What do you think should be done to make the MLS a better league ?

Question

Watching the MLS is a big bore and snorefest in contrast to the EPL , La Liga, Serie A, so i ask what can be done to improve the quality of the game. Better coaches & managers, better regimented training, more international players, creating soccer academies etc

Answer 1

I think they should expand it to include teams in the USL. Put together a format like that of the English Premier League and most other leagues in the world. Do the whole relegation and promotion thing. Build up smaller teams into bigger teams over time and get more people interested from more parts of the country. The more teams we have from more places in the country, the more fans we'll get interested.

ADDITION: I also think they should get rid of the whole eastern conference, western conference thing. Then when it comes to the Cup, make it a whole different tournament with knockout stages (like the FA Cup in England).

Answer 2

Each team needs sign an "over-the-hill" 1st rate player to adopt an international style of play. Who cares if the MLS is seen as a retirement home for a while. Having Zidane teaching teamates in NY or Carlos helping just one american back in Houston would do worlds of good for US soccer in the long term. Just can't have all the internationals on one side, as the Cosmos did.

Answer 3

All of the items you listed are important for improving the league. I think MLS knows this, and is working on all of these items. They deserve a lot of credit for building the league very methodically and not getting ahead of themselves (see WUSA for an example of how NOT to do it).

All of the items you listed are dependent upon one another; you get better players when you have more money to spend; when you have better players, more fans watch and attend; when that happens, revenue goes up, which allows you to get better players, and so on.

The tricky part, I think, is taking the first big step, and signing Beckham is the first big step. He won't change the league singlehandedly, but his presence is hopefully the start of a chain reaction.

Oh, and don't forget building soccer specific stadia. This is also an important element.

Answer 4

Except for the signing of Beckham to such a HUGE contract, MLS has done no wrong in my eye.

They have taken a pragmatic and patient course to develop the game in the United States. The NASL went for the quick success and died.

MLS is making it possible for American born players to develop into world class players. Such an endeavor takes time. The only suggestion I have is to urge other countries to allow American players compete on their teams while MLS is in off season.

Answer 5

Better players, europe goes to south america and buys great young talent 15,16,17,18,yrs old for cheap and become money makers for the club, they would have been stars in any country in the world they dont go to europe to become better, but more proffesional, there is a differance. Why buy beckem? money to sell, sell T.V..tickets, jersys shoes. Lets face it U.S. does not care for the future of our youth. What im I going to learn wacthing becks a new hair style. Change the leadership in the U.S organization thats what has to be done first