Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanator
Club wise, it's a big deal for Canadian soccer. But when only 2 of 22 starters and another 2 off the bench are local, it really diminishes that statement to me.
As for the action on the pitch, I agree that was massively entertaining.
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I think I'm looking at this from the other end.
Look at the kids playing hockey at a high level out of California, Texas and Arizona these days.
Sure it would be awesome if MLS teams had more Canadian talent right now, but the reason is it's a competitive pro league, and our talent pool just isn't there. Yes, there are changes needed to the rules that are hampering the ability of Canadians to get spots on US teams, but it sounds like those may be changing for next season.
On the other side of it though, interest in the sport has demonstrably grown in areas where pro teams take a foothold, foreign players or not.
Hell, I basically started playing soccer again in my 30s because TFC helped get me really invested in the sport. They also helped me become a bigger supporter of the national team by getting to follow several of the players in their club career.
MLS is increasing exposure to the sport in kids, and if we can't turn that into greater participation and a better talent pool, that is on the CSA and not MLS.