And so it begins….

Nice title right? It sums up how I’ve felt in the offseason thus far: anxious for the new season to start and Sunday, we will begin the 2013 campaign.

I will admit that I have been guilty of not watching what other teams have been up to in the offseason. Keeping up with the Galaxy’s moves has been more than enough for me to keep busy making sense of it all and piecing it all together.

With that being said, our opponent this Sunday is the Chicago Fire. This team has been labeled a team to watch in 2013 thus far. Do I feel as though the Galaxy should write this off? NO! This is game one. If you reach into the beginning of last season, a lot of people thought that the Galaxy would win again Real Salt Lake and command the Western Conference, just like 2011… We all know how that turned out. Chicago should not be taken lightly and will be the first test for the team in this form. A few key players have moved into the team and this is their first real test.

My first person to watch is Carlo Cudicini. He hasn’t let a lot past him and getting to know the defenders in front of him will definitely be a test. He seems to be moving and adjusting quite well. I will watch him move in the goal and direct the defense in front of him. If a clean sheet comes out of Sunday, I’d call it a complete success however, if he concedes any goals, it will not be a failure.

My second person to watch is Robbie Keane. Keane has been a beast in preseason to put it bluntly. He’s scored and played quite well. The defacto captain will continue to lead while Landon Donovan is still out. That leadership he brings to the field will definitely help going into this tough schedule to begin the season.

My third person to watch is LA Galaxy Captain, Landon Donovan. I know he’s not back yet but he will be soon. He will return to training in the next couple weeks and will be back in the lineup sometime before the end of April. How well he adjusts when he comes back will be a big deal as he has stated that he wants to play at the national level again.

Do I feel as though Donovan’s absence will affect the team? Yeah, it probably will but not in a visible way. Do I agree with David’s thoughts from last week? (See http://www.thesection108.com/2013/02/19/yeah-but-shes-hot/) To a point. I do feel as though Donovan should be back now but that’s my stubborn side. The Galaxy have to continue to perform without him there. Is his stock slipping? Right now I would say yes but before too long it will go right back up. We will see him soon and that is that.

Now for the fun part as they say… Sunday will be busy for everyone. If you’re in a supporter group, you will catch up with your friends. If you’re not, go early and mingle. Don’t be afraid to talk to any of them. They’re all great people. Or hang out with a group that you came with. Gates will be open early. Its going to be a fantastic opener.

I’m excited to see what this team can do. Sunday can’t come soon enough. If you can’t be there, find it on TV and watch. You won’t be disappointed…

Until next week…