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So yesterday on RSL's home on the radio KALL 700, Real's majority owner Dave Checketts was the "big interview" of the day. During that interview Dave did everything but issue a press release, in saying that another huge DP would be signed (not by RSL) but by the LA Galaxy. If you take what Dave said, with what Spencer said, you come up with the reality that many have been speculating about for awhile.
Ronaldinho will be coming to Major League Soccer and joining the LA Galaxy. I actually think this is a great thing, it will be nice to see him, Beckham, and Landycakes crying together as we beat them at Rio Tinto Stadium in the Western Conference final. As long as all the transactions are done within the current rule, I love that there are owners and organizations with deep enough pockets to spend big money.
When you consider that 18.9 million people watched the US vs. Ghana match, and over 23 million watched the World Cup in the United States, there may be no better time for those owners who can to reach deep and do what they can to keep that momentum going. "Striking while the iron is hot" is a sound way to take advantage of a good situation. So we have seen a number of teams add new DP's and while few can get the headlines of Thierry Henry or Ronaldinho, they still represent a big risk for teams, as not all have been able to adjust to MLS. So who is here already:
- LA Galaxy - David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Ronaldinho(soon)
- Seattle Sounders - Freddie Ljungberg, Blaise Nkufo
- New York Red Bulls - Juan Pablo Angel, Thierry Henry
- Toronto FC - Julian de Guzman, Mista
- DC United - Branko Boskovic
- Houston just released Luis Angel Landin two days ago
I believe RSL is face with the reality that they will have to have a DP soon, The question is who will it be, I believe it comes down to two players:
"I'm excited to join Real Salt Lake and look forward to a great season ahead," said Saborío. "I'm busy learning about the other players, the coaching staff and the way the club functions, and once I become comfortable in the team I expect good things to happen."
Good things have happened as Alvaro has found the back of the net 7 times and added 4 assists, he has quickly become the target of choice for Real Salt Lake, who boast the most productive offense in Major League Soccer. To keep a player who is likely to be getting more time with the Costa Rican National team, isn't going to be cheap but it is rare that a player has come into MLS and adjusted to both a new team and new league so quickly, it won't be any cheaper finding someone to replace him.
Choices
Having to chose between a guy who already has made a huge impact for your team, including scoring the goal that evened the score in MLS Cup and is your leading scorer in just 2 1/2 years, and a incredible talent who could become one of the best pure strikers to grace MLS pitches in some time. I say don't make the choice, the league says you have two DP slots that you can use, and if you want to show the fans we don't need a big name superstar to be the best team in MLS going forward, then sign both and make it clear that Real Salt Lake is a team that is more concerned about results than media coverage.
OFF MY SOAPBOX