SSS

A.K.A. Soccer Specific Stadiums, or what is the biggest buzz in a big week for Major League Soccer. Last night, FC Dallas (owned by Lamar Hunt, at right) opened up Pizza Hut Park with a 2-2 draw against the Metrostars. Rather appropriate, since earlier in the week, the Metros announced that they have finally secured a deal to build their own stadium in Harrison, NJ. Add to that the stadiums underway in Chicago and Colorado, the purchase of DC United by a new ownership group for a record fee, and Andy Williams scoring the 5,000th goal in league history, and there's been a lot of positive steps forward for the league this week.

Kudos to Fox Soccer Channel for giving us bonus coverage of the Dallas-Metros game this afternoon. Tape delay aside, it was nice to get a look at the new park, and to see two of the finest goals scored this year, one a cheeky backheel from Carlos Ruiz, and one a delicate chip by Youri Djorkaeff. (Warning: you'll need Windows Media Player and a fast conncetion for these clips.) A lot of people questioned the Metros' signing of Djorkaeff in the off-season as another mistake in a long line of over-the-hill Europeans, but watching last night's game should put any griping to an end. Not only did the French international play the entire game in summer Dallas heat, but he had a fantastic game, scoring two goals and showing why he's the type of classy player MLS should always be looking for.