|
|
Welcome all,
My name is Kamal Hylton, RedNation Online contributor and host of the newest addition to the RNO family of podcasts "The Gaffer and Hooligan", your virtual pub focusing on Major League Soccer and CONCACAF from a Canadian perspective.
In this inaugural episode, I'm joined by Ian Clarke (@ClarkeRNO) and Aaron Nielsen (@ENBSports) where we tackled MLS Cup post-game thoughts as well as the FIFA World Cup Draw. Two questions that were posed in the discussion were:
1. Is a "small market" MLS Cup good or bad for the league?
For me, in the short term, a Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting KC championship game had all the elements of what MLS is about. Two teams built "the right way", play unique styles, stay within the salary cap and do excellent scouting. However, in the long term, this won't be "sellable" to the global market; the future of both the MLS & MLS Cup should be built on Rivalries, Star Power and Dynasties
2. How much of MLS success hinges on the US or other CONCACAF teams performing at the World Cup?
In my opinion, CONCACAF and more specifically, MLS players on CONCACAF teams performing well on what is the biggest stage in world soccer is not only good, but great for the entire league; you might lose 3-4 players to European league but gain many more from other CONCACAF domestic leagues (ie Honduras, Costa Rica, Jamaica and T&T) looking at MLS as a stepping stone for a career in Europe. Besides, MLS being known as a "feeder" league or players using it as a "stepping stone" shouldn't be seen as a negative because ultimately this is how the overwhelming majority of money will be made.
That's enough from me... Give us your take on these questions, leave your World Cup Group Stage picks and suggest topics you'd like to hear us discuss.
Contact me directly via Twittter @KamalHylton, leave a comment below this post or on the RNO Facebook page.
Audio:
|