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How did the MLS Cup fair in the media? The day after the match there was no mention of it on ESPN.com’s main page; it wasn’t even the lead story on ESPN’s Soccernet, which is owned by ABC, which aired the game and has financial stock in working for the success of the MLS due to its long television rights contract. Were they as bored with it as I was? the only thing more downtrodden than that game was Bruce Arena’s monotone commentary. But that’s just was one story this week. All the news worth reading – it was a bumper crop for soccer writing - after the jump…

1

Last thoughts on the MLS Cup, from David Hirshey, Jeff Carlisle, and Jeff Bradley.

2

Give money and they will come. That at least is what carries the hope of MLS into the hazy future. The Designated Players rule opens the door for MLS teams to entice talent. Is it the right move? A lot has been written about this obvious top story, more than the final even. Here are the best:

Bending the Rules to Tempt Beckham [NY Times] (subscription)

The big-name game [Sports Illustrated]

3

It’s not just an American problem, so we’d better get used to it.

A long way from Rio [Soccernet]

4

It’s not called the Adu Rule. Freddy gets the United try-out he has always wanted.

Trial by fire [Sports Illustrated]

5

US MNT announce first game since the World Cup. Now if we could just get them to announce a coach.

U.S. to play Denmark in first game since World Cup [Soccernet]

6

Sooner or later, the changing of the guard is something that happens in every sport, every team. Usually there is warning, but could it be that for the US MNT it has already happened?

Aces in the hole [Yanks Abroad]

Apparently it is Benny Feilhaber week.

Competitive Environment Helps Feilhaber [NYTimes]

Hamburg Midfielder Q&A [NYTimes]

7

NCAA soccer? Anyone? The playoffs are here and the media could care less. Is there not a national audience for this beyond a box score?

Maryland marches on [NY Times]

And here are the only people who seem to care, a phrase that could be the sub-title for any blog. [College Soccer News]

8

If only voted for our government was this easy…

Best of US Soccer awards [US Soccer]