Soccer Thread

[Adam White]

Now that the Armada are pretty well established, I wonder what the thoughts are of the poster who was skeptical of their success? It sounds to me like they've done a pretty great job so far in terms of finding support from the community and using the baseball grounds for all it's worth.

Were people skeptical? I guess it makes sense - Jax has had its fair share of sports franchises over the years that have struggled.

It seemed to me at the time that the Armada was probably the perfect fit for Jax - as the city had already demonstrated an apetite for soccer. Of course, they're currently sitting at the bottom of the table. I hope they can win more games next season - I'd imagine it's hard enough to establish a any new soccer franchise in a city, much less a losing one.

There was one poster here who was skeptical about how they were proceeding (and who seems pretty knowledgeable about soccer); I don't think that was the general sentiment. In my view the Armada seem to have been very successful in attracting fans and establishing themselves around town, which is all the more impressive considering they haven't played all that well.

I'm really happy they've done well. People will be naysayers - and no one can really predict what's going to happen. But Jax has shown that it's got a decent number of people who will attend a soccer game and with a metro population of over a million people, it's not that big of a stretch to think a second-tier soccer team could manage a few thousand people a match.

[Adam White]

I just saw this online and can't decide if it's hilarious, tragic or just embarassing. Or maybe all three.

http://www.itv.com/news/2015-08-10/brawl-breaks-out-in-us-city-in-scene-reminiscent-of-british-style-football-holliganism/?ref=yfp

Men shouting in faux-English accents have clashed in a street brawl in Newark, New Jersey in the US, in scenes reminiscent of British football hooliganism.

[dp8541]

I guess soccer has now made it in the US?

[fsquid]

proper fans.

[Adam White]

If you look closely, you might catch a fleeting glimpse of Frodo Baggins.

[Gamblor]

Now that the Armada are pretty well established, I wonder what the thoughts are of the poster who was skeptical of their success? It sounds to me like they've done a pretty great job so far in terms of finding support from the community and using the baseball grounds for all it's worth.

1. I watched every game and attended several. I've wanted a professional soccer team here for decades

2. My skepticism stems from having watched many, many start up clubs around this country for many, many years. I've seen what it takes to grow a club in this country, and I wasn't seeing what I'd hope for. I will say I think ownership is getting the message, and taking a much more grassroots approach now.

3. Success isn't firing the entire organization within a year. Not that I have a problem with it. A cleansing fire may be just what is needed.

4. If I'm wrong and the team packs out the stadium every night win lose or draw i'll gladly eat crow. I want to see Armada make it to the MLS. I want a shot at CONCACAF Champions league and dream of dreams, Club World Cup (where we thrash Bayern and Real! ;-D ) ... The chance for that is getting smaller and smaller as more and more cities get teams. Every year a new Orlando, Minnesota, Chattanooga, Sacramento, etc. pops up. We need to contend with them. If not, and we are in NASL for the long haul, we better hope for an MLS players union strike come next bargaining session because Tier 2 and no real TV deal, not gonna be easy...

5. Go Armada!!! (and Orlando till we make it to the big show)

[Adam White]

Now that the Armada are pretty well established, I wonder what the thoughts are of the poster who was skeptical of their success? It sounds to me like they've done a pretty great job so far in terms of finding support from the community and using the baseball grounds for all it's worth.

1. I watched every game and attended several. I've wanted a professional soccer team here for decades

2. My skepticism stems from having watched many, many start up clubs around this country for many, many years. I've seen what it takes to grow a club in this country, and I wasn't seeing what I'd hope for. I will say I think ownership is getting the message, and taking a much more grassroots approach now.

3. Success isn't firing the entire organization within a year. Not that I have a problem with it. A cleansing fire may be just what is needed.

4. If I'm wrong and the team packs out the stadium every night win lose or draw i'll gladly eat crow. I want to see Armada make it to the MLS. I want a shot at CONCACAF Champions league and dream of dreams, Club World Cup (where we thrash Bayern and Real! ;-D ) ... The chance for that is getting smaller and smaller as more and more cities get teams. Every year a new Orlando, Minnesota, Chattanooga, Sacramento, etc. pops up. We need to contend with them. If not, and we are in NASL for the long haul, we better hope for an MLS players union strike come next bargaining session because Tier 2 and no real TV deal, not gonna be easy...

5. Go Armada!!! (and Orlando till we make it to the big show)

You actually sound quite optimistic to me!

It would be nice to see Jacksonville eventually be awarded an MLS franchise - but we should probably get used to having an NASL team. There's probably a greater chance of an MLS team actually eventually playing in the Club World Cup (even if it's essentially a glorified friendly) - never mind being able to win against Bayern or Madrid - than there is of Jacksonville being given a franchise. That said, anything's possible.

I think I'm a bit more sceptical about the long-term health of the NASL, as soccer leagues don't tend to fare too well in the USA.

[Ajax]

There's probably a greater chance of an MLS team actually eventually playing in the Club World Cup (even if it's essentially a glorified friendly) - never mind being able to win against Bayern or Madrid - than there is of Jacksonville being given a franchise.

I think LA Galaxy played in the Club World Cup a few years ago.  I don't think they did much and I'm not refuting your point, I just wanted to say that I believe an MLS team has already played in that competition. 

[Adam White]

There's probably a greater chance of an MLS team actually eventually playing in the Club World Cup (even if it's essentially a glorified friendly) - never mind being able to win against Bayern or Madrid - than there is of Jacksonville being given a franchise.

I think LA Galaxy played in the Club World Cup a few years ago.  I don't think they did much and I'm not refuting your point, I just wanted to say that I believe an MLS team has already played in that competition.

I think you're incorrect. They were invited to play in the 2001 FIFA Club World Championship, but it was cancelled 

The competition was relaunched in 2005 after it was merged with the Intercontinental Cup. No MLS team has every played in either competition. In fact, all but one of the CONCACAF representatives to play in the competitions have been from Mexico.

[Ajax]

I saw something the other day where someone compared attendance figures from 2nd divisions across the world.  I believe NASL was comparable to 2nd divisions in France, Spain and Italy when it comes to attendance.  England and Germany blow everyone away.  Of course all of those leagues have promotion and relegation so this isn't even close to being an apples to apples comparison.  I'll see if I can find it and post it here later.

When you compare where NASL is today to where MLS was when they were in their 5th or 6th year, NASL doesn't look bad.  But I'll admit I'd really love to see NASL succeed since I like their business model better than MLS.  I get sick of MLS's discovery rules and drafts and their other peculiarities.  But it's always going to be hard to be a 2nd division in the US without at least a modest TV contract.  If NASL can move into markets that the MLS can't or won't touch (San Diego, Baltimore, San Francisco, etc.) then there's a chance to grow their national footprint and grow the game. 

I also wish that the US Open Cup was a bigger deal and had a TV contract.  I love seeing the smaller teams from other leagues play alongside the big boys in MLS, just like I enjoy seeing the minnows compete in the FA Cup. 

[Adam White]

Funny coincidence - I have just been reminded by Facebook that it was 2 years ago today that the Armada name, etc was unveiled:

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2014-02-18/story/citys-pro-soccer-team-now-jacksonville-armada-fc-reflecting-navy-ties

[Ajax]

There's probably a greater chance of an MLS team actually eventually playing in the Club World Cup (even if it's essentially a glorified friendly) - never mind being able to win against Bayern or Madrid - than there is of Jacksonville being given a franchise.

I think LA Galaxy played in the Club World Cup a few years ago.  I don't think they did much and I'm not refuting your point, I just wanted to say that I believe an MLS team has already played in that competition.

I think you're incorrect. They were invited to play in the 2001 FIFA Club World Championship, but it was cancelled 

The competition was relaunched in 2005 after it was merged with the Intercontinental Cup. No MLS team has every played in either competition. In fact, all but one of the CONCACAF representatives to play in the competitions have been from Mexico.

Ok thanks - maybe that's what I'm remembering.  I should have looked it up before I opened my big mouth so thanks for straightening that out. 

[Adam White]

There's probably a greater chance of an MLS team actually eventually playing in the Club World Cup (even if it's essentially a glorified friendly) - never mind being able to win against Bayern or Madrid - than there is of Jacksonville being given a franchise.

I think LA Galaxy played in the Club World Cup a few years ago.  I don't think they did much and I'm not refuting your point, I just wanted to say that I believe an MLS team has already played in that competition.

I think you're incorrect. They were invited to play in the 2001 FIFA Club World Championship, but it was cancelled 

The competition was relaunched in 2005 after it was merged with the Intercontinental Cup. No MLS team has every played in either competition. In fact, all but one of the CONCACAF representatives to play in the competitions have been from Mexico.

Ok thanks - maybe that's what I'm remembering.  I should have looked it up before I opened my big mouth so thanks for straightening that out. 

I totally double-checked my memory before I posted that. I had no recollection of an MLS team. But it's not like I watch the competition regularly or anything.

[Gamblor]

I think I'm a bit more sceptical about the long-term health of the NASL, as soccer leagues don't tend to fare too well in the USA.

I'm very skeptical of the health of any league without a TV deal... and a second tier league in America, ya that worries me.

[Gamblor]

There's probably a greater chance of an MLS team actually eventually playing in the Club World Cup (even if it's essentially a glorified friendly) - never mind being able to win against Bayern or Madrid - than there is of Jacksonville being given a franchise.

I think LA Galaxy played in the Club World Cup a few years ago.  I don't think they did much and I'm not refuting your point, I just wanted to say that I believe an MLS team has already played in that competition.

I think you're incorrect. They were invited to play in the 2001 FIFA Club World Championship, but it was cancelled 

The competition was relaunched in 2005 after it was merged with the Intercontinental Cup. No MLS team has every played in either competition. In fact, all but one of the CONCACAF representatives to play in the competitions have been from Mexico.

Ok thanks - maybe that's what I'm remembering.  I should have looked it up before I opened my big mouth so thanks for straightening that out. 

I totally double-checked my memory before I posted that. I had no recollection of an MLS team. But it's not like I watch the competition regularly or anything.

No MLS team has won CONCACAF champions league. Montreal put up a heck of fight last year for it, but the cup has yet to leave Liga MX if my memory serves me correct (so therefore no MLS team has been in Club World Cup)