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**Unregistered** · 08-21-2014, 06:03 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Thanks Ayn Rand.

Why do you hate America?

**Slow Xavi** · 08-21-2014, 06:13 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

We live in a free market and the market responds to supply and demand. If people don't like the product of the Alliances, then they are free to go elsewhere. If there is no competing club to move to, the market will create one if demand is high enough. If the demand drops for the Alliances, they will have to consolidate down or make other changes. I'm not sure why everyone is complaining about the free flow of goods and services in soccer when we enjoy this flow in every other aspect of our economy.

Might be true for families choosing where to play in the Portland metro area; not sure folks outside of Pdx have a real choice other than to play competitive soccer or spend money an another way.

Which league a club plays in is much more of a political process than a market one - basically dependent on what deal the league cuts with the respective DOC, depending on the level of board oversight. People complain because what choice your DOC makes does effect the quality of the league someone's child plays in, whether or not they are in that DOC's club.

Even competitive industries have trade groups that try to raise the waters for all boats; Oregon clubs (including the Timbers) don't appear capable of even that level of cooperation.

**Unregistered** · 08-21-2014, 07:19 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Why do you hate America?

It is spelled "Merica."

**Unregistered** · 08-21-2014, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

It is spelled "Merica."

Regardless, why do you hate our system? Must be a socialist.

**Unregistered** · 08-21-2014, 09:58 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Regardless, why do you hate our system? Must be a socialist.

You don't get it.

Our soccer system here is SOCIALIST, not capitalist. Our sports organizations (MLS, NFL, NBA) are single-entity, profit sharing organizations. There is no incentive to be great -- the system rewards poor performance (first draft pick) and encourages mediocrity (parity).

That is why MLS teams never measure up against Liga MX teams in CCL. We crumble when facing the global open market teams.

These Alliances are nothing but marketing ploys and have ZERO to do with youth development.

I thought America was against monopolies? But that is exactly what MLS have in regards to D1 soccer and the Timbers have on youth soccer. It's a business venture, not a soccer venture.