By Nicholas Poblete/Asst. Sports Director
As Major League Soccer kicked off its 23rd season this past weekend, scrutiny on the league continues to grow, however the leagues initiative to renovate itself is cleaning up its image.
“The league still needs work, too many overage guys playing in the league. I am a firm believer that the U.S. National Team and MLS need to develop more players, homegrown players,” Giovanni Montenegro, president of the FIU Men’s Soccer Club, said.
MLS, with all its renovation, has yet to break its negative stigma and is further reinforced when taking a look at the players the league has brought in during recent years.
During the 2015 season, Orlando City Soccer Club and New York City Football Club made their league debuts. Both teams, new and in need of bringing in fans, purchased household name players. New York FC added former England international Frank Lampard and former Italian international Andrea Pirlo.
Both Pirlo and Lampard came into the league as their careers were ending. Although both players displayed professionalism, they were not able to dazzle MLS fans on the field.
Orlando City SC brought in Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (Kaká). The former Brazilian international captained Orlando, scoring 24 goals in 74 appearances. Kaká was a favorite among the Orlando City fans, demonstrating a hunger to help the newly formed club reach its potential.
Orlando City SC deposited too much faith in the veteran player and did not build a team that was able to complement Kaká. Since the clubs first season in the MLS, the organization has been able to bring in fresh legs and experienced players.
Kaká, Lampard and Pirlo retired in 2017, leaving behind mixed reviews.
Despite the leagues’ negative stigma, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has appointed a new franchise for this season. Newcomers Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) are faced with the daunting task of excelling on and off the field.
LAFC acquired Mexican international Carlos Vela from Spanish club, Real Sociedad. The 29-year-old has represented the Mexican national team on 63 occasions, scoring 18 goals.
Vela will play a pivotal role in LAFC’s first year. He will not only be expected to perform on the field, but, he will also be responsible for reaching fans in Los Angeles. This is a difficult task as Vela and LAFC will compete against the Los Angeles Galaxy for city supremacy.
LA Galaxy purchased two Mexican internationals in 2017; Giovani and Jonathan dos Santos. The brothers were able to make their mark on the field, as well as winning fans over.
The league can continue to silence its critics by giving the fans what they want; a spectacle on the field, and also excelling at the international stage.
Three MLS sides advanced to the quarter-final stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Toronto FC, Seattle Sounders and New York Red Bulls. The three representatives of the MLS will play against Mexican sides.
Although the MLS is infamous for bringing in veteran players, the league has begun to shift its attention to younger players. According to the MLS website, 16-year-old Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps), 21-year-old Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC) and 21-year-old Alberth Elis (Houston Dynamo) are the young talents to look out for.
“As Major League Soccer begins its 23rd season,” Garber said in a letter to MLS fans on the leagues’ website. “I wanted to take this moment to thank you for supporting your club and for your dedication to MLS during this period of explosive growth for the game across the United States and Canada.
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