As for what portion of MLS commissioner Don Garber’s state-of-the-league call this afternoon pertains to D.C. United’s stadium situation specifically, you’ve seen my rant on his frustration.
Enough of that, and onto the better stuff for a league that has much to celebrate this year, including David Beckham. By the way, would that by why MLS let in The Sun newspaper from London get to the head of the queue to ask a question during Garber’s call? They’re so cute together.
Anyway, Dwayne De Rosario took another step toward likely claiming the MLS MVP award next week, getting named to the MLS Best XI for the third year in a row and sixth time overall (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011). The full team:
Goalkeeper – Kasey Keller, Seattle Sounders FC
Defender – Todd Dunivant, Los Angeles Galaxy
Defender – Omar Gonzalez, Los Angeles Galaxy
Defender – Jamison Olave, Real Salt Lake
Midfielder – David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy
Midfielder – Brad Davis, Houston Dynamo
Midfielder – Dwayne De Rosario, D.C. United
Midfielder – Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
Midfielder – Brek Shea, FC Dallas
Forward – Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls
Forward – Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes
Garber did take a couple of questions on Beckham. In my opinion, there’s little argument he’s been a success for MLS, even though his first two seasons didn’t exactly work out on the field. Garber said the Galaxy are the highest-rated team on TV and draw the best on the road, with Beckham to thank. He also trumpeted the academy players (40 of them), designated players (23 this year, up from 13 last year), and the growth in ratings, revenues and attendance.
“Our officiating is a hell of a lot better than our fans give us credit for,” Garber said, announcing an initiative focused on a comprehensive look at the officiating system and how to rethink it and make it better.
A major portion of the call was spent talking about the 34-game, unbalanced schedule that will be put in place next season when the league adds the Montreal Impact as its 19th team. (Renovation of the Impact’s stadium is behind schedule, but it is expected to open in the latter half of the season. Houston’s new stadium is ahead of schedule.)
What does “unbalanced” mean? A focus on regional rivalries and scaled-back travel. Garber cited average MLS teams traveling 30,000 miles and the Vancouver Whitecaps logging some 60,000 miles this season while normal European teams only travel 5,000 miles.
On a practical level, this means far more games for D.C. United against New York, Philadelphia and New England. MLS loves what it has with the Cascadia Cup between Portland, Vancouver and Seattle. Those are games it can market and sell. Garber said the schedule could be out as soon as next month and January the latest.
The playoff portion is still up for discussion, and the MLS Cup final could move to the supporters’ shield winner’s stadium. One point that was suggested to me earlier today, it would be silly if the league split into regions then mixed things up in the postseason, as was the case this year. Next week’s final at Home Depot Center is sold out.
Meanwhile, a second team in New York continues to be MLS’ preference for its 20th team, and the league has personnel in its office specifically focused on getting a stadium sorted out. The league is talking to potential ownership groups in Las Vegas, Detroit, New York and Florida (not Miami – Orlando?).
