MLS Offseason News and Rumors Thread I

I wrote an simple and totally honest answer to the above and deleted it because I'm not sure this is an appropriate place for that kind of honesty. Fact is I know one of my skill sets would be of great benefit to Mr K.

 

http://www.mlssoccer.com/ with a new look and feel today, along with a new slogan:

 

Didn't make it with either team:
United Notes:
By Steven Goff
Published: February 23

 

That slogan is horrible. The league should never acknowledge the "US Sports Guy" perception about soccer - by making it the new slogan it absolutely conveys "defensiveness."

Plus the site now looks like some Gawker network monstrosity. The old design was far more usable and easier on the eye.

 

Wondo is the league's newest DP:

MLS MVP Wondolowski signs new deal with Quakes
Posted: Mon February 25, 2013 9:55PM
by Grant Wahl

 

Torsten Frings retires, leaving TFC without a healthy DP to start the season.

 

Took a look at the new jerseys released yesterday. Both of Colorado's are absolutely spectacular. NYRB's looks more or less exactly like their old ones (only so much you can do with the giant honking Red Bull logo in the front). The Dynamo alternate is basic but classy.

 

They have less than 2,000 STHs? That's somewhat less than we do, right?

Regardless, I officially request a NE third kit with NE flag colors.

 

Colorado: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/25/jersey-week-rapids-make-mls-history-new-13-jerseys

Houston: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ek-houston-dynamo-unveil-two-new-jerseys-2013

New York: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...-red-bulls-get-new-lightweight-primary-kit-13

 

The Colorado alternate looks like shit. Good idea, bad execution. New York's is different from the old one how...? And Houston's is a definite downgrade from their previous set.

The only good one from yesterday is Colorado's primary.

 

Philadelphia: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...hiladelphia-union-unveil-new-retro-3rd-jersey

I know there had been some talk here (a long time ago) about a third jersey that was a tribute to the Fall River Marksmen. Philly had a similar idea and did a tribute to Bethlehem Steel FC.

 

Toronto: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...eek-torontos-new-primary-kit-screams-canadian

OK, I have to admit I like this one.

 

If we did a Fall River Marksmen third, that would play really well into our "rivalry" with Philadelphia.

 

The Steel Marksmen Cup?

 

Really? I didn't mind any of them.

 

I'd buy the Fall River Marksmen tribute in a second. In fact, now you've made me want to buy an actual FRM jersey.

 

hmmmm sounds like a similar situation to a current Revs LW

 

Looks like Martins to the Sounders is done.

Link

 

So, is anyone planning to watch the Commissioner's "March to Soccer" address tonight?

MLS Commissioner Don Garber to give "March to Soccer" address on YouTube, Weds., 6 pm ET
February 27, 2013
MLSsoccer staff
MLSsoccer.com

 

Yup.

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs...02/27/mls-institutes-mass-confrontation-rule/

1. Troubled by swarms of players disrupting a match, the league’s board of governors has approved a rule that would penalize teams and coaches when three or more individuals confront a referee or opponent.

2. Players, coaches and team personnel, aside from medical staff, are subject to suspension for leaving the bench area and entering the field. (The NBA has a similar rule.)
3. Any action involving a hand to the face or head of an opponent, even a light slap with the purpose of inciting and not injuring, is subject to fine and suspension.
4. A coach or staff member approaching match officials from the time they arrive at the stadium until they depart is subject to fine and suspension. Here, too, there is a lot of gray area: What is the physical threshold — 10 yards or 30 yards? Is a coach allowed to shout from distance? What if the coach and assistant referee cross paths on the sideline and words are exchanged?

#1. Not sure how I feel about this. If a teammate were to get headbutt/punched, I have no problem with his teammates rushing to his aid. On the other hand, there are few things I hate more than 4 players running up to an official after a bad tackle or penalty call. There is no doubt that influences an officials decision.
#2 seems like a pretty obvious rule.
#3 I like, though I would prefer they made the punishment more clear.
#4 is too vague.