Another Post About Thierry Henry, the NY Red Bulls and the Question of Designated Players

New York Red Bulls and MLS newboy, Thierry Henry was in attendance Saturday evening in Columbus, Ohio to watch a Columbus Crew shy on confidence rediscover its stride against his new team. The two-time defending Supporters Shield holders picked apart an uninspired Red Bulls in front a less than enthralled Henry. All while questions of just how far the Red Bulls will go with the former Arsenal, Barcelona and French national team striker were thrown around with unrestrained anticipation and glee by NY sports pundits and followers of MLS alike.

Nothing can match the unmitigated frenzy of David Beckham's move to MLS in 2007, but Henry's move - while long-rumored - is drumming up some starstruck reactions and questions about the whole idea of designated players. Is Henry's move a signal of increased respect for MLS? If so, will it mean more high profile signings?

These may be the wrong questions.

Are designated players even a good idea for the league as a whole? Beckham hasn't been able to win an MLS cup with LA and the Galaxy hit the ground running this season without him. On the other hand, Guillermo Barros Schelotto has elevated the Crew to two and a half successful seasons. And while each team is allowed 3 designated players, the league has signed just 11.

But let's face it, Henry came to MLS because he loves New York City. Beckham came over for, among other reasons, the celebrity saturated landscape of L.A. So what happens to the league when the coasts are filled with DP's and the center gets overlooked? Would Ronaldhino really want to go play in Kansas City, or Ryan Giggs in Colorado?

What's Next For U.S. Soccer?

And so another World Cup has come and gone for the United States' soccer team. But instead of crashing out of the tournament like in 2006, the Americans fought on until a heartbreaking ending saw them exit with unfulfilled potential and questions of what might have been.

Now that the din has died down and half of America has forgotten what a yellow card is and what the World Cup is all about, the long-term question arises: What's next for U.S. Soccer?

5. Youth Development













In the next two decades the United States Soccer Federation and its top tier professional leagues need to fine tune their youth development system. As Stateside Soccer reported back in February, United States U17 star Luis Gil was the center of a supposed signing battle in which Major League Soccer beat out Arsenal to sign the youngster. In doing so, however, the MLS arguably robbed a future USMNT star from experience in one of the world's best development systems. I'm all for developing US players at home, but the MLS has neither the resources nor the competitive level to properly develop the talents of our youngest players. The result is a stunted growth wherein the players reach their peak later than many other world talents.

4. MLS Expansion














With wild speculation flying around about the make-up of a 20 team MLS, the consensus seems to be that MLS is growing and will continue into the next decade. Whether the league will creep past 20 teams or the US Soccer Federation will step in and develop second and third tier leagues is yet to be seen. But either way, soccer will be growing over the next four years and - as long as the speed of growth is kept at a responsible level - it can mean nothing but good things.

3. 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup














If there's one thing the 2009 Confederations Cup taught us it's that experience matters and confidence counts. Without their spectacular run to the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup it is hard to see how the USMNT would have found the realistic confidence to go up against world powers like Spain and Brazil. So the first step to the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil starts with the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup next summer. It's simple if the US wins, it books its ticket to the tournament and with it some much needed tournament experience ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

2. Michael Bradley












If there was one high quality constant throughout the World Cup for the U.S. it was the 22 year old midfielder and son of the coach, Michael Bradley. He was ever-present in the midfield, winning balls, linking up with the forwards and even scoring the crucial tying goal against Slovenia in the U.S.'s second group game. Bradley's performance for the National Team has long been one of a consistent but relatively unsung backbone for an otherwise schizophrenic midfield and the U.S. soccer community has sensed greatness. Now the NY Times Goal Blog has given statistics to his performances, placing him high in rankings such as tackling and distance covered. And with as many as two more World Cups ahead of him, he may just be the future of US Soccer.

1. The 2018/2022 US World Cup Bids











When the curtain falls on South Africa in two weeks, the world's focus will turn to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the announcement of the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. The United States has bids to host the 2018 or 2022 tournament. MLS Commissioner Don Garber, US Soccer president Sunil Gulati, Henry Kissinger and Michael Bloomberg are on a board who has offered forth nothing but American football stadiums as venues (though, admittedly, they had few alternative options). The announcement for the host nations will take place some time in December of 2010.

Will the Bump in TV Ratings for the World Cup Translate to Interst in MLS?

US fans look on as Landon Donovan scores a goal against Ghana (AP)

ABC/ESPN is reporting that viewership for the US vs. Ghana game on Saturday was up 10% compared to the US vs. England game two weeks ago.

While this may be all well and good for the quadrennial soccer bandwagon and flag waving fans, what does it mean in terms of the long-term viability of the sport? It's one thing to draw in the casual fans who will cheer for anything if it has the American flag on it and another thing entirely to turn them into fans of the sport. A large number of Americans will watch the Olympics once every four years, but it's not like they're chomping at the bit for skating or gymnastics during the other three, you know what I mean?

But the outlook is looking good. Some reports have this season's overall MLS attendance to date up 10% compared to this time last year. More people are going to see their local team in person. And even though this year's numbers to date include the numbers for Philadelphia's two home games at PPL park with an average attendance of more than 29,000, they remain promising. More people are joining in the culture of American soccer. The sport isn't growing everywhere (that same report has attendance for New England and San Jose down by double digits), but it's growing. And I count that as a win.

Stateside Soccer is Now on Facebook

Stateside Soccer launched its Facebook fan page Friday. The page is open to any fans of soccer from the United States and abroad.

Blog readers and followers of @StatesideSoccer on Twitter can enjoy the same level of news and commentary on soccer leagues, teams and trends from around the globe, including:

• The one stop shop for breaking news from FIFA, the US Men's National Soccer Team, Major League Soccer, USSF-D2, and the USL Premier Development League.
• Easy to read guides to the fundamentals of soccer for new-comers to the Beautiful Game.
  
• Exclusive commentary on soccer trends in the United States.
• Predictions and brackets for major tournaments and matches.
  
• Analysis of soccer in the US media by a communications professional with experience in journalism and public relations.
• The occasional off-beat post by Ms. FootyNut, a new-comer to the sport and an expert in layperson soccer commentary.
  

In the next few months following the unfortunate, but unavoidable end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Stateside Soccer will examine the gains soccer has made in the US, the return of MLS soccer and the ramp up to the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the announcements of the host countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

For more information on Stateside Soccer, the information it covers and any media inquiries, email StatesideSoccer (at) gmail (dot) com.

Stateside Soccer is a soccer blog based in Detroit, Michigan covering US soccer and soccer from around the globe, including Major League Soccer (MLS), the US Men's National Team (USMNT), English Premier League (EPL), UEFA Champions League, Australian A-League and the general popularity of soccer in the United States. Follow Stateside Soccer on Twitter @StatesideSoccer and on Facebook.

Promotion/Relegation League System Part of US Soccer's '50 Year Plan'

Sunil Gulati (left), President of the US Soccer Federation (USSoccerPlayers.com)

A Stefan Fatsis article published Saturday on Slate Magazine's website has wrenched my attention from the World Cup for a minute. In the article, US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati implies that a promotion/relegation league system with a fall-winter-spring season will be given a strong consideration by the USSF in the next 25 years.

According to Gulati, such changes are part of a 50 year plan aimed at cementing the United States' status at soccer's "adult table." Never mind that the plan was unheard of before last year. Never mind that there has been no serious talk of how to go about implementing such a plan in light of the MLS's fierce protection of its centralized franchise system and the inability of second tier professional leagues to maintain a viable business model. And never mind that it was more of a rhetorical reaction to FIFA president Sepp Blatter's joke that after a conceding 3 goals in the second half of the 3-2 loss to Brazil in the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, the US would do well to remember that soccer is a game of two halves.

My main concern when it comes to a promotion/relegation league system in the United States is the question of financial and organizational viability. While a most of America's "big" sports have multi-tiered leagues, non of them are interconnected and most of them are set-up as player "farms" to feed top-tier teams. In fact, a number of second and third and even more fourth tier soccer teams in the United States have developmental ties to Major League Soccer franchises. If these teams were to become independent, self-determined entities, it may become more expensive for teams to recruit and develop players, which in turn may increase player development costs across all tiers.

So while Gulati's statements may be less of a concrete plan and more abstract conjecture, they have basis in a comforting truth: Soccer's progress in the United States over the past 25 years has been meteoric and the next 25 years may be even bigger.

Will Detroit Ever See MLS Soccer?

Every time talk of MLS expansion comes up, Detroit always seems to make an abstract short list. And every time, without fail, nothing comes of it.

So when MLS Commissioner Don Garber revealed in an interview last week that Detroit had been added to the league's shortlist along with Miami, Atlanta, St. Louis and another Canadian town (Ottawa?) for a 20+ team league, hopes all around the Motor City began to rise. Yet, with a stronger soccer base in every single one of the other shortlisted cities, it appears as if Detroit is being set up yet again to get the short end of the stick.

But why shouldn't Detroit have an MLS franchise? Its proximity to both Chicago and Columbus as well as Canada sets up an interesting array of possible rivalries. Not to mention, Michigan and Ohio already hate each others' guts and that hatred has already been successfully funneled into sports.

Detroit is also a lucrative sports market. Ranked 11th in national TV market tables, Detroit has tremendous potential for television licensing and advertising revenue. By comparison, Seattle is ranked 13th, Denver 16th, Portland 22nd, Columbus 34th. On top of this, the Motor City already fosters a fanatic love of hockey, baseball and basketball. Hell, even the pathetic NFL franchise the Detroit Lions drag season ticket fans back each year for punishment.

But that's just it. Detroit is too far gone on any other number of sports to be preoccupied with professional soccer. It seems that no matter how many times people compile a list of reasons why Detroit should have an MLS franchise, the crux of the argument boils down to: "Detroit's a big city and as a big city we should have a pro soccer team." Believe me when I say that this is not enough to bring the MLS to Detroit.

The (recent) history of professional soccer in Detroit
In 2003, the NY/NJ Metrostars (ah, the good old days) played a U.S. Open Cup match against the Michigan Bucks. The local media heralded it as the debut of Major League Soccer in the Metro Detroit area. Livonia natives Jim and Dan Duggan are quoted in the Detroit News as saying they had hopes of adding Detroit's name to the list of MLS expansion finalists by September 1, 2004. Jim and Dan also establish "MLS Detroit" and begin taking deposits on season tickets from potential fans. Nothing comes of it.

Fast forward to 2005. Detroit is snubbed in favor of Salt Lake and a second Los Angeles team. In response to this, MLS Detroit offers forth a study conducted by American City Business Journals which identifies ... wait for it ... Detroit as "one of the most appealing markets in America for a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team." Nothing comes of it.

In 2006 the Michigan Bucks, the USL Premier Development League team based in Pontiac, Michigan, win the top amateur honor of the year. Journalists, fans and soccer pundits speculate what it means for the "future of soccer in Detroit." Nothing comes of it.

It is now 2010. Detroit has been passed up for an expansion franchise in favor of Toronto, Seattle, Philadelphia, Vancouver and Montreal. And with a second New York team looking to pad the league's membership to 20 teams, the next six years are looking no different than the past six for Detroit's hope of MLS glory.

The Solution
With the future of a 20+ team MLS in doubt, Detroit should take a pragmatic, incremental approach to wedging its way into professional soccer. Detroit should strive for a successful second tier USL or NASL franchise. The phenomenal season ticket success of Seattle and Philadelphia started as support for a second tier team and Vancouver, Montreal, and (likely) St. Louis are set to follow in their expansion footsteps.

You've got to crawl before you can walk, as they say. Detroit should be looking to the USL before the MLS. And then, just maybe, MLS will not overlook the Motor City when it starts its next round of expansion.

A Detailed Look at the Geography of US Soccer

Taking a look at the locations of the US's soccer teams can tell you everything from who has to travel the most to which states are closeted soccer lovers. Stateside Soccer is convinced that they will also tell you where the next 4 MLS teams will be located.

The announcement that the Montreal Impact would become the 19th team in Major League Soccer and that a second New York team would likely be the 20th team, there has been quite a bit of speculation high and low regarding just what the next 10 years will bring for top flight soccer in the United States.

MLS (click to enlarge)

The current 19 confirmed MLS teams are predominantly spread across the Mid Atlantic, Lower Plains and Pacific Coast. A second team in New York would make 20. The most notable geographical gap in the distribution of the teams is the total lack of teams in the Deep South. After that gap, the Northern Plains stand out.

USSF DIVISION 2 (NASL + USL-1) (click to enlarge)

This map pinpoints the locations of the second tier professional teams. Note that come 2011, there will be no second tier teams west of the Rocky Mountains.

USL DIVISION 2 (TIER 3) (click to enlarge)

This map sets out the locations of this year's USL Division 2 teams. It doesn't tell us much about national trends, particularly because of the USL's difficulties this year. The lower down a team is on the pyramid, the less budget it is likely to have for travel. Therefore, teams in any third tier league would need to be located close to each other. However, it is interesting to note where these are located. Once again, there is a splattering of teams in the Mid-Atlantic region with one team each for the Carolinas.

USL PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

NATIONAL PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE (click to enlarge)

This map shows the location of the 100 amateur clubs who play in either the USL PDL or the NPSL. The prevalence of these teams can be an indication of the foundation and interest in soccer in any given region. Note the concentrations around the Seattle and Philadelphia.

SO WHAT DO ALL THESE DOTS TELL US?

If you've stuck with me this far, you'll more than likely want to know what all of these maps mean. In my opinion, these maps make three main points:

A second New York Metro MLS team is inevitable.

With 9 amateur teams in the Tri-State Area, there is clearly a cultural foundation on which to build a successful, grass-roots franchise. Like it or hate it, the Big Apple is going to get a second MLS franchise.

Florida cannot be ignored.

Since both the Tampa Bay Mutiny and the Miami Fusion shut their doors in 2001, Flordia has seen the resurgence of two professional teams and three more amateur teams. Major League Soccer will return to Florida, it's just a question of when.

Where the next four MLS teams are likely to be located.

These maps outline clearly to me where the next four teams will come from, should the MLS elect for a 24 team league. I know where I think they'll come from, but which four cities do you think will be the next to open their doors to top flight professional soccer?

10 Things to Watch this MLS Season

The 2010 Major League Soccer season kicks off this weekend and here are the top 10 things to watch for as the teams return to the field:

10. Robbie Rogers



With all eyes on the "bubble players" vying for seats on the plane to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in just a few months, it's now of never for Rogers. If there was a season for Rogers to start living up to his two-footed potential, it's now. If he does, it will be impossible for anyone to keep their eyes off this dynamic midfielder.


9. The Sons of Ben



For some reason, I'm fascinated with this year's new kids on the block, the Philadelphia Union. However, they did not make the best showing during the opening game of the season at Seattle's Qwest Field last Thursday. While the fan base and support is fantastic now, this season will be rocky and in the end, it will be a fascinating litmus test for future expansion franchises who may not see as much first season success as the Sounders.


8. Houston's recovery



With the loss of Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark, there are a lot of people wondering where the goals will come from. On the other hand, some feel it will be a "groundbreaking season" for the Dynamo. It'll just be hard to tell if that ground will be positive or negative.


7. New York's revival



The opening of the New York Red Bulls new arena has got the players, management and fans speculating on just how much the franchise will improve this year. Combined with the excitement surrounding the signing of Ibrahim Salou, New York may be the rising star to watch this season.


6. Roger Torres



If anyone stood out for the Philadelphia Union, it was 18 year old Colombian sensation, Roger Torres. While he is only on loan from the Colombian team America de Cali, if he can make a home for himself in MLS, he will certainly become one of the league's stars


5. Toronto FC



Toronto FC is overdue for a breakout season. And with the pending introduction of Vancouver's MLS franchise in 2011, now is as good of a time as any for Toronto to step up and bring some pride to Canadian soccer.

4. The Seattle Sounders' Playoff Run



After the Sounders met and exceeded expectations last year with a US Cup win in their inaugural MLS season, this season, the Green Army is demanding more of their team: an MLS cup. There is no doubt that if the Sounders can combine their tremendous fan support and talent, a spectacular cup run may just be in the works.


3. Fan Attendance



Ok, so it's kind of a "No Shit, Sherlock" bullet point, but it's easily overlooked and this list is long, so lay off. The long-term viability and legitimacy of the league depend on these numbers and also on the TV deals with FOX and ESPN.


2. The World Cup Break



There are two important things to watch while the MLS takes a break during the World Cup in June: 1.) The TV viewership for both the US games and the final itself and 2.) The performance of MLS players. Both are important to the success of MLS and the future of soccer in the United States.


1. Landon Donovan



Donovan's spectacular loan stint at Everton FC had fans of the blue half of Merseyside begging for him to stay. But now that Donovan is back with the Galaxy with only months to the World Cup kicks off, many people are wondering about his future and harboring a measured optimisim that he will produce a prolific performance in South Africa.

US Soccer Identity: Confused or Just Rebellious?

Photo Credits: Unknown

When I find myself watching soccer games in an American bar, I almost always have the following conversation with one of my fellow patrons:

Patron: "What are you watching?"

Me: "Soccer."

Patron: "Who's playing."

Me: "[Team A] and [Team B]."

Patron: "Oh .... So how did you become a fan? Did you play as a kid?"

And there it is, the one pet peeve I have as a soccer fan in America: I am constantly having to justify and explain why I enjoy and follow the sport. But do I really have any room to complain? No matter how many times die-hard fans argue to the contrary, many Americans are convinced that soccer is un-American and that being involved in soccer past the age of 12 is something to be explained. This makes for - if nothing else - a frustrating sense of identity in American soccer fans.

So when Jason Davis of Match Fit USA began musing this morning on his Twitter account about Americans ceding their soccer identity to British announcers, it got me thinking: Is the American soccer identity one of a crippling inferiority complex or just a rebellious adaptation of the world's sport to the American experience?

On one hand, you have the exquisitely passionate groups of fans like Sam's Army and American Outlaws, the Hudson Street Hooligans, Emerald City Supporters, Screaming Eagles and so on and so forth. While they support the subersive "Sixth Sport" (after American football, baseball, basketball, hockey and NASCAR), they are inherently American in their zealous fandom. Painted stomachs, foam fingers, tail gating and other staples of American sport have made their way into US Soccer. The fans have taken their passion as Americans and applied it to their sport, their team, their way of life.

On the other hand, we have the Soccer Mom syndrome which is unavoidably bound with the perception of the sport in the US. Over 90% of all American kids under the age of 10 are shepherded back and forth from practice and games by the infamous Soccer Mom. Soccer is a safer sport. It's far easier and cheaper to equip kids for it ($10 shin guards and an old plastic milk jug filled with water). And in the words of Dave Egger, it tolerates a fascinatingly high level of incompetence in the early years. But by the age of 10, 98% of those kids have dropped the sport to move on to the "real sports." As such, we find ourselves in a peculiar situation: A majority of Americans between the ages of 20 and 30 have played soccer in their life, but were never pressed to take the sport "seriously" or with an respectful consideration.

And then - if all of this wasn't creating enough confusion for the average soccer fan in America - there's the international stigma placed on American soccer. Many American fans are convinced we're "doing it wrong." The best soccer is played in any country BUT the United States. And the inability of the "average American" to understand the beauty and value of soccer in a global context is just another source of beleaguered frustration.

In light of all these contradictions, it's easy to see why the identity of the soccer fan is a prfoudnly confused one. We love our game, but with a genuine knowledge of the game comes the inevitable realization that our leagues, players and teams just aren't the best on the continent, let alone the world. This can be a tough fact to swallow when we are brought up in a sports culture and a country which places an fanatic emphasis on being "the best."

An inferiority complex is inevitable, but the passion continues to grow. And at the end of the day, that's all soccer is really about.

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.

Why the MLS Cup is a Joke

So Martin Rogers over at Yahoo Sports has finally asked the question which has been bothering me since my beloved Columbus Crew was knocked out of the MLS Cup: What does it say about the state of American soccer if a team with a losing record (eg. Real Salt Lake) can be in the running to win the title of 2009 League Champions?

The numbers paint a disturbing picture:

Of the 13 complete MLS Seasons (1996-2008), only 5 times has the winner of the Supporter's Shield also won the MLS cup (DC in '97, '99; Kansas City in '00; LA in '02 and Columbus in '08). And even more shockingly, only ONCE has the second place team at the end of the season won the MLS cup (San Jose in '03).

The other 7 MLS cups (a majority of those held, mind you), were won by teams that finished third place or lower during the regular season.

When DC United won the inaugural MLS Cup in 1996, it did so with a regular season record of 16-16 (there were no draws) and from third place in the table.

In 1998, the Chicago Fire won the MLS cup from third place in the table (East and West combined) and with a winning record of 20-12 (still no draws).

In 2001, the San Jose Earthquakes won the cup from third place in the table, 8 points behind the leaders and with a record of 13-7-6.

In 2004, DC United won the cup from fourth place in the table, 7 points behind the leaders and with a record of 11-10-9.

In 2005, the LA Galaxy won the cup from a shocking eighth place in the table, finishing a full 14 points behind the leader and with a record of 13-13-6.

In 2006, the Houston Dynamo won the cup from fourth place in the table, 9 points behind the leader and with a record of 11-8-13.

Finally, in 2007, Houston won the cup again, but this time from third place in the table, just 3 points behind the leaders and with a record of 15-8-7.

And this year, Real Salt Lake is just one win away from being the first team in Major League Soccer's history to be crowned champions having lost more regular season games than it has won (11-12-7).

No matter the arguments about how egalitarian or exciting knock-out round cups can be, the fact of the matter is, the MLS Cup has failed to crown the league's best team 8 out of 13 times. And still the winner of the cup carries the title of "MLS Champions."

The fact of the matter is that soccer is a marathon and not a sprint. And for whatever reason, MLS's playoff structure does not appreciate that intrinsic aspect of the game.

What a sad, sad joke.

... And the Game Goes On

When it came to my footy teams, it was quite the weekend for controversial officiating.

One call was in my favor, the other was not. Just the ying and the yang of the universe, I suppose.


First up was the Manchester United Red Devils against Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Coming off a mid-week win and in the glowing haze of both draws for Chelsea and Liverpool, Manchester United was poised to take a firm 3 point lead with a game in hand, starting with a win against Spurs at home in Old Trafford.

Spurs had not won at Old Trafford since God knows when, so the stage was set for Manchester United to get firmly back in the drivers seat for a third-consecutive Premier League title.

But with a 2-0 score in favor of Spurs at half-time, a tangible sense of doubt and fear hung in the air around the ground.

Coming out of the dressing room for the second half, Man U looked inspired, but could still not produce any goals.

That was until Carrick drew a controversial penalty (the live text commentator at ESPN Soccernet through a royal shit fit over the call, chalking it up to a blind love of Man U) and Ronaldo capitalized on it in the 57th minute.

From there on out, Manchetser United was a team born anew. The next 20 minutes saw a brilliant attacking display from the Red Devils, with FOUR MORE GOALS. By the time Berbatov netted his goal in the 78th minute, I can only imagine the best way to describe everyone in Tottenham and the the rest of the league as "shell-shocked." The final score? Manchester United 5, Tottenham 2.

Where the season goes from here is anybody's guess, but along with Macheda's wonder goal against Aston Villa, the penalty that ignited Man U will be looked back as an important moment of the campaign.

On the other side of the pond, Saturday evening found me at Columbus's Crew Stadium, eagerly awaiting yet another clash of the Midwest rivalry cultivated between the Crew and the Chicago Fire.

The Crew came into the game as defending MLS champions but without a win in their first five games. But with a beautiful night at home and an pulsating crowd, this seemed to be the night.

The game was many things, but boring was not one of them.

The Crew hit the ground running and for the first time since last November, they looked like a championship-winning squad. By the end of the first half, the score was 2-0 to the Crew, with a trademark goal by Chad Marshall and a brilliant display of composure in front of goal by Alejandro Moreno.

But just as in the Manchester/Tottenham game, the officials would have something to say about the night's outcome. This time it was in the form of a less than convincing straight red card to the Crew's left-back Gino Padula just before the hour mark.

What made the card all the more controversial was the referee's apparent lack of interest in a majority of fouls committed in the rest of the game. As a Crew fan, it felt like the referee saw Padula's tackle and suddenly remembered he had a set of cards in his pocket.

From there on out, the Fire merely wore the Crew down and equalized with two goals in the last five mintues of regulation time.

The hunt for a Columbus win continues.

A Love-Hate Relationship, Really

I have a confession to make. I abandoned Major League Soccer.

Yeah, I was that guy. I was all excited about professional soccer in my backyard, but by the time I was old enough to know better, I became disinterested.

The problem seems to be that hardcore soccer fans in America spend their lives being told that the MLS is inferior and not worth their time. So they believe its inferior and don't waste their time on it.

Well, no more. It's time to rediscover my roots. Starting with the Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire game tomorrow.