re: Dempsey to Sounders, Per ESPN

I'd rather see the best players play in the best leagues for the best teams, even if it's to the detriment of the MLS for the next 5 years. The progression of MLS has been excellent. I actually don't like the 4 expansion teams idea and I doubt most teams could afford to make a Dempsey type of deal right now.

Keeping the best youngsters in MLS until they are ready to get big money abroad, getting national team starters from CONCACAF teams other than the US and Mexico, and a few players from the USMNT top 23 is a great model for the league. Then add a couple of aging players who can still play well, so we're not just like Qatar or whatever.

If MLS was going to make a move for a player after the World Cup, I would have loved for Howard to come over here, along with Cherundolo, Onyewu, and perhaps Beasley. But not one of our 4-5 elite non-Germans.