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This Week in MLS

February 26, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


Major League Soccer to Kick Off 18th Season This Weekend

Major League Soccer's 18th season begins this weekend - just 90 days after the LA Galaxy captured their second consecutive MLS Cup. Nine clubs have won the championship of the League that many call the most competitive, top-to-bottom, in the world. Returning MLS stars such as Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), and Federico Higuain (Columbus Crew) will join their teammates to take on exciting new young players like Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers), Rafael (D.C. United) and top SuperDraft pick Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution).

Again in 2013, the schedule will consist of 34 regular season games with the top 10 teams (five from each conference) advancing to the playoffs. An added emphasis on winning games has been instituted this season as the first tiebreaker among teams with equal points in 2013 will be Number of Wins, followed by Goals For.

Portland Timbers vs. New York Red Bulls: Two First-Year Coaches Square Off Sunday on ESPN2

When the New York Red Bulls and new head coach Mike Petke face off against Caleb Porter's Portland Timbers at JELD-WEN Field on Sunday, March 3rd (7:30pm ET, ESPN2), the two first-year coaches hope to begin their MLS careers with a positive result.

After the Timbers Army once again sing the national anthem to kick off the game, Red Bulls Designated Player Thierry Henry will have the share the spotlight as all eyes will be on the Timbers' new DP signing, 26-year-old Argentinean midfielder Diego Valeri who is expected to be the centerpiece of the Portland attack this season.

Dynamo vs. D.C. United: Eastern Conference Championship Rematch Saturday on NBC Sports Network

In a rematch of the 2012 Eastern Conference Championship, D.C. United travel to BBVA Compass Stadium to square off against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, March 2nd (8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network). Houston has not lost at home since they started playing in the stadium in 2012, currently riding a 25-game regular season home unbeaten streak.

D.C. captain Dwayne De Rosario will return to Houston after missing United's 3-1 Conference Final (first leg) loss due to injury last season. A two time MLS Cup champion with Houston (2006, 2007), De Ro and D.C. hope to stop the dynamic attack of Dynamo veteran Brad Davis and third-year player Will Bruin in their season opener.

MLS Week One Schedule

Saturday, March 2 **all times ET Where to Watch

Philadelphia Union vs. Sporting Kansas City 4:00PM MLS Live

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Toronto FC 6:30PM TSN / RDS2

Houston Dynamo vs. D.C. United 8:00PM NBC Sports Network

FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids 8:30PM MLS Live

Chivas USA vs. Columbus Crew 10:30PM MLS Live

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Montreal Impact 10:30PM MLS Live

Sunday, March 3

LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire 5:00PM Univision

Portland Timbers vs. New York Red Bulls 7:30PM ESPN2 / DEPORTES

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake 10:00PM MLS Live

March to Soccer Google+ Hangout with Commissioner Garber

On Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. ET, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber will conduct his March to Soccer address and media availability in an innovative new format.

The MLS YouTube Channel will live stream Commissioner Garber's season-launching remarks, and reporters will ask questions through an exclusive Google+ Hangout.

Commissioner Garber is the first commissioner of a major sports league to utilize this combination of technology and access to speak to fans, media and partners.

MLS & French Football Federation Partnership

Major League and the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Monday a partnership that offers MLS academy coaches a 16-month youth development course and the opportunity to earn their Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL).

Each MLS club, along with U.S. Soccer and MLS, nominated one coach from their academy to participate in the program. Among the candidates are eight former MLS players, including: Danny Dichio, Luchi Gonzalez, Jovan Kirovski, Chris Leitch, Darren Sawatzky, Billy Thompson, Greg Vanney and John Wolyniec.

Jersey Week Photos / Schedule

Club Jersey Date Location

Chivas USA Secondary Feb. 26 The Home Depot Center **

Colorado Rapids CLICK FOR PHOTOS Feb. 25-26 Lodo's / Jersey Caravan ^

Houston Dynamo CLICK FOR PHOTOS Feb. 25 House of Blues **

Sporting Kansas City Primary & Third * Feb. 26 The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art **

LA Galaxy Secondary & Third * Feb. 27 The GRAMMY Museum ^

Montreal Impact Third Feb. 27 New City Gas **

New York Red Bulls CLICK FOR PHOTOS Feb. 25 Pier 59 Studios **

Portland Timbers Primary & Secondary Feb. 28 "Last Thursday on Alberta Street" ^

Philadelphia Union Third Feb. 26 Xfinity Live ^

Seattle Sounders FC Primary & Secondary Feb. 27 Cinerama **

Toronto FC Primary Feb. 26 The Berkeley Church **

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Primary Feb. 27 Rocky Mountaineer Train Station **

* LA & KC Third jerseys are scheduled to be released at a later date

** Private event

^ Public event

Quotables

"When you see how he played in qualifying, the guy can still play - and he can score goals."

-D.C. United General Manager, Dave Kasper- on why they signed Carlos Ruiz

"If that means that my role changes a bit and I'm playing a different position, then that's what that means. ... I have no problem with it."

-Logan Pause, commenting on his ability to change positions as long as he can help his team win

"In terms of starting, he's made it very difficult for us because he wants to be a starter and he's stepped on the pitch every time and he's doing well. So, right now, he's in a very good position to be a starter."

-Jay Heaps, talking about rookie and No. 1 overall pick Andrew Farrell and his role this year

"I don't know a better way (to honor Kirk), than to have both his families be here, all the fans, people that met him once, people that knew him for four years. It's great to see everyone here and everyone all for Kirk. I'm sure his family definitely feels touched."

-Ben Speas, speaking to the Kirk Urso Memorial Match that the Columbus Crew played against the University of North Carolina to honor Kirk Urso.

"We're ready. We've made a lot of progress."

-Caleb Porter, commenting on his team after their final preseason game.

"When I went back (last month) and trained with Tottenham for a couple of weeks, the lads asked questions and stuff like that. That just goes to show you how the league has grown."

-Robbie Keane, speaking to how good he thinks MLS can be down the road

"Here it's kind of different because the MLS has two seasons [regular season and playoffs]. I definitely trust in [Fire strength and conditioning coach] Tony [Jouaux]. He made me fit so much last season as well."

-Arne Friedrich, on how preparing for MLS is different than playing in Europe

Sweet Tweets

@SFranklin5 - February 23

Good to end our last preseason game with a win. 9 days til the opener on March 3rd. Catch everyone next Sunday. # ThisIsLA # 3peat # LetsGo

@Gfarfan88 - January 25

You know you've been gone from home too long when it takes you 20 mins to get the perfect water temp in the shower!

@keikamara - January 25

# MLS website looking different today. I Like (Borat voice). pic.twitter.com/iuARpHxflV

@BenSpeas18 - February 24

Such a special day. So happy to see the Tarheel family & Crew family come together! Kirk would be so honored Love you guys, I'll never forget it

@RMeara_18 - February 24

Theres nothing better than getting back to NY. Ready to get this season started # RBNY

@Kwamekazi - February 24

Landed safely back in Utah. Phase 3 over. Rest up, and then back to business for the opener.

@bbknighton - February 24

Great way to finish off a long preseason! Looking forward to getting back to Van City. Can't wait to play in front of OUR home fans finally!

@eGehrig16 - February 24

Thankful to be a part of a great event. @ UNCmenssoccer is top class and it was a great turnout. Happy to see the Ursos and friends. # KU15

@DaxMcCarty11 - February 23

Woke up at 6 am mountain time to watch you play @ BrekShea, that's dedication. Do something cool. # imreallytiredrightnow


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