He's a wonderful player that saved our buts on a number of key occasions.
Looking forward to USA V BRA!!
Looking forward to USA V BRA!!
Reno_eNVy said:Thanks for telling us what we're already well aware of, Carcedo!
Last I checked MLS now has higher attendance averages than most leagues around the world, and I'm pretty sure that includes Serie A.
Reno_eNVy said:Thanks for telling us what we're already well aware of, Carcedo!
Last I checked MLS now has higher attendance averages than most leagues around the world, and I'm pretty sure that includes Serie A.
The average attendance for Seria A is a bit over 23,000, MLS is just over 17,000.
Hate to just jump in without reading all 57 pages, but I saw this and had to make a comment.
Catfish78 said:The average attendance for Seria A is a bit over 23,000, MLS is just over 17,000.
Hate to just jump in without reading all 57 pages, but I saw this and had to make a comment.
My apologies! I suppose they are one of the few that still beat mls
Seattle has a strong marketing plan in place. It is the reason there's 32,000 season ticket holders and sellouts for everygame. They learned from their USL years that too many available seats means lower attendence, not higher.
Demand is high because the possibility of not getting a seat exists. You can't decide on game day to walk up and purchase, soooo people complain, but they buy tickets ahead of time. This is great marketing, if 90% of your available seats are already filled before the first game kicks off, that's good business.
They've opened it all up for internationals and this year for rivalry games, but don't look at them opening the entire 68,000 seats until they get a 61,000 season ticket commitment. If they win some more, it could be possible. The old Sounders used to sell out the kingdome for games and were quite strong.
The USL sounders were a top notch team too. I worked with them for many years, both with youth soccer and business. But they had too many open seats so people could wait until the last hour or so to decide to come to watch. I think the front office took that to heart.
Here in Kansas City, the owners of Sporting Kansas City have done everything right. Incredible new 19,000 seat stadium (recently named best in the world), awesome fan experience, locally televised games. It course it helps they've done so well the last 12 months, but having owners that are willing to put their money where their mouth is has made a BIG impact for MLS here. Games are sold out the rest of the year already.
Joker said:Going to be in your area (well Missouri) in July trying to figure out how to catch the game against Houston.
My predictions:
USA - 3
A&B - 1[/B]
FlyDoctor said:but one always wonders about how the US game will improve if the good players go to the more established leagues - and national teams.
This! Seriously, it drives me crazy when there is a new young star in MLS and everybody says "he'll do great in Europe."
F**k that noise.
"fraid that's just something some leagues have to live with. Players only have short careers and need to follow the money and the experience of higher levels. It will get better over time. Ya just can't rush these things.
It's true but that just seems to be where people immediately jump. They've done it for Brek Shea, Teal Bunbury, Omar Gonzalez.... the list goes on. There needs to be a core group of youngsters that dedicate themselves to the betterment of the American game rather than a higher paycheck (and likely less PT.)
But at least sometimes it works out.... Tim Ream (good riddance) went to the Premiership and later got relegated, so that's not too bad.
Designated Player over the age of 23 will carry a salary budget charge of $350,000, unless the player joins his club in the middle of the season, in which case his budget charge will be $175,000.
Designated Player 21-23 years old counts as $200,000 against the club’s salary budget.
Designated Player 20 years old or younger counts as $150,000 against the club’s salary budget.
The budget charge for the midseason signing of a young Designated Player (23 years old and younger) is $150,000 and this amount cannot be lowered with allocation funds.
Clubs will not have to buy the third DP roster slot to accommodate Designated Players 23 years old and younger.
Age of player is determined by year (not date) of birth.
It's true but that just seems to be where people immediately jump. They've done it for Brek Shea, Teal Bunbury, Omar Gonzalez.... the list goes on. There needs to be a core group of youngsters that dedicate themselves to the betterment of the American game rather than a higher paycheck (and likely less PT.)
But at least sometimes it works out.... Tim Ream (good riddance) went to the Premiership and later got relegated, so that's not too bad.
I have to agree with the point Pappers brought up... doesn't the best american players playing in the best league they can count as being "for the betterment of the American game"? I mean, I guess it depends on how you define the American game. If you mean pro soccer in america, then no, players going overseas does not directly aid soccer in america. But if you mean the national team, I think its hard to argue that a player going to a high level european league and getting playing time isn't better for their development than staying in the MLS at this point. Now, obviously going over there and sitting doesn't help at all.
As for the MLS shelling out money for big name, albeit over the hill, European stars... I'm all for it. They can teach the young 'uns.
Fair enough. But my train of thought is more long term:
- Keep the stars in MLS (immediately better for MLS)
- Gain international attention from strong showings at friendlies and minor tournaments (WFC, Emirates Cup, etc)
- Keep expanding and raise the cap. That's more spots for current stars and young sleepers and more money to keep them in the country. Also, more money to bring in the big-timers.
- A larger pool of improved players in the country not only creates a better national team on paper but creates familiarity between players since they'd see each other all the time in the league. Not only that but it allows for regulars on the USMNT to develop a true American-style game. It's slowly happening, though. And it's similar to how MLS works: hard, physical, sometimes rough play but minimal to zero diving or cheap crap.
Over time, through attention, improvement of the game, improved attendance, and more country-wide soccer exposure (it just keeps getting better. Just look at the attendance for the recent friendlies) we'll create a league that just pumps out super stars.
It's a long journey ahead but it's doable with more money and work. And that includes the supporters as well. It's your job to spread the love of the sport!!
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