In regards to the Times, that's a big problem this year. Perhaps because of the drop in levels the thinking is it's not worth covering, but this is their most successful season ever. The crowds certainly haven't been any different, even with the drop from A-League.

The team has always just gone with the flow in terms of advertising. If somebody wants to work with them, they'll listen. If not, no big whoop. It has certainly cost them in attendance and exposure, i.e., the Times. For whatever reason, they've just never embraced the philosophy of self-promotion.

Next year is a biggie, because they'll have to look for somewhere else to play. Word is they might buy up land around their headquarters and just build bleachers around their exisiting soccer field.

what are the chances of them returning to the SAC next season? I have never seen their headquarters but I'm pretty sure it would look pretty bad if thats the route they have to take.

Apparently, because it's a completely different administration, the Socorro ISD folks are very apprehensive about selling beer at their place. This was not an issue previously. But they have talked.

I'm also wondering how quickly that sports park development in Canutillo is coming. That could be REAL nice in terms of the timing for this team.

If they clear out the back and put bleachers all the way up, it'll be okay. The parking could be a big problem down there just because it's very clogged and those big semis have really torn up the roads down there. Tough to get to, but they'll do what they have to do. One thing is for certain, Cervantes won't just quit.

Why don't more teams ANYWHERE advertise in mass media? (TV, Print, Radio).....$$$$$$$$$$$$ !

and to say you have to spend money to make money is certainly NOT the answer at the USL level.

Money spent on such avenues is just wasted unless-and-until all soccer-related forms of grass roots marketing (costing little/no money) are exhausted.

El Paso is a little bit different. Because we are on the border folks are a lot more familiar with the sport, it's just that they follow the big-time Mexican clubs. Advertising would serve them well, as it is proven big-time giveaways get big-time crowds here. You do have to give to get in El Paso, but as long as you have a sponsor for your giveaway item and don't have to foot the bill yourself, you're cool.