New MLS season underway. Four Kiwis involved that I can think of (Elliott, Oughton, Smith and Boyens).
Seattle versus New York underway right now. Jarrod Smith not featuring as on the injured list for Seattle and a rough start for Boyens, who was subbed after NY had gone 2-0 down after 35 mins.
Elliott should be in action for San Jose on Saturday night Californian time in their opening game against New England.
Not sure about Oughton and the Crew.
Great win for the sounders. What a way to start off their inaugural MLS season. Seeing Qwest Field packed with football fans and not the other type of football fans (NFL) is a great sight.
Great win for the sounders. What a way to start off their inaugural MLS season. Seeing Qwest Field packed with football fans and not the other type of football fans (NFL) is a great sight.
I'm a Seahawks fan through and through, but I have to agree
I just watched the first half then the highlights, atmosphere is awesome! Never thought I'd see American soccer done right..mind you, I haven't seen DC United or the USL Timbers, which I hear are kickass too.
Gotta love Don Gerber at half time. "I can't tell you who the other expansion team, but we'll tell you from our press conference in Portland tomorrow."
Was a bit of talk at the time of his substitution that Boyens may have been limping, but he seemed fine. Probably just a shakeup on account of New York getting outplayed so much.
Looking forward to TFC v. Kansas on Sunday...here's hoping I'll get to watch it live this time!
the scarfs idea was brilliant, seeing the sea of rave green was very impressive.
I didnt realise the MLS was expanding so aggressively - Philadelphia, Portland, Vancouver all lined up to join in next two seasons and others knocking on door. Still obviously a very undertapped market.
Marius Lacatus2009-03-21 19:56:25
with Seattle, Vancouver and Portland all in the MLS in the next couple f years, the major cities of the north west will be covered. It has been an obvious void in the MLS coverage for the past few years.
Still surprised Phoenix, San Antonio and San Diego don't have teams. Those cities all have populations of over 1 million and no MLS team. guess it is a matter of saturation and other professional codes in town as well.
Still surprised Phoenix, San Antonio and San Diego don't have teams. Those cities all have populations of over 1 million and no MLS team. guess it is a matter of saturation and other professional codes in town as well.
Phoenix is an over-saturated market last time I checked...not enough income per capita to support every team that is based there. Their lacrosse team failed a few years ago right after making (and hosting) the NLL grand final, and it's not looking good for the Coyotes (no surprises there).
San Antonio and San Diego would make good markets - the former is now taking over from Portland the role of 'biggest city with only one major league team. However those could be considered Galaxy and Dynamo territories respectively and thus forgiven. The current void is the southeast. I'd like to see Atlanta get a team in the near future.
San Antonio and San Diego would make good markets - the former is now taking over from Portland the role of 'biggest city with only one major league team. However those could be considered Galaxy and Dynamo territories respectively and thus forgiven. The current void is the southeast. I'd like to see Atlanta get a team in the near future.
Your right the SE USA has a massive void in proffesional Soccer teams. I thnk the failure of the Mutiny and the Fusion have left a sour taste with the MLS. But I would be betting that if the MLS does keep increasing in size one of the big florida cities will get an expansion team, perhaps jacksonville, Atlanta GA would also be a good option for that corner of the US.
The question I keep pondering is how big can the MLS get without destroying itself by becoming too thin in local talent? So far I have been impressed with the slow growth and focus on smaller soccer specific stadiums. Hopefully they don't shoot for 30/32 teams like the big 4 US Sports. Of course a larger competition does open more doors for Kiwis to play football professionally.
The question I keep pondering is how big can the MLS get without destroying itself by becoming too thin in local talent? So far I have been impressed with the slow growth and focus on smaller soccer specific stadiums. Hopefully they don't shoot for 30/32 teams like the big 4 US Sports. Of course a larger competition does open more doors for Kiwis to play football professionally.
MLS is going to bring in two more teams in 2013, and hopefully after that they'll stop (I'd like 20 to be the max). Looking at the current league locations, short of a conferance switch, the next two teams will be in the East (assuming they keep the conferance system). That being said, I would not complain if Chivas and Kansas City were to relocate...
St Louis and Atlanta would probably be the best two choices. Might be too soon to bring in a third Canadian team, though Montreal would be an excellent choice and Ottawa's financier is Don Garber's new best friend. Miami would, IMHO, be a terrible idea. It's America's Auckland when it comes to football.
My wishlist - Montreal/Ottawa, Atlanta, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay Rowdies. At the expense of Chivas and KC.
Completely agree with you on MLS not wanting to spread itself too thin. It's difficult because North American leagues always have been able to maintain 30+ teams thanks to a monopoly situation. This allows a larger footprint, thus appealing to a larger potential fanbase. MLS can't rely on this due to the lack of talent availability, which puts it at a disadvantage to the other major leagues. So it's a balancing act.
I would say that MLS can mitigate the lack of depth by increasing import slots, but that wouldn't help MLS shake the stigma of soccer being "un-American". The best bet is to bring back talented Americans home, which is why Keller is one of the best signings this season (nothing beats DeRo to TFC though! I'm not biased either, I'm only a Toronto fan by default!)
MLS is definitely on the right track. I wish Don Garber could have been the Commissioner of the NHL rather than Gary Bettman!
St Louis and Atlanta would probably be the best two choices. Might be too soon to bring in a third Canadian team, though Montreal would be an excellent choice and Ottawa's financier is Don Garber's new best friend. Miami would, IMHO, be a terrible idea. It's America's Auckland when it comes to football.
My wishlist - Montreal/Ottawa, Atlanta, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay Rowdies. At the expense of Chivas and KC.
Completely agree with you on MLS not wanting to spread itself too thin. It's difficult because North American leagues always have been able to maintain 30+ teams thanks to a monopoly situation. This allows a larger footprint, thus appealing to a larger potential fanbase. MLS can't rely on this due to the lack of talent availability, which puts it at a disadvantage to the other major leagues. So it's a balancing act.
I would say that MLS can mitigate the lack of depth by increasing import slots, but that wouldn't help MLS shake the stigma of soccer being "un-American". The best bet is to bring back talented Americans home, which is why Keller is one of the best signings this season (nothing beats DeRo to TFC though! I'm not biased either, I'm only a Toronto fan by default!)
MLS is definitely on the right track. I wish Don Garber could have been the Commissioner of the NHL rather than Gary Bettman!
I'm liking that Seattle strip!
When Hibs, went up, to win the Scottish Cup - I wisnae there - furfuxake!
I love it, even though it seems weird for them to play primarily in Portland's colour Rave Green v. Forest Green could be interesting come 2011 (I mainly mean the fans here, alternate strip's would come into affect..)
Rave Green v. Forest Green could be interesting come 2011 (I mainly mean the fans here, alternate strip's would come into affect..)SEA 3 NY 0
Jarrod Smith un-used (Injured)
Andy Boyens subbed off @ 34'
CLB 1 HOU 1
Duncan Oughton subbed on @ 87'
CHI 3 DAL 1
TOR 3 KC 2
Happy robbwatson
NE 1 SJ 0
Simon Elliott un-used sub
DC 2 LA 2
Look Ma, no Beckham!
Jarrod Smith un-used (Injured)
Andy Boyens subbed off @ 34'
CLB 1 HOU 1
Duncan Oughton subbed on @ 87'
CHI 3 DAL 1
TOR 3 KC 2
Happy robbwatson
NE 1 SJ 0
Simon Elliott un-used sub
DC 2 LA 2
Look Ma, no Beckham!
Yeah I love the new uniforms. I have a Sounders jersey in the post.
The colours have been chosen to tie into the other profesional schemes and fit nicely with the Seahawks (Who share the stadium) and the Mariners who pla across the road. The old USL sounders used to play in blue and white but from memory the logo was green and blue. Vancouver Whitecaps are another blue and white team, hopefully their uniforms are unique stand out when they join the league.
I imagine the Sounders will play in "Capital Blue" when they are in Portland and thier shouldnt be too much clash with the pine green. Hopefully the '
Glad to see the Sounders are at the op of the table, even if it is just 1 week! I hope Jarrod Smith gets a good run with the team this season once he is over his injury.
The colours have been chosen to tie into the other profesional schemes and fit nicely with the Seahawks (Who share the stadium) and the Mariners who pla across the road. The old USL sounders used to play in blue and white but from memory the logo was green and blue. Vancouver Whitecaps are another blue and white team, hopefully their uniforms are unique stand out when they join the league.
I imagine the Sounders will play in "Capital Blue" when they are in Portland and thier shouldnt be too much clash with the pine green. Hopefully the '
Glad to see the Sounders are at the op of the table, even if it is just 1 week! I hope Jarrod Smith gets a good run with the team this season once he is over his injury.
Not to mention the Sonics...oh...wait...
Two seasons is enough time for Seattle to change away strip colours if necessary, but I doubt it'd be an issue. If Portland play in a green dark enough to clash with Sounder Blue, then I'd imagine Rave Green wouldn't clash too badly. I'd have loved to see them in a dark teal, similair to the Mariners (who are traditionally my team in the AL, but with the Expos gone my Canadian bias means I know learn toward the Blue Jays as well...), however I must admit the current scheme is bloody nice.
Besides, there's no guarantee Portland will use green as their main kit colour, they may use yellow with green shorts, or even white a la Galaxy.
Sounders are definitely my team in the west, so I hope they stay up that high! Next week against Real Salt Lake, in addition to providing Critical_Lemon with conflicting emotions, should be a much better test for Seattle. RSL are a pretty good team this year, but I wouldn't write off Seattle's chances.
Two seasons is enough time for Seattle to change away strip colours if necessary, but I doubt it'd be an issue. If Portland play in a green dark enough to clash with Sounder Blue, then I'd imagine Rave Green wouldn't clash too badly. I'd have loved to see them in a dark teal, similair to the Mariners (who are traditionally my team in the AL, but with the Expos gone my Canadian bias means I know learn toward the Blue Jays as well...), however I must admit the current scheme is bloody nice.
Besides, there's no guarantee Portland will use green as their main kit colour, they may use yellow with green shorts, or even white a la Galaxy.
Sounders are definitely my team in the west, so I hope they stay up that high! Next week against Real Salt Lake, in addition to providing Critical_Lemon with conflicting emotions, should be a much better test for Seattle. RSL are a pretty good team this year, but I wouldn't write off Seattle's chances.
The Sounders/RSL game should be a good follow up game. But Im also hoping to catch Chicago/DC that should be a cracker.
I hope ESPN starts showing some more games live, probably wont.....
I hope ESPN starts showing some more games live, probably wont.....
Im also keen to see how much of an impact Freddie Ljungberg has on the field. IN most cases the MLS has proved that big name DPs are great for promotion but have only minor impact on the onfield performance. Hopefully Freddie is a bit more than that.
Toronto steal a point with a 1-1 draw against the Crew in Columbus. First goal scored as the result of a penalty kick, with Schleotto converting against our backup keeper Stefan Frei. Penalty was awarded for a handball in the penalty area after the ball allegedly hit Toronto's Kevin Harmse arm - looked like it his his back but I'm biased so I'll give the ref the benefit of the doubt :P
Second goal was an own goal, with a Columbus defender heading the ball in the wrong direction. Hey, I'll take it!
Definitely a game of two halves, with Toronto being the superior team in the first half with a dominant attacking game, only to fall back in the second half and relying on an immense performance by regular starting goalie Greg Sutton, who was subbed on for an injured Frei at half time (Sutton himself making his first appearance since recent injury himself).
Dwayne de Rosario breaks me heart with a first half performance that shows his quality, and a second half shooting performance that left Michael Ferrante looking like a golden boot striker.
No Duncan Oughton due to international duty. As y'all should know.
Bring on Seattle!
Second goal was an own goal, with a Columbus defender heading the ball in the wrong direction. Hey, I'll take it!
Definitely a game of two halves, with Toronto being the superior team in the first half with a dominant attacking game, only to fall back in the second half and relying on an immense performance by regular starting goalie Greg Sutton, who was subbed on for an injured Frei at half time (Sutton himself making his first appearance since recent injury himself).
Dwayne de Rosario breaks me heart with a first half performance that shows his quality, and a second half shooting performance that left Michael Ferrante looking like a golden boot striker.
No Duncan Oughton due to international duty. As y'all should know.
Bring on Seattle!
Nice win for Seattle. Real Salt Lake didnt really get into the game. Seattle FC still to concede a goal and Montero is looking like a future Super Star.
bring on Toronto.
bring on Toronto.
Nice win for Seattle. Real Salt Lake didnt really get into the game. Seattle FC still to concede a goal and Montero is looking like a future Super Star.
bring on Toronto.
bring on Toronto.
Missed the first month of March's games due to holiday in NZ's sth isle. (No internet) Nice to see Sounders making the start I hoped they would.
Believe it or not there are still people here in Oz who think the A-League is of higher quality rofl!!
Edit: Also nice to see The Crew get the smacking they deserve.Traitor2009-04-04 15:35:34
"Sharing rewards the weak"- Steven Colbert
Congrats to Seattle. I didn't get to see the game as I'm here in Hamilton with only dialup available at that time...and for some reason MLS Match Center is only showing highlights. My mate over there is far from impressed by TFC's performance so perhaps I lucked out.
Hope the whole business surrounding Montereo is bollocks and that he returns to action soon.
Dream start for the Sounders. Beating Toronto was a real step up. The last 3 games will go a long way to forgetting the woeful Sonics.
Dial-up sucks. I blew my GB cap this month and have dial up speeds for a few more days, so no online video for me either.
When is ESPN going to show more MLS?
Dial-up sucks. I blew my GB cap this month and have dial up speeds for a few more days, so no online video for me either.
When is ESPN going to show more MLS?
They (ESPN) usually only show the Thursday game,yes?
I paid the $19.95 US to watch online but you don't always get the games you want there either.
I paid the $19.95 US to watch online but you don't always get the games you want there either.
"Sharing rewards the weak"- Steven Colbert
Seattle were only side with NZ player on roster to win over the weekend (albeit Smith is injured still).
Columbus lost 2-1, with Oughton featuring at 68th min sub
San Jose lost 2 zip to Kansas City, and if the fan forum is to be believed it was the uglist performance in the history of the franchise. the silver lining is that elliott arrived after half time and seemed to be pick of SJ players. Fans calling for him to start now that intl duties complete for meantime.
NY also lost 1 nil at home - and no sign of Boyens in 11 or on bench.
That doesn't sound too good - the only guy near the starting line-up seems to be the oldest guy we have there.
boyens may have been excluded bc of latish return from Thailand. he started opening game of year but got subbed after 30 mins when they went 2 down.
L.A v Chivas on Sunday is ESPN's live game,14:30 your time. Shame is that Seattle ko at the same time. So I'll have to settle for having one eye on the tele & the other on my Mac.
"Sharing rewards the weak"- Steven Colbert
Well first loss for the sounders. 1 : nil not to bad considering they were down to 10 men for more than an hour.
Elliott started and played 90min for Quakes
Founder
and he's leading the MOM vote. go to this link and assume he played well and click on his name in the poll
Founder
yes, much better week for the Kiwis in the MLS
Elliott playing 90 for San Jose in 3-3 draw with front-runners Chicago
Boyens playing 90 for NY in nil all draw with Houston
Oughton on as 67th minute sub in Columbus 1-1 draw with Colarado
Still no sign of Smith at Seattle (injured)
hope the kiwi boys get some more game time this weekend
If we build it, they will come...
This week ...
Elliott played 86 mins in 1-1 draw with Galaxy in California derby
Curiously, no sign of Boyens for in NY's2 zip win over Real Salt Lake (not on bench and not listed as injured as far as I can gather, despite 90 mins and clean sheet last week)
Smith still absent at Seattle who lost for first time to Chivas USA
Cant find any result for Columbus yet this week.
ouch Seattle had 2nd loss..... Chivas have been playing well this season.
Disappointing weekend for Kiwi lads ...
Elliott introduced as 46th minute sub in San Jose 0-2 loss in Seattle. No sign of Smith in Seattle squad.
Oughton unused sub for Columbus in their 2-2 draw with Chicago.
Boyens unused sub for NY in their 0-1 loss to Kansas.
Hopefully Smith gets better soon and gets a run for the Sounders.
Great to have seattle winning again 4 and 2 is a great season start.
Great to have seattle winning again 4 and 2 is a great season start.
Anywhere in NZ sell MLS jerseys?
Had a look at ordering from MLSGear - but it was going to be $51 freight on a $69 Sounders shirt ffs!
Had a look at ordering from MLSGear - but it was going to be $51 freight on a $69 Sounders shirt ffs!
When Hibs, went up, to win the Scottish Cup - I wisnae there - furfuxake!
Yeah I know what a rip off. Had my brother in law pick mine up and send it regular post. Do you know anyone state side?
Elliott played full game in loss to Chivas
Founder
I did a jersey swap - mate of mine in Ontario had a TFC Laurent Robert kit he wanted to get rid of. The last name was the clincher, so I sent him a Nix top for it 