[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.....

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?