<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/10/jozy-altidore-e1421035094639.jpg"></a><figure class="image"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/10/jozy-altidore-e1421035094639.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-86470" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20150112_CMS_126625_jozy-altidore-600x373_3e3125a5.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=373" alt="jozy-altidore" width="600" height="373"></a></figure>
If you thought by now that <a href="worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/leagues-major-league-soccer/">Major League Soccer</a> would have eliminated the confusion over American international allocation, you’d be wrong. The truth is, they’ve thrown us for yet another loop.
Word is that Jozy Altidore is on his way out of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/sunderland/">Sunderland</a>, and out of all the potential destinations, MLS is the destination offering Altidore the highest salary of all.
First off, I must admit that it must be gratifying for the MLS Players Association to watch the league cry poor, and then see them overpaying for an underperforming Altidore. Any competent player’s union would use this to their advantage (competent being the important word in this situation).
But we’re back to the league flittering back and forth on decisions and rules. And by my estimation, it’s one of the primary issues that turns off soccer fans from the league.
If you are unfamiliar with the process, American internationals playing outside MLS are treated differently than international players. International players are claimed through the Discovery claim process, where teams submit names of players to the league that they intend to sign.
With Americans, the league has long decided that one of the best ways to ensure parity was to give the lowest finishing teams the best chances to get these players. The Allocation order was developed, and teams in reverse order from the previous year’s finish would get the opportunity to a) choose a returning US player, b) trade their spot, or c) pass.
That’s the way it worked until a couple of years ago. With Clint Dempsey, the rules changed. Portland had the first Allocation spot that year, but in a backroom deal MLS worked out a method for prosperous Seattle to acquire Clint Dempsey. The explanation at the time had to do with the salary of the player – “a designated player of a certain threshold.” It was flimsy, but it stood because MLS has the authority to change the rules as it goes.
The ruling was again used when Michael Bradley came back, heading to cash-flush Toronto FC (again with a salary over the threshold). The appearance in both the Dempsey and Bradley cases was that Seattle and Toronto were the only teams interested in those players. A number of fans in markets not-so-lucrative continued to raise their voices with discontent. Certain markets seemed to be favored by MLS, with Los Angeles, Seattle, and Toronto heading that list.
Then in 2014, things got thrown askew again. Jermaine Jones came to the States on one of these big-time DP salaries, but this time two teams wanted him. Chicago and New England entered a blind draw behind closed doors, with the Revolution getting the nod in seedy fashion. Again, fans screamed about the lack of transparency.
That brings us to Altidore. Altidore’s presumed salary will be north of $5 million per year, which would likely be above that threshold. But ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle is reporting that MLS will return to using the allocation order. According to Carlisle’s source, “[For Altidore], it’s not about dollars. MLS is right to want a clear, consistent process. The blind draw was a bad look for the league.”
This again looks troubling for MLS. First of all, the report states that two teams are interested in Altidore: Toronto and Portland. With the blind draw instituted with Jones, Toronto and Portland would have a 50/50 chance. Currently, Toronto is higher in the Allocation order.
This gives the appearance that MLS is choosing the method that suits their desires. Clearly the Jermain Defoe experiment failed north of the border. So Toronto is currently looking for a European quality forward to replace the English international. The Allocation order would put Toronto in perfect position to take Altidore.
The kicker would be Portland looking to deal up in the order. They could.
But in a single entity league, where every team is owned within, it gives a strong appearance of murkiness. In other league models, you would have teams actively competing on the open market to outbid each other for Altidore’s services. And even if a reverse order was used to level the playing field, you would suspect Toronto and Portland to do everything they could to ascend the order.
Yet in this league, you are more likely to think that one team (or the other) will relent, and accept defeat without much of a fight. That does nothing to promote competitiveness. Instead it leaves fans upset, thinking their team is not acting of their own accord.
Let’s be frank though – the idea of the league ensuring parity is long gone. When you advocate a SuperDraft to help establish parity, but then allow the League Champion to sign Liverpool’s club legend Steven Gerrard, there’s something wrong.
What it says is that parity is a myth. The Allocation order is admirable but greatly flawed. They should have used it in the other cases, if only for consistency. Instead MLS gets a bad rap, changing rules and policies on their own whim, and consistently leaving fans – especially fans in smaller markets – with a bad taste in their mouths.

Volatile Allocation Rules Continue to dog MLS in Jozy Altidore Saga

Volatile Allocation Rules Continue to dog MLS in Jozy Altidore Saga - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/08/geoff-cameron-e1409111242286.jpg"></a><figure class="image"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/08/geoff-cameron-e1409111242286.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-112256" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20140827_CMS_115104_geoff-cameron-600x442_d9855d4f.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=442" alt="geoff cameron" width="600" height="442"></a></figure>
Rumors abound that American international Geoff Cameron is being courted both within the Premier League as well as on the continent. <a href="http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/25/us-star-geoff-cameron-lined-up-by-italian-giants-lazio-numerous-pl-clubs/">ProSoccerTalk links Cameron</a> to a number of clubs, the biggest name being traditional Serie A contender Lazio.
But recent moves to big clubs have hampered many an American abroad. From Clint Dempsey to Jozy Altidore, Maurice Edu to Michael Bradley, a move up the prestige ladder isn’t always a guarantee of good times. It’s something that should make Cameron think twice about taking a step up.
Cameron featured for the Potters as soon as he made the move to England, but thus far in the new campaign he has not played a minute for Mark Hughes. While Cameron gained a transfer to England on his performances as a central defender at the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/08/24/lee-dixons-criticism-of-referee-kevin-friend-was-unwarranted/">Houston Dynamo</a>, then manager Tony Pulis inserted Cameron at right-back in his four central defender setup.
Last year, Hughes stuck with Cameron at right-back after the departure of Pulis. But in the summer he signed a natural fullback in Phil Bardsley which has pushed Cameron to the bench, at least for the time being.
There are other Premier League sides interested in Cameron. But each of those clubs – primarily Southampton, Sunderland, and Hull City – would be lateral moves at best. Lazio, who at one time were consistent challengers for Champions League spots in Italy, would certainly be a big jump up for the suburban Bostonian.
That is the type of situation that would impress USMNT head coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/07/13/jurgen-klinsmann-and-his-role-in-germanys-2014-world-cup-win/">Jurgen Klinsmann</a>. The German has long stressed the importance of players challenging themselves at the highest level. Lazio’s history of aspirations towards greatness would likely please Klinsmann.
Another important aspect could be the chance for Cameron to slot in at one of his natural positions. PST reports that would be possible at Lazio, as well as some of the other interested EPL clubs. With Ryan Shawcross, Marc Wilson, and Robert Huth at Stoke, Cameron’s chances of getting time centrally are scant.
So why not move?
While Cameron rides the bench at Stoke City right now, Bardsley was not very impressive with the Black Cats the last couple of years. He has also had issues with discipline off the pitch. Perhaps with hard work on the training ground, Cameron could regain the spot at right-back again.
It’s also been well documented the difficulties American players have had bedding in at a new club. We saw this in Italy last year, with Michael Bradley leaving Chievo a hero and becoming surplus to requirements at Roma. His best shot for playing time approaching the World Cup came from a transfer back to North America, at Toronto F.C.
Cameron may be best served moving within the Premier League, especially one that will play him centrally. He is well acquainted with the players and style within the EPL, and should quickly mesh into a side such as Southampton or Hull City. It’s true that both of those teams could be in for a fight to avoid relegation, but there are no guarantees for the Potters to remain safe either.
Sunderland are also reported to be interested, and that would be an intriguing proposition. They also employ embattled US striker Jozy Altidore. Perhaps a fellow Statesider on the squad would help settle Altidore, who really needs to regain the form he once had at A.Z. Alkmaar in the Eredivisie.
Whether it’s remaining at Stoke, moving within the Premier League or sliding into a more prestigious side like Lazio, Cameron needs to judge the situation wisely. Bigger money can be tempting, but it doesn’t always result in a happy ending.

Geoff Cameron Must be Calculated and Logical About His Playing Future

Geoff Cameron Must be Calculated and Logical About His Playing Future - World Soccer Talk

<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-109522" title="usmnt" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/usmnt1.png" alt="" width="600" height="300" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/17052546/usmnt1.png 600w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/17052546/usmnt1-150x75.png 150w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/17052546/usmnt1-300x150.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure>
It’s been such a great ride, this World Cup. We still have two matches left to consume, but the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/07/07/7-most-revealing-facts-about-world-cup-tv-viewing-numbers/">TV ratings have been through the roof</a>, and the buzz for soccer has never been stronger around the United States.
Now comes the hard part. The battle begins anew very shortly.
If we want to see this country become a soccer nation, it’s not going to happen with a bunch of one-off articles in Forbes or the New York Post. It’s not going to happen with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/06/22/top-10-commercials-of-world-cup-2014-video/">World Cup TV commercials</a> like the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Aa0IA21wk" target="_blank">one from Kia</a> that claims that soccer only matters once every four years. And I also don’t believe it moves forward when sites like Deadspin segregate soccer into a completely separate entity called <a href="http://screamer.deadspin.com" target="_blank">Screamer</a>. How does that break down the walls?
The truth is, I’m not sure how it’s going to happen.
I had a debate recently with a soccer reporter about this. Sometimes I unfairly target the media with this notion that they conveniently carve out soccer into this niche box, never to commingle with the popular sports of the time. He had a point in this. It’s poor business to give soccer any more than it deserves. If you’re running a site tied to sponsors, are you really going to stick your neck out and potentially lose viewers or readers — especially when you have big contracts with the Big 4 Sports? I’d have to say, “No” is the realistic (and unfortunate) answer.
So it seems that it comes down to us, the soccer-loving public.
One thing is certain for soccer lovers in America. During the World Cup, we’re united behind the Red, White, and Blue. During the remaining 3 years and 10+ months, we’re anywhere in the continuum from non-World Cup apathy to hardcore European soccer fans to hardcore American soccer fans, and everything in between.
We have to engage on how to bring this all together more often. Typically we get caught up in the angst of roster rules and salary caps and promotion/relegation. Those are important topics, but they are also stumbling blocks on the road to getting soccer off of Page 6 of the Sports Section (if it’s in there at all).
The fractures in this soccer universe are real, but they are also conditioned. For instance, the fact I use “soccer” grates at certain people from the get-go. I call it football as well, but these are semantics. It’s the same sport.
I can’t sit here and make a European soccer lover like Major League Soccer. Conversely, a person who thinks the world of MLS isn’t going to agree that implementation of the FIFA guidances on League and FA structure is the way to go.
Instead we need to be together in fighting the ever-surging wave of soccer apathy, and the narratives that the old guard in the media cling to even today. This mentality slowly erodes, but it still seems very present in society today.
How do we hasten this process? That’s an answer that’s unclear, but my gut says that we have to work through the divisive nature of the American soccer landscape. Clearly we will have to do the hard work because the mainstream media will not carry this torch without proof it will fly with the masses.
So keep talking about soccer to your friends. Keep supporting leagues, whether it be the EPL, MLS, or other – especially on television. Reconsider supporting your local team, given the fact the US is expansive and you may not have one.
It’s easy to get complacent with this, but we need to renew our energy towards influencing the norm. We’re in an unfortunate climate where revenue and TV ratings dictate the narrative. How can you do your part to facilitate the rise of soccer in America? It’s something we’ll likely be asking ourselves for many years to come.

After Great Gains During World Cup, Hard Part Begins Again For American Soccer Fans

After Great Gains During World Cup, Hard Part Begins Again For American Soccer Fans - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/france-germany-tactics.png"></a><figure class="image"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/france-germany-tactics.png"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20140704_CMS_108671_france-germany-tactics-600x454_5b56c44b.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=454" alt="" title="france-germany-tactics" width="600" height="454" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-108689" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/17052911/france-germany-tactics-600x454.png 600w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/17052911/france-germany-tactics-150x113.png 150w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/17052911/france-germany-tactics-300x227.png 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/07/17052911/france-germany-tactics.png 859w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a></figure>
Watch the following tactical analysis video to better understand how Germany was able to nullify France and prevent them from getting back into the game after Germany scored the early goal in the World Cup quarterfinal.
During the video below, there are several key points made that better illustrate how Germany excelled, and how Die Mannschaft was able to frustrate the France national team, and prevent them from becoming as much of a threat as they were in the earlier rounds.
Tactics Corner is presented by <a href="http://www.pixiclip.com" target="_blank">PixiClip</a>. Whether you’re a soccer coach or fan, PixiClip is an interactive whiteboard that allows you to upload images, draw sketches, and share replays with friends. <a href="http://www.pixiclip.com" target="_blank">PixiClip</a> is free and easy to use.

How Germany Was Able to Nullify France in World Cup Quarterfinal

How Germany Was Able to Nullify France in World Cup Quarterfinal - World Soccer Talk

On Wednesday, the United States Men’s National Team looked to avenge their Group Stage defeat to Panama at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX. Two second-half substitutes contributed to Clint Dempsey’s clincher, as the Americans secured their place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Finals with a 1-0 victory over the Canal Men.


Julio Dely Valdes was determined for Panama to match up against adjustments the United States made in their Quarterfinal with Jamaica. The Panamanian manager fielded a similar formation to the United States. One difference was that a forward, Alberto Quintero, played the central attacking midfield role. Additionally, wing midfielders Armando Cooper and Nelson Barahona played wider and deeper, in more defensive roles early on in the match.
Bob Bradley decided to stick with the formation that worked for the bulk of the Jamaica match. I think the “4-2-3-1” moniker has been used quite a bit, but simply put it was an adjustment from the 4-2-2-2 formation of choice for Bradley. The change was dropping a forward deeper, and replacing him with a possession-minded midfielder, namely Sasha Kljestan. The wing midfielders, Dempsey and Alejandro Bedoya, were still very narrow in the formation, much like the 4-2-2-2. For the second straight match, Landon Donovan was not in the first team.
The Panamanians’ primary focus in this match was intensity and pressure in marking. This was consistent with their Group Stage victory over the Americans. The second phase of the US attack was met with immediate pressure from Quintero, Amilcar Henriquez and Gabriel Gomez. Additionally, Cooper and Barahona, were committed to help fullbacks Luis Henriquez and Adolfo Machado in pressuring Bedoya and Dempsey, as well as containing Steve Cherundolo and Eric Lichaj from the fullback positions. For the early parts of the match, the commitment of the attacking midfield layer of the Panama squad helped to thwart much of the American attack that was so effective against Jamaica.
The Americans’ answer to the pressure was to play long diagonal crosses to players in the opposite flank. Many of these passes were accurate, but Panama was quick to react in most cases, and the US couldn’t find a consistent way to generate quality opportunities.
The best chance of the first half came on the overlap, as Cherundolo found room in the right flank. He crossed into the area, and striker Juan Agudelo’s headed effort cleanly found woodwork and bounded away harmlessly. The match went to the break scoreless. The United States enjoyed better possession throughout the half than Panama, but they couldn’t do well enough to get the ball to primary scoring threats, Agudelo and Dempsey, in prime locations.
The second half saw an immediate change for the United States, but it didn’t produce the desired effect. Bradley brought on the American talisman, Donovan, to replace Kljestan. As time wore on in the second half, Panama gained presence and possession, much to the dismay of US fans. The only position that was clearly defined in the attacking layer was that of Bedoya, as a winger on either flank. Both Donovan and Dempsey spent time in the advanced central midfield position, and neither could link well with Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, or Agudelo up front. The offense ground to a halt for the Americans.
In the period leading up to the lone goal, Panama enjoyed a number of dangerous chances, with Armando Cooper being the focal point. A 61st minute cross from Cooper eluded Quintero’s outstretched leg at the 6 yard box. A few minutes later, a quality run from the left midfielder beat Clarence Goodson, but his 10 yard shot from the left was deflected over the crossbar by Tim Howard.
Bradley’s other substitution could be described as sublime for fans of the US team. Freddy Adu saw his first action of the Gold Cup, and his first appearance for the team since the last Gold Cup in 2009. He replaced Agudelo, who had an above-par match, but who had been manhandled by an aggressive backline led by Felipe Baloy.
The offensive push for Panama continued. The team had jumped into the attack, seizing on a passion they appear to reserve especially for the US. Barahona, Luis Renteria (on for Cooper), and Gomez stepped up their push, as well as the fullbacks Machado and Henriquez.
Unfortunately for Panama, that last gasp effort gave the US the perfect opportunity to counter in the 77th minute. The ball came out of the US area to Adu. He lofted an exquisite long through, which Donovan was able to run onto down the right flank. He then passed through a defender’s legs, and Dempsey met the pass at the far post. He beat his defender to the ball, and pooched it into the goal for the game’s only score.
Tactically, Panama matches up well with the US, and their aggressive defensive posture exacerbates one of the Americans’ weak links: quality passing. Several times in this match we saw the quick passing game yield advantages, only to have sloppy passing cost us time to recover. With the back-line looking adequate at this point, the one aspect the United States lacks is a central playmaker, a guy who can distribute, hold possession in the middle of the park, pick out strikers, and thread the needle. Kljestan was barely average in this role. If Michael Bradley can improve his passing game, perhaps he could develop into this type of player. Until then, we will struggle against teams who can effectively close down our middle layer.
The CONCACAF Gold Cup Final will start at 9 PM on Saturday night. The Rose Bowl will be an electric stage for these two squads, Mexico and the US. It’s the final everyone envisioned three weeks ago before the tournament began, but both teams have taken different routes. El Tri’s was more traditional, cruising through Group A while struggling to advance against Guatemala and Honduras. We’ve chronicled the Red, White, and Blue’s plight on this blog from the outset. They’ve survived two middling performances against a quality Panama side. They dominated every other opponent, if not on the score-sheet in the run of play. The best news for Bradley is that Mexico has shed their cloak of invincibility in the Knockout Round, and perhaps one inspired effort from the US can earn them their fifth Gold Cup.

Panama 0-1 United States: Gold Cup Semifinal Review

Panama 0-1 United States: Gold Cup Semifinal Review - World Soccer Talk

The #1 Source for Soccer TV Schedules, Streaming Links, Cord Cutting Reviews, Soccer News and Interviews With Broadcasters.

Earl Reed

latest articles by Earl Reed

News

Volatile Allocation Rules Continue to dog MLS in Jozy Altidore Saga

News

Geoff Cameron Must be Calculated and Logical About His Playing Future

News

After Great Gains During World Cup, Hard Part Begins Again For American Soccer Fans

News

How Germany Was Able to Nullify France in World Cup Quarterfinal

News

Panama 0-1 United States: Gold Cup Semifinal Review