Didn't see any other threads started, so hope I'm not stepping on any toes. First show is over and I like what I see. Nice pre-game and post-game from the studio with Wheelock and Harkes. They are professional and do a good job of being excited yet honest about the product. Like the post-wrap up especially since usually (due to the time slot buy) ESPN2 seems to go from final whistle to next show far too quickly. By hitting the studio and reviewing what happened (plus the interviews on site), you get more of a sense of the whole game and that the result means something more then "this is over, what's on next". Didn't mind the announcers too much. Liked that Bretos called most of the game and Hopkins only chimed in rarely. Would love to see J.P. get a one man booth going for MLS Cup 2003 (but won't ever). Liked that they mostly stayed with the wide view rather then constant close-ups. Got more of a feel for the game as a whole rather then focusing on whatever the director thought was important. Overall, they really made MLS seem like a big deal tonight and I like that. Professional attitude from all involved. I will definitely be back for MLS Wrap tonight and also be there every Saturday for the season. Very high marks from me. Two asides on Earnie Stewart: First, get use to the MLS model (as the studio hosts said); no draw after 90? Deal with it. This ain't Holland no more, guy. Second, is it just me or does the burglar in the Brinks commercials look like Earnie's evil brother? Or maybe he's Bizarro Stewart. Interested to hear what you all thought.
There is already a thread running in the FSW board You should add your comments there https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43809 Andy
I thought that FSW did an excellent job covering MLS. The pre and post game shows were well done. It's nice to see the extra time devoted to our games. I think that this is going to be a good relationship between MLS and FSW.
I noticed in the first 30 minutes of the game the camera was zoomed to far from the field. Then they adjusted it in the second half.
i never knew the wide view camera angle makes the game pace much faster... It make Etch look like DaMarcus...
      Of the two telecasts of the same game (the one on Fox Sports World, and the one on the Comcast Sports Network via the MLS Shootout Package), the Shootout one had a clearer picture, while the FSW one had better commentary.       I eventually ended up watching the FSW telecast... at least until the Earthquakes/Rapids game on the Shootout started. -G
YES, the camera was too far out. FSW please zoom in a bit so we can tell whos who. And thanks to MLS WRAP I got to see the new Metro turf. It looked great and the team colors looked grear. Also the new goals they used looked great. But I think that is just for the Man-U game and they will go back to the AYSO goals.