NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 29: NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 29: EDITORS NOTE: Image was altered with digital filters.) Manchester City in action against Tottenham Hotspur at Nissan Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

Nashville will play MLS soccer for sure. Supporters of Sacramento, Cincinnati and Detroit soccer should put the confetti back in the box for now, after a December 21 MLS expansion announcement.

Commissioner Don Garber says their decision on the next MLS expansion team will come in 2018. And he’s not entirely certain when Nashville takes the pitch, whether that’s 2019 or 2020.

This frustrates the supporters. Yet, it means all their representatives delivered outstanding cases. No quick, clear decision for MLS members. All three convincingly argued for entry in North America’s top-tier soccer as soon as possible.

Don Garber and his colleagues run a strong soccer organization that demonstrates long-term stability. That stability extends beyond quality of play to financial strength. They know what they’re doing.

To ensure the decisions last, they don’t always move rapidly. Instead, they move carefully.

I scratch my head a little that organizations such as Sacramento and Cincinnati still wait beyond the touchline. Still, I suspect they, and Detroit, have good news on the way.

What does the MLS expansion wait mean?

This decision delay can mean two things. First, the team organization that somehow broke the tie will get to start play within 12-24 months.

The second possible decision gets more complex. MLS might come up with a carefully detailed plan for all three remaining teams. That’s what I mean about possible good news coming.

The greatest result would have MLS taking the stage and announcing anything and everything by January 2, 2018. However, that would mean the simplest decision.

If we’re still staring at the confetti box on January 10, I will start getting excited. The longer this takes, the better the news.

Major League Soccer's statement regarding expansion: pic.twitter.com/SW8lASUeri — Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 21, 2017

The toughest part: Any winner (winners?) will have to jump through a few hoops and make some deadlines to get in this club. Supporters will have to stay tuned into their organization to ensure this gets done.

In any case, the remaining three MLS contenders have a lot already going for them. They show promise to MLS and their communities.

I can’t wait to see them march onto the pitch.