retired_mayasmomma

I'm of the opinion (and somewhat off-topic) that football/soccer doesn't catch on in the U.S. because of the relatively low accessory requirement. There simply isn't much required and as a result, there plainly isn't much to sell - thus advertisers and sponsors are less likely to 'hype' the game the way they do American football. Let's face it, if you're a sporting goods manufacturer or retailer, you're much more endeared to a sport that requires frequent outlays of considerable cash for helmets, armour, etc. There you have it, a conspiracy theory.

Good luck in the MLS – I’ve played one CM game there but I don’t recall enjoying it much.

retired_mrsjb

I get the benefit for the home team, but my problem with that rule is that it further enforces the home advantage. I don't know the stats, but geographically the US doesn't encourage away support due to the large distances involved. Why should the league then give the home team a further advantage?

Level playing fields and all that.

retired_sara maria

I understand that. I think the intention is to further the advantage (and hoping to therefore let the home fans go home happy. ).

To be honest, I haven't noticed it make any difference (though similarly I don't know the stats. Jason?) That's why I tend to think it's ultimately a harmless rule, because in the end, the home team can still only make the three substitutions.

Stats: http://metrostars.mlsnet.com/MLS/sta...x.jsp?team=met

I can see a difference, but not a big enough gap for me to attribute it solely to this rule. It might not be "purist" per se, but it doesn't bother me terribly.

retired_duncan

The sub thing would make a difference if it was 3 away and 5 home, but 5 is plenty, so it shouldn't matter.

KUTGLurking :thup:

retired_Siouxsie

MLS rules:
-There is a salary cap for all teams so it is very hard to build a power.
-There are no youth systems, just drafts where you get players out of high school or college.
-You use 9 subs at home and 5 on the road.
-You can have 3 "senior international players"
-The league is split into two conferences to cut down on travel costs. TOp 4 in each go onto playoffs. This is a horrible rule and ruins competition. IRL it is getting better as more teams enter the league.


Otherwise:
-IRL there are reserve teams but they arent included in FM.
-DC United, the class of the league, could be top 3 in the SPL. A number of other teams could finish mid-table, while Chivas USA is the worst team in the world.
-Stadiums are being built by teams that are more appropriate to the sizes of crowds (20-25k seats). Staidums have been built in Columbus, LA, Dallas, and there are stadiums on the way in Chicago (2006), Colorado (2007), New York (2007), and DC UNited (2008).

retired_duncan

Do you expect DC to stay the power with salary cap in place? I bet you hope they do

The yanks love their salary cap as do we in oz, frankly it gives me the sh*ts Only because my team, brissy lions, are now on a sharp downturn Bloody levelling playing field :thdn:

I wonder why european comps don't have salary caps and player drafts etc...

retired_greer78945

Thanks for the info guys.

The salary cap might become a problem for me as well, seeing that I have plenty room in my salary budget from the club (about 450k/month), but only 11k/month in my salary cap.

They firmly believe in their own setup thoughfrom mlsnet.com)
One more thing, the transitional international players are players from outside the US who don't play in their national team, right?

Anyway, ofcourse the main advantage of the MLS compared to British football is, there is only one national cup-competition!

retired_greer78945

Stupid smilies

retired_cathylynn820

An admirable goal.

Uknowmehfo

Yeah.

It sounds as feasible as winning the UCL with River.