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February 29, 2008
SSV letter to MLS Board of Governors well received
When the Earthquakes took to the field after a two-year hiatus earlier this month, it was an opportunity for us all to pinch ourselves to make sure that we weren't dreaming. Sure enough, we're not — two years after the team was uprooted and moved to Houston, the Earthquakes are back.
This occasion inspired SSV's past president, Colin McCarthy, to write a letter to MLS Commissioner Don Garber and the members of the league's Board of Governors. It was mailed mid-month and we have been told that it was very well received.
The text is below. If you'd like to see the letter itself, a PDF is available here.
Congratulations to everyone on the return of our team.
Dear Commissioner Garber and MLS Directors:We at Soccer Silicon Valley write to you on behalf of Earthquakes fans, MLS fans, and soccer fans to thank you for bringing the San Jose Earthquakes back to San Jose.
MLS is to be credited for preserving the team's championship history and name. It is to be lauded for reintroducing the team to San Jose and the Bay Area. Lew Wolff and his partner John Fisher will make excellent additions to the MLS Board of Governors. Under their guidance, it will not be long before the Earthquakes are hoisting their third MLS Cup.
Special recognition should be given to Mr. Garber for his commitment to this market. He had the vision and dedication to continue the fight when others might have given up on the market.
On behalf of all Bay Area soccer players and the members of Soccer Silicon Valley, "Thank you."
Yours in Soccer,
The SSV Board:
Colin McCarthy, past president
Don Gagliardi current president
Jay Hipps, vice president
John Jussen
Mike Turco
Freddy Adames
David Chamberlain
Lori Hibbett
Ned Zuparko
Posted by Jay at February 29, 2008 02:42 PM
Comments
Viva Don Garber!
Posted by: John at February 29, 2008 05:01 PM
Classy letter, SSV. The turn-around in fortunes for Bay Area pro soccer from two years ago has been remarkable and kudos are deserved by the ownership group (Lew, John, SJS&E, etc.), MLS HQ & the Board of Governors, and of course SSV and the fans.
And if everything comes together with getting approvals for the Earthquakes' stadium development plans, we will be able to add local government to that list too!
Posted by: Matt at March 3, 2008 08:15 PM