It looks like MLS might have a bigger problem with territorial rights. Apparently learning nothing from Major League Baseball and litigation over territory, MLS might have an issue in Ohio. The Columbus Dispatch’s Bob Hunter asked Crew investor/operator Anthony Precourt about Cincinnati as an expansion market over the summer and the response was mixed. As Charles Boehm explained in his article about Sporting Kansas City and a St Louis Homegrown Player, MLS has an interesting understanding of what is in a club’s territory.
There’s a long history of territorial issues in North American pro sports. The National Hockey League used to have a territorial limit for its clubs, benefiting the hockey hotbeds in Toronto and Montreal more than say New York City. Major League Baseball’s Orioles went the legal route in enforcing a territory that went all the way to the South Carolina border. When the issues are obvious, like clubs claiming entirely distinct major metropolitan areas, it’s time for a rethink. Especially for a league in full-on expansion mode like Major League Soccer.
Also in the soccer news, Club America and Tigres opening their 2016 Liga Mx Apertura final series with a 1-1 draw. With the referee pointing to the spot in the 28th minute, Club America’s Oribe Peralta hit the bar. Andre Gignac put Tigres up in the 45th with America equalizing in the 68th minute.
Neither of the USMNT players were involved, with Ventura Alvarado on the bench for Club America and Jose Torres in the squad for Tigres. The series concludes on Sunday in Leon (7:30pm ET – Univision).
Goal.com’s Jon Arnold has a match report from the first-leg. The Philly Voice’s Kevin Kinkead explains the importance of Phildelphia Union sporting director Earnie Stewart’s take on the transfer market. The Indy Star’s Matthew Glenesk updates the situation with the NASL.
Putin just now: “We have never had a doping problem in Russia. This is just impossible, unthinkable. We will never do anything like that…
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) December 23, 2016
The NY Times’ Rory Smith explains the pressure on Premier League players with the compact holiday schedule. ESPN FC’s Michael Cox looks at Premier League clubs choosing to press. The Independent’s Ian Herbert on what cost Alan Pardew his job as manager of Crystal Palace. Wales Online’s Andrew Gwilym on the big picture issues with Swansea City.
It’s been a heck of a day. I’m honored to be a part of the RSL family. Looking forward to getting to work and doing my part
— @petkemike (@petkemike) December 23, 2016
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