MLS releases opening game schedule

Today at 3:30 ET, MLS released the opening kick-off matches for Week 1 of the 2011 MLS season.  The list features some interesting match-ups with two new teams entering the competition fold.  Here's the list:

Tuesday, March 15
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Los Angeles Galaxy - Qwest Field, Seattle, WA - 9:30 ET on ESPN
This is Seattle's third consecutive home First Kick, but this one might not be so lopsided.  Last year, the Galacticos embarrassed the home crowd with a 4-0 rout in front of the Sounders faithful.  The Galaxy may be without Becks, but they will still look to flex their new muscle in the form of Frankie Hejduk and JP Angel (and maybe Ronaldinho??)




Saturday, March 19
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Toronto FC - Empire Field, Vancouver, Canada

Begin one hell of a passionate rivalry.  This may not have the hype of Montreal-Toronto or Vancouver-Montreal, but this is east vs. west coast: Canada style.  Vancouver would like to assert their history while Toronto FC would like to assert their MLS dominance.

D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew - RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
The two most tumultuous sides in the East will face each other.  The sides, hopefully for DC's sake, are heading in different directions.  Under Ben Olsen, the Screaming Eagles have nowhere to go but up with acquisitions such as Josh Wolff, Joseph Ngwenya, and Dax McCarty.  Columbus are having a big offseason, shipping off two club legends (Hejduk and Schelotto) and welcoming back another (Jeff Cunningham).

Red Bull New York vs. Seattle Sounders FC - Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ

The red bulls look to avenge the opener from 2 years ago against the Sounders.  The Sounders will have a short turnaround from Tuesday and they will face a well-rested Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez.

FC Dallas vs. Chicago Fire SC - Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, TX
The MLS cup finalists will take on a mysterious Chicago side.  Even without Jeff Cunningham and Dax McCarty, I feel the hoops will be able to handle De Los Cobos's side (sorry, Doddsy).  UNLESS, the Fire can draft a game changer or go out and buy a quality striker.  As of now, the Fire have a number of holes to fill (especially if Ljungberg leaves).

Houston Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union - Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX
The Dynamo will sport the flashy jerseys in their first home game.  This game could go either way.  Philadelphia still look a bit immature, and Houston are rebuilding.  Should be a good game.

Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers - Commerce City, CO

Denver will get the first taste of Rose City red, while the longstanding Timbers will get the first taste of MLS....starting with the current champions.  With Portland's roster still forming, and the Rapids only deepening a good squad (Nyassi, Marshall), this one easily looks like a home win.

CD Chivas USA vs. Sporting Kansas City - Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
The new-look (wizards) will travel to California to face the goats.  Who knows what happens next?  Chivas barely has a front office but are still rebuilding with the likes of Tristan Bowen and Jimmy Conrad.  Conrad will have to face his former team so start pulling the heartstrings.  This will also be the first look at Mexican DP Omar Bravo facing his former owner...er....franchise....er...Chivas

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake - Buck Shaw Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

Arturo Alvarez faces his old team in this one.  Project Geovanni didn't seem to work out so Frank Yallop will have to find some other ammo to use against probably MLS team of teams.  RSL will probably be in an elite class of teams with the Galaxy, Rapids, RBNY, and Dallas.

Sunday, March 20
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New England Revolution - Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
The Revs open up their season away to the galaxy, and they may can take advantage of a tired Galaxy squad.  However, on the width and surface of the HDC, smash and bang soccer will not work for the Revs.