last time we had eddie lewis... no one else got a sniff after that besides him this time, we have an mls players union, where there was none last time given that the mls players union backs the us soccer players union... what mls player is going to go against their union????
did eddie lewis cross or was he a relative/total unknown who thought this would be his one chance to wear the jersey, someone who didn't think he'd be considered a scab because he never considered he'd ever be a nat again?
it was 96, meaning he was involved with mls it was his first cap... so it was definitely reaching for a chance (what kind of chance, i don't recall... meaning if he would have been a near future call in or what) but he stepped up... and now we have the mls players union... so we get to find out the strength of their union... are these guys arm in arm... or are they going to show a chink in their armor... here's to hoping the players back their union... they need as strong a union as they can get
the million dollar question... or perhaps, multi-million dollar question it seems like the ussf is banking on this one... it's obvious it would be a huge deal to playes trying to make a name... but do they hold to their union??? give it the strength they need it to have?? (i'm talking mls players union) i know a lot of guys could really use a couple thousand extra in the bank... but if they can stay together and make their union stronger... it's that much better for them in the future... as that's an extra chip for them to play next time they need to negotiate a deal with mls this is getting really interesting... do the players throw out (or at least damage) what they have worked for? or do they go for the short term glory and check?
I think Arena can handle it in a way where he can call up a decent squad of young euros and keep the PA's level of animosity against them very low. I bet he can convince the PA to hold little ill will towards players not in MLS who play against T&T. If we have to go down this road and Arena sees no reason not to bring in the best available players we could see a strong backline, Simek, Karby, Whitbread, Demerit. After that I have no idea, Phillapaikos, JCE, Cooper, Denny ???
I would not be shocked to see some decent players cross. The MLS union is different than other sport unions in that the players have other places to play. To me, this means that the loyalty is probably not as high. "Scabs" are not going to have to play the rest of their careers with MLS union guys and be outcasts, as baseball players would if they crossed the line.
well one thing is for damn sure we have no idea the strength of the mls pu... if there was ever a defining moment... now is that time
Personally, I think it is now time to settle the "if we only got the best US athletes we would be unstoppable" argument once and for all. --------------------Kevin Garnett-------------------- Champ Bailey--Derek Jeter--Alfonso Soriano--LeBron James Marvin Harrison--Allen Iverson--Luke Ridnour--Michael Vick --------------Terrell Owens--Randy Moss--------------
What you're forgetting is that anyone who crosses, hoping it's the path to Arena's heart or stardom or something, would then have to play with all the union guys on the Nats every other time afterwards, even if they were called in again, thus dividing the team irreparably and for the forseeable future. Think instead of people who have nothing to lose, who have been shoved aside, are a little bitter. Chris Carrieri comes to mind. You can either throw this one game with scrubs and get a deal done, or call in guys who will/might have a future on the Nats and poison the well for a long time to come.
Soriano is dominican, I don't think he speaks english, and Moss can't go 90 on his ankle. Lebron off the bench in the 60th minute.
i think 5'10 bailey or someone might be shorter than him... so it's alright... and lance will never die... not even when his legs fall off at the knee... he'll just keep fighting and fighting well, til he gets a red card for biting an opponents head off for claiming that he is doping
I agree that it would cause problems in the future, but there have got to be some players that are going to want to risk that for the chance to play for the national team. During the baseball lockout in the 90's, there were some players who took that chance and it ended up being the best thing for their career's. (Rick Reed for example)
I didn't see Lebron starting on the left. I'd keep him on the bench and start Armstrong in the Hejduk mold. Mike Bibby could add some depth to midfield and Jason Kidd deserves a roster spot.
You can add to the list if you like but I see the benefits of USMNT appearances as: - The Money (I'm a finance guy so I can't ignore it) - The exposure a) shop window for Europe b) for England - if that's the goal c) for endorsements d) to put on the training camp flier that so-and-so was a national team player e) Better contract in MLS - How many of you thought at the beginning of the season that your team could use Mr. Zavagnin? How many think they could use him based upon play for the Wizards v. the national team? - Joy of playing - pride - Joy of playing at a higher level Depending on where a player is in his career the list is either very long or short. The PA leadership has probably shortened the list to the money and endorsements. Younger players may still be playing for the Euro-contract or even a better MLS contract. The long term goal may out weigh the short term goal. Part of what makes this unique to the US is that our top players don't continue to see huge endorsement deals or bonuses for their appearances due to the popularity of the sport in the US. I imagine more Euro players might demand more to, but for the fact that playing for their country causes the phone to ring for endorsements. The down side of USMNT - - Travel - Risk of club retribution - Injury - Exhaustion - too many games between club, club cups, and national duties For the senior players these are a bigger deal than for an MLS'er looking towards the future. The point is, that there is a pretty wide gap, and I have to wonder how well the players feel the PA represents their personal interests. The one equally shared interest all the players have is good disability and health care. The rest of the risks and rewards are valued individually by circumstances. I won't be surprised to see a few cross the line. I won't even be surprised to hear that the ones who are marginal are ostracized (Mark Dodd). And, rather unfairly that the good players will somehow be forgiven (Eddie Lewis). Such is the way in sports. Anyone remember playing with an absolute a****le who everyone tolerated, because he was good?
dude kidd should just be given the keys to this team anyone know if nash has his american citizenship yet??? where the ******** is nancy when you need her???!?!??!?