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Northern California is rejecting MLS. Here’s Why…
This is a huge week for soccer in Northern California. In San Jose, we have the John Fisher derby between the Earthquakes and Oakland Roots. In Sacramento, Monterey Bay FC squares off off against Sac Republic.
It’s all thanks to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a competition the MLS is desperate to kill off because it doesn’t want its soulless, increasingly corporate clubs facing off against a bunch of beloved sides who are actually a part of their community.
On the field, this is an exciting moment. Off the field, it puts the failings of Major League Soccer back in the spotlight. Northern California is one of the largest and most passionate soccer regions in America. And really, it extends down to the San Joaquin Valley and over to Reno.
Yet those folks running the top flight of American soccer are not interested in that. The feeling is becoming mutual thanks to the USL.
The MLS has kicked everyone off the playing field it doesn’t want. It’s not even pay to play, though. You have to be anointed by the league to get in. Credentials or connections to the community are irrelevant. Ask San Diego Loyal about that. MLS preferred to do business with a scandal-ridden, allegedly tax-dodging foreign businessman.
A meritocracy is scary, especially when competition from Northern California clubs puts the MLS side in the region to shame. Sac Republic routinely draws 10,000 people despite playing in a temporary venue next to an abandoned water park, although it may not be abandoned for much longer.
The Oakland Roots, despite not having a dedicated place to play, are a draw. Monterey Bay FC has no problems getting 4, 5, or 6 thousand people to their games. But think about this. These clubs have found a level of success at a lower level. Imagine the passion and excitement they’d have in the top flight. The sky is the limit.
Even with that door closed, the USL experience is enjoyable. Better than the MLS experience found at most, not all but most, stadiums in the country
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15 июн 2024
