Todd Shepard Houston, Texas. Why doesn’t MLS consider putting teams in Libertadores Cup? Ridge Mahoney: The reasons are many. These are the most relevant: First of all, the South American confederation — which runs the competition — would not be interested. It added Mexican teams a few years ago mainly because the value of TV rights increased with a Mexican audience. This would not happen with MLS teams, regardless of the fact that D.C. and L.A. could certainly compete on the field. CONMEBOL, the South American confederation, wouldn’t gain anything. The U.S. has skipped the Copa America because of MLS conflicts. The Libertadores Cup would present nightmares of logistics and travel, not to mention an additional burden of more midweek matches. MLS teams don’t have large enough rosters to absorb such a punishing schedule of games. Remember, when Vasco Da Gama played D.C. twice in the States for the Intercontinental Cup — sandwiched around a trip to Tokyo — they traveled with more than 30 players. Only United’s broadcast partner HTS, was interested in televising. Fox, ESPN, etc. passed. MLS teams would rather market international friendlies of their own choosing, based on scheduling and local ethnic appeal. It might be a possibility someday, but not for at least a few years. (If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click “Q&A with SA Editors” in the left column of the home page under “Interactive.”)