26 Days Until First Kick!

It seems like only yesterday we were singing and yelling at the Home Depot Center during MLS Cup 2012. One side of the stadium yelling, "DAVID!" as the opposite end replied, "BECKHAM!" That ball in from Juninho. That jumping header from Omar Gonzalez. The energy that sparked a comeback victory by the LA Galaxy over the Houston Dynamo for a second straight season. But that is all legend now. It's time to lace up the boots and start training camp for another run the title.

During the next (thankfully) few weeks, I will preview the 2013 MLS season with a recap on transfer news, SuperDraft rookies, and expectations of all kind. Also, I'll keep an eye on the difficult task ahead of the US Men's National Team as they begin the final round of World Cup Qualification matches en route to Brasil 2014. "The Hex" begins tomorrow for the red, white and blue as they face the daunting task of playing in Honduras in San Pedro Sula. A balanced squad of Euro based players and MLS stars must prove they can fight the battle that lies ahead of them as a squad united.

 Can I kick it in 2013?! YES YOU CAN!

MLS 2011 First Kick: LA Galaxy 1-0 Seattle Sounders

MLS kicked off their sixteenth season with a brilliant choice of a host city: Seattle.

The Sounders played host to the LA Galaxy and the Emerald City faithful came out to represent in force. The strong crowd of 36,443 Seattle supporters stood united as they sang all kinds of chants and songs for their home team. Qwest Field was plastered with neon green, XBox and Adidas logos, and smiling soccer fans who braved the rain for the start of a new Major League Soccer season.

The LA Galaxy looked strong in the early moments of the game, creating chances through patient possession. However, it was obvious that they were missing their main striker, new signing, Juan Pablo Angel. Seattle played tightly, springing some runs in the first half but the teams drew 0-0 at the break.

There was much discussion about David Beckham and the locale of his loyalties this preseason. Opting to train in London with Tottenham Hotspurs instead of being with the club he is currently under contract with. The English ex-captain looked a bit sluggish at moments out there tonight, possibly bringing his fitness into question.

The second half saw some excellent saves from both goalkeepers, with Juninho scoring the lone goal of the match for the defending Western Conference champions. The Brazilian showed signs of what Bruce Arena called, "a more mature player" by taking a well timed crack on goal that barely got past the fingertips of stellar veteran US keeper Kasey Keller. At the other end, Josh Saunders came off the bench in place of the injured Donovan Rickets to record a hard-earned clean sheet for the Galaxy.

All in all, it was a good 1-0 game and an even more impressive atmosphere to start the season off. It's great to see American soccer being Tweeted, texted, Facebooked, and most importantly ATTENDED and SUPPORTED in greater numbers.