|
|
 |
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|
FC New York Test Begins
By: By: Tavio Palazzolo
Updated: 06/01/2009 at 3:52 PM
The test for the viability of a second New York team has begun. FC New York was announced as a USL First Division expansion franchise for the 2010 season. Owners Doug Petersen and Jo-Ellen Treiber are committed to bringing a successful team to the 5 boroughs, and have already posed a challenge to the New York Red Bulls: the Grapple for the Apple. Quote: He issued a challenge to Red Bull New York, which plays in Major League Soccer in New Jersey, to vie for the trophy every year. "It's time to throw down the gauntlet to our brothers on the other side of the river," said Petersen. "Come across the river and let's have a friendly [match]. For the 2010 season, they will play their games at James M. Shuart Stadium on the campus of Hofstra University on Long Island. I know, if people are arguing about the difficulty of getting to New Jersey, what makes you think Long Island is going to be any better? They're working on deals to bring games into the city, specifically Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island and Columbia's Baker Field on the northern tip of Manhattan. Another shot at the ownership has been the lack of creativity with their logo. It has been called a "Paint job," as in it could have been done using the paint program on your computer; or, as Kenn likes to call the team, FC Clip Art. The crest itself is a representation of the flag of the borough of Queens, which is Petersen's hometown and, if things go to plan, the future site of a soccer stadium for the club. The simplicity has been looked at as the "anti-Red Bull," with supporters claiming FC New York as "the people's club," and "the opposite of those sellouts in Jersey." The ownership group has lofty expectations and even loftier goals. Quote: "In five years, our plan is to be in our own place, have a productive team that's competing in CONCACAF (Champions League) and winning championships," Petersen said. I hope they realize to be doing that, they'd have to win the US Open Cup, something which no USL team has done since the Rochester Raging Rhinos accomplished the feat back in 1999. They are also looking to partner with a European club (which seems to be the thing to do lately), and may take on a nickname to reflect the partnership. Quote: Sources indicate the club is likely in England and could have at least part of its name as part of the team's official name, e.g. F.C. New York Wanderers. According to Petersen, the USL has a rule that says each team must have a nickname, using F.C. Miami Blues as an example. As much as I hate the USL mandating nicknames by their clubs, if they do come up with Wanderers (say, if they partner with Bolton), it would actually make sense, since the club will probably shuffle games throughout the area. If a nickname doesn't fit with the club from the beginning (such as Sounders, Timbers, etc.), and if the club doesn't want it, there's no need to force it. Let the supporters decide. It'll be interesting to see how this team is supported, considering the level of play. But they do have an advantage. They will play games on the New York side of the Hudson River, and they won't be part of the marketing scheme that is Red Bull. For all we know, there are a ton of soccer fans in New York City and its suburbs that are dying to support a team that is within their state and/or didn't sellout to an energy drink. If FC New York passes the test, maybe a second MLS team in the Big Apple wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.
|
|
