Tickets are still available for the Women’s College Cup, with all-tournament passes that include admission to both semifinal matches and the championship game starting at 45 dollars. For ticket information visit http://ksuowls.first-sports.com/ .

Brackets are also available online here.  I convinced a few of the guys in my office to fill them out for a little competition.  Being that we’re all so in tune to women’s college soccer it was interesting to hear their strategies. Some went based off their football programs while others felt climate would be a better indicator.  I don’t think they were familiar with the program at UNC as several opted for William & Mary over the traditional powerhouse of women’s college soccer.  I personally have UCLA upsetting Stanford in the final.  Then again, I also have a homer pick in UGA upsetting Duke.  What can I say, I grew up a Kentucky basketball fan and make a general practice of never picking Duke to advance in any sort of bracket.

So, anyone going to the games?  Who do you have winning it all on your bracket?

On the second night of the Atlanta Pro Soccer Challenge the Houston Dynamo and Columbus Crew squared off.  It was another chilly night with temps in the low 40′s.  Both teams started out of the gate fast with several goal scoring chances on both sides. In the 22nd minute a handball in the box gave Jeff Cunningham the oppourtunity to put the crew on the board early. Unfortunately for Cunningham Houston GK Tally Hall guessed right. Literally, with a diving save to his right he deflected Cunninghams shot wide.

It wasn’t until the 34 minute that the Columbus Crew’s newly crowned Designated Player, Andres Mendoza, scored the games first and only goal of the game. In the second half of the game the tempo slowed and became more of a defensive battle with fewer offensive opportunities.  It was still a great match and my two biggest takeaways are 1) I’ve always heard MLS is a “physical” league. But TV doesn’t do it justice, once you see it live you understand. 2) I could get used to this. It’s been great having these matches but to have our own team in Atlanta would be incredible.

After the game Will Hesmer and several other Columbus Crew players hung out in the cold and signed autographs and took pictures with the fans.  It was a great jesture and a moment those fans will remember forever.  As far as the number of fans are concerned the attendance was improved over Wednesday’s game but  still not to the level it should be for these games.  Hopefully Sunday will be the day that the fans come out and the stadium fills up.

Have you been to a game yet? What did you think?

Today the first match of the Atlanta Pro Soccer Challenge was played between the Columbus Crew and New England Revolution.  Several individuals have identified this series of games as an indicator to determine if Atlanta is ready for Major League Soccer. If the turnout tonight is any indicator the answer would be a resounding NO! The weather has been pretty nasty for a few days and lasted through most of the day today. Many will point to the bad weather, the game being played midweek on a school-night,  or lack of advertising for the poor turnout. Whatever the reason Atlanta really needs to come out strong Friday and Sunday to redeem itself.

It was a fun game to watch, from the comforts of the press box, as the Crew and Revolution went through one of their last preseason games before the season kicks off next week. In the 16th minute Crew Forward, Bernardo Anor, started the scoring with a header off of a free kick played in by Robbie Rogers. It only took about a minute for the Crew to add their second goal when Tommy Heinemann took advantage of a poor back-pass and chipped the Revs keeper Matt Reis.   The Revolutions best shot of the half came when Zak Boggs took it past the keeper and instead of slotting it in he hit a flier above the goal.

In the second half the Crew add to scoreline making it 3-0 when Heinemann hit his second goal of the game.  Ilija Stolica scored in the 62 minute to get the Revs on the board and back into the game but it wasn’t to be. Sainey Nyassi had several quality runs and some powerful shots but was never able to break through with a goal. 

Tickets are still available for Fridays match between Columbus Crew and Houston Dynamo. You can also join Atlanta United on Sunday for the match-up of the Houston Dynamo and New England Revolution. Atlanta United is a new organization that wants fans interested in bringing MLS to Atlanta to come together. They will be meeting at 1:30 PM at Kayson’s to discuss plans and come up with some chants to sing during the game. Then everyone will head over to KSU Soccer Stadium to watch Houston Dynamo take on New England Revolution at 3:00 PM. They’re encouraging all fans that want to bring MLS to Atlanta to wear Black and sit in section 116.

You can buy tickets ahead of time at www.TheAtlantaBeat.com or at the gate. Will you be there?

MLS is finally coming to Atlanta.  However, it’s only in the form of a preseason round robin tournament.  The Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, and Houston Dynamo will be competing in the inaugural edition of the Atlanta MLS Challenge.

Tournament Dates and Times

Wednesday, March 9th at 7:30 PM New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew

Friday, March 11th at 7:30 PM  Houston Dynamo vs. Columbus Crew

Sunday, March 13th at 3 PM   Houston Dynamo vs. New England Revolution

Tickets will be available through www.theatlantabeat.com starting at $20 for general admission seats. While Houston will only be here for games and training on March 12th both  Columbus and New England will be training in Atlanta beginning March 4th.  Prior to the Atlanta MLS Challenge kicking off both Columbus and New England will travel north to Chattanooga for an exhibition match on March 6th.

Are you excited to see MLS teams coming to Atlanta? How many games are you planning on going to?