ESPN’s MLS Cup Coverage Includes 24 Cameras, Virtual Offside Line

ESPN will have a variety of toys to play with this Sunday during its coverage of the MLS Cup between FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids.

The network will roll out a total of 24 cameras, including two super slo-mo cameras, three robotic cameras, a steadicam and a jib. In addition ESPN will deploy the Offside Line, which displays a virtual line affixed to the last defender to show viewers whether the referee’s offside decision is accurate on replays.

Ian Darke, ESPN’s lead soccer play-by-play commentator, will make his Major League Soccer debut with John Harkes providing analysis.  Rob Stone will report from the sidelines.

ESPNEWS anchor Max Bretos will make his ESPN MLS Cup debut as host of on-site studio segments, before and after the match and at halftime, along with Alexi Lalas and Steve McManaman (also making his debut) providing analysis.

Additional content will include a halftime interview with MLS Commissioner Don Garber and a feature on FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

The action starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, live from BMO Field in Toronto.