Last year in the MLS the Eastern Division ran away with the points and dominated the Western Division.  This year it looks like the balance of power is adjusting back to the middle.  I am not going to say that the MLS Champion will come from the Western Division, yet the domination tide has crested.  With teams like the Columbus Crew stumbling in the first few games and the surging Seattle Sounders, this season has the potential to show more diverse and meaningful divisional rivalries.  I enjoy watching games with emotional draw, for example; whenever Chelsea vs. Man U play, Red Sox vs. Yankees, UNC vs. Duke, or Bears vs. Packers I’m watching.  In the MLS we have significant rivalries in FC Dallas vs. Houston, Chivas vs Galaxy, and NY vs. NE.  These regional rivalries make sports fans go nuts.  With the divisions tightening up and every game being that much more important, this sport will see a marked improvement in viewership and ticket sales.  I predict a concerted effort by the league to maintain the balance between the Eastern and Western Divisions.  Through the expansion of the designated player guidelines, and more televised games stuttered throughout the day(like football Sundays).  If the league is able to capitalize on the growing positive excitement in the divisional competition, they stand to see a huge benefit this season.

Major League Soccer has an even bigger opportunity this season to hype up the non-international players in preparation for the World Cup in 2010.  The players that will be in and out of the league this season due to international play could pull viewers away, or diminish the importance of games during those time periods.  MLS executives need to promote players that will not be pulled away for international duty, and make them regular faces to watch along side the big name stars.  I do have a few ideas for players, but if you want to add a name or two please add your thoughts.  I would love to see young and old players highlighted such as; Brian McBride, Brad Davis, Blanco(if he is health), Schelotto, Casey Keller, Fredy Montero, and any other rookie that is punching through.  Without a strong story line to sell, MLS fans will watch, yet new or seldom viewers will not feel the passion some of us have for the game.  MLS, please promote the league like there is a reason to watch every week, and to every game.