(The rest of) Your Questions (Finally) answered

Hello all. I'm coming to you from Guatemala City where tonight's USA vs. Guatemala World Cup qualifier is shaping up to be a good one. With fans here lining up since the morning to get into the stadium for tonight's match, you can expect some of the usual craziness that goes with World Cup qualifiers in Central American.

Apologies for the late start. I'll blame a need for some sleep as well as the two-hour time difference with not posting earlier this morning. I wanted to get the day started with a post I'm sure most of you never thought you'd see. It is the rest of the last Q&A session from late June. Yes, things have been so crazy around here that I wasn't able to get to these questions until now but thankfully only a small few of the questions were time sensitive.

Now, due to a problem with the HTML coding, I wasn't able to post the final few questions. I will try to work out the coding and add those questions to this post. ALL the questions have been answered (though if I forgot to finish an answer somewhere in there just let me know).

Now, FINALLY, here are the rest of your questions answered.

RYC- Do you know what the ratings for ESPN's coverage of Euro 2008 has been?

IVES- By all accounts, the ratings for ESPN's coverage of 2008 were impressive and the tournament a good one for the network. With ESPN happy, the success of Euro 2008 can only bode well for future soccer broadcasting on the family of networks.

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CHRIS- what's the best way to start a career (not as a player) with MLS?

IVES- There is always a new crop of interns working at MLS and I've gotten the sense that if you can impress there you can work your up (as is the case in most fields). The same goes for MLS teams. The field for internships is competitive throughout the sports world but I think your chances are better of scoring one in MLS.

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RASHID- Hey Ives, this is just something that I've always pondered about. How do these rookies making 17K a year survive? I mean I'm a pretty solid lower-middle class citizen and I still find it hard to make ends meet. Do they have part time jobs or do the organizations take care of living expenses and food costs? I know it might be kind of a long question but it boggles my mind that the league can't seem to pay their athletes a decent salary.

IVES- The explanation MLS always gives with regard to its developmental salaries is that they are akin to internships or low level minor league baseball. What these players do get is meals at lunch and they earn money making appearances (not all appearances are paid unfortunately). The best to equate it too is college. You could call the couple of years a player spends on a developmental salary an extended tour of college. Living with roommates is one way to cut down on expenses , while saving meal money from road trips and securing part-time jobs are other ways to come up with more spending money. It isn't an easy existence but generally the players doing it are just out of college and know a little bit about living the frugal life.

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CHUCK- After showing well in Tolon and gaining some European attention Brek Shea got what seemed liked a surprise call up to the full team. I see him being Nowak's wildcard addition to the Olympic Team. His size, technical ability and for me, most impressive was his tenacity I think this kid can contribute sooner rather than later. And being naturally left footed helps as well. Should we see a summer move

IVES- Shea is a great young prospect but is still extremely raw and is probably at least a year away from being a serious contributor. I know some European clubs like his physical tools but I wonder how many see him as an attacking player and how many see him as a prospect who could develop into a standout defender.

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MARK- I've read that a number of Americans are considering coming back to MLS(could have been on your blog). Have the Red Bulls approached any of them about the opportunity to play here? I'm talking about guys like Josh Wolff, Robbie Russell, Cory Gibbs and Eddie Lewis. I think RB should be talking to Feilhaber, since he'd fill a need and would get the chance to play on an every day basis barring injury. Have any approaches been made to Feilhaber by RB or any other MLS clubs?

IVES- From what I have heard, New England was interested in Feilhaber but ultimately Feilhaber could make more money in Europe than he could as a non-DP player in MLS. That's the reality of MLS economics. Feilhaber is a quality player and prospect but is not worth a designated player slot, but he can make DP money in Europe.

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UNORIGINAL AARON- You said you were of Peruvian descent? Do you follow Peru's national team as avidly as the USMNT?

IVES- I don't follow Peru that closely but always keep up on their results and what players are coming up the ranks.

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ONIONBAG- Thanks for the hard work in giving us something to read every day. My question is regarding the new Sounders FC/Microsoft partnership. If you read the press release there were indications that Xbox would be a sponsor of not only the Sounders, but have rights to things like the All-Star game and other league wide things. My question is if there is some sort of league wide revenue sharing of the reported $4M per year deal. I don't see how Seattle would be able to get all of this if there are contractual obligations for the rest of MLS. Thanks! 

IVES- I'm pretty sure there are seperate deals for XBox to get the All-Star game rights as well as Seattle rights.

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BEN- Who will be the next american to move to a big club from mls(Johnathan Borestein)? Who will be the next foreign player to come to the mls to make an impact?

IVES- Maurice Edu is set to be the answer to your question with his impending move to Glasgow Rangers. As for foreign players making an impact, since you asked that question we have seen Darren Huckerby come into MLS and play very well. Jorge Rojas has also done well for the Red Bulls.

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AC- I have two questions:

1) I know he wasn't getting much playing time, being his first year with Hannover 96, but I was impressed by Sal Zizzo during the 2007 U-20 World Cup, and hope he gets a future shot with the senior team. Do you see him possibly loaned out to another team or will he probably stay with Hannover to continue to develop?

2) The holding/defensive midfielder who really surprised me during the recent national team games was Mastroeni, until that injury. Looks like the old warrior has still got it! If not the 2010 World Cup, I'd still like to see him and Eddie Lewis at the 2009 Confederations Cup. Do you see Bradley continuing to bring Mastroeni on to provide experience while the younger players at that position continue to gain national team experience?

IVES- 1. I think Zizzo is still young enough where another year training with Hannover won't hurt him. The fact that he made the bench late in the year for Hannover tells me the German club likes him as a prospect. Obviously things can change with the swapping of a head coach so nothing is guaranteed, but Zizzo isn't yet in a situation where we should be concerned about his progress.

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DAVES- I read recently that the Crew were waiving someone in preparation of Stefani Miglioranzi coming off the 6-week DL. Before then, I had never heard of a specific time limit of a DL in MLS. Could you clarify the (I'm sure) latest MLS rules on DLs (including IR) and when it started?

IVES- As far as I know you are allowed to add someone to replace an injured player at any time of the season, just as long as you have the funds to pay for that player's replacement.

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ZACH- Could and will MLS teams in need of talent (Red Bulls) bring up and coming European players in on loan? Furthermore, how would this work under the MLS salary structure?
It seems to me that this could be a win-win situation.

IVES- MLS frowns on loan deals and will only do loans that include options to buy. Obviously you aren't going to see many European clubs exposing top young talent to that type of situation. I have always been opposed to this restriction because I agree that infusing some young talent, even if only for a season, can only help the league. That said, European clubs have far too many other options for loaning out players that loaning them to MLS, where keeping taps on their progress isn't as easy, isn't ideal.

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JONATHAN- 1. how would the current red bulls do in the epl? in the championship (2nd division)?

2. how would an in-form dc united, NE, or Chi-fire team do in the epl? in the championship?

IVES- Well, when you asked this question almost two months ago I would have said the Red Bulls would be awful on a 2006/2007 Derby County scale. Now, with the reinforcements in place, I think the Red Bulls would still be a bottom half club, somewhere between 14 and 18th.

As for DC, New England or Chicago, if we're talking about those teams playing a full season in the EPL I'll say what I've said before. MLS teams, even the best ones, don't have the depth or quality from top to bottom to compete week in and week out in the EPL. I know people will look at a result like Chicago beating Everton in a friendly and turn that into a case for MLS teams doing well in the EPL but that just isn't reality. Over the course of a 38-game season MLS teams just don't have the depth to compete so I think even the best MLS teams would still probably be somewhere between 15 and 20 in the EPL. As for the Championship, depth is still the concern so I'd say somewhere between 12 and 16th. Now, all that said, if you take an EPL team in season and an MLS team in season I think the MLS team can play with the EPL team, and even take a result off them, but when you're talking a 38-game season, the deeper and more talented teams will prevail.

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EL FUR DE BALL- What is the national word on the Portland Timber expansion talk? Local papers seem to be saying things are looking good, but for some odd reason I keep hearing Atlanta, New York and Arizona. Hopefully Gerber will wise up and give Portland and Vancouver the next two spots, move a rebranded Chivas to San Diego and euthanize A Lazy Lalas!

IVES- I know Portland was a popular pick a year ago but I'm just not sure if momentum is on Portland's side. I think it's either Vancouver or Portland, not both, and right now it sounds as if Vancouver has some serious momentum. I like their chances way more than I did two months ago.

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EDWARD- Kyle Martino -- what on earth happened to him? Last I heard LA waived him, but I can't imagine another team not taking a chance, whether it be MLS or USL. To simply fall out from soccer like that is pretty surprising, especially from a guy that was capped by the national team not long ago.

IVES- From what I have heard, Martino made the tough decision that more and more pro soccer players in this country have to make. Do you keep chasing the dream and making less and less money, or do you give it up and move into the real world, where some can make double the salary and get started in careers. I know teams were interested in Martino but nobody was offering the kind of money it was going to take to get him to come back.

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TOM M- What will it take to get Clavijo fired? Every year the Rapids are stuck in mediocrity, never quite bad enough for him to be shown the door, but never with any significant hope to be a contender? We'd prefer Spencer as coach- do you think he'd be the top candidate?

Visit your site every day- keep up the good work!

IVES- Clavijo's situation is one of the stranger ones I've seen in my years of covering MLS. The sense I get is that Clavijo thought he was done after last season but rather than fire him, the Rapids expected him to resign. Clavijo was never going to resign and thus we wound up with another year of Clavijo. Apparently Colorado wasn't keen on the idea of having to pay the final year of Clavijo's contract AND pay a new coach.

I know I have criticized Clavijo over the years, and also questioned his hiring in Colorado in the first place, but after three years I can honestly say I think Colorado's front office is as much to blame, if not more, than Clavijo. If we have learned anything from MLS it's that good coaching can't overcome bad ownership and management. Unless Colorado realizes that its problems go well beyond simply replacing Clavijo, the Rapids are doomed to mediocrity.

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ART- In your opinion, what non-capped players of foreign or dual citizenship, naturalized, etc, do you see has having a good shot at the US MNT?

IVES- Neven Subotic is the clear answer here. He is starting and playing well for Borussia Dortmund and is just 19. He is a dream prospect. Unfortunately for the U.S. national team program, he could wind up playing for Germany. If he does, it will be a tremendous loss because he could wind up being better than both Oguchi Onyewu and Carlos Bocanegra, if he isn't already.

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SEAN- If MLS suddenly opened up the purse, like many fans seem to suggest lately, what happens to the American players if a squad is suddenly filled with world stars?

Does this help the American player improve more quickly, does it prevent the stars from playing their best football with so many mediocre Americans around them, and/or does it bankrupt the league because the improved play will take time to lure fans?

IVES- Your scenario isn't happening. It goes against everything the league stands for and the NASL has already shown that this formula doesn't work.

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GOLFSTROM- Can you set aside a "BigSoccer" question in each Q&A, in order to highlight the most delusional, ridiculous, and/or wildly misinformed question? I really enjoy it when you (politely) rebut the BigSoccer-type posters with sound reasoning and actual soccer knowledge.

IVES- There are all kids of fans, young and old, informed and uninformed, casual and hardcore. I don't mind any questions as long as they're respectful. Some people are so caught up in their own versions of reality that there is no reasoning with these people. Thankfully, the majority of the worst of this strain of American soccer fan hasn't made its way here to SBI.

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WILLIAM THE TERROR- Ives: sorry about that "Vogue" magazine question. I always have to throw you a curve before I get down to business.

My real question has to do with my future player selections in the espn mls fantasy game (in which I am still beating you, by the way). I still have quite a few transfers left, and I am saving them to select players who will be on the final 8 playoff teams. At this point in the season, I don't really see any teams in either conference as being dead or out of the playoffs. RSL has been on a roll lately, and even San Jose has won a few. What's your assessment of the 8 teams most likely to make the playoffs?

IVES- Well William, I'm afraid to inform you that I gave up on MLS fantasy back in June. I just don't have the time to keep up with it. I wish I did, but it's tough finding the time. I'm planning on doing a better job keeping up with the EPL league.

Now, about your question, here are the eight teams I see making it:

New England, Columbus, Chicago, D.C. United, New York Red Bulls, Houston, Real Salt Lake, Los Angeles. It's a tough call between FC Dallas and LA but I think the difference there will come down to the coaches. Bruce Arena has been in these MLS playoff races before. Schellas Hyndman hasn't. LA also has more experience on its roster. It will be a fun race to watch though.

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SEISCO- For international matches with countries with two different languages how does the referee communicate with both teams? Does FIFA supply a ref that speaks both languages?

IVES- I don't think it's a requirement that the referee speak the same languages as the teams he is officiating. I think most high level referees speak multiple languages and the way international soccer is you always seem to find players on every team who find a language to communicate with refs in.

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KEVIN- Do you see any of the Euro 2008 stars maybe heading to MLS...even if they aren't big names?

IVES- No, any player who qualifies as a Euro 2008 star has too high a price tag to come here any time soon.

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CO'D- As you are used to hearing by now, I love the site. With the Rojas signing well known & imminent for that matter, what other players have been mentioned that are you hearing about for NYRB...another center back, attacker perhaps?

IVES- As you know by now, the Red Bulls added Rojas, Juan Pietravallo, Gabriel Cichero and Diego Jimenez. Rojas, Pietravallo and Cichero all look like quality additions and could be the key to the Red Bulls making a successful playoff push. Look for another forward to be added soon.

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IVAN- In regards to MLS' salary cap and the ability to make trades, do the two teams have to make salaries match to get a trade approved ala the NBA?

For example, if the Rapids decided they wanted to trade Pablo Mastroeni (who makes $310,000 this year), would the team acquiring Mastroeni have to put together the contracts that add up to $310,000?

IVES- Nope, there is no salary matching up rule. The only rule is that both teams must stay within their caps after the trade. So, in theory, if LA traded Carlos Ruiz to Toronto FC and kept half his salary, Toronto wouldn't have to send the other half of Ruiz salary back to LA in some form.

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DAVE- A few weeks ago I read rumors of Frank Simek moving to Aston Villa on a 2 million pound transfer -- any truth to this?

IVES- There were definitely rumors, but those have faded. Simek still hasn't return from a serious ankle injury so it is unclear whether he will move before the transfer window closes.

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ABEL XAVIER- Do you hold any personal animosity towards me? It seems like you keep ripping on me week after week? Just because a speed cone can defend better than me is no reason to hate me!

IVES- Abel, I don't have you. In fact, I miss you being in MLS. Truth be told, I would have loved for you to still be in LA if only to hear Bruce Arena talk about your hair. Ultimately, you're a professional athlete and if you don't play well you are going to be criticized (and if you walk around with a baby muppet strapped to your head people are going to make fun of you.)

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TSINGLETONVT - Serious question: Any Angulo updates?

For fun: Looking at the USMNT 2010 squad, who will be the oldest player on the team? Who will be the youngest? Which veteran will help the most during WCQ, but get left off the roster? Which young player will be left off the team? Which current USMNT "lock" will lose his roster spot, if any?

IVES- The last I heard on Angulo was that he had signed a deal with MLS and New England had his discovery rights. Angulo was rehabbing from a torn meniscus and was set to join the Revs once he was healthy. I will look for more information this week.

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MIKEMIKE- This question is regarding the exciting world of pensions.
In the NFL, and other American sports leagues, players receive a pension after their playing years are finished.
I wanted to know if any soccer leagues also have a pension system. If they do, how does it work when players change leagues? If they don't, I feel really bad for any MLS player who is making less than 200k. (200k times 14 years = 2.8mil. 2.8mil divided by 60 years = 46k per year)

IVES- I know MLS has some sort of pension program in place but I can't imagine it is that big at this point. That's why so many fringe MLS players retire quietly to get regular jobs. You don't see players staying in MLS for a dozen years if they're not making big dollars because unless you're a star your salary is most likely decreasing considerably before you even get to the decade mark.

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PAUL J- Lomg time reader but first time poster. How come it feels like we never hear transfer rumors regarding Matt Reis? He is having an exceptional year, but it's not different than any other year. He is consistently one of the top keepers in the league. Is there a reason teams aren't interested?

IVES- That's a very good question. I couldn't begin to tell you. Could it be his distribution? His ability with the ball at his feet? I'm not sure what the deal is there.

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TED HILL- 1. Do you like the current CONCACAF world cup qualification format? If you could make changes to it, what would you do?

2. What are your thoughts on host(s) countries getting automatic bids to major international tournaments (Aus & SWI for Euro 2008, RSA for World Cup 2010)? Do you feel they should go through the same qualification like everyone else to ensure there are no weak teams not deserving of being there?

Thanks.

IVES- Well, I don't have any problems with the structure itself. What I do have a problem with is a system that creates the type of Group of Death CONCACAF wound up with (Mexico, Canada and Honduras are in the same group).

As for host countries getting automatic bids, I'm all for it. Having the home team in the event adds electricity to the event. Yes, you can point to Austria and Switzerland and say they were terrible, but I think having them in the tournament added some thing. There were still 14 other slots for teams such as England to earn so I can't say I feel bad about good teams missing out while Austria and Switzerland made it.

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SEVEN- How soon before MLS starts recognizing the FIFA calendar?

IVES- Never.

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MARIO in SJ- When MLS started we the fans were told that there would not be any player loan deals. Now I see Dallas has a player on loan from a Brazilian team and the word is bandied about in numerous soccer articles. There may be others. Any policy/rules in MLS on loan players?

IVES- Loan deals are allowed if the loan includes an option to buy the player.

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MIKE- Do you find value in some of the complex statistics like the Castrol index or Match Analysis? Do they have value or is it just too hard with a dynamic sport like soccer. 

IVES- I know some people don't think stats have a place in soccer but there is definitely value in statistical analysis to measure effectiveness, productivity and impact. Will it ever get to a point where fans are reciting passes completed percentage stats like batting average in baseball? I'm not sure about that one.

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SUSHANT- 1) I love Americans Abroad but I'd like to know about how players are doing / did in the game. It's great that you note whether they played, how long they played and whether they scored a goal. But, I'd like more. Any suggestions on where I can get more info?

2) I'd like to learn more about strategies & tactics. For example, the pros/cons of a 4-4-2 vs a 4-5-1 vs a 4-3-3, etc. An explanation of Total Football. Any site that cover these kinds of topics?

IVES- There are usually reports on all top American players on the internet. There are some sites that try to keep updates on how Americans are doing but I'm always wary of the reliabilty of those reports. Usually with players in England and Germany it is pretty easy to track down internet reports on how they did.

2. There are plenty of books you can read to help you develop a better understanding. Not sure about websites that focus on tactics.

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FRIMP- I know about the MLS teams partnering with Prem clubs and all that. But FSC ran a story today about Chelsea's new clinic to develop American players, opening with a line about Ballack discussing the importance of footwork, etc.

My point is, given US interest in MLS likely lagging behind that in world football, and the hope that with each generation more and more Americans will be engaged in the game in general...I think MLS tagging onto interest in world football is good and important, but to have top european clubs manifest an increasing interest in developing US players can only be a huge key to a quicker, proper development in sophistication of MLS and US soccer. I know this has been going on sometimes (McBride and the Ajax system), but the more official things like this pop up, the better for us...your thoughts, additions, predictions?

IVES- What I think we are starting to see is European clubs realizing that there are mines of untapped talent in the United States and with small financial investments, clubs can set up their own pipelines. Yes, it can only help develop more talent in this country, but you wonder how much of a concern it is that foreign clubs are setting up shop on American soil. I know MLS has been slow in getting its own development programs going, and U.S. Soccer has in the past year finally established a comprehensive and nationwide program, but I can't but wonder if there is going to be some resistence to the presence of foreign satelitte academies in the USA.

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MIKE S- You have said there is no chance at all of CONCACAF and COMEBOL merging, but is there any change that they could cooperate to sponsor a few larger regional tournaments? For instance, have the Gold Cup and Copa America in 2009, and then in 2011 hold a combined Pan-American tournament.

IVES- Nice idea, I just don't see it happening. Each confederation has its own laundry list of things to accomplish without including this kind of event to an already congested calendar.

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ROCKY- Ives, I was wondering your opinion on euro 2008's impact on the popularity of the sport here in America. From what ive seen with the general public, this tournament has become very popular. It seems soccer to me is coming on faster nd faster here in the states. What do you think?

IVES- Any time casual soccer fans and casual sports fans can see the sport played at its highest level it is a good thing for soccer in this country. I am sure some new soccer fans were born during Euro. The trick is getting those fans to support American soccer, through MLS and the national team.

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CHRIS- Has FIFA ever discussed changing the rules so spectators don't have to suffer through a match like Italy/Spain where one team(Italy) has no intention of trying to score all game and play for penalty kicks. Its brutally dull for spectators. Other sports have adopted rule changes to make it harder for teams to play this way. In basketball they invented the shot clock and in hockey they eliminated the 2 line pass to lessen the neutral zone trap. As a soccer fan, its extremely frustrating to watch.

IVES- You sound like a hockey fan who wants soccer to be more like hockey. The sport of soccer shouldn't change its rules. Thfere are always going to be defensive-minded teams and teams that employ defensive tactics to deal with a superior opponent. It is up to those superior teams to break down the bunkering team. Over time, I think the sport rewards creativity and attacking soccer. There is no point in changing the fundamental rules of the sport because we get ugly games on occasion.

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TRAVIS- What have you heard about the Free Kick Masters coming to Houston July 5? Ronaldinho, Deco, Marquez, Del Piero, and plenty of other big names are supposed to show. Whats the word on this?

IVES- Sorry Travis, but as you know, Free Kick Masters came and went and wasn't nearly the event it sounded like it would be. It's a great idea, but pulling it off seems impossible.

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STEAL YOUR SOUNDERS- 2 questions for you ives. What young american player on the u20 or u17 teams do you seeing the next(or should I say first) big international star. Is there anyone that you see pulling a jozy by entering the league and then exceeding expectations?

My second question

Is the Grateful Dead the best band ever? I already know the answer but just thought we could get a glimpse into your musical taste.

IVES- Tough question there. Not sure I have an answer for that one right now.

The second question: Hip-Hop is my preferred music of choice so I can't tell you much about Grateful Dead. I will say that I've listened to Pink Floyd and liked it so there you go, but I do prefer the likes of Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Mobb Deep and Lil Wayne just to name a few. I'm also big on my old school house music and also mix in some dancehall into the rotation.

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KYLE- Ives, do you see Bob Bradley coaching the US in 2010? Personally I think we have no chance of advancing from our group with him in charge. We need someone with better tactics and a better idea of how to use his players.

IVES- I do see Bob Bradley being coach in 2010. And how can you already have an opinion on the U.S. team's chances of advancing out of the group stage when we don't even know who will be in the U.S. group? What the team needs to get further is better players. Blaming Bradley for the U.S. team not being a better team assumes that the talent is there to be a world power already and that just isn't the case.

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BRANT- Similar question to Ben's above... Which European stars should the MLS be targeting? Who might MLS get, and of those, who might actually useful to an MLS team for something other than just selling tickets.

IVES- Tough call really. At this point in the year I think it's safe to say we won't be seeing any marquee players coming to MLS. I do think that players like Darren Huckerby and Jorge Rojas show examples of lesser known foreign players with the quality to make an impact on the quality of play in the league. That can only help draw fans and keep fans. Not every signing can be a Beckham, but I think if we get a few more signings like Huckerby (a foreign player with something left in the tank who is serious about doing well here) the league's quality will improve.

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BRANT- Second question about Europe:

Any European coaches that might be willing to entertain coaching in MLS? Any assistants who might be willing to come to MLS for a head job? Do the MLS rules - salary caps, foreign player limits, single-entity negotiations - play into the decision? Or would European coaches prefer to just stay in Europe where the quality of play is better?

IVES- I think the way the league is set up makes it extremely difficult for a foreign coach to come in and deal with all the rules. Now, if you have a set-up like in Toronto, where Mo Johnston handles all the transactions and salary and roster rules and John Carver can focus on coaching, then you can have a foreign coach succeed. And yes, I know Carver may not be the best example of that right now, but I just don't see a foreign coach succeding in MLS without a strong support system.

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DAVE FROM CHICAGO- What formation was Heerenveen using this past season? What position was Michael Bradley playing for them? Do you ever think we'll see him in a similar role for the US National team? Why haven't we seen this happen yet?

IVES- Bradley won't play the same role with the U.S. national team that he played at Heerenveen because the U.S. team is different and has different strengths than Heerenveen. I don't think people realize that last year's Heerenveen boasted the one of the most potent attacks in the Dutch league and boasts several top offensive players who make their offense go and make it easier for Bradley to get into the attack. He doesn't have that luxury with the U.S. team.

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ALEX- Ives, I remember a few Q&A's ago someone asked if there was a chance of the USA and Mexico joining CONMEBOL and you answered him with a very adamant No. Not. Ever. Happening. Would you elaborate on why this is not a possibility? Thanks.

IVES- It's not possible because USA and Mexico are in CONCACAF and barring a meteor working some wonders on the globe I'm pretty sure that isn't changing.

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GABE79- Great work Ives!! How many MLS cups do you think Rudd Gullit needs to win before he can be considered to take Bradley's job??

IVES- Well, since he's no longer in MLS I'd say five.

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JOHN- With Reyna's imminent retirement at the end of the season, Red Bulls will plan to use the DP slot to good use and give the team a makeover. Will the future plans include a contract extension to Angel for another season? If not, do you see him as another team's DP or joining maybe LA for non-DP money.

IVES- Angel stated recently that he has another year on his MLS contract, which was news to me. If he does have another year on his contract you can expect the Red Bulls to bring him back. I think the Red Bulls will target a marquee player with its second DP slot in 2009, with Thierry Henry at the top of that list.

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BY: RVP- Do you think its time for a new commisioner in MLS, how long do we have Garber?

IVES- Not really sure what Don Garber isn't doing. He took the league through a scary period of contraction and now the league is thriving, with cities lining up to join. I think he's done a good job bringing MLS into a successful period in the league's history.

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KJ- I was reading an article that came out after Claudio Reyna when he joined New
York Red Bulls back in '07 and it listed his salary with Manchester City as £30,000 a week. Not huge like say Thierry Henry or Frank Lampard or Ronaldinho, but pretty large i'd guess. Now what im wondering is he the highest or was he the highest paid US footballer abroad? And do you know or can estimate the salaries for say other players like Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey, Eddie Lewis, Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra? I'd like to see how much our players are paid in regard to other players in the European leagues. I figure players like Gooch or Dan Califf or Michael Bradley are paid alot less being in the small leagues that they play in.

IVES- The salaries of Americans in Europe was a hot topic this time around. Unfortunately finding those numbers is easier said than done.

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KJ- Out of the 7 teams vying for for the newest MLS franchises : Montreal, St.Louis, Miami, Vancouver, New York, Portland, Atlanta. Which do you see becoming the 17, 18, 19, and 20th teams? And do you believe expansion will be held to 20teams for several years or stopped at 22-24?

IVES- If I had to guess the next four franchises I would say: St. Louis, Vancouver, New York and Montreal. If I could magically wave a wand and pick the next four myself I would go New York 2, Miami, Las Vegas and Montreal. That's just me though.

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DAVE- Cities like Miami, Atlanta, Vancouver and Portland are all clamoring for MLS teams, but these cities all have USL teams right now none of which average more than 5,000 a game. I looked at the USL attendance averages for the last five years and teams like Miami didn't even average over 1,000 people a game last year. What makes the MLS think these cities are viable candidates? Do they just cross their fingers they'll be lucky and have another Toronto and people will just show up once they're in the MLS? In my opinion the first city that should get a team is Montreal. They just built a new stadium and they average over 12,000 in the USL, they would be excellent.

IVES- Not sure you can use this argument considering the Toronto Lynx didn't exactly draw sold out crowds before TFC showed up. The reason you can't just project USL numbers on how an MLS team would do is because yo're talking about different ownership groups, more money and a better product. An MLS expansion team's marketing budget is going to dwarf what a USL team spends on marketing and advertising. An MLS team can market around its own stars, as well as the league's stars (David Beckham anybody?

I don't know if you can just look at USL attendance and assume that's the best that can be done in those markets. I also don't think you can look at a successful USL operation and assume that there will be natural jump from that already good number. You could argue that a place like Montreal is already near it's full potential. I'm not saying that's the case but you can make that argument just as easily as you can argue that Miami drawing a thousand a game means no MLS franchise could come in there and do better.

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JK- What are the chances of Taylor Twellman heading to Preston North End this summer? Is it true that Nate Jaqua is heading back to Houston? Was he a success in Austria? When will Kenny Cooper get a transfer to a team in Europe?

JK- Hey Ives, what is your pic for greatest 11 US soccer players in the world playing right now and 11 greatest of all time?

IVES- Wow, this is a tough one. Considering I had six weeks to answer these I should have an answer, but I'm not sure I do. The 11 best American soccer players in the world right now (and I don't mean exactly right now, this is taking into account them being healthy and in top form)? Here goes in no particular order:

Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu, Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley, Steve Cherundolo, Marcus Hahnemann, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Freddy Adu.

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IRENE- Hey Ives, any idea why Danny Califf left Aalborg? Was it due to contractual issues or cash? He played really well for them and helped them reach Champions League qualifying. I hope there is a good reason why he would leave for another average Danish team.

IVES- That did seem like a weird move and I haven't seen Califf address the decision. I will try to find out what led to the move, though considering how well Mitdjylland is looking against Manchester City I can't say it was a terrible decision.

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IRENE- Who is the highest paid US footballer right now? Is it Tim Howard or Clint Dempsey?

IVES- Since getting specifics is so difficult I would just go with a top three and say that Tim Howard, Brad Friedel and Carlos Bocanegra are at the top, with DaMarcus Beasley in the mix as well.

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IRENE- Hey Ives, whats your pick for 2nd and 3rd tier European leagues? I know Holland and Portugal and Greece would probably be 2nd but what about Turkey or Belgium or Denmark and Norway? Are they 3rd tier UEFA leagues?

IVES- I would include Russia and the Ukraine in the third tier ahead of the likes of Denmark and Norway.

Here are my four tiers of European soccer:

FIRST TIER- England, Italy, Spain, Germany

SECOND TIER- Netherlands, France, Portugal, Greece

THIRD TIER- Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Scotland

FOURTH TIER- Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Austria

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CORY- Hey Ives, any specifics about Bocanegra's move to Rennes? Another free transfer right, is he making more than he did at Fulham? Well at least he has a new challenge : UEFA Cup.

IVES- Bocanegra certainly cleared some good cash in his Rennes deal. How much is unknown but I think it's fair to say Bocanegra is now one of the highest paid Americans in Europe.

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STEJEN- Have you heard any whispers about Jeff Cooper in St. Louis getting closer to adding partners? Any chance of an expansion announcement at the July All-Star game?

IVES- Well, as you know, there was no announcement on a next expansion city at the all-star game, just word that two more teams would be added. I am starting to wonder about St. Louis' chances. i know the league wants a team there, but they need to find the money

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IVES- From what i heard, Preston was ready to make the same $3 million offer for Twellman it made last winter, but only if the Revs were going to be open to discussions. Needless to say the discussions never happened, something I know Taylor Twellman isn't happy about. He's miserable in New England and

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That's ALL of the questions answered. Apologies for the LONG delay in getting these done but now they are done and we can have our next session very soon. Share your thoughts on any of these answers below.

Comments

[smorebs]

Wow Ives, that has to be a new record

[BigBoy]

Gee, I wonder if he'll hurt himself diving on that field turf they have up there. Not as soft as the grass in LA

[Greg]

Quick FYI: Ajax (94 goals) had the top attack in the Eredivisie last season, not Heerenveen (88 goals).

[Mark]

Thanks Ives. You could have let those questions keep sliding, but appreciate you making it happen.

[Tim F.]

Clavijo has just left the Rapids.

[TCompton]

I think this is sort of cheating. A lot of those questions had already been answered due to the timing difference of when they were asked and when they were answered.

To counteract this, I'll ask a question from the future, and when Ives gets around to answering it, it'll be more relevant:

Future Question:
Is Canada's victory over Mexico in World Cup qualifying the signaling of a coming changing of the guards in CONCACAF?

:)

[Brant]

Sushant should check out http://yanks-abroad.com/

[Betinho]

Thanks Ives for defending Miami's (and any othe USL city's)right to have a MLS team despite the USL team drawing only 1000/game. Miami FC is owned by a group who is just figuring out how to market to this community (it's a Brazilan owner who thought "if they field it, they will come"). I support the Blues but it's true the product is less than what the MLS offers. A properly run MLS team (location, ticket prices, marketing) would surely be successful.

[Brant]

FYI - your last bit about Twellman seems to cut off in mid-sentence. I think it might've been cut & pasted into the wrong place, too, since the Twellman question seemed to be further up the Q&A...

[Tim F.]

Thanks Ives As Always.

[Byron]

Califf left for more money. I think it's in the article about his move on yanks-abroad.

[Ted]

About Kyle Martino...

He's been subbing for Marcelo Balboa on HDnet broadcasts. On Saturday, he said his decision to retire was based on lingering injuries. His doctors told him he could physically still play for a few years, but it would destroy his body (in the same way running backs have serious issues if they play for too long).

[daniel]

I REALLY don't like the idea of 3 MLS in Canada before 1 team makes it's way to a city in the southeastern U.S. Word was that Atlanta would be one of the next few teams. Now Ives is no longer mentioning Atlanta in the top 4 possible teams for expansion. Is there any hope for a southern fan of MLS?

[Irene]

I agree Ives. I know Brad Friedel got a huge pay increase since he joined Aston Villa and i know Tim Howard gets a pretty penny, didnt realize Bocanegra was getting shown the money as well but good for him.

I agree with you on European league statues. Id say MLS is at least on par with 3rd tier Euro leagues like Russia or Scotland.

[JJE]

With regards to learning more tactical stuff, this recently came up on the Minnesota Thunder discussion board. Basically both FIFA and US Soccer have good sites for coaches that are interested in licenses that work as good substitutes for fans trying to edumacate themselves.

See the discussion here: http://www.usldiscussions.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=002476#000000

[Steve]

Bob Bradley sucks at coaching, thats why we won't advance from our group. We play a terrible empty bucket system with him in charge and it isn't going to change anytime soon.

[northzax]

for Total Football, read 'Brilliant Orange' by David Winner, more than you ever wanted to know about Dutch football, history, culture, anthropology. Brilliant work.

[mike]

@Sushant-Re: to Total Football. I found it interesting
http://www.bettersoccermorefun.com/index.htm

[Irene]

from Tim Howard's wikipedia page, you were right.

On February 14, 2007, Everton announced that Howard had signed a permanent deal with the club through the 2012–2013 season. The permanent deal is believed to be worth around £3 million, but the exact fee paid by Everton remains undisclosed

[paul Lorinczi]

Kyle Martino?

One the biggest disappointments. He had a great rookie year for Columbus.

I thought he was the potential replacement for Claudio Reyna.

I think his rookie success went to his head because he sucked the following years. He went from being eager to "I can't work with Jeff Cunningham - trade him."

He went from great prospect to ego centered mediocrity.

I am not surprised no one picked him up. By the end, he really was ineffective.

[undrafted]

For years MLS has had a "season-ending injury reserve". That meant if a team had the cap room, they could sign a 19th player (or more) even though the senior rorster has a limit of 18. The player put on reserve became ineligible for the season. That's still true, but this year they also allow a "6 week injured reserve" with a similar system, except the injured player can be reactivated (but then someone has to be cut). Petke was on it earlier (and IIRC someone else like Kirovski). Wagenfuhr has been on it for Dallas.

I think you mean Derby 2007/8? 2006/7 saw them promoted from the championship.

Angulo is listed as under contract to MLS by the players union's latest salary list.

From the u17s, Carlos Martinez (skill) & Stefan Jerome (athleticism) have huge upsides. GK Earl Edwards seems to have the tools. Gyau has already had European interest. I don't know about the players added in the last semester.

[CACuzcatlan]

Jay-Z? 50 Cent? Please, Ives. You disappoint me. Most of the best MCs are underground. Though some have made a mark on mainstream, like The Roots, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. Do you listen to any underground stuff like Hieroglypics, Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Cage, or Immortal Technique?