MLS Commissioner Don Garber reiterated that the league isn’t focusing on the New York Cosmos or what the re-launched NASL club is doing. But he did say they’re making progress on their stadium push in Queens for a second New York team, and want to get the situation wrapped up soon.
“We’re not at all focused on them or what they’re doing,’’ Garber said. “We are very focused on our plans in New York. We continue to meet with the city, continue to meet with community leaders and investors, and making a lot of progress, too.
“They’ve made the decision, as I’ve said many times, to go the NASL route. We support the lower divisions. We’ve got a good relationship with the USL that we’re very excited about. That’s an extension of what we’re doing with the French federation in training our academy coaches to be better, and we wish them luck.’’
While the Cosmos chose to join the NASL this fall playing at Hofstra and pursue plans for their own stadium near Belmont, MLS is pushing forward with plans to build a stadium in Flushing Meadow Park – although there are significant hurdles to clear with regards to their desired 10-acre plot.
“The meetings are regular and engaging,’’ said Garber. “We met with the city twice this week, we continue to work towards trying to finalize an agreement with the city that will allow is to lease the ten acres of land in Flushing Meadow Park.
“We still have work to do in the community, but we continue to meet with the community and we’ve got work to do there. We’ve got to satisfy the parkland replacement, and we’re meeting with the city and the state to figure out how we’re going to replace that parkland. And we’re very engaged with investor groups.’’
Garber – at Red Bull Arena for yesterday’s scoreless draw against DC United – wouldn’t be pinned down on a timeframe, but did say time is of the essence.
“I’m confident we’re going to get this done. It’s a big one for us and a legacy project for the league,’’ said Garber. “It needs to get done so we can move on with our expansion plans. Unlike our last discussion, I’m not going to put any timing on that; but we’ve got to finalize our expansion plans.’’
Those plans for a 20th team may be more focused than ever on Florida. USL Pro team Orlando City has impressed the league in its bid to make the move up and be the next expansion team after New York.
“We’re more focused in Florida than we’ve ever been in the past,” said Garber. “The numbers of youth players from that part of the country – there’s 70-80 million people in that part of the country – we don’t have any representation (further South) than D.C. Florida has become a bit more of a priority.”