MLS/Soccer Thread

[Dylan]

Not sure how many people follow the FC or MLS in general.

 

Some interesting news..

 

Toronto FC coming close to signing Michael Bradley

[letsgobjs]

Not sure how many people follow the FC or MLS in general.

 

Some interesting news..

 

Toronto FC coming close to signing Michael Bradley

 

I find it hard to believe that he would give up playing in Serie A for Toronto. Not to mention he has a chance of playing in the Champions League next season if Roma stays where they are.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

They finally signed Defoe!

 

Going to go to a bunch of games this year specifically because of this.

 

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/01/08/toronto-fc-completes-deal-for-england-striker-jermain-defoe

 

I don't think people really realize how big of a deal this is. Defoe is still world class (when he was still able to get on the field under AVB). The guy is super exciting and can compete with the best of them inside the box. He'll be a fan favorite in no time.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

This is all Tim Leiweke. He knows the importance of having stars in your lineup. Big plans for expansion of BMO as well.

 

Love this guy. Such a badass leader.

[Dylan]

This is all Tim Leiweke. He knows the importance of having stars in your lineup. Big plans for expansion of BMO as well.

 

Love this guy. Such a badass leader.

 

Was this made official? I read somewhere that they are expanding BMO.. most likely to host argos too?

 

With Leafs, Jays being a buzz kill next season, FC can take advantage of desperate toronto fans

[eastcoastjaysfan]

I find it hard to believe that he would give up playing in Serie A for Toronto. Not to mention he has a chance of playing in the Champions League next season if Roma stays where they are.

 

TFC are opening their wallets big time. A quick google search says he's making somewhere around 800K EUR a year.. If TFC offers more, why not? (Not hugely educated on the designated player thing in MLS and I thought that Gilberto was also going to be a DP along with Defoe.... If someone could confirm/deny that'd be great). They should really get rid of the salary cap in MLS. If teams want to spend, why should they be restricted? More money and more stars in the league = everyone wins.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Was this made official? I read somewhere that they are expanding BMO.. most likely to host argos too?

 

Read in several places that they plan a 100M expansion with the hopes of hosting the Argo's and also a winter classic in the future.

 

VERY exciting news. The Argo's in BMO would be fantastic. It's a sweet little park.

[Dylan]

Read in several places that they plan a 100M expansion with the hopes of hosting the Argo's and also a winter classic in the future.

 

VERY exciting news. The Argo's in BMO would be fantastic. It's a sweet little park.

 

 

This would be very exciting. I always liked the location of BMO field, would be great to have football outdoors... now to legalize tailgating..

I've never really followed FC but their offseason is making me interested.

 

I'm also not familiar with the DP in MLS but from sportsnet

"The possible signing of Bradley, 26, would pose one small problem for Toronto FC, as MLS clubs are only allowed three designated players on their roster. TFC already has two—Brazilian forward Gilberto and Argentine midfielder Matias Laba. The Reds are expected on Monday to announce the signing of a third DP, English forward Jermain Defoe.

 

Bradley would make four, which means TFC would likely have to get rid of one. Considering TFC only signed Gilberto last month, chances are Laba would be the odd man out.

 

There is the possibility that Bradley won’t be signed to a DP contract. But considering his age and that he’s as the height of his career, it seems unlikely."

[letsgobjs]

TFC are opening their wallets big time. A quick google search says he's making somewhere around 800K EUR a year.. If TFC offers more, why not? (Not hugely educated on the designated player thing in MLS and I thought that Gilberto was also going to be a DP along with Defoe.... If someone could confirm/deny that'd be great). They should really get rid of the salary cap in MLS. If teams want to spend, why should they be restricted? More money and more stars in the league = everyone wins.

 

Just looking at some of the salaries in Europe I assumed they would be higher than they are. I suppose if TFC offers him more he would be definitely be willing to sign. And it seemed like they were also close to signing Gilardino a couple of months ago. I haven't heard anything since.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Bradley deal is apparently finalized.

 

Exciting times for TFC

 

Apparently he'll be earning 6.5 M a year..... WOW. MLSE is going crazy here.

[dineke]

I was expecting discussion on the local housing market.

[GD]

Defoe is official, DeRo is official, Bradley is juuuuuuuuuuust about done and god knows what's happening with Laba.

[TheHurl]

That place was insanely fun in the first 2 years of the team, and as bad as those teams were, it was one of the toughest places to play in the league. I'm pretty sure it will have that same feel and buzz...of course we all know what happens when buzz is met with letdown.

[Dylan]

Toronto FC's acquisition of U.S. international midfielder Michael Bradley is reportedly complete.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

That place was insanely fun in the first 2 years of the team, and as bad as those teams were, it was one of the toughest places to play in the league. I'm pretty sure it will have that same feel and buzz...of course we all know what happens when buzz is met with letdown.

 

You going to the home opener? I think i'm going to get my tickets pretty soon. Saw a few going for 40-45$ on stubhub.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Toronto FC's acquisition of U.S. international midfielder Michael Bradley is reportedly complete.

 

Beautiful.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

An interesting file to put the projected salaries of around 6-9MM for Defoe/Bradley into perspective:

 

http://www.mlsplayers.org/files/May%201,%202013%20Salary%20Information%20-%20By%20Club.pdf

[letsgobjs]

An interesting file to put the projected salaries of around 6-9MM for Defoe/Bradley into perspective:

 

http://www.mlsplayers.org/files/May%201,%202013%20Salary%20Information%20-%20By%20Club.pdf

 

It's pretty telling when both of their salaries could be double that of the current highest paid player in the league. And there are very few players being paid in the millions to start.

[GD]

So what happens to Laba?

[eastcoastjaysfan]

So what happens to Laba?

 

Trying to restructure to keep him.

[GD]

Trying to restructure to keep him.

 

Here's where Bazbatchenko's (f*** spelling that s***) cap expertise will be tested, I guess. If we can keep him.. damn.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Defoe and Bradley both introduced this morning!

 

Tim L is such an alpha.

[NorthOf49]

Defoe and Bradley both introduced this morning!

 

Tim L is such an alpha.

Are these guys going to make TFC a real contender, or do they still need much more?

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Are these guys going to make TFC a real contender, or do they still need much more?

 

They acquired a few other good pieces as well. Morrow is a good defender and De-Ro still has some game. I think they have a chance.

[GD]

They're not a championship team I don't think, but playoffs? Sure.

 

But I think I'll stop short of saying that the playoffs will be easy to make.

[Dylan]

I think this will be the year I try to get into soccer. I have a few months to learn more before the season starts

[Dylan]

I think I've heard more about the FC today on TV, Radio and from friends than the last 5 years combined.

[JaysRap]

I dont follow soccer at all but I keep hearing that these guys are a big deal. Can someone compare their star level to some MLB players?

[GD]

I dont follow soccer at all but I keep hearing that these guys are a big deal. Can someone compare their star level to some MLB players?

 

Bradley is a little like Gio Gonzalez and Defoe is a little like Adrian Beltre in terms of hype/age/skill, in my uncultured, not really putting any effort into this, unknowledgable opinion.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Defoe is a legitimate world class striker. Top 20 striker in the world IMO. Amazing pace and fantastic finisher. He's always been a bit under appreciated at Tottenham because of his size. His motor is retarded. Guy can run for days. I've been a huge fan of his for years. He clearly should be England's first choice for striker in the WC but I'm sure they'll f*** that up (Rooney CF, Defoe up front)