It's Q&A Time

Good afternoon folks. It is that time again. Time for you to send your soccer questions my way and time for me to try and either find you an answer or give you my opinion on the subject. It has been nearly two months since the last Q&A so I'm sure there are plenty of new questions you are interesting in asking.

You know the drill. Send one or two questions of modest length to me and I will try to answer them by next week. There have been problems getting the Q&A sessions finished because we surpass 100 questions so be warned ahead of time. If you get one of the first 50 questions in then chances are you'll get your answer sooner, but after 50 it could take me a week or it could take me two weeks. With a long trip back home from Guatemala looming on Thursday, I am going to try and knock out some of the questions for this Friday (yes, I know, you don't believe me. It's okay.)

Also remember to check out the Q&A archives. Chances are if you aren't a regular reader and you have a question, I may have already answered your question before. If you submit a question and I don't answer it then it's because I have answered it before.

Lastly, be sure to check in here tonight for coverage of the World Cup qualifier between the United States and Guatemala. I will be at the game and praying the wireless internet I've been hearing about at the stadium is actually there. If it is, you can rest assured I will give you a detailed account of the match.

Now, back to the Q&A. Let's get it started, Send your questions my way.

Comments

[EA]

Ives,

In your recent ESPN preview of the US/Guate game, you stated that one of the qualifiers vs. Guatemala was played in El Salvador.

When, and any particular reason why?

[Randy Capps]

Ives,

Have you heard anything regarding Dish Network's dispute with Citadel Communications, resulting in Gol TV being pulled from the Dish lineup?

Also, what are the odds of ESPN landing the rights to the BPL?

[emilio]

Fist off, you do a great job Ives!! Whats the latest on Red Bull's pursual of Macoumba Kandji, and any idea what Red Bull may do next year with the top allocation spot. Thanks.

[nothing]

how have perkins and adin brown been playing in norway?

[john in atl]

Given the recent controversy w/ Olympic callups, do you foresee in the near future when club teams have most to all of the control, and FIFA has little to none?
I fear for the day when intl tournaments such as the World Cup and Euro are diminished and dictated due to increasing (financial) pressure from the clubs. Can't we all just get along?

[Patrick Cook]

Hi Ives,

Do you like that MLS has been become an export league or do you seem bothered that the league has trouble keeping the youth here in the US and basically sells them for the money they can get from them?

[Al]

Ives,
Do players get paid when playing/training for their countries (either in friendlies or tourneys)?

[andy b.]

Hey Ives,
So with Maurice Edu emerging as the latest "hot" US player I'm wondering: where, if anywhere, could you see him fitting in on the Nats squad? It seemed that Bradley was the guy for a defensive mid spot and Adu is going to be the obvious choice for attacking mid; then of course there's Dempsey, Beasley et al. On the other hand, Gooch/Boca seem to continue to have their spots in the back locked down. Thoughts?

[Brant]

Is the NCAA/college system, with its limitations on playing/practice time, really hindering development of players in the US? Or is it helping by giving so many players a chance to play that might not fit into a limited number of 'academies' affiliated with the pro teams?

[WTF]

Hello Ives

Do you think with the addition of Smith and Ruiz, does TFC have what it takes to go deep in the MLS playoffs?

Thanks!

[Igor]

I read somewhere that ESPN was thinking of making a new channel with the EPL as the centerpiece. With their showing Serie A, the Russian league, the Champions League and the Uero on ESPN360, do you think ESPN is ready to drastically increase its soccer coverage?

[Robert]

With the steele starting to go up in harrison for the new stadium, do you know what the new official (or semi-official) completion date is for the stadium?

[Seattle Dan]

Ives,

I'm looking forward to Seattle starting play next year, but not the FieldTurf pitch. I also don't think a SSS stadium with grass is necessary or worth the expense. Is there a practical solution on the horizon that would allow a MLS team in an artificial turf stadium to play regular season games on grass? The turf they roll out for marquee games seems far from perfect. Didn't the Meadowlands once use movable trays for the MetroStars? If so, why did that fail?

[Brant]

How do MLS teams 'qualify' for the Superliga? Is it the MLS teams in markets that might appeal to Hispanic/Mexican TV audiences? I guess I'm wondering if Toronto, RSL, Columbus, or KC would ever play in the SuperLiga?

[Michael]

Ives,
I was recently in China and as you know they filter websites heavily. I needed to get my daily SBI fix and your website (every time I tried to go to it) was blocked by the government censors. What gives? Have you been supporting the Tibetan/Taiwanese movement in your blogs? I certainly haven't seen it. How can I get around those censors?

Michael

[The Realist]

Why do people continually insist on asking how MLS teams would do in the EPL? Sure, they might do better than Derby County. Big freakin' whoop. The question is, "could you do better than Fulham?" The Fulham that had 5 - count 'em, 5! - USMNT players on the squad and still struggled to stay up in the EPL. If a team with that much talent (compared to most MLS squads) has trouble staying in the EPL, what makes anyone think Houston or New England would fare any better than 18th?

[josh]

any update on Will Johnson?

[TCompton]

Ives,

Given its history of delays and set back, do you think Red Bull Arena will be completed before the new Philly stadium?

[j1m]

Cichero's red card deal (extra game suspension) has me wondering what MLS review policies are? Was the ref Terry Vaughn involved? Who determines the criteria for review?

[Steve]

So many people seem to be upset with Bob Bradley's MNT selections. He seems to have a core group that he sticks with. If you were the MNT coach who would you call in that isn't one of the trusted few. Who would you get rid of? Thanks, love the blog.

[O Canada]

Why doesn't FIFA raise any kind of stink about the combined US-Canadian league? They seem to frown upon combined leagues, but seem OK with MLS. And then they sanction a separate Canada-only tournament to qualify for the CCC. Huh?

[Brant]

Any predictions on the next DPs to join MLS after this coming season?

[Mark]

To the best of your knowledge, is there an American player in Europe (or anywhere for that matter) who isn't a household name(talking SBI mafia households here), who could make just as much of an impact in MLS as recent signings such as Huckerby or Rojas? We know all about the big names on the national team who play overseas, but maybe a guy who has some skills but for whatever reason just never got on the national team or MLS radar.

[Mighty]

Ives,

Every time we step up to play a world tournament, we get the feeling that we have the opportunity to go a bit farther then the last time we where at the world stage. Then we show we can play against any team in the world. But fail to achieve anything.
Now i know we loose cause of our mistakes, but is been a while we been having the same problems.

How long before we see some changes in our National Team?
And what's is it going to take for us to not only go to the second round of a world tournament, but also battle in a semifinal?

P.S. Iver great Job keeping this site....

[Evan]

Ives, why hasn't espn signed Max Bretos yet? He is clearly the best announcer out there and espn could use more good announcers (raise your hand if you liked Marcelo Balboa or Dave O'brien)

[Ben]

Ives, best site for concise, reliable, up-to-date news on American soccer. Keep it up, man.

I was wondering if you had any thoughts on who to coach the USMNT after 2010? Kinnear? Nicol? Hiddink?

[Three Blind Mice]

What (if anything) is being done to raise the quality of MLS refereeing? Seems like every game you go to or read about, someone's got a (legit) beef about the Schiedsrichters. Is it fixable, or a lost cause? Or is it just going to take (lots and lots and lots of) time?

[Dave]

Clint Dempsey has been less than impressive in the last year, do you think he was just worn out or what? I feel like Clint may be starting to peak talent wise.

Also what are the odds Donovan makes the jump this season overseas?

[Scott]

Do you see Pablo Mastroeni finally making the move to Europe at the end of this season, and furthermore continuing on at a high enough level to play in the 2010 World Cup?

[Steve]

The European transfer window is almost shut and Michael Bradley is still with his club. Any thoughts on where he would end up? I can't imagine his team not selling him because he is out of contract at the end of the year, but it doesn't seem like there is much movement there.

[Crew Homer]

How far is Columbus going in the playoffs this year? Are they going to add another Supporters' Shield to their one from 2004?

[Will]

Ives,

How important will New England sighning Gabriel Badilla be not only this year, but for the future? Do you think the Revs will use him as a replacement for Michael Parkhurst when he (most likely) moves on this winter.

[blog]

Have you heard anything in the media about the fabulous "Orozco Elbow Smash" to the sternum of the Nigerian player from the USSF or Orozco himself?

I know he declined comment directly after the game, but I was wondering if there were any recent interviews with him talking about the incident.

[james]

If you could sign two foreign players to the league who would they be.

[Go Railhawks!]

Any chance of an MLS team ever getting located in/around Raleigh, NC? Great local soccer tradition at club (CASL) and college (UNC, NC St, Duke right there, and Wake Forest close), and they've had good turnouts for NCAA tournament games there as well as the occasional int'l friendly.
Raleigh wasn't a first-choice for the NHL, either, but the Hurricanes have drawn very well, played for the Stanley Cup twice, and won one. The area is starved for major sports and might easily rally around a top-tier soccer squad (heck, the two-year-old Railhawks draw 7k/game).
Is it ownership? Small(ish) TV market? Not a 'cool' location? Or just no one's really thrown their hat in the ring for it?

[KCJ]

Ives

What do you think of the job done by Peter Vermes in KC? He has turned down LA, but is that because it was the safe choice to stay in KC or because working with Arena would be a no win situation. Also any hints on what trades he may be interested in making to help the Wizards into the playoffs this year?

[Freddy Adu]

as we near closer and closer to the Collective Bargaining Agreement being re-negotiated, can you give me a guess as to what the new salary cap will be?

[Steve]

Ives,
Exactly how much money do you think Chelsea would be willing to throw at AC Milan for Kaka? I think Man U said they wanted somewhere around $150 million for Ronaldo...how much would Milan want for their star?

[Brant]

What's the one question no one asked this week that you were waiting for? How would you answer it?

[JJJJJJJJJJ]

Why won't Bob Bradley pick Kenny Cooper? It is honestly baffling and maybe you can explain it to me.

[Sean]

Ives,

Who do you think are the most underated players in MLS right now that might deserve to go overseas?

[Eric Griesheimer]

At one time Michael Bradley looked like he was headed to one of the top teams in one of the top leagues. Is he stuck in Holland or do you think he moves soon? I'd love to seem him make a splash at a bigger club.

[tedhill]

1. What do you think of Juventus chances in the Champions League this year. I know it will probably have a lot to do with the group stage draw, but what do you think of the squad and the chances to make the knockout rounds?

2. What club outside of England, Italy, and Spain do you think has the best chance to raise the Champions League trophy?

[Marc]

Does RBNY have remaining allocation money following the Jozy transfer and the subsequent signing of Rojas, Pietravallo, Cichero and Jiminez? If not - and assuming that RBNY is not good enough to win the Cup this year - it seems like the money would have been better spent if some was saved until next year.

[ac]

If the USA Men's National Team experiences success in their qualifying group early on, or even in the hexagonal portion, do you think we'd probably see Adu and Altidore called into camp or would Bradley probably let them develop with their new clubs?

[Mike from Baltimore]

Hey Ives! What's the deal with some of the unsigned American goalkeepers right now? Any word where they might end up (Cervi, Pickens)?

[Ives for President]

Outside of Houston and New England, what MLS team do you see as a possible legitimate chance to make it to the MLS Cup championship game?

[Brad]

What, if anything, do you think can be done to improve the atmosphere in the stands at MLS games (short of resorting to China-Olympics style methods)? What can MLS do? What can the supporters' groups do? What can the average fan do?

[Drew]

I saw that LA went after Peter Vermes as their GM...the Wizards' record isn't outstanding since he took over, so why do you think they came to him before Arena?

[ManicMessiah]

Ives,

Do you think MLS is unfairly criticized for the murky nature of its rules? Based on what we saw from the NFL, where there was a lot of talk about intervention by the commisioner to move Brett Favre for the good of the league seems pretty much identical to the situation with McBride and Chicago.

And as far as European soccer, how would you rank: 1)domestic cups; 2) league matches; and 3)european cups, as far as your enjoyment of watching them in general.

Thanks Ives, you do a great job on this site.

[phillypride]

How do you think Chicago's Sector Latino and Section 8 can succeed in their goals regarding Monterrey security and club policies? See http://www.section8chicago.com/jm3/ if you're unfamiliar.

[Art]

I'm really perplexed on this one. Considering every national team game seems to be listed as his "last chance," why do you think Bob Bradley keeps calling in Eddie Johnson when at least a few other fowards (Cooper, Buddle, and Altidore) are better options?

[RobinX]

Ives,

Are you familiar with organization of the youth leagues beginning when they are 4 or 5 going all the way to U-18? It seems like the US Youth Association is trying to have a very structured system for the very best players. The biggest problem with the system now is the cost to the parents. It doesnt awlays end up with the best kids in the soccer acadamies, its the kids whose parents can afford to shell out the 4 or 5 thousand bucks a year.

[Darius]

Any word on whether oneywu will transfer?

[Geoff]

Ives,

I take it since you have FSC you watch the Fox Football Fone-In? I was just wondering what your thoughts were on Nick Webster and Steve Cohen? Have you listened to World Soccer Daily? I don't like how they rip MLS like they do and of course since Steve is bias towards Chelsea he always rips into Liverpool. Thanks again for all you do!

[Yossarian]

Love your site, Ives. It seems as if the MLS places a host of restrictions and disincentives which inhibit teams like the Red Bulls from developing young players. Can you please explain the rules about MLS teams developing and signing their own players and tell me why on Earth MLS would place disincentives on teams wanting to develop their own talent when young, homegrown talent is exactly the product the league and the National team is lacking? Is it the case that:
a) MLS is ignorant and shortsighted
b) MLS is corrupt
c) MLS has some reasoning that escapes me.

Thank you.

[Tom]

What is the best way to start a career with MLS (not as an athlete)?

thanks

[Joe]

What is your all-time starting XI? And if you could meet any soccer player in the world today, who would it be and why?

[Adam from Joliet,IL]

For the Yanks Abroad section, what defines an American? I realize the question sounds stupid, but given that some players are opting to play for other national teams are they still considered American. I'm not questioning their citizenship or their patriotism or any of that junk, I just mean in a soccer/FIFA stance should we still talk of them as American's abroad.

[JK]

If there was one thing you could change about the MNT (strategy, player callups, coaches, development system, anything), what would you change?

[AC]

If his season continues as good as it's been so far, would you see Charlie Davies possibly transferring to a larger club, or even a quality 2nd tier league such as the Dutch or French leagues?

[Ryan]

Ives, who are the up and comers in the championship?

[Brian]

The question about the top 11 current US players leads to a larger question. Consider only non-naturalized players (i.e. no Thomas Dooley etc.). Who, in your opinion, are the best 11 field players that the U.S. has ever produced? Consider these players "when healthy and in their prime", for example in my opinion John O'Brien does belong on such a list because, when healthy, he was one of the best 11 players the U.S. has produced.

[nelson]

if the U.S. and Columbia ever met in the World Cup final, who would you be rooting for?

I have that same dilemma with the U.S. and Bolivia, but my fears wont be realized any time soon so ha!

also, how hard would it be to get a job working at a newspaper covering an MLS team with a straight up first year out of college (UCSD) with a journalism and economics double major?
my plan is bulletproof so far:
1) graduate from college
2) apply for job
3) ????????
4) PROFIT!!!!!!!!

but more seriously though, my dream job would be the former job of Marc de Grandpre as GM of RBNY, is that an impossible dream?

[nelson]

sorry i meant peru in the above post, my bad.

[Randall (NYC)]

Ives, Who are some of the top US youth prospects (Jerome, Edwards, Gyau, Martinez, Renken?), and when might we start to see some of them going pro? Do observers think the US pipeline is getting stronger?

[Todd]

I am just curious as to why no Americans have tried or attempted to play in the Argentinan or Brazilian leagues. I figure that if the US player would want to become more of a technical player, that those 2 leagues would be ideal. Is it the language barrier, money, etc... I would love to see an American playing for Boca Juniors or Sao Paolo.

[Adam]

Great job Ives. two part question regarding the state of soccer in Los Angeles. 1. What do you think Sacha Klejstan's chances for a move to Europe and 2. with Bruce Arena getting full control at the Galaxy do you see this helping team succeed or leading to failure

[Jonathan]

You mentioned that you didn't think Pat Noonan would have liked to return to New England. Why not?

Also, what are your thoughts on Adam Christman? Is he another Jason Garey, or do you see promise in him?

[Dan Flynn]

Ives,

It seems that the US is now producing young players with some decent skill and ability. We are gonna be forced to hire qualified competent coaches soon as it becomes clear the problem is with us, and not the players anymore. What can we do to keep the good ole boy club intact?
Especially at youth level where my loyatlies really are, and it's money, not the US Nats.

Thanks for the help.

Dan Flynn

[Dominick]

Love the Site Ives. Just wanted your opinion on something to give the MLS regular season more bite, wanted to know how crazy it seems. Not chances of it happening, just concept. What about adopting the A-league's Major and Minor semi-final concept? Top two in each conference play the Major Semifinal; Winner advances to the Conference final. Loser plays the winner of the Minor Semifinal (3 vs. 4). And then the subsequent winner of that match advances to a one off conference final. It would add only a week to the season and provide incentive to move up the table from 3-4 into the top two. Just a thought. have a safe trip back

[McIntosh]

Ives,

Are rumors of Sylvain Wiltord to NYRB true?

[jig]

Ives. List the top ten strikers in the world today. Go.

[adamsoccer]

Ives,
Will the NY Red Bulls try to get Sylvain Wiltord?

[mikeK]

Yes or no, to keep things simple?

1) Red bull makes the eastern conference final?
2) Ireland qualifies for WC 2010?
3) USA gets out of the group stage in 2010?

[Tom B.]

Hi Ives, I'm a relative newcomer to soccer (watched my first game during the 2006 World Cup) and I'm very interested in watching some old USMNT games. I remember growing up and watching classic superbowls on espn or some other channel, and while I hate american football, I found the sense of history intriguing. I know that a lot of other sports fans use the history of the sport as a way to connect with it. What I'm wondering is this: why doesn't ESPN or FSC show old USMNT games instead of that stupid soccer drama? Is it a question of rights?

thanks,

-tom

[Dave Martinez]

Hey Ives,

With Obama showing more weakness in the past month, exhibiting glaring ignorance in his foreign policy responses, his far fetched solutions to energy (inflate my tires?!), and his rather ambiguous domestic policy being exposed, has your opinion changed? Is McCain becoming more appealling?

[Michael F.]

Ives,

It's summer 2006 and your wife is 8 months pregnant and next week is the World Cup. You have tickets. Do you go or do you stay home?

I was in this predicament and "opted" to stay home.

[Amit]

Hello Ives,

1) Does the USL have any restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed on a team's roster?

2) What is more important for the development of MLS in the next 5-10 years: more DP signings or more skilled, veteran signings at a non DP cost (i.e. Huckerby, Van den Bergh, Schelotto, etc.)?

[Austin]

How dangerous would it be for me and a group of friends to go down to the azteca for the away leg of the hex? are there tickets sold just for American fans? would we have to dress in mexican colors to not be killed or am I over hyping the danger?

[Mark]

If Conor Casey stays healthy and continues scoring, netting 9-10 goals for the season, do you think he'd be re-considered for the Nats this winter since he appeared to be the heir apparent to McBride prior to all the injuries that derailed his career?

[wyo fan]

What is your take on MLS expansion - near term and long term? (with regards to 'final' number of teams, which cities, a 2nd NY team, timeline for a 2nd division - even without relegation, etc.)

[Bob in KC]

What is your assessment of the financial health of MLS? Which $ generator (TV, attendance, transfer fees, advertising, stadium) is most critical to the ultimate success of the league.

[Matt M]

Ives,

Whatever happened to that Michael Videira kid that New England drafted?

I heard he got hurt but was planning on looking for work in Europe when he healed.

Did that happen?

[Matt M]

Ives,

Similar to Bob in KC's question.

What is the structure of MLS's revenue?

What percent typically is attendance/concessions, Advertising, TV, etc?

[brent]

Ruud Gullit.....great coach or greatest coach?

Also did you have a happy thanksgiving. I only ask because I assume this will be answered around that time.

Only kidding of course love the site.

[Angel]

Ives

I have a few question to ask, 1) why can there be a segment where we can talk about soccer and show some of the mls game and talk about tastic. 2) why Bob Bradley don't call some of the guys that play in the USL there are some good players there too. and last why the mls don't raised the salary cap now that they are going to start charging 50 million for a franchise.

Thanks

[USoptimist]

Which US male olympic player most improved his value in Bejing 2008. I am torn, but I keep coming back to Marvell Wynne.

[Heffe]

Ives,

RSL is in your hands. What would you do (who would you sign) to bolster the squad and go for the gold?

[Tim F.]

Ives,

Thanks as always for answering our questions. It's 2009 and the Red Bulls can go after two DPs because Juan Pablo has decided to go back to his old club in Argentina. Who do the Red Bulls go after (Thierry Henry, etc.)? And who do the Red Bulls get?

[Michael]

Ives,

I plan on going to the world cup in 2010. Whats the best way to go ahead and put my name on a list for some tickets?

[Karen]

Ives,

If the Red Bulls could take back any trade they have made the past four years, which one would it be: Ricardo Clark for allocation; Marvell Wynne for second round pick and partial allocation; or another trade?

At this point, which forward should the Red Bulls get: Kandji or someone else?

[Beckster]

Ives, last spring you said Convey was gone from Reading. What do you think now and what are his prospects for getting back on the MNT? Do you think he can overcome his knee injury?

[Richard]

Ives,

Do you think New England should have brought an A average squad (rather than a mixed squad) to DC for the US Open Cup match? Afterall, the Open Cup is now worth a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2009...

[Gavin]

How is the progress coming along with Red Bull Park?

[Fumar]

Any news on ESPN getting a soccer channel together? I've seen them take ownership of the Champions League, even playing some of the preliminary games last week. And with their push for the Euros I could see ESPN being the North American Destination for elite level European soccer in english.

[Eliana]

Ives,

I remain a big Superliga fan. Do you MLS and the Mexican First Division could EVER combine to form one North American league with Fall and Spring games tended to be played up North and Winter games tended to be played down South?

I think it would be great to watch more Mexican-US club matches. What other benefits do you see? And what are the obstacles that would prevent this combined league from forming?

Tim

[Tim]

Gavin,

It's called Red Bull Arena now; not Red Bull Park. Steel being put in today!

[JustinV]

Any insight as to why Altidore was used so sparingly by Nowak in the Olympics? How would you rate Nowak's Olympic performance including roster choices?

[Daves]

Given his soccer connections around the world, how much do you think Sunil Gulati is smarting over the fact that the Mexican Federation was able to hire a "name" coach while he was stymied by Klinsmann? Do you think this will make him try harder to land a name-brand coach the next time around?