As we near zero hour on the MLS CBA discusses, the details surrounding the discussion seem hopeful with moments of pessimism.
After MLS turned down several compromises by the players, they countered with an offer that Steven Goff, @SoccerInsider, tweeted was "crappy in every way." But at least MLS has put something out. Jeff Carlisle, @JeffreyCarlisle, confirmed in a tweet that, "Owners have made an offer, but one source familiar with #mlscba talks says 'the deal is crappy in every way.’" Several terms of free agency had been discussed based on age and years of MLS play without a consensus.
The latest Tweets from the CBA talks hint at dissension among the owners. Brooke Tunstall, @YesThatBrooke, tweeted "Also hearing that @MLS is getting MAJOR push back from @OrlandoCitySC and @NYCFC to get a deal done. #MLSCBA" Goff appears to be turning a bit pessimistic saying, "MLS loves take-it-or-leave-it offers. We've probably reached that point. #mlscba" while Carlisle is warning, "In the past, MLS has resorted to tactic of pulling previously agreed to items off the table. We'll see if that is the case here. #mlscba"
Several sources have confirmed the Commissioner Garber and others with MLS have left the building around 10:45pm Eastern time, supposedly for dinner, while players and MLSPU's Bob Foose were still inside. Since that time, the players have been in left alone.
If MLS officials do not show back up to continue negotiations, the players remaining are in one of two stages. Voting on a strike or debating whether or not to play without a CBA deal done. If negotiations have really broken down, the MLSPU playing without a CBA may be the best thing for them this late into negotiations. MLS already looks greedy and controlling to the fans, so why not put the pressure back on MLS. If the players vote to play, they will be doing the biggest service to the fans and forcing MLS to lock them out. A lockout is infinitely worse than a strike when you consider how hard MLSPU worked to compromise. Public opinion getting behind the players may bring the added pressure on MLS to give into demands.