While reviewing my posts leading up to the 2009 MLS season, I came across a series of posts I did in the week leading up to the First Kick where I ran down the top ten story lines of the year. I'd almost forgotten I had done those posts, and it struck me how abnormal the 2010 buildup has been.
The season kicks off on Thursday with the debut of the Philadelphia Union against the Sounders in Seattle. It didn't exactly sneak up on me, but because so much focus was on the collective bargaining process, the potential for a strike, and the back and forth between the players and owners, I haven't been able to give the proper attention to the typical previews, predictions, and discussion. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
But I do head into each MLS season and an eye towards the most intriguing potential story lines. Sometimes those relate to individual teams and their fortunes, others it's about off-field issues like attendance, stadiums, marketing, etc. 2010 is no different, with a mixture of items from the actual competition as well as the business of the league.
Instead of counting down a list of story lines over the course of days as I did last year, let's just get this out of the way in a quick and dirty fashion; it seems appropriate after all of the uncertainty.
10. Sounders sophomore year
Doesn't sound like there will be a slump in the Northwest, and the boys in Rave Green have to be considered real contenders in the West.
9. RSL's repeat campaign
RSL wasn't impressive during the 2009 regular season but turned in a wonderful playoff run; can they improve upon their record and give it another go?
8. Dynamo fortunes
Holden and Clark are gone, and Dom Kinnear may be in for his toughest coaching job yet.
7. The Wizard's international overhaul
Turnover in Kansas City was massive this off-season, and Peter Vermes has a team no one can really figure out. Either they'll be playoff contenders, or they'll crash and burn in a gigantic fireball that will be riveting to watch.
6. No Becks
I didn't really want to include this, I swear. But no Beckham until at least September, and possibly not at all, does change the league dynamic just a bit. More interesting than his absence post-World Cup might be the progress he makes towards returning to LA. Does he care enough?
5. Summer signings
There's already at least one player coming in after the World Cup, Blaise N'Kufo to Seattle, that could have an impact on the season. But will there be more, and if so, who will they be? Will New York finally get their marquee name?
4. World Cup impact
More American eyes will be on soccer than usual in a World Cup year, and with all that has changed with MLS since 2006, the league might be in a better position to capitalize. The break is a good move, but will the league see a bump in attendance and attention afterwards?
3. The Union
Finally, that word in day-to-day usage can mean just the Philadelphia expansion team. The fortunes of the Union, both on the field and in the stands are a major focus for me this season. A nice June PR bump with the opening of PPL Park should bring the club even more regional attention.
2. Attendance
2009 was a down year for MLS attendance, something that can be mostly attributed to the economy. Although the recession isn't exactly over, there's reason to believe numbers will go up in 2010.
1. Red Bull Arena
As the opening on Saturday night showed, Red Bull Arena is one of a kind in this part of the world. The $200 million soccer palace will be a star throughout the season, though it will help if the Red Bulls are good and the stands stay full.
Like I said, quick and dirty. I'm probably missing more than a few interesting things for the 2010 season, so step up and fill in the gaps.
First Kick is Thursday. How did that happen?
