Starting Sunday, July 27th I will be posting Premier League previews for each of the 20-teams in this season's competition.

There will be one preview posted each day leading upto the start of the season.

Check back Sunday morning for the start.

Jeremy

Here at ‘Fox Soccer Report’, we’ve been gearing up for Euro 2008 for a few weeks now.  Reading, researching – perhaps a little too much because it’s getting to the point where EVERY team looks like it could win the tournament.  Ok, not quite…..Austria and Switzerland have NO chance no matter how much I read!  With that, here’s a little Euro Preview to get you prepped – complete with predictions!!  (I need to give Luis someone to mock for a few weeks.)

The groups are presented in the order I think they’ll finish with their FIFA World Ranking in brackets and an explanation.

Group A
Portugal (11th)
Czech Republic (6th)
Turkey (20th)
Switzerland (44th)

This is Portugal’s group to lose.  With a healthy Cristiano Ronaldo (World Player of the Year – you read it here first) and his 42-goals (plus 8-goals in 13-qualifying) they will win this group with ease.  Luiz Felipe’s Scolari 4-2-3-1 system doesn’t have a set striker up top but with the options he has to chose from, it shouldn’t matter who’s there.  The Czech Republic will provide strong opposition but with no Tomas Rosicky, they lack a creative spark.  Turkey will be competitive but they don’t have the experience and the Swiss just don’t have the talent.

Group B
Germany (5th)
Croatia (15th)
Poland (28th)
Austria (92nd)

Just as Group A is Portugal’s to lose, Germany simply CANNOT lose Group B.  If they didn’t make it out of here, I’d call it one of the biggest upsets in football history.  This team is so stacked, I think coach Jaochim Loew could be able to rotate his squad for the 3rd game (vs. Austria).  Michael Ballack is in great form coming in and they are solid from back to front.  Croatia are one of the tournament ‘dark horses’ but I don’t think Ivan Klasnic and Mladen Petric can pick up the slack for the loss of Eduardo da Silva (10 goals in qualifying – more than a third of Croatia’s goals!).  They’ll get out of the group but lose in the quarters.  Austria could end up doing what fans hoped they wouldn’t – embarrassing the host nation.

Group C
Netherlands (10th)
Italy (3rd)
France (7th)
Romania (12th)

I’ve gotten a few stares from people who saw my Euro Pool picks because I picked Holland to finish so high.  But when you look at it, I may not be THAT out to lunch!  Holland are healthy, they have the best attacking midfield in world football (Van Persie, Van Der Vaart & Sneijder) and they have dumped the players that are usually at the center of their big-tournament implosions (Seedorf, Van Bommel).  Yes, Italy are the world champions but losing Cannavaro is HUGE – people don’t realize just HOW huge.  Luca Toni will lead them out of the group but that’s it.  And France – well, watching them in the lead-up has been anything but impressive.  Perhaps it is a ruse but I think not.  This is an old team with a weak defense and they will not get out of the ‘Group of Death’.  I will say Romania could sneak out of this group – if results go their way.  If they were any other group, I’d put them through, but not this time.

Group D
Spain (4th)
Russia (24th)
Greece (8th)
Sweden (30th)

Spain could quite possibly have the most talented team at this tournament.  Names like Fabregas, Torres, Casillas, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa & Guiza have many a pundit picking Spain to go all the way.  Not me.  This is a team that – while talented – is psychologically weak and coach Luis Aragones is not the man to rid them of that.  Spain are used to painful defeats and Euro 2008 will provide another one – in the last four.  Russia are coached by Guus Hiddink and on that basis alone I pick them to get out of the group stage.  Hiddink has some kind of jedi-mind-trick thing he uses on all his teams and they ALWAYS manage to get to the knockout stage.  That’s not to say Russia believe they are better than they are – this is a good team and while they play a safe 4-5-1, they will be far from boring.  Russia could be this tournament’s Greece.  Speaking of the reigning champs – they just don’t have the horses and their opposition will be prepared this time.  Sweden are healthy – but like France they are old.  Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a scoring machine at Inter.  He needs to finally do it for country if they have any chance.

In the Quarters:
Portugal beats Croatia
Germany beats Czech Republic
Holland beats Russia
Spain eliminates Italy

In the semis:
Germany just beats Portugal
Holland beats Spain 8-7

In the Final:
Germany beats Holland

Enjoy the tournament folks! 

Liverpool and Chelsea are getting set to face-off in the first of the CL Semifinals this week - and many of us/you cannot wait. This should be a great tie – both of them should be – and I have to give the edge to Liverpool and Rafa Benitez. The Reds Skipper doesn’t have a clue when it comes to winning the league but when he goes into Europe – the guys is money!! And to say Avram Grant is overmatched is perhaps the understatement of the season. I don’t care what the Chelsea players are saying about being behind Grant to the media – we all know that behind the secenes John Terry, et. Al know if Chelsea are going to get through, it’s upto them and not the tactics of Grant. We’ve been hearing mixed reports about whether Grant will be back as a manager next season – safe to say the outcome of this tie will determine his future.

Hope he hasn’t gotten too comfy in his ‘Bridge office.

As for United v. Barcelona – this one is anyone’s guess. Yes, I am a United supporter but a wounded animal is one you never want to face. And after the shambles versus Blackburn at the weekend, I just hope Barca weren’t watching that game! Rovers were all over United in the middle of the park and much like Arsenal – take away the passing lanes and pressure the midfield and you’ll have a shot at winning. And what’s with the United defence the past few weeks? Vidic and Ferdinand have been rock solid in the middle - but they looked like they were playing together for the 1st time on the Santa Cruz tally Saturday. Still, United have the form and if they stay in top form, Barcelona are done. Henry is a question but Messi is back – and Barca will need Messi to play with that chip firmly placed on his shoulder.

This should be a great battle.

My picks to go through are Liverpool and United over the two legs.

So we’re through four weeks of the MLS season and damned if I can tell you what the heck is going on from week to week!! It’s making playing Fantasy Football a complete crapshoot! Last term you had ‘locks’ but this year it is a matter of a coin-flip.

I will say this about the Fantasy stuff – the scoring system is completely messed up. Much like the ACTUAL league, MLS Fantasy is a work in progress so let’s hope they get it sorted because a GK being your top point-earner is bunk. And changing managers should NOT count against your weekly transfers. Reduce the point total for managerial wins and make it a ‘free’ move week to week.

I read an article a while back when TFC signed Amado Guevara – it said ‘With the signing of Guevara and the recent addition of Laurent Robert, Toronto have gone from a questionable midfield to one of the best in MLS.’

I’ll be honest – I chuckled when I read it but plaudits to the writer because it appears he was somewhat correct. Toronto are on a two-game TEAR after beating RSL 1-nil in their home opener. And while RSL is improved, this is not much of a surprise being that BMO is the place no one wants to play. We’ll see how TFC fare with KC coming in this week.

And who would have picked Houston and DC United to be in the basement of their divisions? Houston have yet to win!! They let the Galaxy back into the game twice this weekend and lead the league with 3 draws. By contrast, their Texas rivals in Dallas have yet to lose and sit at the summit of the West. I knew Dallas would be better but a winless Houston?? I wonder how close Dom Kinnear is to the panic button these days??

Congrats to San Jose for their first win – against a Colorado side that reverted to old form for some reason. Granted San Jose have been playing some very positive football but Colorado went to New England last week and beat the Revs at home!! How do you come home and lose 2-nil to the new kids? A prime example of the unpredictability of MLS this season right there. Dallas hosts New England Thursday night.

Chicago started strong but will be tested the next few weeks.

Chivas and LA meet in the opening LA Superclassico Saturday.

Quick Hits Monday Afternoon:

-Czech MF Tomas Galasek says he will retire after the Euros

-Reports in Spain say Ronald Koeman has FINALLY been sacked at Valencia

-Man City are close a deal for Brazilian FW Jô

-Brazilian Juan Santana will replace Carlos Alberto Parreira as South Africa coach.

Thoughts & comments welcome below!

It's been another busy week here at FSR and with TONS of little tidbits surfacing here and there, I may start updating this blog with smaller posts rather than accumulating for these monster ones.
Here's what's on my brain Friday as I work through a reporting shift:

Yes, Arsenal fans - it WAS a penalty!
A poster on one of my previous blogs seemed to take issue with the fact I called Kolo Toure's run up the back of Ryan Babel a CLEAR penalty while I did the hilites on the show Tuesday.  In fact, this might be the same viewer that took hours of their time to send us an email about how wrong I was to say such things and how bad we were not showing three minutes worth of complete hilites.  First off, I've seen the video over and over again.  I watched it when it was cut and I watched it when Arsenal fans started to email.  It's a penalty - no ifs ands or buts.  Toure makes contact with Babel in the area to take away a scoring chance.  He does not touch the ball, the move was clumsy and it was a good call by the official.  I don't see what Arsenal fans are crying over.  If you'd have done the job and scored the goals when they were presented (Adebayor, I'm looking at you!), you wouldn't have to blame the officiating.  As for showing more hilites - while we would LOVE to show 3-minutes worth of hilites accounting every major thing that happened, ESPN has the rights to the CL and we are restricted to only a few minutes per show - no matter how many games there are.  And if we show those hilites TWICE, it even further restricts us.

TFC Signs Amado Guevara
I make no secret of the fact I'm not too keen on what they're doing over there in Toronto.  From what I've seen so far and the discussions I've been involved with, they may not even be sure what they're doing.  The move for Guevara this week only confirms this.  However, I am willing to give Mo and Carver the benefit of the doubt and keep an open mind about what Guevara could add to the team.  I've seen blog after blog and article after article praising TFC for making this move but I think the praise is a little premature.  Remember, this is the same Guevara who REFUSED a trade to Toronto last season.  Now he wants to go there?  Perhaps he has learned a thing or two after his stint with Motagua but I'm not so sure.  Does he make Toronto a better team?  On paper - you bet.  We'll see if he actually does the job on the field.
Toronto also added Rohan Ricketts Friday after he was released from his contract with Barnsley.  Ricketts has been with the team for a couple of weeks and the TFC release announcing the signing had Mo saying "We've instantly added more quality depth for our team."  The club also announced they had released FW Collin Samuel due to personal reasons.  Curious to see Samuel go - obviously there is more to this than what TFC are saying.

Seattle Sounders FC
There's an old saying I heard bandied in the department this week - blue and green should never be seen unless together in a washing machine.  I dunno though - I like the new colors for Seattle and I also applaud the ownership group there for going with what the fans wanted.  The Sounders have a great tradition int he Pacific NW and naming an MLS franchise anything BUT Sounders would have been an injustice.  Can't wait to get me a Sounders cap & scarf!!

Steve Nicol Is Brilliant
I saw the salary numbers last week and I had to marvel at the astute financial wizardry of Steve Nicol and New England.  Signing Sainey Nyassi and Kenny Mansaaly for $50k US was a stroke of genius - and it likely has other teams (esp TFC - hello?  Was the U20 WC not in YOUR backyard??) going 'Damn it!"  With numerous teams seemingly having very little in the way of a plan to build for the future other than signing older players (LA, TFC), one of the league's best franchises is leading the way in showing what a little investment in time and travel can do.  There are numerous lessons to be taken here....

MLS Changes The Playoff Format - AGAIN!
Picked this one up off of Steve Goff over at the Washington Post (one of the best footie blogs out there!).  MLS has changed the playoff format to have THREE teams from each conference make the playoffs and then the next two with the best records regardless of conference get in.  The move could be called 'The Beckham Format' because it is OBVIOUSLY designed with the mindset that LA will finish 3rd in the West (behind Chivas and Houston) and thus deserve a playoff spot.  This could backfire though because I'm not so sure THIS LA team is better than FC Dallas.  I like Dallas as a surprise in the West so LA will need to hit their peak at the right time in order to finish third.  Otherwise, it's egg on the faces at league HQ come late October.

Louis Arroyave/Ives Galarcep Battle
Ok - this isn't exactly a battle but 'Soccer By Ives' provided a somewhat detailed account of the events that led upto JC Osorio making the move to New York from the Fire.  It didn't sit well with Fire fans and many have inundated Arroyave's 'Red Card' blog asking him to throw down and respond.  Now while I'm not a huge fan of Louis (posting the link to one of my most embarassing moments as a broadcaster doesn't curry my favour), I do really respect the fact that he posted a blog reply to Fire fans saying he is not a defender of the Fire but a beat reporter for the team.  He says it is not his place to defend the club - but if someone from the team wants to provide a rebuttal to Galarcep's account of things, he will gladly write an article with quotes from Fire folks should they decide to speak up.  Otherwise, it is none of his business and he is staying out of it.  Sorry folks - the rivalry won't extend to the club's best bloggers (yet).

For the record, both those bloggers - and Steve Goff - are the top guys to read if you follow MLS.  They are on top of what's happening with their teams and with the league and I make note to read them every day - a few times thanks to my Google Reader.

That's it folks!
Have a great weekend!
Here's hoping United v. Arsenal is as good as we hope!

The week 2 fantasy team managed to acrue 110pts - that was 4th best for the week and it put me in 3rd place in the league table.

Despite KC & New England playing two games this week, I moved a player from each OUT of my squad.  I did add a KC player though so it evens out I guess.

Here's the changes:

Conrad (30pts wk 2) ----> OUT
Prideaux (10pts YTD) ----> IN

Edu (7pts wk 2) ----> OUT
Marinelli (9pts YTD) ----> IN

Joseph (-5pts wk 2) ----> OUT
Blanco (31pts YTD) ----> IN

As of Friday - Marinelli has -6pts for me (he's my Cpt) so here's hoping he and the rest of the team have a much better showing this weekend.

Good luck with your fantasy team in week 3!

 

The opening weekend of MLS has come and gone and as I sit here getting prepped for week two, I thought I’d plug the MLS Fantasy game on FSC.  For those unaware, I’m a HUGE fantasy gamer – have been for years.  I’m mainly into the NFL (usually 10-11 leagues) but last year got into the MLS Fantasy game and am again involved in the FSC league.

A number of us here at FSR were into it last year (Derek, Mitch, Bobby, Myself, Dom) – but this year it is just Derek, Bobby and I from this side of the 49th.  It’s too much work I’ve been told by some….Ya but it pays off when you get to dog your co-workers about how much you shellacked them this past week….

With that in mind, here’s what I had from week one on MY MLS Fantasy team and what they got me for points:

St.Louis FC – 4-3-3 (cuz we like to ATTACK)

GK Will Hesmer – CLB              51pts
RB Jose Burciaga Jr – KC        10pts
CB Jimmy Conrad – KC            10pts
CB Marvell Wynne – TFC             0
LB Frankie Hejduk – CLB           5pts
RMF Maurice Edu – TFC -           5pts
CMF Shalrie Joseph – NE          2pts
LMF Marcelo Gallardo – DCU    2pts
FW Brain Ching – Hou                0
FW Luciano Emilio – DCU         8pts (Captain)
FW Carlos Ruiz – LA                   2pts

Head Coach – Sigi Schmid

So, that line-up got me 104pts – good for 3rd in my MLS league.
Derek Taylor was the top gun for week one – he scored 125pts

We’re allowed three changes per week so I made a few moves:
GK Hesmer OUT                     GK Zach Wells IN
CB Wynne OUT                        CB Tyson Wahl IN
FW Ruiz OUT                            FW Angel IN (Captain)

I’ll let you know next week how it works out!!

Feel free to share you fantasy stuff below!

10.Toronto FC are as bad as advertised.  Mo Johnston did little to improve his team in the off-season and it showed.  Here’s hoping Johnston isn’t all talk when it comes to acquiring more players and comes through – otherwise it’ll be a LOOONG season at BMO Field.
9. Toronto FC fans are as GOOD as advertised.  Even with their team getting beaten they never let up and showed Columbus fans how to always back your team.  They continue to be an example to MLS supporters everywhere.
8. Cuauhtemoc Blanco still has it.  In injury-time he AGAIN shows that he still possesses the ability to change the game in an instant.  Tough way for RSL to open the season.
7. Maybe there IS a plan in Colorado.  It’s been assumed by many close to MLS that Colorado are a rudderless ship just floating through MLS but after they thumped LA Saturday night, maybe the Rapids brass DO have a plan!!  Then again, maybe LA are just ####.
6. Welcome back Becks!  Yes, David Beckham and Ruud Gullit got a great glimpse of what the season has in store for them.  Beckham got half a season last year – can you imagine how frustrated he’ll be having to endure a full schedule of losing??  Anyone seen the odds on Lalas lasting the full term?
5. FCD and Chivas – fit to be tied.  Both sides were under-strength and it was perhaps fitting this one ended drawn.  It was a quiet game from a coverage stand-point but these two teams have plenty of potential going forward.
4. Kansas City defence won’t get enough credit.  In my pre-season previews, I said the defence for KC was the question mark.  After week one, question answered.  It’s not easy to shut-down the most vaunted attack in the league.
3. Denis Hamlett could start a new trend – suits!  I saw Luis Arroyave mention this on his blog and I noticed it as well – Hamlett looked great in a suit.  I’m a BIG fan of coaches wearing suits – it shows respect for the position, respect for the game and respect for yourself.  You’re a leader – at least look the part.
2. Houston need help!  Sure – it is just one game but to lose to New England the way they did showed that Houston have some decent sized holes to fill.  You cannot tell me they weren’t ‘up’ for the game versus New England – and they got throttled.  Dom Kinnear needs to find some scoring – and fast.
1. New England look like MLS Cup Favorites.  Again – it is week one….But the combination of Sainey Nyassi, Kenny Mansally & Mauricio Castro added some serious pace to the Revolution attack.  Pat who?  Taylor who?

Enjoy!  Feel free to comment.

While the balance of power came from the Eastern Conference last season, the eventual Champion came from the West - again.  The Houston Dynamo repeating as MLS Cup winners - and they look a good bet to go for the three-peat in 2008.  However, I don't think it will be as easy this time with Chivas again set to test at the top of the West.  Look for improvements from Real Salt Lake (Jim Mora style - playoffs??) and perhaps Colorado - and steady as she goes for FC Dallas.  One thing looks certain - the gulf in class in the West appears to be shortening. 

Enjoy the Western Conference preview.

Houston Dynamo
Last Season: 15-8-7 - 52pts
MLS Cup Champions
Coach: Dominic Kinnear (5th season)
Key Losses: DF Ryan Cochrane, FW Joseph Ngwenya, MF/FW Nate Jacqua, GK Zach Wells, FW Paul Daglish
Additions: DF Bobby Boswell, FW Franco Caraccio, GK Tony Caig
My Take:
It's no secret how Houston has managed to hang on to the MLS Cup for two season's running - they have great depth and players who know how to show up in big games.  Last term's midseason trade that brought in Jacqua, Ngwenya and Richard Mulrooney was one of the best of the season - as those players showed down the stretch.  But now that Jacqua and Ngwenya have left for greener pastures, there is a lack of depth up top and this could be the achilles heel for Houston this time around.  With Brian Ching proving to be one of the more injury-prone players in MLS, the scoring load will fall to new kid Caraccio and Chris Wondolowski - and possibly Dwayne DeRosario or Brian Mullan if either of those two struggle.  Dominic Kinnear can still deal from a position of strength if the Dynamo start slow out of the gate - but the options this term are much more limited.  With the team set to play a packed schedule, Kinnear's depth will be tested more than ever before - and he has a much slimmer margin for error.  That means the defense and midfield will have to shoulder more of the load if they want to win a record third-straight MLS title.

Colorado Rapids
Last Season:  9-13-8 - 35pts
Missed MLS Playoffs
Coach: Fernando Clavijo (4th season)
Key Losses: FW Nicolas Hernandez, MF Jose Cancela, GK Zach Thornton, MF Tony Sanneh
Additions: MF Christian Gomez, DF Jose Burciaga Jr., DF Tim Ward
My Take:
Colorado's failure to address the GLARING deficiency up front means this team will sink or swim on the play of Christian Gomez.  Last season the team managed just 29-goals in 30-games and were blanked in nine of their last 17 - so why have they not moved for a FW??  If you find out, let me know.  Instead, the side made moves for a pair of defenders - but didn't they already have the 4th best backline in the league last term?  Who's pulling the strings over there?  And trading your DP spot for Christian Gomez?  Here's hoping the service he'll provide will be worth the price you're paying.  One thing is certain - it's obvious there is no real plan in Colorado - and while 'Every Season Starts At ####'s' - it's not going to start very well.  The pre-season has been a disaster with Herculez Gomez, Conor Casey, Pablo Mastroeni, Ugo Ihemelu, Mehdi Ballouchy, Mike Petke and Dan Gargan all missing significant time to injury.  This side DOES have some talent but I agree with what I've read throughout the off-season - this is a team that is in no hurry whatsoever to put together a side that can challenge the league powers.  Until that happens, mediocrity will reign supreme in Colorado.

FC Dallas
Last Season: 13-12-5 - 44pts
Lost in Western Conference Final
Coach: Steve Morrow (2nd season)
Key Losses: FW Carlos Ruiz, FW Denilson, DF Chris Gbandi, DF Clarence Goodson
Additions: MF Andre Rocha, DF Dulio Davino
My Take:
I'm excited to see whether Steve Morrow's formation change brings instant dividends for Dallas.  The move to a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3 is more suited to the team's personnel according to Morrow - and I agree.  Taking some of the responsibility away from Arturo Alvarez will give him more of a chance to improvise in the attack and that can only benefit the team.  Alvarez is a 'big game' player and should prove his worth in the new set-up.  FW Kenny Cooper is back from his broken leg and looks more focused and confident as he gets set to carry the scoring load.  Juan Toja and Alvarez will help with that.  The backline was a weakness last term giving up 44-goals and Morrow turfed half the starters in the off-season.  He brings in Davino to hopefully help stabilise things alongside Drew Moor and Adrian Serioux.  But all three have struggled with pre-season knocks so health could be a constant issue at the back.  This team may struggle at the start but the potential is there to surprise a few teams down the stretch.  Winning a playoff series is an achievable goal - and one Morrow may need to reach if he plans to be here a season from now.

Chivas USA
Last Season:  15-7-8 - 53pts
Lost in Western Confernce Semifinals
Coach: Predrag Radosavljevic - Preki (2nd season)
Key Losses: DF Jason Hernandez, MF Amado Guevara, GK Preston Burpo
Additions: FW Alecko Eskandarian, FW Atiba Harris, MF Raphael Wicky, DF Jim Curtin
My Take:
If there was ever any doubt that this was Preki's team - it was removed when he shipped former MVP Amado Guevara out because he didn't fit into the coaches vision.  It certainly worked out for Preki didn't it?  The Goats go on to win the West led by Ante Razov, Maykel Galindo and Sacha Klejstan.  Unfortunately for Chivas, Galindo and Razov got hurt and the lack of depth up top proved to be their undoing int he opening round of the playoffs.  Preki has brought in Eskandarian and Harris to help provide cover - but lets hope that's all they are relied on to do.  Eskandarian has struggled for form since 2004 and Harris has just four career goals so if Galindo or Razov go down for an extended period, the goals could be hard to come by for Chivas.  Much like DC and Houston, the team faces a packed schedule but other than their slim frontline options, this team is packed everywhere else.  There is a lot of excitement surrounding Wicky but he'll have to prove himself in this league - but he immediately adds steel and class to the center of the attack.  Brad Guzan is the best GK this league has - but I don't expect him to stick around once the summer transfer window opens.  If he leaves, then what for Chivas?  Lance Parker?  As prepared as Preki has his team for every game, lets hope he's got a plan for the departure of Guzan.  Still, this team is the class of the west and should repeat as Conference winners and go deep into the playoffs.

Real Salt Lake
Last Season: 6-15-9 - 27pts
Missed MLS Playoffs
Coach: Jason Kreis (2nd season)
Key Losses: DF Eddie Pope, DF Willis Forko, DF Ritchie Kotschau, DF Chris Lancos, DF Jean-Martial Kipre, MF Atiba Harris, FW Chris Brown, FW Alecko Eskandarian, FW Jamie Watson
Additions: DF Tony Beltran, DF Nat Borchers, DF Ian Joy, DF Jamison Olave, MF Matias Cordoba, MF Dema Kovalenko, FW Kenny Deuchar
My Take:
The biggest loss for this side was Pope but bringing in Borchers, Joy and Olave has this unit looking much better than a season ago.  RSL get a new stadium this year and they are hoping to ride the wave of fan enthusiasm to a better finish - and with a little luck, maybe even a home playoff date int he new park??  A big ask perhaps but this side should show the most improvement of any team over their record a season ago.  Jason Kreis and Garth Lagerway have a plan (Colorado - listening to this??) and they are executing it perfectly.  It may take some time for all the new faces to jell, but once they do a first-ever playoff berth is a suitable expectation.  Javier Morales has been a revelation in the preseason and he should set-up plenty of scoring chances for Dr. Deuchar (yes, he is a REAL doctor - I'd be worried if I was a trainer for RSL).  Robbie Findley is one of the players I expect to explode this season - and with the additions of Kovalenko and Matias Cordoba, RSL has the potential to be VERY dangerous.  The only weakness potentially is in goal - which Nick Rimando will show up??  It better be the good one because US U-23 backstop Chris Seitz is just waiting for his shot.  Rimando was outstanding last term though and he should be steady once again.

San Jose Earthquakes
Last Season: N/A
Expansion Team
Coach: Frank Yallop (1st season)
Additions: GK Joe Cannon, DF Nick Garcia, DF Ryan Cochrane, MF Ivan Guerrero, MF Ramiro Corrales, MF Ned Grabavoy, MF Ronnie O'Brien, FW Kei Kamara
My Take:
San Jose had a great pre-season and while they will wear the 'expansion' tag this season, they have the talent (and the coach) to not look like an expansion team.  Their backline alone is better than anything we've seen in newbie sides but they will struggle to score goals.  Getting O'Brien from Toronto FC will help to give them some offensive guile, but O'Brien had durability issues last season - although, that might be more to do with BMO Field than anything else - only time will tell.  Still, Gavin Glinton and Kei Kamara haven't shown they can do the job on a regular basis and that could be the biggest issue for San Jose.  Picking from other team's cast-offs is never easy but Yallop has proven himself to be one of the most astute managers in MLS and if there's anyone that can bring it all together, it is him.  He doesn't get enough credit for the job he did with LA last season amidst the Beckham circus - and not many blamed him for bolting when he did.  Yallop DOES have allocation money to spend and has shown in the past that he knows talent when he sees it (Brian Ching, Brian Mullan anyone?) so the Quakes may have some fresh faces in soon enough.  As it stands now though, this team will be better than the previous three expansion sides - but they don't have the talent to challenge for a playoff berth int he west.  Sorry Frank.

Los Angeles Galaxy
Last Season: 9-14-7 - 34pts
Missed MLS Playoffs
Coach: Ruud Gullit
Key Losses: DF Chris Albright, GK Joe Cannon, MF Kyle Martino, MF Cobi Jones, MF Kelly Gray, FW Carlos Pavon, FW Gavin Glinton
Additions: FW Carlos Ruiz, DF Greg Vanney, FW Ely Allen, DF Sean Franklin, DF Julian Valentin, MF Alvaro Pires
My Take:  
I saved the Galaxy for last because this team will be the biggest disappointment to my mind.  David Beckham talks a good game about what this team is capable of but those of us who follow the league know it's just talk - these guys don't have it.  The sad part is they could have it if they didn't have the bulk of their salary cap tied up in three players (Ruiz, Beckham & Donovan).  A healthy Beckham will be a huge bonus and this team is going to score a ton of goals - no doubt about that.  But they're going to give up a ton of goals as well.  Rookie starter Steve Cronin is going to undergo a baptism by fire with every team wanting to hammer the Galaxy and their biggest star.  Coach Gullit is the latest foreign coach to come in with a glittering string of credentials, but can he do it in MLS?  I think he can - just not with this team.  He's being forced to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear and it is going to test his patience and his skills as a manager.  He'll have the Galaxy fit but they don't have the skill at the back to handle opposing weapons.  Vanney and Abel Xavier are decent - but both have already seen their best days.  Add to that the soft center in the middle and it's not looking good for the Galaxy.  If Gullit gets the team to come together they could surprise - but I don't think it'll happen.  And as for Alexei Lalas...I'll save that for another blog article all together.

Predicted Western Conference:
1. Chivas USA
2. Houston Dynamo
3. Real Salt Lake
4. FC Dallas
5. LA Galaxy
6. San Jose
7. Colorado

Thanks for reading!!  Enjoy the opening weekend of games - we'll chat again next week.  Feel free to leave any comments below!

The balance of power in MLS was in the Eastern Conference last season with five teams making it into the post-season.  But while they had the balance of power, none of those five teams were the ones lifting the MLS Cup (or ‘ball’ I should say – it isn’t even close to being any kind of Cup) at the end of it all.  As we head into the 13th season in the league history, it again looks like the balance of power is in the East – but whether one of these teams can lift the MLS Cup come November is once again anyone’s guess.  Here’s my take on the Eastern Conference in no particular order – with some bold/not-so-bold predictions to finish it off.

New England Revolution
Last Season:  14-8-8 – 50pts
MLS Cup Runners-up
Coach:  Steve Nicol (7th season)
Key Losses:  MF Andy Dorman, DF Avery John, FW Pat Noonan, DF James Riley
Additions:  DF/MF Chris Albright, MF Mauricio Castro, FW Kheli Dube, DF Rob Valentin, FW Spencer Wadsworth
My Take: 
Losing the likes of Dorman, Noonan, John & Riley would be enough to cripple most teams – but this is New England.  Coach Steve Nicol has some fantastic depth in his squad and one of the best midfields in the game.  The additions of Dube & Wadsworth give them some youth and added speed in attack alongside Taylor Twellman.  The biggest question is who does Nicol put alongside his 16-goal man?  The early returns say Kenny Mansally or Adam Cristman – either should be a nice complement to an extra-motivated Twellman,  who missed his European shot in the off-season thanks to a league veto of his transfer.  The only problem could be if Nicol’s team gets bitten by the injury bug – or struggles out of the gate.  That’s where the Revolution depth and team unity will be put to the test.

Columbus Crew
Last Season: 9-11-10 – 37pts
Missed MLS Playoffs
Coach:  Sigi Schmid (3rd season in Columbus)
Key Losses:  DF Marcos Gonzalez, MF Ned Grabavoy, FW Andy Herron, FW Kei Kamara, DF Tim Ward
Additions: FW Nico Hernandez, DF Andy Iro, FW George Josten, MF Brian Carroll
My Take:
Yes, I looked at the additions and also said ‘who are these guys?’ as I got set to write this up.  Head coach Sigi Schmid continues to put his own stamp on this Crew team and this will be the make or break season for him.  After a horrible finish last season that saw them out of the playoffs, Schmid needs his acquisitions to come through along with his existing corp.  A lot of other Crew previews I’ve looked at have them finishing not much better than Toronto – but I think the Crew are not going to be that bad.  The main question heading into the pre-season was their defence – but to date, it’s been rock solid and if that carries over into the regular season, this team should be on the winning end of a lot of one-goal games.  I say that because the jury is still out on whether the players around Guillermo Barros Schelotto will be able to get him the ball.  My guess is they will and the Crew will enjoy a resurgence in the East – especially if Eddie Gaven and Robbie Rogers perform to their potential.  This is my dark horse pick.

Toronto FC
Last Season:  6-17-7 – 25pts
Missed MLS Playoffs
Coach:  John Carver (1st season)
Key Losses: MF Ronnie O’Brien, GK Kenny Stamatopoulos, DF Chris Pozniak, DF Marco Reda, GK Srdjan Djekanovic
Additions:  MF Kevin Harmse, DF Julius James, DF Pat Phelan
My Take:
I’ll be honest – I like Mo Johnston.  Unfortunately, I don’t like what Mo Johnston has done with Toronto FC….So far.  By his account, there are numerous irons in various fires so any day now we could hear of a blockbuster signing by TFC – but I’m not betting on it.  It is worrying to many fans and MLS followers that Johnston has done so little with this team in the off-season with so much cap room available ($800,00!!!).  The biggest move he made in the off-season was moving himself upstairs!  Due to the lack of significant additions, Toronto fans are in for another tough season at BMO Field.  This is by far the weakest team in the East and could challenge San Jose for the basement tag over in the West.  Sure there will be bright spots (Julius James - Rookie of the Year) but losing to Charleston in the final game of the pre-season?  That speaks volumes about where this team is headed – ‘Mo’ where fast.

Chicago Fire
Last Season: 10-10-10 – 40pts
Eastern Conference Final
Coach:  Denis Hamlett
Key Losses: Coach Juan Carlos Osorio, GK Matt Pickens, DF Jim Curtin, MF Chris Armas
Additions: DF Brandon Prideaux, FW Thomasz Frankowski, FW Andy Herron
My Take:
I had the good fortune to travel to Chicago twice last season to do sidelines for ‘MLS Saturday’ on FSC and next to Toronto, Chicago has the best fans in MLS.  Too bad their team is not of the same calibre.  Notice how I listed Juan Carlos Osorio among the key losses?  The departure of Osorio to Red Bulls cannot be simply written off – especially since he turned the team around in the 2nd half last term and took them to the Eastern Conference Final where they almost upset New England.  I like Denis Hamlett and he deserves his shot but I don’t think he’s the guy to take them back to the top.  The team hasn’t really improved much over last season from what I can tell yet I see them predicted as 4th & even 3rd place finishers in the East.  I don’t see them even making the playoffs!  Their backline is still too thin and while I admire the skills of Cuauhtemoc Blanco, his legs are going and he may not find it as easy this season as he did last (not that being the most fouled player in MLS is easy!) – and I say that showing the utmost respect for his ability to change a game in an instant.  Chicago could be in the hunt if they stay healthy (and play Chris Rolfe as a striker) – otherwise, it could be another long season for the diehards in Section 8.

DC United
Last Season: 16-7-7 – 55pts
Eliminated in 1st round of MLS Playoffs
Coach: Tom Soehn (2nd season)
Key Losses: DF Bobby Boswell, DF Grege Vanney, MF Brian Carroll, MF Christian Gomez, MF Bryan Arguez
Additions: GK Zach wells, DF Gonzalo Martinez, DF Gonzalo Peralta, MF Marcelo Gallardo, MF Santino Qaranta, FW Franco Neill
My Take:
With all the changes DC United made in the off-season, you’d think they missed the playoffs and not won the Supporter’s Shield.  Then again, getting knocked out in the first round of the post-season kind of leaves a sour taste doesn’t it?  DC are back to do it all again this year – and they should succeed where they fell short in ’07.  This team is built to win titles and I see them as the class of the East.  Martinez and Peralta add some stability at the one weakness last term – defence – and Gallardo instantly improves one of the best attacking midfields this side of the Atlantic.  The team have the depth to be able to survive the league, Champions Cup & Superliga and they also have the mentality to change their playoff fortunes.  Luciano Emilio is not expected to hit 20-goals for a 2nd season running – but I wouldn’t be so sure about that – especially if he stays healthy.  It’s a good year to be a DC United fan with plenty of wins on the horizon.

Kansas City Wizards
Last Season: 11-12-7 – 40pts
Lost in Conference Championship
Coach: Curt Onalfo (2nd season)
Key Losses: FW Eddie Johnson, DF Jose Burciaga Jr, DF Nick Garcia
Additions: MF Chance Myers, FW Claudio Lopez, FW Ivan Trujillo
My Take:
The loss of Eddie Johnson had many wondering what Kansas City would do to score goals this season.  Enter Trujillo and Lopez – two players who combined should help better the 45-goals KC scored last season.  Johnson was great and all but he went missing after the all-star break.  If Lopez can stay healthy, he should be able to produce a little more consistently than Johnson.  Scott Sealy will also help with this off the bench.  The question mark for KC is their defence.  While the trading of Burciaga was largely seen as addition by subtraction, the club may miss Garcia – moreso if Myers struggles .  But Harrington and Conrad provide that stabilising presence and Tyson Wahl could be a nice addition in his 3rd year.  I don’t see many weaknesses on the Kansas City side and wholly expect them to challenge for a top three spot in the east.

New York Red Bulls
Last Season: 12-11-7 - 43pts
Lost in 1st round of playoffs
Coach: Juan Carlos Osorio
Key Losses: MF Dema Kovalenko, MF Santino Qaranta, FW Francis Doe
Additions: Coach Juan Carlos Osorio, GK Zach Thornton, FW Oscar Echeverry
My Take:
In the opening month of last season, New York was looking like a Championship calibre team.  Then it all came undone in spectacular fashion resulting in a splintered team easily dispatched in the 1st round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.  The always-surly Bruce Arena is gone (that’s Claudio Reyna you hear cheering) and new boss Juan Carlos Osorio is ready to take this team where it couldn’t go in ’07.  Juan Pablo Angel and Jozy Altidore are set to lead the way once again and could top 30-goals if Altidore stays healthy.  But it’s all downhill from there for New York.  The pre-season injuries to Dane Richards and Hunter Freeman hurt the team and it looks as if Osorio’s skills will be tested immediately.  The one area the Bulls needed to perhaps do something was in net (Thornton isn’t capable of starting on a regular basis) – but Osorio seems content to give Jon Conway the rope and see if he hangs himself with it.  Some are predicting a rebound for Kevin Goldthwaite at the back but I just don’t see it.  Osorio will still likely do some tinkering with this team as they head to mid-season – he’ll need to if they want to avoid another 1st round flame out.  That’s all I see from New York as it sits right now.

My Predicted Finish:
1st DC United
2nd Kansas City
3rd New England
4th New York
5th Columbus
6th Chicago 
7th Toronto FC

Thanks for reading – feel free to submit your comments below!  I’ll post a Western Conference Preview Thursday night.

My apologies for being away from the blog for an extended period - I know you're used to it and all....But still, apologies.  Thanks to those who sent their best wishes through the blog and via email in regards to the recent death in my family.  All msgs were much appreciated!!

Moving forward....

MANCHESTER UNITED STAY 5pts AHEAD

It was indeed a 'Happy Easter' for United fans as they trounced sorry Liverpool 3-nil at OT.  I'd say this was a bit surprising but - it wasn't.  Going into the match, United had won their last four straight versus their Merseyside rivals with the 'Poolers yet to score a goal in the last 7 mtgs between the two in the PL & FA Cup....You can now make it 8.

A BIG thanks to JAVIER MASCHERANO of course for his sending off but I don't think United would have been denied even if MASC had stuck around.  NO ONE can stop CRISTIANO RONALDO and I'll say it here right now - if he stays healthy and leads Portugal to modest success at the Euros this summer, he WILL be the FIFA Player of the Year come December.

You read it here first.

ARSENAL - ALL TALK, NO ROCK.

I'll have to admit, I WAS cheering for Arsenal to beat Chelsea Sunday - only because I'm sick of hearing about Chelsea's home unbeaten run (and I like to give Layni schtick over on her blog).  When BACARY SAGNA scored to give the Gunners the lead, I thought for sure we'd at least be looking at a draw - regardless of who's in charge, the Blues have an immense player-pride in their home record and they wouldn't let Arsenal win.  But then DIDIER DROGBA scores twice and it's a whole new game - and Arsenal are done for. 

The match commentator made a remark (the part I caught anyways) about how AVRAM GRANT'S critics will now be silenced after this big win and I will admit, he did a nice job.  He is beginning to show flashes of potential and I DO think his counterpart ARSENE WENGER waited too long to make his moves - shoring up the defence.  GRANT'S double substitution (ANELKA & BELLETTI for MAKALELE & BALLACK) worked as both subs played a part in DROGBA'S double.  WENGER himself said after the game his side lacked the defensive concentration to hold on.  Now their title challenge is in trouble with United 6pts ahead of them and the side just recording one win in their last 5-games.

I know a couple of Arsenal fans who read this blog and all I'll say to you guys is this:  Your team (while immensely talented) doesn't have the balls to win it all this year.  Too much time spent looking in the rearview and not focusing on the task at hand is your undoing.  The good news is - you'll live & learn and be back again next term.

CANADA MISSES OLYMPICS AGAIN.

It's been 24-years since Canada last sent a men's team to the Olympic games.  While that likely doesn't surprise anyone, it should alarm some Canuck fans with WC 2010 Qualifying just around the corner.  Once again this was a U-23 team just 'barfed' together at the last second - and while we were missing a number of key European players (DAVID EDGAR), no one at this end of North America expected us to even get to the semifinals.

In fact - because the team DID get to the last four, the doe-heads at the Canadian Soccer Association are likely patting themselves on the back saying 'hey, we did alright!'  Oh wait - I'm not sure the CSA even KNOWS Canada got to the last four.  I say that because on the very day that the U23's were set to play their biggest game against the US, the geniuses in Ottawa had scheduled a presser to unveil new Technical Director STEPHEN HART.  Shouldn't the focus have been strictly on the game??  Just another example of why Canadian Soccer is where it is - the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing - nor do they care. 

Technical Director is the most important job of any National Association - and they choose to schedule it on the SAME day as the big game.  As I think about it...wait...I know why they did it that way....Because if they were to do it AFTER Canada lost, HART would be asked questions about the youth programs in Canada, where the program is going, etc.....All the important questions people interested in soccer in Canada want answers to.

I hate to give the CSA too much credit but there are few things in life that nauseate me.  The status of soccer in my country seriously makes we want to vomit.  I hope DINO ROSSI and the good folks behind the newly established 'Canadian Soccer Federation' can make their efforts stick and be a symbol of hwo things need to change in Canada.  With the growth of soccer in North America, there is no reason for this country to be a laughing stock.

MLS READY TO GO

The 13th season of Major League Soccer begins in less than a week and I must say - I am excited!!  When we first started doing FSR, we didn't really know what to make of MLS and while we have slowly come around to it, I can honestly say that this season we are all VERY excited about what is in store.  The league continues to grow, continues to attract new talent and it looks as if season 13 will be the best yet.  There are a number of teams set to challenge for the MLS Cup and while I like Houston to be there again, there's a good chance they will be tested more than ever before.

The only thing I'm not excited about are the prospects for Toronto FC.  Here in Canada, they are the country's team (until we get another MLS team - hint, hint Garbs) and while they are AGAIN the hot ticket in Toronto, they may not be for very long.  Following the teams in the off-season as we have been, it's glaring to most of us here in Canada that Toronto has done next to nothing to improve the team.  In fact,trading RONNIE O'BRIEN is a move that perhaps makes the team a little worse than last term!  I can see why MO JOHNSTON made the move upstairs - but MO, time to stop all that talking you're doing about signing players and actually SIGN some of them.

Anytime you read a report out of Toronto regarding player moves, all JOHNSTON says is 'we're talking to people', 'we're looking at some big internationals', 'we should have some new players coming in right away'.....Well, time is running out MO - and if you guys stumble out of the gate, the fans in Toronto will turn on you guys fast!!  One last thing about TFC - AMADO GUEVARA??  Are ya serious??  Isn't he the same guy that turned DOWN a trade to Toronto a season ago??  What has changed that he would want to come now??  Oh wait - there it is....he doesn't....

Later in the week I'll be doing an MLS Preview for you - complete with predictions - but suffice it to say, I'm not picking TFC to do very much (sorry Michelle).

So - stay tuned for that!  Enjoy the week and we'll see you on what should be a very entertaining edition of FSR on Monday night with Bobby.

Cheers!