Tip Sheet: Chivas USA, New York grapple with questions about the future
Questions permeated through the two largest markets in MLS this week. All of the outstanding issues rose to the fore at once in New York and Los Angeles. Their answers highlighted the importance of those two cities to the league and underscored the potential for improvement ahead over the next few years.
Opportunity knocks most pressingly in Los Angeles with Chivas USA poised to exit MLS control in short order. The transformation of a side welcomed into the league less than a decade ago could occur as soon as the Board of Governors meeting in southern California on Monday.
The prospect of four investors shelling out a reported nine-figure sum to fold one team and start a new one from scratch in the same market reflects an investment for the future. If the deal is approved, it is a sign of the calamitous failures in the market under the previous regime and the potential to address them with a new identity and a new stadium. The black mark will never disappear, but the possibility of atoning for it makes the embarrassment and the scrutiny ahead over the next few weeks worthwhile.
Los Angeles remains a market large enough to support two competently run clubs. Chivas USA failed to meet that basic standard for the past few years, but a new side -- backed by the proper funds, situated in the proper location with more suitable revenue streams and tasked with a more inclusive mindset -- can present a viable threat. The reaction of LA Galaxy -- particularly in the wake of Landon Donovan's impending retirement -- will prove instructive as the landscape shifts there.
There are different and somewhat less pressing issues in New York after MLS and the Red Bulls strenuously denied a SI.com report about the potential sale of the club earlier this week. The prospect of yet another regime change -- even if it does not come to pass -- revived questions about the direction of the club and its status as a major player within league circles.
The recent actions taken by the Red Bulls indicate a desire to retrench after years of lavish spending. New York left its third Designated Player spot vacant and spurned the opportunity to purchase a USL PRO side for next season. The potential departure of Thierry Henry (more on that bit in a moment) presents the possibility of a more prudent course with DP spending next season as the club seeks to shift its philosophy toward a more sustainable model.
It is, all things considered, a peculiar time to step away from spending big money. New York City F.C. does not share the desire to temper its own expenditures. The prospect of competing for attention with the glitzy new expansion side creates a whole new set of issues. This offseason -- for better or for worse -- increases the pressure on the Red Bulls to chart an inventive course and make more inroads in the most difficult sports market in the country. They must somehow figure out a way to accomplish both goals, even if they opt to restrict their own outlays.
If there is some overarching theme to take from this week, then it is the room for growth ahead in both markets. MLS remains primed for further development with a new television deal starting next year and several expansion teams on tap. The league can rely on its stalwart markets to supply a steady base, but it needs the big clubs in the big cities – Toronto certainly falls into that category as well – to drive those ambitions with their success on and off the field. The debate about two of the four of clubs based in the two largest U.S. markets suggests there is work to do to make sure those ambitions are met and the uncertainty dissipates in the medium- and long-term.
Thierry Henry referred reporters to Gerard Houllier after Houllier told France Football Henry would leave the club and probably retire after this season.
Five Points -- Week 31
1. Thierry Henry isn't interested in discussing his possible retirement just yet: Henry offered this response after Red Bull global soccer director Gerard Houllier told France Football the veteran striker would leave the club in December. "If you see him ask him," Henry told reporters. "That's it. Ask him when you see him."
2. New York faces a more pressing concern than Henry's future -- Houston's visit on Saturday night: This match stands out as a classic six-pointer with the Dynamo in the midst of another late-season charge toward the playoffs. New York sits precariously on the cut line heading into this weekend with a meager one-point advantage over Toronto FC. It must find a way to limit the impact of Boniek Garcia and Brad Davis and shore up the gaps exposed by LA Galaxy on Sunday in order to boost its playoff credentials. Another Houston result -- Dominic Kinnear's side is unbeaten in its past five matches -- could provide the perfect platform for yet another late Dynamo push toward the postseason.
3. New England tries to solve the Columbus conundrum: Columbus has won both matches against the Revolution this season with a mixture of energetic work to close down the Revs on the break, tidy work on the ball and timely runs from the wide areas. New England must find a way to restrict the influence of Ethan Finlay (important in both wins) and stop conceding fouls in its own defensive half in order to atone for the defeat at Crew Stadium two weeks ago and strengthen its push for second spot in the Eastern Conference.
4. Can Toronto FC stop LA Galaxy?: The odds are not in the Reds' favor given the cross-country flight and the marauding form displayed by the home side in recent weeks. The return of Jermain Defoe could help matters, though the extent of his participation remains in some doubt. TFC's route to a result here is straightforward and staggeringly difficult: blunt the Galaxy's movement in the attacking third, get Michael Bradley on the ball to counter quickly and trust Bradley to elude Juninho and Marcelo Sarvas just long enough to play a ball over the top to Defoe or some other willing runner. Anything less will allow the Galaxy to claim the points and pile all sorts of pressure on the Reds ahead of Wednesday's visit by Houston.
5. Vancouver aims to keep control of its own destiny: Toronto FC's stunning revival last weekend placed the Whitecaps back in pole position for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They cannot afford to squander the opportunity presented when FC Dallas visits on Saturday. It is no easy feat, though. FCD is one of the few teams in the league capable of matching the Whitecaps in the wide areas. The onus will once again fall on Pedro Morales to orchestrate matters in the center of the park without turning the ball over in areas where FCD can break quickly. If Morales can shine once again and the rearguard holds firm under scrutiny, then the Whitecaps can maintain their advantage for another week.