Disqus - Latest Comments for kkfla737

Re: MLS Western Conference Final: Only for the Hardcore

kkfla737 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:32:21 -0000

Good piece- complicating matters further is a full day of do or die WCQ the next day and of course our own friendly versus Slovakia which is at 10 am ET.

11:27 pm ET kickoff......can you imagine the NBA Finals featuring the Lakers or another Pacific time zone team starting at that time? Nope, especially the day before one of the biggest in the sport worldwide.

Four UEFA playoffs, and of course a ton of attractive friendlies including our own. Bad timing again, MLS. This is a night where 9:27 ET would be much more than a two hour difference than 11:27 ET.

Re: USA-T&T: Three Points is Three Points

kkfla737 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:31:47 -0000

Well said, Jason.

Bob Bradley has done a remarkable job. We stand on the cusp of qualification for our 6th straight world cup. England, Holland, France and Denmark should all be tinged with envy.

This comes at a time when our top line talent is worse than any time since before the 1994 World Cup. We don't have a midfield maestro like a Reyna or a Ramos, a clean finisher like a Waldo, or a ball winner like Harkes or O'Brien. We don't have a classic winger like Cobi Jones or Earnie Stewart either. Right now we have a hodgepoge of players who have been over rated by our fans in our efforts to appear relevant in the footy world and who are nothing more than journeyman players who most top European sides wouldn't tough with a ten foot pole.

Bottom line: Bradley has gotten the most out of this squad, qualifying again and setting up our team to where we can secure critical points on the road. That is an accomplishment with this group.

Re: USL Restructures, Marcos Out As President

kkfla737 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:32:31 -0000

I think it is important to note the relationship between USL and MLS broke down earlier this decade largely due to MLS. The affiliate agreement was not helping USL and was being violated by MLS per the comments of some club officials. To expect all the effort to renew this agreement to come on the USL end (ie USL must give in, MLS doesn't have to) is simply not fair, and it will not happen. The previous affiliate agreement broke down because of MLS' taking advantage of things. USL clubs have investors who must protect their investment and the previous agreement saw MLS clubs looking at USL clubs as feeder teams and completely disrespecting the value of players to USL clubs.

MLS must make concessions if they want an new agreement either with USL or a potential breakaway league. The rest of the US soccer structure doesn't exist just to serve their league.

Re: Railing on CONCACAF

kkfla737 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:23:59 -0000

Very good analysis. It should be noted though in Mexico, the thinking is that MLS teams and Puerto Rico Islanders have gotten nothing but favorable calls when playing at home. Add to that the long laundry list of times the USMNT has gotten favorable even borderline criminal calls from officials in CONCACAF matches, and you see it is a two way street.

But you are right when it comes down to it. The Confederation is poorly run, and this CCL was setup to make money. Mexican teams have been more focused on Copa Lib. than CONCACAF tournaments for sometime and Jack Warner sensing the Mexican money was leaving the region wanted to do something about it. But now that the post swine flu compromise means FIVE mexican teams go to Copa Lib, I doubt the FMF sides will take the CCL seriously. Even when winning last night, they were fielding under strength sides with little or no interest from the Mexican media, who is focused on the ongoing Apertura and looking forward to Interliga which plays into Copa Lib.

So in other words, CONCACAF CL is a massive FAIL. Maybe the Panamanians care, but probably not. Even the Puerto Rico Islanders, darlings of last year's tournament are slipping further and further behind in the USL-1 table and fielded a second choice side against Saprissa, and subsequently got thrashed.

I agree with your sentiments Jason, but I am not sure what we can do about it. This ship has sailed and has taken on water already, I fear.

Re: USL For Sale, MLS Potential Buyer

kkfla737 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:57:09 -0000

I do not work for USL, but I do enjoy a close relationship with one of the groups looking to buy the league, and also have decent (not great, but decent) contacts with the league itself.

They have a very different vision for USL than what MLS would do with it. More when I am allowed to speak more openly. I'd point out F. Marcos felt burned the first time a USL/MLS relationship was consumated and hopefully if we go in that direction, this time will be different.

Only time will tell.

Re: Davies and Adu: A Study in Contrast

kkfla737 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:58:55 -0000

Very good piece, and it is worth noting that all four guys you mention, Tracy, Arnoux, Davies and Peterlin, all used the PDL to learn how to be in a professional club setting before going to Europe. More reason we don't need MLS buying USL and ruining the PDL.

Re: USL For Sale, MLS Potential Buyer

kkfla737 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:57:02 -0000

I cannot reveal anymore, but the potential buyer of USL is much bigger in world football than MLS and will give the league instant credibility abroad. As I said earlier on MLS Talk today, once I have clearance to reveal more I will, but do not worry about USL's viability once this deal is completed if it gets done. I'll save the specifics as to why for when I can say more.

Re: USA-Mexico: The Good, the Bad, the Invisible

kkfla737 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:14:33 -0000

GREAT CLEVER TITLE. Obviously the third category was the most important and prevalent.

Re: Cutting out the MLS Middle Man

kkfla737 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:55:08 -0000

Outstanding piece Jason: No arguments whatsoever- a great piece of reasoning and logic, and for many of us the summer has been revealing.

Re: Islanders, DC United Advance in CCL

kkfla737 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:21:04 -0000

Fair enough, but they are the same people who label anyone who dislikes MLS as a "eurosnob" "latinsnob" or "Mexisnob" They say support the game in your own country, but unlike Jason and myself they have not taken the time to learn about what exists beyond MLS. To me that is a problem. If they didn't use the term snob to describe someone like you (maybe they'd call you a Fulhamsnob :)) I( wouldn't call them snobs.

Re: Islanders, DC United Advance in CCL

kkfla737 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:48:00 -0000

Deep is the key word- good term Jason. MLs fans don't realize that the Islanders have more depth than ANY MLS team. Obviously they don't have the 3-4 stars each MLS team has, but the Islanders success in CONCACAF the last two years is largely due to depth and Coach Clarke aka the general's ability to platoon guys between the league's fixture congestion (which is worse in USL than MLS) and the CONCACAF CL.

Bravo!, for pointing out what so many MLS fans or MLS snobs as I have taken to calling them miss.

Re: Hull and Fulham Eye Altidore

kkfla737 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:04:02 -0000

I sincerely hope at 20 he goes to a club that is going to do a good job of developing him- historically English clubs have done a poor job developing American talent. Now Jozy could be so special that it doesn't matter but I'd much prefer he go to Holland or Germany so his technique and tactical understanding gets better especially on wider pitches. Is Craven Cottage even FIFA regulation size for the pitch or do they get a waiver? KC Stadium isn't that great a pitch either.

Re: MLS Clubs Feel CCL Heat

kkfla737 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:53:21 -0000

Good predictions. I see Clarke parking the bus today as he did last year in the same round against Aljeneuese (sp?????) and getting a late counter attacking goal to win it- that's what they did last year when the Islanders scored twice late to win.

I think PRI starts Addlery or Noel up top tonight and then bring Jadeosingh on late for that counter attacking goal.

Re: Players Looking for Major CBA Concessions

kkfla737 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:45:03 -0000

Part of the players case is that if your contract expires with the club you play for, you are still property of that club in MLS terms. You can sign on a free in USL or abroad, but that club still would receive compensation if you go to another MLS team, and in fact can prevent you from signing elsewhere in the league even though your contract has expired. How backwards is that?

The players from what I am told are being reasonable in the proposals. Let's see if the investors in the league show the same good faith and meet them halfway.

Re: A Cooper Transfer Question

kkfla737 — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:20:52 -0000

I'd say Kinnear, Nicol, maybe Arena and Clarke with PR.

Keep in mind Cooper returned to the US to play for Clarke. Since he was fired ridiculously by the Burn/Hoops, Cooper hasn't improved and Clarke has been a hit in USL and CONCACAF.

So, maybe four coaches between MLS and the top tier of USL are of a League 1 standard. Probably just Clarke and Kinnear are of a Bundesliga 2 standard.

Bundesliga 2 is a much much better league than MLS. It's really not even close. The depth training, the tactical awareness of managers, the media attention, etc blow MLS away.

This is not a lateral move at all. Josh Wolff made the same move to 1860 after playing in two World Cups for the US, because he too wanted to get out of MLS and wanted a bigger challenge.

The league is very psychical and tactical. 1860 also has financial issues mounting, at least according to my lone German source. Not that I do not trust him but I'd like more backup before advertising that, so if it is inaccurate, I apologize.

Re: Cooper Leaving After All?

kkfla737 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:21:15 -0000

Wow, that club loves Yanks! Hello Munchen!

He's the 4th American to play there in the last 3 years and of course Taylor Twellman played there as well after the U-20s in 1999.

Re: Summer Friendlies Put MLS Issues In Focus

kkfla737 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:38:51 -0000

One of your best pieces, Jason. Good stuff. I hope that Garber, Kraft, et al read your lines on the CBA. From what I am hearing they are still dug in even though the players are being very reasonable and understanding. Again, as Jamie Trecker said on my show the other day what other league in the world can young players go to the second division (USL) and make more $$$. While that be a boom to certain USL clubs, ultimately it hurts the overal landscape of American soccer.

One note I would caution everyone on is that I believe (and could be wrong but believe it :)) that certain American fans who are in love with Europe will look down on any American product in this sport including MLS, the USMNT and even some American player who had success in Europe (like Claudio Reyna) simply because they are American and not European. Those fans may never be won over, but they are a minority for sure.

Good piece, hope Don Garber takes notes.

Re: Context Lacking in the Mexican Press

kkfla737 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:48:35 -0000

Know zero, obviously is what I meant to say! Sorry!

Re: Context Lacking in the Mexican Press

kkfla737 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:47:56 -0000

Can you blame them? Our fans and press always lack context when we beat them in friendlies where they don't have their full squad. Moreover, even though we consistently beat them they consistently get further in major tournaments with the exception obviously of the 2002 World Cup.

Many of our fans no zero about Mexico other than to hate them. I hate them too, in fact hate them so much that I never miss a real game of theirs (not the SUM friendlies against some overmatched side on American soil to grab cash) just to scream obscenities at their players.

But we have taken so many of the wins against them since the mid 90s out of context that they are entitled to do the same to us. Sorry, if we weren't so arrogant and proclaiming some sort of false dominance over them it would be different.

Re: Mexico 5, USA 0: What Does It Mean?

kkfla737 — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:58:19 -0000

The problem is that this was not exactly Mexico's "A" side either. No Salcido, Marquez, Pardo, Osorio, Sanchez, Guardado, N. Castillo, Zinha or L. Perez among others.

So while this wasn't our normal squad and we already know MLS is nowhere near the level of the FMF, the fact that they have the better league sadly means they have better depth. Once both teams get beyond their European based players, they have a huge advantage over us. this same Mexican "B" team with three European based players and 20 FMF based players struggled with Nicaragua made up largely of semipros benefiting from a frivolous penalty, and only scored once after Guadeloupe was reduced to nine men about midway through the second half.

They were also beaten up for large portions of the match by Costa Rica who did not have Walter Centano. So what we can say for certain is our depth is lacking and MLS guys lack the composure of European based players in big internationals. But that should be no surprise to anyone.

Azteca will be different. We may lose again, but it will be nothing like yesterday.

Re: Proposing a Soccer Farm System

kkfla737 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:20:19 -0000

Okay, here we go- from the 1999 MLS Media Guide. Affiliates include at least one A- league team (now USL-1) and at least two D3 league team (now called USL-2)

"MLS continues its relationship with the United Soccer Leagues (USL) for the 1998 season. The relationship between the two leagues covers many aspects including marketing, sponsorships, compensation for players joining an MLS team."

Here is the affiliate list:

Columbus Crew--------Cincinnati Riverhawks, Rochester Rhinos, Reading Rage, Cleveland Caps

DC United-------Hampton Road Mariners, Richamond Kickers, Charlotte Eagles, Noerthern Virginia Royals

Metrostars-----Long Island Rough Riders, Staten Island Vipers, Central Jersey Riptide, South Hersey Barons

Miami Fusion----Jacksonville Cyclones, Raleigh Flyers, Orlando Nighthawks, Miami Breakers

NE Revs-----CT Wolves, Worcester Wildfire, Western Mass Pioneers, Cape Cod Crusaders

Tampa Bay Mutiny----Charleston Battery, Nashville Metros, Wilmington Hammerheads, SW Fla Manatees

Chicago Fire----Milwaukee Rampage, Minnesota Thunder, Chicago Stingers, Indiana Blast

Colorado Rapids----El Paso Patriots, Seattle Sounders, Arizona Sahuros, Tulsa Roughnecks

Dallas Burn----Atlanta Ruckus, New Orleans Storm, Houston Hurricanes, Texas Toros

KC Wizards----Albuquerque Geckos, Hershey Wildcats, Myrtle Beach Sea Dogs

LA Galaxy---Orange County Zodiac, San Diego Flash, Valley Golden Eagles

San Jose Clash----SF Bay Seals, Ca Jaguars, Chico Rooks, Reno Rattlers

Obviously a lot of dead names on this list. Also a case where a lot of the former USL professional clubs were replaced by PDL clubs in the same market or teams simply moved down to PDL like Cap Cod, Reading and Long Island.

IIRC as I thought about this since seeing the initial post I think USL was unhappy that they didn't get fair compensation for a lot of their players called up to MLS during this period. I believe the contract expired around 2001 0r 2002 and obviously was not renewed.

Re: Proposing a Soccer Farm System

kkfla737 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:30:54 -0000

I'll look in some of the MLS Freekick magazines and media guides from 1998, 1999 or so and find it. Sure it's in there.

Re: Proposing a Soccer Farm System

kkfla737 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:40:59 -0000

Great discussion. Problem is this has been tried and failed. USL broke off the agreement. If you go back and look at the early MLS media guides they'll tell you exactly who was affiliated with whom and outline the whole pyramid. The deal was broken off early this decade and the personalities involved probably prevent it from ever happening again. It's possible USL will be under new leadership soon, but that leadership is not interested in working with MLS in any way per my source.

Re: USA-Mexico: English SAP Available on Telemundo Broadcast

kkfla737 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:34:31 -0000

Mun2 is in as many homes as FSC, or almost as many. Telemundo is in more homes than Telefutura, so in reality this qualifer has as much exposure as the Gold Cup. Is that acceptable? No, not really but everyone seems to be able to see the Gold Cup matches so, I think the core football audience will find this game without a problem.

Re: No ESPN For USA-Mexico

kkfla737 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:09:19 -0000

The problem is unlike Telefutura/Univision that has well prepared commentators and knoweldgeable football producers, Telemundo is simply a pro Mexican rag. Andreas Cantor during the Honduras-Mexico game in March did not even know all the Honduran players and in their petulant whining about a call that went against Mexico they missed a Honduran goal.

Their is also the classic screaming of PENAL PENAL by Cantor anytime a Mexican player dives in the box but the dismisive NO FALTA! when a Honduran or Salvadoran player is taken down in the box.

Telemundo's coverage of anything involving Mexico is biased and NBC Universal should be ashamed. But we're stuck with them as we were in 2001 for the qualifier down there. Let's make the most of it.