After a decade of existence, the now 'mature' league is going forward with a lot of changes. Anyone in a coma for the last two years, now awaking to check the season schedule would find Houston Dynamo, RealSaltLake, Chivas USA and Red Bull NY on the programs. He would find Sigi Schmidt at Columbus, Bill Bradley at Chivas LA, Thomas Rongen GONE AGAIN (hopefully for the last time) and Freddy Adu still on DC's roster. He would find two new finished purpose built stadiums, a third due to open this year in Chicago, and two more in initial construction stages. He would find McBride and Bocanegra still at Fulham but be surprised to see Simon Elliot had joined them... and played every minute he's been there (and he would shake his head in disbelief). He would be happy but not surprised that US had again qualified in WC, but be surprised to see Kasey Keller resumed his role as US #1 but more surprised to see him performing better than his previous stint. He would marvel that Oguchi Onyewu had come out of nowhere to supplant known names as first choice CB for US. He would marvel, or perhaps not, that US had again spanked Mexico 2-0 at Crew Stadium.. but this time in great weather. He would look at the US team draw and shake his head, just knowing it would be a miracle to get to the next round but, also, remember that he had felt the same in 02. Back in MLS he might marvel that so many rosters contain names he never heard of if he hadnt followed college soccer. And be surprised that the college programs were still so strong; as many had predicted the depletion of college team skill levels with the various MLS development programs. He would be a little disappointed that MLS still had not performed well against other CONCACAF clubs, by advancing.. but be heartened that none had been really blown out. He would see that several European clubs were opening satellite operations in the US and had scheduled US tours in the off-season. But, mainly he would be looking forward to getting in that seat and annoying all around him, by cheering disgracefully loud, with the odd expletive slipping out now and then. And so am I.
