We start off a jam-packed News Stand for this Wednesday with recaps from yesterday’s preseason opener, a 1-2 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a marathon 135-minute affair …
The Salt Lake Tribune: Alvarez scores, but RSL falls in preseason opener
The Salt Lake Tribune (RSL blog): Alvarez moving ‘forward’ with shining debut for RSL
ESPN700Sports.com (AUDIO): Jason Kreis interview on “Bill & Spence”
RealSaltLake.com: RSL falls to Vancouver in preseason opener
MLSsoccer.com: Kreis stresses defense following loss to Vancouver
MLSsoccer.com: CHAT RECAP – RSL v. Vancouver

Soccer By Ives: Teibert, Dunfield lead Whitecaps to win over RSL in preseason opener

The Vancouver Sun: Dress rehearsal in Arizona impresses Caps’ coach

The Province (Vancouver): Whitecaps make a splash in desert

Metro.com (Vancouver): Caps win first game as MLS team

Moving on to other RSL-centric activities, including SBI’s look at new assistant coach C.J. Brown, details on what could be called “The Next Concession Stand Star,” a continued focus on the Claret-and-Cobalt’s opposition in March, and some updates from the RSL-Arizona Academy courtesy of Keepin’ it Real …

Soccer By Ives: Brown making transition from player to coach

The Salt Lake Tribune (Food blog): “Fan Food Contest” at Rio Tinto

Keepin’ it Real: RSL-AZ college commitments
Keepin’ it Real: Eriq Zavelta moving to Chivas USA Academy
Soccer By Ives: Report: Findley injures thigh in training
Soccer By Ives: MLS Training Camp Preview: LA Galaxy
ESPN Los Angeles: Galaxy might be special, Landon Donovan says

And we’ll close with some interesting notes from around MLS and US Soccer circles … and there’s plenty to go around from an unusually busy Tuesday!

MLSsoccer.com: US vs. Egypt friendly in Cairo cancelled

MLSsoccer.com: Red Bull Arena to host 2011 MLS All-Star Game

MLSsoccer.com: MLS to name All-Star opponent within 30 days

MLSsoccer.com: Garber: Red Bull Arena a special place for All-Star

MLSsoccer.com: “Kick Off” – Wednesday, February 02, 2011

MLSsoccer.com: Point-Counterpoint: Davies and D.C. United

Goal.com: McCarthy's Musings: D.C. United Faces Complicated Decision In Move For Charlie Davies

Soccer By Ives: Evening Ticker: Garber tempers Cosmos' MLS hopes, Roma for sale and more

RSL Soapbox: MLS’ Team #20 – The Big 3 (New York, Miami, and, yes, Las Vegas)
RSL Soapbox:  MLS All-Star match to New York, and other thoughts