MLS PREVIEW Soccer league braces for World Cup's effect Tournament to siphon off several standout players; MLS PREVIEW EASTERN CONFERENCE Columbus Crew 1997 record: 15-17 (39 points), third place. Coach: Tom Fitzgerald (third season). Key departures: GK B Posted: Mar 28, 2008 19:10:32
Expansion and the World Cup. They were two things Major League Soccer didn't want to collide this season. The World Cup is out of the league's control and will take many marquee players for at least six weeks. Because of that, MLS commissioner Doug Logan tried to delay the addition of two new teams