Landon staying MLS for 2 more years. Last Landon thread here for 2 years right? http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/2002-12-16-donovan_x.htm
I can't believe you didn't also mention that it says that McBride will re-sign with the Crew! I thought he was dying to get back to Europe?? I wonder if MLS is doing some "creative accounting" with their salary cap to keep him around??
McBride doesn't have great value to anyone at 31 years old and a history of injuries. So the MLS thinking is to have him lead the Olympic charge? I hadn't thought of that one. Of course IMHO he could go and play with Leverkusen, get better and still play in the Olympics.
I assume BL could still sell his rights to another euro club while he's in SJ? If they were to do so I wonder if Landon could/would reconsider staying in MLS for the next 2 years?
How is this not good for Landon, you idiots...let him do what HE wants..he wants to stay...hes a better player than any of you ever will be so not saying he needs to goto europe to become a good player, he already is a good player and will keep inproving in MLS....morons...
I can't say I'm not disappointed. I really wanted to see how Landon would do in Europe. I would love to know what MLS is giving BL to keep Landon here, but since they never publish anything about their contracts that may be difficult to find out. Maybe Olaf can work the German end of things, since I would think the fans there are going to demand some kind of explanation of how this helps BL. Scumby
Man, you just crushed my dreams. I figured as a 32 year old engineer I was about to hit my soccer peak and take the world by storm in Germany '06. I guess I'll go back to designing printer parts...(stifles a sob) - Scumby (now sad and dejected)
Sure dude, we're idiots because we say the best players play in Europe(even the BEST Brazilians and Argentines play there). And the best players want to go to the best leagues and see how they match up. Run along now I'm sure you've got something to do for your mother......... meanwhile Clint's itching at the chance to play in Europe
Argentinian and Brazilian clubs are piss poor...Those that are sold make a huge salary which they could never get playing in their home country.
Would anyone be at all surprised if this was a joint effort between MLS and Nike? Perhaps Nike is giving Bayer a little money under the table to keep Landon here? I only bring this up because I remember they had something to do with him originally coming to MLS.
I have a lingering fear that Landon is becoming too comfortable with his surroundings and ability at too young an age. As an Earthquakes fan i am thrilled for the team that a player of his obvious talent will be back, but I don't get the feeling he wants to take on the world anymore.
this is American inferiority talk. If you will recall the MLS guys did more than fine at the WC by and large. I think it is fair to assume MLS will continue to get even stronger over the next 4 years. There is no reason to think that MLS can't present a challenge to all players, including Landon.
I can agree with that - i think the MLS is at a higher level than most give it credit for. But the fact remains that the best players in the world do not play in the MLS - and I for one (and i wish Landon would too) would like to see how he would compare and progress in that environment on a day to day basis (beyond a great showing at the world cup)
But what does that have to do with their BEST players ending up in Europe? It still doesn't CHANGE that fact. So what, all the leagues in the new world are poorer than the big four European leagues.
My feeling is that we've got some players who can compete quite well on the world's stage. However, doing it consistently day in and day out is what has not been proven by anyone other than JOB, Friedel, Keller, Reyna and to a lesser extent, Sanneh.
The Wanderer: First thing, my mom is dead... Second, your right, lets send landon, mcbride, clint, every good player in this league to europe...That will bring more fans to the games...Who wants to see the top US players actually playing in the US??? Financially MLS can't compete for the worlds best yet, but if it can keep its US stars around why not do it...the league obviously won't survive if it has no good players and no stars...
I hope I don't offend Olaf with this- but I got Fox Sports World 3 weeks ago and have seen a few Bundesliga games. After each one I felt like I needed to wash my eyes out. Man, they play some butt ugly soccer in Germany. It is battle, battle, battle! I saw Schalke vs. Bayern and neither team could put 3 passes together. I would like those who are calling for Landon to go back to Germany to tell me that they watch the Bundesliga and think it is more skilled than MLS. I think they may battle harder and have deeper teams but the play is NOT more skillful in my opinion.
The top clubs pay better salaries than MLS does. that's not Europe level but it's not piss poor either.
That is true as well - I suppose when I think of Landon in Europe, I would more envision him in England, Spain, or Italy and to a lesser extent Holland or France. I've seen many Bundesliga games and although at a higher level than MLS, not necessarily technically superior.
Yeah, it seems like the highly skilled players (Elber, Rosicky, etc.) take quite a beating and don't have as much a chance to use their abilities. The more effective players seem to be the ones that can give as much as they can take. (just what I see)
I think things will work out fine. Landon will stay in MLS and if a team from another big Euro team comes in with a major offer, he may go.I guess they would have to buy Landon from Leverkusen, but if a biggie comes in they can pay. Meanwhile he is available for Quakes, MLS, Arena. His MLS play will allow way more USA games.