Toronto FC MF Michael Bradley on Tuesday made "one of the strongest statements yet from any player" when it comes to the CBA negotiations between MLS and its players union, saying free agency is "absolutely" an issue worth going on strike over, according to Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC. Bradley "emphasized he remained hopeful a work stoppage wouldn't be necessary." But he added that the MLSPU is "firm in its belief that changes need to be made." Bradley: "Nobody is sitting here right now saying to themselves, 'We want a work stoppage.' That's not the end goal for anybody." Carlisle noted the union has been "very public with its intention to seek greater freedom of movement for its players, and higher salaries, especially for the rank and file." MLS has "long contended that free agency would undermine its ability to compete" on the int'l player market, and thus "compromise the cost certainty and single entity structure that it says has been the foundation of the league" (ESPNFC.com, 1/21).
GRAND RAPIDS: In Denver, Daniel Boniface notes the Rapids this year are shaping up to be MLS' version of an "HGTV extreme makeover." There were several "front office hirings," and now the team will host the '15 All-Star Game against a yet-to-be-determined int'l squad on July 29. FS1 and UniMas will broadcast the game. It is the "second time Commerce City will host the event, landing its bid over perhaps more obvious choices of Seattle, which leads the league in attendance, and San Jose, which opens a brand new stadium this year." MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, "This is an important market as we're trying to grow the game in our country. And (to) give the Rapids the support they need and to say a little bit of a 'thank you' to their burgeoning supporters movement and put another great event into Dick's Sporting Goods Park" (DENVER POST, 1/22).
