I'm curious as to what the difference between an MLS reserve league and the A League would be. Will it be strict team associations like minor league baseball or just a lower-tier league with a direct tie to MLS? I'm just confused on why MLS needs a reserve league with the other existing leagues around.
This question has been answered very thoroughly in previous threads. However, briefly, reserve teams will likely play in the same cities as MLS teams, on smaller ancillary fields; the reserve rosters will be made up of exactly the same players who make up the team's full roster; the league needs a reserve league because the A-league, etc. does not provide enough opportunities for all the players MLS needs to evaluate and develop; additionally, with a reserve league, MLS can be sure that the players not only get playing time (a problem with A-league loans), but that they will play in the positions and how the coaches want them too.
actually the question has been specualted upon in several other threads. Until it happens its all just us throwing around ideas of what we think is best. Mikey
Gotcha. Thanks for the 'splanation. Sounds similar to minor league baseball except with the "same city" thing, which makes tons of sense.
I think if teams were smart they would have their reserve squad playing around their market as a way of connecting with fans and exposing more people to the game. For example, DC's reserve squad could play games in Baltimore, Annapolis, and at various high schools in the Metro area.
That's quite an excellent idea. Exposure can never hurt. There are millions of Atlanta Braves fans across the country because before ESPN there was TBS. On a smaller scale, you could expose people to pro soccer with this league. Adidas/MLS, are you listening?