Major Link Soccer - Ch-ch-changes

The biggest news in in global soccer is not a transfer or trade. It is that the IFAB and FIFA have approved Goal Line Technology. This should mean that when the ball crosses the line it's actually a goal. This strikingly new concept to soccer took a while to take place, but it should be starting in most leagues where they actually make money over their next season. For MLS it may be 2013, or not.

"Major League Soccer is pleased by the International FA Board’s decision to approve two types of goal-line technology for use in FIFA competitions and professional leagues," said Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Competition and Game Operations. "MLS is eager to begin the process toward implementing one of these advancements, but we first need to research the installation, testing, staffing and training required. It is unlikely that either system could be in place for our games in 2012, but we will examine the feasibility of doing so by the start of our 18th season in 2013"

The rumblinbes of a combined CONMEBOL/CONCACAF national team tournament continue to get louder. All 10 nations in CONMEBOL would be joined by 6 from CONCACAF with the USA hosting. This should raise a lot of money for the two confederations as well as giving the USA the third best national team tournament in FIFA. It won't occur until 2016 though.

USL Pro is expanding to Phoenix (check that author!). The Valley of the Sun is also on short lists for NASL expansion (San Antonio and Tampa Bay are about to be contested by both lower leagues). If there's one thing for certain, the lower level structures will be quite different in the next few years. Here's a look at how expansive they could become.

MLS News

Houston and Chicago grabbed a nil-nil draw. In a similar refrain to Sounders fans, this may be the fault of compressed schedules and fatigue.

Did you know that Goonies do die? They died at Kezar just over a week ago, and on July 3rd they died in the state where the Goonies actually are. Their 1-2 loss to the Portland Timbers reduces the chances of a near nightmare scenario for MLS - the San Jose Earthquakes hosting the MLS Cup Final at Buck Shaw.

Nothings the 4th of July like a lightly attended match in Quebec. About 12,000 people showed up to watch the expansion side lose to Sporting Kansas City. Is this the first failed expansion of MLS 3.0? At least the squad on the pitch isn't awful, but it is old. They got older this week when they signed Nesta.

The two worst teams in each conference faced off. The 1-1 draw overshadows that Toronto FC is better than they've been, but they are still bad. TFC locked up HGP player Ashtone Morgan to a long term deal. It's his second pro contract and probably doesn't count against the Cap.

Saturday's opponent, the Colorado Rapids, lost to the Vancouver Whitecaps 0-1. Martin Rennie is challenging Ben Olsen for the Coach of the Year as both teams went from bad to good. The completely boring match did nab Vancouver points.

Things in the Southland seemed bright and shiny when they got news that Omar Gonzalez is back healthy. Hooray! The Galaxy then lost to one of three teams earning less than a point a game. Good job Bruce!

Can a franchise team also be a club? Because the Sounders do nearly everything on this list.