Major League Soccer (MLS) Thread

[Scuba Steve]

Well thats where he is training right now, and is might happen, since Klinsmann rates him highly for some reason, and might get him to replace Podolski.

[M1ZZ0U]

Originally Posted by y0daddyalex

am I the only one that wishes Donovan would stay? Plus he isn't strong enough to do well in Europe again. He may have the technical skills, but if he gets bullied around in the MLS, just imagine what happens over there

Selfishly, I'd love to see him stay (along with Adu, Altidore, Guzan, Bradley, etc). But that isn't a reality.

It's his decision and his career in the end, our opinions be damned.

I'd love to see him do well but if he falls short of any type of success this time around, personally, I'm glad to see he has the competitive hunger to try - rather than settle for winning golden boots in the MLS.

He was 19, if I recall correctly the first time around. Now, being 26, is a world of difference when it comes to maturity and how he is able to handle adversity.

If he fails: he fails.
If he's successful: fantastic.

[Scuba Steve]

I don't really think that the MLS will stop him either. Because I know they try to market him as an attraction, a reason to come out and watch the Galaxy, but does he really get that done. I think the only players who have that impact now are the couple of DP's in the league.

Other than that, I don't know if any of the Americans have that great draw.

[M1ZZ0U]

Well, I certainly hope the MLS doesn't negate the possibility of him going over (whether by over-pricing or blocking the chance altogether).

It's potentially good for; Landon, good for the MLS (money) & good for the NT to see it through. (imo)

[Scuba Steve]

Here is a pic and article about Donovan in Munich.



What's Donovan doing at Bayern?

[Scuba Steve]

Here are some picture from the Bayern website.

[Scuba Steve]

And if there is anyone out there, who has no time on their hands (like me), here are some training videos from Bayern Munich, with Donovan there (It appears to be the sames sessions from which those pictures were taken)

Bayern Training 1/2

Bayern Training 2/2

[Scuba Steve]

The more I think about it, the more I wish Donovan to Hollywood FC would happen. No other American has featured at such a big club (discounting Friedel at Liverpool, because he is a keeper). I can only think that this would do wonders for the national team, because maybe other teams would start looking over here for more talent.

The USMNT fan in me loves that prospect, but the MLS guy in me worries as well. But for me, I would love to get the USMNT to the top, and then work on building up the MLS based on that success. But that just might be me.

[M1ZZ0U]

I'm not as skeptical as most on IF he can perform this time around (in Germany/Europe). I am, however, skeptical he'll be ALLOWED to by the MLS higher-ups.

Either way, good luck to him in this 10 day span.

[Jordanjeter7P]

I was reading that Donovan scored 4 goals today in a scrimmage against the reserve team.

It ended 6-1 to Bayern

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by M1ZZ0U

I'm not as skeptical as most on IF he can perform this time around (in Germany/Europe). I am, however, skeptical he'll be ALLOWED to by the MLS higher-ups.

Either way, good luck to him in this 10 day span.

That will be the biggest hurdle in any move for Donovan.

Originally Posted by Jordanjeter7P

I was reading that Donovan scored 4 goals today in a scrimmage against the reserve team.

It ended 6-1 to Bayern

Saw the same thing. I really do think that will be his destination if allowed to move.

[Scuba Steve]

An interesting addition to the group trying to get MLS in St. Louis

Albert Pujols joining St. Louis MLS expansion group

[M1ZZ0U]

I played baseball against him in high school. Great guy & with his name power / financial backing, it can do nothing but help get St. Louis back in the discussion.

By all accounts, it's been a lack of finances rather than a lack of interest in what has slowed St. Louis from being considered a serious contender to land a club.

[dena]

"I still believe Miami is the front runner just because of the Barcelona backing but this puts St. Louis at a very close second. Isn't the Vancouver ownership deal riffled with star power to though?

Posted by: duck1318 | November 18, 2008 at 02:00 PM"


I've heard alot of rumblings about FCB and a Miami franchise also, what are your thoughts? Apparently some of the Barca brass are considering sending a star over to the Miami franchise if it falls in.

[Tio Nicci]

Originally Posted by denapro

"I still believe Miami is the front runner just because of the Barcelona backing but this puts St. Louis at a very close second. Isn't the Vancouver ownership deal riffled with star power to though?

Posted by: duck1318 | November 18, 2008 at 02:00 PM"


I've heard alot of rumblings about FCB and a Miami franchise also, what are your thoughts? Apparently some of the Barca brass are considering sending a star over to the Miami franchise if it falls in.

I would love to see Miami having a team again. I hope they name it Miami Fusion again. Or you think they'll change the name because the Franchise failed?

[idancecolored]

Originally Posted by cbrmaster3

I would love to see Miami having a team again. I hope they name it Miami Fusion again. Or you think they'll change the name because the Franchise failed?

I'd rather see Fusion name lay to rest, but on the other hand I'll gladly accept it as well if Barca even hints at the idea of branding the club FCB Miami, or Barca USA; better yet reject em! Miami had their chance.

PORTLAND!

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by idancecolored

I'd rather see Fusion name lay to rest, but on the other hand I'll gladly accept it as well if Barca even hints at the idea of branding the club FCB Miami, or Barca USA; better yet reject em! Miami had their chance.

PORTLAND!

If it was a group of Americans trying to get another team in Miami, they would not be chosen. However, I think the fact that it is Barcelona who is trying to get a team there, that immediately puts them right to the top of the list.

[Tio Nicci]

Originally Posted by hokiegooner

If it was a group of Americans trying to get another team in Miami, they would not be chosen. However, I think the fact that it is Barcelona who is trying to get a team there, that immediately puts them right to the top of the list.

I wouldn't mind seeing Barca in Miami, I think Barca will make it a sister team aswell. Similar to the Chivas USA and Chivas de Guadalajara connection. Send players who will never recieve playing time in Europe and hopefully can star a career in the MLS.

[M1ZZ0U]

I'd rather see:

*Portland: Seattle rivalry, very solid fan base to build from.
*St. Louis: Great soccer community & a fan base sure to support.
*Vancouver: proven productivity/quality both on the pitch and in the stands.
- - -
The Barca connection is all well and good but Florida isn't a great professional sports market. Look at most sports down (Marlins, Dolphins, Heat, etc) there and read quotes from ownership groups. If they're winning, you'll see some support but they are extremely fair-weather fans by nature. This could be directly attributed to the large amount of transplants from other cities that reside there, as well.

Granted there is a large Cuban market down there that could potentially support the game but the same could be said for " Chivas USA " & their Latino market and they get average to poor attendance weekly in their impressive SSS.

Other cities deserve their shot, before Miami. With or without Barca's contribution.

(additionally: Hell no should they name it Barca USA. I'm sorry but that is an idea I hope never see's the light of day)

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by M1ZZ0U

I'd rather see:

*Portland: Seattle rivalry, very solid fan base to build from.
*St. Louis: Great soccer community & a fan base sure to support.
*Vancouver: proven productivity/quality both on the pitch and in the stands.
- - -
The Barca connection is all well and good but Florida isn't a great professional sports market. Look at most sports down (Marlins, Dolphins, Heat, etc) there and read quotes from ownership groups. If they're winning, you'll see some support but they are extremely fair-weather fans by nature. This could be directly attributed to the large amount of transplants from other cities that reside there, as well.

Granted there is a large Cuban market down there that could potentially support the game but the same could be said for " Chivas USA " & their Latino market and they get average to poor attendance weekly in their impressive SSS.

Other cities deserve their shot, before Miami. With or without Barca's contribution.

(additionally: Hell no should they name it Barca USA. I'm sorry but that is an idea I hope never see's the light of day)

You could maybe make the argument, that the Chivas connection in America is actually hurting the Chivas USA team. Do America fans or Pachuca fans or fans of any other club in Mexcio avoid Chivas USA, because of that connection. I don't have the slightest idea on how to prove it, or whether it is right or not, but it would be interesting to see.

Now, the same would probably not be said of Barcelona, since they would not be rivaling any fans of other teams in close proximity. But also, Cubans are bigger fans of baseball than soccer, and no one turns out to the Marlins games.

However, I think the Barcelona consortium gets a team, no matter what site they would have chose. MLS will want the name itself, and whether undeserved or not, I think one of those slots will be for Barcelona. As for the choice of Miami, that was easy enough, considering that Miami is similar in a lot of ways to Barcelona.

[M1ZZ0U]

Originally Posted by hokiegooner

You could maybe make the argument, that the Chivas connection in America is actually hurting the Chivas USA team. Do America fans or Pachuca fans or fans of any other club in Mexcio avoid Chivas USA, because of that connection. I don't have the slightest idea on how to prove it, or whether it is right or not, but it would be interesting to see.

This is another point I was going to touch on, as well. Great input.

[WinterHammer]

Ac milan was getting really into the area of miami before i left they also have a soccer academy there

[Tio Nicci]

How about an Alaskan team? Palin FC!

just joking. On a serious note though, Portland does have great Fan base and Expanding football to the North West will be great, then you can expand to Vancouver which is just north of Seattle. I do wonder about Philadelphia and potential slot?

[WinterHammer]

Originally Posted by M1ZZ0U

I'd rather see:

*Portland: Seattle rivalry, very solid fan base to build from.
*St. Louis: Great soccer community & a fan base sure to support.
*Vancouver: proven productivity/quality both on the pitch and in the stands.
- - -
The Barca connection is all well and good but Florida isn't a great professional sports market. Look at most sports down (Marlins, Dolphins, Heat, etc) there and read quotes from ownership groups. If they're winning, you'll see some support but they are extremely fair-weather fans by nature. This could be directly attributed to the large amount of transplants from other cities that reside there, as well.

Granted there is a large Cuban market down there that could potentially support the game but the same could be said for " Chivas USA " & their Latino market and they get average to poor attendance weekly in their impressive SSS.

Other cities deserve their shot, before Miami. With or without Barca's contribution.

(additionally: Hell no should they name it Barca USA. I'm sorry but that is an idea I hope never see's the light of day)

i lived in miami and the city is full of hispanics which in their native countries soccer or how they call Futbol is the major sport so would be a great atmosphere for fans if they get a team in the mls

[y0daddyalex]

Originally Posted by cbrmaster3

How about an Alaskan team? Palin FC!

im sure it would be called the alaskan REAL patriots by them!