Two More Clubs By 2012

While one expansion race is possibly set to end this week, another will kickoff shortly after the final announcement of the 18th club. MLS commissioner Don Garber was in Vancouver today to announce Vancouver’s inclusion as the 17th team in MLS, but he also revealed an interesting nugget on MLS expansion. Garber revealed that MLS plans to expand to 20 teams by 2012.

Yeah, 20 clubs by 2012. It’s something that really doesn’t shock me in the least bit because I think the league has dropped some hints at this in the past that few have picked up on.

So who will be in the mix for this next round? Easily we have to believe that if Portland is really being announced this week that this quick expansion round means that the league is giving another pass to St. Louis to get their stuff in order. It only makes sense that they are doing this to me for St. Louis alone.

Sure it means only cities like Ottawa and even recent expansion dropouts Miami, Atlanta and Montreal can re-try their hand at MLS. Though on Montreal I kind of get a feeling that Montreal may have a problem leaving the USL first division now that Portland and Vancouver are getting out. They may see themselves as a top dog there.

What doy you make of this announcement by Garber? Good for the league? Too much too soon?