WPS...

http://www.womensprosoccer.com/

My question is, how is Portland not one of the first, or even second round of cities granted a WPS franchise?? I mean men's soccer is one thing, but with the support the pilots get, not to mention the support international games have received for the women's game is second to none. It surprises me they don't even get a mention...

hope this incarnation of the league has a better plan than the WUSA.... but the lack of major sponsors, plan for community integration (such as with the academy system that the MLS now requires) it makes a long term future of the league impossible to even consider...

Skepticism aside, it would be so fun to be able to follow our favorite pilots more often than the USWT occasional tourney, World Cup and friendly, and hopefully would give more Pilots the chance to continue their careers beyond wearing purple and white.

I think they don't have an ownership group or a suitable venue in Portland. It may also be too far from the California cities. I'm guessing we'll get one eventually. Why don't one of you millionaires step up?

http://www.oregonlive.com/pilots/index.ssf/2008/09/soccer_standouts_hope_fortunes.html

Looks like they approached Merritt Paulson trying to get the PDX as an inagural franchise... Too bad he wasn't willing to take the risk, could have been fun. But after the failure of the WUSA and a guarantee that owners are going to lose money over the next few years, I suppose it makes sense.

That's Merritt Paulson, and it sounds like if the league proves to be viable and has some success in the next few years, he may have an interest.

It will be a fight for sure... It will require a dedication by the public, not to mention a lot of sponsor investment... In Portland success would definitely be found, as to the rest of the country, that remains to be seen. Lets just label me cautiously optimistic....