Can revamped Toronto FC live up to hype One is the opening of the Major League Soccer season, which gets underway with cheap oakley sunglasses eight games on Saturday. In fact, TFC finds itself at the centre of focus across the league, with a massive rebuild and a host of new superstars providing hope of a first ever post season berth for the franchise. Soccer experts across the continent are anxious to see TFC in action; ESPN analyst Alexi Lalas even said on Twitter that the season doesn start for him until TFC plays. Even so, here a look at where things stand in MLS as the season begins: It all about the Big Deal a reported $100 million in transfer fees and contracts for new designated players Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley and Gilberto. Add in Brazilian all world goalkeeper cheap oakley sunglasses australia Julio Cesar, midfielder Jackson and the return of Dwayne DeRosario, and the transformation is overwhelming. Now, TFC task turns to becoming a team and actually winning games, while deflecting all the hype. Defoe will oakley sunglasses australia join the team this weekend, as per his contract with Tottenham and his call up to England for a mid week friendly match.

There no question this is by far the most anticipated season in TFC history. Eight teams enter the season with new head coaches. Former Chicago Fire manager Frank Klopas takes over with the Montreal Impact, while former TFC midfielder Carl Robinson is at the coaching helm for the Vancouver Whitecaps, taking over from Martin Rennie. Canadian Frank Yallop, fired from the San Jose Earthquakes last year, has landed in Chicago he won the MLS Cup twice as a manager. Could new heroes emerge out west? The Whitecaps, who became the first Canadian club to qualify for the MLS post season back in 2012, lost 2013 Golden Boot winner Camilo this off season (he forced a transfer to Queretaro despite being under contract). That leaves promising youngsters such as Kekuta Manneh and Darren Mattocks to fill the gap and the net for a Vancouver franchise looking to build a long term winner. Galaxy II, a cheap oakley sunglasses australia reserve team that will play in the third tier USL Pro league.

While other MLS clubs (including TFC, who forged an alliance with the Wilmington Hammerheads this season) have loan arrangements with USL Pro teams, having a full reserve squad in the league gives the Galaxy a development advantage. The feel good story of the Eastern Conference in 2013 was the New England Revolution, who rode a young roster to a surprising third place finish. Though Juan Agudelo moved to Stoke City in the off season, the Revs still boast 19 year old Diego Fagundez, one of the most exciting youngsters in the league. MLS locked out its referees on Friday, just a day before the season began. Replacement officials were being flown in for the season openers Saturday, a group that includes former MLS and FIFA refs. A new collective bargaining agreement is being negotiated, but there are no signs of an early settlement. The CBA expires after this season, but early word is that there cheap oakley sunglasses is little likelihood of a lockout next year, when the league turns 20 and welcomes two new expansion teams, New York City FC and oakley sunglasses australia Orlando City SC. The Colorado Rapids are still without a full time head coach, two months after Oscar Pareja stepped down to take the manager job with FC Dallas. Chivas USA is officially a ward of the league, having been purchased by MLS from Jorge Vergara and Angelica Fuentes last month.

Chris Wondolowski turned some heads (not in a good way) in 2013 when his goal production fell to 11, down from the league record 27 he scored in 2012. Reports oakley sunglasses later told the story Wondo played last oakley sunglasses season with a broken foot. But the Earthquakes forward is back to good health and will be extra motivated as he looks to crack Team USA squad for the World Cup. Jonathan Osorio, TFC 21 year old homegrown midfielder, had a wonderful rookie campaign in 2013 and should be even better this year alongside an experienced veteran like Bradley. Diego Valeri was a definite breakout star for a Portland Timbers team that finished atop the Western Conference, in a midfield that also featured strong contributions from Canadian national team member Will Johnson. With the addition of Argentinean Gaston Fernandez, Portland will be a team to watch in the West. to his hometown Chicago Fire spurred Magee to a career high 15 goals. Whether he can repeat that performance in 2014 will be one of the season interesting storylines.