MLS Discussion Thread

[bhurst99]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

We're actually had a clean sheet and ended a 12-month streak of not winning on the road since I last posted. Shouldn't have been as close as 4-3 in Nashville but apparently we can't defend a corner kick.

Both the Italians scored but getting Richie Laryea back on a loan from Nottingham Forrest is immense. First game back and he had beautiful assist and drew a penalty.

Hopefully, we can keep it going.

[bhurst99]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

And a 4-0 loss to Philadelphia on Decision Day ends the season although we made the decision to avoid the playoffs a long time ago.

Doubt Bradley will be back as manager after we gave up a ridiculous 66 goals.

Just a brutal season.

[southernmetalhead]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

Higuain's tenure was disappointing overall (the whole franchise's has been), but he was really good down the final stretch as his career ends.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

MLS SCHEDULE RELEASE.

Some big matches up at different venues.

El Trafico, opens the season, and will be at the Rose Bowl!

San Jose Earthquakes vs LAFC will take place at Levi's Stadium(home of the 49ers)

San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy(Cali Clasico) will be happening at Stanford Stadium.


Full Schedule details: https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2023-...dule-announced

To note, Apple TV is now the provider for MLS matches, you'll need the MLS package, but with no local TV contracts, there are also no blackouts!

Also to note, there is a month break for the Leagues Cup with Liga MX.

[dickey1331]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

I guess there’s some talk in changing the playoff format. It would be more like the World Cup format

https://twitter.com/mlsist/status/1605288517613113348?s=46&t=f42BpfUJmfZFf8AgF_eo4Q

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[ggsimmonds]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

I guess there’s some talk in changing the playoff format. It would be more like the World Cup format

https://twitter.com/mlsist/status/1605288517613113348?s=46&t=f42BpfUJmfZFf8AgF_eo4Q

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But why though?

Isn't the end of season playoff already polarizing? Doubling the amount of playoff games wouldn't alleviate the criticisms some people have, probably just make it worse.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

But why though?

Isn't the end of season playoff already polarizing? Doubling the amount of playoff games wouldn't alleviate the criticisms some people have, probably just make it worse.

Same reason as basically anything happens in NA sports. Money. Same reason the NFL added another game and playoff team, same reason there's a play-in game in the NBA and they're talking about adding an in-season tournament, same reason the MLB added playoff teams. No fan I know asked for it, and in the year end survey I was sent for STHs, it only asked if we liked the current playoff format. Probably got a bunch of "nos" on that survey and decided that it wasn't the playoff that was the problem, just the type of playoff.

[dickey1331]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

I wonder how much Apple had a say in that considering this upcoming season is the first year of their deal.


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[Suntan Superman]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

I would guess it's less Apple-specific, and more "New TV Deal" specific. They probably used the additional playoff games as a selling point to try and get more money from whichever network they ended up going with.

[ggsimmonds]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

Same reason as basically anything happens in NA sports. Money. Same reason the NFL added another game and playoff team, same reason there's a play-in game in the NBA and they're talking about adding an in-season tournament, same reason the MLB added playoff teams. No fan I know asked for it, and in the year end survey I was sent for STHs, it only asked if we liked the current playoff format. Probably got a bunch of "nos" on that survey and decided that it wasn't the playoff that was the problem, just the type of playoff.

Yeah. It was always my naive hope that the more stable and successful the league becomes, the more it would shift towards a more standard domestic top league. It was a nice hope.

Don't know what difference it makes, but for 2 of those 3 leagues those changes were implemented as part of new CBAs

[Suntan Superman]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

Yeah. It was always my naive hope that the more stable and successful the league becomes, the more it would shift towards a more standard domestic top league. It was a nice hope.

Don't know what difference it makes, but for 2 of those 3 leagues those changes were implemented as part of new CBAs

Those PAs also have significantly more bargaining power than the MLSPA has at this point. They were given things in exchange for those games as part of the CBA, while it appears this change does not require MLSPA approval, and they will gain nothing from this change to more games other than possibly more game checks.

RE: The league, I agree, it's actually really sad when you look at the J-League, a professional soccer system in Japan that started around the same time that now has three professional levels and is working towards a completely open system, meanwhile MLS still isn't profitable and basically only works because it's an elaborate ponzi scheme. It's disappointing but also I'm still happy I at least have professional soccer to see.

[ggsimmonds]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

Those PAs also have significantly more bargaining power than the MLSPA has at this point. They were given things in exchange for those games as part of the CBA, while it appears this change does not require MLSPA approval, and they will gain nothing from this change to more games other than possibly more game checks.

RE: The league, I agree, it's actually really sad when you look at the J-League, a professional soccer system in Japan that started around the same time that now has three professional levels and is working towards a completely open system, meanwhile MLS still isn't profitable and basically only works because it's an elaborate ponzi scheme. It's disappointing but also I'm still happy I at least have professional soccer to see.

MLS isn't profitable? Granted most of the MLS news I read comes from larger media outlets that have corporate ties/concerns but I thought it was financially very healthy. I thought it was evidenced by not only standard salaries going up but the pay and quality of DPs steadily improving. Yeah we still get European stars on the wrong side of 30 who are in the declining phase of their career, but I thought it hasn't been quite as close to their end as earlier (MLS use to be like hospice for aging stars, now its closer to assisted living lol, baby steps)

MLS has come a long way. The first match I watched was Freddy Adu's DC United debut and jeez even those kits looked like they were made at the local embroidery shops.

I think the MLS will always be a uniquely Americanized soccer league. I can dream of a promotion/relegation system but I don't think we'll ever get one, at least in our lifetimes. But I'm still happy it has developed into a quality domestic league and is improving its reputation internationally.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

Profitability metrics will depend on who you talk to, and to be clear about my statement, I am talking about profitability before expansion fees are paid out to the other clubs. I am interested in seeing how the new Apple contract affects the landscape, and hopefully it'll be a real boon. MLS has come a long way, and it is still kind of a miracle that it didn't die earlier, but it is at least a bit worrisome that people like Bill Foley, new owner of Bournemouth talks about how it's just cheaper to go overseas to get involved now. (https://twitter.com/LewisCoombes/sta...92262838231040). I'm hoping we can do something about that, or the USL gets a much needed investment to make a secondary professional league viable(even if it's 2nd tier, thanks US Soccer!)

Promotion/Relegation will almost certainly never happen in MLS, I can't imagine charging these people $300m+ and then saying hey, we're implementing a system where you could lose that entire investment if your team isn't competitive. If we were ever going to head down that path, we would've had to do it probably at the outset of MLS 2.0(approx 2007-2014) before the incredible investment of expansion teams.

[KG]

Re: MLS Discussion Thread

Is anyone checking this twitter drama going on about MLS’s new deal with Apple?

https://twitter.com/ericwynalda/status/1614274540091375617?s=46&t=Gok4WJBUYGH71No4p8Uz5w

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[dickey1331]

MLS Discussion Thread

Maybe I’m dumb but what does that have to do with Apple? Seems they are talking about the NPSL.


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