Expansion: Where? How big?

In Don Garber's state of the league address yesterday one of the biggest topics were the rumors surrounding what city will be awarded the 20th MLS team.  For some time now it has been clear that the MLS wants that team to be from New York.  With the resurgence of the the New York Cosmos brand it is starting to look like that is where MLS will be headed next.  The Cosmos have come out with new merchandise from Umbro and have announced Pele as their honorary president.  Also, MLS has been in talks with the Wilpon family who own the Mets for some time now.  Garber also mentioned that he envisioned the league would grow beyond 20 teams.  Several cities have been interested in joining such as Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and San Diego, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Ottawa.  Garber mentioned that he couldn't imagine that the league wouldn't expand into the Southeast at some time.  Where do you see the league going?  What cities do you want to get in?  Any love for Des Moines? Just sayin.

Don Does it again, the Reserve League is reincarnated, plus MLS expands rosters.

MLS commissioner Don "The Don" Garber revealed today in a teleconference that the MLS reserve league will begin anew in 2011.  Also the limit on the amount of homegrown players has been removed.  This could help to fill in the extra four spots on the rosters for the teams next year.  In 2011 MLS teams' rosters will expand from 26 to 30.  This comes as a breath of fresh air for those teams competing in extra fixtures throughout the year, such as the U.S. Open Cup, Superliga, and the Concacaf Champions League.  The interesting thing about this roster expansion is that roster spots 25-30 are reserved for players 24 and younger.  MLS looks to be combatting its old dp infusion with a youthful player development movement.  Perhaps getting the best of both worlds, allowing those teams that don't have the cash to bring in three designated players to compete by running a more efficient and successful development program. While at the same time bringing in star power to fill the seats.

Other news that was announced was that every MLS soccer team next year will have a jersey front sponsor.  We'll know who the new sponsors are by in the next two months.  Also three new or renovated stadiums will be completed by next year.  The teams that will have these new pitches are Kansas City, Vancouver, and Portland.

More information can be found over at mlssoccer.com. Many think its time for Don Garber to move on and quit restricting the growth of the league but in my opinion the road to glory for MLS follows right behind the Don and his slow growth plan.  Thoughts? Already excited for next year? Ready to see some new homegrown talent?