First up is the MLS All-Star game, West Ham United 2 vs. MLS All-Stars 3, which was entertaining to watch, yet held very little real significance.  Some people believe that the structure of the all-star game is to spread the value of the MLS players and teams.  During the game it was announced that several players are on the transfer market for over seas teams, such as Kenny Cooper, Juan Toja, and Edson Buddle.  It is sad that the MLS has the ability to grow great players here, but can’t pay them enough to retain their skills.  What does the MLS gain by playing EPL teams in their warm-up for their regular season?  The teams are not at their best, and our “all-stars” have one practice together before they play.  What does it really prove?  Anyway, the home team did win a somewhat lopsided game, and there were strong signs for team expansion in Canada.  The atmosphere was great, the field looked amazing, and the game play was controlled by the MLS unit except for a couple of well developed offensive plays by West Ham.  Getting past my disdain for the structure of the all-star game, it is fun to see Beckham cross it Blanco, who back heels it to Gomez for an awesome shot on goal.  I look forward to a more traditional all-star format where we have the best of the East vs. the best of the West, and then maybe that team takes on an international club.

Other than that distraction, we had some very interesting games this past weekend to discuss.  DC United was beat by Houston twice in one week, and the second game was a replay of a postponed game due to weather.  Then during this match the power at RFK stadium went out twice, and the rain came down to delay the game again.  Finally, the game finished near midnight, and then De Ro and Onstad had to travel to the all-star match.  After that other big game the second half of the MLS season began, and LA wishes they were still on vacation.  Dallas trounced LA in a 4-0 victory that highlighted Cooper’s skills, just in time for his possible transfer to Norway.  The Red Bulls and Earthquakes played to a 1-1 tie in a game that allowed for signs in San Jose’s growth, and I have no doubt that they will not remain in basement for long.   Chicago and Kansas City, also, tied at 0-0, apparently Blanco was still riding high on his all-star MVP and did not play as crisp as usual.  Lastly, the Columbus Crew defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0.  The Crew are very impressive this season, and I have not been giving them enough credit so far.  They slide right under my radar for a while, but now that they have beaten all the top teams in the MLS, and only 2 points away from taking out New England, they will be on my Tivo list.

The Crew and the battle for the top of the East will be the drama for the second half of the season.  Not to mention the tight point situation in the Western division.  I once said that NE was to far out front to be caught, now I might have to eat those words.  I have my hopes for my home team, and I look forward to watching the drama unfold.  Who do you think will surprise the league in the second half?

Next up, how do think the US Olympic team will fare, and will the World Cup qualifiers handicap the team?