American Soccer Blog

Toronto FC vs. Kansas City

2007-04-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

What an atmosphere at BMO Field! This time it really seemed like there was a sell-out crowd (unlike Colorado). There was a lot of optimism in the Toronto support, although the pin drop silence when Eddie Johnson scored was a bit amusing.

Don Garber must be pleased with his decision to bring MLS to Canada. Toronto's new signing Danny Dichio was impressive, as was Greg Sutton (who was awarded Man of the Match). Eddie Johnson was a bit fortunate with the deflection of his shot for the winning goal, although Toronto proved that they can play at MLS level.

Either way, there were promising signs coming from Toronto. Even a 1-0 scoreline seems harsh, although I am disappointed that they have no points of even a goal, considering I put them third in my predictions for the Eastern Conference.

On KC's side of the game it looked good to see Eddie Johnson on the scoresheet again. Carlos Marinelli did come off in the 10th minute, although KC coped well without him. Kevin Hartman didn't make any new friends in Toronto. All in all, it seems that Curt Onalfo has a good team coming together. Now if they can only cope with the Gold Cup and Copa America, we may see KC's play-off drought come to an end.

Finally, it seemed that MLS couldn't make ut its mid when to start the match. First it said 12:00 PM (EST), then it said 3:30 PM on ESPN. I checked MLSnet.com, it said 3:30 PM as well, but then the game started at 1:00 PM. Huh?

MLS Predictions

2007-04-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

Here are my predictions for this week's games:

Toronto FC @ Kansas City - 2-0 KC; Toronto continues its search for its first MLS goal, whilst Eddie Johnson and KC bounce back after losing to Chicago

New York @ FC Dallas - 1-0 NY; Dallas' defence isn't good enough to cope with New York, and with Claudio Reyna pulling the strings from midfield, anything is possible

Kansas City @ Toronto - 1-1; Toronto gets a goal in front of its home crowd. They hold on for the draw as KC pushes everthing they've got

D.C. United @ Columbus - 1-1; Emilio is showing everyone he can get it done, however, Erpen shows us why D.C. hasn't won yet. On the other hand, Columbus remain undefeated

Chivas @ L.A. - 3-2 Chivas; Kljestan's presence is missed in the Chivas midfield (I believe that he is suspended), although the Razov-Galindo partnership carries Chivas to victory

NE @ Dallas - 2-0 Dallas; New England struggle and are swept aside by Dallas

Chicago @ Houston - 1-0 Houston; Chicago struggle away from home as Houston bounces back from defeat at New York

UPDATE:

Monday's Game
Colorado @ RSL - 1-0 RSL; RSL needs a win here, and that's what they get. Also, a shoutout for the rookie keeper Seitz.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 3

2007-04-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

1. New York - This team has got it all, from a good and experienced goalkeeper to a 17-year old scoring goals
2. Houston - Can anyone tell De Rosario to get back to playing soccer again?
3. Chicago Fire - Solid outing from the Fire
4. Chivas USA - Razov has finally got his goal, but they'll need Amado Guevara to play his best to have any chance of winning MLS Cup
5. New England - Let their lead slip for a point at Columbus
6. Colorado - Probably trying to convince Kasey Keller to join them
7. Kansas City - 1 win, 1 loss, it can only mean being dead center of the rankings for now
8. FC Dallas - Get sweet revenge on the Rapids
9. Columbus Crew - Strangley they're undefeated and going better than DC and LA
10. D.C. United - Want to prove that they are still the real deal
11. Los Angeles - This team needs to get their head straight. First Beckham, now rumors of trading Donovan?
12. Real Salt Lake - John Ellinger is feeling the heat, although that is someting that's not uncommon
13. Toronto FC - Mo Johnston never seems to be happy with his team

Today's News and Rumors

2007-04-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

Frank Simek has been rumored for a move to a premiership team. It says it could possibly be either Charlton, Aston Villa or Portsmouth.

Also, BBC says that Scottish Club Rangers wants a link with the LA Galaxy.

Also in LA, Chivas USA won't deny rumors that they want to sign Zinedine Zidane. Although they will have competition from the LA Galaxy. I can't see this happening for Chivas as they don't have a DP slot. Also, they just got Amado Guevara, who plays the same position.

Alexi Lalas speaks out again.

Richard Mulrooney has been sent back to Texas. In exchange, Toronto gets Kevin Goldthwaite and a draft pick.

A behind the scenes look at BMO Field. [Via Toronto MLS FC]

US Open Cup & MLS Predictions (I missed last week)
USOC:

Real Salt Lake 2-1 Kansas City Wizards - Chris Seitz impresses for his RSL debut. Freddy Adu shows us why RSL gave away everything for him.

(Winner plays Colorado)

MLS:
Thursday MLS Primetime on ESPN:
Columbus 1-2 New England - Columbus finally manage a goal, though New England proves to be too good and prevails. (If it happens it will be the third consecutive MLS on ABC/ESPN that has ended with the final score at 2-1)

Saturday:
MLS Saturday on FSC
New York 2-2 Houston - The New York midfield proves to be a tough battle of Houston's equally talented midfield. New York's defence makes a costly error for the tie though.

On HDNet
Chicago 0-1 Kansas City - Chicago's offence can't get throught KC, as one of KC's speedy players scores on a counter attack

Chivas USA 2-0 Real Salt Lake
Razov scores goal number 100. Galindo actually finishes a chance to seal it. RSL looks for excuses.

Sunday:
Telefutura
FC Dallas 1-1 Colorado
Colorado's good defence (note: not goalkeeper) earns them a point on the road.

Here are other soccer site's Power Rankings (for comparison)

ESPN Soccernet

Sports Illustrated

Fox Soccer

Don't forget to participate in the American Soccer Blog Poll on the left sidebar->

MLS buzzing two days after transfer deadline

2007-04-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent transactions in MLS' world

Juan Pablo Angel
Joining from EPL side Aston Villa. He had a terrible game againt Tottenham Hotspur when he missed a penalty (the best I could find), and then he scored an own goal. He was fazed out at Villa Park and New York hopes he can bang in the goals at Red Bull Park (and Giant's Stadium)

New York Press Release

Soccernet Release

Also, though not official, other big news is that New York have traded ...
Marvell Wynne

Soccer By Ives Link

Finally,
Guillermo Barros Schelotto

MLS Underground has found that Boca Juniors star Guillermo Barros Schelotto has signed a contract with Columbus, though this too isn't official yet.

Have Your Vote Count

2007-04-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

To be more interactive with users, there will be a periodic poll on American Soccer. This week's question:
Which MLS has impressed you the most?

JP Angel is a Red Bull

2007-04-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Soccer By Ives says that Aston Villa's Juan Pablo Angel is on his way to the New York Red Bulls. This will easoly make New York contenders for MLS Cup, should Clint Mathis and Josmer Altidore keep playing this strong, and Angel scoring goals as well.

The Midfield is equally strong, granted that Reyna doesn't consistently get injured.

There should be a press conference regarding this tommorow.

MLS Power Rankings Week 2

2007-04-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

1. Houston Dynamo (-) Win at home keeps them the team to beat
2. Colorado (+3) Manage a draw, despite being down to 10 men
3. Chicago (-1) A draw in Denver wouldn't have been a bad result, but it still seems like 2 points lost
4. New England (+3) Teaching Toronto how to play in MLS
5. Chivas USA (-1) A loss to Houston as Razov's hunt for goal number 100 goes on
6. New York Red Bulls (+2) Mathis could be the the biggest surprise of the season
7. Kansas City (+5) Eddie Johnson is playing near his best again! Curt Onalfo should be a coach of the year candidate for just doing that, let alone beating DC at RFK convincingly
8. Los Angeles (-2) Should be doing better, considering their squad, yet their rookie is the one scoring for them
9. Columbus (-) A tie away from home, though they still can't score
10. D.C. United (-7) No excuses this time, besided Toronto, the only team without a point
11. FC Dallas (-) Dallas are 11-0-2 when Kenny Cooper scores, which isn't hard to believe
12. Real Salt Lake (-1) Freddy Adu is not ready, or am I speaking too early
13. Toronto FC (-) This is going to be a long season for Toronto

MLS Power Rankings: Week 1 completed

2007-04-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well, now that week 1 of MLS is complete, here are the latest MLS Power Rankings:

1. Houston Dynamo - Defending Champs opened the season with a tie
2. Chicago Fire - Holding onto their early lead for a narrow win
3. D.C. United - Another team that looked tired from their CCC match
4. Chivas USA - Razov is closing in on goal number 100
5. Colorado Rapids - A good way to start the new season in a new stadium
6. Los Angeles - The last minute free kick could have been where Beckham could have made a difference
7. New England - Injuries are hurting their chances of a good season
8. New York - A draw with Columbus on the road, is it a good thing or a bad one?
9. Columbus - Prove that they are no pushovers
10. FC Dallas - Ruiz and Cooper providing the goals as usual
11. Real Salt Lake - Gift Dallas a point
12. Kansas City - A week off to prepare for D.C.
13. Toronto FC - Kick off on a losing note

First Kick Predictions

2007-04-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Here are my predictions for the first weekend of MLS:

Colorado 1-2 DC United - DC come back after going out in the CCC. Emilio gets them both.

Real Salt Lake 3-2 FC Dallas - Awful defending leads to a wide open game.

Columbus Crew 1-2 Red Bull New York - Van den berg shines.

Chicago Fire 0-0 New England Revolution - After excellent defending, it ends a bore draw

Chivas USA 2-1 Toronto FC - Razov scores his 99th and 100th goals

Houston Dynamo 1-1 Los Angeles Galaxy - Houston fail to fully recover from their CCC exit.

Review of Houston v Pachuca

One thing Houston should have done once Ching scored - waste time! No one likes it, and it frustrates the opponents, but it works very well. Also, they shouldn't have been in South Carolina, and like D.C. United, should have been training in Mexico for at least one week to acclimate.

They played well, but it was in spurts of five minutes or something. Gimenez's goal was unstoppable, but Houston shouldn't have let the game slip to overtime. Even Pachuca's fans had been silenced for once during the match.

News

2007-04-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

*Blanco to Fire:
He will join at the END of the Mexican Season
He will sign the contract tommorow, LIVE on MLSnet.com

*Marcelo Salas is headed to New York.

*Kansas City will form a partnership with Mexican Club Atlas.

Preview for the CCC game tommorow

DC United needs all it has to get past Chivas. I say this game goes to penalties as DC's defence holds firm for a 0-0, and DC wins on penalties (This prediction is very optimistic - it probably won't happen).

*4 days to go until the start of the new MLS season!

First Kick Matchups:
Colorado v DC United
Real Salt Lake v FC Dallas
Columbus Crew v Red Bull New York
Chicago Fire v New England Revolution
Chivas USA v Toronto FC
Houston Dynamo v Los Angeles Galaxy

MLS and "Game First"

2007-04-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

Today, MLS announced that they are taking some initiatives to improve the league. However, there is one problem, I need clarification if there will be 6 play-off spots or are they sticking with 8?

Anyway, here are the main points:

*MLS clubs have more resources than ever to acquire players. This off season has already witnessed a significant influx talent. The new resources include:

*Increased options with allocation money
*Designated Player Rule
*Re-investment of transfer fees (MLS clubs now receive two-thirds of the fees earned when one of their players is transferred. That money can be used in a number of ways to improve the team's on-field product.)

*MLS has hired a full-time consultant based in South America to assist MLS teams in scouting and acquiring players from that talent-laden region.

*MLS has started a worldwide player database and video library for teams to use as a scouting resource.

*The Youth Development program allows for teams that invest in player development to reap competitive rewards for their efforts. Players who are part of an MLS club's Youth Development program for at least 24 months become eligible to sign directly with that team instead of entering the MLS SuperDraft.

*MLS will utilize a digital system that tracks and analyzes the technical aspects of soccer. This will provide coaches, players, and officials with valuable training and evaluation tool, help teams prepare for their opponents and allow for comparisons of our League games versus others around the world.

*MLS is working with broadcasters to provide better television coverage of games than ever before. Every MLS game will be available via at least one of the following platforms: our national broadcast partners, the Direct Kick cable/satellite package, or MLSnet.com. Game broadcast enhancements include:

*Increased access to national broadcast partners for locker room and sideline interviews that do not interfere with the game.
*More camera angles of the action; better and more timely replays.

*MLS has implemented certain standards for pre-game presentations that will occur at all MLS games.

*Teams will line up alongside each other in the tunnel prior to emerging for kickoff.
*As teams enter the field, led by the referees (FIFA style), a new MLS anthem will be played.

*A new MLS anthem and signature sound was recorded last month by a full orchestra in Prague, Czech Republic, under the direction of an American conductor. More details on this piece of music will be revealed on April 6 on MLSnet.com.

*In-stadium commercial PA announcements during play will be significantly reduced.
MLS has established guidelines for field maintenance, including:

*The length of the grass cut and optimal watering schedules prior to the match
*The pattern of directional cuts, so as to assist fans and referees better view offside decisions

*The four MLS teams with the best regular season records in 2007 will qualify for SuperLiga 2008. Starting in 2006, the Supporters' Shield winner for best regular season record receives one of the United States' two spots in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The MLS Cup champion receives the other.

*In 2007, the regular season was reduced to 30 games (from 32).

*During the past few years, more bonuses for starts and wins have been incorporated into player contracts. In 2007, those bonuses will be paid once every two weeks instead of in one sum at the end of the year as in the past.

*Playoffs: At the end of the regular season, the top two teams in each conference earn playoff spots along with four "wild cards" which have highest point-totals in the standings, regardless of conference. This will add competition and intensity to the playoff race. If one conference is stronger than the other in a given year, more of its teams can qualify for the playoffs.

*On July 24, 2007, the inaugural edition of SuperLiga begins. This international tournament features four of the top teams from MLS and four of the top teams from Mexico's first division competing in a Champions' League-style format for a $1 million prize. The MLS Technical Committee will continue to examine the competition format for possible changes in the future.

*U.S. Soccer has hired full-time referees for the first time. Jair Marrufo, Ricardo Salazar, Baldomero Toledo and Terry Vaughn will become full-time referees, enabling them to focus their professional abilities on preparation and training.

*MLS has established the MLS Working Group on Officiating, which will conduct regular meetings between officials, coaches, and player representatives to promote better relationships and understanding of the rules and their application. Funding has been budgeted for the formal training of the first MLS player who decides to pursue a career in officiating.

*MLS works continuously with officials and players to protect player safety and prevent tactics that destroy the game. Among the new League initiatives for players and referees aimed at improving the attractiveness and rhythm of MLS games are:
Players have been advised to no longer kick the ball out of play when a player is on the ground unless they believe a serious injury has occurred. The referee will stop play in cases of serious injury. This change is designed to help maintain the flow of the game and reduce the feigning or exaggerating of injuries as a tactic to stop play, kill momentum and waste time. If a team kicks the ball out of play deliberately, but the player down is not injured, there is no obligation on the part of the opponent to return possession to that team.

*Referees have been encouraged, at their discretion, to issue a yellow card caution to players who raise their hand with an imaginary card.
Referees have been encouraged to issue a yellow card caution to players who embellish or feign contact or injuries in an attempt to have opponents cautioned or sent off or otherwise disrupt game flow.

*On March 13, 2007, MLS and the German Bundesliga launched a new relationship that will foster collaboration between the Leagues on multiple levels. The Bundesliga is a world leader among soccer leagues in average attendance, stadium design, broadcast production, and corporate governance.

*MLS will strategically develop relationships with other leagues, federations, and clubs to glean the best applicable practices and maximize connectivity to the global soccer marketplace.

*MLS is actively exploring new, meaningful international competitions.

The good:

*More transfer money to teams
*South American based consultant
*Youth Development Program
*Increased access to national broadcast partners for locker room and sideline interviews that do NOT interfere with the game
*Theme song / standard FIFA style entrance
*Less PA announcements during games
*Full-time refrees

Blanco with the Fire

2007-04-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

Breaking News: Cuautemoc Blanco has joined the Chicago Fire.

Power Rankings

2007-03-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

Based on predictions, CCC, Lamar Hunt Cup, etc. Very few changes though:
en
1. Houston Dynamo (-) haven't hurt their hold on first place
2. D.C. United (+1) Strong in CCC, and new signings (Fred, Emilio), have made them second to the Dynamo
3. New England (-1)
4. Chicago Fire (+2) haven't done much, just that other team's previously above them don't seem deserving of a higher spot.
5. Chivas USA (+2)
6. Los Angeles (+3)
7. Colorado Rapids (-3) just a completely different team from last year - is it for better or for worse?
8. New York Red Bulls (-) same old New York
9. Real Salt Lake (+1) Improved from last season offensively
10. Kansas City (+1) Losing Wolff won't help this team, but it seems they will play better this season
11. Columbus Crew (+1) Beating FC Dallas 3-0 in the Lamar Hunt Cup seems to be a good sign, or is Dallas a lot worse from last season
12. FC Dallas (-7) This probably won't be their year
13 Toronto FC (-) Still undecided

Misc.

2007-03-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

In news that was somewhat expected, D.C. United have acquired Fred from Melbourne.

In news that wasn't expected,
Clint Mathis has been traded to New York.

Also, U.S. tied Guatemala 0-0 yesterday.
Stars of the game:
*Bradley and Feilhaber - they are starting to show they can fill in for Reyna, but again it was against Guatemala. The center of midfield looks better for next World Cup, with Mastroeni, Clark, Bradley and Feilhaber.

Expected performance:
*Landon Donovan - he can't do it for the fourth game in a row

Really Poor:
*The Referee - got it all wrong
*Eddie Johnson

Bradley's record is now 3-0-1. Will it change, or will a new man step in? It is up for Gulati to make his decision (with out hesitating)

Predictions/Preview: U.S. vs Guatamala

2007-03-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

Prediction:
US 3-1 Guatamala

ESPN Preview.
Bradley will probably use a more experimental line-up.

Possible line up:
Keller
Simek, DeMerit, Conrad, Spector
Dempsey, Bradley, Feilhaber, Mapp
Donovan, Twellman

Beasley could easily start instead of Mapp. Also, Donovan may start the game as a forward, with Cooper possibly partnering Twellman up top. Hopefully, Eddie Johnson doesn't start, unless Bradley really see's something special in him, which everyone can't.

ESPN Commercials

2007-03-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Nice job by ESPN with their commercials for MLS this season. Another step in the right direction.

Also, MLS will unveil some initiatives for the 2007 season this Monday.

Cobi Jones Compilation

2007-03-27T16:20:00.001-07:00

Here is a recent compilation of Cobi Jones for the U.S. and the Galaxy. He will retire after this season.

Latest U.S. news

2007-03-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

U.S. beats Ecuador 3-1.

Here are the goals:

Some thoughts about the game:
*Can ESPN and BBC or some other international soccer broadcaster form a strategic partnership, like MLS did with Bundesliga? It would be an improvement from some of the current commentators.
*Good to see Donovan back. Can he come near this performance in the summer tournaments?
*Howard seems to be 1st-choice goalkeeper now
*Feilhaber and Bradley seem to be the future of US' midfield
*Dempsey is still not match fit
*Onyewu needs to concentrate more on the game
*The Eric Wynalda Yellow/Red Card segment is a step in the right direction.

Best Performers from the game:
* Landon Donovan - a hat trick says it all
* Feilhaber - not a bad debut
* Bradley - showing lots of potential

Can Improve:
*Dempsey
* Beasley
* The defence - they need chemistry

Predictions: The West (2-6)

2007-03-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

L2- Los Angeles Galaxy

They have improve greatly this offseason, bringing in Joe Cannon, Nate Jaqua (and Beckham in July). Also, Yallop is a will probably start the season a lot better than how Sampson did last year.

3- Chivas USA

Preki will have learned a lot from Bob Bradley, and despite loosing Juan Pablo Garcia and Juan Francisco Palencia (and John O'Brien, but he didn't do much), having Amado Guevara will boost their chances.

4- Colorado Rapids

They will squeeze by again, due to their high elevation at home.

5- FC Dallas

Cooper and Ruiz can't run the team themslves. Serioux is out for the start of the season, and they lost Valakari, so who will play D-Mid? And what about their defense? 3-0 to Columbus isn't pretty, and it looks like a long season for Dallas.

6- Real Salt Lake

They haven't improved their defense, so will probably not make the play-offs. If Eddie Pope has a good season, they have a slight chance with their talent up front.

Predictions - 1st in West

2007-03-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

My Prediction for 1st in the west is the Houston Dynamo. They may have close competion from the LA Galaxy, but I think they still will come out on top as they have been together for some time know.

Predictions: Rest of the East

2007-02-28T17:33:00.001-08:00

4 - New England
They should be able to make the play-offs, and should have a good record in the reg. season. Dempsey should be a big loss, but they must have known he was leaving for 6 months, and should have had a plan worked out by now.

5 - Chicago
Losing Herron and Jaqua might sting the Fire this season. They might be able to get into the play-offs, due to the new rules to get in.

6 - Kansas City
They have acquired Hartman, and with Garcia, Conrad and Burciaga in defence, they should be solid. The problem? They will miss these players, along with probably Eddie Johnson, for the summer tournaments, which will truly test their depth.

7 - Columbus
They probably haven't done enough to make the play-offs this season. They should flashes at the end of last season, but they may be a year away from returning from the play-offs.

Predictions-2nd & 3rd in the East

2007-02-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Here are my predictions for 2nd and 3rd in the east. Bruce Arena has made some singings that have improved New York Red Bulls significantly. 2nd place isn't impossible with Reyna healthy for the majority of the season.

Toronto will be a team that may catch teams by surprise - they did it in the expansion draft, and got a few allocations in reward.

2. New York Red Bulls

3. Toronto FC

My Complaints on MLS Part I

2007-02-01T01:03:00.000-08:00

Having looked at the updated allocation list, I noticed at how there aren't many rewards for winning the MLS Cup, or for winning the Supporters' Shield. The allocation list seemed to favor the teams that missed the play-offs, which brought me to my first complains on MLS:

Parity

Parity is one of the biggest problems in MLS. A simple example of this is near the end of last season, Columbus, who was the worst team last season, beat Chicago 4-1 away from home. They also won the double over FC Dallas, 2-1 away and 3-1 at home, yet they were the worst team in MLS. On top of this, MLS awards these teams with higher draft picks as well as allocation spots for missing the play-offs. This does makes managing a (so called) 'top team' tougher, but sometimes it makes a lowly team's life easier.

Even though MLS isn't near the standard of Europe, and some say it shouldn't be compared to it, I want to make a simple comparison. When a team finishes last in, say England, they fall down to the next lower league and must try to come back and stay in the Premiership all over again. This makes bottom of the league more exciting and eventful. Meanwhile in MLS, the bottom of the league can relax because they will, probably, get the next top talent in the draft as well as a high position on the allocation list, which means that they may be the team that wins the title next season.

Rivalries

There are many small problems which leads us to the big problem. The problem isn't the fans who hate fans of the other team. It's just that sometimes, the rivalries are sort of forced. Let FC Dallas and Houston build their rivalry, rather than saying the winner gets a cannon or a trophy. The rivalry between RSL and Colorado was forced in the beginning, before it finally took off.

Another thing which I have a problem with is the rivalries. I would personally prefer the LA Derby over the Honda Superclasico. I feel that the fans or the press should have the freedom over the rivalry's name, rather than having the rivalry official and sponsored.

Eastern/Western Conference

I feel that there is probably too much emphasis on winning the MLS Cup, but of course the reason is that there is no motive to win the "regular" season. The 4th place team in the conference can go and win it all (eg. LA Galaxy - 2005), and the team that worked hard for most of the season (eg. San Jose - 2005) is left helpless. MLS tried to solve this problem, but now a bigger problem arose - what's the point of the Eastern/Western conference divide. If it's possible for DC United to win the Western Conference, why call it the Western Conference?

Summer Schedule

This is another point debated over, and it seems to me that MLS should adopt a winter schedule. Thought there are some problems (clashes with Football, it's too cold, etc.) these can be resolved easily. One is to play 24 games in the season, one home and one away (which means a single table) Also, a winter break won't be that bad, as it can help avoid the 'too cold' temperatures. It can also give the teams a break so a team doesn't have an extremely good first half of the season, but a poor second half. It can also help MLS is competitive competitions (eg. CCC). Maybe, MLS can push the SuperLiga so it won't be a Mexican Pre-season tournament and it will have more meaning to the Mexican teams they face. Finally, many international player may not be missing as much and then MLS may have more meaning to them.

Part II to come soon

Note: I understand how easy it is to blast a small league, so to help, I will make a few proposals, which is also to come soon

Comments appreciated

Predictions

2007-01-31T19:26:00.000-08:00

The predictions for the 2007 MLS Regular season will start now, as the regular season begins. I will start with my prediction for 1st in the East - DC United

Update on the News

2007-01-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

So Oguchi Onyewu isn't going to Marseille?

He is at Newcastle and is set for a loan deal for 6 months. That will be another yanks to the premiership, but maybe a third team may come and hijack this deal too, so we will have to wait and see. The transfer market is set to close in two days, so we should get confermation of the deal by wednessday.

In other news, RSL might not be RSL anymore? For more on this, keep checking Are You Loyal? for updates

Oguchi Onyweu is going to Marseille

2007-01-27T14:09:00.000-08:00

Oguchi Onyewu is set for a move to Marsielle. Marsielle are currently in second place behind Lyon. This is a great chance for Onyewu to play top level soccer, as well as playing is Europe. This is also a better option than playing at Chelsea or Real Madrid where he may be 3rd or 4th choice to start.

Also: Dempsey came off the bench for Fulham today, who beat Stoke City 3-0.
Brian McBride score for Fulham.

Also: RSL has issued a statement about their Debt on MLSnet.com.

Also: Claudio Reyna has joined New York Red Bulls, and from what I understand, he will be occupying one of their two DP slots. Reyna will help provide some stability to the Red Bulls (unless he is out injured). I just hope he doesn't have a season like John O'Brien did last season.

Beckham is coming to MLS

2007-01-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

So, it has (finally) happened. Beckham is moving to LA. Aparently, the small verbal wars at real are getting worse. Even through all of this, their were two other important event that happened this week:

The MLS Superdraft

The announcement of the SuperLiga

It seems like MLS likes adding 'super' to whatever they do.

Anyway, lets see this new idea come into place and see the affects of it on US Soccer on the long run.

A Look at 2007

2007-01-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

Some news in the US soccer world:

*Clint Dempsey has joined Fulham FC for an MLS record $4 million.

*The MLS Superdraft is Friday.

*US MNT are preparing for their friendly against Denmark.

Also: Check out Yank Abroad's Report Cardon YA's.

Check in for more on MLS in the coming weeks.

A look into the off-season

2006-12-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

It's getting closer and closer to New Year, and there has been plenty of action in MLS this off season, and there's bound to be more.

Apparently,Clint Dempsey and Pablo Mastroeni are bound for Europe. Also, there is sure to be more.

RSL have had a pretty busy week, bringing in Nick Rimando, Freddy Adu and Luis Tejeda (so far), and waiving others, like Douglas Sequira. From all the articles I have read, it seems that RSL will get some short term benefits from getting Adu, should he go to Europe this coming summer.

New York Red Bulls are also linked with many possible signings, but right now, they have a goalkeeper problem, with Jon Conway the only keeper. Unless they draft someone good, they'll can get Hartmann form Los Angeles, who is almost guaranteed to loose his job to Joe Cannon. Another option would be Scott Garlick, who finds himself in a similar situation behind Rimando. Also, Columbus have maybe set the record for most Goalkeepers and might want to let one go. Other than that, they will have too look in Europe or in Latin America to find a decent keeper.
On another noteIves Galarcep is reporting that Wanchope is a free agent, and this could be the moment for the Red Bulls to get him.

Adu traded to RSL (one day later)

2006-12-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

Now that most of the analysis is out on this trade, lets gather all the articles on this (please tell me if I have missed any).

This one from the Washington Post (Steve Goff)

Grant Wahl at SI.com

Frank Dell'Apa and Andrea Canales for Soccernet.com

Are You Loyal? has latest photos from his arrival.

Update

2006-12-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

Two new columns have started on the left.

The power rankings are (currently) based on play-offs preformance, and will start changing once the season starts.

The US MNT P.O.T.Y. will also start.

More to come on the Adu trade

Looking deeper: Bradley interim coach of MNT

2006-12-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

This article looks at how what the USSF should and what they didn't do. One complaint is that Bradley isn't a top level coach and the "Powerhouses" all have big name coaches. Let's look at some of the top coaches in MLS and see whether or not ther have big name coaches.

England - Steve McClaren

Has coached before, but is not exactly the best coach possible. England were another country who had trouble finding a new coach after Eriksson said he would quit after the World Cup. Also, one of their favorites turned down the job at the last second (Scolari) and they had to opt for a more local coach, McClaren. However in the US' case, Bradley is just an interim (Hopefully) while the USSF continues their search for a new coach.

Brazil - Dunga

Dunga was a player and has experience, but a good player is not always a good coach. He can be successful, or a failure, but the Brazilians are willing to try. In Bradley's case, he has experience, and as is the case with every coach, must have a try atleast at the international stage. If he is a success, then the US will have a strong (interim) coach, and if he fails, he'll be soon before any serious damage is done.

Italy - Roberto Donadoni

Another coach with little experience, and has probably the most dificult job with all the press and expectations around him. However, the Italians, similar the the Brazilians, are willing to give him a chance. It is a big gamble, but for some reason they are willing to take. The US should try out Bradley for five months before giving the verdict on him.

Another matter that springs to mind, now the Bradley is gone, is that who will coach Chivas USA, and keep control of "Bradley Players" like Razov and Guevara. For now, we can just wait and see.

Klinsmann not next US coach

2006-12-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

It's official (almost) that the US couldn't come to terms with Klinsmann and now we won't have a coach for a longer time. Although Bob Bradley has been signed, it is not a permanent deal, with the contract being reportedly for five months. More to come on this as more news unravels.

(There will be a conference call tomorrow regarding this, according to US Soccer)

News and Analysis

2006-12-02T21:37:00.000-08:00

December's first post starts with a few recent things and articles.

Joe Cannon is heading to Los Angeles.

This leaves Kevin Hartmann with a few options.
New York needs a better starter than Conway, and Hartmann could be an option.
Also, I have heard that Bo Oshonyi has been waived by KC, and Hartmann could be ideal for the.
RSL has to improve their defence, and a good goalie is the place to start.
Columbus needs another keeper for another reason, he could go there.
Or else, he will find himself sitting on the bench for LA, something which will cost them a lot.

Soccer by Ives looks at how the trade can and will affect the Red Bulls.

From the Guardian.It tells MLS what it should do so it can get its 'groove' back. Here's what it says:

1. Give the national women's team a franchise.
2. Create a new franchise every year out of the College All-Stars or college champions and locate them in the college town that won the title.
3. Recreate the FA Cup in the US.
4. Join forces with Mexico and Central America.

This has caused many reactions.
I believe the answer to number 3 is the US Open Cup, only it isn't marketed that well.
Joining forces with Mexico and Central America? The Interliga is a step towards that.
Or else, this is a useless article, and the advice given will not help MLS greatly.
On another note, Jaime Trecker believes MLS should be the first league to use technology in influencing the refree's decision.

Meanwhile,Poul-Henrik Worm, another European, looks at MLS and gives better advice on what it can do to get better

Oguchi Onyewu has drawn intrests from Real Madrid. While this may seem to look like a good move, I believe Onyewu should go somewhere he can play European soccer, play top class oposition day in day out, and hold a starting roll. Real wont be easy to get into when your competing with Fabio Cannavaro for the starting job.

Here are a few rumors found by Toronto MLS FC

Ivan de la pena is headed for New York

The Score will have the rights to broadcast Toronto FC games.

Swedish defender Teddy Lucicis headed for Toronto FC.

Memorable Moments: US beats Brazil 1-0

2006-11-30T21:55:00.001-08:00

Here's a great moment in history when US beat Brazil in the 1998 Gold Cup. Kasey Keller produced 10 saves and Preki got the winning goal fot the US.

MLS: Participants for the 2007 MLS combine anounced

2006-11-29T21:54:00.000-08:00

Here is the list of players to attend the MLS combine for 2007:

Goal Keepers
Talmon Hall (San Diego State University)
Justin Hughes (University of North Carolina)
Chris Konopka (Providence College)
Phil Marfuggi (Clemson University)
Nick Noble (West Virginia University)

Defenders
Andrew Boyens (University of New Mexico)
Ty Harden (University of Washington)
Michael Harrington (University of North Carolina)
Kyle Helton (Duke University)
Aaron Hohlbein (University of Wisconsin)
Zach Kirby (Boston University)
Hugh MacDonald (Monmouth University)
Nigel Marples (Towson University)
Billy Meier (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee)
Jay Needham (Southern Methodist University)
Steve Purdy (University of California)

Midfielders
Rich Asante (Syracuse University)
Karim Boukhemis (Marshall University)
Bryan Byrne (University of California - Santa Barbara)
Alex Cunliffe (Fairfield University)
Steven Curfman (Wake Forest University)
Greg Dalby (Univeristy of Notre Dame)
John DiRaimondo (St. Louis University)
Eric Ebert (University of California)
John Michael Hayden (Indiana University)
Scott Jones (University of North Carolina - Greensboro)
Jared Kent (Old Dominion University)
Nick LaBrocca (Rutgers University)
Justin McGrane (Northern Illinois University)
Nate Norman (University of Notre Dame)
Ryan Solle (Wake Forest University)
Wells Thompson (Wake Forest University)
Josh Tudela (Indiana University)
Sinisa Ubiparipovic (University of Akron)
Chase Wileman (Southern Methodist University)

Forwards
Charles Altchek (Harvard University)
Gerardo Alvarez (Northwestern University)
Corey Ashe (University of North Carolina)
Aaron Chandler (University of San Francisco)
Adam Christman (University of Virginia)
Omar Cummings (The University of Cincinnati)
Andrew Daniels (Brown University)
Edson Elcock (Old Dominion University)
Brad Evans (University of California - Irvine)
Robbie Findley (Oregon State University)
Jeff Gonsalves (University of Rhode Island)
Willy Guadarrama (Campbell University)
Ryan Guy (University of San Diego)
Chris Loftus (Duke University)
Jerson Monteiro (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Frederico Moojen (Clemson University)
Simon Omekanda (Penn State University)
Riley O'Neill (University of Kentucky)
Randi Patterson (University of North Carolina - Greensboro)
Dane Richards (Clemson University)
Mike Sambursky (University of South Carolina)
Jarrod Smith (West Virginia University)
Erik Ustruck (Santa Clara University)

MNT/YA: Next US Coach/Americans in Europe

2006-11-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

Now that the MLS Season has wrapped up, there are two main focuses for US soccer fans. Who is going to be the next US MNT coach and the Euro leagues with Americans, and which American is jumping from MLS to Europe. Here is some news, notes and articles regarding this recently:

US Coach Rumor

Grant Wahl looks at the next MNT Coach, as well as Clint Dempsey's future along with other rumors.

Also, Soccer by Ives has Ives Galarcep's response to La Opinion's recent rumor

Americans to Europe Rumors

Since there are many for Clint Dempsey, here are some from many different sites:
Soccer365
Sports Illustrated-Truth and Rumors
Sports Illustrated-Grant Wahl

Freddy Adu

Eddie Johnson

Josh Wolff

Kamini Hill (UCLA)

MLS Trade Rumors

MLS: Toronto FC's current roster

2006-11-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

Here's Toronto's current roster, after the expansion draft and the recent trades:

Jim Brennan
Jose Cancela
Rod Dyachenko
Nate Jaqua
Ritchie Kotschau
Paulo Nagamura
Ronnie O'Brien
Tim Regan

Mo Johnston said in his conference call to wait for atleast 48 hours before being assured that these players will play for Toronto next season.

MLS: Expansion Draft

2006-11-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here's the list of unprotected players for the expansion draft this Friday:

Chicago Fire
Bedrossian, Pascal
Brown, C.J.
Capano, Craig
Carr, Calen
Curtin, Jeff
Franks, Floyd
Griffin, Leonard
Gutierrez, Diego
Jaqua, Nate
Johnson, Ryan
Mahoney, David (GK)
Montz, Jared
Plotkin, Brian
Russolillo, Jordan
Ruud, Adam
Sanneh, Tony
Thornton, Zach (GK)
Thorrington, John
Ughiovhe, Idris

Chivas USA
Arias, Esteban
Borja, Carlos
Burpo, Preston (GK)
Corona, Rene
Garcia, Johnny
Helm, Drew
Llamosa, Carlos
Lopez, Rodrigo
Morales, Jesus
Muñoz, Mike
O'Brien, John
Perez, Orlando
Regan, Tim
Robles, Eder
Sanchez, Estuardo
Taylor, Matt
Whitfield, Brent

Colorado Rapids
Clark, Colin
Crawford, Matt
Denton, Eric
Gargan, Dan
Gonzalez, Luchi
Gotsmanov, Sasha
Harvey, Jordan
Jordan, Matt (GK)
Keel, Stephen
King, Aaron
Kirovski, Jovan
Mathis, Clint
Nkong, Alain
Noel, Fabrice
Petke, Mike
Tarley, Melvin

Columbus Crew
Becerra, Ivan
Burch, Marc
Busch, Jon (GK)
Cameron, Knox
Coiner, Ryan
Gaudette, Bill (GK)
Hendrickson, Ezra
Kotschau, Ritchie
Leitch, Chris
Moss, Brandon
Palmer, Noah (GK)
Pierce, Rusty
Retiz, Jose
Rozental, Sebastian
Vasquez, Eric
Walker, Jonny (GK)

D.C. United
Carroll, Jeff
Deroux, Stephen
Donnet, Matias
Dyachenko, Rod
McIntosh, Ryan (GK)
McTavish, Devon
Mediate, Domenic
Metcalf, Andy
Moose, Justin
Nickell, Matthew
Prideaux, Brandon
Rimando, Nick (GK)
Simms, Clyde
Ssejjemba, Robert
Stokes, David
Walker, Jamil
Wilson, John

FC Dallas
Burse, Ray (GK)
Cassar, Jeff (GK)
Dello-Russo, Michael
Gbandi, Chris
Goodson, Clarence
Mina, Roberto
Moore, Justin
Oduro, Dominic
Pitchkolan, Aaron
Rhine, Bobby
Smith, Alex
Valakari, Simo
Vanney, Greg
Wagenfuhr, David
Yi, Alex

Houston Dynamo
Aloisi, Chris
Chabala, Mike
Goldthwaite, Kevin
Gray, Kelly
Holden, Stuart
Hutton, Martin
Lanes, Aaron
Moloi, Mpho
Nash, Julian
Serioux, Adrian
Storey, Marcus
Waibel, Craig
Wells, Zach (GK)
Wondolowski, Chris

Kansas City Wizards
Groenwald, Matt
Hesmer, Will (GK)
Kronberg, Eric (GK)
McMahen, Ryan
Oshoniyi, Bo (GK)
Raad, Sergei
Raybould, Ryan
Roberts, Brian
Shirley, Stephen
Van Den Bergh, Dave
Wahl, Tyson
Watson, Lance
Zotinca, Alex

Los Angeles Galaxy
Enfield, Michael
Gardner, Josh
Glinton, Gavin
Gonzalez, Guillermo
Gordon, Alan
Hansen, Joshua
Jones, Cobi
Martino, Kyle
Miglioranzi, Stefani
Nagamura, Paulo
Randolph, Michael
Saunders, Joshua (GK)
Veris, Kyle

New England Revolution
Abundis, Jose Manuel
Brown, Kyle
Cancela, Jose
Franchino, Joe
Galik, Jani
Gonzalez, Miguel
Haggerty, Patrick
Hernandez, Daniel
John, Avery
Larentowicz, Jeff
Leonard, Marshall
Oka, Arsene
Riley, James
Tomasso, T.J. (GK)
Warren, Doug (GK)
Williamson, Adam
Wynn, Danny

New York Red Bulls
Behonick, Michael (GK)
Buddle, Edson
Camp, Blake
Canero, Peter
Graham, Taylor
Henderson, Chris
Jolley, Steve
Kuykendall, Shawn
Laventure, Jerrod
Lisi, Mark
Meola, Tony (GK)
O'Rourke, Danny
Vide, Joseph
Wolyniec, John

Real Salt Lake
Acosta, Adam
Akwari, Nelson
Besagno, Jacob
Broome, Paul
Brown, Chris
Cutler, Kenny
Garlick, Scott (GK)
Gil, Brian
Harrison, Chase
Hashimoto, Duke
Kreis, Jason
Nolly, Jay (GK)
Novak, Kevin
Sequeira, Douglas
Trembly, Seth
Williams, Andy
Worthen, Joey

Also, a few rules about the draft:

Each team may protect 11 players from its 28-man roster (Senior and Developmental rosters combined).

Generation adidas players are automatically protected. (Players in this category who are "graduated" to the Senior Roster at the end of the 2006 season are not automatically protected.)

Teams may make available no more than one Senior International player.

Toronto FC may select no more than one player from any given MLS team.

Toronto FC will make a total of 10 selections.

A player who retires will not be considered part of the Senior Roster and therefore is not eligible for the draft and does not need to be protected.

2006-11-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

Goal of the Year: Brian Ching

Here is your MLS goal of the year by Brian Ching of Houston vs DC United.

MLS: State of the league 2006

2006-11-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Big News
- MLS will play a 30-game schedule
- There will be a soon-to-be-announced Mexico-United States club tournament
- There will not be a single table nor will there be a split season next year
- The top two teams in each conference will make the playoffs; of the remaining nine teams, the four with the most points, regardless of conference, will also qualify
- The playoff format will not change
- Possible Expansion Sites: Atlanta, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Rochester, San Diego, San Jose, St. Louis and Seattle

Your MVP:

In other news, Christian Gomez was named the MLS MVP for 2006, ahead of Dwayne DeRosario and Jeff Cunningham. He finished the season with 14 goals, 11 assists and 2 play-off goals.

2006-11-09T03:10:00.000-08:00

MLS Cup Build-up: MLS Cup montage 1996-2004

Here's a video on the previous MLS Cups (excluding last years). Check it out, and there is more to come in the off season, as the news is going to lessen about MLS, we will look more to its history.

YA/MLS: Freddy Adu, DC United to Manchester United?

2006-11-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

Freddy Adu is reportedly set to train with Manchester United for a trial that lasts up to two weeks. D.C. United has given the 17 year-old the permission to join the famous English team starting Nov. 18.

This is a great oppurtunity for another American to make the jump to Europe, and considering Adu is so young, he will get a lot out of a move to Europe. Let's just wait and see what happens.

MLS: Coach's Corner

2006-11-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

So today marks the day the first MLS coach has been sacked in the off season.
Throughout the off season, we shall see which coach goes where, and which club sacks who.

Colin Clarke

Club Sacked By: FC Dallas
New Position: (none yet)
What the press said: From Foxsoccer.com

FC Dallas first-year general manager Michael Hitchcock said the team wouldn't renew Clarke's contract.

"This team has one of the most talented rosters. We underachieved and we didn't reach our potential," Hitchcock said.

Dallas topped the Western Conference with a 16-4-12 record but was upset by Colorado in the opening playoffs round for the second straight year.

Clarke became interim Dallas head coach for the final six games of 2003. He got the job full-time that summer and went 41-20-39 in regular-season games.

Assistant coach Steve Morrow will be interim head coach and also is a candidate to replace Clarke. Dallas hopes to have a new coach by the end of the year.

Curt Onalfo

Club Sacked By: (None,US Assistant Coach)
New Position: Kansas City Wizards
What the press said: From Soccernet.com

Curt Onalfo was hired as coach of the Kansas City Wizards on Monday after spending the last four years as an assistant on the U.S. national soccer team.

Onalfo replaces Ken Fogarty and Brian Bliss, who served as interim coaches following Bob Gansler's departure in July. He inherits a team that went 10-14-8 this season, next to last in the Eastern Conference.

This will be Onalfo's first professional head coaching job. The former assistant coach with D.C. United is the Wizards' third coach. He assisted the national team at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the Americans were ousted in the first round.

"After evaluating every facet of the team and interviewing several top-notch candidates, Curt Onalfo stood out," Wizards technical director Peter Vermes said. "He is an excellent evaluator of talent, a tremendous communicator and has outstanding organizational skills."

Onalfo reached the MLS Cup final with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 1996 and was part of a D.C. United team that captured the MLS Cup in 1999. The former University of Virginia player was co-captain of the 1992 Olympic team in Barcelona.

"This team will play an aggressive, attack-oriented style and it will be fun to watch," Onalfo said. "The key is to not change who we are, whether we play at home or on the road. We will be hard to play at home and we need our fans to help ensure this."

To be continued ...

MLS: Regular Season vs Play-offs

2006-11-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

As MLS Cup comes upon us, lets compare how teams have done in the past seasons, and if those results translate into the play-offs. Here, there is no direct relation between how a team does in the regular season, and how a team does in the play-offs.

Chivas USA
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 18 points (4-22-6), last place
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 43 points (10-9-13), third place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, 2-3 aggregate loss to Houston

Colorado
1996
- Regular Season: Finished with 29 points (11-21), last place
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 38 points (14-18), fourth place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 1-2 Loss vs DC United
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 44 points (16-16), third place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, lost series to Chicago
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 48 points (20-12), fourth place
- Play-offs: Wester Conference Semifinals, lost series to Los Angeles
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 43 points (13-15-4), third place
- Play-offs: Western Division Semifinals, lost series to Kansas City
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 23 points (5-13-8), last place
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 43 points (13-11-4), fourth place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Finals, lost series to Los Angeles
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 40 points (11-12-7), third place
- Play-offs: Wester Conference Semifinals, 1-3 aggregate loss to Kansas City
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 41 points (10-9-11), third place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, 1-2 aggregate loss to Los Angeles
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (13-13-6), third place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Final, 0-2 loss to Los Angeles
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 41 points (11-13-8), fourth place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Final, 1-3 loss to Houston

FC Dallas/Dallas Burn
1996
- Regular Season: Finished with 41 points (17-15), second place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, lost series to Kansas City
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 42 points (16-16), third place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Final, lost series to Colorado
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 37 points (15-17), fourth place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, lost series to Los Angeles
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 51 points (19-13), second place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Final, lost series to Los Angeles
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 46 points (14-14-4), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern - Central Division Semifinals, lost series to Metrostars
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 35 points (10-11-5), third place
- Play-offs: Central Division Semifinals, lost series to Chicago
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 43 points (12-9-7), third place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, lost series to Colorado
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 23 points (6-19-5), last place
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 36 points (10-14-6), last place
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 48 Points (13-10-9), second place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, 2-2 lost on penalties to Colorado
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 52 points (16-12-4), first place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, 4-4 lost on penalties to Colorado

Houston
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 46 points (11-8-13), second place
- Play-offs: (currently) MLS Cup Final, vs New England

Los Angeles
1996
- Regular Season: Finished with 49 points (19-13), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 2-3 loss to DC United
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 44 points (16-16), second place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, lost series to Dallas
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 68 points (24-8), first place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Final, lost to Chicago
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 54 points (20-12), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 0-2 loss to DC United
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 50 points (14-10-8), second place
- Play-offs: Western Division Final, 2-3 aggregate score lost to Kansas City
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 47 points (14-7-5), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 1-2 loss to San Jose
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 51 points (16-9-3), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 1-0 win over New England
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 36 points (9-12-9), fourth place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, 4-5 aggregate loss the San Jose
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 43 points (11-9-10), second place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Final, 0-2 loss to Kansas City
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (13-13-6), fourth place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 1-0 win over New England
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 39 points (11-15-6), fifth place

Real Salt Lake
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 20 points (5-22-5), fifth place
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 39 points (10-13-9), last place

San Jose Earthquake/Clash
1996
- Regular Season: Finished with 39 points (15-17), fourth place
- Play-offs: Westen Conference Semifinals, series loss to Los Angeles
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 30 points (12-20), last place
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 33 points (13-19), fifth place
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 37 points (19-13), fifth place
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 29 points (7-17-8), fourth place
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (13-7-6), second place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 2-1 win over Los Angeles
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (14-11-3), second place
- Play-offs: East-West Conference Semifinal, 2-4 aggregate loss to Columbus
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 51 points (14-7-9), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 4-2 win over Chicago
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 38 points (9-10-11), fourth place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, 2-3 aggregate loss to Kansas City
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 64 points (18-4-10), first place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals: 2-4 aggregate loss to Los Angeles

Chicago
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 56 points (20-12), second place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 2-0 win over DC United
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 48 points (18-14), third place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, series loss to Dallas
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 57 points (17-9-6), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup final, 0-1 loss to Kansas City
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 53 points (16-6-5), first place
- Play-offs: Central - Western Division Final, series loss to Los Angeles
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 37 points (11-13-4), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinal, series loss to New England
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 53 points (15-7-8), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 2-4 loss to San Jose
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 33 points (8-13-9), last place
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 49 points (15-13-4), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Final, 0-1 loss to New England
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 47 points (13-11-8), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinal, 2-2 aggregate lost on penalties to New England

Columbus
1996
- Regular Season: Finished with 37 points (15-17), fourth place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinals, lost series vs Tampa Bay
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 39 points (15-17), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Final, series loss to DC United
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (15-17), second place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Final, series loss to DC United
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (19-13), second place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Final, series loss to DC United
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 38 points (11-16-5), last place
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (13-7-6), second place
- Play-offs: Central-Western Division Semifinal, series loss to San Jose
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 38 points (11-12-5), second place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Final, lost series to New England
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 38 points (10-12-8), last place
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 49 points (12-5-13), first place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinals, 1-2 aggregate loss to New England
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 38 points (11-16-5), last place
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 33 points (8-15-9), last place

DC United
1996
- Regular Season: Finished with 46 points (16-16), second place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 3-2 win over Los Angeles
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 55 points (21-11), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 2-1 win over Colorado
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 58 points (24-8), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 0-2 loss to Chicago
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 57 points (23-9), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 2-0 won over Los Angeles
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 30 points (8-18-6), last place
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 26 points (8-16-2), last place
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 32 points (9-14-5), last place
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 39 points (10-11-9), fourth place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinals, 0-4 aggregate loss to Chicago
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 42 points (11-10-9), second place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 3-2 win over Kansas City
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 54 points (16-10-6), second place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinals, 0-4 aggregate loss to Chicago
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 55 points (15-7-10), first place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference final, 0-1 loss to New England

Kansas City
1996
- Regular Season: Finished with 41 points (17-15), third place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Final, series loss to Los Angeles
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 49 points (21-11), first place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinals, series loss to Colorado
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 32 points (12-20), last place
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 20 points (8-24), last place
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 57 points (16-7-9), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 1-0 win over Chicago
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 36 points (11-13-3), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Western Division Semifinal, series loss to Miami
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 36 points (9-10-9), last place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Semifinal, series loss to Los Angeles
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 42 points (11-10-9), second place
- Play-offs: Western Conference Final, 2-3 loss to San Jose
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 49 points (14-9-7), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 2-3 loss to DC United
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (11-9-12), fifth place
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 38 points (10-14-8), fifth place

New England
1996
- Regular Season: Finished with 33 points (15-17), last place
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 37 points (15-17), fourth place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinal, series loss to DC United
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 29 points (11-21), last place
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 26 points (12-20), fifth place
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (13-13-6), second place
- Play-offs: Eastern - Central Division Semifinals, series loss to Chicago
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 27 points (7-14-6), third place
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 38 points (12-14-2), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 0-1 loss to Los Angeles
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 45 points (12-9-9), second place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference final, 0-1 loss to Chicago
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 33 points (8-13-9), fourth place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Final, 3-3 lost on penalties to DC United
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 59 points (17-7-8), first place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, 0-1 loss to Los Angeles
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 48 points (12-8-12), second place
- Play-offs: MLS Cup Final, vs Houston

New York Red Bulls/Metrostars
1996
- Regular Season: 39 points (15-17), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinals, series loss to DC United
1997
- Regular Season: Finished with 35 points (13-19), last place
1998
- Regular Season: Finished with 39 points (15-17), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinals, series loss to Columbus
1999
- Regular Season: Finished with 15 points (7-25), last place
2000
- Regular Season: Finished with 54 points (17-12-3), first place
- Play-offs: Eastern - Central Division Final, series loss to Chicago
2001
- Regular Season: Finished with 42 points (13-10-3), second place
- Play-offs: Eastern - Western Division Semifinal, series loss to Los Angeles
2002
- Regular Season: Finished with 35 points (11-15-2), fourth place
2003
- Regular Season: Finished with 42 points (11-10-9), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinal, 1-3 aggregate loss to New England
2004
- Regular Season: Finished with 40 points (11-12-7), third place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinal, loss to DC United
2005
- Regular Season: Finished with 47 points (12-9-11), fourth place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinal, 2-3 aggregate loss to New England
2006
- Regular Season: Finished with 39 points (9-11-12), fourth place
- Play-offs: Eastern Conference Semifinal, 1-2 aggregate loss to DC United

YA: Onyewu Rumor

2006-10-29T10:46:00.000-08:00

There is a rumor that Fulham have made it their top priority to sign Oguchi Onyewu (see further down in page).

MLS: DC United that good?

2006-10-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

The recent Fox Soccer Club Rankings show DC United at 28th, which is higher than Liverpool (30), Atletico Madrid (34) and Juventus (35).

YA: Americans in the Premeirship

2006-10-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

Here's an article by Nick Webster on Americans in the Premiership and how they have done so far this season.

US MNT: Rankings are the same

2006-10-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

October's issue of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Rankings are out. The US haven't moved at all since last month, but many teams are still ahead of them, such as Scotland, Turkey and Romania (just to name a few). This may be because of the recent EURO Qualifiers, but I don't think that not qualifying for the world cup shouldn't affect your ranking. Guinea didn't even play WCQ's but they are still 6 spots ahead of Australia, who played the WC as well as Asian cup Quilifiers. In other news, Brazil's lead is finally being closed down with the world champions only 20 points behind them.

Recent Rumors

2006-10-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

1. Clint Dempsey is rumored for a move to Fulham and Atletico Madrid.

2. Also, there is a rumor going around that the Colorado Rapids are ready to change their logo and kits, which has caused many different reactions.

Clint Dempsey Interview

2006-10-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent interview on FIFA.com with Clint Dempsey.

MLS: MLS Cup Contenders

2006-10-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

FC Dallas
This team needs to play just their first game on the road, then the rest of the games are to be played at Pizza Hut Park (should they go further). This team also possesses, probably the best offence in MLS, so should their defense falter, their extreme strength in midfield and offense makes up for it.

Houston Dynamo
This team probably has the best defense in the league. Also, Dwayne DeRosario brings a lot to their midfield, as well scoring goals. Mullan and Davis should provide good width, and with Brian Ching up top to finish it, who knows where this team can go.

DC United
The team with the most history in MLS, DC United has probably the best starting 11 currently in MLS. It has two solid strikers (though Eskandarian is carrying a slight injury) and they have an extremely strong midfield with Olsen, Carroll, Gros, Adu and Gomez. And they have a solid back-line and keeper. One problem may be their recent form, managing only one win in their last five games. However, don't count DC United out for winning the double.

Chicago Fire
This team put an unbelievable string of performances, before falling in their last two games. Consistency must come back in order to win , and the fire are capable of doing just that. This is another team capable of doing the double, after their recent success in the US Open Cup Final.

New England Revolution
This team is heating up right on time, with the MLS Play-offs just around the corner. If Clint Dempsey and Taylor Twellman continue their good form, and Matt Reis continues to excel in goal, this team has an extremely good chance of going all the way.

Next MNT coach to be named in 3 months

2006-10-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some strong candidates for the job:
Jurgen Klinsmann
He is considered the front-runner for the job by many. However, Klinsmann might need more of a break to recover from all of the stress during Germany coaching tenure. Also, there have been reports that Mexico are interested in Klinsmann, creating competion, as to who may give better pay, although I am sure he would choose the US any day.

Jose Peckerman
Peckerman is known for his work with Argentina's youth national team, helping to create star players such as Juan Roman Riquilme. This is something Sunil Gulati may have in mind, considering the nest generation of US Soccer, with Freddy Adu, Micheal Bradley and Lee Ngyuen. One limitation may be Peckerman's inability to speak english fluently.

Bob Bradley
Should all fail in hiring a forein coach, we can always rely on an American coach, and who else but Bob Bradley. his work with Chivas USA should help cover up his work with the Metrostars on his resume.

MLS: Rapids Win Reserve Division

2006-10-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Rapids sealed the reserve division title to day with a 3-0 win over the Red Bulls. Here's the match report.

Last year DC United won the inaugral reserve division championship. This is the second year the reserves have been playing. Here's a Bigsoccer thread relating to this.

Gulati: We need to dream big

2006-10-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

Recent interview with Sunil Gulati, with his thoughts on the US team's recent permorfance, American Youth Development, the next US MNT coach and 'Project 2010.'

Keller: BBC Article

2006-10-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent article on the BBC regarding Kasey Keller's intentions on retirement. Is he the next in the line of Americans who have retired internationally after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, we'll just have to wait and see.

MLS: Answers to 20 Questions for Don Garber

2006-10-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here are the answer to questions asked earlier to Don Garber:

BigSoccer.com – 20 Questions with MLS Commissioner Don Garber

We appreciate Jesse and everyone at BigSoccer.com providing the opportunity to address many of your questions. But before we get started, I wanted to start with some thoughts…

Our relationship with the hard core soccer fan is important. We value your opinions and hope to expand the number of people that are truly passionate and committed to MLS and our teams. Last week, while attending the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final in Toyota Park, I commented to Chicago Fire GM John Guppy that it would be great if his Section 8 Supporters Club was double or triple the current size. Imagine what the in-stadium experience would be for all fans if our Supporters Clubs represented a much larger percentage of our total audience! To achieve that, we need your help. Take a friend to an MLS game and show them first hand the unique experience of being part of your Supporter’s Club and how. Take them to a local “soccer pub” to watch an MLS game. Most importantly, share with them the passion of the “beautiful game.”

This process can start at next month’s MLS Cup. Why not take a group of hard core soccer fans to Pizza Hut Park on November 12 and be a part of the exciting festivities surrounding our Championship Game? Once again, I’ll be meeting with our fans at the annual Supporter’s Summit on Saturday, November 11 at Pizza Hut Park. It will be an informal meeting where you can ask any question that is on your mind. I believe we are the only pro sports league that provides our most ardent fans this opportunity. It’s a great chance to start an annual tradition of attending our final and having a few hours to chat with League senior management about whatever is on your mind. I hope to see you there and look forward to meeting with you in person. Tickets went on sale to the public earlier this week, and we anticipate a sellout well in advance of MLS Cup on November 12.

Don Garber

Commissioner

1. What conditions/situations would need to exist in order for MLS to go from the current single entity structure to a franchise system as seen in MLB, NFL, etc.? Will the single-entity structure change much within the next 5 years?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: It is important to note that MLS is much more decentralized than it was in its early years. Ultimately, we are more similar to other U.S. pro sports teams than most people think. Our 13 clubs make the vast majority of the decisions that affect their teams. Teams hire coaches who impact style of play. Those coaches are the driving force behind all player personnel decisions, with the only distinction being that negotiations on salary, etc. and actual contract process are managed by the League office. Teams hire general managers and front office staff who market the club, sell tickets and form a connection to the community. These are the same decisions made in any other professional sports league. Thus, other than minor refinements, we do not anticipate any changes to the single-entity structure in the next five years and even beyond that timeframe. The single-entity structure is good for MLS and soccer in America for the long term. I encourage you to read veteran soccer journalist Bob Wagman’s article earlier this year on the single entity - http://www.soccertimes.com/wagman/2006/mar04.htm. Bob provided excellent examples of why the single-entity structure is important to the economic growth of our sport. I’m sure many of you are familiar with the financial challenges that beset a large percentage of clubs in Europe and South America, despite the game’s mass appeal there. Our business model is sound and helps ensure long-term viability.

2. One question in many parts: How seriously is MLS pursuing the "academy" concept? Are what Chicago and RBNY have now the ideal, or are you going to try to encourage teams to build true academies in the style of Boca Juniors, Barcelona or West Ham? And if so, will these be funded by the league or directly by the teams? How far away are we from finding out the status of the "youth player rights" system that was referenced at all-star time? Is there anything that you can tell us on that front?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: We received many questions regarding youth development and the academy concept. Thus, the above question really represents all of you who asked about this topic. The Chicago Fire, D.C. United, and Red Bull New York have done an excellent job with the youth development systems, and our other clubs are developing plans of their own to manage player develop in each respective market. . We’ve been working hard on finalizing details for a league-wide system for youth development. As you may have seen in Soccer America magazine, one of the key incentives for clubs to invest in youth development is that there will be a means of keeping talent that the club develops. Upon agreeing to a contract with the League, clubs will retain the rights to players they develop (essentially the player bypasses the draft). I believe that in another 5-10 years, that system will be hailed as a leap forward for us in terms of forming strong bonds with the respective local communities. Several of the finer points of our youth development initiative are still being finalized. Our plan is to announce full details during the week of MLS Cup. Stay tuned.

3. What information can you provide in regards to the MFL/MLS tournament (CONCACAF Champions League?) next summer?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: Our plan is to announce the proposed competition between MLS and Mexican First Division clubs by the end of the year. We anticipate that the competition will feature MLS versus Mexican First Division clubs in a European Champions League format. Games are likely to take place mid-week with a small rollout in 2007 and a full tournament in 2008 and beyond. . Like most of you, we want to see our clubs continue to raise their level of play. This competition, along with the CONCACAF Champions Cup, provides another means for clubs to test themselves against regional competition.

4.Regardless of the rumored "Beckham Exception", are there plans to increase the salary cap so that MLS can be at least competitive with lower-tier European leagues like Denmark and Norway?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: We review our team salary budget each year and we plan to discuss it again at our upcoming MLS Board Meeting in Frisco. We are evaluating our current spending levels to determine what if any changes should be made to ensure the continued focus on the quality of play in balance with a rational economic plan. Regarding Denmark and Norway, we do believe we are competitive with salaries in those leagues. It was former MLS goalkeeper Adin Brown who stated in a Sept. 6 New York Times article that he made more money playing in MLS than he does now in Norway. As you know, soccer is a global game and players change leagues regularly. We have already seen some players go abroad and then come back to MLS, or play in MLS and then go abroad. We’ll continue to see some of both, but I think it’s clear that MLS will become an increasingly desirable destination for players in the next few years, for a variety of reasons.

5. What is the status of expansion?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: We received many questions about expansion so we decided to answer all of them with a status update on a market-by-market basis. I will tell everyone that the interest in MLS expansion is at an all-time high. This is very different from even just a few years ago when we had to solicit potential expansion markets and owners. MLS President Mark Abbott leads our expansion efforts and discussions. The list is in alphabetical order:

ATLANTA – We’ve had recent discussions with two different potential ownership groups and we plan to spend more time focusing on this key Southeast market. . We would like to have a presence south of Washington, D.C. and Atlanta has many of the attributes we look for in a new market. Unfortunately, at this time, Atlanta does not have an appropriate facility for an MLS team. The stadium that was home to the WUSA’s Atlanta Beat, Herndon Stadium, is too small and does not have the modern amenities needed for an MLS team. We are interested to see how the Honduras versus Guatemala match does next Tuesday in Atlanta. Two FC Dallas players – Ramon Nunez and Carlos Ruiz – will be playing against each other for their respective national teams.

AUSTIN -- Although a great city, we are not currently considering Austin for a future MLS expansion team.

CLEVELAND – Most of you are all aware that we have been talking to Paul Garafolo and the Wolstein family for a few years. They continue to work hard on securing a stadium and we speak with them regularly. Cleveland is a front-runner for an MLS expansion team.

LAS VEGAS – We have met with government officials in Las Vegas this year and with an appropriate (indoor) stadium, this could be a terrific market.

MILWAUKEE – Peter Wilt continues to lead the efforts to bring an MLS team to Milwaukee. Peter keeps us updated on a regular basis. Current news on potential MLS expansion into Milwaukee can be found at:

http://www.milwaukeeprosoccer.com/

PHILADELPHIA – Like many of the potential expansion markets, we believe that the Philadelphia area is an excellent soccer market. Although Rowan University has been unable to secure all the funding it sought for its campus development proposal at this time, we remain interested in, and supportive of, the efforts to complete a stadium there. We’ve been in discussions with multiple ownership groups for the Philadelphia market and I have spent a great deal of time in Philadelphia during the last two months. Again, we need to finalize a plan for a soccer facility, but we are encouraged with our recent progress in this area.

PORTLAND – We hear many great things about Portland and are familiar with the success the market has had with pro soccer in the past with the NASL’s Timbers (and with the current USL version of he Timbers) and at the collegiate level with the University of Portland. We have spoken with potential investors about bringing an MLS team to the Pacific Northwest and Portland has been discussed. We’ll continue to analyze the market.

SAN ANTONIO – We took a hard look at San Antonio last year and former Mayor Ed Garza was very helpful in leading the efforts to bring an MLS team to San Antonio. However, we have not had any discussions in 2006 with any government officials or potential owners regarding the San Antonio market.

SAN DIEGO – We’ve had some success with international matches in San Diego with our Soccer United Marketing division, and we believe San Diego could be a great MLS market. We’ve had many discussions with potential owners in San Diego throughout the League’s 11 seasons.

SAN JOSE – As you know, MLS has a partnership with Lew Wolff and John Fisher, the owners of the Oakland Athletics, to bring professional soccer back to the Bay Area. Lew and John have acquired a three-year exclusive option to acquire a MLS team should the group be successful in developing a new soccer-specific stadium. They have hired three full-time staff members to work on bringing the Earthquakes back to San Jose. You can subscribe to their email newsletter for updates at - http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/about/sje.jsp . Lew and John are looking at many options to build a soccer-specific stadium in the Bay Area. We hope to return to the Bay Area soon.

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis is another front-runner for future MLS expansion. You have probably read in local media reports where we are speaking with a potential ownership group in St. Louis. This potential ownership group has visited many MLS stadiums and had a large group attend the 2006 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game. They have identified a potential site for a stadium in just outside St. Louis, and local officials from that city recently visited Pizza Hut Park.

SEATTLE – We continue to believe in the potential of Seattle and were particularly impressed by the success that Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer had with the Real Madrid/DC United game they organized in Qwest Field. We will spend more time focusing on getting an MLS team in the Northwest in the coming year.

6. Also, is the 16-team limit a temporary one or one that you see lasting for a decade?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: Our current goal is to have 16 teams by the end of the decade. We’ll then take a step back and put together another 5-to-10-year plan. We realize we need to add more teams to raise the profile of Major League Soccer, but it has to be done in a smart and strategic manner.

7. Three points to pose one question:

a. Many have brought light to a crowded schedule the MLS season and playoffs and US Open Cup face.

b. Many are currently unhappy about the playoff design.

c. Finally, lots of soccer 'traditionalists' or 'purists' believe a single table without playoffs is the only way to appropriately create buzz in the regular season and fairly crown a champion.

The question:

If you accept these as true, or even true in part, what do you think about the possibility of:

1) Scrapping the MLS playoffs

2) Crowning the MLS regular season league champion (MLS Cup Winner)

3) Entering the four top clubs into the Quarterfinals of a redesigned US Open Cup

You formed a "competition committee" at the start of the year, to address many things, but most importantly the competition format. Gazidis said we might see big changes in 2007. What is the status of that committee and have they made any recommendations yet?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: Thanks for your opinions on these competition issues. Your opinion probably reflects many in the BigSoccer.com community and in the overall soccer community. A few brief answers plus some elaboration for you:

1. A slight clarification: The Competition Committee consists of members of the Board of Governors and has existed since the League started. This year, we formed a Technical Committee of current and former coaches, players and referees who are considered among their peers as experts on the game. That committee is reviewing a wide variety of issues, including the manner in which we determine the MLS Cup Champion. The pros and cons of all possibilities are being considered. We’ll be addressing these issues at our next Board of Governors meetings at MLS Cup in Frisco, Texas. .

2. We all want to see MLS draw the kind of passion and mainstream support that soccer receives in many other countries, but that does not necessarily mean copying everything from those leagues. Personally, I like the thrill of a final, where two teams go at it for 90 minutes (or more), and only one emerges as champion. The MLS team with the best regular season record earns the Supporters’ Shield and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. .

3. We are currently discussing the future Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup format with U.S. Soccer. Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis chairs the US Open Committee and will work with the group on the 2007 format.

8. What is MLS' marketing strategy - and why does the league appear to pick a different slogan/theme each year versus sticking with one over time? The "Colors" ads were weak - and downright silly - regardless of the hip hop star voiceover. "It's your game" was the best of the bunch - but there is no consistency year-to-year which gives the impression that MLS doesn't know who and what it's going after.

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: I have to agree that we have been somewhat “schizophrenic” with our marketing strategy. That’s why we are currently undergoing an intensive analysis of the League’s brand. SME, one of the world’s prominent sports branding companies, is conducting this brand analysis. For more on SME, click on - http://www.smebranding.com/ . In addition, we are conducting detailed marketing research to aid in this brand analysis. Many of you have probably participated in online surveys, in-stadium surveys or local focus groups for this research project. In addition to soccer fans, our marketing research study also is surveying the general population and the general sports fan to gauge the interest in MLS.

Major League Soccer’s marketing strategy for the League is to focus on three primary groups:

1. Youth … mainly the 14 million soccer players in the US under the age of eighteen. This group consists of individuals who are developing preferences for a lifetime and often times have disposable income and leisure time. We believe this group is the brand influencer of an entire generation.
2. Hispanic – there are nearly 43 million Hispanics in the United States and 85 percent of this group comes from soccer-loving countries. They are passionate about soccer, but that does not necessarily make them an MLS fan. We have to change the perception among many Latin Americans that the quality of play in MLS is low. We believe that meaningful competition between MLS clubs and Mexican First Division clubs will help us convince more Hispanic soccer fans, especially the 27 million Mexican-Americans, that MLS is an exciting, high-quality league.
3. Core Soccer Fan – Research states that there are 65 million people in the United States connected to the sport of soccer and six million list soccer as their favorite sport. The core soccer fan group is loyal and knowledgeable, but often is a fan of European or South American soccer and not a fan of MLS. Improving our talent pool, and perhaps just as importantly, the presentation of our games, is essential to capturing this audience.

Regarding the “Embrace the Colors” campaign, we’re sorry to hear you did not like the campaign. Our objectives behind the “Embrace the Colors” campaign were:

• Tap into the club-and-country connection that is one of soccer’s best selling points, especially in a World Cup year

• Showcase the diversity of our League

• Show that MLS is the foundation for the U.S. National Team

• Enhance team brands and rivalries

• Increase face-recognition of MLS stars and

Thanks for the compliments on the “It’s Your Game” campaign from a few years ago. Who knows, maybe we’ll bring that back. We certainly need more of those who love soccer in this country to take ownership of its future here. Our brand analysis and marketing research will help drive the marketing campaigns for 2007 and beyond.

9. Is there a plan to improve the quality of refereeing in MLS? What kind of review do referees do after the games? Are there penalties/fines/etc for egregious errors like the goal call for RSL where the ball clearly did not cross the line or the numerous non-calls on physical play that is causing players to be injured?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: We are committed to improving our referees and have many programs currently in place to improve our officials. As I mentioned earlier, Major League Soccer formed a Technical Committee to evaluate all levels of competition. That committee is in the process of researching and producing recommendations to our Board of Governors about a variety of competition issues, including our playoff format, our player pool, our officiating, youth development, and scheduling. We are confident that we will soon institute measures that will ensure the best possible training, monitoring, and accountability for our officials.

The referees for all MLS games are assigned and supervised by U.S. Soccer, and under the leadership of recently-elected President Sunil Gulati, the Federation is also taking steps to raise the quality of officiating at the professional level. U.S. Soccer is responsible for the education and training of officials and the assessment of their performance is handled by MLS. Dr. Joe Machnik oversees all aspects of Major League Soccer’s referee program and works closely with U.S. Soccer’s Esse Baharmast.

A detailed article explaining the MLS Referee process appears at - http://www.mlsnet.com/about/league.j...t =evaluation. The article is written by four-time MLS Referee of the Year Paul Tamberino, who is now U.S. Soccer’s Manager of Professional Assignment and Assessment. Tamberino assigns MLS officials and a Coach/Mentor to each Game. The U.S. Soccer Coach/Mentor works with each referee to properly prepare him and his crew for each Game. After the match, Dr. Machnik is in communication with the respective coaches (and at times general managers) to review the officials’ performance from a League perspective.

Machnik produces a written report which the U.S. Soccer Coach/Mentor included in his final assessment of the Referee’s performance. Officiating is an extremely important part of our game, and I want to make sure everyone is aware that we (MLS and U.S. Soccer) are closely analyzing our referees.

10. Years ago, MLS had a number of well-known international players who were "worth the price of admission": Carlos Valderrama, Roberto Donadoni, Hristo Stoichkov, etc. But today, those types of players are few and far between: Youri Djorkaeff, Paco Palencia, and that's about it. Does MLS have plans to increase the number of high-caliber international players in the league, either via the proposed Beckham exception or by some other means?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: This subject requires a delicate balance. We’ve had our successes with the likes of Valderrama, Etcheverry and Peter Nowak, and many others in the early years of the League. Lately, we have dedicated much of our spending on developing and keeping U.S. players.

Regarding decisions regarding new international “worth the price of admission” players, it is a subject we are analyzing as part of our 2007 plans. We’ll continue to evaluate the possibility of a “designated player” rule that provides each club the opportunity to secure one player outside the salary cap. We’ll keep you posted.

11. Chivas USA adopts an attacking football philosophy. As a result, many of their games are very entertaining. If all teams play attacking football, the playing field would be level and the number of entertaining games would increase. Should other MLS teams adopt attacking football philosophy? (there is a poll on MLS General Forum and about 75% voted for this adoption).

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: We’re all for attacking soccer, and we believe several of our clubs play a very attractive style. However, the style of play is determined by coach and team management. I was about to write that the attacking philosophy will increase as the talent on the field improves, but then I thought about Italy’s Serie A, one of the best soccer leagues in the world. Serie A is not necessarily known for its attacking style of soccer, despite the number of players in the league that excelled in the 2006 World Cup. And while “attacking” is a fairly straightforward concept, “attractive” is very subjective. Some fans prefer a breakneck, end-to-end pace with lots of one-touch passing; others prefer a more patient approach in which subtle pauses and trickery unlock the defense. Clearly, style of play is not something the League can mandate. We might be able to provide additional incentives, but it will still be up to the players and coaches to dictate their team’s style. Fans can also play a role, just by supporting a team with the style they like.

12. Understanding the need to recoup some of the large losses that MLS owners have incurred, and the amount of cash needed to build soccer-specific stadia, at what point can MLS fans expect owners to shift their focus to significantly improving the on-field talent? Next year? 2010? 2020?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: Our goal is to provide the resources to the MLS coaches and general managers to improve the product every year. We believe MLS is a very good league, but we also know we must continue to invest in the appropriate resources if we want to show improvement annually. Our technical committee has generated some innovative ideas that could be presented to our Board of Governors next month. We’ll be able to provide an update during the MLS Cup weekend.

13. There is near-unanimous consensus amongst MLS fans and the soccer media alike that having eight teams in the playoffs both cheapens the value of the regular season and makes a mockery of the "prize" of qualifying for the postseason. Why does MLS continue to stick to this system despite the overwhelming opinion that cutting the number of teams in half would increase the quality of the season and the playoffs?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: One benefit to having eight teams qualify is the playoff race, particularly in a League that does not have a relegation battle for its lower-placed teams. The current playoff race involved all 12 teams until last Saturday, when Columbus became the first team eliminated from contention for the postseason. It is intriguing to have the defending champion still knocking at the door, making the other Western Conference teams sweat; it’s compelling to have Kansas City and New York gearing up for a memorable regular-season finale that will decide the final spot in the East. That said, we are listening to what fans are saying (see research I mentioned in Question #8) and we are considering a number of options moving forward. We expect to have more news on this subject following our Board of Governors meeting at MLS Cup.

14. We have seen MLS clubs move away from some of the original and in my opinion terrible names they started out with (Burn, Clash, Mutiny) to more "classic" soccer names such as DC United, FC Dallas, Toronto FC, CD Chivas USA, and Real Salt Lake. I believe this is a good thing as it helps soccer stand out among a highly competitive and crowded American sport's marketplace and make the league sound more respectable internationally. A name that says soccer, sells soccer. Will we see these classic type names continue with expansion clubs?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: We also like the traditional soccer names, but they don’t always have to be traditional to Europe or South America. Most soccer fans will agree that the Chicago Fire is an authentic soccer brand. The New England Revolution has evolved into a traditional soccer brand during the last 11 years. A brand is much more than a name, and the Fire and Revs (not classic soccer names) prove that. Also, soccer fans in the Bay Area are very familiar with the name Earthquakes, but I would assume that many skeptics questioned that name when it was unveiled 30 years ago during the NASL days. Finally, we don’t have 100 years of history like the EPL, but we are establishing some of our own traditions.

15. I'm a 25 year old girl who believes more could be done to market some of the hot guys of MLS to women my age. I attended my first MLS match at 14 after my older sister took me to see a match in DC because she had a thing for another team's player. MLS in my opinion is missing out by not having more of a cross media footprint for some of these guys. Why no late night talk shows or cameo appearances in music videos or appearances at music or film awards? Stars are made in this country mostly through exposure as much as or more so than actual performance. If MLS want's "stars" they need not buy Beckham, instead just get Alex Yi, Clint Dempsey, Jamie Moreno, Shavar Thomas, Dwayne DeRosario and Jeff Cunningham's faces out there more. Are there any plans to do this?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: I realize many BigSoccer members were not supporters of this question, but it is a valid question. We are fortunate that we have many intelligent, charismatic and attractive players in Major League Soccer. And our guys are not hidden by helmets, pads or other types of equipment.

Our public relations department actually has staff members who focus their efforts on reaching non-sports media. In addition, the local teams pitch non-sports journalists regularly on this topic. We’ve had some success with this in 2006. A few examples:

Boston Globe - Jay Heaps fashion spread - http://www.boston.com/yourlife/fashi...ons_jay_heaps/

Elle Girl – Four young MLS players were featured in the June issue

People - Matt Nickell of D.C. United was featured in a recent issue

Vanity Fair – Six members of the Red Bulls appear in the Sept. 2006 issue

Maxim – Fashion spread featuring MLS players in the March issue - http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news...._mls&fext=.jsp - washingtonpost.com

Look for more news in this area next week when an MLS player will be featured in a national magazine targeted toward women. Finally, I’ve been told that the Major Indoor Soccer League used to have a “hot legs’ contest in the early 1980’s. While I don’t think we are going to go quite that far, we do want to continue to have our players transcend the sport into popular culture.

16. David Stern, your NBA counterpart, has suggested that interactive technology will enable the league to provide viewers more options on how the game appears on their television. I'm not sure just what he means, but I wonder if MLS has any dedicated effort or long-term vision to improve the way games are broadcast (e.g., replays, on-screen "chalkboard," cameras that don't just follow the ball, knowledgeable commentators) so that both novice fans and purists can get the most out of the experience.

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: Our national broadcast partners -- ABC/ESPN, Univision/Telefutura, Fox Soccer Channel/Fox Sports en Espanol, HDNet -- have all made a big commitment to MLS to produce and air games. These broadcast partners are placing a high priority on advancing the sport of soccer on television and throughout their media outlets. The league is working closely with them by building stadiums that are television friendly with custom camera positions to improve the presentation for the viewer at home. An example of this commitment from our national broadcasters is when representatives from ABC/ESPN, Univision/Telefutura, Fox Soccer Channel/Fox Sports en Espanol, HDNet all recently traveled to the new Colorado Rapids stadium in Commerce City to conduct a site survey and meet with the MLS League Broadcast Department along with representatives from the Rapids. This same group is traveling to Toronto later this month. Along with our broadcast partners, we have spent a great deal of time, money and energy in identifying and training soccer producers, directors and technicians who enjoy the sport. In 1996 the league’s network and regional partners were challenged when they needed to crew soccer games. Now, 11 years later after seminars, conference calls and weekly evaluations, we have a very strong foundation in this country for television professionals committed to soccer.

As players retire from MLS the announcer selection becomes easier. Former MLS players are often excellent at presenting the game that they played on the field at the League and international level. These players are well-known soccer names to our audience and elevate the importance of the broadcast. Opinions on broadcast talent are always going to be subjective, but executives at ABC/ESPN thought Eric Wynalda was a breakout star for the network at 2006 World Cup.

17. When do you foresee that each soccer club in MLS will be able to decide which players it buys and sells? And with the club keeping 100% of the income? Also, what is the actual amount of latitude that teams have in signing and transferring players? There have been many rumors or stories about the MLS blocking a transfer or owners blocking a transfer. It is a mutual decision or is there a person with the final say? In the same vein, has there been any discussion of allowing scraping the allocation system and going to a system where individual teams can purchase players on transfer and amortize the transfer fee over the life of the contract in regards to their salary cap number?

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: Our clubs play an integral role in every transfer negotiation, both incoming and outgoing. Players and their agents are also involved in those negotiations. The League’s role is to make sure the negotiations, and any deal, are conducted in accordance within the regulations of both MLS and FIFA. From my response earlier about single entity, you know that an essential component of our success so far as a business has been strategically managing costs in relation to revenue to assure that we build MLS for the long-term. Remember, allocations essentially represent an amount of money that a team can utilize to purchase a player’s contract and pay their salary. No player is ever forced upon an MLS club. On the contrary, the clubs dictate to the League which players they want to pursue. Conversely, no player is lifted from an MLS roster and sold without intense collaboration with the club (which in fact has veto rights over in-season transfers) and factoring in the interests and proper compensation for that player’s club.

18. Will the league ever take control of broadcasting team's matches or at least make it mandatory? I hate the fact some teams can choose not to broadcast their road games.

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: We always encourage our teams to televise as many games on local television as possible, both road and home matches. During the 2006 regular season, nearly 90% (171 of 192 games) of MLS matches were televised either nationally or locally. This means you could watch nearly every MLS game on the Direct Kick package or on the Internet with the MLSLive.tv package. We are working to make sure more games are televised so we are closer to 100% of all games televised in 2007.

19. Is there a plan to add a weekly team bonus for winning games and/or scoring goals? The added incentive may help players push harder for goals and wins in each game and the added intensity may draw more spectators to the games. Thank You.

COMMISSIONER ANSWER: MLS players do currently receive many different bonuses for wins, standing, individual performances, etc. The allocation of bonuses is a negotiated item in our Collective Bargaining Agreement with the MLS Player’s Union. Moving forward, we will look to enhance the process for the distribution of the bonus pool. Players such as the Red Bull’s Chris Henderson and Crew’s Ryan Joiner have told us that the system in Germany (where each played before their MLS careers) where players received weekly bonuses was very effective. MLS players currently receive their bonus at the end of the year.

20. What are your favorite musicians/bands, movies and TV shows?

I am very passionate about music and my tastes range from old school soul (Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Sly and the Family Stone, the O’Jays, etc.) to U2 and the Rolling Stones and new music like Jack Johnson and G Love. With all my traveling, I often have the opportunity to watch a lot of movies (DVDs). My two favorite movies of all time are Casablanca and the Shawshank Redemption. I don’t get a chance to watch much television, but in addition to watching or taping every MLS and Champion’s League game, I try not to miss 24 and Entourage.

MLS Jersey Front

2006-10-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

There was a recent report that MLS will sell space on jersey fronts for advertising.

So far from what I have heard only LA and Dallas have been reported to be close to a sponsorship, with LA on the verge of signing a multi-million deal. We shall look more into this in the off-season.

US to Copa America

2006-10-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

A report has come that has received an invitation for the Copa America in Venezuela scheduled for 2007. Gulati has said he is going to make a decision, which will probably be based on the new US coach, and maybe Don Garber, as MLS players may be gone for up to 2 1/2 months for Gold Cup and Copa America Duties. This will be a great chance to play in a truly competitive tournament, while facing top-class opponent's (with the exception of Bolivia). Let's see what effects this tournament should have on the US MNT, should they decide to go.

MLS: 20 Questions for Don Garber

2006-10-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Here are 20 questions posted on Big Soccer Recenlty:

1. What conditions/situations would need to exist in order for MLS to go from the current single entity structure to a franchise system as seen in MLB, NFL, etc.? Will the single-entity structure change much within the next 5 years?

MLS NOTE: There were many similar questions about single-entity.

2. One question in many parts: How seriously is MLS pursuing the "academy" concept? Is what Chicago and RBNY have now the ideal, or are you going to try to encourage teams to build true academies in the style of Boca Juniors, Barcelona or West Ham? And if so, will these be funded by the league or directly by the teams? How far away are we from finding out the status of the "youth player rights" system that was referenced at all-star time? Is there anything that you can tell us on that front?

MLS NOTE: Youth development/the academy concept was a very popular topic with multiple questions.

3. What information can you provide in regards to the MFL/MLS tournament (CONCACAF Champions League?) next summer?

4. Regardless of the rumored "Beckham Exception", are there plans to increase the salary cap so that MLS can be at least competitive with lower-tier European leagues like Denmark and Norway?

5. What is the status of expansion

MLS NOTE: There were many on expansion from Philadelphia, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, San Antonio, Austin, etc. Commissioner Garber will address these markets and more.

6. Also, is the 16-team limit a temporary one or one that you see lasting for a decade?

7. Three points to pose one question:

Aa. Many have brought light to a crowded schedule the MLS season and playoffs and US Open Cup face.

Bb. Many are currently unhappy about the playoff design.

Cc. Finally, lots of soccer 'traditionalists' or 'purists' believe a single table without playoffs is the only way to appropriately create buzz in the regular season and fairly crown a champion.

The question:

If you accept these as true, or even true in part, what do you think about the possibility of:

1) Scrapping the MLS playoffs

2) Crowning the MLS regular season league champion (MLS Cup Winner)

3) Entering the four top clubs into the Quarterfinals of a redesigned US Open Cup

You formed a "competition committee" at the start of the year, to address many things, but most importantly the competition format. Gazidis said we might see big changes in 2007. What is the status of that committee and have they made any recommendations yet?

8. What is MLS' marketing strategy - and why does the league appear to pick a different slogan/theme each year versus sticking with one over time? The "Colors" ads were weak - and downright silly - regardless of the hip hop star voiceover. "It's your game" was the best of the bunch - but there is no consistency year-to-year which gives the impression that MLS doesn't know who and what it's going after.

9. Is there a plan to improve the quality of refereeing in MLS? What kind of review do referees do after the games? Are there penalties/fines/etc for egregious errors like the goal call for RSL where the ball clearly did not cross the line or the numerous non-calls on physical play that is causing players to be injured?

10. Years ago, MLS had a number of well-known international players who were "worth the price of admission": Carlos Valderrama, Roberto Donadoni, Hristo Stoichkov, etc. But today, those types of players are few and far between: Youri Djorkaeff, Paco Palencia, and that's about it. Does MLS have plans to increase the number of high-caliber international players in the league, either via the proposed Beckham exception or by some other means?

11. Chivas USA adopts an attacking football philosophy. As a result, many of their games are very entertaining. If all teams play attacking football, the playing field would be level and the number of entertaining games would increase. Should other MLS teams adopt attacking football philosophy? (there is a poll on MLS General Forum and about 75% voted for this adoption).

12. Understanding the need to recoup some of the large losses that MLS owners have incurred, and the amount of cash needed to build soccer-specific stadia, at what point can MLS fans expect owners to shift their focus to significantly improving the on-field talent? Next year? 2010? 2020?

13. There is near-unanimous consensus amongst MLS fans and the soccer media alike that having eight teams in the playoffs both cheapens the value of the regular season and makes a mockery of the "prize" of qualifying for the postseason. Why does MLS continue to stick to this system despite the overwhelming opinion that cutting the number of teams in half would increase the quality of the season and the playoffs?

14. We have seen MLS clubs move away from some of the original and in my opinion terrible names they started out with (Burn, Clash, Mutiny) to more "classic" soccer names such as DC United, FC Dallas, Toronto FC, CD Chivas USA, and Real Salt Lake. I believe this is a good thing as it helps soccer stand out among a highly competitive and crowded American sport's market place and make the league sound more respectable internationally. A name that says soccer, sells soccer. Will we see these classic type names continue with expansion clubs?

15. I'm a 25 year old girl who believes more could be done to market some of the hot guys of MLS to women my age. I attended my first MLS match at 14 after my older sister took me to see a match in DC because she had a thing for another team's player. MLS in my opinion is missing out by not having more of a cross media footprint for some of these guys. Why no late night talk shows or cameo appearances in music videos or appearances at music or film awards? Stars are made in this country mostly through exposure as much as or more so than actual performance. If MLS want's "stars" they need not buy Beckham, instead just get Alex Yi, Clint Dempsey, Jamie Moreno, Shavar Thomas, Dwayne DeRosario and Jeff Cunningham's faces out there more. Are there any plans to do this?

16. David Stern, your NBA counterpart, has suggested that interactive technology will enable the league to provide viewers more options on how the game appears on their television. I'm not sure just what he means, but I wonder if MLS has any dedicated effort or long-term vision to improve the way games are broadcast (e.g., replays, on-screen "chalkboard," cameras that don't just follow the ball, knowledgeable commentators) so that both novice fans and purists can get the most out of the experience.

17. When do you foresee that each soccer club in MLS will be able to decide which players it buys and sells? And with the club keeping 100% of the income? Also, what is the actual amount of latitude that teams have in signing and transferring players? There have been many rumors or stories about the MLS blocking a transfer or owners blocking a transfer. It is a mutual decision or is there a person with the final say? In the same vein, has there been any discussion of allowing scraping the allocation system and going to a system where individual teams can purchase players on transfer and amortize the transfer fee over the life of the contract in regards to their salary cap number?

MLS NOTE: Question #17 is a fusion of a few questions posted.

18. Will the league ever take control of broadcasting team's matches or at least make it mandatory? I hate the fact some teams can choose not to broadcast their road games.

19. Is there a plan to add a weekly team bonus for winning games and/or scoring goals? The added incentive may help players push harder for goals and wins in each game and the added intensity may draw more spectators to the games. Thank You.

20. What are your favorite musicians/bands, movies and TV shows?

Starting from scratch

2006-10-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Another new US blog, and I am here to post thoughts and comments on how MLS, US and everything else related to US is doing.