So it's been a few weeks since i've posted anything. I think during the season its tough to come on and feel like i'm giving valuable insight or anything worthy to write about. There are so many topics and subjects which I think about and inspire me. However, being apart of a team and a league, it is also important for me to keep perspective and not get a head of myself.
Tim Howard recently discovered broken bones in his back and is out for the next two qualifiers. Reading MLS website and other twitter followers, there was a lot of controversy who would take over. I really don't know why. It's almost too obvious and sometimes I wonder if media creates controversy just to rile up their readers. Guzan is clearly the next in line. He plays in the top league in the world.
I was also surprised to see Don Garber give a time line for when he would like to see MLS become one of the world's greats. It's a nice ambition but it's all talk and ten years down the line is so far that when the time comes, what are really the consequences of this statement? (project 2010 anyone?) Don't get caught up into stats the league throws when trying to compare our league to any others. Apples and Oranges.
As a player, I hope the league backs this up with guaranteed salaries for all players after their first year and keep options in line with the rest of the world. Every rookie should get housing paid for as well..... especially in expensive markets like here in Vancouver, San Jose, DC, etc.
On this topic though, I've been watching a lot of MLS games lately and really impressed with the style of play in most instances. We have come so far in such a short time, but like most growth curves, the challenge to get the league to the next level seems bigger than ever. Lackluster ratings, weak markets and minimal interest from the general sports fans are just the start.
There have been so many rants and raves about the commentators, that I won't even bother. I really have no clue how to drive television interest in our game. I know the league takes a lot of pride in employing such great individuals. On the whole however, our league comes across as Vanilla and cliche. The new infusion of personalities in the coaching world needs to be mirrored on the field. There are lots of great guys but how do we make great guys interesting? I wish I had more time to devote to this problem. Can we all agree to just bring Ray Hudson back??
Back to my job, the Whitecaps have started 2-0 and we've only given up a goal. The team looks really good this year and if we can continue to grow and come together, this is going to be a great year for us. It's been refreshing being out on the field again, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The players feel like my kids and I don't even have any. The happiest times are literally hanging in the locker room and enjoying the camaraderie with the guys. I will miss this more than anything, and it's sad, because I know this.
Every day I walk into the locker room trying to create more memories. It's going by too fast. My old friend Darren Huckerby said that soccer players are like "two ships passing in the night". You see one another then move on in your careers. He was a great guy and a pretty big boat in my life.
I won't bore you by going down memory lane, but I will tell you that I feel personally responsible for our team this year. I love our group, our energy and the mix of youth and veterans. It's fun to watch but just incredible to be a part of. I feel so blessed every day.
This year i'm literally trying to get my bearings for the future. I'm considering going back to school to further my education. It's been so long. Being married now, you have to think about more than yourself. My wife and I miss our family back in the Bay Area, but we are thriving here in Vancouver. It's a really incredible city and in all honesty, it's an extended paid vacation for me. I can't begin to tell you how lucky I feel these days.
Thanks for reading.
& may the posts be with you....
Joe
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