MLS wins in Mexico without a meaning

Photo credit: MLS

Odd title perhaps. Then again so is the situation at field level. Last month, FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders FC managed historical first-time wins on Mexican soil against Pumas and Monterrey, respectively, at the 2011/2012 Concacaf Champions League. But are those wins meaningful if you can't equal the feat on home soil?

For Dallas this happened tonight as they saw their potential lead in their Champions League group disappear with a loss at home. The 1-0 win in Mexico was erased by a 2-0 loss to Pumas at home. So, all things being equal, they came out losing by a -1 goal differential. So was history really truly made? Cosmetically, perhaps. But point for point it's really not that meaningful. Had Dallas won tonight's game, it local supremacy would have been more evident.

This doesn't just go for Dallas. Seattle could have made history last night by winning their game, at home, versus relative-minnow Herediano of Costa Rica. Herediano had been outscored 9-1 until they defeated a slightly short-handed Sounders team by 1-0. Again, win at home or at least tie in order to have the away game be meaningful.

For LA Galaxy, winning their game at home versus Morelia will be as much of a statement as their controversial loss on Mexican soil. If Colorado can win abroad then they will have erased their terrible result at home.

These days it is clear that teams must not present "B" or "C" squads in continental games. One could argue that this is why Dallas and the Sounders were able to win in Mexico. It is also true that there is nothing wrong with fielding a defensive team when trying to protect a lead. Just something for MLS to ruminate on.

The Ascent of MLS in the Champions League

Photo Credit: Concacaf

The Concacaf Champions League has only been played in its current format since 2008. In the beginning, MLS was ill-prepared and lost scandalously to smaller teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Panama and even USL's Puerto Rico Islanders and Montreal Impact. But a recent surge in the quality of play in the league has been matched by equally-impressive results in the CCL. FC Dallas became the first MLS team to defeat a Mexican squad on Mexican soil with their win versus Pumas last week. Tonight, Seattle Sounders pushed that and became the second when they downed Monterrey at the Tecnologico.

Clearly there is something special going on. The widening of player pools and salary and the increased competition from additional MLS teams has produced a new breed of American soccer player. Added to this is the rebirth of the reserve league. More playing time for individuals means a deeper pool to draw from as squads tackle MLS fixtures, US Open Cup, friendlies and the CCL.

There are a few caveats that come along with the recent success of MLS in the CCL. Aside from the fact that all teams are undefeated so far and that they won all of their opening matches is the clear prerogative that international games have taken. There was an excellent article recently that touched on this subject and shows how much the league has grown in just four seasons.

It also comes down to respect. Yes, Pumas showed a lack of respect for FC Dallas when they played their junior squad and were promptly punished. Today Monterrey fielded a nearly full strength team versus Seattle but the players lacked focus until the second half. That plus the absence of Ayovi in the first half still had us wondering how seriously they were taking the game.

It should be noted that until MLS wins at home versus the Mexican squads in the return games, no real victory can truly be sung. Right now, a statement has been heard and it's up to the MLS teams to own this moment and finish their groups on top. Something special can still happen, as it almost did for Real Salt Lake in the final of the 2010/2011 Champions League. Team's views have changed and reaching the playoffs or winning the MLS Cup aren't the only goals.

It's appropriate to suggest that Mexican teams will storm back into the scene. There is a lot of pride at stake, as could be seen near the end of Seattle's match when tempers flared. Let's remember that Mexico's league is only below Brazil and Argentina (and not by much) in the Americas. For the Aztecas, as it is for most other clubs in Europe and South America, reaching the top spots (and not just the championship) means lucrative deals, better players, and chances for continental glory. This is a new mindset for American fans but one that coaches are beginning to take up. Aaron Winter knows this, his Toronto team is all but out of MLS competition and he is focusing on the CCL.

There is something different and special that MLS brings to the competition. Mexico might have great local and continental superstars in their teams, but only MLS is able to bring players from throughout the world. How many times were we likely to see Beckham and Keane playing meaningful, competitive matches in Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras in the past decade? Not until MLS made the changes necessary. Our American league is learning from its mistakes and is embracing the way the sport is played throughout planet football but without losing its unique American style: teamwork.