The most surprising roster spot - Freddy Adu is back on the U.S. national team roster! He will join seven players on the roster have never played for the national team: forwards Preston Zimmerman, Sal Zizzo and Robbie Findley; midfielders Maurice Edu and Danny Szetela; defender Steve Purdy; and goalkeeper Tally Hall.
Adu has player for team US before - Adu made his international debut as an 81st-minute substitute against Canada on Jan. 22, 2006.
Adu has appeared in just two matches this season since transferring to Portugal's Benfica.
Here's US Roster for next week's exhibition game at Switzerland:
Goalkeepers: Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, England), Tally Hall (Esbjerg, Norway), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, England), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Dan Califf (Aalborg, Denmark), Jay Demerit (Watford, England), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, Belgium), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock, Germany), Steve Purdy (1860 Munich, Germany)
Midfielders: Freddy Adu (Benfica, Portugal), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Maurice Edu (Toronto), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburg SV, Germany), Eddie Lewis (Derby, England), Danny Szetela (Racing Santander, Spain)
Forwards: Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Preston Zimmerman (Hamburg SV, Germany), Sal Zizzo (Hannover, Germany).
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
MLS ambition burdens teams
Frank Dell'Apa of the Boston Globe on how Major League Soccer's increased ambition is placing an unrealistic burden on its best teams.
He points out that D.C. United will play 30 regular-season games, plus as many as four playoff matches, and also competed in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, Copa Sudamericana, SuperLiga, and US Open Cup.
Read the rest its very interesting. Frank makes a very good case and good solutions how to deal with unrealistic burden on several teams.
He points out that D.C. United will play 30 regular-season games, plus as many as four playoff matches, and also competed in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, Copa Sudamericana, SuperLiga, and US Open Cup.
Read the rest its very interesting. Frank makes a very good case and good solutions how to deal with unrealistic burden on several teams.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter insults American franchises
FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants to tighten regulations regarding club ownership to prevent "the American franchise system'' from infiltrating European soccer.
Blatter said Tuesday he was disappointed by a recent Court of Arbitration for Sport decision to dismiss an attempt by Spain's soccer federation to block the league from including Granada 74 in the second division.
The club won promotion to the regional fourth division last season but has leapt two flights by taking the place of Ciudad Murcia, which it recently bought. Granada 74 is now 16th in the second division.
CAS ruled Aug. 24 that Granada 74 had been "duly recognized'' by the league and that the name change and move breached no applicable regulations.
"I am very disappointed that CAS has ignored the principle of sporting criteria for qualifying for a division and opened doors for the American franchise system to football,'' Blatter said. "FIFA will take immediate action to stop this loophole by passing appropriate regulations.''
Taken from an AP story.
Blatter said Tuesday he was disappointed by a recent Court of Arbitration for Sport decision to dismiss an attempt by Spain's soccer federation to block the league from including Granada 74 in the second division.
The club won promotion to the regional fourth division last season but has leapt two flights by taking the place of Ciudad Murcia, which it recently bought. Granada 74 is now 16th in the second division.
CAS ruled Aug. 24 that Granada 74 had been "duly recognized'' by the league and that the name change and move breached no applicable regulations.
"I am very disappointed that CAS has ignored the principle of sporting criteria for qualifying for a division and opened doors for the American franchise system to football,'' Blatter said. "FIFA will take immediate action to stop this loophole by passing appropriate regulations.''
Taken from an AP story.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Philly Expansion?
As the MLS season comes into its stretch run, so, too, does the competition for the league's 15th and 16th franchises. League officials say they plan to stay at 16 teams for some time after the next expansion. Whoever loses out on this expansion bid may have a long wait on their hands.
The Atlantic City Press seems to think MLS expansion for the Philly area is a good idea. It lays out a pretty good case, while looking at other possible cities.
The Atlantic City Press seems to think MLS expansion for the Philly area is a good idea. It lays out a pretty good case, while looking at other possible cities.
Marcus Hahnemann rebounds
Like many of you I was worried when I heard about Marcus Hahnemann seven-goal performance last week, but I feel much better knowing he rebounded to post a shutout in Reading's 1-0 win against Derby. That being said he didn't have to make a single save.
Galaxy win to remain in hunt
Gavin Glinton scored in the 77th minute to give Los Angeles a 2-1 victory in front of 30,588 fans, the Houston Dynamo's first sellout in team history.
The LA Galaxy are hanging around the playoff hunt and with Beckham coming back this could be very interesting. Does Beckham help the Galaxy, a team on a roll, or do they revert ? The next few weeks will be very interesting.
Also - was the Dynamo's sellout part of the Beckham effect or what this just an energized soccer base in Houston. My beat - Beckham, but hopefully people enjoyed themselves and will come back again.
The LA Galaxy are hanging around the playoff hunt and with Beckham coming back this could be very interesting. Does Beckham help the Galaxy, a team on a roll, or do they revert ? The next few weeks will be very interesting.
Also - was the Dynamo's sellout part of the Beckham effect or what this just an energized soccer base in Houston. My beat - Beckham, but hopefully people enjoyed themselves and will come back again.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Minnesota Vikings owner looking at MLS.
According to St. Paul Pioneer Press Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf is interested in bringing a Major League Soccer team to the Twin Cities.
It's great that owners with deep pockets are starting to line up for an MLS expansion. Minnesota, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Philadelphia are all options for expansion. As long as MLS attracts solid owners with a soccer specific stadium in the works these all sound like exciting options.
It's great that owners with deep pockets are starting to line up for an MLS expansion. Minnesota, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Philadelphia are all options for expansion. As long as MLS attracts solid owners with a soccer specific stadium in the works these all sound like exciting options.
Friday, October 5, 2007
What do Hockey-Soccer have in common?
According to The Offside Rules blog, a lot if you live in Washington DC. His post is below:
In a shocking display of sporting non-partisanship the NHL Washington Capitals are going to posse up with DC United of MLS. The mission: cross-marketing in the name of putting more asses in seats. The passage below was forwarded to me by a DC season ticket holder.
"Important offers and reminders for D.C. United Planholders:
DC United and the Washington Capitals are excited to present D.C. United planholders with an exciting offer. Bring any used or unused DC United game ticket to the Verizon Center for the Capitals home game this Sunday at 5pm v. the Ottawa Senators and you will be given a complimentary ticket to the game. D.C. United ticket(s) will remain in your possession, must only be presented to receive a ticket to the Capitals game. D.C. United tickets will not be collected or scanned. "
Free tickets just for showing up with someone else's ticket! That's as good as getting taken home because you bought someone else dinner & a movie. Who says that two leagues fighting to be the nations 4th most popular sport can't get along?
In a shocking display of sporting non-partisanship the NHL Washington Capitals are going to posse up with DC United of MLS. The mission: cross-marketing in the name of putting more asses in seats. The passage below was forwarded to me by a DC season ticket holder.
"Important offers and reminders for D.C. United Planholders:
DC United and the Washington Capitals are excited to present D.C. United planholders with an exciting offer. Bring any used or unused DC United game ticket to the Verizon Center for the Capitals home game this Sunday at 5pm v. the Ottawa Senators and you will be given a complimentary ticket to the game. D.C. United ticket(s) will remain in your possession, must only be presented to receive a ticket to the Capitals game. D.C. United tickets will not be collected or scanned. "
Free tickets just for showing up with someone else's ticket! That's as good as getting taken home because you bought someone else dinner & a movie. Who says that two leagues fighting to be the nations 4th most popular sport can't get along?
Toronto FC's winless streak ends
Just wanted to give a shout out to Toronto FC for winning last night. Maurice Edu scored and the Red Bulls added an own-goal as Toronto FC snapped a 12-game winless streak by defeating New York 2-1.
Toronto FC's fans deserve better. Hope they get a winner there soon.
Toronto FC's fans deserve better. Hope they get a winner there soon.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
San Jose announces GM
John Doyle was named the new General Manager of the new San Jose Earthquakes. As I'm sure you remember from the early 1990's John is a retired U.S. soccer defender who played professionally in both the U.S. and Europe. He earned fifty-three caps with the U.S. national team between 1987 and 1994 including three games with the U.S. team at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Since his playing days John has worked as TV and radio color commentator for the Earthquakes. In 2004 he was hired as assistant coach for the Quakes, replacing Dominic Kinnear who was promoted as head coach after Frank Yallop's departure to coach the Canadian national team. He stayed on with the Quakes until the franchise was relocated to Houston for the 2006 season.
John Doyle's career numbers:
Since his playing days John has worked as TV and radio color commentator for the Earthquakes. In 2004 he was hired as assistant coach for the Quakes, replacing Dominic Kinnear who was promoted as head coach after Frank Yallop's departure to coach the Canadian national team. He stayed on with the Quakes until the franchise was relocated to Houston for the 2006 season.
John Doyle's career numbers:
| Senior clubs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1989-1990 1990-1994 1994-1995 1995 1996-2000 | San Francisco Bay Blackhawks Örgryte IS VfB Leipzig → Atlanta Ruckus (loan) San Jose Earthquakes | 7 (0) 25 (1) 135 (11) |
| National team | ||
| 1987–1994 | United States | 53 (3) |
| Teams managed | ||
| 2004-2006 | San Jose Earthquakes (assistant) | |
The Fire Passed on Borgetti
According to Luis Arroyave's blog "The Red Card" Jared Borgetti was once on the Chicago Fire's radar when the team was looking to sign a designated player.
The Fire backed off once it heard Borgetti and the Colorado Rapids were in contract discussions. According to Guppy (the Fire's GM), Borgetti to the Rapids was a done deal until Borgetti "reneged" and signed with Mexico's Cruz Azul.
Jared Borgetti career stats:
The Fire backed off once it heard Borgetti and the Colorado Rapids were in contract discussions. According to Guppy (the Fire's GM), Borgetti to the Rapids was a done deal until Borgetti "reneged" and signed with Mexico's Cruz Azul.
Jared Borgetti career stats:
| Senior clubs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1994–1996 1997–2004 2004 2005 2005–2006 2006 2007- | CF Atlas Santos Laguna Dorados de Sinaloa Pachuca Bolton Wanderers Al-Ittihad Cruz Azul | 63 (21) 295 (189) 14 (8) 15 (8) 19 (2) 15 (10) 19 (5) |
| National team | ||
| 1997- |  Mexico | 87 (43) |
Revs win U.S. Open Cup
The New England Revolution finally has something to put in its trophy case. Congrats New England - you've been working hard for years to have some hardware.
After three previous failures in the MLS Cup finals and one loss in the U.S. Open Cup championship, the Revolution beat FC Dallas 3-2 on Wednesday night to win the U.S. Open Cup.
The Cup, which has crowned a national champion since 1914, is open to all amateur and professional teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The winning team receives $100,000.
The full name of the tournament is the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, named for the Kansas City Chiefs owner and soccer pioneer who owned three MLS teams, including FC Dallas.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
United falls to Chivas 1-0
Chivas de Guadalajara used their home-field advantage to its full extent, defeating D.C. United 1-0 in the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana series on Tuesday night at Estadio Jalisco to advance on away goals.
In last Wednesday's first leg at RFK Stadium, D.C. United played a man down for more than a half, and despite taking a 2-0 lead, saw Sergio Santana pull one back for Chivas heading into the second leg. That goal proved to be the decider, after the teams finished the series 2-2 on aggregate.
The lads played a good game, but just couldn't come up with a goal in the closing moments.
For the United that's it for the tournament competitions. The only two things they can win are the Supporters Shield (which they have a really good chance at) and MLS Cup.
In last Wednesday's first leg at RFK Stadium, D.C. United played a man down for more than a half, and despite taking a 2-0 lead, saw Sergio Santana pull one back for Chivas heading into the second leg. That goal proved to be the decider, after the teams finished the series 2-2 on aggregate.
The lads played a good game, but just couldn't come up with a goal in the closing moments.
For the United that's it for the tournament competitions. The only two things they can win are the Supporters Shield (which they have a really good chance at) and MLS Cup.
Beckham Update
From the LA Times:
David Beckham has returned to Los Angeles from England to resume rehabilitation work on his right knee and hopes to play for the Galaxy again before the end of the Major League Soccer season, his spokesman said Tuesday. Glenn Lehrman said Beckham flew back from London on Sunday after visiting his father, Ted, who was hospitalized last week after suffering a heart attack. Meanwhile, Lehrman scoffed at reports in England's Daily Mirror that claimed Beckham was unhappy at the quality of play in MLS and was considering a six-month loan to Sunderland of the English Premier League.
Sunderland is coached by Beckham's former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane, but the club has discounted the rumor, as has the Galaxy.
"There will be no loan moves or short-term contracts," one of Beckham's spokesman said. "He is under contract to the Galaxy."
David Beckham has returned to Los Angeles from England to resume rehabilitation work on his right knee and hopes to play for the Galaxy again before the end of the Major League Soccer season, his spokesman said Tuesday. Glenn Lehrman said Beckham flew back from London on Sunday after visiting his father, Ted, who was hospitalized last week after suffering a heart attack. Meanwhile, Lehrman scoffed at reports in England's Daily Mirror that claimed Beckham was unhappy at the quality of play in MLS and was considering a six-month loan to Sunderland of the English Premier League.
Sunderland is coached by Beckham's former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane, but the club has discounted the rumor, as has the Galaxy.
"There will be no loan moves or short-term contracts," one of Beckham's spokesman said. "He is under contract to the Galaxy."
Alessandro Del Piero in MLS?
Ives Galarcep in his latest post lays out reasons why Alessandro Del Piero should consider a move to MLS. It's worth a read and a brief dream. I hope Galarcep is right, but not on DC United (who needs to find a way to keep the players they have happy.)
Alessandro Del Piero career stats:
Alessandro Del Piero career stats:
| Senior clubs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1991–1993 1993– | Padova Juventus | 14 (1) 519 (218) |
| National team | ||
| 1995– | Italy | 85 (27) |
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Keane Wants Beckham On Loan At Sunderland
This was on Goal.com earlier today. I'm not sure how much this is wishful thinking by the English Press:
According to the Daily Mirror, Sunderland boss has sounded out his former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham about a six-month loan spell with the Black Cats when the American MLS season ends in November.
England midfielder and former captain Beckham has only made five appearances for the LA Galaxy since joining the MLS side in June, because a succession of ankle and knee problems have greatly restricted his playing time.
Now Keane is said to want Beckham to lend his experience to Sunderland, battling to consolidate their place in the Premier League after last season's promotion.
Beckham would join his former Manchester United team mates Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole at Sunderland if ythe loan can be agreed with the Galaxy.
And the move could benefit Beckham, who is hoping to force his way into the England squad ahead of next summer's Euro 2008 tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
But given that the Galaxy invested a reported £128million in Beckham when they signed him from Real Madrid, Sunderland could face a struggle to arrange a loan deal.
A friend who was at Tottenham vs. Villa last night!
In an instant EPL classic last night, the Spurs scored 3 furious goals to rally to gain a 4-4 draw with Villa.
Younes Kaboul scored in injury time to give Tottenham a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa in the English Premier League on Monday. Kaboul's strike capped a three-goal rally in the final 21 minutes after Tottenham fell behind 4-1 in the 59th at White Hart Lane.
My friend Mike just moved over to London and sent me an e-mail with an eye witness account of the Tottenham vs. Villa match. Here's what he had to say:
"...went to see Tottenham vs. Villa last night (my dad's a lifetime Villa fan), one of the coolest sporting events I've ever been to, was Spurs 125th birthday, they went down 4-1 with 30 minutes to play and came back to draw in injury time---seriously intense."
Younes Kaboul scored in injury time to give Tottenham a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa in the English Premier League on Monday. Kaboul's strike capped a three-goal rally in the final 21 minutes after Tottenham fell behind 4-1 in the 59th at White Hart Lane.
My friend Mike just moved over to London and sent me an e-mail with an eye witness account of the Tottenham vs. Villa match. Here's what he had to say:
"...went to see Tottenham vs. Villa last night (my dad's a lifetime Villa fan), one of the coolest sporting events I've ever been to, was Spurs 125th birthday, they went down 4-1 with 30 minutes to play and came back to draw in injury time---seriously intense."
Tonight - DC United vs. CD Guadalajara
Tonight, DC United takes on CD Guadalajara in the Copa Nissan Sudamericana tournament. Copa Nissan Sudamericana is the 2nd most important South American tournament, which was opened up to clubs in Central and North America in the 1990's.
This will be the 4th time this season CD Guadalajara (Chivas) has played the United with the record for both teams being 1-1-1.
If you are interested in watching it, Fox Soccer Channel will be showing the match taped at 11pm.
Let's go United!
This will be the 4th time this season CD Guadalajara (Chivas) has played the United with the record for both teams being 1-1-1.
If you are interested in watching it, Fox Soccer Channel will be showing the match taped at 11pm.
Let's go United!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Vegas Odds on MLS Expansion
I saw this information on MLS Underground and I loved it. Essentially here are the Vegas odds for the next 2 cities in MLS expansion.
Here is a reproduction of the odds:
Atlanta: 100-1
Cleveland: 60-1
Vegas: 10-1
Miami: 35-1
Milwaukee: 75-1
New York: 8-1
Philadelphia: 6-1
Phoenix: 20-1
Portland, Ore.: 40-1
San Diego: 100-1
Seattle: 3-2
St. Louis: 4-1
Vancouver: 70-1
Here is a reproduction of the odds:
Atlanta: 100-1
Cleveland: 60-1
Vegas: 10-1
Miami: 35-1
Milwaukee: 75-1
New York: 8-1
Philadelphia: 6-1
Phoenix: 20-1
Portland, Ore.: 40-1
San Diego: 100-1
Seattle: 3-2
St. Louis: 4-1
Vancouver: 70-1
MLS Attendance numbers...
Below are the latest attendance numbers for all the MLS teams. The only teams over 20,000 per game are DC United, LA Galaxy, & FC Toronto.
Worst Team - Columbus Crew (but I would guess NYRB's would be there if they Beckham's sellout didn't count)
Best Team - LA Galaxy
Worst Team - Columbus Crew (but I would guess NYRB's would be there if they Beckham's sellout didn't count)
Best Team - LA Galaxy
Dates Total Average
Chicago Fire 13 205,968 15,844
Chivas USA 13 185,449 14,265
Colorado Rapids 13 195,620 15,048
Columbus Crew 14 192,898 13,778
FC Dallas 13 197,228 15,171
D.C. United 13 265,953 20,458
Houston Dynamo 14 207,652 14,832
Kansas City Wizards 14 159,431 11,388
Los Angeles Galaxy 13 309,782 23,829
New England Revolution 14 229,517 16,394
New York Red Bulls 14 227,865 16,276
Real Salt Lake 13 212,697 16,361
Toronto FC 13 261,299 20,100
MLS Totals 174 2,851,359 16,387
US Goalkeepers Action Overseas.
Here's an account of how the US Keepers faired this week in EPL action:
Marcus Hahnemann - L
United States goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann is still coming to terms with the worst match of his life.
Hahnemann conceded seven goals in Reading's 7-4 loss to Portsmouth on Saturday.
"I've been replaying the goals in my mind and I'm embarrassed," Hahnemann wrote in a column in Monday's edition of The Daily Mail newspaper. "I never let seven goals in as a five-year-old, let alone in a real game."
Kasey Keller - D
Kasey Keller didn't waste any time impressing as the Cottagers' No. 1 goalkeeper. Keller made four saves in shutting out Chelsea on Saturday. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Tim Howard - W
Tim Howard started and played 90 minutes for Everton, making four saves for the shutout in Everton's 2-0 victory against Middlesbrough.
Brad Friedel - W
Brad Friedel started and played 90 minutes in Blackburn's 2-1 victory against Sunderland on Saturday.
Marcus Hahnemann - L
United States goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann is still coming to terms with the worst match of his life.
Hahnemann conceded seven goals in Reading's 7-4 loss to Portsmouth on Saturday.
"I've been replaying the goals in my mind and I'm embarrassed," Hahnemann wrote in a column in Monday's edition of The Daily Mail newspaper. "I never let seven goals in as a five-year-old, let alone in a real game."
Kasey Keller - D
Kasey Keller didn't waste any time impressing as the Cottagers' No. 1 goalkeeper. Keller made four saves in shutting out Chelsea on Saturday. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Tim Howard - W
Tim Howard started and played 90 minutes for Everton, making four saves for the shutout in Everton's 2-0 victory against Middlesbrough.
Brad Friedel - W
Brad Friedel started and played 90 minutes in Blackburn's 2-1 victory against Sunderland on Saturday.
Women's US National Team News...
For those who want to discuss the Women's World Cup and what happened I urge you to read ESPN Andrea Canales' article on Hope Solo and Coach Greg Ryan. I agree with her view entirely. Take a look.
Seattle the next city to get an MLS team?
According to Jonah Freedman of CNNSI and Soccer By Ives, Seattle is the next city to get a new MLS franchise. Seattle is already home to the Sounders of the United Soccer Leagues First Division and the MLS team will keep its name. The new Sounders will begin play for the 2009 season.
MLS' goal is to expand to 16 franchises by the 2010 season. The league currently has 13 teams and announced in July that it would add San Jose, Calif., as its 14th franchise for '08.
Seattle had been at the forefront of as many as eight candidate cities for further expansion. Portland, Ore., was also a consideration for a new club in the Pacific Northwest.
The new Seattle franchise would bring the number of teams in the MLS Western Conference to eight. If the league wants to balance its schedule, it must now add an Eastern Conference team. St. Louis and Philadelphia are said to be the frontrunners.
MLS' goal is to expand to 16 franchises by the 2010 season. The league currently has 13 teams and announced in July that it would add San Jose, Calif., as its 14th franchise for '08.
Seattle had been at the forefront of as many as eight candidate cities for further expansion. Portland, Ore., was also a consideration for a new club in the Pacific Northwest.
The new Seattle franchise would bring the number of teams in the MLS Western Conference to eight. If the league wants to balance its schedule, it must now add an Eastern Conference team. St. Louis and Philadelphia are said to be the frontrunners.
Soccer Fan USA is back...
That's right the rumors are true. I'm back, but first I want to apologize to those who started reading my blog daily and were disappointed that it suddenly stopped. I promise to keep it up as long I have internet access. I hope readers (all 10 of you) read and contribute in the weeks to come.
Thanks,
Soccer Fan USA
Thanks,
Soccer Fan USA
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