After the most active and most publicized offseason in MLS history, the twelfth season of the league kicks off in Colorado. This weekend looks to be distinguished by the weather -- snow is very likely in Denver, Chicago, and Columbus, and colder temperatures are likely in Dallas and Houston. Will we see the orange ball?
There are going to be so many subplots as the season starts its slowly winding path. Houston Dynamo and DC United look to be the frontrunners in the league, and they have four competitive matches under their belts already. That the LA Galaxy will challenge Houston is beyond question, but who will challenge DCU in the East? Can New England find an adequate replacement for Clint Dempsey? Can Bruce Arena remake the Red Bulls into the winning side that DC United was during his tenure? How long before Cuauhtemoc Blanco blows his top? Can Eddie Johnson rejuvenate his faltering career? Can Columbus and FC Dallas get it right this time? Will Freddy bloom away from the bright lights of the DC-NYC media axis? Can Preki continue the process that Bob Bradley started at Chivas USA? And will the league ever be the same when David Beckham arrives?
We'll find the answers to these and many other questions as the season unfolds - all to the strains of that new MLS soundtrack.
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