Thursday, March 17, 2011

MLS Commentators and predictions

MLS coverage on FOX Soccer begins Saturday, March 19, as the Portland Timbers – one of two MLS expansion teams -- visit the MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids (9 p.m. ET).
J.P. Dellacamera, ESPN former commentator, will call the play-by-play for all 14 Friday night-exclusive matches on Fox Soccer alongside with game analyst Kyle Martino.
Brian Dunseth will provide sideline commentary. Eric Wynalda is the host of the pre-game, halftime and post-game shows alongside Christopher Sullivan, play-by-play analysts for Fox Soccer’s Saturday. MLS coverage also includes Mark Rogandino, Allen Hopkins, Dave Johnson and Keith Bleyer.
J.P. Dellacamera Q&A
Who are your picks to make the MLS Cup final and win it?
Difficult to make picks this early, but I would say New York vs. LA. Again, the West is stronger than the East; tougher to pick a western winner.
What team do you consider to be the most improved this season and, potentially an MLS Cup darkhorse?
I think that Philadelphia, DC, and New England are all improved teams. With Mondragon in goal, Philly could be an MLS Cup darkhorse.
Who do you like for 2011 MLS MVP?
For League MVP, I’ll give you two good candidates, both from the Galaxy. A toss-up between Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel.
Do you think this is David Beckham's last year with LA Galaxy, or will he stay with MLS beyond this season? What impact will his decision have on the league overall?
I think that if Tottenham comes calling, that David will answer that call. If he leaves, it won’t impact MLS. MLS attracted David Beckham when the league needed him the most. What Beckham did for MLS cannot be accurately measured. Suffice to say that now, all over the world, people know MLS. Beckham’s signing and the publicity surrounding it was the most PR ever generated by this league in all its years combined.
How will MLS expansion franchises Portland and Vancouver fare this year? Do you see either making the playoffs?
It could be a long year for the two expansion franchises as they face stiff competition in the Western Conference. While both should be competitive, I don’t see them making the playoffs in 2011.
What American players do you see MLS losing to Europe during or after this season, and conversely, do you see any European club stars coming to MLS this season?
I don’t see any American stars leaving soon, at least I hope not. Guys like Tim Ream and Juan Agudelo, both of the New York Red Bulls, are likely candidates to go at some point. I hope it’s later rather than sooner. As for European players coming here, I would think there might be a
big name or two that would head over here during the summer transfer window.
What other storylines are you keeping an eye on during this season?
There are so many great storylines this year in MLS. To name a few to follow:
How about Charlie Davies attempting to recover from career and life-threatening injuries in his comeback with DC United? Carlos Ruiz making his return to MLS with the Philadelphia Union; how will this play out? How many goals might Juan Pablo Angel get in LA, now that he will get regular service from Landon Donovan and David Beckham? Can Angel be the missing piece in LA’s attempt to win another MLS Cup? Can Sebastien Le Toux and Chris Wondolowski repeat their amazing offensive production from last season? Can Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez lead New York to its first-ever MLS Cup trophy?
Kyle Martino Q&A
Who are your picks to make the MLS Cup final and win it?
Galaxy vs. Red Bulls
What team do you consider to be the most improved this season and, potentially, an MLS Cup darkhorse?
Houston
Who do you like for 2011 MLS MVP?
Landon Donovan
Do you think this is David Beckham's last year with the LA Galaxy, or will he stay with MLS beyond this season? What impact will his decision have on the league overall?
I think he will stay, which will obviously be great for the Galaxy as he is still a world-class player.
How will MLS expansion franchises Portland and Vancouver fare this year? Do you see either making the playoffs this year?
We already know that they will have an amazing following. Expansion teams have struggled historically but I think these two teams have a good shot to make the playoffs, riding the wave of great support from their fans.
What other stroylines are you keeping an eye on during this season?
Can the powerhouses of yesterday get back to their old glory? This may be the season that Houston, DC and New England finally get back to the form they became known for in my days.
FOX Soccer will broadcast 31 regular-season MLS matches, including 14 Friday night matches and 17 on Saturday nights.

No comments:

Post a Comment