2013 Major League Soccer Thread (aka The Ancient Mystical Society of No Timbers)

[Sweet Holy Moses]

I may be a little biased, but that TFC shirt is tremendous. Now all we need is a team to wear it.

Also, that Colorado shirt is terrible. I understand that it's the state flag and all, but even as a third kit, that's awful. I can only hope they won't wear it any matches against TFC. That way, I'll never have to see it in action.

Edited February 26, 2013 by Sweet Holy Moses

[Hobo]

That Colorado kit looks inside out.

I want to like that TFC shirt but, TFC :@

[Rafael]

If Martins goes to the MLS, It's a huge step foward for the league. Signing a guy that has been in form for a club that plays in one of the top leagues in Europe, and is also playing well in the Europa League? That's amazing, since I think some bigger European clubs might come knocking for him.

[GoGo Yubari]

Talk is it'd be around a $4 million dollar transfer fee, too. Second largest transfer fee behind Robbie Keane.

Elsewhere, Chris Wondolowski has signed a new contract with San Jose that makes him a DP, earning twice what he previously made, three years guaranteed salary with an option for a fourth. Quite deserved. Deserves more than 600K a year, really, but he seems like the kind of guy who wouldn't drive the price up too high.

[Sweet Holy Moses]

Every time I see or hear Wondolowski's name, I can't help but think of those priests from the original Age of Empires game. "Wololo.... Wololo..... Wololo..."

[Sweet Holy Moses]

It's official. Torsten's retired.

[HailtotheYo]

Talk is it'd be around a $4 million dollar transfer fee, too. Second largest transfer fee behind Robbie Keane.

Elsewhere, Chris Wondolowski has signed a new contract with San Jose that makes him a DP, earning twice what he previously made, three years guaranteed salary with an option for a fourth. Quite deserved. Deserves more than 600K a year, really, but he seems like the kind of guy who wouldn't drive the price up too high.

Eh, I think that's a product of the fact he's proven to be and evolved into a fantastic MLS player but isn't and won't be more than that. Outside of literally, two bright spots, he's been horrid at the USMNT level and he's certainly not going to go anywhere else and be the person/player he is in SJ. I think it's a fair evaluation by both the club, and Wondo to come to this deal. He certainly deserves it.

DCU signs midfielder Marcos Sanchez on loan from Tauro (Panama) ... he's looked really good in CONCACAF matches (Mexico included).

[HailtotheYo]

Apparently the talks are pretty well on at this point.

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/26/some-reports-now-say-obafemi-martins-to-seattle-imminent/

[GoGo Yubari]

Yet more. It's rumored that Martins' contract would be 2.5 million per season, with possible incentives that could bump it up another million.

Also, some connect-the-dots speculation that Tiffert could end up going to Toronto with Frings having retired.

[HailtotheYo]

Sounders Nation and others are starting to report "sources" confirming the Martins signing.

and in former MLS player news, World Class Kris Boyd signs with Kilmarnock.

[HailtotheYo]

http://soundersnation.com/2013/02/27/confirmed-obafemi-martins-to-be-sounder/ .... sounders nation confirms.

[HailtotheYo]

Pays homage to Bethlehem Steel .... probably greatest US soccer club in history (pre-dating MLS).

[Sweet Holy Moses]

Other than the sponsor (Bimbo? Really? That's unfortunate), that Philly kit is awesome. Simple, yet with a purpose. Bethlehem Steel was the bee's knees back in the day, and a very, very worthy honouree.

[HailtotheYo]

Well, Bimbo is the kit sponsor for Philly and their USA National Headquarters resides in Philly. They're also the kit sponsor for Chivas (the real one) and Monterrey as well as Saprissa. Being in that company is good for the league and Philly in the footballing world. Bimbo is also a sponsor for the MLS as well, not just Philly. They're a huge company and own some brands that people know. It's actually a good deal.

More official kit releases and holy shit do I love SKC's:

[Szumi]

I lived a mile away from the old Steel corporate towers. It's now plagued with asbestos. True story.

[Sweet Holy Moses]

Allow me to clarify: I understand the footie significance of Bimbo. It's just an unfortunate word to have plastered across your chest.

Second, holy cats that SKC kit is great. With them, Seattle, Philly, TFC, Vancouver and even Galaxy, the shirts in MLS are really starting to gain in quality. Too bad that Montréal's new/old shirt is so generic. I get the history of the blue and black, but meh.

[HailtotheYo]

Montreal's doesn't bother me because of the history of the club. Is it meh ? Sure, but I give a pass on teams that are recognizing their own tradition. It's especially more important here in the US due to the very unique history of the sport and the clubs as opposed to pretty much every other footballing country in the world.

Park Ji-Sung being linked with TFC .... TFC has also brought in Robert Earnshaw on trial.

[HailtotheYo]

Running through the lists of guys still on trial with clubs:

Pascal Chimbonda - CHI

Peguy Luyindula - NYRB

Frederic Piquionne -POR

[GoGo Yubari]

Phillip Lund and Ashani Fairclough are still with Seattle. I'd really like for both of them to sign.

[HailtotheYo]

Just noticed Jaime Peters is with TFC still.

Is Lund the Danish kid ?