I figured so. But y'know this is New and Analysis. He shouldn't do that so I answered seriously because I know he was trolling for the opposite. You too, you shouldn't come in here to start a debate. Show some dispassionate analysis and it will go good for all of us. I guess though it's too late.
So, just focusing on this year (since that's the thread topic) I think we're pretty much screwed this year. The first round was not really that great and the matchups are just not pretty this year. Kansas City might have more of a chance.
I don't buy into the argument that MLS is "pretty much screwed this year" in the knockout rounds of the CCL. With three opportunities in the QFs, I'd have to believe that at least 1 MLS club will reach the semifinals -- and honestly, I think (perhaps naively) that MLS has maybe a 50/50 chance of getting two clubs into the semifinals. Having to play all of the QF second legs in Mexico certainly is a challenge, but I think some of the recent success that the USMNT has had in Mexico might be a beneficial/encouraging factor for MLS clubs playing on the road there in 2014.
We were not that great in the first round and we finished up in the bottom half of the bracket. That means all of the Mexican teams defend the result at home. It's a big advantage.
It's only nonsensical if that something happens. We won't know until years down the road. What we do know is that there have been many failed predictions in this subforum regarding this issue, with posts having declared that the gap will be closed by 2007, 2010 and 2015. The 2015 ones still have hope. The others, not so much.
I think either LA Galaxy or SKC will get into the Semis. I think LA Galaxy has the better chance given veteran experience. SKC has playoff experience as well with the MLS Cup so if they do I wouldn't be surprised. If 3 MLS clubs into the next round (Not Expecting it), I would welcome that. It'd be sweet to see an American Club in the Champs League final.
Road to Morocco: LA Galaxy, Club Tijuana and the tussle for San Diego: http://www.lagalaxy.com/blog/beat/2...o-la-galaxy-club-tijuana-and-tussle-san-diego
The LA/TJ series is getting lots of buzz in Southern Cali. Everyone (into soccer) is talking about it.
Back on topic. I may be a little biased, but I think the Galaxy have the best shot of the three teams. For one, travel isn't a big issue. In fact, this is our closest away trip all season. Secondly, Tijuana seems to be struggling of late and their roster isn't nearly as good as it was when they clinched their berth into the tournament. The Galaxy, on the other hand, have strengthened their roster considerably. With the addition of Samuel, who's looking great btw, the Galaxy now have a skilled target forward for Keane to run off of which allows Donovan to move back to lm, which will completely transform the once stagnant midfield. That being said, it certainly won't be easy. The Galaxy have a lot of new pieces to integrate into their offense and not a lot of time to do it. Not to mention the fact that TJ is a tough place to play and you know damn well that their will be way more Xolos fans in attendance for the game in LA, than Galaxy fans.
I have moved all of the GC/WCQ and if you wish to continue that argument you can find it here. Please do not continue it within this thread.
Less than three weeks until the CCL playoffs. I expect that the March 5th USMNT friendly will be for Euro-based players only so no problems on that angle. Cruz Azul and Toluca are tearing up the Clausura so expect a strong showing. Tijuana OTOH seem lackluster. Also, Tijuana being where it is just doesn't have the same home advantage. Tijuana is a 2 hour drive from LA. I expect a tight game in that series.
Given that it's the last friendly date before the World Cup, I highly doubt that. Donovan, Gonzalez, Besler, etc. will all be there.
Maybe, but then again why schedule the April 2 friendly against Mexico? It's specifically a non-FIFA date and as such can only be attended by players from MLS and Liga MX.
Longest consecutive winning streak in each confederation's premier club competition. CONCACAF: 8 – Mexico (ongoing) UEFA: 6 – England (end of streak 1982) CONMEBOL: 4 – Brazil (ongoing); Argentina (end of streak 1970 and 1975) OFC: 4 – New Zealand (end of streak 2009) CAF: 3 – Cameroon (end of streak 1980) AFC: 3 – South Korea (end of streak 1998) Liga MX is in the process of building a world record that even New Zealand will struggle to break.
$$$$$$$ Lots of other reasons though. It's a chance to look at guys in MLS when they're in season, rather than in January. Will give Klinsmann a chance to give them one final look-over before he names his preliminary squad. Plus, it will give Bradley and Dempsey some extra time with the MLS contingent. Also, the domestic Mexican squad is pretty good, and not too far off from their full-strength XI, so playing them serves as a pretty solid test of how the MLS players will be able to step up against better opposition.
Yes, money is a good reason. However, the point is that the way those friendlies are organized points to a Euro camp followed by a NA camp. More like the last audition for all bubble players before choosing the full roster.
This topic again went away from the Champions League. I'm looking for people to make predictions at https://www.bigsoccer.com/community/...hampions-league-prediction-contest-r.1991706/