MLS Has Come So Far
by Avi
Major League Soccer used to be the most insecure league in American sports. Teams played in vast, largely empty football stadiums, a few crashed and burned (see: Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion), others changed their names in adolescent “who am I” crises (see: San Jose Clash, Dallas Burn, New York/New Jersey Metrostars.)
Perhaps most importantly, they had no sense of humor. Teams and the league took themselves too seriously.
Amidst all of that, MLS has survived and has reached a point in some areas — namely, the Pacific Northwest — where it’s thriving. It’s hard to say whether it’s cause, effect, or entirely uncorrelated, but it sure is nice to see some of the humor and tongue-in-cheek marketing that until recently had been reserved for secure and established leagues and SportsCenter commercials.
Tip of the hat to the Portland Timers and Alaska Airlines for this spot:
