Soccer Fan USA

Howard to ink new Everton deal

2009-06-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Tim Howard is close to signing a new contract with FA Cup runners-up Everton. The 37-time capped USA international goalkeeper is expected to put pen-to-paper on a deal that will see him pocket around 10 million in the process.

Way to go Tim!

Nowak to coach Philly Union and will sign Bouna Coundoul as first player

2009-06-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

According to a report in The Philadelphia Inquirer and on soccerbyives.net, Peter Nowak will be the first coach of the Philadelphia Union.

Nowak is expected to have control of player personnel decisions in Philadelphia and his first signing could be a goalkeeper, Bouna Coundoul, a native of Senegal. Coundoul played last season for Colorado in M.L.S. and has also played for his national team.

DC United vs. NE Revs

2009-05-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

I was shocked at how good the United looked in the first half and how bad the refs were in the second half. In the end the United could only blame themselves for not winning, but could blame the ref for not getting a draw.

You be the judge - was this a penalty?

Let me know what you think!

US Qualifiers this week!

2009-05-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

For your calenders this week:

Wednesday - 10 pm EST at Costa Rica on ESPN

Saturday - 8 pm EST in Chicago vs Honduras on ESPN

Starting Soccer Fan USA Blog Back Up

2009-05-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I've blogged about the state of soccer in America. I'm starting back up with the goal to keep it up and running for the foreseeable future. Please feel free to add comments and thoughts.

Thanks,
Soccer Fan USA

US Roster for Switzerland

2007-10-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

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).

MLS ambition burdens teams

2007-10-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

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.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insults American franchises

2007-10-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Philly Expansion?

2007-10-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Marcus Hahnemann rebounds

2007-10-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Minnesota Vikings owner looking at MLS.

2007-10-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

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.

What do Hockey-Soccer have in common?

2007-10-05T13:47:00.001-07:00

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?

Toronto FC's winless streak ends

2007-10-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

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.

San Jose announces GM

2007-10-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

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:

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	007 0(0) 025 0(1) 135 (11)
National team
1987–1994	United States	053 0(3)
Teams managed
2004-2006	San Jose Earthquakes (assistant)

The Fire Passed on Borgetti

2007-10-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

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:

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

2007-10-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

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.

United falls to Chivas 1-0

2007-10-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Beckham Update

2007-10-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

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."

Alessandro Del Piero in MLS?

2007-10-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

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:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1991–1993 1993–	Padova Juventus	014 00(1) 519 (218)
National team
1995–	Italy	85 (27)

Keane Wants Beckham On Loan At Sunderland

2007-10-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

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."

Tonight - DC United vs. CD Guadalajara

2007-10-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

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!

Vegas Odds on MLS Expansion

2007-10-01T14:22:00.001-07:00

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

MLS Attendance numbers...

2007-10-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

      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.

2007-10-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Women's US National Team News...

2007-10-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

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?

2007-10-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Soccer Fan USA is back...

2007-10-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

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

Sorry for delay

2007-06-13T13:23:00.001-07:00

I'm currently living in a place with little to no Internet access, so its going to be a while this summer for me to update. Please bare with me - no one is more frustrated than I am.

Thanks!

Tony Sanneh playing for the Red Bulls...

2007-06-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

According to the Red Card by Luis Arroyave on the Chicago Tribune, Tony Sanneh is set to train with the New York Red Bulls this week where he will finish the last three weeks of his rehab and train with the team. Sanneh believes he will sign with the Red Bulls once he gets medical clearance.

SFUSA's take: I love Tony Sanneh. Sanneh is exactly the type of player that MLS helped developed for the US National team and European squads. I hope he has enough gas in the tank to contribute to the Red Bulls.

Tony Sanneh's career stats:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1994 1995-96 1996-98 1998-2001 2001-04 2004 2005-2006	Milwaukee Rampage Minnesota Thunder D.C. United Hertha Berlin FC Nürnberg Columbus Crew Chicago Fire	18 (14) 24 0(6) 86 (20) 31 0(1) 52 0(5) 08 0(2) 13 0(0)
National team
1997-	United States	43 0(3)

Mexican National Team player to MLS?

2007-06-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

According the the Los Angeles Times, Chivas USA is deciding whether it will pursue current Mexico international Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista. Bautista has been told by Chivas de Guadalajara, where he won a Mexican league title in 2006, that he is no longer needed after falling out with Coach Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre. Jorge Vergara, who owns Chivas de Guadalajara and is co-owner of Chivas USA, has said Chivas USA would have first choice in signing Bautista, but the player's agent is trying to find him a European team.

Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista's career stats:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
2000-2002 2002-2003 2003 2004-	UAG Tecos Morelia CF Pachuca Chivas de Guadalajara	70 (15) 45 (19) 20 (2) 131 (42)
National team
2003-	Mexico	24 (8)

Claude Makelele to MLS?

2007-06-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

According to reports, Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has refused to rule out moving to America. The Frenchman was often left on the bench last season, with the likes of Jon Obi Mikel preferred in his defensive midfield role. "I have not decided where I will play next season," he told Telefoot. "The United States is an option. It would not prevent me from playing for France, ask the coach."

This would be amazing - the best all around player that has mentioned an interest in MLS. His talents far exceed Beckham, but throughout this career he has never been recognized for them. When Beckham came to Real Madrid, Makelele was forced to go to Chelsea. Since that move, Real has not won a title and Chelsea has won several.

Claude Makelele career stats:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1992–1997 1997–1998 1998–2000 2000–2003 2003–present	Nantes Olympique de Marseille Celta Vigo Real Madrid Chelsea	169 (9) 032 (2) 070 (3) 126 (0) 126 (2)
National team
1995–present	France	053 (0)

USA 4 China 1

2007-06-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening in San Jose, CA the US National team beat China's National team by the score 4-1. This was a friendly as the US National team prepares for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The team was made up of a solid English based backline and a mix of Chivas USA players and European based Americans in the midfield and upfront did the job.

Considering the opponent it was a good win. I was happy to see that Bradley's boys didn't play down to their opponent and finished when they had chances.

Here's Jeff Carlisle's ratings of individual players on ESPN:

Player Ratings (Out of 10)

Tim Howard, 6 -- Wasn't asked to do much, but did come through in the 18th minute when he touched Shao Jiyai's free kick around the post. Howard had little chance on Zhang's equalizer.

Jonathan Bornstein, 5 -- The Chivas midfielder found it hard to find space on the small field, and he struggled with his distribution a bit more than normal. One terrible giveaway gifted the Chinese a rare chance, but he recovered to force a corner, so no harm done.

Carlos Bocanegra, 6 -- The Fulham defender was solid in defense, although his weak clearing header preceded China's goal. That said, it appeared to be more of a team-wide breakdown (with a hint of luck) than the fault of a single player, and Bocanegra played well otherwise.

Oguchi Onyweu, 8 -- "Gooch" was towering in the middle, and capped of his day with a well-deserved goal. Due to the opponent, it's tough to draw many far reaching conclusions from this match, but given his struggles earlier in the year with the national team, as well as at Newcastle, this performance should boost his confidence.

Jonathan Spector, 4 -- The West Ham defender performed adequately on the right, but he struggled with his touch on a few occasions, and his crosses lacked quality.

DaMarcus Beasley, 6 -- Traded flashes of brilliance with moments of ineptitude, but the good outweighed the bad. Had terrific success with some slashing runs towards the middle of the field, but his touch and finishing seemed off. (Then again, when has his touch ever been "on"?) His delivery on Onyewu's goal was excellent, however.

Michael Bradley, 5 -- Spent the first half struggling with the speed of the game, and always seemed to take one touch too many. He also went to ground on tackles way too often, and needs to pick his spots better in those instances. He did have his good moments however. It was his pass that sprung Beasley for his eventual penalty, and he improved in the second half.

Benny Feilhaber, 7 -- Another big step in the right direction for the Hamburg midfielder. He seemed to be the first to adapt to the tight spaces, took his goal well, and had some well-timed tackles. His pinpoint corner kick on Dempsey's goal makes me hope that we have seen the last of Landon Donovan in that role.

Sacha Kljestan, 5 -- Considering it was his first international, the Chivas midfielder acquitted himself well, and it was his quick thinking that released Feilhaber for his goal. He'll need to polish up his crossing, but a spot on the Copa America roster seems within reach.

Clint Dempsey, 5 -- Started out wide, but gradually drifted up top, where he partnered well with Razov. He could have had a hat-trick had he converted all of his chances, and was too in love with the dribble for long stretches. No complaints about his goal though.

Ante Razov, 5 -- A solid performance from the veteran, who showed good movement and some good touches in leading the American front line. Razov is pretty far down on the U.S. forward depth chart, but he didn't look out of place in this game.

Subs:

Kasey Keller, 5 -- I can't recall him making one meaningful save. It was a day at the beach for the veteran.

Charlie Davies, 4 -- Showed tremendous pace, and brought the crowd to its feet with one mazy run. But Davies was also pushed off the ball a little bit too easily, making me wonder if his future for both club and country lies out wide.

Frank Simek, 5 -- Slid comfortably into the right side of defense, and might have helped his cause in his quest to earn a starting role.

Kamani Hill, 4 -- Had one darting run that caught the eye, but otherwise didn't do much.

Lee Nguyen, 5 -- Wasn't on long, but showed some flashes of his renowned technical ability.

Jesse Marsch, 5 -- With the game already won, Marsch earned his second career cap.

US Game today!

2007-06-02T05:47:00.001-07:00

Bob Bradley leads the US against China tonight in San Jose (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2). The team is main made up of Americans playing overseas with only MLS players being from Chivas USA.

This game should be a good test for some of the young players on the roster.

Keller to MLS

2007-06-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Winless Real Salt Lake and Kasey Keller are in the final stages of negotiations and that the veteran goalkeeper is close to agreeing to a deal. John Ellinger, who was dismissed as coach but remains in the front office, has been in direct contact with Keller in hopes of finalizing it. The deal would apparently be for 2 1/2 years. Things could still go wrong, one source cautioned, but talks have progressed substantially the past two weeks.

I think it's great that Keller will have the chance to come back to America after years in Europe. Hopefully help RSL put there team together and give him a chance to win.

Keller's career stats:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1989 1992-1996 1996-1999 1999-2001 2001-2005 2004 2005-2007	F.C. Portland Millwall Leicester City Rayo Vallecano Tottenham Hotspur →Southampton (loan) Borussia Mönchengladbach	010 (0) 178 (0) 099 (0) 051 (0) 085 (0) 004 (0) 050 (0)
National team
1990-	United States	097 (0)

Chilean legend Salas to Chicago?

2007-05-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

International Chilean striker Marcelo Salas, who hasn't played since leaving Universidad de Chile in a dispute with a court-appointed bankruptcy official in December, will have a trial with the Chicago Fire.

The 32-year-old Salas, who also has played with River Plate of Argentina and Lazio and Juventus of Italy, already is in the United States and if he signs with Fire, would pair with Mexico's World Cup veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who is to join the Chicago club in July.

Marcelo Salas career stats:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1993–96 1996–98 1998–2001 2001–03 2003–05 2005–06	Universidad de Chile River Plate Lazio Juventus River Plate Universidad de Chile	110 (74) 51 (26) 74 (41) 14 (2) 43 (7) 37 (16)
National team
1994–2005	Chile	65 (35)

Figo to MLS - perfect fit!

2007-05-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

Breaking news from Portugal claims that Luis Figo is pulling out of the multi-millionaire deal he had arranged with a Saudi Arabian club.

Here's a quick breakdown of what happened:

In December 2006, Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad reported Figo would transfer to the club in January 2007. Figo traveled to Saudi Arabia to sign a contract, but after talks with Inter Milan owner and President Massimo Moratti, Figo remained in the club and renewed his contract until the end of the 2007-08 season. Thus, a statement made on January 3, 2007, on the official Inter website declaring: "There are no negotiations for the transfer of Luis Figo to another club. The recent news of a possible transfer of the Portuguese midfielder is, therefore, completely groundless." Despite this statement, on January 5th, 2007, it was announced on the website of La Gazzetta dello Sport, that Figo had signed a contract in Saudi Arabia, starting on July 1st, 2007. On August 30 Figo said that he is still considering in staying Inter for 2007/08. He was deeply touched by the love of the Inter fans and need of him for president Massimo Moratti. On 29 May 2007, It was said that Figo will not join Ittihad on July 1 2007 because they didn't respect terms of contract.

Now I think that makes Figo a free agent. I think he would be a perfect fit for MLS. I could see Figo having a good impact on the field - similar to Juan Pablo Angel. Let's see what happens with Figo in the months to come.

Luis Figo's career stats:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1989-1995 1995-2000 2000-2005 2005-present	Sporting CP FC Barcelona Real Madrid Internazionale	137 (16) 172 (30) 165 (36) 066 0(7)
National team
1991-2006	Portugal	127 (32)

All-European starting lineup against China

2007-05-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

U.S. coach Bob Bradley will likely use an all-European starting lineup against China, with players from Chivas USA, the only idle MLS team, on the bench.

I look forward to seeing the roster.

Copa Sudamericana Draw

2007-05-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

As reported earlier DC United has been invited to join Copa Sudamericana tournament. As promised here is update on the draw. DC United will be playing Chivas de Guadalajara home and away first during what amounts to be the round of 16.

The list of Participating Teams by country is:

Argentina	Boca Juniors, River Plate, San Lorenzo and Estudiantes de La Plata
Bolivia	Jorge Wilstermann and Real Potosí
Brazil	São Paulo FC, Vasco da Gama, Figueirense, Goiás, Corinthians, Cruzeiro, Botafogo, Atlético Paranaense
Colombia	Atlético Nacional, and Millonarios
Ecuador	El Nacional
Mexico	Pachuca, América, and Chivas Guadalajara
Paraguay	Libertad and Tacuary
Peru	Coronel Bolognesi and Universitario
Venezuela	Zamora FC, and Carabobo FC
CONCACAF	DC United (USA)

National Team Roster Analysis

2007-05-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Take a look at ESPN's Jeff Carlisle's analysis on the National Teams roster for the Gold Cup. It's an interesting read.

New/Old MLS Team in 2008

2007-05-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

According to CNNSI's Jonah Freedman, Major League Soccer is close to making its return to the Bay Area in time for the 2008 season. The league is negotiating a deal to allow Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff to operate an MLS franchise sooner than anyone expected, even without a new stadium deal in place.

Wolff's previous agreement with the league stipulated that he complete a deal for a soccer-specific stadium before MLS would allow him to exercise his option for an expansion team. But the league is eager for a 14th team to begin playing as soon as possible to balance the uneven schedule, the source said, and Wolff's team is the furthest along of the handful of possible expansion projects nationwide.

SFUSA's Take: MLS needs a team back in San Jose, but I would want to make sure that a stadium is on it's way before giving them a new team. It's just asking for the same problems that Anschutz Entertainment Group had. I'm sure MLS can wait another season before evening out the schedule to make sure the team has the chance to succeed in the long term.

US Team for the Gold Cup

2007-05-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Coach Bob Bradley has picked his team for the Gold Cup. Its half from Europe and MLS. It looks like a feisty bunch.

The U.S. team will open the 2007 Gold Cup on June 7 at 9 p.m. ET against Guatemala at The Home Depot Center. They will follow that match two days later when they take on Trinidad & Tobago at 5 p.m. ET. The group stage will end for Bradley's team on June 12 (7 p.m. ET) vs. El Salvador at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. All three U.S. group matches will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and TeleFutura.

ROSTER BY POSITION
Goalkeepers (3) - Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)

Defenders (8) -Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

Midfielders (8) - DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution)

Forwards (4) - Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards),Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)

Cunningham traded to Toronto FC

2007-05-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

Jeff Cunningham has been traded to Toronto FC for forward Alecko Eskandarian, Toronto's 2008 first-round SuperDraft pick and cash.

RSL clearly now has the flexibility to go after a marquee designated player or add much-needed depth to their roster.

Soccer Fan USA's Take: This is a good trade for everyone involved. Cunningham will provide the forward that Toronto FC was expecting out of Eskandarian. This also gives RSL a quality forward and the salary cap flexibility moving forward. Win - Win.

Players reaction: "It's a huge shock," Eskandarian said. "I am definitely disappointed." Well I guess not everyone fells its a Win - Win.

Copa Minnesota

2007-05-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

International soccer star David Beckham is set to visit Minnesota this fall. The Minnesota Thunder announced Tuesday that Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy will play a match at the Metrodome on Oct. 10.

The Galaxy will battle a yet-to-be-named opponent for the "Copa Minnesota" trophy. The Thunder hope to make the Copa Minnesota an annual event.

With Beckham's appearance, the Thunder hope to set a new, single-game record for attendance at a Minnesota soccer match. The Metrodome can hold up to 64,000 for a soccer match.

If you want tickets go to www.copaminnesota.com.

Soccer Fan USA's Take: I guess this gives people in cities other than MLS towns a chance to see Beckham. Overall spreading Soccer around the US. Not a bad thing.

D.C. United to play in the Copa Sudamericana

2007-05-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

D.C. United will play in the Copa Sudamericana, a prestigious South American club tournament this fall. United was invited to the event after a third-place finish in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup this year. The tournament draw will take place at 12 PM Eastern Time Tuesday.

D.C. United was the first team from Major League Soccer to participate in the tournament when it was invited to play in the 2005 edition. That year, D.C. faced Universidad Catolica of Chile in a two-game aggregate goal series. United tied 1-1 at RFK Stadium, then lost 3-2 at Santiago, Chile, blowing a 2-0 lead.

Hopefully DC United will get past the first round this time, but it is an honor to be invited and MLS teams need to get more international exposure. I will keep you posted once we get our first round opponent named.

Beckham playing for England?

2007-05-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Goal.com is reporting that England coach Steve McClaren is considering calling up David Beckham for the upcoming games against Brazil and Estonia.

Shevchenko eyes MLS

2007-05-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

According to the AP, Chelsea's Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko has revealed how he would like to become part of the growing football revolution in America at some stage of his career.

Shevchenko, who joined the Premiership club for £30million last summer, has failed to reproduce the kind of form which prompted Chelsea to pay AC Milan a record fee. But the 30-year-old, who missed Chelsea's FA Cup final victory over Manchester United on Saturday because of a groin injury, admits to having an ambition to play in the US.

Real Madrid's David Beckham is about to cross the Atlantic to join Los Angeles Galaxy and Shevchenko said: 'I'd like to play there, actually. Soccer is growing in the US and I'd like to be a part of that. I played there last summer against the MLS All-Stars and I saw myself that it's definitely improving.'

I hope many other foreign players starting thinking the same way.

UPDATE:
According to Eurosport.com Andriy Shevchenko says he would like to move to the American MLS league when he leaves Chelsea. Shevchenko's wife Kristen Pazik is American and spent much of her formative years in Washington DC, whose team DC United are among the leading MLS sides.

As a DC United fan I would love to see this happen!

MLS players Bob Bradley should watch...

2007-05-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

ESPN's Ives Galarcep wrote this week about 11 players Bob Bradley should watch this week in MLS matches. Here's what he wrote:

Brad Guzan, Chivas USA -- Bradley's former goalkeeper on club level, Guzan joins Revs goalkeeper Matt Reis in the chase for a roster spot and potential playing time in the wake of Marcus Hahnemann's broken left hand. Guzan's club is struggling a bit but he has played well in beating out Preston Burpo for the starting job. The Galaxy should offer Guzan plenty of chances to show what he can do.

Bobby Boswell, D.C. United -- As bad as D.C.'s defense has been this year Boswell is still one of the league's best young center backs. With a week to regroup, D.C. United should come out strongly against Toronto this weekend and TFC has enough attacking threats to put Boswell's form to the test. He is a Copa America candidate and has an outside chance of being on both rosters this summer.

Michael Parkhurst, New England -- Twellman's goal-scoring exploits have helped overshadow a very good start to the season for Parkhurst, who is in prime form after overcoming some early-season injuries. Center back is one of the deeper positions in the national team pool but Parkhurst's play will force Bradley to give him a serious look this summer.

Michael Harrington, Kansas City -- Everybody's favorite fantasy MLS defender, Harrington hasn't looked much like a rookie for the Wizards, providing a solid presence both as left back and left wing. The front-runner for MLS rookie of the year honors early on, Harrington has at least earned consideration for a chance to attend the Gold Cup national team camp. A good game against a strong Colorado team on Saturday only can help his chances.

Todd Dunivant, Red Bulls -- A trendy left back pick a year ago, when Bruce Arena considered him for the World Cup, Dunivant has fallen off the radar a bit following an uneventful national team camp in January. He has been steady for the Red Bulls and as much as Arena might not like the idea, Bradley very well could add Dunivant to the left back mix with Jonathan Bornstein and Heath Pearce for a Copa America spot.

Kyle Beckerman, Colorado -- He might have only one national team appearance but Beckerman has as good a chance as anyone on this list to make one of the summer tournament rosters. He is steady on the ball, isn't afraid to make the hard tackle and is improving in the attacking aspect of his game. Whether he is capable of cracking the Gold Cup roster remains to be seen, but a good showing against former national teamer Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City) this weekend wouldn't hurt.

Justin Mapp, Chicago -- One of the bright spots of Bradley's January camp, Mapp is a prime candidate for a Copa America slot because of his versatility and ability to go at defenders. If he plays on the right flank, he could face off against Dunivant on Thursday, which would be a matchup Bradley would have serious interest in seeing.

Sacha Kljestan, Chivas USA -- There isn't much that Bradley's former first-round draft pick hasn't done this year, from the stunning goal to the crunching, suspension-triggering tackle. He is one of the most underrated players on this list, but he isn't underrated to Bradley, who knows all too well what the Seton Hall product can bring to central midfield. He could be one of the more surprising two-tournament picks in this group, but Kljestan seems ideal for what should be a young Copa America roster.

Ricardo Clark, Houston -- Clark hasn't really had much to prove to Bradley this MLS season but the time should have allowed Clark to work on the attacking aspects of his game. There is no question that he can be a destroyer in central midfield, but his offensive qualities, which are considerable, have yet to emerge this year. Facing New England's talented central midfield tandem of Shalrie Joseph and Andy Dorman will give Clark a great chance to show just how good a two-way player he is.

Chris Rolfe, Chicago -- No player on this list is playing better than Rolfe, who has four goals and three assists in just six matches this season. He always has provided a dynamic element at forward but he needed this strong start after a less than stellar showing for Bradley earlier this year. His confidence is high and if he can recover from an ankle injury by Thursday he will have a very good matchup in the Red Bulls to show how much he has grown. Rolfe is a prime candidate to be on both the Gold Cup and Copa America rosters and a strong (and healthy) showing this week will make Bradley feel better about bring him for both events.

Kenny Cooper, FC Dallas -- Why didn't Kenny Cooper play more? That was one of the more haunting questions of Bradley's interim tenure as head coach. Cooper has responded to the lack of national team playing time by playing well for the Hoops, delivering a team-high four goals thus far. Cooper's mouth-watering combination of technical skill and size made him the ideal replacement for Brian McBride in the eyes of many, but Bradley still isn't convinced. A good showing against Real Salt Lake's Eddie Pope, who has retired from the U.S. national team, wouldn't hurt in Bradley's eyes.

Onyewu's contract not renewed by Newcastle

2007-05-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Newcastle has decided to not renew Oguchi Onyewu's loan agreement. It will be interesting to see where Onyewu plays next season. I will keep you posted...

Cocu to MLS?

2007-05-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

According to the Newark Star-Ledger, former Dutch national team captain Phillip Cocu is believed to be considering an offer from Major League Soccer.

Phillip Cocu's career stats:

Season	Club	Country	Competition	Matches	Goals
1988/1989	AZ	Netherlands	Eerste Divisie	15	4
1989/1990	AZ	Netherlands	Eerste Divisie	35	4
1990/1991	Vitesse	Netherlands	Eredivisie	8	0
1991/1992	Vitesse	Netherlands	Eredivisie	33	3
1992/1993	Vitesse	Netherlands	Eredivisie	34	6
1993/1994	Vitesse	Netherlands	Eredivisie	33	11
1994/1995	Vitesse	Netherlands	Eredivisie	29	5
1995/1996	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	29	12
1996/1997	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	34	8
1997/1998	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	32	11
1998/1999	FC Barcelona	Spain	La Liga	36	12
1999/2000	FC Barcelona	Spain	La Liga	35	6
2000/2001	FC Barcelona	Spain	La Liga	35	3
2001/2002	FC Barcelona	Spain	La Liga	34	2
2002/2003	FC Barcelona	Spain	La Liga	29	3
2003/2004	FC Barcelona	Spain	La Liga	36	5
2004/2005	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	29	6
2005/2006	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	33	10
2006/2007	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	32	7
			Total	561	113

US National Coach announcement tomorrow!

2007-05-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

U.S. Soccer will announce Bob Bradley's permanent appointment as U.S. national team coach on Wednesday. This is a good step for the national team. Bradley is good coach who has a feel for US soccer and the new players coming up the system.

Abel Xavier joins David Beckham

2007-05-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Former Middlesbrough defender Abel Xavier has signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

He will be eligible to make his first-team debut once the Secondary MLS Transfer Window opens on June 15.

Xavier will link up with former England captain David Beckham, who is due to move to the Galaxy from Real Madrid at the end of the current Spanish season.

The 34-year-old former Liverpool and Everton player joins on a free transfer after he was released by Premiership club Middlesbrough last week.

Abel Xavier career stats:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1990-1993 1993-1995 1995-1996 1996-1998 1998-1999 1999-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005 2006-2007 2007	Estrela Amadora Benfica Bari Real Oviedo PSV Everton Liverpool Galatasaray Hannover 96 Roma Middlesbrough Middlesbrough LA Galaxy	85 (5) 45 (4) 08 (0) 58 (0) 19 (2) 43 (0) 14 (1) 11 (0) 05 (0) 03 (0) 04 (0) 14 (1)
National team
1993-2002	Portugal	20 (2)

Aston Villa v. the Columbus Crew

2007-05-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Columbus Crew will play a July 28 friendly against Aston Villa, owned by Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner. The game is to be played at Crew Stadium. Aston Villa is also scheduled to play at Toronto FC on July 25.

Lerner's $118 million purchase made him the second NFL owner to buy an English Football club. Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer took over Manchester United in 2005.

Vegas!!!

2007-05-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

No we aren't talking about a bachelor party. We are talking about MLS placing a team in Vegas. According to the Las Vegas Sun, talks have progressed and it seems likely that MLS is willing to wage on Vegas. Banking on the international appeal of soccer and of the city, the Las Vegas Sports & Entertainment Group could have an MLS team playing in Las Vegas by 2010.

Several other professional leagues are looking at Vegas as well, but they have problems with gambling. Not so much with MLS. Several race and sports books in Las Vegas take wagers on MLS games. Unlike commissioners of other leagues, however, Garber has told Vegas organizers he has no issues with the gaming industry.

The sports group hopes to build a high-tech, state-of-the-art stadium with a retractable roof that will be linked with a casino.

On a side note, former U.S. national team defender and Hall of Famer Paul Caligiuri serves as the sports group's main spokesman and would play a major role in the soccer operations of Las Vegas Football Club.

This could be really fun!!!

Joe Enochs in MLS?

2007-05-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

With Osnabrück's quest for promotion to the second Bundesliga hitting its final strides, club captain Joe Enochs has found little time available to plan his future as Regionalliga commitments consume the loyal club servant.

The veteran midfielder, who turns 36 in September, finds himself out of contract in the summer and remains unsure of what his future might hold - apart from the fact that he'll still be getting his soccer action somewhere.

According to Yanks Abroad, Enochs is considering returning to MLS.

"I'm 35 now, and I'm just not sure if anyone in America wants to take a risk on me at this time," said the San Francisco Bay Area native.

"I would love to go back to the States, and have always wanted to go back home, but just don't think it's realistic."

Personally I hope a team like DC United would take a chance on Enochs. He has played in Germany for years and would be a great addition to MLS.

Carlos Ruiz on the move?

2007-05-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

According to Allen Hopkins of ESPN, there are growing rumblings that the Columbus Crew could make a move to pry Carlos Ruiz away from FC Dallas. Ruiz has been substituted in two of the past three matches by first-year head coach Steve Morrow and that hasn't sat well with the FCD captain.

Ruiz and Sigi Schmid were a very successful pairing in 2002 leading the Galaxy to their first MLS Cup after three previous championship-game losses. And to say Schmid has a place in his heart for Ruiz is an understatement. The Crew are quietly unbeaten and seem to be only a proven goal scorer away from making noise in the East.

Dempsey saves Fulham's season...

2007-05-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

Clint Dempsey may have saved the season for Fulham with the only goal in the club's victory over Liverpool. It just happened to be Dempsey first EPL goal!

With the victory, Fulham moves one point out of the relegation zone with two games remaining.

Take a look at the goal.

Revs are red hot!!!

2007-05-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

As poorly as DC United has started, the New England Revolution has been the opposite and is currently the hottest team in MLS.

Even without the suspended Shalrie Joseph, New England was too much for Chicago Sunday. Steve Ralston and Wells Thompson scored goals 13 minutes apart in the second half to lead the New England Revolution past the previously undefeated Chicago Fire 3-1.

The Revolution (3-1-2) extended their unbeaten streak to five matches. Their only loss of the season was a 1-0 decision in Chicago in the season-opener.

The Fire (3-1-1) had allowed just two goals through their first four matches.

Amado Guevara and Major League Soccer's relationship is over.

2007-05-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Amado Guevara's tumultuous career in Major League Soccer is over.

The Honduran playmaker, who Chivas USA unsuccessfully attempted to trade to Toronto FC last week after growing tired of his poor form and attitude, is heading back to Honduras. According to sources, Chivas USA and MLS officials are working on selling Guevara to an unidentified club in Honduras. If a suitable transfer offer isn't found, MLS could still potentially give Guevara his outright release.

Chivas USA had a deal in place to send Guevara to Toronto FC for midfielder Paulo Nagamura and a draft pick but Guevara balked at the deal and stated that he would not report to Toronto. Guevara subsequently rejected chances to be dealt to Colorado, FC Dallas and Columbus, which all expressed interest in the disgruntled playmaker.

Signed by the MetroStars in 2003 from Honduran club CD Motagua, Guevara enjoyed three solid seasons with the MetroStars before struggling through a disappointing 2006 with the Red Bulls. He recorded 32 goals and 36 assists with the MetroStars and Red Bulls, enjoying his best campaign in 2004, when he won MLS MVP honors.

With the Honduran season already over, Guevara will remain out of action until he joins the Honduran national team for its preparations for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June. He turned 31 on Wednesday.

Beckham's salary revealed; Reyna top U.S. earner

2007-05-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

According to data released Friday by the league's players' union. Here is a breakdown of what key MLS players are making.

David Beckham will receive more than double what any other player in MLS is getting this year and more than 50 times the average salary. Beckham, the former English captain who joins the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer, has $6.5 million in guaranteed income that includes a $5.5 million base salary this year, the union said. That's 10 times more than what any player is getting outside the top six.

Mexican forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who is joining the Chicago Fire this summer, is second with $2,666,778 in guaranteed income, including a base salary of $2,492,316. Colombian forward Juan Pablo Angel, who signed with the New York Red Bulls, is third with $1,593,750 in guaranteed income, including a $1.5 million salary.

Former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna is the top-paid American in the league. The midfielder is guaranteed $1,250,008 with the Red Bulls, including $1,000,008 in base salary.

Galaxy forward Landon Donovan is fifth at $900,000, all of it base salary, followed by Kansas city forward Eddie Johnson at $875,000 ($750,000 base salary) and Real Salt Lake midfielder Freddy Adu at $550,000 ($300,000 base salary).

Thirty-two players earn the league minimum of $30,000, and developmental players get even less: 35 make $17,700 and 56 get $12,900. Only the top six players in the league have salaries above the major league baseball minimum of $380,000.

The average guaranteed salary for the 356 players listed is $115,478 and the median -- the point at which an equal amount make above and below -- is $52,965. Seventy four percent of the players have base salaries of $100,000 or less.

US National Team Update!!!

2007-05-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

US players have stated that winning the Gold Cup is of more importance to the National Team than any possible glory at the 2007 Copa America.

Despite carrying an interim tag, Bob Bradley is steaming ahead with preparations for both summer tournaments.

The US head coach was in Europe recently checking on the status of players and the initial Gold Cup roster was released to clubs last week; it is expected that Bradley will select a stronger squad for that tourney.

Any national team coach must unsurprisingly tread a fine line with his players' clubs, but according to DaMarcus Beasley, the former contest is the one of more importance to the 'Nats.

"I might play a couple in the Copa America as well," the Manchester City loan ace told Yanks Abroad. "There is better competition, of course, in the Copa America and you get more exposure - but at the same time, the Gold Cup is very important for the US because we want to get to the Confederations Cup next year."

The States' next date is a friendly with China at San Jose's Spartan Stadium on June 2nd, mere days before Gold Cup play begins against Guatemala on June 7th at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Jason Kreis retiring and taking over as RSL new coach

2007-05-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

You heard that right - RSL's coach is MLS all-time regular season scoring leader Jason Kreis. He retired as a player on May 3rd, 2007 and took over coaching duties. Kreis was also RSL's first player signed.

Their first head coach was John Ellinger, former coach of the Under-17 United States national team and the head of USSF's Bradenton Academy. Ellinger remains with the team as technical director/director of soccer operations.

Honduran midfielder Amado Guevara to Toronto?

2007-05-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Honduran midfielder Amado Guevara is about to be traded by Chivas USA to struggling Toronto FC for midfielder Paulo Nagamura and a draft pick. This will reunite Guevara and Coach Mo Johnston, who did not see eye to eye when they were together in New York.

Prior to signing with MLS, Guevara played all over the world: in Honduras with Motagua, Spain with Real Valladolid, Mexico with Tigres and Zacatepec, and Costa Rica with Saprissa. He was signed by the MetroStars on April 11, 2003.

While playing with Saprissa, he was a fan favorite, and is still remembered for his amazing skills. He had to leave the team because of the rule implemented by the "Morados" after 2003, by which they could only use Costa Rican players in their team.

Guevara immediately stepped into the MetroStars team and produced. Although he finished the season with only three goals and ten assists (he added another goal in the playoffs), he became the focal point of the team; they were successful when the offense flowed through him. Guevara added four key goals and two assists in the U.S. Open Cup, leading the Metros to the first final of any sort in the team's history.

Guevara tallied ten goals (six on penalties) and ten assists in his sophomore season. Guevara not only tied for the league lead in scoring, he was also named MLS's MVP. In 2005, Amado procuded another solid season for the Metros, with 11 goals and 11 assists, and added a goal in the playoffs.

In early 2006, a conflict arose between Guevara and the MetroStars. The club allowed him to train with Motagua, but Amado played for the Honduran club in a number of friendly matches, which might or might not have been permitted. Guevara lashed out in the Honduran press at the Metros' GM Alexi Lalas. But the two patched things up and Guevara remained in New York for the 2006 season. He received his green card in March 2006 and no longer counts as a foreign player in MLS. During the last game of the re-branded Red Bull New York season, Guevara scored three goals, a hat trick, to help them win 3-2 and reach the playoffs.

DC United eyes foreign market

2007-05-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

According to the Washington Post, before Monday's practice, in a closed locker room, first-year DC United coach Tom Soehn expressed his displeasure during an impassioned address. Despite the team's poor 0-3 start, United technical director Dave Kasper said he has not initiated trade talks and that the club has no plans to drastically alter the roster. Kasper did say, though, that the club will continue to monitor the international market and reevaluate the team's situation when the foreign acquisition window reopens June 15.

DC needs to shore up it's back - they just have tons of holes. Let's see how the lads respond on Thursday's to coach Soehn.

US National team article - a must read!!!

2007-05-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

I urge you to read Kenya Brown's most recent post on Yanks Abroad.

I personally think that his idea about facing more European teams by engaging a European training camp is a great idea of getting out of our national team funk. Read it and let me know what you think.

Sorry...

2007-05-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

The last week or so it has been difficult for me to update the site. I'm now updating it daily!!! Thanks for sticking with this blog.

2010 World Cup in America

2007-05-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

According to reports, the World Cup could be returning to the US sooner rather than later. The 2010 tournament is scheduled for South Africa, but FIFA president Sepp Blatter hinted that the U.S. could be in line as a substitute if there are organizational delays that year or could be a candidate for 2014.

I would love to see the World Cup come back to the states. But first we need to focus on our national team and name a permanent coach - whether that's Bradley or who ever.

Landon Donovan Interview (with ESPN)

2007-05-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

ESPNsoccernet recently interview Landon Donovan. It interesting that now he is focused after a terrible world cup. It's a little to late in my book. Here's what he had to say:

Following a disappointing World Cup performance, Landon Donovan has grown up both mentally and physically in the last six months. The Galaxy star married longtime girlfriend Bianca Kajlich earlier this year and has been appointed captain of both club and country.

ESPNsoccernet: How does it feel to be captain of the U.S. men's national team and the Galaxy?

Landon Donovan: How does it feel? It feels great -- when you get asked about it, it's pretty cool because I think most kids growing up would be ecstatic to say I'm a professional athlete. But to say you are the captain of your national team and club team, that's awesome.

ESPNsoccernet: Do you motivate the two teams in different ways? Are you laid-back or do you give a speech in the Galaxy or national team locker rooms?

LD: That's a good question. I don't ever get up and give speeches. I don't like to be that guy. If I feel it is necessary I will -- if I look around and guys are ready, then you don't need to say anything. I try to be honest -- it's nice to pretend everything is great all the time, but sometimes you need to say it's not good enough and we need to be better. Other times just a little encouragement to a certain player helps.

I have a feeling that I have respect from everybody [on the national team and Galaxy] and so that gives me freedom to say what I want. In the past I didn't always feel that way.

ESPNsoccernet: As a captain, do you prepare for games differently?

LD: I definitely do. My first five to six years in the league and playing with the national team, you kind of wake up and do what you got to do. Now I'm a lot more focused on how you make sure you are prepared and that starts even the night before the game. From what I'm eating, how I'm training, getting my body ready -- I've found that it makes a big difference.

ESPNsoccernet: You talked about your diet; can you be specific about what you are eating that makes you feel better?

LD: I want to say I didn't eat OK [in the past]. Bianca [my wife] eats a lot of good, clean foods, and it's helped me too, because it's around the house. She makes dinner, or we order and it's cleaner, healthier and it's more vegetables, more fruits and not a lot of dressings and sauces or extra fat that you don't need. I eat pretty much everything, but I eat it the right way. If I eat steak, I don't have tons of blue cheese, sauce and teriyaki on it. It's the same with any fish or meat that I eat.

ESPNsoccernet: How is life as a married man?

LD: It's great man. It is a different status but nothing has really changed. We lived together for almost two years before we got married. From our standpoint, it's not a whole lot different, but it's fun to say, "my wife." It's been fun for me, and it's probably all mental. I feel like I've grown up a little bit more. In my mind maybe I'm a little bit more responsible than I was before I got married.

ESPNsoccernet: With Bob Bradley as head coach, there is an influx of new and younger talent. How do you inspire the new guys on the team?

LD: I think the biggest issue facing the kids coming in now is they do not know how to be professionals. And that's because if you are a Benny Feilhaber at 20 years old, Michael Bradley at 18 -- whether you act like a professional or not, when you step on the field against other guys where it really means something, they are professionals and they are going to kick your ass if you are not ready to play.

Also I think there needs to be an understanding sometimes that [while] it is an honor to play for your national team, you don't get to just come in and feel like you got a cap. You have a responsibility; this team is used to winning and whether you are Bradley or Claudio [Reyna], you have to be on the field to win the game. That I think we'll get better at, but that's usually my advice to most of the young guys.

ESPNsoccernet: You've mentioned in the past that you are more locked into games. Describe what you mean by that.

LD: I'm just more focused in everything I do in games than I've ever been. Honestly almost the day I got back from the World Cup, I've felt that change. Every game I've been tuned in and focused. I've been in every game mentally, and for me that's rewarding, because I've always struggled with that.

ESPNsoccernet: The World Cup was months ago, but it seems like you took something away from it. What did you learn from your experience in Germany?

LD: It obviously was negative for all of us involved. But if you let that negativity define you, then you not only have a disappointing World Cup, you also have a disappointing rest of the year, the following year and maybe your career. If you learn from it, then you can take some positives.

I learned that I was not ready to play in two of those games [against Czech Republic and Ghana]. The Italy game I was ready to play and I think it showed, but the other two games I was not mentally ready. Guess what? In that stage you only get three shots at it. If two out of the three are not good, it's not good enough. We're not at a point like a Brazil where we can have an off day and still beat someone. That's what I learned, and given the chance to get there again, it will be a lot better.

ESPNsoccernet: What would have gotten you mentally prepared? Was there pressure to perform?

LD: I don't know, I never really thought about what the reasoning was. You have to remember in this country our soccer team has never played with that kind of pressure to perform especially in the World Cup. So maybe we were not ready mentally to carry that, because the casual sports fan watching expected the team to qualify for the next round. It's easy for me to look back now and ask questions. Going into those games, I honestly felt we could win all three games.

ESPNsoccernet: Now that you are matured with a different routine, what has changed?

LD: Not a lot, it's just mental. At the end of last year I turned over a new leaf. When I first came into the league -- and I think this happens to a lot of young, promising players too -- you come in and you are excited, everyone loves you, everything is great and you play well, because everything is going your way. Then you're at a point where you don't play well and it becomes a little heavy. There's a lot of games and you realize it is a business, such a grind and it's every day you have to be in there. You get to a point where you are burned out. Now the faster you can understand the whole business part of things, and get back to your roots where you are having fun, the better for you to become a great player. There is a new me and now I'm really enjoying myself because I understand that.

ESPNsoccernet: Are you tempted to want to take over games when teammates are not playing up to par?

LD: Yeah I do, but soccer is hard and it is funny, too. You have a couple of chances to score and you don't. Next thing you know, you are down. You put your game face on then you realize that you have 21 other guys on the field. Eleven of them are trying to keep you not only from scoring but also from getting the ball, period. People ask me all the time why I don't just get the ball and dribble through everyone. I wish it was that easy, but it's not that black and white and I probably could do more sometimes and that's another part of my game I am trying to get better at.

ESPNsoccernet: David Beckham is soon to arrive. Skeptics and fans have voiced their different opinions on his move to MLS. What is your expectation as a player and captain of this team?

LD: As a player, he is still a good player. You cannot play for Real Madrid and be a poor player, I don't care who you are, and people forget that. Honestly, I don't know how he is going to approach it. We can say he is going to be a great pro and he will come here, train and work hard, but you don't know. I don't know him from Adam, but I'm hoping and assuming that he will come ready to play.

You have to take him for his word when you see him say he really cares and wants to help this team win. People are skeptical -- but he's not going to go out there and embarrass himself, he will want to be sharp for the first game. From all accounts I hear anyway, he's a great guy. We'll reserve judgment till we meet him, but my hope is that everything will be great. How can someone like Beckham hurt us?

ESPNsoccernet: Do you ever want to return to Europe? Is it something on your mind and now that you have grown up?

LD: Sometimes it's tempting to watch a game and go like; I think I can play there. It'd be fun to play in that situation at that level where it is constantly competitive. If it did happen, good, but I don't think it would be for a while, because I'm happy where I am.

You also have to remember I'm married now; I have the dogs now too. It's not just what I think. I have to consider people around me. Does my wife want to go when her work is mainly in Los Angeles? What do we do with the dogs if that happened? If that could work out, I would consider it, but my guess is it wouldn't be for quite a while.

ESPNsoccernet: Speaking of your wife, how do you pronounce her last name?

LD: It's Donovan [laughs]. You are the second person to ask me that.

Plan to bring MLS back to San Jose fails

2007-04-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

A plan to bring an MLS back to San Jose State University failed after a developer and campus officials could not agree about how much the school should be paid.

Developer Lew Wolff had proposed paying for a new stadium to house a revived Earthquakes Major League Soccer team and college football games on land next to Spartan Stadium. But the deal also would have required use of most of the university's 63-acre south campus for parking for stadium events, including concerts.

Wolff's option to buy an MLS expansion franchise expires in 2009 and hinges on his ability to construct a stadium. He acquired the option last year when the team moved to Houston.

Wolff is the current owner of the Oakland A's.

This is disappointing, but MLS needs to find another option. The Bay Area needs a team as much as the Pacific Northwest does. MLS needs to make itself a national league, without over expanding ala NHL.

Real Salt Lake and Kasey Keller -- a wonderful match?

2007-04-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

According to an article on CNNSI - Keller has expressed an interest in playing on Real Salt Lake.

Keller hands-down is among the top two or three most internationally respected and accomplished players in the history of American soccer.

Keller's deal with Borussia Mönchengladbach expires in June, and it looks as if the club he captains is about to be relegated. At 37, he says he's ready for one last contract before he retires. And since he's a family man, he prefers to play close to his U.S. home near Olympia, Wash., or near his vacation home in Tamarack, Idaho.

Salt Lake City is the only MLS market anywhere near Washington -- a little more than 800 miles away, or a brief two-hour flight from Seattle. And because Keller is ready to sign one final contract, he's not waiting for an expansion franchise in the Pacific Northwest or the San Francisco Bay Area. If no MLS club makes him an offer, he'll likely sign another short-term deal in Europe and then call it quits.

I think this would be a huge loss for the league and would be a big help to Salt Lake City who currently has Nick "thank god he isn't on DC United" Romondo.

WUSA to relaunch in 2008 with eight team

2007-04-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Lost in all the news surrounding MLS' foreign explosion is that the WUSA will relaunch next year.

The league will include teams in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Boston, St. Louis, Dallas, Chicago and the New York/New Jersey area. One city remains to be named.

Play is expected to begin in April 2008.

Good news for fans of Women soccer.

Marvell Wynne traded

2007-04-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Red Bulls have traded defender Marvell Wynne, the first overall pick of the 2006 MLS draft, to the expansion Toronto FC for a partial player allocation and a second-round selection in next year's draft.

Marvell Wynne is a quality player who is exactly the type of player MLS needs to produce. Just a year ago people where talking about Wynne playing on the national team. So let's hope this move up north works out.

UPDATE:
I urge you to read MLS Underground's post on what Toronto FC is doing.

Sizing up the imports

2007-04-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

The most captivating transfer period in MLS history has ended. The result? The league has never had a greater number of quality international players arrive at one time. Here's how Ryan Hunt of CNNSI ranks the top 10 signings in terms of their expected impact in 2007.

1. LUCIANO EMILIO, D.C. United -- The Brazilian striker quickly has shown tremendous power and skill. Emilio will lead MLS in goals this season -- he already has two in league play and five overall -- and he may need to the way D.C. has played thus far.

2. JUAN PABLO ÁNGEL, Red Bulls -- He filled N.Y.'s gaping hole at striker. More important, he gives a franchise that has never won a significant trophy real hope for first time since the league's inception.

3. DAVID BECKHAM, Galaxy -- He'd certainly be higher if he arrived sooner. He's not here just to sell tickets and jerseys. But, yes, off the pitch, Becks' impact is immeasurable.

4. GUILLERMO BARROS SCHELOTTO, Crew -- Beloved in Argentina, the Boca Juniors legend is a winner. And he could turn the Crew into a playoff team this season.

5. CLAUDIO REYNA, Red Bulls -- Reyna's injury woes -- he's missed one game and is questionable for Saturday's match -- have the doubters crowing. But when he's on the pitch, his talent is undeniable. Prediction: 20 games played.

Rest of the pack: 6. Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Fire; 7. Roberto Brown, Rapids; 8. Carlos Marinelli, Wizards; 9. Ronald Waterreus, Red Bulls; 10. Fred, D.C. United.

More MLS Potential signings...

2007-04-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

More MLS Potential Signings...

Rumor #3)
There were indications that the Red Bulls and MLS had completed the transfer of Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel from Aston Villa, although there was no confirmation whether paperwork was completed and approved by Sunday's MLS transfer deadline.

Rumor #4)
Preston North End striker Danny Dichio has joined Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. He had been expected to make the move this summer, but an MLS regulation meant he had to be signed by 15th April.

MLS potential big signings...

2007-04-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a roundup of MLS potential big signings...

Rumor #1)
French legend Zinedine Zidane could be set to come out of retirement to join former Real Madrid teammate David Beckham at the L.A. Galaxy. Galaxy boss Alexi Lalas is now hoping he can convince the former France International to come out of retirement for a final swansong in Major League Soccer.

Rumor #2)
Crew coach Sigi Schmid remained mum about the team's possible acquisition of Boca Juniors forward Guillermo Barros Schelotto. One source close to the situation said the Argentine could be in uniform in Columbus Crew Stadium on Thursday night during a nationally televised game with the New England Revolution.

Update:
Guillermo Barros Schelotto is on his way to Major League Soccer.

What are the Red Bulls doing now?

2007-04-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

What are the Red Bulls doing now - they are spread rumors about signing every single international player. Let's hope they land one soon so this game can stop for a while!

The Manchester Guardian reported in its Friday editions that the Colombian international striker Juan Pablo Angel heading to the Red Bulls.

In another player acquisiton development, the Red Bulls have been talking to the represenatives of Liverpool forward Djibril Cisse for about a week, a source said. Liverpool's asking price for Cisse, however, might be too high and he is considered to be a long shot to join the team, a source said.

As the Red Bulls continue to look for their David Beckham, the rumors just seem to go on and on.

Enfield Signs two-year Contract Down Under!

2007-04-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Former Los Angeles Galaxy forward Michael Enfield has signed a two-year deal with Australian A-League runners up Sydney FC.

The 23-year old officially joined up on Saturday after a month-long trial, but will not be eligible to suit up until the new season begins in August.

The club are currently busy in the group stage of the Asian Champions League, which Enfield could only take part in if they reach the knockouts.

While it is too early to tell exactly where he might fit in the depth chart, Bling FC coach Branko Culina will expect the Yank to battle for playing time.

"We signed for next season and the season after that," Sydney press officer Mark Worwood told YA. "We have a small squad, so anyone we sign should be in contention for the first team."

During the trial, Enfield made a big impact in each of his friendly substitute appearances, including the goal that put them ahead to stay against Wollongong on March 14th.

"He played the second half of each game," reported Worwood. "He scored a very good individual goal in the first game and had a hand in all three goals against Marconi (on April 3rd)."

Enfield, who was a UCLA teammate of Hamburg midfielder Benny Feilhaber, scored once in 11 games over two seasons with the Galaxy.

(From Yanks Abroad)

Wizards sign Argentine MF Marinelli

2007-04-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

The Kansas City Wizards have signed Argentinian Carlos Marinelli to fill their need for a playmaking midfielder.

Marinelli, who has played at the top level in Argentina, England, Italy and Portugal, was introduced Tuesday. The Wizards hopes that the 25-year-old Marinelli - who was playing for Middlesbrough of the English Premier League when he was 17 - has plenty of years left in his legs.

Marinelli has spent the bulk of his career with Middlesbrough, scoring three goals in 35 Premier League matches and two more in other competitions. He has also played for Torino in Italy, Sporting Braga in Portugal, and Argentinian clubs Boca Juniors and Racing.

The Wizards will be counting on him to get the ball to their forward tandem of the United States' Eddie Johnson and Trinidadian Scott Sealy.

Red Bulls trying to add Brazil's Edmundo

2007-04-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

According to CNNSI, Edmundo, a 36-year-old forward who was a reserve on Brazil's 1998 World Cup team, might join Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.

"I was told to come up with the name of a famous Brazilian who had played for the Brazilian team. I gave them Edmundo, and he was approved," agent Fred Souza was quoted as saying by the Placar news agency on Wednesday. "There is an offer on the table, and Edmundo initially thought it was interesting. It could be a matter of days."

On Tuesday, two newspapers in Argentina said playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto was considering a contract with the Columbus Crew.

MLS Season Starts

2007-04-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

Some observations from this past weekend - the DC United/Rapids game was officially sold out, but it looked quite empty. I know it was cold and snowing out, but MLS has to be disappointed with how it looked on TV.

I didn't get to watch any other games - but with the cold weather I can't imagine that the week went as well as they had planned!

Also - Red Bulls - 0 goals! I was expecting more out of a Bruce Arena, Claudio Renya team!

MLS doesn't want Keller... what are they thinking?

2007-04-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

According to ESPN, MLS has little interest in bringing Kasey Keller to America. My question is why? I mean I know he is 37, but he can still play at a high level and is a name. I would love to see him and Brad Friedel in MLS. I think both these goalies are still playing at the top level and MLS would be lucky to have them.

On the reverse side, hopefully some of the younger keepers will follow Keller and Friedel's example and head overseas to play in tougher leagues. In America we have no shortage of quality tenders, but we need to continue to challenge them and not let some of the best goalies get comfortable playing in MLS.

If MLS is going to expand from 13 teams to 16 teams by 2010 - we need players like Keller and Friedel back in the US to help the game. And have them do it while they are still playing at a high level.

United falls to Chivas 2-1

2007-04-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Despite an amazing goal by Jamie Moreno (in ESPN's top ten highlights this morning), DC United made two defensive mistakes that allowed Chivas to escape with a 2-1 victory. This knocks the United out of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup by a 3-2 on aggregate.

Given that the United have yet to play a league match and Chivas is in midseason form you have to applaud the effort of the lads. CONCACAF Champions' Cup is going to be difficult for any MLS team to advance far because of the timing. That said - DC has given us a glimpse of how exciting they are going to be this year.

United set to play Chivas tonight...

2007-04-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

DC United are set to play the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinal tonight against CD Guadalajara. The United enter the match as the firm underdog. Late last week DC United resolved its drawn-out negotiations with Australian club Melbourne Victory over the international transfer certificate of Brazilian attacker Fred. Hopefully he will have a big impact in tonight's match.

Fred's debut could instantly influence the heated series, which stands delicately balanced after a 1-1 draw 17 days ago. The Mexicans knocked United out of their typical possession rhythm for much of the first-leg draw at RFK Stadium, but the Black-and-Red took heart from Luciano Emilio's late equalizer and are confident that they can break down the Chivas defense again.

Let's go United!!!

Players to watch in MLS' 2007 season!

2007-04-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the players CNNSI says we should keep an eye on in 2007.

Zidane to Galaxy?

2007-04-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

According to CNNSI scoreboard daily section, former Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane could follow ex-teammate David Beckham to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Adidas, which have both players on their books, is in talks with MLS and Galaxy officials about sponsoring a deal for Zizou to come out of retirement and play alongside Beckham in a sensational midfield pairing.

If this turns out to be true - WOW... I would get the package to watch all of the Galaxy's games.

Mathis traded to Red Bulls

2007-03-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

I am not sure this means anything since Clint Mathis is well past his prime. This move smells of desperation. What are you doing Red Bulls.

The 30 year-old Mathis is expected to join NYRB reuniting with head coach Bruce Arena, under whom he earned the first of his 46 U.S. national team caps on Nov. 6, 1998 in a 0-0 tie with Australia. Here's a little background on Mathis interesting career:

Mathis played college soccer at the University of South Carolina and was drafted sixth overall by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first round of the 1998 MLS College Draft. After two and a half years with Los Angeles, Mathis was awarded to the MetroStars in the dispersal draft after the Galaxy signed Mexican forward Luis Hernandez. Clint immediately took his game to a new level, flashing an "I ♥ NY" shirt after scoring goals, and breaking the MLS record by scoring five goals in a game against the Dallas Burn on August 26, 2000. He finished second in the league in scoring with 16 goals and 14 assists and was named to the MLS Best XI.

2001 saw Mathis start a season on a tear, scoring seven goals in his first six games, including the league's eventual Goal of the Year on a half-field run against Dallas. He was also a contributor for the United States national team in the early stages of World Cup qualifying, scoring the game-winning goal against Honduras and setting up Josh Wolff's game-winning goal against Costa Rica. In June he tore his ACL, which ended his year.

In 2002, Clint became the first male soccer player in eight years to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated in its World Cup preview issue. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Mathis shaved his hair into a mohawk and scored a goal in the United States' 1-1 draw with South Korea. He never recovered his pre-injury form and scored only 13 goals in his remaining two seasons with the MetroStars.After the 2002 MLS season and his excellent World Cup performnce, elite German club Bayern Munich attempted to acquire Mathis but was blocked by MLS. Mathis was furious and played poorly for the rest of his time in MLS.

In 2004, after his contract Mathis left the MetroStars to sign on a free transfer with Hannover 96 of the German Bundesliga. He finished his Metro career with 33 goals in league play and 39 in all competitions, both marks second-best in team history to Giovanni Savarese. Mathis played well in his first season in Germany, scoring four goals, but his second Bundesliga season was not as successful. After entering a game as a very late subsitute and immediately scoring, Mathis ran to the sideline and tapped his watch at the new Hannover coach, Ewald Lienen. The gesture earned Clint a permanent move to the doghouse and, unable to break into the first team again, he worked out a transfer back to MLS, joining expansion club Real Salt Lake.

Mathis said he returned to fulfill a promise made to RSL head coach John Ellinger. His only season in Utah was a major disappointment, as Mathis only scored three goals (all three were named MLS Goal of the Week). In December 2005, he was traded to Colorado in exchange for Jeff Cunningham. For a period of time in 2005, USA Head Coach Bruce Arena said he was open to putting Mathis on the 2006 World Cup squad if he could improve his fitness and make an impression with RSL. However, neither happened, and Mathis was not taken to Germany.

Despite the apparent demise of Mathis' career, he is still a legendary and beloved figure in the American soccer community.

Clint Mathis club level history:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1998-2000 2000-03 2004-05 2005 2006 2007	Los Angeles Galaxy MetroStars Hannover 96 Real Salt Lake Colorado Rapids Red Bull New York	65 (15) 67 (33) 17 (5) 27 (3) 25 (2)

Clint Mathis national team history:

National team
1998-	United States	46 (12)

ESPN's review of DC United

2007-03-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

Here is ESPN's review of DC United for the upcoming season.

US National team ties with Guatemala

2007-03-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Here is how the soccertimes rated the US National team members individual performance. Take a look - pretty interesting if you compare to the game on Sunday.

U.S. player ratings

Starters

Goalkeeper Kasey Keller - 6: His 46th international clean sheet was among his easiest. He was not really challenged all evening; when he was challenged, he made covering them look easy.

Defender Frank Simek - 6: In his first cap, he showed he is an experienced professional who can play with pace and not get rattled under pressure.

Defender Jimmy Conrad - 6: Responded well to marking Ruiz, a man he faces regularly in MLS. He only lost Ruiz once, allowing a potentially dangerous volley which missed the target.

Defender Jonathan Spector - 6: He pushed forward aggressively without giving up anything in back. He is gaining experience and maturity in England.

Defender Jay DeMerit - 6: With Conrad concentrating on Ruiz, DeMerit was left to shut down the middle. Although he was not put under much pressure, he showed a year in the English Premier League with Watford has given him experience, which allowed him to handle tonight's assignment with ease.

Midfielder Justin Mapp - 6: At times, he was the point of the U.S. attack, pushing the ball up the left side. Still young and improving, he could compete to start on the left flank. for the U.S.

Midfielder Benny Feilhaber - 5.5: A decent outing, but after recording his first two caps wince Sunday, he is still trying to find his role on the team. Will he be most effective as a defensive midfielder, as a link or by stepping into the attack? At 22, he still needs to gain more international match experience.

Midfielder Clint Dempsey - 5: Playing reserve matches and a few odd first-team minutes for Fulham in England, he is not sharp and could not take advantage of the couple of opportunities that came his way. Twice, he probably should have had goals or at least made a better effort. He needs to start playing somewhere as a regular.

Midfielder Michael Bradley - 5.5: He partnered well with Feilhaber in the middle, but the 19-year-old seemed to be have difficulty flowing from defense to attack and back. He could not find much room to operate in the crowded midfield and while his play was decent, he did not add much to the offense.

Forward Landon Donovan - 5: To his credit, he put in 90 minutes of effort, but the U.S. captain did not get the help or the breaks that went his way on Saturday. He was smothered by a defense designed to deny him the ball, but he also was not very effective on set plays, while his corner kicks and crosses were not sharp.

Forward Eddie Johnson - 4.5: For the second time since Sunday, he made a sub-par start and was replaced early. He was completely ineffective, even though he appeared to expend a lot of effort. He must do something to play his way out of his deep slump both at the international and club levels.

Reserves

Forward Kenny Cooper (59th minute for Benny Feilhaber) - 5.5: His entrance changed the shape of the attack for the better. He had his moments, but got little help. It will be interesting to see him over 90 minutes.

Midfielder Brian Mullan (67th minute for Johnson) - 5.5: He had a few good moments and did not make any glaring errors in a generally an understated appearance.

Defender Wade Barrett (83rd minute for Spector) - 5.5: Fit in well on the back-line.

Red Bulls get a new striker...

2007-03-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

MLS and Aston Villa have agreed on a transfer fee for Colombian forward Juan Pablo Ángel to join the Red Bulls if he and the club can agree on compensation, according to Soccer America.

Ángel started playing professional soccer at Atlético Nacional in his home city of Medellín, Colombia. Ángel was sold to River Plate, Argentina, where he was considered one of the best players.

Ángel was Aston Villa's record signing from Argentinian side River Plate at £9.5 million, an increase of £2.5 million on the previous record, set by Stan Collymore. He was reportedly Villa's highest earner on £40,000 per week. After an indifferent start to his Aston Villa career, he settled down and started to produce the form that persuaded Doug Ellis to shell out the massive transfer fee. He was the club's top scorer in the 2003-04 season with 16 goals in the FA Premier League, but slipped to 7 goals in 2004-05.

Since the departure of Darius Vassell to Manchester City the summer of 2005, Ángel has been heaped with pressure to score more goals. In August 2005, Milan Baroš was brought in however, in an attempt to take off some of the burden. However, Baroš seemed to find scoring as difficult as Ángel, and was sold to Olympique Lyonnais in the January 2007 transfer window. Despite early promise, Angel later fell out-of-favour with manager David O'Leary, and spent most of the season either as a substitute or watching from the stands.

Martin O'Neill's appointment as Villa manager has resulted in a huge turnaround in Ángel's Villa career. He is now first choice striker again and is rewarding his manager with goals.

For Colombia, Ángel has appeared over 30 times, averaging a ratio of nearly a goal every 3 games. For Villa he averages a goal every 3rd game.

Here is Ángel's club history:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1993-97 1997-00 2000-	Atlético Nacional de Medellín River Plate Aston Villa	057 0(9) 091 (45) 175 (44)

Here is Ángel's national team history:

National team
1996-	Colombia	33 0(9)

Portland in MLS???

2007-03-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

According to reports, Major League Soccer hopes to have an expansion franchise in the Pacific Northwest by 2010, and Portland is a possibility.

On Tuesday, MLS Commissioner Don Garber took a 45-minute tour of PGE Park, but Portland is no sure thing to land the expansion team. The league might not find PGE Park suitable, and there's the possibility that Seattle gets the Pacific Northwest entry.

Garber said the league has been discussing adding a Northwest franchise for at least six months with an investment group. The investors, whom Garber declined to identify, initially envisioned Seattle as the locale. Only recently has Portland emerged as an option.

Los Angeles is home to the West Coast's only two MLS teams, the Galaxy and Chivas USA. The two-time MLS champion San Jose Earthquakes moved to Houston after the 2005 season.

MLS started with 10 clubs in 1996 and now has 13. The league is expected to add three more teams by 2010.

US National game tomorrow!!!

2007-03-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

A good test tomorrow! Here is the details on the game:

U.S. vs. Guatemala,
March 28
9 p.m. ET, ESPN2

U.S. player ratings for Sunday's game...

2007-03-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Big win on Sunday...

Here is how Soccertimes ranked the performance of the US players. Let me know what you think!

U.S. player ratings

Starters

Goalkeeper Tim Howard - 5.5: Looked a bit unsettled at times and might have done better on Ecuador's goal, but he did make a couple of nice saves though he was rarely pressured.

Defender Carlos Bocanegra - 5: Still seems more comfortable playing in the center of defense rather than the left flank, as he did today. Was beaten several times by midfielder Luis Valencia, including once that should have resulted in a goal

Defender Oguchi Onyewu - 5.5: Go off to a rough start and was abused when he was outmuscled by Caidedo. But settled down in the second half and did better.

Defender Jimmy Conrad - 6: Played well, though seemed to have some communication problems with Onyewu at times in the first half and was bothered by the pace. His slide tackle in the 28th minute did save what almost certainly would have been goal. Ecuador would have led 2-1 and the tenor of the game might have changed.

Defender Steve Cherundolo - 6: Produced a steady effort, especially in the second half. He pushed the ball forward at times and was a threat down the right side.

Midfielder Landon Donovan - 8: Not only did he have a hat trick, but he was outstanding in all facets of the game. Now, he must learn to perform consistently at this level and live up to his role as the natural successor to Claudio Reyna as team leader.

Midfielder Benny Feilhaber - 5.5: For a number of reasons, he was much better in the second half than in the opening 45 minutes of his first international appearance. In the first half, he seemed a bit unsure of his role, offensively and defensively. When Michael Bradley was inserted at the break, he helped clog the middle defensively and slow the pace, which helped Feilhaber, a promising 22-year-old, do much better.

Midfielder Clint Dempsey - 5: Except for a few brief minutes, he was never really in the match. Perhaps he is showing the effect of not playing regularly at Fulham in England

Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley - 5: Much like Dempsey, he mostly had little impact and was often pushed off the ball by defenders. He ran freely, but failed to use his pace effectively. He did lay off a nice ball for Donovan's third goal.

Forward Brian Ching - 5.5: Considering he is really still rounding into form following off-season knee surgery, he is looking better. A hard-nosed player, he was in the thick of things all afternoon and worked well with Donovan, his former Major League Soccer teammate in San Jose.

Forward Eddie Johnson - 4.5: Another appearance with little impact. He should have done better given the wide open spaces available to him in the first half.

Reserves

Midfielder Michael Bradley (46th minute for Johnson) - 5.5: He helped settle down the defense and offered support, allowing Donovan to move forward. Took advantage of the slower play in the second half and did everything asked of him.

Forward Taylor Twellman (72nd minute for Ching) - 5: Made little difference other than occasionally dropping back to give some help on defense.

Defender Jonathan Spector (80th minute for Cherundolo) - 5.5: Showed some speed on the defensive flank. but had some trouble near the end, though no harm done was done.

Midfielder Brian Mullan (80th minute for Dempsey) - 5.5: Helped run tome off the clock.

Midfielder Justin Mapp (83rd minute for Beasley) - 5: made little impact during short stint.

Midfielder Brian Carroll (91st minute for Donovan) - no rating: A token appearance.

Toronto Waives Jon Busch

2007-03-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

With the trade of Richard Mulrooney to Toronto FC, the team had one too many senior internationals on the roster. This past week Toronto bid farewell to goalkeeper Jon Busch. The former Columbus Crew netminder was waived.

I would be shocked if Busch isn't picked up by another MLS team. His road to MLS and to the national team (one appearance - Jon earned his first and only cap for the United States on March 9, 2005, shutting out Colombia.) is nothing short of amazing. I am sure we will see him again. Here is Jon's story:

Jon Busch was a NCAA All-American in 1996 while playing at UNC-Charlotte, his road to MLS was not an easy one. Undrafted out of college, he spent a number of years in the United Soccer Leagues, playing for the Worcester Wildfire, Carolina Dynamo, Hampton Roads Mariners, and Hershey Wildcats. He was named the A-League Goalkeeper of the Year during his final year in the USL, 2001, and was then drafted by Columbus with the 23rd overall pick of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft. He played with Columbus until the end of the 2006 season.

Busch did not become a starter for the Crew immediately, sharing the duties in his first MLS season with incumbent Tom Presthus. He became a starter by 2003, but did not do too well, as Columbus floundered in the standings. But both the Crew and Busch had terrific 2004 regular seasons, as the team, led by Busch's goaltending, embarked on a league-record 18-game undefeated streak. Busch was a finalist for the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award for his performance, and his impact on the team's season was cited as the third-highest impact of any MLS player on any MLS team in the history of the league by MLSnet writer Jeff Bradley.

In 2005, he was sidelined by a knee injury for most of the season, leading the Crew to acquire Jonny Walker. The Crew's goalkeeping injury woes intensified in 2006, as Busch was one of several injured keepers on the team roster, managing only 8 games. He was waived prior to the 2007 season and the only player picked in the 2007 MLS Waiver Draft, selected by Toronto FC. Unfortunately, the team has one too many senior international players and had to release Jon Busch.

Jon Busch's club history:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1997 1997 1998-00 2001 2002-06	Worcester Wildfire Carolina Dynamo Hampton Roads Mariners Hershey Wildcats Columbus Crew	? (?) 2 (0) 64 (0) 27 (0) 84 (0)

Jon Busch's national team history:

National team
2005	United States	1 (0)

US National game today!!!

2007-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

A good test today since we have several European based players back. Let's see how Bradley uses them, especially in the Midfield! Here is the details on the game:

U.S. vs. Ecuador,
March 25
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
12 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Fmr English National Team player in MLS -- not Beckham???

2007-03-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

According to reports, Manchester City winger Trevor Sinclair will look to play in MLS if he is not offered a new contract. Not a bad catch if MLS can get him.

Trevor Lloyd Sinclair is a 34 year old midfielder, who currently plays for Manchester City. He is a former teammate of American Caption Claudio Reyna. Prior to Manchester City, Sinclair played for Blackpool (1990-93), Queens Park Rangers (1993-98), and West Ham United (1998-2003).

Although he only earned 12 caps for England, four of those caps came in the 2002 World Cup, when he was a last-minute replacement for the injured Danny Murphy. He replaced Owen Hargreaves (who was injured early in the competition) in the team and was widely regarded as one of England's better players in the tournament.

Here is Sinclair's club history:

Senior clubs
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1990-1993 1993-1998 1998-2003 2003-	Blackpool QPR West Ham United Manchester City	112 (15) 168 (16) 177 (37) 076 0(5)

Here is Sinclair's national team history:

National team
2001-2003	England	012 0(0)

Keller expects to be in the net for the National Team in 2010!

2007-03-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

Kasey Keller doesn't consider himself a has been. He's a starting goalkeeper and hopes to be the starter for the 2010 World Cup team.

The U.S. starter at the 1998 and 2006 World Cups, Keller will be 40 by the time the 2010 tournament opens in South Africa.

If Keller is picked for the U.S. roster at the 2010 tournament, he'd be part of a small group to be selected for five World Cups. He was a backup in both 1990 and 2002.

Meanwhile Keller has made 25 Bundesliga appearances this season for last-place Borussia Moenchengladbach in Germany.

"From my first trips with the national team in '89, it's been an astronomical change in the game," Keller said in a CNNSI article. "We have a long ways to go, but we also have a tremendous amount of competition to compete against. I think if we continue the good steady growth we've had over the last 15, 16, 20 years, I think this sport will be in a perfect position come 2015, 2020."

Let's hope Keller is right and that he continues to compete.

Cobi Jones retiring after 2007 season...

2007-03-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Cobi Jones announced yesterday that he was planning to retire at the end of the 2007 season. He will be missed - he has contributed so much to this countries national team and to MLS. I admittedly was not a huge Cobi fan, but he won me over a couple years ago with his great national team game versus Mexico when he came in as a sub. I can still see him getting fouled earning that red card for the Mexican captain. Well done!

That said - there are different accounts to the importance of David Beckham joining the Galaxy.

According to ESPN, Cobi planned to retire before the 2007 season -- but when the Los Angeles Galaxy signed David Beckham, he decided to play another year. When Jones originally let his intentions be known to Tim Leiweke, president and chief executive officer of Galaxy owner AEG, Leiweke interrupted him to say Beckham might be joining the Galaxy. "

MLS website sings a different toon - Jones insists that returning for another season wasn't really a close decision at all. He also insists that the offseason signing of David Beckham had absolutely no influence over his decision either. That's not to say that he isn't excited at the prospect of lining up alongside the former England captain.

Either way hopefully Cobi will enjoy playing with Beckham and have a good last run. He deserves it!

MLS Financial status?

2007-03-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Steve Davis of ESPN, today explored the financial status of MLS. It's interesting to see that the league has improved even with the NYRB lossing $14 million last season. With Toronto FC doing so well in ticket sales and Beckham driving up ticket sales/promotional items, we might see a great movement toward a large chunk of the teams actually making money.

Let's hope!

3 players MLS should take a hard look at...

2007-03-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

If you don't read Jen Chang's blog on ESPN you should start. Jen recently wrote an article about the type of players MLS GM's should/will be looking at.

Here's an example of players (that Jen thought) that MLS should be taking a hard look at:

1. Ismail Matar, Al-Wahda -- A 23-year-old midfielder who is by far the best player in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to his knack for scoring spectacular goals, Matar was named the best player at the 2003 World Youth Championships and current UAE coach Bruno Metsu has said that Matar has more than enough talent to excel in Europe.

2. Ledesma, Kaunas -- Only 24, the Brazilian Ledesma is the finest attacking player in the Lithuanian league and has great speed and skill. I doubt it would take a lot to convince him to trade in the frigid climate of the Baltic States for MLS.

3. Allan Delon, Brasiliense -- At 27, Delon (named after the French movie star) is the perfect type of Brazilian player for MLS. A domestic league player of some quality (he's a potent goal-scoring midfielder), Delon falls into that dreaded tweener category of being a domestic league standout who's not good enough for a national team call-up or good enough to attract attention from top European leagues. This being the case, he makes perfect sense for MLS since he's probably affordable and probably looking for a chance to make his name abroad.

Also it should be pointed that Jen did predict that DC United will win MLS Cup this year.