Thoughts on RSL and MLS Schedules

The 2010 MLS team schedules were released today, as I'm sure anyone checking the MLS blogosphere during the offseason knows. The complete schedule can be seen @MLSnet and Salt Lake's schedule is here @RSLSoapbox. I offer my insights, or more realistically my musings, after the jump.

Every game will be televised, which is a luxury we as RSL fans got to enjoy last year.  The beauty this season is that 1/3 of the matches will be broadcast nationally, and over 50 games will be presented in high definition. The increased television coverage matches the increased presence of MLS in the conscience of the American sports world. ESPN still isn't bending over backwards for us, but they seem to be at least politely acknowledging our existence. This is a big step forward from the somewhat disdainful acknowledgement they've shown us in the past. As an MLS fan that rarely watches any matches not featuring 'his' team, I can hardly blame them. Though its nice to see they are paying attention, and working to further the presence of soccer in America.

This is the first year that every team will see each opponent exactly twice. It is a huge step in legitimizing the league for the euro snobs among us. For many fans of the MLS, this type of balanced schedule has been a high priority in terms of milestones in development. We finally have the number of teams required to make it work. The collective noise of all the "MLS to-do lists" receiving check marks for this feat would be deafening. Having this kind of balance could also increase the amount of prestige winning the Supporters Shield might have for clubs. Which isn't to say conferences and the postseason need to be eliminated, but I'm sure some will make the case.

For Real Salt Lake, we have perhaps the best schedule we've had yet, and certainly better than last year's mess, where we played 6 games in May and August. Our fixtures this year are infinitely more spread out.. The only real lull is in June when we play three matches.  Not bad, considering that big tournament in Africa. Our longest breaks without a game will be the 15 days for the world cup, and 13 soccer free days in August.

It will be hard to squeeze in our CCL matches. A single friendly looks like all we will see at Rio Tinto. If any of the talk about big names pans out, I'll be perfectly fine with that. I'm fighting off the urge to cough "Ajax" as I write this, a thought I have to share if there is any chance someone from the front office might read this.

There are three points in the season to dread, and they have nothing to do with scheduled opponents, and everything to do with not being able to get my RioT fix. Right now there are no games scheduled in Sandy from 4/11-4/30, 7/3-7/23 and again 9/26-10/15. 

I'm holding out road trip plans until the CCL schedule is released. At least now we can dictate to our loved ones when we WON'T be vacationing, and we can start greasing the wheels of distant relatives and friends of friends living in MLS cities* before we hit them up for sleeping quarters. Until then, can't wait for the day San Jose gets to behold this Royal Army.

*Dear College Roommate's Aunt in Seattle,

I hear it is lovely up there in September....