SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums College, Pro & International Soccer MLS vs. EPL???

Hey I just ran accross this article on ESPN.com and almost got fired for laughing so hard. But what do you guys think on the "great" insight by Lalas???


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=439873&cc=5901

The quotes by Lalas are laughable. The MLS is still many years away from reaching the quality of the EPL. MLS teams would be lucky to be competitive against 2nd or 3rd division English teams.

Might be able to pull one off against Wigan Athletic

Asinine comment by Lalas. I watched FSC last night and the trio of announcers essentially downplayed MLS with their comments and stated that though there are good moments, that there are frequently equally poor lapses as well in MLS play -- particularly in the defense.

Personally, I feel that the troubles of the U.S. are due in large part to our lack of quality in the back, as we often seem disorganized and too often try to "play pretty" and build the ball out of the back rather than clear and be safe. Too many times, does this leave our team in poor defensive shape and vulnerable to cheap opportunities.

The U.S. have some quality goalkeepers and decent midfielders, but our backs must improve across the board. I think it's too often a reflection of us putting the "best" players in the midfield/forward positions and not let players hone their defensive skills (physical/mental/communication).

Just my $.02.

Well said Mr. Heise. I've watched some MLS games recently and they are so lackluster in quality and excitement, well at least in my opinion. Almost like defense doesn't exist. Maybe in a few years, but for right now, MLS is not even on the same galaxy as the EPL or any European League for that matter.

Until we begin to recognize the efforts of our defensive players we are doomed to continue this trend. Unfortunantly we place an inordinate amount of emphasis on recognizing the efforts of those that score and/or assist and fail to recognize that a good offense starts with a good defense.

The offensive bias goes to the root of US soccer. Example: Go to any of the 'best player' posts on SCSOCCER for club or HS and you will at best find an attacking midfielder listed. Kids play for fun and glory. No one gives props to the great defenders until a specific discussion is raised.

I think we'd give the Belarus Premier League as well as the Finland Premier League a good run for their money.

The MLS is way behind the top 6-8 teams in the EPL but after that, MLS is not far off.

Americans give so much credit to English soccer. Why? The English can not grow its own talent at all, hence 1) the non-existent results of its National Team program and 2) why its top clubs are predominantly, if not just about all, foreign.

Americans fall into the English marketing and propaganda but England is a second-tier soccer country when it comes to one-the-field play.