Don Garber has said in the past he wants MLS to be one of the best leagues in the world. I wonder if he can name one European/South American league that has an all-star game and if they play said all star game in the middle of the season?
Where would you rank the K-League compared to leagues around the world? Garber has said he wants MLS to be a top league in the world. I just don't see how MLS can achieve that as long as they keep doing gimmicky stuff like an all star game in the middle of the season. Hell even one the writers for MLS came up with this with quotes from players: https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/what...-mx-means-this-is-proof-our-league-is-growing If this is true that the league is growing and getting some respect, how come MLS hasn't won CONCACAF Champions league yet?
Frankly I do not judge how MLS should be compared to the world. Playoffs etc is a USA thing and excellent. Same with no pro-rel and a salary cap all of which would ruin USA soccer. However, all star games are mostly not very representative of the game and risky to players.
Slonina has saved every shot in his entire career. It is an absolute travesty that he was not an All-Star! 2021 MLS Best-XI, for sure.
I suspect the all star game is an event made for sponsors. As such, if I couldn’t do away with it completely, I’d schedule it like the NFL does with the pro bowl, at a time where an injury won’t jeopardize a teams’ season.
Wait, if the do that, the Fire may never make the playoffs! Here me out. We generally suck, so we do not have any members of the All-Star team (not in 2021 or 2018, only Brandon Vincent in 2016, none in 2015 or 2014). Other teams do (when it used to be East v. West, double). If the star players from some of our division rivals end up injured, that helps the Fire. Come on, MLS leg breakers, help out the Fire. Of course, in reality, I agree with you.
It’s nice to see things like an at peak Drogba playing live or watching Blanco school MLS’ best. These things do have value even if elements are cringe worthy.
I enjoyed watching the 2nd half last night & the PKs. However, I am reminded that it was at an All-Star game that Cakes decided to purchase the Fire. That alone is cause enough to eliminate the game.
Time and place. Putting an exhibition game in the middle of your season devalues the competition. Implicitly you’re saying the regular season games don’t really matter. The NFL has gotten this right. Let the all star game be a fun affair at the end of the season comprised of players who didn’t make it to the final.
That's my recollection too. I curse myself for that early optimism with Hauptman and why I temper any enthusiasm I have now with Mansueto. The team still sucks.