How to make MLS major league?

[jec1]

David Beckham could have been forgiven for thinking he was back in the United Kingdom on Sunday night.

Sure, it was hot and humid and everyone spoke differently, but the newest franchise in Major League Soccer – Toronto FC – could have been lifted straight from England.

There were raucous and knowledgeable supporters and there wasn't a spare seat in the stands – all thanks to an inspired marketing strategy that does not try to dumb down its product but celebrates its uniqueness compared to more traditional North American sports.

Just like a game in the English Premiership or Championship, there was constant chanting and singing, some of it hostile towards the Los Angeles Galaxy but all of it imaginative, entertaining and passionate nonetheless.

Since joining MLS as its lone Canadian team, Toronto FC has done everything right and now stands as a blueprint for future expansionist ventures, starting with San Jose in 2008.

If every team in the league adopts a similar approach to that taken by owners Maple Leaf Sports, then American soccer could move forward quicker than anyone imagines. In the city of Toronto, soccer is trendy. The BMO Field is a fashionable place to see and be seen, whether a global heartthrob is in town or not.

Local sports lawyer Gord Kirke believes that in Canada, soccer now has "sex appeal."

"The demographic has changed," Kirke said. "There are a lot more women at games and you have people who both like the sport and like the atmosphere and the trendiness that comes with it."

Every Toronto FC game is selling out well ahead of time and there is already a hardcore posse of the loudest and most fervent fans who congregate under the banner of "The Red Patch Boys."

"Toronto FC has done everything perfectly so far," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "Their example is what other new teams will look to now."

[kyan]

Since Beckham's moved to the MLS there's even a weekly program showing highlights and discussing the MLS on terrestrial TV in England now...

I'm watching it now, Beckham's move has definitely had an effect, more TV money at least.

Not sure if its in the right thread but o well.

[jec1]

Sure, kyan. I'm not a beck's hater but I think he's only here for promoting the game.

MLS is not that great. The talent base is average but when were talking about how he would make an impact in the states and lift L.A into the playoffs seems a bit exaggerated.

All I know is that his jerseys are selling out like hotcakes and I haven't seen one fan wear his jersey yet, so maybe this is a ploy.

[kyan]

They actually just did a piece about the TFC fans, it's quite impressive actually

[jec1]

Check the FC videos, Dichio is torontos best player.

[Forza_Roma]

Beckham is a great start to make MLS a major league...but the wages are WAY beloe standards. Some players earn like $12,000 American. While some of the gerats earn $350,000. In order to make this league a major league, wages have to increase. But the only way wages are to increase is for attendances, ratings and general interest to skyrocket. If that doesn't happen....the league will still be a minority in relation to other leagues. But hey...it has to start somewhere right.

[jec1]

Some players earn like $12,000 American

That's how much my cousin makes in a week.

I agreew tih you. The MLS isn't that strong of a league. If they can attain more credible, superstar players, the fans will show up. I didn't buy the MLS package cause I know the play was so poor.

[Forza_Roma]

Ya, thankfully 95% of the Toronto games are shown locally here.

[Scarlet Ibis]

MLS has too much competition for fan support in North America. I doubt it will get much bigger than it is already.