just take players from the teams not in the USOC by the quarterfinals. there should be at least 5 clubs out by then, right?
And this game doesn't really count in the standing. It's an exhibition or a publicity stunt, call it what you will. Besides, this is soccer, not football. Players can get together for a few practice sessions during the off-week that is reserved for the actual All-Star game (vs. Fulham). They can get a few more sessions later on too. That would be enough, considering that most US born players would likely be current or former members of the USMNT with more than a passing knowledge of each other's tendencies. PS. If a head coach really wants to keep players for Tuesday's Cup games, then MLS should decide what's fair. I am sure most players would want to play at Bernabeu. With the reserve squads, the individual teams will have enough depth to cover. As to the flight itself, I doubt they'll be going commercial.
This is a good opportunity, but as pointed out there are many challenges involved in fielding the team. In addition to the impact on MLS games and US Open Cup games, this is right after the US WCQ against T&T, and the week before the WCQ against Mexico. Because of that, it would seem unlikely that many (if any) of the MLS players on the USMNT would participate. Two other question s- who coaches the team, and how is the team selected. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
As your bridge from MLS to Madrid we have no need to worry that this will be a blow-out loss. As much as the league often sacrifices athletic preparation to squeeze in a spectacle, I don't think this one can be ruined, as long as the true stars are on the field. The Santiago Bernabeu trophy is huge in the history of RM. It is certainly not as important as the European Cup, La Liga, or the Copa del Rey, but it is the most important preseason game. RM has played hundreds of teams in preseason games, but only one each year plays for this trophy. The atmosphere is like opening day in other sports. It's a coming-out party for the new stars and the first time to see the team at full-strength for the new season.
like other poster said instead of to be competitive you would be showing the rest of the soccer world that you don't have a team that can go head to head with Europe's best...
Pumas Mexico - 2004 Winner Santiago Bernabeu Trophy [font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]¡GOYA! ¡GOYA! [/font][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]- ¡CACHUN! ¡CACHUN! - ¡RA, RA! [/font]
Well, if you're talking about the Metrostars you've got a point . I don't agree that our teams can't compete. We may not win but we can compete and that's the more important point. I'd rather show a team that can compete rather than a bunch of players that can compete.
Yeah, great idea. Guys'll be throwing the ball into their own net for the chance to play in the Bernebeu. (/sarcasm)
As have Tyrone Marshall and Michael Umana* * if you don't know what this refers to, read about the San Jose 3-0 win over LA earlier this year
We can't compete with MFL teams what makes anyone think we can compete head to head (those were the words I repsonded to) with europes best?
Low how? Why is it considered low to admit that our teams are not as good as europes best? Its like you people have stock answers lined up whenever ANYONE disagrees with the level some people want to delude themselves into thinking MLS occupies.
one thing is to admit the teams are not as good...another different is to think that a single MLS team cant do a decent game against one of Europe's best
1.As long as at least one player fromeach team is sent, it won't be too bad. 2. The very nature of this late announcement dictates that it has to be an all-star team instead of a real one because that's a pretty long flight back and forth for one team to make.
This one will probably be more Chicago Fire based since it has no reps, I believe, in the Fulham game. If MLS goes for a fast big line-up (Mapp on the left, Jaqua in the middle, Brian Mullan on the right, etc.), it can give Real a pretty darn good work-out.
If they really want to go for it, then they select speed on the wings. Barcelona killed them with it last year, and Real Betis gave them problems too. I haven't seen this Mapp kid play, but if he's as fast as everyone on here claims, then add him. Too bad Beasley cant go. And I'm just wondering, will Eddie Johnson be fit enough to go? I've been waiting to see him play for some time. All in all a great opportunity to play against world class players on a world class stage. What player wouldn't be foaming at the mouth for that opportunity. And by saying this I mean no slight to the U.S. Open cup, but the thought of playing in MAdrid, at the Santiago Bernabeu, against Real Madrid. Come on. Seriously. Who wouldn't choose that first.
according to many, the mexican teams cant do much either against them supposedly, yet America beat Barcelona 3-0 a couple of years ago and Pumas beat Madrid in Bernabeu...
Lets not confuse opinions with actual results The difference being that the Mexicans have a history of pulling out good results against good teams. MLS teams don't.
BTW, Real barely got by a Chinese club yesterday. It was down 1:0 and 2:1 before a late Figo penalty won the game. Not sure if Owen expressed the same sentiment as he did toward MLS, as his team barely escaped loss/tie. Of course, it is widely known around the world that the Chinese League is much better than MLS.
you forgot to mention that the condition of the pitch sucked that night. It was like a giant puddle. IMO, Real could have done better under different circumstances
In a one off game we can. Real Madrid lost to a Japanese team 3-0 last night. So you think MLS teams are worse than J-League teams? Why do you think an MLS team has no chance?