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Ten MLS matches to watch in '10

Wednesday, 03 February 10, 02:15 PM · Comments (0)

With January recently giving way to February, it was only a matter of time before the complete MLS schedule would be finalized. The complete 2010 schedule dropped today, and here are ten matches to watch -- in no particular order.

1. March 25: Philadelphia Union at Seattle Sounders

Seattle once again get the honors of kicking off a season, and visiting will be the newest MLS club Philadelphia. The Union's much-anticipated debut will no doubt be the overwhelming storyline, although the Sounders will be keen to avoid a sophomore slump.

2. March 27: Chicago Fire at New York Red Bulls

MLS will get to showcase the brand new Red Bull arena on national television. Anything less of a sellout will disappoint both the Red Bull and MLS head honchos -- but if the club can't perform on the field once again, that will be the least of their worries.

3. March 27: Real Salt Lake at San Jose Earthquakes

First match of the year for the defending MLS Cup champions. Real Salt Lake will be aiming to prove that they are no slouches and to build on a championship season. San Jose will want to avoid a third consecutive season of disappointment, not to mention play spoiler against RSL.

4. April 10: D.C. United at Philadelphia Union

Significant for two reasons -- this will mark the home opener (albeit at Lincoln Financial Field) of the Union, and it's a chance for D.C. United fans to make the trip up I-95 and boost the atmosphere of Philadelphia's first game. That's not to forget the return of Peter Nowak to face the club he once managed.

5. May 1: New York Red Bulls at D.C. United

D.C.-New York matches are always fun for those involved, but it will be an early test for new coach Hans Backe. By this time, the Swede will have a few matches under his belt and will hope to have the floundering Red Bulls on the right track.

6. May 5: FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo

Of the two Texan sides, Dallas has been the far inferior club for as long as the two have shared a state. Is this the year that Dallas proves its worth -- both in a head-to-head match-up as well as the league table?

7. June 27: Seattle Sounders at Philadelphia Union

If all goes to plan, this will be the opener of Philadelphia's sparkling, brand-new stadium located on the Chester waterfront. Visiting will be Seattle, who get the honors of opening not only the 2010 season for Philly, but also the Union's new home.

8. July 18: Los Angeles Galaxy at D.C. United

This could be the return of David Beckham -- and while that's a tired storyline, significance could be injected if it also marks the return of Landon Donovan. The latter would only matter if Donovan extends his loan at Everton into the summer.

9. September 5: San Jose at Houston Dynamo

It's the old Earthquakes against the new as San Jose heads to Houston. It's always a bit of fun to see these two sides line up against each other, and at this point in the season could have playoff implications as well.

10. October 3: Los Angeles Galaxy at Chivas USA

The over-hyped SuperClasico will only be played twice this season -- but if it lives up to past billings, there will be plenty of cards, harsh tackles, and bloodied players. That's before acknowledging the playoff stakes that could hinge on the outcome.

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Ten MLS matches to watch in '10

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