Comments on: Is D.C. United the “new New England” in rookie matters? http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/15/is-d-c-united-the-new-new-england-in-rookie-matters/ Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:22:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Dan Haug http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/15/is-d-c-united-the-new-new-england-in-rookie-matters/comment-page-1/#comment-6465 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:54:00 +0000 http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/?p=161905#comment-6465 That’s a good question. I’m no expert, but I would think the earliest possible date would be the initiation of the DP (2007… although it didn’t really kick in until 2008). However, you could argue that the expansion teams like Seattle, Portland, Philly, Vancouver, and Montreal are all MLS 2.0 products You might even argue that Toronto is, although I they came into the league in 2007). This also corresponds to teams like RSL, Houston (and more recently NYRB and KC) developing soccer-specific stadiums that have improved the product on the field. So I’d say it’s been a bit of an evolution, but the more I think about it, 2007 seems like a good place to draw the line.

I’d be interested to hear what others think.

]]> By: mvktr2 http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/15/is-d-c-united-the-new-new-england-in-rookie-matters/comment-page-1/#comment-6451 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:48:44 +0000 http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/?p=161905#comment-6451 Btw what year/events mark the official-unofficial MLS 2.0 relaunch?

]]> By: mvktr2 http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/15/is-d-c-united-the-new-new-england-in-rookie-matters/comment-page-1/#comment-6450 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:46:52 +0000 http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/?p=161905#comment-6450 It’s a bigger and long discussion to flesh out your point fully especially as it relates to MLS salary cap and depth throughout the league. As to your point the in-house development in LA has been key and smart clubs are figuring this out. I’m convinced player development focus is key for both MLS and USNT going forward. He who plans, invests, and executes the best in player development including the draft but especially academy is going to reap financial rewards and competitive advantages in depth now that MLS 2.0 is launched.

]]> By: Dan Haug http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/15/is-d-c-united-the-new-new-england-in-rookie-matters/comment-page-1/#comment-6427 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:49:27 +0000 http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/?p=161905#comment-6427 Well… you gotta look at LA’s recent draft history:
2008 – Sean Franklin (ROY)
2009 – Omar Gonzalez (ROY) and A.J. DeLaGarza
2010 – Michael Stephens
2011 – Paolo Cardoza and Hector Jimenez
2012 – Tommy Meyer and Kenny Walker

You’ve got at least one guy from each of the last five drafts that has made a significant contribution to the club, and 4/5 that have done it in their rookie season (Stephens was huge for LA at times in 2010, and Meyer has been a rock in the last month). I think that group rivals the DC list that you’ve put up there. I also think that this is one of the most over-looked aspects of LA’s recent success. Everyone likes to talk about their big spending on internationals, but the in-house development of quality players has been what’s kept them competitive.

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