NYC Supporters Group Meets With Mets Boss Wilpon

Representatives of The Borough Boys, a supporters group dedicated to bringing a Major League Soccer franchise to New York City, yesterday met with New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon to discuss a possible team in Queens, N.Y. A communique sent by Borough Boys President Nick Laveglia to the group's members states in part:

"This was a very positive and exciting meeting. It took place in the corporate offices at Shea Stadium, during which Mr. Wilpon discussed plans for a potential team and stadium in the area.

It can be said that Mr. Wilpon has a very strong interest in making this happen. Local councilman Hiram Monseratte, who was also in attendance, was in complete support of the plans."

The note adds that there is more news to report about this meeting,to be delivered at a later date.

Talk of a second franchise for the NYC area is of course as old as the league itself. But in last year's state of the league address, MLS Commissioner Don Garber confirmed that the Wilpon family was seeking a second team for the New York metropolitan area. It was believed to be the first time Garber spoke publicly on the matter.

Soccer Source was the first to interview Laveglia back in November.

For the uninitiated, the New York region's existing MLS franchise is the New York Red Bulls, who play their home games in New Jersey. There has been a long simmering debate about whether the team should be allowed to use the New York label. Many soccer fans in the area say they have never felt represented by the Red Bulls or its predecessor, the MetroStars. Others, specifically Metro/Red Bull fans, say this is bull--- and that these so-called "fans" should shut the f--- up and support the existing team.

Those are of course just the opening salvos in the debate. It quickly degenerates from there.