David Beckham signs with Los Angeles Galaxy

[Scott Weber]

Beckham is coming to America. 5 year deal. I am really excited because I think this will be great for American soccer. Hopefully him coming over will boost MLS revenue and some real players will choose to come over here, and the USA will start to appreciate the greatness that soccer is - maybe it'll even replace hockey as our 4th major sport (one can only dream...)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=399465&cc=5901

[thejetstolehome]

Beckham is coming to America. 5 year deal. I am really excited because I think this will be great for American soccer. Hopefully him coming over will boost MLS revenue and some real players will choose to come over here, and the USA will start to appreciate the greatness that soccer is - maybe it'll even replace hockey as our 4th major sport (one can only dream...)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=399465&cc=5901

i hope, but i doubt it.

[somethingyellow]

He got offered so much money, but good for him. I would love to see MLS really grow. This is a big step in helping it do so.

[make_this_hurt]

Cool.

Ronaldo is next. i can feel it.

[jusscali]

It's a huge step. I'm excited because I think he will be an effective player on that team, and in the league for that entire 5 year contract

[looksthatkillbn]

great, great, great thing for mls and american sports in general

[Drew Beringer]

excited

[mat1419]

great move for the MLS...he'll draw huge numbers. The quality of the soccer is still awful, and I hope some scrappy American defenders doesn't blow out Beckham's knee with a tackle trying to make a name for himself, but it's a step in the right direction. Between this and the youth/local movements, at least the league is trying to fix its lack of talent.

[xbrokendownx]

fuck that, it wont replace hockey

[Scott Weber]

fuck that, it wont replace hockey
i hope it does. hockey is so localized, where as soccer is global. nobody gives 2 shits about hockey in the NW. soccer has the potential to catch on here like in the rest of the world.

[Sleepaway]

I am shocked. It'll do alot for football in america, but really...its kinda ridiculous.
He'll be earning a reported £492,000 a week, that is absolutely obscene. I cannot believe anyone could be paid that much money for playing football.

America needs to fix its league up. They just explained how it works on TV, and I think they should get with the rest of the world instead of having a ridiculous playoff system.

He's not that great a player, but his name will bring in money.

[Drew Beringer]

I could see LA Galaxy games get higher ratings than a NHL Stanley Cup game.

[matt_rawlings]

I honestly think since his resignation of the England captaincy as well as escalating personal issues, he is losing some of his magic.

Advertisers have seen this and started dropping him from their campaigns.

As for him moving to America, I can't see him really turning things around but it is a step in the right direction, even if he is past his prime period

[Scott Weber]

I am shocked. It'll do alot for football in america, but really...its kinda ridiculous.
He'll be earning a reported £492,000 a week, that is absolutely obscene. I cannot believe anyone could be paid that much money for playing football.

America needs to fix its league up. They just explained how it works on TV, and I think they should get with the rest of the world instead of having a ridiculous playoff system.

He's not that great a player, but his name will bring in money.
Welcome to american sports. A lot of athletes make that much money here.

[Scott Weber]

I could see LA Galaxy games get higher ratings than a NHL Stanley Cup game.
I know I'd watch it. Hockey should just switch to Canada entirely. It'd have more success.

[Drew Beringer]

Beckham could be the gateway drug for America to get into soccer. Yes, he is not the best player overseas, but he is probably one of few players that Americans have heard of. Sports fan will be intrigued to watch him play, which can lead to these fans to learn more about the sport and learn more about other players. I dunno.

[Spicoli hey bud]

fuck that, it wont replace hockey
seriously, in a few years it might. especially if it slowly grows before the next world cup. After the next world cup i'd say there's a big chance soccer takes over hockey in the U.S.

[Drew Beringer]

Guess they've never heard of A-Rod hah

[Scott Weber]

seriously, in a few years it might. especially if it slowly grows before the next world cup. After the next world cup i'd say there's a big chance soccer takes over hockey in the U.S.
God, I hope so. I couldn't give a flying fuck about hockey, and I am a big sports fan. The interest, on a national level, just isn't there outside of the northeast.

[Sleepaway]

Welcome to american sports. A lot of athletes make that much money here.


Seriously?
That amount is just unheard of in football.

[weezer182]

I am shocked. It'll do alot for football in america, but really...its kinda ridiculous.
He'll be earning a reported £492,000 a week, that is absolutely obscene. I cannot believe anyone could be paid that much money for playing football.

America needs to fix its league up. They just explained how it works on TV, and I think they should get with the rest of the world instead of having a ridiculous playoff system.

He's not that great a player, but his name will bring in money.That is the whole point in my opinion. The league does need a lot of improvement and it will never be like Europe with relegation ect.. Yes Beckham is making way too much money but they are being in his image to gain popularity. With him being here it is a great way to promote the league. Hopefully this is a stepping stone for improving the quality of the league. A 31 year old David Beckham is still by far the best player in the league. In the near future I think it is going to be a league full of young players and old superstars.

[Scott Weber]

Seriously?
That amount is just unheard of in football.
Alex Rodriguez makes more than that and he plays baseball for a living.

[preppyak]

Alex Rodriguez makes more than that and he plays baseball for a living.

Arod makes more than that on his entire deal (250<252 mil), but for individual years, Beckham makes almost twice as much a year

[ashcroft]

That is the whole point in my opinion. The league does need a lot of improvement and it will never be like Europe with relegation ect.. Yes Beckham is making way too much money but they are being in his image to gain popularity. With him being here it is a great way to promote the league. Hopefully this is a stepping stone for improving the quality of the league. A 31 year old David Beckham is still by far the best player in the league. In the near future I think it is going to be a league full of young players and old superstars.

Great move to promote the league, I can't say I completely agree with Beckham's decision, but thats as far as I'll go with that. My main reason for posting is to thank the post above for their display picture. EVERTON!!!!

[Spicoli hey bud]

yea and that's another thing. if he's successful, people will start to realize that there are too many players out there that are much better than beckham, and start giving them even more money to play here.

[SaoMattie]

Id be fine with baseball being overtaken by soccer, but that will never happen in America. It make me laugh when baseball fans call soccer boring

[weezer182]

Great move to promote the league, I can't say I completely agree with Beckham's decision, but thats as far as I'll go with that. My main reason for posting is to thank the post above for their display picture. EVERTON!!!!You are an Everton supporter?

[jusscali]

That is the whole point in my opinion. The league does need a lot of improvement and it will never be like Europe with relegation ect.. Yes Beckham is making way too much money but they are being in his image to gain popularity. With him being here it is a great way to promote the league. Hopefully this is a stepping stone for improving the quality of the league. A 31 year old David Beckham is still by far the best player in the league. In the near future I think it is going to be a league full of young players and old superstars.
Bingo. i mean look at djorkiaev [sorry i can't spell]. He was nearly 40, maybe even 40, and he was still the best player on the metrostars/red bull. He will be a great player in the league for at least a few years. Oh! and he will be the deadliest free kicker in American soccer by a long shot. I sure as hell don't want to have to play the galaxy now with him and donovan.

[somethingyellow]

In all honesty i think ESPN will be all over this for a month or so and probably just go back to treating the mls how it used to, maybe a little more coverage. But i do think that beckham will bring a lot more fans to the stadiums throughout his whole time over here which is more important for the league now. The mls did a lot of really good things to try and improve the league this last year with youth development in local areas, the champions league style tournament with mexician clubs, the david beckham (and hopefully other stars in the future) rule. It is really nice to see them doing these things and hopefully more good things will come in the near future

[Scott Weber]

Arod makes more than that on his entire deal (250<252 mil), but for individual years, Beckham makes almost twice as much a year
I thought I heard on ESPN that Beck's contract is not all guaranteed money though, could be wrong

[unwritten]

I excite, but lay off the NHL. haha

[Harold Wood]

Cool.

Ronaldo is next. i can feel it.

I really hope so

What a great soccer player

[preppyak]

I thought I heard on ESPN that Beck's contract is not all guaranteed money though, could be wrong
Yeah...it probably isn't...but it's still half the years for the same amount of money...so if even half of it is guaranteed, he's making more.

Also, Wikipedia has it listed as the highest contract ever at $255 mil...anyone know if that money translation is good? I mean, it'd make sense to make it the biggest contract ever just for the publicity of it

[wesgemm08]

haha cobi jones still plays for the la galaxy

[Sleepaway]

I really hope so

What a great soccer player


Ronaldo is nowhere near as good as he was 6 or so years ago. There are far better players than Ronaldo in the world.

[wesgemm08]

I'll be excited when they get some younger talent(rooney, c. ronaldo, drogba, messi, ramos, etc.)

[weezer182]

The Beckham effect is already starting . You have people in this thread talking about the mls who never never talk about the sport

[somethingyellow]

I'll be excited when they get some younger talent(rooney, c. ronaldo, drogba, messi, ramos, etc.)you know that isnt going to happen

[Harold Wood]

Ronaldo is nowhere near as good as he was 6 or so years ago. There are far better players than Ronaldo in the world.

I don't think that was my point

and I agree

it would just be good to see some soccer greats come to America and actually make people excited about it

[Sleepaway]

Ideally you need Ronaldhino.

[Harold Wood]

Ideally you need Ronaldhino.

That's definitely not going to happen. I love watching him play though.

[jusscali]

i know nedved made previous comments about considering coming here, but then i think he just decided on full out retirement after the WC

[Sleepaway]

He would just tear the MLS apart.

[jusscali]

Major League Soccer: Home of European Has-Beens...who still own American drafted collegiate players

[wesgemm08]

Ideally you need Ronaldhino.

They should start by keeping the best U.S talent around. I know its mediocre players, but they are better than the stars of the league right now.

[make_this_hurt]

Ronaldo is nowhere near as good as he was 6 or so years ago. There are far better players than Ronaldo in the world.
No shit. But he'll draw in fans. Just like Beckham will. And more fans = more money and tv time.... and taht equals the ability to bring in more foreign talent... which is will make it even better....

This is all just the first step.

[make_this_hurt]

Major League Soccer: Home of European Has-Beens...who still own American drafted collegiate players
No one's gonna argue against that.

[Spicoli hey bud]

Ideally you need Ronaldhino.
Dhino, and say Eto'o and Henry could probably take on the MLS with a 3 man team.

[Scott Weber]

Ronaldo is nowhere near as good as he was 6 or so years ago. There are far better players than Ronaldo in the world.
Did he ever say he was on of the best? He just said he was great.

[Scott Weber]

Dhino, and say Eto'o and Henry could probably take on the MLS with a 3 man team.
Except they couldn't play a lick of defense. Ronaldinho is a terrible defender, and the other 2 are strikers.

[livethesounds]

im sure this has already been talked about, but will this make MLS relivant in the states now?
I mean, does anyone know who the defending champion in MLS is (besides the soccer guys).

[make_this_hurt]

Dhino, and say Eto'o and Henry could probably take on the MLS with a 3 man team.
Hahaha.... probably. They do have some young talent though... but yea... it's like a Single A team against the Yankees or Red Sox....

[somethingyellow]

i know nedved made previous comments about considering coming here, but then i think he just decided on full out retirement after the WCno he didnt, hes playing for juventus still and plans to play another season with them next year

[Spicoli hey bud]

Except they couldn't play a lick of defense. Ronaldinho is a terrible defender, and the other 2 are strikers.
you know i'm not seriously suggesting that they play on a 3 man team.

but their talent is on another level from the MLS.

[RememberFminus2]

this absolutely freakin awesome. i dont perticularly like the dude, but its so good for american soccer

[Scott Weber]

im sure this has already been talked about, but will this make MLS relivant in the states now?
I mean, does anyone know who the defending champion in MLS is (besides the soccer guys).
Ugh, is it that hard to read the first page of posts before commenting?

[make_this_hurt]

im sure this has already been talked about, but will this make MLS relivant in the states now?
I mean, does anyone know who the defending champion in MLS is (besides the soccer guys).
IF they can pull in big names like Beckham.. Ronaldo... etc... it'll bring a lot more attention to the league. Which is the entire point of bringing them in. I'm sure Beckham will sell tickets wherever LA plays.

[Scott Weber]

you know i'm not seriously suggesting that they play on a 3 man team.

but their talent is on another level from the MLS.
I know, I was just sayin'. :-)

[make_this_hurt]

no he didnt, hes playing for juventus still and plans to play another season with them next year
Haha.

[make_this_hurt]

I know, I was just sayin'. :-)
*Scott flexes his soccer knowledge*

[Drew Beringer]

Poll on ESPN.com asking if the Beckham signing has made them more interested in the sport.



60% voted no. haha

[livethesounds]

Ugh, is it that hard to read the first page of posts before commenting?

this coming from the guy that posted some news a day late yesterday then whined when people called him out on it?

way to be a hypocrite

[make_this_hurt]

Poll on ESPN.com asking if the Beckham signing has made them more interested in the sport.



60% voted no. haha
Haha

But is that really a suprise? I doubt the MLS will be able to convert hardcore MLB, NFL, and NBA fans.... but I think signings like this will help create younger fans... or get fans of the better leagues to be more inclined to come to games or watch them on TV.

[Harold Wood]

Poll on ESPN.com asking if the Beckham signing has made them more interested in the sport.



60% voted no. haha

Lame. America needs to wise up.

[Drew Beringer]

Haha

But is that really a suprise? I doubt the MLS will be able to convert hardcore MLB, NFL, and NBA fans.... but I think signings like this will help create younger fans... or get fans of the better leagues to be more inclined to come to games or watch them on TV.
I agree. I still think I would watch a LA Galaxy game over Baseball and most NBA games any day.

[Scott Weber]

Poll on ESPN.com asking if the Beckham signing has made them more interested in the sport.



60% voted no. haha
fuck america.

[make_this_hurt]

I agree. I still think I would watch a LA Galaxy game over Baseball and most NBA games any day.
Haha. Me too. Def. EPL, NCAA Football, and the NFL are the only things I can watch a full game of.

Hockey, baseball, and the NBA bore the shit outta me.

[RememberFminus2]

I agree. I still think I would watch a LA Galaxy game over Baseball and most NBA games any day.

agreed. baseballs always bored me and i think the NBA has become terrible

[Scott Weber]

this coming from the guy that posted some news a day late yesterday then whined when people called him out on it?

way to be a hypocrite
This thread was like 2 pages long when you posted, you dipshit - not 155 like the official threads. Besides, it wasn't you reporting news, it was asking the same exact question that had been discussed the entire thread.

[Scott Weber]

Haha. Me too. Def. EPL, NCAA Football, and the NFL are the only things I can watch a full game of.

Hockey, baseball, and the NBA bore the shit outta me.
Hockey is horrible.

[livethesounds]

Haha

But is that really a suprise? I doubt the MLS will be able to convert hardcore MLB, NFL, and NBA fans.... but I think signings like this will help create younger fans... or get fans of the better leagues to be more inclined to come to games or watch them on TV.

i don't know if convert is the right word, but i would watch if i knew the level of play was higher. I have a few friends hardcore into soccer and they hardly watch MLS. This is a step in the right direction for MLS definitely.
If this keeps up maybe ill give a shit (and the rest of the town of Houston too) about the defending champion Dynamo. I'm pretty sure most of the town still doesn't even know they exist.

[jusscali]

fuck america.
seriously...

as long as the league continues to gain strength the way it has in past years...and they improve little by little I'm set though. I watch soccer saturday and thursday every time its on.

[Drew Beringer]

My top 3 sports are NFL NCAA Basketball NCAA Football.

[richter915]

and Americans still won't care about soccer...bad move for Beckham.

[Harold Wood]

seriously...

as long as the league continues to gain strength the way it has in past years...and they improve little by little I'm set though. I watch soccer saturday and thursday every time its on.

Luckily I get The Fox Soccer channel

oh yeah

[livethesounds]

This thread was like 2 pages long when you posted, you dipshit - not 155 like the official threads. Besides, it wasn't you reporting news, it was asking the same exact question that had been discussed the entire thread.

i didint feel like going through the first page of replys. so fucking sue me.

[make_this_hurt]

Luckily I get The Fox Soccer channel

oh yeah
Yea FSN rules.

[jusscali]

Luckily I get The Fox Soccer channel

oh yeah
well espn 2 does a fantastic job showing premiership games all the time. i'm a huge fan, but as much as the level of play is above us over seas, i find it far more rewarding routing on teams in my country.

[Scott Weber]

i didint feel like going through the first page of replys. so fucking sue me.
How did you ever make it through school? Did you go to a special school where they didn't teach you how to spell?

[Spicoli hey bud]

Poll on ESPN.com asking if the Beckham signing has made them more interested in the sport.



60% voted no. haha
Yes, but that also means that 40% said yes. It still definitely increases interest.

[make_this_hurt]

well espn 2 does a fantastic job showing premiership games all the time. i'm a huge fan, but as much as the level of play is above us over seas, i find it far more rewarding routing on teams in my country.
I do too. I follow the Crew pretty closely... but it's like cheering for your local single a baseball team...vs. rooting for a mlb team. As much hometown support that i have, i'd still rather watch the better team.

[somethingyellow]

and Americans still won't care about soccer...bad move for Beckham.why? he is going to make over 200 million dollars and hes 31 (which is getting old).He will be able to be the best player in the league and have a chance to increase his popularity in america. The only way it is a bad for him if he still had hopes for playing on englands national team again but by the looks of things it didnt look like that would happen

[histrionics22]

I wish Nedved would come over. I would love to watch him play.

This is a good signing. Also, for Scott to say "welcome to American sports" regarding the payment of athletes, you'd be a little off base I'm pretty sure the best players make more or are comparable to our American sports stars. Ronaldinho pulled in about $30 million last year.

[Spicoli hey bud]

I wish Nedved would come over. I would love to watch him play.

This is a good signing. Also, for Scott to say "welcome to American sports" regarding the payment of athletes, you'd be a little off base I'm pretty sure the best players make more or are comparable to our American sports stars. Ronaldinho pulled in about $30 million last year.
Less than half of that comes from playing soccer though.

[histrionics22]

Less than half of that comes from playing soccer though.
Yea but still. $11.4 million salary plus $17.8 million in other income is still crazy for a pro athlete.

[Scott Weber]

Less than half of that comes from playing soccer though.
If we're going to include endorsements, that's a totally different comparison base.

[Spicoli hey bud]

Yea but still. $11.4 million salary plus $17.8 million in other income is still crazy for a pro athlete.
Most definitely, but American Athletes are making in sports what the top European Athletes make in sports + endorsements.

[Scott Weber]

Hell, Carson Palmer made $28 mill last year with endorsements. Carson Palmer.

[histrionics22]

Hell, Carson Palmer made $28 mill last year with endorsements. Carson Palmer.
Chill out. I'm not saying they make more. You just made it sound like they are paid peanuts overseas.

[make_this_hurt]

Most definitely, but American Athletes are making in sports what the top European Athletes make in sports + endorsements.
FTW.

[fire on my lips]

great move for the MLS...he'll draw huge numbers. The quality of the soccer is still awful, and I hope some scrappy American defenders doesn't blow out Beckham's knee with a tackle trying to make a name for himself, but it's a step in the right direction. Between this and the youth/local movements, at least the league is trying to fix its lack of talent.

I've only watched one full MLS game and parts of a lot of others over the last two years, but the league is full of really bad tackles that look like there should be 2.5 knee injuries a game. I wouldn't be surprised if it happened.

I am shocked. It'll do alot for football in america, but really...its kinda ridiculous.
He'll be earning a reported £492,000 a week, that is absolutely obscene. I cannot believe anyone could be paid that much money for playing football.

America needs to fix its league up. They just explained how it works on TV, and I think they should get with the rest of the world instead of having a ridiculous playoff system.

He's not that great a player, but his name will bring in money.

Our sport is run based on television ratings, your's is run (mainly) on tradition. England/Europe/the entire developed world (other than Japan, US, Canada and Ireland, that I know of) don't have much to compete with football (soccer). The only other 'major' sports out there are rugby and cricket, and those are only in Britain and English colonies.

Guess they've never heard of A-Rod hah

Seriously?
That amount is just unheard of in football.

Any idea what was highest contract was before this? Henry at L'Arse? Becks at RM? Dinho at Barça? Sheva at Milan?

Arod makes more than that on his entire deal (250<252 mil), but for individual years, Beckham makes almost twice as much a year

It's a huge HUGE HUGE investment from the LA Galaxy. They don't make a quarter of that in a year, maybe not even an eighth. A few MLS teams don't make a profit, and most of those that do don't make a large profit.

You are an Everton supporter?

I'm shocked there's more than one in North America :)

Yeah...it probably isn't...but it's still half the years for the same amount of money...so if even half of it is guaranteed, he's making more.

Also, Wikipedia has it listed as the highest contract ever at $255 mil...anyone know if that money translation is good? I mean, it'd make sense to make it the biggest contract ever just for the publicity of it

Everything I've seen is $250, including american soccer websites. It's the biggest sports contract ever, just because of how much it is a year, nearly twice as much as ARod's.

I'll be excited when they get some younger talent(rooney, c. ronaldo, drogba, messi, ramos, etc.)

Then you won't be getting excited for like 12-15 years.

Major League Soccer: Home of European Has-Beens...who still own American drafted collegiate players

Just like the NASL was, but with a version of Pele, who couldn't shine Pele's shoes.

Except they couldn't play a lick of defense. Ronaldinho is a terrible defender, and the other 2 are strikers.

im sure this has already been talked about, but will this make MLS relivant in the states now?
I mean, does anyone know who the defending champion in MLS is (besides the soccer guys).

I have no idea who won the MLS. All I know is that the LA Galaxy blew last year, DC United lost in the playoffs, and the Metrostars became the Red Bulls, and they still sucked.

no he didnt, hes playing for juventus still and plans to play another season with them next year

I didn't know that. He may still then come to America.

Poll on ESPN.com asking if the Beckham signing has made them more interested in the sport.



60% voted no. haha

Well most people that visit ESPN.com at this time are looking from a distraction from work, or are students, so I'd say that I'm really suprised that 40% of the people that are on ESPN at this hour would actually give the MLS a chance just because a has-been model, who plays soccer, that married a spice girl, plays his trade in america.

[Harold Wood]

Yea FSN rules.

I have not been home as much altely though so I have not watched too much lately. I should DVRing games

well espn 2 does a fantastic job showing premiership games all the time. i'm a huge fan, but as much as the level of play is above us over seas, i find it far more rewarding routing on teams in my country.

Very true. I think this is a great start to getting actual talent in America

How did you ever make it through school? Did you go to a special school where they didn't teach you how to spell?

hahaha you win

[make_this_hurt]

Hell, Carson Palmer made $28 mill last year with endorsements. Carson Palmer.
Haha... that's cus he's a pimp.

[Scott Weber]

Chill out. I'm not saying they make more. You just made it sound like they are paid peanuts overseas.
Oh, did I?

idiot.

[livethesounds]

How did you ever make it through school? Did you go to a special school where they didn't teach you how to spell?

They were both typos, like you've never made typing errors before. I've actually started TRYING to type out everything right so you shits will stop calling me a retard because I type fast.

[histrionics22]

Oh, did I?

idiot.
Haha. You have serious problems.

[make_this_hurt]

Oh, did I?

idiot.
Haha...

[Scott Weber]

Haha. You have serious problems.
:dunce:

[make_this_hurt]

Haha. You have serious problems.
EDIT: pwned by hotlnking.. haha

http://asuaf.org/%7Ethatoneguy/idiot.jpg

That's better.

[livethesounds]

EDIT: pwned by hotlnking.. haha

pwnt.

[histrionics22]

:dunce:
You once again took it down to the 2nd grade level by calling me an idiot. But ok, maintain the fallacy of being the mature moderator here.

Anyway, I could actually see myself going to a game now to see Beckham. Hopefully it inspires other European players to come over and play.

[make_this_hurt]

You once again took it down to the 2nd grade level by calling me an idiot. But ok, maintain the fallacy of being the mature moderator here.

Anyway, I could actually see myself going to a game now to see Beckham. Hopefully it inspires other European players to come over and play.
http://aycu03.webshots.com/image/1042/1073205442988932261_rs.jpg

[somethingyellow]

Figo was rumored as well but he signed to play for a club in Saudi Arabia the rest of the year. maybe he will come next year

[fire on my lips]

and Americans still won't care about soccer...bad move for Beckham.

if soccer becomes the fourth sport in the US, he's known as the man who made soccer popular in the land where not even Pele could, plus he gets the huge salary and a ton of endorsements.
If soccer gets a little more popular or stays the same, he gets a huge salary and a ton of endorsements anyway.

why? he is going to make over 200 million dollars and hes 31 (which is getting old).He will be able to be the best player in the league and have a chance to increase his popularity in america. The only way it is a bad for him if he still had hopes for playing on englands national team again but by the looks of things it didnt look like that would happen

exactly

Chill out. I'm not saying they make more. You just made it sound like they are paid peanuts overseas.

Compared to baseball, they definately are, but in terms of profitabilty they make too much since smaller teams have no way to afford a national team player in the top leagues.
The Kansas City Royals, now, can afford to keep whoever they want to keep for the most part, but they choose not to in order to save money and increase profits. Manchester City would like to keep Micah Richards (great 19 year old english right back, going to be great one day) but they know that the club will have to sell him (and get a large transfer fee) or they will lose him for nothing when his contract expires because they can't get enough money and break even.

The huge handicap for football in Europe, mainly England, is that there aren't enough people to make huge profits. If you televise a game in the area of the stadium, there's a good chance that that the crowd will only be half full because people won't want to have to sit through shit weather. This means less money in television because every game can be brodcasted like in the NFL (which is the only American Sport that can really compare to soccer).

[Scott Weber]

You once again took it down to the 2nd grade level by calling me an idiot. But ok, maintain the fallacy of being the mature moderator here.

Anyway, I could actually see myself going to a game now to see Beckham. Hopefully it inspires other European players to come over and play.
If I cared about maturity, I would never post on a message board with people as stupid as you.

[histrionics22]

Compared to baseball, they definately are, but in terms of profitabilty they make too much since smaller teams have no way to afford a national team player in the top leagues.
The Kansas City Royals, now, can afford to keep whoever they want to keep for the most part, but they choose not to in order to save money and increase profits. Manchester City would like to keep Micah Richards (great 19 year old english right back, going to be great one day) but they know that the club will have to sell him (and get a large transfer fee) or they will lose him for nothing when his contract expires because they can't get enough money and break even.

The huge handicap for football in Europe, mainly England, is that there aren't enough people to make huge profits. If you televise a game in the area of the stadium, there's a good chance that that the crowd will only be half full because people won't want to have to sit through shit weather. This means less money in television because every game can be brodcasted like in the NFL (which is the only American Sport that can really compare to soccer).

I just feel like Americans aren't aware of tranfer fees since such a thing does not exist here. People have no clue what kind of money goes from one team to another.

[make_this_hurt]

If I cared about maturity, I would never post on a message board with people as stupid as you.
Haha. You crack me up.

[histrionics22]

If I cared about maturity, I would never post on a message board with people as stupid as you.
Waa waa waa, people called me out for posting old news in a discussion thread. Waa waa waa. Immature enough for you Scott?

[Scott Weber]

Waa waa waa, people called me out for posting old news in a discussion thread. Waa waa waa. Immature enough for you Scott?
I'm not sure you even have a remote grasp on what the concept of immaturity even means, but you're making a great case to be added as the 3rd or 4th notation in the dictionary definition.

[Harold Wood]

^^^^^

I will keep a look out on wikipedia for that

the quote funtiong is not working :shrug:

[livethesounds]

If I cared about maturity, I would never post on a message board with people as stupid as you.

i think both of you are acting childish.

[wesgemm08]

My post went unnoticed, but I still think before they look for talent overseas they should have started by keeping the best US talent, like Dempsey and Beasley, playing in the MLS.

[histrionics22]

I'm not sure you even have a remote grasp on what the concept of immaturity even means, but you're making a great case to be added as the 3rd or 4th notation in the dictionary definition.
I'm sorry that you can't make that connection of immaturity.

Anyway, I'm done with this. Back to the focus of Beckham becoming a star in the US.

[Scott Weber]

i think both of you are acting childish.
The real question is, do I give a fuck? Don't you have some Vince Young nudes to rub one off to?

[Scott Weber]

I'm sorry that you can't make that connection of immaturity.

Anyway, I'm done with this. Back to the focus of Beckham becoming a star in the US.
That didn't even make sense.

:dunce:

[Scott Weber]

My post went unnoticed, but I still think before they look for talent overseas they should have started by keeping the best US talent, like Dempsey and Beasley, playing in the MLS.
I agree with you though. Hell, we can't even keep some of our aging stars like McBride here. Beasley is going to turn out to be a hell of a player, and we really need to work to keep Adu here after he turns 18.

[livethesounds]

The real question is, do I give a fuck? Don't you have some Vince Young nudes to rub one off to?

well that was pretty uncalled for.

way to start acting like a total jackass though.

go fuck yourself Weber.

[histrionics22]

That didn't even make sense.

:dunce:

Immature would be me taking it down to your level in this post

Waa waa waa, people called me out for posting old news in a discussion thread. Waa waa waa. Immature enough for you Scott?

Anyway BACK TO BECKHAM.

[tambo41187]

If American Soccer replaces hockey i think i'll move to Canada.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=4772

[Scott Weber]

well that was pretty uncalled for.

way to start acting like a total jackass though.

go fuck yourself Weber.
Wow, appearantly everyone's sense of humor went out the window today. It never ceases to amaze me how personal some people take things over the internet. Dude, everything anyone ever teases you about you brought on yourself. Just like all the shit that I take, I brought it on myself. Relax. Have fun. Get in an argument or two. Laugh it off.

[dekdog11]

jesus the money

[weezer182]

My post went unnoticed, but I still think before they look for talent overseas they should have started by keeping the best US talent, like Dempsey and Beasley, playing in the MLS.I disagree. Players like Dempsey and Beasley will never get much better playing in the MLS. Dempsey arguably is the most talked about player in the U.S and even after a break out world cup he was not able to improve the image and popularity of the league. He has done almost as much as he can do for MLS. By bringing in international superstars it should draw more interest for people who don't pay too much attention to the sport and it would increase the level of play. Also the league is a trap for a lot of young players. Once you sign you are stuck for 3 years. If you want U.S players in the league I'd rather see them over in Europe first then come back to the states later in their career. The biggest goal for the league is to improve the quality of play.

[livethesounds]

If American Soccer replaces hockey i think i'll move to Canada.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=4772

I realy doubt that will happen. at least not in the north. and i cant come close to seeing people down here in the south fully accepting soccer.

[Scott Weber]

If American Soccer replaces hockey i think i'll move to Canada.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=4772
God, I hope so. Not you moving to Canada, but soccer replacing hockey.

[weezer182]

If American Soccer replaces hockey i think i'll move to Canada.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=4772It is growing in both the U.S and Canada. Also more kids in Canada play soccer then hockey surprisingly, from what I heard

[tambo41187]

Well knowing the popularity of soccer around the world i guess it was only a matter of time before it took off in N. America, but after so many years i always figured it might never click in the US. This might be what it takes.

[sweetforever]

Beckham left Real MAdrid,one of the best club teams in the world, to come play for the LA Galaxy, all because he felt he wasn't getting enough playing time? Oh well, hopefully this is like when Pele came over and played here in the US. I just want soccer to grow in the US

[Vil de Locke]

Beckham is coming to America. 5 year deal. I am really excited because I think this will be great for American soccer. Hopefully him coming over will boost MLS revenue and some real players will choose to come over here, and the USA will start to appreciate the greatness that soccer is - maybe it'll even replace hockey as our 4th major sport (one can only dream...)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=399465&cc=5901

uh. Naah. He's coming to America because he'll be a fucking hollywood star, not a football player anymore..

[histrionics22]

Wow, appearantly everyone's sense of humor went out the window today. It never ceases to amaze me how personal some people take things over the internet. Dude, everything anyone ever teases you about you brought on yourself. Just like all the shit that I take, I brought it on myself. Relax. Have fun. Get in an argument or two. Laugh it off.

Sorry but my "sense of humor" has been banned by you before.

[Scott Weber]

uh. Naah. He's coming to America because he'll be a fucking hollywood star, not a football player anymore..
........

that's exactly why it'll be good for the game. hollywood stars put people in seats. hollywood stars make money. they bring attention to the game.

[thatwasamoment]

........

that's exactly why it'll be good for the game. hollywood stars put people in seats. hollywood stars make money. they bring attention to the game.This may be true, because I've never planned on going to a Galaxy game till next season.

[Adeniz19]

i don't think beckham will help the ratings. if people care about soccer, they will watch no matter what

[make_this_hurt]

The real question is, do I give a fuck? Don't you have some Vince Young nudes to rub one off to?
hahahahahahahahahha

[make_this_hurt]

i don't think beckham will help the ratings. if people care about soccer, they will watch no matter what
Yea... one of the most well known players in the world joins a league that is struggling to get hte attention of people and get them to come to their games will have no impact on ratings or attendence. Yea. Sure.

[livethesounds]

i don't think beckham will help the ratings. if people care about soccer, they will watch no matter what


it will get some more people intrested at least. last year they had to have promotions just to get people in the stadium for the Colorodo-Houston Western confrence finals game, and even then the stadium was still bare. I bet when LA comes to town people will show up just to see him.

[Adeniz19]

Yea... one of the most well known players in the world joins a league that is struggling to get hte attention of people and get them to come to their games will have no impact on ratings or attendence. Yea. Sure.sure, it might help at first but people will lose interest again. i'm just trying to be realistic. america just doesn't care about soccer

[Scott Weber]

sure, it might help at first but people will lose interest again. i'm just trying to be realistic. america just doesn't care about soccer
America doesn't care about hockey either, but it's still managed to have success. No reason soccer can't make the jump too.

[Adeniz19]

America doesn't care about hockey either, but it's still managed to have success. No reason soccer can't make the jump too.I hope you're right. No doubt that better talent might actually make the MLS more entertaining. I just can't help but still be a bit skeptical. The MLS needs more than Beckham but I guess it's a start.

[make_this_hurt]

I hope you're right. No doubt that better talent might actually make the MLS more entertaining. I just can't help but still be a bit skeptical. The MLS needs more than Beckham but I guess it's a start.
If beckham can get that kind of money... plenty of others will follow. No doubt.

[Adeniz19]

If beckham can get that kind of money... plenty of others will follow. No doubt.haha ya that's just crazy tho. i don't see how the galaxy can afford something like this.

[preppyak]

Hell, Carson Palmer made $28 mill last year with endorsements. Carson Palmer.
Tiger Woods made $99 million with endorsements and winnings...so, I'd say for a man who plays like 1/4 of his sports events, that's pretty fucking sick
If beckham can get that kind of money... plenty of others will follow. No doubt.
Yeah...but no way teams can truly support it

[Scott Weber]

Tiger Woods made $99 million with endorsements and winnings...so, I'd say for a man who plays like 1/4 of his sports events, that's pretty fucking sick

Yeah...but no way teams can truly support it
Yeah, I knew about Tiger, I was just saying how even a guy like Carson Palmer, hardly an NFL icon, can make that much.

[Cliff Diver]

America doesn't care about hockey either, but it's still managed to have success. No reason soccer can't make the jump too.

If you ever travel abroad or go to Europe you must see a "football" match. It will change your view on everything. People just get shitfaced and curse the whole game. It's hilarious. Hockey and European soccer are my two favorite sports to go see live and its a shame they will never be popular in America. I have a blast at Blues games and they suck so thats saying alot. I also go to Rams games all the time and I know they are not the best team in the world but I just don't get the hype around pro football. It's kinda boring. Maybe it's just me.

The NBA in the mid-90's was great. MJ was leading the Bulls to titles and teams actually played defense. It's a shame it has turned into playground ball now. Can't bear to watch a game on TV unless its the Phoenix Suns.

[Scott Weber]

If you ever travel abroad or go to Europe you must see a "football" match. It will change your view on everything. People just get shitfaced and curse the whole game. It's hilarious. Hockey and European soccer are my two favorite sports to go see live and its a shame they will never be popular in America. I have a blast at Blues games and they suck so thats saying alot. I also go to Rams games all the time and I know they are not the best team in the world but I just don't get the hype around pro football. It's kinda boring. Maybe it's just me.

The NBA in the mid-90's was great. MJ was leading the Bulls to titles and teams actually played defense. It's a shame it has turned into playground ball now. Can't bear to watch a game on TV unless its the Phoenix Suns.
Yeah, the whole NFL thing is just you, the NFL's popularity is through the roof right now. I find hockey to be insanely dull, and since there are no franchises in the Northwest, I have no reason to care. And I love soccer, even though I've never been to Europe, I've heard plenty of stories.

[histrionics22]

Yea hockey and soccer are very much alike. Hockey found moderate success here because it has its hardcore fan base that will watch no matter what.

[wesgemm08]

America doesn't care about hockey either, but it's still managed to have success. No reason soccer can't make the jump too.

Yea, but the fact is the NHL has the best hockey players in the world. And the MLS is full of a bunch of guys that weren't even good enough to be on the US World Cup team.

[livethesounds]

If you ever travel abroad or go to Europe you must see a "football" match. It will change your view on everything. People just get shitfaced and curse the whole game. It's hilarious. Hockey and European soccer are my two favorite sports to go see live and its a shame they will never be popular in America. I have a blast at Blues games and they suck so thats saying alot. I also go to Rams games all the time and I know they are not the best team in the world but I just don't get the hype around pro football. It's kinda boring. Maybe it's just me.

The NBA in the mid-90's was great. MJ was leading the Bulls to titles and teams actually played defense. It's a shame it has turned into playground ball now. Can't bear to watch a game on TV unless its the Phoenix Suns.

why does everybody think the suns are the only team that play good basketball? Dallas? San Antonio? Utah?

[Cliff Diver]

Yeah, the whole NFL thing is just you, the NFL's popularity is through the roof right now. I find hockey to be insanely dull, and since there are no franchises in the Northwest, I have no reason to care. And I love soccer, even though I've never been to Europe, I've heard plenty of stories.

On TV I can see why you think hockey is kinda lame. Being there live, you really get to see the speed of the game and tickets are really cheap now because alot of fans, besides you faithful Canadians have given up on the game so I have been going to alot of games this year.

I'd like to see Canada get another team or two because they are really passionate about the game and care alot more about it than Americans. Quebec needs the Nordiques back IMO.

Love the avatar Scott. Glad to see those Cowboys go down. It just pisses me off that people call them "America's Team" and that new stadium that they are going to build is hilarious. Talk about an investment...

[Cliff Diver]

why does everybody think the suns are the only team that play good basketball? Dallas? San Antonio? Utah?

San Antonio bores me for some reason (yawn)

[Adeniz19]

hockey is tons of fun to watch live

[histrionics22]

Yea, but the fact is the NHL has the best hockey players in the world. And the MLS is full of a bunch of guys that weren't even good enough to be on the US World Cup team.
Speaking of best player in the world...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqFqhCRD1ko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik-_3gHWbAU
I'd pay to watch him play every day if I live anywhere near Pittsburgh.

[Scott Weber]

why does everybody think the suns are the only team that play good basketball? Dallas? San Antonio? Utah?
Because the suns play EXCITING basketball. The spurs are boring to watch, even if they win. The Suns style of play is a throwback to the early 90s when basketball was super fun to watch, high scoring matchups...not half-court basketball with low scores like the Pistons and Spurs play.

[Cliff Diver]

Speaking of best player in the world...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqFqhCRD1ko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik-_3gHWbAU
I'd pay to watch him play every day if I live anywhere near Pittsburgh.

Sid the Kid is sick. Screw all the haters that think he's overrated. He is the next Gretzky.

[luckyboy611]

Because the suns play EXCITING basketball. The spurs are boring to watch, even if they win. The Suns style of play is a throwback to the early 90s when basketball was super fun to watch, high scoring matchups...not half-court basketball with low scores like the Pistons and Spurs play.

Only someone who doesn't know shit about basketball would say this...yeah, the Suns are exciting to watch, but I guarantee you the D'Antoni/Nash regime will never win a title there. You just don't win NBA titles without defense, it doesn't happen. If you appreciate basketball for all aspects, defense, low post game, etc, the Spurs and Mavs are so much better to watch.

[luckyboy611]

P.S. I dont know if anyone brought this up in the thread already, I didn't check, but the MLS could potentially have Beckham and Donovan in LA and Ronaldo in NY next year, I'm not saying they're gonna become the number 4 sport or anything, but it would certainly help.

[Scott Weber]

Only someone who doesn't know shit about basketball would say this...yeah, the Suns are exciting to watch, but I guarantee you the D'Antoni/Nash regime will never win a title there. You just don't win NBA titles without defense, it doesn't happen. If you appreciate basketball for all aspects, defense, low post game, etc, the Spurs and Mavs are so much better to watch.
I've followed basketball my entire life, played it for 12 years, and know a lot about the game. But now being seperated from the game for the past 6 years, I get bored watching the NBA unless it's high-scoring, fast-paced basketball. Don't forget that sports are entertainment. I like the Mavs, btw - I never said anything bad about them - just the Spurs/Pistons. Don't think that I'm in the minority in this opinion either...more like vast, vast majority.

[Cliff Diver]

I've followed basketball my entire life, played it for 12 years, and know a lot about the game. But now being seperated from the game for the past 6 years, I get bored watching the NBA unless it's high-scoring, fast-paced basketball. Don't forget that sports are entertainment. I like the Mavs, btw - I never said anything bad about them - just the Spurs/Pistons. Don't think that I'm in the minority in this opinion either...more like vast, vast majority.

Totally agree. I played basketball all life up until last year so its not like I don't know the sport or anything. The NBA has gone terribly downhill from a neutral's perspective and I just cannot believe how attendence is at an all-time high at this point.

Michael Jordan set the bar too high for the new generation of players. I wish I cared about LeBron James. But I don't.

There is just nothing better than watching UNC vs. Duke. Now that is basketball played with passion and pride. I just feel like the NBA players just show up every night and then decide to try once they get into the playoffs. I refuse to watch players or support a league where I feel players possess that mindset.

[somethingyellow]

Donovan is so overrated, he shouldnt be starting on our national team

[histrionics22]

Hey Scott. They just showed on Outisde the Lines the top paid athletes in each sport by annual average salary and Carson Palmer was number 1 in the NFL with 16.2 million.

[Cliff Diver]

Donovan is so overrated, he shouldnt be starting on our national team

True. He's terrible. I get so pissed when people look to him as the coverboy of American soccer.

[Scott Weber]

Hey Scott. They just showed on Outisde the Lines the top paid athletes in each sport by annual average salary and Carson Palmer was number 1 in the NFL with 16.2 million.
That's some crazy stuff. I forgot how monster of a deal that was that he signed.

[histrionics22]

That's some crazy stuff. I forgot how monster of a deal that was that he signed.
Yea. I never would have guessed it either.

[livethesounds]

San Antonio bores me for some reason (yawn)

Because they play the best all around fundamental basketball in the league?

Because the suns play EXCITING basketball. The spurs are boring to watch, even if they win. The Suns style of play is a throwback to the early 90s when basketball was super fun to watch, high scoring matchups...not half-court basketball with low scores like the Pistons and Spurs play.

True, but thats how the game should be played, like the spurs-pistons. Although if the Suns could get a real defense they would be an amazing team. Best team right now is the Mavericks, who have all aspects. They are exciting, run-and-gun, and they play D.

Totally agree. I played basketball all life up until last year so its not like I don't know the sport or anything. The NBA has gone terribly downhill from a neutral's perspective and I just cannot believe how attendence is at an all-time high at this point.

Michael Jordan set the bar too high for the new generation of players. I wish I cared about LeBron James. But I don't.

There is just nothing better than watching UNC vs. Duke. Now that is basketball played with passion and pride. I just feel like the NBA players just show up every night and then decide to try once they get into the playoffs. I refuse to watch players or support a league where I feel players possess that mindset.

I actually think the NBA is at its highest point since that time. More teams have a chance to win it all right now. 2 teams won the championship in an 8 year span when Jordan was doing his thing. It was fun to watch because you knew Jordan was going to do something spectacular, and at the same time u were rooting for the Jazz / Sonics to knock them off. But no one else really had a shot.
I think lots of the problem for most people is the stars and best teams arnt in major media cities (ie Boston, New York, LA [although the lakers are playing some of the best ball in the league]) And there is no Jordan like player at this point, but all that means is the league is more blanced. The East may suck but they've won 2 championships in the past 4 years.

Going to an NBA game is more exciting than attending any other sporting event. at least to me. And its the same in Dallas, San Antonio and Houston.

[Scott Weber]

the ratings don't lie...people are uninterested in the spurs/pistons style of play.

[Scottt]

Ah, good riddance to Beckham, he's been going down hill ever since he left United.

[wesgemm08]

Speaking of best player in the world...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqFqhCRD1ko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik-_3gHWbAU
I'd pay to watch him play every day if I live anywhere near Pittsburgh.

I'm going to a Penguins game I think when I go out to Pittsburgh next weekend.

[livethesounds]

the ratings don't lie...people are uninterested in the spurs/pistons style of play.

I know, but they play great basketball. I guess thats not the debate though.
If they both got another big scorer I think things would change though. Thats why dallas and phoenix are so popular right now and so good.

[Jason Tate]

Ah, good riddance to Beckham, he's been going down hill ever since he left United.
:shake:

He's not as good as he once was -- but he's still world class (IMO) and will be far and away the best player in the US>

[Jason Tate]

I know, but they play great basketball. I guess thats not the debate though.
If they both got another big scorer I think things would change though. Thats why dallas and phoenix are so popular right now and so good.
They play boring basketball. I don't equate snoozefests with "great".

Of old: Celtics, Lakers, Bulls -- no one can deny they played great basketball, and guess what: IT WAS FUN TO WATCH TOO!

[livethesounds]

They play boring basketball. I don't equate snoozefests with "great".

Of old: Celtics, Lakers, Bulls -- no one can deny they played great basketball, and guess what: IT WAS FUN TO WATCH TOO!

Well I never said great according to Jason Tate. They play great basketball because the game should be played solidly on both sides of the ball. They dont have flashy stars like there were in the 80s and 90s, thats the only diffrence.

Those teams were fun to watch because of the players invovled mostly. Magic, Karreem, Bird, Parish, Jordan, Pippen, Rodman. Those are names that are all in the top 50 of all time. Im not sure the NBA will ever get back to that time, i dont think its possible.

[histrionics22]

:shake:

He's not as good as he once was -- but he's still world class (IMO) and will be far and away the best player in the US>
I think the perception that he's overrated is overdone. He's not as good as he used to be, but he's still very good, and will be great here.

[histrionics22]

I'm going to a Penguins game I think when I go out to Pittsburgh next weekend.
Yea thats great. I went to one over break. It was great. It was a sellout and its so fun to watch live.

[fire on my lips]

My post went unnoticed, but I still think before they look for talent overseas they should have started by keeping the best US talent, like Dempsey and Beasley, playing in the MLS.

So that the national team gets trounced at all competitions? I'd rather have a full squad of players based in Europe than the half and half shit Arena did and Bradley will continue (since he's been an MLS coach his entire career).

I agree with you though. Hell, we can't even keep some of our aging stars like McBride here. Beasley is going to turn out to be a hell of a player, and we really need to work to keep Adu here after he turns 18.

I don't really see Beasley doing that well. He's going to reach his peak, in terms of age soon, and he's had a lot of trouble getting first team football. He never played for PSV after his first season and he's been starting a bit for Man City this year. I haven't gotten to see him play, but he hasn't lit the EPL aflame.

uh. Naah. He's coming to America because he'll be a fucking hollywood star, not a football player anymore..

When was the last time he was known as a football player and not gossip fodder?

........

that's exactly why it'll be good for the game. hollywood stars put people in seats. hollywood stars make money. they bring attention to the game.

That isn't the most proven strategy, ie the NASL, and for movies, Gigli.

Yea... one of the most well known players in the world joins a league that is struggling to get hte attention of people and get them to come to their games will have no impact on ratings or attendence. Yea. Sure.

It will most likely be short term.
Am I more likely to go see DC United play the LA Galaxy now? Not really, but I'm sure i'd have less trouble convincing my friends this first time, but the second, or the third?

America doesn't care about hockey either, but it's still managed to have success. No reason soccer can't make the jump too.

Hockey was built up as the country got wealthier and wealthier, like baseball. IMO, the only way soccer will ever succeded is by embracing the minorities of America and Latinos.


P.S. I dont know if anyone brought this up in the thread already, I didn't check, but the MLS could potentially have Beckham and Donovan in LA and Ronaldo in NY next year, I'm not saying they're gonna become the number 4 sport or anything, but it would certainly help.

If beckham can get that kind of money... plenty of others will follow. No doubt.

There are 13 MLS teams, so there are 13 slots like Beckham's.
Each team was given a team slot that doesn't count against the salary cap. These slots can be traded for players or used on a superstar, like Becks.
Until the MLS expands this, the most you are going to have is 13 players. Do you really think some European Player of the Year from South America is going to want to play in Columbus or Brazil? These players have alternatives, like playing in Dubai or Saudi Arabia, where the leagues are just as shitty and the money is just as good.
Also, for most players coming over, they aren't going to get paid like Beckham. Real Madrid bought Beckham to promote the club and to sell jersey. He did that, now he's at the LA Galaxy to promote soccer to americans and to sell jerseys in asia. He gets paid more because he can demand more. Ronaldinho wouldn't be anywhere near as good a spokesperson as Beckham because of the language barrier and the horse-like teeth.

Yeah, the whole NFL thing is just you, the NFL's popularity is through the roof right now. I find hockey to be insanely dull, and since there are no franchises in the Northwest, I have no reason to care. And I love soccer, even though I've never been to Europe, I've heard plenty of stories.

Too many stoppages in the NFL. I have no idea how anyone who follows soccer can also watch an NFL game all the way through. With soccer something is almost always going on, but with the NFL there is a commercial every three minutes.

There is just nothing better than watching UNC vs. Duke. Now that is basketball played with passion and pride. I just feel like the NBA players just show up every night and then decide to try once they get into the playoffs. I refuse to watch players or support a league where I feel players possess that mindset.

I'm shocked I agree with you on something. I'm sure you're a dook fan and support JJ Redeye like JT is.

:shake:

He's not as good as he once was -- but he's still world class (IMO) and will be far and away the best player in the US>

He's a dead ball specialist, albeit the second best in the world. I would say he's the third best right winger in England, behind Lennon and SWP, and fifth best winger behind Joe Cole and Downing. It's hard to call him world class because he hasn't gotten much chances at RM.
For the record, I don't consider any of the players I named, other than Joe Cole, to be world class.

[Scottt]

:shake:

He's not as good as he once was -- but he's still world class (IMO) and will be far and away the best player in the US>

Yeah, he's still good, but I don't think I'd consider him ''world class'' anymore.
I think he'll be good in the US, though.

[make_this_hurt]

That's some crazy stuff. I forgot how monster of a deal that was that he signed.
He derseves every penny too. I can't wait for next year when he's actually fully healthy..

[Scott Weber]

I don't really see Beasley doing that well. He's going to reach his peak, in terms of age soon, and he's had a lot of trouble getting first team football. He never played for PSV after his first season and he's been starting a bit for Man City this year. I haven't gotten to see him play, but he hasn't lit the EPL aflame.


Too many stoppages in the NFL. I have no idea how anyone who follows soccer can also watch an NFL game all the way through. With soccer something is almost always going on, but with the NFL there is a commercial every three minutes.
Beasley is playing quite well at Man City. He's starting to turn some heads. Can't really judge him from his time on PSV, can you?

I don't think you can say "how can you like a sport if you like another, they're so different" - that's like asking how anybody who listens to punk rock can enjoy classical music or rap as well. They're different styles of games, football being more deliberate and strategic, soccer being faster and more creative.

[Scott Weber]

Yeah, he's still good, but I don't think I'd consider him ''world class'' anymore.
I think he'll be good in the US, though.
Why do people in England seem to hate Beckham?

[Scottt]

Why do people in England seem to hate Beckham?


You're right, I actuallly do hate Beckham, loved his football, but him... no.

[hockey0001]

unless this makes every soccer game not boring to watch, i doubt it has much of an effect. Soccer is great to play, but boring as hell to watch. It will definitely have a positive short term effect, but in the long run i dont see it doing much. Any order for the mls to get other players as big as beckham, theyre going to have to give out contracts reasonably close to what they gave him, and i dont see them having the money to do that.

[Scottt]

unless this makes every soccer game not boring to watch, i doubt it has much of an effect. Soccer is great to play, but boring as hell to watch. It will definitely have a positive short term effect, but in the long run i dont see it doing much. Any order for the mls to get other players as big as beckham, theyre going to have to give out contracts reasonably close to what they gave him, and i dont see them having the money to do that.

What?

[fire on my lips]

Beasley is playing quite well at Man City. He's starting to turn some heads. Can't really judge him from his time on PSV, can you?

I don't think you can say "how can you like a sport if you like another, they're so different" - that's like asking how anybody who listens to punk rock can enjoy classical music or rap as well. They're different styles of games, football being more deliberate and strategic, soccer being faster and more creative.

I compared how you watch the two. Football is a (d?)evolution of soccer. Instead of a continuous game then a 15 minute break, then a continous game again, it's become two minutes of ads, three minutes of playing time repeated over and over. It takes three hours to play a game that has four fifteen minute quarters.

I don't really see how soccer would be less deliberate or strategic than football. It all depends on the coach and the style of play.

I certainly can judge Beasley from his shit performance at the World Cup and the friendlies prior to it. As for him turning heads, who's bodies do they belong to?

He's played eight matches, started four, including the last two, with three shots, a goal, and an assist.

Why can't someone enjoy different types of music? I like to think that I like various types of music. I like some rap, punk, and classical music.

Why do people in England seem to hate Beckham?

because english people hate winners. It's why Pete Dorety is in the newspapers and England gets overhyped. The people almost want to fail.
Maybe I'm reading too much football365.



Beckham might not be alone, and Spurs might get rid of excess baggage. Win win for me.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=399520&cc=5901

[Scott Weber]

Wow, somebody turned into a fucking dick real fast. And you missed the point about music completely. Way over your head, I suppose.

[fire on my lips]

unless this makes every soccer game not boring to watch, i doubt it has much of an effect. Soccer is great to play, but boring as hell to watch. It will definitely have a positive short term effect, but in the long run i dont see it doing much. Any order for the mls to get other players as big as beckham, theyre going to have to give out contracts reasonably close to what they gave him, and i dont see them having the money to do that.

You have to give soccer time. Not every play in a football game is that exciting, same with baseball.
I'll never understand why hockey isnt popular in america, it's such a fast moving exciting game.
With soccer, the better the players, the more exciting it is. If you judge soccer solely by your high school team, you're going to be disappointed, but if you watch the world cup you should find it enjoyable.

Beckham is the biggest sports star in the world. No one truley rivals his abilities, especially here and in asia, to sell things. He's getting paid to sell the sport. No one else in playing today in Europe would get a 2/3rds of what he is getting to play here.

[fire on my lips]

Wow, somebody turned into a fucking dick real fast. And you missed the point about music completely. Way over your head, I suppose.

I misread it. Shoot me.

Are you going to counter anything else?

[Scott Weber]

I misread it. Shoot me.

Are you going to counter anything else?
It's all a matter of opinion. I think american football is a greater sport than Soccer, and I love Soccer a lot. Football has so much more going on for me, and every single play, defense, blocking scheme, men in motion, presnap counts, can be analyzed. It's a game of ultimate depth for me. That's part of the reason it's so loved in America - the sheer depth of the game. In Soccer, there is an undenaible amount of depth to the game, but much of it is luck, creativity, and snap decisions - especially in goal scoring situations. As far as your smart-ass remark about Beasley - which came, might I remind you, AFTER you admitted you hadn't seen him play in the EPL (not even once), and there's more to the stat lines (but I'm sure you know that, since you're the "expert." And from seeing him play, he's shown a lot of promise and continues to improve. I have no idea what your deal is, man.

[thejetstolehome]

ugh. they just talked about this issue so unintelligently on around the horn.

[Markus1186]

i hope it does. hockey is so localized, where as soccer is global. nobody gives 2 shits about hockey in the NW. soccer has the potential to catch on here like in the rest of the world.

Hockey localized? it isnt global? Tell that to anybody in Finland, Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic and anywhere else in Europe or Russia I think theyd tell you otherwise

[Scott Weber]

Hockey localized? it isnt global? Tell that to anybody in Finland, Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic and anywhere else in Europe or Russia I think theyd tell you otherwise
Nobody cares about hockey in the NW part of the United States, and the interest is very low in the USA outside of the Northeast. Soccer is the #1 sport in the world, and while hockey is most likely PLAYED everywhere, it only sees massive popularity in localized regions.

[Jason Tate]

Nobody cares about hockey in the NW part of the United States, and the interest is very low in the USA outside of the Northeast. Soccer is the #1 sport in the world, and while hockey is most likely PLAYED everywhere, it only sees massive popularity in localized regions.
And you forget that hockey sucks. :-)

[Jason Tate]

ugh. they just talked about this issue so unintelligently on around the horn.
Shocking.

Marketing specialists are saying this move will go down as one of the best ever made in sporting history. The team sold some 1,000 extra season tickets in the first 30 minutes after the announcement was made.

[Markus1186]

Its alright your excuses on why you dont like it is likely "I cant follow the puck" like most other non hockey fans. To each his own I guess its not for everyone

[thejetstolehome]

hockey's dead to me til the whale is back.

[Jason Tate]

Its alright your excuses on why you dont like it is likely "I cant follow the puck" like most other non hockey fans. To each his own I guess its not for everyone
No, my excuse would be ... "eh, this is lame and uninteresting." Probably the same reason people don't like Soccer. I happen to love soccer though, but hate hockey.

[Markus1186]

haha who wouldnt love to see the whalers back. its a shame they left in the first place

[nfggc10]

ugh. they just talked about this issue so unintelligently on around the horn.What they said is true however. Typical American sports fans don't have the attention spans necessary to follow soccer. The arguments on PTI however were more correct with the similarities to Pele and other stars being brought here and the one thing they had in common is that they were on the down side of their careers and despite the initial buzz it most likely won't help the sport at all just like Freddie failed to sustain interest.

[Markus1186]

No, my excuse would be ... "eh, this is lame and uninteresting." Probably the same reason people don't like Soccer. I happen to love soccer though, but hate hockey.

pretty 'lame' excuse if you ask me. I dont see how its un-intresting. its the fasted paced game by far and takes some incredible skill. Watch some Sidney Crosby and Ovechkin highlight reel goals and youll change your view of it being lame and uninteresting.. But hey this isnt a hockey thread. so ill just give up on you.

[Jason Tate]

What they said is true however. Typical American sports fans don't have the attention spans necessary to follow soccer. The arguments on PTI however were more correct with the similarities to Pele and other stars being brought here and the one thing they had in common is that they were on the down side of their careers and despite the initial buzz it most likely won't help the sport at all just like Freddie failed to sustain interest.
That's because Freddie isn't, really, any good. :-)

I think soccer can be a massive sport, it doesn't take any extra attention span (I'm ADD), it takes it being broadcast on channels I can watch. The fact that they can't advertise during it (no commercials) means that it doesn't get shown on TV. Of course no one will watch a program that isn't even shown on televison.

[thejetstolehome]

haha who wouldnt love to see the whalers back. its a shame they left in the first place

it sucks that the only pro sports team we have here is the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. they don't count--at all. does that league still even exist? honestly. UConn basketball is really the only one the whole state cares about, though--and even that isn't too widespread.

[Jason Tate]

pretty 'lame' excuse if you ask me. I dont see how its un-intresting. its the fasted paced game by far and takes some incredible skill. Watch some Sidney Crosby and Ovechkin highlight reel goals and youll change your view of it being lame and uninteresting.. But hey this isnt a hockey thread. so ill just give up on you.
Hockey still sucks.

:yawn:

[nfggc10]

No, my excuse would be ... "eh, this is lame and uninteresting." Probably the same reason people don't like Soccer. I happen to love soccer though, but hate hockey.
same reason i don't follow either sport. although they were the only two sports i didn't play when i was younger so i could never relate to the skills/difficulty each sport demands.

[Markus1186]

my point exactly. its not worth it, we dont want you.

[make_this_hurt]

Hockey still sucks.

:yawn:
Sure does.

[Jason Tate]

my point exactly. its not worth it, we dont want you.
Well, you're in this thread trying to convince people otherwise, so you may want to reconsider your statements.

[thejetstolehome]

That's because Freddie isn't, really, any good. :-)

I think soccer can be a massive sport, it doesn't take any extra attention span (I'm ADD), it takes it being broadcast on channels I can watch. The fact that they can't advertise during it (no commercials) means that it doesn't get shown on TV. Of course no one will watch a program that isn't even shown on televison.

exactly. i find that i can watch any sport on TV, yes, even the occasional golf match! :-0 i enjoy playing soccer (though i don't know what the fuck i'm doing most of the time) and watching it when i can--i was glued to the TV for the World Cup and put off studying for finals to watch a match but it's hardly ever on. if quality soccer were shown on TV here, i'd watch it almost as much as i watch baseball and probably just as much as football.

[histrionics22]

Tate already hit on why soccer doesnt succeed in the US. Commercials and advertising.

[Jason Tate]

exactly. i find that i can watch any sport on TV, yes, even the occasional golf match! :-0 i enjoy playing soccer (though i don't know what the fuck i'm doing most of the time) and watching it when i can--i was glued to the TV for the World Cup and put off studying for finals to watch a match but it's hardly ever on. if quality soccer were shown on TV here, i'd watch it almost as much as i watch baseball and probably just as much as football.
The numbers for the world cup don't lie, people are obviously interested (I watched every game). It's simply just -- not on television. They say, "there's no demand" - yet make demand impossible. It's a Catch-22.

:shrug:

[histrionics22]

The numbers for the world cup don't lie, people are obviously interested (I watched every game). It's simply just -- not on television. They say, "there's no demand" - yet make demand impossible. It's a Catch-22.

:shrug:
Demand wont be possible because unless major companies can advertise during the game through commercials, then the network airing the games will not make money.

[thejetstolehome]

The numbers for the world cup don't lie, people are obviously interested (I watched every game). It's simply just -- not on television. They say, "there's no demand" - yet make demand impossible. It's a Catch-22.

:shrug:

:shrug: maybe they just feel that it'd be a failure without even giving it a chance?

[Jason Tate]

Demand wont be possible because unless major companies can advertise during the game through commercials, then the network airing the games will not make money.
Correct. The teams, arenas, players, make more money in soccer via ads (on the boards, on their shirts, via endorsement deals, etc.)

[nfggc10]

That's because Freddie isn't, really, any good. :-)

I think soccer can be a massive sport, it doesn't take any extra attention span (I'm ADD), it takes it being broadcast on channels I can watch. The fact that they can't advertise during it (no commercials) means that it doesn't get shown on TV. Of course no one will watch a program that isn't even shown on televison.haha very true...I couldn't tell you which channels actually broadcast MLS games besides maybe a rare showing on espn2. However, I do think that it requires MOST fans to have a long attention span just because, like hockey, the scoring is typically minimal so that has always hurt it's television value. I just never see soccer becoming one of the main 3/4 sports which does not say too much for it because hockey is really dying and will not recover from the lockout any time soon. But, even the world cup does not draw that much interest from American fans, whether that's due to our poor performance generally or not I can't say. This really only helps the LA franchise though because the rest will still suffer from attendance/merchandise sales most likely.

[Jason Tate]

:shrug: maybe they just feel that it'd be a failure without even giving it a chance?
I've always had that impression.

And I've always tried to watch games (followed Real Madrid for years, Man U, Liverpool, etc.).

[thejetstolehome]

I've always had that impression.

And I've always tried to watch games (followed Real Madrid for years, Man U, Liverpool, etc.).

i'm almost tempted to believe it, though. i really feel soccer won't be taken seriously or become popular here until the Unite States wins the World Cup.

[Scott Weber]

Hockey is dull. Yes, it's explosive, yes, things happen fast, but it is hard to follow what's going on when a game's on TV, but watching somebody try and get a puck past a huge goalie sitting in front of a tiny goal is stupid. I even enjoy watching it sometimes, but for the most part, it's an incredibly boring sport, full of weird rules, an even weirder points/standings system (now - I haven't even taken the time to figure it out because I don't care), and when nobody scores it's the dullest thing in the world.

[nfggc10]

I've always had that impression.

And I've always tried to watch games (followed Real Madrid for years, Man U, Liverpool, etc.).
ABC might as well take a shot on it. They lost out on the new pga tour contract and the nfl contract so they those blocks open on weekends and will need something to fill that time. Wide World of Sports has really fallen off the map...

[thejetstolehome]

Hockey is dull. Yes, it's explosive, yes, things happen fast, but it is hard to follow what's going on when a game's on TV, but watching somebody try and get a puck past a huge goalie sitting in front of a tiny goal is stupid. I even enjoy watching it sometimes, but for the most part, it's an incredibly boring sport, full of weird rules, an even weirder points/standings system (now - I haven't even taken the time to figure it out because I don't care), and when nobody scores it's the dullest thing in the world.

i can only watch hockey live or play it in a video game. i can't remember the last time i watched a hockey game on TV.

[johnh5304]

Well he may be out of his prime but it will have an impact in the popularity of soccer here. I was really not interested at all in soccer but after watching this past World Cup and after my friend got me into playing alot of FIFA 2007 on ps2 I've become a fan.

[Scott Weber]

Fox Soccer Channel comes standard in all comcast digital cable packages now (not just the premium ones)

[nfggc10]

Hockey is dull. Yes, it's explosive, yes, things happen fast, but it is hard to follow what's going on when a game's on TV, but watching somebody try and get a puck past a huge goalie sitting in front of a tiny goal is stupid. I even enjoy watching it sometimes, but for the most part, it's an incredibly boring sport, full of weird rules, an even weirder points/standings system (now - I haven't even taken the time to figure it out because I don't care), and when nobody scores it's the dullest thing in the world.
same can basically be said for soccer although hockey is played at a faster pace. the scoring thing has always been my biggest complaint when trying to watch either sport.

[Jason Tate]

haha very true...I couldn't tell you which channels actually broadcast MLS games besides maybe a rare showing on espn2. However, I do think that it requires MOST fans to have a long attention span just because, like hockey, the scoring is typically minimal so that has always hurt it's television value. I just never see soccer becoming one of the main 3/4 sports which does not say too much for it because hockey is really dying and will not recover from the lockout any time soon. But, even the world cup does not draw that much interest from American fans, whether that's due to our poor performance generally or not I can't say. This really only helps the LA franchise though because the rest will still suffer from attendance/merchandise sales most likely.
I heard numbers that said the games for teams playing the Galaxy are expected to sell out. So that kinda helps the other teams.

:shrug:

If I can find the games on, I'll watch them. But I never know when they're on, what times, what channels, anything like that. So it's very hard. Plus, the few MLS games I caught on TV were filmed like shit -- the EPL is usually filmed well.

[Jason Tate]

Fox Soccer Channel comes standard in all comcast digital cable packages now (not just the premium ones)
Really? Hmmmm.

[Jason Tate]

same can basically be said for soccer although hockey is played at a faster pace. the scoring thing has always been my biggest complaint when trying to watch either sport.
I see that as a legitimate complaint too. I mean, 90 minutes, with a 0-0 tie at the end - can be pretty lame to watch. Of course, a team fighting back to tie a game 2-2 can be a blast to watch.

:shrug:

[Jason Tate]

ABC might as well take a shot on it. They lost out on the new pga tour contract and the nfl contract so they those blocks open on weekends and will need something to fill that time. Wide World of Sports has really fallen off the map...
:shrug:

It'd be cool if they did.

[hockey0001]

You have to give soccer time. Not every play in a football game is that exciting, same with baseball.
I'll never understand why hockey isnt popular in america, it's such a fast moving exciting game.
With soccer, the better the players, the more exciting it is. If you judge soccer solely by your high school team, you're going to be disappointed, but if you watch the world cup you should find it enjoyable.

Beckham is the biggest sports star in the world. No one truley rivals his abilities, especially here and in asia, to sell things. He's getting paid to sell the sport. No one else in playing today in Europe would get a 2/3rds of what he is getting to play here.


i went to a ton of high school games, they were awesome. Probably cause the team was nasty and i knew most of the players though. I tried to watch the world cup since my roomates were watching it, but it didnt keep my attention

[thejetstolehome]

:shrug:

It'd be cool if they did.

they broadcasted the World Cup, right?

[youkwalks]

This may have been said, but I dont feel like reading 15 pages, so....

do you guys think MLS is giving LA some sort of break or relief with this contract? How can the Galaxy afford 250 million dollars?

[nfggc10]

:shrug:

It'd be cool if they did.they might as well, they do air alot of figure skating which we all know ignites quite a ratings boost...

Fox Soccer Channel comes standard in all comcast digital cable packages now (not just the premium ones)hmm I have comcast and had no idea i have a soccer channel

I heard numbers that said the games for teams playing the Galaxy are expected to sell out. So that kinda helps the other teams.

:shrug:

If I can find the games on, I'll watch them. But I never know when they're on, what times, what channels, anything like that. So it's very hard. Plus, the few MLS games I caught on TV were filmed like shit -- the EPL is usually filmed well.hmm interesing....world cup games looked amazing in HD but I've never seen an MLS filmed game though.

[Scott Weber]

same can basically be said for soccer although hockey is played at a faster pace. the scoring thing has always been my biggest complaint when trying to watch either sport.
I think the difference for me is that Soccer is all natural ability, with just their bodies. There's no sticks, gloves, skates, etc...it's on ground, it's running, it's an expansive field with room to be creative. After a while, all hockey goals seem the same to me - because the area is so small. Soccer, it's rare to see 2 goals exactly the same because of how much field there is to set up the shot, and finish it. Plus, the excitement on a national level makes it that much cooler - Soccer fans are more passionate than any other sport, and by transferance of sorts that makes me care about it more.

[nfggc10]

they broadcasted the World Cup, right?correct

[Jason Tate]

This may have been said, but I dont feel like reading 15 pages, so....

do you guys think MLS is giving LA some sort of break or relief with this contract? How can the Galaxy afford 250 million dollars?
Anschutz Entertainment Group, owners of the L.A. Galaxy, is shelling out most of Beckham's package. They report that since this morning's announcement, they've already sold 1,000 season tickets. We're also told that Major League Soccer thinks it'll sell out Galaxy tickets for the season -- in just 30 days.

Finally, sports-biz guru Dr. G. Lynn Lashbrook, president of Sports Management Worldwide, tells TMZ that the crazy cash the L.A. Galaxy will be shelling out is possible only because MLS has begun selling ads on the front of players' shirts, commonplace elsewhere in the world, but a first here in the U.S. Another sports marketing expert, Dean Bonham, tells us, "At the end of the contract, this will be seen as one of the most important investments in sports history." Beckham has not stated what Posh's wardrobe allowance will be.

http://www.tmz.com/2007/01/11/is-beckham-worth-the-big-bucks/

[thejetstolehome]

correct

then they might as well pick up more soccer. :shrug:

[Scott Weber]

they might as well, they do air alot of figure skating which we all know ignites quite a ratings boost...

hmm I have comcast and had no idea i have a soccer channel

hmm interesing....world cup games looked amazing in HD but I've never seen an MLS filmed game though.
look through your listings. it used to be fox sports world and then they dropped all non-soccer stuff. you should have it if you have anything remotely extended (channels past 100)

[AshesAshes]

This will help out the mls a whole lot this is great for the sport.


Since freddy adu came here people wont shut up about real salt lake

[hockey0001]

Hockey is dull. Yes, it's explosive, yes, things happen fast, but it is hard to follow what's going on when a game's on TV, but watching somebody try and get a puck past a huge goalie sitting in front of a tiny goal is stupid. I even enjoy watching it sometimes, but for the most part, it's an incredibly boring sport, full of weird rules, an even weirder points/standings system (now - I haven't even taken the time to figure it out because I don't care), and when nobody scores it's the dullest thing in the world.


I think its weird that soccer fans dont like hockey and vice-versa seeing as most of the complaints you just made can also be made about soccer. When you break it down to the basics, they are essentially the same sport, only hockey is played on a smaller surface with less players and more contact

[Jason Tate]

I think the difference for me is that Soccer is all natural ability, with just their bodies. There's no sticks, gloves, skates, etc...it's on ground, it's running, it's an expansive field with room to be creative. After a while, all hockey goals seem the same to me - because the area is so small. Soccer, it's rare to see 2 goals exactly the same because of how much field there is to set up the shot, and finish it. Plus, the excitement on a national level makes it that much cooler - Soccer fans are more passionate than any other sport, and by transferance of sorts that makes me care about it more.
Well said.

[Jason Tate]

This will help out the mls a whole lot this is great for the sport.


Since freddy adu came here people wont shut up about real salt lake
One of my close friends (Adam Acosta) from college plays on that team (or did, not sure if he still does). He dominated in college.

[nfggc10]

I think the difference for me is that Soccer is all natural ability, with just their bodies. There's no sticks, gloves, skates, etc...it's on ground, it's running, it's an expansive field with room to be creative. After a while, all hockey goals seem the same to me - because the area is so small. Soccer, it's rare to see 2 goals exactly the same because of how much field there is to set up the shot, and finish it. Plus, the excitement on a national level makes it that much cooler - Soccer fans are more passionate than any other sport, and by transferance of sorts that makes me care about it more.I agree with the last part and that's easily the most attractive part of the sport for me.

Side note: that proposal to expand the nets in hockey is a joke...the fact that it's even being considered should be a warning sign to their fans as to just how much its struggling. I've always heard they're a blast to go see live but it doesn't translate to television ratings however.

[somethingyellow]

This may have been said, but I dont feel like reading 15 pages, so....

do you guys think MLS is giving LA some sort of break or relief with this contract? How can the Galaxy afford 250 million dollars?MLS pays up to the league maxium of his contract (i forget what that is) then the owners have to pay for the rest. AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) owns the galaxy so they will pay for his contract.
Also it is a lot easier watching soccer on tv now with FSC, GolTv, and Setanta. Even though you have to pay for those channels there is a wide variety of leagues covered now that this country has never seen. I only expect coverage to grow in the future

[nfggc10]

This will help out the mls a whole lot this is great for the sport.


Since freddy adu came here people wont shut up about real salt lakewell I guess that makes up for the mentions he gets on ESPN, which by my last count were zero...

Separately, ESPN controls more about the popularity of sports than people give it credit for. The fact that they joke about how little hockey/soccer is mentioned on the network doesn't bode well for those sports.

[Jason Tate]

Plus, the man now has more money than God. Hahah.

[hockey0001]

I agree with the last part and that's easily the most attractive part of the sport for me.

Side note: that proposal to expand the nets in hockey is a joke...the fact that it's even being considered should be a warning sign to their fans as to just how much its struggling. I've always heard they're a blast to go see live but it doesn't translate to television ratings however.

its been talked about for awhile. Theres always a bunch of weird rules proposed each year for how to improve the quality of play, most of the time nothing ever happens with them though. And the idea to change the size of the nets seems like a gimmick more than anything since they will only increase them by like an inch or so which wont make much of a difference

[AshesAshes]

One of my close friends (Adam Acosta) from college plays on that team (or did, not sure if he still does). He dominated in college.
He is still on the team they used him a lot in their reserve games.Probally will get more playing time this year.Plus he has played soccer in utah all his life from what I read up on him

[nfggc10]

its been talked about for awhile. Theres always a bunch of weird rules proposed each year for how to improve the quality of play, most of the time nothing ever happens with them though. And the idea to change the size of the nets seems like a gimmick more than anything since they will only increase them by like an inch or so which wont make much of a difference
reminds me of when they put a glow on the puck so it would be easier to follow. Can't remember exactly but I know it didn't have a huge impact on anything.

[fire on my lips]

It's all a matter of opinion. I think american football is a greater sport than Soccer, and I love Soccer a lot. Football has so much more going on for me, and every single play, defense, blocking scheme, men in motion, presnap counts, can be analyzed. It's a game of ultimate depth for me. That's part of the reason it's so loved in America - the sheer depth of the game. In Soccer, there is an undenaible amount of depth to the game, but much of it is luck, creativity, and snap decisions - especially in goal scoring situations. As far as your smart-ass remark about Beasley - which came, might I remind you, AFTER you admitted you hadn't seen him play in the EPL (not even once), and there's more to the stat lines (but I'm sure you know that, since you're the "expert." And from seeing him play, he's shown a lot of promise and continues to improve. I have no idea what your deal is, man.

Other than brotherhood, that's the best explanation I've ever heard for loving football. Everyone I've discusses this with says that it's the brutality of it and the feeling of beating the defense to score a touchdown.

I've seen Beasley twice, not for the entire game either time. I based his performances on what I had heard about him through various things which was very little. Of course there is more to stat lines, I only provided them because I wasn't sure how many games he had played. I think he'll be a better player for the US national team than donovan, but I don't really see him having a bigger impact on US Soccer or the EPL than Bocanegra has. I'm biased against small, fast wingers not names Aaron Lennon. Time will tell about how well he performs.

Shocking.

Marketing specialists are saying this move will go down as one of the best ever made in sporting history. The team sold some 1,000 extra season tickets in the first 30 minutes after the announcement was made.

That's ridiculous. Maybe I'm watching too much Entourage, but I wonder how many of those came from agents, producers, etc.

That's because Freddie isn't, really, any good. :-)

I think soccer can be a massive sport, it doesn't take any extra attention span (I'm ADD), it takes it being broadcast on channels I can watch. The fact that they can't advertise during it (no commercials) means that it doesn't get shown on TV. Of course no one will watch a program that isn't even shown on televison.



The numbers for the world cup don't lie, people are obviously interested (I watched every game). It's simply just -- not on television. They say, "there's no demand" - yet make demand impossible. It's a Catch-22.

:shrug:



Correct. The teams, arenas, players, make more money in soccer via ads (on the boards, on their shirts, via endorsement deals, etc.)

There has been a few well written articles in the New York Times about the MLS' struggle to get advertising through that. Notice that no MLS teams have a shirt sponsor on the front, which was done to be like baseball, football, hockey, and basketball

Fox Soccer Channel comes standard in all comcast digital cable packages now (not just the premium ones)

yep, but it's extra on direct tv and i don't know about dish network.
Gol TV carries a lot of the German, Spanish and French Leagues, but it's extra on everything. Sentata Sport is only availible online and on Direct TV and it carries a lot of the premiership games (it gets first and third choice of the weekend matches)

I heard numbers that said the games for teams playing the Galaxy are expected to sell out. So that kinda helps the other teams.

:shrug:

If I can find the games on, I'll watch them. But I never know when they're on, what times, what channels, anything like that. So it's very hard. Plus, the few MLS games I caught on TV were filmed like shit -- the EPL is usually filmed well.

For me, in New York, all the Red Bulls matches are on my local Fox Sports Network and then there is a weekly game on ESPN2 and Fox Soccer. If you aren't near a team, I'd guess you might get a game randomly on your local Fox Sports and then the other two national games.

[Jason Tate]

He is still on the team they used him a lot in their reserve games.Probally will get more playing time this year.Plus he has played soccer in utah all his life from what I read up on him
Yeah, he's from Utah. Great guy, roommates with him for a while, his roommates were close friends of mine. So random.

[fire on my lips]

reminds me of when they put a glow on the puck so it would be easier to follow. Can't remember exactly but I know it didn't have a huge impact on anything.

Fox did that in like 97 and people hated it. It lasted one season.

[(SceneNameHere)]

MLS might replace Arena Football. To say it could get bigger than NHL is lol.

[Scott Weber]

Other than brotherhood, that's the best explanation I've ever heard for loving football. Everyone I've discusses this with says that it's the brutality of it and the feeling of beating the defense to score a touchdown.

I've seen Beasley twice, not for the entire game either time. I based his performances on what I had heard about him through various things which was very little. Of course there is more to stat lines, I only provided them because I wasn't sure how many games he had played. I think he'll be a better player for the US national team than donovan, but I don't really see him having a bigger impact on US Soccer or the EPL than Bocanegra has. I'm biased against small, fast wingers not names Aaron Lennon. Time will tell about how well he performs.



Sounds like most people you ask about football are meatheads. That's a terrible explanation for why football is awesome. It's funny, i love my beer, but I don't drink when I watch football because there's too much to analyze and go over on every play. I even re-watch games sometimes to see what happened in coverage and stuff.

[thejetstolehome]

MLS might replace Arena Football. To say it could get bigger than NHL is lol.

the NHL was close to dying a few years back, right? how is that such a "lol" statement.

[Cliff Diver]

This is the most anyone in America has ever talked/cared about soccer ever in this country. Even my girlfriend and mom called me and seemed really excited about it ahaha

[Scott Weber]

NHL is still dying.