MLS Squad Building: Strategic Talent Over Top Stars

Resources

Books

• "Championship Manager" (mentioned as a rulebook equivalent for international player spots) - This is a reference to the video game series, used humorously to describe complex MLS rules about international player spots.
• "Football Manager" (mentioned as a rulebook equivalent for international player spots) - This is a reference to the video game series, used humorously to describe complex MLS rules about international player spots.

Articles & Papers

• "The Orlando City Soccer Club Way" (internal document) - This is an internal documented set of principles, values, and playing style that guides the club's operations.

People Mentioned

• Lewandowski (Player) - Mentioned as an example of elite talent that might not be the "right talent" for a specific team's needs.
• Benzema (Player) - Mentioned as an example of elite talent that might not be the "right talent" for a specific team's needs.
• Neymar (Player) - Mentioned as an example of a high-value player in the context of salary cap rules.
• Robin Jansson (Player) - Mentioned as Orlando City's captain and one of the first signings by Ricardo Moreira.
• Marco Pasalic (Player) - Mentioned as a Croatian Designated Player for Orlando City.
• Facundo Torres (Player) - Mentioned as a previous Uruguayan Designated Player for Orlando City.
• Flamengo (Team) - Mentioned as Ricardo Moreira's childhood favorite team, used as an analogy for his current dedication to Orlando City.

Organizations & Institutions

• Orlando City FC (Club) - The current club where Ricardo Moreira serves as VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director.
• Columbus Crew (Club) - A previous MLS club where Ricardo Moreira worked as Head of Player Recruitment.
• MLS (League) - Major League Soccer, the professional soccer league in the United States and Canada.
• Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) (Institution) - Mentioned as a place Ricardo Moreira went to while working as a sports lawyer.
• NCAA First Division (Organization) - Mentioned as the league Ricardo Moreira played in while on a scholarship in the United States.
• MLS Next Pro (League) - A professional soccer league in the United States and Canada that serves as a developmental league for MLS teams.
• Generation Adidas Cup (Competition) - A prestigious youth soccer tournament in the United States.
• Bayern Munich (Club) - Mentioned as a club that participates in the Generation Adidas Cup.
• Inter Milan (Club) - Mentioned as a club that participates in the Generation Adidas Cup.
• West Bromwich Albion (Club) - Mentioned as the club a player developed by Orlando City was sold to.

Tools & Software

• Analytics (Field of Study/Department) - Used throughout the discussion in relation to player recruitment and team strategy.
• Data Tools (General Category) - Used for filtering the market and comparing players.

Websites & Online Resources

• LinkedIn Profile (Ricardo Moreira's) - Used as a source of information about Ricardo Moreira's career and competencies.
• YouTube (Platform) - Mentioned by the host in reference to finding previous podcasts of Ricardo Moreira.

Other Resources

• Charter Flights (Transportation) - Mentioned as the mode of travel for MLS teams for away games.
• Green Card (Immigration Status) - Mentioned as a way for foreign players to count as domestic players in MLS.
• International Spot (Rule) - Mentioned as a transferable asset within MLS related to foreign player limits.
• Homegrown Player Rule (Rule) - An MLS rule that provides cap relief for players developed through a club's academy.
• Designated Player Rule (Rule) - An MLS rule allowing clubs to sign players above the salary cap, with only a portion counting against the cap.
• Under 22 Rule (Rule) - An MLS rule that incentivizes clubs to sign younger players by offering cap relief.
• Player Acquisition Fee (Financial Term) - The cost associated with signing a player.
• Salary Cap (Financial Rule) - The maximum amount of money a team can spend on player salaries in a league.
• Transfer Fee (Financial Term) - The amount paid to acquire a player from another club.
• Agency Fee (Financial Term) - Fees paid to player agents.
• Playing Style (Tactical Concept) - A defined style of play that a club aims to implement.
• Kpis (Key Performance Indicators) - Metrics used to measure performance in various departments.
• Academy System (Youth Development Structure) - The system used by clubs to develop young players.
• Soccer Schools (Youth Development Structure) - Referred to as "pay to play" programs that use the club's badge and methodology.
• Homestay Program (Accommodation) - A program for young players living away from home to stay with host families.
• Residency Program (Accommodation) - A program where young players live at the club's training facilities.
• College Recruitment (Recruitment Strategy) - The process of recruiting players from university sports programs in the US.