MLS Expansion

Now as for MLS Expansion. The pros and cons of each and what MLS should try and get from each will be discussed below.
City 1. Atlanta. Owner-Arthur Blank. Now, Atlanta seems like a good choice because it would be an expansion into the south and its a growing city with a good soccer background. The problem, though, is stadium location. I've seen what people have to say about where its proposed site is, and have said its terrible choice. Now, if Atlanta fixes the stadium location, I don't see any reason why this couldn't or shouldn't work for MLS. What MLS needs Atlanta to do is fix the stadium local and make sure they get Mac Kandji back for their first season.
City 2. Miami. Ownership group-FC Barcelona & Marcelo Claure. On the surface, this looks like the best choice of all 7. The power and brand recognition of FC Barcelona and the money of Claure will insure this team is one of the best built-and possibly most star filled-in MLS. Also, with Miamis diverce population and status as a global city, the potential for passionate, loyal fans is huge. A team here would also expand MLS south. A few problems are the first stadium they'll play in. College football field, turf. Good thing. Its free. After maybe 2, 3 years the team will most likely build a new stadium downtown near the old Orange Bowl, which would probably make it the largest stadium in MLS. Biggest con, a Miami franchise has already been there, nearly won a title, and failed. Other then that, this does look like the best bid.
City 3. Montreal. Owners-Joey Saputo & George Gillet. This, actually, could be the best bid. They have a succesful team, stadium, and passionate fans in place already. Right now, the stadium seats 13,000. After expansion, 20,000+. Good owners who know how to run a team and run it well. Really, the only 'bad' thing about it is how close it is to Toronto. But it won't bring a conflict in markets, simply a heated rivalry.
City 4. Ottawa. Owner-Eugene Melnyk. Ottawa is the long shot. No stadium, no team, no fans. Just a really good owner. Its close enough to Toronto to bring about a really good rivalry, but with such a strong bid from Montreal and Ottawa's relativly small size, it just doesn't look good for Ottawa.
City 5. Portland. Owners-Paulson family. Another city with a team and fans in place, much like Montreal. The potential for soccer in this market is huge, while the rivalry with Seattle would be instant. The biggest problem is the lack of a stadium. It doesn't look like the city will want either a new baseball stadium or a new soccer stadium. The good thing though is that if they do allow construction of a new baseball stadium, all Portland has to do is renovate the current one to fit their needs. And lets face it. Baseball teams have more money to build stadiums then soccer teams, even if it is Minor League Baseball.
City 6. St. Louis. Owner-St.Louis Soccer United. St. Louis is truely legitimate soccer town. High soccer there is like HS football in Texas, or wrestling in Iowa. Its huge. The fans are just waiting for a team. Rivalries with Chicago and Kansas City are given. Players from the St.Louis not only want to play there, but say MLS needs a team there. Biggest problem though, for me, atleast, is the location of the stadium. Collinsville, Illinois? Thats plain odd. This is St. Louis's team, playing in the state of their rival Chicago for all their home games? MLS needs to ask them to try and get approval to build a stadium in Missouri, as close to fans as possible. Other then that, this is a city that deserves a franchise more then any other city on this list, and has deserved one for a very long time. That time might be coming soon.
City 7. Vancouver. Owners-Greg Kerfoot, Steve Nash, Jeff Mallet. This group boasts strong leaders, star power, and deep pockets. They have a championship team and good fans, a rivalry with Seattle, and even have a stadium to play in until they can build their own. Not to mention, Vancouver is also North Americas fastest growing city. And have you seen the city coat of arms? Put some of that in the team logo, and it could have the best logo in MLS. I was unable to find current info on their proposed stadium, but I've read that it will apparently be in a beautiful waterfront location with easy public access and nerby public transportation. The current plan does call for an original 15,000 seat stadium that can be expanded to 30,000+ The only problem they face is that the area of consturction is Vancouvers last undeveloped waterfront, so they are using caution as they go about the building. It does lool like even if they don't get an MLS team, they'll still get their stadium.
Now, the winners and losers. My pick for who gets the expansion slots-Miami and St. Louis, with Kansas City moved to the Western Confrence where it belongs. St. Louis beats Montreal because of its much larger proven fan base and soccer heritage. Falling just short-Montreal, Vancouver, Portland. I already said why Montreal lost, Vancouver loses beacuse of stadium issues, along with Portland. The Losers-Atlanta, Ottawa. I just don't see Atlanta getting it. I don't why, I just don't. Ottawa, to small, to many unknown factors regarding fans. But keep hope. The next round of expansion is likely 2013. Then you'll just have to try and take down New York's bid for a second team.