I had that same feeling when we hosted Miami. A large subsection of fans were there to see Messi, but they weren't cheering for Miami they were cheering for us.
2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs
- Thread starter Gene
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This is why I've always thought NYCFC should use one of the DP slots on an older name recognition level star. They aren't the same as Messi but back in the day, I met so many people at the stadium who came to see Villa, Prilo, or Lampard and left impressed with the MLS saying they would be back. I even met a guy in my old section who was a crazy Arsenal who came just to see Vieira stand there and coach! Sometimes it doesn't work out and you end up with a Gerrad, sometimes it works out and you get a Villa (minus the off-field stuff) but either way, it generates buzz and brings in new fans. That seems worth one DP spot to me especially considering how often we waste at least one of our DP slots.
In fairness, I should probably acknowledge that may have been the plan until the Saudis went into blank checkbook, sports washing hyperdrive, and probably pushed a lot of those guys out of our price range.
At the Town Hall 10 days ago Brad Sims talked abut NYCFC's outreach to people who came to the Miami game but no previous known contact with the club: never been to a game, or entered a contest or watched a freebie on AppleTV, etc. They each got an email after the game and he claimed the response rate was very high. I forget the specifics but maybe a higher response rate than other targeted email campaigns? I think he also said they already had some new STHs or at least deposits.
Following up on my post above I don't think it can be understated how much the Saudi spending spree impacted the MLS in relation to its ability to get aging name-recognition-level stars. Just looking at the list of the top-paid players currently in the Saudi league I don't think it's crazy to think that without the Saudi spending bonanza 4-8 of these guys are in the MLS right now:
Okay this is totally off the point but how does the guy whose name is highlighted play the Banana-fana Name Game?
Also you're probably right.
OTOH, my sense is a lot of the former Villa, Lampard and Pirlo NYCFC fans each disappeared once the player left. It's obviously and unfortunately non-repeatable but having a Mesi level player visit might do more to inspire new local team fans than renting your own old guy foe 1-3 years.
Talk about throwing a wrench into the works.
I think
gbservis is right, though: the Saudi influence has been enormous. MLS can't bid against that.
FWIW if RB and NYCFC both win we have home field in the next round.
They’re getting outplayed but not outscored in both games so far. But hard to imagine Columbus doesn’t break through with how they are peppering goal.
Columbus likes to score in bunches, so fingers crossed they find their form soon.
Red Bull are at their toughest when they can scrap a goal and then play with a lead. If Columbus can get one and force them out of their comfort zone, that would be ideal.
Finally. I didn't know whether Columbus was ever going to break through.
Bad decision on the sideline, should have knocked it off Morgan or even just out, instead tried to get cute and shield Morgan off and got his pocket picked.
My MLS tin foil hat thinks that if Red Bulls win this, we get the edge at Cincinnati because MLS wants drama in the playoffs and first time Hudson River Derby playoffs after we swept Red Bulls this season leads to...drama.
C'mon Columbus ffs. Has the Best Team in MLS History ® run out of gas?
at least it'll be another playoff home game? but we can't look ahead too far. we gotta get past cinci first.
Columbus is having a hard time because Malte is out injured. Just saying.. 
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