Signing of Henry shows improvement of MLS

Whether or not you believe that the Thierry Henry signing by New York Red Bull earlier this week is a move more to do with publicity, the fact that he chose MLS over other European clubs that wanted his services shows that players are starting the see the improving quality in the league. Sure Henry is an aging star who has not has not been firing at his best since leaving Arsenal in 2007, but the fact that a player of his quality and stature in the game decided that MLS will be his home for the next four and a half years is a watershed moment for the league.

Although this move is less heralded than David Beckham's move in 2007, it will be more successful from a quality on the pitch perspective than Beckham ever was. This is not to say that Henry won't be looking to expand his brand in North America, however he will certainly bring more quality to the pitch than any DP player in the league before him. As he said in his press conference this week "I am a competitor, and I expect to win" he added "This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life."It is an honour to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team's history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship".

The biggest plus for the MLS is that Henry's name has clout with other top players in Europe. Seeing him sign and play in the MLS will leak back to Europe and other top players will look at making the jump. The latest rumour is that L.A Galaxy may make an attempt to sign Brazilian international superstar Ronaldinho. Of course this is only a rumour, but these types are press and rumours will only help the league grow stronger in terms of quality and drawing power.



Cheers,
Mike

TFC Corner

With the world's soccer attention focused in South Africa I've been neglecting our Toronto FC. Granted MLS was on a world cup break for 3 weeks but TFC made their return to the pitch on Saturday against the Landon Donovan/Edson Buddle-less L.A Galaxy.

The last time we saw the Reds they were involved in a dower 0-0 draw with the Kansas City Wizards. This result brought TFC's unbeaten run to 8 games in which they have only conceded 4 goals. For a team that looked like they couldn't stop anyone from scoring at the beginning of the season, head coach Preki has moulded the team into one of the strongest defensive units in the league. However there was a slight concern that TFC could not wrap up what should have been 3 points against a woeful KC.

Saturday would prove to be a stiffer challenge as the Galaxy came to BMO Field with the best record in the league. What the 15,000 fans saw was another dower 0-0 draw which produced very few chances and sloppy play. Credit must be given to the Reds back four and keeper Stefan Frei who once again were strong when called upon. However there is now a concern that TFC is lacking a bit of a offensive spark upfront.

In training sessions Preki preaches the elements of two touch passes and quick movement of the ball in order to create openings in the defence. However this is not translating to the pitch on match days as at times the attacking play looks lost and punch less. Many including myself have been looking for Preki to play a formation closer to a 4-3-3 that would emphasise the attack. This in theory could be done with O'Brian While in the centre flanked by Chad Barrett and Dwayne De Rosario upfront.

This of course would fly in the face of Preki's desire to build a strong game plan from the back out, but he must realize that too many draws could be just as damaging to a playoff run as losses are.

Although the team is right up against the salary cap it might be time for TFC to look for a offensive DP player to help the team's attack and boost their playoff chances. Earlier this year I made a case for the signing of French star striker Thierry Henry. It seems now Henry is set to sign for conference rivals New York Red Bull, which would leave Toronto behind in the arms race so to speak. This obvious issue would be trying to convince a either aging or about to be aging football star to sign in Toronto. Some suggestions that with a large Portuguese population in Toronto, former Portugal international Nuno Gomes would be a fit with the club. I can only see a move for him as a positive, first it will help you on the field in regards to quality; but second and maybe most importantly he can help develop a young striker in O'Brian White who is still improving his link up play.

Now a move for Gomes is just wishful thinking on my behalf at this time, but TFC will have to address this issue at some point in the near future if it hopes to score more goals and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in club history.

Cheers,
Mike