MISSION VIEJO : Council Divided Over Use of Soccer Facility

The City Council has delayed a decision on whether to allow another major soccer team to use the city’s new $3.5-million training facility after the U.S. World Cup squad leaves next year.

The council gave city staff two months to formulate guidelines on how local groups interested in attracting high-profile soccer teams to the training center should approach the city.

Councilwoman Sharon Cody said she doesn’t want to have the soccer field monopolized for another long period of time, shutting out local sports organizations.

She asked City Manager Fred Sorsabal to develop a policy that would keep local groups from organizing efforts to attract another well-known soccer team.

However, Mayor Robert D. Breton urged the council not to cut off its options.

The soccer training center “could actually be a revenue producer. . . . I do not want to formulate a policy that forecloses these opportunities.”

But Cody remained adamant about turning the field over solely to the community. “To deny them access, even to make money, that would be the wrong thing to do,” she said.

Breton responded: “I’m not suggesting we adopt a policy to promote” use of the field by an outside soccer club. “Let’s just not close the door” to revenue opportunities, he said.