All 20 English Premier League teams were in action on Boxing Day (Dec. 27). Between them, they scored 27 goals, meaning 2.7 goals per game, which is about average for the modern game.

Craig Burley, I must say, comes over rather well on TV. Down to earth, with an attractive (and understandable) Scots accent, and a lively personality to deliver his various views.

A few names to consider: Dick Walsh, Ken Macker, Bob Cousy, David Prouty, Howard Samuels, Doug Logan. All of them, within the past 50 years, have been Commissioners of American pro-soccer leagues. And not one of them had more than the flimsiest knowledge of the sport. Fittingly, none of them lasted very long in their soccer jobs.

After several years of boringly vapid finals it can be safely said that the College Cup is now firmly established as the sport's most over-rated annual event.

This past Saturday gave us a sharply well-defined view of just how big a mess the English EPL referees have got themselves into. Simulation is the problem -- or rather, their problem. That is to say, the English referees have created this problem.

The winner of MLS Cup 2014, the only winner, really, was Landon Donovan. He ended his wonderful career in triumph. He dominated the post-game activities, as he deserved to.

As MLS bows gracefully (well, that's my hope) off the soccer scene for a short while, and the English Premier League prepares to dominate the TV screens over the holidays, it's the moment to sort out some loose ends, or at least raise them as talking points.

I'm thinking that a Galaxy-Revs MLS final is the best matchup we could have expected from the four semifinalists. In truth, there was little to choose between three of them -- Red Bulls, Seattle and Revs. All three are hectic teams, somewhat short of brain-power, but with plenty of over-charged midfielders. A combination that can make for exciting games -- not least because such teams are rarely, if ever, capable of controlling a game and keeping it under their control.