In Major League Soccer circles, the words and phrases “GAM”, “TAM”, “Allocation Order”, and “Superdraft” are commonplace whereas those same words and phrases are completely meaningless to fans of non-US leagues. This dichotomy of understanding comes from the uniqueness in MLS player acquisition rules. In addition to signing a player through a traditional transfer, MLS offers its teams many unique ways to acquire players, including trades, a draft of college players, expansion and re-entry drafts, and free agency. These different ways to acquire players also presented another opportunity to teams: they are able to trade for players in currency other than money. Teams can trade International Slots, College Draft Picks, GAM, TAM, and more.

The offseason is a truly wonderful time for every backup player. Will this be the offseason their hard work is rewarded? Perhaps they'll receive a new contract with their current club. Maybe they will move up the depth chart or see greener pastures with a new team. The winter break changes teams’ concerns from what players have done last season to what the players could do next year. For backups and fringe starters, the starting of a new season offers hope in a variety of ways.

As ASA’s resident goalkeeper dude, the offseason carousel is truly a righteous ride. Each new year holds the potential of a Tim Melia: a goalkeeper who was passed on by every team in the league only to become the best. And then there are the Sean Johnsons and Joe Bendiks, players whose careers are finally ready for a positive turn with a new team. But don’t forget about the youngsters, like Alex Bono and Zack Steffen, who are given a chance to take the reins despite being a little green. With all these positive strides in the league, I was curious about the most important position’s payment for their services.

American Soccer Analysis

Making the Most from Trading: Setting Your Team Up For Success in the MLS Transfer Market

Tim Howard, Frank Rost, and MLS' Abandonment of the Average American Player