If you think about it, it make the sense. We'll have more and more two separate tables (conferences), then eventually two distinct tables. For example: - 24 teams total, 12 in each table. - For schedule, H/A in table and 1 game out of table. If so, then we have balanced schedule in each table, but the standings on one table is irrelevant to the other. Almost like there's no meaning in that ManU got 48 pts in EPL, but BarCa got 50 pts in LaLiga. It's like we are awarding SS to BarCa because Barca got 2 pts more than ManU. Think about it. We have like two single tables, then playoffs for overall MLS Champion. Best of both worlds!!!
That argument is not analogous because the NFL doesn't play a balanced schedule, nor do all teams play against all other teams in one season. That (balanced home/away against all league teams) is one thing about many/most soccer leagues that makes the "regular season champion" thing make more sense than it would in any other North American sporting league.
Well, it will eventually fall apart and won't be fixable. And that time is probably soon. It'll be funny as hell (in a way) when it happens. That team is going to be under some major negative juju for "breaking" it.
I just could never understand the fact that the Supporter's Shield isn't a shield, but a 'V'? For all of the complaining that fans do about MLS not getting things right...
It is indeed a shield--it has the shape of a scalloped kite shield as opposed to a round shield. ourcastleinthesky.com/shield_shapes.htm #17 comes closest to what they were trying to do I think...
That's more of a Supporter's Buckler. And you really don't want a shield that had a large depression in the middle to direct the force towards the center of your body. You want a rounded shield to redirect strikes away. </nerd>
How about an actual shield, did Native Americans wear/use shields? You can always retire the old one at MLS HQ or give it what ever club wins it the most (meaning DC or Crew next time right?). http://ourcastleinthesky.com/shield_shapes.htm I kind of liked #30
White Horse (Kiowa) holding his war shield. 1891 Oh, and this is a bad idea. The Supporter's Shield should stay the same. Can't have any tradition in MLS without some n00bs trying to change it to make everything "more traditional".
Current Supporter's Shield design is awesome. It looks like a weapon. So much more bad ass than a ********ing serving platter. If it has to be to remade, keep the primitive design but just make it more durable and... bigger?
Where is the necessity? If it is falling apart it can be fixed. There is no need to change its design.
It is getting outdated, and has big room for improvement. Like I posted a couple of pages ago, the league itself is evolving. We'll have more of the two separate tables (conferences). Eventually get almost two distinct/independent tables. For example consider this set up. - 24 teams total, 12 in each table. - H/A in table and 1 game out of table for 34 games schedule. Then we have balanced schedule in each table, but the standings on one table is irrelevant to the other. Almost like there's no meaning in that ManU got 48 pts in EPL, but BarCa got 50 pts in LaLiga. It's like we are awarding SS to BarCa because Barca got 2 pts more than ManU. It'll be like we get two single tables. We need to modify SS to award the two top performers in each table. SS served OK so far, but it needs to evolve for better.
The whole purpose and tradition about SS is to recognize the best performer in regular season. SS recognition is not perfect in MLS since we have unbalanced schedule (recent a couple of years are rare exceptions). Two tables are also MLS tradition (Yes I know we tried a few seasons with three tables, but still) As more teams joining, we get more of the two distinct tables. Modifying SS to award top of each table is good way to preserve the two traditions altogether and it makes much more sense. Again just like you wouldn't think ManU deserves recognition for getting 2 pts more than Barcelona in LaLiga.
Forget redoing the trophy, redo the smegging name ...... MLS League Championship vs MLS Cup Winners -- because right now it makes no sense.