Does the MLS All-Star game matter?

SoccerPrime · 07-13-2005, 01:09 PM

I've read many times on BS how ppl hate the MLS All-Star game. I know many ppl were upset last year when Real Madrid pulled out of the MLS All-Star game because they had to qualify for the Champions League. After Madrid pulled out, MLS had to "settle" with the basic East vs. West format.

After listening to the end of the MLB All-Star game last night (yawn), I was wondering what many ppl here on RSL.org thought of it.

I personally follow many MLS players, more so then international players. So I actually like the idea of the best 11 from the East and the best 11 from the West playing each other once a year. Of course making it the best 11 of entire MLS vs. some world "power" is a cool format too (I don't think Fulham qualifies, but whatever).

Any thoughts?

bordelais7 · 07-13-2005, 01:17 PM

If they're gonna do it, keep it East vs. West.

HibaIssa · 07-13-2005, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bordelais7

If they're gonna do it, keep it East vs. West.

Agreed. I think it's more interesting that way.

Deuce · 07-13-2005, 01:26 PM

I think it helps the league to attract new fans... but if it were up to me I would not have it at all.

I don't think that the players should be out there risking injury for a match that really does not matter.
You could argue the same about International friendlies. However, those matches are good for training and giving reserve players much needed playing time. The first team is not normally fielded for those matches.

clarette · 07-13-2005, 01:26 PM

I actually like the Best 11 vs. some other team format.

Except for if it's the USMNT.

That baseball all-star game was on like all the TVs at the gym last night and it was okay, I guess, for a baseball game.

SoccerPrime · 07-13-2005, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce

I think it helps the league to attract new fans... but if it were up to me I would not have it at all.

I don't think that the players should be out there risking injury for a match that really does not matter.
You could argue the same about International friendlies. However, those matches are good for training and giving reserve players much needed playing time. The first team is not normally fielded for those matches.

I guess for the players it is best that they rest, but I would really like seeing Ruiz and EJ up against Frankie, Parkhurst and Conrad.

Plus lets be honest, even in the NFL and NBA, when its the classic conf. vs. conf., rarely does the game take on damaging proportions.

Heck look at the "friendly" between the Revs and Benefica(?) last year. Half of the Revs were hurt and half of the Benefica players were ejected in that game. 🙄

RSL_Fan · 07-13-2005, 01:37 PM

I think all-star games are good for mainly one reason: to make money. Some all-star games are better than others, but the one that has totally gotten out of hand is the NBA all-star game. It's a big circus. It is a game with the "best" players showing off trying to out-do the others. I don't watch that anymore. I missed the baseball all-star game last night because I was playing softball, but probably would have watched it if I was at home.

I think I agree with Deuce, the players shouldn't be out there risking injury because of a money-making friendly, but as long as it doesn't end up being a big circus I would enjoy watching the top soccer players matching up against each other.

Jim Umber · 07-13-2005, 02:00 PM

I think the idea is (it must be) that they demonstrate that the MLS can compete on the world stage. I'm not sure that it accomplishes that, and to tell the truth, :blow: I'm not sure it's true, but that's what I think their intention is.

Rover · 07-13-2005, 02:13 PM

MLS leadership seems to think the MLS vs. big-league-team-to be-named-later is the best way to go. That's what we're likely to see for awhile. If we ahve to hold these games, I'd prefer the East vs. West, since that's what an All Star game is supposed to be--let the top players in the league have a fun showcase event.

However, I'd rather they scrap the whole ASG concept. I just don't care enough to tune in to an exhibition game with players thrown together for a weekend. I admit I've watched every one so far, mainly out of a sense of loyalty to the league. I've been to one in person--the USMNT vs. MLS game a couple of years ago in RFK. The only memorable event from that game was the lightning storm that sent us running for cover, only to be entertained by fans running on the wet field and eluding stadium security for ten minutes of tag. Sure was more interesting than the game.

I will say that the ASG fan event the day before that RFK game, which was held at the Maryland Soccerplex, was much more fun. My kids got autographs on an MLS ball from a number of the players, and there were all kinds of games and activities for families to do. Despite the ridiculous heat/humidity of a summer day in DC, it was worth the drive.

So I'd be fine with a fan event, but if the price to pay is a meaningless game, then no thanks.

Jim Umber · 07-13-2005, 02:42 PM

Maybe they should vote them onto the All-Star team, and just leave it at that. A status symbol and nothing more. They could even have a fan type event similar to what you mentioned, but skip the game. I bet a lot of people from players to clubs to fans would prefer that.🕺