Are You Ready for Some Futbol?

It's hard to believe that Major League Soccer kicks off its 10th season this Saturday. The league has expanded to 12 teams this year (again - let's hope it sticks this time) and looks to be past any concerns about stability in the US sports scene. Growth, of course, is another thing. The second season of Freddy mania and the return of Landon Donovan from Germany (fuck the doubters - he looked damned good against Guatemala the other night) won't hurt.

One thing that's not hard to believe - DC starts the season as defending champions again. Will they be as successful this year? I hope so, but as this ESPNSoccernet.com preview points out it may depend on who steps up to replace New Zealand international Ryan Nelsen (who is helping keep Blackburn's Premiership hopes alive now).

Regardless, I've got my Direct Kick subscription paid for and I'm ready to get rolling!