MLS boss touts S.A. in annual address

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Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber cited San Antonio as an expansion candidate during his annual State of the League address Monday.

Home to the Scorpions of the second-division North American Soccer League, San Antonio was quickly identified as a potential target after MLS announced plans this summer to reach 24 teams by 2020.

Scorpions owner Gordon Hartman said he's been in regular contact with the league, noting its interest in the operation he started three years ago with the intent to donate all profits to charity.

Monday marked a rare acknowledgment from the league, however, including a map identifying San Antonio, Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis and St. Louis as possible expansion cities.

Three berths remain open after Orlando was recently awarded a bid.

Garber Garber Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close MLS boss touts S.A. in annual address 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Garber confirmed that Miami and Atlanta are the current front-runners, as has been widely reported.

As for which city could take the lone remaining slot, Garber said there are “a number of other markets” that could join. That includes San Antonio and Austin, which Garber described as “intriguing.” Austin was not identified on the map.

Hartman continues to hedge his position, saying that he'd be open to a move with help from the city, local businesses and fans.

Mayor Julián Castro had been slated to meet with Garber during a recent visit to New York City, but the commissioner was forced to cancel.

dmccarney@express-news.net

Twitter: @danmccarneySAEN