MLS Season opener draws near.

Ahh, the end of march, when MLS bloggers awake from their pre-season slumber and start covering their team. Or something like that. This Saturday, United kicks off the 2008 season on the road against the Kansas City Wizards. We're sure to have a full on preview before then, for now, suffice to say that the game is only available on DireckKick and MLSLIVE.TV. The Screaming Eagles have you covered and have set up not one, not two, not three, but four viewing parties for the game. A sad state of affairs for the debut of a Designated Player, but thats MLS for you. By the way, have DC United ever opened the season at home?

In other United news, Josh Gros will coach the U15 Academy team. Let's hope he has someone else showing the kids how to refine their heading techniques.

Josh Gros, former United midfielder and defender, is set to lead D.C. United's U-15 Academy Developmental Training Program. Gros did not resume his playing career this season after his 2007 campaign was cut short, the result of a series of head injuries. Though his playing future has yet to be determined, the Rutgers product will remain a part of the team in his new position on the sidelines.

Finally, we learned last Thursday that DC United will face Pachuca of Mexico in the Champions' Cup semi-finals. I like our chances, given that we host the return leg, so barring a massive drubbing in Mexico, dot dot dot. The away match is next Tuesday, April 1st with the return set for Wednesday April 9th. Pachuca knocked the Houston Dynamo out of the cup last year, but only barely. This mexican press article notes that "Enrique Meza pupils barely dominated to continue the defense of their crown, despite Montagua dominating beginning"