I think it was. Every team in the tournament showed passion, commitment, and brought their A-game to try and win this thing. LA were the ultimate underdogs and were heartbreakingly unlucky to not walk away winners. For once they were not completely undone by themselves. In fact, if they had started their season and played every game with that kind of fire they'd be top choice for the Supporter's Shield. But, maybe now that its finally over they will turn their energy towards the rest of the season and clinch that final playoff berth. Not holding my breath, but there is still hope for them and it was demonstrated last night and, if they don't make the playoffs, they are going to be very dangerous next season.
No English language TV coverage and a final capped at 12.5k capacity didn't exactly help the non soccer fanatic's view of the tournament, that hardly shouts major competition to me. And as Wahl said, it never really seemed like the Mexican teams, Pachuca aside cared much for it, other than as a pre season warm up to get some match fitness. But on the plus side, most of the matches were full blooded affairs and produced good entertainment, even the American vs American matches were pretty good, especially the goalfest between Dallas and Los Angeles, the tournament started to show some signs of transferring the national rivalry across to the club game, and MLS sides didn't look at all bad when competing, even if it was against pre season teams who couldn't really care. Next season, the prize money needs to be raised to $1.5m, the tournament needs to progress to a proper home and away group stage (lets see how the MLS clubs do in Mexico eh ?) and one of MLS' English language TV partners needs to pick it up, if it's to continue the progress that has begun this year. The performance based qualification will also help it's legitimacy and prestige somewhat, compared to the invitational pre season money spinning tournament feel it had to it this year. And no scheduling the final in an obviously stupid timeslot.
I totally disagree. Chivas and Morelia sure as hell seemed to care as well. Club America is the only Mexican squad IMHO that seemed to blow it off (though they played hard against Morelia). I don't think we would seen brawls in almost every match if the teams didn't care about the games.
Considering I wasn't expecting much turnout for this tournament, yes, Superliga was a complete success.
The Superliga was a huge success. Obviously, it is going to have to become a home-and-home series in order to become truly legitimate, but I think that the passion, intensity, and quality of play were superb in all games. I also disagree with a previous poster who suggested the Mexican clubs were not taking it seriously; the large number of cautions issued would suggest otherwise. Even Club America, with nothing to play for in their last group stage game against Morelia, went all-out in their 3-1 win. Home and home format and English language TV are a must to improve this event in the future but I would restrict entrance to the top four regular-season point earners from both leagues. To add more teams from each league would make it less of a "Super" league and more of an average league. If organizers are commited to expansion, I would recommend only four additional teams to avoid fixture congestion; the top two from UNCAF, the CFU champion and the Canadian champion (TFC, Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps would have to play a home and home series to determine this). When 2007 hits the record books, it will be said that the best matches played in the calendar year were from Superliga and the Concacaf Champions Cup indicating that the USA-Mexico rivalry has now fully expanded to the club level.
I enjoyed it, but looking forward to next seasons where teams actually have to qualify and spots are not just gifted to teams (Ahem LA). Also, play half the matches in Mexico. Make it a more legit competition. Then air it english Good tourny though. The games were a good watch. Thank you and good evening.
why would anyone bring up the capacity? It was capped, I'm sure they could have got quite a large crowd if the game would have been moved. Obviously it was a success, and proved for the most part that MLS is on par with the mexican league
Are you Jade in disguise? j/k I do think the Superliga was a success, I'm sure it will become a home and home series eventually. The only thing that needs change is the qualification process. It seems like a lot of people want all these changes, like adding more teams, or adding South American teams. You have to let the tournament solidify itself first. Get more sponsors, tv deals, and let it gain a national footprint first. Then worry about making it better.
Yes, Superliga was a success. Why? 1. It shows that the MLS can hang with teams from the Mexican league; a league that is looked as the best league outside of Europe. 2. It provides MLS teams experience against teams of decent talent outside of the MLS. 3. It is a stepping stone to break the european monopoly of football. This is a step to make the Superliga into something similar to that of the Champions League in Europe. If the long term results are successful, the Superliga can develop into something very special in the soccer world. With time and some good success, Superliga can enhance the prestige of both the MLS and the Mexican league. Let's face it, the MLS is pretty much disrespected globally, including in our own country. The result of the Superliga will raise the bar on competition and provide some entertainment. This is exactly what we need so that we can continue to build soccer in the Americas.
While that's nice, LA was the team that stepped up and made the final and then took a highly ranked club to PK's with $1M dollars on the line and their best player in a suit on the sideline.
I think the SuperLiga will only get better. This was pretty much a trial run, with no qualifications. I think the format, scheduling and qualification (already done) will improve for next go around. I agree that the 12,500 fans was disappointing/mistake....but honestly not many people watched it one tv so no harm done right?
Premature question. Next year is 'the Real SuperLiga" remember, this was a very limited version of what is to come according to Don Garber. Watch this space: www.superliga2008.com
The Dynamo-Pachuca and LA-Pachuca games were some of the most exciting matches I've seen. I will certainly say that the SuperLiga was a success and hopefully it grows with each year.
I hear ya. You guys hung in against a real good club. CK's goal was simply AMAZING. LA had a real good tournament. That said, I don't think you guys should have even had the opportunity to play in the tournament. You didn't do anything to earn a spot. It was a gift. That cheapens it for me. Your 2005 championship cheapened the whole concept of MLS Cup for me aswell. You played garbage ball all year edging out 2 new teams, then simply won 3 and tied one to wrap up the title. To me that doesn't speak champion to me either. It's just way to easy of a feat to be impressed with. No offense to LA or its fans, I just have more respect for teams that earn their keep. Winning as a result of a gifted spot or a soft playoff format just doesn't float my boat. Again though, all that aside, nice tournament. You guys did MLS proud.
I think that we can say the excitement of the matches will bring English language TV, bigger prize money and bigger crowds next year.
But the Galaxy made it the furthest of all the MLS teams. Next years SuperLiga should be based on how well the teams are doing in their season at the point where Superliga begins, not on how well they did in the previous season, they could be a completely different team in terms of play and at the lowest end of the division..... things that need to be corrected: 1. air the matches in English and Spanish 2. increase the prize money 3. travel to Mexico for home games 4. increase teams to 12, 6 from each league 5. based strictly on how well they are doing in their respective league I think with this, the crowds will be larger (as long the stadiums don't pull what the HDC pulled and cap the crowd @ 12500 because of crowd control @ Cal State Dominguez Hills)
Does promising a return on an investment earn us a spot? At least for an inaugural year, I think it does. Next year, sure, it will be based on previous year's performance. That's fine. But don't give me any BS about how if the league wanted to succeed, they should have banked on New England and Colorado to bring in the TV and Stadium revenue.
I suppose, but I am talking soccer here, not finances. I will leave that for you businessmen to decide.
I like 1,3 and 5 don't care about 2 and despise 4 with a passion. Keep it a select few teams based on how they performed the year before.