MLS/USL thread [R]

[ToonUSA]

I've been over and read the Galaxy boards a few times and laugh when they call Gullit "a top European coach" just because he's European doesn't make him a top coach - for hell's sake he was sitting next to Souness doing Sky Sports punditry on the CL when LAG snapped him up (there's a reason why nobody in europe will touch him). I do think more players will consider going over there. I'd probably rather play in the MLS than the Championship. You will attract your fair share of Babayaros and Kluiverts though... how long before Luque shows up in MLS?
Don't even bother reading the garbage on the Galaxy boards. The fans who have followed this team since the days of watching the team play games that would end in shoot outs in the Rose Bowl have become the minority and the new "cool" crowd has overtaken us. I can barely stand to read those, nevermind post in there but I did find the strength to post there yesterday and I'm now scarred for a few weeks. The Beckham apologists and Landon haters need to realize that there are gonna be games where neither are spectacular. I hope we can start attracting some talent from the Championship level and I'd even take poaching some of the guys from the middle of the SPL. Hearts, Hibs, and teams like that have some decent players.

I do think a manager that can make a team is the most important - I know you all thought Yallop was sh*t but Gullit? Big names may bring the people who think Beckham is "hawt" but for fooks sake.
I'll give Gullit the benefit of the doubt but I never imagined I'd actually consider missing Yallop on the bench.

Just seems like the only fans the LAG cares about are the ones it doesn't already have.
Spot on. We already have the highest ticket prices in the league to see one of the worst assembled teams. At least they give us some cool, worthless things at the gate. :rolleyes:

[mplsTOON]

I'm more interested in if MLS is gonna work. But all that talk about salary caps and DP's (I thought that was a term in porn) makes me lose the will to live.

Sad things of it is if MLS didn't have DP's, ahem, and playoffs it wouldn't be as "American acceptable", because there is this certain myth in America that everything must be level for everyone in order to be "Fair and Balanced," so that everyone gets a fair shot.

It annoys me to no end that a lot of teams cannot hang on to players long enough to build a dynasty, because of the weird shuffling rules to evenly and efficiently distribute each and every player-as-asset. Why? Beats me. I do not have an economics degree to let you know how it happens.

I have been vaguely toying with the notion for supporting some MLS team for the past few years. The passion in the MLS seems to have taken a back seat in the name of profit and financial security.

That being said I will be in rapt attention to see if my theroy that the 56 million paid to bring Beckham over would have been better spent distributing it amongst the MLS franchises to increase true competition to raise the game. I am pretty disappointed when I see the shit wages some of the most dedicated and passionate players get paid while certain mediocre players get to mail it in...until the playoffs of course.

[Russell1892]

Sad things of it is if MLS didn't have DP's, ahem, and playoffs it wouldn't be as "American acceptable", because there is this certain myth in America that everything must be level for everyone in order to be "Fair and Balanced," so that everyone gets a fair shot.

See I don't really understand that aspect of American sports. On the one one hand they call them franchises (which makes them sound like a Starbucks or a McDonald's or something) and are obviously all about the dollars and cents. But this equal distribution of wealth and levelling the playing field to make things fair and balanced sounds, dare I say it, "communist". Just weird in what people consider the most capitalist country IMO. I don't pretend to understand the American psyche, but take Wigan fans in this country - it makes it much sweeter for them when they beat one of the big boys.

Just out of interest how popular is Soccer in the US? I mean all we ever hear in this country are derisory stories about how it is "the 11th most popular spectator sport in America." Also other stories about how unknowledgeable the fans are, how they'll show up to see Beckham play for a couple of seasons in LA then stop going (no mention of the fans that were there before Beckham signed - you'd think LA Galaxy was born on the day he signed). It never seems to occur to them that there are a lot of fans watching the Premier League and La Liga at home.

[penubly]

See I don't really understand that aspect of American sports. On the one one hand they call them franchises (which makes them sound like a Starbucks or a McDonald's or something) and are obviously all about the dollars and cents. But this equal distribution of wealth and levelling the playing field to make things fair and balanced sounds, dare I say it, "communist".

If they did not do that, then a number of clubs would have serious financial issues. Some clubs would not survive without sharing TV and merchandise $. It is funny, though, because quite a few teams spend heavily, yet do not always end up on top. The Yankees and Mets have the highest payrolls, yet have not tallied any real post season success lately. The Patriots, one of the most successful NFL franchises, generally are not big spenders.


Just out of interest how popular is Soccer in the US? I mean all we ever hear in this country are derisory stories about how it is "the 11th most popular spectator sport in America."
Soccer is probably one the least popular major team sport in terms on television viewer ship. More people watch auto racing and golf.

It is one of the most popular sports in terms of the number of players who register and play soccer each year. But those numbers are dominated by youth, and the majority stop playing in junior high (12 years or so).

[Russell1892]

If they did not do that, then a number of clubs would have serious financial issues. Some clubs would not survive without sharing TV and merchandise $. It is funny, though, because quite a few teams spend heavily, yet do not always end up on top. The Yankees and Mets have the highest payrolls, yet have not tallied any real post season success lately. The Patriots, one of the most successful NFL franchises, generally are not big spenders.


Soccer is probably one the least popular major team sport in terms on television viewer ship. More people watch auto racing and golf.

It is one of the most popular sports in terms of the number of players who register and play soccer each year. But those numbers are dominated by youth, and the majority stop playing in junior high (12 years or so).

Hmm I see - I suppose you could draw comparisons in this country though about success and spending like Arsenal and Newcastle - we've probably spent more than them... just badly. We're actually getting to the point in this country where a lot of lower league clubs are going into administration and faced with going out of business. Plus the self-perpetuating status of the top 4 who get extra money for being in the CL, which they spend on a better team and qualify again (at least thats whats meant to happen FFS), its not "fair" but neither's life.

So are you guys all in the minority? - or do you hang about with other Soccer lovers, fleeing persecution from NFL fans? :rolleyes:

[Dirt McGirt]

Ex-Newcastle midfielder Laurent Robert to Toronto F.C.

Damn and it's only a trial. :D The Galaxy could actually use him on the left.

[penubly]

So are you guys all in the minority? - or do you hang about with other Soccer lovers, fleeing persecution from NFL fans? :rolleyes:
Definitely in the minority. Even the guys I play with on the weekends would rather watch anything but soccer. I do have several friends at work who follow the EPL and Champs league, but not seriously. I get weird looks when I wear my jerseys on Fridays!

There are sports bars and pubs that show EPL and other games on the weekend, but it depends on where you live. I'm near Houston, which is sprawled all over the place. It's a long drive to the nearest decent pub, so I watch mostly at home.

[mplsTOON]

See I don't really understand that aspect of American sports. On the one one hand they call them franchises (which makes them sound like a Starbucks or a McDonald's or something) and are obviously all about the dollars and cents. But this equal distribution of wealth and levelling the playing field to make things fair and balanced sounds, dare I say it, "communist". Just weird in what people consider the most capitalist country IMO. I don't pretend to understand the American psyche, but take Wigan fans in this country - it makes it much sweeter for them when they beat one of the big boys.

Thats why I used teh word "myth" to describe that aspect of American Sports. Its the way it always has been done and its teh wauy it will always be done; anything else would be "uncivilized". It is true that its more to level the playing field financially for each franchise than it is competatively, player wise, but here in America EVERYTHING is a competition no matter what level you play at.

Just out of interest how popular is Soccer in the US? I mean all we ever hear in this country are derisory stories about how it is "the 11th most popular spectator sport in America." Also other stories about how unknowledgeable the fans are, how they'll show up to see Beckham play for a couple of seasons in LA then stop going (no mention of the fans that were there before Beckham signed - you'd think LA Galaxy was born on the day he signed). It never seems to occur to them that there are a lot of fans watching the Premier League and La Liga at home.

there aren't that many fans who watch it regularly. My wife and family think I'm mildly insane for holing up on a cold Minnesota winters Saturday in our basement watching BPL and Serie A and not watching he Vikings go out and lose again...Honestly I kinda get bored watching TV in general and NFL football (regular season that is) really bores me. BUt when yo uget down to it a lot of people play soccer well into their 30's but even fewer watch it, mostly not because they don't want to, but because they aren't used to watching it and arem ore used to watching the NFL IMO.



Hmm I see - I suppose you could draw comparisons in this country though about success and spending like Arsenal and Newcastle - we've probably spent more than them... just badly. We're actually getting to the point in this country where a lot of lower league clubs are going into administration and faced with going out of business. Plus the self-perpetuating status of the top 4 who get extra money for being in the CL, which they spend on a better team and qualify again (at least thats whats meant to happen FFS), its not "fair" but neither's life.

So are you guys all in the minority? - or do you hang about with other Soccer lovers, fleeing persecution from NFL fans? :rolleyes:

Why do you think I waste my time on here? I have no where else to go:)

I do believe that aside from the World Cup most places that do show Soccer on Saturdays around here only do so for the lonely Homesick Brit often taking advantage of an early brunch. Besides you do get funny looks for wearing what amounts to a NFL football Referee's uniform to a bar to watch Soccer...

Up here its all Hockey, NFL and Baseball; and unfortunately even when the World Cup was on, most bars who showed games didn't make much money because nobody drank while they watched it...

[ToonUSA]

So are you guys all in the minority? - or do you hang about with other Soccer lovers, fleeing persecution from NFL fans? :rolleyes:

There are regions of the country where soccer gets a fair shake. (Southern California where I live for one.) We annually have the strongest youth clubs as well as College level soccer teams. Popular Anti-soccer sports shock jock Jim Rome is from SoCal and he calls it the "Orange Slice nation" no doubt referring to the orange slices given to the youngsters at halftime. Most people around here are knowledgable of soccer and recognize or at least are curious enough to ask what team's jersey you are wearing. Other regions like the South and Midwest? You're a foreigner.

To be honest soccer isn't even my #1. I play football in college so that's obviously my #1 and Baseball also wiggles it's way in there before soccer so I'd say it's at about a 3. Doesn't change my fervor though. I'm just as pissed off when USC loses, however I'm not constantly reminded of Newcastle's loss every minute of every day through the local and national media here. (Although USC does lose far less often.)

[BayernWake]

Personally, my interest in American pro sports ranking-wise is:

1) NBA
1t.) NFL
3) MLB
4) MLS
4t.) NHL
6) Tennis I guess

I don't give a sh!t about golf, NASCAR, WNBA (which should go away forever), Lacrosse, Arena Football, other racing, etc.

[Russell1892]

I suppose you could draw a comparison with the popularity of American sports over here... Newcastle has a basketball team (the Eagles - and they should play in black and white stripes, they'd get more support, plus how sweet would it look on a basketball vest?:D) but I know only one person that goes to watch them. We also have an Ice Hockey team. Weirdly they're largely populated by Americans and Canadians.. who I'm guessing weren't good enough for the NBA or the NHL.

I know two people who watch NFL. Thats definitely a minority sport over here. I did watch the superbowl out of curiousity but thought there was about 2 minutes of active play in the whole thing, very weird when you're used to watching Football and Rugby. "Okay we've seen about 15 replays of some guy not catching the ball can we start playing again?"

[ToonUSA]

I
I know two people who watch NFL. Thats definitely a minority sport over here. I did watch the superbowl out of curiousity but thought there was about 2 minutes of active play in the whole thing, very weird when you're used to watching Football and Rugby. "Okay we've seen about 15 replays of some guy not catching the ball can we start playing again?"

Neanderthals the lot of you. :p

[Russell1892]

Neanderthals the lot of you. :p

I suppose when its 1am your patience is pretty limited.... I just don't get it though. One of my mates that likes NFL doesn't like 'Soccer'... maybe he was just born on the wrong continent? I just don't see the same scope for beauty in the game. But I guess its what you're brought up on.

My next question would be... surely soccer is the only sport in which you have any meaningful national games? I would have thought that would go in its favour, being a painfully patriotic nation :rolleyes:? I remember a few members of the US team showing up on Letterman after the 2002 World Cup. Letterman took the piss out of Friedel's accent.

While I'm on the subject though... I remember watching on Soccer AM (popular Saturday morning light-hearted show over here) an excerpt of American coverage of the PL, and the question was asked; "Why are Newcastle fans called "the toon army?" The answer was mint, it amounted to the presenter trying to do a geordie accent.

And finally, I take it you don't mind being called Yanks anymore?

Thanks for the information lads, it has been enlightening.

[Dirt McGirt]

Personally, my interest in American pro sports ranking-wise is:

1) NBA
1t.) NFL
3) MLB
4) MLS
4t.) NHL
6) Tennis I guess

I don't give a sh!t about golf, NASCAR, WNBA (which should go away forever), Lacrosse, Arena Football, other racing, etc.

1) MLS
2) NFL ( I can only follow it in the papers now)

Everything else is pretty much horseshit to me since 1997. Between MLS, BPL, La Liga, Champions League, Champions Cup, Superliga,following all the Yanks abroad, the Argentine League, and International friendlies and tournaments I just don't have the time or inclination to watch any domestic sports.

Going to the pub Saturday mornings for tape delayed matches is an experience that has brought me so much closer to the true passion of the sport.

[penubly]

I'm a casual sports fan, except when it comes to soccer.

I generally know who is doing well in the NFL and MLB, but rarely watch a game until the playoffs. I can't stand watching basketball, period.

I used to love Hockey, but don't watch at all now. The strike killed my interest.

I follow the EPL and the other European leagues. I never miss Newcastle on FSC.

[ToonUSA]

I suppose when its 1am your patience is pretty limited.... I just don't get it though. One of my mates that likes NFL doesn't like 'Soccer'... maybe he was just born on the wrong continent? I just don't see the same scope for beauty in the game. But I guess its what you're brought up on.

My next question would be... surely soccer is the only sport in which you have any meaningful national games? I would have thought that would go in its favour, being a painfully patriotic nation :rolleyes:? I remember a few members of the US team showing up on Letterman after the 2002 World Cup. Letterman took the piss out of Friedel's accent.
Not really to be honest. Most Americans think that the US soccer team just goes and sits on their asses for 4 years and then appears at the World Cup. The Olympics always stir up some patriotism as people love to watch basketball, baseball (before they wrongly booted it, are you telling me fencing or trampoline or diving is better than baseball? I think not.), and hockey during the winter. The whole "Team USA" thing means alot even though it's not going year-round.

And finally, I take it you don't mind being called Yanks anymore?

Not at all.

[BayernWake]

My next question would be... surely soccer is the only sport in which you have any meaningful national games? I would have thought that would go in its favour, being a painfully patriotic nation :rolleyes:?

There's minor interest whenever the Team USA basketball squad plays. Probably even less interest for our national soccer team though.

Sometimes Americans just piss me off...sports-wise (and otherwise).

[JaredSS07]

I watched part of the San Jose vs. LA game last night and I started thinking about how to describe the style of US soccer. Is it a mix of a few nations’ styles? It is something all our own?

To me, it looks like a mix of the Prem/Championship and the FMF on speed.
So many players rely on their athletic ability alone to beat people that it looks like a full contact track meet.

[ToonUSA]

All I saw was a fat W.

Take that Smurfs.

[City Dave]

Pretty much. Except less French.

I was going to say their fans don't suck as much as Arsenal's either, but that's not wholly true. Basically the only cool DC United fans I've met on BigSoccer are Dirt and JayRockers! (and myself, if I could meet me). The rest are either asshats or soccer nerds (but I guess that goes for all MLS fans...'d love to meet some real down-to-earth MLS fans).

I could become a Crew fan if I attend some Crew games once I move to Ohio. Who knows.

Am I an asshat or a soccer nerd? ;)

Wait! Can I be both?

Heh, would have chimed in sooner but I was in DC last weekend and then spent midweek vomiting like the little girl from The Exorcist. I really hope whatever that illness was doesn't make it across the pond to infect you all, but I think some of my vomit may have made the trip.

Anyway, MLS Rumors posted good info about following the MLS earlier:
http://www.mls-rumors.net/2008/03/quick-guide-to-following-mls-from.html

Oh, and whereabouts in Ohio are you moving if you don't mind my asking? You could come and join The Green Army. (http://www.greenarmy.info)