Crazy-Looking MLS Soccer Photos with Flickr Slideshow

I have learned that flickr can add pizzazz to any blog.  So, to make my statement true, I want to add these 4 photos and see what you guys think of how a crazy still picture can create a crazy slideshow.  From a high-flying header, to a colliding slide tackle, these pictures are pretty crazy looking. I hope you guys take some time out to add your own comments to these pictures to tell me how dynamic they look!

Here is the link to the slideshow: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdorsey702/sets/72157626417575405/show/

An Exceptional MLS Soccer Wiki

A great Wiki page to check out is, http://soccer.wikia.com/wiki/Major_League_Soccer.  It features every team in the MLS league and gives a breakdown of when each team joined the league.  It goes into explanation of how each team started and what former leagues they were apart of before joining the MLS.  It even gives detailed logo pictures on each individual team page to offer you a glimpse at the team's colors and logos, future and former logo pictures to be exact.

This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the league if you are a new fan to the MLS.  You can get a great grasp on the basics of every team.  Although, it has no information on players or past game news.  But like I said, it is a great page to familiarize all of the new MLS soccer fans with the basics and a little history on every team.

The Philadelphia Union Loses First Loss to Los Angeles Galaxy, 1-0

In the 33rd minute, Beckham curled a kick to Leonardo who headed a shot right past the inside of the left post right past the Union's goalkeeper, Stefani Miglioranzi.  That shot was the only score of the evening, giving Philadelphia Union their first loss of the season.

The first half of the game was overtaken by the Galaxy's offense.  They carried that pressure to the 60th minute and were able to keep the Union's offense at bay.  Beckham was a key player (as always) with the free kick attempts and corners that were handled by his expertise.  The Union was flustered during most of the game due to the Galaxy and the fouls that were forced on the Union's end of the field.

Resource(s):
http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/los-angeles-1-0-philadelphia-quick-report/12204

Diego Chaves Has First Game Debut with Chicago Fire, Almost Close to Win

     Diego Chaves, native Uruguayan and raised in Argentina, debuted at an almost perfect debut with a goal in the 17th minute of the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas game on Saturday(March 19).  The former player for Nacional of Uruguay seemed to be off to a dream debut after the first quarter of the game.  The match ended in a 1-1 draw in the end at the Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

     Chaves has had a great past as a forward for former teams like the Montevideo Wanderers F.C. of Uruguay with 27 goals out of 93 games, and Querétaro of Mexico with 4 goals out of 15 games.  It is no surprise that Chaves was going to be a star player at forward with the Chicago Fire, with which he signed with in February after his contract ended with Nacional of Uruguay in December of 2010.

     Diego Chaves seems to have a promising career ahead of him with the Fire.  He is proving to be a natural leader of his offense with fellow team forwards,  Gastón Puerari and Marco Pappa.  I believe the Fire have made great adjustments to their offense with adding Chaves as starting forward.  The talent that Chaves has brought with him from his experience in the Central American leagues is proving to be a great weapon for the Fire to use in their upcoming games against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday(March 25) and the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday(March 30).  How many goals do you predict Chaves making this season?



Resource(s):
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/chaves-debut-just-inches-perfection

Chicago Fire Make More Additions to Roster Before Start of Season

The Chicago Fire are determined to be as ready as possible for the beginning of this year's MLS season.  With the received tune-up to the bench roster, it seems that the Fire are concentrated on making a mark in their conference.

In recent developments, the Fire seem to have a game plan on setting a high standard of technique and excellence by adding two more additions to the team.  The two players will be announced in the next few days.  Chicago Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas announced today that there might be a third addition as well!  Isn't it a sight to see?  What do you think of a former player of the team from 1998 coming back to direct and guide the Chicago Fire to a second MLS Championship?  It seems like he's a prime player that wants to excel his dynasty to newer championships!  With 25 players being the old roster amount, 28 players are going to be the final--but not definite--roster changes to this year's lineup.

As a little treat for Fire club fans to ponder, the final spot on the roster might be filled by an international forward.

Klopas and the technical staff are pulling out all the stops this season! 





Resource(s):

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news

San Jose Earthquakes Start New Stadium Project

Last Thursday(March 3), was the official start of the demolition of the FMC factory.  It would mark the future construction of the Quakes new stadium in San Jose.  The demolition was commemorated with an event attended by various state officials and team members to help promote the new start of a special development project.

The event began with recognitions from Earthquakes Managing Partner Keith Wolff, Earthquakes President David Kaval, San Jose Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen, City Councilmember Sam Liccardo, City Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio, and General Manager of Soccer Operations John Doyle.  Soon after, an infantry fighting vehicle entered the demolition area with Earthquakes players Ramiro Corrales, Chris Wondolowski, Ike Opara, Joey Gjertsen and Sam Cronin.  They were joined with a Devcon Construction employee who operated an excavator to tear down a wall on the north side of the building.

With the important key developers at the event, it was joined by hundreds of season ticket holders.  Each of the fans were given a foam sledgehammer to honor the special occasion.



Resource(s):
http://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/2011/03/stadium-progress-quakes-begin-demolition-fmc-factory

New Playoff System Announced

Last Wednesday(Feb. 23), it was announced that the new playoff system was to be put into effect this coming post-season.

The new format of the oncoming season was announced as an easy--yet crucial fix.  It was announced that the top three teams in each conference are to advance to the playoffs and a wild card in both conferences were to be chosen.  The only change that has really been made is an accent on wild card spots for the both east and west conferences.  The number 2 and 3 teams of each conference are to face each other, and the number 1 team is to face the wild card.  The wild card will be chosen upon a 4-team playoff against the 2 lowest-seeded teams in points per game, and the 2 hightest-seeded teams in points per game to face each other.  The stardard playoff format would take affect afterwards.

I believe this will add a spice to the game.  The lower seeded teams will be able to come back and win it all if they find a 2nd wind through the preseason games before the playoffs.    


Resource(s):
http://mls.theoffside.com/major-league-soccer/i-approve-a-slightly-belated-meditation-on-the-new-playoff-system.html