because, first of all, its sports fans do not take themselves too seriously and, second, it's got that cool-weather climate that's perfect for soccer. You'll see cool weather as a theme (not 100 percent) as you work your way down this list. Former Chicago GM Peter Wilt is a natural to lead this club, which would guarantee a grassroots fan base that would be second to none. Can you picture an entire supporters section in cheeseheads?
10. Montreal. You've got to love a city that baseball deserted, leaving it without a spring and summer team to support. If you've ever visited Montreal you know it's one of the most unique cities in North America, and you can't help but love the chances of another successful MLS team (or two) in Canada after what we've witnessed in Toronto. A Montreal-Toronto rivalry would not be a bad thing, in fact, it would be great ... and I'd love the PA announcements in English and French.
9. St. Louis. The Wizards have had that part of the U.S. to itself too long. St. Louis, as every soccer fan knows, is a city with a huge tradition in the sport. Sure, it's a baseball town -- always has been, always will be -- but St. Louis has this high school feel to it, where fans will come out and support any team that wears the city's colors. As we stated up top, this club would set up a nice Missouri rivalry with the Wizards, but most important, it would give a city that loves the game a team to support. Who know? Maybe by the time St. Louis is ready for a team, native son Taylor Twellman (or Steve Ralston) would be ready to coach. If not, Mike Sorber would be a good first choice. And Ty Keough can be their GM.
8. Portland. With Seattle joining the league next year, it's not too early to start thinking of a good rival for that city. The natural is Portland, and as that city has shown when it's gotten the opportunity to host big soccer events, the City of Roses loves soccer. Of course, if you're going to have to a team in Portland, you're going to have to let Nike back into the league. I'm guessing Nike sponsorship on an adidas jersey is too much to ask, but there's got to be a way to work past this.
7. Carolina. This is a totally biased team placement here. I went to UNC-Chapel Hill and have been to the WakeMed Soccer Park and I know the Research Triangle inside and out. I understand it's not a huge media market, and I'm not thrilled with the climate (summer games in North Carolina would be a drain), but Cary is said to stand for "Containment Area for Relocated Yankees" and I know a lot of people down there who'd buy season tickets today. Save some barbeque at the tailgate party for me ... and yeah, you'll wear Carolina Blue, not Duke blue or, worse, State red.
6. Vancouver. Now, you see how much I love the Philadelphia location because of its proximity to both D.C. and the Meadowlands. So, I'm setting up the same situation in the Northwest, with Seattle, Portland and Vancouver forming a similar three-way derby. Again, I believe in Canada, big-time. I love the picture in my mind of a misty, cold night in Vancouver with Seattle or Portland in town. You've got to love it.
5. Cleveland. Drew Carey will be the owner. They'll build a small soccer park down on Lake Erie (again, love the misty nights). They'll carry that same chip on their shoulder that all Cleveland teams carry, and they'll have a fantastic rivalry with Columbus.
4. Memphis. Not exactly a stone's throw from the North Carolina team, and again, a little too warm for my taste, but the Memphis area has contributed a number of good players to MLS, and I think it's another one of those "towns" that will support a new team. I'm going to appoint Ross Paule as my first coach and, here's a little perk for traveling supporters groups -- great golf and night life in Memphis, boys.
3. Pittsburgh. Another triangle forms here, as Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus have at it. Unfortunately, Columbus already wears Pittsburgh's signature colors, but that's a problem we can work through. I'm a bit scared that Pittsburgh seems to be a city that only supports a winner (the Steelers), but I'm willing to give them a shot, only because I like where they fit into my grand scheme geographically. And it is my vision, after all.
2. Minneapolis-St. Paul. No brainer here. I just hand the reins to Manny Lagos and let him run the show. I remember going to a St. Paul Saints baseball game (independent minor league) many years ago and saw how Minnesotans just love to be outside on nice summer nights, cooking out, getting loud, having fun. Let 'em wear Vikings purple. They'll have a nice thing going with Chicago and Milwaukee.
1. New York. Finally, the Holy Grail. A team in Queens is inevitable because the Queens and Long Island crowd is not going to make the trek to Harrison enough to include them in the Red Bulls core audience. Give them their own team. Build them a little place out near the US Open tennis facility (on the 7 line) and let them hate the Red Bulls. I don't know why, but I'm picturing this team in black and white vertical stripes, and I'm envisioning them being the most international of all MLS teams. See ya in 2020.
Jeff Bradley is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. Send your comments and complaints (200 words or less, please) to Jeff at jbradleyespn2003@yahoo.com and he promises to read (but not respond to) all of them. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or MLSnet.com.
