Episode 115 - MLSPA Salary Dump, Option Year Evaluations, and Tactical copycats

The offseason has well and truly begun and given the length of time before SKC plays another meaningful game, the feelings of malaise and cynicism regarding the future prospects of the club seem to be permeating the fan base.  We spent a fair amount of time talking about the amount of work that Peter Vermes and Mike Burns have in front of them and the length of that timetable was predictably frustrating. We also briefly discussed the comments Vermes made in the press just prior to our recording last week, and part of that discussion certainly eluded to a fairly drawn out process before making and announcing decisions on what players will be leaving the club and who might be returning.  His rationale for using the available time to make those decisions effectively was sound, but for a fanbase eager to visualize these significant changes he kept referring to, it was another ask for patience amongst a group that has very little left to give. Given the amount of available time for the team to make these decisions, it allows us to do some fantasy GM-ing of our own on the podcast.  Having already discussed the 4 players out of contract, we will focus on those with option years available to be picked up next year, who we think is worthwhile to keep around, and who can make room for potential signings.  Additionally, we will take a look at the known free agent class and discuss whether any of them makes sense for SKC to make a run at. Finally we will discuss how pervasive boring soccer has become in the world game(and MLS), the ridiculous Ballon d’Or discourse, a potential schedule change after the 26 world cup and take a look at whether the Current can make it up into 2nd place and gain homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.