Why No MLS Strike is a Good Thing

Photo: AP

The second extension of Major League Soccer's collective bargaining agreement expired last night at midnight and still no agreement has been reached.

When the player's union agreed to extend the current agreement back at the end of January, whisperings of a strike began to surface. While the previous CBA did not allow for a work stoppage or a lockout, when both sides let it expire last night, the possibility of a player's strike became a real possibility.

But when it came time to strike, the players were faced with two shocking facts: 1.) The centralized control of the league gives them little room to work with and 2.) The public did not widely support the desire for a strike.

What it all boils down to is that the MLS is at an important crossroads in its life and these negotiations are signs of unavoidable growing pains. The league is currently looking to divest its interests in club ownership and "One owner, one club" system. In this system, each team would have specific rights to developmental players and expansions would be made easier. All of this would contribute to an economically stronger league with teams in lucrative markets across the continent vying for a piece of the action.

With this in mind, it is not that hard to see why a player's strike would be foolish and potentially devastating for the league. Without the economics or the popular support backing them, the players could be shooting themselves in the foot. If the league succeeds, the players succeed and only then will they have the leverage they need to improve their CBA.

The best way to support the players' plight and help them improve their rights to self-determination? Buy season tickets. Buy their gear. Put your money where your mouth is and show the league that the players are worth every penny.

UPDATE: Gil goes to Wizards

The AP is reporting that the Kansas City Wizards have won the rights to US U-17 star Luis Gil.

I will refrain from making any "work his magic" jokes.

Link to Sports Illustrated article:
http://ping.fm/wXgCT

MLS Nabs US U17 Star from Arsenal, But Will They Know What to do With Him?

photo credit: www.ISIphotos.com

According to the Steven Goff over at the Washington Post, the MLS has signed US U17 international Luis Gil (pictured above) in the face of competition from European clubs of no lesser stature than North London's Arsenal FC.

Gil will be assigned to a team through a lottery on Monday. The lottery will be weighted in favor of teams at the bottom last season's table.

So not only did the MLS steal a promising future US international from a team internationally renowned for its outstanding youth system, they are more than likely going to give him to one of the league's worst teams.

I smell another botched career in the making.

To be frank, the MLS has a terrible track record when it comes to developing young players. And now that the MLS reserve system is gone, it seems the track record will only get worse.

If anything, it provides an unnecessarily steep learning curve for the star players who make the unavoidable move to European clubs. Although initially hailed as the savior of American soccer, Freddy Adu is still struggling to prove his international prowess.

"But what about Jozy Altidore," I hear you yell at me. Yes, he spent two successful years with New York, but he has struggled since to find the proper footing in European club football. While Altidore is liking life with Hull City FC, scoring only one goal in 19 appearances may not be enough to keep both he and his club in the Premier League.

On the other side of the argument, you have West Ham United's Johnathan Spector. Signed at the age of 17 by Manchester United after less than a year with the Chicago Fire's youth team, Spector has had a quiet but successful career as a defensive workhorse in the Premier League and at the international level.

Don't get me wrong. I want US youth players to do well. I want them to become the stars I know they can be. I just don't think the MLS is equipped to give them the challenge and discipline they need. The bottom line is that the MLS should stick to the development model it does best, signing college stars, and leave the art of youth development to the clubs that have the money, coaching staff and experience to do so.

When it comes to the future international success of MLS youth players, it's a fine line between a Jozy Altidore and a Freddy Adu, and even longer odds. So while I'm excited to see Gil's MLS debut, I'm slighted worried about yet another brilliant young player whom the league may never fully develop.