SuperLiga a chance for MLS to burnish its reputation

Like a little brother tugging on an older sibling's shirt sleeve, Major League Soccer has long craved attention and respect from the greater soccer public -- both at home and abroad. And with David Beckham's arrival ratcheting up the awareness level, attention now turns to the play on the field, where the newly minted SuperLiga will give MLS a chance -- albeit a small one -- to burnish its international reputation.

It's an uphill struggle to be sure. In many quarters, the SuperLiga, which begins Tuesday with four teams from Mexico and four more from MLS competing for a $1 million prize, is looked upon as nothing more than a naked money grab by MLS, the Mexican Primera División, and their surrogate, Soccer United Marketing.

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MLS teams will need to be wary of Club America's Salvador Cabanas.

And certainly there are several aspects of the competition that are less than ideal. All of the games will take place in the U.S., and Mexican clubs are just weeks into their preseason programs. Add in the fact that many Mexican internationals will be unavailable while they recuperate from Copa America, and it amounts to a playing field that is less than level. There are also concerns that the tournament will not be taken seriously by the Mexican teams involved.

The reality of course is that MLS sides have faced similar obstacles in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which begins in February when most MLS teams are just back from vacation. The American sides will also be sure not to lose sight of the long-term goal of winning the MLS Cup in November. But when you add in the fact that there is prize money to be won, it makes the tournament a significant step up from the usual spate of friendlies that litter the calendars of MLS teams this time of year.

"When there is something at stake and some prize money there, you know the boys tend to use that as a little bit of extra motivation," said Dallas head coach Steve Morrow, whose team opens SuperLiga play on Tuesday against Chivas. "The bonuses in this league are not great, so it's an opportunity for them to earn some extra money."

But what officials from both Mexico and the U.S. are banking on is that the enmity that exists at international level between the two countries will become a staple of the SuperLiga. So far, such encounters at club level have been limited to the CONCACAF Champions Cup. And although Mexican sides have usually dominated MLS teams, the narrow victories in this year's CCC by Chivas over D.C. United and Pachuca over Houston -- would indicate that the rivalry is beginning to germinate at club level.

"I think the intensity level when we play against [Mexican] teams, I don't think it's quite on the same level as U.S./Mexico," said Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear. "But I think [the SuperLiga] will come close to reaching that."

The quickest way to replicate that passion is for some U.S. teams to come out on top, and given the dismissive attitude that many outside the league have for MLS, it's guaranteed that the domestic sides will be plenty motivated.

"This is a good opportunity again to raise the profile of the level of play over here," Morrow said. "It deserves a lot more credit and a lot more recognition. I hope we make the most of this big opportunity with SuperLiga to make more people stand up and take notice."

And then maybe they'll realize that the little brother has grown up a bit.

SuperLiga Breakdown

Group A

Club America

With the top two teams in each group qualifying for the semifinals, Club America are heavy favorites to advance. While doubts remain as to whether Los Aguilas will field their full compliment of international players, the Paraguayan duo of Salvador Cabanas and Nelson Cuevas should be rested enough to cause plenty of problems. Argentine acquisitions Federico Insua and Lucas Castroman should also get a chance to impress.

D.C. United

Last year's Supporters' Shield winners have overcome a shaky start to crawl back into the Eastern Conference race. United have plenty of attacking weapons, with Brazilian forward Luciano Emilio and Argentine playmaker Christian Gomez the primary threats. But the Black-and-Red have looked vulnerable on defense, and newly acquired defender Greg Vanney will need to settle in quickly if United are to have a chance of advancing.

Houston Dynamo

The Dynamo's championship hangover was evident in the season's first two months, but some astute trades by Kinnear that brought in Richard Mulrooney and Joseph Ngwenya have righted Houston's ship. The Dynamo is currently enjoying an eleven-game unbeaten streak in league play, and had recorded seven shutouts in a row prior to Sunday's 3-3 tie with New England. In attack, midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, along with forwards Ngwenya and Brian Ching are the players to watch.

Monarcas Morelia

The most unknown of the Mexican sides, Morelia added some serious firepower this offseason when it acquired former Pachuca forward Luis Angel Landin and Chivas defender Diego Martinez on loan, as well as Cruz Azul's Jose Alberto Hernandez.

Group B

CD Guadalajara

Given its complete reliance on home-grown players, Chivas' desire to give its international performers some rest will test its depth, as well as its ability to advance in the competition. Players like Francisco Rodriguez, who saw little time at Copa America could play, but others like Jonny Magallon, will likely sit. Chivas was fairly quiet in the offseason, picking up Omar Arellano from Pachuca while parting ways with attacker Adolfo Bautista.

FC Dallas

Morrow's rebuilt side has been one of the surprise packages in MLS this season, with the midfield additions of Juan Toja and Pablo Ricchetti helping the Hoops overcome some crippling injuries to their front line. Forward Carlos Ruiz remains a force to be reckoned with, but the play of Dallas' defense, which has struggled mightily at times this season, holds the key to FCD's chances of advancing to the semifinals.

Los Angeles Galaxy

Given the Galaxy's struggles this season, progressing past the group stage seems unlikely. Six players have arrived in recent weeks, including a certain David Beckham (unlikely to play), and the three games should at least give the Galaxy some valuable time to get to know one another. Forward Landon Donovan remains the player Mexican fans love to hate, which should add even more spice to the Galaxy's SuperLiga encounters.

CF Pachuca

The reigning Mexican and CONCACAF club champions are the favorites heading into the competition. The availability of players like midfielders Andres Chitiva, Gabriel Caballero, and Christian Gimenez should allow them to navigate the group phase better than some of their Mexican counterparts. All three performers gave Houston a torrid time in their CCC encounter.

Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPNsoccernet. He can be reached at eljefe1@yahoo.com.