WASHINGTON, DC (Aug 28, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- In today's action-packed episode, Major League Soccer provides the unnecessary reminder that they're all about the selling.
Better Shot At Champions
USL-1 ended up with the better night of CONCACAF Champions League prelims, with Montreal winning at home and Puerto Rico drawing on the road. Aside from that comparison, it's a fair question as to how important those guaranteed group games are to New England and Chivas USA.
Right now, both clubs are probably reminding a complete stranger with no interest in sports that they have significant injury problems, since they've already told anybody who cares.
Fair enough considering, and while no one is accusing our MLS preliminary candidates of doing anything other than trying their best, an anonymous poll of MLS coaches likely wouldn't have the glory and wonder of the Champions League high on the list of priorities.
As one coach said earlier this week, it's trying to play a European model with MLS squads. In other words, not enough quality players to make additional games reasonable.
Where this leaves USL-1 is different. Their season doesn't run until November and they have no competing interests to putting over the CONCACAF Champions League as the biggest opportunities for their clubs. That's especially true considering how hard it is for USL-1 clubs located in the United States to qualify. They have to win the US Open Cup, with two out of three chances in Canada, and pretty much a lock in Puerto Rico.
Lower Division
Apparently, Major League Soccer doesn't play when it comes to spending on USL-1 talent. According to SoccerByIves, MLS won't let Red Bull New York handover $200k to the Atlanta Silverbacks for the services of Macoumba Kandji.
Bill Archer has the specifics on why Kandji should be on everybody's list, so we'll satisfy ourselves by hammering away on a previous point. Why is it that Major League Soccer thinks they can only sell in the transfer market?
This is a League that's more than happy to rake in literal millions for players that make less than the MLS maximum, yet spending on talent is just not happening.
No league in the world should want the reputation as kings of the incoming free transfer. It makes them look like they exist to take advantage of a system that runs counter to the history of American professional sports without putting anything back into it. Profiteers, opportunists, dealers... whatever you like.
