2013 MLS Thread

[Montana Moe]

Two great matches featuring clubs with the best records in MLS (NY, KC) went to extra time tonight. Neither one was on national TV.

This is a problem.

[Matty81]

Reports from Italy claiming TFC will sign Gilardino. Wonder who the last dp will be... Defoe doesn't seem to be that interested (although I think it makes more sense for him than riding pine at spurs or taking a wage cut to go somewhere else).

http://www.rednationonline.ca/Articl...TorontoFC.aspx

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Two great matches featuring clubs with the best records in MLS (NY, KC) went to extra time tonight. Neither one was on national TV.

This is a problem.

Is NBCSN national tv?

Tonights Galaxy match will be on ESPN2.

[Montana Moe]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Is NBCSN national tv?

Tonights Galaxy match will be on ESPN2.

Yes, NBCSN is national, both matches are on national TV tonight. It just seems odd that they couldn't find a way to get last night's matches on.

Of course, ratings are poor for MLS, but you'd think they'd find a way to get the playoffs in front of as many eyeballs as possible.

Speaking of ratings, an interesting article about the future of MLS on television: Link

...One possibility is flex scheduling, as NBC has with the NFL for its “Sunday Night Football” broadcasts beginning in the 11th week of the season.
... The league’s deals with NBC and ESPN expire after the 2014 season. Both Miller and Guglielmino said their networks want to extend their partnerships with the league.

Attendance is good, but TV ratings are struggling. Sound familiar, hockey fans?

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Yes, NBCSN is national, both matches are on national TV tonight. It just seems odd that they couldn't find a way to get last night's matches on.

Of course, ratings are poor for MLS, but you'd think they'd find a way to get the playoffs in front of as many eyeballs as possible.

Speaking of ratings, an interesting article about the future of MLS on television: Link
Attendance is good, but TV ratings are struggling. Sound familiar, hockey fans?

It doesn't help when on Sundays you are going against NFL that kills everything. During the afternoon games I like to flip in some MLS action every now and then but I would guess I am in the minority who even bothers

[Montana Moe]

I agree that the timing is difficult to overcome, and the discussion of moving the league season has already been had. There really are no easy answers, and I'm not one who thinks that MLS will ever compare to the ratings of the big boys. I'll be watching the Timbers/Sounders match tonight, but I obviously have a vested interest. I'm sure many more will be watching the end of the NFL game, or the Oregon/Stanford game.

It just surprises me that they couldn't find a way to move last night's start times or something to get more viewership. Perhaps the truth is that it wouldn't.

Where is ESPN 8, "The Ocho" when you need it?

[GirlySports]

I don't think there is much crossover anyways. People will watch the Timbers or people will watch football. Despite Oregon playing a HUGE football game tonight, Timbers stadium will still be full and the tv ratings will be the same.

[Jimmy Stang]

The lack of TV coverage is frustrating for fans of the league in general. I don't really care who wins most of these games, but it would be nice to casually follow along with the playoffs.

I guess that's where MLS Live comes in, but in Canada and the US, any of the nationally-televised matches are blacked out anyway. So you would have to pay for both cable and MLS Live in order to (legally) see the playoffs properly.

I'm surprised that MLS doesn't consider streaming the playoffs live online in the absence of national television. Obviously it would cut into MLS Live subscriptions for the playoffs, but the possibility of more exposure would more than make up for it. If the matches are televised nationally, they'd be blacked out on MLS Live anyway, and if they're not, make the playoffs free for everyone online (except perhaps a local-region blackout to protect the local broadcaster).

[GirlySports]

tv execs aren't that bright.

[seattleflamer]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

I agree that the timing is difficult to overcome, and the discussion of moving the league season has already been had. There really are no easy answers, and I'm not one who thinks that MLS will ever compare to the ratings of the big boys. I'll be watching the Timbers/Sounders match tonight, but I obviously have a vested interest. I'm sure many more will be watching the end of the NFL game, or the Oregon/Stanford game.

It just surprises me that they couldn't find a way to move last night's start times or something to get more viewership. Perhaps the truth is that it wouldn't.

Where is ESPN 8, "The Ocho" when you need it?

Technically those matches were on nationally on Univision but sure, a lost opportunity on gringotv. I have more hope for the US soccer tv market. There are more Americans/eurosnobs who watch EPL and even more watch USMNT matches than MLS.

And then there is LigaMX's huge domestic ratings in the millions per match. They consistently draw better than the NHL and are comparable to Nascar, baseball and NBA games nationally.

So as MLS catches up in quality and talent to the best league in North America, ie. the Mexicans, ratings will grow.

Also, MLS needs to be either as ubiquitous on tv like baseball or hockey which is difficult with one a week matches or it does appointment viewing like Saturday Hockey Night in Canada or Sunday NFL games. I'd go for Friday evenings for marquee matches since no pro league has claimed that night. Keep Saturday afternoons/evenings geared for local attendance.

[seattleflamer]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

So. a 2-1 away win is pretty solid.



Indeed.

Looks like a view from those groupon seats. How did your TA friends like their special section.....the rich irony (or is it hypocrisy?).

As for Saturday, frustrating but historical improvement was made since Alonso's goal was the first time they've scored in a first leg. They are 0-4-2 in first legs in MLS playoffs. They also happen to be be unbeaten in second legs as well. That doesn't include beating Tigres in CCL action this past March which incidentally was the first time an MLS club has advanced over a Mexican side in CCL.

I'm counting on history, club's experience and actually some luck finishing their chances for a huge upset win tonight.

[Montana Moe]

Originally Posted by seattleflamer

Looks like a view from those groupon seats. How did your TA friends like their special section.....the rich irony (or is it hypocrisy?).

Well, when the Flounders front office backs out on half of the allotment of away tickets, fans are gonna do what they have to do.

I'm assuming they were concerned about the Timbers Army away section being louder than the boom boom clappers, again.

As for tonight, I'm hoping the Timbers will be able to weather the initial storm that Seattle is going to bring. If they get it to the 60th minute even, or with a lead, I like their chances to advance.

I know the entirety of MLS supporters are on our side (#ACES). MLS itself? Probably not so much.

[Montana Moe]

Lookin' sharp, Timbers!

Space Jesus awaits in exotic Salt Lake City!

[fundmark19]

That was fun soccer to watch last night! Thanks MLS

[shermanator]

Of the 4 MLS semi-finals, 3 were tied at the end of the 2 legs. I watched RSL / LA last night and it was a very good game, glad to see the champs out.

I have no issues with either of the 4 teams hoisting the cup this year. Probably will root for Portland because of Will Johnson though.

[Bill Bumface]

I just wanted to say I LOVE the abscence of the away goals gimmick rule. Letting the teams go to extra time made for highly entertaining matches, even better that kicks weren't required to settle anything.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

I just wanted to say I LOVE the abscence of the away goals gimmick rule. Letting the teams go to extra time made for highly entertaining matches, even better that kicks weren't required to settle anything.

Agreed. And I like that home advantage means having the second leg at home, as well as any extra time that comes with it. That's a good incentive/reward for finishing higher in the standings. And with the away goal rule, to be completely honest, it is often confusing for fans when you not only have to deal with an aggregate score, but also the away goals advantage.

[seattleflamer]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Lookin' sharp, Timbers!

Space Jesus awaits in exotic Salt Lake City!

Score was very flattering to the Sounders. With no Montero, Sigi becomes the new whipping boy with some desperate choices: playing Shalrie on top, saving Rosales and Oba for 2nd half which meant he was trying to get extra time.

Well done Portscum, you'll play yourselves against RSL and that damned 4/5/1 and probably win it in PKs.

#ebfg

[Montana Moe]

Originally Posted by seattleflamer

Score was very flattering to the Sounders. With no Montero, Sigi becomes the new whipping boy with some desperate choices: playing Shalrie on top, saving Rosales and Oba for 2nd half which meant he was trying to get extra time.

Well done Portscum, you'll play yourselves against RSL and that damned 4/5/1 and probably win it in PKs.

#ebfg

Feels good, man...

I, too, was confused with some of Sigi's personnel decisions. Joseph was an absolute reach, and Portland always has trouble with Rosales. I'm wondering if he didn't have a knock for the last few weeks, or something?

I was really hoping L.A. would come out of that series. RSL has had the Timbers' number this season, and they are very similar. Portland is obviously coming in hot, so it's a toss up, for sure.

With the international break coming between the first and second leg of that series, I'll have made my move to Portland and will be begging and pleading for a ticket. Should be fun!

[Montana Moe]

Tough night for the good guys (no one honestly roots for RSL, do they?). The late goal to make it 4-2 allows a bit of belief to creep in.

It'll be interesting to see if RSL goes for the jugular in Portland, or bunkers and prepares for a huge offensive push.