MLS First Kick: The Day Has Finally Arrived

At 8:30 pm, when the Dynamo welcome the Union onto the pitch at Robertson Stadium, the 2011 season begins and obsessions over MLS, soccer in America and the Union begin anew.

Let me be the first to say, boy am I glad the Union are back in action. It's been a long winter, between the Eagles flaming out of the NFL playoffs, the NFL lockout, the Sixers starting off poorly (though now poised for a playoff run) and the Flyers early season form completely stalled.

It's been far too long since the Union were last playing an MLS game. Way back in October that the Union played the Columbus Crew, only to lose 3-1, despite the Crew dropping to 10 men during the second half. Union superstar Sebastien Le Toux was the only true bright spot of that game, netting a late goal to at least keep the Union from being shut out.

But that was last season. There has been plenty of turnover, plenty of additions and plenty of anticipation surrounding this year's team. It's got more experience where its quality talent is and at the same time has continued to focus on youth. Friendly faces have come and gone but nature of the team that has endeared it to the fans of Philadelphia remains.

As for tonight, the Brotherly Game will have a game thread to host your comments, along with our staff's comments, live throughout the game. I myself will watch the game with Sons of Ben members at Stoney's Pub in Delaware but will live blog from it for both the Brotherly Game and SB Nation Philly.