12/29/04: I-l-l

[jmeissen0]

U.S. Soccer Postpones start of Training Camp - Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32417-2004Dec28.html) (the bruce speaks)

FC Dallas opens Season April 2 in Chicago - Dallas Morning News (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/soccer/stories/122904dnspofcbriefs.55e9e50e.html) (brimstone cup, baby)

U.S. Counts on Southern Hospitality - Dallas Morning News (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/columnists/sdavis/stories/122904dnspodavis.24df3.html)

Q&A with Frisco Mayor - Dalls Morning News, Collin County Edition (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/opinion/stories/122904dnccosimpson.a674b.html)

Others notable in 2004 - USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2004-12-27-a-to-z_x.htm)

Lobbyists cloud Murray MLS Dream - Salt Lake Tribune (http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2500093)

U.S. Rookie may not be here for the Long Haul - Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/news/Soccer/US-rookie-may-not-be-here-for-the-long-haul/2004/12/27/1103996494581.html?oneclick=true) (that runner's kid)

[jmeissen0]

i'm going to be up for the foreseeable future... so i'll check in and see if things need to be added from time to time



oh yeah... enter the ghoul pool... just a couple days left... there is a link in the bottom of my signature

[babytiger2001]

oh yeah... enter the ghoul pool... just a couple days left... there is a link in the bottom of my signature

And one in mine, too... which I think just about says it all. ;)

I'll try and contribute something else, too, Jim. It's 8 p.m. Melbourne time here, and there's still sunlight outside, if you can believe that. We're at the height of summer here, even if the temperature doesn't feel like it.

[babytiger2001]

U.S. Soccer Postpones start of Training Camp - Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32417-2004Dec28.html) (the bruce speaks)

...but doesn't say much.

Much, towards exerting some sort of influence on the current impasse and an means towards an end, that is.

From Steven Goff's article, towards the end:

U.S. Coach Bruce Arena said late yesterday from his home in Fairfax that he had yet to be told the status of the January training camp. He said he didn't want to offer any general comments on the situation because "I'm not part of it." But when asked about the dispute's potential impact on American soccer's World Cup aspirations, he said, "What do you think?"

That's nine words in total. And I think he's doing his best to remain above the fray and right in the middle of it all.

[jmeissen0]

yeah... not much he can say... but still... he spoke :D

[babytiger2001]

yeah... not much he can say... but still... he spoke :D

Which is what a lot of us were waiting for, anyway.

Much like waiting for Godot, as it turned out. :o

[babytiger2001]

From the "breaking news" department...

Clint Mathis to return to MLS -- San Jose Mercury News (via the AP) (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/10521519.htm)

3... 2... 1... set your tongues wagging, now.

[Clint Eastwood]

From the "breaking news" department...

Clint Mathis to return to MLS -- San Jose Mercury News (via the AP) (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/10521519.htm)

3... 2... 1... set your tongues wagging, now.


That should add some star power to this team. They should definitely score some goals with Kreis and Mathis up top. But will they be able to stop anybody? It's going to be highly entertaining to watch.

[IamtheShark]

I-N-I!!!


So when do the two sides meet again for collective bargaining? The should have Bruce serve as moderator/grand poobah.

[Bandeirante]

That Salazar kid sure seems confused. I don't think he really understands the international soccer scene and how it works. And then saying how after signing the Sydney deal "soccer stopped being fun" for him, because now it's a job? And does he realize that the Vidukas, Kewells, and Cahills of the world have played almost entirely in Europe and not Australia? Did anyone advise this kid?

[Sachsen]

...but doesn't say much.

Much, towards exerting some sort of influence on the current impasse and an means towards an end, that is.

From Steven Goff's article, towards the end:

U.S. Coach Bruce Arena said late yesterday from his home in Fairfax that he had yet to be told the status of the January training camp. He said he didn't want to offer any general comments on the situation because "I'm not part of it." But when asked about the dispute's potential impact on American soccer's World Cup aspirations, he said, "What do you think?"

That's nine words in total. And I think he's doing his best to remain above the fray and right in the middle of it all.

Bruce didn't say much, but Levinstein (the players' rep) offered up these little gems:

USSF officials claim the players are asking for a 108 percent increase, a figure union chief Mark Levinstein said "is not correct. We are asking for more than 38 percent. We've had no increases for six years."

Noting the latest union proposal rejected by the USSF, Levinstein said: "The federation again made it clear they don't want to negotiate with the players. They haven't negotiated in good faith in two years and they're giving us a take-it-or-leave-it offer that's half of the last offer. They're going to play games with the entire sport and our chances of qualifying for the World Cup."

So let's see...
USSF hasn't given the players a raise in six years. I'd be ticked off, too.
The players have played without a contract for two years.
USSF's offer is a 38% raise.
Levinstein says that's "half of the last offer," so... the union is asking for 76%?
USSF is lying to the press and saying that the union is asking for 108%.

IF what Levinstein is saying is true, (and that's a big if, I realize) then I am definitely coming down on the side of the players on this one now. I was sitting on the fence, but the longer this drags on, the more I'm wanting to go postal at USSF's headquarters.

[Dave Brull]

Half the offer may refer to the PA's desire for the contract to be retroactive two years. I believe I read that the PA is desirous of that stipulation in any new contract in another thread on the topic.

[rojojova]

Which is what a lot of us were waiting for, anyway.

Much like waiting for Godot, as it turned out. :o

wow... a "Waiting for Godot" reference...
I bet you won't find too many of those at bigbaseball.com

[Blong]

wow... a "Waiting for Godot" reference...
I bet you won't find too many of those at bigbaseball.com

Just as there are countless idiots on Bigsoccer, I'm sure there are many well-read baseball fans. But if it makes you feel better, go ahead.

[Pbourgeacq]

USSF hasn't given the players a raise in six years. I'd be ticked off, too.
So would I... if it were my real job. These players already have real jobs, for which they get paid anywhere from good to fantastic. Playing for the national team in the World Cup is more like doing something really fun after work, where all expenses are paid by somebody else, and getting some extra money to do it.

[jmeissen0]

playing soccer is there real job

[jmeissen0]

dammit... their

[denver_mugwamp]

Playing for the national team in the World Cup is more like doing something really fun after work, where all expenses are paid by somebody else, and getting some extra money to do it.

You may be right, but I get a laugh out of remembering the look on Eddie Pope's face when the Nats were playing in a Panama bog. It was kinda like--"What have I done to deserve this?"

[rojojova]

Just as there are countless idiots on Bigsoccer, I'm sure there are many well-read baseball fans. But if it makes you feel better, go ahead.
Thank you for your blessing.
It does make me feel better. baseball blows.
happy holidays

ohh... and as far as Bruce's comments - or lack thereof - are concerned, I bet he become's more vocal as January wears on. He'll tell the players to get their head's out of their asses and the Fed to stop dicking around with the immediate well-being of the sport and his livelihood. Both parties will listen and then Bruce will collect the fees for successfully mediating the disagreement and blow it all on a new hi-def plasma screen, a membership to a wine-of-the-month-club, low-carb Peppermint Patties, DVD's of seasons 4 and 5 of "Sex in the City" and a Segway.

[Pbourgeacq]

These players already have real jobs, for which they get paid anywhere from good to fantastic. Playing for the national team in the World Cup is more like doing something really fun after work, where all expenses are paid by somebody else, and getting some extra money to do it.

playing soccer is their real job
Playing soccer for their club team is their real job. Playing soccer for the national team is that "really fun thing" they get to do outside of work, and even get paid for.