Jeff Baker at New University wrote an interesting article today about David Beckham and his contributions (or lack thereof) to the development of soccer in North America. It’s true that this is a tough market to crack. We seem to love technical games like football and baseball or fighting games like boxing, ultimate fighting, wrestling and hockey. If you put those two together soccer represents a game we wouldn’t enjoy. Low scoring easy to understand games with players acting like pansy’s in the field.
Jeff Baker argued that Beckham was acquired by the LA Galaxy as a promotional tool …read more

It’s a rare event to see a big soccer club like AC Milan in North American but it was confirmed today that they will be in Toronto August 7th, 2009. They will be taking on the Toronto FC, Canada’s Premiere soccer club and member of the MLS.
They will be playing at the humble BMO fields located in Toronto. A small stadium compared to the giant one’s they are used to playing at in Milan. It will definitely be a different kind of atmosphere than what AC Milan are used to.
The BMO Fields need to have a little makeover though before …read more

It was announced that the Portland Timbers will be added to the Major Soccer Leagues roster for 2012. The Timbers currently play for the United Soccer League but are very excited to be joining the MLS.

These are exciting times for soccer in North America as the MLS expands to include great teams all over the United States and Canada. For Canada, Vancouver will be added in 2011 and Ottawa is still hammering out details for their 2013 addition.
The Seattle Sounders played their first MLS game against the NY Red Bulls beating them 3-0 on Thursday. Philadelphia will be added for …read more

Soccer will officially return to North America at 6pm ET today when the Seattle Sounders kick off the New York Red Bulls on home turf.

The Quest Field in Seattle was completely sold out as fans rallied to support their new dream team. With the addition of coach Sigi Schmid and first draft pick, striker Steve Zakuani, many wonder if the team can even be beat. We’ll just have to tune in and see.
Personally I’ve got my money on the Seattle Sounders FC.
Images: MLS team logos

Toronto FC of the Major League Soccer (MLS) unveiled their new home and away jerseys today. Instead of their old red and white attire they will wear a newly designed orange and grey suit.
For Toronto FC being the only Canadian team in the MLS they should represent by wearing Canadian colours. I guess that would be a problem in the future if Montreal or Vancouver chose to join. Well no matter.
Let me know what you all think of the new jerseys.
Image TSN.com

After years of planning with sweat and tears, Philadelphia soccer fans had much to cheer for yesterday as they watched the groundbreaking ceremony for their new state of the art stadium. The new field takes advantage of prime location near the city and near the waterfront just off the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge. The new stadium will be able to accommodate 18,500 spectators. It also will have a 11,000 square foot club, 30 suites, and a world class concert stage.
Philadelphia will be joining the MLS in 2010.
Read the complete article at MLS.com