If MLS was serious about adding St. Louis to its roster, it was not going to find a better team than Carolyn Kindle Betz, Jim Kavanaugh and their crew. MLS commissioner Don Garber took his time. He did his due diligence. His questions and concerns were answered, one after another.

Fans did their part, too. They clamored for a team. They bought scarves and hats to show their support, raising an impressive amount of money for inner-city soccer programs in the process.

The St. Louis business community wowed Garber during his visit, calming any uncertainty he had about sponsorship with a show of force. If he was impressed then, wait until the energy he feels Tuesday. Wait until he feels the rush of game No. 1 in 2022.

Tuesday is another step toward it. A big one. It's a milestone worth celebrating.

Just don't mistake it for a finish line.

There are some items on the agenda that will need to be finalized before the St. Louis MLS team — no word yet on the name — begins play.