Toronto have been under the same ownership for their entire existence. Bringing in Leiweke was a huge coup because of his success as an MLS executive, but it's not flashy new money like that in the Bronx, and at least it's "local" money.

Fair, albeit depressing, indictment of MLS. But I'll argue that it's a notable step up for Mix. The Tippeligaen is hot garbage; the first game I went to in Norway, a keeper tripped during the run up to take a goal kick. Magisterial. See also: Bradley, Bob.

I think the more worrying trend is MLS spreading its legs for…

Cool addition to your Barça fan page. Anything happen in Zurich today?

Welcome to Billy Haisley's Barcelona Echo Chamber, the world's leading FC Barcelona fan site!

I get this joke. It is a joke because MLS teams are considered to be not very good, and the manner in which the goal here was conceded is also not very good. So you asked which MLS team this was, even though there is no actual ambiguity that could cause one to assume one or both of these teams are from MLS. It is…

This is a reference to a movie that I have seen.

You missed what is by far the best Australia beer, Fremantle's own Little Creatures Bright Ale.

Well, they nailed Arjen Robben cutting inside to his left, and the defenders looking genuinely surprised when he does, so points for realism there.

You didn't shit on MLS nearly enough to get Billy's attention.

Very interesting piece, but one small point you left out: It was actually Arbeloa, not a Valencia player, who broke Iker's hand on that botched clearance. Arbeloa and Casillas have always had a pretty icy relationship, and Arbeloa was firmly in Mou's corner during everything, but I'm sure that's all just a…

I assume you also choose not to watch March Madness or college football because the NBA and NFL exist?

(falls over 6500 miles away)

Eagerly awaiting your proposal on how it would work in practice, considering it would require NASL and/or USL Pro getting on board, which is damn near impossible. The fastest, easiest way to improve the on-field product in MLS isn't promotion/relegation, it's a better CBA and a much higher salary cap.

A good solution for fans new to the game: follow DreamStart Soccer, a new site tailored specifically to Americans who want to learn more about soccer. http://www.dreamstartsoccer.com/

Your opinion is the wrong one.

Your opinion is the wrong one.

I think Varane ought to be starting over Pepe at CB. No more of this experimenting with defenders as holding midfielders crap. Ancelotti tried it once against Barca last year, and it failed miserably.

Good stuff. Reminds me of what happened with Eibar in Spain, who were almost relegated instead of promoted essentially because they've always been profitable.

Thankfully, other soccer-playing transplants to NYC know better than you.

Top scorer will be a new arrival, either Sanchez or Costa.