MLS to expand

Yes there is an MLS league in North America. For those of you that do not know, which I'm sure there are a few, the MLS is the Major League Soccer and it is getting bigger. Currently the ever slow growing MLS has 14 teams, but they plan to expand to 18 by 2011. The Seattle Sounders plan to start next season in 2009, Philidelphia plans to have a team in action by the year 2010, and the New York Mets are interested in buying their own MLS team in the near furture.

Some people may say that it is unfair that New York gets another MLS team when they already do not fully support the one they have. I think this is a great step for the MLS, the New York Mets have a ton of money at their disposal and they choose to spend it on another soccer team. This has to mean that soccer is catching popularity and they are taking notice and are willing to make a large invesment into soccer. Also such a big city gaining popularity in soccer may be able to catch interest in higher talented players, which is the next big step the MLS needs to take.

If the MLS wants to be taken more seriously they need to have more talent. The MLS has shown signs of getting better talent from the signing of David Beckham as well as other players. Also the standout French and Barecelona striker, Thierry Henry, has also taken an interest of one day playing in the MLS. "I always say that one day I can play over there," Henry said. "I would love to. It's still early. " Henry would not be able to play for the MLS for a couple of years as his contract for Barcelona expires in the year 2011. Hopefully with bigger cities and more talented athletes taking interest in the MLS, it will be able to expand more rapidly and allow soccer to become a much more popular sport in America.