MAJOR SOCCER LEAGUE

[Geo V]

I didnt think anything would happen but are we starting to see an exodus of average players to the MSL? Players that usually leave for the MLS are way passed it or wouldnt be able to get a contract over here unless it was for a D2 club but decent players are being linked there and even younger players are going too.

Today Villa Juan Pablo Angel is meant to be on the brink of a move there (I`d have him up front for us all day!) http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=4...ive+Angel+wings and other less talented players like Danny Dichio have made the switch. American clubs are also reportedly raiding South American teams for coaches and younger talent so who knows, is this the start of the Yanks having a decent league herein???!

[Manwell Pablo]

I didnt think anything would happen but are we starting to see an exodus of average players to the MSL? Players that usually leave for the MLS are way passed it or wouldnt be able to get a contract over here unless it was for a D2 club but decent players are being linked there and even younger players are going too.

Today Villa Juan Pablo Angel is meant to be on the brink of a move there (I`d have him up front for us all day!) http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=4...ive+Angel+wings and other less talented players like Danny Dichio have made the switch. American clubs are also reportedly raiding South American teams for coaches and younger talent so who knows, is this the start of the Yanks having a decent league herein???!

They've been raiding South America + Mexico for years on years, I think the most common name in MLS is Gonzalez.

The standerd of MLS isn't actually that bad, I'd put money on most of the teams in that league giving us a run for our money. You can see that by some of the talent that has come from America to England, and by some the talents thats decided to stay put, e.g Freddy Adu and Landon Donovan.

The standerd of players is improving slightly, due to the fact this is the first season that MLS has manage to sell it's screening rights to the major American TV companys generating more money for the clubs enabling them to bring in better players. The money is no where near Prem money but it will help the league build. Where it goes from here all depends on whether or not the popularity of the league increases with the new TV deal and of course what effect mr Beckham has, if any.

[davieG]

Andy Welsh

[Geo V]

They've been raiding South America + Mexico for years on years, I think the most common name in MLS is Gonzalez.

The standerd of MLS isn't actually that bad, I'd put money on most of the teams in that league giving us a run for our money. You can see that by some of the talent that has come from America to England, and by some the talents thats decided to stay put, e.g Freddy Adu and Landon Donovan.

The standerd of players is improving slightly, due to the fact this is the first season that MLS has manage to sell it's screening rights to the major American TV companys generating more money for the clubs enabling them to bring in better players. The money is no where near Prem money but it will help the league build. Where it goes from here all depends on whether or not the popularity of the league increases with the new TV deal and of course what effect mr Beckham has, if any.

They have been raiding South America for the old players and misfits. The are now trying to get players that are current internationals which wasnt the norm say 3 or 4 years ago.

[Jordan]

While MLS in its early years did not have the financial clout to attract many high-quality international players, by now, the league has realized that it made many mistakes with many of their foreign signings. There still is a league-wide salary cap, but this has been offset somewhat by new rules, most notably one that allows teams to sign one player to a large salary outside of the salary cap (casually referred to as the "Beckham Exemption" here).

MLS is moving in a new direction, and this is no doubt facilitated by the league's changing financial landscape. Recently, there were only three ownership groups in a 10-team league, but expansion and new ownership has led to more sources of revenue. When the league started in 1996, no team had its own stadium, but now there are seven teams that play in what are known here as "soccer-specific stadiums" (plus New England plays at a stadium that belongs to its ownership and the New York Red Bulls will move into their own new stadium next season) so they now control much more of their revenue and also no longer have to pay exorbitant rent fees. Also, as Manwell wrote, the league's television deals are by far the best they've ever been, with at least three games per week televised nationally (before this season, MLS actually paid to have their games broadcast on ESPN).

Say what you will about whether or not David Beckham's move to the Los Angeles Galaxy will have a positive effect on the league and American soccer, but it's already got a lot of people talking and a lot of the media (sports or otherwise) interested who couldn't otherwise give half a crap about MLS 12 months ago.

Obviously, we can't expect the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo jumping ship to sign with the Columbus Crew anytime soon, and it'd take a sea change in the American sporting landscape for the league to get NBA-sized television ratings, but the foundation is there for the league to begin making more money and attract better talent. Six years ago, I couldn't say anything remotely close to that.

The Red Bulls could definitely use a good forward and I think Angel fits the bill.

[Guest Gist]

It's official, he has signed for them.

[act smiley]

Andy Welsh

Is widely regarded by Toronto FC fans as being shit. They've only had about 2 or 3 matches and already want him out.

(before this season, MLS actually paid to have their games broadcast on ESPN).

I thought it was a "we'll let you show the World Cup as long as you put on MLS too" deal?

[Geo V]

While MLS in its early years did not have the financial clout to attract many high-quality international players, by now, the league has realized that it made many mistakes with many of their foreign signings. There still is a league-wide salary cap, but this has been offset somewhat by new rules, most notably one that allows teams to sign one player to a large salary outside of the salary cap (casually referred to as the "Beckham Exemption" here).

MLS is moving in a new direction, and this is no doubt facilitated by the league's changing financial landscape. Recently, there were only three ownership groups in a 10-team league, but expansion and new ownership has led to more sources of revenue. When the league started in 1996, no team had its own stadium, but now there are seven teams that play in what are known here as "soccer-specific stadiums" (plus New England plays at a stadium that belongs to its ownership and the New York Red Bulls will move into their own new stadium next season) so they now control much more of their revenue and also no longer have to pay exorbitant rent fees. Also, as Manwell wrote, the league's television deals are by far the best they've ever been, with at least three games per week televised nationally (before this season, MLS actually paid to have their games broadcast on ESPN).

Say what you will about whether or not David Beckham's move to the Los Angeles Galaxy will have a positive effect on the league and American soccer, but it's already got a lot of people talking and a lot of the media (sports or otherwise) interested who couldn't otherwise give half a crap about MLS 12 months ago.

Obviously, we can't expect the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo jumping ship to sign with the Columbus Crew anytime soon, and it'd take a sea change in the American sporting landscape for the league to get NBA-sized television ratings, but the foundation is there for the league to begin making more money and attract better talent. Six years ago, I couldn't say anything remotely close to that.

The Red Bulls could definitely use a good forward and I think Angel fits the bill.

The reason why I started this thread was that I dint think that someone like Angel would move to the US at this stage of his career and maybe because Becks has signed, others will follow as more money is available in wages/TV Rights etc. I think Channel 5 have got the US coverage for next season and they have already said they will basically be following Becks, much like Channel 4 used to do when Gazza went to Serie A and SS do with Becks in Spain.

Robbie Fowler is another strongly linked with a move out there and he is typical of a player who may have dropped down to a weaker Prem side or the Championship who may not be available. Maybe the MLS will weaken the Championship standard???!

[placidcasual]

Is widely regarded by Toronto FC fans as being shit. They've only had about 2 or 3 matches and already want him out.

I thought it was a "we'll let you show the World Cup as long as you put on MLS too" deal?

Toronto have lost 2-0 and 4-0. Signing players like Welsh and Dichio is not gonna help them. Though it might help them if they signed some competent defenders.

As I understand it ESPN is paying for MLS rights this season. As are Telefutura, HDNET and Fox Soccer Channel

[Geo V]

Toronto have lost 2-0 and 4-0. Signing players like Welsh and Dichio is not gonna help them. Though it might help them if they signed some competent defenders.

As I understand it ESPN is paying for MLS rights this season. As are Telefutura, HDNET and Fox Soccer Channel

I hope it finally kicks off in the US although on a selfish note I wouldnt want our league weakened if it goes well in the US and they pay big money for the better players. I know thats a long way off and has little chance of happening but if it did it will dent European football as money grabbing players fook off to the States.

[Jordan]

I hope it finally kicks off in the US although on a selfish note I wouldnt want our league weakened if it goes well in the US and they pay big money for the better players. I know thats a long way off and has little chance of happening but if it did it will dent European football as money grabbing players fook off to the States.

I'm sure there will be restrictions on the amount of foreign players MLS teams can have on their rosters for a long time. The hitherto best achievement of MLS is improving the quality of American players.

[placidcasual]

I'm sure there will be restrictions on the amount of foreign players MLS teams can have on their rosters for a long time. The hitherto best achievement of MLS is improving the quality of American players.

For sure. Columbus have just signed Guillermo Barros Schelotto from Boca. Hopefully his experience will help the younger players in the midfield.

Angel is a good signing for NY as well. Should help Altidore.

[act smiley]

As I understand it ESPN is paying for MLS rights this season. As are Telefutura, HDNET and Fox Soccer Channel

Yeah, I know that, I was talking about the old deal they used to have.

[Geo V]

All these moves are bound to create interest around the world. I for one would never watch American Soccer but I wont turn the TV off if I stumble across it this season.