MLS Auctions, the official auction of Major League Soccer, made its debut Wednesday on MLSnet.com.
The online site currently features an array of MLS game-worn jerseys, with proceeds benefitting the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Throughout the season, MLS Auctions will offer fans a variety of additional unique products for bidding, including more game-worn jerseys, shorts, game balls, player photos and fan experiences.
"We've received a number of inquiries from our fans regarding auctions and are very excited to offer them this opportunity to acquire exclusive Major League Soccer merchandise," said Stu Crystal, MLS vice president of marketing and consumer products. "In addition to allowing fans to own authentic one-of-a-kind MLS products, MLS Auctions helps us raise money and awareness for valuable soccer-based charities."
Game-worn jerseys presently available for auction include Chicago's Chris Armas, Kansas City's Jimmy Conrad and Colorado's Pablo Mastroeni. One of the top items is a New England Revolution jersey worn by U.S. international midfielder Clint Dempsey during his Rookie of the Year season in 2004.
As part of the league's First Kick 2006 celebration, game balls used during every team's home opener will be available for purchase next month.
MLS Auctions allows users to view a larger image of a particular item, e-mail a friend, calculate currency and put their item on a personal watchlist.
While not all teams are currently represented, fans can expect to see products from their favorite clubs on the auction block throughout the 2006 season. In the coming weeks, jerseys worn by New England midfielder Steve Ralston, former Chicago striker Damani Ralph and Los Angeles midfielder Cobi Jones will be among those available for purchase.
An added feature to the auction is "stoppage time." If a bid is placed during the last five minutes of an Open or Reserve Price Auction, the auction will automatically be extended for an additional five minutes from the time of the latest bid. This auction will close once all bidding activity has stopped for a period of five minutes.
So, act now for your chance to visit auction.mlsnet.com to score some of your favorite MLS memories.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
