See, I really don't have the problem with shootouts that some have. I do love the idea of teams playing until someone scores, but that could take a ridiculously long time. There are practical constraints we have to place on our sporting events, and, at the end of the day, both teams had their chances to win during regulation time. Yes, shootouts are artificial and completely remove defense and strategy from the game, but it's not like they're flipping a coin out there -- the goalie has to stop the puck/ball and the shooter has to score. It's close enough for government work.

I do, however, like the clever compromise the NHL has come up with. First try an overtime period, but with one fewer player per side to open things up. To do this in soccer you'd probably need to go to 8-on-8 or something, as 11-on-10 really isn't enough of a disadvantage to matter much in a short overtime period.