Chris Writing Anything

Hey, guys…what’s up? I know, youth hockey and basketball seasons are almost over, and soccer and baseball seasons haven’t quite started. But, dude, do you just need a fun get together? Do we need to let our hair down and, maybe, possibly, gather around that big screen television?

In spring, not much is happening…okay, NASCAR is happening, but…those good ol’ boys simply drive in circles…kind of how my ex used to talk…no offense. And March Madness, well, by Saturday, most brackets will be busted. I do have a springtime viewing suggestion, and, I promise, it should be a lot of fun. So, if you’re free this Saturday, crack open a beer…er…a soda, throw some eats on the grill and turn on Apple TV.

I’ll start it off like this, the MLS season started over a month ago, and where were you? Now, the season is in full swing, and there’s some interesting match ups happening this week. I’ve highlighted a few, and I think they might draw your attention.

First off, you can start at one in the afternoon. I’m really interested in this particular match, because my favorite team will be involved.

Minnesota United hasn’t lost a game this year, and Philadelphia had won only their first last week. Don’t let that fool you, when you take a look at the stats, these teams are evenly matched. Yet, there are some things to take into consideration.

Point number one, Minnesota United, my team of choice, has a brand new coach. This is Eric Ramsay’s second game with the club, and they might still be in transition. With that said, on the upside, last year’s loons starters, Hlongwane and Reynoso, who have missed much of the early season, should see significant minutes.

On the flip side, Philadelphia’s poor start might be attributed to the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Their participation in that tourney, a noble international effort, may have affected their performance in league play. Now, since they have been eliminated, they can have a singular focus. Plus, fewer games means more practice and preparation time. And last week, they dominated that fast starting Portland team.

So, even if I’m not sure what to expect, I’m really stoked for the game.

At three o’clock, LAFC takes on Colorado. The Rapids have only won one game this season, and I don’t think much will change on Saturday. Yes, judging by last week’s performance, LAFC seems to have figured out life without Carlos Vela. So, I’m going out on a limb, and I’ll say the boys in black should look strong.

Hey, looking for an evening affair? Prepare the cocktails, tap the keg, or just grab the nachos! There are plenty of six thirty games to choose from. Hmm…Which one will I choose…let me think.

Should I watch Messi’s team take on struggling New York City? I don’t know, and I say I don’t know, because Miami fairs just as poorly as New York has, well, when the Herons are without Messi, even though they’re highly ranked, they look lackluster. If he plays, then yes, Miami is a very fun team to watch.

Orr…should I turn to Sporting KC versus Toronto. Last week, Toronto surprised me, and they looked really good. Plus, Sporting Kansas City put on an engaging show, albeit a losing effort, against the LA Galaxy. This week, Johnny Russell, SKC’s main cog, should be back in the line up. Should he play, I have no idea who would win the match, but it should be a lot of fun.

But wait…Orlando City is playing the New York Red Bulls. Now, okay, when you check out the standings, this looks like it’ll be a lopsided affair. When you look at the Eastern Conference, New York is one point away from first place, and Orlando City has only one win…placing them near the bottom.

Yet, Orlando has recently exited the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and they scored their first victory last week. Granted they beat a winless Austin team, yet a victory next week will change their position quickly.

So that promises to be an interesting match up…

Oh, and…Ooh!Cincinnati and Charlotte might be another great match, I’ve yet to watch either team, so, I’m basically judging by the standings…but the game is worth a mention.

If none of those are worth watching, which I seriously doubt, you could turn to a Seven thirty affair. The Columbus Crew were last year’s MLS Cup champions, and they’ll be taking on Nashville. Last week, Nashville were embarrassed by LAFC, so they’ll be looking to bounce back…or will another goal scoring powerhouse feast on Nashville’s defense.

If none of those pan out, the real entertaining teams will take the stage. Each time I’ve watched St. Louis, they seem to thrill this old man. Yet, despite having no losses, they’ve only amassed one W. They hope to notch another against Real Salt Lake.

Then, if none of those games trip your trigger, my go to, at least for excitement and entertainment value, will take center stage. The LA Galaxy are impressive no matter who they play, and Seattle, if their starters are healthy, should put up a colossal fight. I think, if Seattle has their full arsenal, that this game will be the match up of the night.

There, as I finish this, I should tell you who I am. I’ve never played soccer, except in gym class, and none of us had any skill. Nor have I followed European soccer my entire life, although, now, on Saturday mornings, I’ll turn on a Bundasliga or Premier League game.

I’m learning soccer, and I’m learning the MLS. And I look to the games solely for entertainment value. So, yes, with MLS Season Pass, I’ve learned what match ups to look for. Granted, because I’m still learning, and because I sometimes pick a dud, I’m not always right, but if you want to watch exciting soccer…try Apple TV and pick an MLS match…you and your buddies, wife, girlfriend, neighbor…whoever you decide to invite over, it should be a blast.

Entertainment is the Goal!