MLS 2014 thread.

[sonny]

Might as well start it, eh?

[improbus]

I'm really going to try to dive into MLS this season. I've become a huge soccer fan over the last decade but have spent most of my time with the USMNT and the Premier League. Part of that is quality, part is convenience (early Saturday mornings when the family is still sleeping.) So, hopefully I can give the Crew the attention they have deserved.

[reds1869]

The Crew's new tv deal has really turned me off of the club. I'll still watch MLS but won't feel like I have a horse in the race.

[sonny]

Crew president Mark McCullers out.

http://m.thecrew.com/news/2014/03/crew-parts-ways-club-president-mark-mccullers

Strange timing.

[Caveat Emperor]

The Crew's new tv deal has really turned me off of the club. I'll still watch MLS but won't feel like I have a horse in the race.

The only really objectionable part is the blackout radius around Columbus for MLS Direct Kick (which would allow people who wanted to pay to watch matches online or on DirecTV be able to see them).

Otherwise, really, what were the Crew going to do? They were going to be 5th class citizens with Fox Sports (where their matches would continue to be bumped by the Reds, Indians, Cavs and Blue Jackets) -- and there was really no other statewide cable alternative for them. I imagine TWC was the only outlet offering them the ability to have every match guaranteed a live telecast.

[M2]

Toronto looks like it might finally have gotten a spending spree right. Meanwhile New England (three games) and D.C. (two games) have yet to score a goal. We could see a fault line develop early in the East if a few teams don't get their acts together quickly.

[reds1869]

The only really objectionable part is the blackout radius around Columbus for MLS Direct Kick (which would allow people who wanted to pay to watch matches online or on DirecTV be able to see them).

Otherwise, really, what were the Crew going to do? They were going to be 5th class citizens with Fox Sports (where their matches would continue to be bumped by the Reds, Indians, Cavs and Blue Jackets) -- and there was really no other statewide cable alternative for them. I imagine TWC was the only outlet offering them the ability to have every match guaranteed a live telecast.

Even with said fifth class status, I never had trouble finding the Crew on an alternate channel. Since I have DirecTV my only option now is to pay for Direct Kick...not a chance that is happening for what is essentially my local club.

[IslandRed]

I've never really paid much attention to MLS. I guess I'll try to, since next year Orlando City moves up to MLS and I can get to a game now and then if I want.

[Yachtzee]

I feel for the folks in the Columbus market, but it does work out for those of us in the Cleveland market, because we weren't getting the game live on an alternate channel, but instead getting it tapedelayed. Hopefully Direct TV will add it to thethe other regional sports networks in the future.

On a side note, did anyone catch the porn audio around the 75th minute of the Philly game?

[Yachtzee]

Toronto looks like it might finally have gotten a spending spree right. Meanwhile New England (three games) and D.C. (two games) have yet to score a goal. We could see a fault line develop early in the East if a few teams don't get their acts together quickly.

I find it amazing that New England and D.C. have gone from being two of the league's marquee franchises to being complete and utter disasters over the years. The sad thing is that, in the early years of the MLS, they were winning championships and were up with LA and NY at the top of the attendance charts. They are two examples where owners were blessed with a soccer-mad local market and squandered any good will they might have had. D.C. could be due for a turnaround if they build that soccer-specific stadium they've talked about, but I really don't know if there is any hope for New England. All signs point to Bob Kraft not really caring about performance and really just using the team as a way to get people into Gillette Stadium when the Patriots aren't playing. I think the only thing that kept Kraft from being the worst owner in the MLS was Vergara, the owner of Chivas, and now Vergara's gone.

Switching gears, aside from the TV issues and the fact that it's only been two games, I really like what I see from the Crew. They may not have made the big signings that other teams have, like Toronto or Philly, but I really like the change in style Berhalter has implemented with the team. They definitely seem to be a more aggressive team than they were under Warzycha. I also really like the signing of Parkhurst. I think his solid presence in the defensive middle has freed up the players on the wings and Will Trapp in the middle to move more freely, which makes the team much more fun to watch. I'd say my concern is that they seemed to be hanging on for dear life at the end of the Philly game and will definitely be open to counters when they play some of the better quality teams, but I'll take that over the humdrum style of the team under Warzycha.

[5TimeWSChamps]

I find it amazing that New England and D.C. have gone from being two of the league's marquee franchises to being complete and utter disasters over the years. The sad thing is that, in the early years of the MLS, they were winning championships and were up with LA and NY at the top of the attendance charts. They are two examples where owners were blessed with a soccer-mad local market and squandered any good will they might have had. D.C. could be due for a turnaround if they build that soccer-specific stadium they've talked about, but I really don't know if there is any hope for New England. All signs point to Bob Kraft not really caring about performance and really just using the team as a way to get people into Gillette Stadium when the Patriots aren't playing. I think the only thing that kept Kraft from being the worst owner in the MLS was Vergara, the owner of Chivas, and now Vergara's gone.

Switching gears, aside from the TV issues and the fact that it's only been two games, I really like what I see from the Crew. They may not have made the big signings that other teams have, like Toronto or Philly, but I really like the change in style Berhalter has implemented with the team. They definitely seem to be a more aggressive team than they were under Warzycha. I also really like the signing of Parkhurst. I think his solid presence in the defensive middle has freed up the players on the wings and Will Trapp in the middle to move more freely, which makes the team much more fun to watch. I'd say my concern is that they seemed to be hanging on for dear life at the end of the Philly game and will definitely be open to counters when they play some of the better quality teams, but I'll take that over the humdrum style of the team under Warzycha.

Yep. Other than the TV deal, the club's done everything right since Precourt took over. Got my tix for Toronto next weekend. If they can get 4 points out of the next 2 games (@SEA, TOR), they will be in business

[M2]

I find it amazing that New England and D.C. have gone from being two of the league's marquee franchises to being complete and utter disasters over the years. The sad thing is that, in the early years of the MLS, they were winning championships and were up with LA and NY at the top of the attendance charts.

Actually, NE and NY were disasters right from the start. The Revs had a sweet run from 2002-2009, but prior to that they were terrible. Fans flocked to games in Foxboro early on, but it became clear back in about 1999 that the team needed a stadium in Boston. Bob Kraft is a terrible soccer team owner. A lot of local fans wish he'd sell the team. The owners of Liverpool, Roma and Millwall are all local. The white knight potential is pretty high. Down in New Jersey, the Metro Cows have rarely been good. FC New York might blow them out of the water next year.

Chicago, which built its stadium too deep into the burbs, and DC were the two teams that dominated the league's early years. I'm hoping someone recognizes the potential to make all of those teams into relative giants.

[5TimeWSChamps]

JUSTIN MERAM!

Crew go into Seattle and win

http://www.thecrew.com/news/2014/03/highlight-meram-nets-winner-94th-minute

[Yachtzee]

JUSTIN MERAM!

Crew go into Seattle and win

http://www.thecrew.com/news/2014/03/highlight-meram-nets-winner-94th-minute

Amazing. I'm on the road, so I didn't get to see the game, but I used my phone app to set the DVD, so I'm hoping it taped. I heard the play was pretty rough in the first half, but they tightened up in the second and never stopped sending men forward, even after they got the equaliser. With the rain and the fake grass, I would have been happy with 1 pt. To come away with 3 is huge, especially playing in front of one of the most obnoxious fan bases in MLS. I never would have guessed the Crew would start 3-0. I really want to find the time to get down for a game now. Just a fun team to watch.

[5TimeWSChamps]

Amazing. I'm on the road, so I didn't get to see the game, but I used my phone app to set the DVD, so I'm hoping it taped. I heard the play was pretty rough in the first half, but they tightened up in the second and never stopped sending men forward, even after they got the equaliser. With the rain and the fake grass, I would have been happy with 1 pt. To come away with 3 is huge, especially playing in front of one of the most obnoxious fan bases in MLS. I never would have guessed the Crew would start 3-0. I really want to find the time to get down for a game now. Just a fun team to watch.

Got my tix for next Saturday against Toronto. If they can beat Philadelphia/Seattle/Toronto back to back to back, would be an amazing start

[Yachtzee]

Got my tix for next Saturday against Toronto. If they can beat Philadelphia/Seattle/Toronto back to back to back, would be an amazing start

That's looking to be a great game. Toronto comes to town with their high-priced talent and the second most obnoxious fan base after Seattle.

[M2]

I never would have guessed the Crew would start 3-0. I really want to find the time to get down for a game now. Just a fun team to watch.

They became my sleeper pick for 2014 the second they got Parkhurst. He does a half dozen subtly brilliant things every game. The Revs still haven't filled the hole he left when he went to Denmark. I like Tchani's game too. He's one of the best destroyers in the league.

[BuckeyeRed27]

What was Seattle doing on that last Columbus goal? Giving anyone that much space, let alone with 30 seconds left in the game is inexcusable.

[Yachtzee]

What was Seattle doing on that last Columbus goal? Giving anyone that much space, let alone with 30 seconds left in the game is inexcusable.

They claim the ref distracted them, which I really didn't see. I got the impression Seattle was time wasting hoping the ref would blow the final whistle as soon as the corner was taken. Some Seattle blogger claims they were waiting for the ref to whistle ready for the corner, but the rules don't require a player to wait for the whistle on a corner. The reality was that they got caught napping.

[M2]

Interesting development, soon-to-be MLS team owner David Beckham insists the league needs to get rid of its salary cap (http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1770788/david-beckham-says-mls-salary-cap-needs-go-report?cc=5901).

[Yachtzee]

Interesting development, soon-to-be MLS team owner David Beckham insists the league needs to get rid of its salary cap (http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1770788/david-beckham-says-mls-salary-cap-needs-go-report?cc=5901).

He claims he's spoken with a number of "friends" who want to come over to play for Miami. My guess is that he wants to sign a bunch of his old buddies to play but wants to do away with the rule that limits teams to 3 DPs. If I'm MLS, I tell him he knows the rule and it wouldn't be wise to start rocking the boat before his team plays a match. Has he even paid the expansion fee yet? All I've heard is that he announced he wishes to exercise his option for Miami and they are looking at stadium sites. At this point it's unwise to act as though everything is a done deal. Cleveland was once awarded an expansion franchise and had a stadium site all set to go, and it all blew up when voters rejected a referendum on a tax to pay for infrastructure.

Although it would be oddly appropriate given the location, my other concern is that Beckham's team will become a retirement community for washed up Europeans.

[Yachtzee]

I'm watching the Timbers-Sounders match on NBCSN and it's a real barnburner. 4-2 Portland in the 57'. Back and forth in the first half, but the Timbers have taken the advantage in the second. Both teams playing attacking ball and the Portland crowd is in top form.

Also, De'Andre Yedlin looks like he has a brick of ramen noodles stuck on his head.

[Yachtzee]

Wow. Dempsey scores for Seattle, then Portland concedes a penalty less than a minute later. Dempsey buries it to get the hat trick and tie the score, 4-4.

[Yachtzee]

I'd note quite a few University of Akron alumni have been involved in this game: Darlington Nagbe, Yedlin, Ben Semanski, and now Steve Zambian is coming in.

Both teams still trying for 3 points. Neither content to settle for a tie.

[Yachtzee]

And it ends a tie, 4-4. Just a crazy game. If you're a fan of the EPL, I'd encourage you to check out the MLS this season. There have definitely been some exciting games already this season and they've had quite an influx of talent to raise the level of play.

[BuckeyeRed27]

That Sounders/Timbers game was really great and super entertaining. It's too bad not every MLS, or soccer game for that matter could be like that one.

For example I went to the Galaxy/Chivas game yesterday and while it was nice that LA won 3-0 I don't think Chivas ever got out of bed. LA is trying out a diamond midfield this year with all their new faces and it did look pretty good yesterday. Chivas just played 9 or 10 behind the ball and tried to hold on.

[sonny]

Being a noob to soccer, what style does MLS most identify with, or do they lack a definitive league-wide style?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Being a noob to soccer, what style does MLS most identify with, or do they lack a definitive league-wide style?

Well I think it varies from team to team. The league in general is pretty physical in nature.

[Yachtzee]

That Sounders/Timbers game was really great and super entertaining. It's too bad not every MLS, or soccer game for that matter could be like that one.

For example I went to the Galaxy/Chivas game yesterday and while it was nice that LA won 3-0 I don't think Chivas ever got out of bed. LA is trying out a diamond midfield this year with all their new faces and it did look pretty good yesterday. Chivas just played 9 or 10 behind the ball and tried to hold on.

There are quite a few exciting teams, but I wouldn't expect much when Chivas is playing. I wouldn't expect games involving Sunderland or Cardiff to be thrilling either.

[BuckeyeRed27]

There are quite a few exciting teams, but I wouldn't expect much when Chivas is playing. I wouldn't expect games involving Sunderland or Cardiff to be thrilling either.

True enough. I try to avoid Chivas games, but I held out hope that they might be competitive given their start to the season.

[Caveat Emperor]

MLS to Atlanta being announced today, apparently.

It's an area they probably need to be in (given market size and the lack of teams in the SE) -- but I don't like the idea of adding another team that plays in an NFL venue and, likely, on FieldTurf.

[M2]

MLS to Atlanta being announced today, apparently.

It's an area they probably need to be in (given market size and the lack of teams in the SE) -- but I don't like the idea of adding another team that plays in an NFL venue and, likely, on FieldTurf.

That has disaster written all over it. Not only is it an MLS 1.0 stadium setup, but it's a notoriously terrible pro sports city. I would be (happily) stunned if Atlanta really embraced a soccer team.

[Caveat Emperor]

That has disaster written all over it. Not only is it an MLS 1.0 stadium setup, but it's a notoriously terrible pro sports city. I would be (happily) stunned if Atlanta really embraced a soccer team.

Apparently their NASL team draws well -- but I think the success of the Sounders playing at the Seahawks stadium has gotten into the league's collective head when it's really more of an outlier in terms of a working model. Shared facilities rarely work well for ANY sports, and it's somewhat shocking that MLS is allowing this to happen again. I think it speaks volumes about the league's desire to expand into the southeast as rapidly as possible.

On the plus side, this opens up a spot in the NASL that I plan to purchase for Cincinnati just as soon as one of these powerball tickets pays out.

[Yachtzee]

Apparently their NASL team draws well -- but I think the success of the Sounders playing at the Seahawks stadium has gotten into the league's collective head when it's really more of an outlier in terms of a working model. Shared facilities rarely work well for ANY sports, and it's somewhat shocking that MLS is allowing this to happen again. I think it speaks volumes about the league's desire to expand into the southeast as rapidly as possible.

On the plus side, this opens up a spot in the NASL that I plan to purchase for Cincinnati just as soon as one of these powerball tickets pays out.

I think Orlando is following the right path. I'm skeptical of the Atlanta setup, mainly because the team will be owned by Falcons' owner Arthur Blank. He could well be a good soccer/football owner like Lamar Hunt, but rumblings I've heard were that his desire for an MLS team is rooted in his desire to have a second tenant to justify a new stadium for the Falcons. If that's the case, they could have another Bob Kraft on their hands. I still think Beckham in Miami is a train wreck.

I would love to see an NASL team in Cincinnati.

[Yachtzee]

That has disaster written all over it. Not only is it an MLS 1.0 stadium setup, but it's a notoriously terrible pro sports city. I would be (happily) stunned if Atlanta really embraced a soccer team.

Bigger potential disaster: Atlanta or Beckham's Miami Vice?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Bigger potential disaster: Atlanta or Beckham's Miami Vice?

I think it's Miami for sure.

Atlanta has a fairly young population and I read that the stadium design will be like Vancouver where you can cover the upper deck.

The Miami thing seems like something that will work for a season or two and then be awful.

[IslandRed]

I'm skeptical of the Atlanta setup, mainly because the team will be owned by Falcons' owner Arthur Blank. He could well be a good soccer/football owner like Lamar Hunt, but rumblings I've heard were that his desire for an MLS team is rooted in his desire to have a second tenant to justify a new stadium for the Falcons.

If I remember my old articles right, the stadium project and financing was approved over a year ago, and there weren't any conditionals regarding a future soccer club. So I guess Blank could have walked away from MLS if he'd wanted to.

Not sure what to think about Miami. There are certainly enough soccer-loving people living there to support a team, but having Beckham as the face man suggests they're more interested in a hip Euro-expat vibe than in cultivating the Hispanic market, which is the majority of Miami-Dade.

[Yachtzee]

If I remember my old articles right, the stadium project and financing was approved over a year ago, and there weren't any conditionals regarding a future soccer club. So I guess Blank could have walked away from MLS if he'd wanted to.

Not sure what to think about Miami. There are certainly enough soccer-loving people living there to support a team, but having Beckham as the face man suggests they're more interested in a hip Euro-expat vibe than in cultivating the Hispanic market, which is the majority of Miami-Dade.

The key to how the stadium deal works is: who runs the stadium and gets to keep the revenues from various events? It's my understanding that the Atlanta Falcons will operate the stadium and will therefore collect rent on any secondary tenants and get revenues from non-football events. So having a secondary tenant like an MLS team benefits Blank and the Falcons because it's less idle time for the stadium. And while it may not have been a prerequisite for the stadium deal to go through, I'm sure all parties involved were very much hoping to get the MLS in there, because if you plan on playing soccer there, the stadium has to be designed wider to accommodate a proper soccer field. Many NFL stadia have problems hosting soccer because they were designed only with the narrower dimensions of an NFL gridiron in mind. They may be used for friendlies, but fat chance getting approval for league play or, if need arises, hosting World Cup matches.

Time will tell if Blank is interested in putting the effort into the MLS team or is just using it to bring in rent to put toward the Falcons.

[M2]

Bigger potential disaster: Atlanta or Beckham's Miami Vice?

To Beckham's credit, he seems to get marketing. Miami is a tough sports market. The weather's so good you've got to ask yourself "Why would I watch other people do stuff when I could be out doing stuff?" However, LeBron (and Shaq before him) have proven that sizzle sells with the South Beach crowd. Looks like Beckham plans on cranking on the hip factor for his franchise. I don't know that it will work, especially because the location and build of the stadium are key elements, but he's got the right idea.

Atlanta seems built on the MLS 1996 principle of "Hey, it's soccer." This team isn't going to be Seattle. It's going to be the New England Revolution in a softer sports and soccer market.

[Caveat Emperor]

Atlanta and Miami might be tough sports towns -- but, really, the metro areas for both are so big (~10.5 million people combined) that you really can't afford to leave them both blank if you want to have a national profile as a league (and generate revenue on a national TV contract).

[M2]

Atlanta and Miami might be tough sports towns -- but, really, the metro areas for both are so big (~10.5 million people combined) that you really can't afford to leave them both blank if you want to have a national profile as a league (and generate revenue on a national TV contract).

Ultimately, sure. Though I'd argue the key to making those markets work is by raising the profile of the league to a much higher level. The NHL failed twice in Atlanta and the NBA barely works there. The Braves rank near the top of the list in terms of MLB teams that underperform their market. My guess is until MLS payrolls rise to where every team can afford high profile players, Atlanta's going to be a difficult market. I don't know that Atlanta's going to turn out to see Chris Wondolowski (good player, but kind of vanilla). Also, we're just at the beginning of NBC broadcasting the EPL. The number of people who see international highlights like Gareth Bale's run for glory yesterday is still mushrooming.

So it seems to me MLS might be trying to force the issue in Atlanta when a wiser strategy would be to wait and have the market clamoring to get in on this soccer gig. It might take an extra decade, but my concern is the Atlanta MLS team is going to gain a small potatoes label it can't shake.

[IslandRed]

The key to how the stadium deal works is: who runs the stadium and gets to keep the revenues from various events? It's my understanding that the Atlanta Falcons will operate the stadium and will therefore collect rent on any secondary tenants and get revenues from non-football events. So having a secondary tenant like an MLS team benefits Blank and the Falcons because it's less idle time for the stadium. And while it may not have been a prerequisite for the stadium deal to go through, I'm sure all parties involved were very much hoping to get the MLS in there, because if you plan on playing soccer there, the stadium has to be designed wider to accommodate a proper soccer field. Many NFL stadia have problems hosting soccer because they were designed only with the narrower dimensions of an NFL gridiron in mind. They may be used for friendlies, but fat chance getting approval for league play or, if need arises, hosting World Cup matches.

Time will tell if Blank is interested in putting the effort into the MLS team or is just using it to bring in rent to put toward the Falcons.

NFL teams are cash machines with a salary cap, so I doubt the Falcons ever need a dime of Blank's outside money for football operations. But since they're putting up a fair amount of their own money toward stadium construction, the rent won't hurt when it comes to debt service. Ultimately, though, money's money, and to get the rent, the MLS club has to be able to pay it. One of those "separate pockets but they're both mine" scenarios.

Good point about the need to incorporate soccer logistics into the stadium design, hadn't considered that.

[Yachtzee]

Crew supporters group gives Atlanta a warm welcome:

http://deadspin.com/atlanta-burned-again-1563864432

[sonny]

Soccer is slowly gaining more popularity in the US. As the access to high level soccer is easily available, more and more people (young people especially) are being drawn to it. Hell, I started getting into it just this year after watching some Liga and BPL matches.

Given enough time, these cities should have plenty if supporters.

[Yachtzee]

MLS announced a new TV deal involving ESPN, FOX, and Univision. Each network will have a Game of the Week. On the one hand, I think it's great that MLS will now have 2 English language games of the week. Running them back to back on Sundays seems like they're trying to see if it can catch on in a similar way to the NFL and EPL, which both have days with back to back broadcasts. My only concern is that ESPN still seems to have that culture going on where a number of their on-the-air personalities have an open contempt for soccer. They did a good job with the last World Cup, but I don't know how much effort they'll put into MLS. It's interesting that FOX is getting back into the MLS game. They lost the EPL and subsequently did away with FOX Soccer Channel. However, they kept the Champions League and now look to be adding MLS and the Bundesliga to their stable of soccer broadcasts.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Obviously a lot of Donovan talk in the USMNT thread, but he finally broke the goal scoring record on Sunday. 2 goals and and had the assist on the first goal as well.

[M2]

Obviously a lot of Donovan talk in the USMNT thread, but he finally broke the goal scoring record on Sunday. 2 goals and and had the assist on the first goal as well.

MLS has got to be mildly thrilled about this. Jeff Cunningham held the record and he spent most of his career bouncing from one cellar dweller to another. He was like the Dave Kingman of goal scorers.

In separate news, somebody break up the Revs. They apparently were a sleeping giant earlier this season. If you don't know the name Diego ***undez, you probably should learn it. He's 19 years-old and could become a U.S. citizen between now and the 2018 World Cup. We'll see if Uruguay scoops him up before that.

[Yachtzee]

Well, it looks like NYCFC has decided to make a splash. Signed David Villa and are looking to sign Xavi and Frank Lampard as well.

http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/1858187

[M2]

Well, it looks like NYCFC has decided to make a splash. Signed David Villa and are looking to sign Xavi and Frank Lampard as well.

http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/1858187

I'm always a little leery of MLS teams bringing in older players for their farewell tours (e.g. Lothar Matthaus), but that's a pretty fearsome threesome.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'm always a little leery of MLS teams bringing in older players for their farewell tours (e.g. Lothar Matthaus), but that's a pretty fearsome threesome.

Agreed, but I don't think any of those guys fit the bill. Villa is 31, Xavi is 33 and Lampard is 35, but they all just contributed at a very high level for good teams. Lampard probably only has a couple years left, but no reason why the other two couldn't give three or four years. Honestly I think the years of the retirement tour DP is pretty much over. MLS will take guys like this, but unless they can come in and help win games no team is going to throw a bunch of money just for a name.

[Yachtzee]

Agreed, but I don't think any of those guys fit the bill. Villa is 31, Xavi is 33 and Lampard is 35, but they all just contributed at a very high level for good teams. Lampard probably only has a couple years left, but no reason why the other two couldn't give three or four years. Honestly I think the years of the retirement tour DP is pretty much over. MLS will take guys like this, but unless they can come in and help win games no team is going to throw a bunch of money just for a name.

With the involvement of Man City in the ownership and the possible signing of three big names of European soccer, NYCFC may well be making a play to attract that elusive creature of US soccer fandom, the Eurosnob. It may work, or it may be a Chivas-level disaster. I think Chivas has taught us that trying to build a fanbase from those who are fans of teams abroad is a risky proposition. Better to build a product that stands on its own.

[BuckeyeRed27]

With the involvement of Man City in the ownership and the possible signing of three big names of European soccer, NYCFC may well be making a play to attract that elusive creature of US soccer fandom, the Eurosnob. It may work, or it may be a Chivas-level disaster. I think Chivas has taught us that trying to build a fanbase from those who are fans of teams abroad is a risky proposition. Better to build a product that stands on its own.

I think the 3700 people that showed up to the Chivas vs. Timbers game last Wednesday would disagree :)

[Yachtzee]

I think the 3700 people that showed up to the Chivas vs. Timbers game last Wednesday would disagree :)

3700 Chivas fans can't be wrong. They desperately need a rebrand. i'm sure FC Chupacabras or California Condors could do better. Or just move them already.

[M2]

3700 Chivas fans can't be wrong. They desperately need a rebrand. i'm sure FC Chupacabras or California Condors could do better. Or just move them already.

Supposedly the re-brand is coming when they get a new owner. Getting their own stadium would help too (preferably out by Anaheim or Inland Empire). A move to San Diego wouldn't be the worst idea either.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Over 67000 expected in Seattle tonight for the Timbers game. Love watching these match ups.

[Yachtzee]

Over 67000 expected in Seattle tonight for the Timbers game. Love watching these match ups.

Should be a good one.

[Caveat Emperor]

I don't know I've ever seen a crowd this big for an MLS game. Damn.

[Yachtzee]

One problem I have with Seattle games: I can never get used to watching games on turf. It just seems wrong.

A note about the size of the crowd: there are few European clubs that can match this attendance. If it is over 67,000, which I wouldn't doubt, that would be over twice what many stadiums in the EPL could fit. Only Old Trafford can fit 70,000+ and most EPL stadiums are in the 20,000-50,000 range.

[M2]

I don't know I've ever seen a crowd this big for an MLS game. Damn.

Seattle sometimes gets gates like that for Portland or L.A., but MLS crowds like that don't happen often: the Inaugural MLS game, the 2002 MLS Cup final, Beckham at Giants Stadium, occasional big games for the Impact at Olympic Stadium.

[westofyou]

Should be a good one.

Timbers are a mess

[Kingspoint]

One problem I have with Seattle games: I can never get used to watching games on turf. It just seems wrong.

A note about the size of the crowd: there are few European clubs that can match this attendance. If it is over 67,000, which I wouldn't doubt, that would be over twice what many stadiums in the EPL could fit. Only Old Trafford can fit 70,000+ and most EPL stadiums are in the 20,000-50,000 range.

That 64,000 showed up is a phenomenal story. (Sounders won 2-0.)

[Yachtzee]

So I wonder if we'll see any big transfers during the summer window. Right now rumors are swirling around DeAndre Yedlin and Giancarlo Gonzalez of the Crew heading overseas. I've heard Jermaine Jones might be coming into the league. I would love to see him join the Crew to pair up with and mentor Wil Trapp. Columbus is second on the allocation list and has two open DP slots if necessary. Toronto is first on the allocation list, but no DP slot if Jones demands DP money. Of course, someone with Jones's name recognition means that there will likely be some sudden back room maneuvers to make sure Jones ends up on a marquee team.

[M2]

If I were running an MLS team, I'd be hard after Ricky Van Wolfswinkel of recently relegated Norwich City, who's scored everywhere but in the EPL. I'd also lure Costa Rican midfield anchor Celso Borges from his Swedish club.

[BuckeyeRed27]

So I wonder if we'll see any big transfers during the summer window. Right now rumors are swirling around DeAndre Yedlin and Giancarlo Gonzalez of the Crew heading overseas. I've heard Jermaine Jones might be coming into the league. I would love to see him join the Crew to pair up with and mentor Wil Trapp. Columbus is second on the allocation list and has two open DP slots if necessary. Toronto is first on the allocation list, but no DP slot if Jones demands DP money. Of course, someone with Jones's name recognition means that there will likely be some sudden back room maneuvers to make sure Jones ends up on a marquee team.

Lots of rumors Omar is going to Cruz Azul and Jones will come to LA with the freed up DP slot. He lives in LA already and apparently is his preferred choice if they can swing it.

[Yachtzee]

Lots of rumors Omar is going to Cruz Azul and Jones will come to LA with the freed up DP slot. He lives in LA already and apparently is his preferred choice if they can swing it.

It figures. I heard that the Crew might be able to command a sizable transfer fee for Giancarlo Gonzalez after his performance for Costa Rica in the World Cup, possibly up to £4 million. That could do well toward bringing in some good players.

[Yachtzee]

Ugh. The Crew drops one to Sporting KC with a goal in the 93'. They really need to get some help if they hope to salvage the season.

[Caveat Emperor]

If MLS was smart, they would have had a full slate of big-time games on last night.

There is zero competition for attention (unless you count "The ESPYs") and it would have been a perfect night to really showcase the product.

[BuckeyeRed27]

If MLS was smart, they would have had a full slate of big-time games on last night.

There is zero competition for attention (unless you count "The ESPYs") and it would have been a perfect night to really showcase the product.

They are getting better with the TV coverage and I think with the new ESPN/Fox deal it will get better, but you're right there needs to be a lot more national exposure.

That Crew ending was brutal, but that was a nice strike from Feilhaber.

LA put up a 5 spot against the Revs. Check out Keane's opening goal...it was a beauty.

[Yachtzee]

They are getting better with the TV coverage and I think with the new ESPN/Fox deal it will get better, but you're right there needs to be a lot more national exposure.

That Crew ending was brutal, but that was a nice strike from Feilhaber.

LA put up a 5 spot against the Revs. Check out Keane's opening goal...it was a beauty.

Another problem for the time being is that MLS is currently overly Western in team locations, so many marquee matchups that are ideal games to be nationally televised are on the West Coast, which means 10 pm starts EDT. Meanwhile, most of the US population still lives east of the Mississippi. This should be alleviated somewhat, with 4 new teams joining the league from the Eastern time zone. No offense to those of you on the West Coast, but NBCSN showing the Timbers-Rapids tilt as their game of the week with an 11 pm EDT Friday start isn't the way to get good TV ratings for a national audience.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Another problem for the time being is that MLS is currently overly Western in team locations, so many marquee matchups that are ideal games to be nationally televised are on the West Coast, which means 10 pm starts EDT. Meanwhile, most of the US population still lives east of the Mississippi. This should be alleviated somewhat, with 4 new teams joining the league from the Eastern time zone. No offense to those of you on the West Coast, but NBCSN showing the Timbers-Rapids tilt as their game of the week with an 11 pm EDT Friday start isn't the way to get good TV ratings for a national audience.

Absolutely. I wish they would do a Friday doubleheader instead. They did an east coast game a few weeks ago (I think it was Chicago and DC maybe?) but it was already in the 60th minute by the time I got home.

[Yachtzee]

DeMarcus Beasley will be joining the Houston Dynamo. Rumor has it NYCFC will announce the signing of Frank Lampard tomorrow.

[paintmered]

Columbus is about to finalize a signing of a forward. They currently sit atop the allocation list, have cap space, and have hinted it could be a DP. Jozy Altidore, anyone?

[Yachtzee]

Columbus is about to finalize a signing of a forward. They currently sit atop the allocation list, have cap source, and have hinted it could be a DP. Jozy Altidore, anyone?

That would be very interesting. Of course, it's all speculation and Gregg Berhalter is very tight-lipped on the situation.

[Yachtzee]

Nice road win for the Crew at New England. Higuain had a filthy curve on a free kick to score the first goal.

[Brutus]

In separate news, somebody break up the Revs. They apparently were a sleeping giant earlier this season. If you don't know the name Diego ***undez, you probably should learn it. He's 19 years-old and could become a U.S. citizen between now and the 2018 World Cup. We'll see if Uruguay scoops him up before that.

In my opening tour as a soccer fan, I've been trying to get to know more about some of the notable players and ***undez is definitely one of the guys I've been most intrigued by. I love watching that kid. Great footwork, quickness and good ball skills. He oozes of potential.

The great news is that despite his Uruguayan roots, it seems he genuinely wants to play for the U.S. Of course, 2016 is the soonest he could become a citizen and it might not even happen until 2018 or beyond. I worry that Uruguay will offer him a spot on the senior roster before he's able to become a U.S. citizen, then he won't want to wait out the process. That would be heartbreaking to have a potential difference maker who could be an international star in the future that wants to be on the U.S. team, wind up playing for another country because he's not yet eligible.

With Yedlin, Green, Johannson, etc. already in the mix, potentially adding a ***undez for 2018 or beyond, the U.S. would suddenly have some legit playmakers (scorers especially) in the future that they've lacked.

[Yachtzee]

In my opening tour as a soccer fan, I've been trying to get to know more about some of the notable players and ***undez is definitely one of the guys I've been most intrigued by. I love watching that kid. Great footwork, quickness and good ball skills. He oozes of potential.

The great news is that despite his Uruguayan roots, it seems he genuinely wants to play for the U.S. Of course, 2016 is the soonest he could become a citizen and it might not even happen until 2018 or beyond. I worry that Uruguay will offer him a spot on the senior roster before he's able to become a U.S. citizen, then he won't want to wait out the process. That would be heartbreaking to have a potential difference maker who could be an international star in the future that wants to be on the U.S. team, wind up playing for another country because he's not yet eligible.

With Yedlin, Green, Johannson, etc. already in the mix, potentially adding a ***undez for 2018 or beyond, the U.S. would suddenly have some legit playmakers (scorers especially) in the future that they've lacked.

I didn't get to see the game, but rumor has it that highly touted youth player Gedion Zelalem played for Arsenal in their friendly with NY Red Bulls. He's German-born of Ethiopian descent who has played for the German youth teams. Why is he interesting? Because he tried to play for the USMNT youth squads while he was living in the US before but was ineligible as a permanent resident alien. However, his father has applied for US citizenship and since Zelalem is still a minor, he would get citizenship as well, making him eligible to play for the US.

[Brutus]

I didn't get to see the game, but rumor has it that highly touted youth player Gedion Zelalem played for Arsenal in their friendly with NY Red Bulls. He's German-born of Ethiopian descent who has played for the German youth teams. Why is he interesting? Because he tried to play for the USMNT youth squads while he was living in the US before but was ineligible as a permanent resident alien. However, his father has applied for US citizenship and since Zelalem is still a minor, he would get citizenship as well, making him eligible to play for the US.

Funny you say that as my best friend, an Arsenal fan, was just telling me about him today.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I didn't get to see the game, but rumor has it that highly touted youth player Gedion Zelalem played for Arsenal in their friendly with NY Red Bulls. He's German-born of Ethiopian descent who has played for the German youth teams. Why is he interesting? Because he tried to play for the USMNT youth squads while he was living in the US before but was ineligible as a permanent resident alien. However, his father has applied for US citizenship and since Zelalem is still a minor, he would get citizenship as well, making him eligible to play for the US.

He has crazy talent, although he didn't look all that great in the NYRB game. He's a bit like Julian Green where you can really see the ball skills and and the vision, but he is still a kid and doesn't quite have the phyisical stature just yet.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Galaxy are laying the wood to Seattle right now. 3-0 at half game is on espn 2. Seattle is really missing Marshall, the whole back line is a mess and LA has played about as well as they have all year.

[BuckeyeRed27]

If you haven't seen it yet, check out Henry's goal last night against RSL. Gets himself open about 20 yards out, takes a pass and more or less passes it into the back of the net through traffic.

[Big Red Smokey]

Berhalter stating that a rep from a "big-time" USMNT player is interested in joining the Crew.

Crew are 1st in Allocation order so they control the market unless a team wants to give a guy like Jermaine Jones a DP contract.

I think it's either Mix Diskerud or Jozy Altidore. Jermaine Jones wants to go to Chicago

[Yachtzee]

Berhalter stating that a rep from a "big-time" USMNT player is interested in joining the Crew.

Crew are 1st in Allocation order so they control the market unless a team wants to give a guy like Jermaine Jones a DP contract.

I think it's either Mix Diskerud or Jozy Altidore. Jermaine Jones wants to go to Chicago

Chicago wants Jermaine Jones, but from what I gather, I think Jones wants to play for whoever meets his salary demands. That being said, any of the three would be nice, but I'd prefer Mix or Jozy because they fill the need of an attacking player and they're younger.

[Big Red Smokey]

Adam Jardy of the Dispatch saying it's Sacha Kljestan.

No thanks

[BuckeyeRed27]

Adam Jardy of the Dispatch saying it's Sacha Kljestan.

No thanks

Rumor is that is who LA are after with the trade they made last week. Columbus could take him but not sure they want to pay him.

[Yachtzee]

Adam Jardy of the Dispatch saying it's Sacha Kljestan.

No thanks

Looks like the news today is that it is actually Mix Diskerud. They allegedly had a handshake deal, but negotiations with his father/agent have hit a snag. Supposedly they're still trying to get a deal done.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Galaxy have set a press conference for tomorrow presumably to announce the signing of Sacha Kljestan.

MLS window closes today, so if anything is going to get done it is going to happen soon.

[Big Red Smokey]

Looks like the news today is that it is actually Mix Diskerud. They allegedly had a handshake deal, but negotiations with his father/agent have hit a snag. Supposedly they're still trying to get a deal done.

Would love Mix Diskerud. Get it done Precourt

[Big Red Smokey]

@MixDiskerud Aug 2
Summer.
I am too hot.
Crew cut?

Looks like his dad is the one who torpedoed this deal.

[Yachtzee]

@MixDiskerud Aug 2
Summer.
I am too hot.
Crew cut?

Looks like his dad is the one who torpedoed this deal.

Taylor Twellman just tweeted that Diskerud had a deal done with the Crew, but last minute requests from dad have put it in serious jeopardy. Mix's dad must not understand that, in Ohio, only LeBron James gets to have the team fulfill outrageous requests from family members.

[Yachtzee]

Sounds like the Crew offered Mix a great deal. Now I wonder what his dad could have asked for that ended up killing the deal.

[RedTeamGo!]

Anyone see the ending of the MLS All Star game last night? Pep is a dbag.

[Yachtzee]

Anyone see the ending of the MLS All Star game last night? Pep is a dbag.

I had to go to bed to get up for work, but I heard on SiriusXMFC this morning that Pep wouldn't shake Caleb Porter's hand. Apparently he was upset about some rough play on the part of the MLSers.

[RedTeamGo!]

I had to go to bed to get up for work, but I heard on SiriusXMFC this morning that Pep wouldn't shake Caleb Porter's hand. Apparently he was upset about some rough play on the part of the MLSers.

He also tried to get his team off the pitch and told them not to shake hands with any of the MLS players.

It was really bizarre.

[BuckeyeRed27]

He also tried to get his team off the pitch and told them not to shake hands with any of the MLS players.

It was really bizarre.

Totally classless. He said later that he didn't see him, which means now he is lying.

There were a couple hard challenges that probably shouldn't have happened, but they weren't terrible and had nothing to do with Porter anyways. I know Pep is a legend, but I lost a lot of respect for him with that stunt.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Landon Donovan is retiring at the end of the season. I'm not shocked, but it is a little surprising. I thought he'd go for another couple seasons.

[Caveat Emperor]

Landon Donovan is retiring at the end of the season. I'm not shocked, but it is a little surprising. I thought he'd go for another couple seasons.

I get the sense that if you had told him back during his "sabbatical" from the game that he wasn't going to make the 2014 World Cup roster, he probably would have never come back in the first place.

[Yachtzee]

I get the sense that if you had told him back during his "sabbatical" from the game that he wasn't going to make the 2014 World Cup roster, he probably would have never come back in the first place.

I had a feeling Landon Donovan was nearing retirement. I believed he had questioned whether his heart was in it when he took his sabbatical. I think Klinsmann might have seen it when he left Donovan off the World Cup roster. In any case, he had a great career for the USMNT and the Galaxy.

On a side note, looks like LA couldn't get their deal done with Sasha Kljiestan. Sounds like the money was there, but MLS objected. I'm wondering if the real problem between the Crew and Mix and LA and Kljiestan had to do with clauses in the MLS contract rather than money.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I had a feeling Landon Donovan was nearing retirement. I believed he had questioned whether his heart was in it when he took his sabbatical. I think Klinsmann might have seen it when he left Donovan off the World Cup roster. In any case, he had a great career for the USMNT and the Galaxy.

On a side note, looks like LA couldn't get their deal done with Sasha Kljiestan. Sounds like the money was there, but MLS objected. I'm wondering if the real problem between the Crew and Mix and LA and Kljiestan had to do with clauses in the MLS contract rather than money.

If I had to guess the story about Mix's Dad messing up that contract is true. When that fell apart Columbus used their spot to put a claim in on Sacha, he didn't want to play in Columbus and LA wasn't willing to make a trade to move up again so everything fell apart. Landon Donovan was so irate about not being able to play along side Kljiestan that he scored the game winner against Bayern and promptly annouced his retirement.

[Big Red Smokey]

So strange...

http://bloguin.com/32flags/uncategorized/mix-diskerud-opens-up-about-crazy-transfer-saga-on-message-board.html

[BuckeyeRed27]

Yedlin is officially going to Spurs, but will finish the season with Seattle. Good move for him, I actually thought the transfer fee of $4M was a little low given his age, but that's the American discount I guess.

[Yachtzee]

Great game by the Crew tonight. Started things off with a nice tribute to Landon Donovan, then take Donovan's Galaxy to the woodshed, 4-1. One of the best team performances of the season.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Great game by the Crew tonight. Started things off with a nice tribute to Landon Donovan, then take Donovan's Galaxy to the woodshed, 4-1. One of the best team performances of the season.

Weird game for LA. They looked a step slow all night and had no interest in defending the midfield. Credit to Columbus for being aggressive and really being committed on defense. I hope that game was just some aberration because LA had been playing great this month up until that mess.

[Yachtzee]

Another strong showing from the Crew with a 3-0 win over Houston. Justin Meram is really coming on as a player.

Looks like the Crew have sold Giancarlo Gonzalez to Palermo for a record transfer fee, at least for an MLS defender. I haven't heard the amount of the transfer fee, but it should go towards building a better team.

Also, the Crew have announced they will go public with a rebranding on October 8, 2014. Rumor has it the colors and the word Crew will remain, but the badge is on the way out. Some hints are that it will be a circular badge inspired by the Bundesliga.

[Caveat Emperor]

Desperately overdue for Columbus, IMO. Their current badge/branding is really MLS 1.0, and it was pretty lame at the time. I'd have ditched the entire package and just gone with "Columbus FC" (or "Ohio FC" to capitalize on the Ohio State vibe) -- they could still be referred to as "Crew" unofficially, but I would leave it off the badge.

The other thing I'd consider: Moving them to a more interesting town than Columbus.

[Caveat Emperor]

Also, Seattle is killing Portland at the half. Still worth watching just for the environment at the game.

[sonny]

Desperately overdue for Columbus, IMO. Their current badge/branding is really MLS 1.0, and it was pretty lame at the time. I'd have ditched the entire package and just gone with "Columbus FC" (or "Ohio FC" to capitalize on the Ohio State vibe) -- they could still be referred to as "Crew" unofficially, but I would leave it off the badge.

The other thing I'd consider: Moving them to a more interesting town than Columbus.

More interesting than Columbus? It's pretty interesting here: college town, good nightlife, plenty of recreation, industry, 14th largest city in the US, unofficial home of US soccer, rabid fanbase, soccer specific stadium and home to another professional franchise.

What a bore!

[BuckeyeRed27]

More interesting than Columbus? It's pretty interesting here: college town, good nightlife, plenty of recreation, industry, 14th largest city in the US, unofficial home of US soccer, rabid fanbase, soccer specific stadium and home to another professional franchise.

What a bore!

Yeah I think Columbus is the best MLS city in Ohio for sure. There is no reason that Columbus couldn't do as well as SKC has done with the right leadership.

[Caveat Emperor]

More interesting than Columbus? It's pretty interesting here: college town, good nightlife, plenty of recreation, industry, 14th largest city in the US, unofficial home of US soccer, rabid fanbase, soccer specific stadium and home to another professional franchise.

What a bore!

If Columbus was a color, it would be beige.

[sonny]

If Columbus was a color, it would be beige.

Neon beige.

[RedTeamGo!]

If Columbus was a color, it would be beige.

Yea, but Cleveland is brown.

Disclaimer: I do not mean the skin color.

[Caveat Emperor]

Yea, but Cleveland is brown.

Disclaimer: I do not mean the skin color.

Cleveland is interesting -- it has history, character, and a civic identity.

Columbus was made state capital because it was centrally located.

[westofyou]

If Columbus was a color, it would be beige.

Taupe

[RedTeamGo!]

Cleveland is interesting -- it has history, character, and a civic identity.

Columbus was made state capital because it was centrally located.

Good point, but isn't Columbus a bit of a soccer hotbed? I have not lived in the Cleveland area long, but it seems like more of a football and hockey area.

[westofyou]

Wait Portland thinks it's the USA capital of Soccer, and so does KC.

Hmmmm

[Caveat Emperor]

Wait Portland thinks it's the USA capital of Soccer, and so does KC.

Hmmmm

Seattle thinks it invented the sport.

[paintmered]

More interesting than Columbus? It's pretty interesting here: college town, good nightlife, plenty of recreation, industry, 14th largest city in the US, unofficial home of US soccer, rabid fanbase, soccer specific stadium and home to another professional franchise.

What a bore!

1st, city population isn't a good metric. Columbus annexed itself into growth. Metro population and density is what counts, and Columbus doesn't have either.

I live in Columbus now. It is the nicer of the two cities. But it hasn't done anything to capture my imagination or interest since I've been here (and it's not for a lack of trying). It's a college town without an identity but claims to be a major city.

[sonny]

1st, city population isn't a good metric. Columbus annexed itself into growth. Metro population and density is what counts, and Columbus doesn't have either.

I live in Columbus now. It is the nicer of the two cities. But it hasn't done anything to capture my imagination or interest since I've been here (and it's not for a lack of trying). It's a college town without an identity but claims to be a major city.

Metro population has nearly doubled in the last 5 years, it has become a destination for immigrants (who are big soccer fans usually), it boasts an extremely diverse population in terms of nationalities, religions, LGBT community, is a political hotbed, has a huge art presence and is part-time home of Eric Clapton. But it doesn't capture your imagination, so for that, we apologize.

In other news, the Crew are announcing a rebrand October 8th. The colors and name will stay, everything else is changing.

[Yachtzee]

Columbus is interesting for the MLS because, back in 1993-94, when the powers that be put out a call for people who were interested in having an MLS team to put their money where their mouths were and send in a deposit on tickets, the people of Columbus sent in more deposits thanaanyone else and were given the first franchise. The city of Columbus was also the city that worked with owners to get the first soccer specific stadium built. They were also the first city to give the USMNT an actual home field advantage with fan support in games vs. Mexico. They did this well before cities like Seattle and Portland jumped on the bandwagon. And as much as I would love Cleveland to have an MLS team, they blew their chance. They had an expansion franchise all lined up with a privately funded soccer stadium and failed to pass a bill to allow infrastructure improvements to allow greater access to the stadium. The team ended up going to Chivas. Ironically, the infrastructure improvements owners asked for have since been made, but now they have no MLS team to show for it.

[Caveat Emperor]

Metro population has nearly doubled in the last 5 years, it has become a destination for immigrants (who are big soccer fans usually), it boasts an extremely diverse population in terms of nationalities, religions, LGBT community, is a political hotbed, has a huge art presence and is part-time home of Eric Clapton. But it doesn't capture your imagination, so for that, we apologize.

Columbus is such a happening place that 90% of OSU undergrads pine openly about wanting to move to Chicago as soon as their 5 year Marketing degree is complete.

[Yachtzee]

We interrupt this discussion on the merits of Columbus to note that Jermaine Jones has signed with the New England Revolution.

[paintmered]

We interrupt this discussion on the merits of Columbus to note that Jermaine Jones has signed with the New England Revolution.

Rather, MLS decided they'd create yesterday's rule du jour to assign Jones to the Revs.

[westofyou]

Craig Calcaterra @craigcalcaterra ·

Tip: question anything that has Columbus ranked ahead of NY, Chicago and SF in "arts and culture." http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-ranked-6th-best-city-for-arts-culture …

[Caveat Emperor]

Rather, MLS decided they'd create yesterday's rule du jour to assign Jones to the Revs.

In most sports, the rules regarding players moving to and from various teams/clubs are well settled and understood by everyone. It makes following teams easy because you always know what needs to be done to be successful -- whether your team obliges or can afford to oblige is another matter.

MLS just makes this up as they go along. They've got more in common with the WWE than the NFL or the EPL.

[paintmered]

In most sports, the rules regarding players moving to and from various teams/clubs are well settled and understood by everyone. It makes following teams easy because you always know what needs to be done to be successful -- whether your team obliges or can afford to oblige is another matter.

MLS just makes this up as they go along. They've got more in common with the WWE than the NFL or the EPL.

I'm getting into MLS this year after little more than acknowledging its presence since its founding, and the lack of transparency by which MLS conducts business is really disappointing. It's a sham if the league can control the flow of individual players and promote the success of certain markets over others.

I agree that MLS should maintain a salary cap to ensure controlled growth of players salaries and to prevent teams from bankrupting themselves. But beyond that, let the teams be separate clubs and not a collection of puppets controlled by the whims of a single master.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'm getting into MLS this year after little more than acknowledging its presence since its founding, and the lack of transparency by which MLS conducts business is really disappointing. It's a sham if the league can control the flow of individual players and promote the success of certain markets over others.

I agree that MLS should maintain a salary cap to ensure controlled growth of players salaries and to prevent teams from bankrupting themselves. But beyond that, let the teams be separate clubs and not a collection of puppets controlled by the whims of a single master.

It's not a perfect system, but that's a little simplified. I do think that the league is stable enough to change some of the rules but the single entity system still has some benefits.

[Yachtzee]

I have been seeing a lot of articles lately about cities looking to be the next expansion franchise for MLS. Sacramento, Las Vegas, and San Antonio have been making noise about building soccer specific stadia to grab an MLS team.

To be honest, the idea of another MLS team out west doesn't thrill me. Sacramento seems like they have some support, but I think NASL is the level they should be shooting for. I think we need more teams succeding in the second tier and that would be a good spot for them. If I were MLS, I'd tell Las Vegas to show us you can make soccer successful with a NASL or USL Pro team rather than jump straight to the MLS. San Antonio suffers from the fact that Texas has two teams already. MLS should really look at another team in the Midwest. I know Minneapolis has made some noise, but I loathe the idea of the Wilf family using the team as merely a second tenant for their footbalm stadium. St. Louis would be good, but hasn't really had an ownership group step up. Other potential Midwest candidates would include Pittsburgh, who have built a soccer specific stadium for the Riverhounds that can be expanded, and Indianapolis, where the Indy Eleven have made some waves. Detroit could work as well if they stop floating hairbrained schemes about using the Silverdome.

Ideally, MLS would just give up the notion of keeping Chivas in LA and offer it to bidders from Sacramenton, San Diego, San Antonio, or even Phoenix. The also need to tell Beckham and Miami to get their act together or else encourage Beckham to talk to other cities such as Charlotte or Raliegh-Durham

[BuckeyeRed27]

http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/2061689/chivas-usa-to-suspend-operations-after-mls-seasonsources-say

I think on the field Chivas went on hiatus about 3 years ago. Seems like a good move. That situation is a disaster and this will give a new ownership group time to rebrand and basically bring another expansion team in. Also it leaves the league with 20 teams next year which will be easier to balance. Although it very likely means Houston and SKC to the West, which would make the West seemingly much tougher.

[M2]

I wouldn't complain if it turned into a permanent hiatus for Chivas.

[Yachtzee]

Still don't see the fascination with keeping a second team in LA when there are plenty of other cities waiting in the wings. My next question is, what happens to Chivas players while the team is on hiatus? Will there be a dispersal draft or do they let these rumored new owners loan them out for a few years? There is some talent on that team.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Still don't see the fascination with keeping a second team in LA when there are plenty of other cities waiting in the wings. My next question is, what happens to Chivas players while the team is on hiatus? Will there be a dispersal draft or do they let these rumored new owners loan them out for a few years? There is some talent on that team.

Nothing has been finalized yet, but for the players still under contract there is apparently going to be a dispersal draft. Torres and Kennedy are obviously the two big gets on that team.

LA should have a second team, but it shouldn't play in the same place as the first team. This is a sprawling city that is hard to get around in and it was always a bad idea to put them both in the same place. Having the franchise in Orange County, downtown or even better East LA/Pomona area would work great.

[M2]

Inland Empire is screaming for a team, 13th largest metro area in the U.S. (4.35 million humans) and not a single major pro sports franchise. First team in there will bask in the love.

[Big Red Smokey]

Ok...This new crest is sick.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BzdquOwIYAEnQPc.jpg

[sonny]

New badge is hawt. Nice classic soccer badge with a nod to the past and to the fans as well. Good work Precourt

[Yachtzee]

I like it. I also like that a lot of the design was done in house. It has a bit more of a "soccer" feel to it. My biggest concern was that they would go with a design firm like Brandiose that comes up with all those cutesy, over-designed logos with bevelled letters and drop shadows all over the place. They keep the colors and the name, adding "SC" for Soccer Club (which apparently has gotten raves from fans of US Soccer but criticism from the Eurosnob crowd because it's not "FC" for Football Club.

I think the best part of the reveal party for the New Crew is Frankie Hejduk's 7 minute "speech." That guy is nuts.

http://www.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/10/08/frankie-hejduk-columbus-crew-logo-rant

Now I need a new t-shirt.

[M2]

They keep the colors and the name, adding "SC" for Soccer Club (which apparently has gotten raves from fans of US Soccer but criticism from the Eurosnob crowd because it's not "FC" for Football Club.

I'm a big proponent of SC. Not for U.S.-Euro reasons per se, but I think a big part of more casual fans embracing the sport is not having the infantile "football" argument. "Soccer" keeps it straight and doesn't make people feel like idiots when they first start to follow the sport.

[Yachtzee]

I'm a big proponent of SC. Not for U.S.-Euro reasons per se, but I think a big part of more casual fans embracing the sport is not having the infantile "football" argument. "Soccer" keeps it straight and doesn't make people feel like idiots when they first start to follow the sport.

I would agree with that. The whole "Football v. Soccer" argument is pretty old and I think it turns off some people just getting into the sport when people start getting uptight about the name of the sport.

I'm really interested to see how the new badge looks on a jersey, but I hear the new jerseys will have to wait for Jersey Week before the start of the next season.

[M2]

I think it turns off some people just getting into the sport when people start getting uptight about the name of the sport.

Exactly.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Badge and name look great. This is the best part of the year for MLS. The East is wide open with basically every spot open and 7 teams fighting for them.

The west is pretty much locked down but LA and Seattle play each other twice to end the season, so tip of the cap to the schedulers on that one. I'm going to the LA/Seattle game next Sunday which is Landon's last regular season home game. Should be a big crowd and I think it is in ESPN or NBCSN.

[M2]

Badge and name look great. This is the best part of the year for MLS. The East is wide open with basically every spot open and 7 teams fighting for them.

The west is pretty much locked down but LA and Seattle play each other twice to end the season, so tip of the cap to the schedulers on that one. I'm going to the LA/Seattle game next Sunday which is Landon's last regular season home game. Should be a big crowd and I think it is in ESPN or NBCSN.

The Revs need one point from their last 3 games to qualify. They'd better get it.

[Yachtzee]

The Revs need one point from their last 3 games to qualify. They'd better get it.

Well, they have a bad Montreal team and two underwhelming teams in Houston and Toronto. Toronto will be the tough game because TFC is fighting to get above the red line.

I'm hoping the Crew is able to translate that energy from the brand reveal to some points on the road against Philly and NY Energy Drink before they return home to play the Union. I've checked seats for the last game and it's looking like another sellout. If the Crew are still in playoff position, Crew Stadium will be crazy.

[Big Red Smokey]

Badge and name look great. This is the best part of the year for MLS. The East is wide open with basically every spot open and 7 teams fighting for them.

The west is pretty much locked down but LA and Seattle play each other twice to end the season, so tip of the cap to the schedulers on that one. I'm going to the LA/Seattle game next Sunday which is Landon's last regular season home game. Should be a big crowd and I think it is in ESPN or NBCSN.

My sister and BIL just moved out to LA. They will be there also.

[Yachtzee]

Huge comeback win for the Crew tonight to all but guarantee a playoff spot. TFC has to win out and the Crew has to drop both games for TFC to get even on points and advance on tiebreakers.

Revs get their point to secure their playoff spot. Now it comes down to seeds.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Huge comeback win for the Crew tonight to all but guarantee a playoff spot. TFC has to win out and the Crew has to drop both games for TFC to get even on points and advance on tiebreakers.

Revs get their point to secure their playoff spot. Now it comes down to seeds.

Wow just watched those crew highlights. 3 goals in 6 minutes to come back and the winner was a beauty.

I can't believe Toronto just melted down. They have been one of the bottom 3 teams for a couple months.

[M2]

I can't believe Toronto just melted down. They have been one of the bottom 3 teams for a couple months.

TFC fans have got to believe their team is cursed. Hard to argue otherwise. This team looked foolproof early in the season.

[Yachtzee]

TFC fans have got to believe their team is cursed. Hard to argue otherwise. This team looked foolproof early in the season.

I actually expected an implosion, simply because they threw so much money at a few players without doing much to build a solid team around those players. A team like the Galaxy or the Sounders can add marquee players and get great return on those players because they compliment a solid team. I think if this were 2005, TFC's strategy might have worked, but the talent level across the league has grown to the point where you can no longer bring in one or two stars and expect to dominate the opposition. At this point the competition is of the level that such players can't carry the team for a full season. Even Chivas and Montreal have players good enough to come through with a goal or two to turn a sure win into a draw or a loss. And if you lose your stars to injury or national team duty with no one to pick up the slack, you're sunk. A team in TFC's position would have been better off putting more money into raising the talent level as a whole. Who knows? They may do better next season when the team has more time to gel around Bradley and Defoe. The key is going to be having a coach/head of player personnel who can understand the talent on hand, create a system that maximizes that talent, and find the key missing parts to build a winner. They're also going to have to give that person more than one season to succeed.

[Caveat Emperor]

Wow -- Don Garber went off the rails today.
http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/mls-don-garber-calls-jugen-klinsmann-s-comments-damaging--101514

[BuckeyeRed27]

Wow -- Don Garber went off the rails today.
http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/mls-don-garber-calls-jugen-klinsmann-s-comments-damaging--101514

Good. Garber is 100% correct. This is and will continue to be a big issue I have with Klinsman and his player evaluation.

[Hoosier Red]

What's the issue? That he's too unfavorable to MLS players?
I think both sides are overstating their cases to the benefit of no one. I think Bradley in particular made the right choice competitively because it's better for him to play here than sit in Europe. But if you were to ask where I wanted the majority of the top USMNT players plying their trade, I'd say the top European leagues in a second. So long as they're playing regularly, players will develop against better competition and be better for their time abroad.
That said MLS is getting better, the USMNT needs it to get better, and comments like Klinsman's don't help in any way.

[Yachtzee]

What's the issue? That he's too unfavorable to MLS players?
I think both sides are overstating their cases to the benefit of no one. I think Bradley in particular made the right choice competitively because it's better for him to play here than sit in Europe. But if you were to ask where I wanted the majority of the top USMNT players plying their trade, I'd say the top European leagues in a second. So long as they're playing regularly, players will develop against better competition and be better for their time abroad.
That said MLS is getting better, the USMNT needs it to get better, and comments like Klinsman's don't help in any way.

I think Klinsmann has been a great coach for the USMNT, but he really needs to be a bit more consistent with his message. On the one hand, he says US players have to play in the top leagues to get better. On the other hand, he stresses the importance of getting first team playing time. So he criticizes Bradley and Dempsey for coming over to MLS, even though they were leaving teams where they had been relegated to the bench in favor of teams where they've been getting 90 minutes a game. Could they have found a team to move to in Europe that would give them 90 minutes a game? Probably, but my guess is that those teams wouldn't be markedly better than playing MLS. Dempsey was a star for Fulham, but Fulham is now playing in the Football Championship, languishing in the relegation zone. When he went to Spurs, he couldn't get minutes. Same thing with Bradley and Altidore, move to teams in the top leagues, but then get relegated to the bench.

I think it would be wise for Klinsmann to hold his tongue about where his players ply their trade. Just because players like Dempsey and Bradley decide to play here at this time doesn't mean it's a one way street. A move to MLS for a season or two might actually help get some of these guys back into form for playing 90 minutes and open up opportunities to move back to Europe in a better situation. In fact, it may actually benefit a player like Mix Diskerud to come to the U.S. to play for a year or two, raise his profile a bit and open the way to a team in a better league that Norway. Pushing the whole "US players need to play in the best leagues" mantra without consideration for each player's situation leads to players making poor decisions by signing a deal with a team that leaves them on the bench or gets relegated. Better to just say that USMNT players should look for opportunities where 1) they can play the most minutes and 2) play against the best possible competition, then let each player decided for themselves which opportunity meets those criteria.

[reds1869]

For those that don't subscribe to Soccer America, Paul Gardner has been railing against Klinsmann and really stepped it up this morning. In fairness he isn't a fan of Garber, either. I highly recommend subscribing to Soccer America's daily emails. It is free and nowhere else has such extensive coverage of MLS.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I think Klinsmann has been a great coach for the USMNT, but he really needs to be a bit more consistent with his message. On the one hand, he says US players have to play in the top leagues to get better. On the other hand, he stresses the importance of getting first team playing time. So he criticizes Bradley and Dempsey for coming over to MLS, even though they were leaving teams where they had been relegated to the bench in favor of teams where they've been getting 90 minutes a game. Could they have found a team to move to in Europe that would give them 90 minutes a game? Probably, but my guess is that those teams wouldn't be markedly better than playing MLS. Dempsey was a star for Fulham, but Fulham is now playing in the Football Championship, languishing in the relegation zone. When he went to Spurs, he couldn't get minutes. Same thing with Bradley and Altidore, move to teams in the top leagues, but then get relegated to the bench.

I think it would be wise for Klinsmann to hold his tongue about where his players ply their trade. Just because players like Dempsey and Bradley decide to play here at this time doesn't mean it's a one way street. A move to MLS for a season or two might actually help get some of these guys back into form for playing 90 minutes and open up opportunities to move back to Europe in a better situation. In fact, it may actually benefit a player like Mix Diskerud to come to the U.S. to play for a year or two, raise his profile a bit and open the way to a team in a better league that Norway. Pushing the whole "US players need to play in the best leagues" mantra without consideration for each player's situation leads to players making poor decisions by signing a deal with a team that leaves them on the bench or gets relegated. Better to just say that USMNT players should look for opportunities where 1) they can play the most minutes and 2) play against the best possible competition, then let each player decided for themselves which opportunity meets those criteria.

Very good points. No better examples right now that Break Shea and Juan Agudelo.

[Caveat Emperor]

I think Klinsmann has been a great coach for the USMNT, but he really needs to be a bit more consistent with his message. On the one hand, he says US players have to play in the top leagues to get better. On the other hand, he stresses the importance of getting first team playing time. So he criticizes Bradley and Dempsey for coming over to MLS, even though they were leaving teams where they had been relegated to the bench in favor of teams where they've been getting 90 minutes a game. Could they have found a team to move to in Europe that would give them 90 minutes a game? Probably, but my guess is that those teams wouldn't be markedly better than playing MLS. Dempsey was a star for Fulham, but Fulham is now playing in the Football Championship, languishing in the relegation zone. When he went to Spurs, he couldn't get minutes. Same thing with Bradley and Altidore, move to teams in the top leagues, but then get relegated to the bench.

I think it would be wise for Klinsmann to hold his tongue about where his players ply their trade. Just because players like Dempsey and Bradley decide to play here at this time doesn't mean it's a one way street. A move to MLS for a season or two might actually help get some of these guys back into form for playing 90 minutes and open up opportunities to move back to Europe in a better situation. In fact, it may actually benefit a player like Mix Diskerud to come to the U.S. to play for a year or two, raise his profile a bit and open the way to a team in a better league that Norway. Pushing the whole "US players need to play in the best leagues" mantra without consideration for each player's situation leads to players making poor decisions by signing a deal with a team that leaves them on the bench or gets relegated. Better to just say that USMNT players should look for opportunities where 1) they can play the most minutes and 2) play against the best possible competition, then let each player decided for themselves which opportunity meets those criteria.

I don't think Klinsmann would disagree with either one of those points. I think what he sees happening is MLS throwing out lots of money to USMNT players in the wake of the highest profile World Cup performance (in terms of US viewership) in history in an attempt to buy "star power" for the league. Hell, MLS ran an advertising campaign saying as much with tag lines like "The Stars of the World Cup Play Here!" with pictures of Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Kyle Beckerman and others. MLS brought in Jermaine Jones to NE, and by all accounts were on the verge of bringing Mix Diskerud in to Columbus this summer as well until the deal got scuttled.

Klinsmann doesn't want his players getting fat and happy in MLS -- and, frankly, he's right to fear that. In MLS, none of the USMNT guys (especially the ones who are signing big contracts) are ever going to be forced to fight for a place in their various teams' starting XI. There isn't going to be a battle for minutes like there would be at top clubs in top European leagues, and there certainly isn't going to be a situation where these guys are displaced by new, higher priced talent coming in at a transfer window. Klinsmann respects that lifestyle (fearing that any slip in form will lead to benching / replacement) because he lived it and played with people who lived it in Europe. I imagine if you asked him candidly, he'd say that he respects Jozy Altidore a hell of a lot more than most of his other players for sticking it out and fighting as hard as he can for minutes at Sunderland (instead of asking for a release back home to MLS). He thinks that brings out the best in players.

And really, I think his intended audience for these comments are the younger players in the camps. He wants them to know that it's not OK to settle into a life at MLS if you're capable of doing more.

[Caveat Emperor]

I had a longer second post I was working on, but this deadspin article just nailed it too well: http://screamer.deadspin.com/mls-commissioner-has-some-dumb-****-to-say-about-jurgen-1646865508?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebo ok&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

[M2]

Very good points. No better examples right now that Break Shea and Juan Agudelo.

Exactly, heading across the Atlantic sometimes is a terrible decision.

I'm a firm believer that places like the Dutch league are a better landing spot for U.S. players. It's a much more open game and the knee-jerk reaction of the coaches to the first sign of trouble isn't to yank the yank. Upper mid-table teams in the top leagues would make sense too: Everton, Sevilla, Bordeaux, Wolfsburg, Udinese. Those clubs attempt to play with some style and rarely find themselves in survival mode.

At the top clubs in the EPL you're constantly getting bumped by the flavor of the day and at the bottom all they're asking is you be willing to kick another guy in the shins.

MLS really has blossomed. I don't know if Klinsmann noticed, but his team functioned a whole lot better in Brazil when Kyle Beckerman was orchestrating the buildup. His best players mostly were MLS guys. It's a hard league to play in. The travel is brutal as is the summertime heat. Much as I worry that the next round of expansion is going to water down the overall product, the evolution of the league during the past decade has been remarkable, particularly the academy systems.

His next World Cup team might be relying heavily on players like DeAndre Yedlin, Gyasi Zardes, Luis Gil and (if he gets U.S. citizenship) Diego ***undez. All of those guys are MLS academy products. The guys knocking on the door for the USMNT at the moment aren't in Europe, they're in MLS - Perry Kitchen, Lee Nguyen.

All that said, I think Garber's wrong when he says Klinsmann's comments damage the league. I don't think it makes a bit of difference. The league is what the league is and Klinsmann is going to be relying heavily upon its players. One area that really should be improved is the focus on the CCL. IMO, constant expansion has kept MLS clubs behind Mexican clubs in recent years. We might be hitting the point where we need MLS-1 and MLS-2 so that the league's top teams can establish themselves as an international force. Going through that kind of meat grinder at the club level does prepare you for international duty.

And it would be great to see MLS teams enter other continental tournaments. Maybe the top two teams from the East that didn't make the CCL go into the Europa Cup and the top two teams from the West who didn't make the CCL go to the Copa Sudamericana? Based on last year's standings, that would be New England and Houston from the East, and RSL and Los Angeles from the West. There's a lot of players in or near the USMNT mix on those rosters.

[Yachtzee]

I don't think Klinsmann would disagree with either one of those points. I think what he sees happening is MLS throwing out lots of money to USMNT players in the wake of the highest profile World Cup performance (in terms of US viewership) in history in an attempt to buy "star power" for the league. Hell, MLS ran an advertising campaign saying as much with tag lines like "The Stars of the World Cup Play Here!" with pictures of Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Kyle Beckerman and others. MLS brought in Jermaine Jones to NE, and by all accounts were on the verge of bringing Mix Diskerud in to Columbus this summer as well until the deal got scuttled.

Klinsmann doesn't want his players getting fat and happy in MLS -- and, frankly, he's right to fear that. In MLS, none of the USMNT guys (especially the ones who are signing big contracts) are ever going to be forced to fight for a place in their various teams' starting XI. There isn't going to be a battle for minutes like there would be at top clubs in top European leagues, and there certainly isn't going to be a situation where these guys are displaced by new, higher priced talent coming in at a transfer window. Klinsmann respects that lifestyle (fearing that any slip in form will lead to benching / replacement) because he lived it and played with people who lived it in Europe. I imagine if you asked him candidly, he'd say that he respects Jozy Altidore a hell of a lot more than most of his other players for sticking it out and fighting as hard as he can for minutes at Sunderland (instead of asking for a release back home to MLS). He thinks that brings out the best in players.

And really, I think his intended audience for these comments are the younger players in the camps. He wants them to know that it's not OK to settle into a life at MLS if you're capable of doing more.

I don't think it's really an issue for some of the younger players, though. Many of the younger players are in Europe already, and Yedlin was able to parlay his performance in the World Cup and with the Sounders into a shot at Spurs. Quite a few players have found that MLS is a great way to get exposure that leads to interest from European clubs. And MLS has been more than willing to sell young players to European clubs for a nice transfer fee. Sometimes it works out, sometimes, like Brek Shea, it doesn't. Sure, you get guys like Landon Donovan or Matt Besler who decide to forgoe opportunities in Europe to stay home. But I'd say by and large the young MLS players who attract attention from Europe jump at the chance. It benefits the league as well because many of these players spend time in Europe gaining skills and then returning to the league later in their careers as better players.

I'd say if a young player in the MLS has a shot to join a club in one of the top four leagues in Europe, they should do it. On the other hand, if they're looking at kicking around in a second tier league like the Scottish Premier League, the English Championship, Scandinavia and the like, they may be better off sticking with the MLS or looking into Liga MX. I've seen articles that rate the MLS as right in that second tier of leagues, not too far off from Ligue 1 or the Eredivisie.

[Yachtzee]

Alright. The Crew pulls off another big win on the road against the Red Bulls. They are now in the driver's seat for the play-in game with an opportunity to move into third and a bye with a win next week and a draw or loss for Sporting KC.

[Big Red Smokey]

So I guess I'll put this here, but the US dropped 6 spots in the latest FIFA rankings

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/news/newsid=2460531/index.html

[Yachtzee]

So I guess I'll put this here, but the US dropped 6 spots in the latest FIFA rankings

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/news/newsid=2460531/index.html

I wouldn't put too much stock in it at this point. The FIFA rankings are flawed as it is. Add to that the fact that other confederations are playing qualifiers for tournaments already whereas the US is just playing friendlies right now and you're going to get some distortions. I tend to pay attention to the FIFA ranking closer to the World Cup, if only because it's used to determine seeds.

[BuckeyeRed27]

So I guess I'll put this here, but the US dropped 6 spots in the latest FIFA rankings

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/news/newsid=2460531/index.html

#firejurgen

[Yachtzee]

The Crew finished off the season with a win and the 3 seed in the playoffs. Good work.

In other news, MLS says what we already knew. Chivas is relegated to the dustbin of history and the Dynamo and SKC move to the West in 2015.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The Crew finished off the season with a win and the 3 seed in the playoffs. Good work.

In other news, MLS says what we already knew. Chivas is relegated to the dustbin of history and the Dynamo and SKC move to the West in 2015.

Fun fact: the last 10 MLS Cup participants will all play in the west next year.

[paintmered]

Fun fact: the last 10 MLS Cup participants will all play in the west next year.

Has it been that long already for the Crew?

Edit: I had to look it up to believe it for myself. You're right.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Has it been that long already for the Crew?

Edit: I had to look it up to believe it for myself. You're right.

Yep. Columbus was the last team from the 2015 East. Of course they played New York. It is probalby the most MLS thing ever.

Columbus is my pick out of the East this year. New York and SKC are too flawed and I think they can beat DC and the Revs.

[Yachtzee]

Here's the breakdown for the matchup between Columbus and New England.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/10/30/armchair-analyst-tactical-preview-clbvne-eastern-conference-semifinals

This looks to be the most exciting pairing of the semi-finals. I could see the winner going on to represent the East in the MLS Cup.

[M2]

The MLS playoffs are all about current form and no team has a better current form than New England. 4-1 right now against Columbus. Jermaine Jones and Lee Nguyen have had instant karma.

[M2]

Sparse attendance at Crew Stadium today. This Columbus team deserved better support.

[Yachtzee]

Sparse attendance at Crew Stadium today. This Columbus team deserved better support.

Unfortunately Ohio State has a home game tonight. The Buckeye juggernaut is hard to compete with.

[Yachtzee]

Hats off to the Revs. They came out and put it to the Crew and have them where they want them for the return leg.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Hats off to the Revs. They came out and put it to the Crew and have them where they want them for the return leg.

Revs are rolling right now. Team has a lot of balance. Not sure Crew has a 3-0 road win in them, but I'll be pulling for them.

LA frankly was lucky to get out of Utah with 0-0. Penedo finally showed some form and made 3 really nice saves. I'm confident of a win at home but this is now four games in a row where they haven't played well.

[Big Red Smokey]

Sparse attendance at Crew Stadium today. This Columbus team deserved better support.

Yep. Pretty sad. Either sold out or basically sold out their last 5 or so home games. Then <10k

I was there, went there and the OSU game that night

[BuckeyeRed27]

5-0!

[M2]

5-0!

Apparently Landon Donovan does not plan to retire just yet.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Apparently Landon Donovan does not plan to retire just yet.

It's almost sad that Landon and Henry have probably been the best two players to start the playoffs and neither will be in the league next year.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I went to the Galaxy/Sounders game yesterday. Fun game and LA won the first Leg 1-0, but was really unlucky to not have more. I'm a little nervous to have to go up there only up 1, but at least Seattle doesn't have an away goal. Hopefully LA will push hard for an early away goal and hunker down.

[M2]

I was at the Revs-Red Bulls game last night. Ridiculously entertaining affair. Shortest man on the field scored two headers.

[M2]

Landon Donovan gets one more game. Will he go out on top or will the Revs retire Thierry Henry and Lando back-to-back?

[Caveat Emperor]

I was at the Revs-Red Bulls game last night. Ridiculously entertaining affair. Shortest man on the field scored two headers.

I feel like Boston could be a killer soccer market if they had a proper facility to play in.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I feel like Boston could be a killer soccer market if they had a proper facility to play in.

Absolutely. It sounds like some progress is being made on that front.

This is going to be a killer MLS final. So much narrative, and two really good teams. Deciding if I want to shell out the cash to go or not.

[M2]

I feel like Boston could be a killer soccer market if they had a proper facility to play in.

Fortunately Bob Kraft seems to have been shamed into acting like he gives a dangle by a fairly damning article (http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/article/2014/03/25/bob-kraft-worst-owner-new-england-revolution/) on just how lousy a soccer team he's been.

Since that piece ran he stepped up to pay the price for Jermaine Jones (and convinced his buddies in the league to rig the allocation draft to send Jones NE's way) and now we're hearing the first serious talk of a new stadium in a long time. Horrible as this is to say, it also helps that the recently departed Tom Menino isn't the mayor anymore.

If they do build a stadium in Boston, they really ought to go large with it 25,000-30,000 (and expandable). It's the next big thing just waiting to happen.

[M2]

Absolutely. It sounds like some progress is being made on that front.

This is going to be a killer MLS final. So much narrative, and two really good teams. Deciding if I want to shell out the cash to go or not.

Don't wait too long. Got a feeling it will sell out quickly.

[Caveat Emperor]

Don't wait too long. Got a feeling it will sell out quickly.

Yeah, if I was in LA or Boston, this would be a no brainer. It's two incredibly well-matched teams that would provide a compelling match even absent the LD situation.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Yeah, if I was in LA or Boston, this would be a no brainer. It's two incredibly well-matched teams that would provide a compelling match even absent the LD situation.

I went to the last two games that were here and they were awesome. They really jacked up the prices this time and they always try to cram about 10k too many people into the stadium so parking and crowd control become an issue. I can usually make about a 3 hour commitment to go to a Galaxy game that turns into a 5 hour one on "big" games. And also get off my lawn.

[Yachtzee]

Fortunately Bob Kraft seems to have been shamed into acting like he gives a dangle by a fairly damning article (http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/article/2014/03/25/bob-kraft-worst-owner-new-england-revolution/) on just how lousy a soccer team he's been.

Since that piece ran he stepped up to pay the price for Jermaine Jones (and convinced his buddies in the league to rig the allocation draft to send Jones NE's way) and now we're hearing the first serious talk of a new stadium in a long time. Horrible as this is to say, it also helps that the recently departed Tom Menino isn't the mayor anymore.

If they do build a stadium in Boston, they really ought to go large with it 25,000-30,000 (and expandable). It's the next big thing just waiting to happen.

I really hope they are able to get a soccer specific stadium in Boston. If they make that move, they should also possibly rebrand to forge a stronger Boston identity (i.e. using Boston in the name together with Revs, and preferably not something lame like FC Boston or Boston FC). At the very least, update the logo.

I'm hoping DC United is also able to get their new stadium built. Seems like some progress is being made, but it being DC politics, the whole effort could blow up at any time.