While Toronto FC dominated Major League Soccer headlines in the Eastern Conference with their high priced player signings, the off-season action out west featured the league's purchase of the troubled Chivas. By Peter Nolan

The games took place under the guidance of replacement officials, with the league having locked out the its union officials. By Peter Nolan

Famed Sportscaster Howard Cosell used to refer to sports as the "toy department of human life," in other words a break from the more serious stresses of the day. By Peter Nolan