MLS commissioner Don Garber, along with league president Mark Abbott, visited Ottawa yesterday to further discuss with Eugene Melnyk his plan to win a MLS franchise for the 2011 season. Don Garber told the Ottawa Citizen: "In time, Ottawa will have a franchise. They (the Melnyk team) blew us away with their presentation and have shown a very strong understanding of the market.

"But no stadium is the hurdle to giving a franchise."

Melnyk was adamant yesterday that the MLS would come to Ottawa.

"This is going to happen. It's just a matter of time," he said.

Ottawa are in contention for one of two franchise placements for 2011 against Vancouver, Miami, Portland and St. Louis.

MLS is expected to announce the winning bids for two expansion clubs by the end of March.

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