There remains a "cloud of uncertainty" about whether MLS and the MLSPA will "reach a labor deal in the coming weeks," according to Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. The current agreement expires Jan. 31, and although the 26 clubs are "likely to continue conducting preseason business as usual under the previous terms, it's hard to imagine the season starting on schedule Feb. 29 without an agreement." DC United MF and team union rep Russell Canouse said, "Things are moving forward with the CBA, but there is still a lot that needs to get done before we get to a deal. I am really neutral right now. We'll see. These next coming weeks are crucial to getting a deal done." Goff notes issues surrounding the CBA include "compensation, free agency and off-day considerations, such as chartered flights" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/21). SI.com's Avi Creditor noted there is a month between the expiration of the CBA and opening day so an "inability to reach a new deal by the end of the month wouldn't necessarily postpone any matches." Creditor: "Given how important the year is to the league, though, and how it's always managed to avoid a work stoppage in past CBA-expiration years, you would think there would be an emphasis on reaching a clean and swift agreement so all parties can move amicably forward, put the focus back on the field and avoid a nasty, drawn-out, public battle" (SI.com, 1/20).
