The Footie » major league soccer

Is Beckham Still a Hope For MLS?

Jyle Dupuis — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:42:57 +0000

Jeff Baker at New University wrote an interesting article today about David Beckham and his contributions (or lack thereof) to the development of soccer in North America. It’s true that this is a tough market to crack. We seem to love technical games like football and baseball or fighting games like boxing, ultimate fighting, wrestling and hockey. If you put those two together soccer represents a game we wouldn’t enjoy. Low scoring easy to understand games with players acting like pansy’s in the field.

David Beckham

Jeff Baker argued that Beckham was acquired by the LA Galaxy as a promotional tool rather than a player. He does play, but it looks like Beckham only saves his good moves for Real Madrid or Team England. Is it because he doesn’t have a good enough team to work with? I could have argued on that, but come on it’s been long enough now Beckham needs to prove that he’s playing in the MLS. Soccer will never be what it could be if no one really tries.

So far the only contributions Beckham has given the MLS and LA Galaxy is sales of Galaxy jerseys and increased ticket prices ($400, up from $100 pre-Beckham). I think it’s time to pull the plug on Beckham and just duke it out with North American soccer. Maybe change the rules, shorten the field size, allow tackles. That sort of thing. They’ll never get to play for FIFA but who cares, it will get people watching the game.

Image: Newscom

Post from: The Footie

Toronto FC to host AC Milan

Jyle Dupuis — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:49:52 +0000

It’s a rare event to see a big soccer club like AC Milan in North American but it was confirmed today that they will be in Toronto August 7th, 2009. They will be taking on the Toronto FC, Canada’s Premiere soccer club and member of the MLS.

They will be playing at the humble BMO fields located in Toronto. A small stadium compared to the giant one’s they are used to playing at in Milan. It will definitely be a different kind of atmosphere than what AC Milan are used to.

The BMO Fields need to have a little makeover though before they agreed to play there. Most soccer clubs and players for that matter hate the new fake turf that was installed in Toronto. So they will be covering the pitch with temporary grass to appeal to AC Milan. In Toronto’s defense the turf was installed because it promised to be more durable and be the same as playing on real grass. Despite the hype, professional players still seems to prefer the real thing.

Image: Toronto FC

Post from: The Footie

Portland Timbers Added to MLS in 2012

Jyle Dupuis — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:43:51 +0000

It was announced that the Portland Timbers will be added to the Major Soccer Leagues roster for 2012. The Timbers currently play for the United Soccer League but are very excited to be joining the MLS.

These are exciting times for soccer in North America as the MLS expands to include great teams all over the United States and Canada. For Canada, Vancouver will be added in 2011 and Ottawa is still hammering out details for their 2013 addition.

The Seattle Sounders played their first MLS game against the NY Red Bulls beating them 3-0 on Thursday. Philadelphia will be added for the 2010 season.

Image: Newscom

Post from: The Footie

MLS Season Has Begun!

Jyle Dupuis — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:32:58 +0000

Soccer will officially return to North America at 6pm ET today when the Seattle Sounders kick off the New York Red Bulls on home turf.

The Quest Field in Seattle was completely sold out as fans rallied to support their new dream team. With the addition of coach Sigi Schmid and first draft pick, striker Steve Zakuani, many wonder if the team can even be beat. We’ll just have to tune in and see.

Personally I’ve got my money on the Seattle Sounders FC.

Images: MLS team logos

Post from: The Footie

Toronto FC Unveils New Jerseys

Jyle Dupuis — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:11:00 +0000

Toronto FC of the Major League Soccer (MLS) unveiled their new home and away jerseys today. Instead of their old red and white attire they will wear a newly designed orange and grey suit.

For Toronto FC being the only Canadian team in the MLS they should represent by wearing Canadian colours. I guess that would be a problem in the future if Montreal or Vancouver chose to join. Well no matter.

Let me know what you all think of the new jerseys.

Image TSN.com

Post from: The Footie

Philadelphia Stadium Now Under Construction

Jyle Dupuis — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:06:09 +0000

After years of planning with sweat and tears, Philadelphia soccer fans had much to cheer for yesterday as they watched the groundbreaking ceremony for their new state of the art stadium. The new field takes advantage of prime location near the city and near the waterfront just off the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge. The new stadium will be able to accommodate 18,500 spectators. It also will have a 11,000 square foot club, 30 suites, and a world class concert stage.

Philadelphia will be joining the MLS in 2010.

Read the complete article at MLS.com

Post from: The Footie