There might not be a more Twitter-friendly league in the world than Major League Soccer. From players to owners, many of the league’s key figures are both accessible and forthcoming on the social media platform. They interact with fans. They drop hints of impending news. And, in the case of owners Merritt Paulson of the Portland Timbers and Robb Heinman of Sporting Kansas City, they argue about stadium atmospheres and concoct possible ways to settle the scores (with a little help from others).
The exchange stated when Paulson, unbidden, let fly with some opinions on why he’d love a USMNT game at Portland’s Jeld-Wen Field, but it just can’t happen. Jeld-Wen has an artificial surface, and US Soccer just isn’t down with the fake grass thing.
So I’d love to host a USMNT qualifier. But not putting sod on our suface for anybody. It hurts the turf and is less safe than regular pitch
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 6, 2013
will continue 2 look at tech advancements 2 either improve artificial surface or be able to implement grass in very grass-challenged stadium
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 6, 2013
I think a USMNT Gold Cup game in PDX is a strong possibility…on our surface
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 6, 2013
(And I VERY much hope USMNT will consider hosting a qualifier w/ us without the sod. We can offer them the best home field advantage in USA)
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 6, 2013
Sporting’s Robb Heineman, a man with a propensity for riling up his fan base by dropping juicy hints about new signings, jumped in to contest Paulson’s statement about home field advantage.
@merrittpaulson u r a great friend, but thinking jeld wen is a better usmnt site than #lsp is just crazy….crazy
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) January 7, 2013
But also being careful to give credit where credit is due.
And btw….the #timbersarmy is phenomenal.Fantastic…great…wonderful….everything
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) January 7, 2013
To which Paulson shot back…
@robbheineman you’ve got a great team..and impressive what has happened w cauldron there.Maybe someday it can be like the TA ..but not yet
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 7, 2013
And then made sure to blow some sunshine Heinman and SKC’s way.
@robbheineman don’t get me wrong – as a usmnt fan i love you guys as a home venue. And hate it when we play where opposition fans outnumber
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 7, 2013
At this point, with everyone that follows both owners chuckling at biggest ____ contest that was going on, Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff jumped in with a way to settle it once and for all.
Love the exchange between #MLS bosses @robbheineman and @merrittpaulson . Decide it with PKs, lads!
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 7, 2013
Please, please let this happen. The owners seem down.
@soccerinsider @robbheineman i would take that bet…esp if heinemann had to tend goal too.#youngerbutslower
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 7, 2013
What about the stakes? Gotta have something on the line.
Pks for #1 picks?If I’m so slow….let’s go @merrittpaulson
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) January 7, 2013
It’s settled, then. Merritt Paulson v. Robb Heinman for number one draft picks and bragging rights. The only thing left is to decide where it should be held. I’m thinking neutral venue, just to avoid any hemming and hawing on the part of either side.
