Does MLS2Cinci mean #SaveTheCrew is dead?

[Aaron Blau]

MLS has once again skipped over Arizona to place a second MLS franchise in Ohio. Or has it? Can the state support two MLS franchises just 111 miles apart? Or does this mean Columbus Crew is for sure packing its bags and leaving the Buckeye State?

[2fast2dingus]

Personally don’t feel like this has anything to do with the Crew. The city showed overwhelming support on and off the field, so it was really a no brainier to bring them in. Ohio supports 2 teams in most other leagues.

In order for anything to happen in Columbus, the Columbus Partnership needs to step up and buy the team. #SaveTheCrew is making that an attractive option. With good ownership that team can flourish.

It could come at the expense of an expansion spot for us however. If the crew is saved and Austin still gets a team, that leaves us in a tough spot. If the crew get moved to Austin it STILL puts us in a tough spot. Same with San Antonio.

MLS will need more than just 28 teams.

[BostonB]

I don’t believe the fate of Columbus is tied to Cincinnati. Precourt had his move clause in place long before FCC existed and his plans are not necessarily the plans of the other MLS owners. Several of those owners did not seem pleased when the news first broke. I have several theories on why Cincinnati? Did they want to slow USL growth? Did they want a good support story? Did they want the Cincinnati ownership? The fan fever? I’m willing to bet it is partially all of those and more. MLS knows it can make Cincy vs Columbus sell in a big way due to USOC. If Precourt sells they win in the Midwest by a revived Crew and gain a Seattle/Portland ish rivalry. If he moves to Austin, they keep Ohio and gamble with a 3rd Texas team but it would be the 1st pro team in Austin. Cincinnati and Nashville’s inclusion also means the East is sealed for a bit. I expect the next two MLS spots to go west.

-Boston (CST)

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