Several websites and blogs are quoting representatives of the MLS Player Union as saying that the two sides are still far apart on numerous issues and that a strike could be their only bargaining chip.

"In the last month, there’s been no significant movement at all," MLSPU Executive Board Member Pat Onstad said, according to Centerlinesoccer.com. "The last offer we put on the table has not even been remotely addressed. Right now, (the negotiations) are in a bad place. We’re far apart."

Talks are still ongoing, with a meeting scheduled for next week, but talk of a strike is definitely out there.

The players are apparently prepared to dig in on issues ranging from free agency to what kind of expenses players are expected to cover when changing teams. One of the bigger issues, apparently, is teams' ability to continue to control players' rights within MLS even after the teams have not shown interested in keeping those players.

"I know on our side, we’re prepared to strike if we have to for what we want," Earthquakes keeper Joe Cannon told Centerline. "If the owners feel as adamant about treating us like they do, that’s up to them. It’s their business."

I am promoting this to the frontpage so that you can share your thoughts on the issues, and track what will likely be numerous reports over the next 24 hours. Here is Ives post on the subject.