After 18 years in existence, credibility is still a major topic with Major League Soccer's teams. The league has become highly competitive and is no longer viewed as a place for older players to finish their careers with a final swan song. At one time, the play in the league's matches were considered sloppy and reckless. It also did not help that some team names, logos, and colors were considered comical. Currently, skill is very prevalent and organizations have a more traditional air about them. Nowadays, MLS is a league that players want to play in. To use a once prevalent phrase, the United States is again a land of opportunity.
Whether it be regular league matches that ramp up to the playoffs, U.S. Open Cup competition, international friendlies or CONCACAF Champions League play, all are important to the credibility of MLS. Making it to a MLS Cup Final match should not be every teams' sole focus. A high standard can be set my squads taking these other competitions seriously. In recent seasons, qualifying teams have stopped sending their "B squads" and have sent their most talented players and legitimate sides. When teams do not take this approach, soccer fans outside of the United States view our national league as a joke.
Winning outside of our country has become very important to those familiar with Major League Soccer. They are tired of being looked at as Mexico's "little brother." Taking all competitions seriously would make MLS appealing to Mexican players. They would have opportunities outside of their own country to play soccer and have an extended career. Real Salt Lake accomplished a lot by drawing at Monterrey in Mexico and narrowly losing the 2010-2011 CONCACAF Champions League final. These results earn credibility for MLS in our neighboring countries.
Whether it be regular league matches that ramp up to the playoffs, U.S. Open Cup competition, international friendlies or CONCACAF Champions League play, all are important to the credibility of MLS. Making it to a MLS Cup Final match should not be every teams' sole focus. A high standard can be set my squads taking these other competitions seriously. In recent seasons, qualifying teams have stopped sending their "B squads" and have sent their most talented players and legitimate sides. When teams do not take this approach, soccer fans outside of the United States view our national league as a joke.
Winning outside of our country has become very important to those familiar with Major League Soccer. They are tired of being looked at as Mexico's "little brother." Taking all competitions seriously would make MLS appealing to Mexican players. They would have opportunities outside of their own country to play soccer and have an extended career. Real Salt Lake accomplished a lot by drawing at Monterrey in Mexico and narrowly losing the 2010-2011 CONCACAF Champions League final. These results earn credibility for MLS in our neighboring countries.
MLS teams do not have to be in the largest markets to gain a rabid following or be tremendously successful. Just look around at Salt Lake City, San Jose, Kansas City, and Houston. Even suburbs of large market cities like Commerce City/Denver, Bridgeview/Chicago and Frisco/Dallas have become successful. It has been said for a long time that soccer in the United States can be successful. Creating a great culture and history by competing well in all competitions will bring these fans out of the United States' smaller communities.
The next step is to draw large attendance numbers to these important matches. Only the Sounders have done so thus far, drawing 35,615 to Century Link Field in their 2011 U.S. Open Cup Final 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire. Imagine drawing 40,000-50,000 rabid supporters to a U.S. Open Cup semifinal or final match. I agree intimate venues make these important matches more special, but the previously described scene with squad supporters chanting in unison at a neutral site venue would be astounding. What also would help draw more watchers and followers to MLS would be winning the CCL and advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup. Then people from all over the world could see our teams competing for this prestigious title. Footy fans in Asia, Australia, Africa, etc. would get to see our teams compete against the best from Europe and South America.
The next step is to draw large attendance numbers to these important matches. Only the Sounders have done so thus far, drawing 35,615 to Century Link Field in their 2011 U.S. Open Cup Final 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire. Imagine drawing 40,000-50,000 rabid supporters to a U.S. Open Cup semifinal or final match. I agree intimate venues make these important matches more special, but the previously described scene with squad supporters chanting in unison at a neutral site venue would be astounding. What also would help draw more watchers and followers to MLS would be winning the CCL and advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup. Then people from all over the world could see our teams competing for this prestigious title. Footy fans in Asia, Australia, Africa, etc. would get to see our teams compete against the best from Europe and South America.
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