Getty Images What a day for the San Jose Earthquakes, who poured a lot of history into one afternoon.
It did not end perfectly as the club could manage only a 2-2 draw with the Galaxy. But in the big picture that singular result in one little ol’ soccer game doesn’t mean a thing.
The Earthquakes had officially captured the Supporters Shield a night before, when Sporting Kansas City failed to grab all the points in a draw at New York. Long, slow applause for that one.
With a brave header in the second half of Sunday’s contest, Chris Wondolowski moved a step closer to historic heights. So many will be pulling for him in this week’s season finale, as he attempts to match Roy Lassiter’s 17-year-old record for most goals over a single MLS season.
(MORE: Chris Wondolowski’s 26th goal of 2012)
But again, the match and the individual heroics are radar blips in the big, big picture for owner Lew Wolf (pictured, along with … uh … well, he’s pictured) and his club. San Jose’s well-attended ground-breaking on a new 18,000-seat facility (set to open in 2014) is what really matters.
The organization even broke a Guinness world record (quaint as Guinness world records seem these days) for the largest groundbreaking. Some 6,256 fans had small shovels and dug for two minutes in the ceremonial construction start.
We keep saying it – but it continues to be true. Nothing matters more in Major League Soccer’s ongoing development than getting clubs into their own, dedicated facilities. TV contracts are important, too – but these new arenas were always the first building blocks in that initiative, too.
As successful as San Jose has been on the field and at the gate in 2012, existence as a renter, stripped of opportunities to control all those important revenue streams, is not sustainable for any franchise.
Further, nothing establishes a sense of permanence and staying-power like a physical building. It helps to establish “place” in the community and it tells fans, media and potential sponsors “we aren’t going anywhere.”
San Jose’s facility will be the 15th to constructed or rebuilt specifically for an MLS club.
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Poor Strama, Allegri: Inter, AC Milan leave coaches in limbo
May 22, 2013, 11:51 PM EDT
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Serie A’s two Milanese clubs have yet to move for new head coaches.
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Full circle: Misantrope’s revival could land Benítez in Paris, Madrid, or Naples
May 22, 2013, 11:06 PM EDT
Over the last three months, Rafa Benítez has reignited a floundering career.
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It’s piling on for Reign FC, who may permanently lose Megan Rapinoe to Lyon
May 22, 2013, 10:14 PM EDT
The hits just keep on coming for the NWSL’s hard-luck team.
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U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round draw: What it means for your MLS team
May 22, 2013, 9:20 PM EDT
The U.S. Open Cup draws sometimes need a decoder ring to decipher. Here’s a quick-and-dirty look at the MLS teams’ futures.
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With PSG willing to match Wayne Rooney’s wages, Manchester United has somebody to bail them out
May 22, 2013, 8:17 PM EDT
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If PSG’s willing to take Rooney’s wages of their hands, Manchester United can justify moving on.
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Crimes and misdemeanors: Congratulations, Bobby Boswell – you’re this week’s winner
May 22, 2013, 7:32 PM EDT
Houston’s defensive leader sees his banned doubled by the Disciplinary Committee.
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Sauerbrunn, Quon, and why its still too early to see NWSL’s influence on Sermanni’s choices
May 22, 2013, 6:47 PM EDT
Tom Sermanni has brought new talent into the national team, but it’s too early to know the extent to which the U.S.’s roster will see new faces.
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José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo pick up meaningless two-match bans
May 22, 2013, 6:02 PM EDT
Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a two-match ban. José Mourinho will skirt it.
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Michele Beadle and friends take a look at what NYCFC means to the New York sports scene.
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We tend to beat up the Chivas organization for its off-the-wall strategic approaches and front-office instability, but what exactly is wrong with the team on the field?
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Looking at the United States’ roster ahead of their Canada rematch
May 22, 2013, 4:03 PM EDT
Yesterday’s announcement included few surprises ahead of the U.S.’s June 2 match at BMO Field.
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Well, what took them so long to get into the party?
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How Tony Pulis removal at Stoke City may affect U.S. internationals Cameron, Shea and Edu
May 22, 2013, 2:40 PM EDT
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Looks like a mixed bag for the American trio:
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As the towering English forward weighs up his options, should he return to Liverpool, sign for West Ham or go elsewhere?
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Mario Götze to miss Champions League final against future club Bayern
May 22, 2013, 1:40 PM EDT
Reuters
With Dortmund’s main attacker threat out injured, can Dortmund still lift the Champions League trophy?
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AP
Can the Yankees provide a viable option for New York City FC to play in? Of course they can. Maybe.
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They have owners and an employee, but now comes the hardest part for MLS expansion club NYCFC. The challenges ahead are daunting:
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The one accolade no EPL player wants on their soccer resume…
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Claudio Reyna announced as New York City FC Director of Football
May 22, 2013, 11:05 AM EDT
New York City FC announces Reyna as first employee, a good first move, right?
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Reuters
Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Red Bull Arena… which venue could work best as a temporary home for New York City FC?
