Comments on: MLS pitches – a fundamental issue for the League´s future development

By: Ken Yam

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:43:49 +0000

Can you comment on this in your next article? Toronto FC recently announced that they will be spending about $3.5 million on a new grass pitch to be ready by 2010. BMO Field currently has an over-used Fieldturf.

It is the most any MLS team has spent on a pitch, and they claim that the pitch would be as good as some of the best pitches in the English Premiership.

It includes a world class irrigation system, and will be kept domed in the winter with full irrigation and artificle UV technology to keep it “summer-like” all year round.

Do you think this is a positive step for MLS? With the Toronto FC organization taking the lead, do you think this will pressure other MLS clubs to make similar investments (including the Sounders)?

By: Leonardo Campos

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:48:10 +0000

Hi,
I am also concerned with the pitch quality in MLS. I am outraged that the league allows “professional” soccer matches to be played in artificial turf, not to mention with those horrible footbal lines. It is sheer sacrilege to have this game being played on fake grass.
I don’t know how much longer I can come to Sounders games and see that horrible pitch.

By: nerves

nerves — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:42:58 +0000

I agree with you totally. I am an RSL fan in Salt Lake and the first 3 seasons of our exsistance were played on field turf at a college football stadium. I absolutely hate to watch soccer with football lines on the pitch and the pitch was too hard on the players bodies. It is so nice to watch a match on a proper pitch.
I hope Seattle is able to work out a situation where they can play on grass. The thing that really bothers me is that several of the teams that have had the most success in MLS (DC, Houston, New England) are the teams still playing in cavernous football stadiums. Lets get these teams in a real stadium so they can represent the league in a professional environment.

By: Karen Enrietto Neyman

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:34:05 +0000

Did not see you with your team mates at the game Sunday night. I change my guess to Sweden to see your family, or Someplace warm… Say St. Marteen. My hubby guesses Cabo!

By: Jennifer0305

Jennifer0305 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:45:51 +0000

I wish the MLS had more players of your character. I commend your opinion and ability to speak out on how to improve the league. I agree 100% with the points about field/pitch conditions. It’s refreshing to know there are players like you with such talent for the game, yet are humble and able to see the big picture for the future of leagues and other players. Thank you!

As for the holiday guess, I’m going with Italy. That’s where I would go if I could.