By TRAVIS CLARK
Jackson, Mississippi was the backdrop for a friendly between FC Dallas and Chicago Fire Sunday afternoon.
Amidst the CBA uncertainty and pushed back roster deadlines, Chicago and Dallas both fielded strong starting lineups as the preseason dwindles away and the start of the 2010 season approaches.
Sloppy field conditions hindered the run of play as well as discipline. Dallas defender Ugo Ihemelu received his marching orders after a second yellow card early in the second half. Chicago duly obliged and took advantage, running away 3-0 winners behind goals from Collins John, Marco Pappa and new signing Julio Martinez.
Here are a few other stories around Major League Soccer:
SEATTLE, VANCOUVER DRAW IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps met up in Burnby, British Columbia Saturday afternoon. Seattle couldn't beat the offside trap, and were whistled nine times for the infringement, including one in the 15th minute that negated a Steve Zakuani goal. Neither side was able to find the back of the net in what turned into a 0-0 draw.
KANSAS CITY RETURN HOME WITH A WIN
The Wizards returned back home today after a few weeks of training in Arizona. They closed out the time with a 4-0 win over the Arizona Sahuaros and Grand Canyon University. The game was called early in the second half due to a torrential down pour. Rookie Teal Bunbury was back in the lineup after suffering an ankle injury earlier in training camp, getting on the scoreboard in the first half.
COLORADO, SAN JOSE ADJUST TO LIFE IN ENGLAND
Two MLS clubs are spending the next week of preseason over in England. San Jose arrived late last week and is enjoying the hospitality of Tottenham — San Jose beat West Ham reserves 2-0 this morning, and will also play Tottenham's reserves Wednesday before facing Colorado Rapids Friday.
Meanwhile, Colorado recently left for England and will train at Arsenal's facilities before taking on the Arsenal reserves Tuesday and San Jose later in the week.
UNITED WELCOMES TRIALISTS IN MEXICO
D.C. United is another club that left the shores of the U.S. for a training stint — joining the list of clubs who have spent time in Mexico prior to the start of the 2010 season. Three new trialists are also in camp, with former Fire defender Daniel Woolard looking to catch on with a club still in need of defensive reinforcements.
PHILADELPHIA PREPARES FOR TAMPA
The third and final leg of Philadelphia's preseason will take the club to Tampa, Florida Thursday of this week. As the countdown to the Union's first-ever game dwindle, the newest MLS side will take on another league side for the first time when they face FC Dallas Sunday.
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What do you think of the latest MLS preseason developments? How will San Jose and Colorado fair in England?
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