ajcsportstalk

By scarse

October 15, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I would make a point to attend these games. I think Atlanta is a ripe soccer market that would embrace the MLS.

By Beckham

October 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

I hope y’all support it - Posh and I want to come live here.

By Gus

October 15, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

First of all, the AJC should refer to the league by its proper name, “MLS”, not “the MLS”. No one calls Major League Baseball “the MLB.” And yes, if it’s a good product and it’s promoted well, I think Atlanta would support an MLS club. The Silverbacks have suffered, among other things, from a “minor-league” stigma, despite being the city’s pro soccer team for 10 years and the average person not knowing that their quality-of-play was pretty darn good. They also have never significantly marketed the club, settling for a grass-roots strategy with mixed results. Perhaps the Blank mystique, deeper pockets and “major-league” label will make it a success. Remember also that this is only 1 bid of many— it’s uncertain what AMB Group’s chances are against the other contenders. I just hope the eventual stadium site is more city-centric than Kennesaw…

By MLS Atlanta

October 15, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

If we can support all the professional teams we have here now, I don’t see why we should have a problem getting an MLS team. Back then we used to have the Atlanta Chiefs of the NASL. Atlanta can definately support another professional team.

By Critic

October 15, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Professional soccer has been trying to gain a foothold in Atlanta for 40 years. I don’t think there is anything that Arthur Blank can do that’s going to get it over the hump. Do the Silverbacks even still exist? The fact that I have to ask that question speaks volumes about the state of soccer in Atlanta.

By Gus

October 15, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

A lot has changed in those 40 years. And, yes, the Silverbacks still exist. Their failures have been institutional and strategic in nature due to their organizational efforts, not b/c of soccer’s ability to “make it” or not. MLS and Blank may be a much-different proposition that Silverbacks and USL.

By Critic

October 15, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

One thing that hasn’t changed in 40 years though is the failure rate of all the teams that have tried to establish themselves here, and there have been countless teams. I just don’t believe that Atlanta will support soccer regardless of how it’s organized or marketed. Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast at the Chiefs games in the 60’s, and was fortunate enough to witness the victory over Manchester, Pele and the championship. Arthur can do what he wants, and I wish him the best. But for soccer to be successful and become big in Atlanta is a longshot at best.

By k

October 15, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

The closest MLS franchise is DC. The MLS has completely neglected the southeastern united states, not to mention the glut of talent that greater metro area has produced nationally (joe max moore, clint mathis, josh wolffe). The support would be similar to the braves in that surrounding states would also offer a wealth of potential fans. I don’t see any reason they couldn’t continue to expand the current silverbacks complex to support an MLS team. It’s a great location for it, and the developers have already done a lot of the legwork on stadium construction.

By Soccer Coach

October 15, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Soccer is the most played youth sport in the nation and Atlanta is no exception. There is no MLS team in the southeast, so an Atlanta team would be able to draw a larger base similar to how the Braves did for years. Obviously I am not saying this team would have the number of fans and dedication (questionable) as the Braves have, but my argument is based solely on geography. Everyone loves hometown talent and right now there are players playing for the USMNT (US Men’s Soccer team) and other MLS teams who are from the Atlanta area. You add in the fact that Georgia has some of the fastest growing Hispanic communities in the country. All of this can add up for success in Atlanta. Also, if Blank does with the MLS as the has NOW done with the Falcons we could be in great shape.

By Soccer Coach

October 15, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

k

I am glad to see we have the same thoughts!

By Gus

October 15, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Critic makes some good points, but despite their lack of widespread reknown in metro Atlanta, the Silverbacks have lasted for 10 years— longer than ANY of the prior, “better-known” pro soccer clubs in Atlanta. The gorillas have perhaps not “been all that they could be,” but perhaps Blank will be able to improve on that with bigger and better resources. Bright prospects, but as with ANY business venture, uncertain future.

By RK

October 15, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

You know what would help? Some local media coverage! This should be front page news on the web site — instead, there’s a story about Blank and Vick, not Blank and MLS.

By Gus

October 15, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

As much as I love futbol, I have to be realistic— it’s the other football that gets the hits and the ratings, esp. in Atlanta. That’s why Vick’s on the front page and we’re slumming on a blog buried in small print. It’s Blank’s NFL gravitas that even makes this an item at the bottom of the sports section. But heck, if we keep up the support, there’s no reason this can’t be more popular than the NHL. Pro soccer (whether MLS or USL) isn’t aiming to unseat the big three (although I’m sure it’d love to), no matter what soccer-haters say. It’s just trying to carve out its own, hopefully profitable niche in the American sports landscape. BTW, it’s a miracle no anti-soccer trolls have blasted any of us or this blog yet…

By RK

October 15, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is facing some tough competition — all of the candidates will be revealed today on mlsnet.com at 5:15. IMO it will come down to the stadium plan and the owner.

MLS has to get a team in the south. I thought Miami was DOA, but with Barca’s support, they are a viable candidate.

By Tyre

October 15, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

There will an MLS team in Atlanta. AB will make it happen. It would be nice to see it established in Gwinnett County. Our commission has killed that idea by the G-Braves $40M gift debacle. I say good luck to Cobb County. There is no incentive to build it in either Dekalb or Fulton. The Silverbacks have mainly marketed themselves to the hispanic community. That’s why most outside the soccer community in Atlanta have never even heard of them… and the fact that they get NO local press coverage.

By RK

October 15, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

S’backs make money from the fields around the stadium, anyway…

By matt

November 11, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

It will be great if Atlanta supports the MLS and brings a soccer team Atlanta