Just wow.

Beckham is a marketing force, but a very talented role player on the field.

Zidane is something else entirely. If he signs, Chicago probably becomes the Cup favorite right away.

This would be great. Beckham brings the style, Zidane brings the substance.

interesting contrast to your previous post - AEG will throw millions at a guy who, though obviously far better then anybody in mls, is past his sell-by date but united and mls can't afford more then 30K for a potentially promising player - the ownership structure is eventually going to kill this league

Will he be motivated? Quit smoking? Get himself into top shape? If so, this could be very interesting, as his performance against Brazil was one of the most memorable in the world cup for me, and showed he still has it.

However, if he shows up, doesn't train hard, doesn't take this seriously and just counts his $, this could be bad news for MLS. For some reason I'm less worried about Beckham giving a full effort than Zidane, but I'm not sure why.

If this happens with another tens-of-millions contract, I think we are in full-on NASL mode. I think these mega-star salaries would be better spent increasing the pay across the board for mid and lower tier players. We need to increase the general quality of play.

This is driving me nuts. I'm already a season ticket holder at Toyota Park and a believer in MLS. The mere possibility of this is driving me to distraction. That and the fact that I hate my job. Anyway...

Steven - would Zidane have to get some sort of waiver from fifa or Real Mad in order to return? I believe fifa frowns on players retiring and resurfacing on another club less than a year later.

kinda agree with terp, though I think mls is still in a much better situation financially than nasl (at least I hope). while I'd love to see zidane state-side, and do think it would be a tremendous positive, I too am concerned about the message this sends: not being able to pay for some of the promising potential, but suddenly becoming the place where those too old and a step slower can cash in huge for an extra couple of years beyond their prime.

Zidane still has a lot left in his take and has never needed speed. He would be a great signing as a player and as a big name that would warrant big media attention.

I'd rather have his sister.

this might be a moot question considering this is all just conjecture, but why would Zidane have to serve his 6-game suspension for the headbut at the club level? Why wouldn't that suspension be limited to his national team play?

the Designated Player (Beckham) rule in MLS is a marketing tool, and it only has an expected 3-year trail phase planned.

signings like Beckham and Zidane, and in a lesser way Reyna, are meant to bring "attention" to a league and sport that is clearly lacking it in the US.

MLS has a limited structure and has no long term plans to splash out big bucks to aging imports. yes, the teams can spend on one or two designated players, but this new rule is not what is keeping the salaries down for the younger developmental/reserve players.

Zidane in Chicago (or NY) would be excellent for the league. the longe- term project of developing (primarily US) players and improving their salaires will happen and is happening (however the reserve and developmental systems don't grab the headline).

these limited and short-term marketing moves (Beckham and Zidane) could/will help MLS grow into a bigger and stronger business.

Steve,

Is it a coincidence that MLS is seriously pursuing the Eurostars who already endorse Adidas products?

Me + Beckham + Zidane + 8 more.

Not that the league should allow the brain dead mainstream media, but this is going to be greeted with even more scorn and criticism than the Beckham move. Prompting networks to roll hours and hours of the headbutt. They wouldn't dare show Zidane winning the '98 World Cup or his countless displays of brilliance with the ball.

It just wouldn't be a post on this blog without everyone lining up to say how bad things are.

oracledba - Did you ever stop to think that maybe DC just tried to get away with a lowball offer? Maybe they could afford to give Needham a senior roster contract but were trying to squeeze him in on a developmental deal to leave room on the roster (NOT cap room) for someone else. This isn't just a case of DC not having $13K to waste.

Terp - I do agree that, if MLS's owners have this kind of cash to spend, they could add a couple hundred thousand dollars to each team's cap and raise the lower-end salaries, but calling this the return of the NASL is just ridiculous. How many NASL owners invested in stadiums? Just because every general sportswriter that doesn't know the first thing about MLS made an immediate and flawed parallel between Beckham and the NASL days does not make it true. MLS is light years ahead of the NASL in terms of stability, and the owners are much more attached to it than NASL owners were to their teams. The two are so far apart they don't even merit being in the same sentence.

Zizou is the best player I've ever seen in person - and that's a list that includes Cruyff, Figo, Henry, Gerrard, etc...never saw El Diego or Pele in person, and I'm not saying he's the best ever, but dang, he's amazing. I already have season tickets to United, but there is no way I would miss a chance to see Zidane again. Beckham-schmeckham...

I'm shocked that a guy who dominated, DOMINATED, Brazil just half a year ago is suddenly over the hill and past his prime. Are you serious? Even if he has one great year in MLS I will absolutely be there to watch it.

I wonder how good Boswell is at talking smack during the run of play...

This would be a coup move by MLS. Zidane is the man. He proved it in the World Cup that he can still play. Honestly I would rather see Zidane then Needham. Great move by MLS if this happens. Next up on the list, Ronaldinho.

"Honestly I would rather see Zidane then Needham."

honestly? you're pulling my leg, aren't you?!!

Quote:

I'd rather have his sister.

Posted by: Matterazzi

That's hilarious.

The comparison to the NASL isn't great because there are so many obvious differences. But I don't see how small-market teams can keep up with this kind of spending. I mean, don't the Red Bulls have 2 DP slots? The league structure was supposed to help maintain some level of parity. I don't know how this does that. It also just seems to suck money away from other players despite the fact that this is outside of the salary cap.

Don't get me wrong, Zidane is a wonderful player and someone I'd look forward to watching. But who is this move playing to? The MLS die-hard that loves the league regardless, the casual fan or the unwashed. I'd say that the headbutt might rule out the latter two. That incident is their only and lasting image of Zidane now - so they'll only associate that with him. Same with Becks - he just has a spice girl wife and good looks, not the solid career and England captaincy.

Sorry to be negative, but I think the league (aka Anschutz) is jumping the shark . I hope to be proven wrong.

Seriously, watch this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErZNPgcNO_A

Zizou's display of artistry against Brazil should comand absolute respect and make all comments about him ebing over the hill meaningless.

As far as who this plays to, I can tell you that my 14-year-old daughter will definitely want to come see DC United when the Chicago Firre (with Zidane) come to town. We will also be organizing a team trip when Beckham comes in August. My daughter has only come to DC United games when I dragged her (although she loved the Freedom games), and now she will likely be begging me to go to at least 2 games this year. This signing will help MLS, in my humble opinion.

----
"It also just seems to suck money away from other players despite the fact that this is outside of the salary cap."

Posted by: Terp
----

or another possible view is that by increasing the visibility (and talent) in the league, MLS is growing into a mature business that can be a place where even the lowest-paid and developmental players will have bigger contracts.

----
Sorry to be negative, but I think the league (aka Anschutz) is jumping the shark . I hope to be proven wrong.

Posted by: Kev
----

I also hope you a proven wrong. But with Zidane, should AEG/Chicago sign him, this seems like both a marketing/quality of play improvement for the league. who knows for how long he (and Beckham) will be an effective player in MLS, but the buzz and attention around their signing with and playing in MLS, can help the league in many ways.

it's not every season that MLS is able to bring in 3 World Cup players. thanks to the Designated Player rule, Zidane would join both Beckham and Reyna in 2007. MLS needs to reach out to and draw in those fans that tune in for the WC but not the MLS seasons in between.

Kev, I see what you are saying, but I believe there are more than enough casual soccer fans out there who aren't interested in MLS. However, those same fans would come out to see a big star (ie. Ronaldinho last year in New York). I think those fans are the ones you go after.

Kev, I see what you are saying, but I believe there are more than enough casual soccer fans out there who aren't interested in MLS. However, those same fans would come out to see a big star (ie. Ronaldinho last year in New York). I think those fans are the ones you go after.

I fail to see why Zidane's headbutt is a negative? It is simply the single most-talked about event from the American soccer media and water cooler types (the non-soccer folks) of the past world cup. He is a marketers' dream--talk about name recognition. After Beckham, he has to be the most talked about soccer player in the states. Those who don't know soccer will want to come see the player with the bad attitude. Those who know soccer will come to see his artistry. Honestly, how can anyone say this would be a bad move???

Far far from being over the hill. Valderrama played until he was 38 or 39 - granted his last 2 or 3 years he never moved more than about 20 yards from the center circle. The slower speed of play in the MLS will only accentuate ZiZou's passing ability. I would love to see it for the league. Not excited about him being in Chicago, but good for the league and would make all Fire games must see TV...

ahhh, its good to be reading bigsoccer again..oh wait

LOL!

"I believe there are more than enough casual soccer fans out there who aren't interested in MLS. However, those same fans would come out to see a big star (ie. Ronaldinho last year in New York). I think those fans are the ones you go after."

Good points. I know there are thousands of soccer fans just in NY that watch matches at Nevada Smiths, subscribe to Setanta and RAI, but have never watched 5 minutes of MLS. Will this massive investment be rewarded with their change of attitude? Possibly, but I think of them as just frivolous fans that think football doesn't exist beyond the Champions League. They'll be tough to convert, because I'm not sure that they value football as local. And to an extent, they don't want to accept MLS because it might be an admission that they were wrong about their superiority complexes. Plus, those complexes are entrenched in ethnic communities - as if to say, "yes, we love America and/or being Americans, but when it comes to football we are purely Italian/English/Portuguese".

But there is an untapped market - same with the Latino population that watch nothing but the Mexican and Spanish Leagues.

...please please please
let me, let me, let me
let me get what I want
this time

From what I saw in the World Cup final, Zidane is more than capable of playing the game at the highest level. He's got 2-3 more years in him. Great for Chicago . .

Now let's cut his and Beck's salaries by a million bones and share the wealth with the Needham,s of the world.

Yikes, I actually think that this is a bit too much like the NASL signings of Pele, Beckenbauer, Chinaglia, Cruyff, etc. Those kind of big name players only went to the big market teams (Cosmos, LA, Chicago) and the league ultimately struggled with parity. Sure, MLS has a completely different structure, and teams are healthier because of the soccer-specific stadia. But look, it's these same teams that are signing the big boys (Reyna in NY, Becks in LA, and now Zidane in Chi). Let's just hope that the league can keep the disparity in check. I guess it will be that much more satisfying when United excel without using their DP slot.

That said, I generally look forward to the Fire playing at RFK but, with Zidane, I will be downright psyched to go.

1. Steve--Kudos to you for breaking this. OTOH, where is the Chicago media with this story?

2. Needham was offered more than the developmental minimum. It just wasn't the senior roster minimum of 30K

3. Mats--Materazzi didn't ask for Zizou's sister, but said "I'd rather have her shirt"--if you're going to talk smack, get it right.

4. Yeah--if Chicago gets Zidane, they're the cup favorite. I've always felt their biggest weakness was at A-mid. Zizou would be a perfect fit for that team (well, other than some of the language stuff, but I suspect Zidane speaks spanish).

5. I thought (but am not sure) that the suspension applies to his club as well but I could be wrong on that.

6. I too don't want to see a return to the NASL days of big money spent on Bobby Moore, Mike England, Gerd Muller and Geoff Hurst. That said, if the league can hold it to just one DP per team or a max of 2 if you trade for a second slot and then have a hard cap (no players really making $700k but counting as only 300k) than I think this avoids the NASL mess.

Zidane certainly has the potential to be a much bigger influence on the field than Becks. For one thing he would be here all season, right? But who does he have to play with in Chicago? Yeah, he's a great player but even in MLS he's not going to be able to be a one-man team. Much of his greatness derives from having good or great players around him to play with.

It's nice that Unlce Phil has got so much money that he doesn't mind spending. But I agree a better long range impact would be in improving the lot of the guys near the bottom of the scale. I think you will see lots of resentment from the $30K starters in the league over the multimillion dollar contracts of Beckham and Zidane. It will also be interesting to see if the referees will give them preferential treatment a la Jordan Rules.

love this move...wish the league would also commit a few extra bones to guys like Needham.

I understand everyone's concerns that MLS may be taking risks on these players. But, I guess this is a "chicken and egg" question. In order to keep increasing the level of play, there needs to be a combination of better attendance, higher television revenues/ratings and more media coverage. Do you get there faster by paying Needham a living wage to be the 4th or 5th defender at DCU, or do you take a chance that a few Zidane/Beckham type players will help get you there faster?

You gotta spend money to make money sometimes ...

I love Zidane but I hate CHICAGO!!

Please tell me that DC United is pursuing Carlos Tevez!!!!!

my fingers are crossed!

If Zidane signs watch the adverstisers line up to sign on the dotted line. Think the LA vs Chicago game will get ratings?

ArrrrrggggghhhH!!!!, do you hate DCU, too?

I've got a front row season ticket to the Fire out here in Chicago. For a while, I was wondering whether or not to renew season tickets. But I'm glad I did.

Steve- This would be huge news if true. I'm happy for MLS regarding this. The league is really starting to earn respect. Granted, things aren't perfect, and the league has a way to go. But this is fantastic.

I've got a front row season ticket to the Fire out here in Chicago. For a while, I was wondering whether or not to renew season tickets. But I'm glad I did.

Steve- This would be huge news if true. I'm happy for MLS regarding this. The league is really starting to earn respect. Granted, things aren't perfect, and the league has a way to go. But this is fantastic.

As a French citizen and ardent MLS fan (now there's a small demographic), I have trouble believing that this move is serious.

For one thing, I just can't picture Zizou living in Chicago. I know that he probably wouldn't be spending the winter there, but even so, I can't imagine him in the capital of the midwest. New York, yes. DC, maybe. But Chi-town? Remember the Gilles Grimandi / Colorado Rapids fiasco?

But most importantly, I hope that all involved, and particularly MLS, weigh the socio-political aspects of signing the world's biggest Muslim star. Although he has always shied from speaking openly about his faith, and by all indications practices a moderate form of the religion, his choice to work in the United States will not be taken lightly. This will draw intense criticism from some and attention from all. He will also become the Muslim world's representative in the US, with all the media obtrusiveness and public commentary that go with it.

A very private individual, I think that Zidane will eschew that type of attention and prefer to either a) hang it up for good, b) check out what Japan (or Turkey) has to offer, or c) go for the Hollywood ending and play in Brazil. How great would that be?

As a French citizen and ardent MLS fan (now there's a small demographic), I have trouble believing that this move is serious.

For one thing, I just can't picture Zizou living in Chicago. I know that he probably wouldn't be spending the winter there, but even so, I can't imagine him in the capital of the midwest. New York, yes. DC, maybe. But Chi-town? Remember the Gilles Grimandi / Colorado Rapids fiasco?

But most importantly, I hope that all involved, and particularly MLS, weigh the socio-political aspects of signing the world's biggest Muslim star. Although he has always shied from speaking openly about his faith, and by all indications practices a moderate form of the religion, his choice to work in the United States will not be taken lightly. This will draw intense criticism from some and attention from all. He will also become the Muslim world's representative in the US, with all the media obtrusiveness and public commentary that go with it.

A very private individual, I think that Zidane will eschew that type of attention and prefer to either a) hang it up for good, b) check out what Japan (or Turkey) has to offer, or c) go for the Hollywood ending and play in Brazil. How great would that be?

Steve- Sorry for the double-post. I got some weird error message after it went thru.

Max- On the flip side, maybe this would be a great way for the US and Muslim world to build bridges between eachother. The US is not a place that is entirely hostile to Muslims, so I don't think that's a problem at all. Things are certainly not perfect here, but perhaps this is a positive development!

As a French citizen and ardent MLS fan (now there's a small demographic), I have trouble believing that this move is serious.

For one thing, I just can't picture Zizou living in Chicago. I know that he probably wouldn't be spending the winter there, but even so, I can't imagine him in the capital of the midwest. New York, yes. DC, maybe. But Chi-town? Remember the Gilles Grimandi / Colorado Rapids fiasco?

But most importantly, I hope that all involved, and particularly MLS, weigh the socio-political aspects of signing the world's biggest Muslim star. Although he has always shied from speaking openly about his faith, and by all indications practices a moderate form of the religion, his choice to work in the United States will not be taken lightly. This will draw intense criticism from some and attention from all. He will also become the Muslim world's representative in the US, with all the media obtrusiveness and public commentary that go with it.

A very private individual, I think that Zidane will eschew that type of attention and prefer to either a) hang it up for good, b) check out what Japan (or Turkey) has to offer, or c) go for the Hollywood ending and play in Brazil. How great would that be?

Why was the headbutt a negative? Well, it wasn't soccer; also, while I know a good headbutt can knock someone over, I think there may have been some diving involved, which MLS doesn't need to be associated with.

Ahhh, I remember one game in MISL when Kai Haaskivi just turned away from the ball, grabbed a player who had said something to him by the shoulders, threw him into the boards, and walked straight to the penalty box before the ref even called the foul . . . that's a tantrum we could be proud of . . .

I think the big difference between MLS and NASL is the caliber of US players. Back in the '70's, the US was not exporting talent overseas. In addition, there was no strong US based youth development program. Now, the US youth teams are performing strongly in international competition and generating technically strong players who have flourished in MLS: Donovan, Beasley and Adu come to mind. Additionally, the US side that shocked Portugal, eliminated Mexico and outplayed Germany was mainly comprised of MLS based or generated players: Mastroeni, Sanneh, Hejduk, Lewis, McBride, Pope, Llamosa, Agoos, Wolff, Beasley... Additionally, the stars of the Germany match, Reyna and Friedel, were US college stars before going overseas professionally. So the US domestic game is in a vastly different position from the days of MLS. What is needed now are well respecte names such as Beckham and Zidane to draw attention to the US game, and its increased skill level.

I think the big difference between MLS and NASL is the caliber of US players. Back in the '70's, the US was not exporting talent overseas. In addition, there was no strong US based youth development program. Now, the US youth teams are performing strongly in international competition and generating technically strong players who have flourished in MLS: Donovan, Beasley and Adu come to mind. Additionally, the US side that shocked Portugal, eliminated Mexico and outplayed Germany was mainly comprised of MLS based or generated players: Mastroeni, Sanneh, Hejduk, Lewis, McBride, Pope, Llamosa, Agoos, Wolff, Beasley... Additionally, the stars of the Germany match, Reyna and Friedel, were US college stars before going overseas professionally. So the US domestic game is in a vastly different position from the days of MLS. What is needed now are well respecte names such as Beckham and Zidane to draw attention to the US game, and its increased skill level.

Sure, why not, La gets Beckham, Chicago gets Zizou and we let Needham go. We can't even keep a developmental player.

We could have Eddie Lewis if wanted him, are we even looking? NO. Right cause we don't need depth on the wing. Or someone that can play left back if needs be.

Besides, that problem is solved. Chicago may have Zizou (maybe),but just you wait until you see the kid we picked up who Fulham threw away. Yeah, he's world class.

Fire Will Chang now! It's going to be a long season.

I'm a huge DC fan, but I don't care -- get Zidane on any team. I was lucky enough to be living in Madrid for a while when he was there, and he is absolutely incredible. His skill alone can win anyone over that has been on the fence.

Max,

Great points about Zidane's faith and media shyness being an issue in his decision. However, I think you might overstate the importance of Zidane being Muslim to US press. Sports fans in the US are used to prominent Muslim figures in sport (Mohamed Ali did a lot to blaze the trail), and I doubt that the media will make much of his religion.

As for media shyness, I think he has a better chance staying away from spotlight in the US then anywhere else in the world. Where else in the world could he walk the streets unrecognized, as he could in many US cities.

Steve- I just sent this tip into Drudgereport, so if your blog melts down, I'm to blame.

I suspect he always hated Beckham while at Madrid, and has decided to come to MLS for the sole purpose of breaking his legs, or at least making him look bad.

I suspect he always hated Beckham while at Madrid, and has decided to come to MLS for the sole purpose of breaking his legs, or at least making him look bad.

I think the big difference between MLS and NASL is the caliber of US players. Back in the '70's, the US was not exporting talent overseas. In addition, there was no strong US based youth development program. Now, the US youth teams are performing strongly in international competition and generating technically strong players who have flourished in MLS: Donovan, Beasley and Adu come to mind. Additionally, the US side that shocked Portugal, eliminated Mexico and outplayed Germany was mainly comprised of MLS based or generated players: Mastroeni, Sanneh, Hejduk, Lewis, McBride, Pope, Llamosa, Agoos, Wolff, Beasley... Additionally, the stars of the Germany match, Reyna and Friedel, were US college stars before going overseas professionally. So the US domestic game is in a vastly different position from the days of MLS. What is needed now are well respecte names such as Beckham and Zidane to draw attention to the US game, and its increased skill level.

The only league in the world where parity works as business strategy is the NFL. Is their this sacred parity in La Liga or the Premier League? Not a chance. MLB gets a good TV contract because people want to see the Yankees, not the Pittsburgh Pirates. MLS is (hopefully) will develop into a 20 team league with a few powers, and this will be good for the league. A handful of quality teams makes a successful league, not parity among mediocre teams.

The only league in the world where parity works as business strategy is the NFL. Is their this sacred parity in La Liga or the Premier League? Not a chance. MLB gets a good TV contract because people want to see the Yankees, not the Pittsburgh Pirates. MLS is (hopefully) will develop into a 20 team league with a few powers, and this will be good for the league. A handful of quality teams makes a successful league, not parity among mediocre teams.

I think Zidane speaks Italian.

As for Zidane being Muslim, if that is not an argument for a Detroit expansion club in MLS I don't know what is. AEG are you listening?

Alex,

Thanks for the comments. I guess what would make Zidane special is not just being Muslim (it's true that there have been many US-born Muslim stars in American sports), but being an Arab (well, Kabyl to be exact) Muslim in post 9/11 America. I don't think it will take long for a reporter to ask him questions about American foreign policy and the "clash of civilizations". And while he'll probably deflect them like he has so far, you know that he'll always be one TSA screw-up away (and let's not forget that next season teams will have to travel internationally to Canada) from a major controversy.

I'm not saying that this will keep him from coming, but that the MLS PR people better be damn sure that they are ready to deal with a completely new and different set of issues.

If the rumors are true that Zidane would consider a move to the MLS and the Chicago Fire, John Guppy will breathe a sigh of relief. Guppy is under intense criticism by the Fire faithful as not being fan friendly, something former GM Peter Wilt was a master of.

A signing of this caliber player will not only help fill the seats at Toyota Park, it will give the Fire a legitimate chance of winning the MLS Cup again. Something we haven't seen around here in Chicago since 1998.

And if Zidane doesn't sign with the Fire at least we had a couple of weeks of excitement with the speculation of the signing.

P.S. - Can someone clue the Chicago media in on this news?

If the rumors are true that Zidane would consider a move to the MLS and the Chicago Fire, John Guppy will breathe a sigh of relief. Guppy is under intense criticism by the Fire faithful as not being fan friendly, something former GM Peter Wilt was a master of.

A signing of this caliber player will not only help fill the seats at Toyota Park, it will give the Fire a legitimate chance of winning the MLS Cup again. Something we haven't seen around here in Chicago since 1998.

And if Zidane doesn't sign with the Fire at least we had a couple of weeks of excitement with the speculation of the signing.

P.S. - Can someone clue the Chicago media in on this news?

I'm actually out in Chicago at the moment and neither the Tribune, Suntimes, nor Chicagosports have picked this up yet.

"Please tell me that DC United is pursuing Carlos Tevez!!!!!"

ArrrrrggggghhhH!!!!- Dude, I would rather see DC United sign Damien Duff, cause we need a world-class winger and...more DUFF BEER at DCU games!!!

I don't know much about religion in Chicago, but don't they have a relatively large Muslim population? I know Chicago was once used as a "headquarters" for the Nation of Islam. I think I even remember an incident involving Muslims being mistreated in Bridgeview.

Mats--Materazzi didn't ask for Zizou's sister, but said "I'd rather have her shirt"--if you're going to talk smack, get it right.

Who really knows what was said. But we do know what wasn't: Materazzi did not make a racial remark which Zizou let the media carry on with for days and for that I can no longer respect him. Stay across the pond Zizou, we don't need you and your head assault

THis would be great. He could have gone to a number of clubs in Europe and is definately not past his prime. Give me (another) break. I think people on this blog will only be happy if someone from Man U or Chelsea suddenly decide they want to play in MLS...

Anyway, I'd definately pay to see him play, and I'll definately pay to see Beckham play. And, how better to change this stupid image of soccer as a non-contact sport than to get Zidane's head but on every news show for the next month.

There is more than 100,000 Arabs living in Bridgeview and surrounding area, 20-30% of Bridgeview residents are Arabs

http://www.hanania.com/profiles/arabvote.htm

Speaking of Zidane, the recent avant-garde documentary about him will be screened at the Hirshhorn in April (http://hirshhorn.si.edu/programs/films.asp). I saw this flick last September at the Toronto International Film Festival. To be honest with you, it may appeal more to students of film technique (camera angles, editing, sound, etc.) than to football fans.

I don't consider it a win for American soccer if the only way for it to gain popularity is to sell it as a contact sport.

Toyota Park is in a neighborhood that has a large Arab-American community, the Fire have a French speaking midfielder in Pascal Bedrossian, and I need a reason to renew my season tickets. This would be awesome!!!

Toyota Park is in a neighborhood that has a large Arab-American community, the Fire have a French speaking midfielder in Pascal Bedrossian, and I need a reason to renew my season tickets. This would be awesome!!!

Yeah I'm sorry but it just feels as if DC is begining to look like a small fish in this new perception of the league. The front office really needs to step their game up and sign sombody... anybody! If Chicago (wait and see) and LA can pull these kinds of deals I refuse to believe that DC could not aquire a player like Tervez, or Duff for the appropriate money. Sure Zidane is old, but he was and arguably still is one of the greatest footballers of all time, something that cannot be said for Tervez, or Duff. Why doesn't the front office consider all of their options? It seems as if the have so hard lined stuck to this idea of digging up unnoticed talent that they will not even consider a player who is proven or somewhat proven. All that I have gotten from the organization in the past month is that they are short players, and their intial list of aquisition interests has dried up, this I cannot fathom. If this team does not make some serious aquisitions in the next month our season is tanked by July/August. It is sad because it seems as if our perception as the premier team in the league for this upcoming season is already done as well as our chances for even making it to the CCC final (barring that Chivas doesn't screw the pooch again at home, that is) I'm sorry if I'm ultra Debbie Downer today, but it seems as if we have gotten nothing done this offseason post unloading Esky, I just would like to see a team this season that I can truly say is as good as last years, right now I can't. Good luck to Chicago/AEG on the Zizou hunt!

Yeah I'm sorry but it just feels as if DC is begining to look like a small fish in this new perception of the league. The front office really needs to step their game up and sign sombody... anybody! If Chicago (wait and see) and LA can pull these kinds of deals I refuse to believe that DC could not aquire a player like Tervez, or Duff for the appropriate money. Sure Zidane is old, but he was and arguably still is one of the greatest footballers of all time, something that cannot be said for Tervez, or Duff. Why doesn't the front office consider all of their options? It seems as if the have so hard lined stuck to this idea of digging up unnoticed talent that they will not even consider a player who is proven or somewhat proven. All that I have gotten from the organization in the past month is that they are short players, and their intial list of aquisition interests has dried up, this I cannot fathom. If this team does not make some serious aquisitions in the next month our season is tanked by July/August. It is sad because it seems as if our perception as the premier team in the league for this upcoming season is already done as well as our chances for even making it to the CCC final (barring that Chivas doesn't screw the pooch again at home, that is) I'm sorry if I'm ultra Debbie Downer today, but it seems as if we have gotten nothing done this offseason post unloading Esky, I just would like to see a team this season that I can truly say is as good as last years, right now I can't. Good luck to Chicago/AEG on the Zizou hunt!

Yeah I'm sorry but it just feels as if DC is begining to look like a small fish in this new perception of the league. The front office really needs to step their game up and sign sombody... anybody! If Chicago (wait and see) and LA can pull these kinds of deals I refuse to believe that DC could not aquire a player like Tervez, or Duff for the appropriate money. Sure Zidane is old, but he was and arguably still is one of the greatest footballers of all time, something that cannot be said for Tervez, or Duff. Why doesn't the front office consider all of their options? It seems as if the have so hard lined stuck to this idea of digging up unnoticed talent that they will not even consider a player who is proven or somewhat proven. All that I have gotten from the organization in the past month is that they are short players, and their intial list of aquisition interests has dried up, this I cannot fathom. If this team does not make some serious aquisitions in the next month our season is tanked by July/August. It is sad because it seems as if our perception as the premier team in the league for this upcoming season is already done as well as our chances for even making it to the CCC final (barring that Chivas doesn't screw the pooch again at home, that is) I'm sorry if I'm ultra Debbie Downer today, but it seems as if we have gotten nothing done this offseason post unloading Esky, I just would like to see a team this season that I can truly say is as good as last years, right now I can't. Good luck to Chicago/AEG on the Zizou hunt!

Remember, if you don't see your comments posted right away, keep clicking the button...no seriously...please...

I'd rather see DC United build a cohesive team that can challenge and beat the Galaxy and Fire for years to come instead of shooting their wad on an expensive player just for the sake of signing a big name. Besides, I don't think McFarlane is ready to tie up that kind of capital with the new stadium issues on the horizon.

Can we stop them? How irritating is it to read the same thing twice over, expecting new commentary each time?

How irritating is it to read the same thing twice over, expecting new commentary each time?

Can we stop them?

Pleaseplease?

Don't you hate it when work gets in the way of keeping up with the blog?!? AND to miss this piece of rumor-mongering...

I personally love this move much more than the Beckham deal. Beckham lacks Zidane's skill, vision, and individual flair on the ball. It's not a perfect location for Zidane(especially as a DCU fan) but still great for the league. I personally have been critical of the Beckham signing --"Beckham's arrival is not much different than that of Pele, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, or wait-a-minute Georgie Best in the NASL."-- because it was more style than substance and played to the "Entertainment Tonight" crowd, not the soccer-aware-but-not-MLS-fan.

A Zidane signing is truly great marketing to expend the fan base, because it will help draw out the soccer fans who might not otherwise want to attend an MLS game--suburban soccer families, Fox soccer snobs, and the WC watchers. We saw the swelling in the box returns the first year with Adu, when fans were anxious to see if he had game. The difference is that we all KNOW Zizou's got game.

Sacre Bleu !

Zidane is the real deal, and would make the Beckham signing look like what it really is - a bad PR move.

Too bad its for the Fire, but I would love to see this guy play again !

I need to change my underware after hearing that news.

one major difference about signing these guys vs someone like Tevez is that they are out of a contract. MLS teams can't afford to pay a huge transfer fee in addition to a huge DP salary. (actually, i'm not sure what Zidane's deal with Real Madrid is, as someone pointed out earlier.)

that's why there are rumblings that RBNY is waiting til the summer to use their second DP slot, because they can get someone at the end of a contract with it.

I just want to go on the record saying I am embarassed to be a fan of the LA Galaxy. If you guys end up getting Zidane it pretty much validates LA's reputation as a consumerist, superficial plasticfest. And I was just starting to get over the Donovan - Ruiz trade.

"Parity v. Quality" writes: "The only league in the world where parity works as business strategy is the NFL. Is their this sacred parity in La Liga or the Premier League? Not a chance. MLB gets a good TV contract because people want to see the Yankees, not the Pittsburgh Pirates. MLS is (hopefully) will develop into a 20 team league with a few powers, and this will be good for the league. A handful of quality teams makes a successful league, not parity among mediocre teams."

While there's some accuracy in your point, it misses the mark when applied to MLS. Yes, "parity among mediocre teams" isn't too hot, because mediocre soccer isn't as fun to watch. But "a handful of quality teams" is also a bad thing, at least for MLS. Why, when it works for the EPL, La Liga, etc.? Because we don't have the depth of commitment to teams in our population that these other places do. Fulham can start year after year after year with no chance whatsoever at a Premiership title, and folks will still turn out 25,000+ for every single home match, because they love the team and love the sport. That isn't the case in the U.S. Nobody goes to Columbus, Dallas, or Colorado games now -- do you think they're suddenly going to start going after ten *more* years of suckitude? Perpetual mediocrity, from the beginning to the end, isn't going to grow the kind of fan support that allows a team to always be mediocre and still survive.

If MLS becomes a handful of consistently good teams and a remainder of consistently mediocre-to-poor teams, the consistently mediocre-to-poor teams will *never, ever* achieve profitability, and down goes the league. Period. End of discussion.

You've constructed a false dichotomy, though, by juxtaposing "parity among mediocre teams" with "a handful of quality teams." There's another option -- "parity among quality teams". That, I think, is the goal that the league and many others would like to attain. We won't get there overnight, or soon. But it would be wrong to kill the league in our impatience.

Do people really think that Tevez would come to MLS? Sure, according to OPTA he is the worst player in the Premiership right now, but that doesn't mean he's ready to come over here yet.

Best post so far is definitely the BigSoccer joke. I had forgotten how vitriol and speaking before thinking were virtues within the internet soccer community.

Amongst the things that I saw that were crazy talk:

- Eddie Lewis can not play left back in a back three. If we were to go get him, he could end up back there if, say, we had 2 or 3 men sent off and used all our subs. Even then, it would be a surprise. He is not a left back, and Bruce Arena proved that pretty well in the World Cup. He would, however, be a perfect fit for us at left midfield (with Gros on the right).
- People concluding that DC has not even considered going for a big name: How do you have any idea what Payne, Kasper, and the new owners have discussed? Were you there? Maybe who they wanted was unavailable. This whole designated player era is uncharted territory. What if Beckham and Zidane are the only two that get used? Also, have you thought that maybe other teams are in a better position to have a $400K player on their cap than us? We have Gomez, Moreno, Olsen, and whatever Emilio is getting paid, not to mention B. Carroll, Boswell, Perkins, and Erpen. We have a lot of talented players, so keeping them all under the cap is a bigger challenge than LA's situation, where they have Donovan at 66% off for another year, and only a couple guys making $100K (or close to it). They can afford Beckham because their team blows. Similarly, who on Chicago is a big enough deal to make the money that would go towards Zidane? Armas? Mapp? Chicago is getting rid of Sanneh, which gives them a huge amount of cap room. They are built to fit a DP in, while we are not.

Bootsy, great post! And thanks for not being impatient and posting it 4 times!

The funny thing about "Parity in the NFL" is that the NFL needs it the least of all professional sporting leagues anywhere on the planet. It is literally a printing press for money, regardless of how idiotic the owner is (can you say Danny "Napoleon" Snyder). If only you needed to sign your kids up for the DCU season ticket waiting list at birth, so that they could possibly get them in their twenties...

---
Hopefully in 5 years we can get serious World Cup prospects from Africa and South America leaving their local clubs to come to the U.S. as soccer prospects instead of France, the Netherlands, and the like. I love the older talent, but to make some money off transfers to Italy, Spain, and England would be nice too.

Please please please let this happen.

And to the DC fans worried about not signing anyone, remember you just got a new ownership group that probably wants to see how everything is going before deciding to spend more money by signing a DP.

I'm quite sure that this year (2006-07) was supposed to be the last of Zidane's RM contract.

In order of prefernce, I would pay to see:
1. Zidane
2. Beckham
3. Needham
4. Zidane's sister

So, I hope Chicago get him, and maybe DC can get Zidane's sister for some back line depth.
I don't worry about this being NASL II. One world-class player makes you better, not dominant (like the Cosmos were). The foundation for soccer is much better now - what with a bigger fan base and soccer-specific stadia - so that combined with the spending limits MLS has in place should keep MLS from spiraling into an arms race.
I, too, wish DC could have offered Needham more. Hopefully, the money brought in by Beckham and other stars will increase the financial situation of the league enough that they'll be able to offer better contracts in the future.

For all the Debbie Downers out there, i.e., we haven't signed anyone, why don't we use our DP, etc., in Gomez we already have DP Light, if you will. He's the league MVP, been the best player in the league since about a month after his arrival and is about the same age as the DP targets who have materialized or are in negotiations (Bex, Reyna, Ziz). So don't be so down. We'll have a good season....or finish last.

If anyone else would have posted this, I would consider it an insane and unsupported rumor -- coming from you tough, makes it a real possibility.

I would love to see ZiZou's career continue. He's been such an amazing player.

Let's hope that you broke the second largest story in MLS history!

There isn't going to be a league full of quality teams with parity. Can you think of any league in any sport as an example? You either have a strict salary cap or you don't. With an NFL-style cap you ensure that any one team can only afford to have a great player at most positions (the economics of this should be obvious enough). You get teams like the Colts, with only a truly great player at 5 or fewer positions, winning a championship. I guess its a matter of taste, but I prefer a league like MLB where there can be truly great teams who play the game beautifully. To me the NFL is garbage (and I do like the football as sport), because there are no great teams.

Obviously right now MLS should do whatever it can to survive. But in the long-run I'd like to see a 20 team league, with world class clubs in the largest cities. And there should be some type of a luxury tax to help the well-managed smaller market teams occasionally compete. Again, the model should be MLB.

I want to see 30, maybe 32 teams. This is the best sporting nation on earth, with millions of athletes. The sky should be the limit for soccer in america. If the market can support 20, go with 20, but if it can do more, then go with as many as possible!

Parity v. Quality writes: "There isn't going to be a league full of quality teams with parity. Can you think of any league in any sport as an example?"

Right now, no, I can't. But historically, yes -- the Premier League and its antecedents. People see the EPL now, where you know before the season has started who the top four teams will be, and think it's always been that way. It hasn't -- it's actually a fairly new development. Man U won the first EPL title in 1993; the rest of the top five were filled out by Aston Villa, Norwich, Blackburn and Queens Park Rangers! Between 1985-95, 13 different clubs finished in the top three of the top English league, which turns out to be the same number as the decade before that, and the decade before that. But from 1995-2005, that number dropped to six, and I'll bet you can name who four of them are. It's a recent change in just about every country that the top leagues are like this; and there's no reason why a league has to be that way, because historically, no leagues had to be that way.

But even if I accept that there's no way to have quality teams in the league without only having a few of them, then I also have to accept that MLS is ultimately doomed. Professional soccer support in this country is simply not strong enough for a consistently mediocre team to be supported for a decade or more in numbers great enough for that team to be profitable, and there's no reason for that to change for the better if 3-5 *other* teams are doing well. The fans have to believe their team has a shot at glory.

There was no diving involved in that headbutt...

His chest caved in.

as a Fire fan, I am SOOO hoping he comes to Chicago. I will seriously move back from LA to Chicago just to see him play.

This move doesn't play to the MLS diehards as some suggest, this move plays to the MASSIVE amount of so-called "Eurosnobs" who haven't given an "F" about MLS to this point. If you look at the numbers the WC pulled and what the MLS Cup pulled, you can see there are quite a few people who are interested in seeing a soccer championship. Heck, if even half of the WC viewers watched the MLS Cup you'd be looking at about 10 million viewers. BIG improvement over the 1.5 million that watched this past year.

Bring Zizou to Chicago!!!!!

PvQ:
Your version of "quality" then, is really just a lack of parity. It's just two sides of the same coin.

Luis Arroyave asks Sarachan who says it ain't happening ::

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/soccer_redcard/2007/02/sarachan_on_zid.html

Memorize this chant for any and all Zizou matches:

J'aurais plutôt la chemise de votre soeur.

Although, I must say this rolls off the tongue a little better:

Je veux la chemise de votre soeur.

Memorize this chant for any and all Zizou matches:

J'aurais plutôt la chemise de votre soeur.

Although, I must say this rolls off the tongue a little better:

Je veux la chemise de votre soeur.

I know that the washington post had deepthroat before, but this is just deep crap. Zidane is my favorite player in the world, and i'd feint if he played in my home town. Please, he said he didn't want to play and he didn't miss. I'm sorry washington post you just lost your credibility. I know MLS needs more beat writers, but not liars.

I know that the washington post had deepthroat before, but this is just deep crap. Zidane is my favorite player in the world, and i'd feint if he played in my home town. Please, he said he didn't want to play and he didn't miss. I'm sorry washington post you just lost your credibility. I know MLS needs more beat writers, but not liars.

I'm TELLING YOU exclusively on this blog that Zidane will NOT sign for the fire! I know that the Washington Post had deepthroat, but the only thing deep is the crap we're all stepping if you believe this. Goff you sound like a good writer, but you lose all credibility with this one. Zidane has repeatedly said he does not miss the game. Zidane was the greatest player of my generation, and I'd love to see him play, but you guys...he's not coming back. So stop with these comments of "omg my 12 year old daughter would love to see him." And Goff start looking for another fake transaction. It's ridiculous you can make such a blatantly wrong comment and people will still read your stuff. MLS is looking for beat writers, not liars.

Zidane is a world class player

MLS would do well to have him play for even 1 season.

Beckham and Zidane would put MLS on the global map.

Sorry Max, but Zidane is not really Muslim. His kids are baptized(His wife Veronique is a roman catholic), he's drinking alcool sometimes and said several times he was muslim by legacy of his parents and not as a conviction. He's khabyle of origin, not an arab at all... born in marseille, south of France
don't think the religion or origin will play a role

it's Monday - what now?

Michael Kurowski -- please make essentially the same comment five more times. Thank you in advance.