MLS Players vote to authorize strike

The players from Major League Soccer voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if there is no new labor agreement in place before the scheduled opening of the 2010 season on March 25th.    The MLS players union and the league have been negotiating for several weeks trying to work out a new agreement.  The previous deal expired on January 31, and was extended until February 25. Since, the MLS players union refused further extensions.

''Recent comments from players simply reflect the fact that the players are unified and, per the results of our strike vote, will not begin the new season if a new agreement with the league is not reached,'' union executive director Bob Foose said.

The expansion Philadelphia Union are scheduled to kick off the 2010 MLS season hosting last year's highly successful expansion side the Seattle Sounders on Thursday evening March 25th.  The soccer game is scheduled for ESPN2.  Seven more MLS matches are scheduled for the weekend, but all are now in serious question.