In our "Voices of MLS" series we will be speaking with some of your favorite broadcasters from around the league. Today we spoke with Ashleigh Ignelzi. Read on after the jump to find out what Asheligh would do as MLS commissioner and who is a dark horse at the 2014 World Cup.
Total-MLS (TMLS): How did you get into broadcasting?
Ashleigh Ignelzi (AI): TV is something I've always loved and had an interest, I majored in broadcasting in college and sports was just a natural fit for me. I come from a family of all girls and I was the only daughter who had an interest in sports, my dad and I would go to games all the time, it was our thing.
TMLS: How do you prepare for a broadcast?
AI: Research, research, research and research some more. You can never over prepare. I watch film, I do more homework now then I ever did in college (sorry mom and dad). I go out to training, talk to players, coaches and staff around the team. Also to get a fans perspective there are some great websites that highlight how supporters are feeling about their club.
TMLS: What’s been your most memorable moment in your career, so far?
AI: Attending my first Premier League match is something that I'll remember forever. I went to Newcastle to visit and work with the club, it was an unreal opportunity. It was like nothing I've ever experienced before, sure they were playing QPR but judging by the fans passion you would have thought it was a derby match. It's a tie with USA vs. Mexico, I've attended USA/MEX as a fan but this past year was my first time covering the match at Crew Stadium and being from Columbus made it a night I will never forget. It's hard to put into words the type of electricity you feel during Dos a Cero but it is something every sports fan should experience.
TMLS: Soccer and MLS is growing in North America. From a broadcaster standpoint, what do you see as some important steps for the league to continue its growth?
AI: The league has identified their target audience, they reach that audience well. But for TV ratings to improve it's about getting that audience to not only care about the club they support but the league as a whole. If there is an MLS game on TV the league needs fans to watch no matter who is playing, I know a lot of NFL fans who watch the Sunday, Monday and Thursday night games regardless of who is playing, just using the NFL as an example. I believe MLS can draw this type of viewership and improve ratings but it will take time.
TMLS: You’re named MLS commissioner tomorrow. What’s the first thing you do?
AI: Commissioner Ignelzi? I like it. With CBA negotiations looming, TV deals being done, ratings needing a boost, expansions on the rise, constant chatter about the calendar, first thing I'd do is hire an assistant. Maybe two. My interest would go straight to television. Maybe one day Monday Night Football will be a soccer game.
TMLS: With New York City and Orlando joining the league and Commissioner Garber wanting to go to 24 teams, what other markets do you see as possibilities for expansion franchises?
AI: Atlanta, St. Louis, Minneapolis and I am on the fence about Miami. In Atlanta and Miami you have potential ownership groups and a stadium identified in Atlanta. Minneapolis and St. Louis, are fantastic markets that would bring a lot to MLS but they need to locate ownership groups and and STL a stadium plan, from what I understand. I love how this topic gets people talking, that's always good for MLS.
TMLS: If you could have one player from anywhere in the world join MLS, who would it be?
AI: Messi or Ronaldo would be the obvious answer so I'll go with Romelu Lukaku. Before Chelsea sent him on loan for the second time I had the chance to cover a match and watch him play this past summer. His size, speed and strength set him apart. If Lukaku grew up the in U.S. he could be an NFL linebacker, we are just now seeing what he is capable of, he is a clutch player too and has been great for Everton so far.
TMLS: What storyline will be all following in 2014?
AI: I will be keeping tabs on NYCFC and Orlando City SC, how those clubs are being assembled and the moves that they are making. Also CONCACAF Champions League, with three MLS teams in the quarterfinals I'll be pulling for them to do well. Did I mention, BRAZIL!?! Nothing better than a World Cup year.
TMLS: Which team do you think will surprise us all in 2014, either good or bad?
AI: This year I am looking for D.C. United to surprise us in a good way. They have been aggressive in offseason moves, bringing in veteran players like Eddie Johnson, Bobby Boswell, Sean Franklin, Davy Arnaud and if they sign Espindola, that is another key player for them this season, looking forward to seeing how he and EJ play together.
Also how the Rapids move forward from the Oscar Pareja debacle. Pareja really got the most out of his young players and helped guys develop, so for the Rapids sake I hope they continue to build off of the 2013 season, they were a fun team to watch.
TMLS: Who is one player to watch in 2014 that could have a breakout year?
AI: I am anxious to see how Jermain Defoe adjusts to the league. Also, Wil Trapp, U.S. Soccer 2013 Young Male Athlete. When Wil came back to Columbus from the U-20 World Cup and became a regular starter I was just amazed at his ability to organize the midfield, he is probably one of, if not the best passers on the Crew roster, he's extremely accurate.
TMLS: Can you give us one bold prediction for MLS in 2014 and one for the world of soccer in general?
AI: TFC will make the playoffs and Belgium will be the dark horse at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
I'd like to thank Ashleigh for her time. Keep checking back here for more of our Voices of MLS series!
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