MLS Week 1 Preview

It's finally here!  It's finally here!  As you can see, my level of excitement for the league to finally kick off is up there with me getting Tecmo Super Bowl for Christmas when I was 11.

GAME DAY

We're a day away and the fields are lined (thanks Brent), the grass is cut (Thanks Dwight!), and the weather looks like it's going to hold off (thanks Mother Nature).  A head's up for tomorrow that I'll be bringing Little Debbie snacks and Capri Suns and they'll be in the yellow Shiner Bock Cooler next to the field.  Please take them as I don't want to be left with 20 Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Jerseys will be at the fields so please show up early to collect them and distribute them to your teams.  Would recommend everyone double check the shirt size you ordered prior to coming out so you don't end up with a 4'6" player getting at XXL. 

With the rainout last week, we had to shift the games into a double header each week to accommodate and we truly appreciate Hangover 86 FC and Kick in a Box taking the week 1 doubleheader.

MLS WEEK 1 PREVIEWS

Moat Monsters vs. Kick in a Box - 1 PM

The most experienced team vs. the least experienced team to kick the season off.  When I interviewed Ryan O'Donnell, captain of Kick in a Box, last evening, he said, "I just hope no one has to call the ambulance."  Way to set the bar high, Ryan!  The Moat Monsters are a pre-season favorite to take home the CLUBWAKA MLS Cup (name to be determined later) but Timberlake may have some surprises in that box.

Ronaldo McDonaldo vs. UTTOTPHJ - 1 PM

With two of Ronaldo's defenders away on international duty and one out with a toe injury, they'll be coming in a little shorthanded for this early season match.  UTTOTPHJ has a ton of experience on the roster and are looking to get some dirt in the skirt after last week's disappointing rainout.

Hangover vs Kick in a Box - 2 PM

Hangover 86 FC is a mix of a few different friend groups, so it will be interested to see how quickly they gel under Andres Moreno's leadership.  Is he Jose Mourinho or is he more like the current Bruce Arena?  We'll find out Sunday.  Kick in a Box will be yearning for some Oozlefinch brews at this point, but should have enough left in the tank to make this a toss-up.

Oozlekicks vs. Look Ma, No Hands - 2 PM

With a name like Oozlekicks, you'd think they were focused more on the beer than the field, but they've been having practices are ready to go.  With a lot of them playing kickball together year round, they already have solid chemistry.  Look Ma, No Hands have a loooooot of experience and will look to set the tone with a lot of possession early.

Hot and Messi vs. Hangover - 3 PM - **** GAME OF THE WEEK ****

The Merge Bowl is upon us!  Hot and Messi, a team of free agents sporting bright pink, will be taking on Hangover 86 FC, a team made of multiple friend groups.  Hangover will have had the advantage of playing together at 2 PM from a chemistry standpoint.  But will they have the endurance to take it to the Kim and Kearsten Killer Kickers?  We'll find out.  SUNDAY.

Netkicks vs. OTPHJ - 3 PM

OTPHJ is hungry to play.  They told me last week.  Multiple times.  Rumor has it that Gary Johnson is an absolute beast on the field so I'm predicting he may come away with a few goals in this one.  I've spoken with Claudia Ng who gave me some insight on Netkicks' strategy for tomorrow.  "We streamed Rudy, Only the Strong, and Karate Kid on Friday night.  We're ready."

PLAYER/COMMISSIONER SPOTLIGHT #6

BRAD KIRBY - RONALDO MCDONALDO

 What is your soccer history? I've played soccer most of my life outside of a series of retirements because of burnout or more recently... because I'm old and broken.  I played in York County growing up - for Yorktown United and then played for York JV, Tabb JV and Varsity, before transferring to Grafton when it opened and playing there.  Played club ball at Clemson for a season before going on an indefinite hiatus to focus on beer and terribly played pick-up basketball.

Favorite halftime snack: Used to love some Sodalicious and Shark Bites.  Top that off with some Ecto Cooler juice boxes and you have yourself some refreshment.  Unfortunately all of those products are extinct so I guess I have to stick with Capri Suns despite their wack pouch and straw set up.

Why I hate Alexi Lalas: a) his hair and goatee in his playing days b) his personality c) his lack of soccer analysis d) the fact that he tried to be a rock star singing Counting Crows and Gin Blossoms-type music e) people keep giving him jobs

Favorite Player: Thierry Henry.  Smoothest soccer player ever.  Made everything look easy.

Favorite Club: Arsenal.  Pretty soccer.  Shite results.

Position: Attacking midfield or striker because I have no defensive skillz.

Thing I'm most looking forward to: In the photo above, the guy second from the right (Ian Carden) is playing on my team.  We grew up together, played soccer together in high school for a season, and haven't played together since.  Love playing with everyone on my team and would love to be able to create an environment that recreates the fun we had playing soccer growing up.  

PAPA JOHN'S PARTNERSHIP

CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads is excited to welcome Papa John's Pizza of Hampton Roads as a new local partner! Who doesn't love a partnership that will give away FREE pizza, discount codes, and a Pizza Day for all CLUBWAKA players in Hampton Roads?!

Papa Johns will be providing the following for all Hampton Roads CLUBWAKA players:

1. Pizza Day on 5/16: All CLUBWAKA players will get a Buy One Get One FREE offer at Hampton Roads Papa John's locations.
2. CLUBWAKA discount code: Use coupon code WAKA5 for $5 off any order of $20 or more at any Papa John's location in Hampton Roads.
3. League Night Promotions: Some lucky teams will be eligible for free pizza on league nights.
4. Papa John's Freebies: Be sure to visit the Papa John's table at select league nights for some awesome giveaways and promo items.

Be on the lookout for more details regarding the above promotions so you can cash in on all the free stuff from Papa John's!