Soccer

Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff was online Wednesday, July 26, at noon ET to chat about D.C. United, MLS, Europe, or anything else soccer-related.

The transcript follows.

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Steven Goff: Greetings, everyone...

Lots of questions about D.C. United's match in Seattle...

Let's get started...

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Richmond, Va.: Let me get this straight: DC United is going to play Real Madrid - IN SEATTLE?And with a game time starting at ELEVEN PM on the East Coast? The entire marketing department of DC United should be fired.

Steven Goff: Whoa!

Do you really think D.C. United CHOSE to play 3,000 miles away?? If it were up to them, the match would be at RFK or FedEx Field or perhaps Baltimore.

This was an MLS decision, plain and simple. Barcelona is playing the Red Bulls in NJ the same week and MLS did not want to undermine ticket sales. So whether you agree with that reasoning or not and you're not able to play on the East Coast, doesn't it make sense to schedule the game as close to Real Madrid's base (Salt Lake City) as possible?

United is not being forced to play in this game. They could have skipped the whole thing. Regardless of the location, they thought it was in their best interests (marketing in the West, worldwide exposure, Adu vs. Beckham, etc) to participate.

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Washington, D.C.: Is there any update on the new soccer only stadium to be built in D.C.? I keep hearing rumors about Congress and the City Council approving the deal for Anacostia, but no solid news lately. What's the skinny?

Steven Goff: Zzzzzzzzzzz.

Wake me up when something substantial happens.

No progress will be made until the land transfer is completed (IF it is completed).

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Reston, Va.: Any indication of why Quaranta is not currently with the team? Personal or professional?

Steven Goff: As the Post story stated, it is personal.

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Washington, D.C.: I keep reading and hearing from the powers that be that for soccer in America to improve their needs to be more "player development." What exactly does that mean? And please tell me that this will not resemble what now goes on in basketball where grown men are obsessed with the athletic exploits of middle school kids. It strikes me as incredibly creepy.

Steven Goff: The reality is, in order for the USA to compete with the best soccer countries in the world and perhaps win a World Cup someday, it must develop professional-caliber players at a younger age. That means getting teenagers onto pro clubs (MLS or Europe) as soon as possible. Yes, it's creepy, but if handled properly, it could work.

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Ames, Iowa: I don't mean to be flip but how do you watch MSL after the World Cup? I can't do it.

Steven Goff: I don't watch MSL. I watch MLS. :-)

Yes, it's a step down, but with the exception of a few elite Euro leagues, everything is a step down from the World Cup.

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Damascus, Md.: Why in the world does D.C. want to play Chelsea clear on the other side of the country? Do they actually think anyone out there will care?

Steven Goff: Um, they're playing Real Madrid and, yes, people in Seattle care -- it's actually a good soccer market and a possible home to a future MLS expansion franchise.

The problem, however, is trying to sell high-priced tickets to a game that will take place two weeks from now. Normally, international matches such as this are given a couple months to be publicized and marketed. The other factor is the day: a Wednesday night in the middle of summer vacations.

Hard to say what the turnout will be.

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Baltimore, Md.: What are D.C. United's realistic chances against Real Madrid and why is this game being played so far from DC? When we can we start to see some major transactions take place in MLS? I am tired of hearing about it, let them do it already What is the status of the stadium for D.C. United?

Steven Goff: To begin, this DC-Real game is an exhibition, so neither team is going to have the same mentality as a meaningful match. Like Chelsea at FedEx last year, Real will likely replace most, if not all, of its lineup at halftime. Yes, DC would love to win and attract some global attention, but barring a 4-0 loss, just stepping on the field with Real is a positive.

I'm sure we'll see some big MLS trades/foreign signings/departures in the next few weeks. Clint Dempsey and Pablo Mastroeni have overseas suitors, but it's unclear whether MLS will accept the potential offers.

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College Park, Md.: Steven, If you were Sunil Gulati and Klinsmann was unavailable, who would you hire to coach the national team?

Steven Goff: Good question.

Klinsmann is the obvious choice, but if he turns em down, I would look elsewhere overseas. The key is finding someone who understands the uniqueness of this country and its soccer system -- kinda narrows the field.

Bring back Bora!

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Gaithersburg, Md.: How many regulars do you think we'll see in the lineup for the Open Cup match vs. Columbus? Is there any concern these exhibitions, Open Cup matches, and all star game participation may be too many matches for some of the veterans?

Steven Goff: United has a very deep lineup and Nowak will not hesitate to play younger players in Open Cup or, for that matter, league games.

Keep in mind, however, United does not have a league game the following weekend (Aug. 5-6). I doubt Nowak would rest his stars in anticipation of the all-star game.

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Washington, D.C.: Any chance that MLS will adopt a structure for the regular season in which the team that finishes with the most points wins the championship, as in the rest of the soccer-playing world?

Steven Goff: No.

At the moment, the team with the most points in the regular season earns a berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, I believe. That's it.

I have no problem with playoffs. I do have a problem with most MLS teams qualifying for playoffs. Seems to undermine the importance of the regular season.

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Pikesville, Md.: Hi, Steven. Loved the Germany coverage -- Favorite unreported moment involving a US player??

Steven Goff: Hmmm.....

One night in Hamburg, I joined Ives Galarcep and my USA Today colleagues, Andy Gardiner and Kelly Whiteside, for dinner. Only one table was available -- adjacent to Oguchi Onyewu and a friend. Quite awkward. He spoke French the rest of the evening!

Also, seeing Ben Olsen at the team hotel and discussing DCU's continued success back home. I told him they don't really need him. He told me the Post doesn't really need me. How true!

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Suitland, Md.: In your opinion, do the UMD Terrapins have a good shot at repeating as NCAA soccer champions?

I was unable to attend any of their matches last season, but do plan on cheering them on in person this year!

Steven Goff: They are clearly one of the favorites -- lots of returning talent, including perhaps the best goalkeeper in the country, and several highly regarded recruits. The Terps will play 13 of their 18 games at home and the ACC tournament will take place at Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown.

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Sleepless in Seattle...: You had to know that title was coming.

Real Madrid wants to sell jerseys in more places than Salt Lake. Seattle is a good place for it. D.C. is deluged by soccer dilettantes wearing Chelsea, Man U, or Barca jerseys.

Newsflash for those who go to MLS games wearing European club jerseys: That team is not playing and the rest of us aren't impressed.

Steven Goff: Just passing it along...

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Falls Church, Va.: Any word on "Deuce" moving over to the EPL or any other European League? I think his best fit would be in the Dutch Eredivese.

Don't Tread!!!

Steven Goff: Yes, there is interest in Clint Dempsey in Europe. He might be gone before the MLS season ends. We'll see what happens in the coming weeks...

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Tuscaloosa, Ala.: Have you heard any of the rumors that South Africa might default on the 2010 cup and that it will come to the states as an emergency measure? What about the coaching search for the USMNT?

Steven Goff: Yes, lots of rumors about South Africa getting pushed back to 2014, but at the moment, FIFA is committed to South Africa. The big issues are infrastructure and safety. If, two years from now, FIFA does not feel South Africa will be ready, I'm sure they will pick an alternate site (Australia, USA, England, etc).

No news on the coaching search. And to be fair to the USSF, with so little scheduled over the next six months, there is no hurry.

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Washington, D.C.: So, it begs the question, will Klinsmann turn them down?

Steven Goff: At the moment, he says he has no interest. After a nice vacation and the arrival of a big envelope of cash from the USSF, he could change his mind.

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Crofton, Md.: Why does United play Adu as a FW instead of the playmaker role of Gomez? To me Adu is going to be the best playmaker in the US for the next WC. Do you think USSF should pressure Novak to play Adu as attacking midfield, Because I DO...

Steven Goff: Gomez is the playmaker and perhaps the leading candidate for MLS most valuable player. You can't have two playmakers and with the team performing so well, you're certainly not going to change anything at this point. When he is on the left wing, Adu is an attacking midfielder who also has defensive responsibilities. He's doing fine, the team is doing great.

As for pressure from the USSF, that's not going to happen -- especially since there is no coach at the moment!

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Washington, D.C.: DC United atmosphere at RFK: I have a 6 year old daughter who likes soccer. I would hesitate to take her to a Philadelphia Eagles football game given expected drunken profane behavior. Are the United games pretty kid friendly? I assume so but wanted to check.

Steven Goff: Like most sporting events, RFK/DCU has rowdy sections and family-friendly areas. I wouldn't hesitate to bring a young child to a DCU match, but if it's a big concern for you, check with the team's ticketing office for the ideal location. It's a big place with lots of options.

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Herndon, Va.: Do you watch college soccer games? Are they any fun?

Steven Goff: I covered college soccer regularly between 1987 and 1993, then picked it up again to a lesser degree in recent years. It's very different -- the atmosphere, level of play, speed of play, liberal substitution rules -- but not a bad two-hour experience. Maryland is certainly an entertaining team and worthy of attention. They open at ODU on Aug. 25, but the big early game is the following Friday, Sept. 1, against UCLA in College Park.

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Alexandria, Va.: Any significance to the fact that D.C. United has placed new, updated sketches of the proposed stadium in Anacostia?

Steven Goff: Pretty pictures.

Zzzzzz

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Washington, D.C.: my theory is that the D.C. united team of this season would have put up a better fight in the world cup than the U.S. team we saw out there. what do you think?

even at half-speed, D.C. is just kicking all kinds of butt.

great job in Germany, all of you WPers, btw...

Steven Goff: Thanks for your kind words.

Having said that, are you crazy? :-)

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Herndon, Va.: Great job! I really enjoy your soccer coverage!

DC has really come together as a team this season. Do you feel that they will make any trades or acquire a new intl. player.

After this season, it seems certain that DC must move Santino and Rimando. Do you agree?

Steven Goff: Dave Kasper was recently in South America and has his eye on a few young Brazilians/Argentines to fill out the roster. These are very complicated situations, however, and it takes a lot of work to complete a transaction.

Rimando would be a nice option for an expansion team, but DCU realizes the need to have two experienced goalies. Not sure what will happen with Quaranta.

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Charlottesville, Va.: I meant to ask this question during the World Cup, but did you see any stadiums over in Germany that you think would make a good architectural and ambience transfer to the US? The Kaiserslautern stadium looked pretty cool on TV, but that's TV so it's hard to judge.

Thanks for your continuing coverage on soccer - it's just my perspective but I think this is the time in my life where the D.C. area has cared the most about soccer in general.

Steven Goff: Thanks for the kind words.

I LOVED the Kaiserslautern stadium. Hamburg, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen are magnificent as well, but too large for MLS standards. The WC stadiums with tracks around the field lacked the atmosphere of the others.

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RE: UMD Soccer: Although the Terps are the returning NCAA champion, the road to the NCAA title always runs through Bloomington and the Hoosiers.

Steven Goff: Not always, but usually.

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Alexandria, Va.: Why doesn't St. Louis have an MLS team? What bonehead scheduled Real Madrid in Seattle? Can Bruce Arena turn the Red Bulls around? Who will win the Women's World Cup in China next year?

Steven Goff: Until St. Louis has an investment group and a stadium plan, it won't have an MLS team.

As for the other questions:

MLS.

Not this year.

Germany, China or USA.

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loud side/quiet side RFK: For the guy who asked:

For the six year old, get a ticket for the quiet side, the side opposite Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles.

I stand in 232, right behind Eagles, and DCU sells tickets to people but doesn't tell them it's a standing section. They ask us to sit, we don't, they get mad. If DCU would just tell people that 228-232 and all 100's on that side of the stadium are standing, it'd save a lot of grief.

Steven Goff: Thanks for the tip...

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Washington, DC: Has the USSF made a final decision about playing in both the Confederations Cup and the Copa America?

Steven Goff: No decision yet. A lot of issues: The tournaments are scheduled close together, MLS teams do not want to lose players for six weeks, Euro players need time off, etc.

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Soccer newbie question: I understand the appeal of a DC United / top-level European league game, and agree that it's great that the Barcelonas or Real Madrids come to the US to play these exhibitions. That said, has DC United or another MLS squad ever gone barnstorming over in Europe? Maybe Chelsea wouldn't deign to play us in London, but competition against Serie B-level teams in Spain, Germany, Italy, UK, etc., seems like it would be great for United and US soccer.

Steven Goff: MLS teams have gone to Europe before, primarily in the preseason. An MLS all-star team played in Madrid and United had a match at Tottenham Hotspur.

To be honest, there is very little interest among fans in Europe to see any kind of MLS team. The game just would not sell many tickets.

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Washington, D.C.: Where in the DC area, metro accessible, can I watch Premiership matches?

Steven Goff: Summers in Arlington at the Courthouse Metro stop is a prime hangout. Lucky Bar near DuPont Circle is another.

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Washington, D.C.: The time and the place may be wrong, but do you think there will ever be a better time to play Real and win than now?

Steven Goff: United is in midseason form, Real is in preseason. Still, I can't imagine DCU winning this game. Perhaps a tie. If Real takes it seriously, however, DCU has absolutely no chance.

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Asheville, N.C.: Regarding the earlier remark regarding taking children to D.C. games, I have been taking mine to a game or two a season since they were 3 years old and have never had any problems.

Steven Goff: Another thought...

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Silver Spring, Md.: Thanks for these chats and your great coverage of DC United and World Cup. My question is how optimistic should we be of DC United's chances to win the MLS Cup this year, given that success in the regular season has not always meant a championship? (For example, Galaxy's triumph after a mediocre season last year.)

Steven Goff: Indeed, as great as DCU has performed this summer, it won't mean a thing if they run into a late-emerging team in the playoffs and are knocked out early.

I do think, however, United's hunger for success is greater than last year and should sustain them until the MLS final.

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San Jose, Calif.: Hi Steve. As a bitter Earthquakes fan I am reduced to following MLS via occasional ESPN2 feeds from Dallas. What are the chances that San Jose (or even better, San Francisco) might get another team soon? Or it it just friendlies in Seattle and trips to LA to boo Landon and the Galaxy for us now?

Steven Goff: Unless the Oakland A's owners come up with a plan (and a lot of money), I don't think you'll see MLS back in the Bay Area anytime soon. We'll see what they have to offer...

Sorry

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Washington, D.C.: The story on Perkins and his mortgage job was fascinating. How can MLS ever take off if players can't even make a living wage? I looked at United's payroll and even though I'm a 23 year old student, I'm making more dough than half of the players. That's ridiculous! how can MLS attract and retain top talent if the players have to deliver pizzas to make ends meet?

Steven Goff: Credit to Dan Steinberg for writing a very nice Perkins feature two weeks ago.

Great point: MLS should be embarrassed about some of the salaries. It is going to get better, slowly, but it's hard to take the league seriously when they're paying some guys $12,000 a year.

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Washington, D.C.: How is interest in the EPL sustainable when it's literally four or five teams and then everybody else? The disparity there makes baseball look ultra-competitive from top to bottom.

Steven Goff: Good point: A precious few big teams in England are almost always going to win the title. The difference between the top and bottom of the EPL is vast.

Baseball is a little better, but how many truly great teams are there in MLB this year? White Sox, Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Cards...

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Bethesda, Md.: FYI, I bring my six-year old son to DCU games. We sit in Section 210 and it's perfect for all sorts of fans.

Steven,

Wynalda mentioned Frank Yallop as his choice for the US. Any opinion on that? He's played in England and MLS, coached here and Canada MNT (w/o much success, it seemed.) What foreign options outside of Klinsmann and Perriera ($$$) exist?

Steven Goff: Yallop's name has been mentioned, but he didn't exactly turn things around in Canada. At the moment, he's got his hands full with an awful L.A. team.

Indeed, not many options for the USSF.

Klinsmann or bust...

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Washington, D.C.: I keep hearing a rumor that Zinedine Zidane will turn his back on retirement and come play for DCU. my head tells me that's crazy...but my infatuated heart still holds out hope!

Steven Goff: Where's Dema Kovalenko when you need him?

IMO, MLS would be wasting its money. Zidane's heart would not be in it.

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Washington, D.C.: Forgive my ignorance but why is SLC a fan base for Real Madrid? I have no idea about this...

Steven Goff: SLC is not a true fan base for Real. I think you misunderstood something. Real is playing in Salt Lake City next month, so naturally, they will pick up a few new fans.

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Boston, Mass.: Thanks for taking questions.

Which European leagues do you follow, if any? And which are easiest to find on television in the states?

Steven Goff: I watch the English league the closest.

You can see live games from all over the world on Fox Soccer Channel and GolTV via digital cable or a satellite provider.

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Alexandria, Va.: For the EPL Questioner: You can also watch Premier League matches on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Bar Pilar on 14th and T.

Steven Goff: Add this one to the list...

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Arlington, Va.: What are the chances of getting some Euro teams to play a few of their regular season games here in the U.S.?

Steven Goff: Zero.

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Washington, D.C.: Is the U.S. men's national team an attractive gig on the worldwide stage, given the "challenges" you mention regarding the American athlete and training regimens (as well as the still niche-popularity of the sport)?

Steven Goff: It's a great job -- minimal public criticism, minimal media criticism, modest expectations, good money, etc.

Why do you think Bruce Arena lasted almost eight years?

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USA WNT: I saw the USA-Sweden match and, although the weather was miserable, the team didn't seem to move the ball well, except for goal #1. Is the old strategy of cross-the-ball-to-Wambach?

Also, goal #2 (the fluke) should have been disallowed. I'm a USA fan, but I've never seen a goal allowed when the 'keeper is knocked down.

Steven Goff: Sorry, hard for me to comment. I need to catch up on the women's team. World Cup qualifying later this year, World Cup next year in China.

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Alexandria, Va.: I caught my first MLS game on TV after watching the world cup and I have to say that its like night and day. The MLS looks like a pick up game between high schoolers in comparison. How long, and what, will it take, for the MLS to have the level of player that the European leagues do?

Steven Goff: Million of dollars and millions of years from now.

It's not just MLS that is a step down from the World Cup. Try watching the Scottish or Belgian leagues. (Rangers-Celtic excluded)

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College Park, Md.: Steve, Love reading your articles and thanks for all your hard work. On the matter of stadiums, there has been some talk about either expanding Ludwig Field at the Univ. of Maryland or building a new soccer-specific stadium elsewhere on campus or nearby. Do you have any info on this?

Also, it seems that over the years the Rochester franchise in the A-League/USL has consistently drawn big time crowds. Why have they not been considered for an MLS franchise. Thanks in advance.

Steven Goff: DCU explored the College Park area with the Maryland Stadium Authority a few years ago, but since then DCU has committed itself to the District of Columbia.

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Montgomery Village, Md.: ...."Zidane's heart wouldn't be in it", but would his head be in it ?

Steven Goff: LOL!

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RFK: Our daughter is one and has only missed 4 games since she was 4 weeks old. Our section (310) has several children under 6 and there just isn't a problem. If you get to your seats, and aren't comfortable, find a D.C. United employee (NOT an RFK employee) and they will probably relocate without a problem. (You can always just relocate yourself without a problem)

Steven Goff: More kid options...

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Alexandria, Va.: Has there been any talk about Peter Nowak being a possible candidate for the US National Team coaching position. There is no questioning his success in the MLS and developing players.

Steven Goff: His name has been mentioned informally, but I think the USSF will target a coach with previous national team experience.

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Alexandria, Va.: If the CONCACAF "Champions League" comes about next season as I've heard rumors about, do you think MLS teams would fare better than they do in the Champions Cup since the "League" would take place in the middle of the season? I think the MLS teams get waxed so badly in the Champions Cup because the games take place near the end of everyone's preseason, before they've gelled and hit any sort of stride.

Steven Goff: Depends on the time of year. If it's in MLS's preseason, those teams would have a lot of trouble (i.e. United vs. Pumas).

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Oak Hill, Va.: Sounds like Bruce is getting the band back together! Watch out for the Red Bulls!

Can you share any insight on the U.S. Soccer decision to not rehire Bruce?

Bruce has significant issues with the MLS. Dan Garber has issues with Bruce's being outspoken. This relationship could prove interesting.

Steven Goff: Bruce had done a marvelous job building the program, but with a new president of the USSF in place and Arena having coached two World Cups, the federation felt it was time to move on.

Garber does not have close relationships with coaches, so I don't think it will be a problem.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Is MLS kicking themselves for not taking Benfica's transfer offer for Eddie Johnson? What happened to Eddie, he was supposed to be on the cusp of becoming a legitimate international forward?

Steven Goff: Good question.

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Arlington, Va.: Was DCU's thumping of Celtic a fluke?

Steven Goff: DCU was in great form, Celtic was in preseason.

If they played again in October, I think you would see a closer game.

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Steven Goff: That's it, gotta run.

Thanks for all your questions.

I'll be back in two weeks for another chat.

Until then, feel free to reach me directly at goffs@washpost.com

SG

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