Of Numbers and Men
Yeah, Right, MLS Attendance Stinks
Yep, you're right, MLS attendance is only up from last year because of Freddy Adu. And next year, it will only be up because of Chivas. And the year after that, it will only be up because… Well, just because.
Here are some facts. Average attendance in MLS in 2003 was 14,898. That was down from the 15,822 of 2002. But so far this year the average attendance is 15,191. That figure could climb a little with important playoff position games coming as the season winds down.
Sure, that can't compare with the EPL, which averaged 35,019 league wide in 2003.
But let's make a comparison that is possibly more fair. According to sportsbusiness.com the MLS average attendance is better than that of leagues in both Argentina and Holland. Apparently Agentina's clubs average about 10,000 per game while the Dutch Eredivisie draws about 12,500 per game.
So, though MLS doesn't draw like the NFL or MLB, you could say MLS attendance is just about right. Nothing smelly about that.
Cleaning the Sheets Over the Weekend and Beyond
It started on Friday, August 20, continued through the weekend on hasn't stop as of this writing. All A-League matches during that time ended with shutouts, including the double clean sheet between Minnesota and Calgary on Sunday.
The most notable shutouts were the Montreal Impact's 1-0 victory Sunday over Atlanta and their 2-0 victory over Edmonton FC on Wednesday. The Impact have set a new league record for team shutouts in a season with 19. In the Sunday match, Greg Sutton tied Pat Onsted's 1998 clean sheet record of 16 in one season.
Should we look to see Mr. Sutton minding some nets somewhere in MLS next season? I certainly hope so.
We might also want to keep our eye on Minnesota goalkeeper Joe Warren. On Monday, Warren picked up clean sheet number 14 in helping the Thunder to their first road victory of the season over Edmonton 2-0.
Man of the Match -- Twice -- And He Doesn't Even Get on the Field
His team had lost three matches in a row. He had lost his top assist man this year to a season-ending injury. Then his starting goalkeeper comes up lame as well. Something had to change, but good.
So, Bob Gansler made changes to his lineup. Twice.
And now he's got two consecutive wins. First, a league victory against New England in Gilette. And second, a U.S. Open Cup semifinal victory over San Jose at the Blue Valley District Activities Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
Gansler, with Chris Klein out for the season, has pushed Alex Zotinca forward from his usual left back slot into the left midfield position. And Zotinca has shown. Second-year defender Taylor Graham has done more than an adequate job in his two starts at right back. Igor Simutenkov had added more to the attack with his speed and creativity and Jack Jewsbury has proven a timely super sub. And though not match fit, Preki is, well, Preki.
Mr. Gansler now has his team tied with L.A. for the best record in MLS as the Wizards prepare to host Chicago for the Open Cup final.
It's unlikely Sigi can now win the honor. Only one other name should come to mind. From Man of the Match to
Coach of the Year.
Debut -- Taunt
Debut.
Francis Jeffers got his first start for new club Charlton Athletic on Wednesday and netted a brace before a home crowd at the Valley. The Addicks went on to defeat Aston Villa 3-0. The Fox in the Box came out full of fire and scored on his first two chances. Jeffers looks to continue his form all season and be the 20-goal scorer Charlton has never had.
Taunt.
Carlton Cole, now on loan to Aston Villa, marks his return to the Valley with a disappointing performance as the Red Robin crowd boos his every touch. While displaying speed and hustle he rarely showed last year for the Addicks, Cole was left with only one consolation. At least at the end of this match, Alan Curbishley actually shook his hand.
Yep, you're right, MLS attendance is only up from last year because of Freddy Adu. And next year, it will only be up because of Chivas. And the year after that, it will only be up because… Well, just because.
Here are some facts. Average attendance in MLS in 2003 was 14,898. That was down from the 15,822 of 2002. But so far this year the average attendance is 15,191. That figure could climb a little with important playoff position games coming as the season winds down.
Sure, that can't compare with the EPL, which averaged 35,019 league wide in 2003.
But let's make a comparison that is possibly more fair. According to sportsbusiness.com the MLS average attendance is better than that of leagues in both Argentina and Holland. Apparently Agentina's clubs average about 10,000 per game while the Dutch Eredivisie draws about 12,500 per game.
So, though MLS doesn't draw like the NFL or MLB, you could say MLS attendance is just about right. Nothing smelly about that.
Cleaning the Sheets Over the Weekend and Beyond
It started on Friday, August 20, continued through the weekend on hasn't stop as of this writing. All A-League matches during that time ended with shutouts, including the double clean sheet between Minnesota and Calgary on Sunday.
The most notable shutouts were the Montreal Impact's 1-0 victory Sunday over Atlanta and their 2-0 victory over Edmonton FC on Wednesday. The Impact have set a new league record for team shutouts in a season with 19. In the Sunday match, Greg Sutton tied Pat Onsted's 1998 clean sheet record of 16 in one season.
Should we look to see Mr. Sutton minding some nets somewhere in MLS next season? I certainly hope so.
We might also want to keep our eye on Minnesota goalkeeper Joe Warren. On Monday, Warren picked up clean sheet number 14 in helping the Thunder to their first road victory of the season over Edmonton 2-0.
Man of the Match -- Twice -- And He Doesn't Even Get on the Field
His team had lost three matches in a row. He had lost his top assist man this year to a season-ending injury. Then his starting goalkeeper comes up lame as well. Something had to change, but good.
So, Bob Gansler made changes to his lineup. Twice.
And now he's got two consecutive wins. First, a league victory against New England in Gilette. And second, a U.S. Open Cup semifinal victory over San Jose at the Blue Valley District Activities Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
Gansler, with Chris Klein out for the season, has pushed Alex Zotinca forward from his usual left back slot into the left midfield position. And Zotinca has shown. Second-year defender Taylor Graham has done more than an adequate job in his two starts at right back. Igor Simutenkov had added more to the attack with his speed and creativity and Jack Jewsbury has proven a timely super sub. And though not match fit, Preki is, well, Preki.
Mr. Gansler now has his team tied with L.A. for the best record in MLS as the Wizards prepare to host Chicago for the Open Cup final.
It's unlikely Sigi can now win the honor. Only one other name should come to mind. From Man of the Match to
Coach of the Year.
Debut -- Taunt
Debut.
Francis Jeffers got his first start for new club Charlton Athletic on Wednesday and netted a brace before a home crowd at the Valley. The Addicks went on to defeat Aston Villa 3-0. The Fox in the Box came out full of fire and scored on his first two chances. Jeffers looks to continue his form all season and be the 20-goal scorer Charlton has never had.
Taunt.
Carlton Cole, now on loan to Aston Villa, marks his return to the Valley with a disappointing performance as the Red Robin crowd boos his every touch. While displaying speed and hustle he rarely showed last year for the Addicks, Cole was left with only one consolation. At least at the end of this match, Alan Curbishley actually shook his hand.
posted by hartley @ 3:43:00 PM
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