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Yohan
12-01-2014, 10:46 AM
Stuff that don't really fit any other thread

DM Marco Donadel, 31, signs for Montreal. Montreal is pulling a TFC and blown up its roster. They will be adding a lot of intriguing players to make CCL run. Expect lot more ex Serie A guys

Yohan
12-01-2014, 11:06 AM
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/12/01/thierry-henry-announces-he-will-not-return-new-york-red-bulls-2015

Thierry Henry not return to NYRB. Play one more year? Kinda seems not necessary at this point in his career. Retirement and go into coaching is more likely. if he can teach what he knows to next generation of strikers...

NYRB also looks to retool. Don't expect Tim Cahill to play for NYRB next season

ensco
12-02-2014, 06:48 AM
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/12/01/thierry-henry-announces-he-will-not-return-new-york-red-bulls-2015

Thierry Henry not return to NYRB. Play one more year? Kinda seems not necessary at this point in his career. Retirement and go into coaching is more likely. if he can teach what he knows to next generation of strikers...

NYRB also looks to retool. Don't expect Tim Cahill to play for NYRB next season

Wouldn't surprise me to see Henry sign with a big club (Arsenal, or someone like Juve) for rest of season as a depth winger/MF.

Fort York Redcoat
12-02-2014, 10:06 AM
Wouldn't surprise me to see Henry sign with a big club (Arsenal, or someone like Juve) for rest of season as a depth winger/MF.

I think it more likely to see him retire ala Beckham in PSG. Even Monaco.

TOBOR !
12-02-2014, 11:37 AM
Mods - please merge : http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?34890-Miscellaneous-MLS-News-thread

Yohan
12-02-2014, 02:07 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fPq2KfzhaQ#t=317

Garber state of league stream now

Detroit_TFC
12-05-2014, 02:24 PM
Sigi Schmid signed a multiyear contract extension with SSFC.

Yohan
12-11-2014, 12:45 PM
sounds like DC finally is getting their stadium approved by the city. final vote 16 Dec

Detroit_TFC
12-11-2014, 01:23 PM
From the Interesting But Not Sure It Means Anything newsline - Ronaldo (yes, the famous one from Brazil) has joined the ownership group of NASL Ft Lauderdale Strikers.

Could perk up interest in that market for sure. The new Brazilian owners are overhauling the club.

CommradePolski
12-31-2014, 12:20 PM
Montreal look to be signing Gilardino within the next few days.

brad
12-31-2014, 07:44 PM
Man City flip the bird to NYCFC supporters and keep Lampard until the end of the EPL season. They claim they own his contract which raises an interesting question if true - is Lampard on loan to the MLS?

Also answeres the question once and for all exactly how much NYCFC mean to their ownership. Squat. Playing the first 3 months without their marquee player - whom they sold 11k seasons on the back of. Makes our owners seem decent...

Yohan
12-31-2014, 08:00 PM
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/12/31/frank-lampard-man-city-nycfc-extension-fan-reaction

real shitstorm brewing in NY

Richard
12-31-2014, 08:53 PM
MLS head office knows everything, its going to be interesting in how they spin this if they lied about the free transfer, and if Man City actually owns the contract.

I cant believe either MLS or NYFC management group would be that incompetent to leave in an extension loan clause, that's mindboggling considering how we know EPL stars really do end up missing England once they are gone(Just look at Defoe).

It could also be as simple as Sheikh Mansour or his cronies stepping in to alter Lampards loan deal to Man City.

I just hope going forward MLS doesn't bend over like what they are letting that ownership group do right now.

Yohan
12-31-2014, 09:22 PM
MLS head office knows everything, its going to be interesting in how they spin this if they lied about the free transfer, and if Man City actually owns the contract.

I cant believe either MLS or NYFC management group would be that incompetent to leave in an extension loan clause, that's mindboggling considering how we know EPL stars really do end up missing England once they are gone(Just look at Defoe).

It could also be as simple as Sheikh Mansour or his cronies stepping in to alter Lampards loan deal to Man City.

I just hope going forward MLS doesn't bend over like what they are letting that ownership group do right now.
we really shouldn't be surprised, considering how terribly ManCity treated Melbourne Heart supporters with Villa shenanigans.

OgtheDim
01-01-2015, 01:07 PM
I look at NYC Farm Club and wonder if the title of most inept front office is their real goal for 2014.




They take the best young coach in the league, and then tell him he has to learn the Man City way, which kinda changes depending upon the coach City happens to have that season.
They get two DP's who's pedigree marketing wise is wonderful but who are both on the wrong side of 32.
One of those DP's, the really older one, is useful with the team they really care about, as a sub, so they use up all his energy and a lot of goodwill hoping to win the bigger prize.
In a league still largely driven by gate revenue and supporter culture, they manage to tick off their biggest supporter's group before their pre season starts.
They tick off every other team in the league by taking away one of the bigger marketing options for ticket sales for the first 40% of the season.
They tick off Garber by having to get him to defend a contract move that looks shady while at the same time trying to save face. (note how its the Assistant Commissioner responding so far)
They don't land a stadium deal within the city, so must go back to the drawing board and spend MANY MANY years politicking to get a SSS somewhere.
They connect their team with one of the most divisive teams in New York City sports, including playing their home games in a stadium which no Met fan will ever feel comfortable entering.
Those home games will have most supporters as far away as the 200 level in the SkyDome & a covered pitching mound 10 feet away from the touchline, thus recreating that great feeling people have of watching a Winter Classic hockey game without a telephoto lens (and who knows how the camera angles will be) with the added thrill of a potential ankle break from some poor dude running off the side of the pitch.
Fitting those home games in around Yankee games delays the announcement of the MLS season.


Not the best of starts.

Richard
01-01-2015, 04:17 PM
^^^ Just to further your point OG

http://s13.postimg.org/jrwhqie4n/Capture.jpg

Yohan
01-01-2015, 04:25 PM
NYCFC making TFC FO looking competent.

this makes even less sense than Doneil Henry drama

brad
01-01-2015, 04:40 PM
NYCFC making TFC FO looking competent.


this makes even less sense than Doneil Henry drama

It makes perfect sense in context. They are prioritizing Man City over NYCFC. Lampard is performing at a level that few expected, and they want to keep him in Manchester as a result.

OgtheDim
01-01-2015, 04:57 PM
It makes perfect sense if you think MLS runs like the EPL.

This reminds me of Target's woes in Canada. The playbook in one country is not the same in another.

brad
01-01-2015, 05:19 PM
It makes perfect sense if you think MLS runs like the EPL.

This reminds me of Target's woes in Canada. The playbook in one country is not the same in another.

Many people (including me) have speculated/wondered how invested the owners really are to NYCFC, or if it is just a vehicle to help them skirt around the financial fair play rules. Time will tell but it's not off to a good start.

That said - there is huge money at stake with City based on their finish in the EPL and particularly how deep they go in the CL. If they think Frank is going to help there - totally understand why they would keep him in England.

OgtheDim
01-01-2015, 06:35 PM
Pellegrini is now speculating he could stay with City until 2016.

Meanwhile, their seating pricing is........interesting. http://www.nycfc.com/tickets/pricing

Supporters in the second deck? High price seats behind one goal? Pretty cheap some of those seats.

TFC07
01-01-2015, 08:08 PM
Pellegrini is now speculating he could stay with City until 2016.

Meanwhile, their seating pricing is........interesting. http://www.nycfc.com/tickets/pricing

Supporters in the second deck? High price seats behind one goal? Pretty cheap some of those seats.

Unbelievable! If this was a Canadian team, then MLS wouldn't allow them to play until they fix their stadium issues.

ag futbol
01-04-2015, 07:21 PM
Wow, they've really ruffled some feathers with their fake lampard signing here.

But it just goes back to MLS needing to be more transparent and IMO the league being short sighted chasing expansion dollars. If they keep this up NASL isn't going to be as dead as they hope it will be.

BuSaPuNk
01-04-2015, 07:45 PM
Pellegrini is now speculating he could stay with City until 2016.

Meanwhile, their seating pricing is........interesting. http://www.nycfc.com/tickets/pricing

Supporters in the second deck? High price seats behind one goal? Pretty cheap some of those seats.

Away supporters stuck way up top in a corner eh? Hopefully that price chart doesn't apply for the away tickets. That's a huge price for an away game. Look forward to the schedule coming out. Really interested in doing a big trip to NY. Hopefully they can work it as an away weekend. NYCFC on a thursday and NYRB on the Sunday would be a good trip to bring numbers too.

OgtheDim
01-04-2015, 09:10 PM
Steven Goff ‏@SoccerInsider (https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider) 5m5 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/551921677672931330) Downton Abbey starting now on PBS. Unless, of course, MLS allowed it to stay in England for another 6 months.

OgtheDim
01-05-2015, 09:15 PM
Philly unveils its home schedule a little too early. (Taken down soon after)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6nlQz9IMAA-WtE.jpg:large

Of note:


We play them at their place once and early, so far. Week before our first home tame. Might be a game near the end of the season though.
They play their two home matches with NYCFC BEFORE Lampard shows up. If I'm the Union owner, I'm a bit ticked.

ensco
01-06-2015, 07:50 AM
I think Orlando just signed Shaquille O'Neal pretending to be a Brazilian soccer player.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/05/freeze-tag-orlando-city-sc-sign-brazilian-defender-nicknamed-refrigerator

Check out the video. I have never seen an elite player who looked/played like this in my life.

OfficeGuy
01-06-2015, 12:29 PM
I think Orlando just signed Shaquille O'Neal pretending to be a Brazilian soccer player.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/05/freeze-tag-orlando-city-sc-sign-brazilian-defender-nicknamed-refrigerator

Check out the video. I have never seen an elite player who looked/played like this in my life.

Pepe on roids ....

jazzy
01-06-2015, 05:58 PM
Philly unveils its home schedule a little too early. (Taken down soon after)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6nlQz9IMAA-WtE.jpg:large

Of note:


We play them at their place once and early, so far. Week before our first home tame. Might be a game near the end of the season though.
They play their two home matches with NYCFC BEFORE Lampard shows up. If I'm the Union owner, I'm a bit ticked.


pretty sure lampard doesn't show up all year and perhaps never.........surprised no-one is talking about this classless kick in the face to ny

arsenal
01-06-2015, 06:46 PM
I think Orlando just signed Shaquille O'Neal pretending to be a Brazilian soccer player.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/05/freeze-tag-orlando-city-sc-sign-brazilian-defender-nicknamed-refrigerator

Check out the video. I have never seen an elite player who looked/played like this in my life.

This guy and Collin together ....... the Orlando coach might as well make playing 10v11 a regular part of practice.

Ageroo
01-07-2015, 11:20 AM
Well Gerrard official now...

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/07/la-galaxy-sign-liverpool-legend-steven-gerrard-designated-player

And on another note.....looks like the red bulls are imploding....first we get their assitant now they fire Petke.......something is up there and not good.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/07/new-york-red-bulls-part-ways-head-coach-mike-petke

Ageroo
01-07-2015, 11:23 AM
and in other news...looks like rumour is that Jesse Marsch is to be his replacement....this makes no sense...Petke had them going good.....going to be interesting to hear what the hell went down.

Yohan
01-07-2015, 01:38 PM
and in other news...looks like rumour is that Jesse Marsch is to be his replacement....this makes no sense...Petke had them going good.....going to be interesting to hear what the hell went down.
well, it's a shitstorm. NYRB just managed to alienate about 90% of Red Bulls supporters. lots of rumours about Red Bulls cheapening out their NY operation, and maybe even MLS stepping in to take over NYRB

PopePouri
01-07-2015, 01:51 PM
If someone bought them and rebranded as the New Jersey Metrostars, it would be a smart move for everyone.

Oldtimer
01-07-2015, 02:05 PM
well, it's a shitstorm. NYRB just managed to alienate about 90% of Red Bulls supporters. lots of rumours about Red Bulls cheapening out their NY operation, and maybe even MLS stepping in to take over NYRB

No kidding. Here's a sample comment from MetroFanatic:


In this franchise's history, there have been some idiotic moves. Alright, "some" is not a strong enough word. There have been MANY idiotic moves. This one might top them all. Per Kristian Dyer in Metro, Mike Petke has been fired. We'll let that sink in.
On paper, this might not rival Alexi Lalas firing Bob Bradley in 2005, or Marc de Grandpre firing Bruce Arena in 2007. But once you think about it, this move might be the most idiotic of them all.
No, Petke was not perfect. He was still learning on the job. That being said, he won the club's first piece of significant hardware -- EVER(!) -- as a rookie head coach. He presided over the best two back-to-back seasons in team history. He successfully managed tough personalities like Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill. He beat DC in the playoffs.
And he bled the colors. Be they red and black, or red and whatever taurine-infested junk that Red Bull is. He loves this club. He wanted to be here. This was his dream job. A job he doesn't have anymore.
And the timing... Oh, the timing! The draft is a week away, players report soon after. As recent as last year, Red Bull has been preaching patience and continuity. What patience is there when you fire the most successful coach in team history in the preseason? What continuity is there when you lose your best player, your best defender, and your entire coaching staff?
This is pure taurine idiocy.



http://www.metrofanatic.com/story.jsp?ID=6558

Redcoe15
01-07-2015, 04:27 PM
Between both the Red Bulls Is Shite and NYCAAAFC, not a good time to be an MLS fan in the New York Tri-State area. Don Garber must be pleased with what's going on in his backyard. :rolleyes:

Yohan
01-07-2015, 06:40 PM
http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/columns/lewis.php?article_id=39806

NYRB up for sale?

Oldtimer
01-08-2015, 08:28 AM
http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/columns/lewis.php?article_id=39806

NYRB up for sale?

Speculation is that the Cosmos may buy them. That would be an interesting rebrand.

Initial B
01-08-2015, 10:40 AM
Speculation is that the Cosmos may buy them. That would be an interesting rebrand.
I don't think Garber would let them. Too much ego and differing philosophies at stake. That said, he might allow it if it added a nail to NASL's coffin.

Detroit_TFC
01-13-2015, 04:24 PM
Not official but blogger reports that NYCFC is picking up Wilmington Hammerheads as their USL Pro affiliate.

http://nycfcwatch.sportsblog.com/posts/1599740/nycfc_to_partner_with_wilmington_hammerheads_fc.ht ml

BuSaPuNk
01-13-2015, 06:14 PM
Not official but blogger reports that NYCFC is picking up Wilmington Hammerheads as their USL Pro affiliate.

http://nycfcwatch.sportsblog.com/posts/1599740/nycfc_to_partner_with_wilmington_hammerheads_fc.ht ml

Pretty good deal for Wilmington glad to see them cut another deal, they seemed to really help in pushing some of our youth to the next level i.e. Hamilton.

Hope NYCFC falls flat on there face but any kind of building of teams and development in the triangle of football in North America is good for everyone.

C.Ronaldo
01-14-2015, 10:18 AM
I don't think Garber would let them. Too much ego and differing philosophies at stake. That said, he might allow it if it added a nail to NASL's coffin.

rumour that cosmos are trying to get Eto

C.Ronaldo
01-19-2015, 01:35 PM
sometimes I need a kick in the pants as to why I live in Canada.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/19/reports-montreal-impact-close-signing-belgian-defender-laurent-ciman

"This next step in Ciman’s career looks to be rooted in a family matter: Ciman wants optimal care for his first-born daughter, who is autistic, and Canada is considered a first-rate option."

#ProudToBeCanadian

Cashcleaner
01-19-2015, 05:18 PM
^ Can't remember the name, but there's a hospital in Montreal that specializes in neurological disorders and disabilities like Autism. I think it might be a part of McGill's medical school. Very high accolades for the research and practical work they do. Also, there would little by way of a language barrier as Ciman speaks French fluently. Looks like it would be a good fit for him and his family.

Abou Sky
01-19-2015, 07:55 PM
As the parent of a child on the spectrum, this makes me feel pretty amazing.

I guess that they are now saying that 30 years ago it was about 1 in 1000 children were diagnosed as autistic, now it is about one in 65

Of course, I am sure that there is misdiagnosis on both sides of that, but it is a really odd phenomenon and nobody has a solid answer as to why numbers are increasing at such a high rate.

OgtheDim
01-24-2015, 05:13 PM
Saw this on Larson's feed and was shocked.

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 54m54 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/559097456596881409) “@bedirthan (https://twitter.com/bedirthan): Lagerwey was very excited to find out that Seattle has scouts. It's an asset he didn't have at RSL.” No scouts? That's alarming




Matt Montgomery ‏@TheCrossbarRSL (https://twitter.com/TheCrossbarRSL) 53m53 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/TheCrossbarRSL/status/559097658661670912)
@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) @bedirthan (https://twitter.com/bedirthan) Coaches do the scouting — it’s a shared responsibility on the staff.
Dave Clark ‏@bedirthan (https://twitter.com/bedirthan) 50m50 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/bedirthan/status/559098230664097792)
@TheCrossbarRSL (https://twitter.com/TheCrossbarRSL) @KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) Seattle has single full time scout, with one primary scout who also coaches & another scout who manages database


Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 49m49 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/559098664673873920)
@bedirthan (https://twitter.com/bedirthan) @TheCrossbarRSL (https://twitter.com/TheCrossbarRSL) TFC's far more extensive than that.


Jeremiah Oshan ‏@JeremiahOshan (https://twitter.com/JeremiahOshan) 41m41 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/JeremiahOshan/status/559100511811821570)
@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) @bedirthan (https://twitter.com/bedirthan) @TheCrossbarRSL (https://twitter.com/TheCrossbarRSL) it shows

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 39m39 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/559101137815891968)
“@JeremiahOshan (https://twitter.com/JeremiahOshan): @KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) @bedirthan (https://twitter.com/bedirthan) @TheCrossbarRSL (https://twitter.com/TheCrossbarRSL) it shows” Too early to tell. Most of it built post-Mariner/Nelsen

OgtheDim
01-24-2015, 08:14 PM
And in other news

Raf Noboa y Rivera ‏@noboa (https://twitter.com/noboa) 22m22 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/noboa/status/559150917568958464) Hearing that Qatar Sports Investments are seriously kicking the tires on the Red Bulls. #RBNY (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RBNY?src=hash).



NY Saint Germain Farm Club ?

Initial B
01-24-2015, 08:34 PM
What shocked you, Og? Was it that RSL had no scouts, that TFC has scouts, or that it was mostly built by Vanney and/or Bez?

jabbronies
01-25-2015, 02:36 PM
We'll see how great these scouts that were put in place post Mariner/Winter are with the Clément Simonin draft pick. He was picked because of pre combine scouting. No other team had hi on their radar.

flamehawk
01-25-2015, 02:55 PM
We'll see how great these scouts that were put in place post Mariner/Winter are with the Clément Simonin draft pick. He was picked because of pre combine scouting. No other team had hi on their radar.

Though now there are rumors that Simonin has ties with Giovinco's management company, and that this pick was more of a sweetheart deal. I hope that is not true.

OgtheDim
01-25-2015, 09:12 PM
What shocked you, Og? Was it that RSL had no scouts, that TFC has scouts, or that it was mostly built by Vanney and/or Bez?

All of it

a) RSL had no scouts

b) Seattle had one scout

c) Lagerway was impressed with 1 scout

d) After Dolan left with the Payne fiasco, I thought Nelsen said he was replacing him and adding scouts.

OgtheDim
01-30-2015, 11:59 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/528584945724182528/6JzoCyPC_normal.jpeg Total MLS @TotalMLS (https://twitter.com/TotalMLS) · 9m 9 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/TotalMLS/status/561203561254502401)

And NYCFC SGs will be a bit limited as well (via @BrownBagSC (https://twitter.com/BrownBagSC))
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8mtAIlCQAEit12.jpg:large (https://twitter.com/BrownBagSC/status/561169848697647104/photo/1)

Detroit_TFC
01-30-2015, 02:07 PM
It was a gag from some prankster/dickhead in LA. Not from NYCFC.

Maxi Rodriguez ‏@FutbolIntellect (https://twitter.com/FutbolIntellect) 13m13 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/FutbolIntellect/status/561232178575470592)
@JeffreyCarlisle (https://twitter.com/JeffreyCarlisle) Apologies. Didn't quite expect it to get out of hand that quickly, if I'm being honest.

Maxi Rodriguez @FutbolIntellect (https://twitter.com/FutbolIntellect) · 60m60 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/FutbolIntellect/status/561224051729780736)

I hadn't realized how quickly people accept a 'screenshot' or notepad entry as validated statements. Guys. Get your shit together.

Mr. Bigby
02-02-2015, 12:31 PM
So it looks to be official; Tim Cahill and the Red Bulls have parted ways. http://www.sbisoccer.com/2015/02/bulls-with-cahill.html

Initial B
02-02-2015, 01:44 PM
So are all the New York teams bent on imploding their fanbases? I thought Garber wanted soccer to be popular there.

Gazza_55
02-02-2015, 01:53 PM
So are all the New York teams bent on imploding their fanbases? I thought Garber wanted soccer to be popular there.

NYCFC are almost at 13k STH. Sold over 2,000 since they announced Lampard wasn't coming until July. Hardly a fanbase imploding

ensco
02-02-2015, 01:56 PM
Cahill is the poster boy for a sure thing DP not working out. I would have bet boatloads that he would be hugely successful there.

Red CB Toronto
02-02-2015, 02:17 PM
Cahill is the poster boy for a sure thing DP not working out. I would have bet boatloads that he would be hugely successful there.

What a goal that was he had for Australia in the World Cup last summer, one for the ages. Would have been nice for the league if he had found that touch for the Red Bulls.

Smokecell
02-02-2015, 04:21 PM
Eric Avila's move to mexico apparently didn't pan out and is heading to Orlando via allocation. Good to see him back in the league

Defoe
02-03-2015, 02:09 PM
The Colorado Rapids appear to be close to adding a second Designated Player, with the Denver Post reporting early on Tuesday morning that the club has signed 21-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder Juan Ramirez from Buenos Aires club Argentinos Juniors (http://blogs.denverpost.com/rapids/2015/02/03/colorado-rapids-sign-juan-ramirez-second-designated-player-according-report/26703/).


I absolutely love these type of deals for the league. South America is the way to go!! Not saying every player will be Valeri but he looks great

Defoe
02-05-2015, 09:24 AM
Some really great notes taken down re Montreal on my other forum. Thought I would pass along


Joey Saputo, President and Owner


On Bologna and the relationship with IMFC:


Goal is to bring it to Serie A and they're in a good position. As for the relationship, he sees an opportunity for development, training, information sharing and possible loans to bring players to IMFC. Says scouting network is now much bigger with Bologna in the ranks. Meanwhile, BFC needs help marketing wise, ticketing wise. Saputo says they're way behind North American standards.



On the off-season:

Says he's confortable with the group of players. He likes that the technical staff has brought players to fill holes and needs.
Goal is to make the playoffs and win the Canadian Championship (Is there even one this year?).
Says team last year lacked some leadership and bite.
Satisfied with Braz until now. Jordan leaving wasn't his decision, obviously. Despite the season Klopas had last year, he wanted some stability and continuity in the sporting project. Says the Concina acquisition as an assistant (instead of Kounenakis) will help the team and Klopas get better results.
The team will train in Mexico in altitude and play exhibition games vs Mexican teams. Will not participate in the Disney tournament.



On the new teams and high spending:

"I have to say that, obvious, when teams spend a lot of money on big players, MLS likes that. Sadly, the team that spent the most are our biggest rivals but still…. Honestly, I have to say that I hope that all the moves that were done will help bring this league to another level. Obviously, and I saw it last year, we have to be careful with our finances and spending and we need to continue building a team without spending the money we don't have".
"Toronto signing Giovinco puts a bit of pressure on us. We have a plan and we need to continue following it. That said, if we planned to bring a player from Italy, it changes a bit because he will think there's gold in the streets here and they will ask ridiculous sums. But indeed, we had a plan with certain players but we have to change. Not because we don't want to but because we can't spend that money".
"Listen, I already gave my opinion to Don Garber about the spending that was done. Maybe it's good for the league now but long term, it's gonna hurt it. Only a couple of teams will be able to spend a lot of money, Toronto, LA, NY. I'm scared it could hurt the league. We don't necessarily share the same opinion. He wants MLS to be the league of choice for players around the world and of course, with sums of money spent like that, it's gonna be a league of choice but I don't think it's the way to do it. He wants to bring some notoriety to the league and yes, right now it's working but long term, I'm not sure."



On the Champions League game, ticket selling and season tickets:

He says there's no more buzz for the Impact in Montreal. Saputo said that, sadly, their buzzword for the CCL game is #Marquonslhistoire (Let's make history) and that with the sales right now (about 15 000 tickets for a game at the Olympic Stadium), they will make history in a negative way because there won't be a lot of people at the stadium if the trend continues.
Says he's worried because of the overall trend. In 2012, they were 3rd in ticket sales. Last year, they were 11th and this year, it looks like they're gonna be 13th. Mentions that, a part from the language and weather, empty seats are also a reason not to play in Montreal.
Objective is to reach 30 000 but says they're gonna be lucky to reach it. Wanted to make it hard for Pachuca to play in Montreal because it's going to be hard in Mexico but if the trend continues, it's not going to happen. They're not hoping to reach the 55 000 people they had in 2009 vs Santos Laguna.
Says the team made his part changing most of the roster and now they need fans to do their part.
Says MLS as a whole missed their ticket sales goal by 3M$ and 2M$ of those were IMFC.
About MLS teams not putting their best players on the field, he says you need to take context in consideration. In any case, they care about the Canadian Championship and the CCL and he says it's what fans say they want vs meaningless games vs European sides. He says as a businessman, he's giving the fans what they want but sadly, with how the sales are going, he'd be making more money not caring about the CCL and organizing games vs European teams.
Says renewal % is at 60% while the goal is 80%. In the league, they're 11th or 12th in Season tickets. They're around 5000.



On marketing:

Says maybe there's not enough marketing in the city. That said, they're not spending less money than they used to on marketing. Maybe there's a need to spend more to get the buzz back.
Marketing last year was based on players because, following a poll, a lot of people knew the team but didn't know who the coach was or who the players were.
Bringing players that speak French is a plus when they evaluate a player, obviously, because it helps their adaptation and connecting with the fans.



On a possible sale:

Not happening, despite the weak financial state and weak tickets sales. He's not thinking about it but he's not liking the trend. He's disappointed. Hopes it's going to change.



On the CBA and a lockout:

Can't comment on the details of it.
Says it shouldn't affect the CCL quarterfinals. After that, he doesn't know.



On the single-entity structure:

If it bothers the sporting development, he says it doesn't because of the academy system. Says these players are "owned" by the team. Also says, if a deal needs to be done, it's not gonna be stopped by the structure. Refers to the Giovinco deal.



On Gilardino, Di Natale and possible DPs:

Gilardino: An offer was made and accepted by Gilardino. Was much less than what was offered by TFC last year. But IMFC couldn't reach an agreement with Guangzhou Evergrande. Says at the last minute, Fiorentina swooped in, made an offer to Gilardino and Guangzhou.
Di Natale: Says nobody is interested in Di Natale and nobody made an offer. Says he's using MLS to improve his contract with Udinese. Says that's it's a problem because these type of players know there's a lot money here so they have to be careful.
"For the right player, for the right price and if he has the correct attitude and comes here for the right reasons, we will take a look at it. We won't go after players just for the sake of going after players just because other teams do. It's gotta make sense. It's hard to replace Di Vaio, not only for what he did on the field but also off the field, the attitude, the way he came to Montreal and what he gave to the organization. And it's difficult. We thought Gilardino was right. I spoke to him […] it was perfect."



On the importance to have a big name:

Says it's important and it's one of the reasons they wanted Gilardino. That said, he says it's important to stick to his principles: the player needs to come here for the right reasons.
Doesn't like that fans are on a "Wait and see" mode because Di Vaio wasn't replaced. Says he can't spend 8M$ when he will get maybe 2M$ of extra ticket sales.



On the training facility (La Caserne):

Investment on the training center is evaluated to 10-11M$. Says it helps to attract players and helps the development of players already here, both pros and young players. The two grass fields are ready and will be ready to go at the start of the summer. Works are underway and will be usable starting April. Some more work will done during the summer and will be done around September. As for the two artificial fields, they will start to work on it during Spring.



On the academy:

Says the U18 and U16 teams are doing well.
About selling homegrown talent on the long term to help finances, it never entered the equation. Says he develops talent for the team and the national teams.



On the merchandising:

Last year was the lowest point. 2012 was great, 2013 was lower, 2014 was the lowest. Says they're looking at new ways and new retailers.



On the Canadian Dollar getting weaker:

Says it doesn't affect the team much salary-wise because of the dividends MLS gives to the teams. It affects them because of travel and if they want to get a high profile DP.




Adam Braz, Technical Director


Objective is to make the playoffs and when in, anything can happen.
Happy with the roster moves and says they filled their needs systematically. Says they're happy with the depth and the competitive environment it created. Still, that's on paper and it's up to the players to show they made a good job.

Defoe
02-05-2015, 09:25 AM
Continued


Richard Legendre, Executive VP, Soccer Operations


On the lack of buzz question:

Says they want to explain but change the reality. Says the CL game is the biggest international sporting event in Montreal for the next 6 months. Says he's going to do everything he can to change that. Says the roster change should've brought some hype but it doesn't seem to work.
Says the next 27 days before the CCL game are really important. Says the new website (www.marquonslhistoire.com (http://www.marquonslhistoire.com/) , really great if you haven't visited) is one step to reach the goal.



On the City of Montreal and the return of the Expos question:

Says they need the help of the city.
Says it's a bit weird to see the mayor push for people to be in the stands when the Jays will come play here in preseason but there's not push to help a team that actually exists here in Montreal.



On the ticket sales:

The 2014 season hurt. Average went down by 3000. But thinks it should be able to make up for it and work on individual tickets.
About extending the roof and about the loss of money because of weather, he says it would cost a lot to extend the roof and the return on investment is not worth it at this point.



Hugues Leger, Chief Marketing Officer


New campaign will focus on the 18-24 segment. Said marketing campaigns for past years were maybe a bit too general and now they're going to focus on some particular markets. He says it's an untapped market and they want to bring them slowly and fidelize them.
He's not building his marketing plan on eurosnobs. Thinks they're looking from far and that they will come if the product, atmosphere and soccer culture improves.

Detroit_TFC
02-05-2015, 10:17 AM
holy moley, what a shitshow.

OgtheDim
02-05-2015, 01:37 PM
He pretty much just waved goodbye to MLS.

Initial B
02-05-2015, 05:21 PM
He pretty much just waved goodbye to MLS.
How so? He just stated their issues, that's all I got from it. He mentioned that he didn't agree with how Garber was marketing MLS, but I don't think that's enough to get Montreal turfed from MLS.

ensco
02-05-2015, 08:42 PM
Need to get some of the guys from the Leafs thread over here. We have endless discussions about Montreal as a sports market over there.

Bottom line: none of the Montrealers will be surprised by any of this.

TFC07
02-05-2015, 09:00 PM
If rumours are true about Canadian NASL league forming with support of CFL owners, then I wouldn't be surprise if Saputo sold Impact (to American who most likely relocate Impact in the states) and get in with Canadian league.

CretanBull
02-05-2015, 09:35 PM
Need to get some of the guys from the Leafs thread over here. We have endless discussions about Montreal as a sports market over there.

Bottom line: none of the Montrealers will be surprised by any of this.


Yup!

Strikers
02-06-2015, 04:41 PM
The Impact have waived Karl Oumette another Canadian joining Unattched FC

http://www.impactmontreal.com/en/news/2015/02/impact-waives-defender-karl-w-ouimette

TOBOR !
02-06-2015, 04:47 PM
say it with me, folks : 'Adam Braz - Technical Director'.

JuliquE
02-06-2015, 09:19 PM
The Impact have waived Karl Oumette another Canadian joining Unattched FC

http://www.impactmontreal.com/en/news/2015/02/impact-waives-defender-karl-w-ouimette
Seemed to show well enough for Canada, in the limited time I've seen him.

Shame.

Defoe
02-09-2015, 10:54 PM
Seemed to show well enough for Canada, in the limited time I've seen him.

Shame.

Toronto born Steven Vitoria to Philly on loan from Benfica. He had 11 goals as a defender. He played for Portugal I wonder if he is eligible to play for Canada in the future. Last appearance I see is 2012... would be a nice add for Gold Cup.


Without being capped by Portugal as of 2012, Vitória was considering playing for Canada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_national_football_team).[27] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Vit%C3%B3ria#cite_note-27)

Hieberrr
02-09-2015, 11:37 PM
If rumours are true about Canadian NASL league forming with support of CFL owners, then I wouldn't be surprise if Saputo sold Impact (to American who most likely relocate Impact in the states) and get in with Canadian league.
That seems like a really shortsighted move.

Juventino
03-10-2015, 07:05 PM
I don't know if it's the right place to ask this.
I've read that MLS will expend to 24 teams by 2020 and maybe 28 teams by 2022. Doesn't will be too many teams ? How it's going to work ? I assume that each team isn't going to play against all the teams... It would be too many games.

I know that for example it's already the case in NFL. But I would like to know your opinion about that. Don't you think that it's unfair if each team doesn't play the same games in regular season ? :noidea:

flatpicker
03-10-2015, 08:44 PM
I don't know if it's the right place to ask this.
I've read that MLS will expend to 24 teams by 2020 and maybe 28 teams by 2022. Doesn't will be too many teams ? How it's going to work ? I assume that each team isn't going to play against all the teams... It would be too many games.

I know that for example it's already the case in NFL. But I would like to know your opinion about that. Don't you think that it's unfair if each team doesn't play the same games in regular season ? :noidea:

We already don't have a balanced schedule. The league is split into 2 conferences (East and West) because of geography (North America is pretty damn big). So teams actually play more games during the season against teams in their own conference. Strange, I know. But that's the nature of sports in this part of the world. Many of us would love to see a balanced schedule in MLS, but it might just be a dream. Is it fair? If playoffs didn't exist, then no, it wouldn't make sense. But the regular season is basically 34 games that determine which 12 teams deserve to go to a knockout stage of the MLS Cup.

Kaz
03-10-2015, 09:45 PM
I don't know if it's the right place to ask this.
I've read that MLS will expend to 24 teams by 2020 and maybe 28 teams by 2022. Doesn't will be too many teams ? How it's going to work ? I assume that each team isn't going to play against all the teams... It would be too many games.

I know that for example it's already the case in NFL. But I would like to know your opinion about that. Don't you think that it's unfair if each team doesn't play the same games in regular season ? :noidea:

This is a major reason we have play offs in North America.

Because the country is so big and Leagues are big, not every team plays each other equally (west doesn't play east as often as they play west) So the Top teams from each play each other.

Montreal is just sad, I mean 3 years... and they wasted that time. I can't believe it... what did they think TFC and Vancouver did well so they would without having to spend money on advertising?

I realize the stadium isn't downtown and would be like TFC having the Stadium being built in Bloor West Village or the Foodland terminal area. Still They needed to develop a real plan, and it doesn't look like they did.

ManUtd4ever
03-10-2015, 10:06 PM
The formula for a successful franchise in Montreal is straight forward. Give the fans a winning team, and they will be among the best supporters in the league. Give them a losing team, and they will disappear in droves. Montreal has the most fickle fans in professional sports, so consistency will be key for the Impact moving forward.

Juventino
03-11-2015, 06:30 AM
We already don't have a balanced schedule. The league is split into 2 conferences (East and West) because of geography (North America is pretty damn big). So teams actually play more games during the season against teams in their own conference. Strange, I know. But that's the nature of sports in this part of the world. Many of us would love to see a balanced schedule in MLS, but it might just be a dream. Is it fair? If playoffs didn't exist, then no, it wouldn't make sense. But the regular season is basically 34 games that determine which 12 teams deserve to go to a knockout stage of the MLS Cup.


This is a major reason we have play offs in North America.

Because the country is so big and Leagues are big, not every team plays each other equally (west doesn't play east as often as they play west) So the Top teams from each play each other.

Oh my god i really thought that there were 38 games in regular season. :o My bad. Thanks for your answers guys.

I really don't know what to think about this. It's exciting because it's exotic. In the other hand I know that's not the better way for MLS to become important in other parts of the world, people will think that's unfair because maybe a team that deserved to be in the play-offs will not be in it because of an harder calendar in regular season.

But that's ok, I assume that's the better way to rule the league, this is not easy to deal with this huge area.

flatpicker
03-11-2015, 07:27 AM
But that's ok, I assume that's the better way to rule the league, this is not easy to deal with this huge area.

It's not easy, but it's not impossible. It would just take more thought and consideration when constructing the league schedule in order to limit travel issues in a balanced single table format. But geography isn't the only reason MLS uses a conference format. The league believes it can attract more American fans if the they structure themselves like other sports leagues over here. They worry that the idea of a single table format is too foreign and would put off some people that are used to the way things have been done in leagues like MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, etc.

Initial B
03-11-2015, 08:04 AM
Oh my god i really thought that there were 38 games in regular season. :o My bad. Thanks for your answers guys.

I really don't know what to think about this. It's exciting because it's exotic. In the other hand I know that's not the better way for MLS to become important in other parts of the world, people will think that's unfair because maybe a team that deserved to be in the play-offs will not be in it because of an harder calendar in regular season.
Welcome to the world of North American Sports. :)
This is an argument that many fans in the other NA major leagues have time and time again (NBA fans especially), but they live with it. That's why all the NA leagues have conferences and divisions and play for the big prize at the end of playoffs. Largely the best teams make it to the playoffs (regardless of harder schedules) and though the top seeded teams win more often than not, it's not surprising to find a lower-seeded team winning it all (ie LA Kings of the NHL).

OgtheDim
03-11-2015, 07:44 PM
You think we got stadium issues, you should see what NYCFC is dealing with.

http://tinyurl.com/pgnaaq8

OgtheDim
03-20-2015, 10:06 PM
Something well worth reading

http://reprints.longform.org/howler-miami-marcelo-claure


Insight into


Why the Miami thing just isn't working (the 3 people involved are just not all that smart when it comes to this sort of stuff)
What SKC ownership thinks of the players (they would have gone for replacements - that's going to go down well in the locker room)

Gazza_55
03-23-2015, 12:03 AM
Something well worth reading

http://reprints.longform.org/howler-miami-marcelo-claure


Insight into


Why the Miami thing just isn't working (the 3 people involved are just not all that smart when it comes to this sort of stuff)
What SKC ownership thinks of the players (they would have gone for replacements - that's going to go down well in the locker room)



If the quotes from the SKC owners are true. The article is written by the son of a NASL owner.

Gazza_55
03-23-2015, 12:10 AM
It's not easy, but it's not impossible. It would just take more thought and consideration when constructing the league schedule in order to limit travel issues in a balanced single table format. But geography isn't the only reason MLS uses a conference format. The league believes it can attract more American fans if the they structure themselves like other sports leagues over here. They worry that the idea of a single table format is too foreign and would put off some people that are used to the way things have been done in leagues like MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, etc.

It is impossible. Very soon MLS will have 28 teams then maybe 30. You can't have a 54 game season (Plus Cup Competitions). That has very little to do with travel. There are simply just enough dates.

barticusz
03-23-2015, 05:12 PM
So some more Montreal Impact news.. via twitter so take it for what it's worth.

https://twitter.com/_marcuzzi/status/580042665758203905

It states that Piatti wants out of Montreal. :/ He had left to go back to Argentina for personal reasons and missed this past weekend's game.. This does not look good for them moving forward in the CCL or in MLS. As much as I want TFC to be better than them, I want soccer to succeed in Canada more.

OgtheDim
03-24-2015, 12:51 PM
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article16177331.html


Sooooo.....Miami team, but shared with Miami Football, which is going to make for mud bowls (if anybody ever saw the Old Orange bowl, the grass got turned to shreds through use by both the Dolphins and U of Miami). And this is subject to internal Miami politics while the major backer is not as involved as he used to be.

C.Ronaldo
03-24-2015, 02:09 PM
So some more Montreal Impact news.. via twitter so take it for what it's worth.

https://twitter.com/_marcuzzi/status/580042665758203905

It states that Piatti wants out of Montreal. :/ He had left to go back to Argentina for personal reasons and missed this past weekend's game.. This does not look good for them moving forward in the CCL or in MLS. As much as I want TFC to be better than them, I want soccer to succeed in Canada more.

its bad for MLS when players like that jsut pick up and leave.

does this happen as much in other sports?

Initial B
03-24-2015, 09:34 PM
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article16177331.html


Sooooo.....Miami team, but shared with Miami Football, which is going to make for mud bowls (if anybody ever saw the Old Orange bowl, the grass got turned to shreds through use by both the Dolphins and U of Miami). And this is subject to internal Miami politics while the major backer is not as involved as he used to be.
I can already see that the team is going to fail. The team will make a go of it for a few years before Beckham sells it to another owner or back to MLS at a profit, then the stadium goes back to university football. It looks like the Howler article was fairly accurate in gauging the lay of the land.

ensco
03-28-2015, 06:42 PM
Freddy Adu signs for team number 11

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3016098/Freddy-Adu-signs-Finnish-KuPS-11th-club-sinking-career.html

JayMolly
03-29-2015, 08:41 AM
You think we got stadium issues, you should see what NYCFC is dealing with.

http://tinyurl.com/pgnaaq8

Enjoyed the article.
As said in the past, it is not only in Canada eh?

jabbronies
03-29-2015, 10:27 PM
Freddy Adu signs for team number 11

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3016098/Freddy-Adu-signs-Finnish-KuPS-11th-club-sinking-career.html


Someone needs to tell him (or his agents) that he's an MLS player - not an international one.
Seems pretty clear to me.

kodiakTFC
03-30-2015, 02:07 AM
Someone needs to tell him (or his agents) that he's an MLS player - not an international one.
Seems pretty clear to me.

I think more so along the lines of NASL now. No one in MLS wants him.

OgtheDim
05-18-2015, 08:11 AM
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/05/17/lafc-reveal-renderings-new-soccer-specfic-stadium-los-angeles

LAG are doomed.

Detroit_TFC
05-18-2015, 08:19 AM
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/05/17/lafc-reveal-renderings-new-soccer-specfic-stadium-los-angeles

LAG are doomed.

Gotta think on location alone this will pull some people. AEG will have to at least consider some major upgrades to StubHub, IMO I felt it was kinda light on amenities when I was there a few years ago.

CBTFC
05-19-2015, 02:13 PM
Rapids sign Kevin Doyle as a DP.

Just looking at his wikipedia page, it says he's scored 32 goals since 2009. Don't think those numbers deserve DP money but who knows, maybe he'll..tear this league apart ;)

OgtheDim
05-20-2015, 01:26 PM
And NASL just moved into Miami.

http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/05/20/nasl-miami-expansion-team-paolo-maldini-ricardo-silva

Initial B
05-20-2015, 01:30 PM
Yeah, I noted that in the CS forum. I really don't know what Peterson is thinking. I don't see that franchise lasting more than 5 years. How about those canadian teams we've been hearing about. Or are we waiting until after the WWC to announce them in order to build upon its momentum?

Voodooman
06-03-2015, 10:58 AM
Apparently Pirlo and NYCFC could be a reality??

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/06/03/transfer-watch-italian-legend-andrea-pirlo-reportedly-accepts-offer-nycfc

Stress
06-03-2015, 11:11 AM
Villa, Lampard and Pirlo? Really aiming for short term success with those players. Given NYC's current hole and the fact it will take time for Lampard and Pirlo to adjust, it looks like they are all in for next year or bust.

Ultra & Proud
06-03-2015, 02:55 PM
Apparently Pirlo and NYCFC could be a reality??

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/06/03/transfer-watch-italian-legend-andrea-pirlo-reportedly-accepts-offer-nycfc
I hope so. I'd like to see him play in person.

Detroit_TFC
06-03-2015, 09:10 PM
I'm a bit skeptical about the Pirlo rumor, but if it's true, that's going to be a commercial bonanza for NYCFC.

OgtheDim
07-17-2015, 10:55 AM
Anybody interested in the Pirlo signing and the reasoning behind DP's should read this article by probably the best economic mind covering the business of the game:

http://americansoccernow.com/articles/andrea-pirlo-signing-is-a-shrewd-deal-for-nycfc

BritSOL
07-17-2015, 01:28 PM
Beckham and Miami get a stadium deal.

http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/2526514/david-beckhams-mls-ownership-group-deal-to-build-stadium

Fort York Redcoat
07-18-2015, 09:40 AM
Couldn't find the MLS games thread so I'll put it here

That Cali-Classico was hilarious last night.

I'd like to congratulate ex TFC's Amarikwa on getting the goal that caused the officials to get involved in the game. If not for the weak penalty called for a challenge on Gerrard LA would not have got back into the game so easily.

Congrats MLS, you made your new golden boy a hero of the game on his debut.

His last goal was absolutely worthy. Too bad San Jose knew their chances by then.

OgtheDim
07-20-2015, 06:36 PM
Looks like its between Chicago and the Impact to pick up Drogba as a rent a old dude. Either way we would get to watch him chunter around BMO.

Richard
07-20-2015, 06:43 PM
My bet is on Montreal as its the perfect situation for him. Drogba with a bit of service is still a pretty good striker though, going to be interesting when TFC face him.

OgtheDim
07-21-2015, 11:45 AM
Chicago has the discovery rights and are still royally ticked at having an agreement with Jermaine Jones only for Kraft to come in at the end and play the "Well, you know Don" card. Don't think Joey Saputo has the same pull at MLS to do that.

Drogba goes to Chicago, if anywhere.

Richard
07-21-2015, 11:50 AM
Well Drogba could easily just say no and go off to some other league too, I don't know if Don would like that considering the year MLS has been having with all the high profile signings.

I also don't understand the discovery rights rule, how is that even an issue with a player like Drogba?

TOBOR !
07-21-2015, 12:04 PM
Next it'll be Balotelli and Anelka.

Be careful, Don. This is where it gets tricky.

Eleven
07-21-2015, 01:21 PM
Looks like Seattle Sounders lose another regular contributor with Marco Pappa's arrest for DUI. How many more games before they get their Dream Duo back?

AlanO
07-26-2015, 08:23 AM
Frank Lampard out of the all star game + another NYCFC match due to injury.

Any bookies giving odds on Lampard never playing a minute in MLS?

bigredone
07-26-2015, 01:50 PM
The intro to the NYCFC and OCSC game was incredible. The services recognition and electric anthem were very enjoyable.

OgtheDim
07-29-2015, 11:10 AM
Thia article about Gerrard (http://www.espnfc.com/club/la-galaxy/187/blog/post/2533763/steven-gerrard-final-act-with-la-galaxy) in LA is worth reading.

Detroit_TFC
08-07-2015, 01:50 PM
Colorado Rapids pick up ex-Orlando bad boy Sean St Ledger. Over/under on how long that lasts?

Detroit_TFC
08-13-2015, 10:49 AM
FC Dallas FO just crapped hard all over their supporters. Executive summary: huge increase in the list price of supporters section tickets, eliminated loyalty pricing (ie, what MLSE will be doing next season) and now charging for parking in main supporters tailgating lot.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/3gs8xh/fc_dallas_how_to_not_grow_your_supporters/

Detroit_TFC
08-20-2015, 12:26 PM
Chicago Fire organization living up to it's moniker by being a raging tire fire. If some deep pocketed dude dropped a NASL team on the north side of Chicago it would surpass CF in attendance within a season, a lot of supporters are fed up.

OgtheDim
09-12-2015, 11:46 AM
Saputo getting sued over Bologna (http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/09/11/cheese-magnate-chewed-up-bologna-soccer-club-deal.htm)

Auzzy
09-12-2015, 04:21 PM
FC Dallas FO just crapped hard all over their supporters. Executive summary: huge increase in the list price of supporters section tickets, eliminated loyalty pricing (ie, what MLSE will be doing next season) and now charging for parking in main supporters tailgating lot.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/3gs8xh/fc_dallas_how_to_not_grow_your_supporters/

I just saw this post now. Just wondering, how do you know that MLSE will be eliminating loyalty pricing next season? Does that mean year-one pricing (plus some reasonable increase) will be gone, and all season ticket holders will be charged the same? Looking how little tickets are worth now (almost impossible to resell most of the time), and how many seats are available for most games, I can't see this working out too well, despite making the playoffs or whatever. Unless they pick some price between the old & the new prices. (I just checked the new season ticket holder prices, they're nuts.)

Detroit_TFC
09-12-2015, 08:24 PM
I just saw this post now. Just wondering, how do you know that MLSE will be eliminating loyalty pricing next season? Does that mean year-one pricing (plus some reasonable increase) will be gone, and all season ticket holders will be charged the same? Looking how little tickets are worth now (almost impossible to resell most of the time), and how many seats are available for most games, I can't see this working out too well, despite making the playoffs or whatever. Unless they pick some price between the old & the new prices. (I just checked the new season ticket holder prices, they're nuts.)

I vaguely remember some statements that the 2007 pricing was not going to be continued, but you raise a good point, there might be some incremental increase, not a snap back to current pricing. It would be a big jump.

Detroit_TFC
09-13-2015, 07:32 PM
Former Chicago Fire player Hunter Jumper is discussing his experience at Fire on Twitter (@JumpaHoo). Carpetbombing the organization. Never see a player go at it like that.

Initial B
09-14-2015, 06:51 AM
^ Wow, that sounds like TFC 4 years ago...

QBall
10-07-2015, 10:33 AM
What eager beavers Orlando have become. First the rumor they're going after Ronaldo and now this.\

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/05/report-orlando-city-make-contact-zlatan-ibrahimovic-ahead-potential-summer-2016-move

A club familiar with star power might soon be bringing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his legend to MLS.
According to a report from Tutto Mercato Web (http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/europa/esclusiva-tmw-psg-ibra-a-fine-anno-sara-addio-c-e-l-orlando-city-la-situazione-737067), Orlando City have set their sights on Ibrahimovic and are hoping to sign him next summer. The Lions have already established contact regarding a possible move, per the report.
Ibrahimovic, 34, is currently on the books at Paris Saint-Germain, but the talented and at times outlandishly outspoken Swedish forward has said on multiple occasions that he would like to play in MLS. In June, he admitted to finding America interesting (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2014/06/10/zlatan-ibrahimovic-eyeing-mls-psg-star-tells-sports-illustrated-i-find-america-very). A month later, Ibrahimovic said he would like to play in the US (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/07/24/paris-saint-germain-star-zlatan-ibrahimovic-reiterates-interest-mls-i-would-play-us).
Orlando City have not shown a lack of ambition during this, their inaugural season in MLS. Not only did they sign Brazilian superstar Kaká (http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/kaka) before the campaign began, but have been in talks with other big-name players like Mexican international Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and crafty Brazilian winger Robinho.

C.Ronaldo
10-07-2015, 11:08 AM
Zlatan will come and Zlatan will be a monster.

Zlatan will be a marketing machine!

does that stupid discovery claim still exist, lol discovered Zlatan

Ultra & Proud
10-29-2015, 04:35 PM
Capello to NYCFC?

:confused:

QBall
11-03-2015, 06:44 AM
Capello to NYCFC?

:confused:

Apparently. Kind of bizarre an expansion franchise would sack the coaching staff after the first season, but whatever.

New York City FC sack Jason Kreis opening the door for Fabio Capello to take over MLS team
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/major-league-soccer/11971348/New-York-City-FC-sack-Jason-Kreis-opening-the-door-for-Fabio-Capello-to-take-over-MLS-team.html

Chevy
11-03-2015, 08:09 AM
If Zlatan comes to MLS, I think he will be suspended for more games than he plays.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/10/zlatan-ibrahimovic-four-match-ban-tv-rant-referee-psg

QBall
11-03-2015, 09:41 AM
If Zlatan comes to MLS, I think he will be suspended for more games than he plays.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/10/zlatan-ibrahimovic-four-match-ban-tv-rant-referee-psg

Wait until he gets a load of MLS referees. He'll have a stroke within a month of his first game.

OfficeGuy
11-03-2015, 09:49 AM
I'd like to see Zlatan play alongside Jermaine Jones with New England...and Geiger refereeing the match in a friendly vs Panama

gdg_9
11-30-2015, 01:33 PM
Roy Miller & Dane Richards options declined by NYRB.

http://www.empireofsoccer.com/miller-richards-return-42810/

Don't see either as a potential fit with TFC tho.
(No spot for Miller - already deep at LB with Morrow & Morgan... Richards not good enough for MLS).

Redcoe15
12-03-2015, 08:00 PM
I want Portland to win Sunday, for two reasons:

1) I like Portland and their supporters far, far more than the douchebags at Seattle and Vancouver.

2) I despise the Columbus Pisstains and their illiterate, inbred fans.

NO...FUCKIN'...PITY!!!

Initial B
12-04-2015, 04:53 PM
I think Beckham may have finally found a home.

http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/2739661/david-beckham-says-new-miami-site-secured-for-mls-stadium

OgtheDim
12-05-2015, 04:42 PM
Once again the goalkeeper provides some good analysis, this time on how MLS is doing on TV.

https://twitter.com/thegoalkeeper/status/673237745389674496

Richard
12-20-2015, 02:38 PM
Its hilarious how Montreal denied all reports of Drogba leaving only for Gus Hiddink come out to say they want him. Bahaha.

Oldtimer
12-22-2015, 09:15 PM
Omar Gonzalez sold. http://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2015/12/22/la-galaxy-transfer-defender-omar-gonzalez-cf-pachuca?autoplay=true

TFC07
12-23-2015, 08:07 PM
Its hilarious how Montreal denied all reports of Drogba leaving only for Gus Hiddink come out to say they want him. Bahaha.

It looks like Impact are finally admitting that Drogba is pretty much leaving based on their twitter account.

Shakes McQueen
12-23-2015, 10:44 PM
It looks like Impact are finally admitting that Drogba is pretty much leaving based on their twitter account.

I'm sure they enjoyed themselves when we had our Defoe drama last year, so I can't say I'm not enjoying this in turn.

notthesun
12-24-2015, 12:15 PM
https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/680070574794649600

2nd key loss for the Galaxy in as many days. They have a little rebuilding to do.

OgtheDim
12-24-2015, 01:08 PM
Rumour is LAG are going to get Ashley Cole.

Their supporters are ticked.

TFC07
12-24-2015, 02:43 PM
Rumour is LAG are going to get Ashley Cole.

Their supporters are ticked.

LAG sure love to spend big on English players. lol

notthesun
12-28-2015, 09:38 PM
Drogba's gone.

https://twitter.com/PFrioletRDS/status/681649327463350272

https://twitter.com/PFrioletRDS/status/681655694383300608

English: "I'm told it's almost guaranteed that Drogba will not play for the Impact in 2016. IMFC looking for a new striker. Chelsea sees Drogba as their manager 2 years from now, during which time he will be getting his coaching licenses."

On one hand, dick move from Drobga. On the other hand, a harsh reminder of why you don't sign a 37 year old to be the main guy on your team.

OgtheDim
12-28-2015, 10:12 PM
They are going to be under a lot of pressure to hire a big name DP striker.

OgtheDim
12-29-2015, 09:59 PM
https://twitter.com/CascadiaGuy/status/681905462548262912

OgtheDim
01-05-2016, 07:48 PM
Apparently the Union used to have a troglodyte for a manager a few years ago


https://twitter.com/thegoalkeeper/status/684530919605186562

Richard
01-05-2016, 10:25 PM
Apparently the Union used to have a troglodyte for a manager a few years ago


https://twitter.com/thegoalkeeper/status/684530919605186562


Some of the stuff that guy did was mind boggling, like hazing young players, what the fuck.

Also good grief with the piecemeal twitters posting, just post the full PDF instead of a hundred individual pictures

notthesun
01-06-2016, 02:39 PM
L'Équipe is reporting Drogba has retired and will join the Chelsea coaching staff. (http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Didier-drogba-arrete-sa-carriere/621982)

And San Jose has signed Simon Dawkins as a DP. (http://www.sjearthquakes.com/post/2016/01/06/earthquakes-sign-jamaican-international-midfielder-simon-dawkins-designated-player) Same Simon Dawkins that was with SJ on loan from Spurs in 2012 and 2013. SJ will need to move or buy down one of their DPs with TAM as they now have 4 (Wondolowski, Emeghara, Perez Garcia & now Dawkins).

Initial B
01-06-2016, 04:07 PM
L'Équipe is reporting Drogba has retired and will join the Chelsea coaching staff. (http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Didier-drogba-arrete-sa-carriere/621982)
I feel a great disturbance in the force, as if the voices of thousands of Impact supporters cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.

OgtheDim
01-07-2016, 12:46 PM
Looks like LAFC are going to play in Black and Gold.

zamperina
01-07-2016, 02:10 PM
https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/LAFC_reveal.jpeg?null

molenshtain
01-07-2016, 04:24 PM
The list of partial owners on that franchise just keep getting better and better. Just found out Will ferrell has a nice little stake in them.

notthesun
01-15-2016, 03:07 PM
RSL have agreed a one year loan plus option to buy deal for Yura Movsisyan. Big move for RSL to bring him back, if he can stay healthy. 11 appearances for Spartak last year and 16 the year before. Only 28 years old though.

OgtheDim
01-16-2016, 02:36 PM
Reports are Ashley Cole to LAG for less then DP money - Roma eating some of his salary. Announced by Tuesday.

molenshtain
01-18-2016, 02:33 AM
are we assuming that LA's moves this off-season are in effort to let Arena retire on a high at the end of the season? he's in his mid-sixties and he's been coaching for essentially 40 years at this point. You gotta wonder if he's aiming to go out with a bang a la ferguson with RVP.

ensco
01-19-2016, 07:57 AM
are we assuming that LA's moves this off-season are in effort to let Arena retire on a high at the end of the season? he's in his mid-sixties and he's been coaching for essentially 40 years at this point. You gotta wonder if he's aiming to go out with a bang a la ferguson with RVP.

It's not all vets. They made a very interesting younger signing, one that didn't get much press, but it is the kind of thing that makes you jealous.

http://www.lagconfidential.com/2016/1/14/10771496/la-galaxy-sign-forward-emmanuel-boateng

David_Oliveira
01-19-2016, 02:29 PM
The Chicago Fire Signed a Portuguese CB Joao Meira:
http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/detalhe/joao-meira-assina-pelo-chicago-fire.html
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/01/19/report-chicago-fire-sign-portuguese-center-back-joao-meira

bimmer
01-19-2016, 06:49 PM
Revs have signed a DP. Wonder who it is?

https://twitter.com/RevsPrez/status/689539980054568960?s=09

molenshtain
01-20-2016, 12:54 AM
It's not all vets. They made a very interesting younger signing, one that didn't get much press, but it is the kind of thing that makes you jealous.

http://www.lagconfidential.com/2016/1/14/10771496/la-galaxy-sign-forward-emmanuel-boateng

I saw that. He's very good on football Manager.

Yeah I don't think he's doing the roster construction to the same extent, but I still think the scenario might play out the same way. Only with the Galaxy chugging on a little better due to the fact they have 2 DP spots open at the end of the season and a ton of cap space.

molenshtain
01-20-2016, 12:55 AM
Revs have signed a DP. Wonder who it is?

https://twitter.com/RevsPrez/status/689539980054568960?s=09

Reddit is throwing out Tiote and Honda. It's possibly the 'pre' could mean they have to wait until 2017.

ensco
01-20-2016, 09:21 AM
Honda in NE makes zero marketing sense. He has to go to the west coast.

btw he is spending time in LA this week

http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/japan-ac-milan-midfielder-keisuke-honda-united-states-plans-feature-011816

notthesun
01-20-2016, 01:02 PM
Whitecaps make Christian Bolaños official. (http://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2016/01/20/whitecaps-fc-acquire-bolanos)

Good player. Gives the Caps yet another option on the wing.

C.Ronaldo
01-21-2016, 09:52 AM
Looks like the impact and Ciman came to terms.

Im happy that the impact taking care of his familie's needs. We all know its the only reason he came to the MLS

notthesun
01-21-2016, 12:05 PM
Bill Hamid out 4-6 months after knee surgery. Huge blow for D.C.

I've been thinking D.C. was due for a rough year, but with Hamid out I think they might actually be pretty bad. Every transfer window the league gets more talented and D.C. just does not have much talent... I don't think a team full of decent players is enough anymore. Their back line is ok but they're going to lose Kitchen in the middle, and after Espindola they're relying on a 33 year old Chris Rolfe and 34 year old Alvaro Saborio (Saborio in particular seems to be declining rapidly) to score goals. They faded hard at the tail end of last year and I don't see it getting any better for them.

[NBF]
01-21-2016, 12:33 PM
Christian Bolanos, is a good pick up for the Whitecaps. Almost like they know what they're doing over there.

OgtheDim
01-21-2016, 03:10 PM
Seattle seems to have invented young forwards today.

molenshtain
01-21-2016, 06:45 PM
Jordan Morris signing reinforces Seattle Sounders aspirations to be "one of the greatest clubs in the world"Per MLS website.







Fuck off.

ensco
01-21-2016, 11:15 PM
Jordan Morris signing reinforces Seattle Sounders aspirations to be "one of the greatest clubs in the world"


This is as amateurish as anything on the MLS website in a long time.

This is a homegrown Seattle player, a nice NCAA player, whose Dad is the Sounder's team doctor, that supposedly had some sort of last second dalliance with Werder Bremen.

Whoop dee doo.

The Galaxy signing of the 21 year old Ghanaian from the Swedish league is a much bigger deal.

Redcoe15
01-21-2016, 11:46 PM
Think Portland winning the MLS Cup messed up Seattle's psyche a bit?

burlington Red
01-23-2016, 12:45 AM
most have probably seen it, but if not, Gerrard talks MLS a few mins into his convo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGoeddYpXWs

OgtheDim
01-26-2016, 11:13 PM
https://twitter.com/TaylorTwellman/status/692197660007231489

Miazga gone - bit of a hole for NYRB.

notthesun
01-26-2016, 11:24 PM
That's a blow for them. Thought he was going to play one more season in MLS.

So their CB depth currently looks like Perrinelle coming off a knee injury, Karl Ouimette, and Ronald Zubar (of (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_cQek63LbY&t=0m35s)"shorts around his ankles" fame) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_cQek63LbY&t=0m35s).

Kicking the season off against them suddenly looking a bit more favorable...

C.Ronaldo
01-27-2016, 09:37 AM
most have probably seen it, but if not, Gerrard talks MLS a few mins into his convo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGoeddYpXWs

plastic pitches!

SuperTCP
01-27-2016, 02:08 PM
BREAKING: The #LAGalaxy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAGalaxy?src=hash) have signed English defender Ashley Cole http://laglxy.com/1lSmW2R (https://t.co/OKKe2ObYvp)

We should do a Beach Tifo.

Ajax TFC
01-27-2016, 06:03 PM
BREAKING: The #LAGalaxy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAGalaxy?src=hash) have signed English defender Ashley Cole http://laglxy.com/1lSmW2R (https://t.co/OKKe2ObYvp)

We should do a Beach Tifo.
They also signed Jelle Van Damme, and they're still trying to sign Nigel de Jong. I guess the salary cap doesn't apply.

molenshtain
01-27-2016, 07:31 PM
They also signed Jelle Van Damme, and they're still trying to sign Nigel de Jong. I guess the salary cap doesn't apply.


Cole is on 350k, and they're playing with at least 2 million in TAM + GAM+ cap space.

Ajax TFC
01-27-2016, 08:07 PM
Cole is on 350k, and they're playing with at least 2 million in TAM + GAM+ cap space.

How did they manage to get that much allocation? They burned all their TAM plus some last season to bring Oman Gonzalez' 1.2m under the max so they could bring in GdS

molenshtain
01-27-2016, 08:18 PM
How did they manage to get that much allocation? They burned all their TAM plus some last season to bring Oman Gonzalez' 1.2m under the max so they could bring in GdS

They used the 500k that was allowed over five season, not the 1.6 million allocated at the end of the year IIRC. Then they got money off the Juninho transfer, the open cap space from getting rid of Juninho + Gonzalez, it's a lot of available space. you have to remember that after their starting 11 it's essentially a roster of youth players on very small contracts. They're very top heavy in terms of salary structure atm.

burlington Red
01-28-2016, 08:10 AM
LA reportedly linked now with Nigel De Jong

MartinUtd
01-29-2016, 09:56 AM
Nemanja Vidic announced his retirement, I heard Chicago was after him. As great as he was, he's practically crippled now so I'm glad he's not doing the retirement league thing (unless LA signed him, then I'd be all for it).

OgtheDim
01-29-2016, 12:30 PM
VCWC get Frasier Aird for a season.

notthesun
01-29-2016, 07:51 PM
http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/01/29/sporting-kc-agrees-transfer-krisztian-nemeth-al-gharafa-sc

Nemeth sold and heading to... Qatar.

I don't really get this one.

OgtheDim
01-29-2016, 08:03 PM
SKC need to get a lot of Allocation to pay off the increased wages on their various used to be low rent players.

They are having trouble keeping up with the other teams in the west. I suspect SKC will be one of the bottom feeders in the league this season.

Detroit_TFC
02-01-2016, 09:24 AM
Krisztian Nemeth sounding off on his Facebook about his transfer, giving SKC both barrels. Seems like things went badly wrong at the end.

https://m.facebook.com/KrisztianNemethOfficial/posts/872918199483373

Initial B
02-01-2016, 12:19 PM
I wouldn't say he unloaded on SKC. It just seems that SKC are under a lot more financial constraints than I thought. That, or the club FO is really cheap. Apparently he would have stayed at 1/3 of the salary he's playing for with his new club, but SKC still didn't want to keep him on. I have a bad feeling that SKC is going to be a bottom-feeder this year. :(

notthesun
02-01-2016, 02:20 PM
http://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2016/02/01/colorado-rapids-acquire-attacker-shk-lzen-gashi-designated-player

Well, well, well. It's been a miserable offseason for the Rapids, but colour me impressed here. 27 years old and coming off 2 straight Golden Boot-winning seasons in the Swiss league. 22 goals in 31 appearances last year, and 2 in 5 so far this year. I wonder what the transfer fee was.

ag futbol
02-01-2016, 07:08 PM
Not sure how I missed it but holly crap LAG made a lot of signings this off season.

notthesun
02-01-2016, 07:52 PM
Not sure how I missed it but holly crap LAG made a lot of signings this off season.

A lot of old guys too. Part of me wants to be the guy that predicted the Galaxy would miss the playoffs before the season began, but then I'd be betting against Bruce, and I'm not sure I'm willing to do that just yet.

Detroit_TFC
02-01-2016, 07:57 PM
Vermes' rebuttal to Nemeth's statement is that he believes it was more from the agent than the player, no indications of complaints. Vermes also said that all terms were agreed upon except for the money.

Take your pick I guess.

ensco
02-01-2016, 08:40 PM
There is no point paying a Hungarian DP money, and not much point doing it for a Swiss Albanian player either (I bet it turns out the Grasshoppers' guy is making not much more than base DP salary, eg 500-600K).

I hope Nemeth tears it up on the big stage in June.

Hungary don't really have a striker, he has a very good shot at starting. Hungary also got a favourable draw.

Defoe
02-01-2016, 10:18 PM
Galaxy really looking good. I like our DP'S, but I would take their overall team. More speed, versatility and depth. Very balanced team throughout.

molenshtain
02-01-2016, 11:29 PM
Galaxy really looking good. I like our DP'S, but I would take their overall team. More speed, versatility and depth. Very balanced team throughout.

They have the slowest starting 11 in the league now, by far. Even worse than it was before. It's also not a very deep team. A couple injuries at the same time will cripple them.

Our team is deeper and younger and arguably in better shape even for this season. I'd be shitting my pants thinking about the future if I was a galaxy fan. This is Arena's swan song with them and they are going to have to replace an entire roster/coaching staff over the next two seasons while trying to continue along the development of their youngsters. If this doesn't pay off then they've mortgaged their future for nothing.

ensco
02-02-2016, 07:22 AM
^Nobody has depth in this league.

I wouldn't get too carried away with our youth vs the Galaxy. Ours isn't that great. They have a bunch of highly touted homegrowns (that could be hype, I don't know, but they definitely should have a serious opportunity there, given that market) plus Zardes. They made maybe the best young signing of the offseason, Boateng.

Re their team speed, that could be an issue. They sure got exposed late in the year by faster teams.

The Galaxy can afford roster turnover because of the sheer number of internationals that will take less than they would elsewhere, to go there.

C.Ronaldo
02-02-2016, 10:45 AM
Freddy Montero is off to china.

Wow, china is throwing out some big money, MLS is going to have to compete for these types of players

Freddy is exactly the type of star that should have stayed in MLS

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL8N15H120

C.Ronaldo
02-02-2016, 10:57 AM
http://www.espnfc.com/story/2798774/colorado-rapids-make-shkelzen-gashi-a-designated-player

Great signing!

Yohan
02-03-2016, 03:11 PM
http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-galaxy-european-players-20160203-story.html

Arena is the best GM in MLS. period

Shway
02-03-2016, 03:19 PM
http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-galaxy-european-players-20160203-story.html

Arena is the best GM in MLS. period

I mean the championships speak for themselves........Bruce Ferguson

OgtheDim
02-05-2016, 06:43 PM
Saw this via Kurt Larson. The first guy is an interesting discussion - guy discusses what makes for an optimal MLS stadium situation. Young professionals really important. Downtown core. http://lastwordfc.podbean.com/e/last-word-sc-radio-feb-4th-2016/

gdg_9
02-08-2016, 02:52 PM
Interesting article from Armen on how LAG circumvented the Cap to create their all-star team this season.

http://www.thescore.com/news/955347


Basically, they backloaded De Jong's contract so he gets paid very little (relatively speaking) this season, but then skyrockets the following seasons, when it's assumed Gerrard will have retired, opening up a DP spot for De Jong.

Very sneaky.
Very smart.

Bobo
02-10-2016, 04:11 PM
Nocerino nearing MLS move.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/ac-milan-midfielder-nearing-mls-switch/

OgtheDim
02-12-2016, 12:34 PM
So apparantly Becks is trying to land either Abramovich or Qatar to fund the Miami project.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article59434652.html


:cuss:

OgtheDim
02-12-2016, 10:11 PM
Martins might go to China.
http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/2806020/seattle-sounders-obafemi-martins-chinese-super-league-target

OgtheDim
02-13-2016, 10:24 AM
Montreal trading for Harry Shipp. BIG offensive move to grab him, although why Chicago would give up on its future domestic star is beyond me.

Detroit_TFC
02-13-2016, 10:40 AM
Montreal trading for Harry Shipp. BIG offensive move to grab him, although why Chicago would give up on its future domestic star is beyond me.

Chicago fans not happy. They probably should give Paunovic the benefit of the doubt but there's not much in the goodwill bank there.

Detroit_TFC
02-13-2016, 12:59 PM
Here is a thoughtful counterpoint piece suggesting why the Shipp trade might not be a such a bad idea.

http://lastwordonsports.com/2016/02/13/the-case-for-trading-harry-shipp/

OgtheDim
02-13-2016, 07:38 PM
Shipp not happy, at all.

https://twitter.com/championShipp11/status/698633505090248704

The guy bleeds Fire Red and they trade him to a conference rival, the same rival which took their potential Messiah out from under them in a forced trade. They better come up with a darn good DP for the Summer.

OgtheDim
02-14-2016, 10:02 AM
Martins move to China confirmed

https://twitter.com/GalindoPW/status/698883621487304704

Wonder if we'll ever know the terms.

notthesun
02-14-2016, 01:25 PM
Curious to see what Seattle's next move is. I don't consider a strike force of Dempsey, Valdez and Morris to be that dangerous. Martins really made them tick.

I'd probably sign an attacking playmaker if I were them. They haven't really had one since Rosales, before he started slowing down due to age, and then Martins picked up most of the slack.

Initial B
02-14-2016, 08:03 PM
A lot of teams are going to be in flux at the start of the season with all these new pieces coming in. TFC could make a decent run this year.

NOt sure what to make of the Shipp trade. Anywhere but Montreal, though. :(

OgtheDim
02-14-2016, 10:14 PM
Martins was really really good at the counter attack. Seattle might be heading back to a possession game. Also, as somebody on twitter said, Martins tends to leave places after 2-3 seasons - gets bored.


The Shipp trade proves to me that the Fire will not be a threat this season as they are banking allocation for a big name signing likely to come in the summer. As for Shipp in Montreal, I don't think he will start most games - he's an attacking sub for them. He wants to be the #10 but I think he's a #10 from MLS circa 2006. I don't seem him as that consistent a passer and he's defensively weak. As we saw last season, AM's and forwards that can't help out in defence are now a liability.

Detroit_TFC
02-15-2016, 11:48 AM
Fire, Philly and maybe even DCU in rebuild mode. NER is unclear, seem to be leaning on their established line up. Orlando will be better and potentially NYCFC too. RB will be in full beast mode. Impact seems like they might be dangerous, probably depends on how much Drogba wants to play.

Gazza_55
02-15-2016, 12:29 PM
They have the slowest starting 11 in the league now, by far. Even worse than it was before. It's also not a very deep team. A couple injuries at the same time will cripple them.

Our team is deeper and younger and arguably in better shape even for this season. I'd be shitting my pants thinking about the future if I was a galaxy fan. This is Arena's swan song with them and they are going to have to replace an entire roster/coaching staff over the next two seasons while trying to continue along the development of their youngsters. If this doesn't pay off then they've mortgaged their future for nothing.

I disagree. They have a lot of depth and top end academy talent that has graduated to LAG Dos. I think they will win the CCL this year.

OgtheDim
02-17-2016, 12:12 PM
Per Sports Illustrated, Minnesotta team to start in 2017, along with having a new name. http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/02/17/mls-expansion-minnesota-united-2017-atlanta-st-louis-sacramento-miami

That would mean 2 new teams next year. Conference realignment will be interesting as Minn will have a natural rival in Chicago, rather then out West and no way they move Atlanta to the West (this isn't the NFL circa the 70's).

LAFC is due in 2018 and who knows when Miaimi will come into play.

Might see 2 extra teams added to the East next season.

Initial B
02-17-2016, 12:34 PM
^ No way. They'll balance the conferences next year and move clubs around if required, like they did with SKC and Houston last year. It will be LAFC and Minn in the west, Atlanta and Miami in the east.

Detroit_TFC
02-17-2016, 12:38 PM
MLS HQ just can't get out of its own way sometimes. Making an established team change its name to come into the league is just dumb. Yes it's a generic suffix but I don't buy the argument that more of these names create brand confusion. MLS HQ has a whole hat rack of roles it likes to play and switches from one (league office) to another (franchise grantor) unpredictably.

OgtheDim
02-25-2016, 07:08 PM
oooooooooookkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Courtesy of Steven Goff with the Washington Post (if you want DCU news, follow him on twitter)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcGVmlIWwAAhI3u.jpg

ensco
02-25-2016, 11:35 PM
oooooooooookkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Courtesy of Steven Goff with the Washington Post (if you want DCU news, follow him on twitter)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcGVmlIWwAAhI3u.jpg





Classic.

This league too often conducts itself like its fans are 7 years old.

You want some TV ratings? Start acting like you respect your customers.

SoccMan2
02-28-2016, 11:33 AM
Here is a crazy question, I'm thinking of going to NYC for the TFC NYFC game at Yankee Stadium on Sunday March 13th. , NYFC will probably be at Yankee Stadium for the next 3 or 4 years I would say until a new stadium for them is built, therefore, there could be the possibility of NYFC doing well in the near future and not only making an MLS Cup final but even hosting an MLS Cup by being the highest seeded team left. Therefore, could you imagine the MLS Cup Final being held in a Baseball Stadium that barely fits a soccer field lol, would the MLS consider not hosting the game there if this were to happen and moving it say to Red Bull arena? O would they just stick to the rules and play it at Yankee Stadium, interesting scenario if it got to that lol.

JavierMartini
03-01-2016, 05:56 AM
With the possibility of four new teams coming in. How can they manage to do expansion drafts. That scares me.

notthesun
03-03-2016, 11:25 AM
So there was a report yesterday that Drogba was going to sit out the first month of the season because 4/5 of Montreal's first games are on turf. And instead of staying with the team during that time he was going to train with Miami FC instead.

Now today there's a new report saying that the league has refused to allow Drogba to train with Miami FC. And Drogba is apparently meeting with media around noon today.

Have to wonder if the league would have just been better off letting him walk if this is how he's going to behave.

OgtheDim
03-03-2016, 12:22 PM
FWIW, Drogba is doing a live presser at the Big Owe.

And they come right out and admit that Drogba won't play on turf this season. Will miss 4 out of the first 5 games.

Sux to be them.

notthesun
03-03-2016, 01:01 PM
This is what happens when you force a player to stay that doesn't want to be there. Montreal would be better off if they had let him go and signed a new DP striker.

Detroit_TFC
03-03-2016, 03:39 PM
FWIW IMFC FO could have played this casually, just leaving DD off the squad list with a wink ("muscle tightness" or whatever) for those games. But not training on turf and wanting to just hang out in Miami and party with his buddies, that went too far.

By the way, why the fuck does the league office have a say in where a player trains? It must be insane trying to be a GM in MLS, the line between team and league is pretty vague.

OgtheDim
03-04-2016, 10:54 PM
This article by Grant Wahl explaining his MLS ambition rankings is MUST reading if you want to know who is doing what in this league behind the scenes.

http://www.si.com/article-list/mls-ambition-rankings-details/mls-ambition-rankings-atlanta-united-fc