MLS Preview, 3 of 3

Today is the final day of our MLS preview.  I hope that you have read these and compared and contrasted opinions.  It has been interesting putting these together and comparing what we think.

Without further adieu... Day 3

What will make this season a success for MLS in your mind:

Dig:  The league following the trend that that seems to be growing.  Teams
that are clearly better and the class of the league, and the best team
winning the title.  Having a growing disparity between the good and
mediocre teams I think is something that will become more evident this
year, and is a healthy sign for a league.  Having a bunch of average
teams, and an average team who had a decent run of play for a few
weeks being crowned champions always seemed to take away from the
validity of the league.  LA winning last year was a positive step, and
I think it continues.

Roc:   The noble Men in Blazers ushering this fine sport into the American mainstream.  Continued success against Mexican competition in the CCL.  Announcers avoiding the letters D and P (unless they are talking about double penetration) during broadcasts.  Announcers not celebrating every ball that David Beckham kicks longer than 20 yds.  Announcers making the games more enjoyable by talking less. 
Joe:  Higher attendance, ratings for NBC's broadcasts, continued higher level of play, competitive race for Supporters Shield.
Jon:
Several things i am hoping for...
a quality TV product on NBC.
some buzz around the league throughout the season, not just at the beginning.
large crowds
stadium situations improved in New England and DC
Dylan:  That I get lucky and get to watch the exciting games. That there are so many great goals that MLS is on Sportcenter after every game. That the latest imports elevate the game. That the Red Bulls stick it to everyone and win the league (Supporters Shield, right?) and the MLS Cup.

What other MLS Story lines are you watching for in 2012:

Dig:  With everything I said above regarding a growing disparity in quality
being a positive step, I feel like there is some risk potential to
that as well for teams on the low end of the spectrum.  Does the
league begin showing signs of over expansion, with teams towards the
bottom starting to show financial issue? I don't think these things
happen in one year, but doesn't expanding so quickly run this risk?
At the end of the day, I think the financial structure of the league
over time will still keep teams more bunched together than your
typical pro league like it has traditionally, and therefore avoid
this, but it does make me wonder.

Jon:

LA winning the CONCACAF Champions League

Red Bulls playing to their ability

The battle for the fifth playoff spot in both conferences

Roc: Regional rivalries being amped up.  Seattle is planning on full capacity for the Cascadia games (64,000 or so).  NYRB and Philadelphia should get more interesting this year.  Canadian teams battling it out (inasmuch as Canadians can battle). Simon Borg and Jason Saghini engaging in fisticuffs because of a minor difference of opinion.