March 7 MLS Update

-Tonight the the CONCACAF Champions League knockout phase starts for MLS teams. At 7pmCST, Toronto will be facing LA Galaxy. This is sure to be a stellar match to watch. 43,500 tickets have been sold making it, by far and away, Toronto FC's largest home crowd ever. The 2012 Red's should be much improved over last year. Even with the large crowd and improvements I don't think Toronto will be able to stop the firepower of LA. The Galaxy were able to actually add to their potent roster in the off season, which is unheard of for the winner of the MLS Cup. LA is going to pose a problem for all MLS squads this year. That being said I am pulling for Toronto to win this one.

-At 9pmCST Seattle v Santos Laguna kicks off. This game is sure to be full of fireworks and excitement. Santos Laguna is on a goal-scoring tear in the Primera Division this year with 16 already. Add this to the Sounders and their offensive addition of Eddie Johnson, to an already potent strike force, this match is certain to include some goals. It is looking like this match might fall onto the keepers shoulders. Santos Laguna goalie, Oswaldo Sanchez, has seen many high profile matches like this in his career. With 99 caps he certainly has the experience, but at 38 has he passed his prime. In the other net Michael Gspurning will be making his first appearance with Seattle. He already has a feel for big games from European leagues along with UEFA Champions League experience. As much as I would like to see the MLS squad win, I think Santos Laguna are just scoring too much right now for Seattle to hold them.

-For those of you that don't have Fox Soccer channel you should be able to view these matches for free, at CCL website with registration.

-What a game yesterday in UEFA Champions League between Arsenal and AC Milan. Coming in with a 4-0 aggregate lead, Milan seemed shell shocked when the Gunners ran up a 3-0 lead in the first half. Milan was able to stop the bleeding by the second half. But were given multiple open looks at the net and were not able to finish and ice the home and away. It was good to see Arsenal make a series out of it but AC Milan was able to move on with a 4-3 aggregate.
Also Benefica was able to move on with a late brace against FC Zenit with a 4-3 aggregate. Benificas 2-0 win was enough to over come their previous 3-2 lose in Russia.

- Today's in UEFA Champions League
Barca v Leverkusen 1:45 CST
APOEL v Lyon 1:45 CST

-Tonight at 10pm CST we will be premiering Olearys Cow Has a Podcast at Blogtalkradio.com. It will be a 30 minute call-in show about today's soccer news or whatever you guys want to talk about. You can follow the link on the site to take you to the show.If you have any ideas or questions just email or tweet.

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