(Even more of) Your Questions Answered

Good evening folks. I was able to work my way through the third of four parts of the most recent SBI Q&A session. There some very good and interesting questions in this batch, including asking for my takes on best American field players ever and best strikers in the world right now. There's a little something for everybody.

I will look to finish off the final quarter of the most recent Q&A session by tomorrow so I can clear the way for a new Q&A session on Thursday or Friday so stay tuned for that.

For now, here are a few more of your questions answered:

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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.

IVES- It's tough to say because it seems as if the most reasonable of the requests has been ignored based on the information coming out of Section 8. Asking for Monterrey security to not be so visible in section where the supporter's group sits is more than reasonable. That being said, I haven't heard all sides on this so I will reserve judgment. Obviously I spoke out in the case of Giants Stadium because I have lived that experience and seen it first-hand for more than a decade.

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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?

IVES- This week Bob Bradley said he liked what he saw from Eddie Johnson the last time Johnson was in a lengthy camp with the national team. I haven't seen those practice session so I can't really argue that point, but what I have seen of Johnson hasn't been all that impressive. It seems to me like Johnson has been getting chances for almost four years, with little in the way of real payoff since his amazing run of form in 2004.

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ROBINX- 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.

IVES- I think this is where MLS teams need to pick up the slack. In other countries, professional clubs find and develop young talent and pay the cost as an investment. Only this year have we finally seen some MLS teams (Red Bulls, Chicago and Chivas USA to name three) step up and pay the full costs for their academy players.

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DARIUS- Any word on whether oneywu will transfer?

IVES- He did not transfer and should draw a very big list of suitors next summer since he will be out of contract.

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GEOFF- 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!

IVES- Thanks Geoff. I do have Fox Soccer Channel but I do not watch Fox Football Fone-In. I've watched perhaps two minutes total ever. I happen to like Nick Webster, who I met and worked side by side with at the 2002 World Cup. He wasn't as well-known then as he is now but I found him to be a very good guy.

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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.

IVES- Hey Yossarian, I could have sworn I answered your question but just noticed it blank. The league has guidelines in place to better control the development and evolution of the youth academy programs. These "restrictions and disincentives" are temporary and the long-term vision is to have a wide-open system. That said, there are concerns that have been addressed by some of these restrictions, such as limiting the number of players teams can pull out of their programs early on. This is being done to prevent teams from throwing tons of money into these programs right away in order to win a potential youth prospect arms race. There's no secret that some MLS ownership groups have more money and are more willing to spend than others.

There is also the fact that some teams are in better markets for soccer talent than others, so there are some guidelines in place to try and level the playing field.

The biggest problem for the youth set-ups is the fact that the senior teams are so small. With just 18 senior roster spots it isn't as if teams could really load up on academy graduates now anyway. I mean seriously, would you give up a chance at a full scholarship at a D-1 school to make 12K or 17K as a developmental player?

I know people are anxious to see MLS players academies starting to produce MLS-ready players, but I really think the slow and steady steps toward setting up a stable program are more important than any quick-fix solutions. I will say that the CBA needs to address increasing roster sizes so that teams can have room for academy grads. This can in turn help improve the reserve system and quicken the development of these prospects as well as other developmental players.

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

IVES- Getting your foot in the door in either a ticket sales, marketing or media relations role seems the best way to get in the door. Whether it is a full-time job or internship, there are always opportunities and the competition for things like MLS internships isn't anywhere near as competitive as other pro leagues.

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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?

IVES- Wow, my personal all-time XI. I'll go with only players I've watched play quite a bit so here goes:

-----------------------Ronaldo----------------Henry--------------

Ronaldinho------------------------Zidane------------ C. Ronaldo

----------------------------------Roy Keane------------------------

Paolo Maldini----Rio Ferdinand----Carles Puyol-----------Cafu

------------------------------Gianluigi Buffon--------------------

As for player I'd like to meet. There really aren't too many superstar players I haven't had a chance to fire a question or two at. Having had all the top teams stop in at Giants Stadium through the years and covering two World Cups has helped that. I'd say Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres are two I haven't interviewed, but I'm not sure they'd be at the top of a list of players I'd like to interview. I'd say Buffon, Puyol and Materazzi are three players I'd love to interview.

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ADAM FROM JOLIET- 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.

IVES- If you meant the Americans Abroad section, the definition has been player who were born and raised in the United States. That's how it started out. I never put a certain number on total years someone had to live here but someone who lived here a year or two before moving for good isn't likely to be on the list. I just find it interesting that people will ask for Jemal Johnson to be on the list even though he only lived like three or four years here but people want Giuseppe Rossi off the list even though he lived here until he was 14. I get the anger over Rossi choosing Italy over the United States national team but that doesn't change the fact that he was born and raised here and I'm sure has plenty of people here who grew up with and around him. That is part of the reason I stuck with Rossi in Americans Abroad, because for all the haters I knew there were also people who grew up with him, whether as friends of his or former opponents of his, who wonder how he is doing and probably take some pride in having a connection with a player as accomplished as he is.

For this reason I'm probably leaning towards keeping Rossi and Edgar Castillo on the list, though the fact that Castillo plays for USA arch-rival Mexico complicates things.

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

IVES- I would find a way to build a few more programs like Bradenton. Ideally you would have one in each section of the country, have one in California, one in Chicago or St. Louis and one in New York/DC/Philly, with Florida serving as the South satellite. I know it should be more up to MLS to help establish academies in this country but having four Bradenton-like programs run by U.S. Soccer would be interesting.

I would also look to invest more money into inner-city programs. I know U.S. Soccer has taken steps in that direction in recent years so that is good news.

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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?

IVES- I can definitely see that. Those who watched the Olympics caught a glimpse of him against Nigeria and realized that he had something good to offer. I could certainly see him in the Dutch league in the near future.

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

IVES- Coca-Cola Championship? Teams or players? A bit of a vague question don't you think? Be more specific in the next Q&A and I promise to answer.

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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.

IVES- Here goes nothing (in no particular order).

• Claudio Reyna
• Landon Donovan
• John O'Brien
• Clint Mathis
• John Harkes
• Brian McBride
• Eddie Pope
• DaMarcus Beasley
• Tab Ramos (born in Uruguay but raised here)
• Eric Wynalda
• Marcelo Balboa

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NELSON- if the U.S. and Peru 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?

IVES- If Peru and the U.S. national team ever meet in the World Cup final I will retire from sports writing. Either that or check into a drug rehab center.

Seriously though, if that happened and I was a journalist covering the event I really couldn't root for either. If I weren't a journalist I would probably go USA, but not be too upset if Peru won because it would mean so much for the country. Let's be honest though, Peru isn't close to even qualifying for the World Cup these days so it's a pipe dream.

As for getting a job covering an MLS team at a newspaper, good luck. Newspapers are struggling all over so finding a gig in that field is tougher than finding a U.S. national team goalkeeper with hair.

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RANDALL- 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?

IVES- Sounds like you already know who they are based on the names you already mentioned. I'll have to do a piece on this subject soon.

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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.

IVES- I don't think it's a case of Americans not trying to go there. I think the problem is there is enough talent down there already so why would those teams come here looking for players? I do think style of play is a factor, but I just don't think there's a big need. It's not just the USA either. I don't know of many English, Dutch, German, or Italian players making their way to Argentina and Brazilian leagues.

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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

IVES- Kljestan could have moved this window but it sounds as though the offers made for him were too low. As for Arena, if he really has full control then I can see him turning things around.

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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?

IVES- I heard from some very reliable sources that Noonan wanted no part of a Revs return and the feeling was obviously mutual. I really don't know why. Hopefully someone gets that out of him, assuming he wants to get into it.

As for Cristman, I've never been sold on him. That said, he was showing signs this year before the season-ending injury.

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DAN FLYNN- 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.

IVES- Oh boy.

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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

IVES- This question made my head hurt. Seriously though, I think the addition of more teams have made the regular season more important because you have more teams vying for playoff slots.

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McINTOSH- Are rumors of Sylvain Wiltord to NYRB true?

IVES- Not that I heard.

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

IVES- Okay, in no particular order:

• Fernando Torres
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• Wayne Rooney
• Luca Toni
• David Villa
• Ruud van Nistelrooy
• Lionel Messi
• Didier Drogba
• Karim Benzema
• Robinho

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ADAMSOCCER- Will the NY Red Bulls try to get Sylvain Wiltord?

IVES- No.

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MIKE K- 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?

IVES- 1. No (Now the Western Conference final is another story).

2. Yes (ask me after their playoff drawing because they won't beat Italy in that group)

3. Yes (ask me after the draw)

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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?

IVES- Very good question. That sounds like a very good idea, something FSC or ESPN Classic could do with ease. I agree with you that allowing fans to watch old games would help boost interest. We don't have to go way, way back. heck, I'd love to watch USA-Mexico and USA-Germany from the 2002 World Cup (I never did watch them on TV after being at both games). I would also love to see the qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago where Paul Caligiuri scored the crucial goal to send USA through to the 1990 World Cup).

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IVES- Hey Yossarian, I think the restrictions in place are meant to control the growth of the system. MLS is almost always about doing things at a measured pace, rather than swinging the gates open and letting a free-for-all happen. From what I know, a lot of the restrictions are supposed to be slowly removed as all teams establish their academies. I do agree that the national team and U.S. Soccer in general needs MLS teams to have their academies be fully functional and good at finding and developing talent. I believe that day is coming.

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Comments

[fig]

"IVES- If you meant the Americans Abroad section, the definition has been player who were born and raised in the United States."

=============================================

I'm not sure why someone needs to have been born and raised in the U.S. to be considered an American.
I didn't live in the U.S. until I was 17, but the only passport I ever carried was and American one.
By your definition, Quentin Westberg is not an American abroad.

[Ricky]

Ives, do you think the San Jose Earthquakes will make the playoffs and if so why?

[Ives]

Fair enough Fig, if you're the son of an American parent or parents who doesn't happen to live in the USA then yes you are American. I was thinking more of people who really had meager ties to the USA, like Jemal Johnson, whose family I believe was from the Caribbean but he happened to be born in Jersey and spent some early years here.

Ultimately, there's no easy definition. What I do know is that just because someone chooses not to represent the United States on the national team doesn't somehow change their status as an American.

[Soto]

"IVES- Very good question. That sounds like a very good idea, something FSC or ESPN Classic could do with ease. I agree with you that allowing fans to watch old games would help boost interest. We don't have to go way, way back. heck, I'd love to watch USA-Mexico and USA-Germany from the 2002 World Cup (I never did watch them on TV after being at both games). I would also love to see the qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago where Paul Caligiuri scored the crucial goal to send USA through to the 1990 World Cup)."

I agree that this is a great idea. Beyond showing classic US National Team games, I would love to see classic international games. Some of the World Cup games of the '70s would be great to see. I was not around when they took place, so I never experience those games, of which I have heard so many great stories.

[fig]

I get what you're saying, Ives. Thanks for the response.

IMHO, I think that as long as a player abroad is:
a) eligible to play for the USMNT
and
b) has not ruled out playing for the USMNT,
then he should be considered an American abroad.

[Ryan]

Whatever happened to your info on why Jozy wasn't brought into camp this time?

[Hincha Tim]

Americans don't play in Brazil or Argentina because if they're good enough to play in the first division there, than they could make more money playing in Europe (or the MLS). One USMNT player actually did play in Brazil a few years back (but can't remember who it was off the top of my head).

[northzax]

while I agree that having MLS teams more involved in player development is crucial for the league, I think the real future has to come from USSoccer. I know that DCU's teams are only U-16, U-18 right now (looking for a new U-15 now for next year's U-16). That's too late, really. it needs to be at U-12 or so to start looking for talent. and you're right, there need to be more of them, DC has around 50 players in the system, I assume other academies like NYRB are about the same. so that's what, 350 total U-16's getting this level of coaching and exposure? we need to triple that number. I think the new USSF academy system will help (as will places like Friedel's academy in Cleveland, I bet that won't be the last of such residential places)

now, developing professional coaches. The good thing is that we have our first real generation of international caliber players with international experience beginning to reach retirement age. (read: Jones, Cobi; McBride, Brian, etc) They understand the US system, they understand MLS. I think Cobi will be a head coach in MLS within two seasons, for instance. we also have a generation of players who have serious time in MLS, and can move into training roles. So that's coming, too.

so with that, what current US player (or player in the US now) do you see as a manager in the next few years?

[silent e]

I seem to recall that perhaps during or right after WC06 ESPN Classic did show some old WC games. Am I crazy or does someone else remember this?

[Pico]

Ives,

On my commute on Metro North I noticed some kids playing football in a lot in East Harlem. It reminded me that the sport is really from the inner city and totally organic.

My 6-year old daughter participated in a Red Bulls camp in the suburbs this past summer and all she talks about now is NYRB. It got me thinking that the team should really build more of a presence in the boroughs, at least to get some mind share and maybe win the hearts of the large immigrant population.

Cheers

[Pico]

On a side note, I recently volunteer to help coach my girl's football team and I was wondering if you know of any website not associated with USSoccer that provides training materials.

And just in case, Y Dale U.

[mikeK]

Thanks for answering Ives.

I'm not seeing Italy falling either. They overcame a tricky game at Cyprus... Just ask us Irish from the euro qualifiers =(

I'm hoping we will, but I'm looking at the list of potential opponents in a playoff... There's some decently strong teams hanging out in second place. That's scary to me...

[Lloyd Heilbrunn]

Regarding the question about non-naturalized Americans. Dooley was not naturalized, he was American from the day he was born.

[txsoccer]

Ives, I don’t know if anyone else here is interested but can you shed some light on High Def soccer broadcasting in this country. While I understand it is simply impossible for ESPN to broadcast some matches like the previous two U.S. qualifiers from Cuba and Guatemala in High Def due to logistical issues and the lack of technology available in those decrepit stadiums, I do not see how qualifiers / friendlies played here in the U.S. in some of the most advanced stadiums in the world are still frequently broadcast in standard def.

The same can be said for Fox Soccer Channel. Any idea when we can expect FSC to offer an HD feed. Again, I know its easier said than done when it comes to South American games for example, but what about the EPL & Seria A or CONCACAF qualifiers / friendlies taking place right here in the US? If you live in Europe and can watch an EPL or Champions League game in High Def via SKY HD, why are FSC and ESPN unable to utilize the same feed?

ESPN / ABC had no problem the past two major competitions broadcasting every match in HD here in the states while coincidently capturing their highest soccer ratings ever. When can we expect games to be broadcast in High Def on a more regular basis here in the states?

[MacAbuser]

DJ Countess played in Argentina.

[Ted]

1) Americans have played in Brazil and Argentina before. Cobi Jones and DJ Countess (mentioned above) come to mind.

2) One of the biggest reasons you don't see Americans there, besides obvious playing style differences, is that both countries have very strict foreign player rules.

[Brant]

There have also been a few Americans play in other South American leagues, too. Mark Schulte in Chile springs to mind.

[KingSnake]

Garber, Gazidis and Machnik have been entrenched (like cancer) in MLS for a good 10 years each. When do you see them being replaced, and by who?

[Mike]

Chase Hilgenbrinck played in Chile. The reason why you don't see more Americans playing in South America is money, as in a player of the caliber high enough to play in South America could play outside of South America for more money. That's why there are a lot of South Americans playing outside of South America and few non-South Americans playing there.

[Chris]

Interesting that your top 11 field players includes no outside backs.

[andrew in tampa]

Ives, Wayne Rooney does not belong among the top 10 strikers in the world. Not even close. Have you looked at his game over the last year?

[Ives]

Andrew, I've seen Rooney play plenty of times and while he didn't have the best year I still think he's one of the best in the world and one of the first strikers I'm picking if given the chance to pick strikers from all over the world. Yes, there are others who I could have considered, like Eto'o, Klose, Adebayor and Berbatov, but I still think Rooney is an elite striker. That's just my opinion. You can disagree.

[rob]

For those interested in watching some "Classic" games, ESPN was showing stripped down one hour versions of all of the EURO Finals in the build up before EURO 2008. It was definitely fun to watch for histories sake, and also to see how far the game has come. So those games are out there, and it does seem like ESPN somehow had the rights to some of them, at least the old EURO finals.

[Yossarian]

Thanks Ives,

I appreciate your perspective and I understand that the league is trying to put checks on costs but that's part of what I find so frustrating. A smart baseball team that can't spend as much as the other teams puts all its money into development. The only possible way for us to get inexpensive top talent into the league is to develop it ourselves and, instead of rewarding teams and proving incentives for developing talent, MLS is punishing them and saying, "you can spend all your money trying to develop young talent, but we probably won't let you keep those players." Under that system, would YOU bother investing a lot of money in development?