It might have been the tiny psychological boost of confidence the inside information gave Lehmann that made the biggest difference.

Major League Soccer is characterized by a lot of parity, and managers and coaches should likewise be aware that even small differences can determine the outcomes for teams.

MLS has been around long enough for observers to recognize certain trends and tendencies as well. Hence, I offer a little do and don’t list that may be useful for those decision-makers looking to achieve success in the league.

1) Pick your guiding stars carefully.
Like in astrology, the stars of MLS teams often determine the destiny of a squad. A discontented or aloof star (Lothar Mattheaus, Eddie Johnson) isn’t going to help a team much. Assess attitude carefully. Generally, a player’s willingness to work is in inverse proportion to the amount of bling that player sports.

2) Diversify – sell USMNT stock
Don’t overload a roster with stars from one national team. Obviously, this is easiest to do with American players, since it’s a U.S. league. Though a team can look strong (Kansas City) that club can be wiped out by a single tournament in which many of the players from that team get called up to participate. There’s a good chance that the 2005 Gold Cup cost the Revolution not only the Supporter’s Shield that year, but also the MLS Cup – as too many Rev players were run down at that point.

3) Check out the country bargains
It may seem crass, but quality players are more likely to jump at the chance to join MLS if the country they currently play in is undergoing financial difficulties. That’s partly how DC United snagged Christian Gomez from Argentina. A good GM should keep a sympathetic ear to the ground to offer valuable players from struggling countries and leagues an out.

4) Don’t order the most expensive item on the menu
An MLS team can get a lot more mileage out of a player if he’s a little below the top tier of world talent. Terry Cooke has been a revelation for the Colorado Rapids this year, but there’s no fear that England is going to call him in soon. Same with Irishman Ronnie O’Brien – barring injury, these players will be there to perform for their club team and be able to cover the international absences of other teammates. The continuity is important to a squad.

5) Reward the fans
I think every new stadium (Toronto and Colorado are next) in MLS should have free parking during the opening season – or bundled free parking passes with every four-pack of tickets, and all teams should have deep discounts for tickets through supporter’s groups. Yes, MLS is amazingly cheap compared to other sports in the U.S. Yet the league still lacks a lot of passion, and one way to cultivate that is to make the fans that care about the team feel appreciated.

6) Don’t drop the ball
Soccer fans are unique among American sports. Team administrators need to plan for that, and encourage it while staying vigilant about safety issues. For example, it’s pretty much a given that the Legion 1908, the Chivas USA fan group, is going to throw stuff at the goal towards the end of games. Extra workers should be stationed there around that time to clean up streamers quickly so the game isn’t interfered with. Visiting fan groups should be protected. Even a public address announcement about what will not be tolerated might be in order at times.

6) R & R = Rest and rotate
On the surface of it, the MLS season isn’t as grueling as other leagues, but once international play, the Open Cup, Champion’s Cup and a rumored new tournament is added up, a lot of games can result. The city-to-city travel in the U.S. is far greater as well. Too many teams get into a roster rut of trotting out the same players, wearing them down as the season goes on. In addition to developing younger squad members to be ready, rotating players helps veterans stay fresh for when they’re most needed – in the playoffs.

7) Fitness for foreigners
Don’t assume a seasoned professional means a fit one. Nearly every player who comes into the league from abroad isn’t fit enough. The Crew’s Sebastian Rozental was one glaring case out of many. Anticipating this, coaches and general managers need to either communicate clearly the fitness needed; treadmill test, time on a mile run, etc, or have an MLS soccer boot camp program ready to go as soon as that new player arrives. Ask Chris Henderson what his routine is.

8) Build up all the games
I don’t understand why some teams restrict or don’t inform fans well about MLS reserve league action. Drawing even small crowds that build atmosphere is an excellent way to increase fan loyalty at every level, as well as develop to the professionalism of the often-young players involved. Youth team games, now that all MLS teams will have such squads, offer similar opportunities. Players can take pride in whatever shirt they play for if they feel their games matter to both fans and administration.

9) Don’t forget the past
MLS may have a relatively short history, but it’s still there and the league needs to care about it. Legends games, throwback jersey nights, team Hall of Fame inductions are all ways to honor the pioneers of the league and remind everyone of how far MLS has really come.

10) Bench the babies
The petulance of some MLS players is getting out of hand. Emotion is fine, but out of control behavior will only hurt the team. Some coaches have taken the tough line this season and benched players whose behavior wasn’t conducive to the team. It’s not just the principle that’s right – it’s only practical to corral a player who might leave his team shorthanded through foolish action.

by Andrea Canales

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