Discovering The Lider – The Marmol Saga continues . . . .

In this unique league we face . . .well . . . unique problems.

Most of these issues stem from our leagues structure, rules and regulations – rarely from what we see on the pitch.

Whether its “allocation money” or “international slots,” or a host of other phrases only found in the lexicon of the MLS, fans feel confusion, pain, and more often then not, heartache, at the effects of these rules.

Here is a clear example.

Lider Marmol – this man is currently in Austria, training with the Red Bulls. Marmol represents something we have been looking for the entire off season – a potential left wing man, maybe even a CAM, for Osorios 3-5-2. That, along with a left footed left back, has been the agenda of the offseason.

With the Compliance deadline in our rear view, and the expansion draft yielding nothing, the importance of having invitees to camp becomes even more magnified – they are the last hope of depth for a squad to succeed.

Marmol has been impressing all week in camp, hitting shots that have been leaving our coach with the best of impressions.

But like anything in this league, there is a hitch.

Everyone, I would like to introduce you to the “Discovery Claim,” another quaint and annoying guideline the league has put out there to further muddy already merky waters.

(E.) DISCOVERY SIGNINGS
Each team has the opportunity to make six (6) discovery signings per season. The last day for discovery player signings is September 15, 2008 – coinciding with the roster freeze date and trade deadline. The six Discovery signings can be used to fill senior roster spots only. If multiple teams claim the same player using a Discovery, the team that filed the claim first will have first rights to the player. Discovery claims expire following each season. If a player was unable to come to terms during the season, the team that first filed the discovery retains the right of first refusal in the event the player is signed.

Red Bull New York filed for discovery on Marmol on December 12th.

The Fire, who have never seen the man in their camps this offseason, but had interest in him over 12 months ago, claimed him December 11th.

The rules, in this instance especially, can be bent to hurt your opposition just as much as they can help your own team. The Fire, aching over the losses of Osorio and feeling the sting of defender Condes vocal desires to play at Giants Stadium, seemed to have used the rules to there advantage, to poke the preverbial stick in the eye of the Bulls.

Now, after weeks of training, and getting into a game shape, all on our dol, Chicago has the right to claim the player over us.

You tell me how that is fair, right or just.

If there is conflict, and the MLS board falls to the side of Chicago on this issue, it will just be another example of the disillusionment that we, as MLS fans (especially Metrostar fans), experience. And once again, it wont be from the play on the field, but the bumbling of the front offices.

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