Devout as they are to defense, it's no surprise that most soccer coaches stress the need to "build from the back" when assembling, or dismantling, a team.

In the view of most MLS coaches, player development is a numbers game, and by decreasing the number of players, the odds of success also drop.

With the college season concluded and the MLS Combine and 2009 SuperDraft just a few weeks away, the time is ripe for the league to revise its policies regarding college players. But it won't. A league that has coupled its SuperDraft with the NSCAA Convention to rake in a decent crowd for the proceedings has systemically and shamelessly hacked away at the college game.

For a few weeks, at least, Bayern Munich and MLS have been discussing what might be done with Landon Donovan: a short-term loan, a longer-term loan, an outright transfer, a transfer with a loan-back clause, etc.

If recent trends are any indication, AC Milan had best cash its investment on David Beckham as soon as he arrives. And MLS must ponder if keeping him beyond 2009 makes sense.

Putting the MLS Reserve Division out of its misery, unfortunately, is the merciful, and sensible, thing to do with the league also cutting down on roster spots for developmental players.