MLS Behind the Curve Again

A look at the 2008 schedule released by MLS shows a few interesting things. Most obvious is there will be no league games for DC United during the month of July. None. Also, there will be a midseason ABC national TV game against the LA Galaxy. It's a noon start, too. There are more Saturday night games as opposed to noticeable the lack of them last season, especially after the All Star game. That will be well reflected in better attendance. But, the most interesting and inexplicable wrinkle is the scheduling of games on and around FIFA international dates. The official dates are June 7-29, August 20, September 6-10, October 11-15, and November 19. Other than the June window which is unavoidable, the rest of the dates should and could be scheduled around. United plays on August 20 at New England, on September 6 at San Jose, and on October 12 at Houston. The August 20th match is the only Wednesday match in August. Any other Wednesday would have been fine. The September 6 match and October 12 matches also could have been moved up a few days to either Wednesday or Thursday games. Instead, inferior soccer will be played all over MLS as the best North American players will be pulled away from their MLS sides for CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. European qualifying begins in September and South American qualifying begins in October. Well done, Don Garber. Yet another master stroke of refusing to look forward. Instead, continue to react and explaining later when the inevitable complaints begin. And complain they will.