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.

My source says Bielsa is looking for a talented team that has a calm environment as well.  It seems as if the U.S. job fills both requirements, as do the jobs of Chilé and Japan.  Mexico, on the other hand, is a pressure filled environment (see what happened to Hugo Sanchez and Sven Goran Erikkson), and may not suit Bielsa in that regard, despite being arguably the most talented of the bunch.

Bielsa is also notorious for his dislike of the media.  In Chilé, he virtually ignored the press, sometimes not showing up to press conferences and outright refusing to do exclusive interviews.  This likely would be a big problem in the U.S. where the media feel a right to ask questions and have them answered truthfully.

Clearly, the situation is fluid, considering that Bob Bradley is still under contract, and he hasn’t even sat down with Sunil Gulati, president of USSF, yet.  I wouldn’t expect anything to be resolved in the near future, as there is no rush to find a new manager with Bob Bradley still employed at the moment.  However, it is an interesting development that USSF is preparing for life without Bradley, and is going out and pursuing a coach renowned for attacking soccer.

–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.

For teams like the U.S. who have some attacking talent, the difference between a deep run and an early exit can be  a strong defense.  At the next World Cup, it can be assumed that Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore will all on the squad, four players that are capable of producing goals (I know Jozy is suspect, but four years is a long time to improve).  The United States has never needed a better goalie, and at 35, Tim Howard will be in the prime of his career.  Thus, a deep run at the 2014 World Cup will come down to the strength of the defense.

On paper, the current U.S. backline looks solid.  The first choice lineup (when all are healthy) of Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, and Carlos Bocanegra sounds solid, but it is quite clear that there is room for improvement, and it is unlikely that even half of the backline will still be a fixture in the squad come 2014.

Carlos Bocanegra, Captain America, will be 35 years old in 2014, and unlikely to play a role even if he does make the team.  Steve Cherundolo and Jay DeMerit due to their ages, 35 and 34 respectively are also likely in the same boat.  Oguchi Onyewu will be 32, not too old to figure.  I expect him to start in Brazil.  Perhaps some success in Italy would make him a more seasoned and dependable player.

The More pressing question will be who partners Onyewu in central defense, or in the event that Onyewu is no longer a viable starter, which two will play?  A cursory scan of MLS and former youth teams would reveal two candidates, Omar Gonzalez and Ike Opara.  Both are big physical centerbacks capable of patrolling the area and bossing opposing forwards.  Gonzalez has already been in a U.S. camp this past winter, Opara, a rookie in the league was a youth national team fixture in the past, and with some maturation that will come with experience, he can combine tactical savvy with his fantastic physical abilities.  These two have high ceilings.  Some others in the running are Chad Marshall who plays for Columbus, and Clarence Goodson who looks likely to move to Odense in Denmark in the near future.  I doubt either will be starters, but they certainly could fill in in case of injury or poor form.

Steven Cherundolo seems unlikely to play a part in four years, and Jonathan Spector is his ready made replacement.  Spector is a great attacking wing back who whips in the ball dangerously from the wing.  He is fragile defensively though, and he will need to improve his marking and awareness if the U.S. back line is to be strong in Brazil.

Left back is perhaps the most concerning position.  Bocanegra is unlikely to feature, and Bornstein, who started twice in South Africa is not skilled enough to inspire confidence among the fans.  For 2014, I’d look to three players to potentially start at left back.  Heath Pearce, who was cut from the 30-man roster will be 29 in four years, and is good going forward.  Edgar Castillo, who switched FIFA registrations to be eligible for the U.S. will also compete.  A sleeper pick for the spot would be Kofie Sarkodie, who currently plays at Akron, but is highly touted by MLS Scouts.

The back line in Brazil will likely be a far cry from the one that appeared in South Africa.  Age has hit for many, and with it, the necessity for change.  The U.S. will need a strong back line if they want to make a run in the tournament, and at this early stage, the picture on the back line looks very hazy, especially with many of the stalwarts of old likely moving on.

Time will tell, but i’ll take Spector, Gonzalez, Onyewu, and Pearce.

–Max Zeger

Greg Seltzer (of MLSSoccer and No Short Corners fame) talked to Dempsey’s agent, Lyle Yorks about a potential move away from Craven Cottage.  Yorks said there were “Big Clubs” looking at Dempsey in France and Italy.

My purpose is not to ponder and conjecture about where Dempsey will end up, whether it is ultimately at Fulham, or somewhere else, it is rather to say that if the opportunity comes to join a big club, he should take it.

Dempsey is at the prime of his career, coming off a World Cup where he was arguably the best player for his team, a team that won its group, and on another day, would be competing in a quarterfinal tomorrow.  He has Europa League experience, he was the Bronze ball winner at last year’s Confederations Cup, just behind Luis Fabiano and Kaka, two players who’s transfer fees alone are ten times more than that of Dempsey, and he has a never say die attitude, the mentality of winner.

Dempsey’s mentality is perhaps is most useful quality.  just when things are looking most bleak, he arises with magic, a cunning back heel, a daring run, or a crucial goal.  Demspey has been the x-factor, the game changer on every professional team he has ever played on.  He was New England’s star, playing with flair and panache.  When he moved to Fulham, he once again assumed the same role.  He scored the goal to keep Fulham up against Liverpool in 2007, and once again a stunning chip this past season to knock out mighty Juventus from the Europa League.  At the Confederations Cup, he scored clinching goals against Egypt and Spain.

Landon Donovan is undoubtedly the Poster Boy of the National Team, and he his performances serve to substantiate the claim.  Clint Dempsey will never be the leading scorer, assister, or cap-winner on the National Team, but he has an opportunity to eclipse Donovan in the club soccer world.

In the Modern Era, no American field player has ever featured with regularity and success for a top club in one of the top European Leagues (No, I don’t count Damarcus Beasley at PSV).  Donovan, although he enjoyed success at Everton, couldn’t cut it at Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen, the two top clubs he played for.  Dempsey has a chance, with a move to a big side, to cement his legacy as the best American club player of all time.

People have been saying for a long time that what America needs is a superstar player to root for, to get behind, to support.  It wasn’t Freddy Adu, but perhaps it is Clint Dempsey.  Everywhere Dempsey has played, he has done well, and with his recent glowing performances in Europe and for the National Team, he is primed for success at whichever club he moves to.

Especially for the longevity of the National Team, the American Youth need a trailblazer at Europe’s top clubs, somebody who they can look to for inspiration.  Most assumed it would be some young star, but perhaps it is Clint Dempsey, one already among our ranks.

If some storied European Club comes calling, he shouldn’t shy away or fear he wouldn’t get playing time.  He should take his chance, as it may only come once, and cement his legacy as the best club soccer player this country has ever produced.

–Max Zeger

I’m going to defer to Kartik Krishnaiyer who has been on the case from day one and has good knowledge of the sale, and it’s implications.  Take a peek.

-Max Zeger

Very Nice!

-Max Zeger

-To start off, I need to pimp three articles I have written for goal.com recently.  The first is the new outlook of the US World Cup Roster based on the post Azteca fallout.  The next is a catchup with Vincenzo Bernardo, and finally, a chat with Lee Nguyen who’s playing in Vietnam.

-Bakary Soumare is off to France to join Boulogne.

-Jozy Altidore scored a 30 yard blast in a Carling Cup match yesterday vs. Southend.

-Paul Oberjeurge with an in-depth look at the Landon Donovan to PSG rumors.  It’s quality stuff.

-Fifa.com has a fascinating feature on Thomas Rongen.

-And finally, a look at the unfortunate story in which World Soccer Daily has been pushed off the air.

–Max Zeger