Is There A Major League Soccer Hierarchy?

             Is Major League Soccer developing a Barclay's Premier League vibe?  I say this only in the relation to developing a few powerful clubs.  In the Premier League, over many years and financial influx there developed a set of powerful teams. These teams now being; Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.  These teams have the deepest pockets and invoke the most power on the league.  It is almost guaranteed that one of these teams will win the league every year.  Major League Soccer and it's "soccer socialism" structure seems that a system like that could not happen, however, I feel that certain aspects of the system lend itself to the development of a hierarchy.  The designated player rule in Major League Soccer allows a club to have three players that do not count against the salary cap.  This allows a team to bring in big name players on their dime.  The owners that have the cash to do it will shell out millions.  When it comes to big time players coming to America they always tend to want to play in only two cities.  The statement always is, "I want to play in Los Angeles or New York City."  This gives these teams a certain advantage over landing worldwide talent.  In a way, the league has developed powerful teams.  These, of course, being the LA Galaxy and Red Bull New York.

There recently has been a development where the Montreal Impact can lure top talent to their club.  Another team with power will definitely be Seattle Sounders FC.  They can  lure 40,000 people to each of their home games. They can also draw designated players in due to this fact. The league is also finalizing a deal to build a downtown stadium in New York City.  I believe that that team will also be immediately thrust into the designated player hierarchy.  These big money clubs have developed considerable power in Major League Soccer.  Now, I know this system is not at all what has developed in England.  I believe that they are unique, but the fact is each league has a few powerful clubs.  The hierarchy structure development in America has not translated into a plethora of championships.  Only one of the mentioned clubs has ever won the MLS Cup.  Obviously, a great soccer team depends on more than three players. That is very satisfying to know that this environmental and money advantage has not created a league monopoly.  I hope that the league never develops a four or five team race.