Toronto shows it can be a superclub versus Seattle

Photo credit: CBC

 

Toronto FC shed its reputation as a minnow in MLS today by going to Seattle and defeating the Pacific Northwest powerhouse 2-1 to earn just the second ever opening day win in the club's eight year history. It was a just score and a credit to what could become a significant team in the league.

No one told Jermain Defoe that it would be hard to be a Designated Player in the league, to settle in, to score. No. Two goals in 24 minutes says it all. Defoe is just as much a superstar scorer as he was at Tottenham in the Premier League.

As for Michael Bradley, let's just say that there was hardly a play he wasn't involved in. In fact, the man looked like he was still playing for Roma, devoting himself to every tackle and distributing balls that Frencesco Totti would be proud of.

Capping it off was a curiously familiar man on goal: Julio Cesar. Yes, Julio Cesar from Brazil. He had the poise on most plays and only Dempsey's deft touch undid his work.

But Toronto is much more than these three players. In fact, Gilberto, their third DP, wasn't even on the pitch. The rest of the squad is compensated at a lower rate than the Bradleys and Defoes, but they did a good job tonight. And they are no pushovers either: DeRosario (former MLS MVP), Steven Caldwell, Alvaro Rey, Justin Morrow.

Seattle had its marksman finally score. Dempsey had a great opportunity and put it away the way we were accustomed to watching at the Premier League. It is clear, however, that Schmid still had much to work on to make the Sounders as fearful as it is to play at Century Link Field.

And yet, would this team be able to go to Seattle and defeat Sigi Schmid's team without Bradley and Defoe? That's the more important question and it is the depth in this squad that counts and why they aren't quite yet a superclub.

Edu, Agudelo and the new MLS international carrousel

Maurice Edu joined Philadelphia Union in the latest transfer of established US internationals to Major League Soccer. At the same time, forward Juan Agudelo has joined Utrecht of the Eridivisie via a loan from Stoke City. This is a brave new world for MLS and the US national team.

While this sort of transfer business has been going on for a few years now, the sudden upswing in MLS acquisitions (Dempsey, Bradley, Edu) and continuing exits of youngsters (Cameron, Agudelo, Shea) has put the paradigm on overdrive. It's clear now that MLS is becoming a bona fide source of talent for the wealthier leagues in Europe as well as the Liga MX.

While some fans and commentators might find it a "downgrade" to transfer back to MLS after having established a good reputation in Europe, as Dempsey and Bradley did, it suffices to say that this new pattern is here to stay and the athletes are happy with where it puts them in their career, in the scope of the national team, as well as monetarily and in their personal lives.

Some of our younger prospects have made the jump over the Atlantic these past couple of seasons. Juan Agudelo, the once next-Altidore before slumping internationally, finally made a move to Europe and is looking to settle with Utrecht and break back into the forward pool for the national team. His biggest competition will likely be Eddie Johnson and Terrence Boyd, although the latter has yet to show his quality on the senior international level.

Also abroad at the moment and hoping to break back into the national team is Brek Shea (on loan to Barnsley). The midfielder had a rough time with injuries during 2013 and made few appearances for Stoke but his loan might bring his game up enough to re-enter national team contention. Another recent MLS transfer is Geoff Cameron, who has settled well in the Premiership as a bona fide defender/midfielder.

Potential MLS transfers abroad this season, especially with a good World Cup, is the central defense duo Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler. Graham Zusi might just be able to move to Europe as well.

Another player from the current US national team roster that could move to MLS is Jermaine Jones. His time at Schalke 04 is swiftly coming to an end and he has made it clear that he would like to play in the US.

All in all, this international player carrousel is good for the league and for national team players, especially as MLS gains in strength and quality. Our young players moving to Europe at a steady pace is also a credit to development in this country and shows no signs of waning.

 

Canada World Cup 2026 is a great idea

Photo credit: bigsoccer.com

Last week we read that Canada is ready to make a bid for World Cup 2026. Even though twelve years away, for us in North America it's a welcome sign and the promise of a new start for the game and for FIFA once the curtains have closed over Qatar 2022.

Yes, FIFA should be listening to this and the world should be ready also. Canada boasts the kind of infrastructure required for an event like the World Cup. It also has the type of openness necessary to host a global tournament. Finally, if FIFA is truly looking to continue breaking new ground and exploring new frontiers then this surely is a top of the list.

Canadian soccer is a microcosm of US Soccer. Not the number one sport. No megastars. And a women's team that greatly surpasses the men's on the international stage.

Canada has limited soccer culture, perhaps only there thanks to the ill-fated NASL of Pelé. They are underdogs and underachievers, just as the United States in 1990. But unlike team USA, they had very little presence in international soccer before the 1980s. USA got to the semifinal in 1930 and had a historical win over England in 1950 before all went quiet for 40 years. Canada has been to one World Cup, 1986, although they came close in 1982 and 1994.

The landscape has been changing for the Canucks in recent years, however, with the addition of top soccer through MLS teams Toronto FC (2008), Vancouver Whitecaps (2011) and Montreal Impact (2012). Expansion has been talked about for Ottawa, who had a team with the classic NASL. In addition, Edmonton plays for the current NASL.

The club soccer scene has brought quality players to the country on a regular basis, from Camilo (Vancouver) to Frings (Toronto), Di Vaio (Montreal) and now Michael Bradley and Jermain Defoe (both Toronto). In addition, they have nurtured their own players in Dwayne De Rosario and Julian De Guzman, with the former one just having re-singed with Toronto. Canada's players have also enjoyed development in other MLS teams: Will Johnson (Portland), Ante Jazic (Chivas USA) and Kyle Porter (DC).

With MLS on board, the soccer infrastructure has been established in the major cities and, along with soccer-specific venues for club teams, large stadiums belonging to Canadian Football are also available for a World Cup. Unlike Qatar, the summer tournament would benefit from great weather conditions throughout the country.

A World Cup for the Maple Leafs would also be great for the US. In fact, a case could be made for a joint tournament between the two nations. FIFA has always been clear about the importance of MLS and here is a perfect opportunity to continue this relationship. So bring it on, Canada 2026, North America deserves to have big soccer back.

Toronto FC as a superclub is good for MLS

Photo credit: Toronto FC

For several years now MLS has had two superclubs: New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy. Toronto FC is making sure that this will no longer be the case.

The blockbuster deals for Jermain Defoe an Michael Bradley were the icing on the cake for a team that was rebuilding and recharging. And while Defoe coming to Toronto would sell tickets and deliver goals, it was Michael Bradley's move that meant the team was serious about competing by revamping itself up and down its spine.

We all know the Beckham story and how his transfer changed the league forever. The Galaxy got two championships, worldwide recognition and the ability to not only keep Donovan and Gonzalez, but also to acquire Robbie Keane. 

New York had a more difficult time in the post DP universe of MLS. Juan Pablo Angel was a scorer but never with the same cache. Enter Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez and all that went out the window. That they didn't win any trophies until last season is a matter of on field calculations and depth building. Mike Petke seems to have found the right formula and the DP strategy is finally paying off with Tim Cahil's arrival.

There is a case to be made for Seattle as another so-called super club, but Obefemi Martins is no household name and Osvaldo Alonso is more of a local hero. Dempsey is their figure but not enough, it seems, to reach the top yet.

But what to make of Toronto's foray into The superclub world? Sure, Frings was a recognizable name in those educated in football lore. But it's not the same as signing Defoe and Bradley, plus adding Gilberto and Dwayne DeRosario to stack the attacking front of the team. If TFC is able to get a steady defense going and build around a special player (as the Galaxy did with Gonzalez), then this team can be truly special.

Competition. That's what it comes down to. And while a blue-collar team like Sporting KC can still win tournaments, the pressure of playing against superstars makes every team that much better on the pitch. This is why relegation-threatened squads in other countries have quality players. MLS will have more options now for its squads, a chance to train better, to let players move abroad, to sign more superstars, and eventually to grow our own superstars. 

Toronto was a gleaming jewel in attendance when it first entered the league. It waned a bit with all the misfortunes an lack of playoffs. But the fans are as committed as ever and they deserve a great soccer team. Toronto can be what Chelsea is to Manchester United and Arsenal, an alternative quality club.

Michael Bradley to Toronto FC: too soon?

Photo credit: ESPN FC

When Taylor Twellman announced on his twitter feed earlier this week that Michael Bradley was on the verge of signing with Toronto FC, many of us fans were in disbelief. Michael Bradley to MLS? Yes, it was true and the most talented American soccer player was leaving Europe after ten years of pure ascent. 

The final figure paid to AS Roma was close to $10 million. No bargain for the talented US international and a credit to Toronto and MLS. But how does this affect the national team and Bradley's future?

A year and a half ago the American invasion of top teams in Europe got started when Clint Dempsey signed with Tottenham at the end of the transfer window and Michael Bradley signed with the legendary AS Roma. American soccer had reached new heights. Could Altidore move to a Champions League team? Mix Diskerud? 

But last summer, after some soul searching, Dempsey made the move back to the United States to play for the Sounders on a $9 million transfer from the Spurs. Great catch for Seattle and the league for a man still in his prime at 30 years old. Bradley remained at Roma for the first half of the current season even though his playing time was cut down. Although there were signs he might move elsewhere for playing time, no one thought it would be to America. Certainly not in World Cup year.

But the allure of a higher paycheck and the chance to play each and every week and remain a superstar was too much for Bradley to refuse. He had been in Europe for ten years so it seemed logical that he would want to try something different. However, at 26 he is right in his prime with room to grow further. Can MLS provide that for him? Perhaps not at the same level. MLS is still a growing league and even its best teams would struggle against mid table European squads.

And what about the national team? In Europe, especially with Roma, Bradley had a chance to play against opponents of the highest level, the kind he will surely battle against at this summer's tournament in Brazil. And how does Klinsmann feel about all this? He loves MLS but he always wants players to push themselves. Let's remember that he wasn't all that thrilled with Dempsey's move stateside.

So let's say this. . . Bradley is the best player the United States has to offer at the moment, no doubt about that. He is a complete player. For him and for the national team, the best thing would have been to remain in Europe and continue developing. Now the US has zero players in Italy and Spain so exposure to more varied styles will be lacking with Team USA. 

Credit MLS. They are making a statement by making national team stars the designated players in their teams. Gonzalez, Donovan, Dempsey, Wondolowski are all here with high salaries. Also here are Besler, Zusi, Eddie Johnson, Clarence Goodson and Bocanegra. Jermaine Jones and Onyewu might be on their way. America has a chance to create a stronger league and more fun to watch.

The Beckham Experiment Worked

Photo credit: AP

During the winter of 2007, the soccer world was shocked when it was announced that David Beckham would be joining Major League Soccer later that year. Although there had been hints of this eventually occurring near the twilight of Beckham's career, the sudden shift towards one of the up-and-coming markets in the world was nonetheless astounding. At just 31, Beckham remained in his prime to help the league get to new levels.

The English midfielder joined the LA Galaxy later in the summer, after a buzz was created around the league and the country. Even CNN had him on their front page when he announced his move. And Victoria Beckham (the Spice Girl) made a reality show about moving to America. The glam was here to stay.

On the pitch, things were different. Becks was plagued with injuries early on in his first games for the Galaxy, and would not show up at some of the games. This was besides the fact that every single MLS stadium was full for every Galaxy game, and most Galaxy games had been moved to the end of the season to maximize on the hype.

But did Beckham really change the league and the sport in the US? Yes, definitely. First, a new type of player was added to the choices for MLS teams. The Beckham rule, it was called, and it meant that teams were allowed to have one player beyond the MLS salary cap. Enter Cuautemoc Blanco for Chicago, Denilson for Dallas, Juan Pablo Angel for New York. Just like that, stars in their prime were coming to MLS.

But besides the influx in world talent, the MLS brand became international and, more importantly, Americans turned to the sport once more. And this happened at the right time because new cities started to sign up to be MLS hosts. Enter Toronto FC, the first Canadian team in MLS and a first in the world, then followed the return of the San Jose Earthquakes. Next came additions to Seattle and Philadelphia, which had pursued a franchise for a long time. Finally, the Pacific Northwest entered the picture with Portland and Vancouver, and eventually Montreal. 

With the new teams came a new type of audience. They were there to see the players but they were also there to enjoy the sport. Seattle and Portland have yet to have a non-sellout in their brief history. Player academies started popping up, encouraging young talent that eventually led to a successful Gold Cup 2007, Confederations Cup 2009, and World Cup 2010. It also led to players such as Altidore, Stuart Holden, Sacha Kljestan, Eddie Johnson to jump to European teams.

But are these developments really due to Beckham. Partially, yes. The influx of media coverage, attention, sponsors, expansion money, allowed for the erection of new stadiums in major markets such as New York, as well as classic MLS teams like Houston, Kansas City, Colorado and mid-decade expansion team Salt Lake. Suddenly, new stadiums were full and money could be diverted to further player development, expansion of the DP field, and increased marketing.

Finally, let's remember that new web pages were added to the soccer internet traffic, including this very blog, and others like the now-defunct mls-rumors.net, and increased attention to professional blogs like Ives Galarcep's soccerbyives.net, Steve Goff's Washington Post page, among others.

So, did the Beckham experiment work? Yes, but it depends on how you define it. Bigger league, bigger names, better players such as Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez, new venues, international attention, increases in player pool for the national team. And goals from Becks' signature free kick. Who doesn't like that?

So now, with word that Beckham will play his last LA Galaxy game in next month's MLS Cup final versus Houston, the league is ready to jump onto better things. Beckham is no longer necessary to fill stadiums, nor is his name a per-requisite for television coverage. The league is here to stay and with new rivalries that will keep the sport going for decades to come. So, thank you, David, for helping to grow our league and the sport in the United States.

MLS Attendance Statistics Week 28

As the MLS season begins to wind down, a few locations in the attendance arena show some real patterns compared to years past. Nowhere is this more a fact than in New York. The Red Bulls may have 3 designated players in Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez and Tim Cahill, but big bucks and a shiny, recently-built stadium haven't translated into the filled arenas seen in Seattle, Portland, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Houston.

New York's deficit compared to last year now stands at almost 3000 seats. This is after a considerable positive jump in the past two years following the completion of RBA and the signing of Henry and Marquez. So what is it? Quality on the pitch? Hardly, in my opinion. Accessibility of venue? Nope. Style of play? Maybe. New direction for team? Perhaps. We will see after this season is complete. Maybe New York needs the other New York team to start playing.

Another sore spot for MLS these days is Toronto FC. The once-gleaming venue for full stadiums and ardent fans, has now run into its 6th year of mediocrity. The team has yet to make it into the playoffs and the fans have begun to notice. What was once 100% attendance has since become 80%. The same fate could be in hand for the Timbers if they are unable to capitalize on a dedicated fan base.

The numbers:

Team	Average	Relative	Median
DC	13833	71	14131
KC	19296	104	19422
NE	12690	63	12523
CLB	14140	69	13651
TOR	18480	80	18773
CHI	15956	80	16914
NYRB	16744	66	16464
PHI	18217	98	18412
HOU	20850	95	21423
MON	23100	114	19223
LA	22309	83	21731
CHV	13285	71	13594
DAL	13590	66	12203
SJ	13633	130	10525
COL	14975	83	14987
RSL	18897	94	19341
SEA	42327	110	38934
POR	20438	100	20438
VAN	19409	92	19394

MLS Attendance Statistics 2012 Week 8

An update on DC United's attendance: the actual "soccer" capacity of RFK for this season is 19467 and not 24500 (as it was previously). This changes DCU's standings in the relative category significantly and puts their current average relative at 71%. Their average numbers are still well below what it used to be for the perennial champions of the 1990s and early 2000s. That number is currently 13751. In 2007, the average was 20967. New England and Columbus are also well below the numbers in previous years. 

As a corollary to a previous post (week 5), the relative versus average attendance for the Eastern conference is provided above. Philadelphia and KC both have similar stadium capacities and are both selling out their home games. More interesting, perhaps, is the New York Red Bulls at 17426 average attendance but only 69% full. Bigger stadium but relatively weaker attendance than Toronto, for example. 

MLS Attendance Statistics 2012 Week 6

The major markets in New York, LA and DC are all showing slightly negative trends compared to the average for last year. It is, however, just the start of the season. And maybe it has to do with how the team is performing? Perhaps for LA that is the case. Indeed, the reigning champs have won only twice this season. Worth considering also is their cross-town rivals, Chivas USA. They were trailing the lot in relative attendance terms and we were getting a bit worried with the low numbers. However, these numbers have been amended to reflect the true capacity at the Home Depot Center for Chivas: 18800.

Another city with a marked change from last year, and indeed past seasons, is Toronto FC. The first MLS Canadian team has yet to win this season, with their sole victory coming in LA in Champions League play. Their numbers are down sharply by over 1,000 seats. In relative terms they are at 83%, a far cry from the sold-out BMO Field of a couple of years ago. Aaron Winter will need to work something quick to get this team back in shape ahead of the Canadian Championship battle for a Champions League berth. 

The numbers:

Team	Average	Relative	Median
DC	13817	56	14410
KC	18671	101	19600
NE	11657	58	11657
CLB	14857	73	14857
TOR	19163	83	18944
CHI	14282	71	14282
NYRB	17184	68	17114
PHI	18470	100	18526
HOU
MON	41016	202	41016
LA	22233	82	21734
CHV	11853	63	13372
DAL	15072	74	14184
SJ	14289	136	10525
COL	13954	77	13954
RSL	18554	93	18531
SEA	38419	100	38332
POR	20438	100	20438
VAN	18592	89	19394

MLS struggles in the Champions League

Photo credit: Getty Images

When Toronto, LA Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders completed their group phase with passage to the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals, there was hope in the air that perhaps this year might be the year MLS wins the tournament. Santos Laguna quickly brought Seattle down to earth with a pummeling of 6-1. And as for the all-MLS tilt, Toronto going through may not be optimal as a candidate.

For all of Seattle's considerable prowess at home, their away form still lags far behind. And although Sigi Shmid made a few moves this winter it wasn't quite enough to bring the Sounders up to a higher level of competitiveness. Indeed, Seattle's defensive end requires further development either in tactics or personnel. But this is MLS, and there are limits.

The case for LA is a bit more complicated. Clearly the best MLS team in 2011, this season they are hardly convincing. Arena kept his player spine intact with Beckham, Keane, Donovan, and Juninho all returning. But the loss of their anchor, Omar Gonzales, may be catching up to them. Then again, it could also be the fact that only 7500 people were allowed to attend this match. Would matters have been different with all 27,000 in attendance?

Where does Toronto FC fall in all of this? Will it be the MLS game changer? Historically, Toronto has been one of the weakest teams in the league. But perhaps this season they have something better to offer. With Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermars in their second season from the start, the additions of Silva and Johnson, as well as the presence of Plata and De Guzman, Toronto could be peaking at the right time. But would they be able to beat teams like Monterrey and Santos?

There is another variable in the MLS Champions League equation: the length and timing of the season. While most MLS clubs end their season at the end of October and do not restart until mid-March, Mexican and Central American leagues are still in action. They have their winter breaks, yes, but not for 5 months.

It is now in the hands of Toronto FC to carry the MLS torch into the depths of the Champions League. Aaron Winter will need to come up with defensive answers swiftly if his team is to weather and outlast Santos Laguna's considerable offensive power. MLS has made some steady progress in this competition but there is still plenty of room for improvement.

No respect for soccer: LA caps CCL match at 7500 attendance

The LA Galaxy has been forced to reduce attendance for next week's return leg of the quarterfinal in Concacaf Champions League versus Toronto match to 7,500 due to a attendance agreement with Cal-State Dominguez Hills over the usage of the university's parking lots during the school year. We see the point, but for the sake of the sport, the team and the fans, the response should be: erroneous and unfair, Silly and surprising.

If the LA Galaxy is indeed to be a nationwide and worldwide team, then this sort of thing will need to be remedied. There are plenty of universities out there that have basketball or football games in their grounds and there isn't ever any problem with attendance. People make way. It's just the way it is.

But there is still a lack of respect for the game here in the United States. That much is obvious with this latest insult. The LA Galaxy is a worldwide brand. They have world class players in David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. The Galaxy are also the defending champions of Major League Soccer and reside in a heavily-international American city.

Perhaps the most telling feature in this dilemma is the fact that the first leg of the quarterfinal drew a record 47,658 fans to the Rogers Centre. The Galaxy's Home Depot Center holds 27,000 and won't be even a third full. Major League Soccer, please assert your priorities or at least listen to your players if your fans and critics go unnoticed. Said Danny Koevermars of Toronto about the projected LA attendance: "That is stupid, that is stupid, LA Galaxy is a big club in LA and they showed it because they have three big name players."

MLS 2011 Attendance Statistics Game Week 21

Sorry for another delay, folks! Lots of stuff happening so I had to divide my time accordingly. With Europe restarting this month, most attention will be shifted away from MLS. However, expect strong attendance to continue in the Pacific Northwest and new strongholds in the east (Philly, KC). Some of the other locations might take a hit from NFL and college football as fall sports begin play.

For the current attendance analysis we have Columbus and New England constantly struggling to fill the stands. Toronto and DCU's poor form is also reflected on their attendance. Conversely, Colorado and Dallas continue to make gains relative to 2010 and surely owe their success to their MLS Cup final last season.

I wanted to look at medians again but this time for the west and for the relative attendance. The plot above shows that most teams see over 80% in stadium capacity for most games except for Dallas (64%) and Chivas (54%). Note, however, that Dallas has made a gain of over 2000 seats since last year.

MLS 2010 Attendance stats week 27

The action in MLS continues despite NFL and College Football. Indeed, the bigger markets (LA, NY, Seattle) continue to have strong attendance. It may be safe to say that the dedicated fans are here to stay, at least in these markets. New England and Dallas have a long way to go. A possible switch of Chivas USA to another market might also shake things up. How about Miami? With New York likely to get another team, it would only be fair to grant the US capital of Latin America its own MLS franchise.

Increased attendance in New York notwithstanding, Toronto's steady numbers (~20500) are highlighted in the pie graph. They hold the larger porportion of attendance compared to the rest of the Eastern Conference. A proposed 30,000 seat stadium expansion may not be a bad idea. Also worth noting is the price of tickets at this venue: $90.78 compared to $79 at Manchester United. Wow. Whether true or not, it should raise a few eyebrows. Maybe TFC can start winning cups for a change?

MLS 2010 Attendance stats week 12

Attendance graphics have been updated for week 12. Note that Dallas has recovered slightly after having a 14K attendance day. DCU also saw a slight rebound with attendance at 15K. Finally, TFC saw its stadium full once more. New York (18K) and LA (20K) also had important gains (not shown, counted for week 13). We can expect fuller stadiums after the world cup.

MLS 2009 Attendance stats week 4

MLS attendance for week 4 has been updated. Notice the entrance of TFC, always sold out, now increasing seating by 1,000+ seats. Dallas is the weakest marked by far, while SJ drew an underwhelming crowd of less than 10K at a barely 10K stadium. New York also fell, although there's a rumor fans show up at the Meadowlands instead. Week 5 sees New York against a new nearby rival--Philadelphia. Should be interesting to watch.

MLS 2009 Attendance stats final week

Seven months. Fifteen teams. Eight playoff spots. Two conferences. One winner. As it stands, Columbus, Houston and LA are the teams to beat in the MLS playoffs. I'm not crazy about the system that's in place but I understand it and enjoy it all the same. This was a transition year. A transition because the Beckham experiment unraveled. Also because the Seattle Sounders showed the large support there is for the game in the Pacific Northwest (Portland and Vancouver are the expansion teams in 2011). And finally, it was a transition year because the biggest markets also had the worst attendance records.

I will let the figures on the right column speak for themselves, but I offer some final thoughts for this MLS attendance season.

The winners:

• Seattle, Houston, Salt Lake, Toronto. Houston and Salt Lake City both saw small improvements in attendance relevant to last season. I could say the same for San Jose, but their numbers (and some other clubs as well) were lifted by doubleheaders with much more flair (Chivas Guadalajara at the Candlestick Park). Seattle has the attendance record in MLS with a whopping 30897. The others in this group made only small gains relative to 2008, but this highlights the stability of the fan base.

• Columbus, Chivas USA, Kansas City and even FC Dallas didn't lose an appreciable amount of attendance, which suggests a stable fan base. All have respectable numbers as well, although much can be done about Dallas. Their doubleheader with a Mexico match upped their numbers considerably.

The losers:

• LA, New York, DC, Chicago, New England, Colorado. It should jump out at first glance that the worst losses are in the four biggest markets. Indeed, LA saw a sharp decrease partly in response to Mr "Goldenballs" and his parade from LA to Milan and back again. He redeemed himself on the pitch, though. I give him that much.

• New York was almost always slow this season, partly due to J.C. Osorio's management, and also partly due to the inhospitable Giants Stadium environment. With the Red Bull Arena to be operational by next March, we could see a resurgence in fan appreciation for the team and perhaps more inspired play by its stars.

• DC United, on the other hand, saw above average attendance relative to the rest of the league but the fans were less than inspired by the players, the stadium, and international competition. Chicago seems to have leveled out now that the Cuauteminha isn't a fad anymore. New England, on the other hand, suffer from a terrible stadium situation, lousy management, and general lack of spark on the pitch. This reflected on the stands. As for Colorado, I'm not sure I have much to elaborate with.

A final look at the distribution of general attendance shows the clear winners in Toronto FC and Seattle, the strength (even though diminished) of big markets like DC and LA. Dallas and Colorado clearly need improvement... and don't let the stadium size factor fool you... just look at all the figures in terms of average, relative and median attendance.

MLS 2009 Attendance stats week 30

Back to club business. MLS has seen its share of ups and downs lately. From DCU's inability to win important wins at home, to an FC Dallas that suddenly has a last playoff berth in sight with the aid of the resurging Cunningham. In the stands, Chivas has lost its momentum while Salt Lake, Dallas, New England have seen important gains that bring them at least level with last year's numbers. With the closing of the season next week, it looks like some of the numbers we have will stand as they are.

A closer examination with the aid of the figure 2009-2007 we can see the pre-post Beckham effect. His influence felt late in 2007 and died down in 2009 after the AC Milan soap opera. This year, it's Seattle and Toronto that make the difference. Indeed, dropping Seattle and Toronto from the average places the average season attendance to 14411 from 15895. Plenty of things to consider before 2010 and Philadelphia's introduction. Will we see more of the same? Will Seattle's attendance tumble out of the honeymoon phase? Only time will tell. Again, all stats are derived from MLS official numbers and the graphics are in the right column of this page.

MLS 2009 Attendance stats week 6

I may take a couple of days to post these numbers but they're usually worth it, right? Pretty pictures are usually more intuitive than just random numbers and facts. With that in mind, I'd like to concentrate on this week's numbers. With both TFC and Seattle playing at home, you would expect big numbers. TFC never disappoints and Seattle got its money's worth with Ljundberg and Keller scoring big both on the pitch and in the stands.

As it stands, if you took Seattle and Toronto away, league mean attendance would be scarcely over 12,000. The two teams alone bring the number above 14,000. Columbus and DCU are showing signs of a comeback in attendance terms. Less can be said about the reigning champ's success on the pitch. But it's early and plenty of dreaming to be done. Schellotto may yet show his considerable muscle and this team has a great base to work with.

Qwest field is no Bernabeu and San Jose is no Chelsea, but the stadium boils over with excitement from the crowd nonetheless. More on Champions League after tomorrow's affair. One more check at attendance. On the right is a pie chart of attendance for the western conference. On the left is the same for the east. Clearly, the two attendance leaders overshadow other teams. No Beckham means no huge white chunk (denoting Galaxy) of the pie.

MLS 2009 Attendance stats week 5

Another week. Another disappointing look at attendance. Does Beckham actually make that much of a difference? I prefer going to full stadiums to get the full atmosphere. Estadio Capwell, Monumental de Guayaquil, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Turner Field in Atlanta, RFK Stadium, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Florida, Carter Finley Stadium. All glorious when full. Empty and cavernous with no fans.

It's a shame to see beautiful, new soccer-only stadiums like Rio Tinto and Dick's Sporting Goods Park so empty. It seems like any shot during the game catches empty sections of seats. Dallas looks terrible, not on the pitch, but on the stands. It's no secret that many players in the league are itching to play in Seattle and Toronto. Why not? People show up. People are loud. It injects spirit into the players. How should the league and/or teams address this? Square one if you're Dallas/Colorado/RSL. Build your fan base and nurture it. That's the key. One or two expensive stars can only do so much.

Many of us MLSers out there wonder... Why aren't people coming out? No Beckham? Economy? Lack of buzz about teams? Weather? At least one of those is actionable. As a climate scientist I wanted to look at the relationship between weather and attendance. Maybe a factor for 10-20% of fans? More? Not in Toronto or Seattle. Plot 1 on the right shows all games in terms of both attendance and temperature. Not much of a trend. Maybe a tendency towards cooler temperatures? Right. Remove (both cold) Seattle and Toronto (circled) and you get the second plot (left). Trending towards warmer weather? Sure. Very noisy. Not much to look at. Maybe a look at relative attendance - weather next week.

MLS 2009 Attendance stats week 3

Attendance has been poor so far this season (week 3). So where did everybody go? Away with Becks to Milan? Seattle and Toronto? To claim their stimulus check? Call it what you want, people are not showing up to games. Maybe it's the weather, March madness, economy or a combination, or is it that we really actually do need Beckham to fill stadiums in MLS--especially those that cater to 18,000 fans or so?

Numbers don't lie so let's explore them a bit. Steve Goff got ahead of me by citing this fact: "MLS is averaging a respectable 14,696 spectators. But if you remove Seattle's 30,536 figure, the league count drops to 13,100." True, but if you take out Toronto (the other sold-out-stadium team), it's 12,878. If that sounds like the typical FC Dallas attendance you're not too far off (12,966 average in 2008).

Other attendance hogs, LA and DCU are lagging far behind their usual score (27K for LAG and 20K for DCU last year in terms of medians). This year DC is looking more like a team from the West at around 14K. LA is barely above 17K. I'm willing to step back and say that it's the economy, the weather and the lack of buzz around most teams in the league. Even that one's a stretch, though. RSL has had many fans this off-season coupled with a brand new Rio Tinto Stadium.

Maybe once the winter blues cease things will be different. I sure hope it is not up to Mr. Goldenballs to decide. Meantime a little comparison between mid-season last year 2008-2007 difference and this week's attendance 2009-2009 difference.




Also, I've had to stretch the 08-09 difference (yellow bar graph) to +-5,000 to keep up with the numbers. Sad, indeed.