MSL Plans Teams in Pittsburgh, Buffalo

Earl Foreman, commissioner of the Major Soccer League, confirmed on Monday that the league plans to add franchises in Pittsburgh and Buffalo for next season.

In other news during the first day of winter meetings at the Allis Plaza Hotel in Kansas City, league owners discussed playing outdoor soccer this summer and adding trips to Europe for indoor exhibitions during the 1991-92 season.

The Baltimore Blast and St. Louis Storm were the first MSL teams to play overseas when they participated in indoor tournaments earlier this season. The Blast won an exhibition in Manchester, England, in December and the Storm took the championship of a three-day tournament in Zurich, Switzerland, in January.

On the expansion front, Foreman made clear that the entry into the league of Pittsburgh and Buffalo is not a certainty, but he expects things to be firmed up within 60 days.

As far as Pittsburgh is concerned, Foreman said Bernie Mullins, a former Pittsburgh Pirates executive, has brought together several investors, but is looking for more.

In Buffalo, Foreman has talked to three separate groups interested in paying the $250,000 expansion fee.

Foreman also said interest exists in Orlando, Fla., and Cincinnati for expansion teams.

Foreman, however, was unable to say whether all eight current teams would be back for next year.