Because in soccer teams get three points for a victory, here are lists of three things to know in various topics heading into this season.
TOP THREE RIVALRIES
Seattle vs. Portland. The rivalry dates to 1975, long before both joined MLS. It's also dubbed the "I-5 Rivalry" because of the interstate highway that runs through both cities. Both cities are passionate about their teams, and both are successful. Portland won the MLS Cup in 2015; Seattle won it last year. They also feature some of the best attacking talent in the league.
New York City vs. New York Red Bulls. Also known as the "Hudson River Derby," this is a new rivalry in the league, but it has quickly become one of the best. The Red Bulls have owned the series so far, owning a 5-1 advantage.
Colorado vs. Real Salt Lake. Also known as the "Rocky Mountain Cup," the trophy was created in 2005 and is given to the team that has taken the most points in the games between the two teams each season. Real Salt Lake has won the past eight Cups after Colorado won the first three. The teams tied in 2008.
TOP THREE ROAD TRIPS
Seattle. It's hard to beat Seattle. The city is fun to explore. The food is great. The weather in the summer is beautiful, and the atmosphere for a soccer game is the best in MLS, and some might argue the best in the Western Hemisphere.
Orlando. Why Orlando? A couple of reasons: it's opening a new stadium that will feature "The Wall," a standing-only section for supporters, which is supposed to be really cool. Plus, you can take your family to the game and then hit the theme parks in the days around the game.
New York. If you hate the Yankees, but still want to see Yankee Stadium, then go to an NYCFC game. Not only do you get to explore the city, but the atmosphere on game day is pretty thrilling.
TOP THREE PLAYERS IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto
Position: Forward
Nationality: Italian
Why? The 30-year-old has scored 39 goals in 61 regular-season appearances, while adding 31 assists. Those aren't quite video-game numbers, but they are pretty close. He's a fantastic dribbler, has great vision and is good on set pieces.
Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
Why? He's not as flashy as Giovinco, but his speed is almost unmatched. He has 69 goals and 15 assists in 107 regular-season appearances.
David Villa, New York City
Position: Forward
Nationality: Spanish
Why? A true poacher, he has 41 goals and 12 assists in 63 appearances. If you give him any space, he can score.
TOP THREE PLAYERS IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE
Gio dos Santos, Los Angeles Galaxy
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Nationality: Mexican
Why? After a rough first season, the 27-year-old came through with 14 goals and 12 assists last season. He is an outstanding dribbler who sometimes can dribble too much.
Nicolas Lodeiro, Seattle
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Argentinian
Why? He became an MVP candidate despite playing just 13 games, during which he scored four goals and added eight assists. The Sounders were struggling until he arrived. Then they won the MLS Cup.
Matt Hedges, FC Dallas
Position: Centerhalf
Nationality: American
Why? The MLS Defender of the Year figures to eventually become a mainstay at the back for the U.S. men's national team. He's tall, fast and athletic. He and Lawrenceville's Walker Zimmerman arguably are the best centerhalf pairing in MLS.
THREE TERMS TO KNOW FOR NEW FANS
Offside. A player is in an offside position when he is in the opponent's half and is nearer to the goal line than the second-to-last opponent. The last opponent usually is the goalkeeper. In other words, an offensive player can't stand around the opponent's goal all game, waiting on someone to pass it to him, and then try to beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.
Penalty box. There are two boxes in front of each goal. The smaller one is the goalie box. The larger one is the penalty box. It is 18 yards deep. A foul called on the defending team and that occurred in their penalty box is rewarded with a penalty kick for the opposing team. The kick is taken from a spot 12 yards in front of goal.
Injury time. Injury, or extra time, are the added minutes on the end of each half. The time is a compilation of time spent during each half treating injuries, or players arguing with the lead official, etc. In other words, it's the time spent not playing soccer. It's typically just a few minutes.
THREE DATES TO CIRCLE
All-Star game. This year's game will be held Aug. 2 at Soldier Field in Chicago. An MLS All-Star team will take on an opponent to be determined. There are reports it will be Real Madrid.
Beginning of playoffs. The starting date for the playoffs hasn't been announced, but the regular season will end Oct. 22.
MLS Cup. The date for the MLS Cup hasn't been announced. The 2016 Cup was played Dec. 10.
THREE DIFFERENT WINNERS
Supporters Shield. This is given to the team that finished the regular season with the most points. Dallas is the current holder.
MLS Cup. This is given to the winner of the playoffs. Seattle is the current holder.
U.S. Open Cup. This is given to winner of the tournament that features professional, semi-professional, and amateur teams. Dallas is the current holder.
THREE WEBSITES TO BOOKMARK
www.mlssoccer.com All of the content generated by the league can be found here. That content includes videos, analysis, standings, stats, features, etc.
www.soccerbyives.net A site that reports on the domestic leagues, as well as the Americans playing overseas.
Soccerdownhere.wordpress.com A new site, but one that is focusing on soccer in the South. It could be considered a companion to www.dirtysouthsoccer.com.
THREE MUST-FOLLOWS ON TWITTER
@MLSAnalyst. Matthew Doyle knows the MLS like few others. He is insightful and accurate.
@TaylorTwellman. Twellman is more than just an analyst. The former MLS standout and U.S. men's national team player also breaks news.
@SoccerInsider. The Washington Post's Steven Goff not only pays attention to D.C. United and MLS, but he also will compile a weekly list of how Americans fared overseas.
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