Jeff Carlisle

  (3:00 PM)

Greetings everyone, and thanks for joining me today. I'll do my best to get to all of your questions.

Bryan (Springdale, AR)

A friend of mine went to the KC-Manchester United game this past weekend and was mad at the lack of star power that Man U brought over for the MLS tour; does the media and ESPN have an obligation to report that the touring squad will not be the actual squad that plays in the Premier League? Seems like a sham to me. Your thoughts.

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:02 PM)

I would say the makeup of Manchester United's roster has been reported. The roster was announced a few weeks ago. I know that I mentioned in my All-Star preview many of the Man United players who are not here. I think at a certain point, fans have to do a bit of homework and realize exactly what it is they are about to watch.

Fus (New Jersey)

Landon Donnovan staying or going?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:04 PM)

That all depends on how big an offer MLS gets. If teams are going to lowball MLS and try to get Donovan for something like $8 million, I think the league is well within its rights to turn that offer down. If they bids start approaching, say, $12 million, then I think the league will find it hard to say no.

Kyle (VA)

What does USA Soccer have to do to keep the World Cup interest going?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:07 PM)

I think the USSF has to keep scheduling high profile friendlies, like the one against Brazil on Aug. 10, to keep the team in the public eye. As for MLS, I think they have to bring in more players like Thierry Henry who while being somewhat long in the tooth, still have something to offer a league like MLS. They also need to market a player like Donovan as much as possible. On the team marketing side, getting fans of the EPL to sample the MLS product and then buy tickets - much like what is happening in Kansas City following the Man United game last weekend - is a smart way to build the fan base.

Paul (Boston)

Is it better for well known U.S. players to go to Europe to play against the best or to play in MLS to keep them more visible in our country?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:09 PM)

That depends on what consituency you're talking about. It's clearly better for MLS to have these players playing at home. In terms of overall development, it's tricky. In general, it's better for these guys to go Europe, but only if they get regular playing time. If all they do is sit on the bench, it's not helping their game at all. Look at what has happened to Freddy Adu.

Robert (Maine)

In watching the World Cup, I thought it was obvious that the world class teams just have more overall athletes than the U.S. Is that a fair observations?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:12 PM)

I would disagree with this statement. In my opinion, when the US is losing games, it's not because they aren't athletic. It's because the opponents are better soccer players. Are guys like Xavi and Andres Iniesta great athletes? Of course, but that's not what jumps out at you when you watch them. Their technical ability is incredible, as is their overall soccer IQ. I think that is where the US falls short. I'd say a guy like Robbie Findley is a great athlete with terrific pace. He obviously has a ways to go in other areas.

Nolan (UCONN)

Is Omar Salgado the future of the USMNT? He is only 16 on the U-20 USMNT and he even scored 2 days ago against China in the Milk Cup.

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:14 PM)

I think it's way to early to declare that a 16-year-old prospect - which is what Salgado is - is the future of the USMNT. There are so many things that can happen to a player during their teenage year like injury, drop in form, getting stuck on the wrong club. Let's see how this kid does in the next U-20 World Cup, at least, before we start anointing him as the Next Big Thing.

Josh (OH)

Do you think an MLS win tonight, with basically the ManU reserves and youngins playing, really would mean as much as the league wants to make it out to mean?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:16 PM)

If MLS wins, no doubt, the league will trumpet it. But nearly everyone I talk to knows that there are huge asterisks surrounding this game and that you have to take it with a grain of salt. This is especially true after LA got pummeled in the CONCACAF Champions League game against USSF D2 Puero Rico last night.

Josh (OH)

Who do you think is the best overall team in the league right now? LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew, another team? And which team do you think will be able to sustain their success to win the Supporters' Shield and/or MLS Cup?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:18 PM)

I think Columbus is the best team at the moment. They are defending really well, and still generating enough in attack. LA was setting the early pace, but they are going through a sticky patch at the moment. We'll see how the CCL games affect teams like LA, Columbus, and RSL. I think Dallas is a dark horse. They can be really devestating going forward. We'll see if their D holds up.

Jeff (Seattle)

Since the Seattle Sounders are playing better with Freddie, what do you think their chances are to make a playoff push?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:20 PM)

I think you meant *without* Freddie Ljungberg. Yes, I think they're chances are better without him, but I ran into Seattle TD Chris Henderson in the hotel lobby today and he said it was "still possible" that Ljungberg would stay with the team. We'll see what happens there.

Andrew (California )

Would you consider keeping Bob Bradley a mistake?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:22 PM)

Only if you think that eight years is too long to be in the job of USMNT manager. I think Bradley has done enough to keep the job though. Is he perfect? Hardly, his decision to play a rusty Onyewu came back to bite him I think. But the team played hard for him, and that speaks well of the manager. We'll see what happens. He could decide to do something else too.

Chas (NC)

Do you think its possible that in the MLS will EVER progress to the level of the top leagues in Europe like EPL, Serie A, La Liga or the Bundesliga? And if so what will it take

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:24 PM)

It's possible, but only if more money - a LOT more money - starts pouring into the league. That will require more fans watching the league, so MLS can get a bigger TV contract. That is what is driving leagues like the EPL. This will allow the best US players to stay home, and better foreign players to play in MLS.

JJ (Seattle)

If Ljungberg does leave,do you see the Sounders landing any international talent to replace him?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:25 PM)

They could, but this is easier said than done. These deals take time, and I think Ljungberg's decision to explore other options left Seattle without enough time to really add somebody else. It's still possible, but it will be tough. One item in their favor is their willingness to spend money.

Andrew (California )

Where do you see Jozy going next year? Villareal wants to sell him and there hasnt been too much attention for the 20 year old.

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:27 PM)

I'd love to see him go to Ajax. I think Holland would be a good place for him to go in general, as they have a great reputation for developing players. Wherever he goes, he needs to make sure he can get playing time. I can't emphasize that enough.

Neal (Ohio)

Is the Galaxy, one of the MLS household names, loss last night in the CONCACAF Champions League an indictment of the league, and possibly the American system, or is it just a bad night by the Galaxy?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:31 PM)

It's a little bit of both. In talking to coaches around the league, they are not big fans of the CCL. The travel, quality of stadiums, referees, and lack of money makes it a real burden for teams. As a consequence, they tend not to play their best XI. I think MLS could do a lot to help out their teams in the CCL by easing up their schedule a bit. That would leave coaches with the flexibility to play their best lineup. I do think the Galaxy just had a bad night as well. It happens to the best of them.

T Trevett (Atlanta)

Do you think Rafa Marquez is a good addition to Red Bulls, or is he too far past his prime to make an impact?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:33 PM)

I think Rafa Marquez will be a great addition. He proved at the World Cup that he is definitely not too far past his prime. I think his impact could be especially big if he suits up alongside Lindpere in the center of midfield. That will make it easier to get the ball to Henry and Angel in dangerous spots.

Randall (NYC)

Assuming his path to citizenship continues apace, does Sebastien Le Toux have a future with the USMNT?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:35 PM)

Tough to say. I like Le Toux as a player, but in addition to players like Donovan and Dempsey, Le Toux will have to climb past guys like Holden, Feilhaber, Kljestan, Bedoya, etc. That's a tough challenge there.

Paul (AZ)

Look into your crystal ball. Who is an underrated/unknown player from the US, that is currently playing in Europe that could be our future.

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:37 PM)

Alejandro Bedoya is the first guy that comes to mind. The big thing that jumps out at me is that he's not afraid to try things, be it combining with guys or going one-on-one. Another guy who seems to be making good progress, last I checked, is Eric Lichaj at Aston Villa. He's had a few decent loan spells now. We'll see if he can make more of an impact at Villa this year.

Jonesy (VA)

Do you agree with the statement that the USSF needs to start looking to the inner-city and low income areas to develop their next generation of players?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:39 PM)

Totally. The USSF has not done a good job in the past of casting a wider net, although the Development Academy program will help with this. But along with looking to the inner city, they need to find a way to fix pay-to-play. I think the cost of youth soccer really has the effect of weeding out talented kids. The USSF is trying to address this through scholarships and the like, but it is still a huge problem

Alex (Atlanta)

Who will be our USMNT coach on Aug 10 vs Brazil?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:40 PM)

Almost certain it will be Bob Bradley, assuming he doesn't take another job.

Branson (Utah)

How would you compare Landon Donovan the greatest American Soccer player ever to the current greats like Cristiano Ronaldo?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:41 PM)

I think very highly of Donovan, but he is not in the same league as Ronaldo. You can't even say that is a criticism, as few players are. Donovan is a very good player who would be a solid contributor on an EPL team, as his loan stint with Everton showed. But Ronaldo has the ability to dominate games.

mike (dallas)

early thoughts on danny mwanga?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:42 PM)

I like what I see so far, especially in terms of his finishing, but there is a long way to go. I think he needs to get a bit stronger and round out some of the more subtle aspects of this game. The kid's future is bright though.

Mike (North Carolina)

Would a loss to a Manchester United side lacking most of its marquee "name" players tonight be a setback to the burgeoning credibility of MLS?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:44 PM)

Not at all. Don't forget that the All-Star team is a completely thrown together side. They just won't have as much chemistry as a regular team. And despite missing a lot of big names, Man Utd still have a lot of talent on their squad.

Caleb Koenig (New Albany, IN)

How much of an impact do you believe the World Cup had on MLS?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:46 PM)

It's effect has been positive, but that also doesn't mean all MLS teams will suddenly start selling out their buildings. It's a slow process. You can't skip any steps. Fan bases need to be nurtured and given reasons to come back and watch. This takes time.

Alex (Atlanta)

What are you hearing on Bob Bradley and returning as USMNT Coach? If he does not return, who are the candidates to replace him and will we have a coach in place by the Brazil game in a couple weeks?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:48 PM)

I'm hearing that the discussions are "ongoing." I think the longer this plays out, the better chance Bradley has of coming back. If he doesn't, then I think Klinsmann is the guy. JK talked in the past about not being able to select the players he wanted, but there's no Copa America to muck up the works this time. If BB doesn't come back, my money is on Klinsmann.

Troy (New York)

USMNT follow-up to another person's question: do you think the personality of the US team, how they always get behind early and then struggle to get back, is a player issue or a coach issue?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:51 PM)

The only thing a coach can do is hold guys accountable and sit them if they keep making mistakes. Clark messed up against England, he sits for the next two games. (Yes, I know what happend later.) Onyewu was dealt with in a similar fashion. That doesn't mean you can completely ignore these guys for the rest of the tournament. It's a player's game, I think most of the responsibility lies with them.

Mark (Edina)

which is a bigger deal? KC beating Man U or the galaxy getting pummelled by Puerto Rico

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:53 PM)

If pressed, I'd pick the Galaxy getting pummeled by Puerto Rico. LA don't have any excuses really. Arena did play most of his regulars. Their D just got shredded. As an aside, I'd be shocked if Leonardo saw much time the rest of the way.

Kevin (San Francisco, CA)

What do you think about San Jose? Nobody ever talks about them these days, but I think they've shown some promise.

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:55 PM)

Clearly, SJ is much better this year, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Convey has obviously been much better as well. I'm just not convinced about the front line. Wondolowski is a great finisher, but I wonder if he can keep his scoring pace going, since he can't really create his own shot. Ryan Johnson seems to be in a funk this year. Cornell Glen is very streaky. Sealy needs great service. It will be interesting to see if they make any more moves.

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:55 PM)

Just two more questions guys, and then I have to go.

Jake (Des Moines)

How far away are we from seeing some young studs like Joseph Gyau, Charles Renken, and Jack McInerney getting caps on the Senior national team?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:58 PM)

A long way away. There are so many steps these guys have to go through before they get to international level. And you never know when that breakthrough is going to happen. I can remember being in Sweden for a U.S. friendly, and the journos there were absolutely slagging Charlie Davies. To be fair, he wasn't playing well at the time, but my point is it's very tough to predict who is going to breakthrough and when.

Mark (Georgia)

What's in store for DeMarcus Beasley? Possibly a return to MLS...?

Jeff Carlisle

  (3:59 PM)

I'm hearing a return to Chicago is possible, but if I were a GM, I would have a hard time giving DP money to a guy who has been chronically injured over the last few years. If I were DMB, I would try to stay in Europe as long as I could.

Jeff Carlisle

  (4:00 PM)

Okay folks, that's it for me. Sorry I couldn't get to all of your quesitons, but thanks for coming by anyway. Until next time...