Mike, I am impressed.......
What could bode well for MLS is a potential new group who may soon bid on an MLS franchise. The figure head is non other than the legendary Pele'. The group is well funded, as far as I know. David Beckham is another potential owner of this franchise, and has publicly stated he is interested in such a venture, be it in Montreal, or more likely New York, in the near future.
The group recently purchased the copyright to the name "New York Cosmos", or "The Cosmos." The Cosmos were the flagship franchise of the old NASL for years, and had seasons of averaging 60,000 per game. The Cosmos were also well known internationally, as they featured several then current and past World Class players.
As there is already one team in the NY/NJ area - The NY Red Bulls, there would be some issues. Number one, they need a Stadium, and plan on having one in down town New York. There is talk they have financing in place already. However, unless they plan on playing somewhere else in the mean time, they would need at least two to three years to get that stadium built.
I can't vouch for this happening, but I'd have to believe that where there's smoke there's at least some fire here. Such a venue would provide some star power to a league that to be honest; could really use it. The New York Yankees of North American soccer, if you will.
Obviously soccer at the professional level, even if successful, poses no threat to The NFL. It could however, eventually be a thorn in the side of MLB; who's ratings, and interest level continue to fall off.
This may well be a few years off; but it will, if it becomes reality, make an impression on the US sports landscape in North America.