Thread for Steve P

SteveP · 09-03-2005, 03:21 AM

Wow, I'm honored. Thanks for the thread. I'll do my best to check in at least weekly - more often in weeks when we don't drop 5-1 decisions.

It's been a tough week, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is Katrina. I spent some time answering phones at the CBS/Simmons telethon which netted $1.3 million in 36 hours. MLSNet.com has the jersey auction starting tomorrow, which will feature at least 6 RSL players. Kam's Causes is donating proceeds on Sat. night as well. The soccer community always rallies impressively in situations like this. I hope RSL fans will do their part!

SteveP · 09-03-2005, 03:55 AM

OK, got the first post out of the way.

As I have said on webchats, at events like the Snowbird Meet the Team party, at the tailgates & practices - my style to be personally responsive to our great fans. I appreciate all you do to support RSL, from wearing the gear, telling your neighbors about us, the chants, the feedback, the criticism - all of it. It's all part of building a great, long-term, world-class fan base.

I am currently reading through nearly 300 responses to our email survey. Thanks for some great feedback. Everyone will receive some sort of response from me and I will try to answer every question in some fashion.

Yes, I know it's 3am - many of you know I have three young kids, and they'll dictate when I'm out here as much as anything. If you post a question on this thread, be patient, I'll get to them.

Now, about our team... we're not satisfied with "at least they have a better record then Chivas." Until we're in the playoffs and ultimately winning the MLS and/or US Open Cup, you have every reason to ask and expect more from us. John Ellinger and I have faced a huge learning curve in MLS this year, but we have a plan, we know where we are headed and we won't rest until we've built a winner.

Keep in mind that we did not participate in the past January transfer window. We hadn't had the MLS Draft, we hadn't signed Eddie Pope. We just didn't feel it appropriate to spend a ton of money on a foreign player we hadn't had a chance to do due diligence upon. We have been more active in the current window, bringing in Gustavo Cabrera and Robert Scarlett - two players we believe will be key players for years to come. We're looking at young players like Danilo (Brazil) and Victor Ferrerira (Paraguay) and there are multiple experienced international players on the radar for January. More impactful players in our international slots is key to our long-term success.

We adamantly believe in young American players. Whether you agree with our #6 FIFA world ranking, we think this country is developing outstanding prospects. Importantly, MLS can afford them. MLS economics get better every year, but we have to be realistic who we attempt to sign. So thanks for your patience with players like Nik Besagno, Jaime Watson, Kenny Cutler, DJ, Jay, Luke, etc. I often remind people we have something like 14 players age 23 or under on our 28-man roster. We're a young organization and committed to growing the team as honestly, yet quickly, as we can - within the rules/framework MLS has given us to work with.

We obviously lean heavily right now on veteran players to keep us competitive in our first season. There is no better pro than Jason Kreis. Clint was training and playing really well immediately prior to the Chivas game - and we hope he returns to that form quickly. Andy, Eddie, both Brians, Rusty, Chris Brown - we have faith in all of them. We're optimistic they will earn us some results in the final quarter of the season - enough to make one last run at Colorado and the playoffs.

Oh, and that stadium question. It remains a question of when and where, not if. And that's the best thing we have going for us. I'll share what I know when it's appropriate. For now, know that it's a huge priority - and our economic model doesn't work without it. I can't wait for the conversations (or posts) about what you want in it.

Let's beat the Revs. I'll try to stop by the tailgate.
Cheers,
Steve

DadOf8 · 09-03-2005, 08:51 AM

Wow! What can I say, except what other league has such close contact with its fans? I don't know if you ever listen to the Jim Rome show, Steve, but when someone great comes on the show Rome will append the nickname "freakin'" into the person's name. Wow! Steve "Freakin'" Pastorino! It's an honor.

Some things you brought up that are important to me as a person and MLS fan:

1. Lets do what we can to help the victims of hurricane Katrina, either volunteer your time or money to help these people.

2. The FO will not rest until they've built a winner.

3. RSL has a good mix of young players and veterans, the young players will only get better.

4. RSL is willing to bring in great players from within the USA and the world.

5. It's not a question of if there will be a stadium, but when and where it will be built.

Thanks again Steve.

SoccerPrime · 09-03-2005, 02:18 PM

Thanks for posting Steve. I really do appreciate all that you and the FO do in bringing MLS to Utah.
And while we may have a difference of opinion on who plays in a given game or we may cry when our team doesn't do well, we know that you are trying the best you can.

I have to say I am excited that RSL is taking such an aggresive stance with international players. I believe its one of the cogs missing for the first part of RSL's first season. Indeed the additions of Scarlett, Cabrera and even Tarley really have been great boons to the team. I hope we see more and get to see these talents play out.
Also, MLS exists to cultivate the American pro soccer player. RSL must get the best young talent that USA has to offer. I think that players like Watson, Nolly and Besagno will play out. RSL must get more. But on that note, lets not get too high of a pick in the 2006 draft, ok? 😉 I rather make the playoffs.

And thanks for signing Kreis as the team's first player. What a stud!

Thanks Steve!
~Ethan in Florida

Jim Umber · 09-04-2005, 09:50 AM

Steve, I've seen you at the Tailgates, several times. I've seen you at many events, for fans. I know that you have been very supportive of the Loyalists and other supporters. You have exceeded our expectations regularly, on that score.

I thank you for your efforts. The entire Front Office is superb!

🍺

the cup · 09-06-2005, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveP

I can't wait for the conversations (or posts) about what you want in it.

Cheers,
Steve

Steve, that would be incredible! Did Chicago take any suggestions from their fans? I already, (as do we all I'm sure) have a few ideas to make our stadium the best in MLS.

With regards to the location, I'm sure everyone would like it Downtown but realistically we have to realize it may be impossible due to unwilling land owners and an unwilling legislature.

If Sandy wants it the most I say we welcome it. The worst scenario is to be stuck at RES too long.

edaw33 · 09-06-2005, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

Thanks for posting Steve. I really do appreciate all that you and the FO do in bringing MLS to Utah.
And while we may have a difference of opinion on who plays in a given game or we may cry when our team doesn't do well, we know that you are trying the best you can.

I have to say I am excited that RSL is taking such an aggresive stance with international players. I believe its one of the cogs missing for the first part of RSL's first season. Indeed the additions of Scarlett, Cabrera and even Tarley really have been great boons to the team. I hope we see more and get to see these talents play out.
Also, MLS exists to cultivate the American pro soccer player. RSL must get the best young talent that USA has to offer. I think that players like Watson, Nolly and Besagno will play out. RSL must get more. But on that note, lets not get too high of a pick in the 2006 draft, ok? 😉 I rather make the playoffs.

And thanks for signing Kreis as the team's first player. What a stud!

Thanks Steve!
~Ethan in Florida

seriously the playoffs are gone this year. let's build for the future! get those young guys out there working hard, and most of all, get them some experience!!!!

SoccerPrime · 09-06-2005, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edaw33

seriously the playoffs are gone this year. let's build for the future! get those young guys out there working hard, and most of all, get them some experience!!!!

No Retreat, No Surrender!!!
:signrocko
But yeah, your probably right.

RSL Punk · 09-06-2005, 09:36 PM

What I want in the stadium:

1. Mid-field tunnel (everyone seems to want this).
2. No bleachers. (At least where I'm sitting--I threw my back out at work and missed the Revs game. I probably should've gone to the first half, at least, and left with a good feeling.)
3. Convince the folks who used to run the Greektown Grill at Crossroads to come back and run a concession. Better yet, convince a) Red/Blue Iguana; b) Squatters or Wasatch; c) Hires or Crown Burger. I'd love to be eating souvlaki and watching RSL. Or a Crown Burger Special.
4. Heated/air conditioned seats. Well, now I'm just getting silly. I'll have to think of some more later.

praxis · 09-07-2005, 11:57 AM

How about putting the stadium in Ogden? there is a huge hole downtown where the mall used to be that could be got on the cheap. light rail is going in and will stop right by where the stadium is. there is the right demographic for soccer. the players could live in huntsville or eden which is as nice as park city, but not as expensive. and i could attend practice every day w/o having to drive to slc.