MLS Discussion Thread

[wazzucoug02]

We're a couple of weeks away. Time to see who can knock LA off the top.


Very much looking forward to the season. My Sounders had a very interesting off season and I have no idea how we're going to look.

[Bruins]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

Can't wait.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

Will be trying to catch more matches this year. It's kind of nice being a neutral for a change. I guess I have a slight affection for Portland and Chicago, but mostly just enjoy watching any match that I come across.

I actually have that Black Flag song from the commercial in my head right now because I was watching NBCSN before work.

[wazzucoug02]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

Changed TV providers since the end of last season. I had to up my packaging to make sure that I had NBC Sports network.

They are showing the Desert Diamond Cup Final this weekend, so figured it's time to make the programming change.

Can't wait for March 2nd!

[Blue]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

Didn't think it needed its own thread but I'm curious what you guys think...

Orlando City Soccer Club Get New Investor, Moving Them Closer to MLS

By Zac Wassink | Yahoo! Contributor Network – 22 hours ago
Those of you hoping that the so-called "NY2" soccer team, perhaps even the historic New York Cosmos, will be the next Major League Soccer franchise may want to avoid reading the information below.
USL Pro side Orlando City Soccer Club officially announced late Sunday evening that Brazilian native and businessman Flávio Augusto da Silva has made what was referred to as "a significant investment and future commitment to the Orlando City franchise." The purpose of his investment was made very clear in the club's press release: Build a soccer-specific stadium in Orlando, and ultimately acquire a MLS franchise.
The following was included in the team's statement: "The new owner gives Orlando a major advantage in its drive to be named the next MLS expansion franchise. To secure a move up to the major leagues, MLS requires clubs to have, among other things, a fiscally stable and established ownership group and a stadium seating between 18,000 and 25,000."
Orlando was never really on the radar of MLS commissioner Don Garber until he visited the city last May. "Orlando was not on our list. It is on our list now," was what he told a group of fans during that trip. He also said the following about Orlando's chances of getting a MLS franchise: "It's not a matter of if, but when."
That "when" could be a lot sooner than many had thought just a few days ago.
MLS currently has 19 operating franchises, and it's no secret that Garber is looking to expand the league to 20 teams as soon as possible. The popular opinion on the subject has been that the New York City area (nowhere in New Jersey) would get a MLS team sometime in the next two to three years. While the idea may sound good on paper, it's also one that comes with several flaws.
The New York Red Bulls, who actually play their home games in Harrison, NJ, have failed to win over a large amount of soccer and casual sports fans in the region. The previously mentioned Cosmos will play in the NASL this year, but they remain a very unproven commodity in the area. There's also the fact that any proposed New York soccer-specific stadium is still very much so in the planning stages only.
One could easily argue that no lower division side deserves a MLS promotion than do Orlando. Orlando averaged a league-high 6,606 fans per home game in 2012 according to the Doherty Soccer website. They've got some big-time money backing the club, and they also have a defined plan for the future. In short, Orlando have done just about everything MLS could ask of them (short of moving to New York).
That doesn't mean that Orlando is the perfect city for a MLS franchise. The league has no plans to switch to a winter schedule at this time, and it gets rather warm in the middle of Florida during the summer months. Higher paid MLS stars aren't going to love the idea of playing in Orlando in June, July or August (unless the new stadium has a dome or full roof). It also has to be noted that the MLS team in Florida idea has already been attempted.
I'm sure you all remember that Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny.
Soccer fans in New York and Orlando shouldn't get too worried if their city isn't awarded a MLS franchise between now and 2015. It's been suggested that the league could eventually expand to 22 or even 24 clubs. Perhaps it's simply a matter of whichever city gets a soccer-specific stadium first wins.
Get your groundbreaking ceremonies planned and quickly, guys.

I'll be moving to Orlando this Fall so it'd be pretty cool to follow them and see them move into the MLS.

[wazzucoug02]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

Would be good to see a team down South even though it hasn't worked in the past.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/02/breaking-sounders-chivas.html

Another interesting move made here. He as a DP for Chivas, and I really won't like the move if he takes our last remaining DP slot in Seattle. It's also interesting because after the trial Sigi stated that Joseph was out of shape and that they wouldn't make the deal.

If it is for the right price, I really like this deal. Having him partner with Ozzie could make for an interesting formation with only EJ up front.

[Bruins]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/02/...rs-chivas.html

Another interesting move made here. He as a DP for Chivas, and I really won't like the move if he takes our last remaining DP slot in Seattle. It's also interesting because after the trial Sigi stated that Joseph was out of shape and that they wouldn't make the deal.

If it is for the right price, I really like this deal. Having him partner with Ozzie could make for an interesting formation with only EJ up front.

He's old and slow and past his prime. Have fun...

[wazzucoug02]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

http://www.soundersfc.com/news/articles/2013/02-february/sharlie-joseph-traded-to-sounders.aspx

Takes a DP slot. Terrible move.

Agreed that he is passed his prime, but he can still contribute.


Still, terrible move.

[Bruins]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

Agreed that he is passed his prime, but he can still contribute.

As a Revs fan, trust me. He can't. He made a terrible Chivas team even worse when we were able to offload him on them.

[HKPound]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

First season I'll be truly into MLS. More than likely from a neutral standpoint right now. I'd lean towards Chivas USA because since the parent club is the one my family supports, but the management has annoyed the hell out of me by sticking with just mexican players while teams like TJ, Toluca, America, etc. have been winning thanks to Central and South Americans. They also are being stubborn as hell with Enriquez and Fabian. More than likely will be mainly watching in support of younger USMNT players to make a big impact.

[_ChicoBass]

First season I'll be truly into MLS. More than likely from a neutral standpoint right now. I'd lean towards Chivas USA because since the parent club is the one my family supports, but the management has annoyed the hell out of me by sticking with just mexican players while teams like TJ, Toluca, America, etc. have been winning thanks to Central and South Americans. They also are being stubborn as hell with Enriquez and Fabian. More than likely will be mainly watching in support of younger USMNT players to make a big impact.

Dude seriously? The parent club of Chivas USA has played with ONLY Mexican players for 100+ years AND they are the team with the most championships AND they reached the final of Copa Libertadores (the most competitive tournament in the America's) in 2011 with ONLY Mexican players. They also have the most progressive and prestigious youth system. We support our youths, not just buy all kinds of players from foreign countries who don't even feel the colors of the jersey. As for Fabian and Enriquez, you have to be careful of when you allow a player to go to Europe. Too soon and his career is over. Vela left Chivas at about age 17, and disappeared in Europe until now that he's finally reaching a good level. Fabian isn't in his best right now and neither is enriquez. You think sending them out right now is gonna help?

ALSO, for many many years chivas has been the foundation of the Mexico national team, in 2005 Chivas eliminated Boca Juniors 4-0 in Copa Libertadores, reaching the semi finals, with about 7 players gone because of international duties. This is how strong they're youth system has been. Seriously man read up.

[rckabillyRaider]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

Can't wait! We've looked pretty good this preseason against clubs like Tijuana (even though it was reserve squad) and also K-League competition. Look out for McBean, Gaul, Villarreal and Meyer this year. I think they'll be huge contributors. Also Keane signed an extension and Juninho is now officially ours.

Too bad Landon won't be back until late March. Hopefully we don't bomb out of CCL again because of his absence.

[HKPound]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

Dude seriously? The parent club of Chivas USA has played with ONLY Mexican players for 100+ years AND they are the team with the most championships AND they reached the final of Copa Libertadores (the most competitive tournament in the America's) in 2011 with ONLY Mexican players. They also have the most progressive and prestigious youth system. We support our youths, not just buy all kinds of players from foreign countries who don't even feel the colors of the jersey. As for Fabian and Enriquez, you have to be careful of when you allow a player to go to Europe. Too soon and his career is over. Vela left Chivas at about age 17, and disappeared in Europe until now that he's finally reaching a good level. Fabian isn't in his best right now and neither is enriquez. You think sending them out right now is gonna help?

ALSO, for many many years chivas has been the foundation of the Mexico national team, in 2005 Chivas eliminated Boca Juniors 4-0 in Copa Libertadores, reaching the semi finals, with about 7 players gone because of international duties. This is how strong they're youth system has been. Seriously man read up.

I know about how good Chivas has been. But the league is progressing and they're pretty hard to watch with Enriquez and Fabian having to carry the team in my opinion. I understand they've been so successful with that mindset, but with the progression of the league as far as buying and producing players from Brazil, US, Central and South America, I feel like they are going to be left behind. I'm just worried Chivas will hold onto Fabian and enriquez stunting their progress and prevent the quality up and coming youth players from getting their chance. I'd really like to see Fierro make a loan appearance for Chivas USA this year and play the whole 90. I'm fairly new to soccer but I understand the prestige of the club. I just feel that breaking that policy and buying a quality foreigner or two could end up bridging the gap. Especially with how low in the table they were in the Clausura .

[_ChicoBass]

I know about how good Chivas has been. But the league is progressing and they're pretty hard to watch with Enriquez and Fabian having to carry the team in my opinion. I understand they've been so successful with that mindset, but with the progression of the league as far as buying and producing players from Brazil, US, Central and South America, I feel like they are going to be left behind. I'm just worried Chivas will hold onto Fabian and enriquez stunting their progress and prevent the quality up and coming youth players from getting their chance. I'd really like to see Fierro make a loan appearance for Chivas USA this year and play the whole 90. I'm fairly new to soccer but I understand the prestige of the club. I just feel that breaking that policy and buying a quality foreigner or two could end up bridging the gap. Especially with how low in the table they were in the Clausura .

(The 100% Mexican part is TRADITION not policy. Us real fans are proud of that and I guarantee that if they ever violated that tradition there would be a huge riot. This tradition isn't because of the current management, it's the fans. It's what the team stands for. It's what the team is. Chivas is more Mexican than the Mexican national team. LITERALLY!)

Well, Enriquez isn't starter right now. He hasn't been playing as good as he can. He's playing better now though since he's trying to get his starting slot back. Fierro isn't playing any matches because he's with the Mexico U-20 squad in fact he just played about 10 minutes ago in the 3-0 win over Salvador. And right now, PSV is looking at Fabian, Enriquez, and Fierro for next season and I wouldn't doubt that Fabian will leave. Enriquez has a different mentality, and it looks like enriquez would be more inclined to stay while Fabian is anxious to show his talent in Europe. I doubt they'd let Fierro go but that's because Sanchez (the starting RW) has dropped his level significantly. And right now they're in 7th place and playing better every game. They've finally figured things out with Galindo and Vergara is finally staying out of all the soccer stuff.

But anyways, I would've agreed with you partially if this would've been posted a few months ago, but right now not at all. I got carried away, and I apologize. I just love chivas!! Lol

[HKPound]

Re: OFFICIAL 2013 MLS SEASON THREAD....

(The 100% Mexican part is TRADITION not policy. Us real fans are proud of that and I guarantee that if they ever violated that tradition there would be a huge riot. This tradition isn't because of the current management, it's the fans. It's what the team stands for. It's what the team is. Chivas is more Mexican than the Mexican national team. LITERALLY!)

Well, Enriquez isn't starter right now. He hasn't been playing as good as he can. He's playing better now though since he's trying to get his starting slot back. Fierro isn't playing any matches because he's with the Mexico U-20 squad in fact he just played about 10 minutes ago in the 3-0 win over Salvador. And right now, PSV is looking at Fabian, Enriquez, and Fierro for next season and I wouldn't doubt that Fabian will leave. Enriquez has a different mentality, and it looks like enriquez would be more inclined to stay while Fabian is anxious to show his talent in Europe. I doubt they'd let Fierro go but that's because Sanchez (the starting RW) has dropped his level significantly. And right now they're in 7th place and playing better every game. They've finally figured things out with Galindo and Vergara is finally staying out of all the soccer stuff.

But anyways, I would've agreed with you partially if this would've been posted a few months ago, but right now not at all. I got carried away, and I apologize. I just love chivas!! Lol

Yeah I've heard about the PSV interest. I'd like to see some more links when it comes to loans from Chivas to Chivas USA and it looks more plausible this year with Chelis coaching there. Being a Carlos Ruiz fan it would of been nice if Chivas USA got him like Chelis wanted. I think Agudelo could really benefit playing with him.