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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Soccer, Come on Down: Carey Says You're Gonna Win

Carey aims to make also-ran sport a high-kicking sensation

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(Newser) – When he’s not giving away cars and vacuum cleaners to giddy contestants on The Price is Right, Drew Carey is busy revolutionizing sports. The 51-year-old comedian is a co-owner of the Seattle Sounders, arguably Major League Soccer’s most popular club. And his plan, which he puts into action in sports bars and executive meetings, is to boost soccer's profile by letting fans take charge, the Los Angeles Times reports.

One expert warns that letting fans elect the team president and vote on the GM's fate could be ruinous, but Carey, an ex-Marine, says he likes "the idea of this being a movement.” Watching fans cheer amidst showers of green and blue confetti, he marvels: “This is what American soccer can be.”

Fans cheer as Seattle Sounders' Nate Jaqua, right, is congratualted by Sounders' James Riley, left, after Jaqua scored a goal.
Fans cheer as Seattle Sounders' Nate Jaqua, right, is congratualted by Sounders' James Riley, left, after Jaqua scored a goal.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Sounders' midfielder Freddie Ljungberg, of Sweden, swings in a free kick.
Seattle Sounders' midfielder Freddie Ljungberg, of Sweden, swings in a free kick.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Chris Young)
Seattle Sounders' Freddie Ljungberg, of Sweden, gives a thumbs up after defeating Real Salt Lake.
Seattle Sounders' Freddie Ljungberg, of Sweden, gives a thumbs up after defeating Real Salt Lake.   (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)
In this file photo, Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero celebrates with fans.
In this file photo, Seattle Sounders FC forward Fredy Montero celebrates with fans.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Comedian and television host Drew Carey meets with reporters at Major League Soccer headquarters in New York.
Comedian and television host Drew Carey meets with reporters at Major League Soccer headquarters in New York.   (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)
Seattle Sounders FC minority owner Drew Carey explains the Sounders FC Member Association for the new MLS soccer team in Seattle.
Seattle Sounders FC minority owner Drew Carey explains the Sounders FC Member Association for the new MLS soccer team in Seattle.   (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)
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I like the idea of this being a movement. There's no reason a team like the Clippers can't do this, or a team like the Detroit Lions. What do teams like that have to lose? - Drew Carey,
co-owner, Seattle Sounders

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2 comments
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Nwambe
Jun 7, 09 10:09 AM CDT
MLS's most popular club? You ignoramuses, the Sounders can't even fill their own stadium. Meanwhile, despite the league's most abysmal record, Toronto FC's 20,000-seat stadium is filled literally to capacity for about 75% of its games. Reply
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mcnarnia
Jun 7, 09 3:32 PM CDT
Last I checked 32,000 was more than 20,000. I like TFC but seriously, you are trying too hard.
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