by Jason DavisBy almost any measure imaginable, the Seattle Sounders are an American sports phenomenon. In the
soccer realm, they're a breakthrough franchise, garnering support and attention on levels that we
hope portend a glorious MLS future. They've crushed league attendance records through two seasons,
and show no signs of slowing down.
Yesterday we recapped our top five 2010 stories from the world of American soccer business.
Today, we thought it worth taking a look at the coming year to predict the big business stories for
2011. We'll dispense with the list format, but here are some thoughts on what will make headlines
in 2011.
Put away your "USA 2022″ jerseys, the World Cup is going to Qatar.
FIFA announced from Zurich on Thursday the awarding of the 2018 World Cup to the Russian
Federation and the 2022 cup to the tiny, Persian Gulf state of Qatar. Both decisions can be
considered upsets. England, which hosted in 1966, had been considered the favorite for the '18
competition.
More photos » Ned Dishman - Getty Images
Keller thanking fans, always thanking fans.
Browse more photos »
Those who have attended a shareholders meeting for a company in their own past would have been
comfortable at the Sounders meeting last night.
The list of Americans trying to cross the pond to play in England continues to grow.
And no, I'm not talking about Landon Donovan.
Teal Bunbury, a 20-year-old U.S. International who has been on trial at Stoke City in recent
weeks, is waiting to hear if the Potters will offer him a contract.
Have we seen this movie before? The one where a French International who plies his trade a one of
the world's top clubs is rumored to join MLS for a stateside farewell tour? Oh wait this flick is
different though because it's the player's brother not the player who's fanning the flames instead.
