Two Big Changes in Major League Soccer for 2012

With the release of the MLS schedule yesterday, we were left with some huge changes including a schedule change and a change to MLS Cup. Major League Soccer was very prompt in compiling a schedule this season, which will allow fans to better arrange travel plans, an organize other team related events. Major League Soccer does well in listening to its fans, as the late release of the schedule caused many fans headaches last season. Those who subscribe to some of the various MLS emails were able to receive personalized emails announcing the release of the schedule.

And now for the big changes.

Combine Time

This is something that soccer starved MLS fans can look forward to during the offseason, the Combine. It is a great opportunity for fans to get a look at young players, and to correspond with MLS personalities. The combine will consist of 6 games this year, starting on Friday with two games. The MLS seems to be giving a good deal of coverage to the combine this year, so it will be exciting to see how things turn out.

Shaky Ground for Quakes Stadium

One fun development to follow during the MLS offseason is expansion. Whether the expansion is roster size, league size, salary cap, or a stadium's capacity, it is noticeable progress for the league. What has been especially thrilling over the last few years, is the number of teams that have acquired their own soccer specific stadiums (SSS). The number of teams with SSS looked to grow as San Jose was poised to finally start making real progress with construction. However, some members of the community are up in arms, and have appealed the city's approval of the stadium.

Eto'o to LA: Doubt it

What a story to start the new year! The Los Angeles Galaxy are rumored to be in pursuit of Samuel Eto'o. Surely he is a worthy replacement of David Beckham (if Beckham is indeed leaving), but I think this rumor is little more than wishful thinking. Eto'o joined Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala in August of 2011, and was signed for three years. That contract also made Eto'o one of the most expensive players in the world. Although the Galaxy have been known to spend a pretty penny for players, they have not come close to spending the salary of Eto'o. This one will be interesting to follow, but I have a feeling Eto'o won't be coming stateside any time soon.