28 November 2011

Tested Models Do Work: Part Two



The top league, Major League Soccer, while still young is is full of criticisms because of its play schedule( spring to autumn) , no relegation and playoff system are just a few criticisms.  I actually believe the ownership has no interest in football other then to turn profits because they have either folded clubs or moved them to other cities.  There is currently the threat by MLS commissioner Don Garber to relocate DC United to another city unless they get a new stadium.  The United States is already so big, now they have added another country into the mix.  This is detrimental to Canada as well, and there has been rumours that MLS would like a few Mexican clubs added. Then there is all the different womens leagues as well as indoor leagues in Canada and the US.  This can make you confused and nauseous real quick.

There is a disconnect with MLS with not only the fans, but small clubs throughout the country. It was formed as part of the deal to bring the 1994 World Cup to the US. This deal created a league that owns the teams and operated by investors. Anschutz Entertainment Group currently "operates" two clubs, LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo.  The end of this season won by the LA Galaxy was trumped by a replay of Chelsea vs. Liverpool which had posted more viewership on Fox network.  That is a crushing blow because it is expected that this was the last game David Beckham has played for the league and they couldn't even beat the ratings for a recorded match.  

If the US could actually put together a connected system like England, it could easily become a real Major League in this country.  England is a tested model.  Its not perfect, but it works.  The American model is not working and could easily lead to the grave where the previous leagues ended up.   This is about survive-ability  and if they are interested in their profits well they need to start taking an interest in the foundation of the sport.  The fact is you cannot build a house without a foundation. You cannot bring in a young superstar from Europe or South America unless you have a competitive league.  In order to build that you have to develop your countries players to the best way you can.  I am not talking about using the university system to develop your players either. The current MLS club academy s have not sold one player yet.

The fact is top class players are not looking to America to play, it's not even on their radar.  There have been a few from Europe to jump to MLS, Beckham, Henry and Robbie Keane.  They are considered past their prime for many clubs in Europe.  There is only one way to strip the persona of weak competition in the USA and that is too make it competitive.

PART 3   Wednesday

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