New Rules concerning Designated Players were instituted this year in MLS.  Each team now receives two designated players slots, and can spring for a third if they pay a “luxury tax” to the rest of the teams in the league.  New York seems willing to part with the requisite 250 thousand dollars it takes to sign a third Designated Player, on top of the salary the third Designated Player will command.

This talk begets an interesting question.  Is MLS losing the parity it has prided itself on for the 15 years of its existence?

The answer is still up in the air, as the new DP rules have yet to be fully tested and utilized, but the competitive balance is certainly tipping towards the teams with owners keen to open their pockets.  New York, for example, currently has Juan Pablo Angel as their sole Designated Player, but with the addition of Thierry Henry, and perhaps Rafael Marquez (assuming Marquez played in the midfield), or Freddie Llungberg, opposing defenses will be staring at not only one of the top attacks in MLS, but one that would not be out of place against Premiership or Serie A defenses.

In comparison to a team like New England or San Jose whose owners have not been keen to splurge on Designated Players, New York seems a lot like their non-frugal neighbors to the north, the Yankees, who win in Major League Baseball by outspending their opponents.  Can you imagine Thierry Henry and Juan Pablo Angel supported by Rafael Marquez, lining up against Jimmy Conrad and Shavar Thomas?  It isn’t even close to a fair match.

For all its progress, MLS is still a very mixed league.  Some teams can afford stars, others cannot.  That hasn’t stopped low spending teams like New England from succeeding, but with the new rules on Designated Players, the talent gulf between those who use all three Designated Player spots and those that don’t is even wider.

Part of MLS’s charm is that on any given day, the team in last place can beat the team in first.  This is true in any competition, including the ultra inequitable English Premiership and La Liga, but it is far truer in MLS.  If MLS were to move in the direction of the premiership, where you can predict with uncanny accuracy which teams will make the Champions League each year, it would be an unfortunate departure from the unpredictable nature of the league.

This isn’t to suggest that the signing of stars is bad for the league.  On the contrary, signing of stars can make a team successful both on and off the field if done correctly.  But the new Designated Player rules serve only to punish teams that are money conscious, and reward those who have money to burn.  Just because Seattle can put 26 thousand more people in the stands than Kansas City, doesn’t mean they should be able to use their monetary advantage (gained from increased ticket sales) to increase the talent gap as well.

Since the Designated Player rules haven’t been used to their full extent yet, it is hard to say whether or not front offices will be able to build teams that are a class above the rest.  We are now entering a period where New York, and perhaps Los Angeles, Toronto and Seattle will try.  If their experiments succeed, it would certainly be at great cost to an integral feature of the league: parity.

–Max Zeger

Follow me on twitter @mcmz403 for news, banter, and opinion.

This scene was from my pickup soccer game last night.  I’m a regular, and I’ve seen the ups and downs of the game through the past few years.  Last summer at times, we struggled to get enough for a game of 7 v. 7, opting to shorten the field and use old lacrosse goals that were in the corner of the field.  Yesterday though, I showed up and one game was already going, a full 11 v. 11, so another game started, and it too was 11 v. 11.

I was shocked; I had never seen anything like this; it was unprecedented.  I talked to a few of the guys who I hadn’t seen before and introduced myself.  I asked them in delicate terms, why they had suddenly decided to play.  Their response was what I had expected.

“We’ve been watching the World Cup, and just wanted to play a bit.”

“Are you making this a regular thing?” I asked.

“Eh, not sure.”

That is the question really: Are you making this a regular thing?  Is your love and appreciation for the quadrennial event that is the World Cup going to be something more regular, more substantive.  Will it translate to watching European matches or MLS matches, will these casual fans ever attend a live match, or begin to follow blogs covering the sport?

Soccer is here, the 40+ people that showed up last night is evident of that, but the more pressing question is where is soccer going, and what will it look like in the future.

In the past, soccer has been a fringe sport, played by immigrants and wealthy suburban kids.  Immigrant communities have always patronized professional soccer (for instance, most of DC United’s chants are in Spanish).  Urban communities have at times embraced professional soccer here, Seattle, DC, and Philadelphia are prime examples of that.  Soccer though, needs the youth generation who played the game on suburban fields to reach the next level.  Those 25 people who showed up to relive their glory days of juice boxes and “participation trophies” need to become the future of soccer in America, if the sport is ever to truly hit mainstream.

Just as the votes of the youth ushered in a young and fresh president into the office, it seems as if we are poised to usher in the sport of soccer into the mainstream, but only if the youth who grew up with it, and are now regaining interest stick with it, and become more than just casual followers who show up to their local game every time soccer fever blankets the USA.

It’s time to be proactive.  If you meet any of these people, offer to take them to a MLS or D2 game.  Show them what soccer is about here, and maybe, just maybe, your diligence will pay off, and we will become a bona fide soccer-mad nation.

–Max Zeger

Follow me on twitter @mcmz403 for news, banter, and opinion.

It may have gone fairly unnoticed with all of the interest in the World Cup, but there has been a major shift in selection for the U.S. U-20s, which is an indication of a shifting philosophy.

In may, the U-20s participated in the Cor Groenewegan, an international tournament in Holland.  The roster had 9 Americans playing abroad, 4 in MLS, 4 from college, 1 from USL, and 2 from the Development Academy.  For recent times, this is a fairly normal team makeup.  Americans Abroad, MLS, and College supply the lion’s share of the players.  The more interesting news came more recently, when Thomas Rongen released his roster for a domestic camp in California.

This roster had 10 from college, 8 from Mexico, 3 from the Development Academy, and 1 from Brazil, Costa Rica, and Portugal a piece.  USSF has often been criticized for ignoring the Hispanic population, but the makeup of this squad suggests that USSF has learned from their past mistakes.

At Copa Chivas, a tournament in Mexico that the U-20s participated in, the U.S. competed against their peers from Mexico and around the world, and were largely bested.  The ultimate embarrassment came when the U-20s played Tigres, a team that had 8 players eligible to play for the U.S., and were beaten on a goal by Moises Orozco, an American himself.

Rongen and USSF learned from their mistakes and have since mined Mexico for the best talent they had previously been ignorant of.

This Year’s World Cup squad had 5 players with any ethnic ties to the hispanic community in America.  It is quite possible, considering that USSF is finally taking notice of the wealth of talent available from the hispanic community, that the makeup of future World Cup teams will change drastically.  This new interest will also hopefully avoid issues like that of Edgar Castillo, a player who was ignored by the U.S. youth system, and found his way onto the Mexican National team shortly thereafter (Castillo obviously switched allegiances later, but he was initially ignored).  It also will bring a new type of player to the team, as players who have played in Mexico often tend to be more technical and creative than their counterparts.

For too many years, USSF has been ignoring the soccer-mad Hispanic community.  This recent shift though will do nothing but improve the player pool, and add talent and depth.  USSF has finally got it right, and in the years to come, the National Team will reap the benefits of USSF’s new philosophy on youth team selection.

–Max Zeger

Follow me on twitter @mcmz403 for news, banter, and opinion.

This phenomenon is relatively new.  20 years ago, there was little prospect of a talented youth turning pro, as their was no domestic league, and the European scouts rarely ventured this side of the Atlantic to find kids.  Over time though, the situation changed changed.  Champions League, EPL, Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga matches were beamed in to American televisions, a domestic league sprouted up boasting American, Latin, and European talent, and the European clubs started coming to the U.S. to play friendlies and grow their fan bases.  The youth now saw an outlet, a path to stardom, a path to a career as a soccer player.

They followed the path.

The World Cup team of 2010 had 17 players who were living their dream of playing in Europe, many of who were playing upon the pitches they saw through their televisions as teenagers.

Many of the Americans who have played in Europe have since hung up their boots have gone on to be coaches, technical directors, or managers in the game.  Not surprisingly though, no U.S. Manager has ever been appointed to manage a European club in a top European League.  Most of the former players have gone on to find jobs in MLS, but very few have found the same jobs available across the Atlantic.  In order for American players to inundate European leagues, their were American trailblazers that made it possible.  In the same way, American soccer needs managerial trailblazers.

As of now, there is only one man who has taken an important role off the pitch in Europe, Earnie Stewart.  Stewart, who was born in Holland is currently the Technical Director of AZ Alkmaar, but Stewart isn’t a manager, the man deciding the tactics and lineup each week.  Stewart also had the benefit of being raised in Europe, a factor that helped him get a job originally at NAC Breda where he played for 7 years.

Stewart is obviously well respected in Dutch soccer circles, earning that respect through 16 years of playing in Holland.  Bob Bradley, if he gets a job would do so as a complete outsider, the first of his kind.  Respect though, is seemingly what it takes to earn a job in Europe, and Bradley has earned that respect.

Bob Bradley, one of the most successful managers in MLS history, with an MLS Cup and 2 US Open Cups to his name, was a success in his first high profile job.  He led the United States to a Gold Cup title, a second place finish at the 2009 Confederations Cup, first place in CONCACAF Qualifying, and the Round of 16 at the World Cup.  The Confederations Cup run, and a couple of impressive performances on European soil was what made European clubs stand up and notice him, though.  Good performances against Poland and Spain in 2008, and a masterful win over Spain last summer certainly turned heads.  Throughout the final year of his tenure, it became common knowledge that Bradley wanted a job in Europe, and the respect he had earned gave him a real shot of getting one.

Bradley, who is mild mannered, and a good man manager fostered a great team spirit in the past four years, and although his tactical decisions were not always perfect, he showed an adept ability at adjusting on the fly.  Many clubs in Europe are searching for managers as the common post-World Cup scramble begins, and Bob Bradley is one of many names floating around.  The Mail on Sunday has in fact reported that Bob Bradley is being looked at to replace the departing Roy Hodgson at Fulham.

Beyond the fact that Bradley is a capable manager, he also brings a predisposition towards certain Americans he has coached for the past four years.  Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, and Clint Dempsey are all sought after commodities this summer, and having Bradley at the helm surely would be a good recruiting tool.

Bradley may stay on as the National Team Manager, he may take some time away from the game, but most likely of all, he will pursue a job in Europe as his reputation is at the highest it has ever been.

Once upon a time, there was a barrier that prevented American players from playing abroad.  The likes of John Harkes, Eric Wynalda, Earnie Stewart, and Dale Mulholland paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps.  In fact, much of the growing reputation today of American soccer can be attributed to the many who play abroad, and indirectly to those who came before them.

In the same fashion, Bob Bradley can break the managerial barrier by landing a job in Europe, and pave the way for the future managers and ex-players to follow him.

–Max Zeger

Follow Max on twitter @mcmz403 for news, banter, and opinion.

New England signed Noonan today and traded him to Columbus for a 2009 first round draft pick, and allocation money.  

I’m not really sure how New England saw this as a good trade.  Columbus is New England’s closest competitor in the East, and trading them a very good and capable forward doesn’t seem beneficial.  There were three or four other teams in the mix for Noonan and they could have easily traded Noonan to another team for roughly the same in return.

This was a good move by Columbus.  They picked up a good forward to play alongside Alejandro Moreno, someone who needs some assistance scoring goals.  The price was steep, but this move makes Columbus a legitimate contender for MLS Cup.

What do you think of the move?  Has New England shot themselves in the foot?  Why didn’t they trade him to another team?  Is Columbus a legitimate contender now?  Your thoughts below.

John Ellinger, An assistant coach for FC Dallas had this to say.

“Our priority is to find a high-quality striker, who can play immediately and Ortega has these characteristics.  We want to sign a player who can make an impact, and who is also experienced, so that he can be complemented by Kenny Cooper. Although we understand that an international superstar like Ortega, who is as popular as Diego Maradona in Argentina, is costly.”

Ortega is set to make roughly three times what he currently makes in Argentina, something that should seem very attractive.  Ortega would be Dallas’s designated player and would earn approximately $1.5 million.  Another thing that might attract Ortega to Dallas is the chance to gain serious playing time.  Ortega has been languishing on the bench for River and is not happy about it.

John Ellinger made the long trip to Punta Del Este in Uraguay  (River is having their pre-season there) to attempt to convince Ortega to join Dallas.  Reports have said the talks were positive and a deal is in the works.

What do you think about Ortega coming to Dallas?  Are you happy to see Dallas taking soccer seriously?  Will Ortega be a good compliment to Kenny Cooper?  Any thoughts go below.

This honor was tough to choose because there certainly were many games that were deserving of the honor.  Should I choose a blowout, or a close back-and-forth match.  In the end, I chose a game that was close, exciting, and kept me on me feet.  The winner is… DC United vs. Chivas De Guadalajara.  The game was exciting with a penalty save, and multiple shots off the post.  It also helped that the near 23,000 fans that packed the stadium made the game even that much better.

Biggest Let Down

This year’s Superliga group stage was so good, it was hard to think of any let down’s at all.  However, I came up with one and it was a bit disappointing.  After witnessing CD Guadalajara out maneuver both DC United and Houston Dynamo, it was extremely disappointing to see Guadalajara not advance to the knockout stages.  They were a joy to see and all they needed was to tie Atlante to advance.  They failed and were knocked out on head to head record.  I really wish we had seen Guadalajara advance, but there’s always next year.

Biggest Surprise

The most improbable story actually unfolded, Atlante from Cancun advanced to the knockout stages.  After being trounced by Houston 4-0, I thought they were done, but Atlante showed just how resilient they are.  They flew to DC and won a game to give themselves a chance, then they played the most impressive team in the tournament and won.  Congratulations to Atlante on their success and they surely are this year’s biggest surprise.

Do you agree with my awards?  What other ones would you have given out?  Any thoughts on Superliga go below.

DC United struggled at times against Chivas (Mex) and at times, it seemed they were playing a man down with Fred perfecting his Brazilian disappearing act.  However, with a much weaker opponent and the Barra Brava / Screaming Eagles backing United, it seems certain that DC will get their first victory of the Superliga campaign.

As for Atlante, I have no idea why they were chosen over teams such as Cruz Azul, America, or U.N.A.M, teams that would have made the tournament much more competitive and more interesting to watch.  Atlante has one solid player on their roster, it is Giancarlos Maldonado, the man who single handedly led Venezuela to a shock victory over Brazil.  So, if Atlante hopes to compete in this tournament, he will have to be in great form.  Atlante will need Maldonado to have a fantastic game.

My Final Prediction is DC winning 3-1, although it could be a much higher score.  Yes, that means Maldonado will figure a way around Zach Wells incredible goalkeeping skills.  Atlante will put up a fight in the first half, but the second half is where DC will finally shine.

Goals have been hard to come by but their most recent transfers have to inspire some hope.  Darren Huckerby and Scott Sealy address the teams need for a major offensive upgrade.  San Jose has scored a league low eleven goals.  Let’s face it, Kei Kamara and Ryan Johnson aren’t good enough to compete in MLS.  The two new additions should be able to come in and immediately make an impact.  San Jose certainly has other needs as well, a porous defense and a shaky midfield.  We are going to take a closer look at there newest transfers.

Darren Huckerby

Huckerby has been a consistent scoring threat in England since he broke onto the scene in 1993.  At 32 however, you have to wonder how much he has left in the tank.  Another concern is San Jose’s inability to give their forwards good service.  Huckerby is used to high quality service having played for much of his career in the premiership, now he will play with a hapless San Jose midfield and you have to think Huckerby could become frustrated.  San Jose signified their desire to win by signing Huckerby.  They had to aquire rights from Toronto before signing him.  It’s a good move for a proven scorer and it will certainly be an upgrade over Kamara and Johsnon

Scott Sealy

The second forward San Jose signed is Scott Sealy from Kansas City.  Another good signing that will certainly improve the offense, but Sealy will also suffer from poor service.  Sealy is a proven goal scorer in MLS having scored 28 goals in 88 matches.  Sealy is also a native of Trinidad & Tobago and has not enjoyed much success with the Socca’ Warriors.  Only 2 goals in 12 matches.  Sealy is a quick and fast forward which could open up space for Huckerby to operate in.

Is this the turning point for San Jose?  I’d have to say no for now.  The midfield and defense are still poor and must be improved to have any realistic chance at finishing the season positively.  If Sealy and Huckerby can foster a strong partnership, San Jose could be a force to reckon with this year.  The one good thing about playing in the Western Conference is that thirteen points doesn’t put you that far away from a playoff spot.  As poor as San Jose has been, they are only eight points from a playoff spot and a strong finish to the season could be enough to make the playoffs.

What do you think of San Jose’s new signings?  Will it make any difference for the league’s worst team?  Put your thoughts below.

————Kenny Cooper——–Landon Donovan————–

———————-Cuauhtemoc Blanco————————-

Robbie Rogers————————————David Beckham

————–Shalrie Joseph——Sacha Kljestan—————–

Jimmy Conrad———Michael Parkhurst——–Frankie Hejduk

—————————-Matt Reis———————-

MLS ALL-STAR BENCH

• Jon Busch
• Gonzalo Segares
• Dwayne DeRosario
• Steve Ralston
• Luciano Emilio

COMMISSIONER’S PICKS

• Jim Brennan
• Guillermo Barros Schelotto

Some of the things that interest me about the lineup:

1) Eastern Domination No Longer

We all know how superior the East is to the West but oddly, we don’t see that represented in the MLS starting lineup.  Seven of the starting XI are from the East, and four from the West.  An almost even split is an odd occurrence, considering that the East has dominate .

2) USA! USA! USA!

Foreigners who write MLS off as a “Mickey Mouse League” and who say we import has beens can shove it.  Eight out of starting XI are Americans.  Not only are eight of them American, four can be considered National Team members in the making.  Robbie Rogers, Sacha Kljestan, Kenny Cooper, and Michael Parkhurst are four very promising young players.

3) Where did Schelotto Go?

Guillermo Barros Schelotto had to be picked by the commissioner.  What happened?  Schelotto was easily one of the top five midfielders and definitely has had a more influential role for Columbus than Shalrie Joseph has had for New England.  I can’t be grudge people for picking the five midfielders listed because they are all very talented and deserving, but he couldn’t make the bench.  He has certainly had a better year than Dwayne De Rosario, and Steve Ralston has been injured for most of the season.  I’m bewildered that Schelotto wasn’t picked.

What do you think of this year’s all stars?  Are they the right picks?  Who did you vote for?  Are there any interesting trends you saw?  Will we beat West Ham?  Leave your thoughts below.