The North American soccer thread [R]

[Bobby]

The potential for a turnaround is massive but I worry about how much they're spending on them, especially an aging striker like Defoe. That said, Keane came over and has done really, really well for Los Angeles.

 

[yoyo913]

Is DeRo even any good anymore?

 

[Bobby]

DeRo can still hit a freekick as well as anyone in the league, that'll be a great asset with Gilberto and Defoe earning good ones.

 

[Bobby]

Not sure what it means for people outside of the US but NBC is apparently out as an MLS broadcaster with Fox taking over the package. That's a blow for MLS in terms of presentation (though if Fox bid more, you can see why they'd take it) because Fox's presentation is really bad.

ESPN stays.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

The one thing that I hope is that Bradley gets to play in some sort of double pivot system as that is clearly his forte and the reason why he was ousted at Roma this season (new coach prefers 4-3-3). A traditional flat 4-4-2 does utilize that kind of double pivot, but it needs to be with someone he can trust to stay back, as Bradley is incredibly intelligent and won't leave his team exposed for a counter attack; I've seen it a lot with the National Team, he plays so far deep at times because his partner is too adventurous.

Anyway, I actually don't mind this transfer now that I've thought about it a little. I've really changed my opinion a lot in the last year or so on how best to develop players in all kinds of sports and the conclusion has been that every player is different and you never really know what will work best. Hell, Donovan has been tremendous for the National Team and he's played essentially his entire career in MLS.

 

[Bobby]

Tijuana beat America, first time they've ever done that.

 

[CarlosDanger]

Big presentation starting now in Toronto. Supporters are singing in the gallery

 

[Bobby]

Garber says MLS is "losing between $75m and $100m a year". That sounds like pre-CBA negotiations talk to me.

 

[Mus]

Is Xavi headed there too?

 

[Bobby]

I don't think so.

Charlotte's USL Pro franchise rights were sold to the group that runs the lacrosse team in town, the current club will "self-relegate" to the PDL next year to continue their Christian mission. That could be neat.

 

[Chacarita Juniors]

Tijuana beat America, first time they've ever done that.

I believe it's the 2nd time.

I have a question. Expansion team in SD? Impossible or damn near impossible? I figure LA getting Chivas USA pretty much killed our chances...

Chivas USA franchise relocated and renamed...not likely either?

I guess if push comes to shove, I'll have to slowly get acclimated with the idea that Xolos is my local club...which I actually wouldn't mind but truthfully, SD Sockers are the pride and joy of our towns soccer history. Xolos are vastly popular and their fan base here grows stronger by the day.

Any comment or opinion will be appreciated.

 

[Bobby]

It's always possible, I suppose, but I think NASL would be more likely. Phoenix would probably be the most likely landing spot for a new MLS team in the southwest. A complete reboot of Chivas USA into something more SD-centric might be the best option for San Diego to get into MLS but I'm not sure Chivas would sell. I personally think a move to East LA (by having Weingart fixed up) would be best for them as they'd stay in Los Angeles and be out of the Galaxy's shadow.

The Xolos thing makes it a unique situation.

 

[Mus]

A MLS team should pick up Del Piero and Trezeguet, they will both be available

 

[Sir Didier Drogba]

A MLS team should pick up Del Piero and Trezeguet, they will both be available

Montreal likes aging Italians and it is also the most European-style place for aging Italians to live - ADP should go there.

 

[Mus]

He did great in the second worst team in the league, I don't think they ever won more than one match without him, he has missed a few games with injury but its down to being hacked all game long by amateurs he creates heaps of chances still though

 

[Bobby]

Wouldn't exactly help remove the "retirement league" stereotype they're working hard to rid themselves of though.

 

[Mus]

He single handedly increased attendances at every match he played though and I'd assume it would have a similar effect over there

 

[Bobby]

Cosmos should sign him. They have the money, apparently.

 

[Mus]

He's been great at winning freekicks and penalties just by positioning himself between the ball and the tackle at the last moment. I'd say physically they would be similar leagues but the MLS would be light years ahead technically and tactically. Probably the best news for the a league is Manchester city purchasing melbourne heart, renaming them to melbourne city and turning them into an academy team. At the moment players like James troisi can come here and instantly be one of the best in the league whereas I think hed be one of the better players in the mls but definitely no star

 

[Bobby]

Blanco did really well for Chicago too and he was SLOW.

Edit: and he's still playing in Mexico for Lobos BUAP.