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Contract negotiations between the Major League Soccer management and players broke down Thursday night, meaning that, though the players remain on the field for now, a strike could well be coming down the track. The previous five-year agreement expired at the end of January, and has been extended twice. After talks broke down last night, the players' union said they will not grant a requested third extension, and although all options are being considered, they will not rule out the possibility of a strike. On the other side, the League has said that they will not lock out players, and that they are willing to begin the new season, scheduled to kick off in less than a month, under the terms of the old agreement. The players' union is seeking greater autonomy and team autonomy - players in the MLS are 'tied' to the league rather than to their individual teams, as is the case elsewhere in the world.