The MLS: not just a place for semi-retired Europeans

A glimpse of the Chivas USA 2009 cheerleader auditions, courtesy of our soccerball-lovin’ compadres at The Offside Rules.

Don’t worry, they’re staying in Spain too

In 2004, Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara created an MLS expansion side (Chivas USA), and FC Barcelona are looking into following in their footsteps. The Spaniards have already committed to increasing their fanbase in North America with several summer tours, and now they wish to have a more permanent money generator presence across the pond:

FC Barcelona’s commitment to set up a sister club in MLS could see it rake in $2.6 million per year, but only if it can successfully strike up a tax exemption deal.

Spanish daily Marca has reported that the MLS outfit, which will not take the name “FC Barcelona,” is expected to earn a surplus of $8 million to $9 million per year, of which $2.6 million will go straight to the Catalan giants.

According to Sports Illustrated, the sister team, which is likely to have a name like the Barcelona Universe Tremor Warlocks, will be based in Miami, capitalising on the city’s large hispanic population. Oddly, the same article claims the team will play its home matches at the University of Florida, some 340 miles away in Gainesville.

Setting up a sister team in the MLS sounds like a great way of generating interest in European football, but who will be the first Premiership team to give it a go?

Chivas USA keeper endures embarrassing stretcher malfunction

Major League Soccerball goal tender Zach Thornton is nicknamed ‘The Beast’ due to his imposing build. Clearly, his 230-pound (16.4 stone) girth was a little too much for the young lady helping to stretcher him off, as he was treated to an injury-enhancing crash landing. Rather wisely, Thornton decided to get up and hobble the rest of the way to the changing rooms.

See the top five Physio gaffes at Off The Post.