The newest addition to MLS (major league soccer), the Seattle Sounders FC have had a great first season. They are currently 5-4-5 on the season and are coming off a disappointing tie with D.C United.

Seattle's top players such as MF Freddy Ljungberg, FW Fredy Montero and GK Kasey Keller have done great this season. Ljungberg has two goals, Montero leads the Sounders in goals with six and Keller is the second best GK in MLS stats wise.

Tonight the Sounders FC settled in a tie with the first place D.C United, in a game in which they were up 3-1, and let United come back to tie it 3-3. But thanks to an own goal by DF Tyrone Marshall led to the tie.

Now during the game, and over the last three games I've seen some good things, and some bad things and a few things that Sounders FC manager Sigi Schmid needs to change, including himself.

Good:

Fredy Montero getting his sixth goal of the season against United. Montero, who also scored last week Vs San Jose is now tied with a bunch of players for third in the MLS golden boot standings, and for a great young player like Montero that is above good.

Attacking at will-Over the last three games the Sounders have been attacking at will, even though they lost to Chivas they still controlled the game, getting the win last week and now this week against where they should have gotten the win.

Bad:

Sigi Schmid's managing skills-Mainly against DC United. Schmid took out Fredy Montero in the 65th minute for Zakuani, which was ok, just because of his skill but Montero had a lot left and he's also better. Then he subbed Ljungberg for Stephen King in the 77th minute which really didn't make sense because he also had a lot left in the tank.

If Seattle had Montero, Ljungberg, and Zakuani (should have been subbed for Jaqua) then Seattle definitely wins the game,

Kasey Keller—He's a great GK and has been this entire season but he didnt dive to block any of the shots, even from Marshall. First goal he leaned his head, along with every single goal but the Gomez goal, only because he was so far out and he shot across.

I think Keller and the Sounders took the 3-1 lead for granted.

Now thats just for the DC game and the beginning of the season. Now I think the Sounders need to chance a few things, lineup wise. And transfer wise.

In: Zakuani (for Jaqua, who Seattle should try and trade for MF and DF help).
In: Le Toux (change to a 4-3-3, have Montero, Zakuani and Le Toux up top)

Out: Jaqua—try and trade him for DF or MF help, also with a lesser cap hit.Christian Gómez would be a good target
Out: Jarrod Smith, Peter Vagenas and Ben Dragavon. Save the cap and roster spot.

Now Sigi needs to get Nyassi some more playing time. Not as a started but as a backup. Now for seattle's new look lineup

3 (Zakuani-Montero-Le Toux)- Great speed, playmaking ability and top FW's

3 (Ljungberg-Gomez-Evans)-Ljungberg becomes a Winger again,Gomez is great in the Middle and Evans is out wide

4 (Riley-Marshall-Hurtado-Wahl)- Same as always

Now what this new look lineup gives Seattle is three great attacking players up top in Zakuani,Montero and Le Toux. Three great MF in Ljungberg, Gomez and Evans.Plus the same solid DF lineup. With the added attacking presents will help a lot.

Source: Click Here

The Chicago Fire has done it again. After a long unbeaten streak, they have lost three consecutive games, including a must-win in DC on Saturday that they should have, and could have, won.

That loss knocks them out of first place in the East. It may be the last time they see first place this season.

Why so negative? Because this has become a trend. Since the departure of inaugural coach Bob Bradley, who went on from Chicago to build Chivas into a contender and is now the head coach of the US Men's National Team, the Fire has started strong for a half season then fallen apart, or they have started weak, had an unbeaten streak in the middle of the season and appeared poised to take it all, then fallen apart by the end of the season.

This has occurred literally, on annual basis, under two head coaches: Dave Sarachin and now Dennis Hamlet. This has occurred with a variety of lineups. Few of the current roster members were around for more than one or two such debacles and several weren't even on the club last year.

So how does one explain it? Is it the Fire's version of the curse of the Billy Goat?

If we are doing a jinx analysis, perhaps we should not trace the onset to the departure of Bradley. Perhaps we should trace it to a nearly concurrent departure in the front office: that of Peter Wilt. 

Peter Wilt was the club's brilliant General Manager who put together the expansion team (including Bradley) that won the Double in 1998, and two years later was unjustly dismissed.

I'm beginning to think it is Wilt's curse.  Not that Peter Wilt is a vengeful man. I'm sure he did not consult a practitioner of the dark arts for vengeance. But I do believe in Karma. I believe the Universe could be acting on Wilt's behalf.

What other rationale can one suggest for a team that year after year is among the most talented clubs in the league and year after year is unable to sustain its momentum when it counts? 

If this is the case, what is the cure? Should we assume there is a cure? Ask the Cubs about that. It could be a very long 102 years for the Chicago Fire.

Source: Click Here

For the first time since week six, somebody other than Chivas USA will be occupying the top slot in our power rankings.

Thanks to their victory over Chivas, the Houston Dynamo have taken over as the team to beat in MLS.

At the opposite end of the table, New York continues to act like they're Derby County struggling through the Premiership.

How does Juan Carlos Osorio still have a job?

He may be on his way out soon, but that move will come several weeks too late whenever it happens.

Last week's rankings in parentheses

1. Houston Dynamo (two)

Houston has now taken over the top spot in all MLS thanks to their pair of victories this past week.

One of those victories was in a key match against Chivas.

That's a five-match winning streak and a 10-match unbeaten streak for MLS' hottest team and best defense. They're returning to the form that won them back-to-back MLS Cups.

2. DC United (three)

DC took over top spot in the Eastern Conference this past week thanks to a head-to-head victory over Chicago.

United scored twice in the first half and hung on for dear life as they watched Brian McBride miss a second half penalty.

3. Chivas USA (one)

Chivas stumbled quite a bit this past week, losing both of their games.

Despite not taking a single point, they still remain near the top of the standings thanks to the massive lead they took into this week.

Chivas has a great chance to right the ship with the upcoming Superclasico.

4. Seattle Sounders FC (seven)

Seattle picked up their first win since Apr. 25 with a victory over San Jose.  Sounders fans should be encouraged by Fredy Montero's return to the score sheet.

We'll see if they can continue to build momentum this Wednesday when DC United comes to visit.

5. Chicago Fire (four)

Chicago continues to slide with their third loss in a row.

The streak of poor form has seen DC take over the top spot in the East. Now Kansas City, Columbus, and Toronto are all nipping at Chicago's heels in the standings.

They need to pick up a win soon or risk sliding out of the playoff spots.

6. Colorado Rapids (six)

Colorado was idle this week.

7. Kansas City Wizards (nine)

Kansas City picked up a big 3-1 victory over New England this week.

The Wizards took advantage of an early New England red card and rode the man advantage to three first half goals. After a slow start, KC suddenly finds themselves in a three-way tie for third place in the East, good enough for a playoff spot.

8. Columbus Crew (10)

Guillermo Barros Schelotto moved into the lead for the Golden Boot after bagging his ninth and 10th goals against Chivas.

He still hasn't registered an assist though, which is disappointing for a guy who, prior to this season, had registered 45 assists in 50 career MLS matches.

9. New England Revolution (five)

One week after a huge 4-0 win over New York, New England was embarrassed 3-1 by Kansas City thanks in part to an early red card.

No Taylor Twellman meant a return to the poor form that we witnessed from the Revs earlier this season.

10. Toronto FC (11)

Victory this past week was huge for Toronto, even if it was over New York.

Sam Cronin tapped in a penalty miss in the third minute to set the tone for TFC as they rolled to a 2-1 win.

Despite the win, I still refuse to move TFC farther through the rankings until they show even the slightest bit of consistency.

11. Los Angeles (eight)

Los Angeles may have been exposed without the services of Landon Donovan in this one.

Minus Donovan, LA allowed the Salt Lake midfield to dominate the match. Even worse, an Eddie Lewis red card crushed all hope Los Angeles had of a comeback.

12. Real Salt Lake (14)

Salt Lake picked up their first win in nearly two months with a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles.

They needed that win badly, but they're still far away from the playoff spots.

13. FC Dallas (12)

Dallas was blown away by a superior Houston squad, not much else to say.

The 3-1 scoreline was actually pretty flattering for Dallas, who were down 3-0 before Drew Moor clawed one back.

14. San Jose Earthquakes (13)

San Jose is back where they belong, fighting with New York for position in the cellar of MLS after a 2-1 loss at the hands of Seattle.

The Sheriff of Nottingham chipped in with a goal, though.

15. New York Red Bulls (15)

Thanks to Juan Carlos Osorio, New York now has a 19-match road winless streak.

Their overall winless streak stands at six, and Osorio has to be on his way out shortly.

Source: Click Here

On the 10th of June 2009, Houston Dynamos played against Chivas USA. It was expected that Chivas USA would defeat Houston given its first place in the Western Conference and being one of the best teams during the current season.

Houston Dynamos started the MLS Season with 0-1-2 and it appeared that they would not go anywhere in the Western Conference. During the season, Houston started to surprise people.

The game took place at Robertson Stadium in Houston, Texas. Houston and Chivas USA started an intense battle for possession of the ball and the game. Both teams attempted to score without success.

It appeared that the game was going to be without a goal until Stuart Holden surprised the goal keeper and made a direct kick into the center of the net to score the first and only goal of the game. This ocurred almost at the end of the first half.

Holden with this only goal is close to or may have reached the same level of goals for 2009 as Brian Ching. Regardless, the game was intense as Chivas USA tried to score an equalizer and Houston was blocking every attempt.

It appeared that both teams were going forward with the intensity of a World Cup game. In the end, both teams were exhausted but Houston won the day. At the present time, Houston is now 7-2-3 with an unbeaten streak of 7-0-2.

What happened in this game is the proof that nothing in sports especially football [soccer] is written in stone.

Most Valued Player: Stuart Holden

Stuart Holden was also declared the Houston Dynamo Man of the Match in a poll conducted at their webpage.

Houston Dynamos 1-0 Chivas USA

Source: Click Here

With the Confederations Cup just a week away, there's a lot of chatter going around about the U.S. Men's National Team.

A 23-man squad is already in South Africa, preparing for that tournament few consider worthwhile. And while there will be talking points to glean from going up against the likes of Italy, Brazil, and Egypt, another tournament awaits in July.

The Gold Cup, CONCACAF's regional championship, kicks off on July 4 in the U.S. Because of the Confederations Cup, it is thought that a side heavy on the MLS side will be selected.

While there will be an assortment of foreign based players in the Gold Cup squad, as in years past, a number of in form MLS players will also get the call. Here's a look at eight MLS players who are worthy of a look from Bob Bradley and his coaching staff.

Stuart Holden, Midfield, Houston Dynamo

Of the players here, Holden is perhaps the most deserving to get into the squad. The midfielder/forward has been a revelation in the past few weeks, helping alleviate the absence of Brian Ching.

Just look at the goal he scored against Chicago on June 5. A dangerous run into the box to lose his defender and calmly finish past Jon Busch.

Despite his strong start to 2009, Holden has yet to receive a full cap on the international level. An injury in January prevent him from taking place in the U.S. friendly against Sweden. He does bring some international experience to the fold, having played in the 2008 Olympics for the U-23 side.

Even if he's over looked this time around, it probably won't be too long before he gets that first cap.

Kenny Cooper, Forward, FC Dallas

Always a fan favorite of players they'd like to see in a US MNT jersey, Cooper should be a shoo-in to make the team. After all, if he can't get a call up for the Gold Cup, he surely must be pondering what is keeping him out of the U.S. getup.

While Cooper has been capped four times, scoring twice in those appearances, he's yet to gain a meaningful call up. In 2008 many fans were clamoring for the hulking forward to get a chance to prove that he has what it takes as the U.S. offense floundered.

A Gold Cup audition could be just what he needs to prove that he can succeed on the international level.

Geoff Cameron, Defender, Houston Dynamo

Another key member of the Dynamo, Cameron is only in his second year in MLS. However, he's already proved versatility, helping to stabilized a Dynamo defense that looked out to sea at the beginning of the season.

Originally coming into the league as a midfielder, an early season injury to Eddie Robinson forced Cameron to switch to central defense. After a slow start, he is now flourishing, keying a defensive corps that has allowed an MLS-best seven goals all season.

While inexperience might hold him back, if Cameron continues to play at a high level he surely won't go unnoticed for long.

Santino Quaranta, Midfielder/Forward, D.C. United

American sports fans love the underdog stories -- a player overcoming the odds to make it to the big time.

Santino Quaranta fits this bill. Though he had already "made it" as a professional by the early age of 16, struggles with addiction nearly put an early end to his career. In 2008, he made a comeback with D.C. United, and 2009 the dynamic attacker has flourished in the nation's capital.

With 11 caps to his name already, the Gold Cup would be the perfect stage to bring Quaranta back into the national team fold. It's a competition he's already played in once, featuring in the tournament's 2005 edition.

At just 24, he has many years left in the top levels of MLS. If things go his way, he might even get a chance to add to that cap total.

Colin Clark, Midfield, Colorado Rapids

An uncapped winger, Clark has provided steady play for the Rapids all season in 2009. While the U.S. has recently struggled to field a consistent player on the left side of the midfield, Clark has remained a dangerous threat for Colorado.

Though he has not been tested in an atmosphere like the Gold Cup, now would be the perfect time to put his skills on display in front of the US MNT coaching staff.

And if Clark puts in a strong performance he is capable of, he could see himself with a consistent chance for a call up in the future.

Robbie Findley, Forward, Real Salt Lake

A forward with blinding pace, Findley would be the ideal compliment to a strong, powerful attacker like Cooper. While his play for Real Salt Lake has been a touch this season, he would provide much needed pace to the U.S. side.

The only downside to a player like Findley would be his lack of ability playing up top alone. Because of his size, he would have to be deployed alongside another striker in a 4-4-2.

Jimmy Conrad, Defender, Kansas City Wizards

Looking for an experienced, smart defender to lead a backline through an international tournament? Look no further than Captain KC, generally regarded as a fringe player on the international level.

Conrad brings a well-rounded international resume to the fold. Having previously appeared in the Gold Cup in 2005, his 24 caps make him one of the more accomplished U.S. Internationals in MLS.

That seems a bit paltry, perhaps, but having someone like Conrad in the side would do wonders for the defense.

Chris Pontius, Midfielder/Forward, D.C. United

The runaway rookie of the year thus far in MLS, Chris Pontius has enjoyed a tremendous first season playing in Washington, D.C. His versatility alone brings him into the discussion -- he's lined up as a forward, attacking midfielder, holding midfielder, and winger in United's 3-5-2 formation.

Not only that, but he's also excelled in the Black-and-Red, tallying an impressive three goals to lead rookies.

Of the players on the list, Pontius is probably the least likely to make it. But if his career continues the upward trajectory it has started out on, there's no doubt his name will come back into this discussion in the future.

Source: Click Here

Escape From New York was a 1981 Kurt Russell flick about a fugitive-turned-government operative attempting to get out New York City after rescuing the President of the United States after a plane crash.

It's important to note that in the movie, the city of New York had been turned into a mega-jail where chaos reigned and prisoners ran riot through the streets.

This plot will sound very familiar to fans of the Red Bulls. Juan Carlos Osorio figures to be escaping from New York in the very near future (he'll likely be forced into it, just like Kurt Russell) as the team's performances on the pitch have descended into complete and utter chaos.

Last week's rankings in parentheses

1. Chivas USA (1)

Same old story here, as Chivas continues to win and maintain a large lead in the Western Conference. Even with Houston's recent hot streak, Chivas is still six points in the clear. Their next three matches will be very telling, as they travel to both Houston and Columbus, then return home for the Superclasico.

2. Houston Dynamo (2)

Don't look now, but Houston has quietly assembled the league's best defense and is also one of the hottest clubs in MLS. The Dynamo took down the East-leading Chicago Fire without leading scorer Brian Ching, which illustrates the depth that this team has.

Houston seems to have adapted quite well to the loss of Dwayne De Rosario in the offseason.

3. DC United (5)

DC continues to look like they are figuring out how to win, but they'll have to beat Chicago this week without an in-form Luciano Emilio. Emilio took a stupid red card against New York when, after being subbed out, he threw a case of water bottles onto the pitch.

Is this a sign of some unhappiness in the locker room? We'll continue to monitor the situation.

4. Chicago Fire (3)

Chicago is stumbling a little bit, thanks to two straight losses, but Fire fans shouldn't be overly concerned yet. Cuauhtemoc Blanco has been absent, and the Fire ran into the league's top defense this past week. They still lead the East and they've still got Brian McBride. They will be back in the top three before too long.

5. New England Revolution (9)

New England made the largest leap through the power rankings this week on the strength of a 4-0 demolition of New York. Taylor Twellman bagged his 100th goal in MLS as the Revs proved that they will be a force to be reckoned with if they can keep Twellman healthy. Two appearances by Twellman, two victories.

6. Colorado Rapids (6)

Even without Conor Casey, Colorado managed a point against Real Salt Lake as they continue to look to avenge their playoff miss of 2008. They aren't flashy, but they're consistent and that's what matters in this league.

7. Seattle Sounders FC (4)

Seattle, like Real Salt Lake, haven't won since Apr. 25. The key difference is that the loss this past week to Chivas has been their only loss in that span. Seattle is struggling, but they've found a way to tread water. They need to get Fredy Montero back on track if they want to start winning again.

8. Los Angeles Galaxy (10)

Los Angeles picked up a great win on the road at BMO field this week despite the absence of leading scorer Landon Donovan. It's only LA's second victory of the season, but they've got the fewest losses of any MLS club. If they can somehow continue to find production from guys other than Donovan, they should make a return to the playoffs.

9. Kansas City Wizards (7)

In many ways, KC is very similar to Colorado. They aren't loaded with star power, but they've found a way to get results. Well, except for this week when they suffered a loss at the hands of Columbus. But, the numbers that KC is putting up are almost identical to Colorado. Could they sneak into the playoffs?

10. Columbus Crew (11)

Columbus grabbed their third win of the season thanks to a brace from Guillermo Barros Schelotto, but all is not well. Schelotto has eight goals on the season while his teammates have only managed nine. Even worse, Schelotto had 20 assists last season and 12 games into 2009, has yet to register a single assist.

11. Toronto FC (8)

Amado Guevara was out of action thanks to CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, and Toronto struggled without him. Three losses in their last four matches have taken Toronto from near the top of the East to near the bottom.

Luckily, thanks to New York's ineptitude, they don't have to worry about occupying the cellar. Also, they're only five points out of first. A short winning streak could put TFC right back into contention.

12. FC Dallas (12)

Split the points with San Jose thanks in part to a Pablo Richetti own goal. Still, when you've been playing as poorly as Dallas has this season, you aren't going to turn down a point. The entire team owes Kenny Cooper at least one steak dinner.

13. San Jose Earthquakes (13)

Got a draw with Dallas this past week, and they'll be happy with the point. If not for a very late (87th minute) Kenny Cooper strike, San Jose would have taken home all three points.

14. Real Salt Lake (15)

Still bad, but New York is worse. No wins in their last seven, dating back to Apr. 25. To make matters worse, Dallas and San Jose are in striking distance and playing better at the moment.

15. New York Red Bulls (14)

New York is finished, and Juan Carlos Osorio should be the first coaching casualty of the 2009 MLS season. In two matches this past week, New York shipped six goals without finding the back of the net once, just abysmal.

Source: Click Here

Team of the Week: Houston Dynamo (pictured above)

Bust of the Week: New York Red Bulls

The past 12 days of MLS soccer, since I last wrote my latest power rankings, have been eventful.

The Fire lost their undefeated status yet overtook the lead in the East, while the while the Dynamo exploded though the standings and become the hottest team in the league.

I'll sort it all out right here.

LW...Last Week's Ranking

1. (LW-1) Chivas USA (7-2-3, 24 pts)

Although the loss to the Fire last week was tough to handle, Chicago is definitely a good team worthy of beating them, and Chivas will probably go into tonight's important match against Seattle well-rested and ready to play.

2. (LW-4) Houston Dynamo (6-2-3, 21 pts)

The Dynamo have shot up through the standings in the past two weeks, having routed Toronto late in May and then winning 1-0 in their huge game versus Chicago last night. Look out for them, because they are just one win away from catching up with Chivas, and are also still undefeated at home.

3. (LW-2) Chicago Fire (5-2-6, 21 pts)

The Fire had an eventful week, yet ended up with a mediocre 2-2. However, they did lose their undefeated status, and may have shown some weaknesses (especially in their embarrassing loss to FC Dallas) that may greatly damage their hopes of an MLS Cup title.

4. (LW-3) D.C. United (4-2-7, 19 pts)

United fell a spot this week due to the rise of the Dynamo and their loss to New England. However, with D.C.'s recent promising 2-0 shutout of the Fire, this club could definitely still contend for the Cup.

5. (LW-6) Colorado Rapids (4-2-4, 16 pts)

The Rapids have been just coasting along so far this season, steadily but ever-so-slowly moving up the standings, but they have the potential to explode at any time. Believe me, Colorado has the ability to rocket themselves unnoticed to among the elite clubs in the MLS standings. The Rapids are still undefeated at home, too.

6. (LW-5) Seattle Sounders (4-2-5, 17 pts)

The Sounders have had a fairly quiet stretch recently, with their only MLS match ending in a 1-1 draw with the Crew last Saturday. However, it's given them a chance to regroup and rest up for the next couple hot summer months, and there is no reason why we should forget about the Sounders.

7. (LW-8) Kansas City Wizards (4-4-4, 16 pts)

Their only match was a week ago, a 1-1 draw the the Galaxy (who would've guessed), but the Wizards, by all means, are not out of it yet.

8. (LW-9) Los Angeles Galaxy (1-1-9, 12 pts)

Yet another tie produced by the conservative forces of the L.A. Galaxy. Maybe visits by AC Milan and FC Barcelona can make up Los Angeles this summer.

9. (LW-13) Columbus Crew (2-2-7, 13 pts)

They picked up a win against San Jose and a draw against the Sounders, maintained an unbeaten home record, and jumped four spots in the power rankings. Sounds pretty nice to me.

10. (LW-7) Toronto FC (4-4-4, 16 pts)

I don't know about you, but I have a feeling that Toronto may be starting to see some darkness ahead of them this summer. They certainly haven't cleared it up with their recent play, either.

11. (LW-12) New England Revolution (3-3-4, 13 pts)

The Revolution got back to .500 with their important 2-1 victory against D.C. United, but they still have a ways to go before they can really begin competing again.

12. (LW-14) FC Dallas (2-6-3, 9 pts)

No matches played since we last covered them on May 24. No wins, no losses, no ties. At least they jumped a few spots!

13. (LW-15) San Jose Earthquakes (2-7-2, 8 pts)

Same as with Dallas. Still, thanks to the MLS's latest "Detroit Lions", they're no longer last.

14. (LW-10) Real Salt Lake (3-6-2, 11 pts)

No wins in over six weeks (not since Apr. 24), posting a 0-4-2 record during that period. After a 3-2-0 start, Real Salt Lake has been literally horrible.

15. (LW-11) New York Red Bulls (2-8-3, 9 pts)

Ugh. 0-3-0 in two weeks. Outscored 6-2 in those three games. And still winless on the road. Whoo...cheers...

Source: Click Here

Dear President Obama:

I am writing you today in praise of your efforts to land the 2018 World Cup, and to offer some free, albeit unsolicited advice, on a surefire way to enhance your bid, grow American club soccer, and open the future of the sport in the United States:  Publicly endorse the opening of our leagues. 

Please speak out against the global isolation that has been imposed on our club soccer.   Help free investors to form clubs with unlimited futures, inspire communities all over the country to reach for glory and an opportunity to boost their local economies.  

Americans Understand Free and Open Competition

Remember that time during your 2008 campaign when you publicly suggested reform in NCAA College Football by advancing a playoff system to determine a national champion?  Sure it riled up those BCS guys, but I am certain it was a vote getter.  What could be more commonsensical than a performance based system to determine the national champions via a kind of “Champions League” of college football?  

I was mildly upset that you didn’t turn your guns on NCAA College Soccer in an effort to bring them more into line with the global model, but that’s for another letter ;)

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, running a similar model to the one you supported for football, has become a seminal moment on our sports calendar.  Tens of millions of Americans tune in—many of whom did not watch a minute of college basketball during the regular season.  Television networks are happy to plunk down tens of millions of dollars on the event in multi-year contracts—despite having virtually no idea if the top media markets will be represented in any given tournament. 

I think this is direct evidence that Americans appreciate the drama of performance-based promotion to this series of games.  Often, the most memorable moments are made by a scrappy group of underdogs, on their first trip to the show in a decade or two, bucking the odds to beat a national powerhouse.  Had you heard of Gonzaga 15 years ago?   Don’t worry, few of us out of the Mount St. Helens blast zone had. 

Americans can and do embrace the cutthroat, sink or swim, performance-based model for sports, just like they do for all those reality TV shows.   Whether it’s getting kicked off the island, having your talents dismissed by Simon Cowell, or being eliminated from the tournament by a buzzer beating hurl from way beyond the arc, they appreciate the drama, the reality.   It’s true to life. 

And they don’t need to know two months beforehand who will even play in the 64 team tournament.


Free Our Clubs to Decide Their Own Future

Point here is to bring U.S. club soccer into the global fold by embracing one of the core tenants of the universal success of the beautiful game: the open league model.   Sixty teams in three national divisions, all competing for promotion, fighting against relegation, and striving for international glory.   I have to assume that, with all of your international experience, you understand it’s basic tenants:  Participation in every level of a multi-tiered system is based on team performance.  Period.  

Unlike the franchise system universal to all pro sports on this side of the pond, participation in the top league isn’t decided by a small group of league executives/team owners armed with piles of self interest and reams of media market analysis—only after a prospective league entrant comes to the table with tens of millions of dollars in a metal briefcase (OK, maybe not always in a briefcase).  Instead, in the open system, every club from Manhattan island to Manhattan Kansas is offered a chance at glory. 

If a club finishes at the top of one league one season, it moves up a league the next.   Simple, elegant, fair and like the rules that most Americans operate under in their daily lives.

Most importantly to us believers in an open league for U.S. club soccer, the model  integrates us with the soccer world and opens the future of our clubs.   We don’t want integration because we want to take tea and crumpets every day at 10 a.m. guzzle beer for a few days in October in our lederhosen, don’t put ice in our Coca Cola, or are constantly aggravated by the fact that Luca Toni plays in Germany. 

Far from Europhiles, we believe that Major League Soccer, through their attempts at achieving parity within the closed franchise system, combined with a deep belief in an untapped market niche between gigaplex goers and mini-golf pros, have artificially defined quality of play, and put an artificial ceiling on our top clubs.

Although intriguing, I’m not arguing this model be adopted by every pro sport in the United States.   As the undisputed top leagues in their respective sports the world with an overwhelmingly domestic schedule of competition, the NFL, and to lesser degrees MLB, NBA and NHL have room to manage the affairs of their clubs in a way that governs quality of play.  

Our club soccer does not enjoy these luxuries.  The closed league franchise model depends on intensive league management to raise the level of underperforming teams, and limit the level of play of top performing teams.  This management manifests itself in player drafts, salary caps, and minimum player salaries all justified in order to enforce relative parity. 

In our other pro sport leagues, their global predominance established and shielded from international competition, the effects of this management are negligible.  By imposing parity on our top league thru traditional local methods MLS, handicaps clubs on a very fundamental level.  Judging by the recent results in the CONCACAF Champions League, MLS now sits as far down the list of leagues in the world as it has ever been—and the franchise model is the lead culprit. 

By artificially managing quality of play through traditional American measures to insure relative parity, MLS has put an artificial ceiling on the development of every club in the top league.  As a result, U.S. clubs in these competitions have suffered many recent defeats.

As long as we are on the topic, calling the MLS a franchise system is a bit of a misnomer.  Technically, it’s more of a corporation—or hyperfranchise.    In one revealing way, MLS treats it’s players more like Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey treat their performers than the NFL treats it’s players:  The league writes their paychecks, not their club.   I had a boss who used to ask me, when I protested too much,  “who signs your paychecks?”   Point always taken.  


Free American Soccer and Watch it Grow

Perhaps most importantly to this open league supporter:  The MLS hyperfranchise model inhibits development of American soccer.  Unlike the vast majority of the soccer world, the second and third divisions of our club soccer pyramid, USL 1 and 2, are severed from the first division (MLS).  In most of the industrialized world, at least two vibrant divisions exist under the first division, their clubs striving to reach the top of the pyramid through promotion, or to avoid going down a level through relegation. 

These clubs, their futures unlimited by the open league model, have supporter bases rivaling some top division clubs.   Despite the fact that some great soccer is played in our lower divisions, arguably better than MLS at times, this disconnection puts a permanent damper on investors seeking to bring a club into our lower divisions, and thereby governs the growth of our lower leagues. 

Opening our leagues will grow American soccer exponentially.  Freed from the exorbitant MLS entry fee and franchise entry qualifications and with club futures newly unlimited, investors will leap at the chance to form new clubs.  The scramble to fill USL 1 and 2 will show the leading edge, but to challenge for spots in each.   

Supporters, empowered by their clubs unlimited future, would increase in passion and numbers.   Local communities would draw together to support clubs and clubs would provide a real measure of growth to local communities.   

As the number of active clubs rises and rosters expand, the demand for players will rise.   Many high school athletes and youth soccer players from all over the nation will be exposed to soccer in their local communities for the first time.   We will finally be able to build that bridge between soccer moms, soccer kids, and club soccer.  

And that’s a bridge to somewhere: Tens of new clubs, tens of thousands of new supporters, tens of millions of dollars in new investments, and ten times the excitement.

Most Sincerely

Ted Westervelt
SoccerReform.us

Source: Click Here

Source: Click Here

Week 10 of the 2009 MLS season was filled with contradictions: The Eastern Conference-leading Chicago Fire lost to one of the worst teams in the league, San Jose won for the first time in far too long, and New England tasted victory for the first time in their last seven matches.

So once again, we will have some serious upheaval in our power rankings. At this point, it's hard to tell whether that's due to the parity in the league, or wildly inconsistent play at both ends of the table.

Last week's rankings are in parentheses.

1. Chivas USA (1)

Chivas lost to Chicago this past week, but it was a tightly contested match. Chicago came back from a goal down in the dying minutes of the match to steal a 3-2 victory. Chivas doesn't move down in the rankings at all by virtue of the massive lead they had built up, but Houston is quickly gaining on them.

2. Houston Dynamo (4)

A 3-0 victory over Toronto FC will garner you major points. The Dynamo scored three goals between the 20th and 24th minutes in their rout of Toronto. That's now seven matches unbeaten for Houston, who has rocketed up to second place in the Western Conference.

3. Chicago Fire (2)

It was a week of mixed blessings for Chicago. They beat MLS' best team 3-2, and lost to one of the worst when Dallas shut them out 3-0. The positives? A win over Chivas always looks great, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored twice in the win. They've got a tough match with Houston on the horizon.

4. Seattle Sounders FC (4)

It was a 1-1 draw for Seattle and Columbus, but Seattle should have won. Instead, Freddie Ljungberg missed a penalty and Sigi Schmid was left to question his team's focus. Five straight draws have taken Seattle from tops in the West to third place.

5. DC United (3)

United had dominated New England earlier in the season, but succumbed to a controversial penalty this time around to lose 2-1. It's only their second loss on the season, so the smart money is on United to bounce back.

6. Colorado Rapids (8)

Conor Casey is making a serious run at the Golden Boot, scoring a brace on the weekend to bring his season total to eight goals. Colorado is certainly enjoying his presence, currently enjoying a streak of five matches without defeat.

7. Kansas City Wizards (7)

A draw on the road at Los Angeles is good enough to keep Kansas City in second place in the East. Their offense is going strong thanks to another goal from Davy Arnaud, giving him four on the season. The trio of Arnaud, Josh Wolff, and Claudio Lopez have been responsible for 14 of Kansas City's 16 goals this season.

8. Toronto FC (5)

One week after a great 3-1 victory over New England, Toronto's defense completely collapses and surrenders three goals in rapid succession. It's essentially a toss-up every time Toronto takes the pitch. No consistency at all this season.

9. New England Revolution (11)

Taylor Twellman finally returned to action, making his first appearance of 2009. He played a major role, drawing the penalty that gave New England its first win in seven matches. If Twellman can stay healthy the rest of the way, New England might rebound from a terrible start.

10. LA Galaxy (9)

Another match, another draw for Los Angeles. This has to be cause for concern for Bruce Arenas' squad. The match against Kansas City was their fifth straight draw and eighth of 2009. They need to figure out how to win some matches or else they'll miss out on the postseason again.

11. Columbus Crew (12)

Columbus played twice this week, and snagged four points thanks to a draw and their second win of the season. The win was against San Jose, but is this a sign of a turnaround in Columbus? Let's wait a few weeks before we pass judgment on that one.

12. FC Dallas (14)

Dallas probably had the most impressive win of the week thanks to a 3-0 trouncing of Chicago. Jeff Cunningham, Kenny Cooper, and a C.J. Brown own goal did the damage. Cooper still needs some help, though. He's providing nearly half of the club's offense this season.

13. San Jose Earthquakes (15)

San Jose's victory over Real Salt Lake was not enough to peel them out of the cellar in the West. Still, they're playing better right now than Salt Lake and New York.

14. New York Red Bulls (10)

New York returns to the familiar turf at the bottom of the table with yet another poor performance. New York's only victories this season? Over San Jose and Salt Lake. They won't be returning to the playoffs.

15. Real Salt Lake (13)

Salt Lake has officially hit rock bottom, losing to the previous worst team in the league. Salt Lake is winless in its last six, and has only won once in the last eight matches. They've shown occasional flashes of brilliance, but the poor form has been much more frequent. It's led me to believe that we're seeing the true Real Salt Lake team.

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