As a huge soccer fan, I’ve been hoping for a while that MLS would add a franchise in Philly. It’s not going to happen this upcoming season, but there’s still hope for 2004.

Would there be enough interest in a soccer team to make it a viable option? If you’re not a soccer fan, would you be willing to attend a game or two and give it a chance?

Yes. yes and yes.

A city this size should ABSOLUTELY have an MLS franchise.

I grew up in Montco, and the biggest sport there when I was growing up was not football - it was soccer. The youth leagues and rec opportunities surrounding soccer were far greater than any other sport at the time.

This is long overdue, if you asked me.

Not to mention the fact that this city is getting more and more of an international image ... it's turning into a world class city. Soccer would be a perfect addition to the sports landscape, and would invite attention from groups that we aren't currently getting.

Let's go, let's go, for heavens sake!!!

~JK

Part of the problem is where they would play. LFF was designed to meet soccer field standards. However, it's capacity is much greater than an MLS team needs, which creates atmosphere problems.

The league's ultimate goal is soccer-specific stadiums (SSS) for each team. It reduces the costs incurred by the teams, which is very important for a league that's still losing money. That would probably not happen in the city any time soon, seeing as how there are two new stadiums being built as we speak.

Unless someone on the board has or knows someone with an extra $150 million or so who wants to build a stadium. That would be nice.

Look at the success that the women's team that plays out in Villanova has had! The key is in their connection to the kids and the community! As a huge soccer fan, I would definitely go to see the games!!

While I myself would love to see an MLS team in the area, and would definitly support them, do you really think we have the players to fill a roster?

I know a couple of guys I played with when I was a kid now play with the Kixx, but they were the only ones who stuck with soccer after high school. The rest of us got on with jobs, partying in college , etc, as I think most guys do.

While a pro team can bring people in to fill the roster spots, most of the team is going to be made up of guys from the area.

Whean are try outs??

Hmmm yes, partying in college.... The good old days.

I'm not 100% clear if I'm following you. There isn't a rule saying any of the players have to be from that area. Sure, it would be nice, because I think it gives fans players they can relate to more, but it's hardly a requirement, especially for MLS.

However, if we had to get some local talent, we can try to aquire two of the Philly area's finest, Ben Olsen and Bobby Convey.

Plus:

Hayden Woodworth, from Boothwyn, who just got drafted by DC United out of stinkin' Messiah.

Chris Albright, though he's never played to his potential, in my opinion.

As for try-outs, the line forms behind me. I have no chance of making it, but I'd love to at least give it a go.

Go John! I think that there would be plenty of palyers to fill the roster spots. Drawing from the international talent and the homegrown talent pool which seems to expand as the league and exposure do.

I'm not sure how many are aware, but the first event at LFF is a soccer match. Manchester United vs. Barcelona. It should be a huge event, attracting people from all over the country.

Some are saying it's a try-out of sorts for the city to see if there's enough interest for an MLS team. While I don't think this game is any indication of MLS interest, I think the support is there and if this game helps get a team here, I'm all for it.

Somewhat ironically, some people are encouraging a boycott of this and the other matches being played by Manchester United on this tour. They're upset Man Utd isn't playing any MLS teams and they're only here to raise their own exposure and make a lot of money. Hopefully they're not successful with the boycott, especially here.

I think the game will be a sell-out and be a rousing success. I highly recommend if you're thinking of going, get your tickets early.

Wow, I had no idea about the game - thanks for the info John!

Do you happen to know when it will be, how much the tickets are, etc.?