When Old Guys Attack and Other Problems (Otherwise known as Blanco, Beckham and the T.V. Ratings Problem)

By: David | April 10th, 2007

As the day is winding down, you are most likely ready to take a seat and rest. Today has been quite a roller coaster with the magnificent win by ManU and the announcement of Dannylynn’s Father (I had to throw that in there, more new sources throughout the world have talked about that one story than anything else, so we throw our hat into the ring too). It would seem that everything is getting a little more zany these days as the summer comes closer, yet paternity cases and legal battles are not the only pressing matters.

Thus, we should be getting down to business. So sit back and let us look at an issue that is affecting MLS, The Attack of the Old Guys.

We should be proud of the MLS; it is starting to gain momentum in the United States. More people are taking notice of Soccer, more people are going to the games and there is a buzz surrounding the league. The league itself is looking quite healthy, as it continues to infuse more money into revenue stream and gain notoriety on the international level. Soccer in general is looking healthier than it ever has and as we enter the second week of the MLS season, we should be celebrating.

However, all is not well in this “soccer paradise” as the league continuously wastes money on washed-up, old, decrepit, overrated and just plain useless players. I know, these guys have media appeal and their names are quite well known, but can they play soccer? Can they even lace up before a game, without having to take aspirin for muscle cramps and bad knees?

Are we doomed to become the ultimate retirement league, where the heroes of old come back to the game trying to reclaim a bit of glory? It would seem that we are trending towards that. Becks and Blanco was the start, but now that rumors of Guillermo Barros-Schelotto and Craig Forrest (thanks Sam) are being tossed around as potential transfers, we might have a problem. Why are we paying millions of dollars for players no other international teams want?

I too want the media coverage, but I would rather see that money is being used for the league and for youth development, so that 5-10 years from we still exist.

Well I have spent my energy on this subject and as you have most likely realized by now I have a lot of concerns/criticisms about the league. Criticism is healthy as it helps to understand the shortcomings of a product and forces people to reassess the issue.

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Now for some positive news, a great article by Luis Bueno at MLS Net on the strength Chivas USA.

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In other news the T.V. ratings came out today:

Major League Soccer: D.C United-Colorado Rapids Saturday, 3:30
0.6 (460,000)

And well there are numerous problems associated with that rating, in that it basically confirms the fact that ABC/ESPN never promoted the game. ESPN must have a real vendetta against soccer, or it just loves wasting money.

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And to end this exciting day, visit Laurie’s excellent post on the need to mobilize and get mainstream media to start recognizing the MLS. It is something that all bloggers and fans of Soccer need to read.