Official MLS Thread ** SPOILERS **

[ben]

He really didn't play much defense here in Houston, especially the last two years he was here, and constantly killed attacks by either not passing the ball or just stoped playing because he wasn't passed to. In the end he wore out his welcome with Kinnear due to his attitude and complaining about not being the highest paid on the team and was shipped to Toronto for basically nothing while Holden is seen as the key lose out of the two amongst most fans because of his willingest to due the things DeRo wouldn't. He has the ability to pull off something game changing but you have to put up with 89 minutes of his crap just to get it.

Yeah, even when TFC started to create a good quick attack, the ball would find DeRo and he'd stop the play, bring the ball inside and then play it back to the defence. He's so overrated IMO. Of course some TFC fans worship him because he was the best of a bad bunch and local, but honestly he isn't that great. You're right though, its just a flash of brilliance that sometimes sets him apart but by and large he's mercurial. His attitude is obviously pathetic, regardless of where he goes. Maybe that explains why he has never made it in Europe. He has to be the most loved and most talented fish in the sea.

You only have to look at Stu Holden at Bolton (prior to yet another leg break) to see who was more valuable. He's a great little player.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Henry red card: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct_BrgNgt0k&feature=player_embedded#at=89

I disagree with commentator, Henry gave him a pretty good smack across back of head, you just cant do that in football.
Just because he's a marquee player doesnt excuse the fact IMO

v/ct_BrgNgt0k&feature=player_embedded#at=89

[DC Gunner]

^^^ That got to be one stupid red card decision I have seen a ref makes in a while

[AlienatioN]

Henry red card: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct_BrgNgt0k&feature=player_embedded#at=89

I disagree with commentator, Henry gave him a pretty good smack across back of head, you just cant do that in football.
Just because he's a marquee player doesnt excuse the fact IMO

v/ct_BrgNgt0k&feature=player_embedded#at=89

I don't know man, I wouldn't really call that a good smack across the back of the head. Definitely not a friendly pat either but I'm not sure If that is worthy of a straight red, I would probably have given him a yellow and a stern warning to watch out in the future, but I can assure you there were probably more malicious tackles in the course of that game that went by unpunished.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Tim Ream (NY Red Bulls) might be headed to PSV: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/06/21/dutch-powerhouse-one-several-pursuing-nys-ream

Dutch power PSV Eindhoven are among a flock of European clubs currently scouting New York Red Bulls defender Tim Ream, MLSsoccer.com has learned.

Though Ream’s agent would not confirm interest from any specific suitors, a source close to PSV informed MLSsoccer.com that the 21-time Dutch champions have been monitoring the center back for more than a year.

"Tim is attracting interest across Europe," Ream rep Patrick McCabe told MLSsoccer.com. "There's not a league over there that doesn't have teams watching him."

The Red Bulls, when contacted by MLSsoccer.com, also declined to confirm any specific approaches for Ream or any other members of the squad.

“Teams around the world are following our players and we receive inquiries about them on a regular basis; however, our policy is not to comment on specific transfer rumors,” GM Erik Solér said. “In addition, our focus is on continuing to build our team and not on selling players at this time."

While thoughts of a chase for European glory are always tempting for young American players, Ream, 23, is apparently in no hurry to hop the pond.

"He wants to play in Europe eventually, but that is something we will take a step at a time," stated McCabe. "This is not something that is in the forefront of Tim's mind. He is focused on the Red Bulls and the US national team right now."

Ream, currently with the US national team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, has started 41 consecutive MLS matches since being drafted in 2010. Last season, he played every regular-season minute and was a finalist for Rookie of the Year

[shaggy]

United get De Rosario from Red Bulls for McCarty (http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news;_ylt=Anwpj2QjnhbMd_Fy8Bwf4nWkvrYF?slug=ap-mls-united-redbullstrade)

D.C. United has acquired veteran playmaker Dwayne De Rosario from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for midfielder Dax McCarty.

De Rosario is a two-time MLS Cup MVP winner and a five-time All-Star selection. He has 80 career goals and 56 assists in 11 MLS seasons. De Rosario started the season with Toronto FC in his native Canada, before being dealt to the Red Bulls on April 1.

Didn't take him long to wear out his welcome this time, wonder how long he will last in D.C.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Major League Soccer is Poised to Overtake the NHL as the 4th Most Popular Professional Sports League in the U.S.


Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2011/03/24/major-league-soccer-poised-overtake-nhl-4th-popular-professional-sports-league/#ixzz1QXhMZGeF


As data from the 2010 Census emerges, the cultural demographic of the U.S. population is shifting. It’s only a matter of time until our sports landscape catches up. For the better part of half a century, U.S. professional sports have been dominated by the four major professional sports leagues: the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League.
The big four lead sports broadcasts. Their team jerseys are available in every local sporting goods store. Each league has a unique tab on the navigation bars that run along the top of every major sports website.

And then there’s Major League Soccer. MLS results are buried, if even noted, in most sportscasts. MLS jerseys are often tucked in a back corner, if available at all, at many sporting goods stores. MLS news is relegated to a generic “Soccer” subhead on national and local sports websites, grouped with the world’s various professional leagues and national teams.

To a casual observer, MLS appears to be a second-tier professional league in the American sports sphere, behind the “major” professional sports leagues, more apt to be grouped with the likes of the UFL, WNBA or Major League Lacrosse.
Ten years ago, that thought might have been true. But as the Census is showing, a lot can change in a decade.
The truth is, MLS is on the verge of overtaking the NHL as the fourth-most popular professional sports league in the United States – if it hasn’t already.
In 2010, MLS average attendance was 16,675 spectators per game, a 4 percent increase over 2009. The NHL drew an average of 17,072 fans per game last season, a 3 percent drop from the year prior.
Among the largest crowds, the Seattle Sounders’ average of 36,173 MLS fans a game dwarfed the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, who drew an average 21,353 fans. The L.A. Galaxy also surpassed that figure, averaging 21,437. As MLS stadiums continue to expand and as the league continues to grow, so too should the league’s attendance numbers.

And for MLS, growth continues virtually across the board. Sixty percent of clubs – or 9 of the league’s 15 returning teams (not including the expansion Philadelphia Union) – experienced an increase in attendance.
Meanwhile, the NHL experienced a 66 percent decrease in average attendance with 20 of the league’s 30 teams posting lower attendance numbers in 2009-10 than 2008-09.

With regard to ratings, MLS also is making a surge. The league’s televised 2011 opener between the Galaxy and Sounders on ESPN was up 129 percent in ratings and 112 percent in viewership, drawing 604,000 English-language viewers. The game’s Spanish-language broadcast on ESPN Deportes drew another 79,000 viewers, an increase of 84 percent from a year ago.
Those TV viewer numbers rival – or surpass – those of almost every nationally televised NHL game this year on Versus. And no league can come close to boasting that kind of jump in viewership.

While multiple factors are responsible for MLS growth, the 16-year-old league’s ascension to the top ranks of professional sports has a large amount to do with the sport’s popularity among the Latino community. This rise is in no small part due to MLS efforts, since its inception, to market to this important demographic.
“Other leagues have the advantage that they’ve been there longer, but there’s no doubt that [idea of the four professional sports leagues] is starting to change, and I think that’s about a demographic change,” Eduardo Carvacho, senior director of Hispanic sales and marketing for F.C. Dallas. “It doesn’t take too long to realize, reading the highlights that are coming out of the Census, that demographics are changing in America.”

Census data released so far has shown the number of Hispanics in this country is rising fast. Data in almost every state show a higher Hispanic population than expected, with projections for the U.S. Hispanic population to be around 55 million, or 17 percent.
The population shift isn’t just in states along the U.S.-Mexico border, New York and Florida. It’s happening in places like Washington (where the Hispanic population grew by nearly 71 percent) and Missouri (where it skyrocketed by 79 percent). For the record, both states tout MLS teams.
Of the U.S. Hispanic population, 85 percent trace their roots to countries where soccer is the premier sport.

In 2009, 33 percent of MLS fans were Hispanic, more than twice that of any other league. (The NBA is second with 16.) That same year, 40 percent of fans that attended an MLS game were Hispanic. Those numbers alone are overwhelming evidence as to just how influential the Hispanic fan base is for MLS and its growth.
Compared to the other major professional sports leagues, MLS is just coming out of its infancy. The first MLS season was 1996. The NBA, the next youngest league, played its inaugural season in 1946-47.

As MLS teams become even more ingrained in their communities and the next generation of fans – a generation that cannot remember life without MLS – grows older, the league is all but certain to continue its upward trajectory. The expected rise of the U.S. Hispanic population will undoubtedly provide an added boost.
Just how much of a boost?

“As the Hispanic community continues to grow and becomes the largest minority group in America, I believe we [at MLS] have the opportunity to leapfrog No. 4 [U.S. sports league] and are poised to become that No. 3,” Carvacho said.
In 2000, such projections would have been deemed wishful thinking. Now, they seem well within the realm of possibility.
After all, if we’ve learned anything, it’s that a lot can change between now and the next Census

[Dynamite Dutch]

Toronto FC have signed Koevermans and Torsten Frings (German intl): http://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/article/1016958--struggling-toronto-fc-signs-two-european-players

http://media.thestar.topscms.com/images/ab/be/765c163940c5b865cb71f9761b5d.jpeg

Toronto FC is turning to European talent in hopes of saving its season.

The club, tied for last in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer and off to its worst start in its five-year history, has signed German international midfielder Torsten Frings and Dutch international Danny Koevermans.

The pair are joining the club as designated players.

They have signed multi-year contracts and will be available after July 15 when the MLS transfer window opens.

“Today’s a very big day for us,” said Aron Winter, TFC’s rookie head coach and technical director who began the news conference by making light of reports earlier in the day suggesting the news conference would announce his dismissal as head coach.

He said each player will provide needed leadership at their position and provide “very special qualities and skills” to help the Reds, who are one of the league’s youngest teams.

Winter said he first began looking at both Koevermans and Frings back in January, shortly after he was hired to become the sixth head coach in five seasons.

Winter, who has led the team to a 2-7-9 start, the worst in the club’s five-year history, insisted the signings do not mean that the Reds’ other designated player, Canadian international Julian de Guzman, is on his way out of town.

“He’s also a valuable player,” Winter said. “You can play both of them (de Guzman and Frings) in the midfield.”

Paul Mariner, TFC’s director of player development, called the signings “a massive step” the club has embarked upon as it looks to rebuild.

“Contrary to popular belief, players of this caliber don’t grow on trees,” Mariner said.

Frings, a 34-year-old who has spent 14 seasons in the top flight German Bundesliga, most recently as captain of Werder Bremen, said it was Jurgen Klinsmann, his coach at the 2006 World Cup, who first talked to him about making the move to Toronto.

“That was a really big thing for (me),” Frings said through a translator. “He explained everything pretty good and the new system with Aron Winter and the whole club.

“That was very very interesting to (me).”

Koevermans, a 32-year-old who has spent the past four seasons with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands top league and scored 136 goals over 11 years in the country, said it wasn’t a difficult decision to leave Europe behind for North America.

“I wanted to make this step,” he said. “For a long time now, I decided that when I reach this age I wanted to go abroad. I’m really glad that I can play here.”

Koevermans, who will wear the No. 14 of former TFC captain and all-time leading scorer Dwayne De Rosario, and Frings are expected to make their debut against FC Dallas at BMO Field on July 20

[RyFryy]

Wow.. nice work TFC.

[robdogj]

just curious, does anyone here think Koevermans will do better than DeRosario??? I can't believe TFC are paying soo much for Koevermans, but didn't want to show any love to DeRo. DeRo is the leading scorer in the history of TFC. Unbelievablehttp://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt51/robdogj/emoticons/nope.gif

[Dynamite Dutch]

100% legal Toronto - Whitecaps stream: http://canadasoccer.com/championship/nccvideo.asp

[May261999]

Houston 'keeper is having a wonderful match tonight.

[jimmy]

yo, guys, why are none of you (odd exception being May) around when MLS games are live and i try create a board for chat?

wow frings @ toronto - didn't know about that! - really nice capture, there! one of the most versatile midfielders around in a looong long time! and from what i've seen of him he's still playing top football, maybe down a yard or two in the 100 meters but he's still got the ability and skill for the highest level. i'm impressed.

[Dynamite Dutch]

just curious, does anyone here think Koevermans will do better than DeRosario??? I can't believe TFC are paying soo much for Koevermans, but didn't want to show any love to DeRo. DeRo is the leading scorer in the history of TFC. Unbelievablehttp://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt51/robdogj/emoticons/nope.gif
The problem supposedly is with DeRo's attitude
yo, guys, why are none of you (odd exception being May) around when MLS games are live and i try create a board for chat?

What chat?? You mean a chatroom or a regular postmatch thread??
If you mean chatroom then post the link

[robdogj]

yo, guys, why are none of you (odd exception being May) around when MLS games are live and i try create a board for chat?


Sorry Jimmy, I am usually watching the matches & not on the 'puter. Sometimes I will even drive west for a couple of hours & attend a match :p

Hey Dynamo, do you think DC United are worried about DeRo's attitude??? I remember when he was in San Jose. He was one of the nicest fellows one could meet. Can't believe he changed for the worse. The fans in San Jose still sing his name & wish he could return.

[jimmy]

v/bn71IqxE5A4

for those who missed it. http://i.imgur.com/aVvyE.gif

sadly mls has been taking a back seat while i catch up with some of the copa america (not sure why copa america sure has sucked a lot of monkey dick up!!!) i'll try get back on schedule with it next week, so until then i'm gonna be checking in here for some updates from you peeps, although i am tempted to tune in to the timbers game in a few, just to savor the atmosphere those crazy mofos put on

& yeah i was talking about individual match boards, but in future i'll stick to posting them up within this thread (pre & post match discussion) in the off chance someones around.... and i hear ya rob, if there wasn't a whole atlantic ocean seperating me and some of the mls stadia, i'd probably make the trip to a game or two - really enjoying the mls this season, good level of football on show, a little inconstant perhaps, but that isn't exclusive to the mls http://i.imgur.com/aVvyE.gif

[Dynamite Dutch]

Hey Dynamo, do you think DC United are worried about DeRo's attitude??? I remember when he was in San Jose. He was one of the nicest fellows one could meet. Can't believe he changed for the worse. The fans in San Jose still sing his name & wish he could return
I dont know if DeRo's attitude was just him having a problem with TFC management, or if he's always like that on every team he plays for. In the end I guess it doesnt matter much because DCU are getting a 33-year old player who probably doesnt have many good years left

These articles go into detail why he wasnt very loved in T-Dot:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2011/04/02/tfc_fans_hopeful/

While some fans were grateful for the scoring touch the 32-year-old Toronto native brought to the team, none had forgotten when De Rosario sent a message to management by pretending to sign a cheque during a goal celebration last season. De Rosario made US$443,750 with the team last season, well short of the $1.7 million earned by designated player Julian de Guzman.

De Rosario later threatened a boycott if he wasn't given a new deal, and was seemingly at odds with the team over an off-season training stint with Glasgow Celtic.

The incidents left a sour taste with even Toronto's most ardent fan base. Scott Vietsch, a member of the team's Red Patch Boys supporter club, said he won't miss De Rosario.

"Excellent move. I think we had enough of him," said Vietsch. "He's a very selfish player and you know he did some things we weren't too impressed with as fans, like the cheque signing last year. He seemed to be out for himself and not for the team. I don't really think he fits in with the new system, with the new coaching style and stuff."

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2011/04/01/sp-mls-tfc-de-rosario.html

"We're looking at rebuilding. We've got a couple players coming in that are young and talented. DeRo's got a bit of an attitude........

Nobody should be surprised that De Rosario, a 32-year-old native of the Scarborough area of Toronto, was dealt away by TFC, especially considering how the star player had been embroiled in a public spat with team management over his salary

[robdogj]

for those who missed it.

sadly mls has been taking a back seat while i catch up with some of the copa america (not sure why copa america sure has sucked a lot of monkey dick up!!!)

Copa America only happens every couple of years, so I can see why you would want to watch it. I know I do ;) BTW, I feel the Copa America is moving along nicely. Nothing is for certain & everything is up for grabs still. Parity my friend, parity.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Did you guys see this amazing goal??!!

Also I noticed MLS has gotten better overall the last couple of years, have you guys noticed that as well??


v/2naoSiNRQ1w

[RyFryy]

Also I noticed MLS has gotten better overall the last couple of years, have you guys noticed that as well??
More Europeans. ;)

[Dynamite Dutch]

I totally agree with Sir Alex on MLS getting better. Also I give it 10 to 15 years and US will make the WC final:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3690133/Alex-Ferguson-believes-Major-League-Soccer-could-eventually-expand-to-four-conferences.html

ALEX FERGUSON believes Major League Soccer has the potential to challenge La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League as one of the major competitions in world football.

The MLS continues to grow in popularity Stateside and currently boasts the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan among its ranks.

Fergie is impressed with the improved quality in the league and had no hesitation in agreeing for Manchester United to face three American teams during pre-season.

And the Scot claims the MLS could expand rapidly with the addition of extra divisions.

Ferguson said: "I always thought the problem would be the size of the country. Travelling from Boston to Los Angeles is a long haul.

"But in Brazil they have two leagues and they could easily do that in the United States if it takes off and they got more clubs involved.

"In fact, you could have four leagues because of the size of the country and the population base.

"There are unbelievable possibilities for the United States."

Over 50,000 fans are expected at the Gillette Stadium tomorrow to watch Premier League champions United take on New England Revolution.

That is three times the normal attendance for a top game in the States but Ferguson is adamant football has had a strong base there since the days of the failed North American Soccer League.

He added: "It is different to when I first came here in 1978.

"I went to see quite a few teams to see if I could bring something to Aberdeen that would have been useful in terms of not just the football side but the commercial side.

"It was difficult back then as teams used to travel to play three away games at a time and it never really worked.

"Now we see the United States in a different light. There is evidence now that they are starting to produce their own players.

"They have advanced their game because of the coaching and their sports science. Their preparation is first class.

"That has put them to a different level in terms of my appreciation of them and also my understanding that you are not going to get an easy game."

[Hajduk]

Whitecaps new signing Mustapha Jarju hopes to play Saturday
http://www.theprovince.com/sports/5092543.bin
Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Whitecaps+signing+Mustapha+Jarju+hopes+play+Saturd ay/5092541/story.html#ixzz1RxHfBelh

I was hoping for Drogba but this guy looks ok

[robdogj]

Never felt scoring was an issue for the Whitecaps. Keeping Hassli on the pitch seem to be the biggest issue. Dude is always finding a way to get a red card.

[Dynamite Dutch]

TFC - FC Dallas starts right now. Frings and Koevermans debut

[jimmy]

TFC - FC Dallas starts right now. Frings and Koevermans debut
not sure if it clashes, but i'm tuning into the paraguay vs. venezuela match (copa america) first, planned on la galaxy after it, but if i can fit it in, i'll be on the dallas

any tipsters/predictions for tonites games? plan on doing some punting... ;)

[Dynamite Dutch]

Toronto lost vs, Dallas, they didnt play very well. Defense is horrendous, except for rightback they need to sign an entire new backline.

Koevermans didnt do much but also got very little service.
Frings played well, he will be an asset.

That guy Brek Shea (sp?) should play for USNT, he has loads of talent

[dsp87260]

...

That guy Brek Shea (sp?) should play for USNT, he has loads of talent

He's been a regular with the youth teams and HAS played for the senior team once (I think)...in a friendly late last year or early this year?



...from wikipedia...

International

Shea was a member of the U.S. residency program in Bradenton, Florida, and played extensively for the Under-17 team during that time. He later moved on to the U-20 national team, whom he has represented most recently at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. He received one call-up to the senior national team when at the age of eighteen he was called in late for a second round World Cup qualifier on June 18, 2008, at Barbados.

In September 2010, he was called up for an October friendly against Colombia.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Good god, this Toronto FC team is awful :eek:

Already 3-0 down at halftime :o

[robdogj]

Good god, this Toronto FC team is awful :eek:

Already 3-0 down at halftime :o

Yep, can't blame DeRo for that one. I think signing Ryan Johnson might be a win-win, but I don't think he will gel w/ Koevermans.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Yeah that Johnson kid looks to have good speed.

Its weird why so many other clubs gave up on him :confused:

[robdogj]

Yeah that Johnson kid looks to have good speed.

Its weird why so many other clubs gave up on him :confused:

IMHO Yallop has lost the plot & didn't know how to handle him. I believe RJ is a #9, but Yallop had him on the left wing. He did provide Wondo w/ a lot of assists, but his own goal scoring production fell. For some reason, he plays great w/ the Reggae Boyz. Did you see him during the recent Copa de Oro??? He looked great. He is one of his best moments
v/0649iU5kwpM

One last thing, I wouldn't consider him a kid anymore. He is like 27 ;)

[Dynamite Dutch]

One last thing, I wouldn't consider him a kid anymore. He is like 27 ;)
Yeah I noticed that, he looks younger than his age though


Also SPOILERS FOR todays Man City - LA Galaxy match below:
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Can you believe what Balotelli did at todays match??!!
Unbelievable!!! He's not gonna last at City if he keeps up these antics

v/u9VwVeCgcRs&feature=player_embedded

[jimmy]

kay, so rapids taking 3 points off philadelphia union @ ppl park has got to go down as shocker, maybe the friendly matches gave PU a false sense of superiority, although there league position should've given them more emphasis to break clear more with the games to spare... for fucks sake how many chances they missed in front of goal and just total final third play was so poor, first half was a dead rubber, felt like it watching it anyway, two goals from nothing and they never really recovered, don't even remember much of a threat from the rapids, but yeah that's football, not that surprising cos rapids shown good form but yknow didnt see this coming after the everton & real madrid performances, but hey, maybe philadelphia will drop the ball and go on a bit of a spiral like last season, don't think they deserved the points (red card was stupid & harsh i thought!) that said, not too sure the rapids did either, maybe so cos they played the perfect away game but yeah, didn't see this coming.....

[robdogj]

kay, so rapids taking 3 points off philadelphia union @ ppl park has got to go down as shocker

I don't see why. The crapids are the defending champs & they played like Champs. Props to them, but they barely got all three points. PU made a match out of it in the 2nd half. Entertaining affair.

[jimmy]

I don't see why. The crapids are the defending champs & they played like Champs. Props to them, but they barely got all three points. PU made a match out of it in the 2nd half. Entertaining affair.
yeah, not a fan of the play off bullshit either for that matter, how a team finishing 5th in their conference can go on and win the 'championship' over all is a bit of a joke... but hey, the rules are rules and the format is the format, you're not gonna try tell me they were the best team throughout the campaign last year or have been this time around are you?

i aint saying PU have been the best team in the league, nor the form team while we got salt lake, galaxy, dallas and sounders put out the performances they have but PU were deffo going into this game tonite as favorites, even with the two friendly games omitted but yeah this is football and it's how it rolls, and i don't think PU were ever in this match, they were wasteful in the final third, but hey like i said credit the rapids ftw

[robdogj]

yeah, not a fan of the play off bullshit either for that matter, how a team finishing 5th in their conference can go on and win the 'championship' over all is a bit of a joke... but hey, the rules are rules and the format is the format, you're not gonna try tell me they were the best team throughout the campaign last year or have been this time around are you?

i aint saying PU have been the best team in the league, nor the form team while we got salt lake, galaxy, dallas and sounders put out the performances they have but PU were deffo going into this game tonite as favorites, even with the two friendly games omitted but yeah this is football and it's how it rolls, and i don't think PU were ever in this match, they were wasteful in the final third, but hey like i said credit the rapids ftw

I don't know Jimmy PU did bring the heat & w/ only 10. I felt the ref saved crapids bacon. Dude was definitely fouled & had a right to vent. Ref got that all wrong, but crapids benefited from it. Surprised you don't like the crapids. It's as close as Big Sam ball you will get from the MLS ;) You know what I mean, kick the ball down the field. Kick the other guy as he runs down the field.

[Dynamite Dutch]

LOL @ crapids

Next time they play TFC here in T-dot I'm gonna make a huge Crapids sign with some funny line along with it :D :cool:

[robdogj]

Dynamo, looks like that Ryan Johnson addition is paying off. I know SJ fans were not liking what they saw of RJ, but IMHO they don't have a good understanding of what talent is :p

[jimmy]

i wonder if david buckingham will stick around after this season hmm

[Dynamite Dutch]

Dynamo, looks like that Ryan Johnson addition is paying off. I know SJ fans were not liking what they saw of RJ, but IMHO they don't have a good understanding of what talent is :p
He was MOTM last night against that Nicaraguan team.

I'm still shocked so many teams let this guy go and that nobody else picked him up

[robdogj]

He was MOTM last night against that Nicaraguan team.

I'm still shocked so many teams let this guy go and that nobody else picked him up

Well I don't know about a lot of teams. I do know of this team from my neck of the woods. These fools were happy to get Gordon :o Silly fools. I hope they enjoy being the laughing stock. One thing though, TFC trade Maicon Santos? WTF? Who running that organization? I hate to be the one to tell you, but this looks like a Buddle deal. Remember how that went??

[Dynamite Dutch]

Well I don't know about a lot of teams. I do know of this team from my neck of the woods. These fools were happy to get Gordon :o Silly fools. I hope they enjoy being the laughing stock. One thing though, TFC trade Maicon Santos? WTF? Who running that organization? I hate to be the one to tell you, but this looks like a Buddle deal. Remember how that went??
I guess they feel Koev can fill the void. TFC needs defenders right now, like really bad too

[robdogj]

I guess they feel Koev can fill the void. TFC needs defenders right now, like really bad too

IMHO Andy Iro was a good pick-up. Again, who is running that organization??? TFC had Marvel Wynne. What did they get for him??? I know crapids got a piece of their championship w/ that deal:rolleyes:

[japoelflaco]

Is it true that Carlos Ruiz had a bad relationship with the Union fans?? That appeared in a local newspaper as a reason for leaving the USA and going back to Mexico. :confused:

[robdogj]

Is it true that Carlos Ruiz had a bad relationship with the Union fans?? That appeared in a local newspaper as a reason for leaving the USA and going back to Mexico. :confused:

IMHO he is returning to Mexico because he can get more jack in the MFL. He was just looking for an excuse to leave.

[Dynamite Dutch]

IMHO he is returning to Mexico because he can get more jack in the MFL. He was just looking for an excuse to leave

Are salaries higher in Mexican league than MLS?? If so, by how much roughly??

[shaggy]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/04/dynamo-add-honduran-international-forward-carlo-costly

Houston just added Carlo Costly on loan from Atlas, I know its not that big of a signing but I'm just glad they are finally doing something

[dsp87260]

Are salaries higher in Mexican league than MLS?? If so, by how much roughly??

Absolutely.

I don't have any figures for you, but as far as I know the Mexican league is the best paying in all of the Americas. (I would guess that is "on average"...there are probably South American clubs that pay more individually than some/most Mexican clubs, but taken as a whole league...)

[Dynamite Dutch]

Mexican league is the best paying in all of the Americas
Wow, interesting dsp. I did not know that.

Looks like DeRo got his revenge against TFC last night with a hattrick :o

[dsp87260]

Wow, interesting dsp. I did not know that.

Looks like DeRo got his revenge against TFC last night with a hattrick :o

Well...take it with a grain of salt I guess...I've heard it said plenty of times, but I've never looked at actual figures...(I probably should have stated that more clearly in my earlier post :o)

[jks1892]

I was certain I'd seen the payrolls for individual FMF teams somewhere, but can't find them. Apparently the Mexican teams keep those numbers under tight wraps, but I've seen $6-9 mil on the low end up to $40 mil for teams like Chivas and America in the past.

I found this site that lists the revenues of the top 422 teams worldwide, the FMF has four:

Chivas - $60.2 mil
America - $44.5 mil
Pachuca - $34.4 mil
Cruz Azul - $34.4 mil

http://stadiumzone.weebly.com/

I don't know where this guy got his information, but the revenue generated would fit with what I've seen for total payroll. For comparison, the Galaxy were at $35.8 mil in revenue and Forbe's valued the team at over $100 mil. And just for shiggles,the salaries for MLS teams are readily available from last year, and should be out soon for this year:

1. New York: $15,666,639
2. Los Angeles: $10,978,593
3. Chicago: $5,559,103
4. Toronto: $5,214,381
5. Seattle: $3,118,103
6. New England: $2,983,032
7. Dallas: $2,924,318
8. Kansas City: $2,905,107
9. Philadelphia: $2,886,399
10. D.C. United: $2,881,530
11. Columbus: $2,808,203
12. Colorado: $2,710,113
13. Salt Lake: $2,645,721
14. Houston: $2,565,875
15. San Jose: $2,518,590
16. Chivas USA: $2,477,548

So we've got a real long ways to go before we can realistically challenge the Primera for the top South American players - that TV contract is a huge help for them.

[shaggy]

MLS has reached an agreement with NBC Sports to start airing games in 2012

MLS is moving to NBC, and Fox Soccer Channel will no longer carry league matches after this season.

MLS and NBC agreed to a three-year deal that calls for 45 MLS games and four U.S. men’s national team matches to be shown live across both NBC and NBC Sports Network each season. Versus, which handles most of the NHL coverage and has far greater reach than FSC, will be rebranded NBC Sports Network in January.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider

[May261999]

Great news for the league, and NBC will do well to learn from ESPN's and FSC's mistakes in past coverage (like oh, I don't know - tonight's US/Mexico game coverage, for example?)

[jimmy]

thoroughly enjoyed the red bulls vs fire match tonight, was hoping that fire would've held out for the win alas not to be, good showcase yet again for mls - question for you regulars here, does anyone cap a recap show or is there an all-in-one comprehensive show i should be aware of? i remember checking i think the official site in the past, for individual match highlights but i'm looking for something a little more comprehensive, of course, i'll follow this up by checking the forums later but just a general heads up would be nice if so, also, was there any other good games worth checking tonight?

[Dynamite Dutch]

Joao Plata who scored for TFC tonight is an Ecuadorian footballer, he's all of 5 feet and 3 inches tall....LOL

He has to be the shortest player in MLS, no??!!

Anywho, Toronto is looking much better these days :)

[dsp87260]

thoroughly enjoyed the red bulls vs fire match tonight, was hoping that fire would've held out for the win alas not to be, good showcase yet again for mls - question for you regulars here, does anyone cap a recap show or is there an all-in-one comprehensive show i should be aware of? i remember checking i think the official site in the past, for individual match highlights but i'm looking for something a little more comprehensive, of course, i'll follow this up by checking the forums later but just a general heads up would be nice if so, also, was there any other good games worth checking tonight?

There's nothing I know of on actual TV, but ESPN.com has a weekly recap (usually about 10 minutes or so long) called MLS Final Kick (that name not always prominently displayed when looking for it). Also, there's a weekly highlight show done by MLS and put up on the main site as well as Youtube (titled "MLS Review Show, week ____"). That one was capped and posted here once or twice when it first started.

[jimmy]

thanks for the heads up dsp - will be on the look out for those after i've finished with the english & german weekend recaps... damn...i'm following four leagues at the moment and well the one i'm most looking forward too (la liga) hasnt even begun yet :eek: no way i'm gonna be able to keep this up... :D

[RyFryy]

One of our defenders was just loaned to FC Dallas (http://nscminnesota.com/2011/08/stars-loan-stewart-to-fc-dallas/). I'll have to catch some of their matches and see how he does. :cool:

[robdogj]

Anywho, Toronto is looking much better these days :)

I see RJ is a welcomed addition to your club. BTW, I started a thread for the FC Champion's League. It's starting to look like TFC are going to make a nice run in that tourny.

[Dynamite Dutch]

I see RJ is a welcomed addition to your club. BTW, I started a thread for the FC Champion's League. It's starting to look like TFC are going to make a nice run in that tourny
I'm clueless as to why no other team signed Johnson. Maybe he's a late bloomer?? :confused:

[robdogj]

I'm clueless as to why no other team signed Johnson. Maybe he's a late bloomer?? :confused:

Nope, people are stupid :rolleyes: Oh I know, lets put RJ on the Left wing, after he scored 11 goals for your side the previous season :confused: You should hear 'quake fans....."oh that was a great deal w/ TFC" I don't think they have won a match since RJ left :rolleyes:

[cityblues]

The Union come back down from 4-1 down at half to New England (a dogshit team) to draw 4-4. :)


DOOP DOOP DOOP

[RyFryy]

I watched that match, super entertaining.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Koe






ver






mans

:) :) :)

[RyFryy]

The 24 Under 24 (http://www.mlssoccer.com/24-under-24/complete-list) list has finished - a list of the 24 best players in the MLS under the age of 24.

[Dynamite Dutch]

That guy Brek Shea (sp?) should play for USNT, he has loads of talent
Apparently Sir Alex thinks the same: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/888191-13-unluckiest-men-in-world-football-right-now#page/1

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing young American international Brek Shea after a prolonged period of monitoring the FC Dallas attacker.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been scouting the powerfully built forward and the reports filed on the 21 year old have lead to the Old Trafford boss being ready to make an offer for his services

[Dynamite Dutch]

If TFC can make the CL final it might save Winter's job: http://www.torontosun.com/2011/10/18/win-pushes-tfc-through-to-concacaf-quarters

Despite not making the Major League Soccer playoffs for the fifth year in a row, Toronto’s 2011 campaign can be judged a success thanks to Tuesday night’s stirring 3-0 triumph over FC Dallas in Frisco, Tex.

The win pushed the Reds through to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time and was without a doubt the biggest victory in franchise history.

Designated player Danny Koevermans scored in the 29th minute after Toronto created all kinds of early pressure and Joao Plata added another in the 69th along with a second in the 81st minute following a steal as the Reds avenged three earlier 1-0 defeats to Dallas this season.

Though TFC’s MLS season will end on Saturday at BMO Field, its 2012 season will get an early start next March at the quarterfinals in pursuit of a berth at the ninth edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Tied at 2-2-1 with Dallas but needing a win to advance because the home side owned a one-goal differential advantage, TFC came out blazing.

Toronto finally broke through when the speedy Plata burned Dallas’ defence again, setting up Koevermans, who had two cracks at beating keeper Kevin Hartman. The Dutchman made no mistake on the second opportunity.

At a sparsely populated Pizza Hut Park, Toronto’s travelling supporters outshouted the Dallas faithful.

Toronto had six shots to Dallas’ three at the half.

On several occasions this year, TFC had tried to sit on leads to disastrous results.

The team had talked of continuing to go forward with leads, instead of going into a defensive shell.

While the attack certainly wasn’t as aggressive after Koevermans’ goal until the lead was doubled, it was still much more dangerous than on those other occasions.

Toronto has not had many breaks this season, but might have gotten one in the 69th minute when defender Andy Iro made a bit of contact in the box with a flailing Dallas player.

Play went on, and Kocic moved the ball forward to Julian de Guzman. Eventually Koevermans made a nice flick to Plata who made an even prettier play to back heel the ball to Ryan Johnson. Johnson returned the ball to Plata who had plenty of space to beat Hartman.

The club had lost just twice in its last nine matches heading in and its confidence showed, particularly with Koevermans and Plata both fully healthy for the first time in a while.

Milos Kocic again got the start in goal and played another excellent game, aggressively challenging balls.

The defence played its best match in weeks — with young Doneil Henry perhaps putting in his best work as a Red. Ty Harden was also strong.

Toronto FC’s faithful have not had a lot to cheer about over the past five years, but will long remember this night.

It was validation for the fine work done by Aron Winter, Paul Mariner and the rest of the TFC staff in completely overhauling the club’s roster.

While success at the next stage of this competition still could be too much to ask for from Toronto, with a few more wise additions, the club should be in prime position to finally make the MLS playoffs next season

[RyFryy]

There's a CCL thread. ;)

Good luck to TFC, but I don't think they'll do much in the CCL. Watch out for the Sounders and Santos. Galaxy in a must-win match tomorrow.

[Dynamite Dutch]

This is insane, they wanna start 2012 MLS season around March 8th.

It'll still be freezing cold here in Toronto :eek: :(

http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/report-mls-2012-season-to-start-week-of-march-4-14268?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

A report out of Toronto indicates that MLS fans had better get their overcoats ready for First Kick 2012.

Duane Rollins reports that Toronto FC executives told a fan gathering that they expect the MLS season to begin Saturday, March 10, with the First Game logically falling on March 8. The start, which would be the earliest in MLS history, would be earlier than usual because the league would incorporate the three World Cup qualifying periods into the schedule. The executives also confirmed that the league would be keeping the 34 game schedule which, with the addition of Montreal, would necessitate unbalanced scheduling.

The Toronto FC executives confirm what many season ticket holders knew and subsequent league sources have confirmed, that the league would keep its 34 game schedule for now. How the unbalanced schedule will shake out is unknown, although the league executives did meet two weekends ago to discuss next year’s schedule

[RyFryy]

It snowed the night before the Galaxy/Red Bulls game, March isn't that different from late November when the playoffs take place.

Also, Rafa Marquez.. what a bitch.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Also, Rafa Marquez.. what a bitch
Well post the video, you lazy bones!!!

v/KbGj-NoFLrM

[cityblues]

Disappointing 1st leg of the Union's playoff tie. Got pummled in the 1st half, and were lucky to only be down 2-1. Then really controlled the 2nd half (though Houston really fucked up a 2 v. 0 counter attack) but couldn't equalize. It's going to be really tough to overturn that result on the road.

[theMurf]

It snowed the night before the Galaxy/Red Bulls game, March isn't that different from late November when the playoffs take place.

Also, Rafa Marquez.. what a bitch.

Henry is a bigger bitch. Both are such jokes at this point. Don't care at all about playing hard, just getting paid and slacking off. Fuck both of them.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Henry is a bigger bitch. Both are such jokes at this point. Don't care at all about playing hard, just getting paid and slacking off. Fuck both of them
How is getting 14 gls in 26 games slacking off?? :confused:

Do you mean last few months he's been slacking it??

[theMurf]

How is getting 14 gls in 26 games slacking off?? :confused:

Do you mean last few months he's been slacking it??

he doesn't try. maybe that says more about the MLS. the games I have seen he just really jogs around half asses it. How many PKs for the 14gls was it. He clearly doesn't respect the opposition or league. his play in the 2 matches vs. the timbers was offensive. red carded in 1, and convinced the ref of a handball vs. Alhassan which wasn't even close to hitting his hand and resulted in the go ahead PK and red for Kalif.

[deviant]

It snowed the night before the Galaxy/Red Bulls game, March isn't that different from late November when the playoffs take place.

Also, Rafa Marquez.. what a bitch.

Rafa wasnt the one who take such a huge offense of being thrown the ball at so wtf?

[Dynamite Dutch]

he doesn't try. maybe that says more about the MLS. the games I have seen he just really jogs around half asses it. How many PKs for the 14gls was it. He clearly doesn't respect the opposition or league. his play in the 2 matches vs. the timbers was offensive. red carded in 1, and convinced the ref of a handball vs. Alhassan which wasn't even close to hitting his hand and resulted in the go ahead PK and red for Kalif
How much is Henry getting paid for all this nonsense?? And Beckham??

I'm against building the MLS that way, they shouldnt be buying washed up superstars for millions of dollars IMO

[RyFryy]

Rafa wasnt the one who take such a huge offense of being thrown the ball at so wtf?
I didn't say anything about the post game fiasco, that was DD who posted that. I said what I said because of how he acts during matches. There was one point in the game where he kicked at a player after he was awarded a foul. The guy is a prick - plain and simple. I don't know if it's a lack of respect, composure, or what..

[theMurf]

How much is Henry getting paid for all this nonsense?? And Beckham??

I'm against building the MLS that way, they shouldnt be buying washed up superstars for millions of dollars IMO

All I know is, my Portland Timbers just missed the playoffs, and their combined salary is less than the min. salary of a 1 year vet of the NBA. Less than a million. Galaxy have 4 people (thanks Robbie) who make over a million. Rio is next and very much fits the bill of washed up bitch who won't try...

[roadtrippin]

I know the game only ended a few hours ago, but I was curious if anyone was planning on uploading an HD-quality copy of the match here? Cheers! :)

[May261999]

What a fantastic atmosphere in Portland. In the rain, too. Good show, Timbers fans.

[RyFryy]

What a fantastic atmosphere in Portland. In the rain, too. Good show, Timbers fans.
Unfortunately the match itself wasn't all that great. Portland might make the playoffs but I doubt the Union are going anywhere this season.

[andu]

Apparently this year's French Supercup will be played on Saturday, July 28 in New York.

Last year's edition, played in Morocco I think, was a stunner.

[deviant]

Rafa Marquez runs opponent into the ground and breaks his clavicle
v/xy6rCYtzJSY

That really sucks.... bad luck for the kid.

[Dynamite Dutch]

You know, you couldve just wrote 'collar bone'.

Now you made me google all that stuff. I hope you're happy

[robdogj]

You know, you couldve just wrote 'collar bone'.

Now you made me google all that stuff. I hope you're happy

TBF to Deviant, I read the same thing he posted (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/rbny-fan-mls-suspends-rafa-marquez-3-games-174500467.html). Unfortunately for Red Bums, Marquez is an integral part of their team & as you could tell vs. DC United they miss him.

[andu]

Apparently this year's French Supercup will be played on Saturday, July 28 in New York.

Last year's edition, played in Morocco I think, was a stunner.

Tickets are available: https://tickets.newyorkredbulls.com/online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=FDF426 AF-19AF-407F-AEF0-88241A446325&sessionlanguage=EN&menu_id=156CDAF8-ABC1-420F-A52E-B03EDFC6D60A

Sorry for using this thread for this, I didn't know where else I could post this.

[Dynamite Dutch]

Toronto are gonna have to fire Winter I think: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/04/29/torontos-winter-way-we-lost-terrible

0 and 7, probably the worst start in MLS history :eek: :o

[RyFryy]

The Whitecaps seem to be playing well. Could be the first Canadian MLS team to make the playoffs. I don't think the Impact will make it.. and Toronto.. well.. :-/