The Endline

March 1st was supposed to be the day that MLS teams had to submit a salary cap compliant roster. Instead, the league issued the following statement due to the ongoing CBA negotiations:

“MLS is delaying the roster compliance date, originally scheduled for March 1, while discussions continue over related topics with the MLS Players Union. The roster compliance date will be set in the next few weeks.”

So we’re left wondering what to make of the whole situation. Neither the league or the players union seem ready to budge on their positions, but neither parties seem interested in a strike or a lockout. Time will tell but First Kick is only a few weeks away.
The New York Red Bulls went from MLS Cup runner-ups in 2008 to worst in the league in 2009.  New York seem to be having a good pre-season as they recently won the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, FL. The went to penalty kicks in their first game against the Houston Dynamo but then obliterated Toronto FC 4-0 in the final behind a Juan Pablo Angel hat trick.

NYRB have a couple of interesting people in camp including former MLS rookie of the Year, Damani Ralph and “nationally ranked” rookie, Conor Chinn.


The Red Bulls also have a new coach in Swede Hans Backe (who happens to have the endorsement of Freddie Ljungberg) .

Speaking of Freddie Ljungberg, he is complaining about the length of the pre-season. Freddie and his Sounders finished 5th in the La Manga Cup in Spain with a 2-1 record. Sounders single game tickets went on sale yesterday and the home opener and their game against the Galaxy are already sold out.

The LA Galaxy have signed three Brazilians on loan from Sao Paulo FC, while Chivas USA have officially debuted Osael Romero of El Salvador. It seems that Chivas are looking to steal the support of the Salvadoran community from the Galaxy.

And no Chivas news would be complete with out the ChivaGirls.

FC Dallas also participated in the Disney Classic and faced the Houston Dynamo in the 3rd place game. White Kix was at the Disney Classic so hopefully we’ll get a report from him sooner rather than later (hint).

But the FC Dallas players aren’t the only ones working hard. The entire organization are trying to bring you a great game day experience.

If you are going to be in Seattle for the First Kick, then stay tuned. We’re putting on a little get together with the MLS Insider.