Thanks for all of the kind words and wishes. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. We’ll start in Columbus, where The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Experience Columbus are working with the Crew to bid for the hosting rights to the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Annual Convention of the same year. According to the article, the event will draw more than 9,000 attendees and will generate more than $14 million in economic development. The 2014 version will be in Philly and the 2013 version was in Indiana.

One of the most covered soccer business stories of the week involved the big time soccer debut of basketball announcer Gus Johnson. The story received a substantial amount of mainstream sports coverage because of Johnson’s pedigree. Overall, it was a solid debut for Johnson. He didn’t over-talk, he let the game breath and showed a fair command of the players and competition. There were some fumbles and mistakes, but Johnson looks like a very good addition to the stable of American soccer broadcasters.

Finally, MLS has been taken a creative track with respect to its jersey reveal for 2013. During the week of February 25, 13 teams will reveal at least one new jersey during a mix of of public and private events. The league is promoting a “jersey as art” theme that will make the whole disclosure of the new uniforms an event. Any attempt to create buzz around the league is positive and this series of events seems destined to put the league before the media and fans in the week leading up to the First Kick.