Soccer Forum - Blogs http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php SoccerForum.Com is a free web forum dedicated to the discussion of Soccer, Soccer Equipment and more! en Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:54:11 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.soccerforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Soccer Forum - Blogs http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php Blogs up to Aug 14 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=83 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:02:57 GMT Safina Wins Montreal, Us Open Series, Wozniacki Wins First Title in Sweden! By D . ~{X}~ . K (http://www.tennisforum.com/blog.php?b=10900) My... Safina Wins Montreal, Us Open Series, Wozniacki Wins First Title in Sweden! By D . ~{X}~ . K

My Ultimate Chelsea XI: Midfielders by gr8-1

The Misappropriation of Avoiding by DRPUGILIST

WWF DVD King Of The Ring 1994 Review by HBKBretHart

WWF DVD Survivor Series 2001 Review by HBKBretHart

Hulk Hogan - Could He Have Drawn For ECW ? by Destiny

Bret Hart vs Owen Hart WrestleMania 10 Match Review by HBKBretHart ]]> truebluefan http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=83 My Ultimate Chelsea XI: Midfielders http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=82 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:41:36 GMT So far the team comprises of a reliably spectacular goalkeeper in Carlo Cudicini. There's the attack minded right back of Dan Petrescu. In front of Cudicini there's the solid pairing of John Terry, who broke through the academy to captain both club and his country, and Marcel Desailly one of the all time greats. At left Back there's one of the best left backs English football has seen..........and his preferred position is central defence! William Gallas completes the back 4.

Previously:

Defenders: http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=80

Goalkeeper: http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=77

Introduction: http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=70


Midfielders:

This is probably the hardest position to decide on when it comes to Chelsea players. There are many different types of Midfielders and luckily Chelsea have never been short of qualities in the midfield area.

A defensive midfielder is essential in any team. Chelsea have had one of the best ever in that role, (hell they even named the role after the guy) Claude Makelele, the pioneer of the "makelele role" would be in the Oxford dictionary if they ever recognised defensive midfielder as a phrase.

He gave Chelsea 5 wonderous seasons, and was the unsung hero in the back to back title years. Unfortunately in terms of longevity, Dennis Wise doubles 5 to a decade. Plus some .....um many more goals than makelele. Wise may not be a nail on defensive midfielder but he would have to sacrifice his play in my team. This was the hardest choice, but Dennis Wise edges out Makelele. If it's any consolation Makelele is the first on the bench.

Similarly (actually probably more so) to the Wise vs Makelele battle, there is the battle between the goalscoring midfielders. Frank Lampard vs Gus Poyet.
This one is probably easier to decide. Poyet scored goals but also had some problems with injuries. While Lampard never knew how to spell the word until last season when almost all the squad was struck down. And for pure goals amount, Lampard owns most Chelsea strikers, let alone midfielders. He goes on the right of the midfield diamond. (you'll see why later on)

One thing I notice from the team is the lack of pace, so let's change that right now.
Speed demons to wear the blue of Chelsea are Zenden, Duff, Joe Cole (who really isnt as fast, but probably more creative).

As good as Duff and Joe Cole are, the two wingers I am looking at are Arjen Robben and Jesper Gronkjaer. Gronkjaer misses out. Electrifying pace meant anytime Gronkjaer ran people stood up. But usually what he did afterwards, people sat back down. He simply was too inconsistent. Robben meanwhile was one of the classiest wingers the premierleague has seen. Injuries restricted him from really being a great, and opponents took notice of this by kicking him out of games. But Robben's given his credit here. He makes the team on the left of the midfield diamond.

And for the front of the diamond, I know Lampard would be the logical choice, but the reason he's on the right is because this person just can't be left out of any Chelsea team. Wether it be greatest players or most handsome even.
His position is a conundrum. He was never an out and out striker, but he was never a midfielder either. He's played up front, left mid, behind the strikers.........and well thats where he goes here, behind the strikers.

Enough of the long introduction.....I'm sure everyone figured it out after the 1st sentence, of course I'm talking about the little magician Gianfranco Zola. Such is the grace of this player, sometimes he was too good for his own good. Managers often left him out and didnt know how to fit him in. I'm not gonna do that. The first player I ever got on the back of a chelsea shirt in 1999. (See I am sentimental) was Zola's. So he completes the midfield.

so here we are:

-----------------Cudicini-------------

Petrescu----Terry----Desaily----Gallas

 ------------------Wise------------------

 Lampard---------Zola-----------Robben

------------????--------????------------

Next week is the finale of My Ultimate Chelsea XI. Which strikers get in? Chris Sutton, maybe?
And also I will unveil the bench for my ultimate XI. (Players who didnt quite make it but deserve a mention anyway)
 ]]> gr8-1 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=82 Blogs up to aug 6 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=81 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:24:52 GMT Jazz Editorial: Roster Moves by unluckyseventeen (http://www.basketballforum.com/blog.php?b=235) Potential team names revealed for Oklahoma City by... Jazz Editorial: Roster Moves by unluckyseventeen

Potential team names revealed for Oklahoma City by stupendous

Safina Wins L.A., Errani Wins Second Title in Slovenia! By D . ~{X}~ . K

My Ultimate Chelsea XI: Defenders. By gr8-1

Cotto-Margarito Review by NFFC

The True Meaning of the Word "Great" in Boxing by The Executioner

Affliction Banned A huge success by mrmyz

The King of Kings by mrmyz

ECW Review For Tuesday 22nd July 2008 by Kanefan4E

WWE Backlash 2008 Review by Edgehead2000

Great American Bash 1996 Review by Jack Evans 187

WWE Judgment Day 2008 Review by Edgehead2000

WWE Great American Bash 2008 Review by Edgehead2000

John Cenas Life Story by MrKennedy666

UPDATE: Icon is Going Pro!!! By Icon™

WWE DVD Judgement Day 2008 Review by HBKBretHart

John Cena's WWE Belt can Go! By Foz ]]> truebluefan http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=81 My Ultimate Chelsea XI: Defenders. http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=80 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:11:10 GMT Previously on Ultimate Chelsea XI: Gr8-1 looked at the goalkeepers. In the end it came down to a straight battle between Carlo Cudicini and Petr... Previously on Ultimate Chelsea XI:
Gr8-1 looked at the goalkeepers. In the end it came down to a straight battle between Carlo Cudicini and Petr Cech, In a somewhat surprising move Gr8-1 chose to pick Cudicini for his millions of memorable special saves, as oppose to the reliability, solidity and brilliance of Petr Cech.

Goalkeepers: http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=77

Introduction: http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=70

-------------------------------------------

And now Gr8-1 presents: the defenders.

Strikers may get all the headlines. They get to celebrate when they score, Defenders unfortunately would look silly if they put their shirts over their head and started running around after a last ditch tackle. However their contribution is just as essential. Chelsea have been blessed in the defenders list:

Right Back = No contest. Dan Petrescu gets in. He could play as a winger, or a wing back. Defending was not his only job. The guy scored goals (and aesthetically good goals at that too) and he set up team mates for goals aplenty. While he may be one of English football's most under-rated players, Chelsea fans always appreciate his contribution and love for the team, and he even named his daughter Chelsea!!!! (now thats dedication)
On a side note, honourable mention for Albert Ferrer and Mario Melchiot.

Centre Defence: Really 4 defenders stick to mind. Marcel Desailly, William Gallas, Frank Lebouef and of course the most successful Chelsea captain ever John Terry.
Terry's position is almost certain, he's won trophies, and is one of the few players to come out of the Chelsea youth system in the premierleague years and really reach the top. For that reason he is to be treasured.
The other choices are slightly hard. William Gallas was maybe our best ever gifted defender. He was technically and naturally good. He could also play left back, he hated it, but thats where he goes in my team. Sorry Le Saux.

The final centre half position is between two frenchmen. Marcel Desailly is one of the greatest ever. He Joined Chelsea at a time when many thought he was "passed it". Well he gave Chelsea many good years. Lebeouf meanwhile was probably more notorious for his long range Bullet shots that made Jon Arne Riise's shots look like pellets. That is reason enough to pick Lebeouf, but I'm going to go for the solidity and legacy of Marcel Desailly.

So a we stand the team looks like this:

-----------------Cudicini-------------

Petrescu----Terry----Desaily----Gallas

 ------------------????------------------

 ----????---------????--------------????

------------????--------????------------

Now is when its gonna get tough, tune in next week to find out the midfielders in my Ultimate Chelsea XI ]]> gr8-1 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=80 Network blogs July 23 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=78 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:05:00 GMT Jazz Editorial: Summer League by unluckyseventeen (http://www.basketballforum.com/blog.php?b=233) Wozniack, Parmentier Win Titles in Stanford, Bad... Jazz Editorial: Summer League by unluckyseventeen

Wozniack, Parmentier Win Titles in Stanford, Bad Gastein! By D . ~{X}~ . K

My Ultimate Chelsea XI: Goalkeepers by gr8-1

Super Saturday by mrmyz

WWE Backlash 2007 Review by Edgehead2000

WWE Night of Champions 2008 Review by Edgehead2000

WWE Survivor Series 2007 Review by Edgehead2000

Great American Bash 2008 Review by CERB3RUS

Great American Bash 2008 Review by Heat

Great American Apathy by -Sambo Italiano- ]]> truebluefan http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=78 My Ultimate Chelsea XI: Goalkeepers http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=77 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:06:16 GMT Firstly my apologies, as this blog has been much delayed. Time just flies by ever quickly. I know the wait has been pain-staking, and if you havent... Firstly my apologies, as this blog has been much delayed. Time just flies by ever quickly.
I know the wait has been pain-staking, and if you havent already read my previous blog (titled Ultimate Chelsea XI: Introduction) then I'm afraid you ought to wait a little longer and go read that first.

http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=70

--------------------------------------------

And so the first edition of my new blog series, ultimate chelsea XI is well and truly underway.

***cue cool fireworks display and loud cheering and applause***

The first order of business is to determine a no1, the goalkeeper!

As is likely to be the pattern for the upcoming blogs, this will look at all possible choices before choosing the undisputed choice.

And when it comes to Chelsea goalkeepers, really there are only 3; Ed De Goey, Carlo Cudicini and Petr Cech. Ed De Goey = good keeper who did well for Chelsea, and unfortunately that is not enough to catapult him over the other two, So we're left with Cudicini and Cech.

Petr Cech is the bravest Goalkeeper there is, having been beat up more than any wwe jobber. Yet he gets up and continues to perform at a high level. He is an allround talented keeper. He is up there with the best of the shot-stoppers and in presence he is as imposing as a poltergeist.

Petr is also often criticised by peasants who know no better, The main criticism being he is weak on crosses?

I'm gonna address that.........now, This criticism reminds me of the criticism that often got thrown at the great Peter Schmeichel, "he got lobbed too often." I actually look at both cases as an example of the keeper's strength. Schmeichel was lobbed on occasion, and cech sometimes drops crosses, 1/ do they actually do it that often? It depends on how you look at it. In relation to how often Schmeichel came off his line and Cech comes out for crosses, it isn't that much that Schmeichel got lobbed or Cech dropped a cross.

Secondly these traits also show the keeper's confidence and willingness to gamble.

(Sorry if the above looked conjested, had to sort that out)

Cech has been great for Chelsea since joining in 2004. Originally thought of as back-up to Carlo Cudicini, He instantly became the first choice. Since then he has not looked back, and has remained among the top 3 keepers in the world. Cech holds all the records when it comes to Chelsea keepers and even Premierleague keepers. Cech has more clean sheets than persil and in 2005 went unbreached longer than the local virgin (over 1,000 mins of football!!!) And lets not forget he even survived the dirty disgusting evil foul fiend that is called Steven Hunt (I could easily replace the "H" with a C, but I wouldn't wanna insult the word)

Anyways for the past few thousand words I have been singing the praises of Petr Cech, and well here's the M Night Syama (however the hell it's spelt) twist. Carlo Cudicini is my goalkeeper choice in the ultimate of all XI's!!!

(I'll let you get your breath back and recover from that shock)

Carlo Cudicini represents money well spent. In life bargains are hard to come by, there's any free things, thai sweet chilli crisps at only 35p (i kid you not, those things are bloody awesome I'd spend £millions on them if I had to) and then there's the £160,000 Chelsea paid Castel Di Sangro for Carlo Cudicini.

He joined in 2000 and once De Goey was out of the picture, became the no1 choice goalkeeper. (He faced some competition from Mark Bosnich, about as much as Megan Fox faced from Amy Winehouse in FHM's top 100, Carlo easily dealt with Bosnich), he had until mid 2004 to amaze all Chelsea fans, and amaze he did.

Carlo Cudicini wasn't as blessed as Cech, He didnt have a defence who could shut out teams for a whole match (a whole season even), So it was often Carlo's agility, guile, suaveness that came to Chelsea's rescue like Superman to Lois Lane on many occasions. He had the opportunity to make countless amounts of superhuman saves, and he took them

As difficult as this was to separate Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini. It actually proved one thing, Chelsea have the two best keepers in England! (3 if you wanna count Hilario)

So the goalkeeper for my Ultimate Chelsea XI: is Carlo Cudicini


-------------Cudicini--------------

????-----????---------????--------????
---------------????------------------

 ----????-------????--------------????

---------????--------????------------



Next Week on My Ultimate Chelsea XI: Gr8-1 reviews Chelsea defenders, who will get in? who will miss out? find out next week! ]]> gr8-1 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=77 Blogs up to July 17 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=76 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:49:27 GMT 2009 NBA Draft - Mock Draft! - Lottery And More....... by lanigan34 (http://www.basketballforum.com/blog.php?b=229) Marcus Camby traded to the... 2009 NBA Draft - Mock Draft! - Lottery And More....... by lanigan34

Marcus Camby traded to the Clippers by stupendous

Cornet Wins First Title, Errani Also A First Time Winner! By D . ~{X}~ . K

MLS compared to other domestic leagues by blackmapleleaf

Affliction Banned "The best Heavy weight card ever put together" by mrmyz

The Phenom by mrmyz

Affliction rolls the dice by rockybalboa25

WWE DVD Unforgiven 2007 Review by HBKBretHart

Lo'Down Three by Heat

WWE DVD SummerSlam 2007 Review by HBKBretHart

WWE DVD Great American Bash 2007 Review by HBKBretHart

Please Shoot in the Head by CERB3RUS

WWE DVD ECW One Night Stand Review by HBKBretHart

Death Grip: Inside Pro Wrestling by The_Showstopper ]]> truebluefan http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=76 The Long Wait http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=75 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:26:22 GMT it was the day before our soccer game against the easiest team that had 109goals scored against them in 5weeks and they only scored 1 theirself. i... it was the day before our soccer game against the easiest team that had 109goals scored against them in 5weeks and they only scored 1 theirself. i couldnt sleep i was too excited about the game wondering how many goals was i gonna score against this team?

anyway i'll let u's no how the match went ]]> Soccerstar04 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=75 Well that ends my time to shine for a while.. http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=74 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:27:21 GMT Today was our soccer match against our rivalry team and guess what happend to me? the opposition got a free kick and the scaredy cat player in front... Today was our soccer match against our rivalry team and guess what happend to me? the opposition got a free kick and the scaredy cat player in front of me that i was marking ran out of the way from the ball and i got hit straight in the head! blood running down my face not a good sight..anyway i got knocked to the ground with a nose bleed and i was knocked out for a few mins then i found myself lieing at the hospital with a broken nose! this sucked. i had to miss out on 4-6weeks of soccer all because of that scaredy cat that ran away before he got hit. ]]> Soccerstar04 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=74 The worst day of my life http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=73 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:24:02 GMT Today was the worst possible day for me to be sick, and the reason for that was that i had to go to soccer practice and then play the actual a few... Today was the worst possible day for me to be sick, and the reason for that was that i had to go to soccer practice and then play the actual a few days later but unforuneately i couldnt go to neither the training or the match! i soo wanted to go even lied to my parents saying that i wasnt sick when i really was so i could go but of course they found out didnt they. I hope that next time i dont get caught -.- ]]> Soccerstar04 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=73 Not enough sport at school http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=72 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:19:38 GMT Dang teachers teaching us maths and english and science all that stuff that a normal kid would hate. I keep thinking to myself that if you dont want... Dang teachers teaching us maths and english and science all that stuff that a normal kid would hate. I keep thinking to myself that if you dont want to have a career in medicine law etc why go to school if they aint going to give you enough time to go exercise or practice your latest soccer move that you would like to do one day when you become a famous soccer player just like i plan on doing one day.therefore the teachers should listen to the kids to see what they want to do learn about the history of some place or go outside and practice there moves for when they become a sport star! ]]> Soccerstar04 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=72 Highlights from my 7 yrs of playing soccer http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=71 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:11:22 GMT Hey,
i have been playing soccer for 7yrs now and it's been soooooo fun. the highlights from my journey so far are: i scored my first goal in my first ever match which was awesome. i have scored way over 30+ goals through out my time of playing soccer. I got lucky number 10
which was also awesome for me i think. One of my most amazing goals was when i scored from a corner left footed when im right footed lol and another 1 was when i scored by a bicycle.

I will continue writing my blogs about my soccer life soon.

THANKS SOCCERSTAR04 ]]> Soccerstar04 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=71 My Ultimate Chelsea XI: introduction http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=70 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:19:43 GMT ***No witty introduction in this blog*** I am simply gonna begin with the purpose of this (and the upcoming blogs) Basically my idea is this, over... ***No witty introduction in this blog***

I am simply gonna begin with the purpose of this


Basically my idea is this, over the next few weeks I will be revealing (as the title alludes to) MY ultimate Chelsea XI. This thread is only the introduction and so next week we shall kick off, with the goalkeepers. Then over the following weeks I will do the defence, midfield, and strikers..........and maybe as a bonus a bench.

Baring in mind that this "Ultimate XI" is MY "ultimate XI", meaning there is to be no arguments with my choices, as choices are solely based on my thoughts. If anyone wants to make their own 11, obviously without my charismatic voice, then please proceed to bore us elsewhere.

Ok thats out the way, the players featured in my team, will only be those who I watched play for Chelsea, during my lifetime, This is because Chelsea have been blessed with many great players, I am limiting the choices here to make it easier, this means that Greaves, osgood, bonetti, dixon, chopper harris, are all excluded.

With that said, lets allow the pandemonium and anticipation for next weeks blog begin.


Sponsored Advertisement: Gr8-1's ultimate XI: Goalkeepers, due for release 21st June 2008.

EDIT: Gr8-1's ultimate XI: Goalkeepers has been delayed (time just flies by huh?) fear not release is due for the 22nd June 2008.
 ]]> gr8-1 http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=70 Beckham and MLS. Success or not? http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=69 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:41:37 GMT Earlier this season, David Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy played a series of barnstorming games in South Korea and China. Aside from England, Asia has... Earlier this season, David Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy played a series of barnstorming games in South Korea and China. Aside from England, Asia has been Beckham's most rabid fan base since the 2002 World Cup was held there.

In the first match against FC Seoul, the 65,000-seat stadium was only half full. Five years ago, they would have required riot police to keep people out.

After one year in America, David Beckham is already fading from the world's consciousness.

It's fair to ask, has Beckham been a success for Major League Soccer?

When he committed to the league, Beckham and MLS had a few goals. One, to increase the league's profile; two, to raise interest in soccer generally; three, to boost the level of play in the league; and four, to encourage other international stars to join MLS.

Last January, the league's profile shot through the roof, at home and abroad. North American journalists and opinion makers who'd never before wrapped their lips around the word "soccer" without scorn were forced to reconsider.

The problem here is that this news is always Beckham-centric. Interest in his arrival has yet to translate to any interest in the league generally. MLS still has work to do promoting its other stars and teams, while continuing to use Beckham as the sharp point of the marketing spear. That's a tough job.

Beckham also promised to do his utmost to push the game forward in the U.S. He needn't have bothered.

Soccer already is a mass participatory movement among North American kids. Beckham set himself a goal that had already been accomplished in this case.

The English star also talked about raising the level of play in the league. That's been a bust. First, he didn't play. Beckham managed only five appearances in league games all season. When he did play, he did it on a wretched team that couldn't make the playoffs. Without Beckham as a foil, we weren't able to see if anyone else had to boost their game to offset him. Arguably, Juan Pablo Angel, with his quickness and ability in the air, did more than anyone to raise the stakes for MLS defenders last year.

Which brings us to Beckham's fourth objective – blazing a path for other international stars.

This was key to MLS's plan for Beckham. They correctly realized from the start that the league would not enjoy widespread international respectability until top players who weren't so interested in the ancillary benefits of U.S. sports stardom – endorsement deals, Hollywood careers – chose MLS.

Aside from a trickle of fading South and Central American stars, that has not happened. In fact, the balance seems to be tilting the other way. The best, young U.S. talent views MLS as a gateway to overseas leagues.

That's the most worrying trend. If Beckham becomes a one-off, there's no other way to view the experiment of winning him to this side of the Atlantic than as a failure.

I continue to believe that over the long term, say a generation or so, this continent will embrace professional soccer on a massive scale. Immigration trends, especially in the southern U.S.; the ready availability on TV of Premier League and Serie A games and highlights; the live spectator experience of soccer – all those factors and more will eventually push soccer onto the mainstream conscience.

Last year Beckham touched down in the MLS, I ‘m still waiting for him and the league to take off. ]]> blackmapleleaf http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=69 MLS compared to other domestic leagues http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=68 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:57:02 GMT Where does Major League Soccer stand in relation to the other world leagues? What is the quality when held next to global standard-bearers? Would an... Where does Major League Soccer stand in relation to the other world leagues? What is the quality when held next to global standard-bearers?

Would an average MLS side get flattened regularly in a top-tier Western European league, such as England's Premiership, Italy's Serie A, Germany's Bundesliga or Spain's La Liga? ("Yes. And how badly.")

Could the rank-and-file MLS starter stand alongside his peers in South America's top associations in Brazil and Argentina, or in some of the world's other heavyweight leagues, such as the top flights in Mexico, Holland and Portugal?

A reasonable starting point is that MLS hasn't reached a level anywhere near the better top flight international associations. MLS players and managers seem to generally agree on that point. How close is the 12-year-old MLS to getting there, to consistently rivaling the quality of EPL or La Liga’s primera division? On that point disagreement ensues.

As for individual player quality, the last prominent player to arrive here from the pool of "average" in England's Premiership became a smash hit in MLS. Juan Pablo Angel's formerly prolific strike rate at Aston Villa in the Premier League had waned over the two seasons prior to his spring arrival at Red Bull New York. Here he's clearly a class above the field, having already claimed MLS Player of the Month honors twice.

This would indicate that the quality of the average Premiership foot soldier is a significant notch above his MLS peer.

The players from the Coca-Cola League Championship seem more comparable to MLS athletes. For comparison shopping, there's no better place to start than Toronto FC, where coach Mo Johnston seems bent on fashioning Major League's Soccer's newest expansion side into a British football look-alike.

Jim Brennan has shown himself to be an average MLS defender at the very best -- which is exactly what he was in the Coca-Cola Championship. He spent the bulk of his late 20s at Norwich City, where he was in and out of the lineup, never truly establishing himself as a starting fixture. He moved on a free transfer to fellow Coca-Cola Championship side Southampton in 2006 but was released a few months later.

He is now a starter for Toronto, albeit for one of the league's more wobbly defenses.

Toronto FC teammate Danny Dichio spent the bulk of his long career in England's second tier, generally starting and scoring at a modest clip. He made 63 appearances over two seasons (2005-07) for Preston North End, scoring five goals as the club bid unsuccessfully for promotion into the Premiership. That's a modest scoring rate by most standards.

Here, MLS doesn't compare as favorably. Dichio had five goals in just 12 matches for Johnston's side and now forms one-half of a dangerous striking tandem alongside Jeff Cunningham. So is it true what some British papers have said lately in the Beckham ballyhoo, that MLS soccer is closer in quality to England's third tier?

It is possible even the best MLS teams would not survive in the Premiership. They certainly wouldn't compete for honors, and they would plummet immediately into the relegation zone.

Examining individual transfers seems to paint a slightly different picture, however. There is a growing list of MLS All-Stars who merge into top European leagues only to make a nominal impact.

Clint Dempsey is the latest example. Dempsey was a growing influence with the New England Revolution the past two seasons. He was considered a top-flight MLS attacker (although the sheer numbers were just north of ordinary; he managed eight goals in 21 Revolution appearances last year).

The U.S. international moved last winter to Fulham in the Premiership on a $4 million transfer. Since his move, Dempsey has seized a regular lineup spot for a bottom-rung Premier League outfit.

The only player to have truly made an impact has been DaMarcus Beasley. He bothered MLS defenses from 2000-2004, moved to PSV, and became the first American player to score in Champions League. Injuries have limited his playing time and career path, but he was able to help Manchester City, while on loan to the club, avoid relegation. He also scored for Rangers FC in Champions League before the injury bug hit him again.

As for Mexico, a good league compared to others in the Americas but perhaps not above Brazil or Argentina: Mexican sides have generally dispatched MLS clubs in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. It's not hard to see the MLS remaining a notch below the Mexican league in quality, for the economics are skewed so significantly in Mexico's favor. Simply put, lucrative TV contracts enrich Mexican teams, allowing them to chase far more expensive talent. Two or three average-wage players in Mexico could eat up about half of one MLS team's entire salary cap.

All in all, the MLS has a long way to go before it can be considered a top flight international league. ]]> blackmapleleaf http://www.soccerforum.com/blog.php?b=68