FanNation

While I understand that MLS is inferior in talent to the other major leagues of the world, can that be the only reason why people seem to ignore the only US based league?

It's not the only reason. It is coupled by a general lack of advertising for the league. I know the league can't afford it right now, but it would help in the future. I live for the MLS season. I love the overseas game, but since I was about 9, I dreamed of playing in the MLS and being a part of the development of the league.

Yeah, and the fact we go out and buy old guys to try to raise the level of play and our talent always heads across the pond, which is needed for the good of the national team

You gotta realize that these teams in Europe have been playing since the 1880's. The MLS has only been in existance for a decade. Its going to take time for the league to get better.

I think everyone assumed that the talent level was going to rival Europes. Nope. And guys will still be heading to Europe because European leagues have more prestige, better pay and a better following.

Give it time. The MLS will get better.

why is it a strike against the mls to buy old guys? name recognition is a tool every league uses. beckham put mls on the map last year.

Its not really a strike but obviosuly younger, big names would be better than older ones whos careers are dwindling. Both are beneficial, defidently.

Once again its too early for the MLS to start getting attention from younger players with potential, who all want to play in prominant European leagues, but signing older players is defidently a boost, both in the level of play and the revenue.

Obviously the hope of MLS has to be that bringing older, well-known players will bring the crowds and, in turn, money. Money means younger players in the future.

Increasing fan interest is a good plan, provided that it's sustainable... I wasn't old enough to go to games when the NASL was around, but that's an example of the strategy run amok.

For now, the "designated player" rule seems to be a workable middle way of sorts, to allow some international veterans to provide the star power, while allowing younger players to develop, and get interest from Europe... and let's face it, the European leagues are sucking up talent from all over the world at the moment! In the meantime, the soccer-specific stadiums are a wise move.

First off, MLS is not the only North American based league; the USL is entering its 22nd year. With that being said, the MLS is working to develop an England-like system but yet they are only looking to expantion as the only option to increase the league's size. I would like to see a relogation policy where MLS and the USL work together to form the best competition. Not only that, but the USL is in the US, Canada, and the Carribean, so this wide variety of audience could only benefit CONCACAF league competitions which could lead to better exposure and better players.

I would love to see the MLS and USL link up to form a two-tiered league... my only worry is spreading what little resources and revenue they have too thin. If MLS continues to grow and the USL keeps going as well, I could see this happening several years down the road.

I don't see the two joining for several more years either, but I don't like how MLS is putting teams in cities that already have USL teams. MLS is set to put teams in Portland and Seattle next year and looking at Montreal for 2010. All 3 cities already had a team in one of the USL divisions. When MLS started I thought that a relogation system was going to start within the first 5 years. I do like the US Open Cup that pits great competition between MLS, USL-1, USL-2, and USL-PDL teams and I believe that is what brings fans of the USL (like me, GO THUNDER!) to embrace the MLS.

The danger for MLS is over-expansion. As I've noted previously, the infrastructure for a major US soccer league is developing at an incredibly rapid rate. In fact, it's developing far faster than European infrastructure ever did. This bodes well for US soccer. The current danger, though, is over-expansion and dilution of the product on the field. The increased number of foreign players allowed (it's now 8) helps and, in fact, is a good thing.

The best thing for MLS and USL is develop a tiered system. Perhaps promotion/relegation are out of the question (Americans don't like being relegated, esp. when they paid $30 million for the team, hehe) but some form of (1) revenue sharing; (2) combined TV exposure through the US Open Cup (which is a brilliant idea and should be the subject of more coverage); (3) USL participation in the CONCACAF Champ's League (or whatever it's called); and (4) loans, academies, etc. to make the players and the teams better.

With all that said, the USSF (and the CSA for that matter) needs to increase grassroots, youth participation so that there is a steady stream of good players for the foreseeable future.

Toronto FC's 3 game winning streak is on the line tonight they are one of the biggest suprises of the MLS season so far