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Once again, MLS executives prove they are not in tune with their product.&nbsp; The Gold Cup provided the perfect opportunity for MLS to expand their fan base.&nbsp; Collaboration&nbsp;with CONCACAF representatives could have brought doubleheaders featuring one MLS game and one Gold Cup game from the first game through to the final (This year’s&nbsp;format&nbsp;does provide doubleheaders, two Gold Cup games/one stadium, except for the final).&nbsp;&nbsp;
A collaboration among organizations&nbsp;would have allowed&nbsp;for more stadiums to get an opportunity to host the Gold Cup, which in turn, allows more people overall to see live soccer action.&nbsp; By spreading the wealth, Soccer gets more promotion and more exposure.
What this would have accomplished is good for both CONCACAF and for MLS.&nbsp; By having an MLS game take place for fans who might not be familiar with the MLS product, there is a possibility of enhancing the significance of the CONCACAF Champions League.&nbsp; Fans of different heritage would get the chance to see teams&nbsp;which may play in the Champions League.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MLS would&nbsp; have benefited by getting their product to their easiest fans to win over, soccer fans.&nbsp; A game between Guadeloupe and Nicaragua in Reliant Stadium on the 9th of July with an MLS game as part of the attraction is a marketing wet dream for the Houston Dynamo.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The biggest dilemma for the organizers of these events would have been which game becomes the headliner.&nbsp; This is a problem you want to have.&nbsp; Some may argue the MLS game may have more broad appeal than the Gold Cup game or visa versa.&nbsp; Regardless, there are still two games to be played and to be enjoyed for fans.&nbsp;
There’s also the possibility of marketing to the sports fan and getting them more heavily involved.&nbsp; With 2 games to see, there’s a stronger likelihood they’ll see a great game and be pulled in more to soccer as an entertainment option.&nbsp; (International doubleheaders&nbsp;tend to attract a specific audience already familiar with Soccer).&nbsp;
Scheduling MLS games could have been made easier by getting all the teams involved during this 3 week period of 25 matches.&nbsp; They could have scheduled just 25 MLS matches during this time.&nbsp;
Among the 25 matches to be slotted to accompany Gold Cup matches, another brand could also fill the void.&nbsp; With sufficient planning and anticipation from&nbsp;U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF, some U.S. Open Cup matches could have been included.&nbsp;
It’s dissappointing this is not transpiring because it would&nbsp;have made&nbsp;for great theater and discussion for soccer fans.&nbsp; It also seems&nbsp;that this idea would have&nbsp;garnered more national attention from ESPN.

MLS, CONCACAF botch doubleheader option - World Soccer Talk

MLS, CONCACAF botch doubleheader option

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MLS, CONCACAF botch doubleheader option