Local ownership a goal as MLS enters 5th year

By RODNEY PAGE

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 15, 2000

Major League Soccer's fifth season is a condensed version of the previous four. There are still 32 games, but they will be played over 26 weeks. MLS Cup 2000 is Oct. 15, a full month earlier than last season.

In keeping with the theme, we've shortened the game of 20 questions to 10 in anticipation of the upcoming season.

1. It's a yearly question, but with no local ownership and attendance at the bottom half of the league average, will the Mutiny remain in Tampa after the 2000 season?

According to new general manager Bill Manning, the answer is an emphatic "Yes."

Finding local ownership is one of the league's top priorities. But Manning said relocation of the Mutiny was never discussed.

"It's not even an issue anymore," Manning said. "This is where (MLS) wants to be, and they want to be here long term. We're already talking about trying to host MLS Cup 2002. But it was never said to me, "Hey, you need attendance to go up by 2,000 people or we're moving.' That was never an issue. If it was, I wouldn't have come here."

2. At 38, is Carlos Valderrama still "El Pibe" (the kid) or "El Hombre Viejo" (the old man)?

He's certainly in his golden years as a soccer player, but Valderrama is still one of the league's best draws. He no longer plays for the Colombian national team, so barring injury, Valderrama will be available for every game.

"I feel very good physically," Valderrama said. "The question of retirement will depend on how I feel at the end of the season."

3. Will Roy Lassiter, MLS' all-time leading scorer and an original member of the Mutiny, return to the team this season?

Not likely.

The Mutiny and Fusion, which owns Lassiter's rights after an off-season trade with D.C. United, have talked several times but have not come to an agreement.

"This is something we have been talking about with Miami since the MLS Cup," Mutiny coach Tim Hankinson said. "We have tried and we have tried and we have tried. We've tried directly, we've tried working with Colorado on a three-way deal, and with Chicago.

"But right now, from our standpoint, the Roy issue is dead. We've got to get on with our lives."

4. Instead of Lassiter, Tampa Bay signed Senegal striker Mamadou Diallo last weekend. Who is this guy?

He is a 6-foot-4, 190-pounder who last played for Lillestrom in the Norwegian first division. He was impressive in two preseason matches with the Mutiny. He has 46 caps for the Senegal national team.

"Diallo is big, athletic and dynamic," Hankinson said. "He has the ability to grab the attention of the defense, which should create opportunities for Raul Diaz Arce as well as himself."

Diallo will not join the team for at least four weeks until his visa is approved.

5. Who are some players to watch this season?

Eric Quill is a big one. He has been a reserve and Project-40 player for three years, but he earned a start in the final playoff game last season and will start Saturday's opener.

"I've been doing the five minutes here, 10 minutes there for three years and I'm tired of it," Quill said. "It's not fun. Somebody's got to sit on the bench, but . . . I've learned how much it takes to get here."

Hankinson also likes midfielder Manny Lagos, newly acquired defender Kalin Bankov, sweeper Chad McCarty and durable midfielder Steve Ralston.

6. Can this team survive another slow start?

In the past two seasons, the Mutiny has gotten off to woeful starts. This year's team seems better equipped to survive a slow start. Diaz Arce, McCarty and Andy Kirk will miss time early because of World Cup qualifying (Diaz Arce) and Olympic qualifying (McCarty and Kirk).

"We will no doubt have a test of our depth early in the season," Hankinson said. "But that will give some younger players a chance, and that can only help down the road."

7. Does down the road mean MLS Cup 2000?

Until D.C. United proves it's mortal, few other teams are serious contenders. A more realistic goal would be a winning season, something the Mutiny hasn't had since 1997.

"There's no reason this team can't win," McCarty said. "We've got a lot of talent."

8. What kind of changes are expected now that Manning is in charge?

Not many. The goal is still to boost attendance and obtain corporate sponsorships.

"I don't know that I'll be as visible as (former GM) Nick (Sakiewicz) was," Manning said. "For me, it's more important that my players and coaches are visible. Fans aren't coming to games to see me. But like Nick, my bottom line is to be successful. My fingerprints will be on everything that goes on here, but my basic philosophy is to let players play and coaches coach."

9. What are some of the major changes in MLS' fifth season?

No more shootouts (the teams play two five-minute overtime periods instead); the center referee will keep official time; there are now three conferences with four teams each; the season is condensed; San Jose is now called the Earthquakes; the Mutiny has new uniforms, and German legend Lothar Matthaeus will play for New York/New Jersey.

Other than that, nothing much.

10. What are some key dates this season?

Saturday (opening night), June 21 (Miami's only visit to Tampa), July 1/Aug. 16 (MetroStars and Matthaeus play in Tampa), July 4 (D.C. United and fireworks), July 29 (MLS All-Star game in Columbus), Aug. 15 (trade deadline), Sept. 9 (season finale vs. Kansas City), Oct. 15 (MLS Cup 200 in Washington, D.C.).

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