SBI is heading to LA (It's Q&A Time)

Good afternoon folks. I am on the plane and getting ready to leave for Los Angeles. SBI senior writer Dylan Butler will be keeping you all informed on the news of the day while I make my way to California ahead of Sunday's MLS Cup final.

While I'm flying I figured I could post a new Q&A session. You know the drill. Please feel free to ask your soccer (and other) questions in the comments section below and I will be sure to try and answer them in a prompt manner.

Fire away, and for some of you, see you in LA.

Comments

[tedhill]

1. What is the biggest hurdle or obstacle in the way of Miami/Barcelona being awarded one of the next two expansion franchises?

2. Why is the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs a two legged aggregate series and the rest is just one match? I understand the final being one match, but all other rounds should be either two legs or single matches, not two different formats.

[Stephen]

Hi Ives: The construction of the new parking garage in Harrison has not yet started. Assuming that RBP opens in the fall of next year, where will fans like me (who live in Westchester County, NY) park our cars on gamedays?

[Dannyc58]

Ives,

Any guesses as to whom the 2nd DP for NYRB could be next year?

I'd love Ivan De La Pena.

Your site rules.

-Dan

[Mighty]

Ives!!!!

We made it to the MLS Finals....!!

Now that we secure a Spot on the Finals what changes are we going to need next year so we can compete in all the competitions that the Red bulls will be invited!!!

We saw D.C. United and New England Bomb in each competition... how Can the Red Bulls avoid the Same Fate!!!

P.S. Hope you had a blast in LA..............

Go Red Bulls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[eric]

Ives -

Who is the best keeper in the world right now? Iker Casillas got a lot of nods on the lists of best players in the world, but I think he gives up soft goals for Real Madrid. With Cech and Buffon not at their best, who would it be, and are we just not seeing anyone playing up to the level of say Oliver Kahn in '02 or Buffon in '06?

Cheers!

[tom From Syracuse]

Is there any way you could do a piece on the new Philadelphia MLS team? I heard the groundbreaking is soon (if not already). I don't know if there is much to write on yet, but I've heard some players (Convey) that are originally of Philly would want to return to play for them. Any insight?

[BP]

Who will have more success in the Bundesliga: Donovan or Bradley? Will either manage to wear a captain's armband as McBride did for Fulham?

[Ryan]

What do you think of the Sounders playing at Qwest as opposed to a SSS? They control revenue from their matches, but they don't get all the revenue from other events (concerts, etc.). Also, does it set a bad precedent after MLS seemed ready to stick to a policy of needing a SSS or a plan for one. Now we have Miami hoping to play at the FIU stadium.

[A.S.]

Landon Donovan to Munich. Assuming he goes (who know, by the time the question is answered we might already know -- just kidding!), will he get regular playing time? Even if Podolski leaves, they still have Toni and Klose as strikers, Schweinsteiger and Ribery on the wings, and several good central midfielders. Might be a difficult situation for him, even if he has a relationship with the coach. I'd like to see it, just to see how he performs at the very top level, but the collection of great players at BM worries me for his playing time.

[Islandic]

Can you list 5 American players out of MLS that you feel or predict will be heading to Europe come January?

[wendel]

with the emergence of danny cepero do you think he will keep the starting goalkeeper position for ny or will conway get it back once his suspension is over?

[eric]

PS - What is the definitive pronunciation of your last name?

[Jake]

How do you think the Miami franchise would fare if they get a team? They'd be in the FIU stadium that will hold 45,000 by the time the club takes the field, in a market that struggles to support the pro teams it already has and would be playing in absolutely brutal heat. How many fans will sit through a match in extreme heat and humidity considering the Marlins say their poor attendance is partly due to the obsene summer heat and humidity?

[Kevin]

Hey Ives. Brillant site as usual. My question is why is Pepe Reina underrated? I understand he has not won a CL but was runner-up in 07 and has been far off from winning the Premier League but he keeps the most cleansheets in the league. He won the Golden Gloves for the past three years straight. And if it were not for Casillas, he would be Spain's no.1. What do you think? Why hasn't he gotten the respect he deserves?

[sawatsky]

Who would you like to see Bob Bradley call in for the usual January camp, assuming he again takes a look at players on the fringe of the National Team pool? (I.e., assume no Howard, Guzan, Gooch, Boca, Dolo, Pearce, Califf, Demerit, Orozco, Beez, Bradley, Edu, Kljestan, Torres, Mastroeni, Dempsey, Donovan, Altidore, Adu, Ching.)

Seems there is popular sentiment for Davies, Cooper, Marshall, Rogers, Szetela, and Holden. Any lesser-hyped players you think are deserving? Beckerman? Jewsbury? SBI-fave J. White? Whitbread? Or Hernandez from SJ?

[Randall]

Who are the most likely from the USMNT pool to move from MLS to Europe during the upcoming window, and what teams/leagues do you predict they will sign with?

[Will]

Matt Pickens to the Galaxy this offseason. It makes too much sense for it to happen right? Also, who could possibly be available for the Galaxy to sign or trade for and use as the defensive midfielder the desperately need?

[magichat]

Should Dempsey stay with Fulham? He's sure to get the start against Liverpool this weekend and should be part of the startin XI for some time. Now should he stick with Fulham and show his talent or head to Holland or Germany?

[A.S.]

Stephen: what, you're not considering Metro North to Grand Central, Shuttle train to Times Square, N/R to 33rd Street, PATH to Journal Square, second PATH train to Harrison? (And the reverse on the way home.)

[gaucho]

Congrats on the award nominations for the blog--well deserved. How has your reporting changed now that a sizable portion of your time is devoted to the blog? Do you think that you'll ever go essentially full-time with the blog? What has surprised you the most from getting the blog going? What changes should we expect in 2009?

I know that's four questions, but I think you get the thrust of what I'm interested in.

[bubblehouse]

Would you agree that by the time world cup rolls around Charlie Davies will be the super sub and Freddy Adu with his lack of playing time will not even make the team.

Who will make the NCAA Basketball final four? Since Louisville is a given please list the other 3 teams.

[Jeff]

Do you think Spurs sticks with Gomes or does Harry sign a new keeper in January? Also, do you think Harry makes another big signing, most notably to play defensive midfield (Xavi has been rumored)? COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!!!

[Jack]

1. What are the odds of Truth and Consequences, New Mexico getting an MLS team?

[Geoff]

Ives,

Thanks for the excellent work that you always do. My question is a simple one really. Do you think the Red Bulls will use Claudio Reyna's DP slot next season on someone else? That's assuming they still have it and with Henry describing his love for NYC it almost sounds like a perfect fit and with the new stadium opening (knock on wood). I know Del Piero has been linked as well.

[Steal Your Sounders]

Everyone always asks the 5 players most likely to go overseas so I will reverse and ask the 5 most likely to come home.

[Reid]

Ives, what is the word out of redbull country when talking about the new stadium? Do you think it will bring same amount or more people, or do you see it selling out with consistency.

I'm hoping they do sell out, so it might light a fire under the Revs ownership to get them a new stadium.

[magichat]

For the Ballon d'or and FIFA World Player, who are in your top10 for consideration? Mine are

no.1 Ronaldo (deserves it)
no. Messi (amazing play he has recovered this season)
no.3 Fernando Torres (hit 24 goals in 33 games for Liverpool and scored winning goal at euro2008)
no.4 Iker Casillas
no.5 Rio Ferdinand
no.6 Steven Gerrard
no.7 David Villa
no.8 Samuel Eto'o
no.9 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
no.10 Van der Sar

[Wispy]

Hey Ives -- hope you win the USSoccer best Blog, you totally deserve it.

One question: why doesn't Bradley ever call in players from lesser known leagues that could provide depth at forward, which we desperately need? Good example is Ryan Guy in Ireland -- good young player, playing 90 just about every game and got some early round UEFA Cup games under his belt this year. If players like Davy Arnaud and Conor Casey are getting into camps (no knock on them) seems like players like Guy in Ireland and Matt Taylor in 2.Bundesliga should be given a shot, especially in the January camp.

[Dillon]

We've seen people throwing their proposals for a US hosted World Cup all over the internet. If the US were to host the 2018 or 2022 WC, do you think they would use a pod system (possibly 4 pods of 3 cities with 2 groups assigned to each pod)? What cities do you think would host? Who hosts the finals, semifinals? This may not be Q&A material because it's too long, but I'm just curious how you would imagine or expect a US WC to be hosted.

[analyzethiswasabadfilmorwasit]

Should McBride have stayed at Fulham for this season? Or did he make the right decision coming home? Financially he should have stayed but with his aging might be better on his body to have come back. What do you think of Andy Johnson? Has he won over the fans and made them forget McBride or is he on his way?

[usafan2010]

1. What do you think about MLS prospects/standouts Chris Tierney, Michael Parkhurst, Sean Franklin and Joe Cannon being added to the USA pool(23 man roster) for 2010.

2. What do you think about these signings over the break: Giancarlo Maldonado joining Venezuelan teammates at NYRB, Osei Telesford joining the TFC midfield, Rodolfo Zelaya adding more depth to DC and Bruno Marioni adding flair to HOU.

[Freddy]

What the hell happened to Jimmy Conrad's international career? I realize Kansas City wasn't the best team this season, but we was a major contributor with all those goals he scored. I realize he's no Bocanegra or Gooch, but am I the only one who hasn't forgot the game he had against Mexico a little while back when he shut Borgetti down?

[arena futbol]

We SBI readers are suckers for the Next Great Player, so can you please get someone to give us some good reliable coverage of younger US players -- U-20 and U-17 teams, and guys starting off professionally outside of MLS? We want some informed opinions on the relative merits of Ferrari v. Bernardo, Renken v. Gil, Saad v. McInerney, Arguez v. Jeffrey, etc.

[Steve]

Ives,
Buzz at 3rd degree reported ( http://www.3rddegree.net/2008/11/end-of-reserve-league/ ) that the reserve division may be cancelled and developmental roster trimmed by 4 in the new CBA. Reasons cited were travel and salary costs. Is this more posturing or a possible reality? If it happens, would you think clubs would restructure in a more cost-efficient manner, like pitting their reserves and youth against local PDL clubs?

[Brant]

We hear a lot of potential expansion markets talk about how big their local soccer-participant base is (x number of kids playing locally, x number of leagues, etc).
How much does that actually translate into turnstile count for teams at the gate?

I ask because I know a LOT of soccer players that enjoy playing, but don't watch much, whether on TV or live, regardless of the league. It's a recreation for them, but not a real fan-team relationship.

[analyzethiswasabadfilmorwasitr]

Expansion to 20teams by 2013 and then cut off while USL expansion and growth can be addressed ? How does that sound to you? Which 4 of the following makes economic sense for a franchise team? Montreal?Vancouver?St.Louis?Miami? Portland? New York? Atlanta?

I doubt New York will get a 2nd team as already the Red Bulls have sloppy play and low attendance. Let them grow. Same with Atlanta. I believe St.Louis, Miami, Portland and Vancouver make the best candidates.

[Daniel frm Dallas]

Kind of simple, hopefully not to vague, question.

Who are the best players (in the EPL) not on the big 4 (Ars, ManU, Che, Liv)?

Maybe another way to ask is who do the Big 4 want, or wouldn't mind having, but can't for different reasons?

Enjoy the site.

[HomeyBoehme]

Have you seen any signs of the global credit crunch directly affecting the MLS? Do you think this will be a relatively tame transfer window (MLS and globally) due to the financial mess?

[Brant]

Any chance an American buys Newcastle United?

[YesIamMe]

Should Hollywood create some massive PR for the 2010 World Cup or at least for our national team? Do you see People/Entertainment Weekly or even Seventeen magazine doing some photshoots or articles to increase interest and appeal to at least younger fans with interviews with Bradley or Altidore.

[YesIamMe]

Should Eddie Johnson have transfered to a team in say Holland or Germany? I mean EPL is the best and brightest but i'd wish for some of our international players to try and work near the bottom or mid level and then climb to the top. Some are great and can match the top level like Dempsey or Bocanegra, but EJ should have gone for something easier.

[Conor]

Ives, love the Site. I was a big New England fan until moving to the West Coast and Andy Dorman was a favorite of mine.
His last year I remember he got his green card and that he was also ineligible to play for Wales. So - would there be any interest from either side to have him play for the US? Is that even possible? I always thought he was tremendously underrated.

Thanks,

Conor

[luis]

what are the chances of the galaxy replacing donovan with maybe a young mexican star like nery

[Javier]

First of all, I want to commend you on the way you've captured the Red Bulls' historical run, from late in the playoffs, all the way until now. It's crazy to think we're not getting that from a major media outlet, but SBI is a more than adequate alternative.

Anyway, what is your take on Jaime Moreno's time with Metro? I know many fans hate him even more than they otherwise would because he wasn't an impact player, but Bob Bradley didn't really seem to have an issue with him. Was it just bad luck with injuries, or is there actually a reason for fans to be pissed off at him (other than him being a DC legend)?

Also, true or false: Lil Wayne is wildly overrated as a rapper.

[Fragilenack]

Who are the top10 highest paid footballers in England based on weekly wages not on endoresements and who are the top 10 in Germany or Spain?

[garg0yle]

What the hell happened to HBO? They were absolutely killing it with The Wire, Sopranos, and Six Feet Under. Not to mention Curb Your Enthusiasm and Extras on the comedy side. Even Deadwood, Rome and Big Love were much better than most of TV. Generation Kill was amazing, but brief. But now it's a wasteland over there. Entourage is still limping along, but the rest is crap. Can you fix this?

[Brant]

Is there a reason that Hispanic population percentage seems to be a mandatory pre-requisite for expansion franchises? It's not like the MLS is a Hispanic-only league or something. Milwaukee and Rochester aren't exactly over-flowing with Hispanic population, but have consistently supported their teams.
Does focusing on the Hispanic market give the mainstream sports fan yet another excuse to ignore soccer? "Oh, that's that *Hispanic* sport..."
I know that's not the reality of MLS players or fans, but is that a potentially dangerous perception to the non-soccer fan?

[Jeff]

When is KC going to be folded and the franchise put in a city that supports soccer?

[dr dcr vcr]

Who gets promoted to the EPL next year, if its not Reading like you said in the last Q&A? Who are the five best players in the the English football league (Championship, League 1, and League 2) right now (do not include any players that are on loan from EPL teams)?

[BFBS]

Ok, the election is over but if the presidential and vice-presidential candidates were soccer players who would they be? Here is what I think: Obama = Zlatan Ibrahimovic - a precocious talent with a funny name by his home country's standards. Biden = Jimmy Bullard, both JBs have bags of quality but both are capable of an occasional undisciplined gaffe resulting in a counterattack. Both probably are in love with their hair. John McCain = before this campaign, Brian McBride (an inspirational character), during the campaign, Taylor Twellman (lots of whining), starting with concession speech, Brian McBride. Sarah Palin=Marco Materazzi, both accused their opponents of associating with terrorists (in Marco's case, I know he claims to have said something else) while on the biggest of stages.

Bonus: Joe the Plumber=Paul Konchesky (have you ever seen Joe the Plumber as a spectator at the Cottage?)

[CACuzcatlan]

Who is the 2nd best player in the world (I'm assuming you'll agree with me in saying that Ronaldo is the best right now)

[Fragilenack]

Out of our likely striker pool who do you see starting and who are on the bench at the World Cup? I believe Bradley will take 4 or 5 strikers, who do you think?

Landon Donovan
Jozy Altidore
Charlie Davies
Kenny Cooper
Brian Ching
Eddie Johnson

[Brant]

Recently, the MLS league office talked about referees being assigned by US Soccer, and not by the league directly. How does that jive with the fact that several of those officials are supposed to be on MLS payroll as full-time officials?

[Fragilenack]

Danny Califf? How is he doing at his new team in Denmark? What's the news on Bocanegra? I know he is starting XI for Rennes but is he getting some praise? Any idea of where Gooch will head to in the transfer window? Will Adu ever start for Monaco?

[Douglas]

Is Tristan Bowen the standard for the level players need to be at to get signed from the developmental academy, or are there other factors that came into play in his situation? Is he a better signing than Exantus or Kassel would've been?

[Fragilenack]

Where do you see MLS in 2011? 15 years after the league has begun? Do you see MLS having grown? Should every team have their own stadium? How do you see MLS in 2016?

[Adam]

Thanks for the site Ives...Great job!

As we sit here in late November, a lot has happened since the MLS expansion bids were proposed. Details about the Barca and Miami bid have been in the news a lot and the Pujols investment in a St. Louis franchise came out recently. My questions is how much effect do these reports have on the process and how do you see this playing out? All of us here in South Florida and giddy with anticipation over an MLS franchise in Miami. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[Brant]

What steps could/should MLS/USSF take to improve the quality of officiating in the league? They did manage to get rid of Erich Simmons, but I've yet to see a well-officiated game out of Ricardo Salazar, and the evenly-controlled game seems to be an exception rather than the rule?
And given that MLS seems to appreciate head-scratching referee decisions, how long before they hire Rob Styles away from the EPL as the foreign expert to "help"?

[HenrikSuperSwedishWarrior]

Who do you believe will host the 2018 World Cup? I'm going with England. While it would be cool if Australia or Russia won i doubt they have much of a chance same with Holland/Belgium. I figure Spain/Portugal have a great chance against England. And China? Zero chance. Now i would like the USA to fore-go 2018 and just be assured of hosting 2022?

[kemps villa]

Possible names for the 2009 Generation adidas class? Also, your top ten prospects (including your possible 09 GA class members) for the upcoming MLS SuperDraft?

[Steve Nash]

You have just been awarded and MLS expansion franchise. What is your strategy for building your roster?

[Marc]

Do the Red Bulls have any allocation money remaining from the Jozy transfer or was it completely squandered due to the poor mid-season acquisitions of Pietravallo, Rojas and Cichero?

[HenrikSuperSwedishWarrior]

5 best coaches in MLS? Who do you think would have a great chance of coaching abroad?

[Chrös]

Hello Ives,

I really enjoy the site and Q&A is one of my favorite threads. Usually I have a question all thought of but then I've forgotten it by the time you ask for more. Not this time: I just thought of this about half an hour ago!

Who do you think are the 10 best field players from North America right now? It struck me this morning that I really have no idea how good the better players in Mexico, Canada etc., are in comparison to Landon, Dempsey etc.

[HenrikSuperSwedishWarrior]

If there are a few friendlies arranged for 2009 who should our national team play? Id like for us to play against some decent opposition and also travel to play them? Like say Japan/Saudia Arabia out of Asia, Portugal/Holland/Turkey out of Europe, Cameroon/Egypt out of Africa. who are we likely to play against?

[Weltmeister]

When do you think the World Cup is coming back to the US

[ChowHouns]

What's the best food you've had on one of your MLS stadium trips?

[Brant]

Please, please, please tell me the MLS will NOT expand the playoffs as they start adding more teams. They're already stupid. I hope they don't compound the stupidity. Any chance you can assuage my concerns?

[Joe]

You play the lottery tomorrow and win $500million after taxes. Which existing MLS club do you buy or do you buy a new franchise and if so in what city? Also, who's the first player you go after as a DP with your new club? For the DP, be reasonable, as in, C Ronaldo or Messi are out of the question...

[paulinsaranaclakeny]

Ives,
Is there an email address where fans of the game can write to about getting more covereage on ESPN or ESPN Radio. I'm not looking for an hour long show but maybe the occasional segment about the MLS. Especially around the championship and the playoff semi-finals. Keep up the great work.

[Proud Wetback]

Given that there was an indoor tm in Mexico playing in US league, are we ever see a Mexican team in major league soccer?

[eto'oo]

Ives,

Given that the USMNT has a lack of depth at left and right back, wouldn't it make sense for Bob Brdaley to move one of his defensive midfielders to the back line? It seems like there is a lot of depth there. So wouldn't someone like Edu or Clark be able to fill the role?

[Hammerhead]

Just saw where Spector re-signed with West Ham. Any idea what the opinion of him inside the club is? Obviously good enough to keep him, but is he just an average player, or a regular starter when healthy?

[home-diggety]

Any chance the bundesliga gets off of GolTV and back onto a network people actually get?

[home-diggety]

Who's the biggest jerk you've encountered while covering MLS? Soccer in general?

[Hardest Working Fan]

Are you planning to bring back the Supporters' Views? They were fun!

[Tyler]

If you had the ear of Freddy Adu's manager, agent, mother, or fairy godmother, what would you have them instill in him the idea of "defense"?

[Brant]

Any idea what happened to the Champions World Tour from about 3-4 years ago? It was a big production for a few years, and then sort of disappeared. I know there are still European teams that travel here for exhibitions during the summer, but watching Everton play Columbus is nothing like watching Bayern Munich play Man U.

[Yossarian]

Hey Ives,

Are there any young dark horses for making an impact on the USMNT 2010 World Cup squad (I'm not talking like a Charlie Davies - more like someone we haven't even seen make a roster yet)? Particularly, are there any young central defenders that might make an impact if a Boca/ Gooch goes down or is the cupboard bare of young potential studs at that position (you never hear of any good young guys in those spots except for Subotic (who's not going to sign up) and Califf (who many feel is not actually, well, good).

[Mike]

Recently there was a rumor of Jonathan Steele, the USL-1 MVP this last season joining the Wizards. Any more news to this rumor? Or have you heard anything?

[Isaac]

Thanks for the website Ives. This is the first time of looked forward to coming home since pokemon came on at 4pm.

Whats it going to take for Benny Feilhaber to get back with the national team?

What team in the MLS plays the best possesion soccer in the league?

[Smith]

Is John O'Brien in favor of relegation/promotion? What does he think of a single table?

[Brant]

Tastes Great? Or Less Filling?

[KA]

Any idea what happened to/what is wrong with Benny Feilhaber? After his goal against Mexico it seemed like he had a great future. Now he cannot get off/on to the bench in Denmark.

[Brant]

Assuming Beckham is back and Lando isn't, what's the next move for LA? And when are the fans there going to support the better team in town?

[liverbull]

1. Do you think MLS will consider having games scheduled around International matches next season and beyond?

2.Will MLS have serious talks regarding expanding team rosters to make the league more competitive for CONCACAF Champions league and other international club tournaments?

3. Why doesn't FIFA impose a fine to the MLS for having gridiron markers on the pitch? If football governing bodies can fine club teams for racism, fans running on the pitch and other travesties don't you think having those god damn lines on the pitch tarnishes the game?

4. When are you going to get a podcast or a call in show? RBNY fans need an outlet.

[Austin]

Thanks Ives for taking you're time to answer our questions. It means alot.

1) Who are the top five under 18 prospects for the u.s. that you are anxious to see if they develop upon their promising young talkent

2) Who finishes first in the hex? U.S. or Mexico? and why?

[Frog]

This is a serious question that has been nagging me for seemingly years:

What is that "phone-dialing" noise that you constantly hear on Fox Soccer Channel?

[James]

What are your thoughts on Kamani Hill as a future MNT player? He has disappeared off the radar with Wolfsburg but I am of the opinion that he is a very talented and versatile player. Do you agee and what do you see for him down the road?

[Coop]

Ive's you are the best.

1) Do you think it is inevitable that Espn will pick up the Epl in the next 5 years? and how will they implement it into their already packed weekend schedule?

2)What is the next thing you think Espn will do to expand their soccer coverage? For instance: show two champions league games at the same time like they do Euro or World cup? or maybe pick up some international friendlies...what do you think the next big step will be?

[Rob]

Ives,

When are we going to see "United States Taxpayers" replace AIG on Manchester United's kits?

On a serious note, do you think Bob Bradley is going to be taking his top squad to the Confederations Cup this summer? I've already bought my tickets as I'll be studying abroad that and am pretty pumped to see them play against some top class sides.

[Karen]

Ives,

Thanks for answering my question. Now that the CONCACAF Champions League is in full swing, should Superliga experience a quiet death or is there still room for it, perhaps as a CONCACAF poor man’s version of the UEFA Europa League (a.k.a. UEFA Cup)?

Comment
I’ve been a big fan of the Superliga tournament and have enjoyed the spirited play among the clubs participating in it (even if some of them have demonstrated poor sportsmanship at times as well). Next year, only two of the MLS teams – the Columbus Crew and Houston Dynamo – appear to do the CL/Superliga “double dip”. Still, MLS clubs do not appear to have the roster depth to legitimately compete in all three tournaments let alone four of them (MLS league, US Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League and Superliga).

[Tim F.]

Ives,

Great site and reporting! You definitely deserve the best soccer blog award (and you did last year as well).

Besides the Cinderella run of New York, what do you think are this year’s top stories in MLS? For me, one of them is the fact that MLS current roster restrictions and salary cap prevent its member clubs to have sufficient roster depth to be among the top teams competing in CL and Superliga. As a follow up question, what changes (if any) should MLS implement next year so that the league has a better showing internationally?

[Philip]

Ives,

Do you think Bob Bradley should have selected Charlie Davies and Jeremiah White for the Guatemala friendly? What might Bob be waiting for to give these young players a competitive CAP opportunity like Jozy, Adu and Sasha and even Sean Franklin are getting?

[Brant]

Are there any more entertaining live-bloggers of game matches than the guys over The Guardian? I regularly get odd looks from the rest of the office laughing out loud at their zingers. It's soooooo much better than 90% of the commentary we get on US sports.

[Art]

Ives,

What did you think of Don Garber’s State of the League address this year? What topics were not addressed by the Commissioner but should have been?

Keep up the great work!

[Jim]

As always, great site Ives! Any update on the RBNY practice facility?

[Rich]

Ives,

Which players left unprotected by their clubs in the MLS expansion (and/or not traded in advance of the Expansion draft) surprised you? Also, how well did Seattle do in the expansion draft? (I’m assuming you will answer the two questions after the draft takes place; if before, please let me know who you think Seattle will pick based on the players you think will be left unprotected).

[William]

Ives,

There appear to be many strong candidates for 2011 MLS expansion and the Wilpons didn’t even submit a bid (yet). When do you think the next expansion application deadline will be and for what year and for how many teams/cities will expansion be targeted?

Thanks for doing this!!!

[Jacob A.]

Any more buzz about Renken to Arsenal been heard from the deeper sides of US Soccer that the normal ear cant hear?