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MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott participated in an annual media roundtable with journalists on Thursday, dropping all kinds of nuggets about topics of interest to MLS fans and media.
Of interest to a local audience, Abbott said LAFC's stadium project was on track:
Abbott: LAFC stadium remains on-track, by LAFC's own timetable, to open in 2018.
— Alexander Abnos (@AnAbnos) April 21, 2016
Garber and Abbott says @LAFC is talking about groundbreaking dates. Much further along on stadium road.
— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) April 21, 2016
Ok, so this may not be breaking news, but it is a good sign. Of course, actual demolition of the Sports Arena and construction of LAFC's stadium has not yet begun, so it's tough to write 2018 in ink at the moment barring unforeseen delays, but being on track is always a good thing.
In addition, it sounds like the Miami expansion team, which verges ever-closer to reality on a regular basis, still isn't fully done-done. While LAFC has not been officially confirmed to enter MLS in 2018 but is effectively on that course at this point (and is guaranteed to enter at some point), Miami's status of entering the same year appears to still be in doubt.
Garber says expansion goal is 28. ATL next year, MIN maybe too (not definite). Then LAFC and (hopefully) MIA in 2018. Two more in 2020.
— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) April 21, 2016
Garber on Miami, which still needs more financing: 'It needs to get finalized soon if we're going to hit '18.'
— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) April 21, 2016
Garber on Beckham United: 'It's gonna happen. If it doesn't happen, it's going to surprise if not shock us.'
— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) April 21, 2016
So the good news is that LAFC appear to be on track from all accounts, especially at the league level. Still nearly two full years until they probably start playing in MLS, but the day is getting closer and closer.
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