MLS Matchday One: Your Running Commentary

Good afternoon everybody. Today is the start of the Major League Soccer season and there are some quality match-ups to start the year.

Here are today's games:

• Toronto FC at Columbus
• Chicago Fire at Real Salt Lake
• Houston Dynamo at New England Revolution
• D.C. United at Kansas City Wizards
• Los Angeles Galaxy at Colorado Rapids

If you are wondering who I'm picking in today's games, check out my game previews on ESPN.com, which are at the bottom of my piece on the influx of foreign players into MLS.

If you are following MLS matches today and tonight, please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions (as well as some play-by-play) in the comments section below.

Enjoy the soccer.

Comments

[ADG]

I thought Direct Kick was free on all providers today? Mine is shutting me out...

[Spencer]

I'm watching the games on the PPV channels, mine are free this weekend.

[kswiss]

I'm excited to be able to see my United play for the first time this year. Should be a good game against what could be a strong Wizards team this year. Anyone know why I can see but can't hear the games on MLSLive.tv?

[Nic]

The crowd in Columbus is looking sparse. You'd think with the thousands of TFC fans traveling down to Ohio there might be more local interest in the game. Here's hoping to Saputo and Gillett buying the Crew and moving them to Montreal.

On another note, Moffat's strike was pretty nice.

[kswiss]

Nevermind, I got the audio back as I was posting that.

[DCM]

So much for FREE Direct Kick today. Comcast's website says free preview on April 7th while other sites say free preview for opening weekend.

There went my plans for the next several hours. I guess I'll just wait for the excitement of NCAA & MLS (on FSC) to take up my pic-in-pic later on today.

Oh well!! ~ sigh

[Phillip]

Goal by Columbus...

1-0

[kswiss]

Nice first goal of the season by Adam Moffat.

[NYRB]

why wasn't the opener on ABC? does anyone know?

[Nic]

If the first 40 minutes of this game is any indication, Toronto doesn't look like they've improved much in the offseason. They are in dire need of an offensive focal point, someone like Guevara but not a headcase.

Any chance of MLSE splashing out a few hundred thousands loonies to get the player they so need?

[Dr. Rockzo, The Rock N' Roll Clown]

NYRB, it was speculated that this game was going to be on ABC, but they decided to show DC v. LA as a lead in to the Euro Finals later this summer.

[soccerhockey]

TFC just hates scoring.

The Crew Stadium atmosphere looks great.

[kswiss]

Columbus up 1-0 at halftime.
Goal by Moffat
PK save by Hesmer

Columbus looks pretty decent in the first half, though 45 minutes against Toronto isn't enough time to make any sort of conclusion about the team in general.

[Danny]

I'm sure everyone is aware, but this is a free weekend with MLS direct kick. If you have In Demand, Direct TV, or another provider there's no reason not to watch at least this weekend. Who knows if you subscribe, but get it while you can anyway.

BTW, Hesmer makes a great PK save and keeps my fantasy team shut out going. :)

[expat lumberjack]

toronto's red and columbus' yellow look exactly like ketchup and mustard. really horrific color combination. it's hard to watch the game without wanting to gouge my eyes out with a spoon.

[DCM]

Just talked with Comcast here in Indy and the free preview is not until "middle of April" here. Odd time to do it I think, but being outside of a MLS teams immediate area might be the reason for it.

[Danny]

My free preview is coming from "In Demand." Seems nice. I'm a subscriber to the internet version. I might have to move up this year.

As far as the Mustard/Ketchup, don't you think the whole gouging you eyes out is a bit rough bro? Yikes!

[Rocco]

Just bought the Direct Kick package for 1st time. $79 bucks doesn't seem bad. I have a DVR so I'll catch a lot of games on tape.

[chris]

is anyone's mlstv working?

[expat lumberjack]

my mlslive is working, but to get there i clicked on the little tv icon next to the game listing on the scoreboard on mlsnet.com.

[Nic]

MLSLive froze up during an annoying interview with the lead singer of that band, but I reloaded it and it started to work fine again.

Just reload.

[koolcaio]

Evo Galapucho, what do you know about dc? you are just a dc hater like the rest!!
vamos united!!!!

[chris]

thanks expat, for some reason mine isn't working. black sreen and no audio. i hope they work this out.

[DCM]

Just bought Direct Kick for the 1st time as well... my couch is going to get a workout this season, thank god I have my bike on a trainer in front of the TV. I only wish the games were shown in HD.

[DCM]

Cunningham must have lost sight of the goal in all the red smoke from the flares thrown by TFC fans sitting behind the goal.

[Nic]

chris,do you have a mac?

[chris]

nic, nope. i just tried it again. not working again. i figured it takes a week or so for mls to work this out. i'm not too upset, but if anyone has some kind of miracle trick, i'll take it.

[Nic]

It wasn't working for me originally either. Oddly enough, I tried watching other video content (I think it was a Greg Lalas/Shep Messing thing) and then clicked again on the watch CLB vs. TOR and then clicked again on MLSLive.tv. Then it worked.

[PJhardy]

Somebody for Columbus should have got on that stage after scoring and played air guitar.

[Nic]

I cannot believe these announcers (Columbus local guys) are arguing that Jeff Cunningham be given a run for the National team. Shocking.

[soccerhockey]

serious, the Cunningham plug is way off.

that fan falling onto the field at the goal celebration by the corner flag was classic! hilarious crew fan.

[eric]

Funny, TWC is in between - they're about to hook me up with Chicago - RSL, but the other Direct Kick channels are off...

[kevin]

i was surprised to see that columbus's supporter's group grew by about 2x!!! i'm guessing it's the beckham effect. hopefully, it will affect all the other teams too!!

[Amit]

The Crew vs. TFC game was pretty good. Columbus was very good. They looked like a contender. We'll see if that continues.

[KINGTUTS]

Toronto looked aweful up front. No creativity, horrible shot selection, second guessing themselves on feeds they definitely should have taken and obviously a serious lack of finish. Marshall in D was their lone bright spot (which is saying something). Edwards looked very ordinary in goal, Sutton on the bench seemed wasteful. First goal their back four had their feet nailed to the ground, no one challenging!!! Gross! Second goal, Edwards came out hard and then stopped like a dear in the headlights. If you come out to challenge a player, make sure you come out and challenge the player, not stop at 70% steam, get flat footed and then beat like a rented mule. Samuel scoring the PK could have changed the outcome (why was Brenan not taking ths shot??? not that it should matter I guess) of that game, but if TO cannot score on PK (which shouldn't have even been a PK by the way) then last year's scoring draught could be just as bad this year. Cunningham better be paired up with Dichio to start for the game against DC. Hopefully James is back soon, they need another athletic defender that is gonna make the kinda pin point passes their mid-wings are incapable of doing. Nice first corner of the game, but like the commentators said, you can only try that once... so you better finish. Has Cunningham lost his magic? Or is he just not getting the bare minimum service he needs from the middle of the field? Guevara, please get here soon!!!!!!

[eric]

RSL pinging it around like they're Arsenal on Chi-town. Ouch. The Fire look like they haven't figured out the turf. Not impressive crowd in Salt Lake, but on the plus side, Blanco is pushing and shoving 10 mins into the season.

[oracledba]

it is brutal to watch a game with college football lines - utah doesn't play for another 7 months you think they could re-line the field

[eric]

Still entertained by RSL - Chi in the 30th, but it's getting sloppy out there. RSL with more chances (8 shots!), and Blanco is doing his thing, but Rolfe and Mapp have been invisible on the wings.

[Amit]

Its seems that referee Terry Vaughn is confused by the football lines. He seems to be forgetting what sport he is officiating.

[Nic]

Conde not playing for the Fire. I wonder if they'll finally realize he's hellbent on leaving and just deal the guy. Is selling him back to Colombia an option?

[alex]

Dear RBNY,

Please see attached box marked "return to sender". It contains one lazy, useless football director, feel free to discard as necessary.

Fr.

TFC

[alex]

Agreed on the comments about RSL - Chi. Salt Lake came out on fire, but has slowed since. Beckerman and the other guy (morales?) look amazing in the centre.

[eric]

Haven't got much of a beat on Ian Joy, who I've heard about for years and am seeing on the field for the first time. But he just picked up a yellow for hacking down Mapp on the wing in the 50th.

[eric]

Curious decision to pull Mapp in the 55th or so. He had just started to get involved and earned a couple of free kicks in a row. He didn't look like he was hurt as he jogged off. Maybe Chicago is worried he was going to break if he fell one more time?

Blanco is playing like he wants to be the MVP as many have predicted, and call Conde the LVP, Chicago have no cohesion, even factoring in opening day form.

[KINGTUTS]

Berckman was written off by many, but I believe the guy still has some serious hops. Amazing game by Kyle so far. Great stuff. Get Robbie Findley on the pitch. The kid can finish and is being wasted on the sidelines. Findley does a great job getting behind the defenders and think Bekerman's vision and Robbie's ability to shake of his marker and get open will be magic this year, once he starts, well, starting on the RSL team. Andy Williams' time is over... Robbie Findley is not only the future, he should be the present too!!! My guess... Findley comes on late, scores the winner.

[mikeK]

Showing what he learned in St. Pauli, and I like it. Didn't he do a stint in the MLS before going to Germany?

Decent game. Bit chippy. I'm watching on MLS live. The Fire announcers are horrid. Such homers.

[Dominghosa]

Working right now, fellas. Scores and goal scorers so far tonight?

[eric]

The game is picking up in pace and atmosphere, due mostly to Blanco who is full of theatrics and sweet back heels which the crowd loves to hate.

Ha ha ha! Kovalenko into the game, 68th.

RSL has to win this game, they've played too well.

Own Goal of Demo cross! 1 - 0 RSL!

[DCM]

OG.. tough way to start the season.

[sprool11]

Caliguiri just called Brian Mullan, Chris Mullan...what a tard!!

[eric]

Soumare is the culprit, but it's really about Demo's cross, which was whipped in low and trouble all the way.

[mikeK]

Scores:
Crew 2 0 TFC
RSL 1 0 Fire in the ~80th

We let Dema go because ___________.
Atleast we signed... Oh. No one. That's right.

[eric]

Ugh! Robbie Findley makes an awesome hustle play to block the goalie's clearance... but then dives when he's 1 v 1 with the keeper and picks up a yellow. Don't let him room with Charlie Davies anymore.

[AlexS]

Revs have some nice chants going on in Estadio Gelete right now... wonder how many seats they sold?

[AlexS]

Bah! Onstad with a save that goes to Christman, who taps it in.

Revs 1-0 Dynamo

[eric]

Blanco - or your front runner for 2008 MVP - hits a great volley from 18 yards out to tie it 1 - 1 in the 92nd.

[AlexS]

^ Turns out it was Noonan.

DeRo with a header, just over the bar. This game's going to be entertaining.

[eric]

End of game in Salt Lake, 1 - 1. Charge Blanco with a total heist of points from RSL, who just might make some noise this year if they can stay healthy.

Morales and Beckerman were excellent in the midfield, Demo is going to make NYRB fans cry all year long, they've got 4 entertaining forwards.

[AlexS]

^ And by Noonan I mean Ralston. That would be one hell of a shot over the north atlantic though!

[eric]

FSC is in full swing - showing us a stupid replay while Christman scores for NE. 2 - 0

[AlexS]

BAH! Nice job from FSC, missing a quick restart goal against the Dynamo by replaying the could that set up the free kick. Onstad makes a save and Christman is there to head it in.

Revs 2-0 Dynamo

[Steve]

Phew.

Blanco saved our arses.

The Fire looked terrible, the ref was terrible, and Commisioner Garber please outlaw artificial turf!!!!!!!

I've got a bad feelign about New England this year. And that's a good feeling if you live in New England. These guys are Supporters Shield all the way.

[AlexS]

Ah, it's about time the Revs go into bootball mode! I was shocked... for half an hour they were playing up the middle and down the sides by making MORE THAN ONE PASS!

Holden misshits a good chance, as does Ashe. If the Dynamo get clicking soon it could be 5-2 Dynamo by the end of this.

[Max]

Why, oh why did I drop Will Hesmer as my fantasy captain? That surely would have been a Jose-like masterstroke.

By the way, what's with the Crew announcers using the phrase "scoring by committee" 16 times today?

[Steve]

btw... ....new Revs unis are terrible.

[eric]

I'm trying to use my Direct Kick free preview to watch DC - KC, but they're playing both the English and the Spanish announcing feed at the same time. If you're wondering, no, it's not helping my spanish.

Man, what am I going to do when my wife is out of grad school and she expects a social life on weekends again!

[AlexS]

Refs lets the Revs get away with murder twice, only to call a foul on ERob after Christman miss dribbles and hung onto him as he went down.

And the Revs unis look like last years to me, complete with the red underarms.

[DCM]

KC's setup for the next 2 years looks like a joke on TV. The pitch looks fine, but the view beyond the field off 0 sets looks amateurish. I can't imagine what someone abroad would think of MLS from seeing replays from this "stadium".

[AlexS]

Phantom foul on Holden as he schools two revs... ah, good ol' MLS officiating!

[Steve]

Never, ever, ever let any KC home games on national TV. It looks like major amateur hour though it sounds a lot better than Arrowhead.

mlslive.tv = the best $19.95 you'll ever spend.

[eric]

What a blast by DeRo - which I was positive was in. Nope, side net.

Of course, the FSC geniuses acted shocked that he took the kick instead of Mulrooney...

[Louis]

Woohoo! Starting Christman for Queens FC paid off

[AlexS]

DeRo... that wasn't a goal?

Nope, looked in to me at first but it hit the back pipe just on the outside of the net.

Halftime.
Revs 2-0 Dynamo. A fair score given the events - neither goal was easy for the Revs and were good plays by the trailing attacker. But this one still has legs, I expect a few more goals before it's all said and done.

[eric]

Steve - agree on both counts.

I assume KC has actual stands on the side of the field that the camera is on... but it looks even more low rent than an FA Cup game at one of those League 2 fields.

I guess it's cool that the whole field is in the outfield of the baseball stadium, but the seats are all wrong.

BTW, still 0 - 0 in the 23rd. Haven't seen much of a chance by anyone.

[DCM]

http://kc.wizards.mlsnet.com/t105/stadium/

Here's the seating chart/map for KC. I would find interesting to see how many "good seats" there really are out of the 12,000 setup for the soccer configuration of the stadium. The baseball capacity is 6,537.

[Chase]

Great stuff so far, I thought Columbus had a great crowd and looks to be a playoff contender, excellent stuff from Blanco, despite the draw RSL looks vastly improved and could make some noise in a weak Western Conference (I shudder having to use that phrase), the Revs look great even without Twellman (especially Mansally).

BTW was anyone else hideously annoyed by the Fire-RSL announcers on the MLS pass preview thing? I was done with them, when they claimed that Robbie Findley was "great" in Olympic Qualifying.

And can they not do anything about the gridiron lines when the football season doesn't start until September? Personally, I think the KC stadium is kind of neat, looks way better than a completely empty Arrowhead...

[eric]

Hartman with a Huge save on Emilio after Gallardo sets him off and running. More of that, please.

[Sack Lodge]

anyone else impressed by how the rev's two gambian guys are playing? wow, they are good.

[DCM]

Chase,

I think Utah has a fake field where the lines are permanent versus New England who knew ahead of installing their field that the field was going to be multi purpose. There are several football fields around where I live that have permanent football lines that were part of the installation.

[Steve]

I'm a Fire fan and I agree with every comment about our announcers. They had me wishing for Christian Miles for gosh sake!!!! Thank goodness I only have to deal with them for road games. My apologies to the rest of you.

[eric]

Right before the half Lopez does his first useful thing for KC all day and draws a dangerous kick just outside of the box...

[aristotle]

One of the minutemen shot Joseph!

[aristotle]

Heartbreaking for Houston. N.E. living a charmed life.

[AlexS]

Hell of a save by Ries off a Holden header from a good Mullan pass... that's more like the Dynamo I know!

[aristotle]

That looks like a separated shoulder.

[AlexS]

Bad foul call! Holden was to the ball well before Ralston got there and tripped over him! Just because he hurt his shoulder doesn't mean it's a foul!

[Spencer]

Disappointing crowds for most of the games so far. KC, and Colombus have seen their last year hopefully. Sorry fans, but you can't raise the salary cap if teams are losing money every year from not selling enough tickets.

[aristotle]

Wow. That's not good. He can't even walk off the field with a shoulder injury.

[aristotle]

I guess he can.

[eric]

... which is straight into the wall, 0 - 0 at the half for DC - KC.

Not too thrilled by the Argentine DP's on either side, Gallardo was better with a couple of dangerous passes, but sill sometimes hits those ballooning corner kicks. I'm worried about Lopez, this judgment is based off an entire half of soccer, but he had no first step and didn't show much vision or power on his shots to make up for that.

DC was better in the first half, but Burch gave the ball away a ton, ruining many attacks.

[AlexS]

Dear Bobby Boswell - never shoot with your feet. (And if I have to eat those words sometime, I will do so happily)

[Chase]

That's what I was thinking DCM, it really is terrible, luckily they are moving into a new stadium soon.

Ralston got airborne on that challenge, looks like he messed up his shoulder.

[aristotle]

Spencer:

Look out for a barrage of K.C. fans telling you that you don't know what you're talking about.

"New owners that are good...blah blah...new stadium....blah blah...202% ticket increase..blah blah...how dare you blah blah!:)

[AJ]

Ralston injury looks awful. Not good for a captain to go down, espcially when he's our main attacking midfielder. Spencer Wadsworth will have to step up big time.

Also impressive are the Gambians for the Revs. Nyassi has been great going up and down the right and Mansally has been causing issues with his speed upfront. Can't wait to see what the team looks like when Twellman gets back and he gets together with Mansally.

The Ralston injury, if its serious, will be an issue though. As I said, Wadsworth is the other attacking central mid on the roster. Possibly Cristman or Wells Thompson could move in there.

[AlexS]

Franco Caraccio on for the Dynamo in the 65ish, for Wondolowski.

This match looks and plays a lot better than low table fixtures in the Prem.

[eric]

New drinking game - drink every time a Rev player flops in front of Holden!

[aristotle]

That wasn't a great save by Onstad. He's had a very poor game. He just stood there and didn't move at all. That was a RIDICULOUS miss by Cristman.

[AlexS]

Eric, involuntary manslaughter is a crime!

[aristotle]

Castro is not going to be much more popular than Fidel if he keeps that up!

[eric]

47th in KC - goal by some Columbian Wiz player I haven't heard of