Chris Wondolowski #8 of the San Jose Earthquakes controls the ball during the second half of the game against AIK at JELD-WEN Field on February 20, 2013 in Portland, Oregon. The game ended in a 0-0 draw. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
As Major League Soccer's season kicks off this weekend, there is no buzz about the latest expansion into a soccer-crazy market, or about a European star bringing his game to America.
And for the first time in six years, there's no talk about David Beckham, either.
On the surface, the 2013 MLS season might be viewed as ho-hum because of its stability. But this year begins a new chapter, focused on developing the quality of play and continuing to raise the profile of a league that officials hope will be among the world's best within 10 years.
The season begins this weekend with nine games.
New England is the only team getting the first week of the season off.
The Associated Press