Is Major League Soccer a league based on parity, or is it a parody of a league?
During ESPN's coverage of the recent Seattle Sounders v Portland Timbers match, the network made one of their usual errors during Alexi Lalas' talk on league parity, with the screen caption about league "parody". While Lalas and ESPN commentator Taylor Twellman had a good laugh about the Freudian slip on their ESPN "Big Head/Red Head" podcast, for many Americans, it is a legitimate question.
The match in which this mistake happened was the home debut of America's captain and the highest paid player in MLS, Clint Dempsey. It was in front of more than 67,000 fans in Seattle, or in other words, one fifth the audience who watched the match on television. The meager 350,000 audience (.001% of our population) was still good enough to garner ESPN its second best rating for an MLS match this season.
Part of the reason the numbers were so low could be attributed to the often late start times for ESPN MLS matches, normally 10PM start times on the East coast. ESPN often points to the small ratings as an excuse for pushing the league into a corner, often late prime time Sunday nights, and the lack of a "southern presence" from the league for their lack of support and promotion. Something that seems to me to be a sort of self fulfilling prophecy. You don't receive strong ratings, so we don't promote and push your product, airing it in a dead zone, guaranteeing a further lack of ratings.
In response, MLS commissioner Don Garber has stated the league will be expanding, and as I have stated in a previous article, two of the four expansion teams are expected to be in the south, with the leagues newest expansion side NYCFC being in the New York/East Coast media market. Don Garber seems to be acquiescing to the desires of ESPN, with no proof of support on the offer. Worst of all, with television rights ready to come up for the bidding, ESPN may not even be a partner with the league when next season rolls around, let alone by the time a "southern presence" enters the league.
As I have stated in previous posts, an increase in MLS television deals to that of what the National Hockey League receives would automatically lend itself to a massive increase in the salary cap, allowing MLS to compete financially with Mexican clubs, but also allowing itself to keep improving the standard of play with the type of players it can attract. At the same time the TV deal comes up for bidding, MLS must also renegotiate its collective bargaining agreement with the MLS players union. American Soccer Super Agent Ron Waxman, who barters for a large percentage of MLS player as well as American exports like Michael Bradley, has come out as of late and made outrageous claims about the league and its standard (insulting his own clients no?) claiming the league has never been this bad in its entire history. Obviously Waxman is either the most ignorant man to ever watch MLS, or he is completely invested in the raising of the salary cap and increasing the wallets of his clients and more importantly himself.
The behavior of ESPN toward a sports league it shows on their air, and the behavior of the most influential agent in the game in America, lend themselves to saying MLS is in fact a teenage parody of a football league. The reactionary behavior of Don Garber lends itself to people believing the league and its commissioner as being a parody of what American sports are, in particular the socialist and most popular sports league in the country (let us not forget, the organization Garber came from) the National Football League.
The Eurocentric snobbery of many fans in America is one based on wanting "the best". It may be based on "the American spirit", or more likely an inferiority complex when it comes to a game many of us came to later in life than those in the rest of the footballing world. What we have isn't as good as what you have, so we will mock what we have, ignore it, and support what others have to offer as a way of fitting in. The American soccer fandom itself can be seen as a parody of European football culture, from the support of major European football powers, to the naming of recent Major League SOCCER teams ending with an "FC". (Football club)
One of the many reasons Americans seem to mock their home league, is because it is a league based on parity. Squads are very fluid. Every club for the most part has the same advantages and disadvantages as all the others. Location and owners with open pockets can give a small leg up on the competition, but in the end, MLS is harder to predict week in and week out than any sports league in the country. And what drives many fans crazy, the league is rather secretive about its rules, as well as who and what the money is being spent upon. In response to these valid criticisms, Don Garber has given a rather snarky yet honest response, when transparency is beneficial to the product and the fan experience, transparency will be granted, until then, they will stick with what they do.
Some might argue that MLS is not a league of parity, as the LA Galaxy have built a dynasty in the era of designated players. This argument shows the short term memory loss or ignorance of many fans. The first three years of the "Beckham Experiment" were for the most part a complete and utter failure in the results department. It wasn't until the arrival of Robbie Keane to complete the Galaxy trinity that LA won back to back MLS Cups. Last season included a playoff to get into the playoffs (#4 seed v #5 home and home series) and some playoff scares along the way which could have made the "dynasty" one time champions in a five year era. Not exactly the Yankees or Patriots.
The New York Red Bulls have spent massive amounts of money on designated players while having nothing to show for it. Apart from a few US Open Cup victories, (thanks in part to a long home match streak) the Seattle Sounders have spent large amounts of money to mediocre results. Meanwhile, small spenders like Houston Dynamo continue to compete, as do Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids, teams that have nearly as much "dynasty" claim as the Galaxy. When it comes to results on the pitch, despite the "have and have not" mentality most fans view MLS with, MLS is the most open and unpredictable league in the world.
This weekend a few hundred thousand Americans sat in front of a television and watched Manchester City, soon to be MLS franchise owner and one of the best teams in England, take on Hull City, one of the weakest clubs in the English top flight. The majority of Americans would tell you about the quality of English football and the superiority of the product on every level. They like to watch "the best". On the same network, NBC Sports Network, a smaller audience tuned in to see the New York Red bulls, one of the best teams in MLS, take on DC United, the worst team in all of MLS. What those who tuned in saw was a much more competitive match, a much more fluid match, a much more entertaining match, a much more open match, a match filled with more talking points, and frankly, more interesting football.
When you combine the inferiority complex of American fans with the PR machine that backs European football, you get a sense that anything European is automatically better than whatever MLS can and does give us. It is rarely based on visual evidence and experience, but on old beliefs about a league in its infancy.
Am I saying MLS is better than the EPL? Of course not. But the standards are not as far apart as many American fans suspect. Don Garber has stated his goal for MLS is to be one of the top leagues in the world by 2020. While ratings would suggest MLS is a few country miles away from such a placement, those who view football from all over the world thanks to the current plethora of options available to us, reality is that MLS has already achieved that goal on the pitch. While England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France can all lay claim to having "better" leagues, MLS is at or near the top of the pack following those top leagues. But unlike those leagues, where only 2 or 3 clubs ever have a chance of lifting the title, MLS is wide open, a potentially more inclusive fan experience.
Parity can be the strength of MLS. Revenue sharing. Salary caps. All staples of the most successful league in America. If we as fans get behind our MLS clubs and the league itself, the improvements MLS has made in the past few years will only make the league everything we hoped but never thought it could one day be. The alternative would be a continued ignorance of and disdain for the league, unnatural expectations, and a league which is nothing more than a parody. Support the league and we will get what we deserve, fail to do so, and we never will. The choice is ours, parity or parody, and the end result is completely up to us.
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Penalty Kicks: 8-23-13
As the 2013 MLS season begins to wind down, the matches and story lines of the season start to take on a greater and more dramatic feel. Here with Penalty Kicks, I cover the 5 things in MLS you should be talking about this week...
1: ESPN's Sunday Night game featuring Clint Dempsey, the Seattle Sounders, and more than 60,000 of their friends, against Caleb Porter, 1,500 members of the Timbers Army, and the Portland Timbers.
As soon as Clint Dempsey took off his sweatshirt to reveal his Sounders jersey in one of the most grotesque displays of ego stroking and anticlimactic hype MLS has ever produced, the executives at ESPN started licking their lips over the thought of having Clint Dempsey's home debut on their air. If it wasn't enough that they had Dempsey's debut, it was against the Portland Timbers, possibly the fiercest rivalry in all of MLS.
Earlier in the season with the Sounders struggling and Portland riding high, the Timbers dismantled the Sounders vaunted attack through Will Johnson and Diego Chara running the game in Portland's midfield. That was Seattle without Dempsey, and now Portland will face this task with a midfield 3 missing Will Johnson, and possibly Diego Chara and Jack Jewsbury as well.
Porter's tactical decisions and team selection will be key to Portland's success or failure, while for Seattle, all eyes will be on Clint Dempsey and the crowd. Tune in, set your DVR, or throw a viewing party for family and friends, this one has the potential to be special.
Oh, and did I mention that while sitting at 7th place in the West, that this is close to a must win for Seattle?
2: Vancouver Whitecaps FC v LA Galaxy
In the highly competitive Western Conference, 5th place hosts 4th place in what could show us who is real in the West, and who isn't. This will be the third meeting of these two sides this season, with the home team walking away with a victory on the previous two occasions. That trend would seem to favor the floundering Whitecaps, but don't count out the streaking Galaxy just yet.
Martin Rennie may be the "Tinker Man" of MLS, while Bruce Arena is the steady and solid rock of LA. The team selection each man gives us will tell us who is playing to win, and who is playing not to lose.
A side note from this match would be the recent admission of Vancouver's Daigo Kobayashi that MLS has not been as easy a league as he expected. There is no tougher test in MLS than the always professional (possible dynasty) that is the Galaxy. Coming on the back of 4-2 win against Western leaders Real Salt Lake, LA will look to push on for playoff position. Whether or not Vancouver can play the role of spoiler is yet to be seen.
3: Chicago Fire v Sporting KC
Friday night NBC Sports Network hands us the best team in the East taking on 7th place in the home team Fire. If the Fire are to take advantage of the goals delivered by Mike Magee this season, they need to push on and move into the final playoff position out East.
Tied on points and games with New York out East, while being tied on points with Colorado who has played one more match, Portland which has played 2 fewer matches, and 3 points behind Real Salt Lake who has played 1 more match out West, KC needs points to stay in the Supporters Shield race to have hopes for home field throughout the playoffs.
This is another one of those getting to be must win situations for both teams should they have any chance of achieving their playoff goals for the season.
The home fans will be hoping for something from new DP signing "El Cacha" Arevalo Rios. He and Magee need to form a partnership between distributor and goal scorer quickly if Chicago is going to make and succeed in the playoffs.
4: Chicago's Communications Director
I'll just let you read it for yourself. The following is from Chicago Fire Director of Communications Dan Lobring...
I have a confession to make. I’m a new Chicago Fire fan, having been hired to oversee communications for the club just six months ago. But according to some folks, I was also a “shitty hire.” The only professional experience (“zero soccer experience”) I have is “promoting a video game” and I do “not belong leading the Communications department.”
Additionally, I also “need to shave.” To be fair, that one is true, but my wife thinks I look weird totally clean shaven. To be fairer, all of the other statements might also be true, but I would like the opportunity to prove how shitty I am first. To be fairest of all, maybe I already have proven it six months into the job.
But I’m more interested in learning what made me a shitty hire on day one? What brought about the warm reception from a vocal few as I was introduced as a new member of the “Fire family?” My best guess is that because I work for an owner who is supposedly “cheap,” “doesn’t care,” and only sees the team as a “toy.” Or maybe it’s because I’m joining a front office staff that just “doesn’t get it” or only makes “bad decisions.”
Really? Yikes.
Want to make calls for front office firings? Find me someone who doesn’t think they could be doing their job better. Telling me I suck at my job? That all comes with the territory I guess.
Fortunately, those are the only things that I’ve read about online, or have had forwarded my way, or that I have seen on the supporter message boards (I would hate to read the non-supporter boards).
I don’t pretend to know everything there is to know about soccer, the Fire or MLS.
That was Lobring's rambling defense of himself, and an attack on fans who criticize him or the front office. If you were wondering, not only did the owner approve the rant before Lobring posted it to the Fire website, they have come out in support of their passionate director of communications.
Oh to be a fly on the wall in the stadium on Friday night. I'm kind of sad I didn't buy tickets for the game.
5: Landon Donovan wants LA to show him the MONEY!!!!!
Even the most ardent Landon Donovan supporter will admit that LA Galaxy have fair to Landon Donovan more often than not. Pre-Designted Player (Beckham) Rule, Donovan was the highest paid player in MLS. Post Beckham Experiment and Beckham Rule, there also was let us not forget a Landon Donovan Rule which led to a second DP spot. When Landon wanted to spend his winter break with Everton, LA, against their better judgement, acquiesced. When Landon wanted to take a break and get his mind right in Cambodia, again against their better judgement, LA allowed it.
Granted, they also forced him to publicly hand over the captains armband to David Beckham, of his own free will, wink wink. They got away with years of underpayment due to the salary cap, and plenty more, but overall, LA has been good to Landon.
So what does Landon do just days after Chris Klein, former teammate and current Galaxy President, tells the official MLS podcast that he wants to keep Donovan beyond his expiring contract? Donovan comes out and says that he has offers from Europe that he is considering. (He already has 6 MLS Cup titles to his name and maybe a 7th on the way, what more does he have to prove?)
Already MLS all time assist leader, to go along with his assist and goal records for the USMNT, Donovan is close to surpassing the all time MLS goals mark. He has established himself as not only the best American field player to ever play the game, but the greatest player in the history of MLS. All while looking at Clint Dempsey making at least 3 times his salary having done next to nothing in or for MLS. (Dempsey's transfer did pay for the Revs academy, something Bob Kraft is far too stingy to do himself.)
With people asking where Donovan could go, or why he would want to leave MLS now at the end of his career, Donovan came out once again and sent a message to MLS, and in particular LA Galaxy. He stated that "all things being equal", he would prefer to remain with the LA Galaxy.
We all know LA was one of three teams interested in Clint Dempsey, but the money they were willing to give Dempsey was not what Seattle ended up offering. We know LA offered a Dempsey size deal to Giovanni Dos Santos just a few months ago. We all know "all things being equal" means "MONEY".
Donovan is a Southern California kid. His family is there. His ex-wife is there. His friends are there. Its where he wants to stay, but not at the cost of losing even more money out of loyalty and comfort.
LA is used to distraction. They had the Beckham circus. They had the Ruud Gullit experiment. They had Beckham announcing he was leaving MLS before last season even ended with a trophy being raised in LA. They had Donovan finding himself in Cambodia. They are used to distraction, so this current drama should have little effect, but how this plays out will be very interesting indeed.
Will Donovan follow the money to a mid table Serie A club? Will LA show him the money despite his age and penchant for retirement? Will he give LA a loyalty discount? Will Donovan stay in MLS with a hefty raise, just not in LA? Where else would Donovan be willing to go in MLS?
One thing seems certain, Landon Donovan will be entering a higher tax bracket thanks to his next contract.
Those were my penalty kicks for 8-23-13, thank you for reading. Until next time, remember, MLS MATTERS!
1: ESPN's Sunday Night game featuring Clint Dempsey, the Seattle Sounders, and more than 60,000 of their friends, against Caleb Porter, 1,500 members of the Timbers Army, and the Portland Timbers.
As soon as Clint Dempsey took off his sweatshirt to reveal his Sounders jersey in one of the most grotesque displays of ego stroking and anticlimactic hype MLS has ever produced, the executives at ESPN started licking their lips over the thought of having Clint Dempsey's home debut on their air. If it wasn't enough that they had Dempsey's debut, it was against the Portland Timbers, possibly the fiercest rivalry in all of MLS.
Earlier in the season with the Sounders struggling and Portland riding high, the Timbers dismantled the Sounders vaunted attack through Will Johnson and Diego Chara running the game in Portland's midfield. That was Seattle without Dempsey, and now Portland will face this task with a midfield 3 missing Will Johnson, and possibly Diego Chara and Jack Jewsbury as well.
Porter's tactical decisions and team selection will be key to Portland's success or failure, while for Seattle, all eyes will be on Clint Dempsey and the crowd. Tune in, set your DVR, or throw a viewing party for family and friends, this one has the potential to be special.
Oh, and did I mention that while sitting at 7th place in the West, that this is close to a must win for Seattle?
2: Vancouver Whitecaps FC v LA Galaxy
In the highly competitive Western Conference, 5th place hosts 4th place in what could show us who is real in the West, and who isn't. This will be the third meeting of these two sides this season, with the home team walking away with a victory on the previous two occasions. That trend would seem to favor the floundering Whitecaps, but don't count out the streaking Galaxy just yet.
Martin Rennie may be the "Tinker Man" of MLS, while Bruce Arena is the steady and solid rock of LA. The team selection each man gives us will tell us who is playing to win, and who is playing not to lose.
A side note from this match would be the recent admission of Vancouver's Daigo Kobayashi that MLS has not been as easy a league as he expected. There is no tougher test in MLS than the always professional (possible dynasty) that is the Galaxy. Coming on the back of 4-2 win against Western leaders Real Salt Lake, LA will look to push on for playoff position. Whether or not Vancouver can play the role of spoiler is yet to be seen.
3: Chicago Fire v Sporting KC
Friday night NBC Sports Network hands us the best team in the East taking on 7th place in the home team Fire. If the Fire are to take advantage of the goals delivered by Mike Magee this season, they need to push on and move into the final playoff position out East.
Tied on points and games with New York out East, while being tied on points with Colorado who has played one more match, Portland which has played 2 fewer matches, and 3 points behind Real Salt Lake who has played 1 more match out West, KC needs points to stay in the Supporters Shield race to have hopes for home field throughout the playoffs.
This is another one of those getting to be must win situations for both teams should they have any chance of achieving their playoff goals for the season.
The home fans will be hoping for something from new DP signing "El Cacha" Arevalo Rios. He and Magee need to form a partnership between distributor and goal scorer quickly if Chicago is going to make and succeed in the playoffs.
4: Chicago's Communications Director
I'll just let you read it for yourself. The following is from Chicago Fire Director of Communications Dan Lobring...
I have a confession to make. I’m a new Chicago Fire fan, having been hired to oversee communications for the club just six months ago. But according to some folks, I was also a “shitty hire.” The only professional experience (“zero soccer experience”) I have is “promoting a video game” and I do “not belong leading the Communications department.”
Additionally, I also “need to shave.” To be fair, that one is true, but my wife thinks I look weird totally clean shaven. To be fairer, all of the other statements might also be true, but I would like the opportunity to prove how shitty I am first. To be fairest of all, maybe I already have proven it six months into the job.
But I’m more interested in learning what made me a shitty hire on day one? What brought about the warm reception from a vocal few as I was introduced as a new member of the “Fire family?” My best guess is that because I work for an owner who is supposedly “cheap,” “doesn’t care,” and only sees the team as a “toy.” Or maybe it’s because I’m joining a front office staff that just “doesn’t get it” or only makes “bad decisions.”
Really? Yikes.
Want to make calls for front office firings? Find me someone who doesn’t think they could be doing their job better. Telling me I suck at my job? That all comes with the territory I guess.
Fortunately, those are the only things that I’ve read about online, or have had forwarded my way, or that I have seen on the supporter message boards (I would hate to read the non-supporter boards).
I don’t pretend to know everything there is to know about soccer, the Fire or MLS.
That was Lobring's rambling defense of himself, and an attack on fans who criticize him or the front office. If you were wondering, not only did the owner approve the rant before Lobring posted it to the Fire website, they have come out in support of their passionate director of communications.
Oh to be a fly on the wall in the stadium on Friday night. I'm kind of sad I didn't buy tickets for the game.
5: Landon Donovan wants LA to show him the MONEY!!!!!
Even the most ardent Landon Donovan supporter will admit that LA Galaxy have fair to Landon Donovan more often than not. Pre-Designted Player (Beckham) Rule, Donovan was the highest paid player in MLS. Post Beckham Experiment and Beckham Rule, there also was let us not forget a Landon Donovan Rule which led to a second DP spot. When Landon wanted to spend his winter break with Everton, LA, against their better judgement, acquiesced. When Landon wanted to take a break and get his mind right in Cambodia, again against their better judgement, LA allowed it.
Granted, they also forced him to publicly hand over the captains armband to David Beckham, of his own free will, wink wink. They got away with years of underpayment due to the salary cap, and plenty more, but overall, LA has been good to Landon.
So what does Landon do just days after Chris Klein, former teammate and current Galaxy President, tells the official MLS podcast that he wants to keep Donovan beyond his expiring contract? Donovan comes out and says that he has offers from Europe that he is considering. (He already has 6 MLS Cup titles to his name and maybe a 7th on the way, what more does he have to prove?)
Already MLS all time assist leader, to go along with his assist and goal records for the USMNT, Donovan is close to surpassing the all time MLS goals mark. He has established himself as not only the best American field player to ever play the game, but the greatest player in the history of MLS. All while looking at Clint Dempsey making at least 3 times his salary having done next to nothing in or for MLS. (Dempsey's transfer did pay for the Revs academy, something Bob Kraft is far too stingy to do himself.)
With people asking where Donovan could go, or why he would want to leave MLS now at the end of his career, Donovan came out once again and sent a message to MLS, and in particular LA Galaxy. He stated that "all things being equal", he would prefer to remain with the LA Galaxy.
We all know LA was one of three teams interested in Clint Dempsey, but the money they were willing to give Dempsey was not what Seattle ended up offering. We know LA offered a Dempsey size deal to Giovanni Dos Santos just a few months ago. We all know "all things being equal" means "MONEY".
Donovan is a Southern California kid. His family is there. His ex-wife is there. His friends are there. Its where he wants to stay, but not at the cost of losing even more money out of loyalty and comfort.
LA is used to distraction. They had the Beckham circus. They had the Ruud Gullit experiment. They had Beckham announcing he was leaving MLS before last season even ended with a trophy being raised in LA. They had Donovan finding himself in Cambodia. They are used to distraction, so this current drama should have little effect, but how this plays out will be very interesting indeed.
Will Donovan follow the money to a mid table Serie A club? Will LA show him the money despite his age and penchant for retirement? Will he give LA a loyalty discount? Will Donovan stay in MLS with a hefty raise, just not in LA? Where else would Donovan be willing to go in MLS?
One thing seems certain, Landon Donovan will be entering a higher tax bracket thanks to his next contract.
Those were my penalty kicks for 8-23-13, thank you for reading. Until next time, remember, MLS MATTERS!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Expansion: 2 for 24
At this years MLS All-Star game in Kansas City, MLS commissioner Don Garber completely overshadowed the festivities during his annual half time interview with ESPN. With ESPN analyst "Soccer Jesus" Alexi Lalas lying in wait to spring questions on Garber over the recent HBO expose on the Chivas USA situation, Garber trumped all of that with an announcement that caught everyone by surprise. In their effort to become a "top league" by the year 2020, MLS will be expanding to 24 clubs.
The 20th MLS club, New York City FC, hasn't hired a player, a coach, found a site to play games at, or found a place to build their own stadium yet, but already Garber was looking to the future.
There was a time not that long ago where MLS was forced to contract. Having learned many lessons from the NASL experiment, MLS was prudent and frugal in their business approach, and yet the league could not support itself. The only thing that kept the league alive was the willingness of a few owners, in particular the Hunt family and AEG to own all of the clubs themselves, eating financial loss after financial loss. Having been at the helm of a failed sports league, (NFL Europe) Don Garber knew the league was in dire straits.
In a matter of a few years, under the stewardship of Garber and the support of Phil Anschutz of AEG, the league not only began to expand again, they found a path forward. Stable ownership groups willing to take losses, stable stadiums, preferably soccer specific, and the "Beckham Experiment". In a short amount of time clubs like Toronto, Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, and Montreal joined the league, creating a Pacific Northwest rivalry, as well as a Canadian one, while also pulling from the built in fan base of teams that pre-dated MLS. In many ways the new approach while seeming prudent, also had a slight smell of the old NASL to it.
While for most clubs there are plenty of butts in seats, an ever growing number it seems (MLS is one of the best attended leagues in the world) but the television numbers have remained rather stagnant. MLS is a growing niche market, but a niche none the less. While the owners have become younger and more ambitious, and more willing to part with their cash, eventually the league needs higher viewership numbers to create bigger television deals. (A deal the size of the minuscule by American standards NHL deal would see MLS teams compete budget wise with Mexican teams and beyond.) One way to do that is create bigger exposure in the southern market, or so ESPN has told MLS. In the meantime, the best way to create an influx of cash is through ever increasing expansion fees.
Over the next 7 years we can expect 4 more (5 including NYCFC) clubs to join the league. We already know that the league and ESPN want a renewed presence in the southern market. With David Beckham having a sweetheart deal in what is likely to be a Miami franchise, that leaves just 3 places open for the bidding.
While I am no fan of MLS in Miami, a horrible sports town, it seems to be happening, especially if the rumors are true that Posh and Becks are in the market for the Versace mansion in Miami. As I stated previously, not only does MLS need a solid southern presence, they also need rivalries. With Miami entering the league the nearest rivals would seem to be Washington DC. This makes me believe the second of four will be Orlando City. The team has a committed ownership group with big dreams (Kaka), a stadium plan finally on its way to approval, and a small loyal fan base which surely would grow given a step up to the big leagues. While the stadium deal still has a 30-40 million dollar hole in it, all signs point to a double Florida entrance back into MLS. And now we have 2 places remaining to reach 24.
At this point MLS is allowed to be very picky. While Don Garber never said that MLS could not expand beyond 24 clubs, he has put a limit on the openings in the future, raising the price for entrance into the league. Wealthy young ambitious owners, soccer specific stadiums, and ready made fan bases are not too much to ask. A high eight or even a nine figure franchise fee for the final clubs to join the league of 24 is not out of the question. The question becomes, where will the final two clubs be placed. Below is a quick overview of the early contenders...
ATLANTA: Pro: Southern market. The Atlanta Silverbacks are a known commodity in the soccer community. Con: Atlanta is a horrible sports town, unless that sport is American football, in particular college football, as is the case with most of the south. They also most likely would overlook the Silverbacks, and be reliant upon another NFL owner using their already built stadium and organization, not exactly the dream choice MLS should be chasing.
DETROIT: Pro: A small fan movement has begun. Con: Seemingly always bankrupt, not known as the greatest of sports towns, let alone as a soccer town.
MINNEAPOLIS: Pro: Good size market which has shown a passion for soccer in the past. Con: Again they would most likely be reliant upon an NFL owner with an already built dome stadium, not the direction MLS should be heading on their way to be a "top league".
OKLAHOMA CITY: Pro: Southern market with built in Texas rivalries. Con: No potential ownership group has been formed. The desire of the city or a fan base is not known.
OTTAWA: Pro: It would bring the Canadian presence to 4 clubs. Con: Banal Canadian city. Another northern team would make an eventual calendar change difficult.
SACRAMENTO: Pro: An ownership group has formed and is attempting to garner more investors. Built in rival for San Jose. Could be a 4th Californian club. Con: Not known as the best sports town. A rather unknown potential fan base, despite 14,000 showing up for a double header exhibition recently.
ST. LOUIS: Pro: Hot bed of soccer? Built in rival for Kansas City and Chicago. Con: No ownership group.
SAN ANTONIO: Pro: A good size market. Could make it a 3-way Texas derby. Con: No potential ownership group. The football south.
Honorable mention: Austin (Aztec presence in a Portland of the south), Charlotte (southern market), Indianapolis (midwestern rivalries), Milwaukee (midwestern rivalries), New York Cosmos (name value), Phoenix (good size media market).
It is always possible that an ownership group will appear out of nowhere. It is possible that the new Columbus Crew owner will fall back on his promise of keeping the team in the city, moving it to one of the above mentioned destinations. It is possible that Chivas USA could come into play, not just as a rebrand but a potential relocation target. It is possible the Becks in Miami rumors are just that, and Orlando City can fail to fill the gap in stadium financing.
With money coming into the league, expansion fees looking to climb, the collective bargaining agreement set to be renewed, television deals set to be renewed, and an ever expanding number of designated players, not just for the clubs in LA or NY, these are interesting times for the MLS. Will the league reach the goals Garber has set for it, having met the goals he set in the past, or are we on the road to NASL part two, another failed league expanding too far too fast spending too much money? Only time will tell.
(If you have any comments or suggestions of your own, feel free to leave a comment either here or for me on facebook. I'm sure some of you have some very interesting and passionate views.)
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
The 20th MLS club, New York City FC, hasn't hired a player, a coach, found a site to play games at, or found a place to build their own stadium yet, but already Garber was looking to the future.
There was a time not that long ago where MLS was forced to contract. Having learned many lessons from the NASL experiment, MLS was prudent and frugal in their business approach, and yet the league could not support itself. The only thing that kept the league alive was the willingness of a few owners, in particular the Hunt family and AEG to own all of the clubs themselves, eating financial loss after financial loss. Having been at the helm of a failed sports league, (NFL Europe) Don Garber knew the league was in dire straits.
In a matter of a few years, under the stewardship of Garber and the support of Phil Anschutz of AEG, the league not only began to expand again, they found a path forward. Stable ownership groups willing to take losses, stable stadiums, preferably soccer specific, and the "Beckham Experiment". In a short amount of time clubs like Toronto, Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, and Montreal joined the league, creating a Pacific Northwest rivalry, as well as a Canadian one, while also pulling from the built in fan base of teams that pre-dated MLS. In many ways the new approach while seeming prudent, also had a slight smell of the old NASL to it.
While for most clubs there are plenty of butts in seats, an ever growing number it seems (MLS is one of the best attended leagues in the world) but the television numbers have remained rather stagnant. MLS is a growing niche market, but a niche none the less. While the owners have become younger and more ambitious, and more willing to part with their cash, eventually the league needs higher viewership numbers to create bigger television deals. (A deal the size of the minuscule by American standards NHL deal would see MLS teams compete budget wise with Mexican teams and beyond.) One way to do that is create bigger exposure in the southern market, or so ESPN has told MLS. In the meantime, the best way to create an influx of cash is through ever increasing expansion fees.
Over the next 7 years we can expect 4 more (5 including NYCFC) clubs to join the league. We already know that the league and ESPN want a renewed presence in the southern market. With David Beckham having a sweetheart deal in what is likely to be a Miami franchise, that leaves just 3 places open for the bidding.
While I am no fan of MLS in Miami, a horrible sports town, it seems to be happening, especially if the rumors are true that Posh and Becks are in the market for the Versace mansion in Miami. As I stated previously, not only does MLS need a solid southern presence, they also need rivalries. With Miami entering the league the nearest rivals would seem to be Washington DC. This makes me believe the second of four will be Orlando City. The team has a committed ownership group with big dreams (Kaka), a stadium plan finally on its way to approval, and a small loyal fan base which surely would grow given a step up to the big leagues. While the stadium deal still has a 30-40 million dollar hole in it, all signs point to a double Florida entrance back into MLS. And now we have 2 places remaining to reach 24.
At this point MLS is allowed to be very picky. While Don Garber never said that MLS could not expand beyond 24 clubs, he has put a limit on the openings in the future, raising the price for entrance into the league. Wealthy young ambitious owners, soccer specific stadiums, and ready made fan bases are not too much to ask. A high eight or even a nine figure franchise fee for the final clubs to join the league of 24 is not out of the question. The question becomes, where will the final two clubs be placed. Below is a quick overview of the early contenders...
ATLANTA: Pro: Southern market. The Atlanta Silverbacks are a known commodity in the soccer community. Con: Atlanta is a horrible sports town, unless that sport is American football, in particular college football, as is the case with most of the south. They also most likely would overlook the Silverbacks, and be reliant upon another NFL owner using their already built stadium and organization, not exactly the dream choice MLS should be chasing.
DETROIT: Pro: A small fan movement has begun. Con: Seemingly always bankrupt, not known as the greatest of sports towns, let alone as a soccer town.
MINNEAPOLIS: Pro: Good size market which has shown a passion for soccer in the past. Con: Again they would most likely be reliant upon an NFL owner with an already built dome stadium, not the direction MLS should be heading on their way to be a "top league".
OKLAHOMA CITY: Pro: Southern market with built in Texas rivalries. Con: No potential ownership group has been formed. The desire of the city or a fan base is not known.
OTTAWA: Pro: It would bring the Canadian presence to 4 clubs. Con: Banal Canadian city. Another northern team would make an eventual calendar change difficult.
SACRAMENTO: Pro: An ownership group has formed and is attempting to garner more investors. Built in rival for San Jose. Could be a 4th Californian club. Con: Not known as the best sports town. A rather unknown potential fan base, despite 14,000 showing up for a double header exhibition recently.
ST. LOUIS: Pro: Hot bed of soccer? Built in rival for Kansas City and Chicago. Con: No ownership group.
SAN ANTONIO: Pro: A good size market. Could make it a 3-way Texas derby. Con: No potential ownership group. The football south.
Honorable mention: Austin (Aztec presence in a Portland of the south), Charlotte (southern market), Indianapolis (midwestern rivalries), Milwaukee (midwestern rivalries), New York Cosmos (name value), Phoenix (good size media market).
It is always possible that an ownership group will appear out of nowhere. It is possible that the new Columbus Crew owner will fall back on his promise of keeping the team in the city, moving it to one of the above mentioned destinations. It is possible that Chivas USA could come into play, not just as a rebrand but a potential relocation target. It is possible the Becks in Miami rumors are just that, and Orlando City can fail to fill the gap in stadium financing.
With money coming into the league, expansion fees looking to climb, the collective bargaining agreement set to be renewed, television deals set to be renewed, and an ever expanding number of designated players, not just for the clubs in LA or NY, these are interesting times for the MLS. Will the league reach the goals Garber has set for it, having met the goals he set in the past, or are we on the road to NASL part two, another failed league expanding too far too fast spending too much money? Only time will tell.
(If you have any comments or suggestions of your own, feel free to leave a comment either here or for me on facebook. I'm sure some of you have some very interesting and passionate views.)
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Oil Money, Gaythletes, and Depth, Oh My...
The Curious Case of Robbie Rogers
Several months ago former Columbus Crew, Leeds United, and USMNT player Robbie Rogers announced that he was stepping away from the beautiful game because he was gay, and did not believe he could be open about his sexuality and continue his chosen career. Support from around England and the USA flooded toward Rogers who used his new profile to garner an internship at Men's Health, an offer of a place at a prestigious fashion design school, and loads of interviews including the Guardian and Anderson Cooper. He was even called last Monday for his support and advice by Jason Collins of the NBA before his coming out.
While ESPN was constantly scrolling and reporting on the Collins announcement, one couldn't help but think of Robbie Rogers. The next two days, Rogers made his return to the beautiful game (sort of), by training with the LA Galaxy, which he had previously mentioned as a possibility in his Guardian interview. In the immediate aftermath of Rogers putting a kit on once again, Landon Donovan came out and suggested it was time for Rogers to come back to the game, and in particular LA. Bruce Arena praised Rogers fitness and lack of rust and also suggested that Rogers might be a good fit for LA. Frank Kloppas, Chicago Fire head coach, the team which actually owns Rogers rights, reiterated what he had said all along, which is that he desires Rogers to play for him in Chicago. Not to be outdone, Sigi Schmidt, Rogers former manager with title winning Columbus Crew and current manager of Seattle Sounders stated that he too would love to have Rogers join up with his club should he decide to play again.
While Rogers doesn't have the cache of a Jason Collins due to his playing the beautiful game as opposed to basketball, his case is one which should be garnering more interest, and is far more interesting. While Collins is a free agent and has a chance to find the best fit for himself as far as the right team and right support, Rogers, if he chooses to return to MLS, has a much different path the tread.
Chicago Fire traded for the rights of Rogers before his coming out in hopes that his departure from Leeds and failure to find his feet after injury issues in England would see the player come back to MLS. Due to MLS rules, should Rogers wish to come back to MLS, there will be many parties at play in his return. Any contract that Rogers should sign is with MLS, not any individual club. The League Office will play a vital role in any return. Chicago Fire own his rights and desire to have the player, so should the player wish to return to the league, he either has to agree to play for Chicago, or find a team he does desire willing to force a trade of equal value to the Fire, and again the league comes to play. In theory, Chicago could say "In return for the rights to Robbie who we value, we want Landon Donovan, take it or leave it." A deal LA would never accept. Once again the league would step in and force a more realistic deal, forcing Chicago to settle for Michael Stephens (just a suggestion) or a draft pick, maybe allocation money. Perhaps not a fair and equal trade, but better than nothing at all. Should Seattle or another team enter the sweepstakes and be appealing to Rogers, a bidding war could potentially ensue, adding multiple clubs, Rogers, and MLS to the negotiating mix.
With the rules as they are, Rogers will eventually be able to force a deal through if a club and MLS truly want him, but getting there may be more complicated in every way than any deal Collins should find for himself. While there is a new marketplace for "gaythletes" (Yes, I coined a new term), as always has been the case in the US, footballers are second class citizens. While the traumas faced by returning Americans to MLS are not exclusive to gay footballers, in the new world of out athletes, a gaythlete has a much more difficult road to travel.
Should he chose to return to the game, Rogers has a support system already built in with LA, his family. In Chicago, there is a very vibrant and healthy gay community. All things that need to be taken into consideration before any gaythlete makes a move. But the rules and regulations of MLS can make the situation more difficult for the player. While I don't believe MLS should give preferential treatment to out players, I also don't believe they should scrap their current system completely, where in a free market Chicago would find themselves holding an empty bag.
I don't believe the national press will really take hold of the Rogers situation, or the predicament that MLS should find itself in upon his return, but I believe they should. Not only should Rogers be treated with the same type of groundbreaking fanfare as Jason Collins, the inner workings of MLS should also be exposed, debated, and discussed. With MLS, the story isn't just the gaythlete, but MLS itself, a much more layered and intriguing story in my mind than anything Collins or the NBA could throw at us. As it pertains to the Robbie Rogers situation, sexuality may be the least interesting aspect of the story.
Oil Billions With A Budget
The hot story in the press over recent days has been the pending announcement of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan becoming the owner of the 20th MLS club, to be named New York City FC, and playing in Queens.
As a Manchester United fan, nothing would turn my stomach more than such a partnership. As an MLS fan, nothing would make me happier. Or so I thought. But with a little time to ponder the deal, I am left with more questions and concerns than perhaps I should have from something as simple as a billionaire buying an MLS franchise.
The immediate reports from England were that Sheik Mansour would use NYCFC as an academy of sorts, a place to send young players who need match time, or a place to send overpriced signings they are having troubles getting rid of as Designated Players. It also would give them an added youth academy to mine talent from, with any rare talent being found getting sent "up" to the "big" club.
One question that arose from this developing news, is "why would Sheik Mansour want to buy an MLS franchise?". While the English press speculated that the Sheik wanted to expand his footprint into America, and that while India, China, etc are seen as the developing nations of football, the USA is really the treasure trove of emerging nations due to wealth, population, and the games presence which is growing, but has much more room to grow, I see the situation slightly differently. As other billionaire MLS owners have suggested, its smart business, not something you hear often when it comes to football clubs. Other than from stadiums, MLS clubs do not carry debt, and their entire payroll is comparable to one top EPL player. This is a chance for Manchester City and Sheik Mansour to get a foot in the door in the US and grow their market share, while paying a bargain basement price for the potential return, even at $100 Million in a transfer fee.
Many MLS fans have been excited by the prospect of the money and talent the Sheik can bring to NYCFC and MLS, but I for one am being extremely skeptical. This seems to me to be a case of what can MLS do for Sheik Mansour, as opposed to what Sheik Mansour can do for MLS. I would love to return to this topic with a more in depth look at the mountains of possibilities it could entail, but I will save that for the official announcement. I'm sure you're breathless with anticipation.
Timber Taka
With 14 points from 9 matches played, this surely isn't John Spencer's Portland Timbers. "Porter-ball" is what Arlo White dubbed it, a term Caleb Porter hates, and with good reason. The style with which Portland plays is not really "Porter-ball", as this squad is not yet fully Caleb Porter's players.
While I did coin a new term earlier with "gaythlete", I now would like to add a fresh term to the American soccer fan vernacular that joins other such brilliant inventions as "Boom Boom Chelis" and "Landycakes", terms I did not create but use in my daily lingo. The new term is a much more appropriate term for the style of play that is currently the unaptly named "Porter-ball", and that term is "Timber Taka".
My only fear for this current incarnation of the Portland Timbers is that due to injuries in the back and overall defensive frailty, Portland will stumble down the table when the goals inevitably dry up for a spell during the season.
A Question Of Depth
One of the issues with MLS expansion is the thinning of league depth, an issue MLS has struggled with for quite some time. Back when MLS was 10 clubs, half of what it will be after the addition of NYCFC, 1-11 was a strong bunch of players, while today you have 6 names on the team sheet, and then a squad to support them.
Roger Espinoza, former Sporting KC player also brought this subject up recently when discussing the differences of playing in England as opposed to playing in MLS. He suggested that the main difference between the EPL and MLS is one of competition. In England, a player needs to fight to attain a starting role, fight to get onto the subs bench, and fight to keep those roles once they are achieved. In MLS, this isn't the case, players are much more comfortable. When you know your name is on the team sheet no matter what, what are you really fighting or striving for?
For MLS to grow as a league and reach the potential Don Garber and the fans expect, player depth and competition will need to catch up to the expansion. My hope is that after NYCFC joins the league, the league will put a moratorium on expansion until depth catches up. The league does need a presence in the South, but with Orlando's stadium plans apparently dead, best case scenario would not be expanding yet again to 21 clubs, but the sale and move of Chivas USA to Atlanta or another southern market, maintaining the league as is until a balance has returned to the league.
The Importance of 2014
As NYCFC looks to enter MLS, another key moment in MLS history will be taking place, the television rights for the leagues stagnant viewership will once again come up for bidding.
NBC has put their eggs into the EPL basket, and rightly so, so the MLS bid from them may be dead on arrival. ESPN has been in the game for years and has strong backing from the top should John Skipper continue to run the network, but stability is not always the case in television. Fox has stated an intent to get back into MLS, but without a network devoted to it as Fox Soccer falls away and becomes FX2, I fear the bidding for the rights will be a war of attrition with MLS losing.
What many fans do not realize is that if MLS ratings could increase even marginally, and the bidding for the rights reached a similar level to that of the deals the NHL has with the networks, the MLS salary cap would increase dramatically, increasing the quality of the product and the depth of talent.
As I've said before, if you're not a fan, you're a problem.
Thank you for reading. Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Several months ago former Columbus Crew, Leeds United, and USMNT player Robbie Rogers announced that he was stepping away from the beautiful game because he was gay, and did not believe he could be open about his sexuality and continue his chosen career. Support from around England and the USA flooded toward Rogers who used his new profile to garner an internship at Men's Health, an offer of a place at a prestigious fashion design school, and loads of interviews including the Guardian and Anderson Cooper. He was even called last Monday for his support and advice by Jason Collins of the NBA before his coming out.
While ESPN was constantly scrolling and reporting on the Collins announcement, one couldn't help but think of Robbie Rogers. The next two days, Rogers made his return to the beautiful game (sort of), by training with the LA Galaxy, which he had previously mentioned as a possibility in his Guardian interview. In the immediate aftermath of Rogers putting a kit on once again, Landon Donovan came out and suggested it was time for Rogers to come back to the game, and in particular LA. Bruce Arena praised Rogers fitness and lack of rust and also suggested that Rogers might be a good fit for LA. Frank Kloppas, Chicago Fire head coach, the team which actually owns Rogers rights, reiterated what he had said all along, which is that he desires Rogers to play for him in Chicago. Not to be outdone, Sigi Schmidt, Rogers former manager with title winning Columbus Crew and current manager of Seattle Sounders stated that he too would love to have Rogers join up with his club should he decide to play again.
While Rogers doesn't have the cache of a Jason Collins due to his playing the beautiful game as opposed to basketball, his case is one which should be garnering more interest, and is far more interesting. While Collins is a free agent and has a chance to find the best fit for himself as far as the right team and right support, Rogers, if he chooses to return to MLS, has a much different path the tread.
Chicago Fire traded for the rights of Rogers before his coming out in hopes that his departure from Leeds and failure to find his feet after injury issues in England would see the player come back to MLS. Due to MLS rules, should Rogers wish to come back to MLS, there will be many parties at play in his return. Any contract that Rogers should sign is with MLS, not any individual club. The League Office will play a vital role in any return. Chicago Fire own his rights and desire to have the player, so should the player wish to return to the league, he either has to agree to play for Chicago, or find a team he does desire willing to force a trade of equal value to the Fire, and again the league comes to play. In theory, Chicago could say "In return for the rights to Robbie who we value, we want Landon Donovan, take it or leave it." A deal LA would never accept. Once again the league would step in and force a more realistic deal, forcing Chicago to settle for Michael Stephens (just a suggestion) or a draft pick, maybe allocation money. Perhaps not a fair and equal trade, but better than nothing at all. Should Seattle or another team enter the sweepstakes and be appealing to Rogers, a bidding war could potentially ensue, adding multiple clubs, Rogers, and MLS to the negotiating mix.
With the rules as they are, Rogers will eventually be able to force a deal through if a club and MLS truly want him, but getting there may be more complicated in every way than any deal Collins should find for himself. While there is a new marketplace for "gaythletes" (Yes, I coined a new term), as always has been the case in the US, footballers are second class citizens. While the traumas faced by returning Americans to MLS are not exclusive to gay footballers, in the new world of out athletes, a gaythlete has a much more difficult road to travel.
Should he chose to return to the game, Rogers has a support system already built in with LA, his family. In Chicago, there is a very vibrant and healthy gay community. All things that need to be taken into consideration before any gaythlete makes a move. But the rules and regulations of MLS can make the situation more difficult for the player. While I don't believe MLS should give preferential treatment to out players, I also don't believe they should scrap their current system completely, where in a free market Chicago would find themselves holding an empty bag.
I don't believe the national press will really take hold of the Rogers situation, or the predicament that MLS should find itself in upon his return, but I believe they should. Not only should Rogers be treated with the same type of groundbreaking fanfare as Jason Collins, the inner workings of MLS should also be exposed, debated, and discussed. With MLS, the story isn't just the gaythlete, but MLS itself, a much more layered and intriguing story in my mind than anything Collins or the NBA could throw at us. As it pertains to the Robbie Rogers situation, sexuality may be the least interesting aspect of the story.
Oil Billions With A Budget
The hot story in the press over recent days has been the pending announcement of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan becoming the owner of the 20th MLS club, to be named New York City FC, and playing in Queens.
As a Manchester United fan, nothing would turn my stomach more than such a partnership. As an MLS fan, nothing would make me happier. Or so I thought. But with a little time to ponder the deal, I am left with more questions and concerns than perhaps I should have from something as simple as a billionaire buying an MLS franchise.
The immediate reports from England were that Sheik Mansour would use NYCFC as an academy of sorts, a place to send young players who need match time, or a place to send overpriced signings they are having troubles getting rid of as Designated Players. It also would give them an added youth academy to mine talent from, with any rare talent being found getting sent "up" to the "big" club.
One question that arose from this developing news, is "why would Sheik Mansour want to buy an MLS franchise?". While the English press speculated that the Sheik wanted to expand his footprint into America, and that while India, China, etc are seen as the developing nations of football, the USA is really the treasure trove of emerging nations due to wealth, population, and the games presence which is growing, but has much more room to grow, I see the situation slightly differently. As other billionaire MLS owners have suggested, its smart business, not something you hear often when it comes to football clubs. Other than from stadiums, MLS clubs do not carry debt, and their entire payroll is comparable to one top EPL player. This is a chance for Manchester City and Sheik Mansour to get a foot in the door in the US and grow their market share, while paying a bargain basement price for the potential return, even at $100 Million in a transfer fee.
Many MLS fans have been excited by the prospect of the money and talent the Sheik can bring to NYCFC and MLS, but I for one am being extremely skeptical. This seems to me to be a case of what can MLS do for Sheik Mansour, as opposed to what Sheik Mansour can do for MLS. I would love to return to this topic with a more in depth look at the mountains of possibilities it could entail, but I will save that for the official announcement. I'm sure you're breathless with anticipation.
Timber Taka
With 14 points from 9 matches played, this surely isn't John Spencer's Portland Timbers. "Porter-ball" is what Arlo White dubbed it, a term Caleb Porter hates, and with good reason. The style with which Portland plays is not really "Porter-ball", as this squad is not yet fully Caleb Porter's players.
While I did coin a new term earlier with "gaythlete", I now would like to add a fresh term to the American soccer fan vernacular that joins other such brilliant inventions as "Boom Boom Chelis" and "Landycakes", terms I did not create but use in my daily lingo. The new term is a much more appropriate term for the style of play that is currently the unaptly named "Porter-ball", and that term is "Timber Taka".
My only fear for this current incarnation of the Portland Timbers is that due to injuries in the back and overall defensive frailty, Portland will stumble down the table when the goals inevitably dry up for a spell during the season.
A Question Of Depth
One of the issues with MLS expansion is the thinning of league depth, an issue MLS has struggled with for quite some time. Back when MLS was 10 clubs, half of what it will be after the addition of NYCFC, 1-11 was a strong bunch of players, while today you have 6 names on the team sheet, and then a squad to support them.
Roger Espinoza, former Sporting KC player also brought this subject up recently when discussing the differences of playing in England as opposed to playing in MLS. He suggested that the main difference between the EPL and MLS is one of competition. In England, a player needs to fight to attain a starting role, fight to get onto the subs bench, and fight to keep those roles once they are achieved. In MLS, this isn't the case, players are much more comfortable. When you know your name is on the team sheet no matter what, what are you really fighting or striving for?
For MLS to grow as a league and reach the potential Don Garber and the fans expect, player depth and competition will need to catch up to the expansion. My hope is that after NYCFC joins the league, the league will put a moratorium on expansion until depth catches up. The league does need a presence in the South, but with Orlando's stadium plans apparently dead, best case scenario would not be expanding yet again to 21 clubs, but the sale and move of Chivas USA to Atlanta or another southern market, maintaining the league as is until a balance has returned to the league.
The Importance of 2014
As NYCFC looks to enter MLS, another key moment in MLS history will be taking place, the television rights for the leagues stagnant viewership will once again come up for bidding.
NBC has put their eggs into the EPL basket, and rightly so, so the MLS bid from them may be dead on arrival. ESPN has been in the game for years and has strong backing from the top should John Skipper continue to run the network, but stability is not always the case in television. Fox has stated an intent to get back into MLS, but without a network devoted to it as Fox Soccer falls away and becomes FX2, I fear the bidding for the rights will be a war of attrition with MLS losing.
What many fans do not realize is that if MLS ratings could increase even marginally, and the bidding for the rights reached a similar level to that of the deals the NHL has with the networks, the MLS salary cap would increase dramatically, increasing the quality of the product and the depth of talent.
As I've said before, if you're not a fan, you're a problem.
Thank you for reading. Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Jurgen Were You Watching (And Other Musings)
Jurgen Were You Watching?
On Saturday night, while most people were going to bed on the East coast or out enjoying the night life on the West coast, LA Galaxy were taking on Sporting Kansas City at the Home Depot Center in Carson California.
During Landon Donovan's often criticized sabbatical, the US National Team has seen many struggles in finding a replacement for the greatest ever American player during CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. While many American fans are of the opinion that the solution to a Donovan-less USMNT over the next several years should be natural winger Josh Gatt of Molde, Jurgen Klinsmann has instead chosen natural central midfielder turned right mid by necessity in KC Graham Zusi, or other natural central midfielders.
My hope is that Klinsmann was watching his one time friend Landon Donovan return to form for LA Galaxy as they took on Zusi's Sporting KC. While LA dictated play for most of the first half and had the best chances often created from counter attacks thanks to the pace of Donovan, (something sorely missing from the USMNT minus Donovan) the moment the match turned was when Landon Donovan drifted to the left flank switching with Mike Magee and began a face to face confrontation with Graham Zusi. Donovan wasted no time in sprinting past Zusi as he nearly set up LA's first goal, and then did it a second time, this time assisting on a goal. Minutes later when Zusi gave a bit of a clatter to LA central defender A.J. De LaGarza, Donovan gave a little back to the KC man when he won the ball from him fairly in my mind, but was called for a foul thanks to the extra zeal with which he challenged Zusi. In response during the second half, Zusi was forced to drift more inside when Donovan was around, and only looked even a mild danger when Donovan moved back to the right flank. Later in the match Donovan got his first goal of the season in only his third full 90 of the short campaign.
If Klinsmann was watching, he saw Donovan returning to form and proving that he is twice the player Zusi is. Time will tell if Jurgen will bring the legend back into the fold, or stick with the younger man out of spite, but if Klinsmann is half the manager he thinks he is, Landon Donovan is already on the team sheet for the next qualifier the US will face. And he should be on that team sheet not in pencil, but ink.
Paper Tiger
Saturday also saw a win for New York Red Bulls, bringing them their third win of the season to go with their 4 losses and 2 draws, and lifting them to 4th place with 11 points. In a season where new Red Bulls manager Mike Petke has constantly been forced to admit the performances of his team were "not good enough", it would be easy to foresee a turn around that leaves New York battling for the Eastern crown as everyone believes they should be, as the Eastern Conference version of an MLS Superclub. Unfortunately for Petke and New York, the win was against a poor New England Revolution side, and their encounters with the better teams of MLS have seen them fall dramatically short.
While they now find themselves in 4th, the troubles for the Red Bulls are not yet over. If the teams below them win their matches in hand, New York could find themselves in 9th place. Chances are such a turn of events won't happen, but if even a few teams win even a single match in hand, the Red Bulls will find themselves out of the playoff places. Not exactly a scenario becoming of a Superclub.
The issues with the organization are deep, as can be expected from any organization that brings in Rafa Marquez, follows that disaster up with Tim Cahill, struggles to find managers in a timely fashion, and routinely hires executives without a day of MLS experience. But this season the main issue seems to be one of too many free spirit cooks in the kitchen.
Thierry Henry likes a free role. Juninho likes a free role. Tim Cahill likes a free role. Fabian Espindola covers the space vacated by the others, basically giving him a roaming free role. All this leaves Dax McCarty trying to cover for everyone while also protecting the back 4. When you add to this that Juninho has a lack of defensive skill not seen in the league since Blanco walked his way through his Chicago years, it makes New York an all or nothing proposition. Against poor teams their skill leads to plenty of attack, against the better sides it leads to defensive frailty. It's no coincidence either that the Red Bulls got their easy victory over the Revs with Juninho suspended.
Unless Juninho starts to show the dead ball accuracy of his past and puts in more of a defensive shift, and Tim Cahill starts to earn even a fraction of his $3 Million salary, the Red Bulls will be nothing more than a paper tiger looking to rebuild once again in the near future with a new crop of overpaid has beens and yet another new (and foreign again) manager.
Western Surprise? Bottles and Cans, Clap Your Hands
Even if LA Galaxy win both of their matches in hand on Western Conference leaders FC Dallas, they will still be 2 points behind. Thus far in the early MLS season the surprise of all surprises has been the form of Dallas. They have shown to have pace, defensive strength, and a mental toughness even manager Schellas Hyndman questioned in the preseason. Zach Lloyd, George John, and Matt Hedges have proven to be the most formidable defense while also having a flair for starting an attack, and the answer to the question of who will score the goals seems to be "anybody".
But the biggest surprise in Dallas has not been their form, but the recent attack on defender George John by a Dallas fan after his match winning goal. Following an 87th minute goal against LA Galaxy, John was hit by a beer bottle thrown from the North stand by one of his own supporters behind his right ear, immediately drawing blood and keeping him down for a few minutes. After several days, thanks to a tip from another fan, the perpetrator has been identified and banned from FC Dallas Stadium.
The question has to be, why would anyone throw a beer bottle at their own player, or even just onto the pitch at the players as a way of celebrating a goal? The fan has not been identified publicly by FC Dallas, but we do know that he has made no contact with John, though John would be open to hearing an apology and moving on, and is also open to using this incident and the fan as a way of promoting more responsible fan behavior in the future. Let us hope the fan reaches out to John and good can come from this blatant stupidity.
3 + 1 = 4
This week San Jose Earthquakes forward Alan Gordon will start the first of the four match ban he picked up last week. One match was given to the forward for getting sent off for a second bookable offense thanks to an elbow to the face of Mikel Silvestre of Portland, and another three from his homophobic slur aimed at Portland's midfielder Will Johnson.
Of the several issues at play here, one is the apparent use of technology by referees to send Gordon off for the elbow, another is Portland's rule breaking of showing the contentious decision on the big screen before the referee seemed to know if he should even take action. While the referee seemed to be inclined to let things go while he looked over Silvestre and his bloody face, a replay was shown in the stadium which caused the crowd to lose their minds, and the referee to book the forward, sending him off for a second bookable offense. The league is looking into the possible infraction, but the odds of any action being taken against the referee Hilario Grejeda or the stadium crew of the Timbers seems to be slim.
The ban for the slur however can not be seen as controversial. In fact, following the comment, Will Johnson's reaction to Alan Gordon was to hold up three fingers, suggesting they both knew what the slur just cost Gordon. For his part, Alan Gordon followed the game with an immediate apology for the homophobic language he hurled at Johnson.
The problem here is that while players will be forced to keep their language to themselves in the future, it does nothing to change the mentality behind the use of such slurs. As Robbie Rogers does the rounds with print and television interviews on why he feels a gay man can not be open about his sexuality and continue playing the game, his feelings have been reinforced publicly once again.
Many of us who support the equality movement believe MLS would be the perfect and safest training ground for the future of the game with openly gay players, but idiotic moments like this from Gordon (on the back of 2 more such public incidents and bans last season) tell us it is ingrained in the culture of the league to some extent, just as it is in our culture.
My hope is that some day we will no longer have to see bans for the use of homophobic slurs, because they no longer exist. I know this is a dream that may not come true in my lifetime, but I have to believe we will get there. Until then I will have to live with the knowledge that ignorance gets you three. (Though one can assume racism would get you more. Equality takes time.)
Boom Boom vs The Chosen One
Finally, this saturday also gave us a little something extra in the closing stages of the Real Salt Lake vs Chivas USA clash.
As Javier Morales slowly exited the pitch while being substituted, Chivas manager Boom Boom Chelis began to give Morales a piece of his mind. This got RSL manager Jason Kreis a bit heated and led to the two managers letting each other know just what they thought of each other.
Frankly, I am one who believes this little bit of agro is just what MLS needs to add to the personality of the league. Love him or hate him, Boom Boom Chelis surely isn't boring.
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
On Saturday night, while most people were going to bed on the East coast or out enjoying the night life on the West coast, LA Galaxy were taking on Sporting Kansas City at the Home Depot Center in Carson California.
During Landon Donovan's often criticized sabbatical, the US National Team has seen many struggles in finding a replacement for the greatest ever American player during CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. While many American fans are of the opinion that the solution to a Donovan-less USMNT over the next several years should be natural winger Josh Gatt of Molde, Jurgen Klinsmann has instead chosen natural central midfielder turned right mid by necessity in KC Graham Zusi, or other natural central midfielders.
My hope is that Klinsmann was watching his one time friend Landon Donovan return to form for LA Galaxy as they took on Zusi's Sporting KC. While LA dictated play for most of the first half and had the best chances often created from counter attacks thanks to the pace of Donovan, (something sorely missing from the USMNT minus Donovan) the moment the match turned was when Landon Donovan drifted to the left flank switching with Mike Magee and began a face to face confrontation with Graham Zusi. Donovan wasted no time in sprinting past Zusi as he nearly set up LA's first goal, and then did it a second time, this time assisting on a goal. Minutes later when Zusi gave a bit of a clatter to LA central defender A.J. De LaGarza, Donovan gave a little back to the KC man when he won the ball from him fairly in my mind, but was called for a foul thanks to the extra zeal with which he challenged Zusi. In response during the second half, Zusi was forced to drift more inside when Donovan was around, and only looked even a mild danger when Donovan moved back to the right flank. Later in the match Donovan got his first goal of the season in only his third full 90 of the short campaign.
If Klinsmann was watching, he saw Donovan returning to form and proving that he is twice the player Zusi is. Time will tell if Jurgen will bring the legend back into the fold, or stick with the younger man out of spite, but if Klinsmann is half the manager he thinks he is, Landon Donovan is already on the team sheet for the next qualifier the US will face. And he should be on that team sheet not in pencil, but ink.
Paper Tiger
Saturday also saw a win for New York Red Bulls, bringing them their third win of the season to go with their 4 losses and 2 draws, and lifting them to 4th place with 11 points. In a season where new Red Bulls manager Mike Petke has constantly been forced to admit the performances of his team were "not good enough", it would be easy to foresee a turn around that leaves New York battling for the Eastern crown as everyone believes they should be, as the Eastern Conference version of an MLS Superclub. Unfortunately for Petke and New York, the win was against a poor New England Revolution side, and their encounters with the better teams of MLS have seen them fall dramatically short.
While they now find themselves in 4th, the troubles for the Red Bulls are not yet over. If the teams below them win their matches in hand, New York could find themselves in 9th place. Chances are such a turn of events won't happen, but if even a few teams win even a single match in hand, the Red Bulls will find themselves out of the playoff places. Not exactly a scenario becoming of a Superclub.
The issues with the organization are deep, as can be expected from any organization that brings in Rafa Marquez, follows that disaster up with Tim Cahill, struggles to find managers in a timely fashion, and routinely hires executives without a day of MLS experience. But this season the main issue seems to be one of too many free spirit cooks in the kitchen.
Thierry Henry likes a free role. Juninho likes a free role. Tim Cahill likes a free role. Fabian Espindola covers the space vacated by the others, basically giving him a roaming free role. All this leaves Dax McCarty trying to cover for everyone while also protecting the back 4. When you add to this that Juninho has a lack of defensive skill not seen in the league since Blanco walked his way through his Chicago years, it makes New York an all or nothing proposition. Against poor teams their skill leads to plenty of attack, against the better sides it leads to defensive frailty. It's no coincidence either that the Red Bulls got their easy victory over the Revs with Juninho suspended.
Unless Juninho starts to show the dead ball accuracy of his past and puts in more of a defensive shift, and Tim Cahill starts to earn even a fraction of his $3 Million salary, the Red Bulls will be nothing more than a paper tiger looking to rebuild once again in the near future with a new crop of overpaid has beens and yet another new (and foreign again) manager.
Western Surprise? Bottles and Cans, Clap Your Hands
Even if LA Galaxy win both of their matches in hand on Western Conference leaders FC Dallas, they will still be 2 points behind. Thus far in the early MLS season the surprise of all surprises has been the form of Dallas. They have shown to have pace, defensive strength, and a mental toughness even manager Schellas Hyndman questioned in the preseason. Zach Lloyd, George John, and Matt Hedges have proven to be the most formidable defense while also having a flair for starting an attack, and the answer to the question of who will score the goals seems to be "anybody".
But the biggest surprise in Dallas has not been their form, but the recent attack on defender George John by a Dallas fan after his match winning goal. Following an 87th minute goal against LA Galaxy, John was hit by a beer bottle thrown from the North stand by one of his own supporters behind his right ear, immediately drawing blood and keeping him down for a few minutes. After several days, thanks to a tip from another fan, the perpetrator has been identified and banned from FC Dallas Stadium.
The question has to be, why would anyone throw a beer bottle at their own player, or even just onto the pitch at the players as a way of celebrating a goal? The fan has not been identified publicly by FC Dallas, but we do know that he has made no contact with John, though John would be open to hearing an apology and moving on, and is also open to using this incident and the fan as a way of promoting more responsible fan behavior in the future. Let us hope the fan reaches out to John and good can come from this blatant stupidity.
3 + 1 = 4
This week San Jose Earthquakes forward Alan Gordon will start the first of the four match ban he picked up last week. One match was given to the forward for getting sent off for a second bookable offense thanks to an elbow to the face of Mikel Silvestre of Portland, and another three from his homophobic slur aimed at Portland's midfielder Will Johnson.
Of the several issues at play here, one is the apparent use of technology by referees to send Gordon off for the elbow, another is Portland's rule breaking of showing the contentious decision on the big screen before the referee seemed to know if he should even take action. While the referee seemed to be inclined to let things go while he looked over Silvestre and his bloody face, a replay was shown in the stadium which caused the crowd to lose their minds, and the referee to book the forward, sending him off for a second bookable offense. The league is looking into the possible infraction, but the odds of any action being taken against the referee Hilario Grejeda or the stadium crew of the Timbers seems to be slim.
The ban for the slur however can not be seen as controversial. In fact, following the comment, Will Johnson's reaction to Alan Gordon was to hold up three fingers, suggesting they both knew what the slur just cost Gordon. For his part, Alan Gordon followed the game with an immediate apology for the homophobic language he hurled at Johnson.
The problem here is that while players will be forced to keep their language to themselves in the future, it does nothing to change the mentality behind the use of such slurs. As Robbie Rogers does the rounds with print and television interviews on why he feels a gay man can not be open about his sexuality and continue playing the game, his feelings have been reinforced publicly once again.
Many of us who support the equality movement believe MLS would be the perfect and safest training ground for the future of the game with openly gay players, but idiotic moments like this from Gordon (on the back of 2 more such public incidents and bans last season) tell us it is ingrained in the culture of the league to some extent, just as it is in our culture.
My hope is that some day we will no longer have to see bans for the use of homophobic slurs, because they no longer exist. I know this is a dream that may not come true in my lifetime, but I have to believe we will get there. Until then I will have to live with the knowledge that ignorance gets you three. (Though one can assume racism would get you more. Equality takes time.)
Boom Boom vs The Chosen One
Finally, this saturday also gave us a little something extra in the closing stages of the Real Salt Lake vs Chivas USA clash.
As Javier Morales slowly exited the pitch while being substituted, Chivas manager Boom Boom Chelis began to give Morales a piece of his mind. This got RSL manager Jason Kreis a bit heated and led to the two managers letting each other know just what they thought of each other.
Frankly, I am one who believes this little bit of agro is just what MLS needs to add to the personality of the league. Love him or hate him, Boom Boom Chelis surely isn't boring.
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
MLS Season Preview
Forget christmas, now is the most wonderful time of the year, when MLS returns to our pitches, cities, televisions, and internet feeds. This will be my 5th annual MLS preview (Two different websites and three different blogs, apparently I get around)and those who are familiar with my work know what you are about to read. I cover the major ins and outs for every team in MLS, which is always a flurry of activity, and then give a small preview of each team and where I expect them to finish this season. Last seasons preview saw a few hits and misses. I didn't trust KC, Chicago, or San Jose, but I foresaw the rise of DC, the continued success of Seattle and Houston, the disaster that would be Chivas, and the repeat of LA as champions. Predicting MLS from season to season is much like predicting lottery numbers, but attempt it I will, and hopefully this year will feature more hits than misses.
Chicago Fire:
Ins: F- Maicon Santos, M- Joel Lindpere, M- Jeff Larentowicz, M- Dilly Duka
Outs: M- Pavel Pardo, M- Alvaro Fernandez, F- Frederico Puppo, F- Dominic Oduro
It's been an interesting off season for the Chicago Fire. While they lost potential and speed off the bench in Oduro, as well as some veterans in the midfield, they replaced them with a leader and workhorse in Larentowicz, a well liked and veteran Lindpere, as well as adding the potential of Dilly Duka who needed a change of scenery and the now well traveled veteran forward in Santos. They also have brought Pascal Chimbonda into camp, but with 2 solid options already at right back, a deal to bring him in looks unlikely. As long as the defense continues to gel and improve in front of an up and coming goal keeper, with solid veteran additions in the mid to go with interesting options up front, Chicago looks set to build upon their return to the playoffs last season.
Last Seasons Finish: 4th in the East
My Prediction for 2013: 3rd in the East
Chivas USA:
Ins: M- Carlos Alvarez (Super Draft), M- Eric Avila
Outs: F- Juan Pablo Angel, M- Peter Vegenas, D- Danny Califf, F- Alejandro Moreno, M- Nick LaBrocca, F- Casey Townsend, D- James Riley, M- Paolo Cardoza, M- Shalrie Joseph, M- Ben Zemanski
Very few teams have seen as much change this off season as Chivas USA. The club not only dropped as many assets as they could, in some cases even paying handsomely to be rid of the players, but they brought in a new manager, Boom Boom Chelis, quickly proclaimed as the "Mexican Rex Ryan", and they went back to their original intent as an MLS club. To be a feeder and partner of their mexican club, meaning players will now be required to have some form of mexican decent which would allow them to someday play for the mother ship. Only goal keeper Dan Kennedy, one of the best in the league who currently has zero transfer value due to the ruthless nature of the changes seems safe for now. Before the season ends expect to see even more overturn as Chivas becomes their new vision. While Chivas has had a good preseason, easily beating college teams currently in their off season, with many MLS insiders predicting an uptick in Chivas' fortunes, I for one will only be watching for one reason, the eminent demise of Boom Boom Chelis and the new/old Chivas USA model.
Last Seasons Finish: 9th in the West
My Prediction for 2013: 9th in the West
Colorado Rapids:
Ins: M/F- Atiba Harris, F- Edson Buddle, M- Nathan Sturgis, M- Nick LaBrocca, D- Deshorn Brown (Super Draft), M- Dillon Powers (Super Draft), M- Dillon Serna (Homegrown), D- Korey Kindle
Outs: F- Conor Casey, M- Edu, D- Tyrone Marshall, D- Tyson Wahl, D- Hunter Freeman, F- Omar Cummings, M- Jeff Larentowicz
Colorado has had an interesting off season as they try to turn over the aging squad from their fluke MLS Cup victory a few seasons back. While they jettisoned their famous strike partnership, the heart of their midfield, and several defenders, they added a little youth, experience, and potential all over the pitch. The questions are, will Edson Buddle recapture his form from before he left LA the first time? Will Sturgis and LaBrocca be able to fill the holes left in the midfield while they wait for Dillon Powers and Dillon Serna come good? Will Deshorn Brown or Korey Kindle settle and be stable in defense in their rookie seasons? Difficult things to predict, which makes me question if the overhaul can be successful in its first season.
Last Seasons Finish: 7th in the West
My Prediction for 2013: 8th in the West
Columbus Crew:
Ins: D-Tyson Wahl, F- Dominic Oduro, F- Ryan Finley (Super Draft), D- Drew Beckie (Super Draft)
Outs: D- Rich Balchan, D- Julius James, M- Chris Birchall, GK- Will Hessmer, M- Dilly Duka
Columbus made slow and steady progress last season and look to continue it this season. Frederico Higuain was a revelation. The additions to depth up front should help keep him fresh for 2013. The big question may be if Matt Lampson can fill the big gloves left behind by Hessmer. I wasn't sold on them last season and was surprised that they just missed the playoffs. This season I think the top of the East is too strong for them break back into the playoffs. Time will tell if they surprise me again.
Last Seasons Finish: 6th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 6th in the East
DC United:
Ins: M- John Thorrington, F- Rafael (Designated Player), F- Casey Townsend, D- James Riley, F- Carlos Ruiz
Outs: M- Branko Boskovic, F- Maicon Santos, M/D- Andy Najar, D- Emiliano Dudar
Last season DC showed dramatic improvements under Ben Olsen. While Andy Najar will be a loss, DC look set to improve upon last seasons performance. A major question will be the tactical decisions of Ben Olsen when it comes to his use of his forwards. Olsen is known for using the newly preferred MLS formation of 4-3-3, using only one forward. Rafael was brought in as a DP. It's hard to see anyone else as the one, but Carlos Ruiz will be pushing for starts and playing time and Casey Townsend could easily partner either man as a sub. If he can get 10 goals from each Rafael and Ruiz, as well as a few off the bench from Townsend, with the goals surely to come from his fantastic midfield of DeRosario, Pontius, and DeLeon, DC should be fighting for a top spot in the East.
Last Seasons Finish: 2nd in the East
My Prediction 2013: 4th in the East
FC Dallas:
Ins: D-Stephen Keel, D- Walker Zimmerman (Super Draft), F- Eric Hassli, F- Kenny Cooper
Outs: M- Bryan Leyva, F- Ruben Luna, F- Matias Jura, GK- Kevin Hartman, M- Julian DeGuzman, M- Ricardo Villar, M- Brek Shea
A few years back I declared that Schellas Hyndman was the worst coach in MLS and that he didn't know what he was doing. I was sure of it. Then Dallas was clicking on all cylinders and I admitted I was wrong and Hyndman knew more about it than I did. After a poor campaign last season and what looks to be another poor campaign on the horizon, I may have really been right all along, and the Dallas upswing could have been a fluke. Another sign that Dallas has issues at the top, this season they made a big move for forward Pipico. They signed him, he came to camp, was dramatically overweight, and was dumped all in less than a two month span. Not something to instill confidence in the hierarchy of Dallas. While Dallas seems pretty set in central defense with George John still with the club, they drafted the best young defender available in my opinion in the Super Draft. Champions are built on defense, but it feels like a wasted pick. To boost their attacking options Dallas made big moves for Kenny Cooper and Eric Hassli, but will they play together? Will either man replace Blas Perez? Will Dallas play a 4-4-2? A 4-3-3 with Cooper out of position on the wing? The questions surrounding Dallas don't seem to have easy answers. While I could see them challenge for, but fall short of the playoff positions, I feel it is more likely they will challenge Chivas as the worst team in the West.
Last Seasons Finish: 6th in the West
My Prediction 2013: 7th in the West
Houston Dynamo:
Ins: D- Eric Brunner, F- Omar Cummings, F- Jason Johnson (Super Draft)
Outs: M- Colin Clark, D- Andre Hainault
Houston under Dominic Kinnear has been one of the most consistent teams in the league. Season in and season out they grind out results and find themselves in the playoffs, which is all anyone can really ask for in MLS. This season should be no different. While the losses of Hainault and Clark may be felt, and with ownership still in question with part owner AEG being up for sale, the additions of Cummings and Johnson should add some pep to the Dynamo attack while taking pressure off Will Bruin who finally broke through last season. Expect Houston to be fighting for playoff position in the end as usual.
Last Seasons Finish: 5th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 5th in the East
LA Galaxy:
Ins: M- Colin Clark, GK- Carlo Cudicini, M- Juninho (Finally transfered)
Outs: M- David Beckham, F- Edson Buddle, GK- Josh Saunders, F- Chad Barrett, M- Christian Wilhelmsson, D- Andrew Boyens, D- Bryan Jordan
David Beckham is gone. The third DP spot is open. Landon Donovan seemed set to retire only to come back to the team in late March. AEG is up for sale and everyone from David Beckham to Qatar have been linked with a purchase of the company as well as the Galaxy. Omar Gonzalez is in the last season of his contract and will need to be moved in the summer before he walks out of MLS for free. An aged keeper with no MLS experience is replacing the solid Saunders. It would be easy to say the sky is falling, yet with LA, as long as they have Bruce Arena, Robbie Keane, a returning Donovan, and open DP spot, a mix of youth and veterans who know their roles, LA will keep on keeping on. While I feel the chances of CONCACAF Champions League success are minimal, they should be able to grind out enough results to make the playoffs and compete for a third MLS Cup in three years. It will be their blessing that the West looks to be the weaker conference again this season. Even more so than last year.
Last Seasons Finish: 4th in the West
My Prediction 2013: 4th in the West
Montreal Impact:
Ins: M- Andrea Pisanu (loan), F- Andres Romero (loan), M- Blake Smith (Super Draft)
Outs: D- Josh Gardner, M- Lamar Neagle
The bottom of the East being so abysmal last season is the only thing that gave Montreal playoff hope into the final months of the 2012 season. While they finished above the basement, I still have very little faith in the vision for the club. Relying on aged Europeans and loan signings, as well as an untested manager doesn't instill me with confidence. For the most part the key elements on the pitch have not changed, which can only be good, but if the other bottom feeders of the East improve, Montreal will struggle to sniff the playoffs.
Last Seasons Finish: 7th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 9th in the East
New England Revolution:
Ins: M- Andy Dorman, M- Kalifa Cisse, F- Chad Barrett, D- Jose Goncalves (loan), D- Andrew Farrell (Super Draft)
Outs: M- Alec Purdie, M- Michael Roach, M- Blair Gavin, M- Benny Feilhaber
Last season New England Revolution began rebuilding in an attempt to return to their former glory. This season the turnover continues, with the most MLS ready defender selected in the Super Draft, and castoffs from other teams being brought in, I'm not sold on this team. Farrell is good coming out from the back to begin play, but he also gets caught out a lot, and top MLS strikers will make him pay. I'm also still not sold on their manager. It looks to be another difficult season for a team that seems in dire need of a fresh start, a new owner, and a complete re-branding.
Last Seasons Finish: 9th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 10th in the East
New York Redbulls:
Ins: D- Kosuke Kimura, D- Jamison Olave, F- Fabian Espindola, M- Juninho Perrambucano, M- Ian Christianson (Super Draft), M/D- Michael Bustamante (Supplemental Draft)
Outs: F- Corey Hertzog, M- Jan Gunnar Solli, M- Teemu Tainio, D- Stephen Keel, GK- Bill Gaudette, F/M- Sebastien Le Toux, D- Rafa Marquez, M- Viktor Palsson, M- Joel Lindpere, D- Wilman Conde, F- Kenny Cooper
2012 was another disappointment for NY, leading to some dramatic changes. Veterans were dumped in defense, midfield, and attack, as well as manager Hans Backe. This season NY took a more practical approach with new manager and New Yorker Mike Petke. (Possibly due to work permit issues with their first choice) The addition of Olave should solidify the defense in ways Marquez and Conde couldn't. Juninho should add venom to NY's set pieces. Espindola should add to their attack and mix well with Henry. If NY can gel quickly under the untested and unproven Petke they could finally be ready to lift and MLS Cup. Then again, it's NY and they could just as easily implode.
Last Seasons Finish: 3rd in the East
My Prediction 2013: 2nd in the East
Philadelphia Union:
Ins: F/M- Sebastien Le Toux, D- Jeff Parke, F- Conor Casey
Outs: 8 guys you never heard of and probably never will
Philly seems to be one of those clubs always surrounded by drama. To keep this trend going they currently are in the midst of an issue with Freddy Adu. They no longer want the player around, but his list of suitors seems to shrink every season. Drama. On the bright side, Philly fan favorite Le Toux is back (another year older) as well as aged veterans Casey and Parke. I'm not sold on Philly and predict another miserable season. Yawn.
Last Seasons Finish: 8th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 8th in the East
Portland Timbers:
Ins: D- Michael Harrington, M- Will Johnson, GK- Milos Kocic, D/M- Mobi Fehr, M- Diego Valeri, D- Dylan Tucker-Ganges, M- Michael Nanchoff, M- Ben Zemanski, D- Mikael Silvestre
Outs: D- Ian Hogg, D- Kosuke Kimura, D- Eric Brunner, D- Steve Purdy, GK- Joe Bendik, F- Mike Fucito, F- Kris Boyd
The Caleb Porter era has begun. The changes this off season for Portland Timbers have been so dramatic, it's hard to recognize the team from last year. That's a good thing. While I have doubts over the use of former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Silvestre, the additions of Zemanski, Fehr, Johnson, and Tucker-Gagnes will be nothing but positive. While the Porter era may need some time to truly take hold and build, the Portland fans will be expecting improvements, and I predict a shocking turn around for the club culminating in a playoff spot.
Last Seasons Finish: 8th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 5th in the East
Real Salt Lake:
Ins: M- Cole Grossman, F- Robbie Findley, M- John Stertzer (Super Draft), F- Joao Plata, F- Devon Sandoval (Super Draft), GK- Josh Saunders
Outs: F- Paulo Jr., F- Justin Braun, D- Jamison Olave, F- Fabian Espindola, M- Will Johnson
Real Salt Lake is slowly turning over their squad, and while Olave, Espindola, and Johnson were huge members of the squad the past few seasons, John Stertzer could be the future of the franchise. Throw in the returning Findley, Plata, and Sandoval, and things are looking good for RSL. Jason Kreis is a fantastic manager and his adjustments this season could really show us what vision he has for the future of the club. Adding Saunders on the cheap to push Nick Rimando in goal can only be good when fixture congestion hits MLS. If they can cover for the loss of Olave, RSL should be back near the top of the West again. Seattle's B-team beating RSL's first team in the Desert Diamond preseason tournament has added some doubts in my mind, but behind Beckerman and Kreis, they will right the ship.
Last Seasons Finish: 2nd in the West
My Prediction 2013: 3rd in the West
San Jose Earthquakes:
Ins: D- Ty Harden, D- Bryan Jordan, F- Mike Fucito
Outs: D- Ike Opara
Last season Wondo tied the MLS season record for goals and led San Jose to the Supporters Shield. I for one didn't buy into this team, and I still don't. While the team didn't lose any key players, they didn't really add any names either. The team will again rely on Wondo to score a boat load of goals and Lenhart to kick his way to breaking up opposition play. While I feel they will easily make the playoffs, I don't see an MLS Cup in San Jose's future. Maybe they can prove me wrong again.
Last Seasons Finish: 1st in the West (and MLS)
My Prediction 2013: 2nd in the West
Seattle Sounders FC:
Ins: F- Eriq Zavaleta (Super Draft), M- Shalrie Joseph (Designated Player), M- Lamar Neagle, D- Dylan Remick (Super Draft), D- Djimi Traore
Outs: D- Jeff Parke, F- Freddy Montero
Montero is gone. Tiffert may be out as well. A new DP could still be on the way come summer. Shalrie Joseph has been added with Chivas USA paying part of his DP salary, combining the best defensive mid in the league (Alonso) with the former best defensive mid in the league. All these things point to an up/down season for Seattle, yet I feel this is finally Seattle's season. I am convinced that they will compete on all fronts this season, from CONCACAF Champions League, to US Open Cup, to MLS Cup. Zakuani is back and regaining his old form and fitness since his horrific leg break. And the depth of Seattle may be the best in the league. Seattle's B-Team could compete for the playoffs most seasons. Caskey, Rose, and Hahnemann could be key players in spot duty this season and could give Seattle the extra lift they need during the long slog that is the MLS season.
Last Seasons Finish: 3rd in the West
My Prediction 2013: 1st in the West
Sporting KC:
Ins: D- Josh Gardner, M- Benny Feilhaber, D- Ike Opara, M- Mikey Lopez (Super Draft)
Outs: D- Michael Harrington, M- Luke Sassano, M- Roger Espinoza
Sporting KC was brilliant last season, and they may be even better this season. While the loss of Espinoza to Wigan will be noticed, the additions of Feilhaber and Lopez could actually improve the KC midfield. With a fantastic coach and amazing young talent, you will not want to miss Sporting KC this season. If KC are not on top of the East this season, something went dramatically wrong.
Last Seasons Finish: 1st in the East
My Prediction 2013: 1st in the East
Toronto FC:
Ins: F- Justin Braun, GK- Joe Bendik, D- Danny Califf, M- Kyle Bekker (Super Draft)
Outs: D- Ty Harden, M- Eric Avila, F- Joao Plata, F- Eric Hassli
Ryan Nelson has left relegation fodder QPR to manage Toronto FC. Will it be a failure or a success? Based on Toronto's history, it doesn't look good for Nelson. The addition of MLS journeyman Braun up front, veteran Califf in defense, and the best young canadian in the draft Bekker have all been positive signs, but while I see a slow rise for Toronto this season, I still think they will have to wait for the franchises first playoff appearance.
Last Seasons Finish: 10th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 7th in the East
Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
Ins: F- Paulo Jr., F- Kekuta Manneh (Super Draft), F- Corey Hertzog, M- Nigel Reo-Coker
Outs: M- Michael Nanchoff, M- John Thorrington, M/F- Atiba Harris, M- Barry Robson
Last season Vancouver was my pick for a shock playoff run and they snuck in the back door for me. This season I made that prediction for Vancouver northwest rival Portland, and I believe these two clubs will battle it out all season for the final playoff spot in the West. The addition of Nigel Reo-Coker to replace Barry Robson will be an interesting experiment to watch, as will the additions up front for Toronto. While some see Manneh as an instant star and steal of the draft, I personally feel he may be a season or two away from finding his feet in MLS. If I'm correct, a lot more pressure will be put on Paulo Jr. and Corey Hertzog to perform, and I'm not sure either man is ready to take that step. The Pacific Northwest will be the most interesting area to watch in MLS this season, and Vancouver look to be a big part of that.
Last Seasons Finish: 5th in the West
My Prediction 2013: 6th in the West
So, there it is, my 5th annual MLS season preview. As always with MLS, there will be many more changes as the season begins and rolls on, and those changes could really shift the final positions of all of these clubs. It's going to be a great season in MLS, and the time to get stuck in is now!
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Chicago Fire:
Ins: F- Maicon Santos, M- Joel Lindpere, M- Jeff Larentowicz, M- Dilly Duka
Outs: M- Pavel Pardo, M- Alvaro Fernandez, F- Frederico Puppo, F- Dominic Oduro
It's been an interesting off season for the Chicago Fire. While they lost potential and speed off the bench in Oduro, as well as some veterans in the midfield, they replaced them with a leader and workhorse in Larentowicz, a well liked and veteran Lindpere, as well as adding the potential of Dilly Duka who needed a change of scenery and the now well traveled veteran forward in Santos. They also have brought Pascal Chimbonda into camp, but with 2 solid options already at right back, a deal to bring him in looks unlikely. As long as the defense continues to gel and improve in front of an up and coming goal keeper, with solid veteran additions in the mid to go with interesting options up front, Chicago looks set to build upon their return to the playoffs last season.
Last Seasons Finish: 4th in the East
My Prediction for 2013: 3rd in the East
Chivas USA:
Ins: M- Carlos Alvarez (Super Draft), M- Eric Avila
Outs: F- Juan Pablo Angel, M- Peter Vegenas, D- Danny Califf, F- Alejandro Moreno, M- Nick LaBrocca, F- Casey Townsend, D- James Riley, M- Paolo Cardoza, M- Shalrie Joseph, M- Ben Zemanski
Very few teams have seen as much change this off season as Chivas USA. The club not only dropped as many assets as they could, in some cases even paying handsomely to be rid of the players, but they brought in a new manager, Boom Boom Chelis, quickly proclaimed as the "Mexican Rex Ryan", and they went back to their original intent as an MLS club. To be a feeder and partner of their mexican club, meaning players will now be required to have some form of mexican decent which would allow them to someday play for the mother ship. Only goal keeper Dan Kennedy, one of the best in the league who currently has zero transfer value due to the ruthless nature of the changes seems safe for now. Before the season ends expect to see even more overturn as Chivas becomes their new vision. While Chivas has had a good preseason, easily beating college teams currently in their off season, with many MLS insiders predicting an uptick in Chivas' fortunes, I for one will only be watching for one reason, the eminent demise of Boom Boom Chelis and the new/old Chivas USA model.
Last Seasons Finish: 9th in the West
My Prediction for 2013: 9th in the West
Colorado Rapids:
Ins: M/F- Atiba Harris, F- Edson Buddle, M- Nathan Sturgis, M- Nick LaBrocca, D- Deshorn Brown (Super Draft), M- Dillon Powers (Super Draft), M- Dillon Serna (Homegrown), D- Korey Kindle
Outs: F- Conor Casey, M- Edu, D- Tyrone Marshall, D- Tyson Wahl, D- Hunter Freeman, F- Omar Cummings, M- Jeff Larentowicz
Colorado has had an interesting off season as they try to turn over the aging squad from their fluke MLS Cup victory a few seasons back. While they jettisoned their famous strike partnership, the heart of their midfield, and several defenders, they added a little youth, experience, and potential all over the pitch. The questions are, will Edson Buddle recapture his form from before he left LA the first time? Will Sturgis and LaBrocca be able to fill the holes left in the midfield while they wait for Dillon Powers and Dillon Serna come good? Will Deshorn Brown or Korey Kindle settle and be stable in defense in their rookie seasons? Difficult things to predict, which makes me question if the overhaul can be successful in its first season.
Last Seasons Finish: 7th in the West
My Prediction for 2013: 8th in the West
Columbus Crew:
Ins: D-Tyson Wahl, F- Dominic Oduro, F- Ryan Finley (Super Draft), D- Drew Beckie (Super Draft)
Outs: D- Rich Balchan, D- Julius James, M- Chris Birchall, GK- Will Hessmer, M- Dilly Duka
Columbus made slow and steady progress last season and look to continue it this season. Frederico Higuain was a revelation. The additions to depth up front should help keep him fresh for 2013. The big question may be if Matt Lampson can fill the big gloves left behind by Hessmer. I wasn't sold on them last season and was surprised that they just missed the playoffs. This season I think the top of the East is too strong for them break back into the playoffs. Time will tell if they surprise me again.
Last Seasons Finish: 6th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 6th in the East
DC United:
Ins: M- John Thorrington, F- Rafael (Designated Player), F- Casey Townsend, D- James Riley, F- Carlos Ruiz
Outs: M- Branko Boskovic, F- Maicon Santos, M/D- Andy Najar, D- Emiliano Dudar
Last season DC showed dramatic improvements under Ben Olsen. While Andy Najar will be a loss, DC look set to improve upon last seasons performance. A major question will be the tactical decisions of Ben Olsen when it comes to his use of his forwards. Olsen is known for using the newly preferred MLS formation of 4-3-3, using only one forward. Rafael was brought in as a DP. It's hard to see anyone else as the one, but Carlos Ruiz will be pushing for starts and playing time and Casey Townsend could easily partner either man as a sub. If he can get 10 goals from each Rafael and Ruiz, as well as a few off the bench from Townsend, with the goals surely to come from his fantastic midfield of DeRosario, Pontius, and DeLeon, DC should be fighting for a top spot in the East.
Last Seasons Finish: 2nd in the East
My Prediction 2013: 4th in the East
FC Dallas:
Ins: D-Stephen Keel, D- Walker Zimmerman (Super Draft), F- Eric Hassli, F- Kenny Cooper
Outs: M- Bryan Leyva, F- Ruben Luna, F- Matias Jura, GK- Kevin Hartman, M- Julian DeGuzman, M- Ricardo Villar, M- Brek Shea
A few years back I declared that Schellas Hyndman was the worst coach in MLS and that he didn't know what he was doing. I was sure of it. Then Dallas was clicking on all cylinders and I admitted I was wrong and Hyndman knew more about it than I did. After a poor campaign last season and what looks to be another poor campaign on the horizon, I may have really been right all along, and the Dallas upswing could have been a fluke. Another sign that Dallas has issues at the top, this season they made a big move for forward Pipico. They signed him, he came to camp, was dramatically overweight, and was dumped all in less than a two month span. Not something to instill confidence in the hierarchy of Dallas. While Dallas seems pretty set in central defense with George John still with the club, they drafted the best young defender available in my opinion in the Super Draft. Champions are built on defense, but it feels like a wasted pick. To boost their attacking options Dallas made big moves for Kenny Cooper and Eric Hassli, but will they play together? Will either man replace Blas Perez? Will Dallas play a 4-4-2? A 4-3-3 with Cooper out of position on the wing? The questions surrounding Dallas don't seem to have easy answers. While I could see them challenge for, but fall short of the playoff positions, I feel it is more likely they will challenge Chivas as the worst team in the West.
Last Seasons Finish: 6th in the West
My Prediction 2013: 7th in the West
Houston Dynamo:
Ins: D- Eric Brunner, F- Omar Cummings, F- Jason Johnson (Super Draft)
Outs: M- Colin Clark, D- Andre Hainault
Houston under Dominic Kinnear has been one of the most consistent teams in the league. Season in and season out they grind out results and find themselves in the playoffs, which is all anyone can really ask for in MLS. This season should be no different. While the losses of Hainault and Clark may be felt, and with ownership still in question with part owner AEG being up for sale, the additions of Cummings and Johnson should add some pep to the Dynamo attack while taking pressure off Will Bruin who finally broke through last season. Expect Houston to be fighting for playoff position in the end as usual.
Last Seasons Finish: 5th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 5th in the East
LA Galaxy:
Ins: M- Colin Clark, GK- Carlo Cudicini, M- Juninho (Finally transfered)
Outs: M- David Beckham, F- Edson Buddle, GK- Josh Saunders, F- Chad Barrett, M- Christian Wilhelmsson, D- Andrew Boyens, D- Bryan Jordan
David Beckham is gone. The third DP spot is open. Landon Donovan seemed set to retire only to come back to the team in late March. AEG is up for sale and everyone from David Beckham to Qatar have been linked with a purchase of the company as well as the Galaxy. Omar Gonzalez is in the last season of his contract and will need to be moved in the summer before he walks out of MLS for free. An aged keeper with no MLS experience is replacing the solid Saunders. It would be easy to say the sky is falling, yet with LA, as long as they have Bruce Arena, Robbie Keane, a returning Donovan, and open DP spot, a mix of youth and veterans who know their roles, LA will keep on keeping on. While I feel the chances of CONCACAF Champions League success are minimal, they should be able to grind out enough results to make the playoffs and compete for a third MLS Cup in three years. It will be their blessing that the West looks to be the weaker conference again this season. Even more so than last year.
Last Seasons Finish: 4th in the West
My Prediction 2013: 4th in the West
Montreal Impact:
Ins: M- Andrea Pisanu (loan), F- Andres Romero (loan), M- Blake Smith (Super Draft)
Outs: D- Josh Gardner, M- Lamar Neagle
The bottom of the East being so abysmal last season is the only thing that gave Montreal playoff hope into the final months of the 2012 season. While they finished above the basement, I still have very little faith in the vision for the club. Relying on aged Europeans and loan signings, as well as an untested manager doesn't instill me with confidence. For the most part the key elements on the pitch have not changed, which can only be good, but if the other bottom feeders of the East improve, Montreal will struggle to sniff the playoffs.
Last Seasons Finish: 7th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 9th in the East
New England Revolution:
Ins: M- Andy Dorman, M- Kalifa Cisse, F- Chad Barrett, D- Jose Goncalves (loan), D- Andrew Farrell (Super Draft)
Outs: M- Alec Purdie, M- Michael Roach, M- Blair Gavin, M- Benny Feilhaber
Last season New England Revolution began rebuilding in an attempt to return to their former glory. This season the turnover continues, with the most MLS ready defender selected in the Super Draft, and castoffs from other teams being brought in, I'm not sold on this team. Farrell is good coming out from the back to begin play, but he also gets caught out a lot, and top MLS strikers will make him pay. I'm also still not sold on their manager. It looks to be another difficult season for a team that seems in dire need of a fresh start, a new owner, and a complete re-branding.
Last Seasons Finish: 9th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 10th in the East
New York Redbulls:
Ins: D- Kosuke Kimura, D- Jamison Olave, F- Fabian Espindola, M- Juninho Perrambucano, M- Ian Christianson (Super Draft), M/D- Michael Bustamante (Supplemental Draft)
Outs: F- Corey Hertzog, M- Jan Gunnar Solli, M- Teemu Tainio, D- Stephen Keel, GK- Bill Gaudette, F/M- Sebastien Le Toux, D- Rafa Marquez, M- Viktor Palsson, M- Joel Lindpere, D- Wilman Conde, F- Kenny Cooper
2012 was another disappointment for NY, leading to some dramatic changes. Veterans were dumped in defense, midfield, and attack, as well as manager Hans Backe. This season NY took a more practical approach with new manager and New Yorker Mike Petke. (Possibly due to work permit issues with their first choice) The addition of Olave should solidify the defense in ways Marquez and Conde couldn't. Juninho should add venom to NY's set pieces. Espindola should add to their attack and mix well with Henry. If NY can gel quickly under the untested and unproven Petke they could finally be ready to lift and MLS Cup. Then again, it's NY and they could just as easily implode.
Last Seasons Finish: 3rd in the East
My Prediction 2013: 2nd in the East
Philadelphia Union:
Ins: F/M- Sebastien Le Toux, D- Jeff Parke, F- Conor Casey
Outs: 8 guys you never heard of and probably never will
Philly seems to be one of those clubs always surrounded by drama. To keep this trend going they currently are in the midst of an issue with Freddy Adu. They no longer want the player around, but his list of suitors seems to shrink every season. Drama. On the bright side, Philly fan favorite Le Toux is back (another year older) as well as aged veterans Casey and Parke. I'm not sold on Philly and predict another miserable season. Yawn.
Last Seasons Finish: 8th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 8th in the East
Portland Timbers:
Ins: D- Michael Harrington, M- Will Johnson, GK- Milos Kocic, D/M- Mobi Fehr, M- Diego Valeri, D- Dylan Tucker-Ganges, M- Michael Nanchoff, M- Ben Zemanski, D- Mikael Silvestre
Outs: D- Ian Hogg, D- Kosuke Kimura, D- Eric Brunner, D- Steve Purdy, GK- Joe Bendik, F- Mike Fucito, F- Kris Boyd
The Caleb Porter era has begun. The changes this off season for Portland Timbers have been so dramatic, it's hard to recognize the team from last year. That's a good thing. While I have doubts over the use of former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Silvestre, the additions of Zemanski, Fehr, Johnson, and Tucker-Gagnes will be nothing but positive. While the Porter era may need some time to truly take hold and build, the Portland fans will be expecting improvements, and I predict a shocking turn around for the club culminating in a playoff spot.
Last Seasons Finish: 8th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 5th in the East
Real Salt Lake:
Ins: M- Cole Grossman, F- Robbie Findley, M- John Stertzer (Super Draft), F- Joao Plata, F- Devon Sandoval (Super Draft), GK- Josh Saunders
Outs: F- Paulo Jr., F- Justin Braun, D- Jamison Olave, F- Fabian Espindola, M- Will Johnson
Real Salt Lake is slowly turning over their squad, and while Olave, Espindola, and Johnson were huge members of the squad the past few seasons, John Stertzer could be the future of the franchise. Throw in the returning Findley, Plata, and Sandoval, and things are looking good for RSL. Jason Kreis is a fantastic manager and his adjustments this season could really show us what vision he has for the future of the club. Adding Saunders on the cheap to push Nick Rimando in goal can only be good when fixture congestion hits MLS. If they can cover for the loss of Olave, RSL should be back near the top of the West again. Seattle's B-team beating RSL's first team in the Desert Diamond preseason tournament has added some doubts in my mind, but behind Beckerman and Kreis, they will right the ship.
Last Seasons Finish: 2nd in the West
My Prediction 2013: 3rd in the West
San Jose Earthquakes:
Ins: D- Ty Harden, D- Bryan Jordan, F- Mike Fucito
Outs: D- Ike Opara
Last season Wondo tied the MLS season record for goals and led San Jose to the Supporters Shield. I for one didn't buy into this team, and I still don't. While the team didn't lose any key players, they didn't really add any names either. The team will again rely on Wondo to score a boat load of goals and Lenhart to kick his way to breaking up opposition play. While I feel they will easily make the playoffs, I don't see an MLS Cup in San Jose's future. Maybe they can prove me wrong again.
Last Seasons Finish: 1st in the West (and MLS)
My Prediction 2013: 2nd in the West
Seattle Sounders FC:
Ins: F- Eriq Zavaleta (Super Draft), M- Shalrie Joseph (Designated Player), M- Lamar Neagle, D- Dylan Remick (Super Draft), D- Djimi Traore
Outs: D- Jeff Parke, F- Freddy Montero
Montero is gone. Tiffert may be out as well. A new DP could still be on the way come summer. Shalrie Joseph has been added with Chivas USA paying part of his DP salary, combining the best defensive mid in the league (Alonso) with the former best defensive mid in the league. All these things point to an up/down season for Seattle, yet I feel this is finally Seattle's season. I am convinced that they will compete on all fronts this season, from CONCACAF Champions League, to US Open Cup, to MLS Cup. Zakuani is back and regaining his old form and fitness since his horrific leg break. And the depth of Seattle may be the best in the league. Seattle's B-Team could compete for the playoffs most seasons. Caskey, Rose, and Hahnemann could be key players in spot duty this season and could give Seattle the extra lift they need during the long slog that is the MLS season.
Last Seasons Finish: 3rd in the West
My Prediction 2013: 1st in the West
Sporting KC:
Ins: D- Josh Gardner, M- Benny Feilhaber, D- Ike Opara, M- Mikey Lopez (Super Draft)
Outs: D- Michael Harrington, M- Luke Sassano, M- Roger Espinoza
Sporting KC was brilliant last season, and they may be even better this season. While the loss of Espinoza to Wigan will be noticed, the additions of Feilhaber and Lopez could actually improve the KC midfield. With a fantastic coach and amazing young talent, you will not want to miss Sporting KC this season. If KC are not on top of the East this season, something went dramatically wrong.
Last Seasons Finish: 1st in the East
My Prediction 2013: 1st in the East
Toronto FC:
Ins: F- Justin Braun, GK- Joe Bendik, D- Danny Califf, M- Kyle Bekker (Super Draft)
Outs: D- Ty Harden, M- Eric Avila, F- Joao Plata, F- Eric Hassli
Ryan Nelson has left relegation fodder QPR to manage Toronto FC. Will it be a failure or a success? Based on Toronto's history, it doesn't look good for Nelson. The addition of MLS journeyman Braun up front, veteran Califf in defense, and the best young canadian in the draft Bekker have all been positive signs, but while I see a slow rise for Toronto this season, I still think they will have to wait for the franchises first playoff appearance.
Last Seasons Finish: 10th in the East
My Prediction 2013: 7th in the East
Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
Ins: F- Paulo Jr., F- Kekuta Manneh (Super Draft), F- Corey Hertzog, M- Nigel Reo-Coker
Outs: M- Michael Nanchoff, M- John Thorrington, M/F- Atiba Harris, M- Barry Robson
Last season Vancouver was my pick for a shock playoff run and they snuck in the back door for me. This season I made that prediction for Vancouver northwest rival Portland, and I believe these two clubs will battle it out all season for the final playoff spot in the West. The addition of Nigel Reo-Coker to replace Barry Robson will be an interesting experiment to watch, as will the additions up front for Toronto. While some see Manneh as an instant star and steal of the draft, I personally feel he may be a season or two away from finding his feet in MLS. If I'm correct, a lot more pressure will be put on Paulo Jr. and Corey Hertzog to perform, and I'm not sure either man is ready to take that step. The Pacific Northwest will be the most interesting area to watch in MLS this season, and Vancouver look to be a big part of that.
Last Seasons Finish: 5th in the West
My Prediction 2013: 6th in the West
So, there it is, my 5th annual MLS season preview. As always with MLS, there will be many more changes as the season begins and rolls on, and those changes could really shift the final positions of all of these clubs. It's going to be a great season in MLS, and the time to get stuck in is now!
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
You Can Bet On It
Do Americans love college basketball? Do they get into a frenzy when the first pre-season invitational graces their TV screens and then keep the momentum building for months until it finally culminates in a grand tournament which brings ecstasy? For the average American, no, they may or may not watch a few college games on the weekends or a big mid-week clash on ESPN, but for the masses only one part of the college basketball season really matters... March Madness. The season ending champion crowning tournament of big vs little which brings a touch of the FA Cup to the American public.
What is it that Americans love about March Madness? What gets the masses stirring? Is it the sports equivalent of David vs Goliath? Or is it much simpler, gambling. Throughout America come March, people will begin filling out a bracket, or in most cases multiple brackets, trying to predict the winner of the tournament before it happens. As soon as the seedings are announced, the games begin. Pools are set up at many work places, schools, and amongst peer groups. The President of the United States goes on TV and fills out his own bracket. Getting past the first round with your bracket intact becomes a badge of honor, and the words "bracket" as well as "bracket buster" (when a team no one expected to be victorious ruins your bracket by pulling off an upset) become everyday parlance in the US vocabulary. Millions of dollars are wagered on the tournament. People take an interest, because whether they have money on the line, or just bracket pride, they feel like they have some skin in the game. There is a sense of community. Americans love March Madness.
Another question, do Americans love the NFL, American football? The simple answer is yes, but I am reminded of the not so distant past when I was a kid, and the NFL wasn't near the juggernaut it is now. In my youth, baseball was in the final death rattle of being king of American sports. Boxing could still draw national attention from the rise of Mike Tyson to the amazing battles of Marvin Haggler, Ray Leonard, and Tommy Hearns. The NBA was being born again in the era of Magic vs Bird. And more Americans were likely to be able to name a teacher who blasted off into space than the starting Quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
What changed? For me there are three easy answers. #1 Trying to become a real network FOX did what SKY did before it in the UK, they used sports rights, in this case the NFL, to stake their claim and build their brand. #2, sports gambling became more legitimate and more accessible. #3, fantasy sports.
With fantasy football, people in Minnesota now had a reason to watch a game like Buffalo vs Houston. Someone in Seattle now had an interest in Green Bay vs Tampa Bay. People watched more than just their team, more than just what their local market. They wanted to see how their Wide Receiver was doing. Or their defense. And there was a gambling element often attached to it as well.
In the UK, throughout Europe and Asia, the gambling on matches is nearly as important as the match itself. Wagering on who scores the first goal or which manager will be sacked next is big business. People can even place wagers that their young child will one day start for Manchester United. Raising the stakes beyond typical fandom is the way of the modern sports world. In many ways gambling, and not sport itself, is king.
So how do we start to build MLS in a way that attracts American attention and brings more revenue to the game? Quite simply, we bet on it. Legalized gambling on MLS matches in Las Vegas may be as important to the long term health and success of the league as the arrival of Brand Beckham or Thierry Henry. Even more important may be the chance to take a flutter online or at the matches themselves. One of the easiest ways to enhance your national and global appeal is through wagers. It gives people more than just a sporting interest and gives matches a larger appeal than just the local markets. While Green Bay vs Minnesota may have a small local market area to pull interest from, (Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis catchment areas may contain a few million people) 24 million people or more will watch the game.
With the addition of gambling to MLS, the sport surely would grow, but there is a downside which needs to be mentioned, a downside which Don Garber admits is a stumbling block when considering the gambling option... match fixing.
In the wake of Europol breaking the news of their match fixing investigation into hundreds of matches from the top to the bottom of global football and on the back of fantastic books like Declan Hill's "The Fix", match fixing needs to be taken seriously. Especially in a league with several "have's" but many more "have-not's". And where worse, many matches don't truly matter. In a league where all it takes to be champion at the end of the season is finishing fifth in your conference to get into the playoffs, there are many matches during a season where a goal allowed here or there won't ruin your season. A league where many players make $40,000 a season and referees are taking their first infant steps to become truly professional, match fixers would see an easy target. Many could try an argue a moral superiority of the American athlete over such problems that occur in eastern Europe or Asia, but the sheer number of point shaving scandals from high school on up in basketball would lead me to disagree. And let us not forget, MLS is not just an American league with American players.
Match fixing in Italy is greeted with an attitude of "who did it this time?". In America, it could be a death knell for a sport still trying to find its feet. But overall I feel it is a risk worth taking. If MLS is truly serious about becoming a top professional league in the next decade, gambling needs to be the gateway to bringing in a larger base of fans. When a fork lift operator in Iowa or a dentist in Nebraska begin wagering on when Boom Boom Chelis will be fired as Chivas USA manager, then we will know we are getting somewhere.
Until next time, get stuck in, and remember, MLS Matters.
What is it that Americans love about March Madness? What gets the masses stirring? Is it the sports equivalent of David vs Goliath? Or is it much simpler, gambling. Throughout America come March, people will begin filling out a bracket, or in most cases multiple brackets, trying to predict the winner of the tournament before it happens. As soon as the seedings are announced, the games begin. Pools are set up at many work places, schools, and amongst peer groups. The President of the United States goes on TV and fills out his own bracket. Getting past the first round with your bracket intact becomes a badge of honor, and the words "bracket" as well as "bracket buster" (when a team no one expected to be victorious ruins your bracket by pulling off an upset) become everyday parlance in the US vocabulary. Millions of dollars are wagered on the tournament. People take an interest, because whether they have money on the line, or just bracket pride, they feel like they have some skin in the game. There is a sense of community. Americans love March Madness.
Another question, do Americans love the NFL, American football? The simple answer is yes, but I am reminded of the not so distant past when I was a kid, and the NFL wasn't near the juggernaut it is now. In my youth, baseball was in the final death rattle of being king of American sports. Boxing could still draw national attention from the rise of Mike Tyson to the amazing battles of Marvin Haggler, Ray Leonard, and Tommy Hearns. The NBA was being born again in the era of Magic vs Bird. And more Americans were likely to be able to name a teacher who blasted off into space than the starting Quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
What changed? For me there are three easy answers. #1 Trying to become a real network FOX did what SKY did before it in the UK, they used sports rights, in this case the NFL, to stake their claim and build their brand. #2, sports gambling became more legitimate and more accessible. #3, fantasy sports.
With fantasy football, people in Minnesota now had a reason to watch a game like Buffalo vs Houston. Someone in Seattle now had an interest in Green Bay vs Tampa Bay. People watched more than just their team, more than just what their local market. They wanted to see how their Wide Receiver was doing. Or their defense. And there was a gambling element often attached to it as well.
In the UK, throughout Europe and Asia, the gambling on matches is nearly as important as the match itself. Wagering on who scores the first goal or which manager will be sacked next is big business. People can even place wagers that their young child will one day start for Manchester United. Raising the stakes beyond typical fandom is the way of the modern sports world. In many ways gambling, and not sport itself, is king.
So how do we start to build MLS in a way that attracts American attention and brings more revenue to the game? Quite simply, we bet on it. Legalized gambling on MLS matches in Las Vegas may be as important to the long term health and success of the league as the arrival of Brand Beckham or Thierry Henry. Even more important may be the chance to take a flutter online or at the matches themselves. One of the easiest ways to enhance your national and global appeal is through wagers. It gives people more than just a sporting interest and gives matches a larger appeal than just the local markets. While Green Bay vs Minnesota may have a small local market area to pull interest from, (Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis catchment areas may contain a few million people) 24 million people or more will watch the game.
With the addition of gambling to MLS, the sport surely would grow, but there is a downside which needs to be mentioned, a downside which Don Garber admits is a stumbling block when considering the gambling option... match fixing.
In the wake of Europol breaking the news of their match fixing investigation into hundreds of matches from the top to the bottom of global football and on the back of fantastic books like Declan Hill's "The Fix", match fixing needs to be taken seriously. Especially in a league with several "have's" but many more "have-not's". And where worse, many matches don't truly matter. In a league where all it takes to be champion at the end of the season is finishing fifth in your conference to get into the playoffs, there are many matches during a season where a goal allowed here or there won't ruin your season. A league where many players make $40,000 a season and referees are taking their first infant steps to become truly professional, match fixers would see an easy target. Many could try an argue a moral superiority of the American athlete over such problems that occur in eastern Europe or Asia, but the sheer number of point shaving scandals from high school on up in basketball would lead me to disagree. And let us not forget, MLS is not just an American league with American players.
Match fixing in Italy is greeted with an attitude of "who did it this time?". In America, it could be a death knell for a sport still trying to find its feet. But overall I feel it is a risk worth taking. If MLS is truly serious about becoming a top professional league in the next decade, gambling needs to be the gateway to bringing in a larger base of fans. When a fork lift operator in Iowa or a dentist in Nebraska begin wagering on when Boom Boom Chelis will be fired as Chivas USA manager, then we will know we are getting somewhere.
Until next time, get stuck in, and remember, MLS Matters.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
You're not a fan, you're a problem
Several years ago I went to an NBA basketball game. Basketball isn't my favorite sport. Or my second. Or my third. Or my fourth for that matter. But I bought some tickets to a game and went. While watching the game I had a Chicago Bulls fan sitting behind me who spent much of the first half waxing poetic to his friend about how basketball was his favorite sport and how the Bulls were his favorite team. During the third quarter, after then Bulls player Andres Nocioni scored, the man said quite loudly in his Chicago accent, "That fucking Italian is my favorite player". I immediately looked at a friend of mine and shook my head. He too looked dumbfounded. Andres Nocioni is from Argentina. Not Italy. Something I knew without really following the sport that closely. Something a fan surely should know if the game was his favorite sport. Or the Bulls were his favorite team. Or if Nocioni was his favorite player. Or if he ever watched the international version of the game.
This past week I was privy to a conversation between a US soccer fan and two Mexican soccer fans. Trying to explain the US loss to Honduras in World Cup qualification, the US fan (he describes himself as such and wears a US jersey) stated that the US lost because it played two center backs who had never played before, they weren't very good, and that was why the US lost. He could not name the center backs. His analysis didn't get any more in depth or more accurate than that.
So, what was the point of these two stories? These people are not fans, they are a problem. Because this is an MLS blog, I'll leave the idiot Chicagoan alone, but instead focus on the idiot "US fan" and others like him.
I've come across many fans over the years who claim football (soccer) to be their favorite sport. They claim themselves to be US soccer fans, and claim that they want the sport to succeed in America, yet their actions do not support such comments. They wake up early to watch QPR play Reading, or WHU play Norwich in the English Premier League. They watch US matches when they are easily available on television. They do not however watch MLS. They are not fans. They are a problem.
How could a US fan not know who Omar Gonzalez is? How could they not know that he is fantastic on set pieces, strong, mobile, and able to build play from the back? How could a US fan not know Geoff Cameron? Formerly a center back and midfielder from Houston Dynamo, currently a right back and midfielder with Stoke City in the EPL? How? They don't watch MLS.
The future of the US team for the next World Cup and possibly more World Cups to come are players like Omar Gonzalez, Brek Shea, and countless others who begin their playing careers in the US. In MLS. If you do not support MLS, you do not support US Soccer. If you do not support the MLS, you do not support the US mens national team.
Clint Dempsey got his start with New England Revolution. Landon Donovan, much to the chagrin and mocking of US "fans" has made his indelible mark not just on US soccer, but in MLS. Michael Bradley got his start in MLS. Jozy Altidore got his start in MLS. Future US stars like Graham Zusi and Sean Johnson play in MLS.
How can anyone claim to be a US fan and not watch where the players come from? How can you be a fan and not know the strengths and weaknesses of your players? How can you know who the US should or will call in for the next friendly or tournament if you don't keep tabs on the players? You can't.
If you call yourself a USMNT fan, then you must want the US to succeed. For the US to be a success, then we need a strong league. We need to support MLS. We need to support the players who deserve it, and not just wait for a club in Europe to tell us the player is worthy of our attention, or wait for the US manager to call them up and start them in an important game. You won't know them.
I've heard many dry and ignorant reasons why people do not support MLS, even while calling themselves US fans. They range from derogatory comments about the style or quality of play, to the downright moronic and paradoxical claim that the passion for MLS just can't match that of QPR v Norwich.
Let's get real here. The standard of play in MLS has improved dramatically over the past few years. So much so that while it has less technical skill, it has more pace and more action than the Mexican League. It has more quality from top to bottom than the Scottish league. It has more parity than any of the "top" leagues. It has better attendance than the top flight in Brasil, Holland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and countless others. But hey, it doesn't have the "passion" of one of the oldest and best leagues in the world where the bottom feeders are concerned. They admit that some matches have the same level of passion, but not every single match, and thus, the league just isn't of the right standard, and surely not ready for their full support. Some fans may take in match here or there, but if every second of the match isn't action packed, then it's not the league for them, ignoring that for the most part, nothing ever happens in QPR v Norwich. Or Stoke v Sunderland. Or Liverpool v Aston Villa. Ignoring that MLS is a high scoring league compared to many "entertaining" leagues.
And now if we could get even more real, your support for Real Madrid, or Inter Milan, or Manchester City does nothing to help or support the game in the US. Not even showing up for pre-season friendlies is truly helpful for the US sport. It gives the big club money, and gives the MLS players a nice memory. Nothing more. Your support for those clubs makes you feel good. You enjoy it. But it can't be the end of the conversation. For the US to make strides internationally, and for the sport to gain ever more traction in this country, you must support MLS.
One argument I've heard against MLS is that top players don't want to come here. (And surely US fans can only watch the best of the best with their delicate pallets.) To that I would say, they are simply wrong. Players do want to come here. (If you are a car thief, would you rather be a car thief in Moscow or in Miami?) They do want to live in the US. They do want to play in MLS. But they can't. The money isn't the same. The prestige isn't the same. The marketing engine telling them they need to play here isn't the same. If all things were equal, if US fans truly supported MLS, the money would come, the talent would come, and then more money would come, followed by more talent. And eventually top US players would stay in the US. Top players would come to the US at 20 and not 30 or older. Young foreign talent wouldn't come to MLS looking to be put in the shop window for a move to Europe. They would see MLS as the end game.
When it comes down to it, you can't say you support the USMNT and then not support the US league. If you do that, you are not a fan... you're a problem.
Until next time, get stuck in, because MLS Matters.
This past week I was privy to a conversation between a US soccer fan and two Mexican soccer fans. Trying to explain the US loss to Honduras in World Cup qualification, the US fan (he describes himself as such and wears a US jersey) stated that the US lost because it played two center backs who had never played before, they weren't very good, and that was why the US lost. He could not name the center backs. His analysis didn't get any more in depth or more accurate than that.
So, what was the point of these two stories? These people are not fans, they are a problem. Because this is an MLS blog, I'll leave the idiot Chicagoan alone, but instead focus on the idiot "US fan" and others like him.
I've come across many fans over the years who claim football (soccer) to be their favorite sport. They claim themselves to be US soccer fans, and claim that they want the sport to succeed in America, yet their actions do not support such comments. They wake up early to watch QPR play Reading, or WHU play Norwich in the English Premier League. They watch US matches when they are easily available on television. They do not however watch MLS. They are not fans. They are a problem.
How could a US fan not know who Omar Gonzalez is? How could they not know that he is fantastic on set pieces, strong, mobile, and able to build play from the back? How could a US fan not know Geoff Cameron? Formerly a center back and midfielder from Houston Dynamo, currently a right back and midfielder with Stoke City in the EPL? How? They don't watch MLS.
The future of the US team for the next World Cup and possibly more World Cups to come are players like Omar Gonzalez, Brek Shea, and countless others who begin their playing careers in the US. In MLS. If you do not support MLS, you do not support US Soccer. If you do not support the MLS, you do not support the US mens national team.
Clint Dempsey got his start with New England Revolution. Landon Donovan, much to the chagrin and mocking of US "fans" has made his indelible mark not just on US soccer, but in MLS. Michael Bradley got his start in MLS. Jozy Altidore got his start in MLS. Future US stars like Graham Zusi and Sean Johnson play in MLS.
How can anyone claim to be a US fan and not watch where the players come from? How can you be a fan and not know the strengths and weaknesses of your players? How can you know who the US should or will call in for the next friendly or tournament if you don't keep tabs on the players? You can't.
If you call yourself a USMNT fan, then you must want the US to succeed. For the US to be a success, then we need a strong league. We need to support MLS. We need to support the players who deserve it, and not just wait for a club in Europe to tell us the player is worthy of our attention, or wait for the US manager to call them up and start them in an important game. You won't know them.
I've heard many dry and ignorant reasons why people do not support MLS, even while calling themselves US fans. They range from derogatory comments about the style or quality of play, to the downright moronic and paradoxical claim that the passion for MLS just can't match that of QPR v Norwich.
Let's get real here. The standard of play in MLS has improved dramatically over the past few years. So much so that while it has less technical skill, it has more pace and more action than the Mexican League. It has more quality from top to bottom than the Scottish league. It has more parity than any of the "top" leagues. It has better attendance than the top flight in Brasil, Holland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and countless others. But hey, it doesn't have the "passion" of one of the oldest and best leagues in the world where the bottom feeders are concerned. They admit that some matches have the same level of passion, but not every single match, and thus, the league just isn't of the right standard, and surely not ready for their full support. Some fans may take in match here or there, but if every second of the match isn't action packed, then it's not the league for them, ignoring that for the most part, nothing ever happens in QPR v Norwich. Or Stoke v Sunderland. Or Liverpool v Aston Villa. Ignoring that MLS is a high scoring league compared to many "entertaining" leagues.
And now if we could get even more real, your support for Real Madrid, or Inter Milan, or Manchester City does nothing to help or support the game in the US. Not even showing up for pre-season friendlies is truly helpful for the US sport. It gives the big club money, and gives the MLS players a nice memory. Nothing more. Your support for those clubs makes you feel good. You enjoy it. But it can't be the end of the conversation. For the US to make strides internationally, and for the sport to gain ever more traction in this country, you must support MLS.
One argument I've heard against MLS is that top players don't want to come here. (And surely US fans can only watch the best of the best with their delicate pallets.) To that I would say, they are simply wrong. Players do want to come here. (If you are a car thief, would you rather be a car thief in Moscow or in Miami?) They do want to live in the US. They do want to play in MLS. But they can't. The money isn't the same. The prestige isn't the same. The marketing engine telling them they need to play here isn't the same. If all things were equal, if US fans truly supported MLS, the money would come, the talent would come, and then more money would come, followed by more talent. And eventually top US players would stay in the US. Top players would come to the US at 20 and not 30 or older. Young foreign talent wouldn't come to MLS looking to be put in the shop window for a move to Europe. They would see MLS as the end game.
When it comes down to it, you can't say you support the USMNT and then not support the US league. If you do that, you are not a fan... you're a problem.
Until next time, get stuck in, because MLS Matters.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
MLS Super Draft 2013 Recap
Welcome one and all to my newest blog, "MLS Matters". In the debut we will recap and rate the 2013 MLS Super Draft, and cover a few other topics regarding the upcoming MLS season. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you return once the season gets under way to keep up on all the latest happenings in Major League Soccer.
New England Revolution: Andrew Farrell -D, Donnie Smith - F, Luke Spencer - F.
It's safe to say the Revs needed their fare share of help, with gaping holes all over the team, so no one was too shocked when the Revs traded up to get the #1 pick in the draft Andrew Farrell. Farell is an "MLS ready" CB or RB which New England surely needed. The best thing I can say about him is that he has good ball skills and will create a lot of opportunities for the Revs dribbling out of the back. The worst I can say about him is that he will turn the ball over some and leave his fellow defenders exposed by trying to play out of the back at times when he shouldn't. Jay Heaps suggests Farrell will start camp at RB but be given every opportunity to play CB as well. My gut says he can do more good and less damage at RB in his rookie season. Smith and Spencer are decent picks, but will either young man carry the team this season with their goals? No chance. The Revs still have holes. Overall Draft Grade: B-
Chivas USA: Carlos Alvarez - M
As Soccer Jesus Alexi Lalas says, a bad plan is better than no plan at all. In the case of Chivas, I'm not so sure. With the hiring of the "Mexican Rex Ryan" Boom Boom Chelis, and the Mexican or Mexican-American only policy, things don't look to be ready for improvement any time soon at Chivas. The draft was an opportunity to lay a marker down, and Chivas didn't take it the way they could or should have. Carlos Alvarez is Mexican-American. He is a potential playmaker with plenty of potential and skill. But the fact is, he wasn't a Generation Adidas player. He will take up a roster spot. He will count against the salary cap. Mikey Lopez fit the mold for what Chivas was looking for, he wanted to play for Chivas, and he had all the benefits of a GA player. When people look back at what may be the failed final attempt Chivas experiment, they will remember this opportunity missed.
Overall Draft Grade: C-
Toronto FC: Kyle Bekker - M, Emery Welshman - F
Toronto picked up the best mid in the draft, and best of all, he's Canadian. Combining this addition with Emery Welshman, who Toronto wanted and was able to drop down the draft twice to still get, and this was a good draft for the club. They still have issues, but as far as draft alone, the day was very successful for Toronto.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Kekuta Menneh - F, Erik Hurtado - F
With all the problems in Vancouver, from DP's they need to unload any way they can, to the need for a young defender to learn under the wing of Jay Demeritt, Vancouver added another burst of speed up front in the project Menneh, and a quality young target man in Hurtado. Will Menneh play on the wing? Will he be pace off the bench? The DP situation will tell the tale of Vancouver's season, but as a draft this was mildly confusing.
Overall Draft Grade: C
Colorado Rapids: Deshorn Brown - F, Dillon Powers - M, Kory Kindle - D
Looking back 3-5 years from now we may see this as the greatest draft Colorado has ever had. We could also see it as the worst. Deshorn Brown has plenty of potential, but he is project who has taken too early for my tastes. He has a chip on his shoulder thinking he was the best forward in the draft, but we need time to see if that chip turns him into a Clint Dempsey or a dud. Dillon Powers is perhaps the most under rated mid in the draft, or perhaps the most over rated. He isn't the most skillful, he doesn't have pace, but he does dirty work and seems to get the job done. He and Brown seem to be 4-3-3 picks, instead of picking the best talent available. Kindle has the highest ceiling of any left back in a draft loaded with them, but he is nothing but potential. The question is, will these players out last their manager, and if they do, drafting for a 4-3-3 system was not a smart move.
Overall Draft Grade: Potential A/D, for now a luke warm C+
FC Dallas: Walker Zimmerman - D, Ryan Hollingshead - M
With the team reliant on an old injury prone midfielder, this was a chance for Dallas to build toward their future. Instead Hyndman went for a quality CB with his first pick, not exactly his teams biggest need. He then selected a midfielder who is taking several months off the help build his brothers church, and has stated that he may not even be interested in playing as a pro. He is a quality player, but a risk to take. As players, Dallas drafted two potential gems, but not for their current needs.
Overall Draft Grade: A puzzling D
Montreal Impact: Blake Smith - M, Fernando Monge - M, Paolo DelPiccolo - M, Brad Stuver - GK
When a team has 4 picks in a draft, it's nearly impossible not to get it right in one form or another, but as montreal has proven, they have no idea what they are doing. The nicest thing I can say about this mind boggling draft is that Stuver could be a starter in the next few years and remain so for another decade or more.
Overall Draft Grade: D
Columbus Crew: Ryan Finley - F, Drew Beckie - D
With 2 quality forwards already on the books the pick of Finley was a little strange, but it does add depth and injury cover for the Crew. Beckie is a more reasonable pick, but not a quick fix starter by any means. The big news of draft day may have been the potential availability of Robbie Rogers.
Overall Draft Grade: C
Seattle Sounders FC: Eriq Zavaleta - F, Dylan Remick - D
Zavaleta is a good player for the future who should fit Seattle and Eddie Johnson well, but he is not Freddy Montero. Without a DP to replace Montero and his goals, this could be the last draft Sigi makes for the Sounders. Remick is quality depth for defense, but also not a ready made MLS starter.
Overall Draft Grade: C
Real Salt Lake: John Stertzer - M, Devon Sandoval - F
With the losses down their spine this off season in Olave, Johnson, and Espindola, RSL needed some help in key areas, and they surely did just that. Here the players need to be taken into account, but also the manager and system. Will Johnson did a lot of dirty work off Beckerman's shoulder. While Stertzer can't be expected to do that much right away, he has skill and talent Johnson doesn't. If Kries can convince Beckerman to do less while allowing Stertzer to do his natural more when it comes to creation, Stertzer could be the best mid in the draft. Sandoval should be a fan favorite. For RSL and how they play, this draft could not have gone much better.
Overall Draft Grade: B+
Houston Dynamo: Jason Johnson - F, Jimmy Nealis - D
On the positive side Houston got depth for LB behind Corey Ashe, something they desperately needed with CCL and league matches piling up early and late in the Houston season, but the Jason Johnson pick was a bit perplexing. A forward project whose game doesn't seem to fit the Dynamo style at all seems like an odd pick, but Dom knows best.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
Sporting Kansas City: Mikey Lopez - M
KC added one of the best mids in the draft to their already stellar line up which also saw the addition of Benny Feilhaber in the off season. Adding a talented and quality GA player for the future and right now sees the draft go well for KC.
Overall Draft Grade: B
San Jose Earthquakes: Tommy Muller - D, Dan Delgado - M
Last seasons supporters shield winner didn't have many holes to fill, so they did what they needed to do, adding depth. Neither player should be expected to be a starter any time soon, but the qaukes added what they needed to.
Overall Draft Grade: C
DC United: Taylor Kemp - D
There are many questions about DC this off season, including the future of a DP and of Andy Najar. Given the chance to add depth or a replacement for Najar, DC instead chose to go defensive in the quality Kemp. In years to come Kemp could be a rock in the DC defense and he seems to be a "Ben Olsen king of guy", so DC still had a decent day despite missing the opportunity to fill a real need.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
LA Galaxy: Charlie Rugg - F, Kofi Opare - D, Greg Cochrane - D
Bruce Arena knows what he is doing. While he still needs to replace 2 DP's, he brought in a replacement for Edson Buddle in Rugg, and defensive depth for the long season and CCL matches. While Arena isn't known for his faith in and playing of youth, all 3 picks will get time to settle. With Omar Gonzalez in the final year of his LA deal, Opare could be given a season to bed in before replacing the US International. Cochrane should get at least a season under the veteran fullbacks in LA to learn his MLS craft.
Overall Draft Grade: Potential B+ but for now a solid C
New York Red Bulls: Ian Christianson - M
Still without a manager, NY decided upon a small project in Christianson. With Cahill, Juninho, and McCarty surely ahead of him, one has to wonder why NY didn't draft a pure winger. Confusing, but that's NY.
Overall Draft Grade: C-
Philadelphia Union: Don Anding - F, Stephan Okai - M
With the change in philosophy that came with a managerial change last season, and the return of one cast off in Le Toux while they try to find any taker under the sun for Adu, Philly did themselves a favor by adding quality depth in two key positions. Neither is a superstar in the making, but Philly didn't blow it like some other clubs did in the draft.
Overall Draft Grade: C
Chicago Fire: Yazid Atouba Emare - F
With trades leading to a large amount of midfield help, the Fire desperately need someone to help Rolfe in the scoring of goals. Drafting a pace filled project may or may not be helpful for the current season, but the thought of the pace driven forwards Chicago can now throw on late in games will create a lot of chances against tiring defenses. The question still remains though in who will finish those chances.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
Portland Timbers: Dylan Tucker-Gangnes - D
With much work still to be done in Portland via trades and replacing a failed DP, what Portland needed most were more bodies in defense. They had to trade away Mike Fucito to get a draft pick, and get defensive help they did in DTG. The look of the new Timbers under Caleb Porter is already an intriguing prospect.
Overall Draft Grade: B-
Overall, the draft is becoming less and less important in the age of homegrown players and expensive designated players, but for now its still an easy way for MLS clubs to add depth. It tells us a lot about the way the General Manager and Manager are thinking, and often tells us which direction the club want to find themselves heading in, or where they think they already are. While I'm sure the draft wasn't seen by millions of viewers like the NBA or NFL drafts, I for one enjoyed the entire event immensely, and watched the draft twice. It really gives MLS fans the first signal that training camp and the season is right around the corner.
Before I sign off on the first MLS Matters blog, I just wanted to give you a little something to look forward to in the upcoming season...
Kyle Beckerman, Shalrie Joseph, and a half dozen others are all within shouting distance of an MLS record which will be broken this season, and may see the top spot change hands multiple times throughout the season. The record? Jesse Marsch's record of 477 career MLS fouls.
Kevin Hartman already holds the MLS records for games played and games started, and every time he takes the field this season he extends his records.
The potential loss of Landon Donovan from the league may secure a few records for their current holders. Steve Rolston's record for outfield times played and starts seems safe for now, as well as the MLS all time scoring record. Donovan had become only the second player ever to have more than 100 goals and 100 assists in MLS last season, and his chance to become the overall leader in the combo category looks to have fallen just short.
And finally for the number nuts out there, we saw 854 goals in 323 MLS matches last season, 57 coming from the penalty spot out of 72 chances. There were 2,865 shots on goal, and 7,943 fouls committed. Let's hope for more of the same in 2013, some from the players drafted in this Super Draft.
Until next time, get stuck in and remember, MLS matters.
New England Revolution: Andrew Farrell -D, Donnie Smith - F, Luke Spencer - F.
It's safe to say the Revs needed their fare share of help, with gaping holes all over the team, so no one was too shocked when the Revs traded up to get the #1 pick in the draft Andrew Farrell. Farell is an "MLS ready" CB or RB which New England surely needed. The best thing I can say about him is that he has good ball skills and will create a lot of opportunities for the Revs dribbling out of the back. The worst I can say about him is that he will turn the ball over some and leave his fellow defenders exposed by trying to play out of the back at times when he shouldn't. Jay Heaps suggests Farrell will start camp at RB but be given every opportunity to play CB as well. My gut says he can do more good and less damage at RB in his rookie season. Smith and Spencer are decent picks, but will either young man carry the team this season with their goals? No chance. The Revs still have holes. Overall Draft Grade: B-
Chivas USA: Carlos Alvarez - M
As Soccer Jesus Alexi Lalas says, a bad plan is better than no plan at all. In the case of Chivas, I'm not so sure. With the hiring of the "Mexican Rex Ryan" Boom Boom Chelis, and the Mexican or Mexican-American only policy, things don't look to be ready for improvement any time soon at Chivas. The draft was an opportunity to lay a marker down, and Chivas didn't take it the way they could or should have. Carlos Alvarez is Mexican-American. He is a potential playmaker with plenty of potential and skill. But the fact is, he wasn't a Generation Adidas player. He will take up a roster spot. He will count against the salary cap. Mikey Lopez fit the mold for what Chivas was looking for, he wanted to play for Chivas, and he had all the benefits of a GA player. When people look back at what may be the failed final attempt Chivas experiment, they will remember this opportunity missed.
Overall Draft Grade: C-
Toronto FC: Kyle Bekker - M, Emery Welshman - F
Toronto picked up the best mid in the draft, and best of all, he's Canadian. Combining this addition with Emery Welshman, who Toronto wanted and was able to drop down the draft twice to still get, and this was a good draft for the club. They still have issues, but as far as draft alone, the day was very successful for Toronto.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Kekuta Menneh - F, Erik Hurtado - F
With all the problems in Vancouver, from DP's they need to unload any way they can, to the need for a young defender to learn under the wing of Jay Demeritt, Vancouver added another burst of speed up front in the project Menneh, and a quality young target man in Hurtado. Will Menneh play on the wing? Will he be pace off the bench? The DP situation will tell the tale of Vancouver's season, but as a draft this was mildly confusing.
Overall Draft Grade: C
Colorado Rapids: Deshorn Brown - F, Dillon Powers - M, Kory Kindle - D
Looking back 3-5 years from now we may see this as the greatest draft Colorado has ever had. We could also see it as the worst. Deshorn Brown has plenty of potential, but he is project who has taken too early for my tastes. He has a chip on his shoulder thinking he was the best forward in the draft, but we need time to see if that chip turns him into a Clint Dempsey or a dud. Dillon Powers is perhaps the most under rated mid in the draft, or perhaps the most over rated. He isn't the most skillful, he doesn't have pace, but he does dirty work and seems to get the job done. He and Brown seem to be 4-3-3 picks, instead of picking the best talent available. Kindle has the highest ceiling of any left back in a draft loaded with them, but he is nothing but potential. The question is, will these players out last their manager, and if they do, drafting for a 4-3-3 system was not a smart move.
Overall Draft Grade: Potential A/D, for now a luke warm C+
FC Dallas: Walker Zimmerman - D, Ryan Hollingshead - M
With the team reliant on an old injury prone midfielder, this was a chance for Dallas to build toward their future. Instead Hyndman went for a quality CB with his first pick, not exactly his teams biggest need. He then selected a midfielder who is taking several months off the help build his brothers church, and has stated that he may not even be interested in playing as a pro. He is a quality player, but a risk to take. As players, Dallas drafted two potential gems, but not for their current needs.
Overall Draft Grade: A puzzling D
Montreal Impact: Blake Smith - M, Fernando Monge - M, Paolo DelPiccolo - M, Brad Stuver - GK
When a team has 4 picks in a draft, it's nearly impossible not to get it right in one form or another, but as montreal has proven, they have no idea what they are doing. The nicest thing I can say about this mind boggling draft is that Stuver could be a starter in the next few years and remain so for another decade or more.
Overall Draft Grade: D
Columbus Crew: Ryan Finley - F, Drew Beckie - D
With 2 quality forwards already on the books the pick of Finley was a little strange, but it does add depth and injury cover for the Crew. Beckie is a more reasonable pick, but not a quick fix starter by any means. The big news of draft day may have been the potential availability of Robbie Rogers.
Overall Draft Grade: C
Seattle Sounders FC: Eriq Zavaleta - F, Dylan Remick - D
Zavaleta is a good player for the future who should fit Seattle and Eddie Johnson well, but he is not Freddy Montero. Without a DP to replace Montero and his goals, this could be the last draft Sigi makes for the Sounders. Remick is quality depth for defense, but also not a ready made MLS starter.
Overall Draft Grade: C
Real Salt Lake: John Stertzer - M, Devon Sandoval - F
With the losses down their spine this off season in Olave, Johnson, and Espindola, RSL needed some help in key areas, and they surely did just that. Here the players need to be taken into account, but also the manager and system. Will Johnson did a lot of dirty work off Beckerman's shoulder. While Stertzer can't be expected to do that much right away, he has skill and talent Johnson doesn't. If Kries can convince Beckerman to do less while allowing Stertzer to do his natural more when it comes to creation, Stertzer could be the best mid in the draft. Sandoval should be a fan favorite. For RSL and how they play, this draft could not have gone much better.
Overall Draft Grade: B+
Houston Dynamo: Jason Johnson - F, Jimmy Nealis - D
On the positive side Houston got depth for LB behind Corey Ashe, something they desperately needed with CCL and league matches piling up early and late in the Houston season, but the Jason Johnson pick was a bit perplexing. A forward project whose game doesn't seem to fit the Dynamo style at all seems like an odd pick, but Dom knows best.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
Sporting Kansas City: Mikey Lopez - M
KC added one of the best mids in the draft to their already stellar line up which also saw the addition of Benny Feilhaber in the off season. Adding a talented and quality GA player for the future and right now sees the draft go well for KC.
Overall Draft Grade: B
San Jose Earthquakes: Tommy Muller - D, Dan Delgado - M
Last seasons supporters shield winner didn't have many holes to fill, so they did what they needed to do, adding depth. Neither player should be expected to be a starter any time soon, but the qaukes added what they needed to.
Overall Draft Grade: C
DC United: Taylor Kemp - D
There are many questions about DC this off season, including the future of a DP and of Andy Najar. Given the chance to add depth or a replacement for Najar, DC instead chose to go defensive in the quality Kemp. In years to come Kemp could be a rock in the DC defense and he seems to be a "Ben Olsen king of guy", so DC still had a decent day despite missing the opportunity to fill a real need.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
LA Galaxy: Charlie Rugg - F, Kofi Opare - D, Greg Cochrane - D
Bruce Arena knows what he is doing. While he still needs to replace 2 DP's, he brought in a replacement for Edson Buddle in Rugg, and defensive depth for the long season and CCL matches. While Arena isn't known for his faith in and playing of youth, all 3 picks will get time to settle. With Omar Gonzalez in the final year of his LA deal, Opare could be given a season to bed in before replacing the US International. Cochrane should get at least a season under the veteran fullbacks in LA to learn his MLS craft.
Overall Draft Grade: Potential B+ but for now a solid C
New York Red Bulls: Ian Christianson - M
Still without a manager, NY decided upon a small project in Christianson. With Cahill, Juninho, and McCarty surely ahead of him, one has to wonder why NY didn't draft a pure winger. Confusing, but that's NY.
Overall Draft Grade: C-
Philadelphia Union: Don Anding - F, Stephan Okai - M
With the change in philosophy that came with a managerial change last season, and the return of one cast off in Le Toux while they try to find any taker under the sun for Adu, Philly did themselves a favor by adding quality depth in two key positions. Neither is a superstar in the making, but Philly didn't blow it like some other clubs did in the draft.
Overall Draft Grade: C
Chicago Fire: Yazid Atouba Emare - F
With trades leading to a large amount of midfield help, the Fire desperately need someone to help Rolfe in the scoring of goals. Drafting a pace filled project may or may not be helpful for the current season, but the thought of the pace driven forwards Chicago can now throw on late in games will create a lot of chances against tiring defenses. The question still remains though in who will finish those chances.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
Portland Timbers: Dylan Tucker-Gangnes - D
With much work still to be done in Portland via trades and replacing a failed DP, what Portland needed most were more bodies in defense. They had to trade away Mike Fucito to get a draft pick, and get defensive help they did in DTG. The look of the new Timbers under Caleb Porter is already an intriguing prospect.
Overall Draft Grade: B-
Overall, the draft is becoming less and less important in the age of homegrown players and expensive designated players, but for now its still an easy way for MLS clubs to add depth. It tells us a lot about the way the General Manager and Manager are thinking, and often tells us which direction the club want to find themselves heading in, or where they think they already are. While I'm sure the draft wasn't seen by millions of viewers like the NBA or NFL drafts, I for one enjoyed the entire event immensely, and watched the draft twice. It really gives MLS fans the first signal that training camp and the season is right around the corner.
Before I sign off on the first MLS Matters blog, I just wanted to give you a little something to look forward to in the upcoming season...
Kyle Beckerman, Shalrie Joseph, and a half dozen others are all within shouting distance of an MLS record which will be broken this season, and may see the top spot change hands multiple times throughout the season. The record? Jesse Marsch's record of 477 career MLS fouls.
Kevin Hartman already holds the MLS records for games played and games started, and every time he takes the field this season he extends his records.
The potential loss of Landon Donovan from the league may secure a few records for their current holders. Steve Rolston's record for outfield times played and starts seems safe for now, as well as the MLS all time scoring record. Donovan had become only the second player ever to have more than 100 goals and 100 assists in MLS last season, and his chance to become the overall leader in the combo category looks to have fallen just short.
And finally for the number nuts out there, we saw 854 goals in 323 MLS matches last season, 57 coming from the penalty spot out of 72 chances. There were 2,865 shots on goal, and 7,943 fouls committed. Let's hope for more of the same in 2013, some from the players drafted in this Super Draft.
Until next time, get stuck in and remember, MLS matters.
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