Year Rewind: Biggest Headlines in MLS in 2011
The 2011 season for Major League Soccer was arguably the best ever for the league. From the very successful additions through to the MLS Cup, 2011 provided some excellent newsworthy moments.
Here's a look at five of the biggest headlines in the MLS:
Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps join MLS
Two new sides joined the league in 2011, and the excitement was palpable in the Pacific Northwest. The Whitecaps had their home opener on March 19, part of the first week of action in the MLS. They took on and defeated Toronto FC to start their season.
The Portland Timbers had to wait until renovations were complete at Jeld-Wen Field, so they didn't open until April 14, and it was one of the most memorable sporting events I've ever been to. The Timbers Army and the game atmosphere was something special, not only for Portland, but the entire league.
Dwayne De Rosario
He won the league MVP. He was named Canada's best male soccer player for the fourth time. But it was his appearance for three different teams in 2011 that sticks out in my mind. DeRo helped Toronto FC beat the Portland Timbers, then he did it again when he was with the New York Red Bulls. DeRo scored in extra time to bring the game to a draw. Then Portland traveled to face D.C. United, and guess who scored the goal for DCU late to earn a 1-1 draw?
Los Angeles Galaxy win the MLS Cup
The Galaxy put the finishing shine on the tenure of David Beckham with a win over the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup, and did it at home in the last season where it won't be played in a predetermined location. Starting next season, the highest seeded team in the final will host.
Seattle and New York disappoint again
The Seattle Sounders and New York Red Bulls once again failed to live up to expectations in the playoffs. The Sounders were eliminated by Real Salt Lake, while New York was taken out by the Galaxy. They are two teams loaded with talent, but when they come up short in the playoffs, the shine gets dulled.
Unbalanced schedule for 2012
The league announced that 2011 would be the last year teams played a balanced schedule, wherein each team played all others once at home and once on the road. The 2012 schedule will feature more in-conference fixtures and a little less road travel. The changes were needed because of the addition of the Montreal Impact.
Here's a look at five of the biggest headlines in the MLS:
Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps join MLS
Two new sides joined the league in 2011, and the excitement was palpable in the Pacific Northwest. The Whitecaps had their home opener on March 19, part of the first week of action in the MLS. They took on and defeated Toronto FC to start their season.
The Portland Timbers had to wait until renovations were complete at Jeld-Wen Field, so they didn't open until April 14, and it was one of the most memorable sporting events I've ever been to. The Timbers Army and the game atmosphere was something special, not only for Portland, but the entire league.
Dwayne De Rosario
He won the league MVP. He was named Canada's best male soccer player for the fourth time. But it was his appearance for three different teams in 2011 that sticks out in my mind. DeRo helped Toronto FC beat the Portland Timbers, then he did it again when he was with the New York Red Bulls. DeRo scored in extra time to bring the game to a draw. Then Portland traveled to face D.C. United, and guess who scored the goal for DCU late to earn a 1-1 draw?
Los Angeles Galaxy win the MLS Cup
The Galaxy put the finishing shine on the tenure of David Beckham with a win over the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup, and did it at home in the last season where it won't be played in a predetermined location. Starting next season, the highest seeded team in the final will host.
Seattle and New York disappoint again
The Seattle Sounders and New York Red Bulls once again failed to live up to expectations in the playoffs. The Sounders were eliminated by Real Salt Lake, while New York was taken out by the Galaxy. They are two teams loaded with talent, but when they come up short in the playoffs, the shine gets dulled.
Unbalanced schedule for 2012
The league announced that 2011 would be the last year teams played a balanced schedule, wherein each team played all others once at home and once on the road. The 2012 schedule will feature more in-conference fixtures and a little less road travel. The changes were needed because of the addition of the Montreal Impact.
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Jeff Musall has a passion for writing, a knack for frank and informed expression, and a desire to engage the minds of readers. He is an avid sports fan across the board and loves good competitions. His work... View profile
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