Seabhac":19h3pmm1 said:
Uncle Si":19h3pmm1 said:
Seabhac":19h3pmm1 said:
No the snobby part is saying "Not sure I would pay $50 to watch a Sounders game (if I lived in the area)"
Thats you being elitest and saying that fans who fork over their hard earned dosh to follow the local team are f**king idiots.
I understand that you live in part of the country where Soccer is irrelevant. But here in Seattle it has taken on a life of its own (PDX too for that matter) Sounders are the number 2 sports franchise in the PNW - well supported and improving EVERY year. Yes - the MLS is getting better. Atmospheres in the Stadiums and quality of football on the pitch. The players are being siphoned off but the structure and the fans are providing a sound basis for growth.
It will come.
There's the seabhac we knew.
Its not being elitist. Ive been to plenty of Sounders games. I was born and raised and played soccer extensively in the Seattle area. Played high school ball in Oregon. Played ODP there and worked with Clive Charles when he was University of Portland in camps and clinics. I don't need a lesson on soccer in the PNW. But thanks for having a go.
I've been to a handful of MLS games. I'm not that interested. What other people do with their money is their own business. You've not heard me tell someone its a waste of time. On the contrary, I get paid helping develop players who play in the MLS. 12 Academies with 20+ affiliates within 6 hours of 4 MLS teams and Minneapolis on the brink of being added. I was at that meeting. Did you go to the Sounders pitch to the MLS for acceptance? Irrelevant indeed. Whose the elitist?
You are being assumptive, hyperbolic and hypocritical. But that's fine. You obviously have your head in the know. While you're in the stands I'm on a field or a dome or a classroom trying to help the game you want to watch.
The question was quality on the field. I know quite well the atmosphere is there, and in other MLS stadiums. Its great. It is at Stoke too. How is their quality?
I'm not sure what you want the MLS to be - a league full of Barcelonas and Real Madrids and other ELITE clubs? I would take a league full of Stokes that's well supported and always improving any day of the week.
You can read the posts if you're up to it? Or just ask questions I've already answered.
I take the league to be developing. I take soccer in the US to be developing. The question (its a question, offer an answer instead of more questions) was based around the assertion the standard of play will improve in the next few years.
The standard of soccer, both in the development of its players and the passion, understanding and interest of its fans is growing more than just what you see at a Sounders game. I honestly don't think you are aware of it. Alot of people I work with, including the affiliate club, are generally concerned that the elite developed players will jump to foreign leagues rather than stay.
I'm not begrudging you your love for the Sounders. I was a passionate supporter of them at one point as well. The question was about the quality of the play on the field.
Give me a reason why you think it will develop in the next few years? I'm earnestly interested. If it doesnt matter what the play looks like to you then so be it. It's not a condemnation of the league or its players. Just a response to a statement.