It tilts me anytime I read a term like "inflection point" to describe the business behind the beautiful game. MLS/USL/NASL don't need to copy other American sports. National brands are dull. Disparate supporters already come together to cheer on the league when they see its teams in international competitions. Good, Handler has been to Seattle and has marched to the match, but he still needs to visit e.g. St Pauli, Alkmaar, and Morelia to understand further. Privately-owned franchises are most successful when they act like supporter-run clubs. http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/8194367/mls-hopes-build-national-profile-roger-bennett