The long wait is over and the MLS regular season is here with a full slate of games scheduled. It all starts with the defending MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy opening up at home against the Chicago Fire on Friday night. Chicago will be in tough to upset the champs on opening night but there is one underdog worth investing in this weekend. Here is a quick look at what to look out for in week one of the MLS regular season.
Game Of The Week: LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire – Friday, 10:00 p.m. ET
The Galaxy will open their title defense with the majority of the roster that won it all a year ago intact. However, there will be a couple of notable names missing from the pitch as Landon Donovan has hung up the cleats and Steven Gerrard won’t arrive in California until after his Premier League season with Liverpool comes to an end. Manager Bruce Arena hasn’t changed his approach to the team and with the majority of the team’s most important players returning.
Led by reigning MVP Robbie Keane up front, this team shouldn’t miss a beat from the outset. Chicago has the potential to improve on last year’s total of six wins but don’t expect them to upset LA in the first game of the season. Pick: LA Galaxy
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3 Other Things To Keep An Eye On
Expansion Teams Clash In Openers
The anticipation for the arrival of the league’s two new teams will culminate with their debuts against one another in Orlando on Sunday. Both sides have signed some notable talents and while New York City FC won’t be at full strength just yet if they are missing Frank Lampard and David Silva, Orlando will be ready with Kaka set to lead the way. The fans in Orlando should be pumped to finally have an MLS team to cheer for and it should be an amazing atmosphere when the two expansion teams take the field Saturday.
Sounders, Revolution Set For Potential MLS Cup Preview
For everything that Seattle accomplished a year ago, it’s amazing to think this team is intent on earning some redemption after they lost to the Galaxy in the Western Conference Final. They certainly have the weapons to challenge for an MLS Cup. The road through the West is obviously more difficult with the presence of LA and the reformation of the conferences to make room for NYCFC and Orlando SC in the East. Meanwhile, on the other side of the coin, New England’s road to the MLS Cup might have become a little easier as one of the favorites on that side of the league. The Revolution will be in tough for their opener though as Seattle is one of the tougher places to play. The Sounders intent on making a statement in a potential MLS Cup preview.
Whitecaps, TFC Ready For All-Canadian Opener
The MLS did an excellent job of marketing some of the league’s best rivalries for the season opener and they did so with this match between Vancouver and Toronto FC. The Reds are looking to put another disappointing campaign behind them and fans will be interested to see what newcomer Jozy Altidore has in store and whether he can regain his previous form. Beating the Whitecaps on the road will be a tough test for TFC but they would have to be satisfied if they are able to steal a point in their opener.
Underdog Play Of The Week: Real Salt Lake (+260) @ Portland Timbers – Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Portland just missed out on the playoffs a year ago and while they are expected to contend for a postseason spot this season, they could be in tough against a very good Real Salt Lake team at home. RSL lost general manager Garth Lagerway but have to be tired about hearing how they will decline from here. They still have enough talent to upset the Timbers even with Nat Borchers lining up for the opposition. Look for Jamison Olave and Demar Phillips to frustrate the Portland attack and keep RSL in position to steal three points on the road in the best underdog play for the opening week of MLS action.
