California dreamer eyes MLS

The owner of a potential Major League Soccer franchise in Portland is a California real estate developer with ties to former Trail Blazers owner Larry Weinberg.

Michael Keston said this week he retains the exclusive rights to discuss with MLS the possibility of bringing an expansion team to either the Portland or Seattle area.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has touted both areas as viable candidates for one of three expansion clubs the league wants to add by 2010. Areas other than Portland or Seattle that the 13-team league is considering include Atlanta, the Bay Area, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia and St. Louis.

 – Excerpt from The Oregonian, May 2, 2007