VANCOUVER was today awarded a Major League Soccer franchise, and it will become home to the league's 17th team in 2011.
The new season will kick off on Thursday night with the Seattle Sounders - now home to Freddie Ljungberg and Kasey Keller - taking to the field for the first time, while a Phildelphia-area team will play for the first time in 2010.
The Vancouver bid was led by Greg Kerfoot, owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps of the United Soccer League, but is also backed by NBA star Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns.
MLS were expected to name two new franchises but have delayed an announcement on which of Portland, St Louis or Ottawa will get the nod.
Last month, Spanish giants Barcelona pulled their backing from a Miami bid that was thought to have the inside track.
The Vancouver bid was led by Greg Kerfoot, owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps of the United Soccer League, but is also backed by NBA star Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns.
MLS were expected to name two new franchises but have delayed an announcement on which of Portland, St Louis or Ottawa will get the nod.
Last month, Spanish giants Barcelona pulled their backing from a Miami bid that was thought to have the inside track.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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