MLS Thread

[Gunnerman]

It is different but, when MLS was formed that was a conscience decision in order to avoid the over spending mistakes made in the old NASL days. Plus when MLS was formed there were only something like 2 or 3 owners of all the clubs. Some ownership groups still own more than one club but the league is now encouraging new owners to join the league hence the addition of Chivas USA owned by CD Guadalajara and Red Bull who purchased Metrostars. Next season's Toronto FC are owned by the group who own the Maple Leafs.

I think once each club has it's own separate ownership group you may see the contracts go to the individual clubs.

[ssigman]

i agree with gunny..once every team is owned by a single group or person...you might see a salary cap implemented...hopefully they do this so teams can bring in some upper level guys if they feel they can do that...

[Gunnerman]

In actuality there is already a salary cap in place, $2 million on players for each club. When the clubs do get individual ownership and with projected revenues over the next decade looking good that value will only increase thereby allowing clubs to bring in more talent.

Next season in fact is the first season in which MLS has actually sold it's TV broadcasting rights. The new deal with all the networks like ESPN, ABC, FSC and Univision is expected to bring in like $20 million to the league. Clubs with their own stadiums also seem to turn profitable in a quicker fashion, LA Galaxy already are turning profits with Chicago Fire and FC Dallas expected to follow suit next season.

[Chilled_Captain]

Interesting stuff indeed. So after this season (assuming he stays all year) Dempsey is free to sign without whomever he wishes because his contract is up, right? But my guess is that both Dempsey and Joseph will be gone before next season starts in the MLS.

[Chilled_Captain]

Originally Posted by Gunnerman

In actuality there is already a salary cap in place, $2 million on players for each club.

Christ, no wonder LA sucks... they are giving half of that to one player (Donnavan)

[Gunnerman]

From what I have been able to determine, Dempsey's contract runs out somewheres in 2007. Once he is out of contract then yes he can sign with whomever he wants. BTW, that is how Arsenal signed Sol Campbell away from sp*rs, they let his contract expire thereby making him a unrestricted free agent.

Given that it would be wise for MLS to sell Dempsey prior to his contract running out. You know he is going to leave after it expires better to sell him in the transfer market in January and get something in return.

[ssigman]

i should've elaborated more...i knew they had a cap but i meant a real cap...one that allows them to sign guys without handicapping their teams..like jay said with donovan who i think gets 900k a year...i'm not saying it should be like 40 million or anything but maybe 15 mil or so....

[Chilled_Captain]

The MLS season is over. Playoffs start this weekend. Matchups...

East...
#1 DC United vs. #4 NY Red Bull
#2 NE Revolution vs. #3 Chicago Fire

West...
#1 FC Dallas vs. #4 Colorado Rapids
#2 Houston vs. #3 Chivas USA

[Gunnerman]

My predictions;

DC United have no problems with the Torro Rosso
NE over Chicago in a very close mtach.

FC Dallas easy over Colorado
Chivas USA with the surprise upset over Houston

DC over the Revs in the East finals
FC Dallas over Chivas in the west

DC over FC Dallas in the final.

[Chilled_Captain]

The first round of the MLS playoffs is two games... i'm assuming they are going by the total goals aggregete (sp?)? The Revs have been the hottest team in the MLS over the last month or so, but they always get beat by Chicago. My predictions...

DC over NY - DUH
Chicago very close over the Revs - but i hope to god not.

Dallas over Colorado - closer than people think i bet.
Chivas over Houston - I agree Gunner, but this is a toss up.

DC over Chicago - DC won't be bored in the playoffs
Dalls again close win over Chivas - Dallas is not as good as their record IMO.

Finals - DC 3-1 Dallas

[Gunnerman]

Yeah the first round is a two-legged affair, no away goals rule though, and the winner is determined on aggregate.

The Conference Finals and MLS Final are just one-off games.

I watched a little of the Chivas game Sunday and they got this young kid up front, can't remember his name and he really looked good, so I am thinking that Chivas will give Houston all they can handle.

Now lemme see where Landy-cakes is during this playoff struggle? What? Oh yeah he'll be at home! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[ssigman]

ok red bulls over d.c.
chicago over n.e.

dallas over colorado
houston over chivas(not just yet)

chicago over the wingless red bulls
dallas over houston

chicago over dallas