This weekend, there were three compelling games: Chivas with a 1-0 nailbiter over Chicago, DC with their monumental 4-2 win over NY, and the 2-1 Dynamo squeaker over Columbus. Toyota Park in Chicago was sold out and the fans were riveted by every significant play, both offensive and defensive (it was comparable to a Toronto game, which is always like that). It was exciting to watch on TV. RFK was rocking on Sunday with the Ben Olsen hat trick over NY. Despite the 1:00 start time, which many MLS franchises would immediately dismiss as a bad time to have a game, and the poor Telefutura audio, there was a large, enthusiastic crowd which supported DC's every move. Great fun to watch. Columbus and Houston had an equally compelling matchup. It was an intense dogfight with a lot at stake for both teams and only a Chad Marshall own goal was the difference in the outcome. The atmosphere, however, was terrible. Even in a soccer-specific stadium, there were so many gaps in the seats; it looked terrible on TV. If Crew Stadium would have had 20,000 passionate supporters encouraging their lads from behind, there might have been a different result. My point is this: many on these boards have agreed that Toronto fans have willed their team on to victory. Even when they lose and/or screw up, the fans are right back behind them on the very next sequence. This undying support, best generated in a soccer-specific stadium, is what makes MLS matches fun to watch. It is not fun to see half-empty, half-interested stadiums regardless of the drama on the field. Perhaps other fans can take notes on what Toronto is doing and get behind their team regardless of their present record. Kansas City is awesome right now; 17 k should be easy in that city!
MLS does not know how to hype things up and use the media. I am sorry guys but fundamental soccer will not win over fans. AKA(Sapranos had higher ratings than the NBA FINALS because the Spurs are so dam boring, it is true) We need excitement! I hate when the TV announcers talk so negatively....Eric Wynalda. We don't care what former USA soccer players have to say unless you are entertaining like my boy Alexi Lalas. It will take a World Cup semifinals appearance until USA soccer in general is respected. Then again we could pay for some expensive players. lol But seriously a lot of MLS players are way underpaid and I see a strike coming unless MLS raises the salary of some players who make less than teachers!
Game atmosphere is everything in every league. Case in point, Serie A. The quality of the play may be higher, but the Serie A games played in closed stadiums -- even those in front of sparse crowds -- are almost unwatchable IMO.
Game atmosphere is everything in any sport. If there are no fans to support/cheer, why else would the sport exist?
I clicked on this thinking, "so help me God if this says anyanything about Trontro...." Why don't we all just offer to massage the good people of Trontro's feet who are now our newly appointed rulers? Excuse me while I go yack up.