The Houston Dynamo will travel roughly 200 miles down I-10 to San Antonio to face the expansion San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League (NASL). It's the Dynamo first match in the 2012 US Open Cup tournament and hopefully won't be there last.

The Scorpions are 4-3-1 so far this season, good enough for third place in the NASL standings. They feature a couple former MLS players including defender Ryan Cochrane who spent some time with the Dynamo, as we'll all remember I'm sure. Another name that might be familiar is striker Pablo Campos who played for both the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake. Dynamo home grown midfielder Josue Soto is also with the Scorpions on loan.

The Dynamo will likely have a weakened lineup for the match with several reserves likely getting a chance to shine. While you likely won't see Brian Ching, Brad Davis and other starters, you will get to see Cam Weaver, Alex Dixon, Warren Creavelle and others. The biggest question we'll all be asking is how seriously the team will be taking this match and the tournament as a whole. You'll hear all the right things from players and coaches, but it's hard to say how important the Open Cup will be to Kinnear this season.

I won't lie, I don't know a lot about the Scorpions, so I'm not going to "wax philosophic" about this match. What I can say is that everything I've read and heard leads me to believe they're a solid team that defeated a good Laredo Heat team to get to this match. Add to that they've been getting fantastic crowd support and they play in a high school football stadium that appears to have turf, this could be a tough match.

Houston has advanced to the US Open Cup semifinals twice in their history and now that the tournament offers a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League, there's certainly something to play for. We'll just have to see what happens.

Should the Dynamo win, they will play on Tuesday, June 5 against the winner of the FC Dallas/Charlotte Eagles match. If FCD wins, the game will be at FC Dallas Stadium. If the Charlotte Eagles advance, the match will be at BBVA Compass Stadium.

You can watch the match starting at 7:30pm CT online at HoustonDynamo.com

If you noticed that an entire section within the supporter's section was empty for most of the second half yesterday, here's why.

An individual was arrested and removed from the section by police, prompting El Batallon to remove their banner and walk out in apparent protest. This is not the first time EB has been at the center of trouble at Dynamo games and based on off-the-record comments I've heard over the past months, the FO's patience with this group is wearing thin.

There were two videos recorded of the arrest yesterday. While both claim that the individual was tasered by police, there's no sign on it in the videos. It could have happened before this but I've been told by a couple sources that it was just an arrest.

You can see the videos after the jump.

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Enjoy some reactions from the Dynamo's 2-1 victory over the LA Galaxy today.

The bad news: This match didn't start well for Houston. The good news: It ended just fine.

After surrendering an early goal on a defensive mistake, the Dynamo came back to down the LA Galaxy thanks to a Mike Magee own goal and a Andre Hainault set piece goal. The victory provides a small level of payback for last year's MLS Cup final, but statements like that should be limited considering nothing can really make up for losing a final. Oh well, we'll take this one.

The Dynamo's defensive problems re-appeared within 10 minutes of kickoff. The Galaxy sliced through the middle of the defense after beating Houston's high line. Chad Barrett got past Jermaine Taylor on the left side, collecting a great pass from David Beckham and sending a cross to Edson Buddle who had blown past Bobby Boswell. Buddle easily beat Tally Hall to put the Galaxy ahead 1-0.

Despite hopes that maybe things had improved, we're left with the painful truth that without Geoff Cameron this defense goes from inconsistent (leaning to good) to inconsistent (leaning to bad). Now that's not to say they were bad the entire game, it's just another instance of a mistake leading directly to a goal.

Houston equalized in the 39th minute in a wonderfully train wreck moment for the Galaxy defense. Je-Vaughn Watson found Brian Ching in space to the left of goal and Ching's shot pinged off the post bouncing right to Mike Magee. Instead of clearing, Magee's attempt to control the ball sent it right in to the empty net. Ugly, but it counts.

The second half started out nicely. Brad Davis stepped up after the Dynamo earned a corner in the 57th minute. Davis sent the ball to the near post where it was met by a rising Andre Hainault who flicked the ball on to the far corner past Brian Perk. It was Davis's 75th career assist.

The most drama late in the match was off the pitch where a member of the El Batallon supporters groups was reportedly tased by security. The entire group walked out of the stadium, leaving an entire section within the supporter's section empty for much of the second half.

A source at the match confirmed there was an arrest but could not get confirmation of the user of a taser.

SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOW CARDS: LA: Juninho, Landon Donovan

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Dynamo Starting XI & Bench:

Galaxy Starting XI:

Perk; Franklin, DeLaGarza, Gaul, Dunivant; Jordan, Beckham, Walker, Magee; Barrett, Buddle

It's that time of the year again when the MLS Players Union releases the latest player salary information. There's no real surprises for the Dynamo. Brian Ching's salary is way down compared to last season (we knew that), Brad Davis is the highest paid player on the team and Tally Hall got a massive, and deserved, raise.

Remember that Kofi Sarkodie and Will Bruin are still both part of Generation adidas, so they're salaries don't count against the cap.

There's no doubt the best bargain on the roster is Adam Moffat at just under $60k/year. Jermaine Taylor is a close second at roughly $65k/year.

You can see salaries for all the players in the league here, but if you're just interested in the Dynamo's numbers, here you go:

What are your thoughts on the salaries?

I'm looking forward to the various comments concerning Watson's compensation.

When the 2012 MLS schedule was released, plenty of people circled tomorrow's match between the Houston Dynamo and the LA Galaxy. It's the first meeting between the two sides since last season's MLS Cup Final and everyone expected it to be a battle between two of the better teams in the league. Now with just over 24 hours to go until kickoff, it's lost some of the sheen of expectation...and it's all the Galaxy's fault!

Bruce Arena's team has been abysmal for the most part this season. After being unceremoniously knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions League by Toronto FC, it appears that the Galaxy have lost their mojo. Landon Donovan is uninspired, David Beckham is back to his pre-2011 form of spending most of his time finding better things to that focusing on his play. The rest of roster is under performing and the grand "super club" experiment is blowing up in Arena's face because he has no real depth to speak of on his roster.

Sure most MLS team's struggle to have true depth, but it's certainly still possible to build a roster capable of surviving some injuries and absences. So instead of rolling along to their second straight championship, questions are starting to be asked about whether or not this Galaxy team can make the playoffs. It's a bit early for that, but if they don't turn things around, it could become a real possibility.

LA will be without Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane, both of whom are away on international duty.

The Dynamo are about to be dealing with several absences as well after this weekend. Geoff Cameron is already gone to USMNT duty, but Andre Hainault and Je-Vaughn Watson will be available for tomorrow's match before heading off their respective international teams. Houston's depth is about to severely tested over the coming weeks, so that fact, along with the truth about the Galaxy's form makes this match a big one for the Dynamo.

Three points are a must in my view. This is a wounded and beaten-up LA side ripe for the picking, the Dynamo need to come out and pound them in to oblivion. Eaiser said than done of course, but if Houston is as good of a team as we hope, these are the types of matches they need to start winning. Not just because it's at home, but because the Galaxy are struggling and the last thing Houston should be doing is allowing teams that are down to get back up at their expense.

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FC Dallas must have offended someone at the adidas offices. Their second jersey by itself is all right -- the grey accents look sharp and it's a good shade of blue. It's not the greatest jersey ever made, but there have been better and worse ... basically, it's middle of the road.

I digress.

Combine that acceptable jersey with some downright ugly shorts, though, and you get one of the ugliest MLS kits we've seen in awhile.

Continue reading this post »

Continue reading this post »

If you didn't get a chance to be at BBVA Compass Stadium two weeks ago for the inaugural match at the new home of the Houston Dynamo, you missed a fantastic video chronicling the journey to opening day.

Fortunately for everyone who didn't get to see it and all of us who want to watch it over and over again, the team has posted it on their YouTube channel. Sit back and enjoy "This is Home"...and Dynamo fans, I suggest having a tissue handy to wipe away the tears.

HOUSTON DYNAMO -- OUT: GK Erich Marscheider (R shoulder sprain); DF Kofi Sarkodie (R foot sprain); FW Brian Ownby (L elbow dislocation)

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Update: Chelsea defeat Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties, win UEFA Champions League final

Bayern and Chelsea couldn't settle things in the first 90 minutes. Despite a penalty chance for the Germans, they still couldn't settle things after 30 minutes of extra time. Now it's time for penalties. Gulp.

I personally hate penalties, whether I'm a fan or a neutral. They're cruel and evil and do nothing more than lead to blood pressure problems...but that's just me. No doubt hearts are beating like crazy, some fans likely cannot watch, the Champions League will be decided by one of the most exciting, excruciating and brutal creations that mankind has ever come up with. The only thing worse is of course the Thunderdome.

Penalty kicks will be updated in this post throughout, and we'll follow that up with a full match report. Stay tuned...

Philipp Lahm takes a penalty for Bayern and SCORES

Juan Mata takes a penalty for Chelsea and MISSES

Mario Gomez takes a penalty for Bayern and SCORES

David Luiz takes a penalty for Chelsea and SCORES

Manuel Neuer takes a penalty for Bayern and SCORES

Frank Lampard takes a penalty for Chelsea and SCORES

Ivica Olic takes a penalty for Bayern and MISSES

Ashley Cole takes a penalty for Chelsea and SCORES

Bastian Schweinsteiger takes a penalty for Bayern and MISSES

Didier Drogba takes a penalty for Chelsea and SCORES

CHELSEA WIN THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

The short break seemed to help Bayern settle down and catch their breath.

In the 18th minute, Ivica Olic was left wide open at the far post by the Chelsea defense who had all moved to far inside. Olic had the trophy on his foot, but tried to be far too clever looking to make another pass to a trailing Daniel van Buyten who clearly expected Olic to shoot and got caught on his heels. The delay allowed the pass to trickle harmlessly past the goal mouth rather than being put in by van Buyten.

The chance inspired Bayern, who looked much stronger as the final minutes ticked away. Still they were cursed by poor decision-making in the final third and erratic finishing that was totally uncharacteristic of this team. We've got five minutes left and penalties are looming.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

Update: Chelsea defeat Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties, win UEFA Champions League final

Despite the missed penalty, Bayern continued to attack Chelsea with a relentless fervor. After such a simple affair for the first 83 minutes, the last 20 minutes or so have been completely insane. Lucky for you, all you have to do is watch. I have to sit here and write frantically to describe all the events occurring in Munich .. .I wouldn't trade this spot for the world of course but you'll forgive me if my fingers hurt right now.

Chelsea have started to look better as Bayern tired and their dominance in possession lessened with Thomas Mueller and Franck Ribery both out of the match. Fernando Torres has been active for Chelsea, challenging the Bayern defense with speed and effective runs.

The first 15 minutes of extra time ended with Chelsea looking much better on the attack and appearing to have the fresher legs. Bayern's passing isn't as good as it once once and their touch is letting them down as well. Could be an interesting final 15 minutes of extra time at the Allianz Arena.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

Franck Ribery was taken down by Didier Drogba in the third minute of extra time in the box and the referee wasted no time in awarding a penalty. Easy call as the Chlesea striker kicked out at Ribery's feet and knocked down the French attacker.

As Ribery was taken off the pitch, Chelsea pleaded their case to no avail. Arjen Robben stepped up to the stop against Petr Cech which a chance to put Bayern back in the lead. He didn't. Robben's shot was low and to the far post with good pace, but Cech guessed perfectly and made the save.

Wow, what a chance for Bayern and, even worse, Ribery was unable to continue, replaced by Ivica Olic.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

Gary Neville and Martin Tyler need to shut the hell up, what a pair pathetically biased gasbags...sorry, I'm done.

On to extra time between Bayern and Chelsea. The Blues are energized after the unbelievable late equalizer from Didier Drogba and have a more offensive lineup on the pitch. During all the post-goal hullabaloo, Fernando Torres replaced Soloman Kalou.

At the moment, shots are 35-7 in favor of Bayern, corners 17-1 in favor on Bayern, time of possession 56%-44% in favor of Bayern...but the only thing that matters is that the goals are even at one.

Will we see more goal are we destined for penalties? Let's find out!

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

Update: Chelsea defeat Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties, win UEFA Champions League final

90 minutes will not be enough at the Allianz Arena in Munich between Bayern and Chelsea. We're tied 1-1 after full time and that means we're going to extra time and possibly penalties.

Just a reminder of how extra time works in soccer: The teams will play two 15-minute halves, with a short break between. There are no "golden goal" rules so the teams can score as many goals as they like in the 30 minutes. Should the two sides remain tied after the extra period, we'll go to the most exciting and painfully excruciating way to decide a sporting event known to man, the penalty kicks.

If you're a neutral, buckle your seat belt and enjoy the ride. If you've got a dog in the race, try not to lose your lunch or dinner from all the nerves that are coming.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

Potential hero Thomas Muller was subbed out of the match shortly after putting Bayern in front. Daniel van Buyten entered the match in a clear defensive move by Jupp Heynckes. It didn't work.

Chelsea earned a corner in the 88th minute, and poor marking from Bayern allowed Didier Drogba to cut right in to the box and send a powerful header past Manuel Neuer. Wow, what can you say about the resilience of this Chelsea side and extra time is now staring us right in the face.

What a stunning turn of events as Bayern looked ready to lift the trophy. The looks on the Bayern supporters' faces are priceless at the moment.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

At last Bayern Munch found their goal!!

A fantastic cross from Bastian Schweinsteiger found Thomas Muller at the far post and after so many wasted chances, he was not going to miss this one. Ashley Cole, who had just seen yellow for sweeping Muller's legs out from under him, didn't see the midfielder sneaking in behind him at the fair post and watched as the cross sailed over his head and was finished by Muller.

Cech made a desperate play at the ball, but he had no chance to stop the header as it bounced hard and past him off the inside of the crossbar and in to the net. Bayern's fans went nuts, the players celebrated with a dogpile and most important, they've got the goal and the lead.

Mario Gomez deserves credit for trying up two Chelsea defenders and allowing Muller to find the open space.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

We've passed the 70th minute mark in Munich and there is still no score. Chelsea have dropped back in to their own box, keeping eight or nine player behind the ball at all times. Call in anti-football, call it smart tactics, it's working so far as the Blues are strangling off the game just like their did in the semifinals. It's dreadful to watch if you enjoy free flowing football, but such is life.

After a couple mistakes from Bayern allowed Chelsea to attack for the first time all half, Roberto Di Matteo made the first substitution of the match as Ryan Bertrand gave way to Florent Malouda. It was a solid 73 minutes from Bertrand who made is Champions League debut in the final, talk about pressure.

Chelsea continued to have a short spell of more aggressive play, actually managing to both hold possession and create a couple chances against Manuel Neuer. Bayern took back control though promptly and again began building up pressure against the Chelsea goal.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

Chance after chance for Bayern, but each time the shot is off target or a Chelsea defender is in the right position to make a play. They may not be outwardly showing it yet, but Bayern's players have to been getting frustrated and you can certainly sense the growing tension from their supporters.

Didier Drogba is the only Chelsea player consistently in any type of a forward position. Everyone else is behind the midfield stripe or deeper as the Blues desperately attempt to keep Bayern at bay. There was a couple penalty shouts from the home side as well, but both were rightly ignored by the referee. Ashley Cole blocked a Philipp Lahm cross with his arm, but it was down and against his body, no foul. Lahm was back shortly thereafter, going down in the box after a bit of soft shoulder block from Drogba. Again, no foul.

Chelsea have parked the bus, there's no pretense of attack now. It's all about surviving until extra time and possibly trying to get lucky on a counter attack. To their credit, Bayern are staying patient and working the ball around well looking for a chance.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

More pressure from Bayern. Toni Kross was so close (admit it, you laughed) with an ambitious shot from distance. The shot broke a spell of possession though for Bayern and manager Jupp Heynckes was none to pleased with his midfielder's decision to take a chance from what was honestly an unrealistic angle. Heynckes furry makes sense, no need to take shots like that when you're the better team and the goal you need will come from continuing to pass and spread the Chelsea defenders out.

Another great chance in the 59th minute for Bayern. Mario Gomez found Arjen Robben in space with a nifty pass but once again Ashley Cole came flying in on the play and made a splendid block on the shot. Cole has been all over the place so far, covering whenever a fellow defender makes a misstep. If Chelsea end up winning this match, a case can be made for him being the man of the match...he's been that good.

Bayern earned a corner right at the hour mark of the match, but it was cleared by Drogba for another corner. Robben set piece attempt was flicked on by Bastian Schweinsteiger for a Blues goal kick. Bad marking for Chelsea, but Schweinsteiger had to jump to high to get to the ball and couldn't get any control on the header.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

The more the clock creeps toward the 90-minute mark, the more this feels a lot like the second leg between Chelsea and Barcelona in the semifinals. I'm sorry to keep bringing it up, but the comparisons are obvious. Bayern are controlling the play, Chelsea are occasionally looking dangerous on the counter. Bayern are generating chances but failing to finish their chances.

Bayern finally appeared to score in the 54th minute, but Franck Ribery's rebound finish was ruled offside by the linesman. It was the right call, as Ribery was a step offside and Kroos probably should have done better with the initial shot. Still, it was a moment of joy for Bayern supporters that quickly evaporated.

It may not have been a goal, but it was a clear warning to Chelsea that Bayern are getting closer and closer to breaking down their stubborn defensive setup. The tension is building in Munich, my typing is getting worse. Surely a goal is coming soon?

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

First thing of note is that there are no changes to either side at halftime. I expect Di Matteo is going to ride Ryan Bertrand as long as possible before making an adjustment either defensively or offensively as necessary.

Chelsea opened the half looking to balance out possession a bit and actually spend some meaningful time in the Bayern half. It worked a bit, but the first mistake led to a great chance for the Germans.

Early in the half, Arjen Robben absolutely abused David Luiz on the right side, turning him in circles on a long pass and moving in on Cech. If not for a valiant run from Ashley Cole, who raced back in to the play and made a great sliding tackle to block Robben's cross, that could have been the moment for Bayern to finally take the lead their play has deserved. Instead, more solid defending from the Blues and things remain scoreless.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

Chelsea finally earned a dangerous set piece in the 33rd minute after Gary Cahill went sprawling following minimal contact with Jerome Boateng. Yes Boateng stepped in on Cahill, but the replayed showed the defender was on his way down before he actually made contact with the Bayern midfielder. In the end, it mattered not as Juan Mata's free kick went well over the cross bar.

Given how the match is progressing, you have to think that Chelsea will need to do better with chances like that since they are spending the rest of their team desperately trying to keep Bayern from finding the match's first goal.

After a solid 20 minutes of defensive play, Chelsea got adventurous. Didier Drogba got involved for the first time, getting behind the Bayern defense but the ball didn't fall quick enough, allowing the defenders to recover. Minutes later on a break, Chelsea brilliantly changed the point of attack, finding Soloman Kalou alone on the wing, racing in on Manuel Neuer. The goalkeeper smothered Kalou's shot, but it was an impressive reversal of flow.

Bayern answered but after Ribery made a fantastic pass in the box to a charging Gomez, it was completed wasted as the forward decided to take a touch rather than just unleashing a shot. The ball bounced harmlessly out of play.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

This final is quickly becoming like watching the Chelsea/Barca match all over again. Chelsea have quickly abandoned the idea of doing anything other than timely counter attacking and have gone in to a tightly compacted defensive alignment. Bayern are going right at Chelsea, getting corner after corner but so far Cech and the defense have been up to the task.

Last update, Bayern have about 65% of the possession but as we all learned a couple weeks ago, that means nothing if you can't take advantage and put the ball in the net. On the bright side for the Germans, they've looked much more likely to score early that Barca did.

David Luiz's elbow dropped Thomas Muller just outside the Chelsea box in the 28th minute, allowing Bayern a great opportunity. Arjen Robben's free kick was blocked easily by the wall. A disappointing set piece from the Dutch star.

Jose Boswinga escaped a booking after a blatant chop to the back of Franck Ribery's legs. Not sure why the referee only issued a verbal warning, but we'll see how that plays out as Ribery was taken off the pitch for treatment.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

It goes to figure that just as I try to credit Chelsea a little bit for trying to get forward, a couple nicely executed counters from Bayern have quickly forced the Blues right back in to that all so familiar defensive shell. I suppose I can't blame Di Matteo for forcing his side to compact defensively, but it doesn't mean I have to enjoy it.

Aside from a couple decent chances for Bayern, the most entertaining element of the match so fair is the spider that's been shaved in to the back of Salomon Kalou's head. I'm not kidding, he's got a giant hair spider on the back of his head...it's creepy.

Chelsea's lives flashed before their lives in the 19th minute with a ball got loose in the box right in front of Mario Gomez. Instead of blasting the ball on frame, Gomez inexplicably whiffed as he tried to make a clever turn instead of just hitting the ball. As if that wasn't enough, Jose Boswinga shanked the subsequent clearance.

Minutes later, Arjen Robben forced a great save for Petr Cech as Bayern is getting closer and closer to breaking down Chelsea's idling bus.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

There's no doubt early that Chelsea are not intending to play the ultra-defensive style that got them past Barcelona in the semifinal. The Blues attacked more in the first 10 minutes than they did the entire 120 minutes against Barca, and we saw quickly why that's a risky proposition.

The first time the Blues really pushed forward, Bayern were able to gain possession and quickly counter down the wing with Arjen Robben. He easily turned Ashley Cole inside out, but fortunately for Chelsea fans, Robben's shot went well over the goal, not bothering Petr Cech in the least.

It's far to early to tell how the more attacking minded setup with affect Chelsea, but at least it's a more entertaining setup that what we saw in their semi.

Mario Gomez got his first chance in the 13th minute after redirecting a finely placed cross from Franck Ribery just wide of the net.

We' ll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.

We're off at the Allianz Arena in Munich! The light bulbs are flashing, Martin Tyler and Gary Neville are already offering horribly biased commentary, you have to love the Champions League!

The importance of the first five minutes was heavily stressed by various talking heads in the build-up, it was all about how frantic and crazy it would be. Well, it's was fairly clam. Bayern had the better of possession but a majority of the time was spent with the two teams running in to each other in the midfield as everyone settled in. Bayern did earn a corner in the 5th minute, but they failed to take advantage when an eventual shot from Kroos went wide.

Ashley Cole got on the referee's radar early with a poor challenge on Kroos, it definitely gives you an idea of what Chelsea's plan is in terms of playing a physical match. Bastian Schweinsteiger earned a yelow card in the 2nd minute after a needles deliberate handball in the midfield. Not sure was he was thinking, but it's puts a ton of pressure on him to play carefully the rest of the match.

We'll have live coverage and updates throughout the game in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.