NBCSN

So this goes a little bit a against the Pro-Union vibe of my blog, but it's my blog so I can do what I want :) Now, who in the world is picking these nationally televised games over at NBCSN? It really should not be this hard to pick quality games that people would actually like to watch. Take a look at this weekends line up. Saturday, April 14, 2012 No seriously though, check it out for me. Now, if you would take look at the other possible matches and without taking current loyalties and standings into account, which of these games, from a soccer fan standpoint would you actually like to watch? (i'll wait) Right!!?? SKC/RSL or LA/POR Who in their right mind wants to watch Columbus? Obviously I will because I'm a Union fan (#DOOP) but outside of that who really wants to watch the Crew? Shoot, people in Ohio don't even want to watch them. Go ahead, tune into one of their home games or check some highlights at MLSsoccer.com 


If your a NBCSN suit this is what the thought process should look ...


1. Does the team have a Star/DP on it? 
2. Was the team actually any good last year? 
4. Do they appear to be in a position to "contend"?
3. Do they sell out their stadium? 


How hard was that? It really is THAT simple. And just on a personal note I believe that #4 holds a bit more weight than the others. Who wants to turn on the tv to see an empty stadium? 
Not me. Not really the best look for the league *cough, cough* FC Dallas game. Week 1


So for this weekend's lineup of games NBCSN definitely dropped the ball. Ok, so yes, I am aware that these decisions are made far in advance and a lot of players come and go during that time and predicting final rosters can be rather dubious. That being said you're always somewhat aware of players possible comings and  goings. Unless you happen to be a Philly Union fan and your best player gets shipped off to Vancouver out of the blue for God knows what. However, even if a game hadn't been played all year and RSL are sitting on 0 points this match clearly stands out. Let's review shall we. 



Star Factor: (PHL) Freddy Adu, who may not even start for all we know, Maybe Nowak tells him he's "injured" before he get's out there #hackwork4hire (COL) Eddie Gaven...? *I'm Ron Burgandy voice*


vs.


(RSL) Saborio, Beckerman, Morales.. check (SKC) Slightly Lacking in the "star" category, but you can argue that their team is the star and the whole is  greater than the sum of their parts.




Track Record: (PHL) As a recent expansion team we lack in the history department, but the U have been making steady strides. (COL) Currently in rebuilding mode and since GBS left, the team just haven't been the imposing force that that won MLS Cup and a Supporter's Shield.


(RSL) Have shown that they are a consistent top four team since 2009. (SKC) Small sample size to go off of, only having a half a season to really base results from, but this team did make it to the playoffs, finish atop of the eastern conference and had relatively low turnover.


Atmosphere: (PHL) No one is going to question the Union crowd along with the Son’s of Ben!

vs.

(SKC) In the end, what SKC lack in "star power" and in having consistent seasons of Charlie Sheen-ing, they clearly make up for with their home crowd advantage. No one saw this one coming I'm sure. When these guys were the Kansas City Wizards the attendance numbers they put up were pretty abysmal, but since moving to Livestrong Sporting Park numbers have vastly improved.

In the end, Lord knows I love my Union, but Union v Crew just isn’t one for the masses.

As a parting shot, just in case NBCSN ever take a look-see. Here’s some more guidance for you guys. These are some teams that just should not be on national outlets, period. I'm talking about New England, Chivas, Colorado, FC Dallas and I'm starting to think Toronto and New York. If these teams are playing at home unfortunately their "national TV" card gets revoked. In a nutshell, be a decent side and have fans that actually give a crap. Do that and your on the list.