Beckham-fuelled MLS Targeting Vancouver?

The Beckham-Posh Soccer Circus is 16 minutes old, and Major League Soccer is already thinking about how they can exploit its newfound star-power in the form of expansion cities. 16 minutes? That's how long David Beckham has actually been on the field (sorry, soccer pitch) since July 21st as he continues to nurse an ailing ankle. His arrival on the soccer scene in North America has been a total non-playing event and he may not even be at full health for the duration of the season. Shouldn't this be considered a big bust? Not if you're the MLS, who are reaping the rewards of PR and paparazzi that have turned out in droves for L.A. Galaxy games home and away, and the fact that Beckham hasn't even played soccer yet seems irrelevant.

With big crowds and a growing fan-base for Canada's lone MLS franchise Toronto FC, MLS believes there is room to grow up here. Not surprisingly Vancouver is now actively being rumoured to be the next Canadian MLS expansion city. None of the rumours seem to be addressing what an MLS presence in Vancouver would mean for the Whitecaps. I have a hard time imagining this city supporting two pro soccer teams, especially considering the ups and downs we've seen throughout the history of the 86ers-Whitecaps. Then there is the issue of where an MLS team would play? UBC? Swangard Stadium is way too small a venue and too far from the city center to be of use. Right now, it's all just speculation but I wouldn't be surprised to see this Vancouver MLS expansion plan pick up steam quickly.

Maybe Beckham can do for North American soccer, what Gretzky did for hockey in the South. Beckham has given a face and relevance to soccer on this continent already, imagine what it will be like when he actually scores a goal?

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Beckham-fuelled MLS Targeting Vancouver?

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