Major Link Soccer: Arlo on his move back to England

When Arlo White came to Seattle to be the voice of Sounders FC in 2010 it was a big step forward for the team. Listening to or watching the broadcasts the first season was difficult for any true soccer fan. Most Seattleites love Kevin Calabro, but you only had to hear him talk about strikers "posting up" and balls "skimming over the rim" a couple times to realize he was out of his element.

White was so good, such a breath of professionalism and knowledge, that he was quickly plucked away when NBC signed its deal with MLS to broadcast soccer. For the past year and a quarter MLS fans nationally have gotten to enjoy Arlo’s amazing timing and his ability to raise the tempo and level of his voice as the action quickened. Sadly for MLS fans that voice will be gone soon. White is going to be the voice of the Premier League for NBC starting with the next English season. For his part, White says he is excited and proud of his move back to England, and says he believes he will still be able to call MLS games on occasion (Philly.com).

The same reporter says Timbers’ announcer John Strong, who also works for Fox Soccer, will take over for White on NBC’s MLS coverage. (Philly.com)

Yesterday’s debate on the Major Link Soccer story centered on the red card for New York Red Bulls’ Juninho. He says he is not happy about the red and hopes to never earn another. He also called out Sporting KC keeper Jimmy Nielsen for time-wasting and for overacting (MLSSoccer.com).

While MLS has been focused on getting Red Bulls a derby opponent with a second team in New York, the latest developments in Orlando, Florida, have to make one wonder whether they will keep the commitment to make a second New York team the next MLS expansion. Thursday Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer revealed the location for a soccer-specific stadium the city hopes to build in a partnership with Orlando City SC. The city has already purchased the land and is hoping for support from the Florida Legislature, and a promise from MLS, to move forward (wftv.com).

We have all been impressed with DeAndre Yedlin this year. The kid is logging major minutes and though he makes a few young-player mistakes, he seems to always hustle and cover. Surprisingly, maybe, he is only tied for third in the league for minutes played by a rookie. The top two play for the Sounders’ next opponent (Soccer America).

Finally, following years of rumors that Club America, Barcelona, and Manchester City want to invest in soccer in the U.S. comes a story about Fluminense of Brazil’s plan to create a U.S. presence. The group is not talking about MLS though, rather a team in the NASL or USL (insideworldfootball.com).