I want to run a bit of a thought experiment. Close your eyes. Okay, don't close your eyes. Now,
imagine Freddy Adu, but only considering the past year of his career. Forget his being drafted
while still only halfway through puberty, the magazine covers, and the pictures with Pelé. Wipe
away the memory of the buzz that surrounded the US's wonder kid, and definitely
(definitely) make sure to leave behind all thoughts of how disappointing he turned out to
be for the national team.
With First Kick only two weeks away, the MLS Preseason is coming to a climax in Arizona's Desert
Cup.
In the first of two games this past weekend, LA overcame a nine-man RSL 2:0, with goals from
Paulo Cardozo and Mike Magee. Salt Lake's ejections included an immediate red for Ned Grabavoy in
the 70th minute after a a rough tackle on Marcelo Sarvas, and a second yellow for Yordany Alvarez
in the 77th for a challenge on LA's Cardozo.
Guess who's got two thumbs and a brand new twitter account? THIS GUY!
Follow us at @TheMLSOffside for all the latest MLS news, opinion, and rumors.
It would be impossible this early in 2012 to predict the "Story of the Season", that one piece
of news that dominates over all others. We know now that more stadiums in the works, including
those in Houston and San Jose, that MLS is poised for huge growth, and that a number of talented
American youngsters may make big moves into Europe (*cough* Brek Shea and Juan Agudelo
*cough*).
Bored? Tired? Pissed off because the DP you bought blew out his knee before playing a single
game, limiting himself to the bench for 6-12 months?
Well, I can't preform invasive surgery on Jose Adolfo Valencia, but I sure can give you a
wonderful way to waste your time until March. Meet rated90.
Joe Paterno wasn't one of us. He was a football coach, and damn good one a that, but an outsider
to the world of soccer. He may have won 409 games with Penn State and made himself one of the most
storied characters in the history of collegiate football, but he definitely wouldn't have known
Kyle Beckerman from David Beckham.
This article was sent in by reader/writer/ Fire fan Daniel Casey. Feel free to follow
Daniel's example; send in any articles you like! We love to hear what you have to say, and could
always use the help.
The pre-season for any sport is an exciting time, full of anxiety and hope.
