MLS evolving at a rapid rate

Seattle Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer is delighted with the rate of growth within Major League Soccer.

The North American domestic league has been going from strength to strength both on and off the pitch in recent years and Hanauer is ‘thrilled’ with how things are fairing in MLS.

"To repeat the words of the MLS president, Mark Abbott, who I've been friends with for a lot of years, this is an evolution, not a revolution,” he told the Seattle Times.

“I'm thrilled about the way the league is evolving. The weaker teams are getting stronger from a financial and foundational standpoint. The stronger teams are continuing to thrive.

“Attendance was obviously very strong this past year. The new franchises are exceeding everybody's expectations.

“TV viewership, albeit starting at a fairly low number, is growing, which is critical for us. Relevance of the MLS teams in their home markets is growing. (Media coverage) and whether it's sports radio paying more attention, ESPN putting goals in their Top 10, all that stuff (helps).”