The MLS preseason has never offered a weekend richer in talking points. We delve into a few of the meatier topics on this episode: Should MLS rivals face off this close to the regular season (Portland vs. Vancouver)? Should teams that play on opening weekend meet two weeks before, even in an exhibition (NYCFC vs. Orlando City)? Should rookies have to put up with innocent rites of initiation (Whitecaps)? And should LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane have to pass the armband on to Steven Gerrard when he joins the team in the summer?
We move on to the matches that count for real in segment two and the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals which will see two MLS sides in action. Pachuca and Alajuelense expert Eddie Mendez gives you the lowdown on the teams that stand in the way of a potential all-MLS semifinal between Montreal and DC United. Also, is there less buzz around CCL compared to years past? If so, is it justified?
No mailbag today, but we replace it with a topic of discussion most soccer avids will find fascinating: a college course on the topic of Cristiano Ronaldo. We talk to University of British Columbia Professor Luis Aguiar, who came up with the idea. Turns out there's a lot more to Cristiano if you can get past the hair gel and self-absorbed goal celebrations.
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