Need An MLS Fix? Combine Matches Streaming

We have a little over a week until the MLS SuperDraft takes place. In this short span, MLS will conduct it’s “Scouting Combine” over the next few days. The good news is that a high-speed internet connection will get you access to the round robin matches beginning today at MLSSoccer.com.

Let me speak honestly about this issue: I’ve never watched a “combine” before. The NFL originated this clearinghouse of college talent many years ago, when the two major scouting conglomerates “combined” to have one large workout day (hence the name “combine”). In recent years they have made the combine events available through their own broadcast arm, the NFL Network. I admit I’m a fan of the NFL, and I have yet to really get into the NFL’s version of this exercise.

With that being said, there will be actual matches played over this 5 day period in Florida. This is likely because NCAA soccer does not have a post-season All-Star game to display talent in action. The matches will take place today, Sunday, and Tuesday, and will be streaming on the MLS website. The players who have been invited will be split into four squads which will round robin each other over the three matchdays.

Now I’m not expecting there to be a lot of great soccer at these matches. Throwing 11 players onto a field who have barely trained together is not a recipe for brilliant interplay and all. Then again, this would give fans a chance to see the players coming out of the college program. I’ll check out a couple of the matches. It will be interesting to see if it’s worth the time spent, but it is great that MLS is trying to reach out to the fans with this. If you do get a chance to check it out today, let us know in the comments what you think.