PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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![[*]](./images/onepoint9/default_icon.gif) posted on 5/4/2012 at 06:37 |
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Seagull supporter in the Pacific Northwest
This is my first post on the forum, although I have been reading the forum for a while now. I am a keen Seagull supporter living in the state of
Washington in the Pacific Northwest. Even with the wonders of the internet, it is still difficult for me to watch matches, so the forum provides me
with considerably more insight into the club than I would otherwise have.
Having never visited Brighton, my initial connection to the club years ago was when I happened upon the club nickname. As a seabird conservation
biologist, it was immediately obvious to me that I needed to support a club nicknamed the "Seagulls". Since then, I have followed the club as
closely as possible. Someday I hope to be able to make it over to Brighton to attend a match or two and spend time in the area.
In the meantime, I was hoping to use this forum post to see if any forum users might be interested in exchanging communication not just about the club
but also about the league in the United States, MLS, which I support strongly. I would certainly enjoy sharing information about my local club,
Seattle Sounders FC. We are a young club but have already had some decent success. If there is interest, maybe we could even establish something a
bit more structured in terms of exchanges. And if any of you find yourselves in the Puget Sound region of Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, etc.), please
do let me know.
It would be great to connect with the Seagulls community. Thanks very much for reading my post.
Come on you Seagulls!
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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Woodingdeangull
THE NORTH STAND
Posts: 616
Registered: 28/12/2008
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Mood: Hopeful
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| posted on 5/4/2012 at 10:39 |
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Hi PNWseagull.
You are most welcome. This is a small and often quiet forum but the support here is passionate, knowledgable and usually positive.
I haven't followed much of the MLS but it has gotten a much higher profile here since Mr Beckham parked up over there. Certainly the US national team
is a lot stronger than they get credit for.
Anyway, glad to have you on board. 
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 5/4/2012 at 15:45 |
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Hi Woodingdeangull. Thank you very much for the warm welcome. I have been impressed with the positive, supportive and engaging general tone of the
forum.
As a league, MLS continues to develop. In its early years in the mid-1990s, the calibre of play was frequently appalling, bordering on unwatchable.
But it has improved considerably. It obviously does not have the traditions of European leagues, but supporter bases continue to grow. Here in
Seattle, we sell out every match at 38,000+. The singing and chanting makes it feel as though we were in Europe. Beckham, obviously, has been a
circus, but, as you mention, he has helped to raise the profile of the league internationally, as have Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez, Freddie Ljungberg.
If folks might be interested in the occasional Sounders FC update, I would be happy to provide it. Thanks again for the kind welcome.
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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anna
FALMER STADIUM
Posts: 5922
Registered: 9/7/2003
Location: London
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Mood: Optimistic
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| posted on 5/4/2012 at 19:33 |
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Welcome PNWseagull and congratulations on being a Brighton fan. It's a good job you didn't choose eagle rather than seagull as that team are a
different kettle of fish entirely! Although this is a quiet site, it has some great regular contributors, of which I hope you will become one.
Looking forward to our next game and hopefully getting another 3 points. Get in!!
Never stop believing - Brighton forever!!
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Wardywonderland
FALMER STADIUM
Posts: 7887
Registered: 19/12/2002
Location: East Sussex
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| posted on 5/4/2012 at 20:30 |
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Welcome PNWSeagull. We do have a Canadian on this forum occasionally so you're not the only one from that side of the world. Hopefully we can update
you with news about the team and the club.
If you want to listen to the commentary and see highlights of the games the official site has a programme called Seagulls Player which is £38 yearly
but if you just want news then hopefully we can help.
There is a busier site than this called www.northstandchat.com but be careful what you believe on there as a lot of it is in fun. You should be able
to recognise the fun from the facts after a while. Good to have you around.
“I do want to play the short ball and I do want to play the long ball. I think long and short balls is what football is about.” Sir Bobby Robson
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 5/4/2012 at 22:51 |
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Thanks , Anna and Wardywonderland! I appreciate the warmth of the welcomes. Anna- no danger in me choosing an eagle, swan or bluebird, as they are
not seabirds  .
I do look forward to contributing to this forum, as it has a nice feel of community to it. Given that I see much less of the team than all of you, I
will probably be asking more questions than providing any insights.
Thanks, Wardywonderland, for recommending Seagulls Player. It would certainly be nice to able to see more than the occasional random highlight.
If any of you are interested in pins, badges, scarves from our local club in Seattle please let me know. I would be happy to oblige. Thanks again
for the warm welcome into the Seagulls community.
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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Wardywonderland
FALMER STADIUM
Posts: 7887
Registered: 19/12/2002
Location: East Sussex
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| posted on 6/4/2012 at 04:20 |
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The site to get Player is here. Some of the highlights are 30 mins long. You can also look back at matches for 3 or 4 years in the archives.
Official site
“I do want to play the short ball and I do want to play the long ball. I think long and short balls is what football is about.” Sir Bobby Robson
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Alastair8fb
WITHDEAN STADIUM
Posts: 1260
Registered: 11/4/2005
Location: Peacehaven
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Mood: Seagulls!
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| posted on 11/4/2012 at 13:25 |
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Isn't their a team in America also called Crystal Palace who have an affiliation with the other one? Welcome to the site! We have lots of new
supporters young and old now as the new season has kicked in with our brand new stadium! There is around 10 frequent posters that post regularly on
this site and I try and post as much as I can but I have exams coming up (as I'm only 15) but hopefully we can have a decent chat sometime. I
personally follow Toronto in the MLS but looks like I might have to switch!
Brighton till I die
Seagulls!Seagulls!Seagulls!
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 12/4/2012 at 05:11 |
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Hi Alastair- thanks for the warm welcome. And, yes, there is a club called Crystal Palace Baltimore, based in Baltimore, Maryland. It apparently is
inactive, having suspended play following the 2010 season although as I understand it, the club was planning to reform in time for the recently begun
season. They play in a division below MLS. Unfortunately, we do not have a promotion/relegation system over here, so teams in MLS remain in MLS
regardless of performance.
That does prove fortunate for your club, Toronto FC, as they would have been relegated several years ago. They have a fantastic supporter culture in
Toronto, although they are becoming increasingly disgruntled with the shambolic management that has seen the club never qualify for the playoffs. And
we Sounders supporters would always welcome a convert should you choose to switch allegiance to Seattle. There are a lot more gulls in Seattle than
in Toronto, if that helps! If you decide to do so and are interested in any Sounders gear, just let me know.
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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Alastair8fb
WITHDEAN STADIUM
Posts: 1260
Registered: 11/4/2005
Location: Peacehaven
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Mood: Seagulls!
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| posted on 12/4/2012 at 13:46 |
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I only support Toronto due to family living in Canada and supporting them, but we have a team who have come in the MLS way, who aren't at all liked;
MK Dons. But hopefully one day you'll be able to make a game and if I'm old enough I'll buy you a pint of Harveys (Local beer) but for now a pie!
Brighton till I die
Seagulls!Seagulls!Seagulls!
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 16/4/2012 at 05:17 |
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Alastair- I have read a bit about MK Dons. So they are not well liked? Why is that- because of how they came into existence? Although Sounders are
my team in MLS, my wife is French-Canadian from Quebec. So now that Montreal has a club in MLS, an expansion team this year (L'Impact de Montreal),
I follow them as my second team.
And I certainly hope to have the opportunity to visit the south coast of England at some point and make an Albion game. And I certainly appreciate
the offer of either a pint or a pie I can offer you the same if you have
the opportunity to travel Stateside at some point.
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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Alastair8fb
WITHDEAN STADIUM
Posts: 1260
Registered: 11/4/2005
Location: Peacehaven
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Mood: Seagulls!
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| posted on 16/4/2012 at 17:36 |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by PNWseagull
Alastair- I have read a bit about MK Dons. So they are not well liked? Why is that- because of how they came into existence? Although Sounders are
my team in MLS, my wife is French-Canadian from Quebec. So now that Montreal has a club in MLS, an expansion team this year (L'Impact de Montreal),
I follow them as my second team.
And I certainly hope to have the opportunity to visit the south coast of England at some point and make an Albion game. And I certainly appreciate
the offer of either a pint or a pie I can offer you the same if you have
the opportunity to travel Stateside at some point. |
Not at all, lots of English fans are against modern football. But an American pie sounds like an idea! 
Brighton till I die
Seagulls!Seagulls!Seagulls!
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NYC14
THE CHICKEN RUN
Posts: 1
Registered: 20/4/2012
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| posted on 20/4/2012 at 18:30 |
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I had the good fortune of working in the Pacific North West for 2 years. I was working for Intel in Beaverton, just outside Portland in Oregon. As a
Brit I had never really heard of Washington or Oregon so didn’t know what to expect. I really liked the area. So much to do if you like the outdoors,
skiing at Mount Hood Meadows and hiking and biking in the coastal areas. Plenty of good beers as well, I remember McTarnahans and Full Sail. Only
downside was the rain – about 7 months of it but great summers. I drove up to Seattle a few times and really liked it, had much more of a big city
feel to it than Portland.
I’m currently based in New York but really enjoyed my time in the PNW. The Albion will always be my first team as I was born in Brighton, but I’ve
supported the New York Red Bulls for the last 2 years. It’s good that big names like Henry and Marquez have been attracted, but they’ve also produced
good players like Tim Ream (now at Bolton) and Juan Agudelo. It will be interesting to see how the US National Team does under Klinsmann. I thought
they did well at the last World Cup as they stayed in the competition as long as England did so was a bit surprised when they fired Bob Bradley.
Thanks to Fox Soccer I’ve been able to watch about 7 live Brighton games in the States.
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 24/4/2012 at 06:15 |
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NYC14- I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your time in the Pacific Northwest. The Portland area is fantastic- very progressive community with a good
quality of life. And, as you know, they now have the Portland Timbers in MLS. Have not yet had a chance to go down to catch a match in Portland, but
I look forward to doing so. Portland has some of the best supporters in the league. The Cascadia region (Vancouver, Portland and Seattle), as you
may have experienced during your time here, is one of the true hotbeds of soccer, both in terms of playing and in terms of supporters, in the US.
I actually was raised in New Jersey and supported the Metrostars, until they were bought out by Red Bull and renamed. I could not support a team
named for an energy drink. Plus, upon moving to Seattle/Tacoma area, I finally had a local team to support again. NYRB definitely has some exciting
talent and, when they play well, are capable of some of the most attractive attacking football in the league. My parents still live in NJ. I am
hoping that when we next travel east to visit them, we can time the trip to coincide with when the Sounders are playing NYRB. Would be great to see a
match at their beautiful new stadium.
Regarding the US National Team, I am not much of a nationalist, preferring to simply enjoy the countries that play the most attractive football. That
said, it has been interesting to follow the development of the US over the years. I think that Bradley's time had come, not that he had done
particularly poorly, but rather that the team seemed to have reached a plateau and then stagnated. Very few folks could see the US taking a
significant step forward in terms of their competitiveness under Bradley.
Let me know if you are ever out on the Left Coast again!
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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Drumstick
THE EAST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 239
Registered: 22/3/2004
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Mood: Excited
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| posted on 24/4/2012 at 15:30 |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by NYC14
I had the good fortune of working in the Pacific North West for 2 years. I was working for Intel in Beaverton, just outside Portland in Oregon. As a
Brit I had never really heard of Washington or Oregon so didn’t know what to expect. I really liked the area. So much to do if you like the outdoors,
skiing at Mount Hood Meadows and hiking and biking in the coastal areas. Plenty of good beers as well, I remember McTarnahans and Full Sail.
Only downside was the rain – about 7 months of it but great summers. I drove up to Seattle a few times and really liked it, had much
more of a big city feel to it than Portland.
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Sound alot like old Blighty! 
WE ARE BRIGHTON! SUPER BRIGHTON! WE ARE BRIGHTON! FROM THE SOUTH!
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Drumstick
THE EAST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 239
Registered: 22/3/2004
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Mood: Excited
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| posted on 24/4/2012 at 15:42 |
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Welcome PNWSeagull, I don't post as much as I should really as I tend to get drawn to the busier NSC that said I enjoy this site for its more
reasoned posters without the over reactions should we win or lose a game.
I've only ever made it to the states once visiting family in Washington D.C, We had a blast visited the RFK Stadium had a look around but
unfortunatly the season started the day after we left so we couldn't get a game.
Importantly though since that day and a few bits of DC United related tak later I've been keeping an eye on the MLS, I think it is great how it has
taken off and seems to be expanding every year.
Would I be right in saying the Sounders are the most supported team in the MLS in terms of fans turning up? Not sure if it is them or Chivas stagering
to hear of 36,000 crowds for a club so new it's excellent and if you do make it over one day I'd love to have a pint and a chat about both clubs pre
match.
Have to agree with Alistar though not many if any at all like MKDons, Many see franchising as fine in other businesses or countries but over here to
be in what is known as the 'league' (The top four leagues, Even though leagues go beyond that some way) you should work your way up, setting up in a
park and working from there until you eventually get promoted I think in part it heralds back to the old British idea of having to work for things you
want not just taking and many were angry that the club that is now MKDons based in Milton Keynes was Wimbledon FC from London, the fact they just
moved the club out of their community (Strong links here) moved them else where to given a different area a league posistion was in terms of football
ideals about as right as murder. The fact they kept the 'Dons' tag just rubbed salt in the wound for many.
Spelling and punctuation is not my forte but I hope it made sense regardless.
WE ARE BRIGHTON! SUPER BRIGHTON! WE ARE BRIGHTON! FROM THE SOUTH!
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 25/4/2012 at 02:49 |
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Thanks, Drumstick, for the warm welcome. I have been impressed over the months at the tone and supportive sense of community in this forum. I am
much more interested in reasoned discussion and thoughtful posts than adrenaline-induced rants. And I appreciate how folks have welcomed me to the
forum. It has certainly encouraged me to enter into your community.
Too bad that you were unable to catch a match while you were in DC. You will simply have to come back! The league is indeed improving and support
throughout the country has never been better. I think that the average match attendance last year was 17,000+, with a number of clubs selling out all
of their matches. Although we obviously do not have any of the tremendous history and tradition that you have in England, we are developing genuine
supporter cultures, nowhere more so than here in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver). It really is quite an exciting time.
Regarding the Sounders, they are indeed the best supported team in terms of attendance. We sell out every match and the attendance is 38,000+ for
each match. And the atmosphere is tremendous, with singing and chanting throughout the match.
Thanks for the helpful explanation and perspective on the MK Dons issue. Again, it relates to the rich tradition of the football league. Interesting
insights.
Sharing a pint and a chat sounds brilliant, either on this side of the pond or your side
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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sullycanuck
WITHDEAN STADIUM
Posts: 1294
Registered: 26/4/2007
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Member Is Offline
Mood: Content
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| posted on 26/4/2012 at 04:41 |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Alastair8fb
Isn't their a team in America also called Crystal Palace who have an affiliation with the other one? Welcome to the site! We have lots of new
supporters young and old now as the new season has kicked in with our brand new stadium! There is around 10 frequent posters that post regularly on
this site and I try and post as much as I can but I have exams coming up (as I'm only 15) but hopefully we can have a decent chat sometime. I
personally follow Toronto in the MLS but looks like I might have to switch! |
Don't even think about switching teams Ali my friend! We'll be there someday and you'll be happy that you stayed. We have the best and rowdiest
fans! Go TFC!
Welcome PNW!
Brighton fan from the other side of the pond!
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 27/4/2012 at 02:28 |
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Sullycanuck- I thought that you might well be a TFC supporter, based on your location. From TFC's inaugural season, I have been impressed with the
tremendous and passionate support for the club. I distinctly remember watching a few of their matches during that first season and thinking that it
was the closest to a European experience I had ever seen in North America. I honestly think that TFC really set the standard for a knowledgeable and
passionate supporter culture in MLS. Since then, Seattle, Portland and Vancouver have brought to the league their own fantastic communities of
supporters.
After TFC's first match in Seattle in 2009, I had a really nice chat with a few of your traveling supporters. Lots of respect on both sides. Sadly,
ownership has been incapable of putting a team on the pitch worthy of the supporters. You guys deserve so much better.
Please let me know if you are ever considering traveling out to Seattle to catch TFC's next match out here.
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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Drumstick
THE EAST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 239
Registered: 22/3/2004
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Mood: Excited
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| posted on 27/4/2012 at 19:07 |
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PNWSeagull The tradition and history can only come with time and as much as I dislike MKDons I'm sure in 50 years time the majority will see them as
just another club. I think it is great what is happening in North America and long may it last. I think if things continue on track as they currently
do there is a bright future ahead. North America is one of the few countries I know of in which football hasn't historically been a big sport.
How well supported is the NASL? In time could it ever be a 2nd tier of the MLS?
Heading to New York over Christmas and New Year but again no football! And I thought football was a winter sport! 
WE ARE BRIGHTON! SUPER BRIGHTON! WE ARE BRIGHTON! FROM THE SOUTH!
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 29/4/2012 at 15:58 |
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Fully agreed with your comment, Drumstick, about tradition and history. MLS is still a young league, just 17 years old. And we are seeing the
development of a genuine soccer culture here. With patience and commitment, it will continue to deepen and grow. It certainly is exciting to
participate in this long overdue movement. And, unlike with the old NASL, I think that the model for the league, although unorthodox, has been
successful and really focused on long-term sustainability. I think that we will continue to see the league specifically and football in general
continue to become more mainstream and more a part of our cultural dialogue in the US and Canada.
There have been a series of transitions in the lower divisions recently in the US. The NASL is reasonably well supported, with some cities such as
Orlando City having extremely impressive support. Amongst the serious football supporters there has long been a clamor for a promotion-relegation
system, but I think given the constraints of the league it is unfortunately unlikely in the foreseeable future. The principal challenge is that club
owners, having invested US$40-80 million to purchase a franchise plus the fact that few clubs are profitable as yet (Seattle is one of the few clubs
turning a profit), are going to be unwilling to risk that investment by having their club possibly relegated to a lower league, with revenues
correspondingly declining. Again, the soccer culture in the country is probably not quite mature enough for promotion-relegation yet.
Glad to hear that you will be coming Stateside over the holidays but unfortunate that it will be during the offseason. You will have to time your
next trip a bit better
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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bosjo
THE LEGO STAND
Posts: 42
Registered: 1/11/2003
Location: Märsta, Sweden
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
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| posted on 30/4/2012 at 21:16 |
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Welcome! It is a small world -- I actually visited Seattle (in 1993, I think) when two of my colleagues did their postdocs there (one of them actually
in the Biology department). I liked Seattle, it had a "European" touch, for example a working bus system, which I had not seen for example in
Minneapolis.
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PNWseagull
WEST STAND TERRACING
Posts: 94
Registered: 10/9/2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington, USA
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| posted on 2/5/2012 at 03:13 |
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Bosjo- The major cities of the Pacific Northwest have respectable public transit systems, in general, as you experienced. Seattle and Tacoma both
have a combination of extensive bus routes, light rail and commuter rail. It is a good part of the world to live in.
We have Seagulls (and their supporters) on the Left Coast of the US, as well!
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