All-Purpose, Never-Ending Soccer Thread

Can I help fill out the extradition papers?

 

I hope for an expeditious trial and imprisonment.

 

Chinaglia really came across as nasty in that "Once in a Lifetime" documentary. This, therby, comes as no shock.

If this keeps him off the next World Cup, I have no problem with it.

 

LogansRevenge

How many bloody teams need to wear red?

 

Chapter 11, baby!

 

A morning that began with an incredibly poor and pathetic performance by Rangers provided much joy and happiness when Red Bull won. Oh the party that was the evening.

 

Read an excellent story today on Watford's Jay DeMerit in the current edition of Sports Illustrated.

The MLS skipped over this kid and now he's playing a significant role in the Premiership. The story is comparable to that of German GK Lars Leese and his rise from obscurity to Barnsley starter in the early days of the Prem.

Amazing stuff and at the same time....Does any one have a clue in MLS?

 

Well, with the draft the way it is and the financial constraints, LOTS of players are overlooked.

One example is Jeff Parke of Red Bull. The guy was the very last pick in the draft and now he's in his third season. In his second he hit a slump and wasn't that great, but he's been very good centering the back line this season.

The problem is in the sheer volume of universities and the paucity of true stars on all of these teams in conjunction with the amount of scouts.

The NBA has money to spend on multiple scouts hanging around various cities in China. MLS has no such finances. Jeff Parke was only drafted because his college coach sent a video of the kid playing in games.

Over time things will change. Right now, it is mostly bigger name players getting selected from the bigger name schools.

 

Nope, not a one. The league's grown and prospered for 11 years through sheer dumb luck.

 

Monkey muffins, NOLU.

Where were the soccer-specific stadia in 1996? Where was the diversified ownership? Or the reserve league? I don't recall MLS getting paid for the rights to its matches until just recently.

I've been watching since Day 1 of this league. Quality of play, roster depth, financial solvency ... all miles ahead of where it was in 1996.