Why not more Canadians in MLS?

[roarksown1]

It's a very common thing, the Bundesliga for example, that many players from neighboring countries go and play in a more lucrative, successful league next-door. For example, there are a great number of Austrians that play(ed) in the Bundesliga, along with Poles, Czechs, Belgians, etc.

Noticing the list of Canadian players that are scheduled to go up against the USA on the 18th of January, I was surprised to see that only one of those players (De Rosario) plies his trade with an MLS club.

This is not to say that MLS is such a huge step up that those Canadian players in Europe should play in MLS, but I was curious as to why such a small number actually do. Is it very difficult to secure a work visa for Canadian players wanting to play in MLS? Do they not want to help strengthen a league that they may see as "competitive" to their own?

I'm not talking smack at all here or trying to rouse up anything before the match, but I'm just really curious as to why there aren't more Canadians playing in MLS. By the way, I was at the last Gold Cup match where Hirschfeld was insane that day. We won the match but many props to that guy. Glad to see he got rewarded with a contract from Spurs.

[CanuckFan]

You can only carry so many internationals in the MLS and the teams go for Europeans or Central and South America over Cdns.
Also, for the young guys, the pay is pitiful; they can (and do) make much more in Europe, even in lower divisions.

[Krammerhead]

MLS choose foriegners that put butts in the seats and Canadians playersd don't do that.

So MLS rather than wanting the most talented imports would rather sign useless old farts that will bring in the ethnic fans.

[Canadian_Supporter]

Originally posted by Krammerhead

So MLS rather than wanting the most talented imports would rather sign useless old farts

For example, Gazza..... :D

Oh wait, he was thinking about playing in Malta....

[DoyleG]

The only way a Canadian will make it into the MLS is if he has an AMerican passport or a Green Card.

[hobbes]

A far better question is why does MLS take the Canadians they do?

Two years ago, Robbie Aristodemo wasn't picked up by MLS (after a strong US college career), but a far too young Ali Ngon (19yo) gets picked up by Miami to see no action. And Josue Mayard (who is a Haitian intl, but was produced by the Canadian system) gets some time - and I thought looked half-decent - for Dallas.

A year later Dallas has Atiba Hutchinson on trial and have no use for him, but they could use Mayard? It defies explanation.

I agree though, most top end Canadian players have an eye towards Europe and most MLS teams are looking for names to put butts in the seats.

cheers,
hobbes

[Canadian_Supporter]

Originally posted by hobbes

A year later Dallas has Atiba Hutchinson on trial and have no use for him, but they could use Mayard? It defies explanation.


I heard Atiba didn't even really have a chance to make the team. He was at the camp to fill out the roster...

[Chowderhead]

Originally posted by Krammerhead
MLS choose foriegners that put butts in the seats and Canadians playersd don't do that.

So MLS rather than wanting the most talented imports would rather sign useless old farts that will bring in the ethnic fans.

You're right. I'd rather watch Geoff Aunger than Carlos Ruiz, Simon Elliot or Ezra Hendrickson.

And old farts like Cienfuegos, Stoichkov and Novak can't possibly have the positive influence of a Kurt Manal.

[PSUdude]

Originally posted by CanuckFan
You can only carry so many internationals in the MLS and the teams go for Europeans or Central and South America over Cdns.
Also, for the young guys, the pay is pitiful; they can (and do) make much more in Europe, even in lower divisions.

remember, Euro teams can have unlimited foriengers (provided they're from EU nations), and MLS clubs can only have 3 foriegners total

[Captain Canuck]

Originally posted by Chowderhead
You're right. I'd rather watch Geoff Aunger than Carlos Ruiz, Simon Elliot or Ezra Hendrickson.

And old farts like Cienfuegos, Stoichkov and Novak can't possibly have the positive influence of a Kurt Manal.

Kurt Who?

[LeperKhan]

Originally posted by roarksown1
It's a very common thing, the Bundesliga for example, that many players from neighboring countries go and play in a more lucrative, successful league next-door. For example, there are a great number of Austrians that play(ed) in the Bundesliga, along with Poles, Czechs, Belgians, etc.

Noticing the list of Canadian players that are scheduled to go up against the USA on the 18th of January, I was surprised to see that only one of those players (De Rosario) plies his trade with an MLS club.

To further you parallel, if or when there is the NAFTA equivalent of the Bosman ruling, you'll see more Canadians playing in MLS.

[Krammerhead]

Originally posted by Chowderhead
You're right. I'd rather watch Geoff Aunger than Carlos Ruiz, Simon Elliot or Ezra Hendrickson.

And old farts like Cienfuegos, Stoichkov and Novak can't possibly have the positive influence of a Kurt Manal.

Since when does Geoff Aunger represent Canadian talent? The topic is why there aren't more Canadians playing in the MLS, and I gave the answer. The fact is that there are talented Canadians that aren't given a chance in the MLS because they don't have fancy foreign names that will bring in the crowds. If you don't like my mentioning it I suggest you don't read the Canadian section of this site.

As far as those players you mention, such as Kurt Manal, I have no idea what you are talking about. I don't follow the MLS.

[Canadian_Supporter]

Originally posted by Krammerhead

As far as those players you mention, such as Kurt Manal, I have no idea what you are talking about. I don't follow the MLS.

I doubt Kurt Manal ever played in the MLS because he played in the ASL II in 1988 with Boston. Are you telling me you never followed to the ASL II? ;)

About the MLS, I actually miss watching the games every weekend. I never thought I would, but I would rather watch the MLS then the EPL.

[Martin Fischer]

This is hardly worth discussing.

First, with only three foreigners allowed, very few Canadians are worth taking a spot. There may be a lot of Canadians who could play in the MLS if they had green cards, but competing for three foreign spots, it is difficult.

Second, all those Canadians who are good enough can make more money elsewhere.

[Krammerhead]

Originally posted by Canadian_Supporter
I doubt Kurt Manal ever played in the MLS because he played in the ASL II in 1988 with Boston. Are you telling me you never followed to the ASL II? ;)

About the MLS, I actually miss watching the games every weekend. I never thought I would, but I would rather watch the MLS then the EPL.

I might follow MLS if it was actually on TV here, and I would watch it over the EPL for sure.

My rather sharp reaction was due to the fact that every Canadian soccer player past, present, and future was being equated with Geoff Aunger (not that I particularily have anything against him, however I know how lowly regarded he is by others).

To use a hockey analogy, thats like equating all Russian hockey players to Vladimir (fat lazy bugger) Krutov. Wouldn't wan't any more Russians in the NHL because we all know how exciting it was to watch Krutov play.

[Crazy_Yank]

It's a plot by the USSF to keep Canadian soccer down ;)

[Gordon]

Originally posted by Krammerhead
I might follow MLS if it was actually on TV here, and I would watch it over the EPL for sure.

My rather sharp reaction was due to the fact that every Canadian soccer player past, present, and future was being equated with Geoff Aunger (not that I particularily have anything against him, however I know how lowly regarded he is by others).

To use a hockey analogy, thats like equating all Russian hockey players to Vladimir (fat lazy bugger) Krutov. Wouldn't wan't any more Russians in the NHL because we all know how exciting it was to watch Krutov play.

The Krutov analogy is perfect for a soccer board too since I actually saw him score one with his head. It was an exhibition game in Calgary and Larinov intercepted a clearing pass at Calgary's blueline, whipped a high shot in that hit Krutov in the helmet and bounced into the Calgary net. :)

[Krammerhead]

Heh. Probably the only way to get Krutov to score. I guess he was too slow to get out of the way. :)

[Desigol]

I think the MLS should help develop good young American and Canadian players from Colege/A-League. But it seems to be a 'dumping ground' for has-beens such as Stoichkov. Maybee if teams are to cut their spending then maybe Canadians can get a Chance.

[Benedict XVI]

Originally posted by Desigol
I think the MLS should help develop good young American and Canadian players from Colege/A-League. But it seems to be a 'dumping ground' for has-beens such as Stoichkov. Maybee if teams are to cut their spending then maybe Canadians can get a Chance.

has-beens like

Brian McBride
Landon Donovon
Pablo Mastroeni
Eddie Pope
Bobby Convey
Chris Armas
Damarcus Beasley
Carlos Bocanegra
Clint Mathis
Taylor Twellmann
Carlos Ruiz