Columbus is now five games into their 2009 campaign and are still winless in their quest to defend the MLS Cup. Not only have they avoided taking home maximum points in 2009, they have looked positively anemic in doing so.

Crew fans have to be feeling disappointment when they think about how the season has gone thus far, but should they be in panic mode?

Absolutely. A five-game winless streak from the defending champs is plenty worrisome, but it looks even worse when you consider that aside from Chivas, they really haven't played anybody from the top tier of MLS.

Comparing this season to last, I've pinpointed a few possible reasons for the struggles.

1. The absence of Frankie Hejduk

Hejduk is one of the best defenders in MLS, and he's been absent from the Crew lineup since their opener due to international duty. He's been brilliant for the national team during World Cup qualifying so it's easy to see that Columbus is missing his spark.

With Hejduk in the lineup, Columbus becomes a very effective offensive team. Hejduk is able to rampage up and down the right wing for a full 90 minutes, causing the opposition a lot of problems. His crosses have led to a lot of goals for both the United States and Columbus.

In the first five games on 2009, with Hejduk in the lineup for only one match, Columbus has scored only five times. In 2008, with Hejduk involved for all of the first five games, Columbus scored nine times, including four in one game against Chivas USA.

2. The loss of Sigi Schmid

Manager Sigi Schmid led Columbus to their first ever MLS Cup title in 2008, and then was inexplicably let go by the club. I don't like to put a ton of stock in a manager's ability to influence their club, but it's impossible to avoid here.

We've got a very easy comparison to make here. Schmid's old team has gone winless in five games without him in 2009. Schmid's new team, Seattle Sounders FC, hasn't lost a game, and hasn't even conceded a goal.

Schmid is pressing all the right buttons with his new club, and Columbus seems a little lost without him. They've just been out of sync at both ends of the pitch without his leadership.

3. An over-reliance on Guillermo Barros Schelotto

This may seem like a ridiculous argument, but bear with me here. The 2008 MLS MVP, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, has been scoring too much in 2009.

For the Crew to be successful, Schelotto needs to be a passer first. His vision created 19 goals for others in 2008, but only seven for himself. When he is distributing the ball to Columbus' forwards, it tends to spread out defenses and leave them open for Columbus to strike.

Sure, he should score a goal every once in awhile, but he shouldn't be leading the team in goals.

In 2009, that's exactly what he's doing. Through five games, he's tied for the league lead in goals with three. Perhaps even more telling is the fact that he hasn't registered a single assist.

Perhaps his forwards simply haven't stepped up like they need to, but whatever the reason, having Schelotto remain as the Crew's primary scorer will only hurt the club.

4. Resting on the laurels of 2008

Columbus must have thought that they could repeat as champions with the same roster that they had in 2008, because they didn't make enough improvements when compared to the rest of the league.

Toronto added Dwayne De Rosario and Adrian Serioux. Chicago gets a full season of Brian McBride. Chivas has a full season with Zach Thornton. FC Dallas added Dave Van Den Bergh. LA even added Greg Berhalter to shore up their defense.

Nobody of note joined Columbus' ranks in the offseason. They kept their talented core of players together but that won't be enough due to the improvement in the rest of the league.

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Before this season began, the focus of the American footballing community was not on the latest addition to MLS, Seattle Sounders FC. Rather fans everywhere were more interested in the David Beckham saga, or if Landon Donovan would finally stick in Europe.

Then we also had the small matter of World Cup qualifying to tend to, the loss of Neven Subotic, and the European debuts of Maurice Edu, Brad Guzan, and Jozy Altidore.

In short, it was a busy off-season for followers of MLS without having to worry about the new club. They can be forgiven for overlooking Seattle at the beginning of the season.

Everybody is paying attention now.

Three games have been enough to show the rest of the league that Seattle will be a contender in their inaugural season. Through three games the club has scored seven goals and conceded none. Thats three straight shutout victories to start their MLS tenure with a realistic shot at a fourth when Kansas City comes calling this weekend.

Not even the Chicago Fire squad of '98 began their first season in MLS with the same dominance as Seattle has. Remember that Fire squad had an 11-game winning streak in the middle of the season and won the MLS Cup and US Open Cup in their first year of existence.

Nobody predicted this sort of success for Seattle before the season started, but perhaps we should have.

Owner Drew Carey is a passionate fan of football, and wants to model the club on the structure of FC Barcelona. Carey has followed the game closely for many years and was impressed by the voice that Barcelona gives its fans. Now if Seattle's fans don't like the direction in which the club is moving, they'll be able to vote for the removal of the General Manager.

This move has fostered the growth of a maniacal fan base. Sounders games at Qwest Field are a hot ticket, tough to come by for some games. The Seattle fan base has surpassed the standard set by the incredible season ticket sales by Toronto FC during their first few seasons.

Large, passionate fan base? Check.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is also a member of the ownership group, and he brings deep pockets to the club. His connections have already helped secure a lucrative sponsorship deal with Microsoft Xbox and his wealth led to rumours of Seattle attempting to sign Barcelona star Thierry Henry.

Sure, those rumours turned out to be nothing more than fiction but the fact that Seattle could be linked with such a star before even playing a single minute in MLS and have that story be somewhat believable, well that's just amazing.

Instead of Henry, Seattle spent Allen's cash on a few less pricey talents who have so far yielded spectacular results. Kasey Keller, Freddie Ljungberg, and Fredy Montero were all expected to play major roles in Seattle's lineup this season. They have not disappointed.

Substantial funding being spent on smart acquisitions? Check.

The Pacific Northwest was ready for an MLS franchise. That part of the country has embraced football dating back to the days of the North American Soccer League. The success of a franchise in that region will not only benefit that club, but the league as a whole.

Already, we're starting to see the benefits of a healthy Seattle franchise. MLS has granted two more expansion clubs to the region, Portland and Vancouver. Those two clubs are slated to begin play in 2011 and will be excellent natural rivals for the Sounders.

The Sounders, along with the old Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers have a rivalry that dates back to their time in the NASL. All three clubs co-existed for the NASL's heyday and it looks like all three will be revived in MLS.

That could be the best thing to happen to the league since its inception.

We already know what strong rivalries do for MLS attendance. The Superclasico, between Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy, is a very highly attended affair every season. The match also gets national TV exposure because both clubs have such strong fan bases.

But the Superclasico is only contested three times a year. If current MLS scheduling practices hold, Pacific Northwest Rivalry games would happen nine times a year. Even if MLS changes their schedule so teams only play home-and-away, like a European league, that's six rivalry games each season.

Imagine the great exposure for the league if these rivalry games are exploited to their full potential, as is done with the Superclasico. Just two seasons down the road, the most football-crazed part of the country will have the spotlight on it once again.

If the rivalries take hold and bring more excitement to the league, they'll have the successful debut of the 2009 Seattle Sounders FC to thank for it.

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After last Saturday’s lack-luster display against Seattle, Toronto FC will attempt to improve against FC Dallas, the only team yet to pick up a point in the MLS this season.

In the first of a home-and-home series, TFC will fancy their chances at BMO Field.  However, some caution should be exercised as everyone thought exactly the same heading into the match-up with the Sounders.

Either way, Coach John Carver will not allow his team to come out looking as flat again.  He did not mince his words after the 2-0 defeat to Seattle and will do everything within his power to get the team back on track.

Matters will be helped by the fact that Carver has nearly a full squad to choose from.  Only first round 2009 draft pick O’Brian White is definitely out with an ongoing knee injury.

Hopes will be further boosted by the Reds central partnership of Carl Robinson and Amado Guevara, who have now had a full week to recover.  There’s no doubt that they were both affected by jet lag after returning from international duty and it showed in their performance against Seattle.

FC Dallas will be desperate to turnaround the worst start in club history, although they were unlucky to lose their last game, falling 2-1 against the New England Revolution after conceding a late penalty.  The task will be made more difficult by a lengthy injury list.  Goalkeeper Dario Sala and midfielder Marcelo Saragosa will both miss the game with knee injuries.

Adding to Dallas’s injury woes are defenders’ Steve Purdy and Daniel Torres, both listed as questionable with hamstring strains.  It also appears doubtful that Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha will see any action as he struggles with a foot injury.

Looking at Toronto’s starting lineup, Stefan Frei has been passed fit with a clean bill of health and don’t be surprised if he replaces Grey Sutton in goal as Carver shakes up the team.

Turning to the defence, Marvell Wynne and Jim Brennan should retain their places at the fullback positions, but I would take out Kevin Harmse and bring in Marco Velez to play alongside Adrian Serioux.

Rohan Ricketts will be favoured to join Robinson and Guevara in midfield.  Depending on the formation, Dwayne De Rosario will either take the fourth place in midfield or play just behind the strikers.

Up front, Chad Barratt is listed as probable.  However, combined with his indifferent form so far this season, it would make sense to put him on the bench and start with the combination of Danny Dichio and Pablo Vitti.

The game against Seattle showed that Toronto still has a long way to go.  However, if the Reds are serious about making the playoffs this year, they have to win this game.  And they will, securing three precious points, as Carver gets his first victory over Dallas.

FOR MORE ON TORONTO FC check out www.TOsports.ca

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Seattle Sounders FC are winning on-the-pitch, and winning big off-the-pitch.

The Sounders announced today that their next two home matches, the Quakes on the 25th and the Galaxy on May 10th, have sold out. Their May 30th game against the Champion Columbus Crew has just about 1,000 tickets remaining.

Seattle has now sold out its first five matches at Qwest Field. There has been some outcry by Sounders' fans asking for Qwest Field to be opened up beyond the 27,000 limit put on Sounders' games.

I understand the complaint, but completely agree with Seattle's choice to cap at 27,000. This is the intimate setting Don Garber envisioned when he took over as Commissioner of Major League Soccer.

I sat high up at RFK stadium for LA Galaxy at DC United two summers ago, David Beckham's first MLS match appearance. And as great of a time I had, my times in Columbus, inches from the pitch in every seat, part of the Hudson Street Hooligans and Crew Union, is the feeling I want everyone to take home from an MLS match.

It is great to see the demand high in Seattle, a supply and demand scenario only seen elsewhere in Toronto.

This only excites me more for MLS Cup 2009 at Qwest Field, although I think I will have a tough time finding tickets this year.

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I’ll admit that I don’t have a clue about the logistics and financial burden that a D.C. United stadium would place on Prince George’s County, so I’m not going to blindly rail against the County Council for it.

But, to not even study the costs or projected benefits of building a stadium is just straight-up ridiculous.

I get that economic troubles may be the reason for this rejection, and also that soccer isn’t a huge American sport has something to do with it, too.

But to refrain from looking at what it would take to build a stadium for a proven sports product is a little short-sighted, not only because of the following that the team could build within the county, but also for the jobs a stadium would create for county residents.

At least take a look.

It may not be the Washington Redskins, but soccer is certainly something P.G. socialites and blue collars could get behind if it was made available.

Heck, I’d show up just to take part.

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Chicago Fire has long held claim to best start by an expansion team. After the Fire's amazing start in 1998, the Fire traveled all the way to Pasadena, Calif. and took home the MLS Cup.

Is there any reason to doubt this is the fate of the Seattle Sounders? Or even to think they are more deserving? The Seattle Sounders have become a framework (along with TFC) of what an MLS expansion side should be. There is no doubt Philadelphia, Vancouver, and Portland are all taking notes from the 2009 Seattle Sounders FC.

The most season ticket sales, a Designated Player, a US legend, USL Sounders players, and young talent all are hallmarks of this team.

Seattle, now tied for first place in the West with three wins, a perfect start, looks to repeat the expansion success of the Fire. Even more surprising is the play of the Sounders defense and former US keeper Kasey Keller.

Keller is the big-name hometown player (born in Olympia) that every team looks for. He is an aging legend who has been successful throughout the world and representing the States, leading a new, youth-filled Sounders club.

And who can leave out the two-game success of Fredy Montero? In two games, he has scored three goals and provided the fans with a young, energized, highlight-making player to represent the Sounders. When he missed game three, the big-name Ljunberg stepped up early scoring in Toronto at BMO Field (one of the toughest places to play), reminding both fans and other teams that this Designated Player is here to win.

Seattle now prepares for Week Four, where they get to host the one-win Kansas City Wizards at Qwest Field. A win in Seattle for the Sounders not only solidifies them as the best expansion start of all time, but could place them in a group of elite teams who have opened the season with such dominance, reminiscent of the Crew last year (who did lose early on, but started 6-1-1).

Regardless of this week's outcome, the Western Conference knows that Sounders are one of teams to beat in '09.

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The 2009 battle for Soccer dominance in Los Angeles begins this Saturday. As Chivas USA has gradually emerged as MLS Cup contenders over the past few years, the Galaxy have shifted in the opposite direction. Regardless of the records every year, the battle between Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy to claim possession of the SuperClasico is passionate and exciting.

The Galaxy, come into the match with one point, a two-goal performance by Landon Donovan saved a point in Week one. A two-assist performance by Donovan in Week three kept the Galaxy just short of controlling Conor Casey's hat trick. As Berhalter gets set to join the Galaxy and strengthen the back line alongside the fast-maturing Franklin, the Galaxy search for the first win in a series usually dominated by the Galacticos.

Chivas USA sits atop the league coming into Week four, as one of two teams rolling with nine points. After knocking off former Supporter's Shield and MLS Cup bearing Columbus Crew, it appears that Chivas is the team to beat in the West. Even when plagued by injuries, newcomers have stepped up to give the Goats the edge in the past weeks.

ESPN2 is taking coverage of the game for the first Saturday night game on ESPN this year. The first of many to not be titled, Thursday Night Primetime—a move that hopes to increase viewership. Seeing a sold-out crowd in LA on a Saturday night looks better than 11,000 somewhere on a Thursday. The Galaxy open their US Open Cup journey Tuesday night facing Colorado for the second time in three days. Two games in one week has long plagued teams in MLS, most recently shown last week when the Crew lost both Thursday and Sunday.

As Chivas USA looks to strengthen their place as an annual force in the West, the Galaxy look to re-establish themselves as the marquee Western Conference franchise. Both teams know that the road to MLS success comes through Los Angeles. And the battle for LA pride begins Saturday night in the SuperClasico.

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The MLS Debut in Seattle could have not gone better.

Such a resounding success was the Seattle Sounders FC's MLS debut 3-0 demolition of the New York Red Bulls in front of a sellout crowd of over 32,000 fans, that even the most elitist football traditionalist (speaking of myself here) would have a hard time not giving kudos to the home club.

Forward Fredy Montero showed himself as a force to be reckoned with, scoring two goals and assisting on a third. Keeper Kasey Keller made two outstanding saves of the only clear shots on goal he faced all evening.

It has been 26 years since Seattle hosted a domestic league football match, and the bright-green masses put on a show for a national television audience.

Sounders FC played attacking football from the outset, and the Red Bulls never recovered. Midfielders Osvaldo Alonso and Sebastien Le Toux teamed up to find Montero open on the right side, and the 21-year-old from Colombia drove a low shot past New York keeper Danny Cepero 11 minutes into the match. Montero notched Sounders FC's first-ever MLS goal.

In the 25th minute, Montero made a nice weighted pass to midfielder Brad Evans on the wing. He attempted a shot that went between Cepero's legs for a goal and a 2-0 lead that the Sounders maintained for the rest of the first half.

In the second half the Red Bulls got more physical with Montero. Sounders FC's defense, practically impenetrable in the first half, got help from Keller to preserve the shutout, and Montero capped off the evening with an unassisted goal that saw him stop the ball in front of the defender in the open field, stutter-step with the ball in his control and fire a shot into the net.

Coach Schmid showed lots of class by giving a nod to the longtime supporters of the United Soccer Leagues' Sounders. As extra time began, he substituted Montero out of the match and sent in USL Sounder favorite Roger Levesque.

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"I thought it was a disgrace.  I’m not going to make any excuses, I think we lost the game to the better side."  These were the words uttered by Toronto coach John Carver in his press conference after the team had lost 2-0 to Seattle.

While it’s harsh to call Toronto’s performance a disgrace, there’s no arguing that Seattle was the better team.  The Sounders passed their first road test of the season with flying colours and in the process proved that they’re for real.

Only one expansion team has ever entered the league and won the MLS cup in their first season.  It’s still early, but on this evidence, Seattle has a great chance to join the Chicago Fire on this exclusive list.

Designated player Freddie Ljungberg, starting his first game of the season, and man of the match Nate Jaqua formed an almost immediate understanding.  Both players linked up well to overcome the absence of star player Fredy Montero.

Hopes had been high that Toronto could build on their best ever start to a season.  Greg Sutton got his first start in goal and Pablo Vitti continued his partnership upfront with Chad Barrett in a 4-4-2 formation.

The team was further boosted by the return of central midfield combination, Carl Robinson and Amado Guevara.  Unfortunately, jetlag may have played a part, as the duo was unable to influence the game.

TFC looked to give the home fans something to cheer about early on as Rohan Ricketts played Barrett through on goal.  Unfortunately, the striker mistimed his run and was clearly offside.

Seattle had their first chance after eight minutes as James Riley crossed the ball from wide right towards goal.  Oregon born forward Jaqua got his head to the ball, but it was blocked by Sutton and cleared by defender Adrian Serioux.

The Sounders continued to press and were rewarded with their first goal on the quarter hour mark.  In a move reminiscent of his time at Arsenal, Ljungberg collected the ball 40 yards out and ran at the defence. 

Playing a quick one-two with Jaqua, the Swede found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, calmly slotting home to the right of Sutton.  1-0 Seattle.

Toronto was struggling to make any openings at the other end, but there was some controversy after half an hour as Ricketts was brought down in the penalty area.  It could have gone either way, but the referee gave nothing. 

Things got heated in the aftermath, especially between Dwayne De Rosario and Johan Hurtado, resulting in the Columbian being booked.

One of the features of Toronto’s first two matches had been the surging runs’ of Marvell Wynne down the right wing.  However, it took 40 minutes’ of this game for the fullback to get forward with any real purpose. 

Crossing into the 18-yard area, the ball fell for De Rosario.  The Canadian international’s shot was blocked by Sebastien Le Toux and kicked out for a corner.  There were calls for a penalty, but the claims were unjustified.

It appeared TFC would go into the break down by one, but right on half time, the visitors landed a killer blow.  Ljungberg was involved again as he got the ball on the right near the corner flag.  Cutting back on himself, he flat-footed the defence and played into Le Toux, just inside the area, who in turn passed the ball to Jaqua.

Jaqua’s shot was blocked, but after a couple of deflections, the ball fell kindly for Steve Zakuani to score his first goal for Seattle through the legs of Sutton.  2-0 Sounders.

Carver switched to a 4-3-3 formation for the second half in an attempt to get his deflated team back into the game.  He replaced Ricketts with Sam Cronin at halftime and ten minutes after the break, Danny Dichio was brought on for Barrett to cause problems in the area.

However, the Seattle defence, led by former Toronto defender Tyrone Marshall, were handling everything that was thrown at them, including the windy conditions, which they dealt with more comfortably than TFC.

Guevara had Toronto’s best chance of the game in the 69th minute.  Jim Brennan made an excellent run down the left wing, nut-megging Le Toux in the process.  The Captain then whipped a telling cross into the Seattle penalty area.  Guevara found space but got too much under the ball as he headed it onto the top of the crossbar.

TFC finally got the ball into the back of the net on 72 minutes.  However, it didn’t count as Dichio was called for a foul when it was clear that he’d won the ball fairly before putting Vitti through on goal.  This sequence of events summed up Toronto’s day.

Seattle continued to look for the final nail in the coffin and almost got it on 78 minutes.

Ljungberg was put through on goal, but was distracted by Serioux and Sutton collected the ball.  More worryingly for the Sounders, their first goal-scorer went down with an injury and had to leave the game.

A minute later, Toronto had their last clear-cut chance to get back into the game.  De Rosario played a telling cross from the right and Vitti timed his run perfectly towards the goal.  However, his shot hit the right post with only Kasey Keller to beat.

And that was it.  Seattle had kept another clean sheet, but more importantly come into one of the toughest arenas’ in the MLS and claimed a convincing victory.  They now return home to take on the Kansas City Wizards at Qwest Field.

Meanwhile, Toronto must lick their wounds and look at what exactly went wrong in a game, which before hand, they looked to have a great chance of winning.  Next week, they host a Dallas team, which has so far lost every game.

Needless to say, if TFC are serious about making a run at the playoffs, this is the type of game they have to win.

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*Let it be known, that this article is not an attempt to slander Mr. Montero or his accuser. I hope that this situation works itself out in short order and that if Mr. Montero is guilty, that he recieves the punishment for it. The focus of the articles it to examine the ramifications of the outcomes. Sorry if it offends someone.

As Alex wrote in his article, Seattle Sounders superstar Fredy Montero is under investigation for two counts of alleged sexual assault and one count of alleged stalking.

As of Friday, the initial reports on the matter were on their way to the King County prosecutors office for further review.

Montero, who was not present for the Sounders win in Toronto over the weekend, is possibly one of the first cases of an MLS star being accused, and potentially charged, with such a viral offense.

While the public officials will hash out whether or not Montero is guilty, an issue that should be looked at is how will this effect the image of the MLS.

She's Just After The Money

When an athlete is accused of a crime like sexual assault, people are often quick to comment that it had everything to do with their bank account.

"She is chasing his money and she thinks he will pay to hush her up."

No athlete wants that kind of press. Certainly no one in the position that Montero is in right now. He has been the bright, shining light of the Sounders young franchise.

However, there is the chance that this will all blow over.

Will it bring focus to the MLS? Possibly, and if it does, people will likely react skeptically, especially with the progression of the story.

When I learned about it from the friday edition of the World Soccer Daily podcast on Saturday afternoon, Montero was only suspected of stalking the girl.

However, at the time of writing, news sources are adding in the alleged sexual assault charges.

Observers will argue that the police were not paying attention to her, so she upped the severity of her allegations.

If this is proved to be true, it will shine positive light on the 21-year-old Colombian.

It is possible that this will bring more attention to not only him, but to the MLS as well. People will start to watch Sounders games to see how he plays, and to see if the fallout from the allegations will affect his performances.

This Could Get Bad

It is possible that Montero will be found liable for the crimes and this could go to trial.

The trial itself won't attract the national media. The boy isn't Michael Vick by any means.

However, it will get likely get strong coverage in at least Washington, and possibly down into California for the media. Football fans though, will likely turn an ear to the trial and pay a great deal of attention.

The mass public may take the trial in a horrible light.

"He was here to play and look how he abuses the privilege to play in America."

"How could he do such a thing? He should be kicked off the team."

Now, I will admit, these are stretches on what some may say, but for a league like the MLS that has finally started to see some penetration into the American sporting conscious, it can't be a good omen for things to come.

Sure, David Beckham draws fans, but let's face it, he's likely going to stay in Italy for a long time, and I doubt most people can tell you about Freddy Ljungberg.

Fans go for name and face recognition. If you have a player pulling something like this, it will create a bad mental image for the parent who is planing on taking the family to a Sounders game, or a Dynamo game, simply because of bias.

One player does it and we become wary of the league.

At the end of the day, the MLS is going to get press out of this. It's likely going to be a mix between good bad, and the weighting will be set when the allegations are investigated further.

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