Well researched and interesting article, thanks for this. I've been a STH since day 1 for Sac Republic. I don't think the fan base will be too happy about a "Sacramento Whitecaps" team; there was plenty of "republic or nothing" sentiment earlier when some of the questions about an expansion came about; that said, that's exactly what happened with San Diego as I recall (although I don't know all the particulars): a new MLS franchise was granted and the USL San Diego Loyal folded. I don't think the fan base would be too happy about it. We've got 13 years of history, glory and heartbreak already invested in this club.
I’ve always felt Sacramento truly deserves an MLS team, but if it happens this way by uprooting a club that has existed since 1974 and is a part of the Cascadia rivalry, I would be utterly disgusted. MLS should be seeking ways to differentiate itself from the other North American major leagues, not mimicking them. I hope Vancouver stays put and Sacramento finds a different path to the top flight. Lastly, if this move actually happens, it leaves a massive question of what becomes of the Sacramento Republic? I'd hate to see a new team move and essentially displace them. If it is the other option of essentially the Republic taking the place of Vancouver, that is not right either. I just want to say this is great piece.
I only moved here 2 years ago and lived in mls markets for the last decade. USL has been a pleasant surprise and so fun, but mls raises everything, brings in big names and raises the profile when talking to the common sports fan. I’d welcome the move to mls, as long as republic maintain its soul and culture. Plus I’d love to kick the quakes ass a few times a year
We don’t need the MLS. The league makes the game worse on so many levels. They will take public money and raise prices for all of the fans. They will spend big on aging players from European leagues and pay the rest of the players garbage wages. I can’t even sit through one game, the play is so awful. Keep Sacramento out of the MLS!
Well researched and interesting article, thanks for this. I've been a STH since day 1 for Sac Republic. I don't think the fan base will be too happy about a "Sacramento Whitecaps" team; there was plenty of "republic or nothing" sentiment earlier when some of the questions about an expansion came about; that said, that's exactly what happened with San Diego as I recall (although I don't know all the particulars): a new MLS franchise was granted and the USL San Diego Loyal folded. I don't think the fan base would be too happy about it. We've got 13 years of history, glory and heartbreak already invested in this club.
I’ve always felt Sacramento truly deserves an MLS team, but if it happens this way by uprooting a club that has existed since 1974 and is a part of the Cascadia rivalry, I would be utterly disgusted. MLS should be seeking ways to differentiate itself from the other North American major leagues, not mimicking them. I hope Vancouver stays put and Sacramento finds a different path to the top flight. Lastly, if this move actually happens, it leaves a massive question of what becomes of the Sacramento Republic? I'd hate to see a new team move and essentially displace them. If it is the other option of essentially the Republic taking the place of Vancouver, that is not right either. I just want to say this is great piece.
I only moved here 2 years ago and lived in mls markets for the last decade. USL has been a pleasant surprise and so fun, but mls raises everything, brings in big names and raises the profile when talking to the common sports fan. I’d welcome the move to mls, as long as republic maintain its soul and culture. Plus I’d love to kick the quakes ass a few times a year
I really hope it doesn't happen and we stay in the USL.
great article
We don’t need the MLS. The league makes the game worse on so many levels. They will take public money and raise prices for all of the fans. They will spend big on aging players from European leagues and pay the rest of the players garbage wages. I can’t even sit through one game, the play is so awful. Keep Sacramento out of the MLS!