MLS teams in Copa Libertadores?
 

To all MLS fans:

As you know, recent editions of Copa Libertadores have included CONCACAF (Mexican) squads. Some of these have actually done quite well, with Cruz Azul finishing in second place in 2001 (actually defeating Boca Jrs. in Buenos Aires but falling on PKs).

What do you think of the inclusion of MLS teams? The quality of MLS soccer asides, do you think it would help "internationalize" Copa Libertadores? Perhaps give it more exposure in the US market? In the US, Libertadores matches can be seen only through specific cable tv channels, and unsurprisingly, it's the South Americans who live in the US who watch these games.

Team USA has already participated in Copa America. Why not see MLS teams in the Libertadores?

IMO, I believe it would benefit MLS teams because it would give them greater experience... imagine facing teams like Penarol, River Plate, Cruzeiro... not exactly what MLS teams are used to.

I can't think of a better "master's degree" for MLS teams than playing in the Libertadores Cup tourney. In my mind it is the most difficult tournament in the world because of the combination of a high level of play and widely varying playing conditions (from the heights of Bolivia to the sea level hot tub of Baranquilla and more). Nothing could toughen up our lads more.

We shouldn't expect results at first but we would benefit greatly as time goes on.

Fabulous idea. MLS should, like the MFL, buy their way in and go on from there.

JIM DOW

This would be great!

It would be excellent and serve a variety of purposes for MLS teams, but just look at the USSF turning down the invitation to the next Copa America. This makes me think that it is very unlikely that MLS teams play in the Libertadores any time soon.

I vote no...
 

This might be a good idea in a few years time, but right now it would be a major distraction and financial loss with very little return. MLS needs to continue to grow and develop talent. Currently, the rosters are just too small and there isn't enough quality depth. With more stadiums being controlled by the teams, the best idea right now would be to set up a mid-summer tournament for mostly Europeans teams. many of which are looking for pre-season tune-ups. Libertadores will becme an option when MLS teams have the financial resources and fan base to make it work.

It would be great to see MLS teams in the Copa Libertadores. There is no doubt that they have the ability to compete at this level. I strongly believe that this would be mutually beneficial to MLS teams and to the South American teams.

Insane idea

Manchester to Milan - 750 miles
Madrid to Moscow - 2140 miles
New York City to Buenos Aires - 5250 miles
Los Angeles to Rio de Janeiro - 6310 miles

Thoughts
 

Anytime you are exposed to higher quality play, you will step up your own play. Constant exposure to South American giants would only bring the level of MLS up. Not only would it bring up the exposure, it might also help attract a bit more talent into the league.

I really think MLS needs to expand beyond US borders and play some International club level play. And when I say this, I’m not talking about a 1 game preseason international. The more exposure to higher competition levels will help progress the talent of MLS and the League overall gaining it more worldly recognition instead of the joke it is now in the big soccer markets. We have already proved we can win against some European teams, though they might not be the big market teams. Example being DC United, one of the worst teams in the league beating Tottenham Hotspurr of the English Premiere League. Sure it’s a friendly, but a win is a win is a win against a team in one of the toughest Leagues in the world.

Hell, I say go for it… It would not hurt in the least bit.

But then again, via that argument, not nearly as ridiculous as the Pan-Pacific Cup idea that gets floated around every so often, that would involve some club or national sides from the Americas playing against the best from Aisa and Oceania.

By that logic above, a plane trip from the Bay Area or Los Angeles to Sydney or Melbourne, for example, is about 8,000 miles apart, and about a 15-hour plane flight, give or take whether you have a stopover in the Cook Islands or in New Zealand.

However, I think the size of squads of MLS teams, that's probably the biggest sticking point as to what would make taking part in competitions such as the Copa Libertadores a realistic endeavour. A few injuries here and there, and that affects the competitive chances of an MLS side.

I'd love to see it myself (as well as that Pan-Pacific Cup idea someday), but can't see it happening anytime soon.

Can't say I've ever heard of this proposal, but I can't imagine anyone would seriously suggest MLS teams fly to Asia and back a couple of times a month for mid-week games during the season.