see Houston, see New England. Show me a team that felt it could turn things around in a year -- even with resources the league has never seen -- and I'll show you a team that's failed. I don't blame the coaches -- talking to you, Frank Yallop and you, Bruce Arena -- I'm talking to the guys in the suits who think you can go worst to first with a bunch of radical moves.
10. I wish for Canada to do well in World Cup qualifying. I don't know about you, but it's about time the Maple Leafs step up and challenge for a slot in the World Cup. I love watching Dwayne De Rosario play and, during the Gold Cup at least, Canada looked like a team that should be right up there in CONCACAF. Think of how fun it would be if Canada, the U.S. and Mexico could get a little something going.
9. I wish for an expansion team in Philadelphia. Totally selfish, I admit, but I want a team for those of us who live in central and south Jersey to latch on to. It's also selfish of me, but I have a hard time getting close to the Red Bulls. Give me a team in Philly and you've got a family of super fans from day one. And I'll bring others with me.
8. I wish for Toronto to improve dramatically in 2008. I've received a lot of e-mails lately from Toronto fans who feel like I've not given them their due in recent columns. I think they're right to complain. The TFC fans did an amazing job of supporting their club in its first year, creating the most amazing atmosphere, game in and game out, that the league has ever seen. You read that correctly. Now, they deserve a team that can win. First order of business for Mo Johnston and company is to figure out a way to score some goals.
7. I wish for a healthy David Beckham. The Beckham Cam and all the other hype surrounding Becks is only fun when he's on the field. That's a fact that even David could not dispute. His appeal has never really been because of his good looks, and he actually seems uncomfortable as a spokesman for this and that. Where he does seem comfortable is on the field, delivering great passes and unstoppable free kicks. That's what we need to see more of in 2008. That's a wish I'm sure is being echoed through the MLS offices.
6. I wish for Landon Donovan to be traded to Chivas USA. He lives in LA and there might not be room for him on the Galaxy's roster if the Designated Player rules don't change, so what better than to swap him over to Chivas USA. Hey, he speaks Spanish, Chivas needs a player to take charge of the attack, and they already play a brand of soccer, with lots of quick passing and multiple players joining the attack, that suits him well. Yeah, go ahead and chalk this one up as "unrealistic" ... but, guess what? It's my list.
5. I wish for a new playoff format. I say it annually, so no one on Fifth Avenue can yell at me for suggesting it again. First place in the East or West gets you a bye into the conference finals, which you will host. Second-place hosts third-place in play-in games. That's a big reward for winning your conference, plus you get a couple of weeks to sell tickets for that conference final. Makes the chance of the two best teams hooking up in the final a whole lot better. Plus, the chance you get Houston-like atmospheres for the conference finals becomes a whole lot better if those teams have a chance to prepare.
4. I wish for Bruce Arena to join Eric Wynalda again in the booth. For my money, soccer broadcasts have never been better than when Bruce and Waldo were in the booth together. Sure, Arena was a little rough around the edges (TV's not as easy as it looks, trust me), but he was always good at turning the attention of the play-by-play man and Wynalda back to the game. Arena's greatest strength as a broadcaster is one that's sorely missed in most of our telecasts. That is, he loves breaking down the game.
3. I wish for the soccer world to continue to shrink. It's amazing how every year, the world gets smaller. Every week, on my computer, I watch highlights of my nephew playing in Holland. I have friends in all parts of the world -- many of whom I met in Germany in 2006 -- who regularly e-mail me video clips of great goals. How long before we're watching a Champions League that stretches beyond Europe? I can't wait.
2. I wish for teams to do right by the Old Guard. I mentioned a lot of players in last week's column who are hanging up their boots. Guys like Cobi Jones, Eddie Pope and Chris Armas. I really hope the clubs step up and honor these players. I have no doubt the Fire will honor Armas with the tradition started by former GM Peter Wilt. The Ring of Fire at Toyota Park is a trend all MLS teams need to take a look at. It's amazing, isn't it? The league is 12 years old and now we can really talk about tradition with passion.
1. I wish for the offseason to move by rapidly. Selfish again, but the MLS offseason just seems so long. I know there's a lot of soccer to be viewed, on television and on my computer, but it's just not the same as when we've got league games every week. Let's hope the MLS hot stove burns warm with trade rumors, player-signing rumors, new coach rumors and the like, to keep the diehards satisfied. I know I need my fix.
Jeff Bradley is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. Send your comments and complaints (200 words or less, please) to Jeff at jbradleyespn2003@yahoo.com and he promises to read (but not respond to) all of them. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or MLSnet.com.
