It demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of the American soccer culture, and probably some arrogance in the other direction.

To think that MLS schedules conflicts with international tournament because it thinks itself too important is naive–it would be sympathetically so, if you weren’t throwing around accusations.

But in reality, any criticism of MLS scheduling must chew on and swallow the fact–and it is a fact, that MLS draws better for the decision. The league’s attendance does not go down during these tournaments, it actually goes up slightly, probably due to the craving for live soccer these tourneys generate. It goes up especially in comparison to the actual alternatives, which are:
1) More midweek games
2) Playing earlier or later, in cold weather months
3) Shortening the season

A criticism that can’t account for this reality and can’t get past simplistic psychological explanations isn’t going to stick, because at this point it hasn’t made a case about bringing home the bacon.

It demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of the American soccer culture, and probably some arrogance in the other direction.

To think that MLS schedules conflicts with international tournament because it thinks itself too important is naive–it would be sympathetically so, if you weren't throwing around accusations.

But in reality, any criticism of MLS scheduling must chew on and swallow the fact–and it is a fact, that MLS draws better for the decision. The league's attendance does not go down during these tournaments, it actually goes up slightly, probably due to the craving for live soccer these tourneys generate. It goes up especially in comparison to the actual alternatives, which are:
1) More midweek games
2) Playing earlier or later, in cold weather months
3) Shortening the season

A criticism that can't account for this reality and can't get past simplistic psychological explanations isn't going to stick, because at this point it hasn't made a case about bringing home the bacon.

However, MLS would be really wise to at least not play games within a four hour window of the MNT game. So if the MNT plays between, say, 4:30 and 6:30, MLS would not schedule any games that start or end between 3;30 and 7:30.

Not ideal, but better than overlapping games.

I don’t understand why MLS won’t do this. After all, what better what to market key MLS stars like Donovan?

However, MLS would be really wise to at least not play games within a four hour window of the MNT game. So if the MNT plays between, say, 4:30 and 6:30, MLS would not schedule any games that start or end between 3;30 and 7:30.

Not ideal, but better than overlapping games.

I don't understand why MLS won't do this. After all, what better what to market key MLS stars like Donovan?

And in all honesty, Angel would score more if RBNY had a decent midfield attack to speak of. If you think every other MLS team wouldn’t be happy to have him, you’re loonier than I thought.

And in all honesty, Angel would score more if RBNY had a decent midfield attack to speak of. If you think every other MLS team wouldn't be happy to have him, you're loonier than I thought.