Well, with this being the last you'll hear from me until after the Christmas holidays I thought I'd share my own shopping list with you guys. There are a lot of people who will be looking for gifts under their trees this year that might just improve their outlook. So without further ado here's a look at what I would like to see put under the Christmas trees for our teams around the A-League.
Rochester: a shiny new soccer specific stadium carrying the PaeTec name. Apparently this gift has already been picked out and may be ready for unwrapping in a little over a year. With a new stadium and recent MLS contraction rumblings could a Rhino sighting in the American division one be too far away?
Minnesota: wins, goals. More of each over last year's effort. Of course both should increase once the schedule shows several visits with Indiana and Cincinnati although the Thunder had a hard enough time with the Blast on several occasions last season.
Milwaukee: some fans. What happened to their audience? Anyone out there know? My guess is that they stayed on the other side of town after the move. Please let me in on this one since I vaguely recall the Rampage doing quite well in the attendance numbers a few years ago.
Cincinnati: you ever see that kid in the mall at Christmas time who insists that he or she has been good and should get everything they want?
Indiana: another season of soccer in America's heartland. Allegations and rumors abound concerning the Blast's ownership and their methods. Let's just hope the Blast can make it through another year with a squad of up and coming youngsters.
Charleston: good first impressions. One for new coach Chris Ramsey and one for Blackbaud Stadium that will make an appearance on the ESPN networks in January. If things go well enough on January 12th who knows what could happen in the future for the 'Baud?
Charlotte: another playoff appearance and maybe a trip into the second round. A shoestring budget and higher attendance numbers are something else that would be nice under their tree.
Atlanta: well, how about a winning appearance in the playoffs? They've already gotten what I would've liked to have given them and that was nice shiny, new Brett Mosen to coach the 'Backs.
Pittsburgh: well, since PaeTec appears to be on the verge of being built in Rochester why not have a site finally picked out for new 'Hounds complex? That and an even better showing in Kai Haaskivi's second year at the helm (made tougher by the departure of Paul Child) should make the egg nog taster that much better over the holidays.
Portland: less odd financial rumblings and a more consistent performance all around in the Rose City. Not much has been made about the rumors that circulated concerning debt at the end of the season but it should be of some concern.
Seattle: a straightened out front office, a larger group of fans in the stands, and a payoff on their youth policy. At least this would help make the Sounders more competitive for a historically rich franchise.
El Paso: some neighbors playing in the A-League for crying out loud! How about some frequent flyer miles or something, anything, that will make their long distance travels a bit easier to bear.
Calgary: see above. When your nearest rival is ten hours (give or take) away you know you're a long way from just about everything.
Richmond: another solid year out of a team that could overachieve themselves right into championship contention.
Hampton Roads: how about a triumphant return and a packed house on opening night at the Sportsplex? Okay, so maybe that won't happen but just being back should be good enough for some kisses under the mistletoe.
Montreal: a successful venture with the city government of Montreal in building this club and reviving a club that once seemed on the verge of big, big things in the A-League.
Toronto: renovations or a new stadium for the stalwart Lynx. After a dismal season last year let's also give them someone who can find the net and another year of support from their "ultras".
Vancouver: speaking of renovations how about adding some better amenities and such so that the wonderful fans in Vancouver can further enjoy the atmosphere at Swangard even more? Oh yeah, getting past that final hurdle to play for the A-League championship would be nice as well.
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