MLS' Player Lateral Exit woes..

Goalkeeper quality has thinned out

And Kristian Dyer thinks that
MLS' shrinking middle class a concern

So we have already noted the impact of Hahnemann and Convey on Reading... Convey was always rated a possible 'future star', but Hahnemann was just a 'good' keeper when he was in MLS.

And even Simon Elliot was destined to be cut loose from the Crew. His situation is a little different, he went to Fulham on a chance, only to see if he could fulfill the dream, he had nothing to lose.

But the other guys, like Brian West.. who plays for some Norwegian team... and who couldnt quite get over the top in MLS, but sign for an equal or lesser team in Europe become 'stars' and fan favorites... and get a hefty pay increase at the same time

Now this tells me two things:
1. The level of competition and talent in MLS is better than most of us think

2. MLS had better do something about the salaries of its journeymen players.

Right now many MLS starters make 100,000 a year or less. Certainly MOST make less than 200,000

Is it any wonder MLS is being RAIDED!

 

RE: MLS

Perhaps some of the managers in MLS are not using these players right or better yet, not maximizing the individuals talent. That may not be right, but it is a thought.

 

RE: MLS

Ummm.. well, to put myself in danger of raising ire from those who celebrate european supremacy...I'll use Beasley as an example.

I was at the Crew/Fire game when Eindhoven scouts were watching 'his nimbleness' and Chris Wingert - a freakin' ROOKIE - took Beasley to school. Not only did Wingert shut him down for the game, but one time dispossessed and nutmegged him to boot.

I think it's MLS style of play that is misleading to many fans... but the Europeans are catching on to that.

Here's another point to it:

Most Central American players believe the road to the big time is through MLS... which they see as a much tougher, physically, league than their home leagues are.

This was brought home to some when Universidad Catolica's manager brought his B team to MLS to get some doses of reality. They played Crew's A/B team and got their asses handed to em... why? Because they were playing 'pretty footy' and the nasty yanks would just run up and take their ball away.
And that point was made later by UC's coach."Our guys think they're pretty good, they have NO idea what they would be up against when they leave to go to a bigger team.. that's why I brought them here!"

And I agree that some MLS managers dont know how to handle them is certain... but those who do know reap the benefits.

OTOH, MLS has no corner on the 'clueless manager' market, do they?

 

RE: MLS

Petty, I consider you our local MLS expert. I am definitely going to some Fire games this season at the new stadium. Unfortunately, I think starting the season playng nine games on the road will be a problem for the Fire.

Petty, you planning on coming to Chicago for a Crew match?

 

RE: MLS

Last year, the Crew FO put together a bus trip to Soldier Field for a game. I imagine they'll probably put something similar together to check out Bridgeview.

 

RE: MLS

Jux, if you are coming for a match, let me know.

 

RE: MLS

I will. Heck, if they keep the original plan to have the All-Star game there against Chelsea, we?ll definitely have to make the trip! :banana: