pfutz, I don't think anyone is doing this except for the people that directly stated or implied that they are less likely to support the team because of this. One person posted flat out that they wouldn't go to another game.

RSL has massively improved since Jamie Watson was flopping around the field for them in 2005. Since 2010 they're 26-8-4 at home for MLS competitions. This year Chivas beat them (1-0) for their only loss there.

I wonder if RSL will underestimate our boys, or be looking to the next round. Much like TBR is doing for tonights game. They have hardly been promoting tonights match...all systems go for the Rapids on Tuesday.

STARS OVER ST PETE

I would agree with Seamonster. I have watched several RSL matches this season and they are playing some great soccer. From what I have seen, they have a strong midfield and play well to target player up top who can hold the ball with confidence.

Any word on the watch party for Tuesday? I am assuming the Sweety will be the place. If so, someone might want to mention it to them tonight.

PS: I got my away kit today--still waiting on the home kit. It looks great. I love it! It also feels good when I am wearing it any drinking Surly.

#NutsOfAWarrior #DefendTheCup

Rook... get your facts right.

All the hoopla is coming from the front offices and marketing guys, that is their job to promote this US Open Cup game quickly, it is a great opportunity and challenge for them.

I can give you a 100% guarantee that the coaching staffs and players of both Tampa Bay Rowdies and Real Salt Lake are doing what they have been doing from the beginning of the season and that is concentrating on the next game at hand.

We can win both games, but it will not happen because the other team has overlooked something. It will be because we have a team that is playing well right now, and is motivated to win every game.

They will be without their goalie and beckerman. The midfield should be nominally weaker.

RSL is playing great soccer, yes.

So are we.

I am kind of blown away by how upset I still am about all of this. Its really affected me this week. And that bums me out. I so wanted the Stars to host RSL next week. Onward and upward. Hopefully.

You looked completely freaked out when you chased me down on I35W at 3am in the morning. Let's face it, we are all still a little shocked. I know Daughter #2 even said to me this AM, "I will sure miss not seeing Jonny Steele. However, good stuff is going to happen. The fun has only begun with USOC. I think the Stars have a good chance of going deep and will be in contention to keep the NASL trophy.

#InDjornWeTrust #NutsOfAWarrior #SurlyStars4ever

http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/05/25...ale/#more-33515

"Seattle did not guarantee a future appearance and yes, it will cost a substantial amount"...

"For what its worth, I don’t see the scenario that played out this week happening too much in the future between NASL and MLS".

"I doubt it will happen too much in the future because the NASL finances are improving rapidly".

-Boris Jerunica Owner NASL Atlanta Silverbacks



They are? How?

Cutting stadium cost? -No
Reducing production expense? -No
Reducing office staff? -No
Reduce advertising budget? -No
Paying players less? -No
Signing less players to the team? -No
A TV deal? -No
A pay per-view TV deal? -No

Fan base increasing rapidly? -?
Sponsorship deal? -?
Selling players? -?
Development program with MLS team? -?
Selling the league to MLS? -?

This could become very interesting concerning all the different ways people have talked about improving the NASL/D2 league, and also all the talk about improving the MLS Reserves league...

How big is the Red Army? It was cool hearing early on the "I wanna be NSC" song and the Red Army returning with their own song.

oh yeah! did anybody bark at Laurie Calloway?