According to numerous media outlets, Frank Lampard was never owned by New York City Football Club, despite reports in July that he was their property on loan at Manchester City. In no way am I directing any blame at Mr. Lampard... this will be my biggest rant to date. The Third Rail, NYCFC's supporter's group, has released a very tame statement "denouncing" City Football Group and their handling of the Lampard business. This is how I would have done things:
Dear Members,
As you well know, we have been lied to by our "club", New York City FC, about the very reason we are all season ticket holders and once-proud supporters of this joke of a club. From henceforth, we will not be affiliated with New York City FC, nor will we give them another second of our time or money. In fact, I will be in touch with our ticket rep on January 2nd to demand answers about the Lampard situation. If I do not hear an acceptable answer, I will ask all of you to turn in your tickets for your money back. You will then be free to support whatever other club you wish to support. This has been a good 6-month ride, but don't blame me, blame NYCFC.
Statement:
We at the Third Rail are disgusted and appalled at the mishandling of the Frank Lampard situation by New York City Football Club and City Football Group. Beause of this, we will no longer affiliate with New York City FC. We apologize for any inconvenience to all of you, and we will attempt to get your money back if you hand in your season tickets to us.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Open Letter to New York City's Political and Business Leaders
To Whom it May Concern:
Your newest soccer team, New York City FC, has made a tremendous PR blunder by writing a check their mouths couldn't cash: signing Frank Lampard... only to have him stolen by Manchester City FC until the end of the Barclays Premier League season in May. I do not need to tell you how special New York is as a city to the United States and to the world, and your sports teams should be some of the best in the world at their sports. With that said, I think it is time that you publicly condemn every fan of NYCFC and the owner of City Football Group, the parent company of NYCFC, Manchester City, and Melbourne City in Australia, for taking an action in tremendous bad faith to the city that deserves (and needs) the best players in the world playing in Yankee Stadium (for the time being, until they get a stadium of their own). Even though this may be hard for most of you, I would also like a few words said against the Yankees for not showing any spine in their part of the deal to bring a soccer team to the New York city limits. In response to the disrespect, I would urge you strongly to support the one soccer team in New York that bows to no one, and the one that has brought the likes of Pele, Beckenbauer, and Chinaglia to New York to finish their soccer careers: the New York Cosmos. Yes, they play on Long Island, but if New York City got behind them and supported them without fail, they could get the first modern-day soccer-specific stadium in the city limits. Yes, they play in the "second division", but there is no second division without a system of promotion and relegation to define the divisions.
I hope this letter finds you well, and may all of you have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
J.T. Dulany
Your newest soccer team, New York City FC, has made a tremendous PR blunder by writing a check their mouths couldn't cash: signing Frank Lampard... only to have him stolen by Manchester City FC until the end of the Barclays Premier League season in May. I do not need to tell you how special New York is as a city to the United States and to the world, and your sports teams should be some of the best in the world at their sports. With that said, I think it is time that you publicly condemn every fan of NYCFC and the owner of City Football Group, the parent company of NYCFC, Manchester City, and Melbourne City in Australia, for taking an action in tremendous bad faith to the city that deserves (and needs) the best players in the world playing in Yankee Stadium (for the time being, until they get a stadium of their own). Even though this may be hard for most of you, I would also like a few words said against the Yankees for not showing any spine in their part of the deal to bring a soccer team to the New York city limits. In response to the disrespect, I would urge you strongly to support the one soccer team in New York that bows to no one, and the one that has brought the likes of Pele, Beckenbauer, and Chinaglia to New York to finish their soccer careers: the New York Cosmos. Yes, they play on Long Island, but if New York City got behind them and supported them without fail, they could get the first modern-day soccer-specific stadium in the city limits. Yes, they play in the "second division", but there is no second division without a system of promotion and relegation to define the divisions.
I hope this letter finds you well, and may all of you have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
J.T. Dulany
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
You Start the Hype Train, I'm Not On Board
— Stars and Stripes FC (@StarsStripesFC) December 23, 2014
I sincerely think this tweet means absolutely nothing unless it had been paired up with a press release. Zelalem would be a great addition to the US squad for the future, but overhyping him as the next big thing is misguided. And to think that an emoji of an American flag is enough to cause this much uproar over a subject? That's ludicrous. Again, let's wait for an official announcement before getting behind this tweet and running with fake headlines.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Reaction to the MLS State of the League Address
First of all, I'll provide you with a link to the video at the end of the blog for all of you to watch it.
First, Don Garber touched on the MLS Cup Final to be played on December 7 between New England and LA. Next, he talked about Landon Donovan retiring and Thierry Henry leaving MLS and how thankful he is to have had such great players playing in MLS. Not surprised, given that this is a State of the League address. However, He also said that Henry was "the first person who believed" that MLS would become "one of the rising leagues in the world." More reaction later.
Next, he talked about the World Cup and how MLS benefitted from it. However, the MLS World Cup bump was almost non-existent when it comes to butts in the seats. He also talked about MLS players in the development system and how that is the backbone of the national team. He also said that if Canada fails to qualify for the World Cup during his tenure as commissioner, he'll feel like he failed in his job. It is NOT the responsibility of MLS to develop players. That belongs to the clubs themselves. That's one part he fails to recognize.
Anyway, Twitter user @SomeCosmosFan has more reaction to this in his Twitter timeline, so I will direct you to him.
Here is what I would've said:
"Thank you to our teams, sponsors, and supporters. Major League Soccer has failed you all in the way we do business. I promise as commissioner that will change immediately. No, allocation money is NOT a hard concept to understand, and all of you should see what goes into the money. Secondly, I will ask the MLS accounting team to open our books... all of them, so all of you supporters can see our financial statements, and I welcome all clubs to do so as well. 2014 was a great year due to the World Cup, let's make 2015 even better. And, by 2020, MLS will turn over a new leaf and establish promotion and relegation, giving back all franchise fees and allowing clubs to be clubs. Thank you."
First, Don Garber touched on the MLS Cup Final to be played on December 7 between New England and LA. Next, he talked about Landon Donovan retiring and Thierry Henry leaving MLS and how thankful he is to have had such great players playing in MLS. Not surprised, given that this is a State of the League address. However, He also said that Henry was "the first person who believed" that MLS would become "one of the rising leagues in the world." More reaction later.
Next, he talked about the World Cup and how MLS benefitted from it. However, the MLS World Cup bump was almost non-existent when it comes to butts in the seats. He also talked about MLS players in the development system and how that is the backbone of the national team. He also said that if Canada fails to qualify for the World Cup during his tenure as commissioner, he'll feel like he failed in his job. It is NOT the responsibility of MLS to develop players. That belongs to the clubs themselves. That's one part he fails to recognize.
Anyway, Twitter user @SomeCosmosFan has more reaction to this in his Twitter timeline, so I will direct you to him.
Here is what I would've said:
"Thank you to our teams, sponsors, and supporters. Major League Soccer has failed you all in the way we do business. I promise as commissioner that will change immediately. No, allocation money is NOT a hard concept to understand, and all of you should see what goes into the money. Secondly, I will ask the MLS accounting team to open our books... all of them, so all of you supporters can see our financial statements, and I welcome all clubs to do so as well. 2014 was a great year due to the World Cup, let's make 2015 even better. And, by 2020, MLS will turn over a new leaf and establish promotion and relegation, giving back all franchise fees and allowing clubs to be clubs. Thank you."
Saturday, November 22, 2014
My Fox World Cup 2018 Announcing Team
As the news trickles in about recent contract discussions with Lalas, Twellman, and McBride, here is my dream team for the 2018 World Cup: (assuming all contracts are up)
Studio Hosts
Bob Ley, Gary Lineker, Rebecca Lowe
Studio Analysts
Alexi Lalas, Gary Neville, Michael Ballack, Tim Howard, Franz Beckenbauer, Robbie Earle, Robbie Mustoe, Kyle Martino, Colin Udoh, Mario Kempes
Sideline Reporters
Geoff Skelling, Monica Gonzalez, Landon Donovan
Announcing Teams
Ian Darke/Steve McManaman (A team; used for all US games)
Jon Champion/Craig Burley (B team)
John Strong/Graeme le Saux (Overflow team for the times when there are 3 WC games/day)
Announcing teams are no-brainers. Darke/Macca for their years of experience commentating EPL games to a US audience. Champion is (I think) the B guy for Sky, and I wanted to pair him up with someone with whom he has good chemistry, and I wanted the American voice as a 3rd wheel.
As for everyone else, I think this gives a nice worldly perspective on the tournament with lots of Americans.
Let me know what you guys think of this World Cup dream team.
Studio Hosts
Bob Ley, Gary Lineker, Rebecca Lowe
Studio Analysts
Alexi Lalas, Gary Neville, Michael Ballack, Tim Howard, Franz Beckenbauer, Robbie Earle, Robbie Mustoe, Kyle Martino, Colin Udoh, Mario Kempes
Sideline Reporters
Geoff Skelling, Monica Gonzalez, Landon Donovan
Announcing Teams
Ian Darke/Steve McManaman (A team; used for all US games)
Jon Champion/Craig Burley (B team)
John Strong/Graeme le Saux (Overflow team for the times when there are 3 WC games/day)
Announcing teams are no-brainers. Darke/Macca for their years of experience commentating EPL games to a US audience. Champion is (I think) the B guy for Sky, and I wanted to pair him up with someone with whom he has good chemistry, and I wanted the American voice as a 3rd wheel.
As for everyone else, I think this gives a nice worldly perspective on the tournament with lots of Americans.
Let me know what you guys think of this World Cup dream team.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
NASL Soccer Bowl 2014 Recap
In front of 7,800 fans in the Toyota Stadium, the San Antonio Scorpions defeated the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 2-1 to win the NASL Soccer Bowl trophy. This game was the most widely-available game the NASL season, and it did not disappoint... at least the second half didn't. Here are my main talking points:
1. San Antonio's quality of goals.
That first goal should win every Goal of the Year award for which it's eligible. A beautiful bicycle kick from just outside the penalty area gave the Scorpions a 1-0 lead.
2. Defending
The defending in this game was just disgusting from both teams. They both gave each other golden opportunities to succeed, most notably, the Ft. Lauderdale penalty kick that wasn't converted. Stonewall penalty, but Fafa Picault should have taken it. Then, on the Strikers' goal, the Scorpions defense fell asleep at the wheel and got complacent.
3. KSAT's production value (or lack thereof)
First of all, as a general rule when broadcasting, you always produce the stadium audio when doing a trophy or medal presentation. And you shut up and let everyone else do the talking, no matter how badly they do it. I thought their interlude music greatly overpowered the rest of the audio that was occurring at the time, and the crowd was non-existent for most of the broadcast as displayed on my speakers. For a championship game, you need to be able to hear the crowd clearly at all times. Not to mention the unending commentary gaffes by the team's crew, one of which was saying that the Strikers have been around for 3 years, established in 2011... it's 2014. They've been around for around 50 years. Overall, I think that if you're going to have ESPN broadcasting your championship game, let them bring their people. I want to hear the dulcet tones of Ian Darke and (I pray) Steve McManaman (or Twellman if this falls in the November FIFA dates again)... it wouldn't hurt to borrow Geoff Skelling from Sky for a game either.
Overall, the second half on-field play was the best part of the game. The production and commentary were unbearable. Instead of focusing on expansion of your stadium, you should get a better production and commentary team, San Antonio. Congratulations on your championship, but improve that production value.
1. San Antonio's quality of goals.
That first goal should win every Goal of the Year award for which it's eligible. A beautiful bicycle kick from just outside the penalty area gave the Scorpions a 1-0 lead.
2. Defending
The defending in this game was just disgusting from both teams. They both gave each other golden opportunities to succeed, most notably, the Ft. Lauderdale penalty kick that wasn't converted. Stonewall penalty, but Fafa Picault should have taken it. Then, on the Strikers' goal, the Scorpions defense fell asleep at the wheel and got complacent.
3. KSAT's production value (or lack thereof)
First of all, as a general rule when broadcasting, you always produce the stadium audio when doing a trophy or medal presentation. And you shut up and let everyone else do the talking, no matter how badly they do it. I thought their interlude music greatly overpowered the rest of the audio that was occurring at the time, and the crowd was non-existent for most of the broadcast as displayed on my speakers. For a championship game, you need to be able to hear the crowd clearly at all times. Not to mention the unending commentary gaffes by the team's crew, one of which was saying that the Strikers have been around for 3 years, established in 2011... it's 2014. They've been around for around 50 years. Overall, I think that if you're going to have ESPN broadcasting your championship game, let them bring their people. I want to hear the dulcet tones of Ian Darke and (I pray) Steve McManaman (or Twellman if this falls in the November FIFA dates again)... it wouldn't hurt to borrow Geoff Skelling from Sky for a game either.
Overall, the second half on-field play was the best part of the game. The production and commentary were unbearable. Instead of focusing on expansion of your stadium, you should get a better production and commentary team, San Antonio. Congratulations on your championship, but improve that production value.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Reaction to US-Colombia
The first thing I should mention is that I despise it when the team I root for gives up a goal in the dying embers of a game. This will have a twinge of sting to it.
Now, I did feel that Rubin was my Man of the Match, simply because of his excellent movement and good play with our so-called #1 striker Altidore. He did score today... but that was a penalty kick. Rubin had so many more chances to finish because of his good play, but that's the only thing that's holding him back from stardom. Yes, every player has an off night (and Rubin did not), but if he wants to unseat Altidore from his starting spot, he has to finish those chances. He is 18 years old, so I won't be too disappointed in him, but those goals could have been his ticket to bigger and better things in January.
Now, for everyone else. I thought Yedlin did OK today, but not too great on the ball. That will need to improve before he goes to Spurs. Conversely, I thought Garza did an excellent job today, especially in spotting the Colombia corner trick and neutralizing it.
Let me talk about their first goal. As a defender (or any player), you're taught in youth soccer (or should have been) that if you raise your hand, you need a sub. Why did the defenders raise their hand? It's an offside goal, but they should have kept playing anyway. Second goal was the last-minute goal, and that needs to be eliminated from the US game immediately. Also, in the second half, the US let Colombia have the ball for pretty much the entire half. I'll end with one positive thought, though. Lee Nguyen is a creative player and should get more call-ups.
Now, I did feel that Rubin was my Man of the Match, simply because of his excellent movement and good play with our so-called #1 striker Altidore. He did score today... but that was a penalty kick. Rubin had so many more chances to finish because of his good play, but that's the only thing that's holding him back from stardom. Yes, every player has an off night (and Rubin did not), but if he wants to unseat Altidore from his starting spot, he has to finish those chances. He is 18 years old, so I won't be too disappointed in him, but those goals could have been his ticket to bigger and better things in January.
Now, for everyone else. I thought Yedlin did OK today, but not too great on the ball. That will need to improve before he goes to Spurs. Conversely, I thought Garza did an excellent job today, especially in spotting the Colombia corner trick and neutralizing it.
Let me talk about their first goal. As a defender (or any player), you're taught in youth soccer (or should have been) that if you raise your hand, you need a sub. Why did the defenders raise their hand? It's an offside goal, but they should have kept playing anyway. Second goal was the last-minute goal, and that needs to be eliminated from the US game immediately. Also, in the second half, the US let Colombia have the ball for pretty much the entire half. I'll end with one positive thought, though. Lee Nguyen is a creative player and should get more call-ups.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
NASL Soccer Bowl Preview: San Antonio v Ft. Lauderdale
NASL Soccer Bowl 2014 will consist of two teams with a big sporting history... and (if you're dumb enough to believe Ft. Lauderdale = Miami) a rematch of the NBA Finals.
Of course, that joke won't earn me any brownie points with the Strikers supporters, but this game will be the most widely available NASL game of the year: ONE World Sports will broadcast it, as well as ESPN3.com. I also know that the Strikers put on one of the most impressive defensive displays I've ever seen in a do-or-die game, referee mistake aside. I think that Contofalsky is going to have to stand on his head on November 15th if Ft. Lauderdale have a shot at winning the Soccer Bowl. As for San Antonio, they will look to pepper the Strikers defense with plenty of scoring opportunities. However, it also took extra time to decide their match at home against the NY Cosmos. The Scorpions have a deadly attack, with Forbes being their most creative player, leading the NASL with 7 assists in 2014. Not to say that Ft. Lauderdale's attack is bad (their main striker Fafa Picault has 12 goals on the year), it will be an exciting match that I think will come down to who can find the net, and which goalkeeper will turn up to be ready to make some big saves.
Prediction: SA 3-2 FTL
Of course, that joke won't earn me any brownie points with the Strikers supporters, but this game will be the most widely available NASL game of the year: ONE World Sports will broadcast it, as well as ESPN3.com. I also know that the Strikers put on one of the most impressive defensive displays I've ever seen in a do-or-die game, referee mistake aside. I think that Contofalsky is going to have to stand on his head on November 15th if Ft. Lauderdale have a shot at winning the Soccer Bowl. As for San Antonio, they will look to pepper the Strikers defense with plenty of scoring opportunities. However, it also took extra time to decide their match at home against the NY Cosmos. The Scorpions have a deadly attack, with Forbes being their most creative player, leading the NASL with 7 assists in 2014. Not to say that Ft. Lauderdale's attack is bad (their main striker Fafa Picault has 12 goals on the year), it will be an exciting match that I think will come down to who can find the net, and which goalkeeper will turn up to be ready to make some big saves.
Prediction: SA 3-2 FTL
Friday, November 7, 2014
My USMNT Preview v Colombia
This is my preview post for the US National Team's friendly against Colombia at Craven Cottage in London:
The US is looking like an experimental side at best, with some (IMO) shocking non-call-ups in Emerson Hyndman (Fulham player who will be playing with U-20s in a tournament in Spain). I truly feel that he should have been called up to this game because he's a Fulham player, and we need the local support to have a true home field advantage. Jozy Altidore has not been scoring anything as of late, and Fulham legend Clint Dempsey is playing in the MLS playoffs with Seattle.
In terms of Colombia, they will be a tough team to play against. They are coming off an impressive World Cup all things considered, and they will prove to have a litmus test that a developing squad such as ours will need for the coming few years.
The roster I would name:
Goalkeepers: Guzan, Hamid, Cropper
Defenders: Ream, Johnson, Garza, Chandler, Lichaj, Besler, Palmer-Brown
Midfielders: Gil, Sczetela, Ibarra, Bedoya, Zusi, Flores, Forbes
Forwards: Ramirez, Wooten, Picault, Chavez, Molino, Delicate, Morris
Reasons:
- Get as many NASL and USL PRO players in the European shop window to further each player's development. If this means throwing away the Colombia and Ireland games, so be it. These are only friendlies and should be used to examine all players at all levels. Cohesion with the more established players should come later.
- Get Guzan some meaningful playing time with a more youth-based defense should he get the starting nod by 2018.
I know that this lineup will never occur, but this is what I would lean toward with these friendlies.
The US is looking like an experimental side at best, with some (IMO) shocking non-call-ups in Emerson Hyndman (Fulham player who will be playing with U-20s in a tournament in Spain). I truly feel that he should have been called up to this game because he's a Fulham player, and we need the local support to have a true home field advantage. Jozy Altidore has not been scoring anything as of late, and Fulham legend Clint Dempsey is playing in the MLS playoffs with Seattle.
In terms of Colombia, they will be a tough team to play against. They are coming off an impressive World Cup all things considered, and they will prove to have a litmus test that a developing squad such as ours will need for the coming few years.
The roster I would name:
Goalkeepers: Guzan, Hamid, Cropper
Defenders: Ream, Johnson, Garza, Chandler, Lichaj, Besler, Palmer-Brown
Midfielders: Gil, Sczetela, Ibarra, Bedoya, Zusi, Flores, Forbes
Forwards: Ramirez, Wooten, Picault, Chavez, Molino, Delicate, Morris
Reasons:
- Get as many NASL and USL PRO players in the European shop window to further each player's development. If this means throwing away the Colombia and Ireland games, so be it. These are only friendlies and should be used to examine all players at all levels. Cohesion with the more established players should come later.
- Get Guzan some meaningful playing time with a more youth-based defense should he get the starting nod by 2018.
I know that this lineup will never occur, but this is what I would lean toward with these friendlies.
Monday, November 3, 2014
US National Team Players Post-Brazil; and New Stadium in Salt Lake City
First, read this.
Jurgen Klinsmann spoke to the media today regarding the European-based US players that have played in the World Cup. He said, "A lot of our players that played really well in the World Cup and were consistent and worked very, very hard really dropped their performances after the World Cup, even after they are starters with their teams or in many cases unfortunately are not starters in their teams anymore." I watched Palace-Sunderland today, with the full hope that Jozy Altidore, our #1 striker, would start and score bunches of goals, and entertain the American audience watching the game on NBCSN (or more likely streaming it from work). Unfortunately, when looking at his stats since he joined Sunderland, let alone the World Cup, he has not performed effectively for that team. No, Mr. Klinsmann, Jozy is not complacent due to a "good performance" at the World Cup (he got injured in Game 1 against Ghana), he's complacent because YOU have not given any other striker the same opportunity as you continue to give him. Bobby Wood is lighting it up for his club, what more does he have to do to get a fair shake? Terrance Boyd was in-form before the World Cup! Did you call him up? No, you didn't! You called up perennial MLS player Chris Wondolowski, who will never improve in his ability to score goals against competition who doesn't put up too much of a fight, especially at the ripe old age of 31. I agree with almost everything you say, but this one, I must disagree with your tact with complacency. you made them complacent, not a good World Cup.
Next issue is the Real Monarchs unveiling on MLSsoccer.com. I'd love to know how Real Salt Lake got a stadium for the specific use of its USL PRO team, with nothing else to occupy it regularly (not talking about one-offs like concerts) while their opponents in the USL PRO who are not second teams of MLS sides cannot even get their own stadium (except Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Charlestion). That to me screams corruption at tis finest, and that is wrong! We must stop corruption at all levels, wherever we may find it. Now, I'm not criticizing Real Salt Lake or the City of Salt Lake here, what they did was impressive. However, the other USL PRO teams must be afforded the same opportunities as them, with owners who are committed to their cities and their clubs. I hope that the other USL PRO clubs who do not have their own stadiums that they use built for their purpose can be found.
Jurgen Klinsmann spoke to the media today regarding the European-based US players that have played in the World Cup. He said, "A lot of our players that played really well in the World Cup and were consistent and worked very, very hard really dropped their performances after the World Cup, even after they are starters with their teams or in many cases unfortunately are not starters in their teams anymore." I watched Palace-Sunderland today, with the full hope that Jozy Altidore, our #1 striker, would start and score bunches of goals, and entertain the American audience watching the game on NBCSN (or more likely streaming it from work). Unfortunately, when looking at his stats since he joined Sunderland, let alone the World Cup, he has not performed effectively for that team. No, Mr. Klinsmann, Jozy is not complacent due to a "good performance" at the World Cup (he got injured in Game 1 against Ghana), he's complacent because YOU have not given any other striker the same opportunity as you continue to give him. Bobby Wood is lighting it up for his club, what more does he have to do to get a fair shake? Terrance Boyd was in-form before the World Cup! Did you call him up? No, you didn't! You called up perennial MLS player Chris Wondolowski, who will never improve in his ability to score goals against competition who doesn't put up too much of a fight, especially at the ripe old age of 31. I agree with almost everything you say, but this one, I must disagree with your tact with complacency. you made them complacent, not a good World Cup.
Next issue is the Real Monarchs unveiling on MLSsoccer.com. I'd love to know how Real Salt Lake got a stadium for the specific use of its USL PRO team, with nothing else to occupy it regularly (not talking about one-offs like concerts) while their opponents in the USL PRO who are not second teams of MLS sides cannot even get their own stadium (except Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Charlestion). That to me screams corruption at tis finest, and that is wrong! We must stop corruption at all levels, wherever we may find it. Now, I'm not criticizing Real Salt Lake or the City of Salt Lake here, what they did was impressive. However, the other USL PRO teams must be afforded the same opportunities as them, with owners who are committed to their cities and their clubs. I hope that the other USL PRO clubs who do not have their own stadiums that they use built for their purpose can be found.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Eulogy for Chivas USA
Chivas USA: a club that was supposed to capture the immense Latino population of Los Angeles, and make them as an alternative to the posh-sounding LA Galaxy. The club has been through some highs and some lows, most notably losing in the Western Conference Semifinals in all of the years they made the MLS playoffs. They have one of the best MLS affiliated academies, but they failed to capture the LA market in the way they wanted to. This is not normally a political blog, but it must be said that politics is the main reason for the unpopularity of Chivas to the intended market. Firstly, the name, without anyone knowing at the time, would alienate all Latinos who aren't Chivas Guadalajara fans, or fans of any other Mexican team. Chivas owner Jorge Vergara has come out multiple times and said that Chivas USA was supposed to be the MLS team for Latinos to come and work. They're the only team to have a website all in Spanish with Spanish-speaking beat reporters and the like. However, there was a news story from a fair bit ago about Chivas being sued for discrimination due to firing certain staff members for their inability to speak Spanish, which was definitely a black mark on the team, and also on MLS. Despite not being the biggest MLS fan (for other reasons if you've read my previous posts), I'm glad that this experiment is over. It will allow the league with its new investors to begin LA2 with a fresh clean slate and a (hopefully) vibrant base with which to draw fans. Lastly, I would like to make a special mention to the Chivas supporters group The Black Army for their unwavering support of their team even through such difficult times. I hope that when the LA2 investors come out to LA, they will have a sit-down with all of you to figure out your best solution. It's not my place to come up with a solution, but for your sake, I hope the investors have their ears open to your ideas for branding, marketing, and merchandise. If the rumors are true that Vincent Tan will get involved, then I hope that at least one of you is a Cardiff supporter so you can get the "Tan Out" banners ready.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Pay to Play: The Kryptonite of Youth Soccer
First, just some raw numbers I got off the MD State Youth Soccer Association website:
To apply for a tryout with the MD ODP program (my personal feelings about ODP aside):
$50 fee; must be paid by credit or debit card
$12 fee to register to become an official MSYSA player (also to be recognized by US Youth Soccer)
Those fees do not include costs of joining clubs or other efforts.
This helps no one succeed or fail based on soccer ability; more like helping the suburban child have an activity outside in which to participate. I can't think of one senior national team regular who played outside of this system (please let me know).
Now, you're asking: Why are you bringing this up?
My response: look at all of the athletes in the inner city who play other sports, or those people in the streets with nothing to do other than illegal activities. Baltimore has the second-worst crime rate of any inner city (to Detroit) and most children in the city have extracurricular things they have to worry about which they should not have to worry about. I'm talking about the children with single-parent homes, displaced children, abandoned children, and those children who are homeless. A week ago, Sports Illustrated's cover story was on those homeless athletes who will be playing sports in college. I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about the 6-year old whose only source of belonging to anything is his brother's gang involvement which is the main breadwinner of the house. I'm talking about the guy who always gets picked last in pick-up basketball or football because he's too short. Here's my way to fix the major issue of pay-to-play, and how to get African-American children to play soccer outside:
1. Get each state to hire a scout (approved by a committee composing of Jurgen Klinsmann and scouts who look at the current youth national team set-up) to go around the inner cities at night and look for the kids who get picked last, etc.
2. Establish soccer fields in public parks that are well-maintained and have balls and equipment available for free. This could be where the scout could begin his search.
3. Get Messi and Ronaldo's faces on billboards and their salaries so that everyone can see how much they make... alongside the highest-paid Americans overeseas. This might help the youth to realize that there is real money to be made in soccer.
4. When a good inner city player is found, he will be placed on a list circulated to all of the area clubs. They must allow the player to play for free, and they will receive a financial bonus of $3,000 for every one they get in and develop. This will greatly offset costs of the other club members and it will give the inner city player some friends and connections outside of his little world.
Beyond that, let the kid decide how his path goes. Ultimately, we want to develop the best soccer players, so if the inner city person wants to leave for another sport, that's fine. The club gets to keep the bonus.
That's just a little piece on the pay-to-play system. I'd welcome your thoughts.
To apply for a tryout with the MD ODP program (my personal feelings about ODP aside):
$50 fee; must be paid by credit or debit card
$12 fee to register to become an official MSYSA player (also to be recognized by US Youth Soccer)
Those fees do not include costs of joining clubs or other efforts.
This helps no one succeed or fail based on soccer ability; more like helping the suburban child have an activity outside in which to participate. I can't think of one senior national team regular who played outside of this system (please let me know).
Now, you're asking: Why are you bringing this up?
My response: look at all of the athletes in the inner city who play other sports, or those people in the streets with nothing to do other than illegal activities. Baltimore has the second-worst crime rate of any inner city (to Detroit) and most children in the city have extracurricular things they have to worry about which they should not have to worry about. I'm talking about the children with single-parent homes, displaced children, abandoned children, and those children who are homeless. A week ago, Sports Illustrated's cover story was on those homeless athletes who will be playing sports in college. I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about the 6-year old whose only source of belonging to anything is his brother's gang involvement which is the main breadwinner of the house. I'm talking about the guy who always gets picked last in pick-up basketball or football because he's too short. Here's my way to fix the major issue of pay-to-play, and how to get African-American children to play soccer outside:
1. Get each state to hire a scout (approved by a committee composing of Jurgen Klinsmann and scouts who look at the current youth national team set-up) to go around the inner cities at night and look for the kids who get picked last, etc.
2. Establish soccer fields in public parks that are well-maintained and have balls and equipment available for free. This could be where the scout could begin his search.
3. Get Messi and Ronaldo's faces on billboards and their salaries so that everyone can see how much they make... alongside the highest-paid Americans overeseas. This might help the youth to realize that there is real money to be made in soccer.
4. When a good inner city player is found, he will be placed on a list circulated to all of the area clubs. They must allow the player to play for free, and they will receive a financial bonus of $3,000 for every one they get in and develop. This will greatly offset costs of the other club members and it will give the inner city player some friends and connections outside of his little world.
Beyond that, let the kid decide how his path goes. Ultimately, we want to develop the best soccer players, so if the inner city person wants to leave for another sport, that's fine. The club gets to keep the bonus.
That's just a little piece on the pay-to-play system. I'd welcome your thoughts.
Monday, October 20, 2014
In Defense of Bianchi, et al. and Raul to Cosmos
If you haven't read Kevin Draper's Deadspin piece, I suggest you do so before continuing.
Warning: Most of this will be a rant. Read at your own risk.
Deadspin just came out with a piece on the firing of Kevin Bianchi, the former beat reporter for the Colorado Rapids for MLSsoccer.com. He was employed by MLS, and could not write too negatively on the Rapids, and he could not advocate for the firing of any Rapids employee. Before I get to the main issue at hand, let me start with an ideological point. Why are US leagues so uptight about the content on their website? They could have put at the bottom of the website: "The contents of this website are the views and opinions of the writers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Major League Soccer, its partners, subsidiaries, sponsors, and teams; nor do they reflect the opinions of the United States Soccer Federation or the Canadian Soccer Association and their partners, affiliates, or sponsors, when appropriate." That quote removes any liability from the league for anything posted to their website regarding those three major things, and it makes the writers responsible for their work, and they would be free to write anything they wished to write about their subject.
Now, to the meat of the story. According to the aforementioned article, Bianchi was fired by MLS at the Rapids' behest. That in and of itself is completely wrong to do to a beat reporter who attended every home game, every practice, and every event, and that is hard to ask for someone who has to do it for such a bad team as the Rapids. Next point is about the e-mails, which are embedded into the article, and you can read them for yourself. Bianchi overall was very cordial in the e-mails, and very kind. I got the same impression from the president of the Rapids, but that's not the point. The point is that all of this was caused by a tweet:
The other major news today is that the New York Cosmos have signed Raul, the legendary player from Real Madrid. This is another example of the Cosmos putting their money where their mouth is (collectively) and signing a big-name player. What's shocking here is that no MLS team even tried for his services. Apparently, MLS as more worried about a beat reporter straying from the company line that the Cosmos were able to grab a legendary player right from under their collective noses.
Warning: Most of this will be a rant. Read at your own risk.
Deadspin just came out with a piece on the firing of Kevin Bianchi, the former beat reporter for the Colorado Rapids for MLSsoccer.com. He was employed by MLS, and could not write too negatively on the Rapids, and he could not advocate for the firing of any Rapids employee. Before I get to the main issue at hand, let me start with an ideological point. Why are US leagues so uptight about the content on their website? They could have put at the bottom of the website: "The contents of this website are the views and opinions of the writers themselves and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Major League Soccer, its partners, subsidiaries, sponsors, and teams; nor do they reflect the opinions of the United States Soccer Federation or the Canadian Soccer Association and their partners, affiliates, or sponsors, when appropriate." That quote removes any liability from the league for anything posted to their website regarding those three major things, and it makes the writers responsible for their work, and they would be free to write anything they wished to write about their subject.
Now, to the meat of the story. According to the aforementioned article, Bianchi was fired by MLS at the Rapids' behest. That in and of itself is completely wrong to do to a beat reporter who attended every home game, every practice, and every event, and that is hard to ask for someone who has to do it for such a bad team as the Rapids. Next point is about the e-mails, which are embedded into the article, and you can read them for yourself. Bianchi overall was very cordial in the e-mails, and very kind. I got the same impression from the president of the Rapids, but that's not the point. The point is that all of this was caused by a tweet:
@JDSportsfan85 @ColoradoRapids Say it once, say it again: Front office deserves much more blame than coaching staff.
— Chris Bianchi (@Rapids_News) October 7, 2014
Obviously, the FO would be mad about receiving criticism, but there's a way to handle that criticism in a healthy way, and firing the person is not a healthy way of doing things. I wish I was the editor of the Denver Post because I'd hire him in a heartbeat.The other major news today is that the New York Cosmos have signed Raul, the legendary player from Real Madrid. This is another example of the Cosmos putting their money where their mouth is (collectively) and signing a big-name player. What's shocking here is that no MLS team even tried for his services. Apparently, MLS as more worried about a beat reporter straying from the company line that the Cosmos were able to grab a legendary player right from under their collective noses.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Pictures
ESPNs J.A. Adande's thoughts on #ProRelForUSA >>> pic.twitter.com/paZOedaGfO
— Bearded One (@THEChrisKessell) October 15, 2014
Adrian Melville of ESPNFC thinks #ProRelForUSA is best way to uncover all the talent >>> pic.twitter.com/IPrEKiusjl
— Bearded One (@THEChrisKessell) October 13, 2014
NBCSN's Robbie Mustoe's feelings on #ProRelForUSA pic.twitter.com/F2vus3PG7x
— Bearded One (@THEChrisKessell) October 15, 2014
ESPNFC's Jonathan Harris-Bass thinks #ProRelForUSA could improve MLS play >>> pic.twitter.com/o6gUUldkfx
— Bearded One (@THEChrisKessell) October 15, 2014
Luke James of Prost Amerika's feelings on #ProRelForUSA moving game forward>>> pic.twitter.com/YG5imsUaY3
— Bearded One (@THEChrisKessell) October 15, 2014
@THEChrisKessell @IanDarke thank you! Now let's see the credentials of the opposition.
— Robson Borba(@Rborba23) November 7, 2014Why Pro-Rel Take 2
After looking at a reader's comments to me on Twitter, I have to say that I have failed in answering my own question the first time. I will leave my first entry up so all of you can look at it. Also, I have failed to analyze the issue more fully and come to grips with all of the problems that US soccer has, and how pro-rel can fix some (if not all) of those problems. Here are the problems, and how pro-rel can help fix them:
- Development of young players
Pro-rel can aid the development of young players by allowing those players to be loaned out to smaller clubs in lower divisions to gain play time and to allow them to develop. Clubs all over the world do this, and MLS is trying to do this with their MLS-USL agreement, but those teams with affiliations at the bottom of the USL table have nothing to play for, so they tank. This IMO does nothing up help the young loanee develop because none of his minutes would be meaningful to the success (or failure) of that club. Obviously, the big counterexample would be Dom Dwyer, who last season led Orlando City to a USL Pro Championship. However, for every Dem Dwyer, there are countless others who, for one reason or another, do not work out with their parent club or their loan club, and are therefore cast out of the system entirely. The major case here is Danny Szetela. He has fought through injury to get his career back on track. In 2013, he was playing for Icon FC. In 2014, he's playing for the New York Cosmos in the NASL. This is his first year of playing pro soccer since before his major injuries. Another good example for young kids to follow is the Rickie Lambert story: cut from the Liverpool academy at age 17, worked in a factory and playing non-league soccer, then was discovered again by Southampton, and now he's back at Liverpool FC playing in the first team. He only got back into it through hard work and determination.
Part 2 of the youth development problem is the inconsistent coaching issue at the ODP level. As Gary Kleiban has noted lots of times, he play a Barcelona-style formation and tactics with his U12s, and they seem to pick up the style despite retractors saying that it's impossible (this according to his Twitter page). Often times, coaches pick the best athletes, not necessarily the best soccer players, and drill them into a style of play similar to that of Stoke City under Tony Pulis. Others pick the best soccer players, and they develop those players by focusing not on winning, but on the development of each player.
The next issue is the development gap from 18-21 years old. Most Americans want to go to college, and parents believe that college is not just the best option, but the option. My cousin currently plays soccer for an U14 team (he's 12), and his parents both want him to seek out a soccer career if and only if he goes to college first. While that may not be a bad thing for their personal lives, players like my cousin who have potential to turn pro should have the opportunity at a young age to go to an academy and be able to accomplish everything they wish to accomplish in soccer. MLS has attempted to solve that problem by having their teams affiliate with USL Pro teams or having teams start their own USL Pro teams. While that may work for those clubs, why can't clubs just promote their players and deal with them without using a quasi-loan system?
- Tanking
Currently, especially in MLS, there is a massive problem with tanking, the process where you lose games on purpose to gain the highest draft pick. In a pro/rel system, if you "tank", you get punished by going own to the division below. Relegation is a massive punishment as it would require the club to start over again paying people half of what they're paying them now. As we see today, DC United have gone from worst to first in the MLS Eastern Conference by using their parachute payment of finishing last the year before. However, how many times does that happen in leagues where a lack of pro-rel exists?
- Not adhering to the FIFA dates
This is more of a league issue than a US soccer issue, but MLS has not followed the FIFA calendar since its inception (with the exception of taking a two-week break for the World Cup Group Stages).This leads to Jurgen Klinsmann being falsely forced to compromise with MLS to take their players when they have important league games to play in to determine playoff seeding. (In a previous blog entry, I mention that Klinsmann doesn't have to do that at all, per USSF guidelines.) While this may be my weakest point to make, if a new D1 arises, it must adhere to the FIFA dates in order for it to be a serious league IMO.
Those are the three points I wanted to make for now, I'll come out with more later about the State of US Soccer under the current system.
- Development of young players
Pro-rel can aid the development of young players by allowing those players to be loaned out to smaller clubs in lower divisions to gain play time and to allow them to develop. Clubs all over the world do this, and MLS is trying to do this with their MLS-USL agreement, but those teams with affiliations at the bottom of the USL table have nothing to play for, so they tank. This IMO does nothing up help the young loanee develop because none of his minutes would be meaningful to the success (or failure) of that club. Obviously, the big counterexample would be Dom Dwyer, who last season led Orlando City to a USL Pro Championship. However, for every Dem Dwyer, there are countless others who, for one reason or another, do not work out with their parent club or their loan club, and are therefore cast out of the system entirely. The major case here is Danny Szetela. He has fought through injury to get his career back on track. In 2013, he was playing for Icon FC. In 2014, he's playing for the New York Cosmos in the NASL. This is his first year of playing pro soccer since before his major injuries. Another good example for young kids to follow is the Rickie Lambert story: cut from the Liverpool academy at age 17, worked in a factory and playing non-league soccer, then was discovered again by Southampton, and now he's back at Liverpool FC playing in the first team. He only got back into it through hard work and determination.
Part 2 of the youth development problem is the inconsistent coaching issue at the ODP level. As Gary Kleiban has noted lots of times, he play a Barcelona-style formation and tactics with his U12s, and they seem to pick up the style despite retractors saying that it's impossible (this according to his Twitter page). Often times, coaches pick the best athletes, not necessarily the best soccer players, and drill them into a style of play similar to that of Stoke City under Tony Pulis. Others pick the best soccer players, and they develop those players by focusing not on winning, but on the development of each player.
The next issue is the development gap from 18-21 years old. Most Americans want to go to college, and parents believe that college is not just the best option, but the option. My cousin currently plays soccer for an U14 team (he's 12), and his parents both want him to seek out a soccer career if and only if he goes to college first. While that may not be a bad thing for their personal lives, players like my cousin who have potential to turn pro should have the opportunity at a young age to go to an academy and be able to accomplish everything they wish to accomplish in soccer. MLS has attempted to solve that problem by having their teams affiliate with USL Pro teams or having teams start their own USL Pro teams. While that may work for those clubs, why can't clubs just promote their players and deal with them without using a quasi-loan system?
- Tanking
Currently, especially in MLS, there is a massive problem with tanking, the process where you lose games on purpose to gain the highest draft pick. In a pro/rel system, if you "tank", you get punished by going own to the division below. Relegation is a massive punishment as it would require the club to start over again paying people half of what they're paying them now. As we see today, DC United have gone from worst to first in the MLS Eastern Conference by using their parachute payment of finishing last the year before. However, how many times does that happen in leagues where a lack of pro-rel exists?
- Not adhering to the FIFA dates
This is more of a league issue than a US soccer issue, but MLS has not followed the FIFA calendar since its inception (with the exception of taking a two-week break for the World Cup Group Stages).This leads to Jurgen Klinsmann being falsely forced to compromise with MLS to take their players when they have important league games to play in to determine playoff seeding. (In a previous blog entry, I mention that Klinsmann doesn't have to do that at all, per USSF guidelines.) While this may be my weakest point to make, if a new D1 arises, it must adhere to the FIFA dates in order for it to be a serious league IMO.
Those are the three points I wanted to make for now, I'll come out with more later about the State of US Soccer under the current system.
Changing the Soccer Pyramid: A Pro/Rel System
Buckminster Fuller once said, "You never change things by fighting an existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete." Here is a model that will make the current state of US soccer obsolete: the USAFL (United States Association Football Leagues). They plan on setting up a pro/rel structure in which clubs can enter into their system at the lowest level and progress their way up. They will start by having 3 divisions: a local, state, and regional, and they will progress those levels up as more states and regions get involved. Once they get established, we will truly have a pro/rel system in which you can start in your state/county league then progress up into D1. (USAFL website)
That is one viable option for a new system. Let me know what you think about their system in the comments section below., and also let me know of any other alternatives to a pro/rel system, with or without MLS.
That is one viable option for a new system. Let me know what you think about their system in the comments section below., and also let me know of any other alternatives to a pro/rel system, with or without MLS.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
NASL Week 25 Playoff Scenarios
Let me start by linking you to the NASL Schedule.
Eliminated: Indy Eleven, Atlanta Silverbacks, Ottawa Fury (due to TB-CAR H2H this week putting the Magic Number to 36 -- thanks to the club for pointing that out)
In Danger of Elimination: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Clinched: Minnesota United (as Spring 2014 champions), San Antonio Scorpions (at-large)
Now, let's do these scenarios in order of difficulty for all teams who aren't eliminated or haven't clinched.
San Antonio Scorpions: Win all 3 remaining games AND Minnesota United loses another one. (They play one head-to-head)
New York Cosmos: Win against Minnesota United and they're in. Simple as that.
Fort Lauderdale Strikers: Win/draw 2 out of 3 AND Carolina loses/draws 2 out of 3.
Carolina Railhawks: Win all 3 and they're in.
FC Edmonton: Win all 3 AND Fort Lauderdale loses at least 2 out of 3 and draws the other AND Carolina loses all 3.
Tampa Bay Rowdies: Win all 3 AND Fort Lauderdale loses all 3.
I'm grateful to the Soccer Deacon for checking my math on the last two teams.
Eliminated: Indy Eleven, Atlanta Silverbacks, Ottawa Fury (due to TB-CAR H2H this week putting the Magic Number to 36 -- thanks to the club for pointing that out)
In Danger of Elimination: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Clinched: Minnesota United (as Spring 2014 champions), San Antonio Scorpions (at-large)
Now, let's do these scenarios in order of difficulty for all teams who aren't eliminated or haven't clinched.
San Antonio Scorpions: Win all 3 remaining games AND Minnesota United loses another one. (They play one head-to-head)
New York Cosmos: Win against Minnesota United and they're in. Simple as that.
Fort Lauderdale Strikers: Win/draw 2 out of 3 AND Carolina loses/draws 2 out of 3.
Carolina Railhawks: Win all 3 and they're in.
FC Edmonton: Win all 3 AND Fort Lauderdale loses at least 2 out of 3 and draws the other AND Carolina loses all 3.
Tampa Bay Rowdies: Win all 3 AND Fort Lauderdale loses all 3.
I'm grateful to the Soccer Deacon for checking my math on the last two teams.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Garber's Teleconference: My Thoughts
First off, in case you wanted a link, here it is.
Don Garber wants to defend the MLS's players, teams, and owners, and he cites accountability... he criticizes US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann for his comments against MLS. He claims that MLS and US soccer are one, but that is not true whatsoever. Klinsmann can call in any eligible player he wants, and, per the USSF Pro Division Guidelines, any US club must release players for US duty. So, I don't understand how Don Garber can get away with the comments he made. Don Garber is the commissioner of MLS, so he is doing his job well in that context, but the United States Soccer Federation is more important in my opinion, and MLS is (as I've described in my previous blog) a company that runs its league like a business, not like a soccer league from anywhere else in the world. Honestly, I think that Garber should be made to apologize for his asinine comments toward our US soccer ehad coach/technical director.
Don Garber wants to defend the MLS's players, teams, and owners, and he cites accountability... he criticizes US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann for his comments against MLS. He claims that MLS and US soccer are one, but that is not true whatsoever. Klinsmann can call in any eligible player he wants, and, per the USSF Pro Division Guidelines, any US club must release players for US duty. So, I don't understand how Don Garber can get away with the comments he made. Don Garber is the commissioner of MLS, so he is doing his job well in that context, but the United States Soccer Federation is more important in my opinion, and MLS is (as I've described in my previous blog) a company that runs its league like a business, not like a soccer league from anywhere else in the world. Honestly, I think that Garber should be made to apologize for his asinine comments toward our US soccer ehad coach/technical director.
Why Pro/Rel, and Why Now. My First Blog Entry
Before truly beginning, I would just like to introduce myself with a few sentences. My name is J.T. Dulany, I'm 21 years old, and I am a political science major at Loyola University Maryland. I am a massive soccer fan, and I think that all US clubs should have the same independence and chances that any other club in most of the world has: to rise from obscurity to become a top division club. I played soccer only for 2 years, but that has never stopped me from having an opinion on the beautiful game.
I would like to submit to you my arguments for promotion/relegation in US Soccer, not just with(out?) MLS. My first argument is that without pro/rel, there is little to no motivation for teams to finish in the bottom of their divisions. The key example is Sunderland last season: they worked their tails off to become only the second club in the history of the Barclays Premier League to survive the threat of relegation after being last on Boxing Day. I contend that without pro/rel, Sunderland would have just tanked the season for rebuilding purposes.
My second argument is that without pro/rel, the only way you can even face an opponent in a different division as you would be in the cup competitions. The NASL has taken the US Open Cup seriously since their relaunch, and it has produced some MLS "giant killings" in the competition. In other countries with pro/rel, you could face those other teams in the different divisions in the coming years after promotions or relegations.
My third argument is that the United States is not the "land of opportunity" for all in terms of soccer without pro/rel. We as a country are founded on the principles of equal opportunity and a free market for all. Without pro/rel in US soccer, the US Soccer Federation is exercising the exact opposite principles: an oligarchy(or "caste system", as noted soccer personality Ted Westervelt has coined it) and a monopolistic market on top division clubs perpetrated by MLS to stymie lower-division clubs from being able to achieve the heights that they dream are possible. My local team, the Baltimore Bohemians, play in the USL PDL's Mid-Atlantic Conference, and they operate as a college summer league team, recruiting from (mostly) Baltimore-area colleges to field their team. I watched them play in their 2014 US Open Cup game against the USL Pro's Harrisburg City Islanders, and the supporters group told me that that game was a throwaway game due to the lack of possibility of winning it, and the ability to focus on the PDL (in which they failed miserably in the 2014 season). To me, that's a team running scared of other competition and the possibility of playing higher competition. (The winner advanced to play the Philadelphia Union of MLS at PPL Park.) From my observations of watching the game, the Bohs looked outclassed on the field, but they had a tremendous fighting spirit in them. If we had pro/rel, the Bohs would have competed in the 2013 PDL National Championship playoffs where they could have been promoted to the USL Pro. ZI understand the counter-arguments, and my answer is this: If MLS does not want to join in the pro/rel system, they can continue operating as they are, side-by-side with a pro/rel system, and we'll see how that goes. We have 200+ clubs in US soccer that could be ready for pro/rel right now if implemented, so why not now? The only thing standing in certain clubs' way is the financial aspect. My solution: Let each club find its healthy level of interest and fight to stay there. If they get promoted, great! If not, that's fine too. Let clubs be independent of one another and of a restrictive league such as MLS.
(Note: I'll give my thoughts on Don Garber's press conference at a later date.)
I would like to submit to you my arguments for promotion/relegation in US Soccer, not just with(out?) MLS. My first argument is that without pro/rel, there is little to no motivation for teams to finish in the bottom of their divisions. The key example is Sunderland last season: they worked their tails off to become only the second club in the history of the Barclays Premier League to survive the threat of relegation after being last on Boxing Day. I contend that without pro/rel, Sunderland would have just tanked the season for rebuilding purposes.
My second argument is that without pro/rel, the only way you can even face an opponent in a different division as you would be in the cup competitions. The NASL has taken the US Open Cup seriously since their relaunch, and it has produced some MLS "giant killings" in the competition. In other countries with pro/rel, you could face those other teams in the different divisions in the coming years after promotions or relegations.
My third argument is that the United States is not the "land of opportunity" for all in terms of soccer without pro/rel. We as a country are founded on the principles of equal opportunity and a free market for all. Without pro/rel in US soccer, the US Soccer Federation is exercising the exact opposite principles: an oligarchy(or "caste system", as noted soccer personality Ted Westervelt has coined it) and a monopolistic market on top division clubs perpetrated by MLS to stymie lower-division clubs from being able to achieve the heights that they dream are possible. My local team, the Baltimore Bohemians, play in the USL PDL's Mid-Atlantic Conference, and they operate as a college summer league team, recruiting from (mostly) Baltimore-area colleges to field their team. I watched them play in their 2014 US Open Cup game against the USL Pro's Harrisburg City Islanders, and the supporters group told me that that game was a throwaway game due to the lack of possibility of winning it, and the ability to focus on the PDL (in which they failed miserably in the 2014 season). To me, that's a team running scared of other competition and the possibility of playing higher competition. (The winner advanced to play the Philadelphia Union of MLS at PPL Park.) From my observations of watching the game, the Bohs looked outclassed on the field, but they had a tremendous fighting spirit in them. If we had pro/rel, the Bohs would have competed in the 2013 PDL National Championship playoffs where they could have been promoted to the USL Pro. ZI understand the counter-arguments, and my answer is this: If MLS does not want to join in the pro/rel system, they can continue operating as they are, side-by-side with a pro/rel system, and we'll see how that goes. We have 200+ clubs in US soccer that could be ready for pro/rel right now if implemented, so why not now? The only thing standing in certain clubs' way is the financial aspect. My solution: Let each club find its healthy level of interest and fight to stay there. If they get promoted, great! If not, that's fine too. Let clubs be independent of one another and of a restrictive league such as MLS.
(Note: I'll give my thoughts on Don Garber's press conference at a later date.)
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