With all the emotion around the team and personnel decisions right now I thought it would be useful to take a step back and do a reality check on MLS and the Union.

Let's start with MLS. With the low salary cap, single entity structure, and few owners willing to lose lots of their own money the reality is that money is king in MLS. Just about every player can be had for a large enough allocation. Every team that is well run will sell high. With the current rule set(homegrown, generation adidas, young DP) the league is positioning itself as a feeder league of young talent. This is a necessary development, and a good thing. But it means(with very few exceptions) that your best players will be leaving, and unlike other US sports leagues, it will just be for money.

Now for the Union. In many ways we are a great example of where MLS is right now. Heavy on young players, with a spattering of vets. To be run well we need to be balancing the salary cap, our player/money flow, and our competitiveness. We have shown that we will sell high on a player even if it hurts the on the field product(Harvey). I expect us to continue to invest in younger players that the league pays for, and to sell anyone and everyone when we get good offers.

The current Le Toux situation is the same thing. His contract is up next year, we don't want to resign him long term because it kills our flexibility, and is counter to our direction. If he has another great year he goes overseas on a free transfer. So, we need to cash in now. That was easier to take with Bolton, but it's the same deal even in MLS, it's good business.

The money coming in will pay down Freddy's contract and complete the permanent transfer of Torres. We will be a new team this year, but it's just the beginning. There will be pretty constant turnover in years to come. Don't be surprised if we sell some of our young talent this summer. Yes, in the middle of the season. If a few of our younger players who have trained overseas impress early they will be European transfer targets. We will cash in, even if it hurts the on the field product. Welcome to reality in MLS and with the Union.

I live down in Richmond, VA and am going to come up for the game this weekend to finally get to see the Union in person.  Is anyone from the board heading down to DC for the game?  If so, does anyone know what the away supporters section is at RFK so I can get tickets around other Union supporters?  I can't wait to see our boys in person.  Next up a pilgrimage up to PPL Park!

Bumped from FanPosts.  Thanks danielfarrell!

Living in Richmond I got the chance to watch the Richmond Kickers vs Harrisburg City Islanders game tonight and watch two of our boys(Stahl and Salinas) play.

Continue reading this post »

Let's give him a nice sendoff.  You were exciting when you were in there Serge, you were good to have to help Rudy get acclimated and I wish you the best!  Those alley oops will definitely be missed, as will some of the other sweet passes you pulled off.  Lots of highlights for your limited minutes.  Rock the world in sactown!

I still need to get to 75 words and I don't really have much else to say. :-( I hope you get some playing time.