mls 2015

Yep, Joe, that location was long discussed and never fully made sense to me. It's just waaaay too close to Stubhub Center. The only thing I can think of is that they'll position LAFC as the city team and the Galaxy as the suburban team. They're touting public transportation as one of the key advantages of the location.

I guess it has some logic to it. Stubhub is a pain to get to for just about anybody outside of the South Bay, and with the ever expanding (let's not forget it will be 3 years before they start playing) rail system in the area, the new stadium will be at least somewhat accessible. I could really see them playing up the "city-ness" of the new club to differentiate itself from the AYSO crowd at Galaxy matches.

Of course the Galaxy rarely fill their stadium, so there remains the overall question of having two teams in the area. But that would call into question the logic of MLS, and we all know they know exactly what they're doing.

 

On a non-Fulham note, rumors swirling that Pirlo is headed to NYCFC.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...d-andrea-pirlo-reportedly-accepts-offer-nycfc

 

Lots of speculation swirling that the league will add some sort of an additional DP slot for this transfer window. From what I've read it will be called a "core player." What the difference will be from a DP remains to be seen, but there are rumors that league may, in some way, subsidize the core player. Of course these changes always have a player's name attached to them. This time it's Gio dos Santos, rumored to be coming to my Galaxy. So a few thoughts:

1) Will the subsidies cover transfer fees or salary or both?

2) If the idea is to help to smaller market teams land a high-profile DP, that's fine. But it certainly won't help parity. If this all happens, you'd be looking at a Galaxy attack that features dos Santos, Zardes, and a couple guys named Keane and Gerrard.

3) Seriously, is the league making it up as they go? It may bring in some names, but will certainly give MLS detractors some ammunition, depending on how it pans out.

I guess we'll find out in the next few days.

 

MLS specializes in making it up as they go, I'm still somewhat bitter over the "blind draw" from last summer that sent Jermaine Jones to New England instead of Chicago. At some point they have to open up the rule book and make it clear to everyone how the player market works.

 

I think there needs to be a few more solid rules in place. Dos Santos just signed with LA and you already know what kind of names they have there. It seems like if there is a popular club, or the right money changes hands you can get anyone. DP's are great for the league, for now, but it seems that there is a push for certain clubs to get them.

Side note, you can see which clubs are popular purely by the "All Star" Vote . Both Kamara and Finlay left out.

I also think its a bit of pandering with the Comissioner's pick of Lampard and Gerrard.

 

Yep. Two all-stars who have never kicked a ball in the league. But it's a meaningless game that exists solely to make money. So it's hard to get too worked up about it.

Tangentially, is there going to come a day when MLS teams don't have to play midsession friendlies? I know they make everyone money but to break from meaningful matches to play these things has got to upset players and managers, no? I've been to my fair share of these, but don't even bother now that the novelty has worn off.

 

I try not to get worked up about those selections, but it is a bit of recognition to be selected.

Midseason friendlies give both sides a challenge. The MLS side can use it as a fund raiser in addition to giving their fringe players a run out against (usually good) opponents and the visiting side some players who are in the middle of their season.

 

I think it needs to go back to that format, especially with the league expanding. ( too many teams for my liking, maybe start a Midwest conference, if relegation is off the table) That and the fan vote needs to be scaled back. Merit needs to considered more. Like I stated earlier, Kamara and Finlay not being considered would not have happened in any other sports formatted all star game.

 

I think the analysis that it's simply a money grab for MLS clubs, and the foreign clubs as well, to play midseason/offseason friendlies in the US is accurate. I'm a sucker for such things as I've watched the Quakes and Club America recently and am going to watch Man Utd. and the Quakes as well. It's all in fun (and $$$), so I'll leave it at that.

 

Whilst this makes no sense, I agree with the Senator. Aside from baseball (and I'm biased), all star games don't appeal to me or make any sense. Sense and cents are in good supply for me. (arguably on the "sense" side) I just wish there were more cents...

 

i understand, but we need to share a bottle of t-bird and get back in the groove.

 

Heather, friends don't let friends drink T-Bird!! Now Boone's Farm is classy!

I hear you about all-star games, but for me MLB is the one I watch, because it's the only one where they've never gone half-ass (even before the ridiculous home field rule). The best pitchers in baseball bring their best stuff and never throw batting practice. Every other all-star game is guys going 50%.

Back to the thread for a second (I'm sure the virtues of Andre Cold Duck with be expanded upon soon enough) It will curious to see what Dos Santos does for the Galaxy gate. I have quite a few friends that love El Tri, but who are exasperated by him.

 

A strawberry hill and cold duck reference is only lacking a mad dog 20-20 shout - and yeah, no grooves can come from the imbibing of any of those, umm, beverages

 

Tim, did you go to the Galaxy-SJ match? From the highlights Gerrard was gifted a pk, scored one, tnen had a goal that should of been given on the advantage. All in all a pretty memorable debut.