Real Real

Well, let's not talk about last night's 1-1 tie between the US Men's National Team and Jamaica. Some have called it useless, but I don't think so at all. However, I'll post a much more in-depth look at the locks and possibilities for Arena's 23 and 35 man rosters sometime later this week. That said, let's take a look at some news stories:

Earlier, Deseret News announced that Real Salt Lake would play a high profile match with a major European club. That club, however, was not announced in that article. Later, KUTV news reported that the club in question is storied European giant Real Madrid (Salt Lake's illustrious namesake). Yes, there's a very good possibility that Madrid will completely dismantle MLS' worst team, but the result probably won't matter. Last year, the MLS "All Stars" bombed against Real in Madrid, and it registered hardly a blip on the media radar here (fortunately). Likewise, if Salt Lake gets killed by Real Madrid, it'll still have been a great experience for the club, and should do wonders for expanding the Madrid brand in the United States (which is the whole reason why these European clubs play these games in the first place).

If the Real Madrid news wasn't enough, FC Barcelona will be playing in Houston this summer. The key word though is "in," since they apparently won't be playing against the Dynamo. It's a shame MLS' most exciting attacking club (yeah, I said it) won't get the chance to match up with what is arguably Europe's best club (yeah, I said it). I had grand visions of watching Ricardo Clark mark Ronaldinho, Eddie Robinson defending against Eto'o, and DeRosario making runs at the Barcelona defense. Oh well. Barcelona will be playing an "unnamed Mexican club." It doesn't matter who as long as the fans show up and get a glimpse at the Dynamo product. I don't think they'll be disappointed.

The Boston Globe has a fascinating little article on New York's business plan, their relationship with Pele and Beckenbauer, and the aim for foreign club relationships. If the big numbers (to the tune of $100 million) weren't enough to convince you that Red Bull is serious about their investment then Beckenbauer and Pele's participation should seal the deal. This is what Beckenbauer had to say about the current state of the game in the United States: "The difference is night and day. In 1975, when Pelé came here, nobody played the game. We were like pioneers. Now they play the game and the standard is unbelievable." Red Bull is very serious about this investment and particularly about bringing in high profile stars a la the NASL. Whether this is an effective business model remains to be seen, especially since most of the other league owners don't seem to keen on the idea. However, Red Bull is very serious about spending money and if they can expand the team's brand to New York City itself, they will have accomplished something that the Metrostars never did in ten years.

As for partnerships with foreign clubs, this can only be beneficial for the teams and the league. It allows European, South American, and Mexican clubs a chance to easily expand their brand, while also giving MLS teams a little extra money (through friendlies) and a chance to extend their own brand recognition to South American, Mexican, and European club fans in the area. A deal with Benfica would go a long way towards embracing the Portugese community in the Boston area. This can only be a positive for the league.

Steve Cherundolo tries his hand at writing

Great Onyewu article from the Washington Post

O'Brien's returned