Montreal bows out of MLS expansion race

The race to secure one of Major League Soccer's two expansion slots in 2011 has been cleared up dramatically after commissioner Don Garber revealed on Friday that Montreal has removed itself from consideration.

Montreal's exit leaves Miami and St. Louis as the front-runners in a six-city race to be one of the two expansion cities added in 2011. Portland is also a contender, with Ottawa, Vancouver and Atlanta also in the mix.

What do you think of the news? Stunned that Montreal has bowed out? Do you see anybody beating out St. Louis and Miami?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[jloome]

May be that with the economic picture looking the way it is, Montreal looked at this year's USL results in competition with MLS and decided it might be better to wait a year or five.

[tom From Syracuse]

It's surprising, but I am so glad to see Miami AND St. Louis get more of an opportunity now. I like the American locales getting looks first, no offense to Canada.

[Mikeype]

I suppose this means that Vancouver will be the next club from Canada to join MLS. However, I am really pulling for St. Louis. Long overdue!

[Tim]

IVES- Any idea how powerful the St. Louis ownership group is because i have always heard that, that has been their main problem. It is hard to believe that they aren't getting hit significantly either.

Personally, I could see Portland or Vancover beating out St. Louis based on the fact that we still don't know how powerful their finicial group really is even with recent addition of Albert Pujols

[Tim]

We also already know that the support for Portland would be fantastic, and the same could be said for Vancover as they both have relatively successful clubs already.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but i believeVancover already has a new stadium plan. They both would make a great rivalry with Seattle more so with Portland though.

[Billy]

I DO NOT WANT TO SEE BARCA MIAMI. For the love of god, miami failed already and having "barca" and "chivas" names make this league look like a joke. PDX and STL 2011.

[jloome]

It's also worth considering that maybe USL is thinking of following numerous other pro sports in north America (including both the NFL and NBA) and starting a competing league in the same cities as MLS.

Why should Montreal give MLS $40 million if it expects to be playing USL teams, with a couple of years of winning tradition, in New York, LA and Chicago?

After all, without charging the ridiculous franchise fee that MLS is charging, they can attract initial investors whose $40-million can go into a small-but-profitable SSS of their own (and they do great rental business, when they're not being used by pro teams.)

Yep, I'd bet within five years you'll see USL expand and try to take MLS on aggressively. It makes sense; from an economic, structural and competitive standpoint, their league is, in many ways, more sensibly run. It just didn't have the upfront glitz of the world cup association and the big corporate money backing it.

[sugarfreeredbull]

The league definitely wants a Canadian club with the success of Toronto. I think this favors Vancouver (which would be good for a Seattle rivalry) and St. Louis I think is still on the front burner. I know everyone wants Miami due to Barcelona wanting to make the bid but I still think that market will not work (summer heat, empty stadiums for other sports, etc.) But Miami is a very glamorous market so from the "marketing" aesthetic and perspective and with Barcelona owning the team. Might be a good move for MLS to draw more attention to the league.

[chris]

Something is terribly wrong here when a passionate soccer fan worth billions of dollars with his own soccer specific stadium pulls out of MLS's expansion race. Some will say it's the economy, but I don't buy it. Something else is at play here, and it smells.

[nathan3e]

In the current economic climate, anyone thinking of handing 40 million over to MLS should check into the nearest mental health facility until the urge passes. I work in the financial world and the situation is not as bad as you think people, it is much, much worse. As surreal as it seems, USL is the better place for Montreal to be. I agree completely with jloome, USL is the more sensibly run of the two leagues.

[TheUltra]

Good, no more canucks in MLS!

I'd love Portland and Stl for the MLS

[steve]

go st. louis cant wait for the illinois darby...

[Gabe]

It's just not a good idea to be expanding right now. Montreal was smart.

[drSoFlaFan]

I guess Montréal tried to haggle MLS down too much on the expansion fee. No offense to Impact fans, but as a Miami supporter I did a little dance when I heard they dropped out.

And Billy, it will not be Barca Miami, they are having a name the team contest. Secondly, Miami did not fail already. The ownership failed and the league almost failed, so they closed our team down(and the Mutiny. MLS Miami 2010!! Vaaaaaaamos Miami!

[DigzTFC]

I think Montreal bowing out is a two part story. First of all, MLS was not going to select them as they want to go into big media markets even if the market is not as soccer friendly as others(Miami). Secondly, Gillette (the other Montreal owner) is probably feeling the financial strain from Liverpool and the economic downturn. I think this a huge mistake on both MLS and Montreal. I'm seriously thinking the MLS is going either kill the USL or weaken it enough to buy it and make it a second division

[drSoFlaFan]

Oh and another thing, South Florida does not have empty stadiums for other sports. Do some research and you'll see the attendance numbers are and always have been average to above average for all our major league teams(including the NASL Strikers and MLS Fusion). People like to take the Marlins attendance and run with it. What they never mention is that they have the 12th best TV ratings in MLB, the stadium is by far the WORST in the MLB for baseball, and that they have a new stadium on the way with a retractable roof and a/c. South Florida is a fine sports market.

[John]

Just look at what happened the Canada/US exhange rate over the last few months and that will give you a clue. Montreal's expansion fee has been climbing through the roof in the last few months.

[Sean]

Portland and St. Louis.

NO MIAMI. Sorry, they tried. It failed. If Barca wants to come in and build a brand new team with a brand new identity, MAYBE I'd go for it. But, Portland deserves MLS far more than Miami.

And, I'm very sad about Montreal. I want to tell anyone who is saying no Canucks or more MLS teams to go do something not very publicly accepted to themselves. I think you're idiots and I'm tired of it. My beautiful fiancée is Canadian and there is no reason why MLS can't exist in both countries, especially since Canada cannot truly support a strong professional league.

[Sean]

I meant '... or no more CANADIAN MLS teams to go do something...'

[Geoff]

Absolutely shocked because Montreal had it in the bag easily. Guess this will clear the way for St Louis and Miami although Portland deserve it more then anyone

[BlueKC]

Steve: You mean the I-70 Rivalry (KC v StL)

Will Barca Miami's field be turf? If so then no thanks. Seattle may have gotten away with it but please no more clubs on turf (and no Canuck clubs, at least for this next round).

However, trying to think like Garber here, I bet he's pulling for Miami (Barca + Southern club) and StL (Midwest club + The Hill). 3 conferences again? I'm sure it's in the back of the suits minds.

[PCFC]

Clearly Montreal was the best bid. Bad news for the MLS.

[John]

My reaction:

1. The folks blasting Miami as a choice because it failed in the past aren't looking at all the data. Miami got contracted because Ken Horowitz had no money and refused to make any more cash calls. No-one in MLS was drawing back then but the park they were using in Ft. Lauderdale was actually one of the better soccer venues MLS had at that time (certainly a better fan experience than the Meadowlands ever has been). I'm not saying Miami will definitely succeed, only that the only reason they lost the team was because of a cash-poor owner.

2. I love Montreal as a city. But I think people looked at TFC and assumed Montreal would match that. Why? Maybe they would or maybe TFC was a unique confluence that produced a great stadium with amazing fans and great demand for tickets. I think there are a bunch of reasons NOT to go to Canada. Right now, the Canadian teams would have to be mostly American players and after about 2 years, I think that starts to make a difference. I wonder if TFC continues to be a non-playoff team combined with few Canadian players, if we start to see a drop-off in support?

3. St. Louis added Carlos Pujols. Yeah--some big pockets there. On a bunch of levels, (ownership, geography, soccer tradition, community ties), they've got no worse than an attractive bid. And with Miami, committed owners with big pockets--that's what the Fusion never had.

There are a bunch of places that--given the circumstances--could be good MLS homes. It comes down mostly to ownership group and stadium.

[peter]

Miami is a terrible sports city.

[East ATL FC]

http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/news/displaynews.php?id=1046&cat=1

[East ATL FC]

Sorry for my incomplete post above. Did anyone see that the Atlanta Silverbacks are taking the 2009 seasin off due to the economy / MLS expansion?

[WeatherManNX01]

Ah crap. I was really looking forward to adding Montreal in 2011.

Top two markets I now want to see: St. Louis and Portland.

But I really do hope that Montreal will make another bid in the future. I think that would be a great market for the league.

[VPjr]

I am not surprised that Montreal pulled out. There were whispers that the Montreal ownership group was not interested in forking out $40 million for a franchise fee. These whispers started way before the CDN dollar started to freefall vs. the US dollar the last 8 weeks.

I predict Vancouver and Miami.

[elfurdeball]

Expansion team in Miami. Losing team. 100 % humidity in the summer. History of not supporting sports franchises. Already failed with the Fusion. Recipe for disaster. Garber would be solidifying his status as a true idiot.

[undrafted]

I'm guessing Atlanta is taking more than 1 year off from USL.

Montreal would have been a nice addition, but it's not a crucial market. They'll come along eventually.

I'm a little hesistant on Miami being a tenant in a university stadium, but the ownership group is outstanding and likely worth giving a chance. I'm liking the St. Louis bid more every day. MLS shouldn't turn down a funded SSS in a good market.

Portland and Montreal are the strength of USL1 and would be the basis of any rival to MLS. Montreal didn't want to pay the full fee and Portland has a questionable funding plan for a proper stadium. Hopefully they'll be in within the next decade.

Vancouver has a nice application but without their own stadium they might just miss out. Ottawa is the fallback of fallbacks. Atlanta is the unknown here. An important market for many reasons but probably not ready for MLS.

Current guess: St. Louis & Miami
3. Vanouver, 4. Portland, 5. Atlanta

[Tim F.]

The way Garber has spoken about Miami, I have to believe that will be one of the two beginning play in 2011.

In 2010 or 2011, there will be a single table.

I think Atlanta and Ottawa are long shots. That leaves the race between Portland, St. Louis and Vancouver. I don't know which to pick but I'm guessing it will be either Portland or Vancouver.

Ives, any reaction to the elimination of the reserve division and cutting back roster size to a maximum of 24?

Also did the Commissioner talk about the amount of CAP increase?

[Tim F.]

After reading undrafted (above), I'm guessing it will be Miami and St. Louis as well.

[Bellus Ludas]

Miami equals National Footprint...we have to have a team in the South...perhaps two??

[Sterlinho]

Miami and Portland. Miami has deep pockets, high profile ownership, and a desired/attractive market. Portland has the fan support, an urban stadium and deep pockets as well in the Paulsen's.

[Me]

Good news for Portland. Now: how to get Miami out of the equation...

[Me]

One step closer to this: http://www.mlstoportland.com/templates/template2/?page=17

[Justin O]

This sucks. I guess I'm now pulling for St Louis, and then hoping for some positive news about Portland's financing, so that I can feel confident about Portland as no. 2.

[undrafted]

I guess the question will be how comfortable MLS is with Portland's current stadium setup and how confident they are that Portland can eventually remodel it. St. Louis is a bigger market with a strong soccer culture. Is Pujols the previously unnamed wealthy new member of the ownership or are there more names to come?

I don't think MLS can go wrong with any 1 of Portland, St. Louis, or Vancouver. I might tend towards taking 2 of them, but I don't see MLS passing up the Miami bid.

[MLS Ottawa]

You ignore me! Or you mock me! But we will see who laughs last!!!

[Whitestar Warriors]

What I've heard is USL is restructuring the league and they want to rival MLS bigtime

[aristotle]

I heard that San Francisco and Bangor will be the next two teams.

Seriously, there's a lot of speculation going on here. That having been said, I really don't see how St. Louis can be anything other than a lock. Unless there are things going on we have not been told about, MLS has really given St. Louis the shaft. MLS all but guaranteed St. Louis a spot BEFORE the last two expansion teams of Philadelphia and Seattle. Now with Pujols in the picture their bid just cannot be matched.

All this talk about the economy is starting to spook me. I hadn't really thought about the economy in terms of MLS before, but now that I think about it, if any sport is going to be hit hard it seems likely it would be soccer. Their shaky finances could really fall apart quickly. I think MLS needs to stop with all of this expansion and concentrate on consolidating the league. With MLS' small fan base and their weak commitment to soccer I wonder if a lot of fans will disappear when the economy is really bad. Here's hoping that doesn't happen.

I'd really like to see Portland get the second spot, but I have a feeling Vancouver might beat them out, especially with MLS envisioning Toronto type success in another location. The team I REALLY don't want to see get in is Miami. No offense to Miami fans but the previous chance was more than just a problem with a bad owner. Did the owner tell the fans to not come to the games? Their attendance made K.C. look well supported. Where are the big crowds when international games are played in Miami? I see Miami as just another K.C. at best. Well, that's my two cents.

[northzax]

if USL really thinks they are going to go head to head with mls they have a suprise waiting for them. There is upwards of a billion dollars invested in MLS right now, MLS has better revenue streams, richer owners, better players, national television and a large headstart in major media markets. The franchise fee has risen by about 30% in a few years. Usl is losing a team this year, MLS has a waiting list. And I notice that the Timbers didn't seem to get the memo, either. Can USL be profitable? Of course. Will it ever be as influential and comparably rich as MLS? Not while MLS exists.

This was Montreal's chance to crash the party, there won't likely be another realistic chance for the city.

[Justin O]

northzax - why do you say Montreal won't likely ever have another chance? A bit over the top, no?

[Jim]

wow the Portland Stadium renovations look awesome. They should be way ahead of STL and Miami in that they actually have a stadium and their fan support is second to none. Lets go Portland!!!

[Bootsy]

Bummer. That Montreal road trip would have been fabulous.

[Steve]

My order:

1. Miami-Based on big market and ownership group. This is a lock for me. Ultimately, I think, sharing a stadium with FIU will be temporary until they build another stadium. The heat is a major issue though.

2. Vancouver-The ownership group is there. The stadium will be there. (Yes, they have plan and design to make that huge stadium look/feel more intimate.) Fanbase is in place.
-------------------------------------------

3. Portland-Proven track record. Onership and fanbase are there. Stadium will be there. Continued rivalry with Seattle. Definite choice for next round of expansion.

4. St. Louis-Although my first choice would be St. Louis because I feel it would be a good market, I just don't see MLS believing in their current ownership group. I'm sure Pujols has joined in because MLS said, "You need a better ownership group. Go find some money."

5. Atlanta-This is the Wild Card for me. It definitely raises eyebrows that the Silverbacks are not continuing.

6. Ottawa-I just don't see this ever happening.

I think there is truth to MLS directing it's efforts at cities that are currently occupied by USL clubs. I don't think this eliminates a city like St. Louis, I just think this absolutely increases the chances for a city that currently has a USL club.

Someone mentioned earlier about MLS buying USL....they won't have to if they continue expanding into USL cities. They'll just run them out of town and take over.

Miami 2010....Vancouver 2011!!!

[Justin O]

Steve - plans and designs to make huge stadiums "look/feel more intimate" don't work.

Not saying the stadium should necessarily rule out Vancouver, however.

[Richard, UK]

I'm shocked Montreal has dropped out. Shocked that we won't be seeing them in 2011, because I'm fairly confident they were 1st or 2nd choice for most people.

I think it will probably be Miami and St. Louis, but I can see Garber being interested in Vancouver. He loves strong ownership groups, and that could mean St. Louis still miss out despite the late strengthening.

Might we see Portland drop out too? We knew they would struggle with the finances, so if Montreal can't take it, could we see Portland do the same?

[biologic]

..what Billy said.

MLS, just say "NO" to barca. how close attention has barca been paying to US soccer over the years? i suspect that owners in portland and st louis have a better sense of what us soccer needs.

[BlueWhiteLion]

aristotle, on your concern about the economy I agree. But you might change your analysis of Miami if you examined the facts. You are incorrect, for one, on your comparison with KC's attendance figures. Only one year did KC out attend them. Miami had the greater attendance the other years.

And, I have personally been to the OB with great crowds for international games. Argentina/USA was one. Miami is not perfect, but I just have to chuckle at the "drive by posters" here who throw out 'failed' "humid' 'bad sports city.' I dunno, are they getting their facts from Jim Rome?

[BlueWhiteLion]

Montreal failing surprises me, but honestly, I don't know a thing about their bid other than what I read, so i really can't assess why they dropped out.

I still think Miami is a front runner IF there is a SSS in the works. (I don't think Garber would fudge much on that even for might Barca; but who knows). If they don't, I would go for St. Louis (but ownership q's linger) and Portland. Canada will get expansion the next time around, now that Montreal is out.

[metrostar 4 life]

Atlanta and St.Louis. St. Louis could start a natural rivalry between KC and also Chicago. MLS needs a team down South to disperse the league around the country, and Miami had their shot and blew it.

[northzax]

JustinO: This is supposed to be the last round of expansion until 2015, right? seven years away? if MLS exists in any thriving form at that point, US markets will take precedence. Why? money.

if you want a comparison, ask yourself: when's the last time a Canadian Team won the Stanley Cup? head to head, financially, Canadian teams have been unable to compete with US-based teams. right now the CA$ is at $.785 to the US$. that's a 22% penalty on salaries, travel, staff, etc. or do you think that most players would gladly take a 22% pay cut to live in Montreal instead of say, New York or LA? in order to spend the same amount of money from top to bottom, the team needs to generate more money than a US-based franchise.

Let's imagine what MLS might look like in 2015. everyone is in a SSS. the league is profitable, at least operating income wise. the salary cap (yes, there will still be a cap, it's the American way) is at 7-8 million, plus two DPs. ESPN whatever covers several national games a week (plus the playoffs, yes there will still be playoffs, it's the American way) so MLS goes to ESPN/ABC/ and says "hey guys, we're adding some teams, people are lining up to spend $75 million! Of course, you are going to have to pay more for coverage next year, since there are more games. who do you prefer, pick two: Portland (yes, I am assuming PDX is out), San Diego, San Antonio, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Montreal." you think ESPN will pay more for games in Montreal?
think of the last Canadian Stanley Cup winner yet? the Canadiens. 1993. it's been 15 years since a Canadian team lifted the closest thing to a national trophy Canada has. since then, well known hockey hotbeds such as Anaheim, Tampa, North Carolina and Dallas have lifted the cup, probably with multiple Canadians on each team, just playing abroad for more money.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Pretty shocked and bummed about it. Its most definitely a result of finances. Ottawa moves up the list (but is still incredibly unlikely). Would love to see Vancouver (dont think we will). So im rooting for St Louis (highly doubtful) and Portland.

[Justin O]

northzax - Unless the economy changes things, I think the next round of expansion will be before 2015, probably 2013. (I sort of remember hearing something to that effect) At that point, I really don't think the league will look that much different than it does today.

[ras]

I'm sure Pujols has joined in because MLS said, "You need a better ownership group. Go find some money."
--------
I was wondering if Pujols had been on board for a while but delayed announcing his participation until after the MVP award to maximize the publicity. (This is pure speculation on my part).

Regardless of why/when he joined in, I hope he helps the STL bid.

[Eric K]

A couple posters have touched on some key ideas. One is the exchange rate, which has always been an issue with Canadian NHL teams. Two, financing - does George Gillett actually have any of this money? Because as far as I can tell, him and Tom Hicks financed the whole Liverpool venture. That wasn't out of their pockets, it's coming from present and future revenues. And that, ladies and gents, is how you operate as a rich person. Use your credit and clout to get financing, use someone else's money not yours.

I'd like to see Miami based on the ownership and the potential appeal to Latin American talent. They put a team right in Miami with money behind it, you'll have a lot of players from places like Argentina and Brazil lining up to play there. It's almost something of a Latin American city but it's not as volatile a living since it's in the US. Beyond that, St. Louis or Portland have good qualities. Atlanta has good backing but I don't know if they're ready as a market yet. No more Canadian teams.

[Kevin]

As somebody living in St. Louis, I'm pulling for the Gateway City to get it's well deserved franchise. I'm obviously not blind to the inherent problems with St. Louis' bid (ownership issues, money), but if they pass muster by Don Garber's standards, then they should be at the forefront for expansion.

As for the other cities, I had Montreal as one of the other teams I wanted to see win an MLS franchise. With them out, I lean toward either Portland or Vancouver for the 18th spot in the league. Either one would provide a close rival for Seattle.

With St. Louis, you've got two rivals within driving distance (Kansas City and Chicago).

[Rob]

Not speaking to the validity of the bids, just clearing up a bit of misinformation here:

To everyone who is questioning if Albert Pujols is the big money that is joining Jeff Cooper's St. Louis bid, he is not.

It had been reported back in August that Jeff Cooper had added three additional investors: one from St Louis as a minor partner (who has since been named--Pujols), one other American from outside of St Louis, and one European. One of the last two reportedly is worth "well over $500 million." So while Pujols strengthens the bid, he's not the big investor Cooper added.

[jmac]

Financial strain due to the recession cannot be the reason here. Everyone, including the potential ownership groups in other cities, lost a lot of money if they had it in the stock market.

[John]

Said it before, will say it again... George Gillett doesn't have the money.

He was worth $126MM before the markets crashed. The guy is totally leveraged.

[MikeinSD]

I think this seals it.....St Louis and Miami are next with a Canadian team to follow a year or 2 after

[Michael F.]

Has to be Portland, Please, Portland.

[northzax]

jmac: depends, don't it? Some are a lot worse off than others. There are losses, and then there are LOSSES.

[Ceez]

Garber, I think, is going to keep the 2 conference system for just a bit longer. So, in light of that, there will be one eastern-ish and one western-ish team selected.

Having said that, it will be:
East: St. Louis or Miami
West: Portland or Vancouver.

It won't be St. Louis AND Miami or Portland AND Vancouver.

One more thing: to those that are shooting Miami down for the climate, among other reasons, should look at Houston's success. There is no doubt Houston is brutal in the summer but they've had great success on the field and in the stands. The Miami ownership is there. And, as in Houston, the support will be there, too.

[aristotle]

BlueWhiteLion:

The only fact you have me on is the exact attendance figures of Miami and K.C., but when I said "Their attendance made K.C. look well supported.", I was really only making the point that Miami's attendance was not really any better than that of K.C. who overall has the lowest average attendance in league history. Not that K.C. was much better. I guess I could have worded it better but you're distorting the truth here because making a case for Miami by saying they ever so slightly edged the worst attended team in MLS history (322 fans per game) in attendance just makes my point for me and does nothing to support yours.

You also did not provide ANY numbers for the "great crowds" for games in Miami. If you were there and a part of great crowds you must know the attendance. Could it be your idea of great attendance is similar to your "facts" about Miami not having poor attendance, which you seemed to be implying in your response, otherwise there would have been no reason to make a case for Miami's attendance by saying it was a hair better than the worst attended team.

I hope you are not including me in your "drive by posters" comment. I am far from a "drive by poster". Also, this is insulting nonsense. Someone who is knowledgeable on soccer but hasn't posted here on soccer before is invalid? This is just typical nonsense you hear from posters who think they are superior because they post more often. An idiot posting a million times is still an idiot.

I get that you're a would be Miami fan and understand that, but you should really get your facts a little more straight before you mock others. If this was a court case you would never even have made it to trial based on your "case" for Miami not being a bad choice. You have done nothing to show that people are wrong about Miami's past failures. The only reason Miami is under consideration at all is because it's a market MLS feels it needs to break into, and maybe because of a potential owner with big pockets, but even that isn't too significant since other potential locations have that and much more.

[martha in miami]

Well, well, well...I cant help but be happy! Miami is a spectacular sports city to play and watch. We grow beautiful grass pitches, and the bulk of the mls are AT NIGHT, not too hot. Some of you are clearly uninformed and just jealous of our beloved Fusion. MLS owes us, due to their knee jerk reaction to 9.11 trust me it will be dynamic once again. Viva Miami 2010!

[aristotle]

martha in miami es muy loco! -)

[jc]

hands down ATL, located in the center of the south not FL. its not a bad drive from other southern cities. it takes a day to to travel all the way to FL, plus it is so hot down there. And VW is coming to Chattanooga, TN wouldn't we have a team where the VW is. there is the ga dome georgia tech stadium and build up the silverbacks.

[Brokenbil]

OurSports Central reported:

"Following MLS Commissioner Don Garber's statements regarding Montreal's bid, the Montreal partnership group would like to bring one important rectification: Montreal did not withdrew [sic] its bid from Major League Soccer but was informed that the league did not retain its bid.

Out of respect for the Grey Cup festivities, the partnership group will not make any additional statements over the weekend."

Interesting if it's true, more interesting if the fireworks continue in the press next week.

[habitant]

While it might be unfortunate for some that Montreal has pulled out, for most, this could be seen like a canary in a coal mine.

Montreal would've certainly pulled off a similar experience as TFC and, would've had it translate into a viable MLS franchise. The city has shown unconditional support for the Impact, a USL team that outsells several MLS clubs (consistently).

If Montreal truly gave it a look-see and decided that the USL was just fine for them at the moment, it should be taken as a clear indication of where the MLS stands in the hierarchy and, particularly, its perceived worth. A little over two years ago, TFC paid 10 mill for their franchise. Since, the economy has done nothing but ''crater''... The MLS is kidding themselves thinking they are worth 40 mill per.

[Brokenbil]

According to the CBC, "Saputo is scheduled to meet with the media on Monday morning to further address the issue."

I'm looking forward to hearing his side of the story. If the Montreal group, as Garber has suggested, had money problems, it could spell trouble for other bids with reportedly sketchy funding like St. Louis.

[Stephie]

This will be a big surprise.

I predict that Ottawa and St.Louis will be the 2011 expansion clubs. Both are soccer youth hotbeds, and neither of them will hurt the USL if the MLS goes there.

Ottawa is the most underrated market. Per capita the city is doing very well in Canada and with over a million people has no professional football, baseball or other summer sports to compete with.

Ottawa will do like in 1992 when they came up from nowhere and won an NHL expansion team (amongst the top drawing teams in the NHL).

St.Louis should have been in the MLS already. So they are going to get their due.

Vancouver and portland are already in the USL (Vancouver has no plans for a soccer specific stadium). Miami has had and failed at the MLS level and their USL team isn't drawing very much. Atlanta... Other than being in a good geographical area this bid has very little going for it.

[Jason]

Miami should be a no brainer, in spite of historical failings and potential attendance issues. Big Market, Barca connection will seal the deal - end of story.

The other franchise will most likely go to Vancouver. Strong ownership, stadium renovation, and a history of success (past and present). Provides a rivalary with Seattle and captures one more of the top 3 markets in Canada.

Miami and Vancouver in 2011, unless Miami comes in 2010.

[St. Louis Athletica]

Once St. louis ownership is revealed it should clear up concerns. St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that the ownership still has at least two individuals to be announced. One from Europe and one with a net worth over $500 million.

SSS already in place pending announcement. Everything is ready to go!