Hey all, hope the holiday season treated you (and your wallets) kindly. I have a bunch of little nuggets floating around in my head for the review (thoughts on Garth, things I'd do if I ran RSL, Ben Cup pictures, etc.), but nothing fully fleshed out. I did want to give a quick update on one thing that is reportedly about to be finalized, and that is the trade of Alecko Eskandarian to Chivas USA for a $125k allocation. Now I fully understand that as a striker, Esky's 2007 season was dismal at best. However, there are a few things about this trade that unnerve me.
1-I have a feeling that Esky is due for a comeback season. This is based on nothing, just a hunch, but still.
2-This leaves us with a striker corps of: Robbie Findley (yay, maybe he'll get some playing time now!), Fabian Espindola aka Espi (almost more of an attacking mid, somewhat inconsistent, but decent), Yura Movsisyan (young, yes, but I didn't see much last year. Like Esky, but slower), Kyle Brown (I like his enthusiasm, but is he MLS ready yet?), and, technically, Jamie Watson (solid backup, but Jason & Garth hate him for whatever reason and he won't be back). This does not instill me with a lot of confidence. They better have a striker lined up somewhere... Maybe Archie??? :D
3-The allocation does us no good since RSL seems to be reluctant to sign anybody who makes more than $25 a month.
4-With the right coaching (I know, I know), I could see Esky making a transition to a solid attacking mid, something this team could use more of.
5-Say what you will about the end results, but in many of RSL's games last year, Esky was the only one making any sort of effort. He fills a "leadership-by-example" role that will be extremely difficult for RSL to fill, especially when combined with the loss of Eddie Pope.
I'm just not sold on the benefits of this trade. Hopefully RSL will take the money and go get another striker and put me at ease, but as of right now, I'm not sold on this one.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Ninja...Ninja rap, even
Sorry for the Vanilla Ice reference. I was watching that the other day on Youtube. Hilarious stuff.
ANYWAY, on to the latest from RSL Land (also known to fans as the 19th level of hell):
"The [USA U-23] roster has been reduced to 20 players, with Nate Sturgis (calf) and Adam Cristman (hamstring) not fit enough to make the trip to China." Straight from the US U-23 blog
Thanks RSLFM Report for the heads up.
I hate to think this, let alone say this (and jinx him further), but Sturgis seems to be turning into an injury machine. This is almost certainly giving the (and I use this term VERY loosely) "braintrust" in LA too much credit, but maybe there is a reason they let Sturgis go so easily. Hopefully Nate can use the rest of his time off this offseason to get healthy and come back and have a great year next year. That way we can just call him a "talented player" instead of "talented but injury prone".
On a completely different topic, not a day goes by where I don't hear about (possible and real) signings and trades in MLS, including the latest doozy:
D Bobby Boswell to Houston for GK Zach Wells & a second round draft pick
So Houston, already the MLS champs, trade away their backup goalkeeper for a former MLS defender of the year. Yes, Boswell had a poor season last year, but I think a change in scenery and the motivation to prove himself again bodes well for him and Houston. Meanwhile, RSL does nothing (other than waving goodbye to Eddie Pope and then waiving promising defender Kipre). Somehow I think not changing, and even losing THE key piece of, a team that has yet to make the playoffs while the champs bolster their defense is not the way to bring a winner to Utah.
Even LA is looking to further skirt the salary cap by adding Polish striker Maciej Zurawski to the roster from Scotland's Celtic FC
Meanwhile, there is not a word on any moves coming from RSL's camp. Note to Dave Checketts: 'People like to cheer for winning teams. Especially in sports that may be considered "fringe" by some. Especially in Utah. Try getting some decent and ESTABLISHED personnel in here, including in the front office. Winning can be fun, I promise.'
How RSL plans to suddenly become better than teams that have already proven themselves better than RSL just by losing their top defender is beyond me. Can anyone explain it to me? Anyone?
PS to Dave-Seriously, I love this guy. Open the checkbook.
PPS-
ANYWAY, on to the latest from RSL Land (also known to fans as the 19th level of hell):
"The [USA U-23] roster has been reduced to 20 players, with Nate Sturgis (calf) and Adam Cristman (hamstring) not fit enough to make the trip to China." Straight from the US U-23 blog
Thanks RSLFM Report for the heads up.
I hate to think this, let alone say this (and jinx him further), but Sturgis seems to be turning into an injury machine. This is almost certainly giving the (and I use this term VERY loosely) "braintrust" in LA too much credit, but maybe there is a reason they let Sturgis go so easily. Hopefully Nate can use the rest of his time off this offseason to get healthy and come back and have a great year next year. That way we can just call him a "talented player" instead of "talented but injury prone".
On a completely different topic, not a day goes by where I don't hear about (possible and real) signings and trades in MLS, including the latest doozy:
D Bobby Boswell to Houston for GK Zach Wells & a second round draft pick
So Houston, already the MLS champs, trade away their backup goalkeeper for a former MLS defender of the year. Yes, Boswell had a poor season last year, but I think a change in scenery and the motivation to prove himself again bodes well for him and Houston. Meanwhile, RSL does nothing (other than waving goodbye to Eddie Pope and then waiving promising defender Kipre). Somehow I think not changing, and even losing THE key piece of, a team that has yet to make the playoffs while the champs bolster their defense is not the way to bring a winner to Utah.
Even LA is looking to further skirt the salary cap by adding Polish striker Maciej Zurawski to the roster from Scotland's Celtic FC
Meanwhile, there is not a word on any moves coming from RSL's camp. Note to Dave Checketts: 'People like to cheer for winning teams. Especially in sports that may be considered "fringe" by some. Especially in Utah. Try getting some decent and ESTABLISHED personnel in here, including in the front office. Winning can be fun, I promise.'
How RSL plans to suddenly become better than teams that have already proven themselves better than RSL just by losing their top defender is beyond me. Can anyone explain it to me? Anyone?
PS to Dave-Seriously, I love this guy. Open the checkbook.
PPS-
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Seriously???
As much as RSL makes me say "What the hell are they thinking?", those in charge of MLS often have me saying the same thing. ESPN has posted a list of all seven opening week games for the 2008 season, with the games to be played on the weekend of Saturday, March 29. Let's take a look:
Toronto @ Columbus
DCU @ Kansas City
NY @ San Jose
Chivas @ Dallas
Nothing too bad about these four, but then there's these 3:
Houston @ New England
LA @ Colorado
Chicago @ RSL
What on earth is MLS thinking??? It's March. Why do you send Houston to the northeast??? Why is Chicago going up into the mountains??? And why, oh why, is LA headed to Denver??? Why are these games not the other way around? Granted, Chicago isn't great in winter either, but I would wager it's nicer than a city that HOSTED THE WINTER OLYMPICS!!! And what was the thought process in sending two warm climate teams to much colder climes in March? Seriously, very odd.
In other news, I'm still super pissed about this Jamie Watson (and to a lesser extent Jimenez) thing. And now, even more details have emerged at the RSLFM report. No employer should ever treat an emloyee that way. Especially if the allegation of basically holding him hostage in order to get something out of Dallas is true. To make matters worse, he was basically the only positive PR face this franchise had. To make matters even worse, he was a solid ballplayer! He seems to be playing well with Dallas according to the 3rd Degree blog (scroll down to the bottom for a Watson blurb).
And finally, a boy can dream can't he? It'll never happen (for various reasons), but, man, I'd love to see Archie Thompson in red... It would make my brown eyes blue...or something...
I wanted to post a good video of one of his truly awesome, over the top goal celebrations but I can't find a good quality one off hand. Let's just say he is possibly beyond even Cunningham in this regard. Here's a couple Archie vids nevertheless:
Here's the main part of the goal celebration:
Here's a modified one, adding the gun celebration:
And a few more for your viewing pleasure:
Archie (13) and Australia (31) set world goal scoring records.
Very nice goal (granted, against lower competition, but still).
A-League 2007 Grand Final Highlights, Archie with 5 goals.
Tell me celebrations like that wouldn't play here in the States. Just try.
Toronto @ Columbus
DCU @ Kansas City
NY @ San Jose
Chivas @ Dallas
Nothing too bad about these four, but then there's these 3:
Houston @ New England
LA @ Colorado
Chicago @ RSL
What on earth is MLS thinking??? It's March. Why do you send Houston to the northeast??? Why is Chicago going up into the mountains??? And why, oh why, is LA headed to Denver??? Why are these games not the other way around? Granted, Chicago isn't great in winter either, but I would wager it's nicer than a city that HOSTED THE WINTER OLYMPICS!!! And what was the thought process in sending two warm climate teams to much colder climes in March? Seriously, very odd.
In other news, I'm still super pissed about this Jamie Watson (and to a lesser extent Jimenez) thing. And now, even more details have emerged at the RSLFM report. No employer should ever treat an emloyee that way. Especially if the allegation of basically holding him hostage in order to get something out of Dallas is true. To make matters worse, he was basically the only positive PR face this franchise had. To make matters even worse, he was a solid ballplayer! He seems to be playing well with Dallas according to the 3rd Degree blog (scroll down to the bottom for a Watson blurb).
And finally, a boy can dream can't he? It'll never happen (for various reasons), but, man, I'd love to see Archie Thompson in red... It would make my brown eyes blue...or something...
I wanted to post a good video of one of his truly awesome, over the top goal celebrations but I can't find a good quality one off hand. Let's just say he is possibly beyond even Cunningham in this regard. Here's a couple Archie vids nevertheless:
Here's the main part of the goal celebration:
Here's a modified one, adding the gun celebration:
And a few more for your viewing pleasure:
Archie (13) and Australia (31) set world goal scoring records.
Very nice goal (granted, against lower competition, but still).
A-League 2007 Grand Final Highlights, Archie with 5 goals.
Tell me celebrations like that wouldn't play here in the States. Just try.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
It's Tough Being an RSL Fan (aka Will the Ineptitude Ever End???)
A few things in RSL-land lately, and all have been hard to swallow:
1) This report (thanks for the heads-up to RSLFM Report) which has Jason Kreis making over $200k per year to coach RSL. This despite the fact that he has NO coaching experience. This despite the fact that 3 years running MLS Cup finalist coach Steve Nicol only makes around $175k per year. This despite the fact that Kreis's slip-ups have cost the team lots of extra money in fines. What the hell? Seriously. Let's put some of that money toward the on-field product. I swear Checketts and Kreis are having a secret love affair. It's sexy!
2) Jamie Watson is already making a case for a contract with another team, the Hoops of FC Dallas. He is one of three "guest players" (aka trialists) joining the team on a trip to Trinidad for a set of exhibition games. I've already made my feelings known on the release and treatment of Watson, but to see him already seeming to catch on with another team shows just seems to backup my viewpoint that Kreis was WAY off base on this one.
3) The MLS waiver draft is coming up tomorrow, let's see who is up for grabs from RSL:
Chris Brown (good riddance), Steven Curfman (too bad for him), Christian Jimenez (good luck), Jack Stewart (see Chris Brown), and...Jean-Martial Kipre. Now I don't know the story here, but Kipre better have DEMANDED to be released to go overseas or else someone needs to be smacked. Hard. Kipre is young, fast, and dangerous. He's already proven he can play in this league and with some seasoning, possibly be a VERY good player in MLS. If RSL is just letting him go it makes me sick. With Pope retiring we need all the help we can get on defense!
Sigh... It really is hard to be an RSL fan sometimes. Hopefully there are some big signings on the horizon...
In other depressing (at least to me) sports news, my Syracuse Orangemen have pulled an RSL and inexplicably brought back (American) football coach Greg Robinson after 3 seasons in which the team has won a grand total of 7 games and has been near the bottom in every statistical category. Look for RSL to sign him as "Grand Poobah" or something after he is fired after the debacle that will be the 2008 season.
Finally, a slight ray of sunshine on this cloudy day. Congratulations are in order for Robbie Findley, Nathan Sturgis, and Chris Seitz as the three have been called into the US U-23 camp in preparation for an upcoming trip to China. Let's hope their personal successes carry over to RSL next year. Well done boys!
1) This report (thanks for the heads-up to RSLFM Report) which has Jason Kreis making over $200k per year to coach RSL. This despite the fact that he has NO coaching experience. This despite the fact that 3 years running MLS Cup finalist coach Steve Nicol only makes around $175k per year. This despite the fact that Kreis's slip-ups have cost the team lots of extra money in fines. What the hell? Seriously. Let's put some of that money toward the on-field product. I swear Checketts and Kreis are having a secret love affair. It's sexy!
2) Jamie Watson is already making a case for a contract with another team, the Hoops of FC Dallas. He is one of three "guest players" (aka trialists) joining the team on a trip to Trinidad for a set of exhibition games. I've already made my feelings known on the release and treatment of Watson, but to see him already seeming to catch on with another team shows just seems to backup my viewpoint that Kreis was WAY off base on this one.
3) The MLS waiver draft is coming up tomorrow, let's see who is up for grabs from RSL:
Chris Brown (good riddance), Steven Curfman (too bad for him), Christian Jimenez (good luck), Jack Stewart (see Chris Brown), and...Jean-Martial Kipre. Now I don't know the story here, but Kipre better have DEMANDED to be released to go overseas or else someone needs to be smacked. Hard. Kipre is young, fast, and dangerous. He's already proven he can play in this league and with some seasoning, possibly be a VERY good player in MLS. If RSL is just letting him go it makes me sick. With Pope retiring we need all the help we can get on defense!
Sigh... It really is hard to be an RSL fan sometimes. Hopefully there are some big signings on the horizon...
In other depressing (at least to me) sports news, my Syracuse Orangemen have pulled an RSL and inexplicably brought back (American) football coach Greg Robinson after 3 seasons in which the team has won a grand total of 7 games and has been near the bottom in every statistical category. Look for RSL to sign him as "Grand Poobah" or something after he is fired after the debacle that will be the 2008 season.
Finally, a slight ray of sunshine on this cloudy day. Congratulations are in order for Robbie Findley, Nathan Sturgis, and Chris Seitz as the three have been called into the US U-23 camp in preparation for an upcoming trip to China. Let's hope their personal successes carry over to RSL next year. Well done boys!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Another random catch-all update
First off, congratulations to the Creamsicles on winning another MLS Cup. I accidentally slept through the first half, but the second half was quite entertaining and Houston certainly deserved the win. Word is the NERds are in talks to change their name to the Buffalo Bills. Also, Khano Smith's new nickname is "Atiba."
Anyhow, there are lots of rumors floating around RSL-land these days so I'll hit on a few of those and what they would mean.
The most current has Kreis talking Adidas into graduating Jamie Watson out of Generation Adidas early so that he could cut him. While I believe it (see: various debacles featuring the coaching staff/front office this year), I hope this is not the case, as it is VERY bush league. In fact, if true, it saddens me. Kreis gives Watson little to no playing time. When he does play (and plays well), Kreis calls him out for not scoring when Jamie was the only player on the field playing with any of the following 1) heart 2) hustle 3) passion 4) energy 5) courage 6) shots. Everyone else on the team was afraid to even attack! And now, Kreis gets him taken out of a guaranteed contract so that he can cut him. Weak. While I don't think he'll ever be a star, don't be surprised to see Watson land elsewhere in MLS and become a solid role player with tons of hustle (something Kreis says he wants...hmmm....)
AYL filed this rumor report about 3 weeks ago (and I've heard little else since) but has listed Atiba Harris, Steven Curfman, Chris Brown, and Jean Martial Kipre as soon to be ex-RSL players. Here's my thoughts on each, if true.
Curfman-reserve player, never really saw the field. Too bad for the kid, but not a big loss. Good luck!
Brown-Thank God! The fact that he almost won the RSL Golden Boot proves two things: 1) RSL just plain can't score 2) Findley was criminally under-utilized. If he'd been on the field more, it wouldn't have been close.
Harris-Sad to see him go. His toughness/recklessness actually would have served him well in continued play at D-mid. Supposedly going to Norway (I'm guessing on a much larger contract) so I can't say as I blame him.
Kipre-BIG loss. I think this kid was the future at outside back. He had the speed and the moves to keep up on defense and to really disrupt the opposition's plans while on offense. If it is true he is gone, he better be leaving for a big contract as RSL would be painfully dumb (granted it wouldn't be the first time) to let him go easily.
Also in that report was word that Christian Jimenez has been traded. For what? No one knows. I'll wait on final judgement on this until the details come out. Having said that, while everyone says Jimenez has the talent, he has been very injury prone and I can understand if RSL cuts their losses on this one. Good luck to him wherever he goes!
Also, I was thinking the other day and I realized something. RSL MUST retire Eddie Pope's number 23. If they don't, they are a bigger joke than...well, they have already proven to be (or Jack Stewart's defense-take your pick on whatever reference you prefer). It not only would be the correct thing to do for Eddie, as he has been an absolute rock not only for this franchise but for the national team as well, but for the fans as well. It would give us something to take pride in and rally around. Having a GREAT (not good) player's number in the rafters (or wherever you'd put it at a soccer stadium haha) gives your team a sense of history and pride. I see RSL as having 3 chances to get this right:
1) At home game #1 of the season. Start the year off right and with a big celebration.
2) At RSL's home game vs. DC United. Have Eddie's former team help celebrate him with us.
3) At the opening of the Sandy Stadium. No brainer, but if done here, it mustn't get lost in the fanfare of the stadium opening.
Anything else is an affront to Eddie and to RSL (and Pope) fans everywhere.
Finally, just a quick look at my MLS playoff predictions:
Round 1:
Chivas USA over Kansas City - WRONG
Houston over Dallas - RIGHT
DC United over Chicago - WRONG
New England over New York - RIGHT
Round 2:
Houston overChivas USA - RIGHTish
DC United over New England - WRONG
Final:
DC United over Houston - WRONG
As you can see, I did fairly well with the exception of DCU. Their choke in the first round killed me. But I learned something doing these predictions. Don't ever pick DCU, whenever I do, they lose.
Sigh...and there goes MLS 2007. At least we have the Draft and player moves to look forward to, I suppose. Now off to check on my other (soccer) team, the boys in blue of Sydney FC! Farewell until next time!
Anyhow, there are lots of rumors floating around RSL-land these days so I'll hit on a few of those and what they would mean.
The most current has Kreis talking Adidas into graduating Jamie Watson out of Generation Adidas early so that he could cut him. While I believe it (see: various debacles featuring the coaching staff/front office this year), I hope this is not the case, as it is VERY bush league. In fact, if true, it saddens me. Kreis gives Watson little to no playing time. When he does play (and plays well), Kreis calls him out for not scoring when Jamie was the only player on the field playing with any of the following 1) heart 2) hustle 3) passion 4) energy 5) courage 6) shots. Everyone else on the team was afraid to even attack! And now, Kreis gets him taken out of a guaranteed contract so that he can cut him. Weak. While I don't think he'll ever be a star, don't be surprised to see Watson land elsewhere in MLS and become a solid role player with tons of hustle (something Kreis says he wants...hmmm....)
AYL filed this rumor report about 3 weeks ago (and I've heard little else since) but has listed Atiba Harris, Steven Curfman, Chris Brown, and Jean Martial Kipre as soon to be ex-RSL players. Here's my thoughts on each, if true.
Curfman-reserve player, never really saw the field. Too bad for the kid, but not a big loss. Good luck!
Brown-Thank God! The fact that he almost won the RSL Golden Boot proves two things: 1) RSL just plain can't score 2) Findley was criminally under-utilized. If he'd been on the field more, it wouldn't have been close.
Harris-Sad to see him go. His toughness/recklessness actually would have served him well in continued play at D-mid. Supposedly going to Norway (I'm guessing on a much larger contract) so I can't say as I blame him.
Kipre-BIG loss. I think this kid was the future at outside back. He had the speed and the moves to keep up on defense and to really disrupt the opposition's plans while on offense. If it is true he is gone, he better be leaving for a big contract as RSL would be painfully dumb (granted it wouldn't be the first time) to let him go easily.
Also in that report was word that Christian Jimenez has been traded. For what? No one knows. I'll wait on final judgement on this until the details come out. Having said that, while everyone says Jimenez has the talent, he has been very injury prone and I can understand if RSL cuts their losses on this one. Good luck to him wherever he goes!
Also, I was thinking the other day and I realized something. RSL MUST retire Eddie Pope's number 23. If they don't, they are a bigger joke than...well, they have already proven to be (or Jack Stewart's defense-take your pick on whatever reference you prefer). It not only would be the correct thing to do for Eddie, as he has been an absolute rock not only for this franchise but for the national team as well, but for the fans as well. It would give us something to take pride in and rally around. Having a GREAT (not good) player's number in the rafters (or wherever you'd put it at a soccer stadium haha) gives your team a sense of history and pride. I see RSL as having 3 chances to get this right:
1) At home game #1 of the season. Start the year off right and with a big celebration.
2) At RSL's home game vs. DC United. Have Eddie's former team help celebrate him with us.
3) At the opening of the Sandy Stadium. No brainer, but if done here, it mustn't get lost in the fanfare of the stadium opening.
Anything else is an affront to Eddie and to RSL (and Pope) fans everywhere.
Finally, just a quick look at my MLS playoff predictions:
Round 1:
Chivas USA over Kansas City - WRONG
Houston over Dallas - RIGHT
DC United over Chicago - WRONG
New England over New York - RIGHT
Round 2:
Houston over
Final:
As you can see, I did fairly well with the exception of DCU. Their choke in the first round killed me. But I learned something doing these predictions. Don't ever pick DCU, whenever I do, they lose.
Sigh...and there goes MLS 2007. At least we have the Draft and player moves to look forward to, I suppose. Now off to check on my other (soccer) team, the boys in blue of Sydney FC! Farewell until next time!
Monday, November 5, 2007
MLS (Playoff) Format
It seems there are a LOT of people out there that don't like the current MLS playoff system. I must admit, I'm not 100% convinced myself. From the lack of advantage for higher seeds to the number of teams on, there are a lot of things people don't like. Here's a few ideas that I came up with. They almost certainly won't be liked by the 'soccer purists', especially those that want a single table & promotion/relegation (get over it, it'll never happen), but it is a semi-'Americanized' system that also tries to set fairness at a high level.
NOTE: This setup is based on a 16 team league, which MLS can and will be at soon.
First, I would break the league up into 2 conferences and four divisions, based mostly on geography (and therefore helping promote more regional rivalries). Teams like RSL & Colorado (or LA & Chivas, DCU/NE/NY, etc.) should be kept in the same division to help foster interest with the already developed rivalries. So the league would look something like this:
Western Conference:
Div. 1
Chivas USA
LA
San Jose
Seattle
Div. 2
RSL
Crapids
Houston
Dallas
Eastern Conference:
Div. 1
DCU
New England
NY
Toronto
Div. 2
KC
Chicago
Columbus
Eastern Team 8 (St. Louis?)
In the interest of a fair, balanced schedule teams would have an increase in the number of games. In my system, each team would play every other league team twice, once at home and once away. They then would play each team in their division an addition 2 times (home and away). This would mean a total of 36 games in the regular season, which I admit is a lot, but the best way I can think of to keep a balanced schedule while still keeping extra "rivalry games." There may have to be a few extra midweek games to meet this schedule, but it is possible. In short, the regular season looks like this:
15 other teams x 2 games each = 30 games
3 division teams x 2 additional games each = 6 games
30 + 6 = 36 games
Now we come to the playoffs. I actually have two systems in mind, one which will drastically cut the number of playoff teams and one that allows for more teams while giving an advantage to the higher seeds (based on the format used in the Australian A-League). Both try to give teams an advantage for having a better regular season while also assuring every team a home playoff game.
Playoff Format One:
The winner of each division advances to the playoffs. Each conference's 2 representatives face off in the semi final in a best of 3 game home-away-home series. The team with the highest number of points on the season is the home team and plays a possible 2 home games, with the other team given one. Each game would be in the current MLS format, with a 30-minute overtime if needed. If the game is still tied after 120 minutes, there are two options: a 15 minute golden goal second overtime followed by a shootout if necessary or just a shootout without the golden goal overtime. The first team to win 2 games advances to the MLS Cup. The MLS Cup itself would be as currently formatted, that is, a single game at a "neutral" field.
Playoff Format Two: (I'll try and have this make sense...)
The top 2 teams in each division would qualify for the playoffs. Each division winner would be considered the #1 seeds in the playoffs with the runners-up being the #2 seeds. The two #1's would play a "major quarterfinal" match at the home of the team with the most points on the season (or the better record in head-to-head matches that year, we're making this up so whatever you prefer). The winner of that match moves on to the conference final, the loser moves to the conference semifinal.
Meanwhile, the 2 #2's play a home-and-away "minor quarterfinal" series formatted in the same manner as the MLS playoffs currently are (aggregate, no away goals rule). The team with the most points would get to choose whether they wanted to be home first or away first. The winner of this series would move on to the conference semifinal.
The conference semifinal would pit the winner of the minor quarterfinal against the loser of the major quarterfinal in a one-off match at the major quarterfinal loser's home stadium. If tied, the game would have MLS's current 30 min. overtime (and if still tied) followed by one of the two options I used in format one (a 15-min. golden goal then, if necessary, a shootout OR just a shootout). The winner of this game moves to the conference final.
The conference final would be played in the home stadium of the winner of the major quarterfinal, using the same rules as the conference semifinal and with the winner moving to the MLS Cup, which, as per usual, would be one match played in a neutral stadium.
An idea for the timing of these matches would be:
Friday: Minor Quarter Game 1
Saturday: Major Quarter
Tuesday: Minor Quarter Game 2
Saturday: Conference Semifinal
and then the conference final and MLS Cup on the 2 following Saturdays. This setup would keep the length of the playoffs to a minimum, while giving the higher seeded teams the advantage of getting some extra rest.
For reference purposes (and to maybe clear up what I'm trying to convey), here are "bracket" versions of each format:
Format One:
Format 2:
I guess that's it for now, thanks for reading! Enjoy! And as always, feel free to comment below!
NOTE: This setup is based on a 16 team league, which MLS can and will be at soon.
First, I would break the league up into 2 conferences and four divisions, based mostly on geography (and therefore helping promote more regional rivalries). Teams like RSL & Colorado (or LA & Chivas, DCU/NE/NY, etc.) should be kept in the same division to help foster interest with the already developed rivalries. So the league would look something like this:
Western Conference:
Div. 1
Chivas USA
LA
San Jose
Seattle
Div. 2
RSL
Crapids
Houston
Dallas
Eastern Conference:
Div. 1
DCU
New England
NY
Toronto
Div. 2
KC
Chicago
Columbus
Eastern Team 8 (St. Louis?)
In the interest of a fair, balanced schedule teams would have an increase in the number of games. In my system, each team would play every other league team twice, once at home and once away. They then would play each team in their division an addition 2 times (home and away). This would mean a total of 36 games in the regular season, which I admit is a lot, but the best way I can think of to keep a balanced schedule while still keeping extra "rivalry games." There may have to be a few extra midweek games to meet this schedule, but it is possible. In short, the regular season looks like this:
15 other teams x 2 games each = 30 games
3 division teams x 2 additional games each = 6 games
30 + 6 = 36 games
Now we come to the playoffs. I actually have two systems in mind, one which will drastically cut the number of playoff teams and one that allows for more teams while giving an advantage to the higher seeds (based on the format used in the Australian A-League). Both try to give teams an advantage for having a better regular season while also assuring every team a home playoff game.
Playoff Format One:
The winner of each division advances to the playoffs. Each conference's 2 representatives face off in the semi final in a best of 3 game home-away-home series. The team with the highest number of points on the season is the home team and plays a possible 2 home games, with the other team given one. Each game would be in the current MLS format, with a 30-minute overtime if needed. If the game is still tied after 120 minutes, there are two options: a 15 minute golden goal second overtime followed by a shootout if necessary or just a shootout without the golden goal overtime. The first team to win 2 games advances to the MLS Cup. The MLS Cup itself would be as currently formatted, that is, a single game at a "neutral" field.
Playoff Format Two: (I'll try and have this make sense...)
The top 2 teams in each division would qualify for the playoffs. Each division winner would be considered the #1 seeds in the playoffs with the runners-up being the #2 seeds. The two #1's would play a "major quarterfinal" match at the home of the team with the most points on the season (or the better record in head-to-head matches that year, we're making this up so whatever you prefer). The winner of that match moves on to the conference final, the loser moves to the conference semifinal.
Meanwhile, the 2 #2's play a home-and-away "minor quarterfinal" series formatted in the same manner as the MLS playoffs currently are (aggregate, no away goals rule). The team with the most points would get to choose whether they wanted to be home first or away first. The winner of this series would move on to the conference semifinal.
The conference semifinal would pit the winner of the minor quarterfinal against the loser of the major quarterfinal in a one-off match at the major quarterfinal loser's home stadium. If tied, the game would have MLS's current 30 min. overtime (and if still tied) followed by one of the two options I used in format one (a 15-min. golden goal then, if necessary, a shootout OR just a shootout). The winner of this game moves to the conference final.
The conference final would be played in the home stadium of the winner of the major quarterfinal, using the same rules as the conference semifinal and with the winner moving to the MLS Cup, which, as per usual, would be one match played in a neutral stadium.
An idea for the timing of these matches would be:
Friday: Minor Quarter Game 1
Saturday: Major Quarter
Tuesday: Minor Quarter Game 2
Saturday: Conference Semifinal
and then the conference final and MLS Cup on the 2 following Saturdays. This setup would keep the length of the playoffs to a minimum, while giving the higher seeded teams the advantage of getting some extra rest.
For reference purposes (and to maybe clear up what I'm trying to convey), here are "bracket" versions of each format:
Format One:
Format 2:
I guess that's it for now, thanks for reading! Enjoy! And as always, feel free to comment below!
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