25 Stories That Made MLS

It's a set piece, it's a header, it's a goal, It's Chad Marshall.  The Brothers talk about the unassuming defender that played exclusively in MLS and finished with the best career for a defender in MLS history, including the most Defender of the Year awards by a player ever.Sources: Extratime Bobby Warshaw on the Chad Marshall Theoremhttps://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/07/wiebe-must-win-seattle-sans-chad-marshall-four-reasons-be-worriedProductivity, Longevity and Nudity by Sam Staejkalhttps://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/10/27/stejskal-chad-marshall-dishes-his-productivity-longevity-and-nudityBerhalter trades Marshall Financially motivatedhttps://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2013/12/13/columbus-crew-head-coach-gregg-berhalter-says-chad-marshall-trade-was-financiallyTom Bogert and the transition of Seattle & Marshall:  https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/08/inside-how-seattle-sounders-transitioned-through-chad-marshalls-retirement

The third entry to the brother's MLS Hall of Fame is Dwayne De Rosario. An MLS legend and Canadian legend that didn't make it to MLS until 23 and didn't become a starter until 26 but put together an all time career including a record six MLS Best XIs.Also hear about the most interesting year of any MLS player, his 2011 MVP season.Sources: Highs and Lows of Dero by Kristan Henaege for the Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/dec/23/dwayne-de-rosario-dc-united-veganDero has the eye for the dynamichttps://www.therecord.com/sports/2015/05/12/dwayne-de-rosario-always-had-an-eye-for-the-dramatic.htmlDero Racism - for Midland Today:  https://www.midlandtoday.ca/national-sports/bent-de-rosario-recall-racism-in-germany-early-in-their-pro-careers-2442147

The DC United talisman, Jaime Moreno, is the second person in our first class of MLS Hall of Fame. The first person into the 100/100 club, learn about how Moreno grew up in the same academy as Marco Etcheverry, became the first Bolivian in the EPL before landing in MLS. He would have almost two careers across two eras filled with stats and trophies.Donate to Jaime Moreno's GoFundMe to help with his medical bills: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-our-all-time-legend-jaime-morenoWatch Neetols favorite MLS moment here: https://youtu.be/pvyNRVAI7MMUnited nearing a deal to trade Moreno by Steven Goffhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/12/05/united-is-nearing-a-deal-to-trade-moreno-to-metrostars/3802196d-9b68-4769-97ad-88461e998d8d/Moreno finds peace by Rachel Alexander https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/1999-11/11/075r-111199-idx.htmlCharles Boehm interview for MLS https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/03/mls-legends-jaime-moreno-discusses-his-successes-and-regrets-d-c-s-greatest-playerhttps://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-middlesbroughs-moreno-comes-in-from-the-cold-1142440.html

The brothers kick of season 2 with our series of the first 25 players that should enter the MLS Hall of Fame (as soon as it's made). The first name leading the way in our MLS Hall of Fame? Who else but the greatest American player of all time, Landon Donovan.Learn about his merit, honors and his story on getting to MLS and Neetol's favorite Landon goal in MLS.SourcesBio: http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Donovan_Landon/Donovan_bio.htmlVideo on SJ comeback:. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBLlNUNJ7iMVideo of all LD Goals: https://youtu.be/o-Hda6Kyx_s

How passionate fans of the Columbus Crew organized, protested and eventually saved the Crew and what it means to be a fan moving forward.Sources:  Shout out to Keith Naas @Knass who helped proofread the outlineHow Columbus #SavedTheCrew by Arlo Moore-Bloomhttps://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2019/11/08/columbus-crew-mls-save-the-crewPrecourt takes thoughtful approach in Remaking the Crewhttps://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/07/27/Franchises/Anthony-Precourt.aspxColumbus Crew Angling Toward Relocation in 2019 by Grant Wahlhttps://www.si.com/soccer/2017/10/17/columbus-crew-austin-texas-anthony-precourt-stadiumSave The Crew:  A Timeline of Columbus’ Efforts To Save The Soccer Teamhttps://www.dispatch.com/sports/20181228/save-crew-timeline-of-columbus-efforts-to-save-its-soccer-teamCrew Fans Gather At City Hall To Protest by Chelsea Wileyhttps://www.columbusnavigator.com/crew-sc-fans-gather-at-city-hall-to-protest/Austin Texas Gets A Major League Soccer Deal as Columbus Ohio Gets Stiffed by Jason Nottehttps://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonnotte/2018/08/22/austin-texas-gets-a-major-league-soccer-deal-while-columbus-ohio-gets-stiffed/#4a0be03b780c

How a bond between a player and a coach resulted in an unbelievable but for an MLS Expansion team, the largest sale in MLS history and an opening of an unprecedented pipeline of Latin American talent.Sources: Lanús acordó la incorporación del volante Miguel Almirónhttps://www.espn.com.ar/noticias/nota/_/id/2435943/lanus-acordo-la-incorporacion-del-volante-miguel-almironhttp://sportwitness.co.uk/exclusive-agent-confirms-arsenal-approach-player-delighted-sign/Atlanta United signs Miguel Almirón, hopefully sparking a trend of ambitious MLS signings by Kim McCauleyhttps://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2016/12/5/13829982/miguel-almiron-atlanta-united-transfer-fee-salaryAtlanta, Tata and Me by Miguel Almironhttps://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/miguel-almiron-atlanta-unitedNewcastle Must Up Offer For Atlanta United’s Miguel Almironhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jan/09/newcastle-must-up-offer-for-atlanta-uniteds-miguel-almiron

How a Canadian phenom who's parents escaped a Liberian Civil War to settle in Edmonton eventually became MLS' greatest export and glimpse to the future it may hold.Sources:Sources:The War in Liberia by Sarah Lefthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/aug/04/westafrica.qandaBecoming Canadian - The Alphonso Davies Storyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqt5u1jtvGwWhy Bayern Munich, the two paths of Alphonso Davieshttps://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/8/29/20836276/bayern-munich-youth-prospects-transfers-alphonso-davies-liam-morrison-celtic-hasan-salihamidzicNext Generation 2017 - 60 Best Talents In Footballhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2017/oct/04/next-generation-2017-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football

How two new clubs, Atlanta United and LAFC, in MLS embraced the 3.0 model and became the giants in the league from spending, relevance and marketing.Sources:Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank for the Entreprenuerhttps://www.entrepreneur.com/article/197614Home Depot Founder To Buy Falcons by the APhttps://www.wired.com/2001/12/home-depot-founder-to-buy-falcons/Falcons Owner Puts In Bid For MLS Franchisehttps://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2008-10-14-4126789750_x.htmAtlanta Might Be Considered By Potential MLS Owner by Doug Robersonhttps://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-may-considered-potential-mls-owner/7QkbejYIxLzKZUkht0palI/Garber Reaffirms Miami, Atlanta Reaffirms As Expansion Favoriteshttps://sbisoccer.com/2013/12/indicates-expansion-favoritesTycoons 10 Year Crusade to Get a Big Mac In Vietnamhttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-vietnam-consumers/tycoons-10-year-crusade-to-get-a-big-mac-in-vietnam-idUSBRE9730BD20130804Expansion LA soccer team plans new stadium on Sports Arena site by Kevin Baxterhttps://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-la-soccer-stadium-20150518-story.html

How a report from a consultant group led to a new salary mechanism which propelled player spending in MLS to new heights.Sources:Inside the Confidential 2016 Study That Provided The Blueprint From MLS Modern Era by Paul Tenorio & Pablo Maurerhttps://theathletic.co.uk/1362372/2019/11/08/inside-the-confidential-2016-study-that-provided-the-blueprint-for-mlss-modern-era/https://www.mlssoccer.com/glossary/targeted-allocation-moneyMLS HQ Denials of TAM Contracts Frustrating Front Offices by Paul Tenoriohttps://theathletic.com/381254/2018/06/05/mls-hq-denials-of-some-tam-contracts-frustrating-front-offices/?redirected=1MLS Rejected TAM Offers To Joevan Jones and Stefan Frei by Jeremiah Oshan for Sounders At Hearthttps://www.sounderatheart.com/2018/6/5/17430732/joevin-jones-stefan-frei-denied-tam-contracts

How four American stars were developed in MLS, got sold to Europe, had success and then returned to have more success and money than could've been imagined.SOURCES:How Seattle’s Stunning Clint Dempsey Deal Got Done by Grant Wahlhttps://www.si.com/soccer/2013/08/05/clint-dempsey-seattle-sounders-mlsBeasley Angered by MLS Decision by Rupert Lowe for Daily Echohttps://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5571343.beasley-angered-by-mls-decision/Texas Tough:  Dempsey’s Upbringing in Naco-Nowhere Led to US Dream by Melissa Segurahttps://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/06/09/dempseyTransfer of Power For Revolution by Frank Del’Appa for Boston Globehttps://web.archive.org/web/20131207055126/http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2007/02/27/transfer_of_power_for_revolution/The Michael Bradley Project by Simon Borghttps://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2014/03/15/michael-bradley-project-can-toronto-fc-star-become-best-american-player-all-timeBeasley Adds Finishing Gloss to Rangers Rout of Lyon by Steve Douglashttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/oct/03/match.championsleague2Dempsey’s Gamble To Knock Out Juventus Out Of Europa Leaguehttps://web.archive.org/web/20131225210906/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/19/fulham-juventus-europa-leagueMichael Bradley’s Transfer To MLS Complete by Jeremiah Oshanhttps://www.sbnation.com/2014/1/8/5289774/michael-bradley-transfer-mls-roma-toronto-fc-details

In our most technical episode yet, the brothers talk about how each collective bargaining agreement evolved player movement and salary spends of MLS that has helped shape the league today.Sources:Old MLS CBA Expires But No Strike Imminent by Brian Lewishttps://nypost.com/2010/02/25/old-mls-cba-expires-but-no-strike-imminent/Players Want Big Changes In MLS Structure by Simon Evanshttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-mls-dispute/players-want-big-changes-in-mls-league-structure-union-idUSTRE5AP02Q20091126Financial Data At Issue As CBA Negotiations Kick Off by Liz Mullen and Tripp Micklehttps://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2009/05/11/This-Weeks-News/Mlss-Financial-Data-At-Issue-As-CBA-Negotiations-Kick-Off.aspxDetails of 2010 MLS CBA by Brian Lewishttps://nypost.com/2010/03/23/details-of-mls-cba/MLS Players Union Bob Foose reveal new best details of CBA by Brian Strauss https://www.si.com/soccer/2015/03/06/mls-cba-deal-players-union-bob-foose-todd-dunivantBreaking Down The New MLS CBA For 2020 by Chad C Smithhttps://www.thebluetestament.com/2020/2/7/21127602/breaking-down-the-new-mls-and-mlspa-cba-for-2020-major-league-soccer-players-association-sporting-kc

How the MLS team in Kansas City went from being last in attendance and fan engagement to being a model MLS franchise that's always sold out - one of the best turnarounds in all of sports.Sources:Special thanks to Mike McGrew and Mike KuhnLamar Hunt Sells MLS Wizards to Local Grouphttp://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/soccer/id/2567849Serious Investment and Savvy Marketing Revive Soccer In Kansas City by Sam Bordenhttps://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/24/sports/soccer/soccer-in-the-us-heartland-kansas-city-transformed.htmlAs expected City Council Gives Approval to Three Trail Projecthttps://web.archive.org/web/20080628164818/http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node%2F8940WiZards Stadium project kicked over state lines by Kevin Collison for the KC Starhttps://web.archive.org/web/20090912055722/http://www.kansascity.com/842/story/1433346.htmlWiZards Kick off Zard Era https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/wizards-kick-off-zard-card-era/n-1989400TBT the Rochester Wizardshttp://www.downthebyline.com/2015/07/tbt-rochester-wizards.html?m=1Nine years ago, KC at Brink of losing the MLS team by Sam McDowellhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article334008/Nine-years-ago-KC-was-on-the-brink-of-losing-its-pro-soccer-team.htmlStar Bonds and Location Make Sporting Park a Star by Patrick Riche for Forbeshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2012/10/29/star-bonds-location-make-livestrong-sporting-park-a-star-among-u-s-soccer-stadiums/amp/?__twitter_impression=trueSporting KC and Soccer Development by Scott Fenwickhttps://onthefiredotcom.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/sporting-kansas-city-and-soccer-development-an-interview-with-david-ficklin/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

How MLS' Homegrown Rule pushed MLS teams to nurture young talent in their academies and why it took so long to take hold and meet it's full potential.Sources:Local Goalie Careers Poised to Go Global by Paul Tenorio for Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/25/AR2009052502163.htmlLA Galaxy Sign 17 Year Old Tristan Bowenhttps://web.archive.org/web/20081204142629/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20081112&content_id=203406&vkey=pr_lag&fext=.jsp&team=t106RSL Push The Envelope With A Residency Program by Randy Davis for MLS Soccerhttps://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2010/12/13/rsl-push-envelope-residency-programEvolution Of MLS Academies by Paul Tenorio for Four Four Twowww.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/rating-mls-academies-homegrown-players-youth-development-progress20 Years Of FC Dallas Homegrown Players by Buzz Carrick for Dallas Newshttps://www.dallasnews.com/sports/fc-dallas/2017/10/27/20-years-fc-dallas-homegrown-players/MLS USL Reach Deal For Restructured Reserve League by Matthew Doyle for MLS Soccerhttps://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2013/01/23/mls-usl-pro-reach-deal-restructured-reserve-league

How the supporter culture and following of MLS teams led to the creation of one of the three main trophies & the eventual expansion into 3 new teams.Sources: A History of the Supporters Shield by Ryan Gates for Stumptown Footyhttps://www.stumptownfooty.com/2011/2/15/1995978/a-history-of-the-supporters-shieldA Pacific Passion Play by Grant Wahl for SIhttps://www.si.com/vault/2011/05/23/106070650/a-pacific-passion-playhttps://web.archive.org/web/20071012230838/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soccer/2003941033_sounders11.htmlhttps://www.sounderatheart.com/2019/8/15/20805034/sounders-new-ownership-changes-faqhttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/whitecaps-invisible-owner-casts-large-shadow/article573189/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls-expected-to-announce-vancouver-expansion-team-1.821469https://www.timbers.com/post/2007/05/22/timbers-introduce-new-owner-merritt-paulson-0

Neetol grades every new MLS Jersey from a designer's point of view. Tutul chimes in with some marketing points. 

How two corrupt CONCACAF officials made Concacaf Champions League which eventually propelled MLS to improve their quality of play.Sources:https://bleacherreport.com/articles/138326-soccer-in-north-america-part-2-much-ado-about-superligahttp://real-football.blogspot.com/2006/10/mls-answers-to-20-questions-for-don.htmlhttps://www.nydailynews.com/sports/soccer/chuck-blazer-informant-key-player-fifa-arrest-scandal-article-1.2238143https://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbymcmahon/2017/12/26/two-found-guilty-of-soccer-corruption-will-jack-warner-face-us-justice-in-2018/#3cb53a1428d7https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/05/28/the-rise-and-fall-of-trinidad-jack-warner-the-former-schoolteacher-at-the-center-of-the-fifa-scandal/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jun-27-sp-cuptv27-story.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20071223013023/http://www.concacaf.com/view_article.asp?id=4025

How the largest signing in league history, David Beckham, happened in the first place and how it changed the direction of MLS forever.The brothers talk about how and why the Designated Player happened, how Blanco was the better player in the early years and why it took a few years before everyone started to spend money on Designated Players.Sources:Looking back at fires last big signing by Guillermo Rivera for Chicago Nowhttp://www.chicagonow.com/fire-confidential/2017/05/looking-back-at-the-fires-last-big-signing-in-2007-cuauhtemoc-blanco/Soccer Player Beckham Sparks $13m in Sales by Curtis Eichelberger for NY Sunhttps://www.nysun.com/national/soccer-player-beckham-sparks-13m-in-sales/52872/15 Years of the Don by Grant Wahl for SIhttps://www.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/12/03/don-garber-mls-commissioner-major-league-soccerQ&A with Grant Wahl by Jack Bell for NY Timeshttps://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/qa-with-grant-wahl-author-of-the-beckham-experiment/Galaxy has Becks Appeal by Graham Jones for LA Timeswww.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jan-12-sp-beckham12-story.htmlBeckham is MLS Expansion Story Du Jour by Paul Kennedy for Soccer Americahttps://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/51723/beckham-is-mls-expansion-story-du-jour.htmlhttp://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com/news/detail/david-beckham-launches-soccer-academy-at-the-home-depot-center-in-californiahttp://thesportsbizblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/fire-to-be-sold-to-bronfman-family.html

How MLS expanded into Canada for the first time, stepping into MLS 2.0 for the first time. The brothers also talk about the long windy road that made the circumstances right for Toronto FC to join the league.Sources:“A nice little job to learn stuff by” By Duncan Fletcher for SB Nation: https://www.wakingthered.com/2013/9/9/4705472/tfc-a-nice-little-job-for-anselmi-to-learn-stuff-by-richard-peddie-tom-anselmi-mlseMaple Leaf Owners Through The Ages by Jeremy Sandler for the National Post:  https://archive.ph/20140320041448/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/12/01/maple-leafs-owners-through-the-ages/Ali Passed Big Test In First Visit by Stephen Brunt for The Globe And Mail:  https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/ali-passed-big-test-on-first-visit/article757264/Toronto Soccer Stadium Approves Soccer Stadium Deal for CBC Sports:https://www.cbc.ca/sports/toronto-city-council-approves-soccer-stadium-deal-1.536727

How the business plan and strategy that saved the league also came with a bad side: the relocation of a storied franchise. Luckily it works out in the long run for the San Jose Earthquakes. Sources:What now for Columbus? Learning From the Earthquakes Relocation And Retrun by Scott French for Four Four Twohttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/what-now-columbus-crew-history-san-jose-earthquakes-relocation-houston-returnEarthquakes Look At Houston by Graham Jones for LA Timeshttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-nov-16-sp-mls16-story.htmlHouston a Contender To Land MLS Team by Chris Duncan for Associated Presshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/16/AR2005111602099.htmlA Closer Look At Tim Lieweke by Robert McLoed For the Globe and Mailhttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/a-closer-look-at-tim-leiweke/article11590800/Moving Toward a United State by Graham Jones for LA Timeshttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-nov-14-sp-leiweke14-story.html

How MLS's first true star to penetrate pop culture came in a 14 year old, Freddy Adu in 2004.Sources:A 12-YEAR OLD’s AMAZING FEAT by Jason La Canfora for Washington Post.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/08/25/a-12-year-olds-amazing-feat/9923da6b-4f3d-4f9a-bd31-bb67449c437f/READY FOR FREDDY? AT 14, FREDDY ADU IS ALREADY THE HIGHEST PAID AND MOST CELEBRATED PLAYER IN MLS by Grant Wahl for Sports Illustrated:  https://www.si.com/vault/2004/03/29/366282/ready-for-freddy-at-14-freddy-adu-is-already-the-highest-paid-and-most-celebrated-player-in-mls-now-its-time-for-him-to-play-his-first-gameFreddy Adu assist against Argentina in 2003 u20 World Cup:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMk33g4PthISeriously, What Happened To Freddy Adu by Noah Davis for Grantland:  https://grantland.com/the-triangle/freddy-adu-us-national-team-mls-2015/Much Adieu About Freddy by Timothy DeSchriver:  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289978174_Much_Adieu_about_Freddy_Freddy_Adu_and_Attendance_in_Major_League_Soccer