By TRAVIS CLARK
The long and grueling MLS preseason continues to wind on as the start of the season is just under three weeks away.
Preparations for the Columbus Crew and Kansas City Wizards continued in Arizona this weeks, and the two sides met for a friendly on Thursday. Columbus got on the board first when Brian Carroll scored in the 18th minute.
Graham Zusi answered after the break for Kansas City as the two teams fought to a 1-1 stalemate.
Here's a look around Major League Soccer:
CHICAGO FALLS TO ATLAS
As the start of the season looms, roster decision day is right behind, and new Chicago coach Carlos de los Cobos is getting a long look at his players. A mixture of trialists and first team players took on Mexican side FC Atlas Wednesday, falling by a score of 2-0.
Chicago's next leg of the preseason takes them to Jackson, Mississippi. They were scheduled to arrive there Thursday afternoon and will take on FC Dallas on Sunday.
CASEY SIGNS EXTENSION WITH COLORADO
Local Denver native Conor Casey signed a three-year contract extension Thursday, as the Rapids secured the long-term future of their leading scoring from 2009. On Sunday, the club will begin training in London at Arsenal's North London facilities.
SEATTLE PREPARES FOR VANCOUVER FRIENDLY
Saturday will mark the first time Seattle plays a preseason friendly since they concluded their time in Spain last week.
They'll take on a familiar foe in the Vancouver Whitecaps up in British Columbia. The two sides previously met earlier in preseason down in Arizona, with Seattle coming from behind to win 3-2.
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What do you think of the preseason this far? Can Collins John catch on in Chicago? Think Colorado was smart to re-sign Casey?
Share your thoughts below.
Pontius can be considered a forward and he’s been in and out of camps recently.
To me, DC has taken a hit by not having a US national team player amongst them. We used to be filled with the likes of Harkes, Agoos, Pope, Olsen, etc. Now we’re sort of refinding our national attention.
Still think Namoff has gotten the wrong end of the stick by not getting a single cap yet. He has been in stellar form for us the past 2-3 years and if Wynne can get a nod, surely our boy can.
You could have saved some time writing this article and just written “Moot.” and called it a day. These guys have a long wait ahead before the season starts.
Supposedly John is looking great. Scoring goals and showing that he is serious about resurrecting his career. I am 100% sure the Fire will sign him and watch for him to get the golden boot this year.
I didn’t here the comments so I am not sure of the context.
I can say that it would be more “stupid”.
We’ll see how it plays out.
I have tickets to the Fire-Red Bull game, so I hope they don’t.
Respectfully, am I too concerned about the labor issues? Am I too much of a cynic to want “(hopefully)” written after, “as the start of the season is just under three weeks away.”
This looks like a bang-up season ahead–just hope it comes off
Chicago-Brian McBride? If he hadn’t retired internationally I have no doubt he’d be considered given our current lack of viable forward options
FCD – Jeff Cunningham
Anyone worried that RSL coach Jason Kreis’ comment yesterday on World Football Daily that a strike would be more effective if announced right before the season was based on some inside info?
How many MLS clubs have a striker who is even in consideration for the national team?
Colorado-Casey
RSL-Findley
Hou-Ching
Am I leaving any out? Not many. Casey has become the best kind of MLS player: an all star who doesn’t cost a fortune and who probably isn’t headed overseas.
Is anyone going to do a season outlook ?
After last season good luck I guess.
Last season’s should have look like this:
All the teams will be deadlocked, playoffs to be determined the last week of the season. Which ever 8 teams make it, they all willl have beaten each other and they all can win it all.
Man say what you want about MLS, but nothing beats the excitement of all 16 teams fans realistically thinking they can win it all this year.
I would say yes, Colorado is smart to sign Casey. While many have doubts about his ability at the International level, at the club level, he’s been very productive. He’s also seemed to put his injury problems behind him.
Anyone know how Collins John has looked this preseason with the Fire? Are they going to keep him for the season?