Chris Writing Anything

After its second week, I can say this MLS season promises to be interesting. Never mind the talented top league veterans of Inter Miami, and never mind several other team’s giant off season aquisitions, oh, and never mind the parity of this under rated league, which, compared to many European leagues, is very unique, what really got me amped were the fans and their engagement, and I find THAT ultra encouraging.

And this year’s very early standings, well, they imply that some teams might have a change of fortune. Take the Portland Timbers for instance, if their early season matches are any indicator, there might be playoff games in Providence Park.

Other teams, such as Columbus, might have a tougher time this year…granted, the team is in third place, but I feel they haven’t looked themselves yet. Some might blame it on the CONACAF Champions Cup, but I don’t know. Top flight European teams are involved in tourneys as well, and they’re still doing well. Granted, Columbus versus Minnesota is hardly Arsenal versus Nottingham Forest.

Yet, maybe I should investigate my stance further. Some Champions League teams are certainly not succeeding in their normal leagues. Take perennial powerhouse Bayern Munich, they’re a full ten points from Bundasliga leader Leverkusen. So,maybe, as I think about it a little more, the European powers also feel the strain of tournament play.

Anyways, excuses aside, the first two weeks are full of surprises, and several Western Conference teams, ones who missed the Playoffs, find themselves atop the field. I’m talking about the aforementioned Timbers, the revamped LA Galaxy and coachless Minnesota United.

As for the East, well, I apologize, I usually don’t pay attention to that conference. However, the team everyone is talking about, Inter Miami, who, despite Lionel Messi’s arrival, did not make last year’s playoffs, is off to a strong start. This year, they’re atop the field, winning seven of the nine total points available. Let’s see if those old dudes, and their old legs, have enough endurance for a full season.

Anyways, besides a game in a blizzard, that’s what I took away from this season’s beginning. Some might not agree with me, for instance, you might think Columbus is doing fine…which they might be, I just felt they were more entertaining last year. Anyways, some may agree with me, some may not, whatever the case, this young MLS season should be fun!

Have an Excellent Day!!