Chris Schuler out for season opener, Salcedo in line for start

Chris Schuler will miss the season opener against LA Galaxy through injury, according to an mlssoccer.com report.

This comes as little surprise after he missed the final match of preseason against Chivas USA. That match took on a feeling of finality, with substitution patterns mirroring what we'd expect from a regular season outing.

The reasonable assumption, then, is that Carlos Salcedo will step into the position alongside Nat Borchers. The pair had a fair amount of experience together last season, with Salcedo impressive, but a thumping by LA Galaxy in the summer gives just a moment of pause for thought, as Salcedo and Borchers were both caught out several times against Robbie Keane.

It remains to see when Schuler will be available, but most will hope it is soon. After outstanding performances against LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers in the playoff run, he showed incredible ability against difficult opponents. An off season surgery keeps him out here and also kept him from accepting his first international callup.