From the New York Times Archives: The birth of Major League Soccer
The From the New York Times feature is one of my favorite things. By combing through the archives of the New York Times, we can uncover some really neat soccer history gems.
So far, we’ve read a few articles from the early 20th century and even one from the late 1800s. But, the New York Times archives can teach us about recent history too.
Take for instance, this article from 1993 that describes, in part, the conception of Major League Soccer.
This was not a very auspicious beginning for the Major Soccer League, a collectivist 12-team professional league that may be attempted in April 1995. According to the plan, investors would put money into the league rather than in individual teams, in an attempt to control salaries.
I got a kick out of reading this and, as a special bonus, I learned about the infamous “banning” of Pele during the 1994 World Cup.
5 comments
Wow, Rothenberg actually did suggest larger goals.
PZ: I could hardly believe it when I read that.
The “loosening the offside rule” got my attention. I interpret that as meaning maybe you can be two yards offside before you’re actually offside. Did they ever consider this?
Also, whatever problems MLS has now, the fact that it’s going pretty strong 14 years after that NYT article was published means they’re doing something right at MLS HQ.
daryl: I can’t imagine what “loosening” meant. It’s already confusing enough for Americans…
How about getting rid of the rule altogether? No more “confusion” about the rule, likely more scoring opportunities, perhaps a more marketable sport for the Americans…