USL Up for Sale, What's Next?

In case you haven't heard, the United Soccer Leagues is up for sale. MLS has been linked as a potential buyer of the franchise. There are many scenarios at play here, but the worst of all would be the death of USL. American soccer as whole is in serious jeopardy without the USL.

You may be thinking, that America already has a top league and why does a little minor league matter? Well it means everything to development of American soccer in more ways than one. Think about it, every single major sport in America has a minor league. Baseball, hockey, and even basketball have minor leagues to which players can develop. Even if basketball does probably rely on the college game more. Yes, I understand that football doesn't have an established "minor league," but consider what college football is used for. I'm sure that given the opportunity to develop a minor football league, most teams would relish at the idea. Hey, it beats paying your top draft picks millions of dollars, when they could very well be a bust. However, there is too much money in college football to change that.

Also the minor leagues allow the sport to grow and develop outside of the major cities that house professional  teams. Areas like Charleston, Austin, and Raleigh could probably not host a major league soccer team, and so they have minor league teams. They are cheaper to run than professional, but allow the sport to extend its hand into these areas. Without it these areas have no available soccer to go see live, and could very well continue to be niche sport in America. MLS may not like the non-cooperative attitude the USL has taken, but it understands the vital role it plays in the development of American soccer.

On a another note, the USL gives way to most innovative thing in American sports soccer has, the U.S. Open Cup. Even considering how little attention the tournament, I love the U.S. Open Cup. Maybe it is because it appears to be the only tournament my team has a chance of winning anymore, but it is the ultimate David vs. Goliath in American sports. With a little work this tournament could become one of the premier tournaments in U.S. soccer. They just need to advertise it a little bit, and forcing the only website that gives the tournament the light of day to change its name is not smart. However, if the USL fails, because no one is buying then this tournament really no longer matters. Which would be a shame.

This sale most certainly adds doubt to the USL's future. Are there really any entrepreneurs looking to buy a second tier soccer league, with very little chance of escaping that status. Of course if MLS buys that will solidify USL's position as a second tier league, and some have hinted that it could bring the promotion and relegation so many Eurosnobs people have been calling for. Not very likely, considering all the pitfalls promotion and relegation still faces in this country. If MLS does buy the USL, it could become a farm league for MLS. This could allow for a unique developmental league similar to the MLB. This could add depth and structure to MLS sides and solve the developmental question. Read More!

U.S. vs. Mexico: Review and a Look Ahead

Well, that sucks. After all the momentum, all the build up, it ends like that. In all honesty, despite the lack of the possession through long stretches of the game, this was probably the best we have ever seen the U.S. play in Azteca. I don't think we have ever led in Azteca in the history we have played there, or at least in recent history.

The first goal by Davies was something that I did not expect so early in the game. It is was a beautiful play made possible by Donovan, and Davies just made a great finish to put the U.S. up 1-0. After that Donovan disappeared, and I rolled my eyes thinking it was another instance of  Landon dissappearing in big matches. That was until this news broke. It makes the assist all the more impressive, and gives an excuse for his lethargic defending on the second Mexico goal.

The first Mexico goal was a cracker, but it doesn't excuse the fact that there was no pressure at all on the shot. This is equivalent to the DeRossi goal in Confederations Cup game against Italy. No one steps up to block the view or get a body in front of shot and the player has a wide open look on goal. This has to improve if we are to even consider competing on the international level. The main culprit on that goal was Carlos Bocanegra, who failed to step and cover the left side on the second goal. Can someone please explain to me why he gets continued starts or why he is the captain of the team?

Oh. Well in either case, Carlos may be the weakest defender on our team. Yes, I know he plays in Europe, but Michael Owen got a fat contract at Manchester United. Does that mean he will suddenly a better player? No. Yes, Europe is better quality of play, but there are plenty of bad players that play in Europe. Some maybe worse than those here in America. Why not give the captaincy to player like Gooch or Landon Donovan. Either of them are better candidates for captain than Carlos Bocanegra

Howard was great as usual, and there wasn't a whole lot he could do about either goals. He has proven time and time again that he is quality keeper in the world. That is no shock for sure.

The referee was bad, but was he bad enough to effect the game? No. We need to stop just assuming, no matter how awful the referee's are in CONCACAF that they make the difference in the result of the game. If we don't play well for ninety minutes we will lose against top teams.

Overall it was a dissapointing day in U.S. soccer. American soccer fans are probably used to it, and our probably more focused on the road ahead then dwelling too long on this game. I haven't really looked into how the main stream sports guys (PTI, Around the Horn, etc.) have said. Frankly, I don't want to.

Player Ratings


Howard- 8

Bocanegra- 4

Bradley- 5

Onyewu- 7

Cherundolo- 5

Dempsey- 5

Davies- 7.5

Donovan- 6

Ching- 4

Clark- 6.5

DeMerit- 6

Subs- N/A They all didn't see much of the ball, and didn't really leave an impact

As we exit Azteca, the standings in The Hex sure have gotten tighter. 3 points separate 1st and 4th place. That is unbelievably tight, but it doesn't really put the U.S. qualification in serious jeopardy. The U.S. have four reaming matches, home against El Salvador, away against Trinidad and Tobago, away against Honduras, and finally home against Costa Rica. We should beat El Salvador at home and then comes the best chance for us to get a win on the road against Trinidad and Tobago. This our chance to separate ourselves from the pack and secure a spot in qualification. 8 points over the final four matches (2 wins at home and 2 ties on the road) should be enough to qualify, but a win on the road against Trinidad would make the process much quicker. Read More!

USSF Launches 2018/2022 World Cup Bid Site

In an effort to try to bring the World Cup to the United States in either 2018 or 2022. The USSF has launched a website dedicated to helping get support for a U.S. World Cup. Whether or not this will actually make a difference every U.S. fan should at least sign the petition. Plus you get a free sticker.

It looks like 2022 will be the most likely chance for the U.S. to get another World Cup. The 1994 tournament arguably paved the way for the development of Major League Soccer and the growth of the National Team. No doubt another World Cup in the U.S. could significantly boost the game. Read More!

U.S. vs. Mexico Prediction

What? The hat? Just seemed like the perfect summary of my feelings toward the Mexican National Team. I wish they had more hats that summarized my feelings. I also wish they had the full picture of the kid giving the salute, but whatever.

This match has analyzed to death by several other blogs, and I don't feel like a long post for this game would be worth it. I am going to give a simply prediction on how the game is going to go. It is of course hard to balance relativistic expectations with what I hope will happen. I have dreams of the U.S. trouncing Mexico 2-0 at Azteca. The coverage of the game would be shown all over the world. The Mexico fans would return to their cave after the jubilation following the 5-0 win the Gold Cup Final. Personally, I think a draw would be sufficient enough for most U.S. fans and players. Do I think that the U.S. will get a positive result in Azteca?

No. Believe me I hope that the U.S.will beat Mexico, and as soon as the match starts I will believe that the U.S. can beat Mexico in Azteca. However, right now it is the day before the game and reality is setting in. On to the prediction.

The first half will be encouraging for the U.S., and Bradley will pull out an aggressive lineup for this game. He has been putting very aggressive lineups in several games including the Confederations Cup games. I think that will stay true in the Mexico. Bradley will be looking to catch Mexico early on, in hopes that Mexico will be overconfident on home soil. The U.S. will get the first goal, but due their aggressive setting will give it a goal late in the first half. He and the U.S. will leave the field with confidence that maybe they can pull a draw out of the hat.

The second half, however will be tougher for the U.S. The smog and altitude will set in, and the U.S. will give it a goal 2-1 Mexico. After that I don't foresee any other goals as the U.S. will try to get back in to no avail. Late in the second half, a truly exhausted U.S. team will give up a goal.  3-1 is how it will end, and the Mexican fans will celebrate ignoring the truly glaring problems with their national team. A respectable showing for the U.S. all things considered, and reason to be encouraged for the future. It may not be the  Expect a full review and a look into the future of World Cup Qualifying, after the game. Read More!

Struggles in CONCACAF Champions League Continue for MLS

Well, at least one team got through. Yes, the preliminaries of the CONCACAF Champions League are over and only one of the three MLS teams made it to the group stage. It was a much better showing then last year's horrid showing for MLS teams. Of course the three teams just had to show up to improve upon last year's preliminary round performance. D.C. United barely made it passed Firpo on penalty kicks, Toronto just couldn't find the net in their second leg, and New York showed why they are currently at the bottom of the league after losing at home to W. Connection.

I didn't see any of the matches, because I was away with no TV or internet. However, it is clear that all MLS teams struggled, even D.C. United. However it is clear that United is the better of the three, and deep enough to consider them as dark horses for a Champion's League run. Toronto should be embarrassed that they could not beat the Puerto Rico Islanders, an inferior USL side. Yes, the Islanders had a dream run last year, but I seriously doubt they will repeat that venture. The group is just way The Red Bulls should be even more embarrassed that they actually got a decent result on the road and gave up a lead to lose at home. All in all, it was not a complete embarrassment of MLS sides. Ok, maybe it was. However, it was no where near last year's preliminary rounds. For the record, no MLS team has won a match in the preliminary round yet in 90 minutes. Fairly sad statistic for the assumed best league in America.

Now comes the dreaded group stage. D.C. United by far have the easiest trek of the MLS teams to knockout stage. They are much better then last year, but that in know means it is a walk in the park for D.C. United. Both Toluca will be a stiff test, but San Francisco crashed out last year. C.D. Marathon should be an even match, and the one team I think D.C. can actually get results against. It is a manageable path for D.C., and they will be eager to improve upon the disastrous performance last year.

Columbus enter the clear group of death, as far as MLS teams are concerned. Saprissa, Cruz Azul will all be very tough tests. I'm sure Columbus and their fans will be dreading the matches in Mexico City and Saprissa Stadium. We all saw how the U.S. went paws up against Costa Rica earlier this summer. It will be a tough fight for Columbus, and the bigger question may be how seriously Columbus will take this tournament. Houston and D.C. will, but will Columbus punt it in favor of focusing more on their regular season. It is hard to tell, but considering where this tournament falls it is easy to see why a team may just decide to play scrubs. If they go all out, I still don't think they are good enough to make it to the knockout stages. Cruz Azul and Saprissa are just too good and play in very hostile areas.

Houston face a tough group with Pachuca, Isidro Metapan, and Arabe Unido. We all know Pachuca is good, but the rest of the teams remain a mystery. I don't know enough about the rest of the teams to say if Houston have a chance of getting to the knockout stages. They got there last year and have the depth to go far this year. Let me say that I think Houston will go through, and they most likely finish behind Pachuca. Houston showed last year they could do it. Even if last year, they had their final and decisive group match moved due to a hurricane that ravaged the Texas coastline.

What would be considered a success for MLS? In my view, at least one team has to make it to the knockout stages and the rest have to have respectable showings. Houston, D.C., and Columbus are all having good seasons this year, unlike last year, where D.C. United was in a downward spiral. The MLS schedule is still packed for the MLS sides in the tournament. D.C. United, for example, will be playing 10 matches in 31 days, which is stunning when you consider the lack of depth even the deepest sides in MLS. It is still clear that MLS needs to better address the issues facing scheduling of their teams in this tournament. Either that or increase the salary cap to bring in better players and add more the depth. I think that as the league grows, things will improve. Until then, let's just hope for the best and expect the worse. Read More!

Who Gets the Pink Slip? (2009 Edition)

With the MLS season drawing to a close, I have identified several coaches who are either on the hot seat or in danger of being on the hot seat. Obviously, Dominic Kenear, Sigi Schmidt, and coaches of other teams currently a top the MLS standings are in very little danger of seeing the pink slip after this season. However it is questionable for some teams whether their coaches will return next season, and for others it almost assured they will not return.

Juan Carlos Osorio (New York Red Bulls)

Well, this will be easy. The CONCACAF Champions League was the last gasp for Juan Carlos Osorio to save his job at New York. The team started well and finished weak, losing at home to W. Connection. The team is currently well in the bottom of the league and there is very little hope (if any) of making the playoffs. Osorio did have a lightening in the bottle moment last season and the Red Bulls made it to the MLS Cup. This season, even if they do catch fire, they are severe long shots to make it to the playoffs. Does the Red Bulls organization try to show they have stability and keep Osorio in hopes that maybe next year they will become a top team in the league. No.

Prediction: Fired

Frank Yallop (San Jose Earthquakes)

San Jose struggled last year as an expansion team. I expected that Frank Yallop would turn things around this year, particularly after the acquiring Bobby Convey from Reading in England. That hasn't been the case and San Jose have continued to struggle falling to last in the West. They have a made a few changes mid-season to try and improve things, and even managed to beat the Seattle Sounders FC 4-0. Hard to see that if them making the playoffs even if they make another run like last season.

Does this mean that Yallop is fired? No, actually. He has a proven track record as a successful coach in MLS and should get at least another season to get things firgured out with an expansion side. His seat may be a little hot, but there is no reason to suggest that he has lost his touch in MLS. It may be another rebuilding year for San Jose, but it would not surprise me if this team makes a run next year.

Prediction: Survives

Tom Soehn (D.C. United)

Even after an improved season with far less issues than last season, Tom Soehn's job is under a microscope. The team has struggled to play complete games and has a massed a league leading 10 ties. While a stark improvement over last season, D.C. is a team that wants greater success. The team is no where near to securing a playoff spot and could flame out of the group stages in Champions League again. If D.C. lose the Open Cup Final, struggles in the Champions League, and fail to make the playoffs then Soehn's tenure at D.C. may just be over.

He certainly has added depth, but questions remain about his coaching decisions including choosing starters for games. Right now there is a good chance Soehn will get another year, but as we learned last year it can all go downhill very fast. Playing 10 matches in 31 days is a stiff test for any coach, but let's see if Soehn can handle it

Prediction: Too soon to tell.

Schellas Hyndman (FC Dallas)

Hired last year, Schellas has a tough job with the severely under achieving FC Dallas. A long time college coach at Southern Methodist University, Schellas has not transfered to MLS well and struggled again this season. After another mediocre season, will Schellas lose his job? It is difficult to say. The rule of thumb states if you hire a coach mid-season, you give him a season to adjust. If they still haven't succeeded, you get rid of them and start over. Some organizations, like D.C. United give their coaches more time to figure things out.

Many could say that Dallas selling Kenny Cooper would be the death of the club for the season. However Dallas beat Kansas City 4-0 and first place Houston 1-0. Maybe if the team makes a run Schellas will get to keep his job. It wouldn't be the first time. Bruce Arena became the coach of D.C. United in the inaugural MLS season, and the team struggled. They eventually went on a run late in the season and won the MLS Cup. Different time and a very different league but stranger things have happened.

Prediction: Too soon to tell. Read More!