Soccer

Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff was online Wednesday, Jan. 17, at noon ET to chat about D.C. United, MLS, Europe and anything else soccer-related.

Full Coverage: D.C. United

The transcript follows.

____________________

Steven Goff: It's been a while, so let's recap:

Nowak left. Adu, Rimando, Prideaux and Eskandarian were traded. Dyachenko got scooped up in the expansion draft. DCU drafted a bunch of youngsters. Luciano Emilio signed. Some rich dudes and a couple Duke hoops stars bought the team's operating rights. The new stadium is close to happening (or not). A Terp was the first overall pick in the MLS draft. Bob Bradley is in, Klinsmann is out. Becks and Posh are on their way. And by the way, United opens training camp next week.

Who says MLS/US soccer are quiet during the winter?

Thoughts?

_______________________

$25 Million Dollars/Year: How long before MLS is in bankruptcy court?

Signing Pele didn't save the NASL and Beckham's contract makes the signing of Herschel Walker by the New Jersey Generals look sane.

When MLS was formed, I remember the founders saying they were going to try to build support from the ground up, emphasizing team over superstars. What happened?

Steven Goff: First of all, your name/math is wrong. It should be $50 million per year (five years, $250 million).

Having said that, Beckham will not earn $50 mil a year. His playing salary will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 mil per season. All other earnings -- potential earnings, actually -- will come from marketing, profit-sharing, etc.

It was explained pretty well by some media outlets, very poorly by others. (On a side note, the decision to put out that 250 million figure came from Beckham's public-relations people, not MLS, which has had to answer a lot of questions about such a ridiculous sum that, at first glance, appears to be full playing salary).

As for where the money will come from, MLS is only responsible for $400,000 per year. Everything else is from billionaire Phil Anschutz's entertainment firm. For more details, be sure to check out Grant Wahl's soccer column at www.si.com

_______________________

Beckham'd Out, Madison, Wis.: We all know that Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham.

But my question is Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham? Do you think Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham Beckham?

Steven Goff: Gotcha. Now about Posh's anorexia...

Nothing a few platters of Home Depot Center nachos can't cure.

_______________________

Blacksburg, Va.: Could you explain the Eskandarian move? I just don't get it. I really loved the Adu move, but why Esky? The fans love him.

Steven Goff: When healthy, Eskandarian was one of MLS's best snipers and scored some tremendous goals. Problem was, the head injury and then a series of leg ailments limited his availability the past two years. With his salary scheduled to go way up, DCU felt they would be better off dumping his contract and getting allocation money in return to pursue an established foreign scorer. Which means Luciano Emilio better score consistently or the Esky trade will look bad...

_______________________

Hampton, Va.: Steven - thanks for the great work in covering D.C. United! Could you handicap United's draft for me. I don't really follow college soccer. Thanks.

Steven Goff: Thanks for the kind words, Hampton.

The draft is largely a mystery because MLS coaches have so little exposure to college soccer (few games are on TV, the season is very short, etc).

United's first pick, a member of the under-20 national team, has a lot of potential. Their other selections could fill some reserve roles. Time will tell...

_______________________

Bethesda, MD.: How will the Beckham buzz compare to the Freddy buzz of 2004?

Steven Goff: People were curious about Freddy; they are excited about Beckham. As in Freddy's rookie year, tickets will sell, but MLS has got to find a way to keep those fans coming back. MLS has a pretty good product (not great) and will have to show the public that the league is about more than Beckham and Adu hype.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Why did we trade Freddy Adu because there were no spots for a CAM, then draft a CAM in Bryan Arguez?

Steven Goff: CAM = central attacking midfielder, I presume?

Both Arguez (first-round pick) and DCU agree that Arguez's best position is in the middle of the park. He will develop behind Gomez.

Freddy "believes" his best position is in the middle of the park. DCU disagreed and told him he's an outside midfielder. Freddy wasn't happy playing on the flank. Thus, the club decided it was time for him to go.

Plus, Freddy makes at least 10 times more than Arguez.

_______________________

RE: Why Esky?: Hey, I love Esky as much as the next guy, but can we all be real for a moment here? Other than being great with press and fans, he had two or three months of excellent soccer in 2004. Before that he sat on our bench, and after that he sat on a gurney. He was expensive, and he wasn't producing.

Steven Goff: Can't disagree with that.

_______________________

Raleigh, N.C.: Steve,

Any update on Boswell and Perkins getting new contracts and a nice pay increase?

Steven Goff: DCU is attempting to restructure Boswell's and Perkins's contracts. I would imagine that will get done soon. Just a guess, but I'd think their salaries will be around $90K.

_______________________

Lancaster, Pa.: So...any leads on who the other members of the South American cavalry might be?

Steven Goff: When I have good information, I'll be sure to share it!

The team's goal is to sign one or two more players in time for the Champions' Cup next month.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Will Tom Soehn stick to the 3-5-2?

Steven Goff: Good question. I think who they are able to sign from South America will have a lot to do with it. At the moment, the back line is Erpen, Boswell and Namoff. Gros could end up back there.

_______________________

Raleigh, N.C.: Is Emilio a designated player?

Steven Goff: No. His entire salary will be paid by MLS. United is not likely to use the Designated Player rule this year. Payne explained his reasoning in the Beckham story last Friday.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: What does the future hold for Nick Rimando? Between Scott Garlick and drafting Sietz with their first pick RSL seems pretty stacked at the position.

Steven Goff: Rimando has yet to sign a new contract with MLS and I've been told that RSL was shopping him during the draft last week. Seitz has a big-time future and Garlick is very experienced, so I'm not sure where Rimando's future lies in Salt Lake.

_______________________

Columbia Heights, D.C.: Is it about time to wake up from your new stadium nap?

Steven Goff: I've stirred a bit from my stadium slumber since the ownership announcement, but without a deal with the city yet, I'll gladly return to ... zzzzzzzzzzz.

As usual, wake me up when shovel hits earth.

_______________________

Charleston, S.C.: Maybe I missed it, but is Emilio our "Beckham" or do we still have the major player option out there?

Steven Goff: United will not have a "big" signing, a la Beckham. They've chosen to pursue players through normal MLS channels.

The problem for teams who plan to exercise the Designated Player Rule is two-fold: 1. That team must pay the contract beyond 400,000 dollars; and 2. It's a major hit on the salary cap, which is still quite low (2.2 million).

Only LA and NY will probably end up using the Designated Player Rule to their advantage this year.

_______________________

Work: Is Beckham the tip of the iceberg? Are we likely to see Ronaldo, others coming soon?

Steven Goff: NY seems set to sign Reyna, although it's unclear whether his acquisition would fall under the new rule. If not, I imagine Red Bull, which owns the NY team, will attempt to sign a major player this winter.

_______________________

Annandale, Va.: Wow -- a very big January for MLS in terms of news! Several questions for you:

1. In what ways do you think Tommy Soehn will be different than Nowak as a coach?

2. With Figo apparently off the market, are there any other "big names" who are rumored to be coming to MLS via the DP slots?

Thanks--and keep up the good work!

Steven Goff: Soehn's personality is not as intense as Nowak's. So there's your first difference. How will that translate to coaching? I would imagine training sessions will not be as brutal as some were under Nowak.

New York is closing in on Reyna. Ronaldo's name keeps surfacing too, but I would be surprised if that happens. Dallas has talked to Edgar Davids. Most MLS teams, though, will not take advantage of the Designated Player rule right away because of the financial strain on the club's front office and the salary cap impact.

_______________________

Sterling, Va.: Steve, great stuff as usual. Only the biggest questions for you:

What are the chances that the U-20 game tonight from Panama will actually start on time? Time shifters need to know.....

Steven Goff: The U.S. team is playing the first game of a doubleheader in Panama City. So I would imagine the 6:30 start is accurate. GolTV will show it live.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.:"Seitz has a big-time future and Garlick is very experienced, so I'm not sure where Rimando's future lies in Salt Lake."

Would Garlick be crushed to be chopped?

Steven Goff: Ha!

_______________________

D.C.: Steven,

Is it true U.S. soccer only signed Bradley to a six-month temporary position? Is he basically a stop-gap until the European seasons are over, at which point the U.S. will sign a proven (possibly big-name) head coach?

Steven Goff: The U.S. Soccer Federation stated from the very beginning that Bradley has an interim role as national team coach and that they will continue to talk to Euro and Latin coaches for the full-time gig. My hunch is that Bradley will not retain the job. It's not a bad situation for him because, regardless, he gets to coach the Olympic team for 2008 and, in all likelihood, stay on with the national team as an assistant.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: What would you tell avid sports fans who know nothing about soccer what to watch for when they tune in to watch the L.A. Galaxy this summer?

Steven Goff: Beckham is the pretty boy with the blonde hair wearing No. 23 (??). However, there are some other quality players on the pitch worth watching.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Will Brian Carroll be re-signed by DC United? At the beginning of the season, who do you think the starting midfielders and defenders will be: Gomez, Gros, Olsen, Donnet, Simms, Boswell, Erpen and Namoff?

Steven Goff: DCU says it is close to re-signing Carroll. Boswell and Perkins will also get new contracts. Gomez has been offered a new deal (even though he is under contract this year) to keep him happy after winning the MVP award last year. If he accepts it, he'll be in a DCU uniform for at least two more seasons. If he does not, he could leave the league and head to the Middle East or Asia after this year.

_______________________

MLS Rookie Contracts: Hey, Goff, love your stuff. Do you know how much my Maryland boys Edu and Seitz pulled down? Do you think they got more than $50 grand? Why is it so hard to get salary information? As a fan, I love to know this stuff!!!

Steven Goff: We won't know the salaries until probably May or June when the list leaks out. (The Post has broken that story the last few years)

It's safe to say, though, that Edu and Seitz will earn much more than the average rookie. Seitz had offers in Belgium, among other places, but decided to sign with MLS.

_______________________

Maurice Edu: Can someone please tell me why I was the first pick in the MLS draft?

Steven Goff: You are a solid player in the middle of the field. Potentially, Seitz and Soumare could have a greater impact than you down the road, but at the moment, you are the smartest pick at No. 1.

_______________________

Virginia: Will Chang was quoted in yesterday's announcement of the Emilio signing, while the other owners were nowhere to be seen. Is he the only owner who will take an active interest in the soccer side of operations, while MacFarlane and Davis will focus on the stadium/real estate element? Is that a fair reading?

Steven Goff: Yes, you've got it right. Chang has a genuine interest in team affairs and, although all the new investors say they are as interested in the team as the potential stadium deal, he and Brian Davis will likely be the most visible.

_______________________

Herndon, Va.: What a crazy off-season for United. So, is the latest Brazilian (from Olimpia) a done deal? Because I thought Ruy was, but that fell through.

And what about Donnet? Without him, I'm worried about the wings. Gros and DeRoux are athletic and pacey but put in poor service.

Steven Goff: The deal is done with Emilio. All that remains are his international transfer certificate (a formality) and visa (the usual process).

Ruy was close, but never done. Donnet does not appear to be in DCU's plans. They apparently have their eyes on other flank players from South America.

_______________________

Seattle: Steven,

Do you see any differences between Pele playing in the States during the '70s to Beckham playing in the MLS that would make it successful this time around?

Steven Goff: Everything has changed. Soccer is on more solid ground these days. The foundation of this league is American, not foreign. The financial structure prevents an escalation of salaries.

There seems to be a perception that Beckham is coming here to "save" MLS. MLS does not need saving; it's a nice little league that has made steady strides and has begun to gain traction on the U.S. sports landscape. It will survive with or without Beckham.

Having said that, though, Beckham's arrival certainly has the potential to widen MLS's appeal and help the league make inroads in the general public.

We'll see how it unfolds...

_______________________

D.C.: Steven,

How do you think Dempsey will fair in the EPL? No question he has the ability, but can he handle the physical aspect?

Steven Goff: Yes, I think Dempsey will fare well in England. He's got the skills and nuance to be successful. His primary concern at the moment is getting into game shape.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Seriously, why would Gomez want to leave D.C. for Asia?? Is the money that good over there?

Steven Goff: Asia is among the options. The Middle East, though, is where the big money is for older players. Or he could end up back in South America.

Ideally, Gomez would like to stay in MLS and, in my opinion, he will.

_______________________

Columbia, Md.: Too bad we don't have a female version of Beckham to bring WUSA back or elevate women's soccer in the U.S. I am horrified that MLS is willing to shell out $250 million dollars on an aging player just because of his star status when that money can be well spent on promoting a women's league. Any comments?

Steven Goff: To repeat, MLS is not shelling out 250 million.

Yes, Beckham is past his prime, but still only 31 and capable of great things in MLS.

Among the challenges facing women's pro soccer is the lack of marquee names. If the WUSA could not succeed with Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Brandi Chastain, how could it possibly draw crowds without them? Yes, there are many good female players, but they do not transcend the game like Mia and Co. did.

There will always be interest in the women's national team at the Women's World Cup and Olympics, but a pro league has significant challenges.

_______________________

Baltimore: I didn't hear much about Adu's time training with Man U. Should we expect Adu to have a short season with Real Salt Lake?

Steven Goff: Adu did just fine with Man U in a casual setting. How he performs at the Youth World Cup this summer (assuming the U.S. team qualifies) and with Real Salt Lake this year will go a long way toward determining his Euro future. My guess is that he will get an opportunity to head over next winter.

_______________________

Westport, Conn.: Steve,

D.C. United had a very good draft; any insight into the players D.C. picked and any idea why Jay Needham fell so far in the draft? I thought he was going to be picked in the first round.

Steven Goff: Needham has a good reputation and scored very high in off-field testing (he's a smart guy and a smart player). Physically, though, he apparently was lacking and, as a result, slid in the draft.

_______________________

Baltimore: I heard several sportscasters say they had never even heard of the L.A. Galaxy before the Beckham signing. Can I assume they're just trying to make a joke about soccer so they can look cool? I find it hard to believe any legitimate sportswriter or broadcaster in this country is unaware of MLS.

Steven Goff: With MLS having only 13 teams in 12 cities and just 11 years of history, it does not surprise me that some have never heard of the Los Angeles Galaxy. That will change, I'm sure.

_______________________

Steven Goff: A few other things to pass along:

-- A moment of silence for former U.S. national team goalie David Vanole, who passed away at age 43. For details, see bigapplesoccer.com. Vanole worked with the Washington Freedom and DCU a few years back.

-- Chad Ashton will be United's new assistant coach, joining Mark Simpson. His deal will be finalized this week.

-- Richmond is the early favorite to host the DCU-Houston match in the SuperLiga on Aug. 1 (RFK is not available because of a Nats game).

-- MLS is considering playing its all-star game mid-week in late July. Denver is the likely site.

-- The supplemental draft will take place Thursday. DCU has two picks.

That's all for now. As always, feel free to reach me directly at goffs@washpost.com

Peace

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.