Registration for the "2008 MLS Fantasy Challenge," the official fantasy game of Major League Soccer (powered by Fox Soccer Channel and STATS), is underway. Registration for MLSFC 2008 is free and can be accessed by going to http://fantasy.mlsnet.com or by clicking on the "Fantasy" tab at either www.MLSnet.com or www.foxsoccer.com. The competition begins with the March 29 kickoff of Major League Soccer's 13th season. The season-opening Saturday features five games, including a doubleheader on Fox Soccer Channel in which the Houston Dynamo travel to face the New England Revolution, and the Colorado Rapids host the Los Angeles Galaxy (7:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. ET).
Fans who register for the free fantasy contest via www.MLSnet.com or www.foxsoccer.com on MSN have the opportunity to win more than 400 MLS prizes, including two all-expense paid trips for two - one to the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game in Toronto and one to MLS Cup 2008 on Nov. 23 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Prizes include autographed All-Star jerseys and balls, official MLS memorabilia, and several other exclusive MLS items.
"MLS is excited to partner with Fox Soccer Channel and STATS to offer fans MLS Fantasy Challenge," said Neel Shah, MLS' Director of Fan Development. "The combination of real-life management, behind the scenes editorial content and a portfolio of unique prizes provides our fans with an entertaining way to demonstrate their knowledge of the league."
Major League Soccer's Fantasy Challenge is a free weekly online fantasy game that allows soccer fans the opportunity to manage their own soccer team using real-life statistical results. Using a salary budget of $5,000,000 MLS dollars, team owners select 11 field players, three substitutes, and for the first time in MLSFC, they will have the opportunity to select a head coach for their squad. MLSFC players can follow their team's weekly progress throughout the season. The better players perform on the MLS playing field, the more fantasy points they earn for their team, and the more their in-game value will increase. Coaches will earn their owners fantasy points for wins and ties, but will lose points for every yellow and red card their MLS teams pick up.
As the owners and general managers of their very own MLS fantasy teams, fans can select their favorite players for their franchise. The 2008 MLS Fantasy Challenge rewards goal scorers and defenders alike, making a balanced team a necessity to win. With player values changing weekly and limited trades, managers will need to monitor MLS games regularly in order to succeed. While prizes are based on overall individual standings, fans can create their own leagues with the opportunity to compete against family, friends and co-workers, as well as MLS fans across the globe. Each week's winners and their teams will be profiled on Fox Soccer Channel, and will have a chance to share their knowledge and expertise with other MLS Fantasy Challenge participants. All roster moves will be free and each GM will be able to make three (3) trades per week.
The manager of the MLS Fantasy Challenge team with the highest overall point total at the conclusion of the 2008 MLS regular season (Oct. 26, 2008) will be eligible to win the Grand Prize, which includes a trip for two to MLS Cup 2008 on Sunday, Nov. 23. MLS is also offering a prize to the manager having the best second half of the season, from July 7 to Oct. 26.
