Dear MLS: Why Everton for the All-Star Game?

We wrote last week that Everton will be playing the MLS in this year’s all-star game in Salt Lake City.

In announcing the game, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, “We are very excited about Everton FC agreeing to be the opponent for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game. Everton is an elite European club that features many world-class players.”

Is Everton really an elite European club, Mr. Garber? Inter Milan, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Barcelona are all scheduled to be in the U.S. this summer. These are elite European clubs. Everton is not.

You received $10 million from AC Milan for David Beckham. Why are they playing the Galaxy and not the MLS All-Stars, Mr. Garber?

There has been a noticeable decline in the quality of opposition for the all-star game. We have gone from Chelsea, to Celtic, to West Ham, to Everton. Who is next, Fulham or Bolton?

Americans own or are majority shareholders in five Premier League teams: Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Sunderland. Four of those teams are bigger clubs than Everton. Why can’t the MLS get one of those teams to play in the all-star game?

Or look outside the MLS. There are certainly top teams in Europe that I am sure would be interested in playing in the U.S. Or what about a top Mexican or South American team?

I like the idea of pitting the MLS All-Stars against elite European clubs. I just disagree that Everton is one of those elite teams.