In a full weekend slate in MLS -- a welcome relief -- one game stands out above the rest. A
Mid-Atlantic rivalry will be born, when the new Philadelphia Union host their first-ever game
against nearby D.C. United.
A crowd of more than 30,000+ is expected at Lincoln Financial Field, the temporary home of the
Union as they await the completion of PPL Park.
Two games doesn't mean much. But for two Eastern Conference foes, the season trajectory is
already going in opposite directions.
The New York Red Bulls ended a horrendous road run of away form, winning by a slim 1-0 lead in
Seattle. Macoumba Kandji's goal served to be the difference, as Tim Ream and Mike Petke shut down
Seattle (with the help of some wasteful finishing).
Two home openers, two wins. That was the result for both Seattle and New York the prior week,
with the Red Bulls christening their new stadium by eking a 1-0 win over Chicago and the Sounders
overcoming the thuggish tendencies of new boys Philadelphia.
While the light schedule is a puzzling momentum-killer, the two clubs face each other in the
weekend's most interesting matchup.
When Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark both made the jump to Europe over the offseason, Dominic
Kinnear's job became infinitely more difficult.
In Thursday night's 2-1 win against Real Salt Lake, Houston showed they remain a work in
progress -- something that most clubs are dealing with.
The first weekend of MLS action is done and dusted, with plenty to deduce. All 16 teams took the
field, for better or for worse, and with it the preseason became a distant memory. While it's too
early to draw any conclusions, much can be learned from an opening weekend that some managers will
delight in, while others will want to quickly forget.
The 2010 Major League Soccer season has finally dropped, and I don't know if I'll be able to
drop five my previews. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is.
That meaningless drivel aside, MLS is upon us and Philadelphia has now played that first game.
Here's a few observations from last night:
*Nowak's puzzling starting lineup.
It's an exciting time for MLS fans, though especially for the Sons of Ben. Philly's team is born
tonight, and check in with a host of bloggers and writers from around the Internets to take part in
the fun. Season previews may not be done (tomorrow, for sure), but that's no reason not to join in
tonight.
You don't see a team make the postseason three years in a row and then proceed to part ways with
the manager. But that's what Chivas USA did, sending Preki on his way and bringing in Martin
Vasquez.
The club decided that it was time to make a change despite the regular season
accomplishments.
Another club that missed out on the last day of 2009, Gary Smith felt the need to make a change
or two heading into a new season.
The dynamic duo of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings couldn't get Colorado into the playoffs, so
Smith made a move to bring in Jeff Larentowicz and Wells Thompson to beef up the midfield.
Steve Nicol is staring at what could be his most difficult season yet.
Matt Reis and Taylor Twellman are both sitting on the shelf with injuries, and neither have
looked any closer to getting back on. Reis underwent surgery during the offseason and is currently
on the mend, while Twellman remains on the sidelines with concussion problems.
The rise of the Columbus Crew has been a slow and steady one, but it doesn't seem like the new
powerhouse will go away anytime soon.
The back-to-back Supporters' Shield winners are locked and loaded for a third consecutive chance
at finishing top of the league during the regular season campaign.
The rise of the Columbus Crew has been a slow and steady one, but it doesn't seem like the new
powerhouse will go away anytime soon.
The back-to-back Supporters' Shield winners are locked and loaded for a third consecutive chance
at finishing top of the league during the regular season campaign.
Seattle Sounders FC enjoyed a tremendous season in 2009 both on and off the pitch. Their
accomplishments set the bar high, both for future expansion clubs and MLS teams across the board.
The passionate fans and sold out crowds were a triumph for the sport in America.
For a second act, Seattle must now push the bar higher in its sophomore year.
Two consecutive years of playoff-less soccer doesn't abide by the high standards set by D.C.
United during the league's early years.
The battle for playoff positions has only grown tougher, and the recent struggles of D.C. has
led the front office to ring the changes. Out is Tom Soehn -- although by his choice, not the
club's -- and in is former player Curt Onalfo, previously seen in Kansas City.
Seattle Sounders FC enjoyed a tremendous season in 2009 both on and off the pitch. Their
accomplishments set the bar high, both for future expansion clubs and MLS teams across the board.
The passionate fans and sold out crowds were a triumph for the sport in America.
For a second act, Seattle must now push the bar higher in its sophomore year.
