Vancouver mayor makes pitch for MLS team

Vancouver's outgoing mayor Sam Sullivan was in New York on Tuesday to shore up support for his city's bid for a Major League Soccer franchise.

Two new franchises are set to be awarded in 2011.

The Vancouver Whitecaps of the United Soccer Leagues, in partnership with Canadian NBA star Steve Nash, are backing a bid for Vancouver to be one of them.

"We have a multicultural city and many, many people come from countries where they have a really strong soccer culture," said Sullivan, who met with MLS commissioner Don Garber and league president Mark Abbott.

The MLS currently has 14 teams, including Toronto FC, with Seattle becoming the 15th team next season and Philadelphia joining in 2010.

The other potential expansion cities include Montreal, Ottawa, Atlanta, Las Vegas, a second team in New York, Portland, Ore., and St. Louis.

"There certainly is a lot of competition, and that's why I'm here," said Sullivan. "I think I can add that little extra to show that, to give the good reasons why Vancouver is a great opportunity for the league."

Sullivan won't be mayor if the city is awarded a franchise as his party chose a new leader earlier this year.

The Whitecaps currently play in 5,288-seat Swangard Stadium.

The team plans to move into 59,000-seat BC Place once a new, retractable roof is installed after the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games.

They are also pursuing plans to build a 20,000-seat stadium on the Vancouver waterfront.

Sullivan said he didn't bring up the idea of new infrastructure with the MLS, but focused on how the city and provincial governments are committed to the idea of having a team.

"Vancouver loves soccer, we would love to have a franchise," said Sullivan. "I think it would be great for the league as well as great for the city."