The MLS Kick off game took place last night featuring LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders, two popular MLS teams. Galaxy gained much of the popularity through the players on the pitch such as David Beckham, Landon Donovan and newly signed Juan Pablo Angel. Seattle on the other hand, being pretty new to major league soccer, has a huge fan base in the home city, but at the same time catches the attention of the new soccer fans with their bright green kits and Xbox shirt sponsor. Either way, this was definitely the fixture to jump start the new season.
The game only ended 1-0 for the Galaxy, with a goal from Juninho ,but don’t let the score fool you, the game was very exciting. Both teams creating great chances but couldn’t produce goals. Now I found myself routing for LA, and I must admit mostly because of Beckham. I know he has been criticized by fans for moving to the MLS, but I’m sure the true fans are with me on this one, that we will support him, no matter which club he plays for. I just also like the way they play, very quick touches, but a lot of them. They have a great selection of players and they have definitely won my support. Seattle also has a great squad consisting of Kasey Keller, Zakuani and O’brian White. This match up was very equal and could have gone either way, but LA continues their winning streak against the Sounders. They met four times last year, with an aggregate score of 10 -2. 
As for the rest of the MLS, there is a lot of talk of the newest teams, Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers, the Whitecaps being the second Canadian team. Another change was Kansas City’s name from the Kansas City Wizards to Sporting Kansas City. There have been a few of these name changes in the past including Dallas Burn to FC Dallas and the most famous NY/NJ Metrostars to the New York Red Bulls. Many fans don’t like the name, and it’s easy to understand why. Trying to apply a more Latin American touch shouldn’t be the case as we, and by we I mean fans of the Sport as a whole not just one league, are trying to expand soccer in the United States. The only team that American’s know that include the word sporting is Sporting Lisbon, and that’s for the fans that know a little more about the sport, and the only reason would be is that Cristiano
Ronaldo used to play there. But, I’m not here to criticize, because the change is understandable. They want to upgrade the team, give it a new look.Thierry Henry Photo Courtesy: www.soccerlens.com
On a different note,one of the things to looks out for this season will be Juan Pablo Angel. He was the Red Bulls’ striker and captain, but he made his way over to LA. Not a bad decision on his part, considering the Red Bulls recently picked up World Class striker, Henry. It looks like Tottenham will send Dawkins to San Jose to play the season on loan. That will be cool to see how this young player would has been playing in the English style and how he adapts to the US game. Backham will also get a lot of attention this season, considering he isn’t injured at the start of the season, didn’t complete a move to Tottenham and is ready to win some major league silverware. Always check back for more posting on the 2011 MLS season, as we will have full coverage.
What’s your favorite MLS team?
-JoeyB
-JoeyB
Beckham Photo Courtesy: www.Zimbio.com
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