Good bye dear friend: Lamar Hunt 1932-2006

A sad, dark cloud has descended up the world today, blanketing not only the Hunt family and the Kansas City Chiefs organization but all of those who consider themselves as fans of US soccer.

Original MLS investor and patriarch Lamar Hunt died last night from complications to prostate cancer.

It wouldn't be hyperbole to say that without Lamar Hunt there would be no MLS today. His (along with Phil Anschultz's) commitment to the league, going so far as to run multiple franchises, helped keep MLS going through the delicate and tumultuous early years. Through his leadership the league has been able to ameliorate itself to the healthy state it is in today. He was the first owner to build a SSS, starting a trend that many more clubs are now realizing to their improved financial health.

MLS wasn't his first foray into professional soccer. He also owned the Dallas Tornado of the NASL, winning the title in 1971.

Though many soccer fans may have disagreed with him on certain points of late (issues regarding the playoffs, the designated player rule, et al.) that should never diminish the great legacy and incalculable amount of debt we owe Mr. Hunt. He had a reputation of being a visionary and a good track record of his investments paying big dividends in the end. Lets hope MLS can be counted in that number.

Good by dear friend. And thank you from a grateful and heavy heart.

Adu is now King of the Mountain (Wasatch Style)

Just when I'm thinking, "How boring the off-season is", seemingly coming out of nowhere DCU shipped teenage phenom Freddy Adu and franchise GK Nicky Rimando out to Real Salt Lake in exchange for goalkeeper Jay Nolly, a major allocation and future considerations, including a share of any future replacement allocation money attributed to Adu, should he be transferred.

This trade should pay huge dividends for DC. United relieved itself of considerable cap weight in top heavy Adu and pricey backup GK Rimando. This gives them more money to pass around. Plus it gives them a major allocation to bring in another South American. Plus, plus they'll get some money from any transfer fee the league gets when Adu jumps the Pond. This money could help pay for their Designated Player, should they want one. And Jay Nolly is a seasoned, competent backup that doesn't take a lot of cap space, unlike Rimando.

On RSL's side, they get marketing superstar Freedy Adu right when they need one. They also have a chance to see him realize his potential with their club and perhaps keep him in Salt Lake a little longer than everyone is thinking. Yes, it's a shame that Freddy got sent out west but the fact was that he was never going to get to start at AM as long as Gomez was at United. Going out to RSL will let him play the position he's most suited for and play it day in and day out with virtually free reign. Adu also gets paired back up with former youth coach John Ellinger who now heads the RSL club. Salt Lake made significant strides last year over their inaugural form. They still weren't anywhere near the top of the West but they did bring in some wins that weren't there their first year. Adu will now have Jason Kreis and Jeff Cunningham playing up top and Chris Klein helping him out in midfield. That's really not that bad. RSL will get to sell some more merchandise, season tickets, and get some good pub with Adu right when they're trying to get this whole stadium deal in Sandy done and their financials are released.

As a DC fan I'm somewhat bummed to see Adu go, but as long as Gitmo was at United, Freddy was never going to get to really have a bust out season, especially on the wings. This will get him more playing time in a position that will most allow him to use his creative skills. Hopefully it works out for him, especially right before he's eligible to make a move to Europe.