I think Julie Ertz is in a similar position as Lauren Holiday in 2015. Family is set financially, had a child, and ready to try something new/different beyond the pitch. I think sometimes as fans we forget how all encompassing soccer (or any sport) is to be one of the 25 best players in the USA.
As for Mewis, hoping she can come back from the injury. Even if not all the way to 2019 national team form, at least enough to be playing regularly in the NWSL.
The MLS didn't force Dell Loy Hansen to sell Real Salt Lake, though it might have come to that if he hadn't decided to unload the team (and the NWSL's Utah Monarchs) after the league started an investigation. It takes a 75% vote of the board to force a sale.
Here in Portland, there's strong sentiment favoring the Paulsons selling the Thorns and Timbers (see poll link below) — even since the ouster of the GM and VP for business and Merritt Paulson stepping aside as CEO. But, as you indicate, financial considerations will likely be the deciding factor. And more damning information may come out by year's end in the NWSL-Players Association investigation.
I'm also a big fan of the MLS playoffs, but I think they don't quite have the national appeal you indicate. An LAFC fan doesn't need to worry about the first round in the Eastern Conference, because what are chances your team will play them? MLS could stir nationwide interest more with non-geographic conferences like in MLB and the NFL -- but that would spike travel costs and reduce geographic rivalry games, so it probably will never happen.
Friday Newsletter: Why I Love the MLS and NWSL Playoffs
'That company is just not a good fit with journalism.'
Keep it spicy Grant! This is why I subscribe
That company ( Fox ) is not compatible with democracy, either.
I really appreciate and respect the perspectives you take on soccer, on and off the field. Thanks for doing what you do, the way you do it!
I think Julie Ertz is in a similar position as Lauren Holiday in 2015. Family is set financially, had a child, and ready to try something new/different beyond the pitch. I think sometimes as fans we forget how all encompassing soccer (or any sport) is to be one of the 25 best players in the USA.
As for Mewis, hoping she can come back from the injury. Even if not all the way to 2019 national team form, at least enough to be playing regularly in the NWSL.
The MLS didn't force Dell Loy Hansen to sell Real Salt Lake, though it might have come to that if he hadn't decided to unload the team (and the NWSL's Utah Monarchs) after the league started an investigation. It takes a 75% vote of the board to force a sale.
Here in Portland, there's strong sentiment favoring the Paulsons selling the Thorns and Timbers (see poll link below) — even since the ouster of the GM and VP for business and Merritt Paulson stepping aside as CEO. But, as you indicate, financial considerations will likely be the deciding factor. And more damning information may come out by year's end in the NWSL-Players Association investigation.
https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/pulse/poll/should-merritt-paulson-sell-the-portland-thorns-and-timbers/22151737
Appreciate your transparency on the matter involving Fox.
“That company (Fox) is not a good fit for journalism.” Boom. A true shot heard around world,
Hope you're pulling for the Current!
I'm also a big fan of the MLS playoffs, but I think they don't quite have the national appeal you indicate. An LAFC fan doesn't need to worry about the first round in the Eastern Conference, because what are chances your team will play them? MLS could stir nationwide interest more with non-geographic conferences like in MLB and the NFL -- but that would spike travel costs and reduce geographic rivalry games, so it probably will never happen.