Right, the All-Star Game is today, and while I’ll watch, I’ll be perpetually nervous, as there is one thing I would rather not see at all: Injuries to Jamison Olave or Kyle Beckerman. I’m not particularly a fan of Manchester United (read: I hate them) and most of their players I find to be utter cads, but that’s a bit beside the point. No, we have two key players there (and I somewhat contradict myself when I argue that we should have more) who will be playing in search of a win — two players who I’m not sure can give much less than all their effort. So, be safe, boys. You’re a vital part of our push for our first Supporter’s Shield — an honor that’s firmly within our grasp.
The meteoric rise of Real Salt Lake is the thing of U.S. legend, even if it might not crack the likes of AFC Wimbledon across the pond. But this team represents something about American sports — and that “American dream” — that is alluring. I may, at times, disagree with the way the salary cap is run or that there is one at all, but it does produce some interesting sporting moments. (I’m trying, folks.)
For instance, a newly formed club in England would not in a million years be challenging for top honors within five years of its formation. As mentioned before, AFC Wimbledon perhaps comes close — a club, formed from the pissed-on ashes of its former self (now MK Dons), who started in the 9th tier of English football in 2002 and have now, nine years later, made it to the fourth tier, Football League Two.
That’s why football’s the interesting, exciting game it is — with the right staff, the right players, and the right approach, anybody can hit the top, and it doesn’t always take that long. Yes, with a system of relegation and promotion, tales like that become a little more rare, and perhaps it’s in the future of the U.S. game (I really hope it is in some way, mind.) The MLS simply encourages that a bit more than most others in the world, for better or worse.
A bit on the shambolic side today, but that’s what you’ve got from me: some thoughts on the beautiful game while we await one of the very strange parts of Major League Soccer in the midst of mid-season friendlies. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, but it’s time for clubs in this league — a very winnable league — to sit up and take notice of that, to stop subjecting themselves to mid-season friendlies, and to devote every last ounce of their energy to winning the league.
‘Till tomorrow. Join me on Twitter at @TheCrossbarRSL for snarky commentary, moments of despair, and an overall disregard for most players who play for other clubs — all during the All-Star match.
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