First thing I did was follow these instructions:
http://jeexlabs.com/hdloader/You should have a MC folder on your PC somewhere (prior to burning a cd)
Second, I downloaded the Independance Exploit from PS2Savetools.com:
ExploitI don't know if this is necessary, but I was just digging around trying to figure stuff out.
Third, I opened the Indepenance Exploit (NTSC-US version) in the Save Builder tool from PS2Savetools.com:
Save BuilderFourth, I inserted all the files from the MC folder (except titleman.exe), overwriting when prompted.
Fifth, Save the new Save <- sounds funny, but you get the picture.
Sixth, transfer the save via Sharkport to PS2.
That should do it. If you get the game coming up at all then there was something wrong with the Save you uploaded. I wish the PS2 community were as thorough as the Xbox community in regards to documentation.