So I've watched the 2 A-league match of the week matches thus far and they play fluid - attacking soccer. I know it's probably not always the case and I know MLS teams are far more skilled but with ESPN's MLS games being somewhat heinous affairs, I am pleasantly suprised by the A-league matches. Oddly enough, the A-League is now lead by former MLS players. So far I've seen Lassiter, Dante Washington, Dijital Takwira (I know I spelled it wrong), Johnny Torres, Amani Dove, Jay Aldrich and others. The ref's also call hard fouls in the A-league, and it seems like they have less hacking going on. Like I've been saying, only Kansas City and Columbus are worth watching thus far in 2003 - and Clint Mathis. Other than that it's been a pile of suck.
I don't think we give the ref's enough credit for good soccer. I like to go over to the ref forum and give some of those guys a hard time, in part, because they more than anything other single factor, determine the quality of the game. The MLS has come under fire for instructing the ref's to bend the rules. In fact here is a link to the discussion, https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18429 Here is an example of the charges: "Referees are being second-guessed when they administer a second yellow card late in a game, as though the Laws of the Game are somehow to be suspended as the match draws to a close. The latest case was Brian Hall, in a game where an array of assessors, all present at the game, and all with professional and international experience, concluded he did the right thing. But it was not what the league officials, watching on television, wanted with playoffs approaching." To me, it's a h e l l of a thing to know that the league screws around with the game in such away. AFAIK, they haven't officially responded to "The Letter".
Teams like Seattle and Portland (A-League) have great rivalries. Possibly better than any MLS rivalry. Plus, nearly a third of Seattle's starters are former MLS players (more when Forward Hercules Gomez---LA Galaxy) returns from his foot injury. So what's not to like? Oh yeah---Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer uses a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2...very fluid, attacking soccer.
I'm a big time MLS fan and I really want this league to do well, but to be honest the quality of play in this league is horrible. If you think other wise then you haven't never seen good soccer before. And I'm not a Eurosnob trying to compare MLS to the big European leagues. Even after 7 or 8 years the level of play has not improved enough to be considered decent. I really believe the lack of play is has a lot to do with the sucky attendence. I do my part to go to as many games as possible and have many friends who enjoy soccer almost as much as I do but they don't take MLS serious because of the quality of play. The leagues quality of play must improve. While all the new stadiums being built for MLS teams is great for the sport, at this point quality of play is alot more important.
What's that saying, A Rising Tide Floats all Boats? I think the quality of the A-League is a testament to the ever-improving soccer in this country. The A-League is very watchable soccer, and I think a big reason is MLS. Players have something to strive for, and many of the best A-Leaguers have MLS experience. I've seen some A-League games this year that were played at a level comparable to MLS. Not that that's saying a whole lot, considering some of the wretched play we've seen from MLS early in the season. Still, I wouldn't hesitate to take the Sounders in a home and home against DC or Colorado.
its time for us to have the UPL (US Premiere League) and Division I and II out of these MLS, A- league, USL etc etc
The level of play has to do with the attendance? How exactly? Look, the level of play in this league is bound by the level of play of the American player. Make the league world class level wise, then make the Americans in the league world class. Do this by training YOUTH players correctly. Players should have base skills BEFORE they get to the top professional level, NOT 2-3 seasons after. That's why the game is thought so slowly IMHO. U17 youth teams, plus an emphasis at the YOUTH level on BALL SKILLS and creative, possession oriented soccer. Not kick and chase or "Let's see how many times we can turn the ball over in the midfield" soccer that tends to proliferate at the youth levels.
Having only attended one MLS game and one A-League game I'm no expert, but the A-League game I attended was much more enjoyable. The player seemed to have much more enthusiasm and the crowd, even though there wasn't much singing (Rochester just isn't a name that sounds good sung anyway), really got into the game too. A week previously I saw Chicago at Soldier Field and although there were nearly twice as many people there, they felt like an audience rather than a crowd. The vast expanse of empty seats didn't help either. Effectively, despite the valiant efforts of some supporters in the corner, there was no atmosphere at all and it felt like everything was happening somewhere off in the distance. It just felt too calm. There wasn't a hint of tension or expectancy in the air. It wasn't until New England scored in the second half that the team (and crowd) started to show some urgency. After that it picked up immensely.
I don't think the level of play in MLS is terrible, I just think it got off to a poor start this year while the 2 a-league matches were well played. However this weekend showed some improvement in MLS. RichardL, it depends on what stadiums you're at in MLS. Some are loud and full....others are empty and have no atmosphere at all.
Because MLS wash outs are finding a league they can excel in. The salary cap and improved play in MLS has a direct correlation to the level of play in the A-league.
It kooks to me MLS quality is down cause of too many young players. And A-league quality could be up cause of X-MLSers that should still be playing in MLS. Hope to see some of the good A-leagers back for the new 12 or 14 team season in the next couple years. And by then the young MLS players of today who are bringing the league down will improve. I just hope all the new fans don't get turned off by this years poor look cause we need them to pay for the new stadiums.
I've seen all 3 A-League games on FSW so far. Have thoroughly enjoyed every one. I can't say the same for all the MLS games I've watched, which have been considerable, but I'm sure if I watched almost all the A-League games there would be quite a few stinkers. MLS IS off to a slow start, though I thought yesterday's games were a step in the right direction (and I didn't even get to see the Quakes/Crew game, but the highlights looked brilliant). Anyway, I just love American soccer, the more the merrier.
This weeks games were nearly all well-played and entertaining. I think the teams just needed to shake off the early season rust.
Also, wait until the A-League matches are telecast from places like Cincinatti or Bethel Park. The games are often a lot less attractive when they're played on fields that make the Fire and the Burn's look like Old Trafford in comparison.
Same here. I've been enjoying this season, silly me. Ive also been watching the EPL, and matches from around the world, thanks to FSW. I guess ignorance is bliss; I can see the difference, but it's not enough to turn me off MLS - or the Friday night A-League Match of the Week. In MLS I've seen great goals scored from all over the field; I've seen terrific defending and goal-keeping, not to mention moments of sheer luck that seem to come out of a Hollywood movie. I like the way things are going, and I stand by what I said to some friends a week ago: the quality of MLS is ahead of the curve; the league deserves better fans.