13 Comments
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Jay's avatar

You forgot to tell them to get off your lawn!. Thanks for the thoughts.

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Jake Catanese's avatar

I can't see the lawn, it's cover in snow...get off my snow! :P

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RKSwan's avatar

I agree that that it is a risk, that MLS is betting on “itself” and that sense of self is not centered in the way things have developed for the past 30 years. I also think that this might just be an acceleration of changes that were going to come later, but now sooner. Imperfect strategies will have unpredictable results. I’m curious to see what this looks like before and after 2030.

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Jake Catanese's avatar

Yeah switching formats at some point was probably always going to happen, I just think the league is doing it now from a position of false/perceived strength than an actual good foundation

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Martin's avatar

Love the use of the word "fraudulent" in the post - that's definitely the right word. Great points, well-argued, even if this was sort of bound to happen. There are going to be almighty cold, unwatchable, punishing games coming down the Pike, all because MLS wants to be something it is not.

Soccer is not a game to be played under 40 degrees. Get a Gillette South involved, like that complex in Orlando where the Covid games were played, for the coldest weather games. I hate to see tears form icicles on Revs fans.

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Mat's avatar

Am I the only revs fan that likes this? I think it is great to align with the world and as much as it might not be the best thing to be at a game in January, I avoid going to games in July and early August as it’s way too hot. I’m hoping it works out but I agree with the competing with other sports..that’s a bit worrisome

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Jake Catanese's avatar

No, I'm sure there are others that like this move for a variety of reasons...maybe the business side really does improve that much with the aligned windows. I just think the trade off right now is too great.

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Roberta's avatar

Ok, tell us how you really feel! Just kidding, I get it. Makes no sense to add games during NFL season and not in the summer when school is out and more people might actually enjoy coming to a match in New England or NY or Canada. And, what about GRASS, you know, real green grass? Thanks for the thorough analysis. You guys ought to be in charge!

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Jake Catanese's avatar

Forgot to mention RSL/COL in the Rocky F Mountains...that's a bad job by me, we should be in charge of nothing though ;)

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Patrick's avatar

I find this change exciting for warm weather teams and deflating for cold weather teams. Last cold game I went to, Rev v. Union, playoffs 2023, was a miserable experience. No fans. Poor soccer. Numb extremities. Final whistle couldn’t come soon enough.

This decision seems destined to create a class-system within MLS. What developing player or proven transfer would choose Montreal over Orlando or Miami? Those cities have better weather and no income tax. The last 6 Stanley Cup Finals have had a Florida team in the championship series. Coincidence? Maybe. When was the last time a Canadian team won the cup? I can’t remember.

I fear this will only relegate the Rev to the bottom of the table; year after year. Ownership has never been particularly interested in making a splash... Mitrović!

More than likely I will be trading my season membership for a warm weather multi-game package.

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Woody Nye's avatar

2026 will be my last season as a season ticket holder. I will watch the games from my recliner and be comfortable.

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Todd Rhodes's avatar

I've gone to the snow games and the brutal early season March games. I could deal with it because I knew it was just a game or two and better weather was on the way. Showing up in February after a six week break knowing things won't be any better for a few months will be tough sell.

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Paul's avatar

Well said. Couldn't agree more. 2026 will be my last season as a season member. I'd also love to know where they got the 90% number from. They didn't poll season members as far as I can recall.

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