With all the talking you would think there would be some listening

Fake Sigi has an interesting, and almost balanced, post up looking at some of the issues that face Canadian MLS teams. Although he does have a fairly good grasp of all things Canada, he still fails to understand what it is that many of us in Canada are critical of when it comes to MLS. This is my responce to his post. So, go read it first.

By and large it's a decent post. So, don't mistake what I'm about to write with a defensive reaction.

That said...maybe it's me and my fault, but I still don't think FS or others understand what my position on these issues is (I'm only speaking for myself). I don't think they ever have (partially because my words have so consistently been taken out of context by others.

So, to be clear:

I DO NOT SUPPORT TORONTO GETTING EXTRA INTERNATIONAL SPOTS OR EXTRA MONEY TO SPEND

I never have. I was highly critical of Mo's whining in year one about being handicapped by Canadian requirements (I wasn't blogging then, so you'll have to drag through the archives of the TFC boards to see. I won't hold my breath waiting). Even after he was gifted the extra spots in '08, I remained vocal in suggesting that TFC needed to do more to find Canadian talent and that chasing more overpriced Euro talent was a fool's game. I'm happy that some of the extra spots are being taken away now. Ideally, I'd love to see Canadians counted as domestics league-wide, but I understand why that's unlikely. Also, the reason I'd like to see that is to provide more opportunity for Canadians not Toronto FC.

As for money, TFC spend so much more last year because it stockpiled an obscene about of allocation, mostly through trade, in 2008. They are paying for it now (or not paying for it as the case may be).

I support a loosening of central controls and an increase in spending because I truly believe -- strongly believe -- that it would improve the whole league and that a failure to be progressive will doom the league to its niche status forever. I want to see successful off-field teams rewarded because philosophically I believe it's the right thing to do and that belief has nothing to do with what passport those team's fans have.

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SCOREBOARD. I don’t actually buy that Mo Johnston could win the MLS Cup if the league were to give him 10X the money to spend compared to everyone else anyway. I’d love to be proven wrong, but the evidence so far suggests that I won’t likely be.

I HATE forced parity. Hate it in ways that I can't express. I believe that it is the worst thing to ever happen to North American sports and it baffles me that so many sports fans are so enamoured by it. Why in hell do we want our teams to be mediocre? The "value" of having six average teams chasing the final playoff spot is...well...I just don't get it. I understand how fans of those mediocre teams like the fact that they are still in things (I would have been as happy as the next guy in TFC had beat NYRB last year to make the playoffs), but I think that, in MLS' case, the amount of parity does nothing to attract new fans, especially fans that are not in markets with teams.

Have I written that I feel that at a certain point markets that are losing the league money need to be re-examined, regardless of the the league's history in those markets? Yes, absolutely. Is Columbus one of those markets? Maybe, although I suspect that Crew Stadium keeps C-Bus safe for now. Does my opinion have anything whatsoever to do with where those markets are? No.

NO

If, 10 years down the line, TFC was drawing 9,000 people a game and papering the house I'd agree that it might be time to move the team. As a fan I would be sad by that -- and I might be defensive when the idea was suggested - but logically I'd understand why it was necessary.

I have NEVER called for Columbus, or any other market, to be moved. I've simply argued that the struggles at the gate in those markets should be looked at and critically evaluated.

I would maybe like to see the Canadian teams allowed to do more with the academies in exchange for opting out of the draft. If you allowed the Canadian teams to sign more players from their academy, provided those players were Canadian, instead of drafting NCAA players then the American teams would have three less teams to deal with and the issue of needing Canadian domestic talent would be addressed. (Such a plan would probably make it harder on the Canadian teams in the short run).

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. Maybe I, and others up here, think the MLS system is crap because we think its crap – not crap for Toronto, crap for everyone.

It isn’t 1996 anymore. MLS should act like it.

Just the facts: Whitecaps top academy coach leaves

From the Whitecaps front office:

Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that Residency managing director and head coach Thomas Niendorf will not return for the 2010 season. Whitecaps men's team assistant coach Colin Miller will immediately assume interim coaching duties for the club's Residency program, with support from Residency assistant coach Steve Meadley and men's team head coach Teitur Thordarson.

"We are very appreciative of Thomas' contribution to the club," said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi. "Thomas played a pivotal role in getting the club's Residency program up and running, and in establishing a successful track record on which we will build on. The program will continue to be a focal point of our club, and the recruiting process for a replacement will begin immediately."

You can read the whole thing here.

I've already reported that there is a divide in the Whitecaps front office regarding the move to MLS and the changes that might mean to the academy set-up. And the 'Caps responded by saying there wasn't. This doesn't prove anything, but the timing is interesting.

Judge for yourselves.

Players to strike at 5 p.m.?

MLSPU has indicated that it will be making a statement at 5 p.m. EST. The early indications I have received is that they are likely to walk. However, I have not received any information -- strike or no strike, on or off record -- directly from any of the players I have attempted to contact.

TFC and MLS have maintained a no comment stance throughout the dispute.

Obviously, more as it develops.

UPDATE: 4:45 p.m. - Two theories are floating around. One says that the players will stage a 24-hour walk-out as a show of unity. The other is suggesting a hard strike date of March 31 to be announced.

The league has indicated that it will be responding to what he players say after the MLSPU position is public.

UPDATE: 5:05 p.m. - Haven't seen the release yet, but others are reporting that there will not be an immediate strike.

UPDATE: 5:07 - The full statement:

"Effective at midnight tonight, our collective bargaining agreement with MLS will expire,” MLSPU executive director Bob Foose said.

While we expect that negotiations with MLS will resume at some point, there simply hasn’t been enough progress made in the negotiations to date to warrant an extension of the old agreement. We have advised our players to keep working for the time being, but as of Friday they will be doing so without a CBA. In the meantime, all options are being considered as the process continues. We are completely committed to forging real changes to the way MLS players are treated.”

A belated congrats to Sinclair

Olympic obsession made me kind of miss the mark on reporting Christine Sinclair’s 100th international goal, which came last week. Although a lot of those goals came against dreadful opposition, it’s still an amazing accomplishment for an athlete still quite young.

I was told last year that Sinclair was considered to have the talent to be among the top four or five players in the world, but was held back by fitness. Basically, her talent allowed her to dominate without really having to work for it. The thinking then was that Sinclair would flourish under the new management of Carolina Morace.
The true measure will come this year in World Cup qualifying. The rest of the region is catching up and Canada should not assume that a trip to the World Cup is a sure thing.

To that end, preparation has begun with the team in Cyprus playing in the Cyprus Cup. A 2-1 win over Switzerland yesterday sets up what will likely be the group decider against England on Friday.

Last year, the Canadians struggled a bit at the Cyprus Cup as they adjusted to the new style of Morace. However, the scoreboard was secondary to the development of their game. It’s still a little early in the preparation cycle to be truly concerned about the scoreboard, but that time is getting closer.

Your Daily CBA: So, yeah, um, less than 12-hours, eh?

Again, I'm going to try and start each day of posting off with CBA links, rather than bore you with my over-stated opinion (for now).

Paul James says raise the cap and forget free agency.

Goff published an e-mail he received from someone that may or may not be an insider and may or may not know what he is talking about.

If you don't want to be depressed, don't read Sports Business Journal

An Examiner writer worries that Jim Rome and his ilk are going to have a field day.

Brian Ching is concerned that no MLS will equal no South Africa for domestically based American players.

Another view from ESPN

It's Called Football - Guest: 'Mo Johnston'

We talk about what the 16-year-old Luis Gil's signing means for MLS.

And how it relates to the current CBA negotiations. We also get into where the union is coming from on free agency and why the league may be so resistant.

We talk about the latest entry into the CSL - Milltown FC - and what they'll bring to the soccer community.

And Ben gets the chance to sit down one-on-one with 'Mo Johnston' to talk about Toronto FC.

(quotations marks intentional)

How the players can win

The common thinking, even among those that are sympathetic to the player's side of things, is that MLSPU cannot win a prolonged labour dispute with the league. The players make too little money, have no leverage and any prolonged work stoppage would break the union, is the suggestion.

But, could the experts be wrong? Is there a way that the players could seize control and gain significant concessions from ownership?

I think there is. And here is how:

1) Re-gain control

The owners were smart last week to say that they weren't going to lock-out (although you might note that it didn't say it was never going to lock-out). By forcing the players to be the ones that jump first you can gain a little in the important PR battle. But, the other thing it does is that it forces the players to make a decision before they might be ready. MLS, like all football leagues, has a lot of turnover. Only here the players that are coming in don't instinctively understand the ins and outs of the way MLS works. Those new players might not understand the importance of what they are fighting for and may need some time to be educated about the union's issues.

So, the first thing MLSPU should do Friday is announce that they are not going to walk -- yet. They should call a press conference and say that they understand the importance of playing in the lead-up to a World Cup and so long as the owners were willing to keep meeting they would be willing to start playing. However, they should not allow themselves to be pinned down by a specific date - "We're going to keep playing as long as the owners are willing to talk. If they chose to stop talking then that's unfortunate. We're hopeful they also understand the importance of playing."

2) Lay it out on the table

At the press conference the players need to provide specific details of what they are asking for. Say that they want to make sure that the fans understand how reasonable they are being and spell it out. Dare the owners to lay out there counter proposal and when they are accused of negotiating in the press say that the fans deserve to know what's going on. Make it all about the fans.

3) Keep doing what they do well

Social media has been effectively used throughout the dispute by players to get their message out. Since they seem to understand that world they should intensify efforts. Members should talk to anyone and everyone so they come off as everyday people.

4) Get a strike mandate

Although they should not give a date, they should get a mandate from the membership to walk on 24-hours notice. The owners will then feel the pressure of knowing that the players could walk at anytime. That might make them reconsider their stance on locking out.

5) Fight like hell for a short term

Make it clear that the current economic times are referenced at all times. If the players say "Look, we get times are tougher now than they were a few years ago. That's why we’re willing to live with a shorter term and the lack of certainty that will cause our members." The players need to make it clear that they understand that they will not gain everything they eventually want now and that they are willing to wait out hard times with the owners.

6) Sacrifice and planning

One area that the players are vulnerable in is the possibility of younger, poorly paid players crossing the line. If the veterans are serious about walking out they need to be aware of what that will mean to the Gabe Galas of the league. It's one reason why they need to start the season. If they do start the year they can plan for a strike -- maybe even have a portion of each paycheque above a certain level put into a strike fund controlled by the union. If they can keep the less well paid players fed, here is a far less likelihood of a broken union.

7) Strategic sacrifice

The players need to appear reasonable. They should take one relatively major issue off the table right away. By doing that they will be saying to the fans and the owners "look, we can sacrifice. Why can't you?"

8) International support

Although FIFA isn’t willing to step in – nor should we ever expect that they will – that doesn’t mean that there isn’t help to be found on the player front. If players from outside MLS could be convinced to recognize the dispute by not participating in North American tours or, most importantly, in SUM events, that would be a real pressure point that the players could push.

8) Be willing to walk

It seems pretty basic, but the most important thing the players need to do is be willing to walk if it comes to it. And, to make sure that the owners are aware that they are.

If the players do that it comes down to who blinks first. Many of those that suggest that the players don’t have a chance in this base that assumption on another assumption – that the owners aren’t making money off of them and therefore would be willing to go dark for a prolonged period.

But, if you think that the money being lost is overstated or creative accounting, then you suddenly have a less black and white view of who has the power in this dispute.

More player talk

I'm optimistic by nature. Through the whole thing I've been very optimistic. It's reached a stage now where I don't have that optimism. In negotiations you hope that one side gives a little and the other side gives a little, and eventually we meet somewhere in the middle. That's not the case at this point. I'm hopeful it will move to that stage, but right now it's not the case."

Chris Klein via Grant Wahl

Not much to add. Read the whole thing here.

The World Cup and the CBA: one has nothing to do with the other

One of the reasons that a MLS work stoppage is so feared (one of the many reasons) is because fans fear that a disruption now would prevent the league taking advantage of a World Cup bump.

It's especially worrisome to many because there is a lingering feeling that the U.S. national team could do so real damage in South Africa. If they were to get to the quarters or -- GASP! -- beyond surely that would be a impetus to the sport finally breaking through to the mainstream.

If only there was a similar example of a niche sport pulling off a huge upset with all of America watching that we could look to see what would happen:



Let's not dismiss the potential of a deep World Cup run helping MLS. But, holding it up as a reason why the players shouldn't consider taking their fight to the next level is a bit much. The NHL never grew beyond its fourth-at-best status in the U.S. following the Miracle on Ice and it's unlikely that a World Cup run would do that much. The hockey game is still revered in the U.S., but a large percentage of Americans couldn't likely name more than five NHL teams.

A loosening of the central controls will do far more to help the sport long term than a single tournament run -- even if the U.S. were to pull off a Miracle on Grass.

Fans are understandably upset at the prospect of a work stoppage. On a personal level they don't want to face the prospect of missing their team. On a more general level they fear what a strike or lock-out might mean. But as this gets increasingly closer, I can't get past the idea that a short term sacrifice might be what's needed for a long-term gain. That it might happen in a World Cup year is unfortunate, but it's not reason alone to not fight the fight.

That's what my head says anyway. My heart, on the other hand...

Your morning CBA: $%$&ing Wicked!

A couple articles looking at why a strike might happen to start your day: Everyone’s favourite Trecker and Dan Levy. Also, read this. Not because it has anything to do with the CBA, but because it will likely entertain some of you.

As I stated yesterday, I kind of want to stick a fork in my eye right now regarding this. I feel that everything that could be said, has been said. By now y’all know my position. I don’t need to repeat it. So, I will probably start each day out with some links then move on to talk about the Montreal Impact, or something.

I am curious, however, to hear someone argue how the status quo will help build the sport – not an argument of how the economic reality of MLS won’t allow a change, but rather an argument of how he sport is better off without change. The comments section is below. I, for reasons unclear to me some days, allow anonymous comments.

About 38 hours or so to go...

Watch TFC Thursday. Maybe. Sort of.

When TFC takes to the pitch on Thursday at the Cartoon Mouse Sawkerfest the events are expected to be shown on Torontofc.ca via web stream. No audio though, just the glorious pictures of Nana Attakora playing central defence with a trialist beside him.

I expect nothing less than a 297 page thread on the Red Patch Boys forum.

The game will also feature a live blog.

That is, of course, if there is a game. It is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST, just four hours from the CBA deadline. We might tune in to see 22 guys playing keepy-up in the middle of the pitch for 90 minutes.

On the subject of me!

I was approached last week by a blogger in Columbus looking to interview me. You can read the wide-ranging results of our conversation here.

The CBA: What I want to see

This stuff is draining. As much as talking about the never-ending search for a truly great TFC centreback and Chad Barrett's salary can get dull after a while, I think we can all agree that a constant obsession over the minutia of the CBA debate is 100 times worse.

But, literally nothing else is happening right now (you know, other than the imploding of WPS, simmering hatred between the NASL and USL and the prospect of two full years without significant Canadian national team games).

Since I'm being labelled by some as a blind player-loving fan-boy incapable of understanding the the economic realities of MLS, I wanted to outline what exactly it is that I feel would be a fair deal. A couple caveats before we begin.

1) Although many people are hearing things about the negotiation, no one outside of that room truly understands exactly what is happening.

2) Since we don't know the details, we have to talk in generalities. When things do get solved, those generalities may prove to be out to lunch.

As I've clearly stated many times, I don't disagree with other's characterization of my position as "pro-player," although a better way to put it would be "pro-growth." I don't necessarily support the player's positions without question, but rather I'm interested in seeing MLS do things that can start it down a road that puts it more in line with the rest of the world. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate some unique aspects to the game here and the need for some exceptions -- a winter schedule, for instance, would be a non-starter as would promotion and relegation or the elimination of the playoffs. It just means that I feel that there are certain aspects of the MLS business model that were necessary in the early days of the league, but that have outlived their usefulness (if the goal is to produce a league that can compete for talent worldwide).

That said:

Salary cap -

The salary cap was not controlled by the previous CBA, which has lead many on the other side of this argument to claim that it can't be talked about in this round either. That's a bit unrealistic since the salary cap governs what players will be paid and compensation is pretty key to any CBA agreement in any industry. I feel that the league is financially strong enough to allow for a moderate increase of the cap. Earlier I reported that there was an agreement to move the number to $2.6 million -- and, despite what critics of mine are suggesting elsewhere, I didn't pull that number from my ass. That would be fine for now. However, in an ideal world I would like to see the cap tied into league revenue. So, $2.6 million would be the floor of the cap, but if the league was profitable at a certain level the cap would automatically increase to reflect that. In the NHL, for instance, player's salaries represent 53 per cent of hockey-related revenue. A situation in MLS that mirrored that type of agreement would be more than fair.

Free agency -

To me MLS needs to find a way to reward player loyalty and recognize that they are not operating in a bubble. I understand the fear of truly opening up the market and agree that if that were to happen you would see an increase in salaries that might be outside of the league's ability to pay. However, if you allowed veteran players (defined by age or minutes played in MLS) that are out of contract to move to a team of their choice you would likely not bring the house down. If you are truly worried about salary inflation, then you could work in provisions that prohibited the moving player to make more money at his new team than he did at his old (or provide incentives to keep him at his old team -- the NBA operates in this way). Basically there are ways to make free agency more about a choice of where to live and work than about money.

Obviously the owners would want to keep free movement restricted. From a pure business prospective it makes perfect sense. But, it's not a reasonable position to take long-term. The players are right to fight for this and the owners would be smart to find a compromise (and the players would also be smart to understand that full free agency is a process that will be agreed upon over time, not all at once).

The Rohan Ricketts rule -

Cut players should be able to negotiate with any other MLS team. Period. Maybe you can work in some salary restraints, but it's not likely necessary. This is a no brainer and pretty much everyone agrees that it's a bit silly for a team to need to give up something to get a player that another team has released.

Guaranteed contracts -

Although I appreciate the player's position on this, it's not an area that I am overly concerned about. That said, it would seem fair to negotiate some sort of protection for players -- especially foreign players who have uprooted their life -- from being cut loose in the middle of a season. Again, this is not something that the owners need to do. They are clearly within their rights to keep things as they are. But, staying firm on this point is to be blind to the realities of the rest of the world.

Term length -

The league wants a long agreement. The players something shorter. I think that it's unrealistic that both sides are going to come out of this satisfied and that if, as many like to point out, the economic situation in the greater world is one reason why this is not a time to be progressive, then it seems reasonable to me to sign a two or three year contract. If the economy is better then...

Other factors -

Although you don't hear much talk about issues like academies, the draft, a reserve league and travel restrictions, I would, ideally, like to see some movement on these fronts as well.

A greater focus on academies could actually help the owners control costs. If you are developing players you maybe don't have to bid against the rest of the world to bring in the Generation adidas quality prospects. Also, you can sell kids to Europe, opening up an entirely undeveloped revenue stream for the owners.

Allowing teams to use whatever travel arrangements that they see fit would be one (very) small way to allow more successful off-field teams to do things to make themselves more competitive. Rewarding success is a good thing.

And we need to get a workable reserve league up and running again.

Many people reading this might feel compelled to say things like "you're good at spending other people's money," and they would be right (although they would likely be missing the counterpoint that they are "good at negotiating other people's working conditions"). Obviously the business of MLS can operate in any way that it sees fit and it's not my, or any other fan's, business. However, what's good for MLS the business is not necessarily good for the development of the sport. And, that's my only concern.

There appears to be a fear among many long-term fans of MLS that any liberalization of the league will result in it going away. Since they were around in 2001 and in 1985 they are frightened of a MLS that isn't strictly controlled by the central office. A watered down, niche league is better than a folded league or folded teams. I simply don't share that fear. MLS would be fine with some moderate changes now and it needs to start moving towards a fully open system down the line. If it isn't moving in that direction then we can conclude that the owners are in this business for one reason and one reason only -- as an investment. The idea that MLS, as constructed, can grow the sport any further than it already has is spurious.

At least that's how I see it.

WPS drops a Canuck

Canadian Christine Latham has been released by the Boston Breakers. That's all I got right now, but, for the moment, there is one less Canadian in WPS and that's too bad.

Vancouver talk in America

I appeared on the American Soccer Show today. You can listen here:

I guess you can't lose if you don't play. So, that's good. Sort of.

If there is a work stoppage in MLS the Columbus Crew will be the first team to face a competitive match. They are scheduled to play in the CCL against Toluca on March 9.

Although no one has come out and said what would happen if a potential strike or lock-out occurred, chances are it wouldn't look good for the league or competition.

CONCACAF lays out the consequences of forfeiture in the competition rules:

3.10
Once having entered the CCL, participating teams must meet all of their
obligations including participating in all matches. Failure to participate in any
game may be considered by the CONCACAF Executive Committee, at its sole
discretion, as withdrawal from the event. Withdrawal may have a serious
impact on the integrity of the event and as such the penalties as specified
below will apply except in cases of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances
deemed acceptable by the CONCACAF Executive Committee.

3.11
The following fines shall apply in the case of withdrawal of a team. If
withdrawal occurs:
a. After entering the tournament but before the day of the draw for the
Preliminary Round: A fine of $5,000 plus a forfeiture of any entry fees.
b. On or after the day of the draws for the Preliminary Round and Group
Stages but prior to any Preliminary Round game having been played
(involving any teams): A fine of $7,500 plus a forfeiture of any entry fees.
c. After the commencement of the Preliminary Round but prior to the day of
the first Group Stage games: A fine of $10,000 plus a forfeiture of any entry
fees.
d. After the commencement of the Group Stage but prior to the day of the
draw for the Championship Stage: A fine of $15,000 plus a forfeiture of any
entry fees.
e. At any point after the draw for the Championship stage: A fine of $20,000
plus a forfeiture of any entry fees.

...

3.14
Depending on the circumstances and the decision of the CONCACAF Executive
Committee, a team that withdraws at any stage of the competition may be
ordered to reimburse the particular Local Organizing Committee, the opposing
team or teams (in the Group Stage) and CONCACAF and any expenses that they
have already incurred as a result of its proposed involvement or non-
involvement in the competition and also pay compensation for any damages or
losses arising from its withdrawal. This is in addition to any fines imposed
above.

Now, it is possible that CONCACAF could waive the fines if they determine that the Crew were unable to field a team for unforeseen reasons. It's maybe even likely. But, the reality is that it's not certain. And it's just one more thing to worry about for MLS fans, especially those that care about the league's reputation in the rest of the region.

At the Stephen Hart press conference I asked the CSA what they would do if TFC was not able to participate in the V-Cup because of a work stoppage. They refused to answer at that time because it was a hypothetical question.

Disney preview

American Soccer News Net has posted a nice preview of next weekend's Disney tournament, which includes TFC.

In an effort to keep up you can find my preview below:

Долгосрочной службы героический рабочий класс советской нации

It's like the old Soviet Union -- everyone knows the system stinks. The old guard is desperately trying to pretend that the system is essential and still works

Steven Goff has twice posted that anonymous quote in the last two days. It's, to use his description, from someone respected by players and owners alike. There will be some who will dismiss it because it isn't sourced. I have news for those people. Nothing is getting sourced right now. If you want to share information you receive about the actual negotiation, you have to go anonymous because it ain't getting out otherwise.

Last week I reported what I had been told by two sources close to the players (one, very close since he chases balls around MLS pitches for a living). They told me that things were going well and that there had been an agreement reached on most of the key points, but that free agency remained unresolved. Pretty much everything we heard on DOOMWEEKEND! backed that up. The only difference was tone. With two weeks to go a disagreement on free agency seemed workable. With a week to go, less so. And now things that were agreed upon a week ago are being held up as negotiating tactics -- Remember when we told you that we would guarantee contracts for senior players? Yeah, well, we've been thinking about that...

Today Goff wrote an "open letter" piece where he essentially told the owners to negotiate in good faith. He didn't come out and say it directly, but the implication there is that they haven't been up to now -- at least according to the people that Goff trusts.

It's a reasonable thing to suggest, especially when it is becoming increasingly difficult to figure out what it is that the owners are trying to protect -- other than profit margins (which is their right, of course, but there has to be a balance).

I guess it comes down to whether you believe the owner's position that MLS losses them money. It doesn't, but a good accountant can do amazing things and Kool-aid is irresistible to certain types.

The owners strike back

So, the owners have decided to speak.

They detail their side of the dispute and make it clear that free agency in MLS isn't going to happen. I need to sit on this a little before comment further. So...have a read ad check back later...

And the players respond back.

At this point it's a battle of numbers and you might be forgiven for tuning it out. However, what is clear is that this could get messy this week.

That said, these types of things always get messy.

As far as my take on today's developments...it was a smart move by the owners to take the lock-out off the table. I think they did so with full knowledge of what the player's response would be. But, it's still a good move from a public relations stand point.

There is a lot of noise floating around about how the players "have more to lose" in a work stoppage*. That could be the truth, but I've yet to see anyone provide any evidence to back the position up. The average MLS player does make more than the average American or Canadian worker and there are a lot of examples of American and Canadian workers making temporary sacrifices for a longer gain in labour disputes. I'm not sure why MLS players should be held to a higher standard here. If they feel they can walk, they'll walk and, I'd imagine, they'll take care of those players that are most vulnerable financially (if, for no other reason, to stop them from crossing the line).

I’ll have much more on this in the morning....

*to the troll in Uniontown, calling it a "work stoppage" rather that a "strike" at this stage isn't an attempt to subtly put my bias in. It's just accurate, you pinhead. Once we know what type of work stoppage it is, we'll call it what it is).

Olympic Dish: Melissa’s tears

I watched Melissa Hollingsworth’s fourth and final skeleton run last night on my DVR. So, I didn’t get to see the Twitter fall-out that I’m sure occurred after her post race interview with CTV.

With tears streaming down her face, she said that she felt that she let the “entire country down.” It was heartbreaking. You weren’t human if you didn’t want to reach out and hug her. It didn’t help that CTV showed one of those human interest pieces about her just before the race that talked about how sport helped her overcome a lack of self-confidence and about how her father always told her that she was “his hero.”

Good God. I almost started crying.

So, I didn’t need to see the 10,000 messages that likely flooded Twitter saying “don’t worry Melissa, you are still my hero,” and “we’re still proud of you.” Never mind that most of the people sending those messages didn’t know who Hollingsworth was at 4 p.m. EST that day, nor were they aware that people did luge on their stomachs prior to seeing it that night. The Olympics, as anyone who pays even a little bit of attention knows, aren’t packaged as an athletic competition as much as they are a giant reality TV program.

Our sweetheart Melissa got voted off the Island and that sucked.

But, was it wrong of her to feel like she “let the country down?” Although I agree that it’s silly to think that finishing fifth in the Olympics is a failure of any type, I was actually, at the risk of sounding like a cold, cold man, happy to hear her say it.

As she pointed out, a lot of money was spent on giving these athletes the best possible chance at success. The Canadian government determined that there was a tangible benefit to having a bunch of young, telegenic Canadians taking on the world and winning on home soil. So, they invested a lot of coin.

Corporate Canada did its part too (although they could do a lot more, but that’s another topic) as did individual Canadians. So, when Hollingsworth was on that track last night looking for Olympic hardware she was doing so as part of a team that, in some small ways, includes all Canadians.

Simply put, there is a responsibility of athletes at an elite level to live up to their promise. They are being supported to produce. There are many Canadians that question the value of investing in amateur sport. Without results, those voices will grow stronger. So, the current athletes also have an obligation to future athletes to ensure that they are provided with the same opportunities.

On an individual level it’s unfair to tell Hollingsworth that she let us down. She didn’t. She had a bad run, but is still an elite athlete (and a previous Olympic medallist). But, collectively it is fair to demand success. More than fair.

So, when Hollingsworth said that she felt that she let us down, I found myself happy. She was wrong to think that she did, but she was right to consider the bigger picture.

And, it made me respect her even more as an athlete and a person.

The more things change...the more they change, apparently

While digging around this morning for some USSF D2 information I came upon this gem of an article from 2006.

I think our league is a better league from the point of the complete structure...
Bob Lenarduzzi on the then USL-1 versus MLS

To be fair to Lenarduzzi, the opinions stated in the linked article aren't all that different than what you might hear today. The only difference, really, is that the 'Caps gave up on the idea of being absorbed by MLS a while ago and agreed to the buy-in.

Considering they could have been in for $10 million or less at the time of the article and ended up paying $35 million, you can argue that, as good as the 'Caps are as an organization, they might have dropped the ball there. Certainly, Vancouver would have been the obvious market for MLS to break its Canada virginity prior to 2007. Toronto was the city that preferred Serie A and hated the Lynx.

So, what happened since Lenarduzzi spoke to the Vancouver Province in 2006 and today? Well, TFC happened. And Seattle. Suddenly it became clear that the 'Caps needed to be in the top league in order to grow its brand beyond its current niche, cult following. For those muttering at their computer screen now about how the D2 level "isn't that much, if any, worse than MLS, well, you're wrong and, even if you aren't, perception is reality. Most sports fans, even those that are also soccer fans, view MLS as the top level in North America. There is very little the NASL or USL can do to change that perception.

So, the 'Caps have paid up and are on the inside trying to make change now. But, make no mistake, they are trying to make change. The rest of the quote I highlighted above?

MLS is top down. USL is bottom up, with that foundation of Y-League teams. I think that's a great model to work from. It certainly fits all of our needs and we are able to have teams participate at every level of the USL.

A strong argument can be made that the 'Caps have been the best North American football club of all time. They've been successful at every level they have played at, have been in existence forever (by North American standards) and have always looked forward. If MLS is willing to listen to their concerns, they could be the best thing to ever happen to the league and to the sport (on both sides of the border).

It's Called Football - MLS strike

We're joined by Jason Davis of Match Fit USA and the American Soccer Show to talk about the possibility of an MLS strike and what that would mean for the league in the long run. We also get into Charlie Davies' recovery and what the USA doing well in the World Cup could do for MLS.

That and we debate Toronto's front line of attack and take down a few newspaper columnists for some poor reporting this week.

Sober Second Thoughts: On being a MLSnob

In the small world of MLS writing, there has been a lot of discussion over the years about what it means to be a Eurosnob – that particular type of soccer fan that refuses to consider watching the game at any level that isn’t played in Europe (and by Europe I, of course, mean England).

The Eurosnob is to be despised, an un-American/Canadian who, clearly, doesn’t know the game and is the single biggest reason why soccer is not as big as the NFL/NHL now. Some have even tried to define what actually it is to be a Eurosnob.

However, there has been less talk about another subset of fan – the MLSnob (or, is it MLSsnob? My style books, strangely, don’t give any guidance). If there are fans that can only appreciate football at the highest level, there are also those that feel that you are a lesser fan if you don’t primarily follow the sawker.

So, in an effort to keep things balanced, I present sure-fire steps to becoming an MLSnob. A hat-tip goes out to this person who wrote one of the earliest definitions of the Eurosnob. I’m going to copy their format.:

TERMINOLOGY
MLSnobs react violently to any use of British terms. It’s a field, a game, tie and, dammit, a scoreless game is zero-zero. Any attempt by someone to use the language common in much of the world is to be viewed with the upmost suspicion. The biggest peeve of the MLSnob is, obviously, those that call the game football. It’s soccer – pronounced sAWK-er – and the MLSnob goes out of his (and it’s always a his) way to say the word as much as possible, especially when in the presence of those with British accents, or when they get dragged out to watch the Champions League final.

MLSnobs understand that the world uses a different language to describe the game, yet they still take offense when they hear terms that don’t match what they use. They sometimes allow new British friends some latitude. However, they had better shape up quickly.

CONVICTION
MLSnobs have a conviction to make you like MLS. They are humourless about all things related to the league, including any criticism about the unique rules that govern it. Somehow, those that equate problems with single entity or parity, or competition format, or...are labelled enemies of the league. The unique rules are held up as sacred cows that can never be changed. However, it goes beyond a mere enjoyment of the unique nature of MLS. A MLSnob truly thinks that the way MLS runs the league is better than how the rest of the world does things and is eager to tell you just that.

NAMES
MLsnobs have a strange and unhealthy obsession with sports names (this is a direct rip of the linked article, which tells me that all soccer fans have a “strange and unhealthy obsession with sports names”). They insist that it is wrong for clubs to be named in the style that they are in most of the world. Rather, a team should be given a nickname that follows the city’s name – probably one that resulted from a name the team contest, or a long defunct NASL club that played in the city. The MLSnob glories in explaining that Toronto FC should be Toronto SC (or, preferably, the Blizzard) and that DC United didn’t unite with anything.

THEY AREN’T THAT GOOD ANYWAY
The true MLSnob also, deep down, feels that the rest of the world is overrated when it comes to the talent level. They will argue that the EPL is not popular because of the skill, but rather because the hype around the league convinces people it is better. In a moment of quiet reflection, the MLSnob will admit that the top teams in England probably are better, but that the difference isn’t as big and teams like, say, Birmingham are no better than the Columbus Crew.

RESULTS DON’T MATTER (unless they do)
The most interesting aspect of the MLSnob’s mentality is that they strongly resist putting any weight on competitive results against other CONCACAF teams. When the Dynamo are eliminated in the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League it’s because the competition doesn’t matter and the team was putting priority on what’s really important – MLS. However, when a MLS team beats a Mexican team in SuperLiga, or, even better, the MLS All-Stars beat a bigger name English side, then that’s something that should be looked at as an example of how the league is better than it’s given credit for.

LA LA LA LA I CAN’T HEAR YOU
This speaks to the conviction requirement detailed above, but is deserving of it’s own qualification. A MLSnob truly believes that the economic system of MLS is the only way to run a league and that it’s vital that all soccer leagues aspire to making every team in the league as equal as possible. Without economic restraints the game will die, they say (ignoring the fact that there still are a lot of folks out there more than willing to spend big coin on it) and that the only way to ensure excitement in a league is to make sure that 90 per cent of its teams are chasing the eighth playoff spot on the final day of the season. The MLSnob will aggressively tell you that MLS is visionary in the way it runs the league, rather than being conservative to the point of absurdity.

REAL FANS SUFFER
Perhaps the most obvious sign of an MLSnob is condescension. Since they “work” harder at being a fan than those who follow the sport in Europe, then they, somehow, are better fans than Eurosnobs. It’s easy to cheer for Barcelona, not so much to be a Colorado Rapids fan. Beyond that, it’s a sign of a lack of sophistication for someone to require seeing the biggest talents in the game to enjoy the sport. A true fan understands the inherited beauty in a Chad Barrett cross.

Those are the main points. Of course there are shades of MLSnobbery – just like there are shades of Eurosnobbery – but for many being an MLSnob isn’t a choice, but rather a calling.

Meanwhile the rest of us will continue to watch the EPL on a Saturday morning before heading down to the stadium to catch the afternoon’s MLS game.

And, we will appreciate both.

Olympic Dish: Where have all the Great Ones gone?

The Great One didn't get a shot in '98. So, it was only fitting that The Kid got two 12 years later.

In case you were one of the 14 people in Canada not watching the hockey game tonight, Sidney Crosby scored the shoot-out winner to give Canada a dramatic 3-2 win over, um, Switzerland. It was revenge for the Swiss 2-0 win over Canada in '06, or so someone is bound to spin it anyway.

It was a game that Canadian fans are getting used to seeing. Outshooting opponents by a wide margin only to see an opposing goaltender stand on his head to shut the attack down. Tonight it was Jonas Hiller. Four years ago -- to the day, it's famously being reported -- it was Martin Gerber. Neither have a stockpile of Vezina Trophies stored in their closet. Yet, both seemed to know how to frustrate Canada under the glare of Olympic lights.

It's enough to make the puckhead voluntarily check into the ward at the hospital with mauve walls. “How can we be this unlucky,” they may claim.

Maybe it isn't luck. The ugly truth that the Canadian hockey fan must face is this. Of the last five best-on-best hockey tournaments that have taken place, Canada has really only played a handful of great games. Put aside the 2004 World Cup and things look really bleak. The 4-1 win over the U.S. in the preliminary stage in '98, the gold medal game in '02 (people forget how bleak the run to the final was), and, if I'm being charitable, the final game of the preliminary round in '06 against the Czech Republic. Sure they've beat up on some minnows in there, but the two results against the Swiss kind of cancel that out. So, three full Olympics plus two games and Canada has played two good games and one great.

The Canucks have a 15-5-1 record in the Games since the pros came, although seven of the wins have come against teams outside of the traditional big six nations. It's decent, but hardly worthy of the untouchable hype that often surrounds teams here.

So, what's going on? Why did Canada struggle to get a shoot-out win against a ragtag group of AHL quality players? Part of it was the way the Swiss played. They lined up in a system and they played it well (and we have exported Canadian coaching to blame for that) But, I can't shake the feeling that there is more to it.

There is little doubt that Canada continues to produce a large majority of the world's top players. If you were to rank the top 100 players in the world, there is a good chance that at least 60 would be Canadian. However, things change once you get into the top 20 or so players. There, it's a far more even split amongst all the big hockey playing countries.

Part of that is the rest of the world catching up, but I think the bigger issue is change in the type of player Canada has produced in the last 20 years. Crosby is an exception now. For the most part the ideal Canadian player is physical, a little mean and plays a straight ahead game. Coaching in this country has evolved to the point that we have kids in peewee playing systems hockey. Twelve year olds are having it drilled into their head that you never have two men in deep in the attacking zone-- WHO IS THE HIGH MAN! -- that it's wrong to stick handle over the blue line -- DON'T RISK AN ODD MAN RUSH -- and that the best power-play strategy it to fire the puck from all angles -- SHOOOOOT!

There is a correct way to play the game in Canada and those that can't fit into that mould are frozen out in a system that is constantly filtering until only the "best" are left standing. There is little doubt that the system creates a lot of really good players. But, does it create truly great players?

In the 1987 Canada Cup, which many consider the best hockey tournament ever played, Canada had Dale Hawerchuk on the fourth line. Wayne Gretzky had 21 points. Mario Lemieux 11 goals. Almost every person on the roster was capable of a moment of sublime greatness that could change a hockey game. Other than Crosby, is there anyone on the Canadian team now that can do that? I see a bunch of really good forwards, but not a lot of guys that I would term special. Iginla? Thornton? Nash? All nice players. None that can singlehandedly win you a game (and I'm not 100 per cent convinced on the otherworldly greatness of Crosby yet either).

I blame the system for not being set-up to create that player anymore. Creativity and flair are driven out of players now and replaced with efficiency -- especially defensive efficiency. Having a team full of good ole' Canadian players will win you a lot of NHL games in February. But, it's unclear how many Olympic games they will win you.

They might yet find a way to win gold, of course. But, it will be for the same reasons that any of about six teams might win gold -- a goalie will get hot, a top scorer will catch fire, the puck will bounce off the opposing goalie's head and into the net, whatever. Home advantage, and especially the smaller rink, might assist them on their way too. However, as tonight showed, every night will be a battle.

And it’s a battle Canada is going into with a lot of foot soldiers, but few generals.

Don't get me wrong, I still think he's full of it

I wouldn't normally make a post about this, but since my war with all things Columbus is well know...

I've added the FakeSigi blog to my blog roll. I disagree with about 90 per cent of what he writes and I'm pretty sure he disagrees with about 150 per cent of my work, but I am trying to provide a little more balance on the CBA front. And FS's position is about as polar opposite of mine as you can get.

Also, when he chooses to write quality, he produces quality (he’s just wrong). I don't say that to suck up to him -- it wouldn't work -- nor as an effort to get linked by him -- also wouldn't work (Plus I get 10 times his numbers anyway [/not so subtle dig]) -- but rather as a reflection of what's obvious.

If anyone has suggestions of North American focused blogs that deserve to be listed please let me know. I am looking for blogs that are updated at least 30 times a month and that are producing quality. I'm especially interested in blogs that cover individual MLS and USSF D2 teams that aren't already represented on my list.

Will play central defence for food

Credit where credit is due, FakeSigi points out a great example of what is wrong with MLS' movement rules today.

Recent Vancouver signing Nelson Akwari has spent the last couple years floating around in USL-2, after he requested his way out of Salt Lake in 2006. Since MLS teams hold the rights to players for four years, even after they are no longer under contract to the league, Akwari was pretty much stuck at the mercy of SLC. No other team was willing to trade Salt Lake anything for his rights, so he stayed in USL-2 until now.

It can't be a coincidence that he's with Vancouver just one year before SLC loses his MLS rights and Vancouver starts to get MLS rights.

When people think free agency they imagine big name players making big moves for big money They don't imagine workmanlike players like Akwari just trying to find a team and attracting mediocre money. Yet, that's the type of free agency rights the players are after. If you are no longer under contract with a team why should they hold your rights? Especially, if the team was the party that initiated the parting (not the case here, but central to the concept).

Those who are supportive of ownership in the CBA dispute argue that the changes players want would "bankrupt the league."

Giving Nelson Akwari a job would not bankrupt the league.

Say what now?

(MLS) is, at best, a retirement home for players in the autumn of their careers, looking for an easy life, an improved bank balance and the chance to go to Busch Gardens on a regular basis. At worst, it is a competition run on rules different to those that have sufficed perfectly well everywhere else for more than 100 years – draws, league tables, that sort of thing – and contested by sides slightly inferior to Harrogate Town in terms of their sophistication and talent.

What do you figure the chances are that more than, say, five per cent of this article's readers understand that the author's point is actually complimentary to MLS?

Gaudet looks to make Timbers

Former TFC fringe player Derek Gaudet is looking to return to the professional ranks. He is currently on trial with the Portland Timbers, looking to stick with the club for the USSF D2 season.

Gaudet never really got a look with Toronto, only playing 27 minutes in 2008. However, he has featured for both the sub-17 and sub-20 Canadian national team and was at the recent full national team training camp in Florida.

At just 20, the Timbers have to be looking at Gaudet as a long-term project. He could be a guy that makes the jump to MLS with them next year.

He is an example of a player that would benefit from a more developed academy system in MLS. Was he ready to be a senior player for TFC in 2008? Likely not. But, does TFC really want to get rid of an 18 year old Canadian youth player? Also, likely not. Well, at least you would hope not.

Bob Lenarduzzi talked last night about the lack of options players like Gaudet have. They are too developed to play for a youth team, but not developed enough to take up a limited roster spot on a MLS side. So, they get lost.

Hopefully for Gaudet he will be found in Portland.

It's Called Football - Guest: Bob Lenarduzzi and Nick Green

Bob Lenarduzzi joins us to talk about the recent article on divisions in the Whitecaps front office over their move to MLS and where they are in negotiating with the league on its academy rules.

And LA soccer columnist Nick Green joins us to talk about Landon Donovan staying in EPL and whether that's best for him and league.

That and we talk about the Paul Dickov trial at TFC, Canada's friendly with Macedonia and talk about the ethics of reporting on the CBA negotiations.



EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

Download the Interview Only of Nick Green or Bob Lenarduzzi on iTunes

Striking when the iron is hot

The players are 100 percent ready to not play if required. They don't want a strike or lockout, but they aren't willing to be the only ones to compromise to make sure that the a work stoppage doesn't happen. The burden is on the owners to decide if they are also willing to compromise.

- A MLS insider, via Goff

Although I have reported that the two sides are very close to a deal, I'll forgive you for waiting until you see the press conference before you solidify those First Kick plans. Hell, I am. These type of negotiations can get stuck easily and if they get stuck things that have been agreed upon sometimes get pulled from the table.

So, it still could go wrong quick.

What's interesting is the claim above that suggests that the players are willing to force this into a work stoppage. That lines up with what I have heard as well. As I have written a few times before, the players feel they have less to lose in a work stoppage than the owners do.

MLS finances require a PhD in economics to fully understand, but the basic information you need to know is this: Taken individually and on their own the individual teams mostly lose a small amount of money. However, collectively the league is profitable. And then there is Soccer United Marketing, which is the engine that makes investing in MLS worthwhile.

Although those that are on the owners side of this will swear up and down that you cannot include SUM money in the equation, the truth is it's hard not to. You can't invest in SUM without investing in MLS. Technically, they are different companies, but in reality they are connected at the hip.

And it might be one reason that the players are willing to fight. They simply don't believe the owners are one bad gate from the poor house.

What will likely stop a work stoppage is a lingering fear of what it would do to the league. The thinking is that it would set it back -- and it might -- but increasingly I'm less and less convinced. Outside of the top few markets, the truth is that MLS doesn't have much impact in individual markets until the summer. If there was a work stoppage that lasted to, say, July, would anyone outside of my loyal readers even realize it?

That's a little bit of hyperbole, but the point is that the league probably could get away with playing a half season without too much of a public relations disaster. The key is getting back by the end of the World Cup.

For selfish reasons (I quite enjoy going to the games) I don't want that to happen, but logically speaking I can't make an argument that a work stoppage of that length would be fatal to the league. Actually, if it meat a significant liberalization of movement rules then I can make a strong argument that it would be worth it.

Olympic Dish: Generic Canada Hockey Column

In an effort to save you time, The 24th Minute presents your Generic Canada Hockey Column. Rather than read the 4,876 articles that breakdown each game, you can simply reread this and you should be up to date and able to carry on a conversation at the water cooler tomorrow.

Canada ran its record to (record) last night at Canada Hockey Place with a (score) over (opponent) in front of a raucous crowd of (attendance).

Canada badly outplayed (opponent) and if it wasn’t for the strong play of (opposing goalie) the score could have been much worse. Canada continues to show why it is the prohibitive favourite to win gold.

The game suffered from the terrible officiating of (foreign referee), who refused to let the players play. A series of tic-tac calls against the Canucks took all the flow from the game. (Opponent) was (record) on the power-play.

Of course, Canada’s unmatched heart and determination ensured that (victory was ours/a moral victory was had) by the good guys. It was a gritty effort by Canada, who physically assaulted (opponent) at every opportunity. It was good, old time hockey, not that pansy version of the game favoured by the Swedes and Russians.

Seeing that hockey is our game, it’s a foregone conclusion that the Canucks will (continue our winning ways/recover from this minor set-back). As we saw in 1972 and 1987 Canada never says die and always finds a way to win, even when the whole world is against us and the officiating is horrifically biased – which is always.

Next up for Canada is (opponent). They’re screwed. (If Russia, replace with – They will be tough and they will likely cheat so don’t watch because it will just make you mad; If American, replace with – They’re dead the arrogant punks. Remember when Carl Lewis disrespected Ben. Yeah, well, it’s payback time, $%#$%).

It’s highly unlikely that any talking point that emerges from a Canadian hockey game is not included above. So, you’re set. Remember, keep your stick on the ice, your head up and that It’s Our Game!

'Caps not happy with MLS?

There is a split within the Vancouver Whitecaps front office regarding how worthwhile it will be to make the jump to MLS from the D2 level.

I’m being told that there are at least two or three people in the front office that question whether MLS will allow the Whitecaps to continue to develop its academy system the way they want to.

There is a fear that MLS will put the ‘Caps in a position where they are not able to sign the players they want after they have developed and that they will be forced to give up a significant amount of any transfer fee they earn by selling young players overseas.

Although they are committed to making the move now – to use a cliché, the boat’s sailed – there are some whispers that they would be willing to reconsider things down the road if the development model is not significantly changed.

“They thought that there would be a significant change in the CBA when they agreed to come on. They aren’t happy with the way things are looking now,” one insider said.

Although not universal, there is a significant feeling amongst some of the top officials at the club that it is vital for the ‘Caps to remain a part of NASL in some way. However, it’s possible that MLS rules may prohibit that from happening.

If the ‘Caps do manage to stay in NASL, it won’t be as part of any association with the new Edmonton NASL team. Talks to associate the two teams never got beyond the feeling out stage according to sources in Edmonton and Vancouver.

It's trial being a TFC fan

Training camp continues throughout MLS, I am told, as players and owners grind towards an agreement on the CBA, I am told.

I am told.

MLS off-season is about two months too long. I’m not sure that there is a way around that, but when you miss the playoffs, like Toronto will apparently do forever (according to at least one expert I spoke to from Columbus), it becomes a grind to stay invested.

Even an obsessed geek like me will become distracted from time to time. But, I’m a professional, I am told, so we must keep on keepin’ on.

The stress in TFC land now is that the club seems to be bringing in every warm body in the football world that is out of contract to trial. Fans suggest that this is further evidence of the lack of plan that Mo Johnston has. And it might be. If none of the trialists pay off, Toronto could be in trouble. There hasn’t been a significant improvement up front, nor has anything really come in at the back. Essentially, TFC is relying on an improvement from several kids – along with a major “Preki-effect” – to take a step forward.

Here is the roster as of today:

Nana Attakora , Chad Barrett, Jim Brennan, Sam Cronin, Julian de Guzman, Dwayne De Rosario, Brian Edwards, Stefan Frei, Gabe Gala, Nick Garcia, Ali Gerba, Emmanuel Gomez, Ty Harden, Zac Herold, Fuad Ibrahim, Jacob Peterson, Carl Robinson, Amadou Sanyang, O'Brian White, Marvell Wynne

That projects out to something like this:

Frei
Brennan – Gomez – Attakora – Wynne
DeRo – JDG – Cronin - Peterson
White – Barrett

Unless Robbo wants to extend the carer by going back into the centreback position. Which he probably should think about.

With just 20 players hanging around you know that some of the trialists that are coming through are going to stick. And maybe some are going to become major contributors. It just seems like another roll of the dice from a general manager that seems to like to roll dice.

I’m betting that a lot of TFC fans would enjoy a little stability. But, they are going to have to wait for that. In the meantime, the hope is that the Mo can hit a seven on the come out roll.

Dickov to TFC?

I'm not going to be coy about this. I. Would. Lose. My. Mind.



At 37 I'm not holding my breath, but...yeah, A City legend playing for TFC. My head would likely explode.

Olympic Dish: For God's sake relax

If you were watching the crowd reaction closely following Jenn Heil’s silver medal winning run today, you would have seen her father’s tell.

“I don’t think she did it,” could be clearly read from his lips. The score she put up wasn’t going to be good enough for gold if the American put in a clean run. That’s kind of the way it is in moguls. I dare anyone to really tell the difference between Heil’s run and winner Hannah Kearney’s.
One was slightly faster, but the most important factor came in that she was the last down the hill. Moguls is kind of like king of the hill (the game, not hit cartoon). You have to clearly knock off the person in front of you to win.

And so Canadians wait another day for a gold medal on home soil. Which will clearly come, but perhaps not before we all want to strangle the CTV announcers who are perseverating on it. The hype around this artificial chase towards becoming the answer to a trivia question is doing nothing but convincing many Canadians that it might not happen. There is literally no evidence to suggest that’s even remotely possible.

The other thing the obsession did was suck the joy out of the first medal of the game for Canada – least I remind you all that us Canucks only managed five total in 1988. The sky isn’t falling.
That said, there was something refreshing about the way Heil looked after the race. She was not a happy woman, it was clear. Of course, it’s a tremendous accomplishment to follow up your Olympic gold medal with a silver four years later – and there will come a day in Heil’s life when she will really appreciate tonight – but the fact she was pissed is exactly why Canadians shouldn’t worry about the possibility of being shut-out again.

The new Canadian athlete, of whom Heil is a poster child for, doesn’t take well to plucky silvers. We want to Own the Podium, after all.

So relax Canada. This Olympic team is easily the best ever assembled by this country. There will be a few more disappointments over the next two weeks and one or two surprises, but in the end Canada will have somewhere between 25-35 medals and 8-12 golds.

So enjoy the silver and look forward to about 3 p.m. EST tomorrow when the women’s long track speedskaters throw three medal chances at the field in the 3,000m.

And if that doesn’t cheer you up, remind yourself that you aren’t Zuzana Tomcikova.

It's Called Football - Guest: Dave Clark

Should Landon stay overseas?

If the Raul rumour isn't true, who is NYRB eying for their DP slot.

And we're joined by Dave Clark of Sounders At Heart to talk about Ljungberg and his unwillingness to show up to training camp.

That and we vote on whether we want to keep talking about the CBA.



Exclusive Content

Download the Interview Only with Dave Clark on iTunes

CBA - Good news... for now

Late yesterday the news that everyone was expecting came down. MLS and the players are extending the negotiation deadline once again, this time to the end of the month. The information is inline with what I was hearing earlier in the day. Then, as I reported yesterday, there was significant progress in the talks, but at least one major issue needed to be resolved.

Despite the sarcastic, bitter and pathetic attempts by some to discredit those who are actually out trying to find information out about the CBA rather than just snipping from the sidelines, it does appear that there has been progress on pay (increase in cap) and guaranteed contracts. Free movement (internally) is a major stumbling block yet.

Many of the critics have suggested that an increase in the salary cap is not something that is even possible. They say that the cap is not controlled in the CBA. They are missing a pretty basic point: there isn’t a current CBA. It expired on Jan. 31, therefore everything is on the table.

The NHL, NBA and NFL all collectively bargained the salary cap in their leagues. Why MLS wouldn’t do it now is beyond a mystery (those that suggest it can’t happen are either being deliberately dense in an effort to strengthen their argument, or are just dense period).

This deserves to be repeated: the players aren’t looking for all-out free agency (at least the ones that understand the reality of the league). They simply want a little more flexibility for veteran players and for players that find themselves out of favour with their current team.

To those that fully drink the owner’s woe-is-me poverty act I ask this: If a player is cut, why should the cutting team maintain any control over where that player goes if they chose to stay in MLS. The league already controls contracts, so this idea that there is going to suddenly be a bidding war for Rohan Ricketts, to use one example, is ludicrous. If MLS says a cut player can only move at his previous salary or less, then that’s what will happen and the players can likely be convinced to accept that (so long as the restrictions were eliminated after a certain period of time – the previous length of the player’s contract would be a good start).

This extension will likely be the last one. I can’t see the owners allowing an uncertainty advance into March – they will want to maintain control of a potential work stoppage. And, it’s fair to suggest that they will likely reach an agreement that will allow for a full season. So, that’s good.

One big question that remains is what the length of the agreement will be. I’ve heard three years, but my sources are coming from a player’s perspective and a shorter agreement would benefit them more.

Because if you think this battle has been contentious, I get the feeling that the next one will be even worse.

Good news on the CBA front?

MLS and the players have come to an agreement on two of the biggest issues in the CBA negotiations, according to two independent sources, both close to the players.

Due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, both cannot go on record. However, they say that an agreement has been reached on the issue of guaranteed contracts and an increase in the cap.

The biggest issue still at play is free agency, according to the sources. The league is holding firm against allowing any type of free movement for fear that it will artificially inflate the market.

The sources say that the sides have agreed to a small cap increase, from $2.3 million USD to about $2.6 million USD. Veteran players who have met a certain threshold will be protected. It’s likely that the threshold will be set fairly high.

The term will likely be three years.

It represents a minor victory for the players to get any type of guaranteed contract and the salary cap increase, while not as big (or small) as some would like, is still a significant jump as compared to past years. It should allow for teams to pick up another star player each.

Olympic Dish: About the flame

When Canada first hosted an Olympic Games in 1976 Sandra Henderson and Stephane Prefontaine were given the honour of lighting the flame. In 1988, it was Robyn Perry.

Who, you might ask?

With apologies to Ian Rush...Exactly.

Henderson and Prefontaine were chosen to represent the two* founding nations of Canada – Henderson was English, Prefontine French – and Perry, a figure skater at the time, supposedly represented “future Olympians.” In reality, all three selections were two cute by half and ultimately a supposed symbolic pick that was really just political correct bullshit.

God help the Montreal and Calgary committees if they selected someone that was too French or too Western or not western enough or...It was all very Canadian. In an effort to be inclusive of everyone and mindful of the feelings of all, they went with bland selections that left no one inspired. True, no one was offended either, but the Olympics should be about something greater than inoffensiveness.

So I, like many Canadians, will be watching closely Friday night as this country attempts to finally get it right with its third – and likely last for a long time – chance to get this important and incredibly symbolic task correct. To say that I’m worried that they’ll get cute again is an understatement. Cautiousness is in our DNA.

The Olympics are a celebration of excellence. It’s about people aspiring towards doing things that are out of the ordinary, which is why it is important to not be ordinary with the lighting of the flame. If you are an Olympic watcher you’ll remember how inspiring it was to see Muhammad Ali do the deed in Atlanta. The same goes for Cathy Freeman in Sydney. These were spectacular athletes that spoke deeply to the people of the country that the Games were taking place.

There are Canadian equivalents to Freeman and Ali. Let’s hope they utilize them.

Here is the short list of possible flame lighters, with a handicap of how likely it is that they are the chosen one.


Cute X 3 – The possibility exists that VANOC could go bland for a third time in Canada. The early favourite for a “symbolic” lighting is someone from the aboriginal community, likely an elder. Hell, maybe they’ll be in full regalia. This would appeal to some as they would see it as a make-up for the whole “two” founding nations thing from the ’76 lighting and the Four Host First Nations has played a big role in organizing the Games. It’s dead wrong as it would just come off as more pandering to the natives and reinforce the image of bland ole’ Canada always taking the middling way out. Chance of it happening = 5%

Olympic Oldies – There is a school of thought out there that suggests that the honour of lighting the flame has to go to a former Olympian. This opinion is usually held by aging sportswriters that are putting in time until they can get back on the hockey beat and who want to seem down with the whole Olympic thing. There are a few choices that work here. Four time medalist Gaétan Boucher and, most likely, two-time medalist and B.C. native Nancy Green are the most talked about in this category. These are just OK picks. Both athletes are accomplished and should be celebrated, but their accomplishments are not in the awe inspiring category (they are merely really, really good) , which should be the target for lighting the Olympic flame. It’s very likely both athletes will be involved either as Olympic flag bearers, or in the final lap with the flame. I’d be surprised if either is the final lighter though. Chance of it happening = 10%

Olympic newbies – Same as the oldies category, only a little younger. Olympians who saw success in recent years might be slightly more appealing to VANOC because, well, the kids have heard of them. Two women – double Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan and three time medalist Silken Laumann are the most likely here (although as a summer athlete those that can’t think outside the box might take issue with Laumann. Again, there is a good chance we will see Le May Doan in the ceremony and Laumann wouldn’t shock me either, but to light the flame....not likely. Chance of it happening – 10%

A current Olympian – The Aussies surprised by having Freeman light the flame a week before she competed, but her aboriginal heritage and grip she had on the Australian public at that time made that a special case. It remains unlikely that the organizers will chose a current Olympian, but with Canada’s new found bravado at the winter events I wouldn’t be completely shocked. If they did go this route, I would hope that it would be Clara Hughes, the only athlete in the world to have won multiple medals in both the summer and winter Games. Chance of it happening = 5%

Rick Hanson – The Canadian (and B.C. native) that wheeled around the world from May 1985 to May 1987 to raise money and awareness to spinal cord injuries. His foundation has raised more than $200 million for spinal cord research since he finished his journey. It would be the first handicapped person to light the flame, for what that’s worth, and he certainly has lived an exceptional life. It would be a worthwhile choice, but not one that seems to have much momentum. I’d bet the farm he’ll be involved somehow (he was in Calgary) and if he is he will become just the second person to be in a final torch relay at a Game’s opening ceremony. Chance of it happening = 15%

Puckheads – If you agree that the Olympics are about excellence then you have to acknowledge that here is one thing that everyone agrees that Canadians are excellent at – hockey. So, there is a strong argument that can be made that a hockey legend should have the honour. The most common names thrown about are Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr and, of course, Wayne Gretzky (interestingly you never hear Mario Lemieux mentioned). The argument against those men is that, in Orr and Howe’s case they were never in the Olympics and in Gretzky’s case he was only in the Games once, at the very end of his career. Only Lemieux has a medal. That said, if anyone can think of an athlete that better represents the ideals behind the Olympic spirit than Gretzky I’d love to hear it. If No. 99 were to have the honour I have a feeling the crowd will blow the roof off B.C. Place. Canadians never really had a chance to thank him, after all. Chance of it happening = 25%

Betty Fox – Betty Fox is the mother of Terry Fox. For those of you that don’t know who Terry Fox is, he’s the young person that tried to run across Canada on one leg in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer. The “Marathon of Hope” still resonates with Canadians today in ways that are hard to express to those that did not experience it. Terry is a truly iconic Canadian figure, maybe the most revered Canuck of all-time amongst Canadians. If Terry were still alive, there would be no debate. He’d be lighting the flame. However, Terry died in 1981. Recently there has been a rumour that the organizers have figured out a way to have Betty hand the torch off to a hologram of Terry and then somehow the hologram will light the flame. If they can pull that off without looking cheap , I suspect the entire stadium will be balling their eyes out. Chance of it happening = 29%

There is a one per cent chance of it being something we haven’t thought of.

What do I want to see? As a guy that once drove an hour out of my way to see the Terry Fox memorial, I’d be more than OK with Betty Fox ending it, even if that does slightly go against my “must be an athlete that represents excellence” mantra. Fox mattered so much to Canadians that it would carry the same inspiration. If they do have something rigged up that will use an image of Terry...good God, the mind races.

I’d also love to see Hughes recognized for her incredible accomplishments. If ever a Canadian athlete deserved greater recognition, it would be Hughes.

However, I lean towards Gretzky. For much of the world he is Canada and, you know what, he is someone that Canadians should be proud to call our own. We fail to celebrate excellence in this country far too often and that failing includes a lack of appreciation for what Gretzky has done. Watching him light the Olympic flame with 30,000 people in B.C. Place going nuts would be incredible to see.

Next: Why it’s imperative that we really do Own the Podium

It's Called Football - Guest: FC Edmonton's GM Mel Kowalchuk

TFC adds some depth but possibly loses some in a big name trialist.

The MLS CBA negotiations get snowed in - maybe that's why nobody is talking as the deadline approaches.

And we're joined the NASL's newest GM - Mel Kowalchuk of FC Edmonton - as he tells about why this team will be a success where others failed, what their stadium plans are and how they plan to develop players and succeed in the Nutrilite Voyageurs Cup.



Exclusive Content

Download the Interview Only of Mel Kowalchuk on iTunes

Sober Second Thoughts: daring to dream

They’ve got the team. Now for the hard part.

Yesterday’s announcement that the Edmonton Drillers are being raised from the dead (and it will be the Drillers. They are just working out legalities regarding the name now) is exciting news for Canadian soccer fans. The Edmonton USL-1 team from early last decade never really had a chance, so don’t hold it up as an example of why pro footy in Edmonton can't work. They were badly run, played in a stadium that was about 70 times too big and expensive for them, and the football side of the operation was woefully naive (or cheap, depending on your perspective) about what it would take to compete at the D2 level.

So, it’s little shock that the team folded before it had played even one season (the league actually held it up for the majority of the season, so that it wouldn’t have to scramble to adjust the schedule).

The new ownership group has indicated that it needs about 5,000 a game to be workable. The original Drillers averaged 9,096 fans per game, 10,488 if you eliminate the final season which drew just 4,922. So, even if the new Drillers draw as poorly as the old Drillers did in their final season, they should be fine.

Apparently they are going to play at Foote Field on the University of Alberta campus. There is logic to that as it’s about the right size of facility. However, it is interesting to see that the NASL is requiring that its teams play on pitches that are not marked by gridiron lines. The Golden Bears CIS football team plays at Foote Field, albeit for only four dates a year (with the possibility of up to three playoff games).

The most important part of the announcement was the Edmonton group’s commitment to building an academy system to develop young Alberta players. That’s what is going to grow the game up here in this frozen hinterland we call home.

If this team can be successful, and a couple more NASL teams come into the fold, a question -- the question – starts to re-appear. At what point, if any, does it make sense to go it our own. Are we better off playing in American leagues where you don’t always have full control over things, or in a smaller league that is all Canadian and with full control.

When the hardest of the hardcore Voyageur goes to bed at night, he or she, dreams of AC Charlottetown playing a intense Maritime derby with the Fredericton Rovers. But, the hardest of the hardcore voyageur kind of lost his or her grip on football reality somewhere about 1987. Still, we’ve all seen how much success the V-Cup has brought to the game here and we wonder.

As someone who lost his grip on football reality in 1987, I still do hold out some hope that there could be some form of a Canadian league down the road, and I feel that the way to that dream is by establishing clubs in established leagues. Only after the fans are there and the teams are stable does it make sense to take the type of risk needed to go pan-Canadian. If we get to the point where eight teams are operating successfully in this country, it might be time to revisit things.

That said, I also recognize that the larger markets in Canada would be reluctant to give up traditional rivalries with American cities. Canadian sporting culture has evolved on a north – south axis, not a east – west one. To use one example, Toronto and Boston are in the same division in the NBA, NHL and MLB, along with being Eastern Conference MLS rivals. Toronto v Boston happens 32 times a season under the current schedule designs.

Vancouver, Portland and Seattle love to tell you about all the hate they have for one another.

Montreal, because of historical and linguistic reasons, does tend to be less American focused, but there is still a good hate on for Boston.

So, maybe the answer isn’t a Canadian league, but rather a Canadian conference within a northern North American league.

Imagine this: Eight Canadian teams at MLS and NASL level are put together in a MLS Canada conference. They play a home and home schedule, along with a certain amount of cross-over games with American cities in MLS USA (or maybe MLS East and MLS West). At the end of the year a certain amount of teams from all the “leagues” MLS operates advance to play-off for the MLS Cup, which determines the champion of Canada and the United States.

It would be the best of both worlds. And, a situation that isn’t blinded by arbitrary FIFA rules (that many critics of Canadian teams in MLS like to point to) and instead looks at the reality of soccer in this part of the world.

As I’ve said many times before, the history of the sport in Canada and the United States is impossibly merged and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. Nor should it, as we are all better off together than we are apart.

But, if there is a way to have the cake (MLS play) and eat it (also a Canadian league) too, then why not aspire to it?

But, first we need to hope Edmonton can succeed (and find the four other teams).

TFC gets defender

Ty Harden has been acquired by TFC from Colorado for a third round draft pick. Here is the press release:

Toronto FC announced Wednesday they have acquired defender Ty Harden from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a third round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2011. Per league and team policies financial terms were not available.

“We are excited to have him on board with us,” said head coach Preki. “He’s a good quality, young defender and there are many things I like about him. He showed a lot of promise in his rookie season with the Galaxy and we hope he can add some toughness to our back line.”

Harden, 25, was a second round pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft of the Los Angeles Galaxy. In his rookie season he started all 24 games that he played in, amassing 2,086 minutes. He went on to be named the Galaxy’s 2007 Defender of the Year. In 2008, he stepped away from the game to pursue philanthropic endeavors, moving to Nairobi, Kenya for six weeks to work as a volunteer at Hamomi Children’s Centre. Once there, he also helped set up the school’s first soccer team and helped arranged games with other schools. He left Hamomi in December of 2008 and joined Colorado when the Rapids and Galaxy agreed to a trade on January 13, 2009.

The central defender saw limited action in 2009 with the Rapids appearing in only seven matches mainly due to the strong depth at his position. He appeared in one game with the Rochester Rhino’s of the USL while on loan there for one month in the summer. While with Rochester he played in a U.S. Open Cup match against Columbus and scored a goal. Harden was called back to Colorado during his loan period to play in Colorado’s friendly against Club America.Harden will fly straight to Bradenton, Florida to join his new teammates at pre-season camp.

The MLS Cup parade route will start at Dundas Square, before traveling south to Lakeshore....