[nas] 15K in Houston

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City's first Major League Soccer game a success

By Megan Manfull
Houston Chronicle - Thursday, November 7, 2002

Thousands of fans lined up outside Robertson Stadium before the gates even
opened for Wednesday's international soccer doubleheader. It was evident a
home team didn't exist. Soccer jerseys were everywhere, and all four teams
participating were nearly equally represented.

The fans were close to the field and loud in the intense opening game as the
reigning Major League Soccer champion Los Angeles Galaxy finished in a 1-1
tie with Santos, a first division team from Mexico.

More than 15,000 spectators were on hand for both games, which concluded
with Olimpia of Honduras beating Aguila of El Salvador 2-0.

Wednesday's appearance by the Galaxy marked the first-ever visit to Houston
by an MLS franchise. The night went off without a hitch, possibly
foreshadowing the start of a long-term relationship between Houston and MLS.


"It was great to have this many fans here showing up for the game. It's a
great sign for things to come in Houston for soccer," said Galaxy midfielder
Cobi Jones, who played only the first half as the team's younger players saw
considerable action.

The future of soccer in Houston is still in question. MLS would like Houston
to have a home team to rally around, but planting an expansion team in the
city is proving to be a difficult task.

With MLS deciding whether it will expand the league in two years, Houston
remains a prime candidate for a team. League officials will announce within
the next four months whether they will expand for the 2004 season.

While Houston is desirable because of its large soccer community and diverse
population, one main roadblock remains in its way. MLS is still seeking an
interested investment group in the Houston area.

"The first step is finding an owner," MLS spokesman Trey Fitz-Gerald said.
"Houston is on everyone's list. But is there an ownership group that wants
to bring MLS to the city?"

A year ago, Houston was a candidate for a team before the league decided not
to expand before the 2003 season. The 10-team league is hoping to add up to
four teams in the next five years. The league's goal is to have 20 teams in
20 years. 

"Houston is one of those cities where the MLS TV ratings are usually quite
good," Fitz-Gerald said. "(Wednesday night was) a nice test run for our
champions to play a game there."

After finding an owner in Houston, the next task would be creating a
suitable home. MLS has eyed both Reliant Stadium and Robertson Stadium as
temporary homes for a team until a soccer-specific facility could be built
in Houston, which would ideally hold between 20,000 to 30,000 fans.

The league is trying to shy away from sharing venues with other teams
because of the financial disadvantage and scheduling conflicts.

Galaxy defender Alexi Lalas loved playing at the University of Houston's
Robertson Stadium, which holds about 32,000. He said he would rather travel
to play there than at the Cotton Bowl, where the MLS' Dallas Burn plays.

"This would be an ideal MLS facility," said Lalas, who in 1994 became the
first American player to play in Italy's prestigious Serie A league. "Just
look at it. To me, it's an incredible environment. You pack people in here;
it's a European-type feel. If there was ever a place for an MLS team to come
right in, this is it."

Wednesday night's turnout also showed positive signs that the soccer
community in Houston is ready for its own professional team.

Jamey Rootes, former president of MLS' Columbus Crew, now works as senior
vice president and chief sales and marketing officer for the Texans.

In Houston helping the expansion NFL team grow, Rootes said there is
definitely room in the city for an MLS team. All the team needs is a quality
ownership group, he said.

"Houston is a great sports town," Rootes said. "Another professional sports
team could succeed. If you say you're going to put a team there, whoever
steps up to become the owner is going to have to do a good job winning over
the fans. It's a savvy sports market, and the Hispanic community has savvy
soccer fans here." 

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