The first thing that will jump out to you about newly-renovated BC Place is the roof. This focal point of Vancouver Whitecaps FC's new building provides a sense of space unrivaled in any MLS venue. It's a suspension-based structure that is retractable, much like a few of the new European venues seen in Germany.

Sonny Silooy was a terrific footballer who climbed to the pinnacle of world soccer with AFC Ajax and the Dutch National Team (that's him with Edgar Davids in the 1996 UEFA Champions League Final). He also broke my finger on Tuesday. Well maybe, as the fallout from this most recent debacle has yet to be determined.

United and City fans agree on very little, but they seem to be unified in their ire towards striker Carlos Tevez. Ahead of this weekend's blockbuster Manchester derby, fans of both sides voice their disapproval for the out-of-favor Argentine.

Some photos from my first trip to Philadelphia's PPL Park. We played the Union last season in the club's inaugural MLS match, but that contest was hosted at Lincoln Financial Field. PPL Park was a much more intimate environment, and like its European predecessors, the venue rises out of a working class neighborhood (Chester, Pa.

If you haven't seen Andy Najar's opening goal from Saturday's 4-1 United win over RSL, do yourself a favor and have a look. The 18-year-old's finish is sublime, but it's the 40-yard through ball from Dwayne De Rosario that makes the goal easy on the eyes. It's one of the best weighted balls I have seen in MLS, and De Rosario capped the assist with a ridiculous hat trick.

It was good being back in the Emerald City, a place that in many ways still feels like home to me. Though United's result against Sounders FC left much to be desired, I had a great time catching up with family and friends. Here are some of the snaps from my walk around town, our training session at Starfire and the club's pregame routine at CenturyLink Field.

I'm really looking forward to being back in Seattle this weekend. It's a massive game for D.C. United and the team's postseason ambitions. It's also a homecoming of sorts for me, as I began my sports career in Seattle, and there are many friends and family members I'm excited to catch up with. While I'll be making the most of this trip by reminiscing with those people in the George & Dragon pub, I'm most looking forward to the views (see below).

Much has been made of Sporting Kansas City's newly-constructed LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. I won't repeat what has already been written it's a beautiful facility. From a communications perspective, I was particularly impressed with the club's post-match media setup. Inside a glass-enclosed press room, commentary from both head coaches is delivered to an an adjoining membership lounge via surround sound.

Chicago is one of my favorite cities. Anyone who has been there can tell you about its intimate downtown neighborhoods and gorgeous vistas. During last year's D.C. United visit to the Windy City, I received a quality prank from the players. Jump ahead to 2011, and history repeated itself at the very same restaurant.

If you're a loyal Kopite, today's controversial loss at Stoke probably wasn't the best way to start your weekend. That said, don't hit the panic button. There are plenty of reasons to be thankful if you're a Red, and I'm not talking about the fact that George Gillett and Tom Hicks no longer own the club.

This week we have two crucial matches on the horizon against Eastern Conference opposition. If the Black-and-Red are to qualify for the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs, these next fixtures will go a long way towards ensuring a postseason berth. First up is our trip to Chicago's Toyota Park in a nationally televised contest on Thursday, August 18 (9:00 p.

As the statue of Sir Bobby Moore looks on, London burns in the distance behind a desolate Wembley Stadium. The scenes across England this week have been devastating and surreal. These images have brought to mind the sectarian unrest I witnessed as a child when the IRA and Loyalists committed weekly acts of bloodshed.

When I learned that Everton Football Club would be paying D.C. United a visit earlier this year, I wasn't sure how to feel. The diehard Liverpool fan in me boiled with tribal pain, but from a club PR perspective I realized that this would be a unique opportunity for our fan base to see one of the most historic sides in English football.

Following last week's blockbuster announcement that sent one of the best playmakers in MLS history to D.C. United, things have been interesting at RFK Stadium over the past seven days. It was tough to say goodbye to a quality player and teammate in Dax McCarty, but as Ben Olsen put it, "you have to give up something of quality to get something good in return.

Celebrating his 25th birthday tomorrow, D.C. United forward Charlie Davies has much to be thankful for. Less than two years removed from a life-threatening car accident that almost derailed his professional career, the U.S. National Team striker is back to doing what he does best in Major League Soccer.