Tonight is the opening game of the Major League Soccer season, also known as “Annual Seattle Gets To Be On ESPN Day.”
Two years ago, the Sounders picked up their first MLS win against New York. Last year, Philadelphia visited and became the only MLS club to have a player red carded before scoring a goal. This year, the league decided to test the Emerald City boys by sending in not a basement-dweller or an expansion club, but the reigning Supporters Shield winners, the LA Galaxy.
This is a fixture that has quickly become one of the most anticipated on the MLS calendar. The Galaxy are one of the most successful clubs around, and probably the highest profile internationally. The Sounders are the standard by which all other expansion teams are measured against, and Qwest Field is possibly the most impressive backdrop in MLS.
This is a game that brings plenty of atmosphere, and can deliver some great moments on the field. Consider Edson Buddle’s wonder-volley in the playoffs last year. In last season’s corresponding game, the Galaxy so dominated and humiliated the Sounders, running out 4-0 winners, that Seattle refunded season ticket holders the cost of the match.
And grudges aside, these teams have some magnificent soccer players. Los Angeles boast Juan Pablo Angel, Landon Donovan and David Beckham, amongst others, while the Sounders employ the services of Fredy Montero, Brad Evans, and Steve Zakuani. They’re two talented teams who should provide a great advertisement for the league.
But far more importantly, MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER IS BACK, BABY!
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