MLS: New York now a blight on league product

Years ago, Don Garber was adamant that the New York City market was crucial to MLS success. As expansion continues, it is obvious that was not the case. In fact, the depreciation of the city’s significance in the soccer world now makes it a blight to the MLS product.

When Major League Soccer was founded in 1994, the believed having a relevant team in New York City was worth the effort. Now, decades later, the New York City market is an anchor holding back an ambitious league.

The plight of the New York MetroStars, now the New York Red Bulls, was rough for the first two decades. Now, the club has ownership committed to soccer development. The success of the Red Bulls academy is arguably the…