- Keith Hickey
The beginning of the 2011 Major League Soccer season is just around the corner. With a new season comes all the new expectations, hopes, and pressures associated with it. For example, until mid-April, Toronto fans actually believe they'll make the playoffs! I know, right? Crazy.
Anyway, here's our primer for the 2011 MLS season.
Here's you dose of audio goodness for this week. Jared and I reconvene to hit the biggest stories of the last week. This show sets a new record for nonsense, and includes the first ever instance of singing on the podcast.
Robert Jonas - Center Line Soccer
“So you’re telling me there’s a chance. Yeah!”
With those simple words born from the mind of Lloyd Christmas in the movie Dumb and Dumber, optimists have a rallying call and continue to believe they are destined to succeed whenever it looks like the odds are heavily against them. Heading into Wednesday’s MLS super-special sixth draft of the preseason — a weighted lottery for the rights to goalkeeper David Bingham — many of the teams participating were probably muttering Lloyd’s words to themselves. One of those teams, the San Jose Earthquakes, had just an 8.8% chance of landing the vaunted prospect and newly minted Generation adidas signing, but they beat the odds to land the California ‘keeper.
“So you’re telling me there’s a chance. Yeah!”
With those simple words born from the mind of Lloyd Christmas in the movie Dumb and Dumber, optimists have a rallying call and continue to believe they are destined to succeed whenever it looks like the odds are heavily against them. Heading into Wednesday’s MLS super-special sixth draft of the preseason — a weighted lottery for the rights to goalkeeper David Bingham — many of the teams participating were probably muttering Lloyd’s words to themselves. One of those teams, the San Jose Earthquakes, had just an 8.8% chance of landing the vaunted prospect and newly minted Generation adidas signing, but they beat the odds to land the California ‘keeper.
- Jason Davis
- Jason Davis
Word out of Germany this morning is that Borussia Moenchengladbach has accepted a bid for Michael Bradley (link in German).
It's not yet known where the midfielder is headed; the club simply indicated that Bradley will leave in a press conference ahead of their weekend match with Eintracht Frankfurt, and that his new club will announce the signing. Bradley's price tag was a reported €5 million ($6.8 million).
Word out of Germany this morning is that Borussia Moenchengladbach has accepted a bid for Michael Bradley (link in German).
It's not yet known where the midfielder is headed; the club simply indicated that Bradley will leave in a press conference ahead of their weekend match with Eintracht Frankfurt, and that his new club will announce the signing. Bradley's price tag was a reported €5 million ($6.8 million).
- Jason Davis
I got my hands on a copy of the GQ UK featuring a story on the Sons of Ben. The story merits comment because it portrays an accurate if somewhat harsh picture of the group, and to an extent, the larger North American supporters group movement. Whether that also means it's unflattering is in the eye of the beholder.
I got my hands on a copy of the GQ UK featuring a story on the Sons of Ben. The story merits comment because it portrays an accurate if somewhat harsh picture of the group, and to an extent, the larger North American supporters group movement. Whether that also means it's unflattering is in the eye of the beholder.
Alejandro Bedoya tweeted the above image today when he came across a story on the Son of Ben in the UK edition of GQ.
-Jason Davis
Some will call it a mercy killing. The New York Post's Brian Lewis tweeted this morning that Red Bulls coach Hans Backe was told by GM Erik Soler not to expect SuperLiga to happen in 2011. On top of Columbus technical director Brian Bliss sharing the same news last week, it looks like the tournament everyone loves to hate might finally be put to rest.
Some will call it a mercy killing. The New York Post's Brian Lewis tweeted this morning that Red Bulls coach Hans Backe was told by GM Erik Soler not to expect SuperLiga to happen in 2011. On top of Columbus technical director Brian Bliss sharing the same news last week, it looks like the tournament everyone loves to hate might finally be put to rest.
-Jason Davis
It has started, the Power Rankings, the "players to watch" columns, the random speculation, the attempts at clairvoyance and all the other typical flotsam that accompanies the first twitching movements of the new MLS season.
While viscerally rejecting the veracity of any Power Rankings done before teams even settle on their 30-man rosters, I don't mind the "players to watch" posts. Some of the names are somewhat obvious choices. Others involve a leap of faith and an expectation that the transition from amateur to professional will be handled with aplomb. The SuperDraft provides the league players we expect to see inserted into lineups either right away or soon enough to make an impact over the course of a long season. In other words, the new class of MLS rookies gets a lot of our attention.
It has started, the Power Rankings, the "players to watch" columns, the random speculation, the attempts at clairvoyance and all the other typical flotsam that accompanies the first twitching movements of the new MLS season.
While viscerally rejecting the veracity of any Power Rankings done before teams even settle on their 30-man rosters, I don't mind the "players to watch" posts. Some of the names are somewhat obvious choices. Others involve a leap of faith and an expectation that the transition from amateur to professional will be handled with aplomb. The SuperDraft provides the league players we expect to see inserted into lineups either right away or soon enough to make an impact over the course of a long season. In other words, the new class of MLS rookies gets a lot of our attention.
-Jason Davis
There might not be a better way to sum up this Robbie Keane-related news from Ireland than the way the inimitable Phil Schoen did on Twitter (which is how I learned of it, hence a hat tip goes to Phil, whom I suggest you follow).
Have we turned a corner? If a first choice international from respectable footballing nation is told that playing in MLS is better than sitting on the bench in the Premier League, maybe we're taking small steps towards some kind of reputation breakthrough.
There might not be a better way to sum up this Robbie Keane-related news from Ireland than the way the inimitable Phil Schoen did on Twitter (which is how I learned of it, hence a hat tip goes to Phil, whom I suggest you follow).
It might be the first time a big name player has been told a move to MLS would help him STAY on the national team.
Have we turned a corner? If a first choice international from respectable footballing nation is told that playing in MLS is better than sitting on the bench in the Premier League, maybe we're taking small steps towards some kind of reputation breakthrough.
-Jason Davis
It is probably no coincidence that so many of the games we play today, particularly the team spectator sports that are now big business and cultural institutions, were codified within the span of a few decades during the second half of the 19th Century. An increase in the amount of leisure time for the people of Great Britain and the United States, one result of the Industrial Revolution taking place at the time, might have something to do with it. I'm sure that some study on the subject has attempted to narrow it down through historical study, but it's more likely that it was a complicated coming together of several social factors. Wikipedia credits the lawnmower. Because all of these sports coalesced into their recognizable forms around the same period, their respective history in the countries in which they took hold (or narrowly missed doing so) is easily traceable to a few simple decisions, crucial moments, or quirks of fate.
It is probably no coincidence that so many of the games we play today, particularly the team spectator sports that are now big business and cultural institutions, were codified within the span of a few decades during the second half of the 19th Century. An increase in the amount of leisure time for the people of Great Britain and the United States, one result of the Industrial Revolution taking place at the time, might have something to do with it. I'm sure that some study on the subject has attempted to narrow it down through historical study, but it's more likely that it was a complicated coming together of several social factors. Wikipedia credits the lawnmower. Because all of these sports coalesced into their recognizable forms around the same period, their respective history in the countries in which they took hold (or narrowly missed doing so) is easily traceable to a few simple decisions, crucial moments, or quirks of fate.
-Jason Davis
Or so it would seem. Baby Bradley has been chugging away at Borrussia Monchengladbach in Germany for long enough now that those of us who aren't keen observers of the Bundesliga take it for granted that he'll start every week. When we check the Yanks Abroad roundups on Monday, we have every expectation of seeing his name with a number somewhere near 90 next to it. Bradley is one of a handful of Americans we needn't worry over.
Or so it would seem. Baby Bradley has been chugging away at Borrussia Monchengladbach in Germany for long enough now that those of us who aren't keen observers of the Bundesliga take it for granted that he'll start every week. When we check the Yanks Abroad roundups on Monday, we have every expectation of seeing his name with a number somewhere near 90 next to it. Bradley is one of a handful of Americans we needn't worry over.
-Jason Davis
Saturday's USMNT draw with Chile served a few purposes. Most of them involved Bob Bradley and his nonstop need to evaluate, cull, and refine the National Team talent pool, with an eye towards meaningful competition this year and the 2014 World Cup well down the road. We can only hope that Bradley and his staff gained useful insight with what happened at the Home Depot Center; at the very least several players stood out, causing every armchair analyst from here to Anchorage to draw conclusions as to who should remain in the picture and whose name should be marked out with permanent ink. Bradley's process might differ, but he'll essentially do the same thing.
But by the final whistle, it was clear that Saturday's game had an ancillary benefit that had nothing to do with the fortunes of the USMNT.
Saturday's USMNT draw with Chile served a few purposes. Most of them involved Bob Bradley and his nonstop need to evaluate, cull, and refine the National Team talent pool, with an eye towards meaningful competition this year and the 2014 World Cup well down the road. We can only hope that Bradley and his staff gained useful insight with what happened at the Home Depot Center; at the very least several players stood out, causing every armchair analyst from here to Anchorage to draw conclusions as to who should remain in the picture and whose name should be marked out with permanent ink. Bradley's process might differ, but he'll essentially do the same thing.
But by the final whistle, it was clear that Saturday's game had an ancillary benefit that had nothing to do with the fortunes of the USMNT.
-Jason Davis
Here's your new American Soccer Show, with the obvious subjects covered plus a little more.
Jared and I start out on USA-Chile, covering our impressions of the match and the players that stood out (both good and bad). We hit the negatives first, then move on to the good things we saw and what they might mean for the future.
Segment two starts with an interview with Pablo Mirelles, one of the filmmakers behind Gringos at the Gate, a documentary on the intensity of the USA-Mexico rivalry. Pablo talks about the reasons for making the film, the insight it provides into the rivalry, and how its impact might have changed with the new CONCACAF qualifying structure.
Here's your new American Soccer Show, with the obvious subjects covered plus a little more.
Jared and I start out on USA-Chile, covering our impressions of the match and the players that stood out (both good and bad). We hit the negatives first, then move on to the good things we saw and what they might mean for the future.
Segment two starts with an interview with Pablo Mirelles, one of the filmmakers behind Gringos at the Gate, a documentary on the intensity of the USA-Mexico rivalry. Pablo talks about the reasons for making the film, the insight it provides into the rivalry, and how its impact might have changed with the new CONCACAF qualifying structure.
-Jason Davis
We've got a completely packed American Soccer Show set to record today, and I thought it might be worth it to stream it live for those interested.
Jared was out at the USA-Chile match and collected some excellent post-game audio. We'll hit all of the talking points from the game, review the tapes, and consider the winners and losers.
We've got a completely packed American Soccer Show set to record today, and I thought it might be worth it to stream it live for those interested.
Jared was out at the USA-Chile match and collected some excellent post-game audio. We'll hit all of the talking points from the game, review the tapes, and consider the winners and losers.
-Jason Davis
Bob Bradley injected new blood into the USMNT talent stream in Saturday night's 1-1 draw with Chile, but as seems to be his habit, missed a chance to do more with his opportunity. The first half was mostly bad, while the second picked up and significantly so with the substitutions of Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury.
Bob Bradley injected new blood into the USMNT talent stream in Saturday night's 1-1 draw with Chile, but as seems to be his habit, missed a chance to do more with his opportunity. The first half was mostly bad, while the second picked up and significantly so with the substitutions of Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury.
-Jason Davis
In the buildup to tonight's friendly against Chile at the Home Depot Center, Jeffrey Carlisle described Bob Bradley's as being in "mad scientist" mode. Usually, when Chile is involved, it's their head coach, Marcelo Bielsa, who is more deserving of that label. Bob Bradley doing anything "mad" doesn't jibe with the coach we know.
In the buildup to tonight's friendly against Chile at the Home Depot Center, Jeffrey Carlisle described Bob Bradley's as being in "mad scientist" mode. Usually, when Chile is involved, it's their head coach, Marcelo Bielsa, who is more deserving of that label. Bob Bradley doing anything "mad" doesn't jibe with the coach we know.
-Jason Davis
The North American Soccer League's attempt to become the sole proprietors of second division soccer in the United States and Canada took a hard right into a telephone pole today. Brian Quarstad of Inside Minnesota Soccer is reporting that the NASL's application has been rejected by US Soccer, presumably due to the inability of several clubs to meet new standards imposed after last year's NASL-USL forced marriage.
The North American Soccer League's attempt to become the sole proprietors of second division soccer in the United States and Canada took a hard right into a telephone pole today. Brian Quarstad of Inside Minnesota Soccer is reporting that the NASL's application has been rejected by US Soccer, presumably due to the inability of several clubs to meet new standards imposed after last year's NASL-USL forced marriage.
-Jason Davis
In the aftermath of Robert Jonas' musings this morning on the legacy of the NASL (this is also partly the new Cosmos' fault) as it relates to contemporary American soccer, two distinct Twitter conversations popped up on the subject of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Specifically, the back and forth was on what physical location makes sense for the Hall with the Oneonta, New York location unsustainable from a financial standpoint (it closed for good in February of last year). Red Bull Arena, situated next to Kearny, New Jersey (an area just about as steeped in soccer history as a town in American can be) was mentioned. If it was possible to establish the Hall there with a reasonable expectation that it would remain in operation for decades, it's as good a place as any. More creative ideas involved sending the Hall's collection around the country on display, though I'm not a fan of that one myself.
In the aftermath of Robert Jonas' musings this morning on the legacy of the NASL (this is also partly the new Cosmos' fault) as it relates to contemporary American soccer, two distinct Twitter conversations popped up on the subject of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Specifically, the back and forth was on what physical location makes sense for the Hall with the Oneonta, New York location unsustainable from a financial standpoint (it closed for good in February of last year). Red Bull Arena, situated next to Kearny, New Jersey (an area just about as steeped in soccer history as a town in American can be) was mentioned. If it was possible to establish the Hall there with a reasonable expectation that it would remain in operation for decades, it's as good a place as any. More creative ideas involved sending the Hall's collection around the country on display, though I'm not a fan of that one myself.
Robert Jonas - Center Line Soccer
“Wow, those guys have some funny hair!” laughed a young kid while staring into a display case of old soccer memorabilia recently in downtown San Jose. “Wait, who is that guy standing next to the Earthquakes guy?”
“That’s Pele, stupid,” said his slightly older friend, also looking at a poster showing the Brazilian star with his arm around former Quakes great Johnny Moore. “I heard he came to play in San Jose.”
“For the Earthquakes?” was the response.
“No, no. He was on the Cosmos. I heard he was the best player in the world!”
“Wow, those guys have some funny hair!” laughed a young kid while staring into a display case of old soccer memorabilia recently in downtown San Jose. “Wait, who is that guy standing next to the Earthquakes guy?”
“That’s Pele, stupid,” said his slightly older friend, also looking at a poster showing the Brazilian star with his arm around former Quakes great Johnny Moore. “I heard he came to play in San Jose.”
“For the Earthquakes?” was the response.
“No, no. He was on the Cosmos. I heard he was the best player in the world!”
With so many splashes, we have to wonder if there's any water left in the pool.
Cantona made a large one, entering the water on a Cosmos-colored throne, giving everyone reason to pay attention - again. This is what the new Cosmos do now, in their incarnation as a pre-team/brand name/home for retired greats. They do something or make an announcement, usually with lots of flash and sparkly things but crisp with class most American soccer clubs simply can't muster, and the American soccer public looks up, wrinkles their brows, and wonders just what those people are up to. Ads in Times Square? For what, exactly? Umbro shirts?
-Jason Davis
First, a few needed statements of belief to set things up: One, I don't believe Chuck Blazer is an unintelligent person, or, if you prefer because we live in a world where nuance is dead and buried in an unmarked grave, I don't believe Chuck Blazer is an idiot. Two, I don't believe Chuck Blazer intentionally works against the best interests of American soccer unless he's totally convinced it will benefit CONCACAF as a whole, as the confederation is officially his constituency (see the new qualifying structure). In other words, Chuck doesn't always work "America-first" but that doesn't necessarily mean he turns his back on America with malice aforethought.
First, a few needed statements of belief to set things up: One, I don't believe Chuck Blazer is an unintelligent person, or, if you prefer because we live in a world where nuance is dead and buried in an unmarked grave, I don't believe Chuck Blazer is an idiot. Two, I don't believe Chuck Blazer intentionally works against the best interests of American soccer unless he's totally convinced it will benefit CONCACAF as a whole, as the confederation is officially his constituency (see the new qualifying structure). In other words, Chuck doesn't always work "America-first" but that doesn't necessarily mean he turns his back on America with malice aforethought.
-Jason Davis
After two and half years in Europe, Kenny Cooper is back in MLS as a member of the Portland Timbers. The Timbers get a proven MLS striker and something of a name; Cooper gets a chance to play regularly and return to the form that attracted so much European attention in the first place.
After two and half years in Europe, Kenny Cooper is back in MLS as a member of the Portland Timbers. The Timbers get a proven MLS striker and something of a name; Cooper gets a chance to play regularly and return to the form that attracted so much European attention in the first place.
-Jason Davis
The new show has been out for 24 hours. I forgot to post it here because my brain function dropped to tree stump-like levels while my body fought off an infection of unknown origin, though I'm pretty sure it's Baltimore's fault. Jared and I hit all the big stories, including the SuperDraft, USMNT camp, Americans abroad moving about, Garber's hints about a Cascadia jamboree, and more.
The new show has been out for 24 hours. I forgot to post it here because my brain function dropped to tree stump-like levels while my body fought off an infection of unknown origin, though I'm pretty sure it's Baltimore's fault. Jared and I hit all the big stories, including the SuperDraft, USMNT camp, Americans abroad moving about, Garber's hints about a Cascadia jamboree, and more.
-Jason Davis
A flash of mild collective surprise shot through assembled throng in the Baltimore Convention Center ballroom yesterday when the New York Red Bulls selected a certain boy names Rooney in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Rooney's genes are beyond reproach - they are the same at those that allowed his brother to become a world famous striker after all - but his talents are much more suspect.
I'm here in Baltimore taking in the sights (which mostly amounts to lots of warmups that give way to suits in once you enter the Convention Center ballroom), and am fairly certain that a draft of some kind will go down in just about two hours.
I'll be co-hosting a live blog of the goings on in conjunction with Canadian Soccer News, so if want a range of cross-border analysis and information, this is the place. Things should kick off around 11:45 ET.
I'll be co-hosting a live blog of the goings on in conjunction with Canadian Soccer News, so if want a range of cross-border analysis and information, this is the place. Things should kick off around 11:45 ET.
-Jason Davis
Across the country, in small enclaves of Internet-tethered American soccer fans who forgo bread and water for the sustenance provided by transfer scuttlebutt, brows are being furrowed at an alarming rate. Edson Buddle has signed with a 2.Bundesliga club, FC Ingolstadt 04.
Across the country, in small enclaves of Internet-tethered American soccer fans who forgo bread and water for the sustenance provided by transfer scuttlebutt, brows are being furrowed at an alarming rate. Edson Buddle has signed with a 2.Bundesliga club, FC Ingolstadt 04.
-Jason Davis
I've managed to stay away from New York Cosmos-related topics for a good amount of time - I didn't make a conscience decision to do so, but I can't completely shake my discomfort with talking about an organization that doesn't actually have a team. I admire what the Cosmos are doing, in the same way a bystander might admire a pack of lions overtaking a wildebeest that wandered too far from the herd. It's not entirely pleasant, but it's impossible to look away.
For months, the long-promised revival of the New York Cosmos, once the crown jewel of the North American Soccer League, has been the elephant in the room of MLS expansion, if everyone in the room mentioned the elephant in every other sentence. What bothered me, though, was that it came off looking more like a marketing ploy than the basis for a soccer team. Terry Byrne, formerly of Davey Goes To Hollywood fame, had done a fantastic job of slapping a slick new logo on just about every product in the Umbro online store, but there was no real soccer brain involved with the project. Rick Parry, who oversaw the biggest decline in Liverpool since the end of the shipping industry, was hardly going to be an expert in the American market. Pele stuck his face on some ads for the Cosmos, but Pele will stick his face on anything if you put enough money in front of it.
What they were missing was some bona fide American soccer cred. Someone who not only knew American soccer and MLS, but had been a winner at MLS and USMNT levels. Someone who could signal to the masses that the Cosmos were not just a shirt deal and some re-branded youth teams, but a genuine contender for an MLS side.
So they hired Cobi Jones as "Associate Director of Soccer." You know, to go with their other director of soccer. All they need need now is some soccer to direct.
Now, everyone knows who Cobi Jones is, so I'll just list some of his most impressive accomplishments to provide an overview:
What they were missing was some bona fide American soccer cred. Someone who not only knew American soccer and MLS, but had been a winner at MLS and USMNT levels. Someone who could signal to the masses that the Cosmos were not just a shirt deal and some re-branded youth teams, but a genuine contender for an MLS side.
So they hired Cobi Jones as "Associate Director of Soccer." You know, to go with their other director of soccer. All they need need now is some soccer to direct.
Now, everyone knows who Cobi Jones is, so I'll just list some of his most impressive accomplishments to provide an overview:
- All-time leader in USMNT appearances (164)
- All-time leader in league appearances for the LA Galaxy (305)
- Second all-time in LA Galaxy goals (70)
- Played in 3 different World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002)
- Winner of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, 2 MLS Cups, 2 US Open Cups, and 2 Supporters' Shields
- Was assistant coach for the Galaxy's 2010 Supporters' Shield triumph
It's an impressive resume, and one that gives credence to the Cosmolution movement. While I'm sure he's being given a nice big raise, I doubt that he was on chump change at Los Angeles, and as a fierce competitor, and a player who played until the age of 37, doesn't strike me as someone who likes to sit on the sidelines and watch. Jones will want to be involved, and that in itself is a reason to think that there will be something to be involved with.
MLS commish Don Garber has made it no secret that he'd like to have a team in New York, and the Cosmos fulfill his strict criterion of "having lots and lots of money." While nothing has been decided yet, this hiring is a major signal that the Cosmos want to be involved in the near future.
I don't buy all the hype yet, but it seems to me that there's more than just hype now. There's substance.
-Keith
-Jason Davis
Thierry Henry is in London, where he'll train with his old club Arsenal during the MLS off-season. The word of the agreement came out today, simply, and without much fanfare beyond the understandable legend-returns-to-his-old-club flavor. Henry will use the stint to stay fit during the MLS break, and provide guidance to some of Arsenal's younger players. Beyond the obvious potential for a training ground mishap in which Henry picks up an injury, everybody wins.
Thierry Henry is in London, where he'll train with his old club Arsenal during the MLS off-season. The word of the agreement came out today, simply, and without much fanfare beyond the understandable legend-returns-to-his-old-club flavor. Henry will use the stint to stay fit during the MLS break, and provide guidance to some of Arsenal's younger players. Beyond the obvious potential for a training ground mishap in which Henry picks up an injury, everybody wins.
Throwing up the new American Soccer Show a little early here, just in case you need something to close out your weekend.
Jared DuBois (follow the guy on Twitter, you won't be disapppointed) fills in for The Ginge. We hit the USMNT January camp, Americans moving and being pushed down the depth chart abroad, MLS combine thoughts with Travis Clark of MLSsoccer.com, Becks, Donovan, Miami expansion, etc., etc. It's a loaded show.
by Keith Hickey
The 2011 SuperDraft will be taking place in Baltimore this week, and there are plenty of young players hoping their names will be called and they’ll be offered contracts. But there’s a lot of confusion and speculation going around about which teams will draft which players. And anytime there’s confusion, Match Fit Reserve is ready and willing to add to the chaos. And thus, we present the 2011 Match Fit Reserve Mock SuperDraft.
First Pick: Vancouver Whitecaps select Perry Kitchen, Akron
MFR’s Take: This is a solid move for Vancouver. Kitchen is one of the highest rated players in the draft, a national champion, and the type of player you can build a team around for years to come.
Second Pick: Portland Timbers select Stuart Holden, Bolton Wanderers
MFR’s Take: A bit of a gamble for Portland, who also hold the rights to recently departed MLS-ers Robbie Findley and Jonathan Bornstein. But if Holden decides that being paid huge amounts of money as the focal point of a Premiership team pushing for Europe isn’t for him, this could be a big steal by John Spencer.
Third Pick: D.C. United select the Real Estate Section, Baltimore Sun
MFR’s Take: Some teams look to build for the future. And some teams actually look for real estate to build on. D.C. need a new stadium more than they need any one player on the field. I think it’s fair to say however, that this selection is something of a project.
Fourth Pick: Chivas USA selects Omar Salgado, unattached
MFR’s Take: This seems an odd pick to me, as Salgado had his contract terminated by Chivas Guadalajara for opting to represent the United States. I’m not sure how well this is going to go over with the parent club’s mana- what’s that? There you go, he’s already been cut.
Fifth Pick: Philadelphia Union select Chris Seitz, FC Dallas
MFR’s Take: The Union never seem able to make a decision about Seitz, do they? Paid a lot of money to Salt Lake to get him, dropped him when he cost them points, reinstated him for a meaningless game, left him unprotected in the expansion draft, then protected him, then exposeed him in the re-entry draft, and now they’re taking him in the SuperDraft? This one is a head-scratcher.
Sixth Pick: New England Revolution select John Henry, New England Sports Ventures
MFR’s Take: Some will call this something of a sentimental local pick, but it’s a smart, smart choice for the Revs. They’ve stuck by Robert Kraft for a long time, but he’s past his prime as Revolution owner. Henry is younger, possesses great fundamentals, and has some experience in Europe.
Seventh Pick: Houston Dynamo select Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes
MFR’s Take: There was an obscure clause in the franchise agreement with Houston that they can have any player they want from San Jose at any time, and they’re exercising that clause to pick up the league’s top scorer in Wondolowski. Could be the player Houston needs to get back to the playoffs.
Eighth Pick: Vancouver Whitecaps (Acquired from Toronto) select Dwayne De Rosario, Toronto FC
MFR’s Take: Surprisingly, much of the interest was generated from the player’s end, who wanted to play for a Canadian team with a chance of making the playoffs.
Ninth Pick: Chicago Fire select Mike Ditka, unattached
MFR’s Take: If Saturday Night Live has taught us anything, it’s that people from Chicago love Mike Ditka. He’s a winner, and thanks to the movie Kicking and Screaming, he has experience coaching soccer.
Tenth Pick: Sporting Kansas City select Predrag Radosavljević, unattached
MRF’s take: Preki is a Kansas City soccer legend, and with their recent re-branding, KC need some heritage to tie the new name to the old traditions. Recently let go by Toronto, Preki will be itching to get involved again.
Eleventh Pick: Seattle Sounders select Konrad Warzycha, Ohio State
MFR’s Take: You hear sometimes of teams taking players just so their rivals can’t have them, and this seems like one of those picks. Sigi Schmid must really have it in for Columbus.
Twelth Pick: Columbus Crew select Terelle Pryor, Ohio State
MFR’s Take: This is obviously a play to put butts on seats, and if 100,000 people will watch Pryor play for the Buckeyes every week, maybe the Pennsylvania-born quarterback can draw 20,000 out to see the Crew.
Thirteenth Pick: New York Red Bulls select the 2000 MLS Cup, unattached
MFR’s Take: Now that the Kansas City Wizards are no more, the Red Bulls have decided to go for the one area where their club is still lacking, the trophy cabinet. Seems like if you can’t buy trophies on the field, buying them off of it is the next best way to go.
Fourteenth Pick: Real Salt Lake select Alex Morgan, UC Berkeley
MFR’s Take: Morgan’s a good, solid project who already has senior national team experience. 28 goals in the last two seasons at Berkeley, and a 2010 Hermann trophy finalist, this is a can’t-miss draft pick.
Fifteenth Pick: San Jose Earthquakes select Schellas Hyndman’s jacket, FC Dallas
MFR’s Take: Two words: Butter leather. Hyndman’s jacket was the talisman of Dallas’s run to the MLS Cup Final last season, but the former SMU coach surprisingly omitted the jacket from the final, which Dallas lost. San Jose picks up a proven winner here.
Sixteenth Pick: Los Angeles Galaxy select Victoria Beckham, unattached
MFR’s Take: The Galaxy pay a lot of money to David Beckham, and by any means necessary, they’ll have a Beckham on the field in 2011. No word on whether or not she’ll take the captaincy from Landon Donovan.
Seventeenth Pick: FC Dallas select the citizens of Dallas, Texas
MFR’s Take: An unorthodox pick, but you can see the reasoning behind it. If they’re all on the payroll, then they have to come to every game. No more sub-10,000 crowds at Pizza Hut Park.
Eighteenth Pick: Colorado Rapids select Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
MFR’s Take: Colorado have shown they don’t need to be liked as long as they’re winning. Vick, with his image problems in the past but undeniable athletic ability, certainly fits that criteria.
The 2011 SuperDraft will be taking place in Baltimore this week, and there are plenty of young players hoping their names will be called and they’ll be offered contracts. But there’s a lot of confusion and speculation going around about which teams will draft which players. And anytime there’s confusion, Match Fit Reserve is ready and willing to add to the chaos. And thus, we present the 2011 Match Fit Reserve Mock SuperDraft.
First Pick: Vancouver Whitecaps select Perry Kitchen, Akron
MFR’s Take: This is a solid move for Vancouver. Kitchen is one of the highest rated players in the draft, a national champion, and the type of player you can build a team around for years to come.
Second Pick: Portland Timbers select Stuart Holden, Bolton Wanderers
MFR’s Take: A bit of a gamble for Portland, who also hold the rights to recently departed MLS-ers Robbie Findley and Jonathan Bornstein. But if Holden decides that being paid huge amounts of money as the focal point of a Premiership team pushing for Europe isn’t for him, this could be a big steal by John Spencer.
Third Pick: D.C. United select the Real Estate Section, Baltimore Sun
MFR’s Take: Some teams look to build for the future. And some teams actually look for real estate to build on. D.C. need a new stadium more than they need any one player on the field. I think it’s fair to say however, that this selection is something of a project.
Fourth Pick: Chivas USA selects Omar Salgado, unattached
MFR’s Take: This seems an odd pick to me, as Salgado had his contract terminated by Chivas Guadalajara for opting to represent the United States. I’m not sure how well this is going to go over with the parent club’s mana- what’s that? There you go, he’s already been cut.
Fifth Pick: Philadelphia Union select Chris Seitz, FC Dallas
MFR’s Take: The Union never seem able to make a decision about Seitz, do they? Paid a lot of money to Salt Lake to get him, dropped him when he cost them points, reinstated him for a meaningless game, left him unprotected in the expansion draft, then protected him, then exposeed him in the re-entry draft, and now they’re taking him in the SuperDraft? This one is a head-scratcher.
Sixth Pick: New England Revolution select John Henry, New England Sports Ventures
MFR’s Take: Some will call this something of a sentimental local pick, but it’s a smart, smart choice for the Revs. They’ve stuck by Robert Kraft for a long time, but he’s past his prime as Revolution owner. Henry is younger, possesses great fundamentals, and has some experience in Europe.
Seventh Pick: Houston Dynamo select Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes
MFR’s Take: There was an obscure clause in the franchise agreement with Houston that they can have any player they want from San Jose at any time, and they’re exercising that clause to pick up the league’s top scorer in Wondolowski. Could be the player Houston needs to get back to the playoffs.
Eighth Pick: Vancouver Whitecaps (Acquired from Toronto) select Dwayne De Rosario, Toronto FC
MFR’s Take: Surprisingly, much of the interest was generated from the player’s end, who wanted to play for a Canadian team with a chance of making the playoffs.
Ninth Pick: Chicago Fire select Mike Ditka, unattached
MFR’s Take: If Saturday Night Live has taught us anything, it’s that people from Chicago love Mike Ditka. He’s a winner, and thanks to the movie Kicking and Screaming, he has experience coaching soccer.
Tenth Pick: Sporting Kansas City select Predrag Radosavljević, unattached
MRF’s take: Preki is a Kansas City soccer legend, and with their recent re-branding, KC need some heritage to tie the new name to the old traditions. Recently let go by Toronto, Preki will be itching to get involved again.
Eleventh Pick: Seattle Sounders select Konrad Warzycha, Ohio State
MFR’s Take: You hear sometimes of teams taking players just so their rivals can’t have them, and this seems like one of those picks. Sigi Schmid must really have it in for Columbus.
Twelth Pick: Columbus Crew select Terelle Pryor, Ohio State
MFR’s Take: This is obviously a play to put butts on seats, and if 100,000 people will watch Pryor play for the Buckeyes every week, maybe the Pennsylvania-born quarterback can draw 20,000 out to see the Crew.
Thirteenth Pick: New York Red Bulls select the 2000 MLS Cup, unattached
MFR’s Take: Now that the Kansas City Wizards are no more, the Red Bulls have decided to go for the one area where their club is still lacking, the trophy cabinet. Seems like if you can’t buy trophies on the field, buying them off of it is the next best way to go.
Fourteenth Pick: Real Salt Lake select Alex Morgan, UC Berkeley
MFR’s Take: Morgan’s a good, solid project who already has senior national team experience. 28 goals in the last two seasons at Berkeley, and a 2010 Hermann trophy finalist, this is a can’t-miss draft pick.
Fifteenth Pick: San Jose Earthquakes select Schellas Hyndman’s jacket, FC Dallas
MFR’s Take: Two words: Butter leather. Hyndman’s jacket was the talisman of Dallas’s run to the MLS Cup Final last season, but the former SMU coach surprisingly omitted the jacket from the final, which Dallas lost. San Jose picks up a proven winner here.
Sixteenth Pick: Los Angeles Galaxy select Victoria Beckham, unattached
MFR’s Take: The Galaxy pay a lot of money to David Beckham, and by any means necessary, they’ll have a Beckham on the field in 2011. No word on whether or not she’ll take the captaincy from Landon Donovan.
Seventeenth Pick: FC Dallas select the citizens of Dallas, Texas
MFR’s Take: An unorthodox pick, but you can see the reasoning behind it. If they’re all on the payroll, then they have to come to every game. No more sub-10,000 crowds at Pizza Hut Park.
Eighteenth Pick: Colorado Rapids select Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
MFR’s Take: Colorado have shown they don’t need to be liked as long as they’re winning. Vick, with his image problems in the past but undeniable athletic ability, certainly fits that criteria.
Robert Jonas - Center Line Soccer
While most of the attention around Major League Soccer these days is on this weekend’s player combine and next Thursday’s SuperDraft, I can’t help but think about another news worthy issue that has apparently gone forgotten. Back in Toronto during the hour leading up to the kickoff of MLS Cup, Commissioner Don Garber regaled the collective media with his annual address on all things related to the league. He dropped the bombshell that the 2011 playoffs would expand to 10 teams and no longer could two opponents from one conference contend for the opposite conference’s championship. He also announced that the league would play a balanced schedule among its 18 teams, but that nothing had been decided for future seasons.
While most of the attention around Major League Soccer these days is on this weekend’s player combine and next Thursday’s SuperDraft, I can’t help but think about another news worthy issue that has apparently gone forgotten. Back in Toronto during the hour leading up to the kickoff of MLS Cup, Commissioner Don Garber regaled the collective media with his annual address on all things related to the league. He dropped the bombshell that the 2011 playoffs would expand to 10 teams and no longer could two opponents from one conference contend for the opposite conference’s championship. He also announced that the league would play a balanced schedule among its 18 teams, but that nothing had been decided for future seasons.
Haven't done one of these in quite awhile, but here you go. A few quick hits for a Friday.
- Ukranian-born, American-bred, former college soccer player Eugene Starikov, a player I mentioned as a USMNT dark horse candidate in October, has been called into camp. Starikov is contracted to Zenit St. Petersburg, but played most of 2010 on loan with Tom Tomsk (a Siberian club also in the Russian Premier League). I've only caught glimpses of Starikov in highlights, but the blond forward has shown some promise. He's 22, and fits right in with what Bradley is trying to accomplish with this month's camp.
While Sepp Blatter is gearing up for his upcoming campaign for another term as FIFA president, he's also making banal statements on various soccer-related subjects. Admittedly, this is something he does with amazing consistency regardless of whether he is or isn't on the stump. The topics aren't new, and neither are the opinions.
But some of Sepp's recent comments, which yet again hit on the never ending battle between international and club soccer interests, got my mental wheels turning (such as they are at the moment).
Via the LA Times comes a statement from Bob Bradley that he is considering coaching the 2012 US Olympic team himself.
"It is, it just has to fit with everything that we do," he said. "The reason that it is [appealing] is that we've put a lot of time into trying to connect our different teams, and any chance to work with players [before] you get them with the full team, that's important."
2010 was in many ways, the annus mirabilis of American soccer. This year saw MLS alumni demonstrate that America can export top-level soccer talent. This year saw Landon Donovan’s heroic, world-class goals against Slovenia and Algeria, the latter being quite possibly the greatest moment in USMNT history. But it was not the kingmaking exploits of America’s greatest-ever player that will have the most lasting reverberations across the American soccer landscape.
By Chris J. Ballard
I'll admit it; I’ve been a closet fan of David Beckham for more than 15 years. I even vaguely recall him as a fresh-faced lad out on loan at Preston North End (of the Championship), in which he scored 2 goals from his 5 appearances. (link to video) The goal at Wimbledon on the first day of the 1996-1997 season, in which he scored from just inside his own half, is remembered by so many English fans that it has become an iconic image of not just Beckham himself, but the English game since the advent of the Premier League.
I'll admit it; I’ve been a closet fan of David Beckham for more than 15 years. I even vaguely recall him as a fresh-faced lad out on loan at Preston North End (of the Championship), in which he scored 2 goals from his 5 appearances. (link to video) The goal at Wimbledon on the first day of the 1996-1997 season, in which he scored from just inside his own half, is remembered by so many English fans that it has become an iconic image of not just Beckham himself, but the English game since the advent of the Premier League.
I hear Don Garber is headed down Miami way to meet with the 12 or so people that feel it is their personal mission to continually spam his inbox with "MLS TO MIAMI" emails.
Good for The Don, maintaining his reputation as a man willing to engage the people.
But this is so clearly a bone-throwing exercise that it makes me chuckle a bit. Of course the soccer fans of Miami, the ones interested in an MLS team coming back there anyway, are excited. They're right to be. Their efforts have paid off, and a man with a bit of pull when it comes to the League's expansion itinerary is coming to meet with them personally. It's a credit to their perseverance, made easier by the immediacy and ease of bugging someone of note in the Internet Age.
Good for The Don, maintaining his reputation as a man willing to engage the people.
But this is so clearly a bone-throwing exercise that it makes me chuckle a bit. Of course the soccer fans of Miami, the ones interested in an MLS team coming back there anyway, are excited. They're right to be. Their efforts have paid off, and a man with a bit of pull when it comes to the League's expansion itinerary is coming to meet with them personally. It's a credit to their perseverance, made easier by the immediacy and ease of bugging someone of note in the Internet Age.
Excuse me while I clear out the cobwebs.
It's a new year, or It's A New Year! depending on how you rate the importance of such things, and that typically means blogs spitting out variations on a theme best described as "Things That Might Happen Over the Next Twelve Months, But That You (the reader) Will Have Forgotten Were Predicted When Some (or none) of Them Happen."
It's a new year, or It's A New Year! depending on how you rate the importance of such things, and that typically means blogs spitting out variations on a theme best described as "Things That Might Happen Over the Next Twelve Months, But That You (the reader) Will Have Forgotten Were Predicted When Some (or none) of Them Happen."
