Garcia "I talk trash because I play like trash"

In a stunning development last week, the Dynamo were able to score on a 10-man team. The MIO have an easier time scoring on 11-men than they do versus 10-men, but they did it. On the road. On green asphalt.

The story of the game was really about our bench providing a spark when it was needed. The score was set up by a nice turnover in our half of the field (Boswell or Cameron was responsible for that), then a pass to Davis, who got the ball to a streaking Ashe. Ashe had speed on his side, but it was his curling cross that was really the story. And a sliding Wondolowski got on the end of the cross to net his 2nd goal of the season (and the 7,000th goal for the MLS). With 2 goals and an assist, Wondo is behind only Ching's 3 goals for our team. The young pup is making a case for a starting role, or at least for coming in off the bench sooner.

When we got that goal, I thought the game was over, based on our ubiquitously solid defense and the match's general run of play. Unfortunately, a defensive miscue led to a corner kick, which was not defended correctly, and John Wolyniec demonstrated excellent composure and technique to bring down a blind ball, turn, and get it past Onstad to split the points with the Dynamo.

Now the Dynamo are amongst a group of 5 teams fighting to catch up with Chivas-North. We can help keep the trailers down in the cellar when we meet up against San Jose tonight at Robertson. San Jose has only one win so far, and it was against us, natch. We have a little dark cloud that lingers around us when we play the Quakes, but let's hope we can shake that tonight.

In other news, Garcia says he compensates for his lack of skill by getting in the head of his opponents. One has to be good at something I presume, and he has been successful at manipulating officials and the system to get Kamara off the field. We'll see if he is successful at that tonight.

Soapbox: I do like the physicality of the MLS and the fact that we don't have soft defenses that exaggerate the skill of forwards. However, I do wish the MLS had an environment where technique and creativity would be rewarded slightly more than force and destruction are. To do this, we need the officials to call a game in such a way as to create this environment, and we'd need to see more defenders who have the vision and acuity necessary to compensate for the fact that physicality is no longer their trump card. In the end, I think this sort of environment would help develop better defenders, help develop more creative attackers, and generate more exciting gameplay.

Of course, whenever officials try to temper physical play, then we start to see more flopping by the attackers, so as with everything in life, there could be a downside.

But tonight I think we're going to see too physical teams hammering each other to attrition. Let's hope that the Dynamo come out unscathed and with 3 points.

Go DYNAMO!

The MLS Cup is over, but the Dynamo are still playing

It's a new era for Dynamo soccer. We're now fans of a team that is not the MLS Champion. But because the 'Mo is arguably the best team in the MLS, it's still a great time to be an Orangefan. Lark Howorth has stated in his blog that we will be tested as to "whether we support the Dynamo even harder and better next year, despite the MLS Cup sitting in a rival's display case." Supporters have to "remember that a soccer team depends on its fans as much as the fans depends on the team." So true.

A truly devoted supporter will be a vocal supporter of the team, attending every game whether or not the team is the champion and whether or not the team has a good team that can contend for titles. I suppose I am a little on the fickle side when it comes to team support. I am not one that needs my team to be the champion, but I do expect the team to be a quality team that is expected to compete for championships. As long as I don't feel the front office is skimping on the product, I'll buy. They don't need to be champions, but they need to be quality. Maybe that doesn't make me fickle; perhaps I'm just discriminating.

At any rate, we have a quality team here in Houston, and I, for one, am so glad the Dynamo have their postponed CONCACAF match tomorrow. (Preview. Preview 2.) It's going to be a long off-season, so I'm eager to get one last game in before the hiatus.

It's win and move on for the Dynamo. I like their chances, given (1) the desire to end the season on a high note, (2) having enough prep time and rest for the match, (3) we're playing at home, and (4) our reserves tied and almost won the match in San Salvador.

Unfortunately, by game time we'll already know that one of our players will be moving to Seattle. Most people assume that someone will be Nate Jaqua. If so, we'll miss him but wish him the best of luck. (And anyone taken will be available for the evening match versus Firpo.)

Here's hoping the soon-to-be-departed leaves with a final Orange victory under his belt.

Accolades for the Dynamo
Even though they had the second best record in the league and the best record in international competitions, the Dynamo saw little recognition for their quality. That's become de rigueur for the Dynamo, who have often focused on team accomplishments in lieu of individual accolades. Noble.

In 2006 I think DeRo should have gotten MVP. We had a goal of the year candidate last year (I think) that should have been recognized. This year, I think the travesty was that Geoff Cameron wasn't selected Rookie of the Year. He wasn't a regular starter, but he played on every part of the field but goalkeeper for the top ranked Dynamo, and contributed mightily to our run in international play. Instead, the award went to a defender on a team with the worst defense.

But at least the front office won some awards. (And here is another article on the matter...but nothing on the official Dynamo or MLS websites?) This is one of the best run organizations in the league: on field, on the sidelines, and in the office.

MLS Cup
Though I didn't have a personal rooting interest, I did watch the MLS Cup. (Recap.) It didn't have the feel of a championship game -- maybe it was due to the empty seats or the quality of the pre-game and halftime commentary. I dunno. It was a decent match though.

At any rate, I was pulling for the Crew as they were the more deserving team. If a league's champion is a team with a losing record in the regular season, then that league has a faulty method for choosing a champ. Luckily that didn't come to pass.

In the first half the Crew did unto the Red Bulls what the Red Bulls had done unto others: absorb pressure then score on the odd chance from the counterattack. According to Steve Davis, this was not a matter of the Crew playing poorly, but it was an intentional strategy by the Crew in order to take RBNY out of their regular game. It was a risky, but effective move that also allowed the second half to be a better balanced game. We were treated to a total of 4 goals (3 in the second half) and in the final 10 minutes we saw a beautiful goal off a linkup between Schelotto and "Hey, Duck!"

Overall it was a decent -- though not an awe-inspiring -- final match.

Changes Coming to the MLS
The Commish did his annual pre-Cup state of the league speech. There were several key items that were noted in the speech.

Some highlights:

• The reserve division is gone. (Houston will be the final champion.) The Senior roster will be expanded from 18 to 20. The Reserves will be reduced from 10 to 4.
• “There will be small growth in the salary cap.”
• Teams in the CONCACAF Champions League will not play in SuperLiga. Houston will play in the CCL, along with Columbus, New York, and DC. SuperLiga competitors will include Chicago, Chivas USA, Kansas City, and New England. I don't think there are any changes to the US Open Cup participation.
• Teams will play 30 games in the regular season. Teams will play every other team once away and once at home. That makes up 28 games. There will also be two additional games versus a "rival," so, presumably, Houston will have an additional home game and an additional away game versus Dallas.
• MLS will take off 2 international dates next year and will go to a reduced schedule on four other weekends.

So we should see a deeper group of starters next year, but we'll have a smaller team overall. We'll be saying adios to a lot of our reserves. I hope they find a place on another MLS team or in the USL.

All-Stars was entertaining ... Who'd've guessed?

I wasn't really looking forward to the MLS All-Star game ... like most people, I'm sure. I wasn't sure if I would watch. Turns out I did, and I'm glad I did. The match was fun from beginning to end; and I even found it relaxing since I didn't care who won or lost.

West Ham played well, but the players weren't going to hurt themselves in the process. That, and the fact that the Hammers probably aren't match fit yet, was really the factor that led to the MLSers controlling possession and territory so well.

But what was cool was watching Blanco and Beckham play together. Blanco actually was off with his passing and had several give-aways, but started getting into the groove and ended the half with a clever, skillful goal curving so nicely into the net. His earlier assist was even sweeter: picking up a pass from Beckham, Blanco popped the ball up then heel-flicked it to Christian Gomez, who slotted the ball clinically into the far netting. Becks-Blanco-Gomez-goal: That play right there made the All-Stars worth it.

B-Fall's blog has a good summary of the game. Here is a good article talking about DeRo and Onstad playing two MLS games the same day and in different countries. DeRo is capping off his day with a party benefiting Nothing But Nets.

Beckham played all 90 and looked very strong, particularly since no one cared if he helped with the defending.

DeRo, had some good flashes as a late sub, including a dangerous run that won a PK. I was surprised that he took the PK, and it was tense seeing his blast ping-ponging off the crossbar and into the net. With the goal, DeRo has another game winner for the All-Stars. The Creative Canuck made some nice runs and passing combos, which was all the more surprising since he had just wrapped up his MLS match in DC that morning. He was certainly pumped to be in front of his hometown fans. He had a solid free kick late in the game (Becks kindly let DeRo take the kick, I wager).

Onstad wasn't tested much, but did well with what he faced. I was very surprised to see him inserted in (just after DeRo's PK), but it was good to see him playing in this honorary game, as he is still one of the best in the league.

Landon Donovan was off his game and didn't seem to do anything.

And what was the formation there at the end, when Hejduk and Bornstein came off for Buddle and Ralston? Was it a 2 5 3? Ralston must've been playing as a back. It would be nice if the announcers would, you know, cover the game and instead of laughing over inside jokes or commenting on the obvious ("So-and-so would like to have that one back"). THEY can see the entire field. THEY should tell us how the formation is morphing as the game plays out and especially as subs come in.

Speaking of announcers, I have got my whole family to detest the "as wells" that Harkes includes in every other sentence regardless of whether the phrase is relevant. In the off-season, maybe Harksie can go to a speaking coach. I complain because I care.

I thought it was laughable towards the beginning of the game when JP Dellacamera thought the Toronto fans would even consider chanting "We want Landon." No, Harkes was right: they were chanting "We want Brennan." And while it was cool that JPD mentioned DeRo played a 4 hour game last night, it'd be even cooler if he pointed out that DeRo actually finished playing that match THIS MORNING.

Finally, I don't know if it started to drizzle during the game, but the turf looked matted and slick by the end of the match. I didn't see a lot of sliding and falling, but the field sure looked worn. Was that an optical illusion or does that brand of turf have issues with heavy use?

All in all, great energy in the game. Good performance by the Dynamo reps. The MLS "super stars" (Becks, Blanco, and Angel, who looked onside when scored what would've been the 4th goal for the MLSers and would've been an assist for DeRo) all played up to the moment for the spectators. West Ham acquitted themselves well too.

I'd have to say that, other than my gripe about the announcers, the only negative of the whole night is that sad trophy presentation. Why is the MLS giving a trophy to itself in what is basically a friendly exhibition match? Who keeps it? Does the trophy go into the MLS headquarters' trophy case? This is a festival of soccer, not a meaningful competition. Invite both teams onto a stage. Let them swap jerseys. Pick an MVP, maybe even one from both teams. Thank everyone for coming. Then let the music blare and the confetti canons fire away. Having a "hooray for us" ceremony is just sad.

Speaking of shirt-swapping: did you see DeRo wearing (Anton) Ferdinand's shirt? With those cornrows, DeRo looked a bit like Anton's brother, Rio Ferdinand. Cool.

In Other news:
Check out Garber's "State of the MLS" speech. We'll have two more teams come 2011 it seems. Where will we get the quality players? Cannibalization? In the halftime interview, Garber said that the McBride situation has been resolved. It looks like he's going to Chicago. ("I hope he ends up in Chicago, yuk, yuk, yuk," Garber guffawed in the interview.)

In Toronto, Dynamo-Houston make the moves necessary to pick up the speedy forward they've been wanting: Kei Kamara. He has scored only 2 goals this year (so far!) and one of them was against us back in May. Here is B-Fall's take.

Do you ever feel that the Dynamo's 2nd striker position (Ching's partner) is kind of like the percussionist situation with Spinal Tap? The band could never keep a drummer due to all sorts of bizarre events, including spontaneous combustion. We've had Alejandro Moreno, Ronald Cerritos (kind of), Paul Dalglish, Nate Jaqua, Joseph Ngwenya, Franco Caraccio, Nate Jaqua again, and now Kei Kamara. That's not even considering the Reserves and midfielders that have played up there as band-aid approaches. Here's hoping that Kamara is the piece needed by the Dynamo to finish the season strong.

The Banning of Clark; The Empowering of "El Peccadillo"

Thursday, the PTB of the MLS spoke, saying: "I have decided that it is necessary to take firm action to reflect the fact that Ricardo Clark's violent kick to Carlos Ruiz in last weekend's game against FC Dallas, while out of character, is unacceptable behavior from an MLS player. In taking this action, Major League Soccer is sending a signal that it will not accept reckless and dangerous behavior on its fields. If there is a repeat of this kind of behavior by any MLS player, even firmer sanctions can be expected in the future. I hope and believe that Ricardo Clark will reflect on and learn from his mistake and become a better professional as a result."

Then he (they?) suspended Clark for 9 games and fined him $10,000.

Oh, here's the voice mail that Don Garber left on Ricardo Clark's machine last Thursday:

...oh, there's the beep. These machines are tricky sometimes. Uh, Rico, Don here. I just wanted to let you know that one sin we cannot abide is a momentary slip into passion -- well, we encourage passion, of course, just certain types of passion. Anyway, it would be better if you wouldn't be so obvious with your violence. Regular violence done subtly is fine; and who cares if it's selfishly motivated? Just none of that "moment of provoked weakness" stuff, okay? Please try to conceal it a bit better, and remember: violence should be a tool to enhance your game and give you an edge. Use it insidiously for the betterment of the game.

Oh, and next time just break his leg in the run of play. Even if you cause a career-ending injury, we'd have suspended you only 2 games -- just ask Hristo. See ya, and good luck in the play-offs -- oops, didn't mean to rub it in.

The Internet boards are lit up with Ruiz-haters defending Clark, pacifists denouncing Clark, and wizened journalists shaking their heads sagely and reprimanding Clark for not being the professional that they are. The only journalist who has taken up a position that I agree with (including even our hometown journalists) is Ives Galarcep, who has had several blog posts about this incident. Here is one that summarizes his viewpoint.

Ives pretty much sums up my thoughts.

I think Clark's punishment was excessive. Throwing an elbow or a series of punches to someone's face is more malicious that a single kick to the arm. As violent as the kick looks (especially in dramatic slow-motion), it's pretty mild despite the histrionic lamentations of many viewers. It certainly doesn't warrant a third of the season. You wouldn't see a baseball player get suspended for 53 games or a basketball player suspended for 26 for something like that.

Maybe I watch too many Die Hard movies and I've become inured; or maybe others are too effete. Probably neither. I just think there is greater violence and greater injustice in the world and in the world of sports. Even in the game of soccer I think there are things that bring greater disrepute to the game.

Clark was definitely foolish though, and his violence should be punished. That's why I thought a 6 match ban would be appropriate punishment, plus a fine. That's what Sala earned for his participation in a post game melee. And for the record, I think brawling is more violent, more dangerous, and more disreputable than a single kick to the arm.

Also, I think that the cause of the violence explains the incident a little, and perhaps attenuates the degree of disgust associated with the violence. When violently victimized, it's natural to lash out. Is it the right thing to do? No, but it's understandable.

And the cause of Clark's violence was a punch to the kidneys administered by Ruiz.

Even with the replay, it is hard to determine Ruiz's wrongdoing. He's good at what he does and has learned how to hide his peccadilloes. You can't see anything from the Internet feeds--or at least I can't. I had to slow down the slow-mo DVR replay on my big screen TV to see the progression. When the ball is kicked, everyone (except Ruiz) is focused on playing the ball. Ruiz is focused on another target, Clark. Ruiz makes an unnatural movement with his harm that looks to be a jab or punch to Clark's side. Clark immediately collapses. Clark wasn't watching Ruiz (he was doing what you're supposed to do: playing the ball), so he wouldn't have known to "dive" then; his fall was caused by the strike. Only after Ruiz had violently dispatched Clark did Ruiz attempt to play the ball.

When Clark's momentary lapse of reason led to a kick to Ruiz's arm, Ruiz must have been elated. This created another opportunity for the Soccer Con Man. The shot to the arm obviously was harmless because Ruiz was able to go to his Plan B (every con man has a back up). He grabbed his head and rolled around in an attempt to exaggerate his own "victimization" by his former punching bag, thus masking his own earlier assault and possibly drawing a PK.

Clark could have kicked Ruiz several more times before others restrained the Dynamo midfielder. Multiple strikes are typical of hooligan activity -- but Clark didn't, because this wasn't hooliganism. It was a one-time momentary lapse of reason brought about by stress.

The major difference between Ruiz's violence and Clark's is that Ruiz's violence was premeditated and with the sole intent of gaining an advantage for himself. Clark's violence was emotional and in reaction to being wronged. Neither action was right, but a moment's weakness after being wronged is much less offensive than a pre-planned assault designed for selfish gain. Ergo, Ruiz deserves equal if not more punishment.

As for the violence itself, people can be easily swayed by the drama of a kick, but it can be argued that a kick to a fleshy arm is less dangerous than a sucker punch to the back/side.

And this has nothing to do with Ruiz's past antics. This is based on the actions and violence of THIS incident. (Although repeat offenders should be punished more harshly.)

Clark's violence should be punished, no doubt; but I find Ruiz's incessant cheating and continual violent conduct (which has, disgustedly, been refined to a subtle art) to bring repeated disrepute to the game. His transgressions go far beyond diving; his nickname should change from "El Pescadito" to "El Peccadillo".

Ruiz should be punished no less than Clark, and his cynical machinations should not give his team any advantage over potential opponents in the post-season. I don't think a Clark-less Dynamo should have to face a Ruiz-led FCD in the playoffs...not that Ruiz brings much to the pitch these days.

I am baffled how teams continue to put up with the stain that is Ruiz. But on the Internet, one can find many Ruiz-apologists to this day. This pleases Ruiz to no end, I'm sure; because without gullible folks, con men can't survive. His shenanigans could not continue without the MLS's, journalists', and even some fans' tacit blessing. They're all being conned, but the true victim is the game.

If the MLS truly wanted to end these incidents, it would go after the instigators. Instead, they let the criminals roam free to create more victims...and then the victims themselves are held to a separate standard when they react to the injustice that the criminals (and, by proxy, the MLS) have unleashed upon them.

So, if 9 games is the new standard for a momentary slip into rash violence, then so be it. Future offenders will have to be held to this ever-changing standard. But if Ruiz doesn’t get more than his standard 1 game suspension (on top of his 1 game for yellow accumulation), then he is giggling at the chaos he is able to sow…and others of his ilk are preparing their own surreptitious jabs and taunts in order to further undermine the game for their own personal gain.

Green ain't just on the Pitch

There's been much scuttlebutt today about MLS salaries now that the Major League Soccer Players Union has made the information public. Basically, the data says what we already knew: young reserve players have to scrimp by, and there are some well paid athletes who would be on the bottom of the scale in other countries or other sports.

The Union has revealed the players' base salary and their guaranteed compensation. The base salary is self-explanatory. The guaranteed compensation is explained this way:

The annual average guaranteed compensation number includes a player's base salary and all signing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player's contract, including option years. For example, if a player has a base salary of $50,000, has a two-year contract with two one-year options and received a $10,000 bonus when he signed, his average annual guaranteed compensation would be $52,500 (base salary plus signing bonus ($10,000), with the signing bonus divided by the number of years covered by the contract (4)). The average annual guaranteed compensation number also includes any annual marketing bonus to be received in the current year and any agent's fees annualized over the term of the contract. The average annual guaranteed compensation figure does not include performance bonuses because there is no guarantee that the player will hit those bonuses.

Figures include income only from a player's MLS contract, and not from any deals he may have with his team or its affiliates.

There are 356 players in the league. The average guaranteed salary is $115,478 and the median -- the point at which an equal amount make above and below -- is $52,965. Nearly three-quarters of the players have base salaries of $100,000 or less. Thirty-two players earn the league minimum of $30,000, and developmental players get even less: 35 make $17,700 and 56 get $12,900.

Here are the top 10 paid MLSers this year. Claudio Reyna is the highest paid American, and exactly half of the top 10 is imported talent.


How do the Dynamo fare? Mulrooney and Ching are the highest paid players. DeRosario, still negotiating his raise, is fifth on the list. The average guaranteed salary is $83,724 and the median is $85,000. Wondo and new recruit John-Michael Hayden earn the minimum $30K (Holden makes only $1,500 more than the minimum) and we have two at $17,700 and six at $12,900. So, approximately 30% of the team makes less than $20K.


We have nine players (Ianni, who is a Generation Adidas player, and the sub-$20K group) who are Developmental players and don't count towards the salary cap. That means the 18 rostered players put the team at $2,001,549 in base salary. (Which is just over the $2MM cap, but some say the cap is $2.4MM. Hmm.)

Players' salaries have been a topic that's been beaten to death, but I'll join in on the horse-beating nonetheless. I understand the league's desire to remain solvent by limiting expenses, but I wholeheartedly agree with the argument that the salary minimum should be bumped up so players can make a living and so the sport can become a more attractive option for athletes.

The salaries for Developmental players are going to kids who are college age or just out of college. Starting salaries in the job market (outside of sports, where one has to work instead of play) wouldn't be very lucrative usually, particularly for the poor Liberal Arts major. In fact, the Developmental salaries are comparable to those of Minor League baseball. Still, increasing their pay to $26,000 would allow them to survive while they learn to play the professional game, and shouldn't put the MLS in dire financial straits. This would be approximately a doubling of the salary of 91 players (just over double for 56, just under double for 35). In lieu of increasing the salary of Developmental players, they could be offered assistance for living and travel expenses. The assistance wouldn't have to be monetary -- it could be a team-paid apartment reserved for the Developmental roster to share. Perhaps these players already receive something like this. The salary list includes only salary, not bonuses or any deals players may have with their team or its affiliates.

For rostered players, I think the salary should be bumped up to $50,000. That won't make the players rich, but would put them in the range of middle management salaries (but they get to play a game rather than deal with corporate shenanigans). The pay would provide a solid motivator to improve one's skills to move out of the Developmental level.

To truly help the quality of the league, the stars need to be justly compensated. I like the idea of salary caps as a way to instill parity into the league, but I look forward to the day when the cap is increased to allow the stars to get paid more (while giving the young and developing players a livable wage). MLS has been increasing the cap gradually over the years, and this should continue as revenues increase. To do otherwise is to sacrifice quality to protect parity.

Beefing up the Quality of MLS Refs

A quick note:

As the MLS announced on April 2, the "Game First" initiative is designed to improve the quality of play in the MLS. As part of the scope, several steps have been undertaken to improve game officiating, including the hiring of four full-time professional referees (Jair Marrufo, Ricardo Salazar, Baldomero Toledo, and Terry Vaughn ) and overall coordination by Esse Baharmast, US Soccer's Director of Advanced & International Referee Development.

The US Soccer website has more on this aspect of the iniative, and even has bios for the four referees. I think this is an excellent step in the right direction, and I'm looking forward to seeing results in this aspect of the US soccer culture. It seems that the scope may extend beyond MLS to other aspects of American soccer (like national team play) since the hiring comes from the US Soccer level rather than at the MLS level. This is all the better, although the two organizations are so intermingled that it's hard to read the full impact of such bureaucratic moves. Still, I'm optimistic.

"Game First"

The MLS unveiled their "Game First" initiative earlier this week. All in all, I'm pleased with their plans.

Here is a summary of the initiatives:

New Players

In addition to the Designated Player Rule, MLS clubs now receive two-thirds of the fees earned when one of their players is transferred. That money can be used in a number of ways to improve the team's on-field product. [That’s good, but the salary cap still limits the reinvestment opportunities a bit.]

Also:

· MLS has provided recruiting resources, including a worldwide player database and video library for teams to use as a scouting resource, and a full-time consultant based in South America to assist MLS teams in scouting.

· The Youth Development program allows for teams that invest in player development to reap competitive rewards for their efforts. Players who are part of an MLS club's Youth Development program for at least 24 months become eligible to sign directly with that team instead of entering the MLS SuperDraft. [This is perhaps my favorite of the initiatives...or at least the one I can see bringing long-range benefits to our league as it develops the future MLSers.]

Game Presentation

MLS has implemented certain standards for pre-game presentations that will occur at all MLS games.

· Teams will line up alongside each other in the tunnel prior to emerging for kickoff. [Not sure how this will be accomplished at stadiums with dual entry ramps like the Rob.]

· As teams enter the field, led by the referees (FIFA style), a new MLS anthem will be played. The new MLS anthem and “signature sound” [huh?] was recorded last month by a full orchestra in Prague, Czech Republic, under the direction of an American conductor. [This anthem sounds kinda cool, but I also like the individual character of each team shining through the local pre-game choices, like with Dynamo’s “Braveheart” intro at the end of the 2006 season.]

· In-stadium commercial PA announcements during play will be significantly reduced. [Thank you! Will this include canned PA music? Please?]

· MLS has established guidelines for field maintenance, including: The length of the grass cut and optimal watering schedules prior to the match; The pattern of directional cuts, so as to assist fans and referees better view offside decisions

ESPN has also done some work on the game presentation of broadcasts. See my two recent blogs.

Competition Format

· The four MLS teams with the best regular season records in 2007 will qualify for SuperLiga 2008. Starting in 2006, the Supporters' Shield winner for best regular season record receives one of the United States' two spots in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The MLS Cup champion receives the other. [I like the increased emphasis on providing benefits to the Supporter’s Shield winner.]

· During the past few years, more bonuses for starts and wins have been incorporated into player contracts. In 2007, those bonuses will be paid once every two weeks instead of in one sum at the end of the year as in the past. [Instant rewards will definitely make the benefits of all-out play more tangible, thus making all-out play more practical.]

· Playoffs: At the end of the regular season, the top two teams in each conference earn playoff spots along with four "wild cards" which have highest point-totals in the standings, regardless of conference. This will add competition and intensity to the playoff race. If one conference is stronger than the other in a given year, more of its teams can qualify for the playoffs.

· On July 24, 2007, the inaugural edition of SuperLiga begins. This international tournament features four of the top teams from MLS and four of the top teams from Mexico's first division competing in a Champions' League-style format for a $1 million prize. The MLS Technical Committee will continue to examine the competition format for possible changes in the future. [So the Supporters’ Shield winner automatically goes into the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the SuperLiga Tourney. Extra benefits for the Shield winner, but quite a cramp on their schedule. The extra strain will make dynasties harder to develop. It seems that the winner of a conference isn't necessarily going to be one of the top 4 teams in a season (though that will likely be the case), so the SuperLiga complement from MLS could potentially come from one conference, however improbable that might be.]

Officiating

· U.S. Soccer has hired full-time referees for the first time. Jair Marrufo, Ricardo Salazar, Baldomero Toledo, and Terry Vaughn will become full-time referees, enabling them to focus their professional abilities on preparation and training. [This is great news, and long awaited. I hope to find bios for these "star" referees so I can follow their progress. I'm not much of a follower of referees in general, but I could handle keeping track of 4. I wish them the best of luck.]

· MLS has established the MLS Working Group on Officiating, which will conduct regular meetings between officials, coaches, and player representatives to promote better relationships and understanding of the rules and their application.

MLS works continuously with officials and players to protect player safety and prevent tactics that destroy the game. Among the new League initiatives for players and referees aimed at improving the attractiveness and rhythm of MLS games are:

· Players have been advised to no longer kick the ball out of play when a player is on the ground unless they believe a serious injury has occurred. The referee will stop play in cases of serious injury. This change is designed to help maintain the flow of the game and reduce the feigning or exaggerating of injuries as a tactic to stop play, kill momentum and waste time. If a team kicks the ball out of play deliberately, but the player down is not injured, there is no obligation on the part of the opponent to return possession to that team. [Whatever. Diving is a much bigger problem, as are inconsistent calls that enable the defenders to play in the shoddy way that encourages forwards to dive. It's not a victimless crime, and the problem isn't limited to just forwards.]

· Referees have been encouraged, at their discretion, to issue a yellow card caution to players who raise their hand with an imaginary card. [I hate the petitioning, but wasn't this already covered by "bringing the game into disrepute"?]

· Referees have been encouraged to issue a yellow card caution to players who embellish or feign contact or injuries in an attempt to have opponents cautioned or sent off or otherwise disrupt game flow. [That's better.]

Strategic Relationships

· On March 13, 2007, MLS and the German Bundesliga launched a new relationship that will foster collaboration between the Leagues on multiple levels. The Bundesliga is a world leader among soccer leagues in average attendance, stadium design, broadcast production, and corporate governance.

· MLS will strategically develop relationships with other leagues, federations, and clubs to glean the best applicable practices and maximize connectivity to the global soccer marketplace.

· MLS is actively exploring new, meaningful international competitions.

More on ESPN's New Media Tech

Here is more info on the new enhancements ESPN expects to unveil this season:

"With our successful FIFA World Cup experience and long-term commitment to soccer, the next natural step is to establish MLS Primetime Thursday as the premier weekly soccer telecast that will attract new fans to the sport and retain its core, passionate base," said Tim Scanlan, ESPN senior coordinating producer, remote productions. Scanlan spearheaded ESPN's 2006 FIFA World Cup production, which was just nominated for a 2007 Emmy Awards in the "Live Special" category.

The in-game enhancements will debut Saturday, April 7 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC during the 2007 MLS season-opening match – DC United at Colorado Rapids – from Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. ESPN2 will debut these innovations Thursday, March 12 from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. – site for the FC Dallas at Los Angeles Galaxy match and premiere of MLS Primetime Thursday.

Highlights of ESPN's 2007 MLS Primetime Thursday production enhancements:

• Kick Trax: A virtual replay device that displays on-screen the trajectory and placement of set pieces (free-, direct- and indirect-kicks) in a match. It also provides the distance of key crosses and long passes including hang-time on goal-kicks. It will be used as a telestrator by the analyst in explaining in-game strategies on critical plays. Kick Trax also features a "radar gun" system – much like in baseball – that will measure and provide the speed of key shots and set pieces. [I think this could be a nice visual if not overdone. See previous blog entry for a link to an example.]

• Offside Line: A key replay technology which displays a virtual line affixed to the last defender to show the viewer whether the referee’s offside decision is accurate. [This is a pretty simple enhancement, but nice to have to support our armchair reffing.]

• SkyCam: A staple of ESPN’s many award-winning telecasts – NFL, college football and MLB – SkyCam will return on a more regular basis than in 2006 to provide aerial views of the field, giving fans a unique angle to appreciate the development and speed of match action. MLS Primetime Thursday will be the only soccer telecast using this aerial, remote and mobile camera. [This does provide some nice perspectives on the on-field play and overall buildup of an attack.]

• New Graphics: MLS Primetime Thursday on ESPN2 will feature new, enhanced graphics consistent with ESPN’s top-tier programming series, such as Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Baseball, NBA on ABC, NASCAR and college football. [No futuristic robo-soccer players, m'kay? Leave that to the NFL.]

• Access: Throughout the season, MLS Primetime Thursday’s sideline reporter will have unprecedented access on the touchline for in-game, halftime and post-game reports. [Personally, I don't like the in-game sideline interviews of the coaches. We don't gain any candid insight (unless Dom is talking and the ref is slacking!) and the coach is distracted. Save it for the pre-game, halftime, and post-game periods.]

Media Beautifying the Beautiful Game

The Chronicle (specifically Bernardo Fallas) reports that ESPN is adding some technology to enliven their MLS broadcasts. Among the highlights:

• Kick Trax — A virtual replay device that displays on screen the trajectory and placement of set pieces, distance of key crosses and long passes, including hang time on goal-kicks, and speed of key shots and set pieces.

• Offside Line — Replay technology that displays a virtual line affixed to the second-to-last defender (the last defender is usually the keeper) to show the viewer whether the referee's offside decision is accurate.

The samples found here look pretty impressive. I think it will help with the casual fan, and I know my kids will like it. Heck, I'll enjoy the spectacle myself.

At that same link, you can preview three commercials ESPN plans to run to market their broadcasts of MLS Thursdays. "You're a fan; you just don't know it yet." is the spiel. (When you hit the link, go to the list in the left panel and click on MLS-Things You Love About Baseball, MLS-Things You Love About Football, and MLS-Things You Love About Basketball.)

Fallas notes that "Dynamo fans will be especially pleased as all three ads show the MLS champs love. Look for Pat Onstad's MLS Cup shootout save, Eddie Robinson's denying of Chelsea at the MLS All-Star Game and Dwayne De Rosario's missed PK against Chivas in BASEBALL, Brian Ching's header in MLS Cup in FOOTBALL and Ching's bicycle kick and MLS Cup goal celebration in BASKETBALL. Also, look for Landon Donovan's sweet move on RSL and Stuart Holden's cameo appearance at the end of BASKETBALL."