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General Category => Overseas & International Fans => Topic started by: Steve_orino on March 12, 2010, 01:31:42 AM

Title: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 12, 2010, 01:31:42 AM
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=754272&sec=mls&cc=5901 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=754272&sec=mls&cc=5901)

MLS players vote in favor of strike
AP - March 11, 2010

NEW YORK -- Major League Soccer players voted to strike if a new labor contract isn't agreed to before the first season opener on March 25.

The league's first collective bargaining agreement, a five-year deal, originally was set to run out Jan. 31 but was extended twice while negotiations continued. It expired Feb. 25 after the MLS Players Union refused another extension.

"Recent comments from players simply reflect the fact that the players are unified and, per the results of our strike vote, will not begin the new season if a new agreement with the league is not reached," union executive director Bob Foose said in a statement Thursday.

The union did not detail the strike authorization vote.

Negotiators for management and players met Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington, D.C., in talks convened by George H. Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Earlier Thursday, Toronto defender Nick Garcia was quoted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. as saying: "We're anticipating not having the season starting. ... As of now, for us, we're very far apart, even with the mediator there in D.C."

Unhappy with the single-entity structure that has seen the league negotiate all contracts since play began in 1996, players want greater free-agent rights and a higher percentage of guaranteed deals.

Player income averaged $147,945 at the start of last season, according to the union. But the median -- the point at which an equal amount make above and below -- was $88,000 for 323 players listed.

"We have an understanding with the union and the mediator that we will not publicly discuss what takes place during these bargaining sessions, so we were disappointed when we saw comment from a number of players that both characterized the status of the negotiations and discussed the possibility of a strike," MLS president Mark Abbott said before Foote's announcement.

"The meetings this week were productive and we scheduled a number of additional meetings," Abbott said. "The players' comments do not accurately reflect the proposals that we've made to address their concerns or the productive nature of the discussions we've had between MLS and the union."

MLS declined comment after Foote's statement, league spokesman Dan Courtemanche said.

"This is not a change in position by the union and should not be read to reflect in any way upon what has, or has not, occurred this week in the meetings with the mediator and the league," Foote said.

The threat of a strike comes as the Philadelphia Union, the league's 16th team, is set to start play at Seattle in the league opener. While Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., is to open with an exhibition between New York and Brazil's Santos on March 20, a strike would postpone the first league match at the $200 million soccer-specific stadium, against Chicago on March 27.

Abbott said MLS ticket sales have not been hurt by the lack of an agreement.

"The league continues to function business as usual," he said.

Galaxy captain Landon Donovan, whose loan to Everton is scheduled to end after Saturday's game at Birmingham, may be able to extend his stay in the English Premier League if there's a strike.

"There's not a strike, so there's nothing to address at the moment. Landon is going to be returning after this game this weekend," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "We're proceeding ahead like we do a couple of weeks before any season."

Galaxy midfielder David Beckham already is on loan to AC Milan through the end of the Serie A season in May.

It is not clear whether players signed to contracts with MLS would have the ability during a strike to sign with clubs in other countries without MLS approval. MLS players under consideration for the U.S. World Cup roster could be sent to foreign clubs for training.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

I had hoped to start this Thread with better news but it seems the season may not be started on time. 

Who's your favorite team?

If the season gets under-way, who do like to win it?
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 12, 2010, 01:38:00 AM
Being here in Dallas, I keep up with the Club loosely.  Oddly, I'm able to get more news and website coverage on Fulham than I can FCD. 

Hopefully Cunningham can have another good year.  I wonder if Hodgson would come to Dallas if Hyndman can't get some results? ;)
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: HatterDon on March 12, 2010, 04:32:23 AM
This is so sad. This is so stupid.

I sort of follow Chicago because of McGod, and I enjoy Real Salt Lake's play. Here in the Alamo City, there's talk of a USLish franchise coming soon. I'm looking forward to that.

For every MLS match I see, I see about 40 EPL matches.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 12, 2010, 09:48:37 PM
Quote from: HatterDon on March 12, 2010, 04:32:23 AM
I enjoy Real Salt Lake's play.

For every MLS match I see, I see about 40 EPL matches.

Wished Dallas would have held onto Dir until Kreis was ready to take over the squad.

Funny stat - I think that's pretty accurate for my football watching too.

At this point, it is kind of pointless to bring up the league but I'd really like to try to support and follow it.  The league has it's faults, what with the lack of true quality, odd season time, odd transfer rules, draft, and I'm not a fan of the playoff system but it's football and it's played 'relatively' close to home...
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on March 13, 2010, 01:14:45 AM
Let's go revs... I used to go to most of the rev's home games, when we had dempsey... I always loved that kid. Last couple of seasons I haven't been very much but I would love to start going again, might even sit with the crazy feckers behind the goal for shlts and giggles... we desperately need a soccer specific stadium, with around 20,000 seats, currently they get about 12 to 15 thousand people to an average game but it still seems empty when that many people are in a stadium that holds 60 some odd thousand... they shut down half the seats, it is depressing.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: FFCOutpostCommander on March 13, 2010, 03:53:18 AM
Would be good for the game here to change the way players are treated. I used to follow the MetroStars early in the MLS but have not been to a match for years. It really does kill the atmosphere when you see 8-12,000 fans in a 60,000 plus stadium. I drove by the new Red Bulls soccer specific stadium in Harrison, NJ again today and it looks awesome. I'll give it another go because of the new grounds, but since they became the Red Bulls they have been terrible. Maybe the new ground will give them a fresh start. Have to laugh when everyone compares the MLS to anything Europe as it just doesn't come close. I have seen many international matches at Giants Stadium as well as some foreign club exhibition matches that were very exciting though. Hope they still host them at the new ground. Might be an outing for some of the NYC area FFC fans to meet at one of their events.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Logicalman on March 13, 2010, 11:57:15 AM
I'm with you there Mr Don, rarely get enough interest to watch MLS any longer.

I agree, I have been spoilt, perhaps, with growing up in the UK, and I have to say the MLS is still an infant child compared to over there, but I also feel the structure of the MLS is a big hurdle to it being developed properly and garnering the real interest of Americans.

There is obviously a history that I am not party to, arriving on these shores after the MLS commenced, but I wonder if the suits than run it are aware they are not dealing with an American-borne game, and have not the same TV pulling power, and so cannot be treated like another NFL-type sport. There appears to be too much control in the head office when they should be simply directing the way things go, rather than the micro-management they seen to inflict on the sport.

As I said, I'm a relative newbie compared to many on this MB, so I stand to be very much corrected.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: finnster01 on March 13, 2010, 12:46:30 PM
If you are a newbie to MLS, Mr Logicalman, then I am a complete "rookie" to this.

I have only watched it on TV and to be perfectly honest, it does not get me interested. The biggest problem I have is that living in New York City there is just too much going on/competition for MLS to ever be really successful. You now have 2 NBA teams, 2 NFL teams, 2 Hockey teams, 2 Baseball teams, the Madison Square Garden for concerts, Broadway, etc.  ...all of which cost a small fortune to go watch but your pub next door always has an interesting game on TV, including the Prem.

So where are you going to get enough time to really "get into it" and go watch the game live if you live in the middle of a metropolitan area? It is not the same as when you grow up in a neighbourhood in London and it just becomes your team. England is really all about football, a tad rugby and a tad cricket, but really at the end of the day there is no competition for football.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 13, 2010, 02:28:57 PM
Finn, you touch on a problem for MLS, the sports-scene here in the States is so saturated that it will be tough/difficult for soccer to grab the attention of the average Yank.  I believe this is why they play from March to November...so it competes with baseball during the majority of the season and not the juggernaut that is the NFL.

L-man, I could be wrong, but I think that the League is micro-managed to a fault as they attempt to keep it from dissolving into the NASL.  As stated elsewhere, the NASL became the Big One too quickly as it was the New York Cosmos and everyone else.  Parity has been the desire of the League-suits and to an extent, it has worked; the League still exists after more than a decade.  That desire for parity seems to stifle creativity from the clubs though, which I think, would assist in bringing a better quality product to the pitch.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: FFCOutpostCommander on March 13, 2010, 03:18:29 PM
Another point regarding the structure of American soccer is the protection of the MLS franchises. At the beginning the teams were to be protected so as to have a chance to take root regardless of their performance on the field. But they have failed to set a limit on poor performance. They have also now let several franchises fail and yet they still claim that to allow promotion and relegation would cause harm to the teams beyond any chance of recovery. Without any need to produce a good product the league has just degraded into another micro sport in a land with more professional games and leagues than anywhere else in the world. The suits controlling the MLS have taken out arguably the one element of the game that fuels the drama that keeps fans tuned into their teams year after year as the battle for position becomes a mater of life and death. Just think of the FA without promotion and relegation fights each year, yawn!
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: YankeeJim on March 13, 2010, 05:18:24 PM
Mr Commander,
I think you miss the fact that England with a quarter of the US population has somewhere near the same number of professional  teams (almost all football mind you). It might have more to do with the attention span of the average yank plus we are a mobile society. We are not born into a team like so many of the Redcoats are & even if we are we move to another city several times in our lives. Loyalities change.

I wonder if some team who never won the Premiership, say Fulham, was to take the silverwear, would there be Fulham kits worn all around the country? Whenever a new pointy ball team wins, one sees their jackets & jerseys wherever you go....until some other team replaces them. We must have too many Chelscum type fans...or is that just the nature of people?
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: FFCOutpostCommander on March 13, 2010, 08:20:17 PM
Notable point Jim, but not the one I was trying to make. I was speaking to the lack of attention from Yanks and Immigrant as well as other countries of our soccer leagues. I'm not 100% sure, but I can't think of a football/soccer league anywhere else in the world that does not have a system of promotion and relegation. With very little to loose, many teams have accepted mediocre performance as acceptable. The result is that they loose spectators to other leagues. I think that the excitement of gaining or loosing league status would put a lot more drama into the US game. I was ok with this policy in the beginning but in recent years, seeing the quality in the lower divisions throughout the US Open Cup, I think the time to change has come. You are right-on regarding American's propensity to grab onto a winner, almost as much as they like to root for an underdog. Confused lot we are!
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: YankeeJim on March 13, 2010, 08:58:00 PM
Indeed we are a confused lot. As to immigrants, I think at least at this point in our soccer lives, they are mostly hispanic and follow thier respecive squads from the home country. Here in LA, there is a hugh following for the Mexican league. In most of our cities Mexico plays a home game. They are playing a series of WC warmups here in the states & I'm sure will do quite well attendance wise.

I'd like to see MLS & the Mexican league merge. They could start out like baseball and schedule interleague play and some sort of play off system. I think a lot of the second tier could play with at least most of MLS & a relegation situation could come about. What makes the Premiership so grand is that all the teams have something to play for even if they aren't challenging for the top spot. The year of the great escape, dispite creating a lot of fear, generated a great deal of excitement. I remember watching the match that sent Norwich City down a couple of years ago & it was quite a sight to see their fans on their feet, wearing their colors, many with tears falling as they cheered their boys in defeat. I just can't see Galaxy fans doing that. Course, before anything can happen, you'd have to change the entire structure of MLS. Good luck cutting out the money boys & the union thugs.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Logicalman on March 14, 2010, 01:09:29 PM
Outpost hit the nail on the head with his promotion/relegation theory.

This has been discussed on every US footie MB I have been on, and it is an argument that holds a lot of sway.
I agree that the MLS is being 'protected' to a degree by the micro-management, but, just perhaps, they should look at the other end of the spectrum here.
If the MLS was considered the Prem (comparison to the English league structure), then they could quite easily provide a lower league structure that engages the local fans more, that could then lead to a full implementation of the Promotion/Relegation type.

For example: If each State had it's own league, from which the winners were promoted into a play-off for, perhaps 4 positions of two 20 team Prem leagues (East/West), then there is always the opportunity for more local teams to become involved and carry their local support along with them.
Currently, all I see is the suits deciding what teams should play, and (even worse) where they should play due to their franchises.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: timmyg on March 14, 2010, 08:17:41 PM
Quote from: Logicalman on March 14, 2010, 01:09:29 PM
Currently, all I see is the suits deciding what teams should play, and (even worse) where they should play due to their franchises.

And that is Sports in America 101.

Quote from: FFCOutpostCommanderI'm not 100% sure, but I can't think of a football/soccer league anywhere else in the world that does not have a system of promotion and relegation.

Australia, Korea, Japan (sorta), and New Zealand do not. Plus I'm sure other really small nations don't either.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: HatterDon on March 14, 2010, 09:18:56 PM
without strong -- or potentially strong -- franchises in New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, a sports league cannot survive. That's why there'll never be a promotion/relegation system in the MLS. Imagine if the Galaxy and NYRB were relegated to USL-1 -- Bye-bye television; bye-bye league.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Logicalman on March 15, 2010, 09:32:57 AM
Quote from: timmyg on March 14, 2010, 08:17:41 PM
Quote from: Logicalman on March 14, 2010, 01:09:29 PM
Currently, all I see is the suits deciding what teams should play, and (even worse) where they should play due to their franchises.

And that is Sports in America 101.

Quote from: FFCOutpostCommanderI'm not 100% sure, but I can't think of a football/soccer league anywhere else in the world that does not have a system of promotion and relegation.

Australia, Korea, Japan (sorta), and New Zealand do not. Plus I'm sure other really small nations don't either.

Nicely answered Mr T. Looks like the google pages will be sweat over for this then  :dft012:
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on March 17, 2010, 04:21:11 AM
I don't know why people keep assuming soccer won't continue to grow in the US... the league has passed its infancy and is starting to crawl, once the market is open and really talented players are lured here and the money starts rolling in both here and from around the world. Then you will see soccer marketed to the extreme, and this country knows how to do one thing well and that is marketing... there is a lot of money to be made with soccer, obviated by the games being picked up by ESPN... granted it is incremental, but it is STILL growing.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: finnster01 on March 17, 2010, 04:33:17 AM
You have a point, but what I do not see is kids playing football/soccer in inner cities.

Here in Harlem, New York City, if you don't play basketball you are an idiot. There are no real leagues, no real teams. In fact, the only football is for old me, I play/walk in a league called Urban Soccer League in New York at very strange hours and venues, but I see no kids ever.

If I go out in the suburbs all kids are playing football/soccer. There may be some baby steps being taken, but it is a long way from taking it to the next level. And the other thing the US is pretty good at is not showing any patience so how is this sport going to ever take off here?

I'm not very optimistic to be honest mate
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Logicalman on March 17, 2010, 08:55:47 AM
MB1,
Have to go with Mr Finn here mate.
In the time I've been here football HAS grown, but it is generally spurred on by national successes in the main, because, as we all know, when any US team does well on the world stage, it's a media circus, but when one doesn't, they are quickly forgotten.
That is why it is important to football in the US for the USMNT to do well this year, and each time going forward, because I am afraid that without that success, things will stagnate.

The publicity surrounding Becks arrival was so hyped up, and now things haven't worked out so well, he is being derided. That causes problems down the road for other major football stars from around the world in joining the MLS. The main reason was down to the hype and Media circus (orchestrated by the MLS suits I might add), without the long-term outlook planned properly. We have to get past this idea of having sporting heroes as single people and push the sporting heroes as teams more.

Football will continue to grow in the US, and I hope to see some good leagues set up (outside of MLS control) before my mortal coil evades my daily grasp, but I do wish they would all get behind the USMNT more, and this threatened strike could be a breaker for the whole thing.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on March 18, 2010, 06:01:08 PM
I get the inner city thing, because when you have nothing to lose you can shoot for the stars. But I can only tell you from the inner city (albeit a small city) I grew up in soccer is played by more kids than other sport in the us. And the children of immigrants aren't being shoehorned into liking american football, they now are free to love soccer without much ridicule. This alone is a huge paradigm shift in the us. When I was a kid all my immigrant friends swore they loved football, probably because their dad could never watch his team on tv. All that has changed and now love of soccer is being passed on by fathers to sons they way it should be.... now I'm off to watch Fulham/ Juve at the cottage, well on tv that is...
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 20, 2010, 01:23:25 AM
Less than a week to go; will they or won't they?

I side with the players but it seems unwise for the League as a whole not to have a season, take advantage of the enthusiasm the WC is sure to bring...dare I say record attendance levels?
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on March 21, 2010, 07:32:58 AM
Good point Steve-O, I consider myself a fan yet I renew my interest in our own league during a World Cup year... maybe I'll splurge and pay the 100 bucks for a season ticket... It would cost more to follow a double A baseball team... so no excuse, we need to support our league.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Logicalman on March 21, 2010, 10:25:05 AM
Quote from: Steve_orino on March 20, 2010, 01:23:25 AM
Less than a week to go; will they or won't they?

I side with the players but it seems unwise for the League as a whole not to have a season, take advantage of the enthusiasm the WC is sure to bring...dare I say record attendance levels?

I think the players should strike, and then let the clubs send the players to Prem teams for the WC run-up!!   :dft012:  :005:
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 21, 2010, 02:53:43 PM
GAME ON!

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=758671&sec=mls&cc=5901 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=758671&sec=mls&cc=5901)

The link, in case you'd like to read, basically a deal was reached in the wee hours and they have a new 5 year CBA.  Glad to see there will be a season.  Need to get the family to a game before it gets too hot...
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 26, 2010, 03:00:03 AM
Philly Union v. Seattle Sounders

Philly looks like the expansion team that they are...Seattle looks much more seasoned than the 1 year they've accrued in the league.  Cool to see Keller in goal, at 40!
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: HatterDon on March 26, 2010, 04:03:43 AM
forgot that the match was on until the last 15 minutes or so. Glad to see those looney Emerald City dwellers goofy enough to come out on a rainy [surprise?!?!?!] Thursday night 30,000 full to cheer on the lads.

As for Keller at 40, he's got just as good a positional sense and as much command of his area as he did for the Spuds 10 years ago. He lost about 15 yards on his kick, but he didn't have that with Fulham either, and he put in good shift after good shift for us in the Great Escape season [barring a weird match at home to Liverpool, but i"m not going to quibble].

For the 5th year in a row: I solemnly swear to watch more MLS this season -- especially over on Fox where I don't have to put up with Harkes and Lalas. It's not Prem quality, but neither is France, Germany, or Italy for that matter. It's all we've got, and it's pretty good on the eyes.

COYMLS!
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 26, 2010, 09:52:07 PM
Quote from: HatterDon on March 26, 2010, 04:03:43 AMFor the 5th year in a row: I solemnly swear to watch more MLS this season -- especially over on Fox where I don't have to put up with Harkes and Lalas.

I was so tired of listening to Harkes by the half!  That guy sux!

Lalas is horrible too but he's only there for pre, half, and post game.  ESPN really need some different commentary people - they take away from enjoying the experience.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: finnster01 on March 26, 2010, 09:55:00 PM
Quote from: Steve_orino on March 26, 2010, 09:52:07 PM
Quote from: HatterDon on March 26, 2010, 04:03:43 AMFor the 5th year in a row: I solemnly swear to watch more MLS this season -- especially over on Fox where I don't have to put up with Harkes and Lalas.

I was so tired of listening to Harkes by the half!  That guy sux!

Lalas is horrible too but he's only there for pre, half, and post game.  ESPN really need some different commentary people - they take away from enjoying the experience.
Amen to that!! And make sure they take that Irish nobody with them as well. He knows nothing and never did anything on the football field other than play for an Irish team nobody every heard or cared about
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 26, 2010, 10:23:37 PM
I've it in mind to watch more MLS too.  At the very least, I'd like to watch as many FCD games and try to attend 1 or 2 of them.  Might not sound like a lot but between youth soccer, an adult league, a 17 month old, and the Texas heat from June to September, it might be all I have time for.

Some links from Steve Davis (former Dallas Morning News soccer-guru-writer):
Top 10 Storylines: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/steve_davis/03/25/davis.storylines/index.html (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/steve_davis/03/25/davis.storylines/index.html)
Western Conf Preview - http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/steve_davis/03/23/mls.west.previews/index.html (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/steve_davis/03/23/mls.west.previews/index.html)
Eastern Conf Preview - http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/steve_davis/03/22/mls.east.previews/index.html (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/steve_davis/03/22/mls.east.previews/index.html)
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: finnster01 on March 26, 2010, 10:29:13 PM
Ha ha ha ha ha,

just looked up Tommy Smyth on Wiki, the Irish Leprechaun on Espn.

Please read what it says under popularity...Classic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Smyth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Smyth)

Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Ag on March 27, 2010, 12:36:33 AM
Good catch Finn.

As others have said, I'm going to try and get into MLS yet again this year.  Philly were terrible, but kinda expected that.  This would be easier if there were a local team to force my support.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on March 27, 2010, 07:37:02 AM
Quote from: finnster01 on March 26, 2010, 10:29:13 PM
Ha ha ha ha ha,

just looked up Tommy Smyth on Wiki, the Irish Leprechaun on Espn.

Please read what it says under popularity...Classic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Smyth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Smyth)



Ha Ha Ha... only on wikipedia can you be lauded and slapped accross the face on the same page... classic.

He is rated as one of the most annoying commentators according to football fans...  it's funny cuz it's true.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Logicalman on March 27, 2010, 10:31:22 AM
Quote from: finnster01 on March 26, 2010, 10:29:13 PM
Ha ha ha ha ha,

just looked up Tommy Smyth on Wiki, the Irish Leprechaun on Espn.

Please read what it says under popularity...Classic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Smyth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Smyth)



What's better than that is on ESPN recently, during the half-time chat, they show the bios of the presenters on screen, the usual 'Played EPL 14 years with blah, blah ...' but when it comes to that poison leprachaun, all it says is somethig like ' soccer commentator for 18 years, world cup presenter'. They are too embarrassed to even show what football clubs the richard actually played for.

In that wiki article, under personal life (where most people have their spouses name, etc), this prats reads: "His affections for the New York area were apparent on a June 12 episode of ESPN First Take, where Smyth stated that he was a New York Knicks fan."  The phrase 'Get A Life' seems to spring to mind at this point.
As for him being classed a 'Color Commentator, here's the description of such a commentator: Color commentators are often former athletes or coaches of the sport being broadcast. Well, that leaves TS out of the picture.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on March 28, 2010, 05:46:35 PM
Well, after the first week, I've seen three games:

Sea v. Phil - First game of the season, rather blah after the 2nd Sea goal
Hou v. Dal - Intrigued to see what Dal could offer after a nice run of form late last year.  Hou is always a threat and you have to respect Kinnear.  Glad Dal got a point.
Chi v. NYRB - Opened the new Stadia up there.  NY with the win.  Entertaining game as the ball moved back and forth on the pitch.  Stadia brings to question that I would like to start a new thread on...

Wished I had Fox Soccer Channel, would have seen two more games.  One more year of this Dish Contract and we're on to another provider that has FSC at a decent price!
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on March 29, 2010, 11:41:34 PM
has anyone mentioned that Collins John and Brian McBride are a strike partnership once again... albeit in Chicago. I have followed Chi since B's return but now with John there too it's like a Fulham retirement party over there...
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: FFCOutpostCommander on March 31, 2010, 04:30:53 AM
Been a while since I read this thread, thanks for the info on leagues without relegation TimmyG. I guess I haven't watched or followed those leagues much. FOX has a few A-League games and I will tune into a match or two. Any suggestions as to good teams would be useful. As for the MLS season, I am glad that it has started. I watched both the exhibition match RBNY vs Santos, and their first home match. I had intended to go to the opener but had to pick my son and my new daughter in law to be up from Newark International at the time of the match. Did drive right by the new stadium just afterwards and there sure were a lot of fans exiting the grounds. They looked really happy with the win! Have to admit I was more interested in seeing McBride than the Red Bulls. Also glad to see them looking like business this year. Maybe a few of the locals would be up for a match there sometime? It would be great to meet a few of the FFC regulars even if it's not our team on the pitch.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on April 01, 2010, 03:28:52 AM
Tomorrow, Thursday night...soccer night in America!  I'll be coaching the young lad's youth game so I've got both games set up for recording.

My first chance to see RSL and the Superclasico with the two LA squads battling it out...
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Tom on April 03, 2010, 10:18:20 PM
Galaxy are going to be good this year even without Beckham.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: YankeeJim on April 04, 2010, 12:39:25 AM
Tom, I have to agree that Galaxy will be very good this year. I have thought for some time that Becks didn't really make the squad better. He lacks the pace to do things on his own and the Galaxy lack the people with the ball skills to run onto his passes, crosses & corners. That, & he is a defensive liability. With him on the pitch, the rt back has to stay home. I would have liked to see him operate with a quality taget forward.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on April 07, 2010, 03:15:17 AM
ya becks is only good enough for that crap italian league not a real league like we got... :015: :048:
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: YankeeJim on April 07, 2010, 02:58:59 PM
Quote from: McBridefan1 on April 07, 2010, 03:15:17 AM
ya becks is only good enough for that crap italian league not a real league like we got... :015: :048:

He wasn't starting there with any regularity. They do have the people to run onto his passes wher as the Galaxy have only Landon. And.....drum roll, he fits with that bunch of flopping, crying prima donnas.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: RidgeRider on April 10, 2010, 02:02:46 PM
Well, this maybe another year I don't follow this league but I will try. My local side, the San Jose Earthquakes, look to struggle again this year, starting out the season with a -3 GD after only one game. Admittedly last year the team was marred with injuries but it maybe another long season.....sigh........ :016:
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Tom on April 10, 2010, 09:56:39 PM
Quote from: RidgeRider on April 10, 2010, 02:02:46 PM
Well, this maybe another year I don't follow this league but I will try. My local side, the San Jose Earthquakes, look to struggle again this year, starting out the season with a -3 GD after only one game. Admittedly last year the team was marred with injuries but it maybe another long season.....sigh........ :016:
RR, your local side Earthquakes really suck and are probably the worst team in the league! I don't follow MLS very closely either.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on April 12, 2010, 12:00:48 AM
They should move San Jose to St. Louis, no I mean the entire city not just the team.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on April 12, 2010, 12:12:23 AM
From everything I've heard and read, it's a crime that MLS hasn't given St Louis a franchise.  Obviously somebody has to step up and take ownership but along with the Northeast, St Louis seems the holding-rights to "Birth-place of Football in America"
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: finnster01 on April 26, 2010, 11:23:39 PM
Beckham out until November  :011:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery)
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Logicalman on April 27, 2010, 03:07:29 AM
Quote from: Steve_orino on April 12, 2010, 12:12:23 AM
From everything I've heard and read, it's a crime that MLS hasn't given St Louis a franchise.  Obviously somebody has to step up and take ownership but along with the Northeast, St Louis seems the holding-rights to "Birth-place of Football in America"

thats the real problem with the way the MLS chiefs control the teams and league so much. Given a two/three-tier system with promotion relegation would allow teams to start up where there's a crowd for them, and then they can move into the top MLS league on merit, not just on checkbook.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on April 27, 2010, 03:49:45 AM
Quote from: finnster01 on April 26, 2010, 11:23:39 PM
Beckham out until November  :011:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery)


I'd prostlatize the shlt out of him, make him go to all sorts of events... hell I'd rent him out for birthday parties... gotta get your money back somehow.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Augustino on May 03, 2010, 02:30:11 PM
Quote from: McBridefan1 on April 27, 2010, 03:49:45 AM
Quote from: finnster01 on April 26, 2010, 11:23:39 PM
Beckham out until November  :011:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery)


I'd prostlatize the shlt out of him, make him go to all sorts of events... hell I'd rent him out for birthday parties... gotta get your money back somehow.

McBridefan1: Agreed!
I think LA are still leading the league though, aren't they?
My poor Toronto FC had a decent run there but lost against Salt Lake away from home the other evening.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Tom on May 03, 2010, 03:40:21 PM
Quote from: Augustino on May 03, 2010, 02:30:11 PM
Quote from: McBridefan1 on April 27, 2010, 03:49:45 AM
Quote from: finnster01 on April 26, 2010, 11:23:39 PM
Beckham out until November  :011:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery)



McBridefan1: Agreed!
I think LA are still leading the league though, aren't they?
My poor Toronto FC had a decent run there but lost against Salt Lake away from home the other evening.
Yes, LA is leading the league and look who said they would be good even without Beckham.  :54:
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on May 03, 2010, 07:08:22 PM
Quote from: Augustino on May 03, 2010, 02:30:11 PM
Quote from: McBridefan1 on April 27, 2010, 03:49:45 AM
Quote from: finnster01 on April 26, 2010, 11:23:39 PM
Beckham out until November  :011:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/26/david-beckham-achilles-injury-recovery)


I'd prostlatize the shlt out of him, make him go to all sorts of events... hell I'd rent him out for birthday parties... gotta get your money back somehow.

McBridefan1: Agreed!
I think LA are still leading the league though, aren't they?
My poor Toronto FC had a decent run there but lost against Salt Lake away from home the other evening.

The important thing is the atmosphere you boys have at your stadium, is it still as good as it was the first couple of seasons? I remember watching a Toronto game and thinking man I should take a trip and see a game up there.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Steve_orino on May 04, 2010, 12:17:51 AM
Agreed McB!

The atmosphere is unreal, at least it appears to be on tv.  That's one team that's easy to wish well for, given the support they receive from their fans...
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: McBridefan1 on May 04, 2010, 06:08:10 PM
Quote from: Steve_orino on May 04, 2010, 12:17:51 AM
Agreed McB!

The atmosphere is unreal, at least it appears to be on tv.  That's one team that's easy to wish well for, given the support they receive from their fans...

Well ya, that and the fact they aren't winning, makes it much easier... just kiddin, love to see that support.
Title: Re: MLS - 2010 Season
Post by: Augustino on May 04, 2010, 10:12:11 PM
The atmosphere seems to get better with every passing game....

stadium expansion plans are in place and it was converted to natural grass (from turf) over the season break.

unfortunately toronto has had two of their key players retire in the past two seasons (dichio and brennan) but they are both staying with the club as management.

and we love to travel down to the states and chant "we don't pay for health care" :)
(mind you at Obama's rate that chant won't be as effective ....)