Thierry Henry Follows in Pelé’s Legendary Footsteps as He Arrives in New York

Let's face it—for the MLS to truly "take off," the league desperately needed a genuine superstar playing in New York.  The Red Bulls have finally lured a true footballing icon to the biggest media market in the country in Thierry Henry. When the league and the Los Angeles Galaxy brought over the media darling David Beckham to market their sport to the American masses, "The Big Apple" collectively yawned.  Local radio hosts snickered and even mocked the idea that Beckham could transform a country's interest in a sport that is largely overshadowed by baseball, basketball, and the monster that is the NFL. As evidenced by the success of the NASL during its peak in the mid-to-late 1970s and the attendances at the 1994 World Cup in the US, there is definitely a market for soccer in the United States.  No greater example of this could be found than the mighty New York Cosmos teams, led by Pelé. The Cosmos were an undoubted hit with the likes of superstars Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia, and Carlos Alberto in their lineup.  They packed Giants Stadium, averaging over 45,000 fans from 1978-1980.  Legends like Johan Cruyff and George Best joined NASL clubs, but the league over-expanded ...

Can Anything Save MLS?

Before any of you read this, raise your hand if you actually watch Major League Soccer. Liar! I love soccer. I've been playing it since I was six, and the greatest job in the world would be to play in a professional soccer league. But in reality, not only are there very, very few people who actually watch MLS soccer games, but the league's jersey sales are the lowest in the country. And this is for good reasons, too—you seldom find superstars in the league, a big problem, because those virtually unstoppable players are what make professional sports fun to watch. Let's be honest—it is doubtful whether MLS will ever be able to compete with America's four major professional leagues (MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA). But, just for the fun of it, I'm going to list ways MLS can be saved.   Recruit more international superstars. Despite some rare international talent, such as David Beckham and Juan Pablo Ángel, MLS is dominated by Americans. I'm not saying that we should create an NHL situation, where only 10 percent of players are from the U.S., I'm just saying that we need to offer a large wad of cash to couple of notorious international players—just to make watching a ...

Sounders Update: Nkufo In D.C., Ljungberg Home With Ankle Injury

Wednesday at 3 p.m. the Seattle Sounders held a teleconference featuring Coach Sigi Schmid and his newest player, international star Blaise Nkufo. The international transfer involving Nkufo enabling him to play for the Sounders is expected to go through. He will then be eligible for play beginning Thursday, July 15, when the team faces D.C. United. After a rest following his activity with Switzerland’s national team in the recently concluded World Cup, where he played a role in helping the Swiss gain the only win over ultimate champion Spain, Nkufo arrived in Washington, D.C. and Wednesday had his first workout with the Sounders. “I felt good after the workout and am anxious to help my new team,” Nkufo said. When asked about Nkufo’s status for Thursday night’s D.C. United clash, Coach Sigi Schmid pointed out that since the Sounders’ newest player just had his first workout today, he definitely would not be starting. Schmid did not rule out the prospect of Nkufo seeing some action. While news is positive on the Blaise Nkufo front, Schmid disclosed that winger Freddie Ljungberg did not travel with the team to the nation’s capital. The ankle injury that occurred in the team’s final practice session before the FC Dallas game ...

Luis Angel Landin Released By Houston Dynamo

It was a promising move that was supposed to reward the Houston Hispanic fan base. Instead, Luis Angel Landín was holding back a franchise that, since its relocation from San Jose, experienced instant success and two MLS Cup Championships. The United States is a results-driven country, and the Forward position in Soccer is the most criticized because it’s judged based on the statistics of goals scored. Nonetheless, a player receiving a salary in the six figures only to produce just two goals and three assists in almost one year's time is unacceptable. It was expected that the Houston Dynamo would not pick up Landín’s contract option after the loan expired in December, but his early dismissal proves the Dynamo are ready to win now and won’t stand for setbacks. Houston Dynamo announced the signing of Luis Angel Landín as the club’s first Designated Player on August 20, 2009. Landín joined La Naranja on loan from Mexican First Division team Cruz Azul until December 2010. Landín had already been registered in the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League with Cruz Azul, meaning the Houston Dynamo would be unable to use his services for that competition. The Designated Player slot in MLS is commonly used by teams ...

Thierry Henry: Signing With Red Bulls Presents New Chapter For The French Star

The New York Red Bulls have a new legend in their team. The American side has acquired the talents of Thierry Henry after a transfer from Barcelona. At first, you would wonder why a player with such a unique and inspiring reputation would move to a team that can be interpreted as a major step down. I, however, feel that this is a smart move. For a player who is 32-years-old, he may indeed have a few more years within him. But come on—New York plus the Red Bulls equals a mouth watering prospect. The place and the prospective exposure most surely influenced the move. Henry himself is surely eager for the move after a year out of favour at Barcelona. The horrible nightmare that followed with France's World Cup campaign did little to deter him from disillusionment. A credible performance for the USA in South Africa will likely cause a rise in the popularity of football. It will not compete with the Super Bowl and the NBA, yet it is garnering a willing and enticed fan-base. Henry, therefore, is moving to the MLS at a great time. Not only that, he will get the opportunity to live the truly luxurious lifestyle of the rich and famous. ...

10 La Liga Players Who Could Come To MLS

Major League Soccer is likely to see its popularity increased since the signing of Mista by Toronto FC and Thierry Henry's move to New York. With the league hoping to increase its quality of play, several Spanish players could be good fits to travel west. Here are some players who could be looking at a move to the MLS.Begin Slideshow

Lineup Mysteries Galore for Seattle Sounders Against D.C. United

Sounders Coach Sigi Schmid looked understandably glum following his team’s last contest against D.C. United. After the team’s most impressive MLS win of the season, a 3-0 shutout triumph over the New England Revolution, Seattle looked forward to closing out the first half of the season and enjoying the respite of the World Cup break. All that stood between the Sounders and that ideal first-half close was a game at home, June 10 against D.C. United, which came into the contest in last place in the Eastern Conference. After the earlier victory against New England in the friendly confines of the Xbox pitch of Qwest Field the odds were very much in the Sounders’ favor. Curt Onalfo’s visiting team spoiled the scenario by planting a 3-2 upset win behind the solid effort of one player to whom Schmid paid homage as he faced the media. “We lost tonight to Chris Pontius,” Schmid declared. Initially former Santa Barbara University star Pontius was given credit for a hat trick but ultimately one score was ruled an own goal by the Sounders. As Schmid said, the evening belonged to Pontius from an offensive standpoint, as reflected by the score and how the goals were accomplished. D.C. startled ...

Sigi Schmid On Blaise Nkufo and Other Topics

Sounder world is in a state of suspense. Blaise Nkufo will soon be eligible for play. In fact, his name goes on the roster for eligibility on Thursday, July 15, a date that can prove highly significant. Nkufo could conceivably make his Seattle Sounders debut the evening of July 15 in a road test at D.C. United. With last Sunday’s 1-1 tie in Seattle with FC Dallas the Sounders secured one point for a total of 16 on the season. The team is running out of opportunities to make the playoffs. Coach Sigi Schmid thinks that it will take 45 points to insure a playoff spot, meaning that the Sounders will have to garner 29 points over the regular season’s final 14 games. This need for points means not being satisfied with a tie and one point on the road but going for three points and wins, which takes us to the significance of the D.C. United matchup. The Sounders have rancid memories stemming from a 3-2 loss to D.C. United at home in the final game prior to the World Cup break. A breakthrough Thursday night could elevate Seattle to 19 points. So the question is: Will Nkufo make his Sounders debut that pivotal ...

MLS: Red Bulls Zero in on D.C. United With Tie!

Harrison, NJ - After a month of the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, Red Bull Arena was open for MLS action against D.C. United. Minus the vuvuzelas, the poor officiating, and Luis Suarez's handball, the fans of 16,239 were treated to a snoozer. On the eve before the World Cup final before Holland and Spain, the New York Red Bulls played to a disappointing 0-0 tie against the lowly D.C. United. As a result, the Red Bulls missed their opportunity to regain the Eastern Conference lead over the Columbus Crew. However, help is on the way when the Red Bulls introduce their new "Designated Player" on Thursday, July 15, 2010. It's safe to say that we know who's coming and with Steve Nash making a guest appearance at the game 99.9% confirming it, there's no reason for me to jinx the team by writing the name of the newest Red Bull. The only good thing entertaining about Saturday's match were the Empire Supporters Club. Once again, they entertained the fans with their never-ending chants for the Red Bulls On a brighter note, the Red Bulls end their first half of the season with a 8-5-2 record and have not lost in five regular ...

Seattle Youth Plan on Display in 1-1 Tie Against Dallas

Due to a rash of injuries during the first half of the season, Coach Sigi Schmid of the Seattle Sounders has been forced to demonstrate flexibility in making key position changes. Sunday night, in a hard fought 1-1 tie against invading FC Dallas before the 25th consecutive sellout crowd of 36,091 at the Xbox pitch of Qwest Field, Seattle Sounders FC unveiled a new youth plan in the midfield area that drew much positive commentary. A key event in triggering Schmid’s moves occurred when veteran right-winger Freddie Ljungberg strained a leg muscle in the team’s final training session prior to the Dallas game. A team record was set when first year Colombian striker Miguel Montano became, at 19, the youngest player ever to start a game for the Sounders in league play. A key referee’s decision concerning Montano in the second half would be referenced as a turning point in the contest by both head coaches. Michael Seamon, who graduated from Villanova University last month and was promptly signed by the Sounders, drew his first MLS start at midfield as part of the revamped starting lineup. “It felt good out there,” Seamon enthused after the game, concerning the team’s continuity flow. Nathan Sturgis also drew a ...