I don't like Joey Saputo necessarily, making allowances for the fact that I don't actually know the guy, but count me as one that can't wait for his MLS debut in 2012.


Saputo stirs the pot. As I'm on record arguing that MLS needs more pot-stirring, I'm all for Montreal's owner bringing his act to MLS. And by act, I mean things like calling out his players by name for their disappointing performance to this point in the DII season.


Saputo talks a lot. He really cares about the fortunes of his team, and he's not shy about stating his opinion. He's made the Impact successful after taking them over when things were bleak; say what you want about his style, it's hard to imagine Montreal could have a more committed champion of professional soccer in the city.


Every team in MLS is aiming for a championship when the season begins. But it's not unfair to say that some of them go at it with more vigor than others; some are more than happy just to be competitive, minimize their financial losses, and let things shake out over the course of a long regular season and playoffs. With eight playoff births available, the lack of intense pressure generally keeps things from getting chaotic; we're three-quarters of the way through the season, and only one head coach has been fired. Owners are generally patient, mostly keep their mouths shut, and never speak critically about their players in public.


Joey has a slightly different attitude.


I imagine the Impact are going to rocket into MLS with every intention of winning something in their first year. I expect Saputo will make grand statements, declare the Impact's entry as a "new era" in MLS, and spend the first season talking, talking, talking. Saputo probably won't have too many friends on the Board of Governors, and his act will surely tick some people off, but a bit more juice from someone running an MLS franchise is something I'm happily looking forward to.


I pray that MLS doesn't muzzle him. Let Joey be Joey.


If I were a fan of the Impact, or more likely of the rivals, Saputo might annoy me or cause me ulcers. But from my vantage point, 2012 and the Joey Saputo Show can't come soon enough.

The future of the "second" division of American and Canadian soccer took a dramatic turn today: Alex Papadakis, chairman of NuRock Soccer Holdings, the new owner of USL, told a Canadian radio station that the Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact would not be participating in USL-1 next season.


Papadakis indicated that "the negotiations are finished", and that the league will move forward with those clubs that want to be a part of USL-1. That would indicate that the statuses of the entirety of the Team Owners Association-affiliated clubs (Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, and the new Tampa Bay Rowdies, with a potential St. Louis club and the on-hiatus Atlanta Silverbacks involved as well) are in question.


Papadakis' words didn't jive with those of Impact owner Joey Saputo's who indicated that negotiations are not finished and that the Impact could still play in USL-1 next year. For the Whitecaps part, President Bob Lenarduzzi told John Molinaro of the CBC that the TOA is pursuing a new league option and is on the verge of submitting an application to the USSF (both statements in Molinaro's story at the CBC site); those statements have now been couched by Lenarduzzi, who has since told Molinaro that his club is "in limbo" for 2010.


It appears that Lenaduzzi may have shown too much of the TOA's hand, and was then forced to "retract" (though he didn't fully) his statements. Fleshing out what exactly is happening is extremely difficult; both sides are clearly attempting to influence public opinion, with the high profile Canadian clubs at the forefront of the battle.


Lenarduzzi's comment about submitting an application to the USSF are interesting, in that they indicate that either the TOA or some portion of it is moving ahead with contingency plans should a resolution not be found. Time is of the essence here; if the break away clubs hope to be ready to play outside of USL-1 in 2010, they need to get moving on the process.


Things are messy, that much is sure. I'm still at a loss to explain exactly what it is the TOA clubs might get out of returning to a league that is wholly owned by a third party and that leaves them out of of decision-making process. The backbone of any league, in any sport, is its member clubs; as such, those clubs should helping to make policy, determine direction, etc. USL/NuRock has done nothing to this point to indicate that they get that; instead, they inform players their contracts are voided behind the clubs backs, make proclamations that certain clubs are out of the league despite statements to the contrary by the clubs themselves, and just general look the bully.


I'm solidly on the side of owners who want a say in how the business of their league is conducted. I understand that breaking away would be extremely difficult, risky, and complicated; the new league would have a Herculean task ahead of it to install the proper administrative bodies to make such a thing happen. It all really comes down to how far the TOA member clubs are willing to go to get what they want. It doesn't look to me like NuRock will be backing down.

For an overview of today's events, read friend of MFUSA Andrew Bucholtz's piece on the matter.

What do you make of today's developments?

Montreal's eventually entry into MLS may be a forgone conclusion, but it won't be happening in 2011. Don Garber, in Toronto tonight for TFC's friendly with Real Madrid, confirmed that fact to the assembled press when asked about his discussions with Impact owner Joey Saputo.

"It will not be happening in 2011, it will happen sometime after that, but I would like to see three teams in Canada," Garber told the media. "We are in discussion with Joey Saputo and his family, the next step is to work with them to get public support to expand and renovate that stadium."

The "public support" Garber mentioned is the $25 million (CAN) that the Quebec provincial government is said to be on the verge of contributing to the Impact for renovations to Stade Saputo. The stadium would need an expansion from it's current capacity of 13,000 to meet MLS standards, and Saputo is confident that he can secure a the needed funds from the government.

If Montreal isn't on track for 2011 (which would be extremely short notice), then 2012 would make more sense. Don Garber has also recently stated the the league is looking for candidates for a 20th team, a franchise which could enter with Montreal or come in the following year.

I'm actually just a touch disappointed to hear this news; while I realize that the entry of Portland and Vancouver, as well as the time-frame involved, would make Montreal joining in 2011 a bit of a problem (okay, a fairly large problem), I'm excited to see the Impact in MLS as soon as possible.

Rivalries will make the league more compelling, and Montreal sets up as a perfect rival for several clubs.

Four teams standing, and only one will gain the loyalty of yours truly. This is the semi-finals, where four USL-1 clubs fight it out for the right to be my club.

I expect that when the winner is finally announced I'll receive phone calls of welcome from owners and chairmen, be feted in the streets, and be lavished with team-related paraphernalia to the point of overkill.

Okay, so maybe I won't get all of that. But I will have a new club to call my own, and for that I'm truly excited.

Let the semis begin. No detailed breakdown this time around, just a simple comparison of the clubs based on my impressions to this point in the project.

Montreal Impact v. Minnesota Thunder


MFUSA Vote: Advantage Minnesota (16% to 9%)
Passionate Comments/Emails: Advantage Minnesota (barely)
Cool YouTube videos of supporters: Advantage Montreal
MFUSA's Gut: Even (cop out, I know)

Winner: Minnesota Thunder

That was a nail-biter. If it was a soccer match, it would have come down the last penalty, which was apparently saved the Minnesota keeper.

Good showing, Montreal.

Austin Aztex v. Puerto Rico Islanders


MFUSA Vote: Advantage Puerto Rico (35% to 12%)
Passionate Comments/Emails: Even
Did That Ginge Didn't Choose: Advantage Puerto Rico
MFUSA's Gut: Advantage Puerto Rico (barely)

Winner: Puerto Rico Islanders

The Ginge thing is a joke of course, though I couldn't really choose the same team as him, now could I? Seriously thought, my gut said Puerto Rico, and the Islanders fans truly represented in the poll. Can't ignore that.

It's too bad the Aztex went up against the Islanders in the semis; the might have otherwise made the finals.

One more round to go. Finals are now set:

Minnesota Thunder v. Puerto Rico Islanders

Stay tuned, the finals are coming soon. If you've got a horse in this race, if you're a fan/supporter of either club, step up and hype up your team just one more time.

The weekend is officially here, and I couldn't be more relieved. It's been one hell of a week, and it's about time I kick back with a nice beer (I recommend Smithwick's), my HDTV, and a little televised soccer action.

Luckily, I won't have to wait until tomorrow to get my fix. There's some proper soccer on Fox Soccer Channel tonight, and I'm exhorting you to check it out.

Saved from the executioner's ax for 2009, the Miami FC Blues opened their season with a resounding 3-1 victory over the Cleveland City Stars last week. Diego Serna scored two, and the Blues are off to a flying start. If nothing else, Miami is intriguing because of how close they came to not playing this season. I'm anxious to see them play. I'm also curious to see what kind of crowd Miami gets at FIU Stadium.

Montreal is the biggest club in USL (apologies to Vancouver and Portland; you can't be too mad, you're moving up soon). The UCL run, the 50,000 at Olympic Stadium, the passionate supporters and big attendance (by USL standards); it all has me intrigued.

I highly suggest you watch, as I know I'll be. Hell, if enough people comment on this post that they'll be watching, I might even step up and do an impromptu live blog.

USL! FSC! TONIGHT!

Steven Beauregard, new Montreal-based contributor to the fantastic 24th Minute (not to mention Match Fit USA reader), reports that Joey Saputo expects another expansion announcement from MLS within three weeks.

Of course this means that Saputo expects the Impact to get the call, though it clearly depends on the Montreal owner securing $25 million in stadium upgrade funding from the provincial government of Quebec.

While I wouldn't put it past MLS to quickly name another expansion side, especially if Saputo has all of his ducks in a row, it is just a flabbergastering (made that word up) piece of news.

If we take Saputo at face-value, it appears that perhaps he has worked out a deal with Garber and the board of governors; if the provincial money comes through, Saputo no longer needs to negotiate down the expansion fee. Stadium upgrades taken care of, Joey can foot the MLS bill himself without reservation.

Whatever damage Saputo did to his relationship with MLS is a moot point now. The league clearly wants Montreal, and without the shenanigans Saputo pulled, they would certainly already be on track for 2011.

Are we really to believe that the league will arbitrarily bump up the number of 2011 entrants because Montreal re-enters at the thirteenth hour?

While it would keep the conferences balanced, I'd like to propose another possibility:

The league is worried enough about Portland's ongoing stadium issues that Montreal is now poised to swoop in.

Of course, Montreal can still be added if Portland works out their situation, as the Impact's ownership situation and potential stadium (again, dependant on the government's help) more than meet Major League Soccer's requirements.

It's just a thought. Perhaps Saputo is blowing smoke, perhaps the league really is considering a third team for 2011, or perhaps it won't matter if Quebec doesn't pony up.

After watching Vancouver land an MLS franchise, Joey Saputo wants the Canadian government to help his Impact get to the top flight.

Saputo announced today that he plans to ask the government (per Andrew, who would know better than I, probably the provincial government) for $25 million (not sure if that's U.S. or Canadian) in aid to upgrade the Impact's stadium.

"It's something we never looked at and it's something we'll have to, or else we're going to see the train pass again and that's something we can't let happen."

Interesting words from the Montreal man, and a clear admission that things didn't go quite the way they were supposed to the last time around.

Much was made of Saputo's reluctance to pay the MLS expansion fee during the last selection process, with most observers having Montreal as a shoe-in if not for the petulance of the Impact's owner.

Because I wasn't privy to the communications between Saputo and the league, I'll refrain from convicting the man of anything; still, this most recent revelation would seem a reversal if it was in fact his fault that MLS left the Impact at the altar.

"We worked hard to develop the sport of soccer in Quebec and we have to start being more aggressive because infrastructure money is available and we can't be shy to take a look at potentially getting some of that money so we can bring the next level of soccer here, which would be the MLS."

Also gone? Any delusions of grandeur on the part of the Impact. It appeared, for at least a short period, that the USL side was "content" to remain in the lower-tier league, building up their football credentials with Champions League success and crowds of 50,000 (even if it was a one-off situation).

Vancouver and Toronto have both received (or will receive) federal government dollars to upgrade or build stadiums. If nothing else, Saputo is doing his due diligence, exploring all options open to his club and his city.

"So there's nothing wrong with thinking we should do the same,"

Montreal, and Saputo, still want that MLS membership; I don't know how successful they might be in obtaining government funding to upgrade Stade Saputo, but it's clear that we'll be hearing about Montreal as an expansion candidate at least until the next round of Major League Soccer expansion concludes.

Day three, and I'm heading north of the border to consider Canadian side Montreal Impact.

The Impact are heading into the 2009 USL season riding the wave of enthusiasm created by their improbable run into the CONCACAF Champions' League quarter-finals. Despite a breif flirtation with MLS, Montreal will remain in USL for the foreseeable.

Montreal has always fascinated me, and there are several reasons that the Impact might do well in the Project scoring system.

I'm wondering if I should just stop saying "jump"...

Geography

I'm fairly certain that Montreal is in Canada, which means that it's in a different country than my own. Still, I have an affinity for Canadians and wouldn't mind supporting a "foreign" club that plays in a predominantly American league. I'm also in the bag a bit for the French thing; I took three years of high school French, feel like I could pick it up again if I had reason to, and wouldn't be happy walking into a hotel in Montreal and saying "Une chambre pour le nuit, s'il vous plait" (I apologize if I butchered that; in an misguided attempt to be charming, I'm not going to check if it's right). Even if the guy behind the desk speaks perfect English. Remember that these scores are arbitrary, and there's no rhyme or reason for most of them.

Score: 8

History

The Impact have been around since 1992, though the city's soccer history goes back to the NASL days. In recent times, the team has certainly been one of the most successful in USL First Division. Big points all around here, I think, especially since I've just decided to include that last three months in the "history" I'm examining; that means that the CONCACAF Champions League run gets included, a giant pleat in the Impact's soccer cape.

Score: 8

Name/Colors

I'm struggling with this one. On the surface, there's nothing wrong with either the colors or the name "Impact", though it does smack of that 90's marketing trend that led to too many sports franchises being labeled with singular nicknames. I have to take points off for that, just because it would be against my stated principals if I didn't. At the same time, the logo is pretty cool, even if it is a little over-stylized. I am a fan of the fleur-de-lis being worked in, but don't like the trails on the flying ball. So conflicted...

Score: 6

Supporter Passion

As you would expect, this is a major scorer for the Impact. Not only did the club get 50,000 to show up for the home leg of their CCL series with Santos Laguna, the Montreal Ultras provide fantastic support for every Impact home match. Noise, motion, smoke; it all gives the Ultra's the right to call themselves one of the best supporters' groups in North American. If I did sign on to be an Impact fan, I'm sure I would have a blast watching a game among the Ultras.

Thanks to reader Steve, who pointed me in the direction of videos showing off the Ultras passion. Here's one of many:



Score: 8

Total Score: 30

Montreal Impact, early leaders in the clubhouse. That's a pretty big lead, and a score that reflects the affinity I have for the club. I'll admit to being swayed by their CCL run and the success they had filling Stade Olympique; I'm not so cyncical as to ignore something like that. Even when they're not playing in the big stadium with the big crowd, I get the feeling that Montreal is a great place to follow a soccer team.

A few links:
Montreal Impact Official Site
Montreal Ultras (French)
Montreal Impact Wikipedia Page