On Why MLS Fans Should Also Be A League Fans.

I don't write much pure opinion on this blog, but for this, I'm going to give it a shot. There are parallels and potential connections between Major League Soccer and the Hyundai A League, and I'm very passionate about both. I'm not very familiar with Australia, it's culture, and the wonderful people who live there, but I am very familiar with the American sports fans and the American footy fan, and that's why I'm going to advocate MLS fans giving the A League a shot.

1. For MLS fans, looking at the A League is like looking back at the not so distant past of MLS.
Right now the Hyundai A League is beginning it's 7th season of play. MLS is finishing it's 15th season. Sure, right now MLS has been having a bit of a boom, with new teams coming in and new TV contracts. If we think back just a few years though, we see that MLS had some clubs going through some rough patches and the league was having a hard time drawing fans.

I think the A League is a bit ahead of that pace. At the end of last season, they unfortunately lost the North Queensland Fury. However they've also added the Melbourne Heart (now in their second season), creating a great derby between the two Melbourne clubs. The crowds at the stadiums and the buzz around the clubs in increasing as well, which will help generate the revenue the Clubs need to keep at it and keep growing.


2. The similar standard of play.
Sure, the A League isn't the EPL. Well, neither is MLS by any stretch. Both of these leagues are still growing in this regard. While MLS seems to be a bit more physical than the A League, sometimes I see a bit more of a technical game in the A League. One thing is for sure, I rarely finish watching an A League match and think I've wasted my time as a football fan. I'm certainly not an expert, but as a hardcore footy fan, I enjoy watching the A League, and I think other MLS fans would as well.


3. Connections between the two leagues could open more markets for players from both countries.
While both the USA (Dempsey) and Australia (Tim Cahill) have high profile players in the European leagues, I think having a relationship between MLS and the A League could give players from both countries chances to diversify their games and get exposure in different markets. I'd love to see players going back and forth in future. Heck, Fred already has. I highly doubt most MLS fans know that Fred was a playmaker for the Victory before coming to MLS. Where did he go after leaving DC United? He went back to Melbourne to be the Captain for the Heart.

So, in the end, I know this isn't riveting analysis. However, as an MLS fan, I enjoy the A League and I'd like to spread the word to other American footy fans. Now if I could just get World Soccer Shop to carry the Victory kit and scarf........