2011 MLS thread

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And before you say shit about the MLS remember it's on the rise.. The growth it has made in 5 years has been tremendous. This year two new teams in Vancouver and Portland, both are rumored to have great fanbases.

Top teams for the year imo should be LA Beckhams, New York Red Bulls and the Seattle Sounders. Galaxy have Donovan, Beckham, Angel,
New York has Henry, Marquez, Lindpere, Solli,and Ream + Agudelo who are Top US prospects.

Tomorrow the season kicks off with LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders on ESPN 2. Should be a great match.

[QUOTE=knickballer]
And before you say shit about the MLS remember it's on the rise.. The growth it has made in 5 years has been tremendous. This year two new teams in Vancouver and Portland, both are rumored to have great fanbases.

Top teams for the year imo should be LA Beckhams, New York Red Bulls and the Seattle Sounders. Galaxy have Donovan, Beckham, Angel,
New York has Henry, Marquez, Lindpere, Solli,and Ream + Agudelo who are Top US prospects.

Tomorrow the season kicks off with LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders on ESPN 2. Should be a great match.[/QUOTE]


you seem to have forgotten about FC Dallas and reigning league MVP David Ferreira.

[QUOTE=kentatm]you seem to have forgotten about FC Dallas and reigning league MVP David Ferreira.[/QUOTE]

I like FC Dallas, lots of young talent on that roster but I don't think there a top3-4 team. They lost some players this offseason but they are stockpiled with young talent.

How do the Crew look? I don't know much about them, but live Soccer is always fun. I make it to a game every so often.

[QUOTE=mlh1981]How do the Crew look? I don't know much about them, but live Soccer is always fun. I make it to a game every so often.[/QUOTE]


Rebuilding mode.. They were pretty damn good last year but they showed sign of old age at the end of the season. In the offseason they let go alot of their core players... I don't expect much from the Crew this year and it's the owners fault for being cheap as well..

I can see ESPN escalating the MLS this year if the NFL and NBA locks out.

[QUOTE=TennesseeFan]I can see ESPN escalating the MLS this year if the NFL and NBA locks out.[/QUOTE]


Well obviously.. They'll show more EPL games most likely but ESPN will probably be filled with labor talks 24/7...

It's going to be a rough year!

[QUOTE=kaiteng]All you Galaxy fans will love Chad Barrett. This dude was one of the hardest working forward ever played with TFC. He struggled badly two seasons ago but bounced back nicely last season.[/QUOTE]

Dude, WTF happened to Toronto this offseason. They barely have a team of 11 players let alone any quality players.

I feel bad for Toronto since they have a pretty good fanbase and much potential.

TFC fan here but probably won't see more than 7-8 games MAX. Gonna try go to one live this year though.

I'm angry that San Jose was beastly, left, and then another team came in and is far less beastly.

I'm bummed I'm not gonna be able to watch the opening match. Imma get into the MLS a lot this year.

[QUOTE=kaiteng]Looks like Landy and, maybe for the first time in a long time, Becks will start for Galaxy's season opener. Juan Pablo Angel and Omar Cummings will not start. On the other side, Freddy Montero will be at the front for Sounders while Stevie Z and Brad Evans will still be sidelined.[/QUOTE]

I think Evans is listed as probable but Seattle may be without Zakuani for the game against Galaxy which would be a pretty big blow for them.

I'm so pumped for the game against the Sounders!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apparently JPA and Omar will be out for the night according to Hopkins, but it is the only source so I don't know how reliable it is.

[QUOTE=qrich]I'm so pumped for the game against the Sounders!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apparently JPA and Omar will be out for the night according to Hopkins, but it is the only source so I don't know how reliable it is.[/QUOTE]


I just found out that N'kufo cut ties with the Sounders.. That's a bit shocking as he was there DP signing this past summer.

I just want to see Donovan and Becks play. Shame that JPA is out as i'll be rooting for him in LA.

[QUOTE=knickballer]I just found out that N'kufo cut ties with the Sounders.. That's a bit shocking as he was there DP signing this past summer.

I just want to see Donovan and Becks play. Shame that JPA is out as i'll be rooting for him in LA.[/QUOTE]

I'm just hyped for the year. Losing Buddle still is blah to me, but JPA has always been one of my favorites, plus, I'm glad Juninho was kept and I want to see how AJD and Omar improved and if Franklin has tapped out or is getting cose.

Without JPA & Cristman, the Gals offense will struggle but the loss of Omar hurts more with Berhlater being old and I'm not sure if Leanardo can start in the middle.

Not going to lie David Beckham is a ****ing beast

[QUOTE=knickballer]Not going to lie David Beckham is a ****ing beast[/QUOTE]

maybe 10 years ago.

all he does in MLS is ride pine b/c he is always hurt.

What a save by Sounders, dude is really a starting caliber keeper in the MLS.

nice flop after teh shit pass Becky



Seattle has missed some golden chances

Ugly first half for the Galaxy. With the top 2 FW options out (JPA & Cristman), and even no clear cut #2, I knew the offense would take a while to gel, but losing Omar in the back is really hurting the Galaxy. If it wasn't for Saunders, the Sounders would be up 2-0, at the very least.

I'm just amazed no team has approached the Gals about acquiring Josh.

[QUOTE=qrich]

I'm just amazed no team has approached the Gals about acquiring Josh.[/QUOTE]

I'm sure they have but haven't got an offer they like.

just in MLS teams like DC United are in dire need of help in goal.

Damn, Brchall really wants to score.

[QUOTE=kentatm]I'm sure they have but haven't got an offer they like.

just in MLS teams like DC United are in dire need of help in goal.[/QUOTE]


Could be. If it wasn't for Rickett's injury issues, I'd be all for a trade.

Juninho!!!!!!! What a great find by Bruce to get this kid on loan from San Paulo. Saunders still deserves the game ball at the moment.

Edit: Damnit Becks, a chance to make it 2-0 and you blast it to England :facepalm

damn.

Seattle has been soooooo close so many times tonight.

Good start to the 2nd half, but then, the Gals went into a defensive shell and the Sounders couldn't get past Saunders.

Juninho, Barrett, Saunders, De La Garza, Franklin were solid tonight. Beckham was way to iffy and Omar is needed back already. Todd-AJD-Omar-Franklin is the ideal backline.

Seattle had their chances. It seems LA just flat out has their number.

ahha, Chad Ochocinco on trial with Sporting Kansas City!

Absolutely brilliant! He's actually serious about this too, he also had a publicity tial with Real Madrid in the winter.

Today's games

[B]Vancouver Whitecaps[/B] v Toronto FC
[B]DC United[/B] v Columbus
[B]New York Red Bulls[/B] v Seattle Sounders FC
[B]FC Dallas[/B] v Chicago
Houston v [B]Philadelphia Union[/B]
[B]Colorado [/B] v Portland Timbers
Chivas USA v [B]Kansas City [/B]
San Jose v [B]Real Salt Lake[/B]
[B]Los Angeles[/B] v New England

Predictions in Bold. I also believe there are a few games on FSC today. I'm not sure what games but look into it if your interested in watching a game.

[QUOTE=kentatm]you seem to have forgotten about FC Dallas and reigning league MVP David Ferreira.[/QUOTE]

Why'd we let go of Dax?

[QUOTE=kentatm]maybe 10 years ago.

all he does in MLS is ride pine b/c he is always hurt.[/QUOTE]

When he's healthy, he's a beast. Becks makes passes noboy sees with great accuracy.

[QUOTE=Hawker]Why'd we let go of Dax?[/QUOTE]


they think Eric Alexander can replace him. I'm not so sure. But really, it came down to $$$ and a longtime personality clash he had with head coach Schellas Hyndman.



about to head out to Pizza Hut Park to tailgate now.

Dax is a pretty damn good player and possible NT player. Great addition for DC united who completely revamped their awful roster from a year ago. Davies, McCarthy, Wolff, Kitchen, Fred.

I expect them to snatch a playoff spot in the East especially with how weak the East is looking.





Anyways here is my power rankings, I made this in mid February keep that in mind.

[B]1. LA Galaxy-[/B] Still the best team even without Buddle. A rested Donovan and Becks will do damage not to mention one of the most prolific goal scorers the MLS has seen in JPA to sure up the front. Signings of Barret, Hejduk should provide depth and another year for the youngsters of the team Stephens, Juninho, Gonzo, Franklin, etc.. Good team
[B]2. New York Red Bulls[/B]- Team has taken a great leap under the new management of Soler and co.. By far the most depth out of any team and has the best individual talent. King Henry will be sure to dominate with a full healthy MLS season. Marquez, Richards, new comer Jan Gunnar Solli, Lindpere are all solid vets. The team is also loaded with young players in Ream, Tchani, Agudelo and the other Baby Bulls. I fully expect a Supporters shield for the Red Bulls.
[B]3. Real Salt Lake-[/B] The Spain of the MLS. Solid team lead by a great coach emphasizing team play and possesion. Led by some solid vets but the lost of Robbie Findley can be crucial
[B]4. FC Dallas-[/B] League MVP resigned, marvin Chavez and Break Shea!!
[B]5. Seattle Sounders[/B] Like the direction team is going. Building around Freddy Montero, have a nice defense and a committed ownership with excellent fan support. A full season for N'Fuko and Fernadez will be beneficial
[B]6. Colorado[/B] Good team but not great. Yes they are the champs.. Nice signing in Wallace.
[B]7. San Jose[/B] Lost of Geovanni and Alvarez hurts but Wondo and Convey are nice players
[B]8. DC united-[/B] Davies, Braesco, Kitchen, McCarty, Cronin are all solid moves and probably all will start.
[B]9. Houston[/B] Bounce back year for Houston. Freeman and Sarkodie should improve that lackluster D from last year. With the new ownership things are looking good(possible DP?) Ching will be sure to rebound.
[B]10. Philly Union[/B] Possibly the most improved team in the leage. Mondragan is a HUGE upgrade over Seitz and will do wonders in goal for the Union. Carrol is a nice signing to sure up the midfield and another year for the young guns to step up. Le Toux is one of the best this league has... Will challenge for a spot in the East
[B]11. Columbus[/B] Team is entering rebuilding mode. No more GBS,hejduk, lenhart, carey, etc.. Stick a fork in them. Will need to rely on unproven players such as Dilly Duka.
[B]12. SC Kansas City[/B] Very subpar team.. Can Bundbury become an elite MLS forward? Bravo/Bundury? New Stadium. I expect them to rise the charts once the season starts moving.
[B]13. New England[/B] No moves, no interest.. How the mighty have fallen..
[B]14. Chivas [/B]Too young and inexpirenced. Although I like the young talent they have
[B]15. Portland[/B] Kenny Cooper needs some help but they'll be a good team within a year
[B]16. Chicago Fire[/B] Lost all of their DP's and haven't improved..
[B]17. Vancouver [/B]Expansion team, can't expect much although they field a nice Defense.
[B]18. Toronto FC[/B] Team barely fields a full starting 11.. No moves and the transfer window is closed. Team is in deep trouble..



I'll try to update my Power rankings every now and then.

[quote]2011 MLS thread[/quote]
Reported.

[QUOTE=kaiteng]BOOOOO!!!

TFC doesn't lose any key players. DeRo and De Guzman are still there. All they need now is good wing players. They should be a mid-level team this season.[/QUOTE]

4 goals to an expansion team.......umad?

God awful match played in some horrid conditions in San Jose. It was surreal to see some of the balls hit an invisible wall and drop when players were trying to go into the wind. It was like a cartoon.

SJ lost but they had some chances that hopefully they can start putting away, and just cut down on defensive lapses.

And damn, Anthony Ampaipitakwong had a great debut. And looks to be a great little high energy player coming off that bench.

[QUOTE=kaiteng]I'm high on this dude since the college days. I don't know he got drafted so late.[/QUOTE]

Sometimes you just watch guys and say: "This dude is a baller."

I get that vibe from him. He was all over the place tonight. Can't wait to see what he can do with the Quakes this season. :rockon:

Question why do the Seattle Sounders have a kick a$$ fan base? I don't get it?

[QUOTE=crisoner]Question why do the Seattle Sounders have a kick a$$ fan base? I don't get it?[/QUOTE]
:bowdown: :bowdown:
I've asked this before. The atmosphere in Seattle is insane!
It's a sign of what is to come in the US, soccer wise.

[QUOTE=crisoner]Question why do the Seattle Sounders have a kick a$$ fan base? I don't get it?[/QUOTE]


I think in general Seattle is a good sports city. It also helps when the Sonics moved to OKC and Mariners/Seahawks have been shit lately.

[QUOTE=kaiteng]BOOOOO!!!

TFC doesn't lose any key players. DeRo and De Guzman are still there. All they need now is good wing players. They should be a mid-level team this season.[/QUOTE]

Dude they aren't a good team. They got wrecked by Vancouver who is a average team at best. They have no quality forwards(if you don't count DeRo), and a bunch of no name players. If they can survive into the Summer transfer window and then make a move for a big time European DP than they can survive.


Anyways Juan Agudelo looking the future NT striker. Only 18 years old and showing some great potential. If he has a good year expect some big team to sign him..

F that red card given to Brek Shea. Way harsh IMO.

great atmosphere at PHP for FCD vs Chicago though. 20k showed up! :applause:

hopefully the FCD marketing people now have their heads out of their asses and will actually do a better job of getting peoples attention here in the Metroplex.


Milton Rodriguez had a sick goal using his back heel.

[URL="http://daltv.neulion.com/mlsvp/console.jsp?catid=1873&id=12527"]http://daltv.neulion.com/mlsvp/console.jsp?catid=1873&id=12527[/URL]