New Supporters Shield

One question: why?

While the original one is ugly as sin, and bizarre as all get out, it's also unique.

More importantly, as far as I'm concerned, what makes trophies special is the history behind them. Being handed down for years and years. And, even more importantly, the original was conceived of and paid for by a few die-hard soccer fanatics in a true spirit of grass-roots support, when the league couldn't care less about the regular season champ and pretty much thought the folks that came up with it were just a little bit flaky, but nevertheless patted them on the head and said "OK, that's cute, we'll let you do it."

Now, I'm thrilled that the support has grown as much as it has. But what's wrong with the original, that a new one is needed?

 

Well since Seattle didn't have a hand in it, it needs to be replaced.

("That's a joke... I say, that's a joke, son.", don't go off on me for Seattle-bashing)

 

I mostly agree. The only new design I would support is one that somehow incorporated the old trophy. Unlike the MLS Cup trophy, I would like the SS trophy to show a connection to the past.

 

Couldn't agree more. The SS trophy and what it represents is one of the truly great things about the league.

Had a hard time explaining that to some drunk Brits last night at a NYC bar. They thought the Cup final was to decide the league. They couldn't get it through their heads that it was actually to decide the postseason tournament, and that the league had already been won by the Crew.

 

I want to see MLS Champion inscribed on the shield and struck from the MLS Tournament Cup. Not intended as disrespect to the chalkers, but having a team with a losing record referred to as champions is as much of a joke as are MLS referees.

The World Cup is a pretty small trophy but it's symbol is quite powerful. A grand-looking trophy cannot impart significance (viz: Red Bulls as 2008 W Champs and RSL as 2009 E champs). I agree with my Mutiny friend, if the Shield is to change, the original must be at its heart.

GM

 

+1 A new supporters shield is a really bad idea.

 

In your view, as a supporter and true soccer fan but in the view of the league, the league champion is Real Salt Lake or is it not?

 

That's because the MLS Cup Champion is the "winner of the league".

 

I'd still prefer the original, but I understand Sam's idea.

 

Ah, well. In *that* case, since it's Sam's idea, I'll get behind it.

I'm nothing if not wishy-washy.

 

Or, said better, this:

 

Did Sam P. address this issue? Personally the one thing i though it needed was a sponser.

I always thought Sam and the original crafters should try and get a sponser for it and get them to to a cash reward to the team that wins it (in lieu of the advert dollers spent in other advert areas).

I dont mind how it looks personally.

 

And the revenue from the sponsorship could be used to fund supporters' activities. Divide that money among the 16 clubs and let them use it on tifo, etc.

I think a brewery would make an excellent sponsor of the supporters shield.

 

"Ugly as sin"?

I think it's, in many ways, more beautiful than any version of MLS Cup. The league needs to keep their slimey hands off of this. They've done a lot in recognizing it and giving it the same reward as MLS Cup Champion (minus reward $$).

Let this trophy run its course until it finally does get ready to keel over (probably not too far away, actually)

 

No worries man, we all love a good joke.
I mean, it's not like your club will ever win it.

 

Maybe VW has been causing grief because it looks too much like a Pontiac logo?

 

Just goes to prove that drunk Brits get something right every once in a while.

 

who cares, Pontiac is toast.

i like the SS the way it is, but if you're going to change it, there has to be some incorporation of the original design in one way or another.

and for God's sake don't make it gaudy.

clean, simple lines please.

less is more.

 

So in your view Tennessee is the defending NFL champion?

/I hope my sarcasm meter is broken.

 

Funny a 'drunk Brit' knows more about our league structure than a die hard Red Bull fan. If that is endemic to the whole organization it could explain a lot why you are always losers.

 

Completely uncalled for. Rivalries is where you should ply your trade.

 

It's not that far off. When you hold it you can tell it's getting up there in age. We tightened it up a bit but the trophy is showing its age.