Soccer Top Ten: Wouldn't it be fun if...?

Article by Luke Lohr

We all have things we'd like to see happen in our soccer world. Sometimes they are completely legitimate, relevant and probable. Sometimes though, these hopes are merely flights of fantasy. With that in mind, here are ten possibilities that I've been toiling around in my noggin, wondering...

Wouldn't it be fun if:

• New York City FC purchased the name and rights of FC New York. Then used the name and also sponsor their own USLPRO team termed FC New York PRO?

• Antigua Barracuda (0-12 in USLPRO) played a friendly against Chivas USA (3-8-2 in MLS)? Winner plays Fort Lauderdale (2-5-2 in NASL)

• the New England Revolution played in Boston?

• the US Open Cup became a tournament known to all sports fans?

• Real Salt Lake went ahead with their plans to create, develop and manage a full USLPRO side named the Salt Lake Royals?

Off The Bench Episode 83: Guests Commissioner Bill Peterson (NASL), Colin Clarke (Carolina RailHawks) and Adrian Heath (Orlando City SC)

In this episode Luke Lohr and Pedro Gomes discuss the improvement of the US Men's National Team and the stunning results of the US Open Cup. Head Coach of Orlando City SC Adrian Heath joins the show to talk about the Lion's upset victory over Sporting Kansas City. Also joining is Head Coach of the Carolina RailHawks Colin Clarke reflecting on his side's defeat of a second MLS club and advancement in the US Open Cup. NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson also stops in to talk about progress in the NASL, expansion and the NY Cosmos. Off The Bench, share it.

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Also available on Stitcher Radio. Your video for today is one compiling the MLS Goal of the Week nominees from week 14. Check 'em out. 

USL Pro Spotlight Week 12: When MLS Comes to Town

Article By: Pedro Gomes

MLS and attendance figures have long been a topic of conversation in US Soccer circles. This week I want to look at the issue from a different perspective. In this week’s USL Pro Spotlight, we are taking a look at what type of impact a visiting MLS Reserve squad had on USL Pro clubs attendance numbers. The results have been interesting.

Off The Bench Episode 82: US Men's National Team, US Open Cup and which upsets we expect

In this episode Luke Lohr and Pedro Gomes break down USA's defeat of Jamaica and wonder where the national team is truly headed. The US Open Cup is upon us and we spoke briefly with both NASL coaches (Ricky Hill and Colin Clarke) ahead of their MLS match ups. That and more in this edition of Off The Bench.

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Also available on Stitcher. Your inspirational video of the day comes from friend of the show Jimmy Conrad. Check out this KickTV video he put together. 

MLS Weekly: Week 15

Article by Leanne Elston

The Games

Philadelphia Union 3-0 Columbus Crew

The Philadelphia Union cruised to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew last Wednesday, a win that pushed them into third place in the Eastern Conference. All three Union goals came in quick succession in the first half, beginning in the 25th minute when a shot from Brian Carroll deflected off Eric Gehrig and into Andy Gruenebaum’s net. Four minutes later, Carroll flicked a corner from Sebastien Le Toux to the back post, and Sheanon Williams volleyed home from close range.

Finally, in the 31st minute, Le Toux played a cross to Conor Casey, whose diving header put the Union firmly in control of the game. The Crew struggled to create chances all night, while Philadelphia often looked likely to extend their lead even further. It’s disappointing for Columbus, who now sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, but it’s another step forward for the Union.

Real Salt Lake 3-1 LA Galaxy

NASL Rumor Mill: Trades Afoot

Article by Luke Lohr

NASL is rife with rumors at the moment, so it seemed prudent to jot a few of the more solid rumors from trusted sources down for reader pleasure. These have come from sources very close to the clubs and situations, but I stress, these are not 100% confirmed.

First up is that expansion club Indy Eleven is set to announce a coach in the next two days. One source states that former MLS and Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Juergen Sommer is slated to take up the head coaching reigns. Sommer had a solid career in MLS, with Major League Soccer listing him at 54 games  and 4,868 minutes played. Sommer has spent time coaching with the national team and in the youth ranks.

Listen: NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson talk NASL Expansion in January

Another source said that at one point former U.S. National Team player John Stollmeyer was up for the position, but lost out to Sommer in the latter stages of selections.

MLS Salary Cap Musings

Article By: Anders Aarhus

 

 

The boys over at SounderatHeart, have created a pretty cool roster generator that will entertain you for hours.

Put in a salary cap limit between $1.5 million and $18 million and the generator will spit out a roster based on the latest salaries released by the MLS Players Union. DP cap hits, off budget players and international player limits are all not part of the formula (i.e. Thierry Henry’s $3.75 million salary counts fully against your cap).

USL Pro Spotlight Week 11: The Charlotte Eagles - More Than Just a Soccer Club

Article By: Pedro Gomes

On the field, the Charlotte Eagles look pretty much like any other USL Pro team. They have a mixed-bag of both American and foreign soccer talent on the roster. They play at an intimate college soccer field at Queens University, which holds a capacity of around 5,000 spectators. And they go about their training and administration in a typically professional manner. But where the Eagle begin to look a bit different than any other USL Pro is off the field.

The Charlotte Eagles were founded in 1992 by two men, Brain Davidson and Rick McKinley, who envisioned not only bringing professional soccer to Charlotte, but more importantly to use Soccer as a platform to connect with the community through ministry. That core principle is still carried out today by all of the staff and players of the club and is guided by Mission Athletes International (MAI), the non-profit owner and operator of the club.