Clean it up, MLS; crack down on the persistent fouls degrading soccer

  • By John Boyle Herald Columnist
  • Saturday, March 15, 2014 7:48pm
  • SportsSports

SEATTLE — Late in the first half of an eventual loss, Seattle Sounders star midfielder Clint Demspsey swung his right arm behind him and hit Toronto FC defender Mark Bloom in … let’s just call it a bad place.

Dempsey said he was trying to get Bloom’s arm off of his back and that the shot to the nether region was accidental, adding that he apologized to Bloom. And Bloom told the Toronto Sun, “I believe him, for now.”

But regardless of Dempsey’s intent in that moment, the incident points to a bigger issue facing Major League Soccer that was on display throughout Toronto’s 2-1 victory at CenturyLink Field. If Dempsey did hit Bloom intentionally, it’s inexcusable and he deserves a fine, which could be coming from the league’s disciplinary committee. At the same time, it also would be somewhat understandable if Dempsey did act out in frustration.

The Sounders were fouled 25 times in Saturday’s game, matching the dubious club record that was set all of seven day earlier in a season-opening win. Those 50 fouls are 20 more than the Sounders have committed, and they’re hardly a team that shies away from physical play.

Dempsey, one of the most skilled players in the league, was on the receiving end of more than his fair share of fouls, which has been the case ever since he joined the Sounders. To paraphrase an old Chris Rock joke, I’m not saying he should have hit Bloom, but I understand.

“I think everybody was getting frustrated. I think it was 21 fouls against us?” Dempsey said before being corrected on the total. “How many, 25? That’s 50 (in two games). From a fan’s perspective, that’s not fun to watch a game with that many stoppages. When you see it being stop, start, stop, start, foul, foul, foul, it’s definitely frustrating for everybody.”

As Dempsey notes, for the second consecutive week, the Sounders played a disjointed, start-and-stop game that was interrupted by far too many whistles. Major League Soccer has long been known as a physical league, but these past two games show that something has to be done to clean the game up at least a little. Since soccer, unlike basketball, has no limit on fouls a player can have, and unlike football, a lot of foul calls aren’t particularly punitive depending on where they happen on the field, it’s up to a referee to take control of a physical game early. The easiest way to do that is to give a yellow card or two to send a message, yet in this game neither team was carded in the first half despite 15-first half fouls from Toronto and six from Seattle.

“They’re calling the fouls, but maybe after two or three you’ve got to bring out the card,” said Sounders midfielder Brad Evans, who left the game early after being kicked in the calf. “… Clint’s getting crushed all the time.

“Bringing out the yellows would definitely change the complexion of the game a little bit, make it run a little bit more fluid, not as many fouls.”

And before we go further with this topic, let’s get one thing clear — persistent fouling isn’t why the Sounders lost Saturday. They lost because, as Sounders coach Sig Schmid put it, “we gave them two gifts.”

The Sounders let Jermain Defoe run free through the middle of their defense to give Toronto the lead in the 17th minute. Seven minutes later, Seattle fell behind 2-0 when Sounders midfielder Marco Pappa accidently played a backward pass right to Defoe, who put away his second goal in his first MLS game. And the Sounders lost because, despite playing much better in the second half and getting a goal from Dempsey, they weren’t able to get a second goal out of the many chances they created.

Even if we concede that physical play wasn’t the cause of Seattle’s loss, that doesn’t mean excessive fouling isn’t an issue the league needs to address. MLS is still a growing league trying to make up ground on America’s top sports leagues, and having a disjointed product is hardly the way to win over new fans. It’s also bad for the product if the best players are subjected to the hack-a-Clint strategy we’ve often seen since Dempsey signed with Seattle in August.

And this is hardly a new issue in MLS soccer. Remember the Sounders’ first big-money star, Freddie Ljungberg? He was the most frequently fouled player in the league in his first season. Signing big-name stars from top clubs in Europe is great for MLS — just look at what Defoe did in his first game since going from Tottenham to Toronto — but watching them get kicked and tripped for 90 minutes is not good for the league.

“For both teams, you want to get in a rhythm of play, you want to see the ball moving around, you want to see chances being created,” Dempsey said. “You don’t want to see a lot of stoppages and a lot of time going into people being down on the ground. … At the end of the day that’s what comes with it, so you’ve just got to adapt.”

The league should figure out ways to limit the fouling, not just of stars but in general, and the best way to do so is to send a message early with a yellow card or two. Until that happens, however, the Sounders and every other team need to adjust, as Dempsey points out. While some of Toronto’s fouls did little but slow down the game, others did give Seattle free kicks in dangerous places, and none of those resulted in goals.

“We’re getting the fouls and we have good aerial threats, so we have to take advantage of those set pieces when we get them,” Evans said.

Goals off of set pieces are definitely are more productive response than retaliation. For the good of the league, however, figuring out a way to cut back on fouling is response that is needed most.

Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.