MLS 2014: "Our ultimate goal is to be the top league in the region" (Don Garber)

"Our ultimate goal is to be a league of choice. If we become a league of choice for players and staff and fans, I think we will achieve that goal. In order to be one of the top leagues in the world, you got to really be the top league in the region," said Don Garber, commissioner of the MLS (Major League Soccer, the North American professional league), on 03/04/2014.

"We are a stable, viable, and productive entity," said Don Garber before the first day of the MLS 2014 championship that will begin with the match between Seattle Sounders FC and the 2013 champion Sporting Kansas City at CenturyLink Field (67,000 seats) in Seattle, on 08/03/2014.

The MLS is experiencing strong growth in average attendance, which increased from 16,050 spectators in 2009 to 18,542 in 2013, or an increase of 15.5%. "There was only one (soccer-specific) stadium at that time. Now we have 14 of our clubs playing in 15 buildings", added Don Garber.

• MLS plans to welcome five additional teams by the 2020 season, to bring the league to 24 franchises.
• MLS currently has 19 teams. The next two teams, Orlando City…