Up and down both Canada and the United States, there's a whole host of cities clamoring for a place in Major League Soccer. The love of the sport is growing with every passing day, and it's no surprise that everyone wants a piece of the action.
However, not every location has what it takes to participate in one of the fastest growing leagues in the world. Whether it's stature, popularity or overall appeal, not many places can touch these five when it comes to having the potential necessary for a long-lasting MLS club.
5 Cities That Deserve MLS Clubs
St. Louis
Photo: @SaintLouisFC | Twitter
With a reputable history of fantastic sporting pedigree, it's hard to understand why St. Louis hasn't seen MLS come to town yet. It's surely only a matter of time before we see soccer, which has historically thrived in Missouri, of the highest level here.
After all, the soccer history in this place is absolutely staggering. While Saint Louis FC currently fly the flag for the city in the USL, we should never forget that St. Louis clubs provided six players for the USA squad that defeated England at the 1950 World Cup.
San Antonio
Photo: @SanAntonioFC | Twitter
In terms of sheer size alone, you can't get much bigger than San Antonio. At the heart of Texas, the city is brimming with potential when it comes to establishing a marketable brand. Just look at San Antonio FC, they made their USL debut in 2016 and averaged over 6,000 supporters per match.
Everything is bigger in Texas — can you imagine the kind of power San Antonio would possess within MLS? Look at their track record of professional teams and try telling us differently.
Detroit
Photo: @DetroitCityFC | Twitter
If you're looking for die hard sports fans, then look no further than Detroit. Whether it's the Lions, Red Wings, Pistons or Tigers, this place is always booming when it comes to cheering on their local teams.
The cold temperature may be intimidating for some, but that's part of the fun. The Cougars, the Arsenal and the Wheels are just a few of the parade of Detroit-based soccer franchises that’ve appeared over the years, and that passion is engrained into the city's skin.
Detroit City FC are only a semi-professional club, playing in the fourth tier of the American soccer pyramid, but they already boast massive support.
Cincinnati
Photo: @SteveCinciBiz | Twitter
Cincinnati is one of the most rapidly growing cities in America, and the city’s support of soccer has mirrored that growth. FC Cincinnati began USL play in 2016 and routinely drew crowds of over 15,000. Enough said.
Las Vegas
Photo: @reno1868fc | Twitter
After years of expectancy, Las Vegas is finally starting to make a play for professional franchises. For a place that never sleeps, it makes complete sense to host a MLS side. Hell, soccer is the most marketable betting sport in the world, and if there's one thing Vegas is renowned for, it's that. Money talks.
Nevada will have a club playing in the USL in 2017 — Reno 1868 FC, managed by former San Jose Earthquakes legend Ian Russell.
