In particular, this particularly benefits the owners that don’t want to spend and would be eliminated in pro/rel. This is of course true about pro/rel in general, as well off clubs almost never get relegated.
The more ambitious ownership groups with deep pockets are constrained by the salary cap structure. The league’s profile would immediately get boosted if the top teams could increase spending. As mentioned in the article, the fact that MLS is more balanced competitively doesn’t elevate the status of the league. Nobody cares that a bottom half team in MLS is better than a bottom half team in some other league.
They’re never at the bottom for too long, because that’s the American (Sports) Way.
American fans need their teams to be competitive every few years or so. Makes them feel better about their life choices and spending decisions.
Sounds like we need to repeat what happened to NASL before people learn.
Or, maybe we can accept that MLS is never going to be the EPL, or the Bundesliga, or Serie A, or so on and just be happy with what we have - just like pro leagues in Europe accept and are happy with the leagues they have because they realize they’re never going to be the NHL or NBA or … ah, forget it, that makes way too much sense.
I do accept that MLS is never going to be the EPL, etc, but that doesn’t mean we should just accept the product as is with no improvements ever.
The quality of play in the league has improved in recent years. I think much of this is due the addition of TAM in 2015 and increasing the number of designated player slots available. This has allowed significantly more spending, and bringing in more high quality players as a result. In particular, the number of DP slots has allowed more ambitious owners to bring in higher talent levels.
If we just sit back and be happy with what we have, these things don’t happen.
I’m under no illusion that we will ever see pro/rel in MLS. While I think it could be a good thing, I don’t see it ever happening. Zero chance. I do think the salary cap has held back more ambitious MLS clubs, and would like to see the league continue down the path of taking the handcuffs off those that want to spend.
Unlike in Canada where teams like the Leafs can go for over 50 years without a championship but raise ticket prices every year and sell out every game.
MLS teams wanted to replace themselves with their academy teams for the whole tournament.
USSF says, no, thank you.
So, the MLS teams will simply use their academy players on their MLS-named teams in the US Open. Simple as that.
Until, of course, they accidentally win a few matches and get into the semi’s. Then, it’s game-on.
Don Garber acknowledged long ago he didn’t know much about soccer when he left the NFL for MLS. Last week, the MLS commissioner showed he still doesn’t understand the sport.
I am happy that my club chooses not to sign “name brand” international players looking for a final year before retiring, but rather young stars on the rise. ATL will likely lose Almada in the next 12 months (and likely soon), but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sporting KC move their Miami game to Arrowhead.
Still has grass, so that’s good.
Mo’ money.
Wondering what other teams will do this, for the money.
LAG could move to Rose Bowl or Coliseum in Feb.
DC United to FedEx Field on 3/16. Could uncover all those “lost” seats.
PHI to Lincoln 6/15.
No other possible cities (CMH) have grass alternatives