A Startling Trend

The MLS front office seems to be full of optimism. The league is getting more exposure in the media, the talent on the field is getting better, teams a performing well in international competitions and friends. Also the league is expanding in new markets, with most teams seeing a rise in attendance, despite the poor economic times. Still, there is trend developing throughout the league that should cause some concern for MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Last night it was announced by the Chicago Fire that long-time fan favorite and former University of Dayton star Chris Rolfe would be leaving the club in January to join Danish side Aalborg. Now as a Fire fan I deeply condemn this move, and almost feel betrayed by my favorite player for the Men in Red. However, a closer look will show that really Chris Rolfe is making the right decision, as a journalist and savvy Fire fan I respect that. Rolfe will being going to Aalborg, the powerhouse of the Danish league, which means he might even get to show his merit in the convented UEFA Champions League. Not to mention this might be the most financial savvy more of his career.

This is part of trend that has been occurring for the past couple of years, the league's quality mid-level, possession holding players are leaving the league for European pastures. Kenny Cooper of FC Dallas was transferred this year to German club 1860 Munich, there Cooper will command a better salary, and have a chance to get the Lions of Munich promoted to the first division. New England's Taylor Twellman has been tempted many times to go play in Europe, but each time he was denied to leave by MLS and the New England Revolution, for either utter refusal, or not agreeing on a transfer fee.

The goal for MLS's quality players who developed in the youth system's of MLS clubs now have this goal: Get promoted to the first team, play well for four of five year and be a stud for your club. Then either ask for more money, because what they are getting paid now is pathetic, or book it to Europe as quickly as possible. While MLS is attracting more high-profile players (Beckham, Blonco, Keller) the league needs to think about stopping, or at least controlling the out pour of MLS's role players who are leaving to apply there trade in Europe.

Lately the trend has involved the leagues in the Scandinavian countries, (did not think you would read a soccer article without saying Scandinavian did you). The Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish leagues do not boast talent that greatly exceed that of the MLS. Throw out the leagues super-powers like Aalborg, and I would take the MLS club to beat the Norwegian side any day, unless that team is New York. However, what these leagues do have is more financial backing, but not much. Case in point, US National Team standout Charlie Davies left his team in Sweden because the did not have the financial means to keep him. Still the second tier leagues still have more money then the MLS sides do, so therefore they can attract the leagues role players.

The solution for the MLS is one with a price tag, but not much. Instead of focusing on getting more superstars in the league with more Designated Player spots the league should work on a gradual increase of the salary cap. Even tell teams the reason for this is not to attract the big-time players, but make sure you keep the role players who keep the flow of the game going, and offer moments of magic for there respective clubs. While this will not stop the flow of amazing talents leaving for the super leagues of England, Spain, Italy, and Germany (believe me nothing will). It will at least stop players from jumping to a league with similar skills, but fatter wallets.

It is in the leagues best interest to keep there mid-level players in the league. This will keep the players that many fans have become attached to, and also prevents the MLS from becoming a league where every team has one or two superstars, and 9 or bums who can not make a 25 yard pass with confidence. With more and more revenue being pumped back into the league, and with more owners who care about there clubs and are willing to spend some more dollars to make there teams competitive. It is now time for the MLS to increase the salary cap room for there players. The fans will appreciate the better quality of play on the field, and the players will be grateful that they are making a respectable wage for being a professional athlete. This measure will help the MLS reverse this startling trend.