MLS Update: LA vs. Houston

Finally, the MLS Cup is upon us: LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo play for the coveted trophy on Dec. 1st at 4:30pm ET, a game that will slowly and painfully end the MLS season.

I have a huge beef with the MLS. A few years ago, I was excited for the MLS. Top players were flowing into the league, gameplay seemed to be less like little kid soccer and more like professional soccer, and the buzz about the league seemed to be growing. But today, I haven't thought of or heard about the MLS season until I stopped caring about my precious Red Bulls in August. Is that my problem? I'm not sure. But there is an argument to be made that a lackluster league did not hold my interest.

To me, the MLS season comes to the American population in four waves:
1. Genuine excitement at the very beginning of the season.
2. Bitter disappointment from after the fifth game until the point you realize your team is not making the playoffs.
3. Mild jubilation that there is actually a "cup final" in the USA.
4. Hatred and anger that the LA Galaxy are in the final.

The fault of this disinterest (mine at least) is based largely on the league's affinity to make this sport "American friendly." We still have a playoff structure, where winning the league tragically means nothing. I want to see a top of the table clash, last gasp goals meaning the league goes to LA or NY and relegation battles pitting all the crappy Canadian teams against each other. Why not have the European league setup then stroke America's ego with a cup competition? Because conforming to European fat cats is not the way of the Founding Fathers. But I'll have to say, as a huge fan of the sport, the way this league is structured pushes me away. Take that how you will.

Things to note about the Budweiser Cheetos Sony Allstate Fritos 2012 MLS Cup:
1. Houston is the Eastern Conference team, FYI. For some reason, this bothers me. I hear Houston, Texas, and think West. Stop bothering me with this, MLS. And stop making the final and complicating things, Houston.
2. The LA Galaxy just need to stop. They played so bad all year and now they're in a final (my above case in point). They are always in the final and never deserve it. Bias alert: New Yorker here; but still. LA Galaxy: just stop.
3. David Beckham announced it is his last game for the LA Galaxy... Okay. So what? No one cares, Beckham. You are three years and 3,000 promises to make this sport better past the point of caring. Good luck acting, because I'm sure that's where you're going.

I leave you with what we all hope to see on Dec. 1st:

Beckham dejection

Stayed tuned for more Beckham centric posts as he departs the MLS scene.

Houston Dynamo: Ching Lust

I have been following the Houston Dynamo - Montreal Impact - Brian Ching three-way with curiosity since their tango began during the MLS expansion draft some months ago. Basically, the overview of the situation is:

1) Houston put Ching in the draft expecting no one to take him.
2) Expansion team Montreal scooped up Ching expecting to a) keep the hard-working forward or b) deal him back to Houston and make out better than one draft pick would have gotten them.
3) Ching is in the middle of a confusing situation wanting to go back home to Houston.

Brian Ching: Kicked in the face by Houston, this time around

As of late, Ching played against the Dynamo in a preseason friendly, and currently has been given leave by the Impact to head back Houston to negotiate personal terms, since both teams are feverishly working on a deal. Great news for Ching, who did not want to leave home in the first place. Great news for Montreal, who are likely to get more than the bargained for upon selecting Ching. Great news for Houston, because...?

Why is Houston pining to buy back Brian Ching? First of all, the Dynamo put him in this position by exposing him to the expansion draft. It was a risk they took. Second, he's 33 years old and pretty much at the end of his career. Does it make sense to spend more to buy him back given these factors?

What's glaring in this interchange is the mistake made by Dynamo leaders to let this happen. They will lose more than they gain in this interaction because of their mistake. The willingness of Houston to go above and beyond to buy Ching back, is baffling. They made a mistake, they need to let him go.

One point we must acknowledge is Brian Ching's attitude during all of this. Though it was clear he wanted to be at his home in Houston, he put his knuckles to the brimstone and did his job in Montreal. He acted like a true professional throughout. Credit must be give to the humble forward.

But seriously Houston, get over your Ching lust.

Photo Credit:
Phillysoccerpage.net