Major League Soccer Friday morning denied reports out of Miami that it had finalized plans to eliminate its two Florida clubs, Fusion FC and the Tampa Bay Mutiny. “Contrary to published media reports, Major League Soccer has not finalized any decisions regarding how many teams will compete in the league during the 2002 season,” said Commissioner Don Garber. “At the present time, there are no announcements planned. MLS is continuing the ongoing process of evaluating all team markets, and as previously stated, will announce any changes prior to the end of the year.” Fusion investor/operator Ken Horowitz added later in the day: “I would like to reiterate Commissioner Garber’s comments and state that the league’s investors continue to evaluate all of the league’s 12 markets and any decisions will be made by the end of the month.” The Miami Herald reported Friday that the Fusion’s demise was expected to be announced at 11:30 a.m. Friday during a mandatory Fusion staff meeting and a league announcement would possibly follow a few hours later.