These friendly games when teams come on vacation and experiment players is not a real test,I understand Adu's statemant but if this was a real game and the starting team from Real madrid is on the field there is no competition.

Regadless of whether or not this was a friendly, the "Galacticos" are supposed to be superstars and no match for an American team. I guess not. American Soccer is improving by the day and it will only get better. First the MLS Allstar game and now this. Its about time the world sees that there are serious skills on U.S. Soil. Next time these European teams come to play MLS Teams, they better eat their Wheaties.

there is nothing more i would like than see american soccer prosper,I would like to go see the redbulls and enjoy a game,instead of a team which I (at 50) can play with.Yes soccer has m made some nice strides,but all I was saying is that if they are in areal game with their starters I would bet my house on the europeans.PS as for being my real dad I wish, since I never met him and my mom died giving birth to me,I grew up in an orphanage in europe.regardless I wish the media would raise the bar promoting soccer and some forign players can come to pack the stadiums.

Well, you can make all the rationalizations you want to about the European side experimenting or not bringing their top players, and to a certain extent, I will agree with you. I will agree to that these are pre-season friendlies for the European teams, where the MLS sides have a lot of league play behind them at this point. I will give you that the European teams are often doing wholesale substitutions at the half to get a look at players, which often breaks rhythm. And I will agree that there is not much on the line for them other than pride and professionalism.

BUT, (here's where I stop agreeing with you) these are legitimate warm ups for clubs that are just about to begin their league play. They may not take their competition seriously, and it may be an exhibition, but it is also one of the last few match preparations for the coming season, so it is not insignificant for them. As for the rosters... I don't know about you, but I saw all the million-dollar stars I wanted to see. They may have made a lot of substitutions, but almost all of the big names came and saw time on the field.

Now for the results:

DC United 4 - Celtic 0
NE Revolution 1 - Celtic 1
DC United 1 - Real Madrid 1
Columbus Crew 1 - Everton 1
MLS All Stars 1 - Chelsea 0
Real Salt Lake 0 - Real Madrid 2
NYRB 1 - Barcelona 4

OK, it's perhaps not a complete list. Celtic is not on par with Barcelona and Real Madrid and the SPL isn't the best league, but they are a big name European club. Everton aren't in that absolute top tier either, but they play amongst the best in the EPL. So take this list as you will, but take a look at the results.

MLS sides winning 2, loosing 2 and tying 3 when the competition includes Celtic, Everton, Barcelona and Real Madrid is impressive no matter what the stipulations. It doesn't by any means say MLS teams are as good as their European counterparts. I'll flat out tell you that no MLS team could hold it's own in the EPL, La Liga, etc. However, results like these are promising and do in black and white terms show that the level of play in the US is on the rise. I'm not on board for the hyperbole of saying MLS has arrived and can play with these guys, but I will say give credit where credit is due and MLS has at least shown that they can take the field with these teams and at least earn a little respect.

Speaking of Hyperbole... This just in... 50 year old Tony P becomes the oldest signing in MLS history :) Just playing with you Tony P. You're a pretty level headed guy around here, but that's a bit much :)

Hey Heath,thanks for making me smile,lets hope that soccer here grows and will gain the deserved respect,after all this is the world's game and the best country in the world (US)should be one of the best.I just want to see the stands with more people,the media needs to push more,as for the teams,hey let's get some names in each teams and see the crowds come. Even the players that are close to retiring, so the youngsters can gain experience and the crowds come.I would like to see Thuram,Vieri,Tommasi,R.Carlos,Raul,Figo,Garcia,Veron,Ronaldo,Del Piero,Beckham,Appiah.just to name some come here.

I'm with you. I mean if Miami FC can sign Romario putting the second leading scorer in the history of the sport on a USL side, we should be able to bring some bigger names to MLS. Granted Romario is way past his prime, but he is still producing. Like you said, more likely players toward the end of their careers, but big name players with a couple good years left in them can do a lot for the development of the younger players.

I think it's going to happen with Beckham. He never hides his interest, and the endorsements he would receive in a market like LA would more than make up for any salary shortcomings that would keep him from spending his last couple of years here. A couple other players of the caliber you mention could go a long way.

Since MLS is improving on the world's stage,does anyone think any big name players will play in MLS after retiring in Europe, Just like Stoitchkov did? And if yes, when will this happen, perhaps any time soon? I dont know if any of you heard about Beckham and how he said he would someday like to play in MLS.Do you think its true or he only said this for the media attention?If Becks did come to the U.S., i think it would open the door for other big name players to come play.

Well, as I posted above, I do in fact think Beckham will find his way to MLS at some point. I think he just wants to play here, regardless of money, etc. For him, it will just be a matter of time. He has 11 months left on his current contract with Real Madrid, but every indication is that he will get a renewal deal and stay with Real a bit longer. I would guess perhaps another 2 year deal. At that point, he'll probably be ready to leave Spain, which will be the right time for him to finish his career with a couple of years in MLS. There was a whole thread here not long ago on Becks coming to MLS, whether he would or not and if it would be a good thing. Check these two threads if you are interested:

http://www.soccer.com/blog/2006/04/beckham_repeats_mls_desire.blog
http://www.soccer.com/blog/2006/04/beckham_reveals_american_dream.blog

As for others, the roadblock is typically money. The salary cap in MLS makes it difficult for clubs to really entice top players with financially. A situation like Beckham's is more workable, because the salary shortcomings can be made up for with endorsements due to his marketing appeal. As the quality of the league improves, it will interest more top players as a place to spend their last couple of seasons. If the salary offerings can increase and the endorsement opportunities for the sport in the US continue to grow, that is when you will start to see it become more of a trend.