September 19, 2012
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Anschutz saved MLS during its lean years

Philip F. Anschutz, being inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006. Photo by Joy Rubenstein

By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor

You probably know by now that the Anschutz Entertainment Group is up for sale, and that includes the LA Galaxy.

When the multi-billion-dollar sale of the sports empire goes through, it will mark the end of an era for AEG and Philip F. Anschutz, who single handedly saved Major League Soccer from extinction.

At one time, AEG owned as many as five MLS franchises when the league was trying to find owners and the right route to success. Since then, AEG has sold the Chicago Fire, New York/New Jersey MetroStars and D.C. United. AEG still owns a 25 percent stake in the Houston Dynamo.

Not surprisingly, the MLS Cup trophy is named after Anschutz.

The unorthdox strategy of owning so many teams worked as the league is healthy with 19 teams with thoughts of expanding to 20.

Twice in 39 days

It's certainly crazy how life works.

The first time I saw an Olympico goa live was when Adelphi's Yossi Cohen scored directly off a corner kick in 1992.

Then I had to wait something like 20 years to see another one in person and then I witnessed yet another an Olympic goal -- aka Olympico -- only 39 days later.

Megan Rapinoe scored the ultimate Olympic goal -- in an actual Olympics -- in the U.S. women's amazing 4-3 semifinal win over Canada on Aug. 6.

On Saturday, Red Bulls captain Thierry Henry banged his own corner kick off the right post to seal his team's 3-1 home victory over the Columbus Crew.

Who knows? It could be another 20 years before I see another in person.