Alioune DVToure wrote:The MLS is coming in for some stick here but I honestly don't think it's that bad. I've been to 4 or 5 games live (Philadelphia Union) and watch it on TV a lot when I'm over in the States. The better sides (NYRB, LAG etc) would probably finish about half way up the Championship; the worst teams would be League One also-rans. Maybe it's a similar standard to the top two divisions in Scotland, if we take Celtic out of the equation.
The main problem, for me, is the gulf in quality within squads themselves. Most squads are packed with decent-if-not-great players and have one talisman (Henry, Drogba, Kaka, Villa etc). This makes them a bit disjointed. Galaxy ran the show for years when they had Beckham, Donovan and Keane and a few other decent players, but the 'star player' thing doesn't work so well when said player is surrounded by mediocrity. Some of the sides need to think more carefully about how they can fit a European star player into their settled team rather that just signing the biggest name they can and trying to build a team around them. Another problem with this is that the star players tend to be 32+ and only have a bit of time left in them anyway.
Standards are improving, though, and it's a really fun evening out. Crucially, the fans are having it. 20,000-seater modern-but-traditional (as in, footy-specific) grounds routinely sell out, so it's not like going to a lower-league game over here. The atmosphere is impressive. I think the powers have got it almost right. Widening participation will improve grassroots quality, which might enable them to attract players from Europe at the peak of their powers.
I've been to a few games on and off since 1995 and it has been getting better. The main problem (and NYCFC has been a prime example) is a complete lack of organization. The players individually are talented and very athletic. But players can't make the correct decisions on the ball or organize a defense to save their lives. Maybe it has to do with the difference in quality within squads, but I believe the problem is much more endemic (as in a continuation from the youth system, USSF training of coaches, etc...). Keep in mind the league has an interest in high scoring, exciting games to boost attendances.
In regards to fans it's getting better as well and the MLS is doing a good job to pull in all those futbol loving latinos over here. At lease in DC, they make up most of the support. DC united regularly plays friendly against Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala with ~90% of the fans in the stadium being from the 'visiting' country. Marketing to moms and dads whose kids play youth soccer will only get you so far.
Paddy V has a big job ahead of him since NYCFC's defending has been atrocious (marginally worse than everyone else).
