I have recently came across info suggesting that it is more then probable that Montreal will be announced as the 19th team in Major League Soccer during MLS cup week.
Update: Martin Smith of www.ruefrontenac.com has been quoted as saying on a CKAC radio show that 2011 seems much more probable in the current situation. He follows daily club affairs very closely so it might be an indication of things to come.
I would also guess that Joey is feeling quite a bit more comfortable skipping the expansion draft now then he was back in July. I could easily see them bringing 7-8 players from their current squad up with them to MLS.
More info to follow...
So...2011 0r 2012????
ReplyDeleteI'll believe when its confirmed!! Joey Saputo is not exacty reliable
ReplyDeleteI don't think you'll see Montreal coming in with Portland and Vancouver in 2011. With 18 teams and complaints already about the length of the season this year, they're not going to be comfortable reliving the problems an odd number of teams poses.
ReplyDeleteIf MTL comes in, it will likely be 2012 at the earliest, along with another team. This will also give Saputo time to do the stadium additions he'll need for MLS. If Portland ownership continues to struggle with getting money cleared for PGE Park renovations, though, it might be Portland who waits a year.
The main issue MLS had about Montreal coming in for 2011 was the dilution of the player pool. If, as Joey Saputo indicated, they are willing to skip the expansion draft then it could work for 2011.
ReplyDeleteThe stadium expansion has already been planned for 2 phases with the first coming this winter and the last in the winter of 2011 to be ready for the 2011 season, to bring the capacity of the stadium to approx. 21,000. Getting the money for this from the Quebec government is a formality.
Also, another issue to be looked at is if Vancouver and Portland come in alone in 2011 they will be faced with a situation where there is 10 teams in the western conference and only 8 in the east. Who do you move the Eastern conference? And do you move that team only for 1 season? Or do you leave the conferences unbalanced?
If Montreal comes into MLS in 2011. Portland, Vancouver and Montreal will be AWFUL. Bank on it. The expansion draft will be just a joke with 3 clubs competing for talent.
ReplyDeleteNot going to happen!
ReplyDeleteExpansion draft should be scrapped in the first place...
ReplyDeleteIt just leads to a lot more roster turnover (and few productive parts moving) shuffled around the league.
I think it depends on the situation. For example, a team like Philadelphia probably needs some kind of expansion draft since they are a completely new franchise.
ReplyDeleteAt the very least it gives them some sort of base to start with, a few starters and some bench warmers. But with an already existing team it may not always be necessary.
Especially with teams like the Impact and even more so the Whitecaps who already have reserve teams, academies and a solid base of second string players to start. Go out and sign 4-5 starters and a DP and you got yourself a team...