As we saw the release of the MLS schedule yesterday, I thought it might be nice to break down some of the key dates for our side. Rather than aimlessly amble about the list, I'll just get straight to things this time. (I know, I know. It's unusual. I apologize.)
March 10: LA Galaxy v. RSL
Our first match of the season is against our final opponents from last. If I'm Jason Kreis (which I'm not, mind you), I'm hoping the boys can pull together a win not unlike last season's early-days extravaganza. Perhaps they can be driven by that strongest drive of all: revenge.
March 17: RSL v. New York Red Bulls
What better way to re-open the pearly (uh…) gates of the Rio Tinto than a match against the star-studded New York Red Bulls? Last time we played them at home they stood no chance of claiming even a point as we demolished them early in the first half. Say, boys, how about that again?
April 7: RSL v. Colorado Rapids
Our Rocky Mountain foes will be looking to set their first foot forward in an attempt to have a better season than last, and they'll no doubt want to get their grubby little hands on our Rocky Mountain Cup. Claiming a big win here will be of the utmost importance as we look to retain the cup even with this strangely unbalanced schedule.
May 5: RSL v. New England Revolution
Remember what happened last time the Revolution came to town? You know, that match on July 4? It ended in a 3-3 draw after some strange decisions all around. Nat Borchers played a grand total of… (drum roll, please) three minutes after he was sent off for what was ostensibly never a foul in the first place. Watch for yourself, but try not to smash anything while you do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJcRqEIESdU
May 12: Seattle Sounders v. RSL
I don't doubt that Seattle will be out for a bit of a vengeance win on this one after we knocked them out of the MLS Cup despite a flurry of goalmouth action in the second leg of the tie. Expect them to push for a win and leave us plenty of opportunities to counter.
June 20: RSL v. LA Galaxy
Right, this'll be the first time since March that we'll have a chance to smash the Galaxy again and maybe open up a black hole or two. Or, you know, something. Our boys will be raring to go on this day, no doubt.
July 18: Seattle Sounders v. RSL
This is a big one not just because it's against one of our more recent rivals, but because it's our first nationally broadcast match of the season. Figures, doesn't it?
July 21: RSL v. Colorado
Hey, look who it is again: That little club from (relatively) next-door. Again, a win will be essential as we look to retain that cup.
August 4: Colorado v. RSL
There's only one match separating this and a home tie, rendering this one a bit of a two-legged battle. It'll be huge, I'm sure.
September 22: RSL v. Portland
Last time the Timbers came to town, they wrecked our party by scoring late and lit off some flares in the process. Sure, passionate fans are good, but by this date, maybe we'll be at a point where we actually drown out the away crowd. Would be nice, wouldn't it?
October 6: LA Galaxy v. RSL
This, the second-to-last match of the season, could be a huge one as we look to make our way back into good stead in the league. A Supporters' Shield would be nice, as would a good MLS Cup run — and depending on our movement during the offseason, we'll know if that's the goal this year or if it's a longer-term strategy being played out.
October 27: RSL v. Vancouver
I'm not sure this will be the most exciting match, but we'll need to be wary of Vancouver as we look to win our final match of the season.
Right, what have I missed? What will you be attending? What away matches do you want to travel to see? Have we been left with more than a glimmer of a chance?
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