I've watched the last couple years of MLS. In years past, it looked like high school soccer - guys who have no skill but just bully people around. However, with the acquisitions of players like blanco and beckham the league's profile has jumped and there are many unknowns who i am suprised at their level of play.
We, the people in the united states, have said that the game of football (soccer) has been on the rise and ive thought there has been no real change. However, with the new developmental academies the talent pool is larger and it is truly growing.
Even steve nash wants to develop a new team. By the way, I heard that the MLS will expand to 18 teams in the next two years...
Here is what Curbishley had to say:
MLS Making Up Serious Ground, Says Hammers Boss
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley saw enough during his side's pre-season tour of North America to be convinced that Major League Soccer is headed in a very good direction.
Speaking after the Hammers' 3-2 defeat to the MLS All-Stars at a sold-out BMO Field in Toronto, Curbishley credited the powers that be in North American soccer for their work towards rapidly closing the gap on the top European leagues.
"The reason for the game was for the MLS to show off their riches and their talent and they've done that," he told local reporters.
"They showed they can compete.
"The MLS, and not just because of David Beckham, is gaining momentum week in and week out in Europe."
Two goals by star striker Dean Ashton were not enough for the Hammers on the night, but Curbishley told Sky Sports News that he was happy with the pre-season tour nonetheless.
"I was delighted to get through the game having picked up no injuries," he added. "All the clubs that come over for this game have done so in their pre-seasons and it's difficult for us.
"We're delighted to be invited. For us, we knew our profile in America and Canada was high, and it's got a bit bigger. We've enjoyed our week here."
"We've got four weeks before we start, and we've left four or five senior players back home in London, had a couple of players here, (Craig) Bellamy and (Mark) Noble, who couldn't play this evening.
West Ham kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Wigan Athletic on August 16.