Let the Parade Begin!

Well here we are again folks, another MLS season and right on cue, here come the usual parade of aging South American players, it just wouldn't be American Soccer without them! From the not so glory days of Valdarama, to Campos, to Hernandez and the list continues with 4, count em' 4 new washed up south americans for the same price we used to get 6-7.

Let's start with Blanco: 34 yrs old. A fine player in his day, but considering his disdain for Americans what else could this be but an easy payday.

Then there is Marinelli: Only 25, but with a start at 17 an old soul in football years. Also quite good when he was younger, but he has not even had a game since the early part of 2006.

Next there is Boca's Schelotto: 34 in may. An icon in Argentine football to be sure, but far beyond his prime.

And last but certainly not least the Brazilian 36-year-old Edmundo: Nicknamed "The Animal," he was Ronaldo's backup when Brazil was runner-up in the 1998 World Cup in France. In 1995, he was accused of homicide in a car accident that killed three people. He was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison but was released on appeal. Just over a year ago, he was arrested by police on charges of dangerous driving and contempt of authority.

On a personal note, I am all for the designated player rule and was very excited at the players beckham might draw to MLS after he signed with the Galaxy. But that just did not happen. One by one every deal just seemed to fall through. From Davids, to Keene, to Joey Barton, to Figo, they all balked at MLS' offer to come and be a part of the Beckham era. Why? Frankly I think America was just too far to travel to play in a mediocre soccer league and get paid the same as they could have or more on their own continent. Oh well! Maybe next Year!

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Update: 04/16/07

Lets add Juan Pablo Angel to that list shall we??