Darn media

I recently lived in Colorado Springs for a year. One of the most frustrating things about living in “The Springs” was that the local paper had next to zero MLS coverage. Yeah, they’d have the occasional AP article about the Rapids (only an hour drive away) when they were at home. That was pretty much it. So, I was amused to read this in the Gazette.

OK, they did have a reporter at most of the local PDL teams home games and they did have someone cover the national team when they had a camp at the Air Force Academy so they weren’t as bad as the paper where I live now. Not a single MLS article (though the World Cup coverage was not bad) that I’ve seen even though I’m only an hour from Bridgeview.

Oh well, at least some progress is being made.

We’re #4!!!???

It wasn’t that long ago that I followed the NHL. I’ve attended more than a few Kings games at Staples Center, I’d catch games on TV when it’s on and I usually know whats going on in the playoffs. This season, even though I’m a marginal fan, I’ve about as much of a clue whats going on in the battle for Lord Stanley’s Cup as I do about the NBA playoffs…and I have zero interest in the NBA.

The last few years have been tough on the NHL. They expanded quickly…too quickly. They had a sweet TV deal which is now a thing of the past and they seem to be fighting to maintain their foothold in most of the US. Currently, the national TV deal they have is with VERSUS…a channel I only watch in July–Tour de France. Unless you are a big fan, chances are you haven’t seen much NHL on TV this winter.

Even with all that, it seems things have reached an all-time low. For all the complaining posters on BigSoccer have done over the years about games being delayed or preempted for other events, ESPN hasn’t done anything like this to any MLS game for a long time.

Some interesting points from the blog post I liked to above.

Several months back the NHL and NBC agreed to an over-the-air network extension along terms that where similar to the current – no money down, pay as we want to agreement (Call it what it is – community theatre – we’ll pass the hat around revenue generating plan).

Mmm….kinda makes the time-buy coverage MLS used to have look a little better.

Television ratings for Game 7 of this year’s Stanley Cup finals dropped 21 percent from the final game of the National Hockey League’s last championship series two years ago.

Ouch!

By comparison, the first game played by the United States in the World Cup soccer tournament was a much bigger ratings hit. The June 12, 3-0 loss by the U.S. team to the Czech Republic earned a 2.4 cable rating on ESPN2, which translates to 2.14 million viewers. What made it more impressive is that the game was played at noon Eastern Time on a Monday, when many people are at work.

Which I’m betting is a large part of the reason why MLS is now getting paid for their content.

Amazing as it may seem, Red Wings and Ducks 40 percent of the homes in Detroit and Anaheim respectively have been unable to access Versus and therefore watch their teams pursuit of Lord Stanley – par for the course for the Tier II National Hockey League. And for the NHL – you reap what you sow – the only real issue who needs to be held accountable for the shame the NHL is saddled with as the league gets ready to host its championship.

It really seems like NHL has made some very poor decisions and are heading in the wrong direction. I’ve a feeling contraction (remember when MLS got rid of Florida?) isn’t too far away.

Of course, even if MLS were considered now more popular than NHL, that’s still not saying to much considering the current situation the NHL is in. But it’s still a step in the right direction for MLS and soccer.

Bunches of stuff…

It’s easy to tell myself, “Ah, I’ll post that tomorrow,” and then do the same thing the next day. It’s easy to get well behind…much like school work. Anyway, I’ve got a little time so let’s get caught up.

The MLSPU gave out a list of all the players salaries a couple weeks ago. Don Garber made some interesting comments about the difference in salaries. At the time, I thought they were a bit out of line. He’s hardly comparing apples to apples here. The union then responded with a solid argument. There’s no denying that the lower players are working for nothing. If nothing else, part of this can be addressed by giving those players under $30k a playing bonus of $1000 or something like that each time they play for the first team. However, the whole thing makes me think everyone is posturing for a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) which will need to be worked out sometime in the next 2 1/2 years.

What is it with all the investment by American Investors in British clubs? At least the ManUre style protests aren’t involved of late. I thought the Glazier takeover would kill ManUre…sure didn’t seem to hurt them this season. So close to the darn treble.

It’s funny. I remember back in the 70’s comparing the experience of going to Portman Road for an Ipswich game and to Jack Murphy Stadium (as it was then known) for Padre and Charger games and comparing how different the experiences were. Lately tough, the experience in England seems to becoming more Americanized. Corporate Boxes, better game concessions etc. are vast improvements in ways of generating income for teams in England. When ManUre and the Yankees announced their big marketing deal a few years ago I figured we’d see more cross over. We probably have and I just haven’t been paying attention. But you’d have to think that with the advent of DVRs that American sports would want to find ways to market their sponsors in-game more. Give it time. There’s money to be made all around. Just make sure you’re willing to shell out the bucks as a consumer.

On a similar note, it looks like the G14 will soon be expanding. What a very American way of forming things…giving the clubs the power rather than a central governing body. Let the owners vote on decisions. Personally, I believe they will continue to bring in more teams until they are large enough for a league in each country and then will allow the top teams from the remaining leagues in each country to replace the bottom clubs in the big league. The champion will be decided by a competition run concurrently with the regular season made of of teams who finished well the previous season…not too unlike the current format we have. Actually, until Ipswich are invited, I could care less.

Amando Guevara is gone. Will his attitude be missed?

I hafta admit, as an LA fan, I’m happy to see Xavier heading to the HDC. He should shore up the backline very well…and I’m thinking his look/style will be right at home in LA. With all the extra matches LA will be playing the second half of the season, they need all the help they can get.

Yet another MLS team has their shirt sponsored by a company I’ve never heard of. Money is money I guess…and hey, maybe they’ll get me as a customer if I ever need paint. At least they aren’t some pyramid scheme.

OK…ten years ago I could see some big name playing in an All-Star game even if they don’t play much (Luis Hernandez) but Beckham? C’mon. Then again, I never watch the All-Star game so who cares. Besides, the whole thing just reads like someone trying to create a story outta nothing…sounds like the British tabloids.

BMO Field is falling down, falling down, falling down…ok, that’s not funny. With the speed it went up, I guess things like this could happen. Thankfully, it seems no one was hurt and everything has now been taken care of. I finally got to see a TFC game last week(?) and gotta admit, the seat cushion flinging was quite amusing.

I’ve know Dan Loney for several years (first met him at the MLS Cup Final in Columbus) and enjoy his writing a great deal. However, I’m not buying this scoop. Of course, I didn’t believe he actually sez it’s the “Galaxy” logo anywhere.

I guess it’s a good thing for Chelsea they don’t read the local Ipswich paper. I can’t believe I paid $25 to watch that match. It wasn’t that great IMO. I wish Chelsea had scored in the first half so things might have opened up more in the second half. Oh well, at least we got to see the new Wembley in action.

WooHoo…no PPV needed to watch the Copa America. I’m really glad it was GolTV who got the broadcast rights. I know they’ll do a great job. Of course, ESPN will probably now wanna make sure they hold the rights next go ’round.

When Kreis announced his career change the other week, I knew it was just a matter of time before he was no longer #1. I know some are pointing out that a large number of Moreno’s goals were spot kicks but he still finished them.

Wow, I got married in ‘03. We spent our honeymoon at resort just south of Playa Del Carmen–an hour south of Cancun. I remember talking with a couple of the guys who worked there about local teams (they’d noticed my Galaxy jersey–poor guys were Luis Hernandez fans–and I’d been hoping to see at least a lower league match if possible–if the wife allowed it) but their response was pretty negative. All the teams near them sucked (or words to that effect) They were all Chivas, America or Cruz Azul fans. Well, guess they have a team now. Actually, I’m thinking this is a good move. Getting away from the crowded Mexico City (sharing the massive Azteca) will help with a new identity for the team. Also, yeah, Cancun is a tourist spot (and an awesome one at that) but it’s a rapidly growing city. if Atlante put down some roots, they should grow a decent fan base…and who knows. Beyond that, I now have added incentive to try and talk my wife into a Mexican vacation.

When did the Romario reaching 1000 goals jump the shark? Seriously, he’s hardly even playing now. Yet, he’s hanging onto the hope of reaching the mystic number. Why not wheel him on for a penalty in a meaningless match then sub him off after he takes the shot and hope it’s all over. He was a great player in his day…but now it’s just becoming a joke. UPDATE: Looks like he got it today. Too bad FIFA sez he needs another 71 though. He’ll be playing with a walker if he’s ever gotta get that many more.

Bored yet? Ok, I’ll try and post more in the next couple of days.

D-Day (MLS Style)

WooHoo!!! MLS season starts today. It’s been a long winter (sure, it’s still snowing here but it is Spring right?) of having to listen to Ipswich matches over the internet. The way Town have been performing, it’s almost a good thing their season is almost over…mid-table obscurity, I guess it could be worse.

With the start of the season comes all the season preview pieces. Everyone is doing it. This season seems different. The media is all over the place…and it’s almost all positive. Beckham, new stadiums, new team in a new country and those new TV deals all seem to have even mainstream hacks taking a closer look at the league/sport. I’ve a feeling there will be a lot of packed stadiums this weekend. My DVR is set and I’m ready to go.

MLS teams still have the same record against Mexican teams on the road. However, both DC and Houston put up great fights this week. Both the matches were exciting and what the Champs Cup needs. I just wish the seasons meshed better and we could something closer to UEFAs Champs League. Oh yeah, there’s the SuperLiga. Um…after the battles we saw this week, do we really need the SuperLiga? Too bad CONCACAF runs the Champs Cup.

Oh Waldo, what have you done? Now, I have to admit, even before this was published, I have been agreeing with most of what Waldo’s been saying of late. Yeah, every soccer fan in the country will agree with your comments about that Radio host. After 15 years of his little “Cloneopolis“, you’d think he’d move on by now. About 10-15 years ago, I used to listen to Rome all the time. I always did disagree with his opinions on soccer. I’m certain it’s all an act, Rome has entirely too many “takes” on soccer to not be actively following the sport. The reason I stopped listening to his show was because it really is too predictable. I’d check out ESPN.com, see what stories were in the news and know what he’d be saying during his show. Anyway, unfortunately, even Waldo’s public apologies (Press Release, call into Rome’s show) don’t seem to be enough right now. He’s not going to be enough. It seems he’s not going to be in the booth for today’s game. Foudy? See what you’d done Waldo. We-the MLS fans-now have to listen to her for 2 hours. Couldn’t they have got Alan Hopkins to replace Waldo? Just had to ask. So, let me get this straight, Waldo insults a host and he’s suspended, Rome insults a sport, those who play and follow it and he’s applauded. Yeah, we’ve still got a long way to go. But, it’s one more way the sport has got some media attention on the eve of the season, any publicity is good publicity…or, at least that’s what they say. Of course, Rome knows how to play the sensational comment card.

Also, in the article about Waldo’s suspension (thankfully it’s only a suspension) there’s this.

ESPN will add a superimposed graphic showing the offside line — like TV football’s virtual first-and-10 line — and replays showing the speed of kicks. Off-air, the radar gun was tested during a recent game and found a Landon Donovan goal reached 92 mph.

ESPN asked to mike refs and goalies but didn’t get the go-ahead for now. But it has the green light to ask permission for in-game talks on the sidelines, including with coaches.

To be honest. I don’t have a problem with the “offside line” or the radar gun as long as they aren’t cutting away from live action for too long. Putting a mike on the ref? I dunno. Maybe it’ll work. However, those in-game interviews always suck. You can always tell the coach just wants to get the interruption over.

Actually, I’m more excited to see the coverage FSC are going to give the Chivas-Toronto match tonight. Pre AND post-game coverage. Now that’s the right direction.

Now, I’m going away (I have a final exam in an hour anyway) and planning to relax and enjoy a could matches today and then tune into Sportscenter tonight to see if the new TV deal will actually get us some MLS highlights on there.

…and it’s still three months until the Spice Crew arrive.

They’re starting to get it….

I haven’t had the chance to be online much the last few days so when I saw this report about ESPN’s new media blitz for the upcoming MLS season…well, I had to make the time.

But before I was able to post anything, I found that my buddy, Mr. Fish, had already tracked down the ads online. Check them out…they’re as good as I’d hoped based on the earlier report. The ads are focused on attracting non-soccer fans. Anything to dispel the myths that the sport is just 22 guys kicking a ball around is a positive step…well, that’s my opinion.

Ok, so it took a couple days (had to work on Sunday) but I finally got to see Sunday’s game. I’ve read a ton of blog posts on it. Basically, all I have to say is that it was a good performance. Landon was in top form which I found interesting this early in the season…and the Interim Tag should be removed for Bradley’s title soon. Oh, and his son surprised me with his performance too.

Add Portland to the list of potential expansion locations. I almost moved there a couple years ago.

Oh, back to my school work…

The Beckham show

The global media attention around MLS and the Galaxy in particular has never been anything close to what it’s been the past few weeks. I mean, TV camera’s reporting on Open Tryouts at the HDC allowing a kid from England to fly over to LA, spent an hour on the pitch, receive his 15 minutes of fame in the process and now have the ability to tell his grand kids we had a trial with a team David Beckham was on. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t blame him…it’s just that 2 months ago, there wasn’t enough media around to find that story. This summer we’ll be seeing an unprecedented amount of media types at the HDC. Looks like MLS is getting some Return on their Investment already.

However, there is a flip side to this. Regardless of what many on the other side of the Atlantic are saying, Beckham is still in his prime…at least that’s my irrelevant opinion. The way he has handled the turmoil of the last few weeks is incredible. I could see a lot of players folding under what he went though. Last week he created quite a bit of news when he scored in his return. This week, however, things didn’t go quite as well for Becks. Personally, though I am a bit bias these days, I thought the card was pretty harsh. However, two things got be about this. First, the fans in Madrid were positive about Beckham’s performance. To go through what he has the last few weeks and still come out with a reception like he got just shows the personality and determination of the guy. I can’t wait to see him in LA. Second, have you noticed how much attention the US media is giving Beckham? There’s been talk about the US being the last place the “Beckham Brand” hasn’t taken over. Looks to me like he’ll be a household name before he arrives. Think about it, how many people do you know who don’t watch soccer mentioned the signing after it was announced.

This is gonna be a wild summer, between Beckham, los Copas America y Oro…and, of course, MLS. Now, if only the snow would melt.

So much going on

I haven’t been able to post for a while. Who knew Grad School would take up so much of my time? Yeah, I knew it would but I’m sure no one reading this cares about my study habits.

A sure sign of the times in MLS is the announcement that Matchnight will be shutting down. Yeah, I’m sad to see the site go. Lee and Shane have done a fantastic job of informing the fans with a professional looking site. I’m certain they ran the site on a shoestring budget (if any budget at all) and devoted a lot of their time to the site. For all of that–and the fact that I’ve even had a couple of things I wrote published there–I thank them. However, the league and the sport is growing in this country. More “traditional” media are covering the league. It remains to be seen if they’ll do as good a job as sites like Matchnight. The only bad news is that it means I’ll need to remove the widgets on the right of this page. Thanks guys.

Another sign of the future is the launch of the new Chelsea YouTube page. Honestly, this is a idea which should have come to life some time ago. At a time when so many media companies are threatening legal action if their content isn’t removed from YouTube or similar services, it’s good to see Chelsea embrace this media. I hope other teams (and MLS) follow suit with something similar. Folks, the Internet isn’t going anywhere and it’s only going to become a bigger part of our lives so you’re better off using it rather than fighting it. Back when Metallica (well, Lars Ulrich) was fighting Napster I thought it was a big mistake to take those actions. After all, Metallica probably never would become as well known as they did in the mid-eighties if it wasn’t for illegal tapes of their early recordings being circulated. I’m sure Radiohead would agree with me. So, to sum up what I’m rambling here, more stuff on the internet means more attention to your product which means more people willing to fork out money on your stuff. What am I missing here. Fingers crossed MLS will be doing the same sort of thing soon.

AEG/MLS/LA Galaxy have spent (are spending?) a lot of money to bring a certain one-footed freekick/corner taker to the HDC. At this point, I’m not sure there’s any chance the deal can go wrong. MLS (and the Galaxy in particular) are getting more publicity than ever both here in the US and worldwide. Has a bunch of has-beens, could-bes and never will-bes got this much attention before? I’m sure everyone involved are happy with the deal. Hey, and Capello is now eating crow. I wonder what odds I could get on an LA Galaxy player wearing an England shirt in the next year or so?

Could Zizou be next? If the worlds media went gaga over Becks to LA, Mr. Headbutt would have the US media (at least the majority who don’t know anything about soccer) waiting in anticipation for his next headbutt. I’m not sure that would be a bad thing…at least Jim Rome and his clones would be tuned in.

A few weeks ago Ipswich made it to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 11 years. I had started this rambling about the romance of Cup competition. Then went on about how Ipswich could be in for some good money (and a possible TV appearance) with the right draw. Too bad we drew Watford–little money from the match and a trip home without a spot in the sixth round. However, about the same time, US Soccer announced the format for the Open Cup this summer. So, LA, Columbus, NY, RSL, Arse…um Colorado and KC will have “play-in” games against each other. This way, only eight (two of the previously mentioned and the other six teams) will be in the actual Open Cup. Now, while I like the idea of MLS teams playing each other earlier on giving smaller teams more of a chance to move on, I still wish the match-ups were more random. Why can’t there be a random draw? This can be done on a regional basis. Divide the country into 4 regions. Try and align even numbers of teams (regardless of their league) in each region and have random draws for each round. Then with they reach the last eight, or sixteen, make the competition national. On top of that, why hasn’t US Soccer been able to find a naming sponsor for the Cup? They’ve got plenty of sponsorship contacts. Nationwide, there are plenty of people who come out to games, it’s not like the sponsors name wouldn’t be used quite a bit. I’m sure the rights would be enough to sweeten the pot for the winners (and other teams doing well) and also not put smaller teams in financial difficulty…or maybe they just don’t care. At least Naarich lost today.

RIP Mr. Adler. I never knew you but you brought joy to every armchair coach. I know my life (and viewing habits) would be very different if it wasn’t for you. Thank you.

Finally, if you are reading this at work and are missing the big game on FSC, click here.

Hot and Spicy

Boy, what a hornet’s nest. The signing of Beckham has really stirred things up. Soccer fans in this country have suspected he would probably end up playing in MLS but I doubt many would have predicted it would be this soon.

You’ve got the Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon insulting Beckham and the fans at the Bernabeu then issuing a half hearted apology.

You’ve got the Real Madrid Coach telling Beckham to get used to watching from the stands and now backtracking a bit.

You’ve got the British managers deciding that Beckham is just taking an early retirement in the MLS geriatric league—I grew up watching Robson manage Ipswich so it bothers me to disagree with him here.

And…

You’ve got the US sports media apparently pissed off that AEG would have the gall to invest that much money in some foreign player in a sport no one cares about in this country. I thought that hostility was reserved for World Cup years.

Whew. Such hate in the world. It almost makes you forget about Bush and Iraq…well, I did say “almost.”

Thankfully, there are writers like Grant Wahl who actually do research and get the real story to the people without all the negative editorials. Thanks Grant, great piece.

Lastly, there’s my old friend Ann Killion. I haven’t had a good Killion rant in a while so when I read her recent piece in the Smurf news, I just had to respond.

The league is certain to see a boost in television ratings, ticket sales and overall profile when Becks and his famous family (wife Victoria, a.k.a. Posh Spice, and sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz) arrive in Los Angeles. Beckham, glamorous, gorgeous and still owner of the most beautiful free kick known to soccer, is going to create a buzz.

But then what?

This isn’t Luis Hernandez here. When he arrived in LA, fans packed the Rose Bowl for one match and didn’t bother showing up again. This time around, people are grabbing Season Tickets. That’s a huge difference. Also, let’s not forget that MLS signed some very nice TV deals with ESPN and Fox recently…well before Beckham signed with MLS. It’s benifital for
the TV companies to ride this publicity as well. They have a duty totheir sponsors after all.

A lot of American soccer fans would like to see some of that $250 million plowed into player development, such as finding a better way to spot and develop players who aren’t products of our elitist youth soccer system.

Now, Miss Killion, perhaps you haven’t been paying attention. The majority of the $250 million isn’t coming from MLS or AEG. It’s coming from various sponsors and endorsement deals. If you don’t believe it, read the Grant Wahl piece again.

Some of us would be more interested in the hiring of another former European star. That would be Juergen Klinsmann, who was all set to become the next coach of the men’s national team before U.S. Soccer managed to screw up the deal. Now, the team is led by Bob Bradley as it embarks on another quadrennial search to improve its standing.

I’m sorry, what do the two events have to do with each other. USSF were dealing with Klinsmann, AEG were dealing with Beckham. How exactly are you linking the two? You’re talking Apples and Oranges here.

Here’s one way his arrival is different than that of Pelé three decades ago: The New York Cosmos hired the best player in the world, whereas the Galaxy has hired the most famous player in the world.

If memory serves me right, Pele was in his mid 30’s and had already retired from playing when he was talking into joining the Cosmos. Beckham is 31 and captained England at the World Cup last summer. Also, Pele was probably the most famous player in the world at that time…I’d argue that Johan Cruyff was the best player in the world at that time. In my opinion he was.

MLS had better hope he still has enough skills — though that’s a double-edged wish. If Beckham arrives and is clearly the best player in the league, it will only confirm the rest of the world’s opinion that MLS is a third-tier organization.

..And what if Edgar Davids and/or Ronaldo come to MLS and perform about the same as Beckham? It’s a gamble that’s being played. Obviously based on ticket sales so far it was a worthwhile gamble so far.

That’s because Beckham, 31, comes to Los Angeles basically out of other soccer options. He had already lost his place in the Real Madrid side (and was told this weekend that he won’t ever play again for the club). The former captain of England, he’s no longer playing for his country.

C’mon now. Beckham stepped down as captain of England after the World Cup because he will be 35 in 2010. Steve McClaren, for whatever reason, decided to look at younger players for the squad in the buildup for Euro ’08. The way things are going I’d be surprised if McClaren still has the job by this summer and who knows if the new boss will want Beckham in their bid.

MLS was the only league willing to shower him with money and love. And it’s quite a drenching.

How quickly we forget things. Everton, Bolton, West Ham, and Celtic are among the clubs interested in buying him. Fact is LA isn’t paying him any more than he would have got at any of the other clubs.

Beckham’s job isn’t to play soccer but to sell jerseys

That’s funny, one of the main reasons Real signed him in the first place was to sell jerseys and raise the profile of the club in Asia. Yes, he does get a percentage of the jersey sale revenue. Wouldn’t you take that if you were Beckham? Real never offered him that.

Beckham’s deal is expected to open the door to other past-their-prime international stars, such as Ronaldo. That all sounds suspiciously like NASL, which folded in 1984.

Is that a bad thing? I’m not sure why everyone associates bringing talented name players to NASL as the downfall of the league. Fans were buying tickets and TV was starting to provide some decent broadcast packages. The downfall was due to teams spending more than they can afford on those players. MLS/AEG are spending well within their means to get Beckham so you can’t make that

Our best and brightest know they have to go to Europe to become great players, while former European stars may realize they can come here and coast comfortably into retirement. MLS might morph into a senior circuit.

Nice try Ann. There are so many differences here that I don’t know where to start. First off let me say it again, Beckham is only 31. He’s got a few years left in his legs. After all, how old was Preki when he retired? How old were Donadoni and Matthäus when they were in New York?

The fact is MLS isn’t the EPL, Serie A or La Liga. It won’t be anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean MLS teams should get the best players they can. So what if Beckham isn’t 27 any more. He’s still got his right foot which is what got him to the top in the first place. How bad can that be?

It sure hasn’t hurt Brazil that their ‘best and brightest’ have to head to Europe.

Ok, enough of Killion. I really need to stop reading what she writes.

Sorry, I’m going to read some other stuff and I promise I’ll try and post something which isn’t about Beckham next time. Do the Galaxy’s new colors count as something non-Beckham?

Is it that time already?

Yeah, I’ve been enjoying the holiday season and staying away from my computer a bit the last week or so. However, I’ve been reading other peoples reflections on 2006 and that got me thinking…

If I were to say the one thing that will stick in my mind as a soccer fan in the US about 2006 it would be the media. For the first time MLS has managed to sell it’s broadcast rights. For the first time (that I know of) the media in the US gave the World Cup almost wall-to-wall coverage. And, probably the part which shows have far the professional game has come in the US, the media were all over the US performance and discussing weather or not Arena should keep his job.

Ok, so a ton of the commentary was from sports media with no clue about soccer, but I’m thinking that’s a good thing. Now, with the Beckham Rule in effect, MLS teams are able to bring in names which will, hopefully, get MLS more media coverage. I’m honestly doubting we’ll see Beckham at this point, but who knows. Giving owners the opportunity to open their checkbooks will be a good thing in my opinion.

Of course, on the flip side there are talented American players heading to Europe, but that’s not going to change any time soon. After all, Beckham left England to go seek his fortune in Spain. Other top players all over the world are doing the same, even if their domestic league is at the top level (how many Mexican players are suddenly in Europe?) so why not Americans as well.

Regardless, things are looking good for soccer in the US and I can’t wait to see what happens next year.