Pennies, cones, and chain-link fences. It’s preseason time! Photo of 2015 preseason courtesy of Prost Soccer.
by Matt Hoffman
At last, our long national nightmare is over. Now we can focus on the the big stuff. Like MLS preseason.
There generally amounts to three camps when it comes to MLS preseason:
Pro, who would say, “MLS player turnover is somewhat substantial. Players need time to acquaint themselves with both their teammates as well as their new system and vice-versa. Meanwhile, getting a run out against competition is certainly a good thing. It’s one thing to make a cut-and-run during practice, quite another against live competition.”
Con, who would counter, “But it’s not really live competition. It’s exhibition. It’s a glorified scrimmage full of unwritten rules like players shouldn’t go in for bad tackle. If players aren’t going full-speed, what practical use it?”
While the third, and unquestionably largest group would be, “Meh.”
Fractured as these parties may all be, everyone can agree that this is the greatest MLS preseason highlight ever:
What a great build up this will be for the Simple Invitational, which is actually pretty much the coolest thing about preseason in MLS. The tournament starts a week from Sunday with the Timbers hosting Chicago, Vancouver, and nascent MLS club Minnesota United FC.
Though the exhibition matches are essentially meaningless, seeing teams take to Providence Park for the tournament has become as much a spring ritual as mothballing your rain boots.
Preseason can be a dreadfully dull affair. Usually there’s something to be said about a certain position battle or a new coach or philosophy or, if desperate, a trialist. But the Timbers maintained the same core, are the reigning MLS champs, and Erik Avila doesn’t even have the former Akron or RSL player cred (though he does nicely fit into the “undervalued Chivas USA part who blossoms under Porter” narrative).
Preseason is not an MLS-only affair. Clubs across the world play preseason exhibitions, of course. Big clubs enter exhibitions either have cash on the line or are blatant attempts to give their young academy members ample first team time. Usually both with the implicit idea of pleasing a corporate sponsor while expanding their marketing prowess to a new population.
It’s hard to get riled about preseason results when it’s arguable how much attention should even be paid to the first month of the season. Preseason comes down to this: try to avoid injury and, if lucky, maybe get in a round of golf.
