U.S. men's national soccer team MF Mix Diskerud signing with NYC FC shows that "the tide has turned toward MLS," according to Brian Straus of SI.com. For some, the move from European leagues to MLS "may be a step down." But "rather than lament it," USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann "may find that his best course of long-term action is to wield his influence as USSF technical director and focus further on strengthening the home front -- ask additional tough questions of MLS, offer ideas that might bolster the league and continue his deep dive into youth development." As MLS improves, any negative impact it "might have on a given player will be reduced and eventually eliminated." The trend "is clear," as MLS "now is an American talent importer." Since Klinsmann took over in '11, "only four U.S. veterans of note have left MLS for Europe and not returned." Most Americans now based in Europe either were "born there or signed as a youth/academy player" (SI.com, 1/13).
EMPIRE STRIKES BACK: In N.Y., Andrew Das writes Diskerud's signing is seen as "bolstering a midfield -- and a club -- trying to regain its footing since the recent announcement that another of its high-profile signings" -- Frank Lampard of NYC FC parent club Manchester City -- "would not arrive in time for the start of the team’s inaugural season." Last month's revelation that Lampard had extended his contract with Man City through May "came as a surprise to many, angering fans in New York and prompting questions from the Premier League about his dual commitment to City and to MLS." The signing of a prominent American like Diskerud "could help ease some of the grumbling" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/14). Meanwhile, TSN.ca's Gareth Wheeler noted Toronto FC "agreed to swap" F Jermain Defoe to EPL club Sunderland for USMNT F Jozy Altidore and cash. The cash amount received "has not been disclosed at this time but is believed to be significant" (TSN.ca, 1/13). SI.com's Grant Wahl reported under the header, "Klinsmann Discusses His View On Altidore, Diskerud Moves" (SI.com, 1/14).
FRIEND OR DEFOE? The GLOBE & MAIL's Cathal Kelly writes Defoe now is "perhaps the biggest high-profile bust in recent Toronto sports history," as TFC Owner
MLSE for months "plastered his face across billboards and hoardings throughout the city" (
GLOBE & MAIL, 1/14). The CP's Neil Davidson noted Defoe "arrived to unprecedented fanfare last January along with star U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley." A double-decker bus "was parked outside the news conference" where
MLSE President & CEO Tim Leiweke "touted the signing of what TFC billed as a 'global football superstar.'" At some $10M apiece, Defoe and Bradley "each broke the
MLS record for transfer fees." Leiweke said that TFC "would lose money this season due to its investment in its designated players." However, the club "set a franchise record for attendance" in '14. TFC "drew 375,463 fans to BMO Field, up 30,928 over the previous franchise record" of 344,535 set in '11. TFC "attracted 15 straight sellouts of 22,591 before attendance at the two final home games dropped" (
CP, 1/14).
