Does NASL success translate to MLS success?

by Dave Clark on Mar 4, 2009 7:54 PM PST in Sounders: MLS Regular Season

Just today I was asked a series of questions related to the "sleeping giant" awakening here in the great Puget Sound, about how Sounders FC has managed to sell so many seats in this economy, and whether the NASL had anything to do with it.

Here is the section from me, taken entirely out of context so that you will have to read the story.

Dave Clark of www.SounderatHeart.com looks at Seattle itself in analyzing the tremendous reception to the FC. "I think that Seattle is a city with global connections. While most of America views us as a quaint town tucked away in the Northwest, the world and our citizens see our strong connections to Canada, Europe and Asia. The fact that thousands in the Greater Puget Sound get up regularly at 7AM on a Saturday to watch the Premiership should have been a strong indicator to every one involved in MLS and Sounders FC."

Clark is less willing to drink the Kool Aid on how the 1970's Sounders might have somehow 'primed' Seattle for today. "Seattle is a much different place now than we were in the late 70s and early 80s," he states. "Microsoft, Amazon, Nintendo, Starbucks are companies with huge worldwide brands, with employees that come from all over the globe. While the echo of the NASL has kept the dream alive for the few natives, I think that Sounders FC has been strongly adopted by those that have chosen to become sounders, not by birth, but by choosing to live in a region with our unique values and entertainments.

"Back in 1999-2001 I was a producer at KJR. I was laughed at for being a soccer and MLS fan. Now, every one I know wants more information about the team." Clark has seen his blog take off since the club started reaching out to fans and gaining media attention. " In April there will be two sports radio stations and each will cover the sport. The Seattle Times coverage is top notch, and there will be numerous TV packages of games/highlights and interviews. Soccer in Seattle is mainstream, it is front sports page above the fold, it can lead the sports cast. As fans we don't get to play the "no respect" card anymore, but we can continue to raise the bar, and push for more. More analysis, more interviews, more depth. 2009 will be a great distraction for those of us of the Sound. Let's enjoy every game as a unique opportunity to show the world just exactly who we are."

What makes this even more intriguing is Duane's recent scoop that THE clubs that may be getting the 2011 expansion are the two Cascadia Cup and NASL rivals - the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps.

Now yes, Seattle and Vancouver will need to open up even more of their large stadiums for weekend matches in this tri-way rivalry, and Portland will have to deal with just not being able to have enough seats, but is this really due to the NASL?

Or is it in spite of it?

I grew up without a care in the world for the NASL, and so I ask the readers

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Comments

I think that the NASL can be used as a bit of a gage (although it’s a different time clearly). Both Seattle and Toronto could be used as an example to prove what I’m suggesting. The Sounders and Blizzard were one of the last standing NASL teams and both had a strong following up until the end. So, even though neither Seattle nor Toronto were the best supported USL centre (although Seattle was better than T.O.), there was evidence there to suggest that the market would come out to watch a top league (by North American standards).

But it isn’t a straight line. Otherwise Tampa would have done a lot better than it did…

(and Portland still has to approve that stadium plan before my scope becomes reality..)

by Duane Rollins on Mar 4, 2009 9:15 PM PST reply actions

Sorry about that. It’s a copy and paste issue with the new Word…

by Duane Rollins on Mar 4, 2009 9:16 PM PST reply actions

I had already edited it.

by Dave Clark on Mar 4, 2009 9:19 PM PST up reply actions

One big mistake Tampa made was to completely deny / avoid the history of the Rowdies, who were wildly popular in their day. What a missed opportunity (“Mutiny.”)

In Toronto and Chicago the Blizzard and Sting were at times popular, but the MLS clubs there now are stronger.

by GOALSeattle on Mar 5, 2009 7:48 AM PST reply actions

I should also add that the San Jose ‘Clash" were not embraced well until they ’reverted’ to the Earthquakes, and then won a few MLS cups.

by GOALSeattle on Mar 5, 2009 7:50 AM PST reply actions

Since 1969 I have held at one time or another held season tickets to Mariners, Seahawks, Sonics, UW football and basketball, and the NASL Sounders (1975-1982.) I have always maintained that the Sounders were the most enjoyable season ticket experience for me.

Over the years I have tried to watch the MLS, but never could get into their games. I preferred the EPL. But, when Seattle was awarded a franchise last year I decided to give MLS another chance and was fortunate to stumble across the Columbus Crew and Guillermo Schelotto. They were fun to watch. I was primed to rekindle my love affair with the Sounders but was disappointed that they no intention of using the name Sounders. But, the day Sounders FC was announced as the name, I put down my deposit for two seats. Unfortunately, there were now 14000 ahead of me for seats. I can’t say that I would never have purchased tickets without the Sounders name, but it sure made it easier. Sounders have been in my heart and memory since 1974.

by Viennacoup on Mar 5, 2009 10:02 AM PST reply actions

There are a few folks like me who equate local soccer in general more so with the Preki and Zungul-led Tacoma Stars than the Seattle Sounders. I’m not aware of the differences in the leagues, but in looking it up, I see that the Stars were MISL. So if there’s any connection for ME from the past, it’d be more likely to come from the Tacoma Stars than the older NASL league teams (which I knew absolutely nothing about other than that some incarnation of the “Sounders” soccer club played in this league, which I would’ve only known with help from Wiki).

I can’t think of a single Sounders player, pretty much ever, that I remember. But I definitely remember Preki and Zungul — and certainly watching them.

by PositivePaul on Mar 5, 2009 10:06 AM PST reply actions

I think there is a connection in Vancouver. The USL Whitecaps have actively embraced the NASL franchise’s name and history and fans have rewarded them for that. The 1979 Soccer Bowl is still one of the top trophies won by any Vancouver team, and it’s fondly remembered as such. I think that tradition and history will still be valued with the new MLS franchise.

by Andrew Bucholtz on Mar 5, 2009 8:20 PM PST reply actions