Visiting Denver yesterday, MLS Commissioner Don Garber
said that he believes "the league is delivering a stronger
product this season," according to Alan Pearce of the ROCKY
MOUNTAIN NEWS. Garber: "The quality of play has improved.
Everyone I talk to, including ... the media, has said the
same thing." But Pearce writes that MLS "hasn't had all
smooth sailing," as attendance and viewership "numbers are
down, despite much stronger television scheduling on
Saturdays." Garber: "Our gross (TV) ratings are down, but
our demographic ratings are up. Our 18-35 demographic
audience has increased substantially" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS,
6/27). In IL, Tom Bonen wrote, "MLS attendance, in general,
is right on target with rational expectations and the future
looks very bright for the next couple of years." He added
the Soccer Saturday schedule "might not pay big dividends
... for a few more years." But "when all is said and done,
the league owners will probably draw the conclusion that the
heavy midweek scheduling is not only counter-productive, but
it's costing them money" (DAILY SOUTHTOWN, 6/25).
MLS SHOW NEEDS EDGE? In Boston, Frank Dell'Apa reviews
ESPN's new "MLS Extra Time" show and writes that "judging by
the debut telecast," the show "will have to improve
dramatically to avoid relegation." Dell'Apa: "Highlights
and replays are only part of the formula to attract viewers.
The show must capture the mood of the game itself. It must
be bold. It must define the two or three most controversial
issues of the day and confront them directly. If [United
MF] Marco Etcheverry is threatening to leave MLS because of
the refereeing -- as he was after D.C. United's loss to
Chicago June 17 -- this must be discussed. ... ESPN can
attempt to direct the tone of the show toward constructive
criticism but it cannot shy away from criticism, especially
if the league's most valuable player is voicing it. ...
Games must live on beyond their conclusion, and so must the
topics of this show" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/27).
