KICKING IN: In Atlanta, Douglas Sams reports Brazilian soccer team Cruzeiro Esporte Clube "wants to build a $30 million youth soccer complex" in Alpharetta, Ga., and its leaders "say they have deep-pocketed investors to pull it off." Cruzeiro "might also consider introducing a Major League Soccer team to Atlanta, though that part of the plan is not as far along." One site under consideration for the youth complex is developer Stan Thomas' "stalled Prospect Park at Georgia 400 and Old Milton Parkway." The soccer complex "could cover 100 acres and contain up to 18 fields." Cruzeiro President Zezé Perrella said that "expanding its youth soccer program into Georgia is part of the club’s broader effort to build its name in the United States" (ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE, 3/25 issue).

100 acres and a whopping 18 soccer fields!?! That is nothing folks. Do a little research on where your first opponents of the upcoming season are from--the National Sports Center.

The National Sports Center is located in Blaine, MN and is the largest ametuer sports complex in the world. You name--they have it at the NSC.

BTW, stop all this MLS talk. MLS will come to MN before they come to Atlanta, and I do not see that happening any time soon. You also have to first prove yourselves in D2 soccer, and I can't wait to see my Stars beat up the Silverbacks.

Come on you Stars!

PS: 18 soccer fields? The NSC at 50+ soccer fields!

Sorry Mr. Soccer Boy: I really couldn't care less about Atlanta, but fact of the matter is that MN has never been mentioned by Mr. Garber. So I seriously doubt your prognostication.

SB - I don't see where Silver' is endorsing MLS expansion to Atlanta or attacking your NSC complex (I'm sure it's really awesome)...Silver' is just merely commenting on the original post with a report. Sounds like you're a little hypersenstive/defensive when it comes to your Stars. BTW - when do you need 50+ fields in addition to your main stadium to lure an MLS team? Is this part of the new criteria.

Given the Silverback's performance this season, I think my daughter's U12 team has a better chance of going MLS than Atlanta.

Soccer Boy, you seem to really hate Atlanta. You seem to criticize us at almost every chance you get. Thanks for being a supporting fan of soccer.

But I am sorry, Atlanta has the upper hand, IMO, because (as the OP stated) we are in a better location to grow the sport. Our closest team is approx. 639 miles away. In that radius, you have Chicago and Kansas City, as well as Columbus 773 miles from you.

The South is a market that has struggled to support professional soccer, yes, but it's a lucrative market (hello, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and others) in which MLS would like to build.

This all said, we need to come out to support OUR team now.

People need to understand the criteria for possible new MLS franchises. A team's previous performance level has little impact in the final decision (just look at Toronto). And please don't use the phrase "we DESERVE an MLS franchise" (what does that even mean?) - it comes down to a BUSINESS decision looking at such factors including;

1. OWNERSHIP GROUP that can afford the franchise fee ($40 Million+) and the ongoing operational costs of running a professional team at the MLS level....and remember it's THEIR money (not yours).

2. A proper FACILITY; preferably soccer-specific and owned/operated by the same franchise. This ensures controlling all of your potential revenue streams and being able to set your own schedule dates.

3. A TV MARKET ranked as high as possible where the MLS does not yet have a direct impact (see Philadelphia).

4. A SPORTS/SOCCER MARKET that shows signs/efforts of supporting an MLS franchise through the annual regular season (and not just for one-off special events) while competing for the ever-shrinking "entertainment dollar".

- Philly had the "Sons of Ben" start years before they had a franchise, growing to over 5000 members who actively let people know they would be there for a team.
- Toronto went from nearly no support to 22K sell-outs with a waiting list.
- Seattle, as everyone has seen, has exploded from their USL days to their 33K+ attendance.
- Portland, who already was averaging 12K for their D2 games, has built on that support to develop a great atmosphere for their home games.

People can toss around alot of names & places but without these elements in place, I don't see MLS seriously considering markets for future expansion

well spoke Stone Cold...for a wrassler you do know your business side of soccer. Are you really Vince M. in disguise?

Nah - Vince M. is a rich, handsome int'l man of business! I'm just a poor, local soccer fan with a "face good for radio". :P

Really, though, the growth of soccer here in the USA comes down to business decisions. It will only grow as fast or as much as those who say that they are already fans are willing to support it in it's current form onward.

I believe that people can dream. It would be hard to be a D-2 dan and keep a small glimmer of hope that your team could possible be in the MLS.