In a move probably decided earlier this year when the MLS’s three finalists for the MVP and Rookie of the Year were A) the same people and B) all foreign-born, the league is going to make an extra roster slot available for international players. And not only that, the slots will be up for trade. So if Chivas USA wants to field a roster full of crazy Mexicans to take down Beckham during their Galaxy match-ups, they can do so with some crafty negotiating!

“We believe we need to dip into the international market in the short term,” said [MLS deputy commissioner Ivan] Gazidis, who added that MLS’s recently created youth development program will provide players in the medium-to-long term.

“Americans are and will be the backbone of league. But I don’t think I’m saying anything controversial when I say we don’t believe the domestic talent pool is limitless.”

There’s nothing like double-talk to infer that Americans are light years behind the rest of the world in soccer. Thanks, head of the MLS!

Earlier: MLS Boss Says “Beckham, Schmeckham-Bring Us The Players From Down South”

MLS teams to get another foreign-player slot [Fox Sports]
Image [cbsnews.com]