As to the Fusion, I’ve been to several games down there on vacations and there was no attempt to reach out to the local community. The Fusion players didn’t sign autograghs before or after the games, never even acknowledged the fans that I recall. There were no local vendors, not even concessions available as far as I remember. I do remember smirking corporate executives in the box along the top row, sort of figuring what “market” segment” I belonged to.

Miami, just like Atlanta, just isn’t a great sports town in terms of attendance and the Fusion proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Again, Horowitz and his shoestring budget and limited front office personnel were a major reason why people didn’t come out to support the team. Also, being called the Miami Fusion and playing in Fort Lauderdale didn’t help things either.

As a fan of MLS, I would really be hesitant to give Miami a second chance, but I can’t deny my boy Kartik having a team to pull for either.

Realizing that the Barcelona brand name is big plus, having to play at FIU and not in their own facility flies in the face of what Don Garber is asking of new teams into MLS (knowing full well that Seattle is playing at monstrous Qwest Field).

Call me skeptical on this. I hope it works out, but I have my doubts.