In lieu of the recent dismantling of MLS’s Seattle Sounders by Manchester United, I decided to analyze the ever-narrowing (or widening?) gap between European club soccer and America’s Major League Soccer.
One of the biggest hindrances to soccer’s popularity in the United States is the lack of a high quality professional league to rival the NFL, MLB or even the NBA. Because it is truly the world’s game, this is the one sport where America’s professional league doesn’t dominate in competition, revenue, or popularity.
In addition, the fact that the MLS does not compete in the UEFA Champions League hurts American soccer as well. The only time European clubs interact with MLS teams is in events like the currently on-going World Football Challenge. This competition has brought teams over from England and Spain (Manchester United, Manchester City, and Real Madrid to name a few) to compete against MLS teams that are in mid-season form.
However, fans that are rooting for the MLS to close the competition gap with European teams continue to be disappointed. In recent matches, the European teams have shown superior technical skills, organization, finishing ability and depth. Even in games such as Manchester City-Vancouver, where the game was close throughout, City showed that they could finish when it mattered most and won a tight game even though they are in pre-season mode.
The most disappointing game thus far was the match between my beloved Manchester United squad and one of the best MLS teams this season, the Seattle Sounders. Now, I’m not trying to throw salt on an open wound, but that was a total embarrassment. The first half was fun to watch; Seattle actually dominated possession and United only took a 1-0 lead on a great counterstrike and finish. The second half was a different story. With a handful of substitutions for both teams, Manchester United opened up and scored six (yes, 6) second half goals to make it seem like more of a clinic than a match between two professional squads.
Sure, one can argue that United added Wayne Rooney, but for a team who is still in pre-season mode to play one of the best MLS teams at their home stadium and to win 7-0 is unfortunate. United showed superior depth, and even though they are going through some changes at several positions, showed better teamwork than Seattle.
I do believe, contrary to what these games have suggested, that Major League Soccer is closing the gap. It is unfortunate for them that they don’t have the revenue to bring in and keep world-class players, but there are a couple teams who could fend for themselves at the world stage, even if they aren’t at the levels of a Manchester United or Barcelona. Maybe the embarrassing status of professional sports in America will turn kids to playing soccer and the game will develop here in the United States.
While I am a huge fan of the English Premier League and European soccer in general, I wish only the best for Major League Soccer. It has the ability to bring a clean, fresh perspective to professional sports in a country that has to deal with money-centered lockouts in the NBA and NFL, steroid-use in Major League Baseball, and whatever that mess is called in the NCAA. This is the time for the MLS to step up and finally take a step in the right direction. One only knows we need it.
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