MLS Power Rankings (March 31)—Last Week’s Rank in Parentheses

1. Columbus Crew (1): GBS proved he’s still got it in a 2-0 win over Toronto.

2. LA Galaxy (2): It wasn’t pretty, but a 1-0 win over NER keeps them at No. 2.

3. Seattle Sounders (3): They looked darn good, but they did play the Union.

4. Real Salt Lake (6): A 4-0 win? Maybe their road woes are a thing of the past.

5. Houston Dynamo (4): Dominic Kinnear’s bunch dug deep for a road tie against Dallas.

6. Colorado Rapids (9): A very nice win on the road for Gary Smith’s squad vs. CHV.

7. Chicago Fire (5): The Windy City took a tumble in NY’s new digs, so they fall.

8. K.C. Wizards (13): The week’s biggest climber put a 4-0 beatdown on DCU.

9. Toronto FC (7): Nobody puts baby in a corner, nor beats CMB at home.

10. FC Dallas (8): A tie vs. HOU isn’t bad, but it ain’t enough for the former Burn.

11. N.Y. Red Bulls (14): A win over CHI to open their new stadium was sweet.

12. N.E. Revolution (10): A tough Week One loss for a team that has injury problems.

13. Chivas USA (12): The Goats dropped a home game to start the season.

14. DC United (11): The week’s biggest faller, they looked flat against KCW.

15. Philly Union (16): They move up due to a gutsy display vs. SEA.

16. S.J. Earthquakes (15): Well, and because SJE looked terrible on the weekend.

Do you agree or disagree with the rankings?

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In recent years, football has taken giant leaps in America. Look no further than what the USA national football team was able to accomplish in last year's Confederations Cup.

An unprecedented 2-0 victory over European champions Spain and a narrow defeat in the final to Brazil opened footballing eyes to the talent and commitment that the USA team possesses.

Football in America has become more popular than ever. The arrival of David Beckham has brought the Major League Soccer brand over to Europe and, for the first time ever, MLS merchandise is on sale in European stores.

David Beckham has done the majority of his work off the pitch for Major League Soccer. Beckham's role in the MLS has brought the league across the Atlantic and into home and store in Ireland, England, and further on throughout Europe.

Major League Soccer needs to grab hold of this momentum and build on it. They need to use this as a foundation for progressing their product in other countries as well as developing further interest at home in the league as well as in the sport as a whole.

How do they do this? Adopt the European football calendar!

As it stands, the Major League Soccer calendar runs from late March through late October. The season is then prolonged into late November for the teams that qualify for the MLS Cup.

The European calendar varies slightly from country to country. The difference is usually a two-week gap at the most.

The European calendar would start in either mid or late August and finish in mid or late May.

If a team is unfortunate enough to have to go through the Europa League qualifying stages then their calendar starts in late July.

Basically, the MLS calendar begins in the closing months of the European calendar and then finishes in the opening months of the following European calendar.

The problem this causes for the MLS is it inhibits them, to a large degree, from bringing in top quality, high profile players from other leagues, be it on loan or permanent deal.

The two major windows for signing players in Europe is the preseason transfer window (June to August) and the midseason transfer window (January to February).

For the preseason window, the MLS is already three months into their season and one would hope they have completed all their teams' needs.

For the midseason window, the MLS season is finished.

Another problem this causes is if a player wants to stop playing his football in Europe and move to America to join the MLS he must do so during the MLS offseason, which would be more than halfway through a European season. Or else he can do it when the European league he is taking part in is over, which is three months into an MLS season.

Another issue that arises from the crossing of calendars is players who still wish to perform for their country.

This was a major issue in regards to David Beckham.

If a European player begins to play football in America but still wishes to play for his country, there is a long spell, when the MLS season has concluded, where the player would need to be fully fit for international duty.

This was the reason for Beckham joining AC Milan and is arguably the reason why he got injured.

At the end of the day, David Beckham will miss his chance to go to the World Cup with England and the L.A Galaxy are left without one of their star players.

Also, if David Beckham had remained fit and was chosen in the English side, the Galaxy would have missed Beckham for up to seven weeks depending on how far England went in the World Cup.

Every team in the MLS will lose any international player they have on their side that is called up for the World Cup 2010 for a minimum of three weeks, and depending on how far their country went they could lose them for up to seven weeks.

If the MLS changed to a calendar more in line with the European calendar, they would not lose any of their players because the World Cup would be taking place during their offseason.

The MLS calendar is a month shorter than the European calendar so they would have wiggle room to maneuver their season around major events such as the Super Bowl, etc., by simply playing midweek games or by adding a bye week that week.

Up until the 2000-01 season the Scottish league used to have a winter break. This break was usually the entire month of January. So it is more than plausible for the MLS to run bye weeks around major events to ensure they do not clash with them.

If the MLS was to align their calendar to a European-formatted calendar it would make signing high profile players much easier, with less of a financial burden.

If the MLS was able to bring in more high profile players they would be able to help the league as a whole progress and mature. The high profile players would also benefit the younger players coming up through the ranks, and would help improve the quality of play in America.

The bigger the names in the league the bigger the crowds, and the more attention the MLS receives in Europe.

There is talk of Real Madrid legend Raul and Chelsea's German midfielder Michael Ballack among others thinking of a move to the MLS.

If a calendar change was implemented it would be easier for big-name stars to move to the MLS, and it would also open up the possibility of MLS teams loaning big-name stars for a season or half a season.

If Major League Soccer was to adopt the European calendar, they would reap a thousand rewards.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

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In recent years, football has taken giant leaps in America. Look no further than what the USA national football team was able to accomplish in last year's Confederations Cup.

An unprecedented 2-0 victory over European champions Spain and a narrow defeat in the final to Brazil opened footballing eyes to the talent and commitment that the USA team possesses.

Football in America has become more popular than ever. The arrival of David Beckham has brought the Major League Soccer brand over to Europe and, for the first time ever, MLS merchandise is on sale in European stores.

David Beckham has done the majority of his work off the pitch for Major League Soccer. Beckham's role in the MLS has brought the league across the Atlantic and into home and store in Ireland, England, and further on throughout Europe.

Major League Soccer needs to grab hold of this momentum and build on it. They need to use this as a foundation for progressing their product in other countries as well as developing further interest at home in the league as well as in the sport as a whole.

How do they do this? Adopt the European football calendar!

As it stands, the Major League Soccer calendar runs from late March through late October. The season is then prolonged into late November for the teams that qualify for the MLS Cup.

The European calendar varies slightly from country to country. The difference is usually a two-week gap at the most.

The European calendar would start in either mid or late August and finish in mid or late May.

If a team is unfortunate enough to have to go through the Europa League qualifying stages then their calendar starts in late July.

Basically, the MLS calendar begins in the closing months of the European calendar and then finishes in the opening months of the following European calendar.

The problem this causes for the MLS is it inhibits them, to a large degree, from bringing in top quality, high profile players from other leagues, be it on loan or permanent deal.

The two major windows for signing players in Europe is the preseason transfer window (June to August) and the midseason transfer window (January to February).

For the preseason window, the MLS is already three months into their season and one would hope they have completed all their teams' needs.

For the midseason window, the MLS season is finished.

Another problem this causes is if a player wants to stop playing his football in Europe and move to America to join the MLS he must do so during the MLS offseason, which would be more than halfway through a European season. Or else he can do it when the European league he is taking part in is over, which is three months into an MLS season.

Another issue that arises from the crossing of calendars is players who still wish to perform for their country.

This was a major issue in regards to David Beckham.

If a European player begins to play football in America but still wishes to play for his country, there is a long spell, when the MLS season has concluded, where the player would need to be fully fit for international duty.

This was the reason for Beckham joining AC Milan and is arguably the reason why he got injured.

At the end of the day, David Beckham will miss his chance to go to the World Cup with England and the L.A Galaxy are left without one of their star players.

Also, if David Beckham had remained fit and was chosen in the English side, the Galaxy would have missed Beckham for up to seven weeks depending on how far England went in the World Cup.

Every team in the MLS will lose any international player they have on their side that is called up for the World Cup 2010 for a minimum of three weeks, and depending on how far their country went they could lose them for up to seven weeks.

If the MLS changed to a calendar more in line with the European calendar, they would not lose any of their players because the World Cup would be taking place during their offseason.

The MLS calendar is a month shorter than the European calendar so they would have wiggle room to maneuver their season around major events such as the Super Bowl, etc., by simply playing midweek games or by adding a bye week that week.

Up until the 2000-01 season the Scottish league used to have a winter break. This break was usually the entire month of January. So it is more than plausible for the MLS to run bye weeks around major events to ensure they do not clash with them.

If the MLS was to align their calendar to a European-formatted calendar it would make signing high profile players much easier, with less of a financial burden.

If the MLS was able to bring in more high profile players they would be able to help the league as a whole progress and mature. The high profile players would also benefit the younger players coming up through the ranks, and would help improve the quality of play in America.

The bigger the names in the league the bigger the crowds, and the more attention the MLS receives in Europe.

There is talk of Real Madrid legend Raul and Chelsea's German midfielder Michael Ballack among others thinking of a move to the MLS.

If a calendar change was implemented it would be easier for big-name stars to move to the MLS, and it would also open up the possibility of MLS teams loaning big-name stars for a season or half a season.

If Major League Soccer was to adopt the European calendar, they would reap a thousand rewards.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

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HARRISON, N.J. (March 29, 2010)– While the New York MetroStars, no, my bad, New York Red Bull has yet to live up to its winning and legendary predecessors, the New York Cosmos, their new stadium is certainly a big time winner. Red Bull Arena is living up to, perhaps even exceeding expectations from fans, players and other observers.

Tri-State area fans watched and enjoyed the intimate and genuine soccer experience of Red Bull Arena as the Red Bulls played a friendly against Brazil’s Santos and competed in their first MLS game in the gorgeous soccer-specific venue. Many observers say that Red Bull Arena was exactly what they wanted.

The feedback I received from friends and family who attended the match was overwhelmingly positive. News reports and fans commentary on the web has also been positive (No, I have not yet personally watched a match at the stadium).

Comments about the proximity of the stands, how the roof captures the generated noise, the intricate Red Bull logos painted across the seats and sprinkled throughout the catacombs, the location of the Empire Supporters Club and the emphasis on public transportation, all speak of the attention to detail and the effort to foster a bond between the club and its supporters.

As Commissioner Don Garber likes to claim, Red Bull Arena could in fact be the country's best soccer stadium.

Nothing in life is perfect. There were some negative comments about the clumpy pitch and the traffic jams, but those are minor details that will surely work themselves out as time progresses and certainly do not detract from the clear conclusion: Red Bull Arena is a golazo!

The stadium is a sure winner with fans, players and other stakeholders. Now, the focus for the team has to be to become consistent winners on the field of play.

So far so good. Two matches at home. Two wins (3-1 over Santos of Brazil, and 1-0 over the Chicago Fire).

New York Red Bull’s fan favorite Mike Petke, the team's unofficial goodwill ambassador and most sought after spokesperson. Mike is thrilled with the new venue. “It's unbelievable,” Petke said. “It's the way a sporting event should be. If we keep winning, hopefully, it continues like this.”

New York coach Hans Backe believes that now playing at home really does provide a genuine advantage. “This stadium should sell itself  away with the atmosphere and the noise,” Backe said. “It's so loud. Every time you have these kind of fans behind you, it's worth six or seven points a season.”

Colombian international Juan Pablo Angel is still around, and he continues to provide impeccable professionalism, enthusiasm, and that special ability to score goals. Angel continues to be “El Angel del Gol,” the goal angel. He is still playing at a high level, watching his exploits is well worth the price of admission.

“We want to have the people keep coming and keep supporting us,” Angel said. “Hopefully, we'll get the job done.”

So far, Red Bull are getting the job done, as Angel hopes. But can they keep it up?

Keep it up and who knows, maybe this is the year Red Bull finally wins the MLS Cup! That would certainly make 2010 a memorable year for long-suffering New York/New Jersey soccer fans. Winning the cup would be a powerful sign that perhaps Red Bull will be able to once and for all destroy the “Curse of the Cosmos.”

Make sure to check out Red Bull Arena this season. The arena experience, itself, is worth the ticket price. Plus the team seems to be very competitive this year. This all makes for quality and fairly priced family entertainment.

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The New England Revolution have the longest active streak for consecutive playoff appearance, going to the postseason eight straight times.

A number of other teams look more attractive than New England, but Head Coach Steve Nicol continues to get the best out of his squad. The team is still looking for its first MLS Cup championship, even though they’ve reached the finals four times.

The one constant in the lineup since 2003 has been MVP candidate Shalrie Joseph.

He started ever since his rookie season and is an absolute force. He is (in)famous for his strong, physical, and tenacious defense.

He is also equally as valuable in the offense. In 2009 he tied for the team lead in goals (eight) and led the team in assists (eight). Both tallies were also career highs.

Joseph is good in the air, challenges hard, and is a sharp passer. He’s a great two-way midfielder and is one of the best players in the league. His presence is what keeps the Revolution going.

The Revolution also have a strong defense.

Last season saw the emergence of rookie defenders Darrius Barnes and Kevin Alston.

Barnes, a center back, started and played every minute of every league game. Alston, a right fullback, is a speedster that can make runs up the flank. He was impressive enough his rookie year that he was even called into the US National Team’s training camp.

They will be joined by veteran and US International Cory Gibbs, acquired in a trade with the Colorado Rapids.

The center back has had a multitude of injury problems in the past, but if he can stay on the field he brings invaluable experience and would further stabilize the Revolution backline.

Usually the Revolution’s goal is manned by two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award finalist Matt Reis. He is one of the league’s elite goalkeepers but will miss a good amount of the season recovering from shoulder surgery.

In his place is a good fill-in. In the same trade that brought the Revolution Gibbs, they also acquired veteran Preston Burpo.

Burpo has started for Chivas USA and Colorado and has a career 1.43 goals against average. He is certainly capable of manning the fort until Reis returns.

Where the Revolution will struggle this year is scoring goals. In 2009 only one team (New York Red Bulls- 21) scored fewer goals than New England (33).

Forward Kheli Dube was the man that tied Joseph for the team lead in goals. Dube was the runner-up for the 2008 Rookie of the Year award and had an even better sophomore season, including registering his first career hat trick. He will need to score on a more consistent rate.

The wings will be manned by two youngsters with significant speed, Kenny Mansally and Sainey Nyassi. Their pace could cause trouble for opposing defense and the Revolution need them to step up even more and create opportunities, even if all they do is get teams to focus on them which would create more space for Joseph.

What would immensely help the Revolution is the return of forward Taylor Twellman.

Since 2001, Twellman has made 174 league appearances for New England and has scored 101 goals. He also has made 29 appearances with the US National Team, scoring six times.

However a neck injury and a serious concussion have derailed Twellman’s extremely promising career.

There is no timetable on his return, if he comes back at all, but there is hope and he would be a huge boost to the Revs’ attack.

He is one of the most-prolific goal scorers in league history and being on the field with playmaker Joseph would be a lot for teams to handle.

New England also drafted Zack Schilawski to help the scoring-deficient team. Playing for Wake Forest, a haven for future professional soccer talent, Schilawski scored 40 goals and added 20 assists in 99 games for the Demon Deacons.

He has had a good preseason and the Revs hope he can help right away.

The Revolution won’t play many pretty games, and no one expects a whole lot from them. They will grind it out though, and they always find a way to make it work and win games.

It would be tough to bet against them doing the same in 2010.

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It’s only one game, but it looked so much better than any game from 2009.

Red Bull New York’s 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire last night was a complete turnaround from what was only a five-win team from last year. Everything was noticeably different.

The most obvious difference was the new stadium and incredible fan support.

Instead of playing in front of a sparse crowd in barren Giants Stadium where the noise made, if any, would just dissipate into the wide open space, the Red Bulls were now the main event at a packed Red Bull Arena where the noise would bounce off the roof over the seats.

There were finally fans at the game and they were finally glad to be there.

Still, to win games things needed to be different on the pitch as well, and they were.

Passing was markedly better.

It all started from the back as rookie Tim Ream showed why he was so highly touted throughout the preseason. Not only was he solid defensively, but his sharp passing was on display as he looked comfortable on the ball and linked up with midfielder Joel Lindpere quite a bit in transition.

Lindpere has looked like a great signing for the team in his short Red Bull career thus far. Again, his passing was very good. He was able to make plays and, most importantly, keep possession for the team.

Last year the Red Bulls had problems holding possession and transitioning from defense to offense, often opting to just bomb the ball to their forwards and bypass the midfield.

Last night, the midfield was able to keep the ball and create scoring chances through their midfield. Lindpere scored the lone goal of the match off a fantastic strike from just outside the 18-yard box.

The organization of the outside midfielders and fullbacks was also much improved.

Fullbacks Roy Miller and Jeremy Hall worked nicely with the guys playing in front of them, Danleigh Borman and Dane Richards. All have good speed, and the fullbacks made plenty of overlapping runs. The difference between 2009 and 2010 was that as the fullbacks made their move into the offensive third, the midfielders dropped back to cover for them.

Not everything was good though.

The offense did not shoot enough. Especially facing a young goalkeeper making his first professional start, the team needed to test the goalie early and often and force him to make plays, but it didn’t happen.

If Macoumba Kandji is going to be partnered up top with Juan Pablo Angel, then his decision making needs to be better. Either shoot the ball or drop it in front of the goal for someone else to come onto it, but too many times did Kandji just hold onto the ball and lose it, blowing the possession.

Also, the defense, while better, still was not entirely perfect. There was Brian McBride’s bicycle kick that he was left wide open for that hit the post. Had that gone in the entire complexion of the game would’ve changed. Goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul was out of position numerous times in the first half as well.

Still, unlike other years, the Red Bulls overcame these deficiencies and closed out the game. Too many times have fans watched their team take an early lead only to watch them give it up in the final minutes and either tie or lose and miss out on three points.

Overall, it was a good victory and the right way for the team to start off its new era.

The Red Bulls are now riding a lot of momentum. An undefeated preseason followed by an exciting home win over an MLS Cup semi-finalist from last year have the team feeling good about themselves. If they can continue to improve and play with confidence, it could be an exciting season for the team and its fans.

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Harrison, NJ—Playing in cold weather, the New York Red Bulls kicked off the 2010 MLS season by defeating the Chicago Fire, 1-0, in front of their boisterous fans of more than 24,000.

Last week, Joel Lindpere, the Estonian international who had the first goal in the Red Bulls' first game at Red Bull Arena, a 3-1 win over Santos, scored the winning goal at the 40th minute.

Along with Lindpere's performance, Bouna Coundoul played marvelous all night with acute awareness and well-timed saves.

Coming off a 7-0-3 preseason record, the Red Bulls displayed cohesive ball control and were able to trap the Fire when it mattered most. This game also marked the first official win for new manager, Hans Backe.

The Fire, managed by new manager, former El Salvador coach Carlos de los Cabos, played its first official match since Cuauhtemoc Blanco left after three seasons for Mexico’s Veracruz. Chicago played well and out-shot the Red Bulls 17-11, with an astronomical 13-5 shot difference in the second half.

Early in the first half, the Fire almost took the lead when former U.S. national team star Brian McBride had a beautiful 18-yard bicycle kick that bounced off the post. This is a team still adjusting to loss of Blanco.

In addition to Blanco's departure, goalkeeper, Andrew Dykstra made his first official MLS start after the Fire released Jon Busch earlier this week. For the past two seasons, Jon Busch was the team's starting goalkeeper.

New managers, new season, new acquisitions resulted in different results for both clubs.

Last year, the Red Bulls were humiliated 3-1 against the Seattle Sounders and the Chicago Fire throttled FC Dallas 3-1. The season is extremely early but for the Red Bulls, they needed this win because they have a tough schedule for the next three weeks. The team flies off to face the Seattle Sounders next week, followed by Chivas USA, before returning home to face FC Dallas on April 17, 2010.

Send Cesar a question or comment for potential use in a future column at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write your comments below in the comment section.

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The number six may as well have been the number of the match for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Last year, the Galaxy won games 1-0 nothing six times. Six minutes into the first half of their first game, the Los Angeles Galaxy took the first step towards putting the penalty shootout disaster last November in Seattle behind them. And if you combine the digits of the jerseys behind the winner, they add up to...six.

Edson Buddle (No. 14) converted a delivery from Landon Donovan (No. 10) and the Galaxy defense made some stops, getting the breaks they needed to open the 2010 Major League Soccer season with a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution.

Last year, Buddle managed just five goals. While it's certainly too soon to tell, the goal may be a sign that the 28-year-old forward is on the upswing.

Revolution manager Steve Nicol pieced together a ragtag lineup, molded together by one of the mainstays for New England, Shalrie Joseph.

The match had its share of chippy play from New England and questionable finishing from both ends. Revolution defender Kevin Alston was booked in the 18th minute for a hard tackle on the Galaxy's Eddie Lewis, forcing an early substitution by Los Angeles manager Bruce Arena. MIdfielder Joseph Niouky was given also given a yellow card for the the same offense in the 41st.

New England's Kheli Dube will rue the missed chances he had in the 53rd and 57th minutes of play. Donovan himself wasted a golden opportunity to close the deal in the 88th, opting to give Buddle a chance at a brace instead of opening his scoring account.

The match featured for the first time the new additions to the Galaxy on loan from Sao Paulo FC: Juninho, Leonardo, and Alex Cazumba. 

The Galaxy (1-0) will renew the Honda Superclasico with Chivas USA on April 1 at the Home Depot Center. Kickoff is cheduled for 8:00pm PT.

The Revolution (0-1) will travel to the nation's capital to face D.C. United. Kickoff at Washington's RFK Stadoium is scheduled for 7:30pm ET.

LOS ANGELES GALAXY 1
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 0

Scoring:

LA – Buddle (Donovan) 6



Misconduct:

NE – Alston (caution, reckless tackle), 18

NE – Niouky (caution, reckless tackle), 41



Lineups:

LA Galaxy: Ricketts; Franklin, Gonzalez, Leonardo, Dunivant; Magee (Birchall, 67), Kovalenko, Juninho (Stephens, 80), Lewis (Cazumba, 26); Buddle, Donovan.

New England Revolution: Burpo; Alston (Smith, 90), Gibbs, Osei, Sinovic; Nyassi (Boggs, 58), Phelan, Niouky, Tierney; Dube (Mansally, 76), Schilawski.



Attendance: 21,376

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Despite my lack of knowledge as it relates to soccer strategy there is something that I have seen that I think translates to every sport.

Winning a championship gives you confidence, and experience that raise your game to a whole new level.

Case in point: Real Salt Lake.

I realize I am a little biased having spent most of my life in Salt Lake, but hear me out.

Real was not exactly a powerhouse last season. They finished the regular season 11-12-7. For those of you without math degrees that is below .500. They lost more games than they won. They were worse than average.

I have long hated the idea of allowing a team into the playoffs that doesn’t even have a .500 record. Just give the No. 1 seed a bye or something, but if you can’t break even you don’t deserve a shot at the title. But, the rules are what they are, and Real made the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.

On a side note I am still confused how a Western Conference team can make the playoffs on the Eastern Conference side of the bracket, but I’ll just run with it.

We all know how the playoffs ended with Real upsetting the LA Galaxy for their first MLS Cup. It was the prime example of a team getting hot at just the right time.

Despite having a road record during the season of only 2-11-2, Real went into the house of the defending champs and put up three goals to win on aggregate 3-2.

They followed that up with another road win at Chicago winning on penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie in regulation.

They capped off their run by upsetting the Galaxy again on penalty kicks in what was a very exciting game. It was an unlikely run that resulted in a hard fought victory.

So what does that run have to do with this year? Maybe nothing, as there are numerous teams in every sport that fall off the map after winning a championship. The Steelers come to mind from this last season.

No matter how much success you have had in the past you have to come out and work hard if you want to keep winning, and that is exactly what Real appears to have done in the offseason.

I realize that it is only one game, and that San Jose isn’t exactly the cream of the crop having finished with the second worst record in MLS last season behind New York, but winning on the road in a season opener in any sport can be challenging.

Real showed the kind of form that will be necessary if they intend to have any chance of defending their title.

Apparently they lived up to a challenge issued them by their coach as well.

“This happens to be a very difficult team to play against,” said head coach Jason Kreis, “ and one of our biggest goals tonight was to get a shutout, so we did that. We answered the questions that I posed to the players—they answered them.”

At the beginning of the season there are always questions to be answered that can only be discovered on the field. Kreis expected a certain level of execution from his players, and they delivered completely getting the shutout and putting up three goals of their own.

They played with a confidence that I can only attribute to one event.

Winning the championship.

They defied the odds and overcame every obstacle that was thrown at them. They have tasted how sweet victory at the highest level of their league can be, and apparently they want more of it.

It is often stated that success breeds success, just look at the Yankees. I think Real Salt Lake took the first step tonight in showing that that phrase can be true for them too.

Soccer fever is starting to build with the World Cup drawing ever closer, and I am so excited to have my team start off their season on the right foot.

The beautiful game is back in action in America.

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One of the most successful MLS teams of all time, D.C. United hasn’t even been to the playoffs the past two seasons.

It won’t be any easier for them in 2010 as some key players left the club.

Gone are former MLS MVP Christian Gomez, 2009 team leading scorer Luciano Emilio, midfield maestro Fred, and 12 season D.C. United veteran Ben Olsen.

There is also a new head coach, as Curt Onalfo replaces the fired Tom Soehn.

How can the team possibly cope?

D.C. still boasts striker and MLS all-time leading goal scorer Jamie Moreno.

The Bolivian International has scored 131 goals in 11 seasons in MLS, and is also fourth all-time in assists with 102. He’s had a good preseason and if he stays healthy and fresh he could wreck havoc on a lot of opposing defenses.

Supporting the elder statesman of the club are two players that were nominated for the 2009 Rookie of the Year award, Chris Pontius and Rodney Wallace.

Pontius is a versatile player who can either slot in as the second forward or in the midfield. He also showed extreme poise last year scoring some extremely important goals, including putting one in the net against the Los Angeles Galaxy in his MLS debut.

Wallace is also able to play multiple positions both in the midfield and on defense. He was third on the team in minutes played. Known as a tough defender, Wallace also has an offensive spark to his game.

They may not be able to put Wallace’s full arsenal of talent on display however, as a lack of defensive depth to start the season plagues the team.

Starting left fullback Marc Burch has a foot injury and Bryan Namoff is still working his way back from concussion issues. It will be new starting goalkeeper Troy Perkins, who is still fighting for the third goalkeeper’s roster spot on the U.S. National Team heading to the World Cup, who will be responsible for keeping the patchwork defense organized.

D.C.’s x-factor will be attacking midfielder Santino Quaranta.

Once a promising young starlet for United, Quaranta had problems with injuries and drugs that forced him out of D.C. and into oblivion. However, after straightening himself out, Quaranta returned to D.C. in 2008 with a vengeance.

In 2008 he set a career-high in minutes played (1,963), and last season, despite missing eight games, he led the team and set a career-high in assists with six.

In the summer of 2009 he also scored his first goal with the U.S. National Team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Still only 25-years-old, Quaranta says he still has a lot left to prove. D.C. will need him to be really creative and dangerous to take the pressure off the defense.

D.C. United enjoyed a good preseason, culminating in winning the Carolina Challenge Cup. Momentum and morale are both high, but the club and its offense need to get out to a hot start to keep things moving in the proper direction.

Otherwise they run the risk of having to play too much defense and really putting the pressure on a group that is not 100 percent together, putting United in a hole early.

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