Schellas Hyndman, Kasey Keller Discuss Major League Soccer Parity

Schellas Hyndman and Kasey Keller, two accomplished people within the Major League Soccer fraternity, had interesting points to make recently about parity.

When Hyndman met the media following a recent 1-1 tie that his FC Dallas team achieved in Seattle it was with the buoyant optimism one associates with a victory.

The Dallas management was fortunate to see that there was a gigantic soccer legend within their city and made a successful move to sign Hyndman after he had posted an awesome 466-122-49 figure at Southern Methodist.

If there is one thing that such an eye-popping college record reveals about Hyndman it is that he knows the ways to win.  He is currently being discussed as a serious Coach of the Year candidate in the MLS after leading the team upward from lesser accomplishments before he took over as coach  to a current glossy 6-2-9 mark.

The nine tie record is interesting.  It reveals a shrewd knowledge of what it takes to achieve success in the MLS, as Hyndman revealed that night following the hard fought 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders.

“This is a tough place to come in and get a win given the big crowd factor supporting the home team,” Hyndman acknowledged.  “We feel fortunate in getting a tie and one point.”

At this juncture Hyndman moved into the realm of parity discussion.

“This league is so balanced that to earn a point on the road can be a big plus, especially in a tough city to play in like Seattle,” Hyndman said. “With this much balance you can accomplish a lot by getting one point on the road and concentrate on getting three points when you play at home.”

Hyndman hit on a fundamental point of compilation toward later potential playoff activity.  While he would prefer a win anytime, it is comforting to note that a tie will achieve one point and put a team in a good position to cop three points at greater clips before the home folks.  Momentum is not impaired as long as road losses are avoided and one point can be posted.

After his team’s recent 1-0 home win at the Xbox Pitch of Qwest field against the Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Kasey Keller was asked about parity and balance within the MLS.

Keller, like Hyndman, is another voice of experience, a U.S. team member in World Cup competition and an international goalkeeper of great distinction in England and Germany before signing with the newly created Seattle Sounders last season.

“What keeps this league at a balanced level is the salary cap,” Keller said.  “As long as that remains then things will remain at the level where they are now.”

Keller then addressed the subject of dynasty.

“Here is what this salary cup that this league has in force has accomplished,” Keller revealed.  “In this league you will not see anything like what has been seen in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees.”

Hyndman and Keller addressed the same point from different perspectives.  Last season’s result bore strongly on their revelations.

Real Salt Lake was a team that barely gnawed its way into the MLS Playoffs.  When all was said and done it was Real Salt Lake that copped the MLS Cup.

The Los Angeles Galaxy jumped off to a big point edge at the beginning of this season but as the campaign progresses a tightening process has been clearly visible.

This is the first season.  The second season begins with the playoffs.  Will fans be in for the same kind of surprise as emerged last season with Real Salt Lake achieving its surprise win?