***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

It's not gonna be their call, Andy. Some deep pockets and lots of public support for a tuly national league is gonna wreck the MLS structure. Our other sports are too far gone but this one isn't.

I guess I don't understand how its not going to be their call.  US Soccer is never going to sanction another Div 1 league so the competition will never emerge.  No court in the land will ever be able to force them to do it since the contracts they signed as owners are pretty clear.

Any team that grows big enough in a lower league (like Orlando, or Cincy) will simply be pulled up into MLS as it continues to expand.  

The only way this changes IMO is if MLS feels like it is going to go out of business unless they make the change, and I am unsure how closely you follow the business metrics in MLS but they are healthier now they they have ever been.

it's the internet social/media's call, andy.

yeah... not sure how the owners are forced into doing anything they don't want to do- unless, as you say- it's a financial or otherwise decision they make themselves.

unless roadkill is saying that other deep pockets come in and buy them out and initiate the change themselves. but that's a big hypothetical, and then that's ownership making the decision themselves. or is roadkill saying that deep pockets equate to advertising/etc. dollars that will unite and demand pro/rel... somehow... for some reason?

I think we're more likely to see a shift in the season calendar to correlate with the rest of the world. I'd be ok with that, even if it meant roughing it through the winters (blame canada) instead of summers (insert link to things that only happen in FL thread here)

 

[NewlyRetired]

BUT, where I believe in the benefit of pro/rel, American sports fans love their playoffs.  Just like I don't want the non fans to tell me how to change soccer for more appeal, I'm not going to tell them to change an American system.

Pro/rel and playoffs are not mutually exclusive.  The problem is more you can't have pro\rel with out a balanced schedule.  

If MLS were smaller, they could have both pro rel and playoffs.   Which is how I came back to an MLS 1 and MLS 2 some day.  Even then it is a long shot that enough of the owners would agree to it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

it's the internet social/media's call, andy.

Nothing like the guy with 65 followers on twitter who is going to lead the revolution

there is also reality in play here that the owners likely buy into.

The vast majority of people who already follow MLS, won't stop following if they never implement pro\rel

The vast majority of people who don't follow MLS now, won't suddenly start following if they implement pro\rel.

 

[roadkill1292]

We'll never have a nice national league with defeatism like I'm seeing in here. Every one of our major sports leagues runs in a way that serves its own best interests instead of the fans and you guys are happy with yet another one coming down the pike?

 

[comfortably numb]

Nothing like the guy with 65 followers on twitter who is going to lead the revolution

there is also reality in play here tgat the owners likely buy into.

The vast majority of people who already follow MLS, won't stop following if they never implement pro\rel

The vast majority if people who don't follow MLS now, won't suddenly start following if they implement pro\rel.

Im probably in the minority but feel i would follow MLS more if it had relegation/promotion. 

I love the idea of it so much. It gives the teams who dont have a shot at winning a title something to live/die for on the field.

I dont think we'll ever see it though. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

or is roadkill saying that deep pockets equate to advertising/etc. dollars that will unite and demand pro/rel... somehow... for some reason?

If it is to ever come, it won't come from sponsors imo.   

You are going to have a hard time finding a sponsor who thinks it is a great idea to exchange an LA/NY team for a city 1/20th the size.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Im probably in the minority but feel i would follow MLS more if it had relegation/promotion. 

I love the idea of it so much. It gives the teams who dont have a shot at winning a title something to live/die for on the field.

I dont think we'll ever see it though. 

I love pro/rel for numerous reasons for numerous reasons as well. 

I am just resigned to the fact that it is very very unlikely to happen.

 

[flranger]

EPL more likely to go away from it than MLS to go to it

 

[NewlyRetired]

We'll never have a nice national league with defeatism like I'm seeing in here. 

Defeatism: I will never get a date with the cute girl next door

Realism: I will never get a date with Jessica Alba

I think we are dealing more with the latter in this case.

 

[JaxBill]

@BBCSport: Tottenham have delayed the opening of their new stadium because of "issues with the critical safety systems".

https://bbc.in/2KPoRSz

 

[roadkill1292]

Defeatism: I will never get a date with the cute girl next door

Realism: I will never get a date with Jessica Alba

I think we are dealing more with the latter in this case.

SHAME. Why not ride through Altoona hurling dog feces out the window of your car? Because giving in to this system poops all over towns like that.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

@BBCSport: Tottenham have delayed the opening of their new stadium because of "issues with the critical safety systems".

https://bbc.in/2KPoRSz

Probably forgot to buy some important pieces over the summer.

 

[charvik]

@BBCSport: Tottenham have delayed the opening of their new stadium because of "issues with the critical safety systems".

https://bbc.in/2KPoRSz

That sucks...  

 

[gianmarco]

Probably forgot to buy some important pieces over the summer.

POTY

 

[AAABatteries]

remember that this year alone, the Supporters Shield carries no meaning.

The key race to watch is this one

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Major_League_Soccer_season#Aggregate_2017_and_2018_table

It would be meaningful to me since it's just our 2nd year but I get your point.

Also, until the MLS Cup Final I assume you get the 2nd leg at home which is useful I guess.

 

[Sinn Fein]

@BBCSport: Tottenham have delayed the opening of their new stadium because of "issues with the critical safety systems".

https://bbc.in/2KPoRSz

Jokes aside - this has the potential to be very costly - aside from delays to the stadium, and costs to lease Wembley.

Right now, they have cleared the games up to Spurs home match against Man City.  But if the stadium is not ready - they cannot move that particular match to Wembley - because the NFL game is scheduled for that Sunday.  The option of moving the match to Man City is also not appealing to the FA or to the city of Manchester, as United have a home match that weekend - and they don't like the two squads to have home matches on the same weekend - too much stress on infrastructure and police  (Spurs and Arsenal have the same deal in North London).  So - the FA has already bent the rules some to allow Spurs to play at two different home venues - the longer it goes, the more likely there will be a fine and/or points deduction in play.

The rumor is the delay has been caused by a failed fire suppressant test.  But, there is no indication yet on what the specific problem is, or how long it will take to fix.

 

[Sinn Fein]

And, I should add that the mood amongst supporters is not good.

First, Spurs raised ticket prices - and excluded League Cup matches from the season ticket.  Then they bought nobody in the transfer window.  They already had moved one match to Wembley - this week against Fulham, with no discount on the price, and the Club has been slow to react to all the twitter rumors that have been flying around today since it was reported by Neal Ashton at the Sun.

My understanding is that the Fulham match was already going to be sparsely attended - so that may be a blessing in disguise, but it could get ugly.  Spurs are a fun club to support - but they are terrible at PR/marketing.  I think its more likely that they do more damage than good as they try to figure this out.

 

[gianmarco]

Shocking that Spurs stadium opening has been a flop.

 

[charvik]

Jokes aside - this has the potential to be very costly - aside from delays to the stadium, and costs to lease Wembley.

Right now, they have cleared the games up to Spurs home match against Man City.  But if the stadium is not ready - they cannot move that particular match to Wembley - because the NFL game is scheduled for that Sunday.  The option of moving the match to Man City is also not appealing to the FA or to the city of Manchester, as United have a home match that weekend - and they don't like the two squads to have home matches on the same weekend - too much stress on infrastructure and police  (Spurs and Arsenal have the same deal in North London).  So - the FA has already bent the rules some to allow Spurs to play at two different home venues - the longer it goes, the more likely there will be a fine and/or points deduction in play.

The rumor is the delay has been caused by a failed fire suppressant test.  But, there is no indication yet on what the specific problem is, or how long it will take to fix.

Yeah, nothing funny about this at all, it could wreck havoc in the entire schedule. Not to mention if there is a serious fire issue, fan safety is nothing to joke about. I was looking forward to WHL2...  

 

[charvik]

Yeah, nothing funny about this at all, it could wreck havoc in the entire schedule. Not to mention if there is a serious fire issue, fan safety is nothing to joke about. I was looking forward to WHL2...  

this is from somebody living close by, allegedly... https://scontent.fhou1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39116744_10155777372156676_1224756481899888640_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=f0aef4769023e42d45c217e396cfe6c7&oe=5C0B88B2

 

[Sebowski]

Just flip the home and away fixtures so they're on the road till it's not an issue. Or just for that booked Wembley game. Sorted. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

Mark Wahlberg opened up a car dealership in Columbus today and was on hand to talk to the media.  Of course it took about 5 seconds before some reporter asked him if would buy the Crew.

The deer in the headlight look was great but he actually does a fairly good job with the dumb question.  Here is the short clip

https://twitter.com/BenWSYX6/status/1029025157816442880

 

[NewlyRetired]

Every time I think FIFA has reached bottom, they simply dig a new hole.   This is amazing.

https://apnews.com/d165d80179aa4117a260a1a5e65eafb6

 

[Sinn Fein]

this is from somebody living close by, allegedly... https://scontent.fhou1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39116744_10155777372156676_1224756481899888640_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=f0aef4769023e42d45c217e396cfe6c7&oe=5C0B88B2

I check-out the 6 stadium cams fairly regularly - watching them put the field together has been interesting - the turf has not yet been laid, but the pitch itself is in three trays that run on rails over the NFL pitch, which is in place, complete with NFL logo.  Right now they have just installed a couple of artificial lighting rigs for the grass - i think they will also slide under the south stand - same as the pitch.

And there are a few weekly updates done by some guys who walk around the outside of the stadium and also fly a drone for a birds-eye view.

The stadium was never going to be finished before the Liverpool match, but the expectation was it would be ready to host matches.  Spurs held a test event last week for employees, but that was limited to walking around the stadium, seeing some of the bars and restaurants, and entering the bowl.  Now, with the fire suppression issue, they had to cancel the next two test events which would have held fans, and are necessary to get the safety certificate to allow actual use.

 

[NewlyRetired]

we are living in wonderful times

=============

nbabeau‏ @NBABeau

I just heard a local sports radio announcer in Georgia beg fans to please start supporting the Atlanta Braves the same way they do our local soccer team, Atlanta United. I never thought I'd live to see this day

 

[Sinn Fein]

Liverpool turn in Mo Salah to local police!  

 

[The Gator]

Liverpool turn in Mo Salah to local police!  

Hilarious this is a real news thing

 

[Sinn Fein]

Hilarious this is a real news thing

I am guessing, they knew they had no choice.  Reads like they spoke to Mo about it - probably admonished him for using the phone, and made him do an extra suicide sprint in training.  Then, they turned it over to the police, and promised that Mo knows he did wrong, and won't do it again.  

 

[Kafka]

Liverpool turn in Mo Salah to local police!  

What a terrible human being.  I always knew he had this dark side to him...

 

[DJackson10]

ESPN+ has also picked up the English FA Cup rights.

Here is the rough list of soccer properties it holds now:

MLS out of market games

Championship from England

FA Cup from England

Serie A

A League from Australia

Chinese Super League

UEFA Nations League

Holland First Division

I guess I'm getting ESPN + now 

 

[DJackson10]

Milan making moves 

Leonardo will fly to tomorrow to Valencia to define the Castillejo-Bacca deal with Villarreal. Deal hasn’t been closed yet because for Milan to remain within FFP parameters they have to distribute the fee; €3/4M loan with €14-15M option to buy [Sky]

Leonardo will fly to tomorrow to Valencia to define the Castillejo-Bacca deal with Villarreal. Deal hasn’t been closed yet because for Milan to remain within FFP parameters they have to distribute the fee; €3/4M loan with €14-15M option to buy [Sky]

Nice to have owners with economic resources again!!!

Elliott have an enormous economic power but FFP is an issue. That’s why signing Milinkovic-Savic is difficult [Sky’s Peppe Di Stefano]

He also took a pay cut believed to be 4M less then what he makes now

OFFICIAL: Milan sign Bakayoko on loan with option to buy. #BenvenutoBakayoko

 

[El Floppo]

Does this help or hurt MLS (ETA) and/or soccer in the US? Oversaturation, or providing a resource to underserved areas?

USL D-III applies for USSF sanctioning with “at least 10” teams

The USL’s D-III project will have at least 10 teams for its inaugural season next summer.

That’s one of the details from the league’s Tuesday announcement that it had applied to the United States Soccer Federation for Division III sanctioning.

The deadline for sanctioning applications is Wednesday.

Already announced as USL D-III teams are Greenville Triumph, South Georgia Tormenta FC, FC Tucson, Toronto FC II, Chattanooga Pro Soccer, and Madison Pro Soccer.

USL CEO Alec Papadakis says the league is aiming for 24 teams by its third campaign in 2021, and says the other four teams are in “proven” and “thriving” markets.

“As a professional league, we are committed to providing a thrilling experience for fans and a top-notch experience for players – and a proper stadium plays a major role in that experience,” Papadakis continued. “USL Division III features two clubs – South Georgia Tormenta FC and Greenville Triumph SC – building new soccer-specific stadiums, equating to more than $30 million in construction and design, and much more in local economic impact. The league also features clubs utilizing and renovating existing infrastructure to provide the best experience while revitalizing community assets.”

Pure speculation, but could the league be adding some of the top PDL teams or some of USL or MLS-2 sides? Charleston Battery, Swope Park Rangers, clubs of that ilk could join, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Rochester Rhinos return from hiatus in the division

 

[NewlyRetired]

Does this help or hurt MLS? Oversaturation, or providing a resource to underserved areas?

USL D-III applies for USSF sanctioning with “at least 10” teams

The USL’s D-III project will have at least 10 teams for its inaugural season next summer.

That’s one of the details from the league’s Tuesday announcement that it had applied to the United States Soccer Federation for Division III sanctioning.

The deadline for sanctioning applications is Wednesday.

Already announced as USL D-III teams are Greenville Triumph, South Georgia Tormenta FC, FC Tucson, Toronto FC II, Chattanooga Pro Soccer, and Madison Pro Soccer.

USL CEO Alec Papadakis says the league is aiming for 24 teams by its third campaign in 2021, and says the other four teams are in “proven” and “thriving” markets.

“As a professional league, we are committed to providing a thrilling experience for fans and a top-notch experience for players – and a proper stadium plays a major role in that experience,” Papadakis continued. “USL Division III features two clubs – South Georgia Tormenta FC and Greenville Triumph SC – building new soccer-specific stadiums, equating to more than $30 million in construction and design, and much more in local economic impact. The league also features clubs utilizing and renovating existing infrastructure to provide the best experience while revitalizing community assets.”

Pure speculation, but could the league be adding some of the top PDL teams or some of USL or MLS-2 sides? Charleston Battery, Swope Park Rangers, clubs of that ilk could join, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Rochester Rhinos return from hiatus in the division

putting live soccer in towns that don't have it is good for everyone imo.  And as has been stated in other posts, if any of these teams does a Cincy like explosion, they can simply be absorbed into MLS some day.

There is very little down side here.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Logo's trade marked, indicating Miami's name.

https://thewatertoweronline.com/logos-trademarked-for-miami-internacional-club-de-futbol-possibly-the-name-for-miamis-mls-club-6b585b1bc062

 

[Sinn Fein]

**BREAKING NEWS***

Looks like De Bruyne could be out for 2-3 months with a knee injury.

Police are looking at CCTV cameras for evidence of Sergio Ramos being present in Manchester.  If anyone has seen the Real Madrid defender, please contact the Manchester Police Department.

 

[NewlyRetired]

ESPN+ has also picked up the English FA Cup rights.

Here is the rough list of soccer properties it holds now:

MLS out of market games

Championship from England

FA Cup from England

Serie A

A League from Australia

Chinese Super League

UEFA Nations League

Holland First Division

Here is more info on the FA Cup deal.

ESPN+ has acquired the rights to 79 games and all will be shown exclusively on ESPN+.  The deal also includes the rights to the The FA Community Shield game.

This is a multi year agreement.

 

[gianmarco]

**BREAKING NEWS***

Looks like De Bruyne could be out for 2-3 months with a knee injury.

Police are looking at CCTV cameras for evidence of Sergio Ramos being present in Manchester.  If anyone has seen the Real Madrid defender, please contact the Manchester Police Department.

That sucks.  Never like seeing that with any player but especially a star like him.

 

[charvik]

**BREAKING NEWS***

Looks like De Bruyne could be out for 2-3 months with a knee injury.

Police are looking at CCTV cameras for evidence of Sergio Ramos being present in Manchester.  If anyone has seen the Real Madrid defender, please contact the Manchester Police Department.

from ManCity.com

Kevin De Bruyne is undergoing tests on his right knee after sustaining an injury at training on Wednesday.

The extent of the problem is not yet known and we will bring you further updates on Kevin's condition in due course.

ETA: That said, their next six games are against Huddersfield, Wolves, Newcastle, Fulham, Cardiff, and Brighton. Not exactly world beaters. That should be an easy 18 points for City, even without de Bruyne.

 

[bentley]

96 minutes past when they Mayor said he would call a vote on MLS. Also 27 minutes past when he said “we only have 15 minutes left.”

 

[Sinn Fein]

Austin approves MLS:  7-4

Bummed for Columbus, and potential rivalry with Cincy.

 

[El Floppo]

Austin approves MLS:  7-4

Bummed for Columbus, and potential rivalry with Cincy.

RIGHT THREAD

 

[Kafka]

RIGHT THREAD

sees MLS banter...

Left THREAD.

 

[El Floppo]

sees MLS banter...

Left THREAD.

MLS banter >> Milan monologue

 

[NewlyRetired]

so two things are now left in this mess:

1) Waiting for the Ohio court to determine if Precourt is allowed to leave (Modell rule)

2) If they do end up leaving, does MLS do the right thing and leave the IP (colors, name, history etc) in Columbus to see if a San Jose like resurrection can happen.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Very cool.  Atlanta announced today that they intend to expand the Soccer Station project (the small soccer fields being built at the Marta Transit stations)

http://www.soccerstreets.org/news/atlanta-united-foundation-and-the-city-of-atlanta-collaborate-with-soccer-in-the-streets-and-marta-to-expand-station-soccer

 

[DJackson10]

from ManCity.com

ETA: That said, their next six games are against Huddersfield, Wolves, Newcastle, Fulham, Cardiff, and Brighton. Not exactly world beaters. That should be an easy 18 points for City, even without de Bruyne.

That doesn't include CHampions League matches though. 

 

[DJackson10]

Deigo Laxalt is going to Milan. This is now part of the Ladpadula transfer to Genoa last year where Genoa still had to give Milan 11M. He can play all over the left side and Milan is a bit worried about Ivan Strinic injury he picked up in the World Cup. Rumors had it that Milan MF Andre Bertolocci was included but is not as Rino seems to lie the player. 

 

[DJackson10]

Great news for DeAndre Yedlin

Newcastle Defender Yedlin injury not serious.

 

[DJackson10]

Andrew Erickson

Statement from Ohio AG's office to @DispatchAlerts: "Precourt Sports Ventures and Major League Soccer still have an obligation under Ohio law to provide notice and a reasonable opportunity for local investors to purchase the rights to keep the Crew in Columbus." 1/2 #CrewSC

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rooney with another great game tonight.  2 goals and an almost audacious 3rd when he tried to chip the keeper and hit the cross bar.  Left the game to a standing ovation in DC.

With Hamid back now, DC is looking like they have a real shot at the playoffs if they can keep this form.  They are 6 points out of the last spot but have 4 games in hand.

Here are Rooney's two goal and the chip that hit the cross bar

https://streamable.com/po3t4

https://streamable.com/kjjnh

https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-08-15-dc-united-vs-portland-timbers/details/video/167997