A few of the many MLS stories to follow.

MLS “first kick” (why do I dislike that name?) is happening today and once again, the Don has given us more to be excited about this year than last. There can be no doubt that the positive direction of MLS continues to bear a tasty fruit. First, expansion over the past three years has been outstanding. With Montreal joining this year, probably the last Canadian team we will ever see, we’ll know if MLS rode this wave too far, or just far enough. All signs point to Le Impact being another success, I just hope they have shed the trappings of their D2 lifestyle.

Second, the infusion of youth, from the development systems, from South America, from college or from Bradenton is a great sign for the fans! MLS has been able to pair some young talent with more established veterans to create a very interesting and sustainable mix of strengths. For those who keep an eye on Bradenton (home of US Soccer’s residency program) the addition of Charles Renken to the Portland Timber’s squad has to be an exciting development. Renken, originally with Vancouver’s development program, spent some time at Hoffenheim before joining the Timbers. The electric atmosphere at home, combined with Portland’s lack of an established strike force could make room for Renken and Portland’s young Colombian, Jose Valencia.

NBC and ESPN are both behind MLS now, and that’s a good thing, but if you are like me and don’t have cable, then MLS is not as accessible as you would like. So where to watch? First off, www.concacaf.com offers free Concacaf Champions League streaming. Seattle showed this week, that those games are just as entertaining as a normal league matchup. Most other streaming sites such as www.foxsoccer.tv and www.mlslive.com are pay-to-play sites. My pick right now would be Fox Soccer because you’ll get access to plenty of EPL and La Liga action as well.

I know, you are saying to yourself, “what about all the other storylines in MLS!!?” I’ll be watching Eddie Johnson’s return to Seattle, DC United’s rebuild, if Henry can bring some fans (and goals) to RBNJ, and try to cut through all the propaganda and rumors surrounding the New York Cosmos as Kickin Dixie continues. Soccer. Asheville. Worldwide.