General MLS Discussion

[mgarbowski]

There are assorted reports that there was no schedule-switch vote yesterday. It was tabled for further discussion. Garber said things which some are interpreting to mean the change will happen. I think he was more noncommittal. In short, he said such a change has a lot of benefits but also creates many challenges.
Everything is paywalled so no links but there are stories at least on Backheeled and Soccer America.

 

[Davo15]

They are also looking in getting Son

https://twitter.com/x/status/1948161087041593627

can't imagine they get both but who knows? Might be the right time for Son to leave Spurs on a high.

 

[ZYanksRule]

Shocked they actually followed their own rules. It shouldn't have been a hard decision at all, but at least they got there in the end.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1948790505648591022

 

[moogoo]

Shocked they actually followed their own rules. It shouldn't have been a hard decision at all, but at least they got there in the end.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1948790505648591022

i am shocked. missing those two for a big game in miami. but glad they put the league rules first.

 

[ZYanksRule]

i am shocked. missing those two for a big game in miami. but glad they put the league rules first.

Miami and Messi have flouted so many league rules, I'm sure Messi is shocked the league finally put their foot down.

 

[moogoo]

the joy of waking up sunday and seeing that NJ lost

 

[Gene]

the joy of waking up sunday and seeing that NJ lost

And below the playoff line.

 

[KevinJRogers]

Thomas Muller supposedly headed to MLS with LAFC and another mystery team in the running.

Mystery solved: it's Vancouver. The deal is all but done: TAM player this year and a DP next year. The holdup was Cincinnati (they hold the discovery rights), but it looks like a deal has been reached and it's down to putting ink to paper.

https://bsky.app/profile/manuelveth.bsky.social%2Fpost%2F3lv2srmcvgs2e

Thomas Müller to the Vancouver Whitecaps? Deal in place for Bayern legend

After 25 years as a Bayern Munich player, Thomas Müller is headed for a new adventure. The 35-year-old has targeted Major League Soccer as his next destination. For a long time, FC Cincinnati, who hol [...]

www.transfermarkt.us

 

[gbservis]

Mystery solved: it's Vancouver. The deal is all but done: TAM player this year and a DP next year. The holdup was Cincinnati (they hold the discovery rights), but it looks like a deal has been reached and it's down to putting ink to paper.

https://bsky.app/profile/manuelveth.bsky.social%2Fpost%2F3lv2srmcvgs2e

Thomas Müller to the Vancouver Whitecaps? Deal in place for Bayern legend

After 25 years as a Bayern Munich player, Thomas Müller is headed for a new adventure. The 35-year-old has targeted Major League Soccer as his next destination. For a long time, FC Cincinnati, who hol [...]

www.transfermarkt.us

It'll be interesting to see how Müller fares in MLS. At 35, he's been showing signs of slowing down, but his game has never truly relied on pace or athleticism, which bodes well for his transition.

On a related note, I often wonder how David Villa would perform in today's MLS. During his prime with us, his game-reading ability and movement were clearly on another level compared to other MLS attackers and what defenses were accustomed to. The league has evolved significantly in the last decade, with much more sophisticated defenses. While I'm sure he'd still score plenty of goals, I suspect the talent gap between Villa and the rest of the league wouldn't be as pronounced today.

 

[moogoo]

It'll be interesting to see how Müller fares in MLS. At 35, he's been showing signs of slowing down, but his game has never truly relied on pace or athleticism, which bodes well for his transition.

On a related note, I often wonder how David Villa would perform in today's MLS. During his prime with us, his game-reading ability and movement were clearly on another level compared to other MLS attackers and what defenses were accustomed to. The league has evolved significantly in the last decade, with much more sophisticated defenses. While I'm sure he'd still score plenty of goals, I suspect the talent gap between Villa and the rest of the league wouldn't be as pronounced today.

i'm curious what type of role muller will play. will he play a major role like reus in LA? or will he be an off the bench difference maker like a Bale? It'll be curious to see. I feel like Muller would have only agreed to go to vancouver if he was a starter but on the other hand, he may be happy playing off the bench and just enjoying a slower, less stressful life.

 

[gbservis]

i'm curious what type of role muller will play. will he play a major role like reus in LA? or will he be an off the bench difference maker like a Bale? It'll be curious to see. I feel like Muller would have only agreed to go to vancouver if he was a starter but on the other hand, he may be happy playing off the bench and just enjoying a slower, less stressful life.

The contract makes him a DP next season. Would be an interesting move to use a DP spot on a bench player

 

[KevinJRogers]

The contract makes him a DP next season. Would be an interesting move to use a DP spot on a bench player

Oh yes, he's going there to play. And his game is going to translate very well to MLS. It's a comfortable shift to come from the Bundesliga.

On a related note, I often wonder how David Villa would perform in today's MLS.

Agreed, he'd be good and score plenty of goals. But he'd find it a much more competitive league now than the one he entered a decade ago.

 

[KevinJRogers]

Interesting development:

In addition, beginning in 2026, the league and Walmart said they will add to the fan experience by building out programming around televised matches on Saturdays that includes more storytelling around games across MLS platforms. Further details will be shared at a later date on this aspect of the partnership.

The destination for that content has yet to be developed, however.

“It’s going to be a new platform that we’re going to be kicking off together in partnership with Walmart next year. And it’s not going to show up in one place,” Ladd said. “It’s really going to be a very broad, comprehensive program that touches the community, touches retail and touches media.”

I hope this means some more affordable merch, too. I need a jersey.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/29/walmart-mls-partnership-soccer-fandom.html

 

[413Blue]

Interesting development:



I hope this means some more affordable merch, too. I need a jersey.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/29/walmart-mls-partnership-soccer-fandom.html

I'm hoping that equals decent non-game programming added to season pass, but I'm guessing it's just going to be cheesy short videos for Twitter and youtube

 

[KevinJRogers]

I'm hoping that equals decent non-game programming added to season pass, but I'm guessing it's just going to be cheesy short videos for Twitter and youtube

Possibly! But I like the sounds of "televised matches on Saturdays" — that sounds suspiciously like linear broadcast. And the fact they're focusing on storytelling is a huge plus. It's such a glaring omission right now.