MLS proves to be vital for US Soccer

Time and again every time I turn on an MLS Soccer game in public I instantly get criticised for turning on an MLS game. The Soccer elitist in this country instantly claim that the MLS is no where near the level of top notch leagues of Europe. Well no kidding Captain Obvious! Of course, MLS is not at the level of quality of the EPL, La Liga, or Series A. Still, I feel it is important for American Soccer fans to if not follow at least show some support for the top flight of American Professional Soccer. As MLS's successes will go in hand with the success of US Soccer in general.

Now to address the quality issue it is true that MLS can not match the top leagues of Europe. With the salary cap and support base that cannot rival those of European clubs, MLS teams can not afford the payrolls that are common place on the other side of the Atlantic. It is simple math, the more money the club has, the more talent it can put on the field. With roster restrictions, and a salary cap each team in the MLS can only do so much to put a quality product on the field. However, with the new Designated Player rule, and talk of increasing the salary cap that will eventually change. The more financial backing for MLS teams, the better quality of play will be on the field. So if you are like me, and want to see the MLS succeed, do your part and at least support the league and watch some games, whether it be going to them live, or on TV.

Still, critics argue that the MLS is not helping the US National Team. This argument does have some evidence, considering the US World Cup team of 1998 was full of MLS players, and the Americans went 0-3 in group play, that was when MLS received the tag of being a JV league. Eleven years later, it is not that exact case. During the El Salvador and T&T matches, 5 of the 18 players on the US roster play for MLS clubs, another 5 used to at be stars in the MLS. If you go done further in the US depth chart, you will find that the up and comers on the US National team apply there traits in the MLS. Now I am not saying the US should feel an all-MLS roster for the World Cup-HEAVENS NO. What I am implying is that the MLS is a crucial point for many young Americans, especially the ones who do not go directly to Europe after College, or High School.

I would also like to address how the MLS compared to other teams around the league. Following the results of the SuperLiga tournaments from the past 3 years, it is clear that the MLS proves to be almost equal with the Mexican Premiera. I still would give the Mexican League an edge of their Northern counterpart, given success in the CCL. But, the gap between the two leagues is getting smaller. The real question is how would the MLS fair against, Europe. Again, against the 'Big 5' of England, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy, the MLS would look like a laughing stock. However, If you were to line up the MLS against the Dutch Eredivisie, Portuguese La Liga, or even the Scottish Premier League, in a format where the best of both leagues would play, followed by second, third, fourth, ect. I think that the MLS sides would do well, probably would drop the match against each leagues top team, but from there the quality of these leagues falls off fast. If there is one thing that MLS has over Europe's second tier leagues it is parity. You may disagree with me, and that is fine. I just believe the LA Galaxy can beat Scotland's Hibernian, and if you disagree, give me the name of ONE Hibernian player.

Finally there is a HUGE reason why MLS is key to the success of US Soccer. Exposure-the Men's National Team truly plays meaningful games for only two out of every four years, in qualifying and the World Cup. (Americans could care less about the Gold Cup). Therefore America needs MLS to keep the soccer culture alive in America during the non-World Cup cycle. Every time the World Cup rolls around, the soccer culture in America seems to be bigger, you can thank MLS for that. I know there are many people out there who think the MLS is a joke, and a complete waste of time. But the fact of the matter is simple. The success of the domestic league, flow into success for the development of the National Team and the overall success of the National Team.