When the Portland Timbers kick off their 2012 Major League Soccer regular season schedule against Philadelphia on Monday, one change on the field may not be immediately noticeable but could have a dramatic effect on the game.

The league is using a new and redesigned soccer ball this season.

The new ball, called "Prime," replaces the "Jabulani" ball that had been used the past two seasons. Adidas, with its North American headquarters located in North Portland, designed and manufactured the new ball.

"We wanted to make a (ball) that works best for the player," said Antonio Zea, director of soccer for Adidas America. "We took the opportunity to re-build the new ball."

Zea said the new ball has 32 panels -- or sections -- compared to eight panels on the old ball. Zea said the additional panels have helped stabilize the ball during its flight in the air.

"We wanted players who are using the ball on the field to not have any worries about it," Zea said. "When they kicked the ball, it went where they wanted it to go."

Players complained about the flight of the previous ball, which sometimes dipped and curved like a baseball pitcher's knuckleball.

"The previous ball was awful. You really couldn't predict where the ball was going," Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins said. "With the old ball, you could strike it clean and it would end up knuckling, dipping or swerving on you."

Zea said the new ball was tested on different types of fields -- artificial turf and natural grass -- at different altitudes, in different countries and different players.

MLS players seem to agree that the new ball represents a significant improvement.

"You can strike it a lot cleaner. Last year's ball was a lot less forgiving. If you mis-hit it, the ball could literally go anywhere," Chivas defender Heath Pearce said. "I've found the new ball to be a lot more consistent in the way it plays."

Zea said the ball was tested in different leagues in eight countries – evaluating, among other things, water intake, bounce, weight and flight consistency.

"We wanted to get a wide spectrum of feedback from different leagues, players and parts of the world," Zea said.

The ball also has a different texture on the surface, a matte finish that is supposed to provide a better grip and feel for the players.

"You have the ability to control the ball, especially when you're playing in conditions like it is in Portland (cold and damp). With the wet turf, the ball is a lot quicker, so you have to control the ball," said Juan Pablo Angel, Chivas forward. "The materials are better and you

get to get a better grip on the new ball than the other one."

The ball also has a new graphics design, using elements from the MLS Cup trophy. The new ball combines components of the past with futuristic technology.

"It's definitely an improvement (compared) to the ball of the past two years," said Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake midfielder. "I think it's going to help the game flow even better."

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