But where is their bid? Here is a report today rehashing or confirming that which was rumored courtesy of the Queens Gazette:



Pro Soccer Field On Shea Site?

Major league soccer officials are currently talking with Mets owner Fred Wilpon about development of a new pro soccer team that would be headquartered at a stadium to be built on a portion of land currently occupied by Shea Stadium.

The report, released last month by Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office, indicates the proposed new pro soccer stadium would be built near what is now the pitcher's mound at Shea Stadium.

The report also states that Wilpon and the Mets are in preliminary discussions with soccer officials over the purchase of a major league soccer team, which would be the second such team in the tri-state area.

According to the report, the plan has the full support of City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate. An admitted soccer fan, the councilmember represents a heavily Latinodominated council district that is home to hundreds of soccer fans who spend weekends competing on the grass at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, a Monserrate spokesperson said.

The plans, along with any discussions, are very preliminary, the report states. If talks progress and a deal is cut, a pro team could play its first match at a new Queens stadium by spring 2011.