clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Some fun updates from Major League Soccer - Direct Kick, MLS Live, MLS Fantasy, and MLS MatchDay 2012

By denz

With the MLS season set to open in about 48 hours, there are some updates from Major League Soccer on a number of fronts, first is this announcement from MLS

2012 MLS Direct Kick Package Unveiled

Free Preview For Fans to Take Place on March 10 and 11

NEW YORK (March 8, 2012) - In 2012, Major League Soccer's Direct Kick television package will feature additional games and additional MLS Clubs for the same price as last year, $79.* This year's television package will provide fans the opportunity to watch up to 233 MLS regular season matches and select playoff games during the 2012 season. MLS has collaboratedwith all four providers to offer a FREE PREVIEW on Saturday, March 10 and Sunday March 11, during the opening weekend of the season known as MLS First Kick presented by Dick's Sporting Goods.

Direct Kick returns for the League's 17th season and is available on four separate outlets. Starting March 10, satellite TV providers DIRECTV and DISH, along with most major U.S. cable systems via digital cable provider iN DEMAND L.L.C. and digital media services provider, Avail-TVN, will once again each present regional telecasts of MLS action.

The residential price is just $79 on any of the four platforms. Commercial establishments can purchase the package for a flat rate of $100. The package will be available for purchase through each outlet between now and the end of the season.

MLS Direct Kick will include regional broadcasts of MLS regular season and select MLS Cup Playoff games, including pre-game and post-game shows (when available).

All 323 games of the 2012 regular season, the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game, MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup 2012 will be available between the MLS Direct Kick package and national broadcast partners ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, NBC Sports Network, NBC, and Univisión networks TeleFutura and Galavisión.

For MLS' full 2012 schedule, including television broadcasts, click here. All MLS Direct Kick package telecasts are subject to change and local blackout restrictions.

after the jump more updates, including the new MLS app, and more:

If you are always on the go and don't want to be tied to your TV for Direct Kick, well then you might want to check out the new MLS Live package, which no longer just will get you MLS matches on your computer, but now it:

  • Completely rebuilt for the 2012 season
  • High Quality HD Streams
  • Access to up to 230 out of market games
  • One subscription access on computer, iPhone, iPad, Roku and Panasonic
  • iPad and iPhone both feature Apple AirPlay allowing for integration with AppleTV

    • You can get more details on the MLS website, but this is exciting that one subscription ($59- STH's get a discount) will now cover multiple devices. I do still wish this would cover android phones and tablets, but maybe one day.

    Then there is the new MLS Fantasy Soccer: Manager game, which is an interesting update to previous versions. I like the game, and I was able to build a team of all current or former Real Salt Lake players. Yes it includes Wilis Forko. You can build your own team at http://fantasy.mlssoccer.com/ If you want to match your team against mine and other readers of the blog, you can join my league " The Soapbox" or if you already have a team you can still join by using league code 5780-1247. Here is what my team looks like:

    Mls_fantasy_team_medium

    Finally there is the launch of MLS MatchDay 2012, out fresh today a rethinking of the 2011 version. I have just downloaded it for my iphone and ipad from itunes now while those of us with android devices as well got left out in the cold on MLS Live, not so for the MatchDay 2012 app, which can be downloaded from the android marketplace(which now has been renamed play.google.com/store - wow that is really stupid). Here are some of the features of the new app:

    • NEW: A brand new, simplified design
    • NEW: A revamped Matchcenter, now with starting formations and match stats
    • NEW: Featured video and news
    • NEW: Pull-to-refresh makes it even easier to stay up-to-date
    • NEW: Faster loading times for all content
    • NEW: Club Breaking News Alerts
    • Watch FREE individual highlights moments after they happen
    • Watch FREE complete game highlights after the game has ended
    • Live scores and play-by-play of every MLS game

    So yes fans of Major League Soccer, there are a lot of fun new things for you to enjoy this season. It is a good time to be a fan of MLS.

    What do you think about all these ways for you to get your MLS fix?

    OFF MY SOAPBOX

    More From RSL Soapbox