Pujols joins St. Louis bid for MLS team

Nov 18, 2008 - 7:53 PM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- National League MVP Albert Pujols is trying to bring Major League Soccer to St. Louis.

St. Louis Soccer United announced Tuesday that the Cardinals first baseman has joined the proposed ownership group, which is committed to bringing an MLS expansion franchise to the area in 2011.

The announcement came one day after Pujols was named the MVP for second time in four years.

"I am very proud and excited to join the effort to bring Major League Soccer to the St. Louis area," Pujols said. "This means a lot to me and my family, as we all love soccer and we believe in MLS.

"This is something that will be great for our community, especially our youth. I strongly encourage St. Louis business leaders and sports fans to join me in this effort. St. Louis is an unbelievable sports town and we'll be a great city for Major League Soccer."

St. Louis Soccer United submitted a formal bid for an MLS expansion team to the league on October 15.

"It is frankly impossible to imagine a better partner in our effort than Albert Pujols," SLSU chairman Jeff Cooper said. "Albert's commitment is a testament to the strength of the league, the interest and promise of Major League Soccer in St. Louis, and the overall quality of our team, stadium and youth complex plan.

"In Albert Pujols, we have someone who will be terrific not only for St. Louis, but for all of MLS and the global soccer community."