Olde City

Sons of Ben to get their own stadium section on the Chester Waterfront

2008-05-22T11:46:00.001-07:00

There's been little going on on the surface of MLS Philadelphia - but as you can tell from this update from the Philadelphia Daily News' John Smallwood...there's a lot going on underneath.

A couple weeks ago, MLS Philadelphia hired their first two executives - Dave Debusschere as Chief Financial Officer and Rob Smith as Director of Operations. Debusschere joins from PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Smith is the longtime FC Delco director. FC Delco is one of the premier youth programs in the company and being a longtime coach of the game, Smith is a perfect choice for this job. If there is someway MLS Philly can incorporate FC Delco into their youth academy and development programs, we will already be caught up tremendously in terms of producing and fostering soccer talent.

Smallwood gave us a couple tidbits today...

- season ticket sales are above 4,500, over 23% of the desired capacity - 23 months before the home opener
- construction on the stadium will break ground in the fall - a mere 3-4 months away
- the SONS OF BEN will get their own special section and possibly entrance to the Chester Waterfront Stadium according to Dave Mosca, the senior VP of Corporate Partnerships
- the brand, logo, etc. will be unveiled by the end of the year

MLS Philly Website Revamp, Sounders FC

2008-04-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

A much better presentation overall...complete with some "Where are they now?" features. Starting with Bob Rigby from the Philadelphia Atoms' inaugural and championship season. Not to mention a Philly Soccer history bit that's going to go up week to week, written by Steve Holroyd.

Read up.

Also, Don Garber recently said the season ticket sales are up past 4,000 now. Damn right. And for those who were under a rock or something, the new Seattle MLS franchise beginning play in 2009 will be called Seattle Sounders FC.

Here's the logo -

A Q&A with LA Galaxy defender Julian Valentin

2008-04-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Soccer brings you everywhere and nobody knows that better than Los Angeles Galaxy rookie defender Julian Valentin. Did a little bit of digging and I found a college project of Valentin's that gives you the lowdown on exactly where soccer has taken him...Most notably - Argentina, South Korea, and Finland. A Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Julian has had one hell of a soccer year. In mid-December, his collegiate career at Wake Forest came to a close in dramatic fashion. The defender was playing a great College Cup vs. Ohio State until the 81st minute when a cleat connected with his face, leaving him stunned and in need of 30 stitches. The Demon Deacons won and Julian was right back out on the field for the team championship picture - bloodied face and all. Plain badass. Valentin has been described as a "coaches' dream" and more importantly, a true Philadelphia player. Intestinal fortitude, work ethic, professionalism, and talent now find the Lancaster, PA native learning from Ruud Gullit and the Galaxy in Los Angeles. According to his map, he's been there before...but never under these circumstances. Olde City got the chance to ask him about his experiences - past and present.

In such a young career, you’ve gathered quite a bit of accolades and memories. An Under-20 World Cup victory over Brazil, a well-deserved NCAA Championship, numerous appearances for all youth national team levels. Which has been the most memorable?

I think that each memory was special in its own way and I carry each bit with me. The National Championship was sort of a culmination of lots of hard work and commitment, something very special. But there's nothing like representing your country - it's everybody's dream and playing in a World Cup is the highest level possible (at any given age group). I'd have to say that playing in the U-20 World Cup, particularly beating Uruguay in overtime, assisting on the game winner, would be my most memorable moment. I'll never forget hugging Mike Bradley at the corner flag after the scored the winner.

A graduate of the residency program and, in fact, a captain of that program – what was your experience like there? Care to give us a day in the life of a player in the Bradenton-based program?

I would not be where I am today if it weren't for the Residency Program. It was a great experience and a great way to grow up with the game. I played with some great players, many of which are playing for top European clubs right now and had fantastic coaches.

Each day we'd wake up, eat breakfast, go to school for a few hours, go back and train, and then hang out until the end of the day. We would lift weights and do other things like that a couple times each week. It's a lot more involved and intense than I just made it sound but that's the bare essentials of the program.

Can you see yourself playing abroad at some point in your career? If so, which league abroad would most suit your style of play?

Playing overseas has always been a goal of mine every since I was young. European culture thrives on the game and being immersed in that is something that would be awesome. Right now, though, I'm just focusing on the Galaxy with all of my energy.

The Bundesliga would suit my game well because of the physical play and I've always liked to watch Munich, Werder Bremen, Leverkusen, and all the others. My favorite league, though, is the English Premier League.

A four-year contributor at Wake Forest is no joke and you were one of three huge Demon Deacon prospects in 2008’s SuperDraft. More prospects like Marcus Tracy and Cody Arnoux to come – what makes Wake Forest that rich in talent?

First, the professionalism of the program is one of the main reasons. Coach Vidovich treats us like professionals and holds everyone to a high standard both on and off the field. He's as good as they come as a coach and players tend to grow up fast in the program.

The way that we play is another main reason. Coach Vidovich bases our game around collective, team play and that creates good individual players. When you play well as a team, players are able to better display their individual talents in the appropriate way. We play an attacking style that is based on passing, ball and player movement, and try to play an advanced game in college.

The other big thing is recruiting. Coach V. and the staff know what sort of people will turn into good players and the program is surrounded by good people. He has a great eye for talent.

Pat Phelan and Brian Edwards both landed in Toronto. You in Los Angeles. How has the transition been in Los Angeles so far?

It's been great. We have a big rookie class in LA so there are some "built-in friends" so to speak. LA is a lot different than Lancaster (or Winston-Salem) but I really like it here. I live a few blocks from the beach and have a nice little apartment with some of the guys on the team.

Being a rookie, have the veterans imposed anything that could be classified as ‘hazing’?

No. All of the older guys have actually been very welcoming and helped a lot with the adjustment - both on and off the field.

Within the Galaxy organization, who has offered the most in the way of help and advice?

Greg Vanney and Chris Klein, in particular, have really helped me out. They are both very good players who are very experienced and great guys. Landon [Donovan] and David [Beckham] have also offered a lot of help on the field.

Gotta ask about Ruud Gullit. You had one hell of a coach at Wake Forest and then you are drafted into the tutelage of Gullit. What does he bring to the Galaxy organization?

Coach Gullit brings so much to the table. It's a great privilege to play for someone with such a resume, both playing and coaching. He's a great coach, knows how to teach the game and he runs a good training session. When he says anything, you just listen because you know what he’s experienced in the game. And if you get a chance, watch some videos of him on YouTube – he was totally dominant.

Are you close to full health? What are your goals for your first MLS season?

I am in full health and I’m hoping to learn as much as I can in my first year. We have a lot of good, experienced players to learn from and a great coaching staff and I’m hoping to improve various aspects of my game. If I get first team minutes it would be an added bonus but my primary goal is to make sure that I improve a lot and that I’m a much better player by the end of the season.

What’ll be the key to the Galaxy’s success this year?

One of the major keys to our success this year will be staying healthy. If we can minimize injuries, we’ll be able to have a very successful season.

Despite the rise of new soccer-specific stadiums all over the country, many still proclaim that the Home Depot Center is still the “mecca” of America soccer. True statement?

True. Of course I’m biased, but I definitely feel that the Home Depot Center is the best soccer stadium in the country (and I’ve been to most of them). The stadium field is amazing and the atmosphere is fantastic (thanks to the great fans that we have here). Along with the stadium goes the locker room and lounge, quality training field, weight room, training room, and all of the other things that the facility has to offer. Everything here is world class and it’s a privilege to play here.

I saw that the Sons of Ben were able to interview you earlier in the year. How has the Riot Squad and the Galaxians treated you upon your arrival into the Galaxy organization?

I’m slowly getting to meet some of the Galaxians and Riot Squad members and they have all been very welcoming. They’re great fans, knowledgeable fans, and very passionate about the club. They are a huge part of the success of the Galaxy and it’s an honor to play for their club.
I also got to meet some of the Sons of Ben at the draft and through email and they’re all great guys. Their passion and organization was a major part of Philly being awarded expansion. I have no doubt that they will become one of the best supporter groups when the team starts playing. It’s funny because they already are!

Born in Lancaster, ever ride in a horse and buggy? Go to Dutch Wonderland?

Never rode a buggy but visited the “Real Amish Farm” on Route 30 near the outlet malls. I have a bunch of Amish neighbors, walking distance from my house. We love to go to Dutch Wonderland – it’s mainly for little kids but they do have some sweet water slides and solid funnel cake.

Favorite player? Team?

Hard to pick just one but I love watching John Terry – our playing style is similar. I love Steven Gerrard as an attacking player. My favorite team would have to be Manchester United. (I’m aware of the disparity here.)

As a defender, who has been the toughest opponent to shut down?

Hard to think of one in particular because there are always different challenges with different forwards. Charlie Davies and Patrick Nyarko come to mind, though.

You had another Philadelphia area member on your NCAA Championship Wake Forest squad. Did you and South Jersey’s Jamie Franks ever go head to head before college?

We did when we were young. It was a tournament at USTC. He played for Medford Speed and I played for a club called FC Leeds United (now PA Classics). I don’t remember the result though but I’m pretty sure we won.

How would you go about marking Cristiano Ronaldo??

I would kick him every time touched the ball.

Where do you see the [Philadelphia] Phillies ending up this year?

I see the Phils with the Wild Card again. I think that ATL will bounce back but we'll beat out the Mets. We obviously need a bit more depth on the mound but we definitely have what it takes to make a run at things.

Julian, thank you for taking the time and good luck with the rest of the season. Hope to see you in an MLS Philly uniform one of these days...

Philly Newsline 4.2: A Negative Editorial, "A Fan's Case Against Local Pro Soccer"

2008-04-02T10:07:00.001-07:00

Philly Daily News published this opinion from former Penn Charter head soccer coach and adjunct professor at Philadelphia University, Mark Franek.

Snippets and quick retorts below:

With all due respect to the "Sons of Ben" (SOB) - the Philly-based fan
group on steroids that successfully pressured business owners, state legislators
and league officials, and helped close this deal by deflecting shots from
naysayers - Major League Soccer is just plain boring.

With all due respect, the "boring nature of Major League Soccer" could be that
you've never had a strong enough allegiance to a team to really care about the
development of a team, on-field and off-field. MLS is 13 years old. Don Garber
repeatedly says we're taking baby steps in the progression of the league. Most
"naysayers" don't understand that. They expect the product on and off the field
to automatically on par with the NFL, MLB, NBA. Give it time.

Even if MLS wasn't overshadowed on TV by better leagues and vastly more talented teams, there's still the almost total blackout of intelligent soccer commentary in all major media outlets. When Jon Stewart and Drew Carey talk about pro soccer more often (and more intelligently) than Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon (the "Pardon the Interruption" sports-show guys), you know your sport really doesn't matter.

We all know Max Bretos and Christian Miles have a long way to go, so do Paul Caligiuri, Christopher Sullivan, etc. Think about every English commentator. They've been raised on the game, standards are a bit higher, etc. Our commentators are as young as the professional game. The more games they cover, the better and more prepared they'll make themselves. Anything that Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon say against the sport of soccer is publicity for the league. Frankly, I'll take it.

This isn't MLS' fault, of course, but it's hard to justify $250 million to lure David Beckham to America and a series of expensive soccer-specific stadium deals when the league as a whole is still millions in the red.

We all know now that Mr. Beckham COULD make $250 million. His guaranteed salary is $5-6 million a year though. As for Soccer-Specific Stadiums pushing the MLS further into the red. Several teams have already turned profits - and have since 2005. Think about the nascent stages of ANY PROFESSIONAL league. Think about the English Premier League in the late 1980s. There has to be significant spending in order to build your league. Don Garber knows that, Ivan Gazidis knows that.

The 2,600 temporary construction jobs and 800 full-time jobs will be a nice boost to the local economy, to be sure, but what percentage of the good jobs will go to actual Chester residents?

I saw Chester Mayor Wendell Butler at the MLS Philly 2010 Press Conference and trust me, he seems like the guy that wouldn't allow otherwise. I don't have a great source but I have heard that over 70% of the Chester casino's staff are from Chester or the surrounding area.

He goes on to mention positive things - youth participation, ties to ethnic communities, but fails to touch on the fact that 3,400 have already put their deposits two years in advance. Call me biased, but there has been nothing more fun to watch than the development of Major League Soccer. The ebb and flow of public sentiment. The progression of teams. Every year it gets better and better, and this was after years of inconsistency. It's safe to say, however, this league is here to stay. Let's revisit this in 10 years when Philadelphia has won several MLS championships, draws 18-20k a game, and soccer finds its way past the NBA into the Big Three.

Further comments???

10 Bright Spots of MLS Week 1: The Gambians, Cooke, and a Salute to Youth

2008-03-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

1. New England Revolution
Introduce two U-20 Gambian players and succeed? Sure. Steve Nicol certainly knows what he's doing and his opener - without the services of Twellman - truly pays homage to his ability to man manage and bring along young talent. Let's not forget Adam Cristman who worked well with Nyassi and Mansally. All three - along with the veteran presence of Steve Ralston (let's hope that shoulder's okay) and the patrolling of Joseph/Larentowicz in the middle - helped put together an attack that even Houston's defense couldn't withstand. On the other end, however, Parkhurst dealt with Ching effectively, while it's pretty certain that Wondolowski should not be in there.

2. Terry Cooke
When did Terry Cooke get fast? We knew he had a boot, but his speed and tenacity was the difference versus the Galaxy. Could it have been the Englishman just wanted to show up his former teammate Beckham? If that's the case - the opening goal in a 4-0 drubbing of the Galaxy and two subsequent assists will do just that. We can expect another big service year from Cooke. Someone explain to me how Cooke got awarded that second assist on Colin Clark's goal??? Clark dribbled for what seemed like an eternity before beating Cronin near post...at what point does Cooke's initial pass become "unassisted"?

3. Kenny Mansally/Sainey Nyassi
These kids can play. Nyassi burnt Houston on the wings and was able to finish his first goal ever in his debut. Mansally had his hand in the first goal and looked strong on the ball with an uncharacteristic poise for a first year striker. If Mansally and Cristman do well enough up top, does Taylor Twellman technically become expendable?? (Answer is probably no...). Sainey Nyassi was hyped up a little less than Mansally throughout the preseason, but he arguably was the more effective player. Not even Corey Ashe had an answer for his speed on the wings. Both players if consistent provide the Revs with a depth that could account for the loss of Dorman and Noonan. Let's wait for week two though...

4. Maykel Galindo
He did it at the expense if FC Dallas' new acquisition and Mexican international Diulio Davino, but no matter how it happens, the Goats came away with a point. Davino mishandled a trap and Galindo capitalized by pouncing on it and sending it straight through Dario Sala's legs to equalize with 5 minutes to go. What it made it more impressive was that Galindo is still recovering from sports hernia surgery and isn't at 100%. The Cuban international then kissed the Chivas USA shield during his end-of-the-game interview. The guy is class.

5. Claudio Lopez
Eddie Johnson who? Lopez and Ivan Trujillo ripped apart a decent D.C. United defense with the help of Carlos Marinelli. Already, this is shaping up to be one interesting year. If I'm not mistaken though, there were some crazy results at the beginning of last year too. Anyways, Lopez is class and looks like he'll end up being another DP success. In fact, you could almost say that about all the DP debuts.

6. Dema Kovalenko
The guy got stiffed by RBNY and sent on over to Salt Lake (stiffed in the sense he's more of a big city guy, Chicago his "adopted home", etc.), but he made the best of his first appearance. Dema, within two minutes of coming, served a cross that was redirected into the Chicago goal by young Bakary Soumare. In a questionably sloppy game, Kovalenko got the job done. On top of that, Kova was just recently sworn in as an official citizen of the United States of America.

7. Adam Moffat
One hell of a game winning goal for Columbus from the star of the Crew's preseason. A developmental contract that looks to make a significant contribution to the Crew's run this season. Reminds me of a younger Kerry Zavagnin.

8. John DiRaimondo/Nick LaBrocca/Kosuke Kimura
LaBrocca, the NJ native, and DiRaimondo really frustrated the hell out of an almost non-existant Los Angeles midfield. Fernando Clavijo's injury predicament forced him to go with a lot of new blood. Kimura held his own at right back, keeping Donovan pretty quiet throughout the whole game. From the get go, it was clear who wanted to win the game and all three were a huge part of that.

9. Traveling Toronto FC Fans
TFC had something like 2,000 supporters travel down to Columbus to take over Columbus Crew stadium. The Crew still outplayed them in the end, but Crew Stadium was still Toronto's for the afternoon. Take those supporters away and you have one pitiful Columbus crowd. Mr. Gillett, you want a team? I got one for you...

10. Jon Busch
The seemingly eternal back-up began his Chicago starting career with a big game. A potent Real Salt Lake offense tested him again and again, forcing him into 8 saves. Busch, who last started regularly in 2004 with the Columbus Crew, looked shaky in the beginning but ultimately showed well and solidified his number one spot. In 2004, Busch was the brightest spot on a decent Columbus team - he posted a 1.07 GAA and a 12-5-12 winning record. Then he was replaced....Here's to hoping he finds that success again.

Projected Starting Lineups: New York Red Bulls

2008-03-29T17:17:00.001-07:00

Projected Starting Lineup:

-------------------Angel-------Altidore---------------

-------------------------Reyna-----------------------

Van den Bergh--------Stammler--------------Richards

Goldthwaite------Parke-------Mendes-------Freeman

----------------------Conway------------------------

Off the Bench: MF Danleigh Borman, GK Zach Thornton, FW John Wolyniec, FW Oscar Echeverry, DF Chris Leitch, MF Mike Magee, MF Sinisa Ubiparipovic, DF Eric Brunner

The projected lineup might look off, but it's what it would be with everyone healthy. Unfortunately, Osorio isn't going to have that luxury from the get go. Richards is out for the first month of the season, where rookie Danleigh Borman might fill in. Many who saw Borman during the preseason said he was more than capable of providing the energy needed to match a Richards, but there aren't many that can match his pace. Van den Bergh could man the left wing, but lacks the pace to do so all season. If you melded the speed and energy of Richards with Van den Bergh's crossing, you'd have one hell of a dangerous player. The biggest question mark for the Bulls this season will be the health and efficiency of 1st DP Claudio Reyna. He has looked good in the preseason, but all it takes is a knock to the thigh to put him out of commission for a while. If he stays healthy, though, this RBNY could find the consistency they sorely needed last year. Winning three, losing three, winning two, etc. If Reyna goes down however, a once again healthy Mike Magee could really get his chance to shine again. In fact, you could see those two platoon in that attacking mid role. Seth Stammler will play the Kovalenko role, winning balls and distributing. Great thing about Stammler is his versatility. If needed, he can play anywhere in the back.

The defense is led by the duo of Mendes and Parke in the middle. Last year's real deficiency was the outside fullbacks. Goldthwaite came over from Toronto and didn't do much, but there is much pointing to that having changed. Hunter Freeman was oft-injured last year, but showed well in Olympic Qualifying and - yet again - if healthy could make an impression this year. Depth in the back is their strong point - first round SuperDraft pick Eric Brunner will see some time while Chris Leitch is serviceable.

Up at the top, you have easily the most feared duo of strikers in the league. Jozy Altidore and Juan Pablo Angel have worked well together so far and look to build on that this year. Osorio brought in Oscar Echeverry to share time with Jon Wolyniec when Altidore leaves for the Olympics in China. It has yet to be seen whether or not Echeverry can play well beside Angel, but we know that with Wolyniec it's a bit iffy. Expect Angel to hit for 20, at least, and Altidore to grab a good amount.

Jon Conway gets his starting chance in goal this year. Just like Steve Cronin in LA, it's his position to lose. Backup Zach Thornton, although getting up there in age, is perfectly capable of taking it away from him. UPenn grad Danny Cepero - said to have a promising future - has apparently been loaned out to USL Division 2 side Harrisburg City Islanders.

If the Bulls keep scoring and the defense tightens up unlike last season, Osorio could have a Championship team on his hands. You need people to play to their potential though - that means you, Reyna. I can't see it all coming together this year. 2009 is a better bet. The Bulls will start strong and fade late, hanging on for a playoff spot and most likely a first round exit.

Outlook: 4th in the East

Projected Starting Lineup: New England Revolution

2008-03-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Projected Starting Lineup:

--------------Twellman---------Mansally----------------

Thompson-----Joseph--------Larentowicz--------Ralston

K. Smith-----Parkhurst----------Heaps----------Albright

-------------------------Reis-----------------------------

Off the Bench: GK Doug Warren, FW Adam Cristman, MF/FW Sainey Nyassi, DF/MF Joe Franchino, DF Gary Flood, DF Rob Valentino, DF Amaechi Igwe

Sitting here watching the home season opener vs. Houston and I find it interesting that not one, but both of the Gambian youngsters are on the pitch for the Revs. Both are certainly to figure more into the year than previously though. Kenny Mansally had a monster of a preseason and Nyassi took some strides with him.

On to the forwards and Mansally has apparently won the fight vs. Cristman and already in opener, you can tell why. The Gambian along with Twellman and Cristman makes a pretty decent frontline trio. The loss of Pat Noonan stings, but it seems like Nicol thinks his youngsters are ready. Steve Nicol looks to also give his wingers free reign with new signing Mauricio Castro, the aging but still productive Steve Ralston, and the youngster Nyassi. Wells Thompson will look to avoid a sophomore slump. The Revs have one of the strongest center midfields in league, even without the services of new St. Mirren man Andy Dorman (he's lighting it up over there by the way). Jeff Larentowicz and Shalrie Joseph, when on point, organize and connect both the offense and defense, making their transitioning almost seamless.

The defense has Jay Heaps moving into the center with Michael Parkhurst. His move to the center is to make room for the new acquisition of Chris Albright, who is coming off a long, arduous recovery from last year's season-ending injury. Khano Smith and Amaechi Igwe could potentially platoon at left back. Both, however, will provide more pace on the wing and a bit of an attacking flair. Other contributors will be second year Gary Flood and Clint Dempsey's favorite person Joey 'the Rat' Franchino. Depth issues were addressed with the signing of Chase Hilgenbrinck, who has returned from the professional ranks in Chile. He first landed in Colorado, but was waived and picked up by Nichol.

Need I say much about Matt Reis? The man knows how to organize a backline and keep the net clean. He's got all those MLS Cup appearances to prove for it. Doug Warren is a capable backup but might only see time in the Open Cup. Overall, the Revs lost some, gained some, but gained an attacking depth that could in fact push the Revs back into the MLS Cup. If they get there, they win it. If they lose, they lose early and it'll be because of a lack of depth.

Outlook: 2nd in the East

Projected Starting Lineups: Los Angeles Galaxy

2008-03-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Projected Starting Lineup:

-------------C. Ruiz--------Gordon------------

-----E. Allen--------------------Donovan------

------------Beckham-------Alvaro-------------

Gavin-------Xavier---------Vanney-------Klein

------------------Cronin-----------------------

Off the Bench: MF Josh Tudela, MF Pete Vagenas, MF Brandon McDonald, DF/MF Sean Franklin, MF Mike Randolph, GK Josh Wicks, DF Julian Valentin, DF Ante Jazic

It's a bit thin after David Beckham, Carlos Ruiz, Landon Donovan, Chris Klein, but that's what makes this all so interesting, right? Greg Vanney and Abel Xavier will have their good days and bad days in central defense, but the real keys lie with newcomer Michael Gavin who fill in until Ante Jazic returns to health and form. Chris Klein's move to the back could be challenged by a motivated rookie in Sean Franklin, both looked semi-decent in a bunch of the preseason matches. The other rookie that could step in and play well is U-20 World Cup standout and Philadelphia area native Julian Valentin. It will be interesting to see how this all pulls together, especially with a bit of a disconnect between the holding midfielders and the defense.

If inexperience lies anywhere it's in the holding midfielder role. Lalas and Gullit want Beckham free to spray those nasty long balls all day, which means there needs to be a guy in the middle willing to win the tackles necessary to get Becks open. Alvaro Pires has talent, but has lacked consistency so far. Josh Tudela is a fighter, but counters his won challenges with really crappy passing. If all that can figure itself out, you could see a pretty decent midfield. Either way, though, you can never bet against a midfield holding two players like Beckham and Donovan. On any given day, the Galaxy can be the best in the league. Just depends if they want to make that a commonplace occurance.

Up at forward, Carlos 'El Pescondito' Ruiz is going to have a monster year. He is still around, he likes where's playing now, and he's got both Donovan and Beckham playing him crosses. I'll eat my words, but he's got no way out of this one. In LA, he either performs or finds another league to play in. Expect a 15 goal season from the guy, with Alan Gordon in a purely supportive role. In fact, I could see a 4-5-1 tactice if Gordon fails to produce. That way, there would be two ball-winners to distribute to Beckham and Donovan. The rest could fall in place from there.

Goalkeeper Steve Cronin has waited his turn and it's his job to lose. Back-up Josh Wicks will be waiting in the wings to see if he can sneak in there. Kind of like Ray Burse, Jr. with Dario Sala last season. Cronin has talent, but I think it will be a Bouna Coundoul-like first starting season for him. Great saves mixed with some pisspoor mistakes.

With all that said, the Galaxy could fall into their rut from last year, but a return of Vagenas and Jazic to active duty could solidify a decent line-up. Better than most people think. Still can't put them high in the Western Conference until I see all the questions get answered. That's a lot of rookies getting time, but Gullit seems confident, and I see a playoff spot to say the least.

Outlook: 3rd in the West

3,400 Tickets and Counting: Philly Inquirer

2008-03-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, it's 3,400 season tickets and we're still two full years away from sitting in that 20,000 person Rivertown Stadium next to Turbine Hall.

As the report says - that's 18% of the stadium filled with not one dime spent on advertising.

Less than 20% comes from Sons of Ben members...which means we can expect 1,000 more at least in the coming months. But why so few so far? Any answers to that?

About 60% of the deposits come from Pennsylvania. 30% from New Jersey. And 10% from Delaware.

We can expect a spike in season ticket deposits when construction starts on the Rivertown stadium. People might be a bit reserved at buying tickets until the project gets off on the right foot.

It looks like Peter Gammage is going to be the go-to guy at Philadelphia Inquirer. Hopefully, along with work here to get some more info, we will have updates monthly.

Projected Starting Lineups: Kansas City Wizards

2008-03-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Projected Starting Lineups:

---------------Lopez------------Trujillo---------------

Arnaud-----Marinelli---------Zavagnin-----Harrington

Myers--------Conrad-----------Wahl--------Jewsbury

----------------------Hartman------------------------

Off the Bench: DF/MF Sasha Victorine, FW Scott Sealy, MF/FW Eloy Colombano, MF Kurt Morsink, DF/MF Aaron Hohlbein, GK Eric Kronberg, DF Jonathan Leathers

Claudio 'El Piojo' Lopez has his visa and is ready to go. Whether or not he'll be fit for the first game, well that's a different question. If that's the case, substitute Sealy in for Lopez. Believe it or not, based on his preseason, I think you're going to see Trujillo outperform Lopez and Sealy this year as he looks like he's got the work ethic to do so. This trio is much improved for the Wizards and could strike 'Angel-Altidore' fear into MLS defenses if they mesh.

In the midfield, Arnaud will get to concentrate on providing service again and will have several options instead of always looking for Eddie Johnson. Harrington is an industrious presence on the right wing and he undoubtedly will look to build upon his successful freshman year. Between those two, I would expect at least 15-20 assists. The platooning of Zavagnin and Victorine should prove effective, while those two scrappers free Carlos Marinelli to provide the proper service to the front line. All of Kansas City seems to be priming Marinelli for a record year as his preseason has him fitter and more composed than ever. Rookie Roger Espinoza is another guy to watch once he gets healthy again.

Along with their DP, the Wizards also have questions about defensive depth. Jimmy Conrad is the right leader for this team and will push Tyson Wahl to have a banner year, but after the starting four - it's rookie Jonathan Leathers and midfielder Sasha Victorine to provide help. Harrington could also move back to fullback, but he's much more dangerous on the wings. Aaron Hohlbein will also see significant time and if, between him and Wahl, they can take pointers from Conrad, the Wizards could have a very successful year. Nothing really needs to be said about the keepers. Kevin Hartman is a year older, which doesn't change much in the long run. If needed, KC has a very capable back-up in Eric Kronberg though.

Overall, as said above, KC's success depends on the development of the supporting cast around Marinelli, Lopez, Trujillo, and Conrad. That success however also is attached to the productivity of the new signings. If Marinelli, Lopez, and Trujillo can work together, this will be an extremely dangerous Wizards team. One capable of overrunning New England, DC, and RBNY in the East.

Outlook: 3rd in the East

Projected Starting Lineups: Houston Dynamo

2008-03-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Projected Starting Lineup:

----------Ching----------Wondolowski---------

------------------DeRosario--------------------

B. Davis---------------------------------Holden

--------------------Clark----------------------

Barrett------Robinson-----Boswell------Waibel

-------------------Onstad---------------------

Off the Bench: GK Tony Caig, DF Patrick Ianni, DF/MR Richard Mulrooney, MF Corey Ashe, MF Brian Mullan, FW Franco Caraccio, FW Kyle Brown

In the back, not many changes - substitute Ryan Cochrane for the recovering Bobby Boswell. He's had a couple decent competitive performances so far in CONCACAF Champions Cup, but if we keep anything in mind from last year, it's that consistent form is not Boswell. A lot of people were also touting Patrick Ianni to get a lot of time this year and that could still happen but it would hinge upon Robinson getting called away for USMNT duty and/or Boswell to get hurt, royally screw up. Ianni didn't turn many heads in the Olympic Qualifying either.

This midfield is getting younger as Stuart Holden and Corey Ashe start to work their way in there. Brian Mullan will start the season unhealthy and, unfortunately, it has become common for him to pick up knocks. After all, he is getting older. Expect Holden to build on his breakout season last year, if in fact he gets the starting position.

Brian Ching is back and healthy, but how long will that last? If he goes, and Wondolowski underperforms...it's up to new man Franco Carraccio to pull the load. Kinnear has also mentioned that he could put Brian Mullan up there or even speedster Corey Ashe. After that, there isn't much. The loss of Joseph Ngwenya and Nate Jaqua to the Austrian Bundesliga will certainly sting, but in what limited view we've seen Carraccio and Wondo, their workrate and effort should produce and/or create goals that are much needed. And who knows...maybe Ching has that 100% health year that he's been hoping for.

The defense has lost a step and that's basically because Craig Waibel and Wade Barrett have gotten another year older. Doesn't mean they won't be as effective as they normally are. They will be tested time and again, however, by a pacier offensive setups this year. I don't see Boswell as a step down from Cochrane. In fact, I see the exact opposite. Boswell might not return fully to his 2006 form, but he will come close. Barrett, Robinson, and Waibel will make damn sure of that. There's not a defense in the league that I'd be more scared to disappoint than one captained by those three.

Overall, same solid team. A couple injections of youth will help and just like last year, I think you'll see some others creep out of the woodwork. Rico is going to man the center and as long as he stays away from kicking people, it will be a good year for him. Look for John Michael Hayden to contribute this year too, but that blend of veteran leadership and new young blood is going to be the key to Houston's success. A three-peat is most certainly a possibility though, even in the midst of the most roster turnover Houston has had since their inception.

Outlook: 1st in the West

Projected Starting Lineups: D.C. United

2008-03-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

Projected Starting Lineup:

---------------Emilio------Moreno-----------------

--------------------Gallardo------------------------

-----Fred--------------------------McTavish-------

---------------------Simms-------------------------

Burch--------Peralta--------Martinez-------Namoff

----------------------Wells-------------------------

Off the Bench: GK Jose Carvallo, MF Daniel Stratford, MF/FW Quavas Kirk, FW Rod Dyachenko, MF/FW Santino Quaranta, MF Domenic Mediate, FW Franco Neill

Jaime Moreno will be out for the first couple weeks of the season. Ben Olsen will be out injured at least a month. Luckily, DC is deep in both of those areas. What happens if Peralta or Martinez is hurt? Jeff Curtin in the back? Push Clyde Simms or Devon McTavish back?

United's season hinges on three things - 1. Emilio repeating last year or receiving enough help elsewhere to support him 2. Gallardo's efficiency and his comparison to Christian Gomez 3. defensive depth. Right now, number one will happen. Two, Gallardo is a question mark still but Franco Neill, Peralta, and Martinez have already proven that they can play to United's standards. If you're going on Gallardo's track record then clearly he's a more effective player than Gomez. Gomez, however, understood the MLS, had adjusted to its pace and physical nature. Gallardo has to still want to learn, adapt, and dominate...not just retire. Also add Fred in his second year to that mix. Three, that depth in the back scares me - as I've said before - but both Peralta and Martinez seem like durable guys, right?

Zach Wells must be loving his chance at starting keeper. It's his job to lose. Unfortunately, Wells has kept us from getting a glimpse at DC's other acquisition, Peruvian Jose Carvallo. I would expect Wells to have that great year that every one knew he would had if he got his chance. United fans could even forget Troy Perkins' name after a while.

The CONCACAF Champions Cup defeat of Harbour View allowed us, just like Justin Moose last year's competition, to get bullish on yet another aggressive midfielder. Devon McTavish, however, not only impressed us with his work rate, but he also scored his first goal since college, eventually ending up with three overall. Not bad. McTavish along with the continued progress of Marc Burch could be the glue to this line-up. If they have 11 trusty players and can avoid having an Erpen-like player on the field, United could run away with Eastern Conference. If it weren't for Angel, Reyna, and Altidore in New York, Joseph, Reis, and Twellman in New England, and Lopez, Marinelli, and Conrad in Kansas City, DC would run away with it. A narrow conference win will have to do.

Outlook: 1st in the Eastern Conference.

Projected Starting Lineup: FC Dallas

2008-03-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Projected Starting Lineup:

-------------Cooper-------Alvarez----------------

---------------------Toja--------------------------

--Wagenfuhr------McCarty----------Rocha-------

-------------------Ricchetti-----------------------

--------Serioux-----Davino------Moor------------

----------------------Sala-------------------------

Coming off the bench: GK Ray Burse, Jr., GK Josh Lambo, DF Alex Yi, MF Marcelo Saragosa, FW Dominic Oduro, FW Ricardinho, MF Brek Shea, DF Blake Wagner

The thing about Dallas continues to be their streaky play. Long stretches of the season show that the Hoops are indeed the team to beat and then they come out one match and get blown out of the water. Last season, that mainly had to do with a leaky back four. Excuse the baseball analogy, but it's like the Phillies. You get a game where they win 12-0 over the Braves, then they lose the next three games 2-1, 1-0, 3-1. Waste all their juice in one game. Dallas was the same way. They would play like a team - win a couple, shut people out - then hello inconsistencies. Before you know it, they're on the outside looking in. Dallas was able to recover late last year, but ended up hurting themselves in the playoffs yet again.

This year could be different. If the hiccups are minimized, the Hoops could make a tear. The addition of seasoned Mexican international Duilio Davino and Atletico Paranense midfielder Andre Rocha should really help. Another year of progress on Dax McCarty and Arturo Alvarez can only do positive things. The emergence of David Wagenfuhr in the preseason is fantastic, but unfortunately the season hasn't started yet and he's got to carry this throughout a potential 40 game season. Juan Toja is supposed to be released this year from his outside duties and should be free to roam in the central pocket behind a very good off-the-ball runner Alvarez and target man Cooper. If Morrow keeps those tactics set, Toja could have a hell of a year. Having Ricchetti, McCarty, Rocha, and Wagenfuhr in support won't hurt terribly either. If - as shown above - Steve Morrow opts for 5 midfielders, you can also expect to see a little bit of the rookie Brek Shea either on wings on back at fullback.

The forward contingency of Kenny Cooper, Ricardinho, and the aforementioned Alvarez is decent, but it all rides on Cooper's continued good health. Everyone wants to see young Abdi Ibrahim, but I wouldn't bet on it. Abe Thompson - once healthy - will certainly feature up front and grab the same key goals that he got for the Hoops last year. It looks as if Dominic Oduro might either move on from Dallas or play a marginal role. His speed is insane, but his finishing has gotten much better since his Richmond Kickers Future days. Oduro featured well last season due to Cooper's unfortunate early season injury.

The one area Dallas can tout as their strongest is their keepers. Dario Sala has regained fitness and beaten out young blood in Ray Burse, Jr. The SuperDraft selection of toddler Josh Lambo raised a couple eyebrows as Burse, Jr. and Sala proved a formidable enough team. But Morrow pushed on, signed Lambo, and now rumors put Burse on a plane off to USL's Division One. A shame if it's true, but it is what it is.

Overall, it could go either way for the Hoops. A big range on their finishing spot and it depends mostly on the health and consistency of Cooper, Toja, and the effectiveness of Davino and Rocha. I really like the blend of youth and veteran leadership here though and that, in itself, could work out for Morrow and his boys.

Outlook: 5th in the West

Projected Starting Lineups: Columbus Crew

2008-03-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Projected Starting Lineup:

--------------Moreno----------N. Hernandez--------------

-------------------Barros Schelloto------------------------

Rogers----------------------------------------------Gaven

-----------------------Carroll------------------------------

Padula------O'Rourke----------Marshall------------Hejduk

-----------------------Hesmer-----------------------------

Coming off the bench: GK Andy Greunebaum, DF Andy Iro, FW Jason Garey, MF Duncan Oughton, MF Adam Moffat, DF/MF Stefano Miglioranzi, MF/FW Brad Evans

The Crew lost some young talent this year in Kei Kamara and Tim Ward, but Sigi Schmid is bullish enough on the development of his other youngsters that he enters the season with little regret. Englishman and 2008 SuperDraft pick Andy Iro is set to see a lot of time in central defense, while Robbie Rogers and Adam Moffat have been the cream of the crop for the Crew this preseason. Add Eddie Gaven - who is still young as hell - and you got yourself a young midfield getting a little better with every season past.

A little turnover in the back has made the Crew a bit stronger. Gino Padula's transfer was confirmed and he is a big question mark as I have seen him labelled as a "fan favorite", but in the same breath an "utter joke". On the right side of the field, captain Frankie Hejduk will most likely start but Miglioranzi is certainly another option. In the center Chad Marshall can be a force but if only if he can avoid the concussions. Danny O'Rourke - a pint-sized scrapper - will man the central defense with Marshall or Iro (both big boys). He might even sit a little higher than Marshall allowing them two defensive midfielders at times - along with Brian Carroll - to spray long balls on the counter.

And that should be an option with the pace of their wings. Robbie Rogers, Brad Evans, and Eddie Gaven all have the significant pace needed to trouble even the best MLS defense. What is needed is consistency, which a playmaker like Schelloto can give - provided he doesn't spend his season dreaming about Gimnasia. Their last of line of defense is serviceable. Andy Gruenebaum spent a good portion of last year in the spotlight with his run of shutouts and overall inspiring play. Will Hesmer has been pegged as the next Marcus Hahnemann. Gritty, not awe-inspiringly athletic, but he has good command of the area and the ability to organize an above-average backline.

Overall, the addition of a quality striker - like the rumoured Maciej Zurawski - could have pushed the Crew over the hump of mediocrity. Apparently, the Hunt ownership group are still in interested in exploring the DP option and that might be the direction the Crew need to go to revisit their one glory year. I can't see that deal getting done this year though, which means another subpar year for the Columbus faithful.

Outlook: 6th in the East

Projected Starting Lineups: Colorado Rapids

2008-03-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

Projected Starting Lineup:

------------------------Kirovski-------------------------------

-----------------------C. Gomez-----------------------------

C. Clark-------Mastroeni---------R. Gomes---------T. Cooke

Burciaga--------Erpen----------Ihemulu---------------Petke

-----------------------Coundoul-----------------------------

Coming off the bench: GK Justin Hughes, DF Tim Ward, DF Stephen Keel, MF/FW Herculez Gomez, MF Mehdi Ballouchy, FW Conor Casey, DF Dan Gargan

Colorado shipped away last year's bust Nico Hernandez, almost shipped away their keynote player Mastroeni, and brought in a Christian Gomez that throughout the preseason is quite the question mark. Other than all that, things are just peachy in Colorado. Except for the effigy of striking resemblance to Fernando Clavijo hanging outside the "Dick's" front gates.

All kidding aside, if the Rapids are going to make a run of sorts this year - Gomez and Mastroeni will support it, but what really matters is the continued growth of their youngsters. Colin Clark had sort of a breakout year last season and is poised to really turn some heads this year. He might even find himself on Bob Bradley's radar by the end of the year. Second years Nico Colaluca and Nick LaBrocca should find themselves in a position to grab more playing time this year, even with the acquisition of Brazilian Rafael Gomes from Santa Clara in Portugal. Gomes has already shown his abilities in the preseason and could help take the pressure off of Christian Gomez in the middle. The other Gomez - Herculez - with a return to form, could really spark this team into some surprising results. Then you have Mehdi Bellouchy. He was supposed to be Real Salt Lake's playmaker, but instead was shipped to Colorado where he has been waiting in the wings. If Clavijo wanted to, Mastroeni could move back to central defense in his waning years and Ballouchy - if on form - could man the middle with Rafa Gomes.

The biggest question mark lies up top. A lot of people have been waiting for Conor Casey to show his former Mainz self. Due to nagging injuries and lack of fitness, we haven't seen that just yet. If he, along with Omar Cummings, can get the right service from Christian Gomez, you could see a breakout year from one of the two. Jacob Peterson is in that mix as well. Until Casey comes around and Cummings looks the better option, Jovan Kirovski will take a stab at the forward position with limited success last year.

The rearguard has seen some changes. Burciaga, Jr. comes over from Kansas City and if he keeps a cool head on and plays day in day out without making silly tackles, having massive brainfarts, the Rapids could then have a viable left-sided defensive and offensive option. I am still waiting for Ugo Ihemelu to bounce back to his early LA Galaxy form. Hasn't happened yet, but along with Petke, there are two seasoned defenders manning an altogether above-average backline. All this rides on whether or not Facundo Erpen goes spastic this year.

Another year in goal for Bouna Coundoul is exactly what he needs. His style of play, tenacity and aggression in and outside the penalty box will grow increasingly more instinctive as he continues to figure things out. Justin Hughes will have to wait his chance.

Outlook: 4th in the West

Projected Starting Lineups: Chivas USA

2008-03-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Blog: http://chivas-usa.blogspot.com/

Projected Starting Lineup:

-------------Razov-----------Galindo------------

Mendoza------------Nagamura----------Kljestan

----------------------Wicky---------------------

Bornstein----Suarez---------Thomas-----Vaughn

--------------------Guzan------------------------

Coming off the bench: GK Lance Parker, DF Jim Curtin, MF Jesse Marsch, MF Atiba Harris, FW Alecko Eskandarian

Last year's Chivas was plagued by injuries, but they still managed to win the Western Conference before falling in the Playoffs. This year, the trend has re-emerged early. Defender Alex Zotinca has already been ruled out for most of the season with a partially torn ACL. He has since had successful surgery, but that leaves Jim Curtin as your next viable option in the back, with two inexperienced players behind him in Bobby Burling and Eric Ebert. Depth is the biggest problem again this year, especially in the midfield.

The turnover was limited and the Goats filled a couple necessary spots with quality players in the offseason. The biggest X-factor is going to be the entry of Wicky into the line-up. In the midfield, Chivas generally allowed Kljestan and Mendoza to line-up in the middle and push to the wings, but with Wicky, Marsch, and Nagamura all adept at the central holding midfielder role, you could see more of the wings this year. Preki did well by making sure he signed Panchito Mendoza to long term contract as the kid keeps getting better every year. Add that to Kljestan, who is looking to build off of a 13 assist season, and you've got yourself that solid midfield intact. If it stays healthy. Depth is not great but an improvement upon last year. Atiba Harris and SuperDraft picks Daniel Paladini and Keith Savage could provide a much needed youthful boost to the midfield, but no way to know for sure until the season starts.

Up front, Razov and Galindo should be ready for another productive season. The addition of Alecko Eskandarian is a great one. A guy looking to re-prove himself in Los Angeles after being shipped across the country from DC to Toronto to Salt Lake and now the West Coast. You can expect Esky to bag a couple goals even despite last season. He would slot in nicely behind Galindo or Razov on days when one of the two strikers need a break. Along with Esky, you can probably expect the same amount of production from second-year Englishman John Cunliffe (3 goals in '07). If injuries take its' toll, which it most likely will with Razov - expect Chivas' new rookie target man Justin Braun to get some minutes as well. With the first annual Sueno MLS winner, Jorge Flores, he'll probably fill in on the wings.

Outlook: 2nd in the West

Projected Starting Lineups: Chicago Fire

2008-03-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

One at a time and alphabetically...here are the starting lineups you are looking at the start of the season.

Projected Starting Lineup:

---------Frankowski------Barrett-----------

-------------------Blanco--------------------

Mapp-----------------------------------Rolfe

------------------Soumare-------------------

Segares----Conde------Brown------Robinson

-------------------Busch--------------------

First off the bench: GK Nick Noble, DF Brandon Prideaux, MF Logan Pause, MF Diego Gutierrez, FW Calen Carr, FW Andy Herron

Now there's a good chance Logan Pause will be in there for Bakary Soumare. The second year defensive midfielder has raw talent and had a decent year last season, but had too many brainfarts in the midfield and at times was a little too overly agressive. MF Logan Pause and MF Diego Gutierrez are both veteran midfielders that'll probably platoon the spot with young Soumare. The other option is playing Soumare sparingly in central defense. Gutierrez has also seen time during preseason in central defense. New acquisitions Frankowski and Herron shore up an already viable offensive punch of Rolfe, Mapp, and Barrett. Both Rolfe and Barrett had their hiccups last season, along with Mapp gone most of the season nursing an injury, so Frankowski should be the key to elevate all three back into production. The loss of Matt Pickens hurts, but nothing permanent as veteran Jon Busch is more than capable of taking over the reins.

If there are any SuperDraft picks poised to make a contribution, I would bet on defender Austin Washington, forward Patrick Nyarko and midfielder Stephen King. Nyarko could see some time along with Calen Carr if Barrett and Rolfe start to misfire, along with Barrett's expected absence for the Olympics in Beijing.

Chris Armas' retirement stings a bit as he was a vital on-field presence. Perfect combination of tenacity, leadership, and control. He will still be on the sidelines, and it will be up to Pause/Gutierrez to lead the squad. The controversy going on with Lidier Marmol - a tug-of-war between RBNY and Chicago - is pointing in the Fire's favor and if he is signed, you could see another

With Osorio gone and Hamlett in place, I think you're going to see a Bob Bradley/Preki switch-off here. The tactics won't change much, but Hamlett seems to have the Fire in better shape physically to start the season. The key will be how they blend together on the field - a demanding and aggressive Blanco will have to flow again with the laid-back Mapp. Frankowski is a question mark, but if there is one thing working for him, it's that Polish heritage. Overall, the Fire are going to have to avoid the crappy start that plagued them in 2007 and Blanco needs to survive a full 30 games without pissing anybody off in order for Chicago to make their mark. Realistically, depending on the impact of Frankowski and Blanco this year, you can still expect a fifth place finish in the East which may or may not give them a place in the Playoffs.

Outlook: 5th in the East

My Philly Best XI: Current List of All Pro Philly Players

2008-03-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

We're drawing the line west at Harrisburg and east at the Jersey Shore (clearly...). These are all players that are playing or have played at the professional level recently.

Chris Albright - New England Revolution (Philadelphia, PA)
Dan Antoniuk - New Jersey Ironmen [MISL] (Philadelphia, PA)
Byron Carmichael - Ocean City Barons [PDL] (Lumberton, NJ)
David Castellanos - Philadelphia Kixx [MISL] (Philadelphia, PA)
Sammy Castellanos - Philadelphia Kixx [MISL] (Philadelphia, PA)
Bobby Convey - Reading FC [ENG] (Philadelphia, PA)
Jon Conway - New York Red Bulls (Media, PA)
Jim Curtin - Chivas USA (Oreland, PA)
Jeff Curtin - D.C. United (Oreland, PA)
Don D'Ambra - Philadelphia Kixx [MISL] (Philadelphia, PA)
Tony Donatelli - Vancouver Whitecaps [USL-1]/Kixx [MISL] (Glenside, PA)
Dan Gargan - Colorado Rapids (Philadelphia, PA)
Bill Gaudette - Columbus Crew (Hummelstown, PA)
Pat Hannigan - Miami FC [USL-1] (Philadelphia, PA)
Stephen King - Chicago Fire (Medford, NJ)
Chris Konopka - Bohemians FC [IRL] (Toms River, NJ)
Nick Labrocca - Colorado Rapids (Howell, NJ)
Jeff Larentowicz - New England Revolution (West Chester, PA)
Carli Lloyd - US Women's National Team (Delran, NJ)
Matt Maher - New Jersey Ironmen [MISL] (Cape May CH, NJ)
Pat Morris - Philadelphia Kixx [MISL] (Philadelphia, PA)
Tim O'Neill - New Jersey Ironmen [MISL] (Philadelphia, PA)
Ben Olsen - D.C. United (Harrisburg, PA)
Scott Palguta - New York Red Bulls (Toms River, NJ)
Jeff Parke - New York Red Bulls (Abington, PA)
Chad Severs - Otago United [NZL] (Vineland, NJ)
Julian Valentin - Los Angeles Galaxy (Lancaster, PA)
Peter Vermes - Kansas City Wizards/Technical Director (Delran, NJ)
Steve Wacker - Philadelphia Kixx [MISL] (Philadelphia, PA)
Jeremiah White - AGF Aarhus [DEN] (Lansdowne, PA)
Chris Williams - Philadelphia Kixx [MISL] (Elkins Park, PA)

Who would be your Best XI??? Are there any I'm missing...?

----------------------Antoniuk-----------------------

White------Larentowicz-------Labrocca-------Convey

------------------------Olsen-------------------------

Valentin-------Parke-----------Curtin--------Albright

------------------------Conway-----------------------

Clearly, we're in need of a pure striker, but Antoniuk is not as shabby as you might think. He has jumped around the USL First Division with Carolina, Portland, Atlanta, and two other teams, but he has done well enough to be named USL MVP-Runner Up in 2006.

Also, look at where former Ocean City HS standout ended up - New Zealand! Apparently, they love him out there...

Philly Interviews: USA U-18 striker Ryan Finley

2008-03-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

There is no better way to start off the new direction of a blog than by interviewing a potential future MLS Philadelphia player. Ryan Finley is a name that one might not know well now, but certainly will in the future. He is a United States Under-18 striker getting ready to make his mark in college and on a higher level and what makes him unique to this blog is the fact that he grew in the Philadelphia Metro area (South Jersey to be exact). With the US Youth Teams, he has traveled to and scored in Argentina, Northern Ireland (Ballymena Tournament), Japan (Toyota International Youth Championship), etc. and is also one of 40 to be brought into the US U-17 Residency program in 2006 along with the LA Galaxy's Isreal Sesay and FC Dallas' Abdi Ibrahim. Finley will most likely make a name for himself in the PDL this coming spring as he plans to possibly take the field for the South Jersey Barons along side former MLS Draft Pick and South Jersey native Byron Carmichael. Likened a bit to Brian McBride, Finley will be on his way into college at the end of the year, but has said - if the right pro opportunity comes around - he wouldn't be too opposed to taking it. Maybe one day his path will lead to the Chester waterfront...

How has your experience been within the South Jersey Barons organization? Are there any other Baron products that we should be looking out for in the near future?

My experience with the Barons was very good. I played Super Y with them in the summer [for] two years. Now that I am back home from residency I plan on playing PDL with them also. As for other players I have played with a defender named Kevin Davis for a couple years. He is a big strong defender with a big left foot. I would say he is one to keep an eye on.

How was your experience at the US Under-18 Mega-Camp in early February?

I always enjoy getting called into the National Camps. Anytime you can be around that caliber of players is a good thing. A lot of colleges attended also, so that was a plus. Anytime I can wear the crest is an honor.

Did you always expect the sport of soccer would take you this far? You've been to Argentina to play, to the Bradenton IMG Academy to work with the best of your age group, to France, to Japan, to Northern Ireland, etc. Which was the most memorable?

I didn't always think soccer would take me this far. I am from a small town and played for a home town club for most of my life. Once i started playing with the regional teams and National Teams I knew that international trips would come up. Since I was a little kid I've always wanted to play soccer. Getting invited into the Residency program at IMG was an honor. I will never forget the times I spent there. As for the international trips, it's always fun to go abroad but the most memorable would have to have been Northern Ireland. Playing Czech Republic [there], we were down 2-0 at halftime. Came back to win 3-2 and I scored the winner so that's always a memorable event.

All that traveling as got to take its toll? What's the toughest part?

Yeah, the traveling does take a toll. The toughest part has to be either the time difference or just getting your legs back after a long plane ride.

With all that said, what is your plan for the near future? College, go pro, any thoughts on the new MLS academies? If college, which ones are you looking at?

Plans for the near future are to play PDL in the summer and go to college next year. If a pro offer came about, I would have to consider. After college, I definitely want to play professionally. As for college - I'm looking at Duke, Ohio State, St. Johns, UCONN, and Notre Dame.

Who has been your most influential coach along the way during your young career?

There are a couple coaches who influenced my career. First, Dean Fink, my club team coach, since I was 9. Also, Byron Carmichael and Raul Diaz Arce. Carmichael and Diaz Arce have really helped me take my game to the next level. They have taught me so much about being a forward and really have elevated my game.

If you could have one player feed you a cross, who would it be?

Feed me a cross I would say [Cristiano] Ronaldo or maybe Beckham.

Do you feel South Jersey has been able to provide to you a place to become the soccer you player you are now? If not, what needs to be changed in the area?

I think South Jersey has helped me become the player I am now. New Jersey as a whole is a great state for soccer. I have been traveling to PDA (basically, New Jersey's FC Delco) lately to do some training. As for something that could change, most of the big clubs are up in North [Jersey] so maybe a big club of our own.

Being from Lumberton and Rancocas Valley, do you ever run into/have you played with Byron Carmichael?

I laughed when I saw this question. I train with Byron and play with him in the PDL. Byron and I will be playing up top together this summer. [Sidenote: Could end up being as prolific as the Ruben Mingo/Byron Carmichael pairing from a couple years ago].

Favorite team? Player?

Favorite team, don't laugh at this one, but I like Reading. One of the coaches from the Barons is from that area so I just started to like them. My friends make fun of me because they like Man Utd, Arsenal, and Chelsea and I like Reading.

Favorite player would be [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy. I like to think I play like him.

Is there a player you mold yourself after? A favorite USMNT player?

I try and mold myself after [Ruud[ Van Nistelrooy. He is always in the right spot and scores goals in bunches. Favorite USMNT player - former one - would be [Brian] McBride but as of the present I like [Clint] Dempsey.

If you were planning to move to play abroad, what league would most suit your style of play?

Playing abroad I would say maybe England or Germany. England is a lot of hustle and speed. Germany has a lot of big guys in the league.

What do you think are the U-23 squad's chances at the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics?

Anytime you have a Jozy [Altidore] and a Freddy [Adu] in a squad you always have a chance. They hit a couple of speed bumps in qualifying, but I like there chances in the Olympics.

Who do you pick for this upcoming season's MLS Championship?

This is a tough one. I'm going to be a little biased but I think Red Bull. It would be nice for a championship to come to this area.

What would you think of playing on the Chester Waterfront in a couple years for the new Philly MLS team?

I would love to play for them in front of all my friends and family. I was happy when I heard MLS was coming to Philly. It's nice to build up the game in this area.

What do you think the new team should be named?

The name? This is another tough one. I'm not really sure about this one.

Thank you for taking the time and good luck with everything in the future, Ryan. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of you.

Philadelphia Eagle gets plucked for MLS duty...

2008-03-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

Real Salt Lake has announced that Philadelphia Eagles executive Bill Manning will be President of RSL effective April 15th, 2008.

Manning, who has had a distinguished 15 year career in sports, joins RSL following four seasons as Vice President, Sales and Service with the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. While at the Eagles he was responsible for the team's corporate sponsorship and premium seating. During his tenure he led the corporate sales department to double-digit revenue growth and introduced new premium seating options at Lincoln Financial Field, in addition to managing the servicing of suite clients and Club Seat accounts.

Not exactly a huge coup, but an executive none-the-less. Nobody has ever scrutinized the business of Real Salt Lake, it's sort of more the on-field product that is the problem. New face for a new stadium and, hopefully, a new and improved team.

Next local paper on board, Courier Post chimes in

2008-03-17T15:21:00.001-07:00

Don Benevento of the Courier Post interviews a lot of South Jersey high school coaches (including my old one, Joe Falana) with "Fans should get a kick out of MLS". Nothing too special, but it certainly shows that the word is spreading.

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff Gammage talks about the origins of football's team anthems. Liverpool's 'You'll Never Walk Alone', West Ham United's 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles', and last but not least - and most importantly - the Sons of Ben's, possible Philly MLS anthem - Mummer Band backing and all - "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover".

Here's Sons of Ben singing at the MLS Philly 2010 Announcement.

"The Sons Also Rise"

2008-03-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

A great piece on our new team and the spotlight is firmly on Bryan James and the Sons of Ben. Written by the always entertaining Steven Wells of Philadelphia Weekly.

Quick excerpt:

American soccer fan culture is as diverse as America itself. It cherry picks whatever the hell it wants from Europe, the Caribbean and Central and South America, and adds its own unique touches. Portland, for instance, just retired a real-life goddamn real chainsaw-wielding real Douglas fir-climbing real-life lumberjack mascot called Timber Jim.

How American is that?

With fans like these—fans like the Sons of Ben—who the hell needs David Beckham?
But don’t think American soccer fandom doesn’t know it’s got a way to go. At the England/U.S. game in Chicago in 2005, the hundreds of chanting, drumming and singing members of Sam’s Army were drowned out at one point by thousands of English men and women lustily singing (to the tune of the Welsh hymn “Bread of Heaven”) “Are you Scotland in disguise?” The dude next to me stopped drumming, pointed at the away fans with his drumstick, and said, “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”

Read it all here.

Western Conference Breakdown: Competitive season begins, FC Dalllas and Survivor

2008-03-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Chivas USA

Andrea Canales reports that Chivas has inked 4 to developmental contracts - read on to see who.

She also provides a league preview for ESPN Soccernet.

Colorado Rapids

This must be one of the bigger advertising efforts from an individual Major League Soccer club. Celebrate the World's Game...

FC Dallas

Apparently, Survivor the Game makes a cameo throughout the Hoops' preseason. Two teams are left.

Houston Dynamo

Jeff Bull at Center Holds It calls for us all to be Houston and D.C. United fans for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Private parks popping up in Houston help cultivate the need for soccer in the Houston area.

Los Angeles Galaxy

Why is Josh Tudela more popular than David Beckham. Laurie over at the Offside - LA Galaxy knows...

Real Salt Lake

Watching RSL's new stadium go up piece by piece has been fun and here it continues. Now if only the Red Bulls would take a hint and do the same.

Real Salt Lake starts their own blog following New York, Los Angeles, Kansas City, and New England.

San Jose Earthquakes

Josh Molina at the Mercury News has an article on the positive cost benefit analysis done by the city on a tract of land in Edenvale. One positive step towards another soccer-specific stadium!

MLS Eastern Conference Run-Around: a DP, an injury, and Eating a Crow

2008-03-11T11:05:00.001-07:00

Chicago Fire

A couple day old run down from Luis Arroyave of the Chicago Tribune about who should and shouldn't be the new captain of the Fire.

Columbus Crew

Former Lazio and Inter Milan player Matias Almeyda linked by the Washington Post's Steven Goff to Columbus. Does Columbus need another aging star?

Jeff Bull at Center Holds It continues his analysis of Columbus' quest to build their squad into something with the slight resemblance of a contender.

D.C. United

Match Preview for D.C.'s CONCACAF Champions Cup opener vs. Harbour View of Jamaica.

New York Times' Jeffrey Marcus writes a good article on second-time United player and former youth phenom Santino Quaranta.

Kansas City Wizards

Claudio Lopez signs on as the 6th MLS Designated Player and Kansas City's first. Though 33 and here to retire, Lopez still has a lot of pop left in his tank. The Wizards' blog shows us that with a vast array of El Piojo highlights.

Oz City's Guest Blogger Tony Felich can't win with Kansas City supporters. He eats his words for his previous "Cause for Alarm" post on Kansas City's future and still gets knocked for being a supposed 'fairweather' fan.

New England Revolution

Chris Albright in his underwear as the Boston Globe circulates pictures of New England's tour in Mexico so far. Take part in Ives Galarcep's caption contest for one the funniest pictures of the whole portfolio.

New York Red Bulls

Dane Richards is out for 3 months with a torn MCL. Pretty sucky fate for a guy many were looking forward to seeing continue his progress this year.

Red Bulls are gearing up for the Charleston Challenge Cup which will take place from March 15th-22nd. They will face off against Charleston from USL-Division 1, Toronto FC, and the expansion San Jose Earthquakes.

Toronto FC

More news - but nothing of action - on the Darren Huckerby to Toronto FC front.

US Olympic Qualifying Set to Start...

2008-03-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
U.S.A. vs. Cuba

Thursday, March 13, 2008
U.S.A. vs. Panama

Saturday, March 15th, 2008
U.S.A. vs. Honduras

Roster was released - as I am sure you have seen - over the weekend and some notable omissions include Gold Cup hero turned Derby County wantaway Benny Feilhaber, last summer's U-20 standout Robbie Rogers, and FC Dallas' creative midfielder Arturo Alvarez. Michael Bradley of Heerenveen was left out due to club obligations. Heerenveen is still in the fight for the Dutch Eredivisie title and/or European contention with Ajax and PSV and Bradley is no doubt a huge part of that. The goal is to finish in the top two of their group, beat their opponent in the semifinal and make it to the finals which guarantees them a spot at this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing.

GK (2): Dominic Cervi (out of contract), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

Defenders (6): Hunter Freeman (New York Red Bulls), Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

Midfielders (7): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96)

Forwards (5): Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Kamani Hill (Vfl Wolfsburg)

With this roster, I would certainly expect Piotr Nowak to go with Jozy Altidore as the lone forward, putting Freddy Adu right in behind them as they did at the U-20 World Cup. Zizzo has got to go on one of the wings as I remember his dismantling of the Brazilian defense in Canada as well. Expect either Eddie Gaven or Stuart Holden to patrol the other wing. I, for one, can't understand the necessity of carrying a Chad Barrett over an Arturo Alvarez, who is versatile and serviceable on either of the wings, in the middle, or up top as striker. Then again, I also can't understand the choice of 5 strikers when the tactic should be tailor-made for Jozy. Robbie Rogers has apparently been fighting an injury which makes his absence a bit understandable. I am just hoping that due to the lack of a Zizzo-like left winger, we don't see Freddy Adu put out there. He needs be tucked in behind Altidore where he can dictate the run of play and roam freely. What I really like about this group, though, is the attacking presence in the back. At the Olympic level, I think this crop of fullbacks - with only one appearing regularly for the senior national team - could make a play for the weakest spot on the field for our Nats. Wynne, Freeman, and Spector should do well (Spector won't be joining them until after the Group Stages though so Freeman and Wynne will be left to prove themselves).

The XI see being used:

--------------Altidore----------------

Holden---------Adu-------------Zizzo

----------Edu--------Kljestan--------

Freeman---Ianni---Sturgis----Wynne

---------------Seitz------------------

First game is Tuesday at 8:00pm EST on Fox Soccer Channel. What's your take on the Starting XI?

Philly Newsline 3.10: What's in a name...?

2008-03-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff Gammage: A piece on the naming of the new MLS Philadelphia team and yet another reference to the IronPigs. Leading names - AC Philadelphia, Philadelphia Athletic, Philadelphia Independence FC. Even AC Delco gets a nod from Gammage.

Ian Heath - So Philadelphia's Getting a Major League Soccer Team: The funniest part of this article is the one comment at the bottom of the page predicting Philadelphia to be the home of the first MLS fan fatality. Sons of Ben - are you capable of hurting anybody??

MetroFanatic: Let the rivalry begin. Red Bull supporters take a stab at naming the new Philadelphia franchise. I'll give them credit for originality...that's about it.

A New Meaning of Life...

2008-03-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia MLS was introduced on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at Turbine Hall on Chester's beautiful waterfront. Right next to the place where a $500 million complex - centered around a 20,000 person soccer-specific stadium - will stand. The large construction project on 'Rivertown' will begin to take place early in the fall of 2008.

With that announcement - and all sorts of informaton will be put up over the next couple days - my blog has welcomed a new direction. I will continue everything soccer-related - EPL, Ligue One, MLS - over at Center Holds It, but Because I Think... will now focus centrally on MLS Philadelphia and all that affects it. In all honesty, you will still see many other things on here but this will be first and foremost an aggregator of all things Philadelphia.

NCAA Quarterfinals: The Upsets Continue, My Favorite Pick Out

2007-12-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

A little late but...

UMass 2, Illinois-Chicago 1

The cinderella run continues as UMass grabs their first-ever NCAA Final Four appearance, but now #5 Ohio State stands in their way. Then again, you have a squad that's already overcome #1 seed Boston College. I think you'll see their run end though as UMass was familiar with BC's style of play. We can't say the same about a strong Ohio State squad.

#5 Ohio State 4, Bradley 0

It took the Buckeyes a 12-minute quadruple salvo in the second half to get rid of the pesky Bradley Braves. Ohio State carries the momentum into the semis against UMass as they have not lost in their last 14 games (11-0-3). Not to mention the fact that the Buckeyes have Xavier Balc, a firm candidate for player of the year (2 goals in this match)

#11 Virginia Tech 1, #3 UConn 0

My favorites - gone. That's what an early goal will do. Forward Patrick Nyarko scored in the 22nd minute and Tech's defense withstood a UConn offensive barrage to hang on to a 1-0 result and a spot in the Final Four.

#2 Wake Forest 1, #10 Notre Dame 0 (OT)

Austin da Luz ensured the Demon Deacon's second consecutive appearance in the Final Four. A lot, though, has to be credited to Wake Forest's defense and their goalkeeper Brian Edwards. Their biggest asset came in the form of home field advantage - 5,000 strong - which has propelled the Deacons to an 18-0-1 home record. Not too shabby.

Semifinal Match-Ups
To be played: December 14th, 2007

#5 Ohio State vs. UMass
#2 Wake Forest vs. #11 Virginia Tech

Because I Think...'s Final Pick
Got to go with the favorites on this one...#5 Ohio State vs. #2 Wake Forest.

Galaxy's New Target: Maciej Zurawski

2007-12-11T06:37:00.001-08:00

Ruud Gullit has set his sights on a pretty big one. Big in the sense that, just like Juan Pablo Angel, my first instinct was - this guy could really wreak havoc in the MLS.

Take Jerzy Podbrozny, Lubos Kubik, and Piotr Nowak and times it by two and you have Zurawski. Maybe that's a little excessive - but when this guy is on form, he can play. He has fallen out of favor under Gordon Strachan at Celtic, but no one can deny 31 goals in 64 caps for the Old Firm giants. Add that to his international success (16 goals, 67 caps) with the Polish national team and the fact that he started all three games for his country at the 2006 World Cup and you've got yourself a 31 year-old striker in dire need of a David Beckham cross and regular playing time. Even before Celtic, this guy has done nothing but score goals...he honed his skills at Wisla Krakow, averaging almost a goal a game.

"The offer from Galaxy is very serious," he told the Scottish Daily Mail."They are really determined to sign Maciej and treat him as a big star."I am flying to Los Angeles this weekend to make things official."

This is a reasonable rumor - not one that would take a lot to actually go through. It's just a shame it's not the Chicago Fire making the move. It's been a while since they've had that Polish on-field presence.

ESPN Looking into EPL TV Rights!

2007-12-10T07:00:00.001-08:00

Don't get your hopes up as the rights aren't really open-for-bids until 2009, but still - pretty exciting.

All this apparently, because George Bodenheimer and the rest of ESPN are "bullish" on the prospects of soccer in America.

Read here!

Hot Link: Danny Dragoi to Italy; Castel di Sangro

2007-12-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

Ran across this great little article over at Big Apple Soccer. It's about ex-St. John's University and Brooklyn Knights player Danny Dragoi, who recently signed a contract with Italian Serie C squad A.S. Verese 1910. Looks like he'll be playing straight away and the long and short of it is that - in these small Italian towns - soccer is life and many of the biggest supporters have the greatest access to all of the players.

Reminds me of one of my absolute favorite soccer books - The Miracle of Castel di Sangro.

Read it. Instead of an American player going over there - it's an avid soccer fan turned journalist who follows the trials and tribulations of a once Serie B team - Castel di Sangro.

NCAA Third Round: Upsets Continue

2007-12-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

Third Round results:

UMass 3, Central Connecticut State 1
Illinois-Chicago 1, #8 Creighton 0
#5 Ohio State 4, #12 UCSB 3 (2OT) (bye bye defending champs)
Bradley 3, #13 Maryland 2 (2OT)
#3 Connecticut 5, South Florida 0
#11 Virginia Tech 1, Old Dominion 0
#10 Notre Dame 2, #7 Santa Clara 0
#2 Wake Forest 3, #15 West Virginia 1

Well the later rounds are starting to shape up - with Ohio State the only seeded team left in one half of the bracket while it looks UConn and Wake Forest have the upper hand in the other. Still holding true to Connecticut coming away with it all. You just can't bet against Julius James, O'Brian White (3 goals against South Florida), and NCAA assist champion Mike Pezza (Jersey guy). Wake Forest looks to be gaining momentum as well though - led by a hot shooting Cody Arnoux and captained in the back by U-20 standout Julian Valentin.

The Quarterfinal Match-ups look like this (playing Dec 7,8,9):

UMass vs. Illinois-Chicago
#5 Ohio State vs. Bradley

#3 Connecticut vs. #11 Virginia Tech
#10 Notre Dame vs. #2 Wake Forest

NCAA Men's Tourney Round 2: Significant Upsets!

2007-11-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

MASSIVE:

Massachusetts upsets #1 seed Boston College 2-1 behind two second-half strikes.

Bradley ousts in PKs #4 seed and University proving that a 17-day hiatus from competition is not a good thing for a top seed.

BIG:

Illinois-Chicago - after beating traditional powerhouse Saint Louis - takes down #9 seed Northwestern, 2-0.

Cinderella team Central Connecticut State beats #16 seed Tulsa 3-2 to set up a second-round match-up of underdogs (vs. UMass).

The Old Dominion Monarchs shrugged off the Ivy League champs and #6 seed Brown University in a 2-1, double overtime thriller.

South Florida took care of #14 seeds Akron in a 1-0 game on a Yohance Marshall
redirection.

Rest of the Results:

#8 Creighton 3, Southern Methodist 0
#5 Ohio State 1, Louisville 0
#13 Maryland 0, Loyola (MD.) (Maryland won on PKs 4-2)
#3 Connecticut 2, Vermont 0 - MY PICK TO WIN
#11 Virginia Tech 3, California 2
#7 Santa Clara 3, UCLA 1
#10 Notre Dame 2, Oakland 1
#15 West Virginia 1 , Virginia 0
#2 Wake Forest 1, Furman 0

Third Round Match-ups played on December 1st and 2nd, 2007.

BRACKET

MLS 2007 Waiver Draft: Couple Surprises

2007-11-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

Players available:

CHIVAS: David Arvizu, Desmond Brooks, Carlos Llamosa, Rodrigo Lopez, Laurent Merlin, Justin Myers, Ramon Nunez, Orlando Perez, Eder Robles, Erasmo Solorzano

Some Los Angeles Times writer did predict a roster turnover of sorts as Chivas USA tries to make the leap from conference champion to MLS champ. I could see San Jose grabbing Merlin.

COLORADO: Zach Thornton

COLUMBUS: Ben Hunter

DALLAS: Juan Botero

D.C. UNITED: Shawn Crowe, Mira Mupier, Brad North, Kiki Willis

Kiki Willis left a while back for personal reasons, while the Crowe, Mupier, and North seem destined for the USL.

HOUSTON: Kenneth Hoerner, Jordan James

KANSAS CITY: Edson Edcock, Aaron John Godbolt, Willy Guadarrama, Chris Konopka

LOS ANGELES: Mike Caso, Lance Friesz, Carlos Pavon, Kyle Veris

Carlos Pavon - I love it. I think someone should take a long hard look at Lance Friesz though...potential to be a real quality keeper.

NEW YORK: Blake Camp

Camp had exactly one minute of playing time this year.

NEW ENGLAND: Bryan Byrne, Miguel Gonzalez, Marshall Leonard, Chris Loftus

Loftus - former Duke striker - has the skills to make it - maybe someone should grab him.

REAL SALT LAKE: Chris Brown, Steven Curfman, Christian Jimenez, Jean-Martial Kipre, Jack Stewart

TORONTO FC: Adam Braz, Maycoll Canizalez, Srdjan Djekanovic, David Guzman, Stephen Lumley, Cristian Nunez, Marco Reda

Would you expect anything less than 7 players waived from Mo Johnston?

No one expects much action but its always interesting when an expansion team is around. I suspect San Jose will grab someone. Here's the team order:

1. San Jose

2. Toronto

3. Salt Lake

4. Los Angeles

5. Colorado

6. Columbus

7. New York

8. Dallas

9. Chivas USA

10. DC United

11. Kansas City

12. Chicago

13. New England

14. Houston

NCAA Division 1 Update: Home Advantage and Second Round Matchups

2007-11-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

BRACKET

Looking at the first round in 2007 and past years, what does one have to pay to get home-field advantage? Is it the highest ranked that gets to play at home? Or a simple coin toss?

Some surprises: Andre Ak'pan's Harvard lost to the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils - it was CCSU's first win in a Division I NCAA tourney (across all sports); Saint Louis succumbed to a tougher Illinois-Chicago in PKs even with Calum Angus calling the shots; Mike Videira and Mike Grella missed out on the second round with Duke - losing 1-0 to Louisville

First Round Matchups - Home Records
2007 12-4
2006 11-5
2005 12-4
2004 10-6
2003 13-3

Big Second Round Match-ups
Ely Allen's Washington vs. Defending Champions UCSB
Joe Lapira's Notre Dame vs. Upstart Oakland
Andrew Jacobson's California vs. Patrick Nyarko's Virginia Tech
Milos Kocic's Loyola (MD) vs. Stephen King's Maryland - keeping it in-state, but it's Loyola who has shutout 12 of their last 13 opponents
Connecticut vs. Vermont - Julius James, O'Brian White, Mike Pezza, and Ryan Cordeiro - can they be stopped by minnows Vermont?
Old Dominion vs. Brown - last Ivy Leaguers left as both Harvard and Dartmouth fell short in the first round; the Monarchs have David Horst and Trevor Banks though
Ohio State vs. Louisville - can the TDS Player of the Year Xavier Balc orchestrate a tourney run?
Santa Clara vs. UCLA - a rough match-up for Santa Clara, whose only loss year came against Brown; UCLA has been on the up-and-up but Klasila - SCU's freshman netminder - has been the rock of a near flawless defense

Second Round Match-ups - Home Records
2006 12-4
2005 9-7
2004 13-3
2003 12-4

Ngwenya training abroad.

2007-11-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

Joseph Ngwenya will head on over to Germany to tryout his luck with Alemania Aachen, a Bundesliga2 club. To Ngwenya? It's just a routine training stop in Europe to hone his skills - to the Oranja faithful, it's a bit of a 'hold-your-breath' moment. I have to admit, I was quick to write Ngwenya off this year in terms of talent but he provided some of the years best offensive moments.

This could be commonplace for Ngwenya, but don't go on over there, try out for some Bundesliga team, get your hopes up, and then come back to the MLS and play significantly crappier than the year before (ahem...Carroll...).

As many already know, Andy Dorman will take a stab at his homeland after falling out of favor in New England this past season. It's a shame after almost 18 months of being one of the rocks of Revs squad and leveling the ship during the World Cup absences and the whole Shalrie Joseph stand-off. No real word as to where he's going to try his luck.

Brian Carroll to Columbus, Kei Kamara to San Jose, Preston Burpo to San Jose

2007-11-26T10:11:00.000-08:00

A flurry of trades as the Expansion Draft overhaul gets picked apart. It was pretty much a given that defensive midfielder Brian Carroll was going to move on after being picked by San Jose and having a somewhat sketchy year in D.C.

Columbus gets Carroll for - in my opinion - a rather low price, forward Kei Kamara. Apart from speed, Kamara has shown very little - kinda like Calen Carr in Chicago. The Crew now have a formidable defensive pairing in Carroll and Danny O'Rourke to provide defensive support for Schelotto and Eddie Gaven, who seems to be finding his passion again.

San Jose also picked up GK Preston 'the Rock' Burpo from Chivas USA for a 2008 MLS Superdraft Pick. Burpo's not a bad choice as he performed decently for Chivas before Guzan progressed. I think you'll find he operates as the back-up though.

Who will be England's Next Manager?

2007-11-26T07:36:00.001-08:00

I want your feedback. Let me know in the poll to the right.

Take a look at the candidates here.

A U.S. - Cuba Match-Up? In Cuba?

2007-11-26T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well well well...a couple of a great match-ups looming with massive political undertones in the world of soccer these days.

First - Turkey vs. Armenia in the same World Cup qualifying group. Now, the possibility of a USA - Cuba match-up. First up to ensure that match-up happens? Barbados or Dominica.

The two tiny Caribbean nations will duke it out in a home-away series for the chance to play the United States. Cuba has to get through either Aruba or Antigua and Barbuda to qualify for the semi-final group. Cuba, ranked 70th by FIFA, looks a lock to do so, along with the USA, Guatemala (who face either Turks and Caicos or Saint Lucia), and Trinidad and Tobago (who face either Bermuda or the Cayman Islands).

The last time the USA and Cuba have faced off in World Cup qualifying was 1949. Where they took a home-away series on aggregate 5-3 to advance to the 1950 World Cup. Whoever advances, it looks favorable for the USA to advance to the final round.

Records Against in WC Qualifying

Barbados 2-0-0
Cuba 5-1-1 (overall)
Dominica 0-0-0
Guatemala 4-0-4
Trinidad & Tobago 8-0-2

New Focus

2007-11-26T06:54:00.000-08:00

All-MLS, All the Time...Some NCAA coverage too. It's the offseason so expect the information to be flowing.

All the rest will be on over at Center Holds It.

10 Bright Spots of Week 23: Benny O thinks he played RBNY, the Argies barge in, and Angel keeps pace

2007-09-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

1. Ben Olsen - the reigning MLS Player of the Week deserves it fully with two more goals to add to his career year; who would of thunk it at the age of 30 he'd be sitting at 7 goals, 4 assists in 17 games (granted that 5 of his goals were scored in 2 games, but still...); Olsen is DCU's player of the year so far, even despite Emilio's productivity Bennie O has been that constant (that Gomez was last year)...

2. Juan Pablo Angel - just give him one chance (alright three, but it sure seemed like one) and that is all he needs to damage a team like Chicago; the Fire's defensive stance was certainly stingy and rather effective as was Dane Richards' inability to find

3. the Real Salt Lake Argentinian Trio - Javier Morales, Matias Mantilla, and Fabian Espindola each had a hand in every one of RSL's three goals against Kansas City on Wednesday; they then followed it up by making a big impact - though not statistically - in RSL's 2-1 win over Los Angeles; the three Argies have kickstarted a Real resurgency (which believe it or not seems to happen at the back end of every terrible season)

4. Eddie Johnson - a loss and a tie for the Wizards but still EJ tallied 2 goals to help the KC cause; either way, however, EJ's boys are 0-2-1 in its last three games and there isn't much but poor execution here to blame - this team needs to rediscover the team aspect if they're going to make a push to the playoffs - where has Michael Harrington been?

5. Nick Rimando - I might been overstating Rimando's case but we had all but destroyed his credibility as a player after his first couple starts of the year; the truth is, and I'm no keeper, that he has rebounded and become a rather decent asset to an extremely fractured team; at least they haven't had to call for help Brad Guzan-style and start a young keeper

6. Fred - the Brazilian attacking midfielder has come into his own, becoming somewhat of a regular on this list; he continues to produce even when Gomez and Emilio are quiet; also has begun to show us a scrappy-Olsen-like style to his play which makes me wonder if he had that trait in Australia or if DC has put a little bit of America in his game; either way, Fred helped DC dismantle what many thought to be a surging Dallas squad, 4-0.

7. Bakary Soumare - he makes mistakes and possesses real raw talent, but undoubtedly, he complements Blanco well in the midfield and plays tough and brave (kind of like an oversized Chris Armas back in his day); Soumare made some questionable challenges but ultimately kept the Fire functional and drew the plaudits of an otherwise moody Blanco

8. Dwayne DeRosario - the Canadian playmaker had a decent game against Kansas City and assisted Joseph Ngwenya's seventh goal of the year, keeping Houston from skidding to its' third consecutive loss; I know he's not MVP-caliber anymore but I think you'll see - come playoff-time - DeRo will become rather noisy once again

9. Andy Williams - his cheeky chip that sunk KC and a nice assist on Robbie Findley's goal against Los Angeles was a shade of his former self and although age has somewhat downgraded the Jamaican, he still knows the game and has a vision better than most in the American game right now

10. Conor Casey - just a small shout out as Casey has seemed to start realizing where the net is once again; by no means am I saying Casey has returned to his former Mainz self but 2 goals in the past 2 games speaks wonders compared the beginning of his season; the big man isn't used to scoring 2 goals in over 10 appearances but I think he's still counting his lucky stars that he's healthy

Angel has been playing injured.

2007-09-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

Talking to Juan Pablo Angel after the Red Bulls' 1-0 win over Chicago, it was revealed that he has been playing the last couple games with a strained intercostal muscle. As a former competitive runner in college I can tell you that strained intercostal muscles are extremely painful. It has everything to do with the twisting of your torso and is also effected by how deep you breath and how often. Clearly, one can play with it - but it certainly isn't comfortable. Arena confirmed it in his press conference.

In short, Angel is a beast.

Jozy Altidore is out injured.

2007-09-01T16:47:00.001-07:00

Not dressed, not playing in RBNY vs. Chicago. A shame because last time out Altidore and Angel destroyed the Fire combining for all three goals in a 3-0 rout. According to RBNY officials, the injury is 'lower leg', most likely the calf injury that he received late in the U-20 World Cup.

Starting Line-ups: RBNY vs. Chicago

2007-09-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

Red Bull New York (10-9-3)

GK: Ronald Waterreus ()

Defenders: Jeff Parke (), Seth Stammler (), Dave van den Bergh (), Chris Leitch ()

Midfielders: Dane Richards (), Claudio Reyna (), Joe Vide (), Clint Mathis ()

Forwards: Juan Pablo Angel (), John Wolyniec ()

Unused Subs: Jon Conway (), Kevin Goldthwaite (), Carlos Mendes (), Dema Kovalenko (), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (), Francis Doe (), Mike Magee ()

Chicago Fire (7-9-5)

GK: Matt Pickens ()

Defenders: C.J. Brown (), Chris Armas (), Diego Gutierrez (), Gonzalo Segares ()

Midfielders: Logan Pause (), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (), Bakary Soumare (), Ivan Guerrero ()

Forwards: Paulo Wanchope (), Chris Rolfe ()

Unused Subs: Jon Busch (), Dasan Robinson (), Mike Banner (), Bruno Menezes (), Brian Plotkin (), Chad Barrett (), Calen Carr ()

10 Bright Spots of Week 21: Galindo finds form, Blanco retains form, and Denilson signs a form

2007-08-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

1. Cuauhtemac Blanco – the elder statesman has really started strong for the Chicago Fire and had his hand in both goals of the Fire’s revenge 2-0 shutout of the Wizards; he also had an assist in the early week matchup against KC that saw them yield 3 goals (two after going a man down); I think we’ll see Chicago grab that last spot thanks mainly to this guy

2. Maykel Galindo – back near the top and MLS player of the week; Galindo scored two goals to sink the hapless Galaxy as we learned most importantly that David Beckham is – in fact – human; Galindo’s constant presence on the field makes us wonder when we might see Lester More in action?

3. FC Dallas Front Office – Denilson has had a career of ups and downs so far, but how can you not be happy with the FCD FO for this move; a World Cup winner (no matter his small involvement in it) and at one point someone thought enough of him to break the bank; is that was the Hoops are doing though? I think you’re gonna find that this works – especially in there with Toja, Ricchetti, and Ricardinho up top – say goodbye to Adrian Serioux though as it looks like he’s the odd SI out.

4. Jaime Moreno – the Bolivian got his scoring record in the only fashion he knows how this year – a PK; yes, he’s lost his step but we all saw that goal he had for Bolivia in the Copa America; he’s still MLS caliber but unfortunately he’s competing with some of the top firepower in the league on D.C.; either way he’s got the record of 109

5. Fred – his play in both wins over New York and Toronto was phenomenal; even more so, it has been great to watch him wrestle with new aspects of the game and the adaptation to American soccer which has clearly been a long process; I think Fred is here and it’s safe to say the former Melbourne Victory stud might have made the Trio a Foursome.

6. Francisco Mendoza – Panchito has gradually been playing better and better all season and his role (1 g, 1 a) in the shutout of the Galaxy only keynotes his recent resurgence in form; it was his first goal in a SuperClasico as well

7. Jose Burciaga, Jr. – you know, I love to hate this guy mainly for some vicious tackles, lack of sportsmanship, and a general sense of finding himself into every damn scoresheet as an attacking fullback; he makes mistakes quite frequently but he often makes up for them – Burciaga found himself involved in the all three of the KCW goals against Chicago early on the week, but was overrun in the return leg 2-0 loss

8. Real Salt Lake defense – a valiant (in this since the word valiant is coupled with a hint of pity) attempt to shut down the reeling Chivas USA offense; unfortunately, they failed but the quality of the back four seems to improve with every match; can we celebrate about 3 goals in the last 3 games? No, probably not – but when you’re RSL you have to be positive about something and I don’t know whether or not I can be about the trio of Argentinians just brought in

9. Carlos Mendes – Jozy Altidore scored early and Twellman grabbed one back, but it looked as if the Red Bulls could, in fact, score again; Mendes had the ball on the left side and decided to backpass to Conway in order to ‘swing the field’; the ball was well hit but nothing out of the ordinary really – Conway must have been surveying the field or something because once Mendes’ pass reached him, he was still looking up; Conway dove to try and stop it but no luck, the ball was past him and the Revs were gifted a 2-1 win; Mendes’ gets the 9th spot due to his consistent play all season that never warrants him any sort of attention, note to Red Bulls: never pass back to Waterreus OR Conway.

10. Marc Burch – you play him, D.C. seems to win; you don’t, they lose; it could just be a matter of coincidence but the truth is, Burch has provided a sense of consistency in the back that D.C. has been longing for this year; he played a major part in man-marking the Altidore/Angel partnership in their win against NY; he was also there in their shutout of Toronto away

R.I.P. Antonio Puerta

2007-08-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

Three days after his first collapse on the field of the Getafe vs. Sevilla match - the 22-year old Spanish winger passed away. He was due to become a father in less than 2 months. This is beyond tragic and to watch the whole thing unfold on television is unreal. I had never been so speechless and emotional during a match than when I saw Puerta go down. To watch him go off, walking sort of on his own, gave you that sense of closure that everything was okay. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

Check CHI as I am sure Ryan - our La Liga guy and a Sevilla hopeful - will comment on this and pay his condolences.

Unbelievable. Rest in peace, Antonio...

CHI's and Because I Think...'s NCAA Men's Soccer Preview 2007

2007-08-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

At Center Holds It...that's why I've been so quiet lately!

Correct me as it is my first researching and covering NCAA D1. Let me know what you think. 10 Bright Spots of Week 21 will be up tomorrow.

YANKS ABROAD: Beasley strikes again.

2007-08-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Rangers 2, Kilmarnock 1

Beasley broke the deadlock in the 51st minute and Jean-Claude Darcheville hit for the game-winner as Rangers continued their unbeaten streak and classy play.

ESPN Soccernet Match Report

Jose Antonio Camacho returns to Benfica.

2007-08-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

Camacho is most well known for his links to Real Madrid as a player (a whopping 414 appearances at the Bernabeu) and a coach (from 2004-5). The Spaniard has also been capped over 80 times for the Spanish national team and coach the team from 1998 up to the 2002 World Cup. No one will question his experience as the new man at Benfica, but they will see the fact that he has never spent more than 3 seasons - in a managerial position - at one club (unless you count the Spanish national team). Former teams include Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol, and wait-a-second Benfica?! His stint with his new but old team lasted from 2002-2004 where he failed to win the Portuguese SuperLeague but did lift the Portuguese Cup trophy. He left because a certain blast from the past came a-callin' - that being Real Madrid.

As for the sacked Fernando Ramos - he had his chance last season and unless Benfica started off this new season with a flawless several game win streak, his departure was imminent. Camacho has admitted he has the foundation of players needed to make a great squad even greater, but he has asked for some time to get his ideas in place.

We will see in the coming week how this will effect Freddy Adu and - in my opinion - it is for all the better as Camacho is known for his knack to nurture youth superstars while also spending the first decade of his coaching career in the youth ranks of Real Madrid.

10 Brights Spots of Week 21: Angel, Altidore, Beckham, Pavon - where do I even start?

2007-08-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

How do you even quantify the performances put in during the NY/LA game? That was a damn good weekend of soccer...hopefully I'll get a Premiership recap up on Center Holds It later today...

1. Juan Pablo Angel - if you watched Angel on Saturday you could see he was much more than goals; after various Galaxy attempts to break apart the Red Bull defense through restarts and scrappy midfield possession, Angel came back to counter their strategy; then in order to keep things flowing the Colombian pushed back into the midfield to dictate the pace and flow of the Red Bull offense; it was was extremely fitting that he got that no-angle game-winning goal in the waning moments as he was my man of the match

2. Jozy Altidore - I could have coupled these two at the top in order to put some more names on this list, but Altidore has scored 4 goals in the previous 2 games and he now sits with 7 goals (even after missing several due to the U-20 WC); Angel loves this kid, so does Beckham, and the talks of Jozy to Chelsea or Man Utd or anywhere have heated up; he could leave, he could stay for the time being but Jozy showed at the press conference that he has been appreciative of what the MLS has given him and knows that the Angel, Reyna, Mathis influence is good.....for now. (I will have quotes later tonight from the press conference)

3. David Beckham - his play against New York was passive as he let his artistic feet do the talking; this was all to preserve himself for the long haul and understandably so, but we clearly got a glimpse of 100% Beckham when he was taken out nastily by Dave Van den Bergh; Beckham sprung up and pointed a nasty finger at Dave VDB and then wrestled away from Joe Vide when he tried to calm Becks down

4. Carlos Pavon - after his performance in the Gold Cup many were expecting the Honduran to translate his success there into the MLS right away; but no, it's been somewhat of a waiting game and his strike in the SuperLiga win over D.C. United was the catalyst; him and Beckham seemed to be together on some kind of other level as they struck for both goals that put Los Angeles up 2-1 real early in Saturday's match

5. Jovan Kirovski - Kirovski's 2 goals was almost made three when he hit the post late in the game, but it was nice to see the former Bundesliga boy to strike yet again especially when Nico Hernandez has been quiet all season and Herc Gomez is taking a scoring vacation it seems; regardless, Kirovski put the chances away to demoralize the normally strong New England defense - soccer bloggers/journalists everywhere were asking, "Wha happen'd?"

6. Cuautehomac Blanco - Chicago loves the controversial veteran already and he applauds them with a beautiful cross breed between a rocket and a chip in to the top right corner of Nick Rimando's net; probably the goal of the week and the nonchalance with which he did it was even more impressive; let's not forget that Blanco was the one that delivered the corner kick that found Paolo Wanchope for his first goal in a Fire uniform - Blanco and Wanchope are doing what Beckham wants to (but then again, compare the opponents)

7. Luciano Emilio - Emilio gets bumped out of the top five by the other fantastic striker performances this past weekend, but Emilio's performance is no different - as he takes his opportunities and puts them away (unless it's the SuperLiga). His league leading 14 goals leads me to believe that he has replaced Twellman as the most opportunistic and best positioned striker in the league

8. Clint Mathis - he likes those big games and Cletus even gave us some funny sound-bytes after the game Beckham-centric press conference; his play was certainly somewhat indicative of his love for New York City and what he plans to do with this team this; Mathis is also making many people forget that Claudio Reyna is on the bench and injured yet again; his goal was vital in keeping Red Bull alive after a double salvo for Los Angeles near the end of the first half of that 5-4 thriller

9. Colin Clark - As nice as it was to see Maykel Galindo get back on his scoring horse against TFC, it was even nicer to see Colin Clark have the best game of his season. The Colorado native has really come on strong and looks poised to solidify a long-time starting position in the line-up; the young Clark should be joined by Joe Vide but there were too many crazy offensive performances to fit the two in here

10. US Nats - Donovan, Twellman, and Ching all had productive weekends, Donovan kept pulling the Galaxy back into the game versus the Red Bulls and for some reason he wasn't involved in the press conference afterwards, while Twellman and Ching provided the respective game-winning goals for their teams in 1-0 shutouts; their goals capped a great weekend of soccer in America - what you think?????

Hat-Trick Watch: Berhalter comes close, but Kanoute and Huntelaar put on a clinic

2007-08-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

My birthday saw Gregg Berhalter come ever so close to his first career hat-trick from a defensive position. He got the brace though in a 3-1 1860 Munich win over Kaiserslautern.
Here are the hat-trick heroes...

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Sevilla 5, Real Madrid 3
Spanish SuperCup

Sevilla outlasted Madrid in a shootout that tried to overshadow the recent RBNY/Los Angeles 5-4 shootout. Frederic Kanoute showed that despite his recently signed new contract, he is not planning on slowing down his scoring pace. Good thing for Sevilla because all the pieces are in place for them to have yet another great year. It was Kanoute's hat-trick and Renato's brace that sunk Madrid.

Ajax 8, De Graafschap 1
Dutch Eredivisie

Now that is an ass-whooping and Klaas Jan-Huntelaar had everything to do with it. The Manchester United transfer target struck for four goals - grabbing his third and fourth goals in injury time. If Huntelaar can produce half of that - every game - Ajax could be lifting the Eredivisie trophy once again after a brief, but extremely frustrating, hiatus.

Spartak Moscow 4, Kuban Krasnodar 0
Russian Vischaya

Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the first three goals to embarrass Ante Jazic's former squad in a sound 4-0 shutout. Roman - a striker used sparingly at the international level - has scored over 50 goals in 100 or so appearances for Spartak.

Dynamo Kiev 7, Karpaty 3
Ukrainian Premier Division

Ismael Bangoura scored a hat-trick to solidify Dynamo's lead over a tough Karpaty squad who struck first, but faded thereafter. The 22-year old Guinean recently left French Ligue One squad and youth hotbed Le Havre for Kiev in a $7.5 million deal and has already impressed.

Cruzeiro 4, Fluminense 2
Brazilian Campeonato

Alecsandro - although a decent striker - is most known for his brother-in-law Deco. The 26-year old Brazilian striker is making quite the name for himself though after he hit for three against a normally defensively sound Fluminense.

Live Blog of LA Galaxy/NY Red Bulls game

2007-08-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Over at Center Holds It.

Join me in what promises to be a damn-good evening. Be back with more stuff once I get situated in New York.

Hat-Trick Watch

2007-08-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

A lack of hat-tricks today. DaMarcus Beasley's Glasgow Rangers destroyed Falkirk 7-2 and there were two braces by Jean-Claude Darcheville and new signing Daniel Cousin, but NO hat-tricks. The Brazilian U-17s crushed the New Zealand U-17s 7-0 in the start of the U-17 World Championship in South Korea. But no hat-trick. The ONLY hat-trick scored today - in fact - was scored by an American! (This is barring the results yet to be determined in MLS tonight).

Haugesund 6, NIL-Trysil 1
Norwegian Cup

Last year's USL scoring champ Cam Weaver struck for three in Haugesund's thorough scoring lesson for lower league squad NIL-Trysil. The 24-year old has had minimal time for his relatively new squad, but not much to show for it. I think they'll know this former Seattle Sounder's name from now on.

Hat-trick Watch: A pointless feature involving the recording of hat-tricks internationally...

2007-08-17T13:05:00.001-07:00

AUGUST 17, 2007

FCD Vaduz 5, Servette 1
Swiss Super League

Odirlei de Souza Gaspar (that's a long one...) had three in a thorough domination of the once powerful Swiss Servette squad. All three came in the last 40 minutes of the gamem, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Brazilian is enjoying his first season with Leichtensteiner club in a Swiss league.

RKC Waalwijk 6, Cambuur 3
Eerstedivisie (Dutch Second Division)

The shootout was highlighted by Kevin Vink's hat-trick - 2 straight, 1 penalty - which helped RKC get a three-point start to their quest to re-promotion after last year's failure. A season-long reserve last season, Vink has clearly made a case for a first-team place this season.

Zwolle 3, Eindhoven 3
Eerstedivisie (Dutch Second Division)

Italian-Belgian Fabio Caracciolo struck for three to ensure at least a point . The striker hit first, but Zwolle then proceeded to pour on three unanswered goals to put Eindhoven in quite a hole. Caracciolo was apparently ready to dig them out.

If I missed any today...let me know.

Heerenveen kick off their Eredivisie campaign with a Bradley start...

2007-08-17T11:36:00.001-07:00

Michael Bradley is in the process of opening the season with the Frisians against a tough Willem II squad (remember Earnie Stewart?). It could be Bradley's year to shine as injury as put out central midfielder Andre Hansson and Paul Bosvelt's retirement. New striker Gerald Sibon will look to make an immediate impact as well - as goal glutton Afonso Alves still sits after returning to training camp late. There are expectations that Alves will leave before the deadline - and after scoring 34 goals in 31 matches last year - the pressure is going to be on the once-before Frisian Sibon to produce.

The ambition at Heerenveen is surprisingly low, however, coming off last year's 5th place finish. According to ESPN Soccernet, Heerenveen officials are saying that the Dutch big four (Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord, and AZ) have way too much money for the Frisians to even compete and that a more realistic finish this year would be 7th place. Could be reverse psychology.

Heerenveen's Starting Line-UP vs. Willem II

24 Rob Van Dijk (G)
3 Kristian Bak Nielsen (D)
4 Michel Breuer (D)
5 Michael Dingsdag (D)
36 Timmi Johansen (D)
7 Jacob Poulsen (M)
2 Gianni Zuiverloon (D)
23 Danijel Pranjic (M)
6 Michael Bradley (M)
35 Gerald Sibon (S)
21 Miralem Sulejmani (S)

Not Down and Out: Colorado 3, New England 0

2007-08-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

I really find myself baffled by this score-line. Is it competitive parity? Or just a by-product of the scrappiness and occasionally ugly play that Major League Soccer presents sometimes? Regardless, the Revolution were soundly beaten by a Colorado squad that out-shot, out-hustled, and thouroughly out-played the fading New Englanders.

Jovan Kirovski put away both his best chances and nearly added a third when he hit the post late in the game. Colin Clark was solid and is quietly becoming a Beckerman-like injection for the Rapids, who just can't seem to figure themselves out. The Rapids didn't escape without a scare though as Dan Gargan was carted off in just the 23rd minute. Fortunately, they had secured the signing of former US nat Tony Sanneh right before the game giving Gargan a fitting replacement. All this was done without the services of recent signing and former Mexican international Daniel Osorno. Either way, that is a 2 game win streak for the Rapids against the two top teams in the league. Are they decisive or flukes. Goalscorer Jovan Kirovski seems to think otherwise:

“The team played really well from the first minute. Tonight was a great night
for us. We are not afraid of anybody. The last two games we have played the best
teams in the league, and we’ve beat them both. We need to win the next game, we
are still out of the hunt a little bit and we need the three points at home.”

Do you Rapids fans feel that this is just delaying Fernando Clavijo's inevitable sacking? Or does it make you want to give him another chance?

MLSnet.com's game recap

Top Drawer Soccer's game recap

USL-2 Playoffs Set: Richmond - Charlotte and Harrisburg - Cleveland

2007-08-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Charlotte Eagles @ Richmond Kickers – 7:00 pm ET

The Kickers have become a USL-2 powerhouse mainly due to the quality injection of talent often produced by their PDL squad the Richmond Kickers Future. The Eagles - the New England Revolution of the USL-2 - look to make it 2 out of 4 as their last Championship win came in 2005 sandwiched between 2 losses in the final - 2004 and 2006. To get to the final they have to dethrone the defending champs and make sure that Jacob Coggins is productive as he was in the regular season.
Prediction: Richmond 2, Charlotte 1 - the Kicker defense is too strong for Coggins and the Eagles two-man attack (Dusty Swinehart); whereas the Kickers counter through the efficiency of Mike Burke and former DC draft pick and Hoya Ricky Schramm.

Harrisburg City Islanders @ Cleveland City Stars – 7:00 pm ET

The Islanders beat the South Jersey Barons and D.C. United to push themselves far in the US Open Cup. They then used that confidence to secure themselves a semi-final spot in USL-2 as they take on expansion squad Cleveland. The Stars are no Real Salt Lake, however, as they their expansion year saw them post a 10-1-9 record. Yep, that's one loss.
Prediction: Cleveland 1, Harrisburg 0 - Adam Moffat and Nigel Codrington help dismantle a somewhat inconsistent Islander squad led by the tough Mo Odour and former SJ Baron Brian Devlin.

Here are USL Soccer's PREVIEWS.

FINAL will be played Saturday, August 25th at a location determined by a bid process.

England's Roster vs. Germany

2007-08-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

I'm back with still no idea as to where to take this blog as I can function in the same capacity over at Center Holds It.

Alas, I can't let this die.

England Squad for Wednesday, August 22 vs. Germany:

GKs (3): Paul Robinson (Tottenham), David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Aston Villa)

Defenders (9): Micah Richards (Manchester City), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Sol Campbell (Portsmouth), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Phil Neville (Everton), Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Midfielders (10): David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Kieron Dyer (West Ham), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United)

Forwards (6): Alan Smith (Newcastle), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Darren Bent (Tottenham), Andy Johnson (Everton), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham).

Clearly, Steve McLaren doesn't expect to have 25 lined up come next Wednesday but he named this squad expecting some to drop-out due to health issues, club issues, etc. For example, Gerrard might pull out due to a broken toe. Already - even with this just being an international friendly (against Germany no less) - there is some controversy a-brewin'. Beckham wants to do the trans-atlantic marathon ( funny that Landon Donovan wants to do the same thing) and play in both his country and club's games, a day apart respectively. Blackburn big mouth David Bentley was snubbed by McLaren for snubbing the U-21 call-up he got a while back. Scott Carson - 3rd choice for the Lions - wants his damn first cap already. Other surprises - Nicky Shorey from Reading could get his second cap (hopefully he plays over 'Cashley' Cole) and Steven Taylor (only decent defender for the Magpies last season) for Newcastle looks for his first. David James and Sol Campbell - a Portsmouth duo - were recalled for the first time in a long time. And Kieron Dyer and Alan Smith - both who recently completed moves to different clubs - are part of the roster. The English backline has also taken a big hit recently with the international retirement of 29-year old Jamie Carragher as well as the broken foot of Wayne Rooney.

10 Bright Spots of Week 20: Altidore's brace, Goodson's gamewinner

2007-08-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

1. Jozy Altidore: he's got to be here as his play drew applaud from both Bruce Arena and Mo Johnston, who felt his wrath; he also handled himself well after being pelted with beer-filled plastic bottles and other things by the traveling Toronto FC supporters; or should this actually go to the Giants Stadium security guards? regardless, as this Jozy-Juan partnership progresses I am assuming we can expect a bunch of goals and possibly some consistency for a recovering Red Bull squad

2. Clarence Goodson: his goal was the gamewinner in FC Dallas' thrill ride victory over Columbus, 3-2 and it was the peak of a recent spell of great form for the center back; even better, the goal came in injury time while the Hoops were a man down thanks to Marcelo Saragosa's 81st minute ejection; between Goodson and Moor - Dallas has made me swallow my bad comments about the back four and hopefully they continue to do so

3. Juan Pablo Angel: yep, he's back on the list as his scoring streak started over at square one; Angel grabbed the first goal for the Red Bulls' in their 3-0 shutout victory over Toronto FC and although he isn't back to where he was earlier in the year, he was being picked out nicely by the New York fullbacks and saw a lot of the ball showing yet again why he's this league's most potent scoring threat

4. Taylor Twellman: the old 1860 Munich product really has carved himself a niche in Boston and has learned how to demoralize a team in one fell swoop; Twellman provided the only goal needed in the 55th minute to keep the Galaxy searching for those elusive points in their quest to reach the MLS playoffs with a hobbled David Beckham in tow

5. Luciano Emilio: 4 out of 5 of the top five are goalscorers and their presence at the top shows consistency; Emilio is exactly that and with his goal to sink Beckham and the Galaxy in front of 47,000 at RFK Stadium, he now leads the league in goals scored; he also has beat out Twellman this year for best positioning as the Brazilian seems to always be in the right place at the right time; the craziest thing is that if he would correct his inability to finish the sitters, he could have 16 or 17 by now

6. Colorado Rapids fans: not in as dire straits as the Real Salt Lake faithful, but the Rapids have been playing arguably the worst soccer of any MLS team as of late; after a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Seattle, the Rapids were gifted a 1-0 win over one of the hottest teams in the league, Houston (who has now lost two tough ones in a row); a win is a win, even though it was Dwayne DeRosario who scored the goal for Colorado

7. Dax McCarty: many people are hit or miss with this young talent as well as with his performance as super-sub in the U-20 World Cup; his recent MLS form cannot be argued with though as the midfielder helped Dallas overcome Charleston in the Open Cup and leads the team in assists with 6; add his presence to the rediscovered ability of Arturo Alvarez, the resurgence of the defense, and you got yourself a tough team in Dallas

8. Chris Leitch: why was this guy ever cut? Leitch - a couple years ago - played massive minutes for the Red Bulls but he was eventually waived, picked up by Columbus, and now back to Leitch after the New York defense went thin; Leitch has been decent in his first two appearances for the Red Bulls and Arena is nothing but happy with him

9. Kenny Stamatopoulos: the Reds' most recent goalkeeper makes it on for sheer effort, despite conceding three goals to a high-octane Red Bulls' offense; he faced 21 shots - 11 on goal - and kept it at 3-0.

10. Mo Johnston: for dealing with 8 starters out and being an all-around class character; I had the privilege of speaking with him and his reputation precedes him; plus - anyone that jokes about Tyrone Marshall as a striker can make my list

Starting Line-ups: RBNY vs. Toronto FC

2007-08-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

I'm back from vacation - but conveniently I forgot the power cord. I will try and conserve power to finish the game but if I go away without explanation, you'll understand why.

Couple notes: Dema Kovalenko's injuries sustained in the car crash have kept him out of the 18, but Sinisa seems to be healthy enough to play. Mike Magee's name has found his way in to the 18 for the first time in a long time as he has spent the last year or so recovering from a ACL injury. For Toronto, Mo Johnston is missing Danny Dichio, Marvell Wynne, Ronnie O'Brien, Andrew Boyens, Jeff Cunningham and Greg Sutton. Wow.

Hopefully, 16 days will have cured the Red Bulls illnesses.

New York Red Bulls

GK: Jon Conway ()

Defenders: Hunter Freeman (), Jeff Parke (), Seth Stammler (), Chris Leitch ()

Midfielders: Dane Richards (), Claudio Reyna (), Dave van den Bergh (), Joe Vide ()

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (), Juan Pablo Angel ()

Unused Subs: Danny Cepero, Kevin Goldthwaite, Carlos Mendes, Clint Mathis, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Mike Magee, John Wolyniec

Toronto FC

GK: Kenny Stamatopoulos ()

Defenders: Adam Braz (), Tyrone Marshall (), Marco Reda ()

Midfielders: Andy Welsh (), Jim Brennan (), Chris Pozniak (), Todd Dunivant ()

Forwards: Collin Samuel (), Andrea Lombardo ()

Unused Subs: Sam Reynolds, Nana Attakora-Gyan, Andrew Boyens, Gabe Gala, Joey Melo

Will be back to live blog RBNY vs. Toronto FC

2007-08-09T21:20:00.001-07:00

This Sunday at 5:00pm.

Until then - I'm on vacation and will most likely post sparingly. Enjoy the first weekend of the EPL, etc!

Here's my weekend preview.

Now we know the true boss of Alex Ferguson...

2007-08-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

...and that he doesn't like tumbling.

Manchester United's new signing Nani will have some explaining to do to manager Sir Alex Ferguson after performing his trademark celebratory somersault following a stunning goal in the 3-0 win against Glentoran on Wednesday. Ferguson, who missed the friendly and another against Dunfermline because his wife forced him to help with a house move, had banned the winger from such a performance because of injury fears. (Daily Mirror)

Tell me - why would Nani do it again when Fergie said not to?

CHI's and Because I Think...'s English Premiership 2007-08 Season Preview: Teams 1-10

2007-08-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

1. Manchester United (1)

Man Yoo has strengthened their squad significantly over the summer and has begun to trim off the excess fat - in the form of Kieran Richardson to Sunderland, Alan Smith to Newcastle, and striker Guiseppe Rossi heading to Villareal - as they try and make room for their new acquisitions. With Nani and Anderson coming in, the young talent looks to learn from the best in Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes with the hope to one day inherit their everyday spots. The price was steep, but an injection of renewed competition and youth into the line-up is probably the best thing Sir Alex could do for them. For an added veteran presence, Ferguson picked Owen Hargreaves out of Munich and the England international should fit easily into center of the field with Carrick, Scholes, and Darren Fletcher. A solid back-up for keeper Edwin Van der Sar in Tomasz Kuszczak arrived on a permanent basis. Their efficient off-season, however, has been tarnished by two pending disturbances, the Gabriel Heinze saga that still pushes on and the Carlos Tevez transfer, who for all intensive purposes IS a Red Devil but it’s just a matter of when he arrives and for how much. If the Heinze to Liverpool issue doesn’t escalate and the Tevez legal issues don’t infiltrate the locker room, we could see a repeat Championship year out of this squad.
Because I Think’s Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, last season was nothing short of phenomenal. No Champions League glory, though, and it will be interesting to see if Ronaldo can follow up last season with another of respectful proportions. He’s got added support this year so look for the snazzy playmaker to take more chances.

Predicted Line-up
GK: Edwin Van der Sar
LB: Patrice Evra
CB: Nemanja Vidic
CB: Rio Ferdinand
RB: Gary Neville
LM: Ryan Giggs
CM: Michael Carrick or Paul Scholes
CM: Owen Hargreaves
RM: Cristiano Ronaldo
ST: Louis Saha (it is most likely Ronaldo will be up here, with Anderson at RM)
ST: Wayne Rooney

2. Chelsea (2)

Undoubtedly, based on the strength of their line-up, the Blues should win this year’s Premiership title. Unfortunately, it comes down to…..what do you call it…..chemistry. Chelsea’s morale drops at the hint of failure and this year could be no different. Mourinho has good faith in new striker Claudio Pizarro, who has impressed in recent preseason matches. The Portuguese skipper has also added Tal Ben-Haim from Bolton to bolster the backline, especially since Khalid Bhoulahrouz has been sent on loan to Sevilla. If Andrei Shevchenko can improve ever so mildly on his “botched” freshman season (it really wasn’t THAT bad, it just wasn’t 40 goals in 35 matches good), Chelsea can win it all. John Terry has signed on for good at a hefty price while Frank Lampard announced his intentions to do the same. A framework has been set and the roster turnover is lighter this year with the other acquisitions keeping tame monetarily, including Reading project, Steve Sidwell and former Lyon wing midfielder Florent Malouda. Malouda should influence this team more than oft-injured and speculated-to-leave winger Arjen Robben. Didier Drogba will need to have help this year on the scoring end - if he receives it, we could see Chelsea lifting the Premiership title among other things. To do that, tremendous progress will need to come from the young’uns Jon Obi Mikel and Solomon Kalou. Injuries to Frankie Lampard, Didier Drogba, and John Terry have hindered squad progress, but their showing against a stronger ‘on-paper’ Manchester United should have them somewhat hopeful. Before this weekend, I wouldn’t expect any more signings…but once the first games pass and Mourinho can assess the squad in competitive fashion - we could see one or two more faces. Their failed bid to sign Franck Ribery earlier in the summer could prove key to Chelsea’s fate this season as his tenacity and ‘balls-to-the-wall’ nature is really something they could have used.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Florent Malouda, we saw his skill and technical prowess in the Community Shield but he has been known to be fragile in his Lyon days and fragility is not something that Jose Mourinho can endure right now. He needs to start investing in some hard-nosed, durable players.

Predicted Line-up
GK: Petr Cech
LB: Ashley Cole
CB: John Terry
CB: Ricardo Carvalho
RB: Tal Ben-Haim
LM: Florent Malouda
CM: Michael Essien
CM: Frank Lampard (if injured for the beginning of the season, Jon Obi Mikel)
RM: Joe Cole or Shaun Wright-Phillips
ST: Andrei Shevchenko
ST: Didier Drogba

3. Liverpool (3)

The Hicks and Gillett era began with a bang with stadium plans, roster turnover, and BIG, expensive transfer targets. Key players shown the exit were Robbie Fowler, the volatile Craig Bellamy, Jerzy Dudek, Bolo Zenden, attacking midfielder Luis Garcia, and striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle. Rafa Benitez did his homework, though, and picked up what he thought necessary to rescue this Reds franchise from Premiership title purgatory. The biggest of the bunch was Fernando ‘el Nino’ Torres, who had a up-and-down year for Atletico last year, but looks to use his new surroundings to reinvigorate his young career. Yossi Benayoun was brought in to serve as that Ribery-type figure mentioned above, as he has served as the lifesaver many times before with West Ham United. Ukrainian Andrei Voronin will share time with the fearsome foursome of Peter Crouch, Torres, and Dirk Kuyt, while Dutch youngster Ryan Babel will mostly serve his time on the left wing considering that depth at the striker position. Babel was snapped up from Ajax, while Voronin joined in a pre-arranged transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. A host of youngsters have been scouted by Rafa and signed up to join the pool of future stars he’s already got brewing. The list including promising young’uns from Hungary (Andreas Simon and Kristian Nemeth) , Brazil (Lucas Leiva), Argentina (Sebastian Leto), Spain (Miki Roque), Bulgaria (Nikolay Mihaylov), and finally a little domestic flavor, Ryan Crowther. Add that to current Reds young’uns Paul Anderson, who could see some time on the wing this year, and Argentine Emiliano Insua and you’ve got some scary looking future prospects. Javier Mascherano could be the difference maker this year as his productivity was somewhat mired by lack of playing time at West Ham and legal issues involving his transfer to both West Ham and then to Liverpool. Look for him to be a big force this year though. Unfortunately, despite the expenditures - and Liverpool’s normal lack of consistency involving form - I don’t think they’ll be cracking that top two, but I would certainly like to see it happen.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Alvaro Arbeloa, if Steve Finnan falters (although his form near the end of last season proved otherwise) expect this Spaniard to fill in; not quite a ‘Riise of the right side’ but Arbeloa is certainly capable of moving forward, overlapping, and adding an offensive pop every once in a while

Predicted Line-up
GK: Pepe Reina
LB: Jon Arne Riise
CB: Daniel Agger
CB: Jamie Carragher
RB: Steve Finnan
LM: Harry Kewell
CM: Xabi Alonso
CM: Steven Gerrard
RM: Javier Mascherano
ST: Dirk Kuijt
ST: Fernando Torres

4. Tottenham (5)

The Hotspur come into this season with even higher expectations than the last. With Dimitar Berbatov now a proven Premiership goalscorer and Robbie Keane still producing, you would think the offense would be the last on their most-wanted list. Not the case, as Tottenham splashed over $30 million for the prolific Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent while also holding onto the immensely talented but currently underused English international Jermain Defoe. Defoe was linked to Man Utd for a while, but as of late, the talk has faded. Between Liverpool and the Hotspur you would have to reference child-labor laws as both have deemed themselves in need of significant youth talent. The Spurs sprung for young German starlet Kevin Prince-Boateng from , Southampton wunderkid Gareth Bale, a permanent deal for Lens midfielder Adel Taarabt, Leeds young’un Danny Rose, and Lille native defender Dorian Dervite. The French connection continues, as well, with a more-established French bruiser in the form of AJ Auxerre’s Younes Kaboul. All are 21 years old or younger. You add this to the already burgeoning youth crop of Tom Huddlestone and speedster Aaron Lennon, the team looks poised to make its’ biggest fuss a couple years down the road from now. Stalwarts Ledley King and Wigan recruit turned White Hart Lane success Pascal Chimbonda would like this youth to transition to wins though and with a bolstered defense, this could be the year to make a push for the top three.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Gareth Bale, no one is sure as to how much the Southampton jewel is going to play. A left back by trade, the opening is their but Martin Jol might not want to season the youngster so soon. Ricardo Rocha could fill in their or Paul Stalteri (which might be why they’re hanging on to the Canadian).

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Paul Robinson
LB: Gareth Bale or Ricardo Rocha
CB: Younes Kaboul (as Ledley King is out injured for the start of the season)
CB: Michael Dawson
RB: Pascal Chimbonda
LM: Aaron Lennon (who might be out injured, if so expect Wayne Routledge)
CM: Didier Zokora
CM: Jermaine Jenas
RM: Steed Malbranque
ST: Dimitar Berbatov
ST: Darren Bent or Robbie Keane (from the looks of pre-season, Bent)

5. Portsmouth (9)

Portsmouth helped themselves to yet another summer shopping spree, one when mixed with the parts already in place could potentially form a squad - on paper - that could compete with the upper echelons of the English Premiership. Sulley Muntari comes in from Udinese and looks to quarterback that midfield with the likes of Pedro Mendes. Preston North End’s goal-hound Dave Nugent finally got his Premiership wish and will join up with Stade Rennes’ recruit John Utaka, and already proven goal-scorer Lomano Lua-Lua. Last year’s sympathy signing of former Man Utd stud Andy Cole was quickly nixed, firmly shutting down any milestone chances Cole has (I think 200 goals was what he was looking for). Charlton defender Herman Hreidarsson joins back up with a Premiership outfit and looks to firmly challenge for best Icelandic defender in the league (extreme competition from Reading). With Muntari, Mendes, and Kranjcar in the middle the midfield is their strong suit. The productivity of the striker crew is what this squad’s league position hinges on. Overall, their strengths are spread out and the weaknesses not particularly glaring. A solid team, if you will. We’ll see if it holds up but a hot start is most likely what is needed to put Pompey in the part of the standings I have them in.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Niko Kranjcar, had a great first season in the English Premiership, supplying most of the creativity seen on the field for Pompey. That, and his rocket shots. The Croatian ’son of the coach’ will make an even bigger splash this year as he now is accustomed to the physicality of the brutish Premiership defenders.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: David James
LB: Lauren
CB: Sol Campbell
CB: Sylvain Distin
RB: Herman Hreidarsson
LM: Sean Davis
CM: Pedro Mendes (could move out to the left, once Kranjcar comes back from injury)
CM: Sulley Muntari
RM: Gary O’Neil
ST: Dave Nugent
ST: Nwankwo Kanu

6. Arsenal (4)

Emmanuel Adebayor seems certain that the post-Henry years will yield the same attacking style football and the same appeal that they had even before he left. Clearly, as I have the Gunners at 6th, I am a bit of a skeptic. Or maybe not, maybe they’ll play that attractive sort of football but that certainly doesn’t guarantee results. Eduardo da Silva, the Brazilian-Croat, has been brought in to effectively replace Thierry Henry, knowing full well he’s irreplaceable (to the left, to the left). Emmanuel Eboue will most likely shift up to right midfield as preseason results have established. In the back, Bakari Sagna has been brought in from Auxerre to help counter the loss of French influence that left with Henry. He will shore up the defense consisting of trusty William Gallas and Kolo Toure with wildcard Clichy. Fellow Frenchman Armand Traore is one year closer to that left-back position. The 17-year old is slowly growing into his body, but his veteran mentality is already there. If Gael Clichy falters a bit, you could see Traore get a look. Other youngsters on the right track to the Gunner first team include Brazilian Denilson, Dane Nicklas Bendtner, and Spaniard Fran Merida. Theo Walcott will also figure more into the first-team this year as a youthful Arsenal squad looks to take on the world. It’s cliche but not enough veteran presence and ‘lead-by-example’-ness to push them above 6th. And I could be very wrong here, but 6th might even be a stretch.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Kolo Toure will have to man that back four and push maturity quickly or else Arsenal’s defense will continue to be streaky. Gallas and Toure were fantastic last year but it was the inconsistencies of Senderos and Hoyte that hurt them. We’ll see Bakari Sagna can do.

Predicted Line-up
GK: Jens Lehmann
LB: Gael Clichy
CB: William Gallas
CB: Kolo Toure
RB: Bakary Sagna
LM: Tomas Rosicky
CM: Gilberto Silva or Alexander Hleb
CM: Cesc Fabregas
RM: Emmanuel Eboue
ST: Robin Van Persie
ST: Emmanuel Adebayor (if injured, which is possible, then Eduardo da Silva)

7. Aston Villa (11)

Villa’s chance to upgrade their keeping took a large hit when Sunderland pulled a fast one and grabbed promising Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon from the Premiership constants. With Dane Thomas Sorensen out with injury, it will be up to Stuart Taylor to start the year. Also lagging is the arrival of defensive recruits as nothing has been done in that department. With Olof Mellberg exit-to-the-MLS rumors abound, the only other specifically defensive option is Mark Delaney. I am confident Martin O’Neill will not allow this to go on for much longer and defensive upgrades should be expected fairly soon, if not before the end of next week. Nigel Reo-Coker was gifted to Villa from West Ham as he had grown tired of the front office and on-field antics at Upton Park, Marlon Harewood followed. The introduction of them helps an already consistent Villa squad, but with a lack of depth and. These fears are countered by the continued head-turning play of both Gareth Barry and Gabriel Agbonlahor. Regardless, any sort of injuries and O’Neill will be shopping for replacements in a hurry. Big target man John Carew should help alleviate any scoring issues that may arise. Seventh place could be a bit generous for the Villans, but I am banking on the scouting prowess of O’Neill and prompt nature of his selections.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Ashley Young, who endured half a year with Watford last season, was somewhat quiet in the waning moments of last season but he is tipped to shine this year. Remembering back to the Bouazza/Young moments in a Watford uniform, I could not agree more.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Stuart Taylor (as Sorensen is out with injury)
LB: Wilfried Bouma
CB: Martin Laursen
CB: Gary Cahill
RB: Olof Mellberg
LM: Ashley Young
CM: Stilian Petrov
CM: Gareth Barry
RM: Nigel Reo-Coker
ST: John Carew
ST: Gareth Agbonlahor

8. Newcastle (13)

We all know the Magpies are in for another injury-riddled year. Just because big Sammie Allardyce is there now, doesn’t mean everybody is magically in pristine condition. One thing, though, that Allardyce seemed to actually think of was depth. Even if a couple fall, there are plenty of serviceable replacements waiting in the wings. The former Bolton boss has already brought in David Rozehnal from PSG, Alan Smith from Man Utd, Mark Viduka on free from Middlesbrough, Michael Owen back from injury and seemingly healthy, and trusty Mr. Versatility Geremi from Chelsea. More recently was the addition of fullback Jose Enrique from Villareal for a cool $12.5 million and Brazilian Cacapa, who was a rock in back for Lyon, taking part in the past 6 consecutive Championships. The injury bug has already claimed starting goalkeeper Shay Given and bad boy Joey Barton while Kieron Dyer and Charles N’Zogbia don’t like the newfangled competition for starting spots. Both could be on their way to out West Ham and Fulham respectively. If the bug isn’t contagious and the throngs of talent mesh well - you could see a finish higher than the projected 8th. If not - I’d say 8th was pretty conservative.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Mark Viduka, he adds a whole different dimension to the Magpies’ offense. Especially with pacy, skilled Obafemi Martins up there with him. Viduka is a source of consistency and despite his age, which is getting up there, if you can ration time between him and Owen. Don’t forget that Albert Luque could still catch fire, which based on potential, could be up there with scariest strike contingent (but Luque will most likely head out on loan, with Getafe a possible destination).

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Shay Given
LB: Jose Enrique (recent signing from Villareal)
CB: Steven Taylor
CB: David Rozehnal
RB: Cacapa
LM: Charles N’Zogbia
CM: Nicky Butt or James Milner (until Barton gets back)
CM: Alan Smith (could Sammie bring back Smith’s Man Utd midfield role?)
RM: Geremi
ST: Mark Viduka
ST: Obafemi Martins

9. Manchester City (14)

The transfer hoopla is somewhat ridiculous now - but it’s nice to see the financial injection into teams other than the big four. Kind of like Portsmouth’s shopping spree last year, Sven Goran-Eriksson has a little more pull than Harry Redknapp which has proven to be a significant difference. Ready for the laundry list of newcomers: Rolando Bianchi from Reggina, young Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov, Brazilian midfield workhorse Elano, Serbian wonderkid Vedran Corluka, former Barcelona man Geovanni, star of Swiss league Gelson Fernandes, and last but not least, Real Sociedad defender Javi Garrido. Australian and Serie A standout Mark Bresciano could be on his way as well after Eriksson gets rid of his ‘extras’ Ousmane Dabo, Danny Mills, and Paul Dickov. Nevermind the pricetag as it seems the Thai ex-prime minister can handle it - who cares if he’s got crimes against humanity charges outstanding. New faces will create a new kind of Manchester derby and damn am I looking forward to it. As with all the other transfer overhauls - kind of like West Ham last year - you never know what the final product is going to be. If Citeh’s new boys can learn how to play like a team, Europe is in their sights. I think they’ll start slow and heat up near the end of the season but, ultimately, the Light Blues will miss Europe.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Stephen Ireland, if the 18-year old can continue his development unabated - and learn from these veterans coming in - we could see an English senior international by season’s end.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Andreas Isaksson
LB: Javi Garrido
CB: Vedran Corluka
CB: Nedum Onuoha
RB: Micah Richards
LM: Stephen Ireland
CM: Martin Petrov
CM: Dietmar Hamann
RM: Elano
ST: Rolando Bianchi
ST: Valeri Bojinov or Emile Mpenza

10. Blackburn (10)

A Rover squad searching for consistency should only need to do so on the defensive end this season as the introduction of Bayern Munich outcast Roque Santa Cruz to a Blackburn uniform has mouths salivating at the prospect of a Santa Cruz/Benni McCarthy pairing up front (unfortunately, some news that he might be on his way out has been circulating). Double that with the depth of promising youngster Matt Derbyshire, new signing Maceo Rigters, and Jason Roberts and you have yourself a good set of strikers. I would be very afraid of that. Rising star David Bentley - an Arsenal youth product - looks to again make his name known to English national team scouts and I would certainly expect him to do so. With former D.C. favorite Ryan Nelsen signed on for a couple more years and Dutch international Andre Ooijer in good preseason form, the defense looks serviceable but if the Rovers are to push for a spot in Europe, they’re going to have to bolster - especially with the amount of new, high-powered offensive recruits coming in league-wide this offseason. Expect dead middle.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Gamst and Bentley, their service to Santa Cruz and McCarthy determines the strength of the potentially potent offense. Gamst - a Norwegian international - and the feisty Bentley - who got his first call up recently - could certainly do the job needed of them. All while chipping a goal or two from time to time.

Predicted Line-up
GK: Brad Friedel
LB: Stephen Warnock
CB: Ryan Nelsen
CB: Christopher Samba
RB: Andre Ooijer
LM: Morten Gamst Pedersen
CM: Brett Emerton or Robbie Savage
CM: Tugay
RM: David Bentley
ST: Roque Santa Cruz
ST: Benni McCarthy

Beasley overcomes monkey chants, rough play, and continues Champions League charm

2007-08-07T15:07:00.001-07:00

DaMarcus scored the lone goal in a 1-0 away leg win over FK Zeta, which puts Rangers through on a 3-0 aggregate. They will now play the winner of Red Star Belgrade and Tallinn (Estonia).

The Rangers website reveals that apparently a section of the Zeta faithful were directing monkey chants towards Beasley and Jean-Claude Darcheville. DMB is now calling for a UEFA probe on the matter - and he means business. How bad ass is it to score in the midst of that crap being thrown at you, it being your first start for the club, and you have a reputation for scoring goals in Champions League games?

"I heard the chants from the crowd. It happened to me a few years ago when PSV played Red Star in Belgrade and I can't believe that racist abuse is still in football.
"People can come to a match and boo and jeer but the racist thing just has to get out of football.

"We tried to take action against Red Star in that previous game. Guus Hiddink and me were involved but nothing really came of it.

"It sickens to hear these chants but when you are on the pitch you have to try to blank it out. It degrades the game for everyone.

"I will discuss the situation with Rangers because I feel strongly about it and we will decide if we should file a complaint."

Beasley's strike was in the 81st minute and effectively destroyed the Montenegrin hopes. All I can say is - keep at it Run DMB.

The Red Bulls find a home, Feilhaber to Derby County?

2007-08-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Here at Center Holds It.

Danny Szetela to AS ROMA!

2007-08-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Milling around Ives Galarcep's neck of the blogosphere woods, you are always guaranteed to get a little piece of juicy news. This morning was no different.Found this article, Italy in Szetela's Future for North Jersey Herald News. It basically stipulates that the U-20 World Cup star and Clifton, NJ native has reached a pre-contractual agreement with Serie A powers AS Roma after his MLS contract with the Columbus Crew runs out on December 31st, 2007. The Serie A - great - but is Roma going to guarantee him any playing time whatsoever? He will most likely be loaned out to a Siena, Ascoli, Parma or Palermo (all who were in to snap him up in the first place).

Szetela joins fellow NY/NJ native, Gabe Ferrari in the Serie A - Ferrari plies his trade for Sampdoria. Furthermore, he joins both Sal Zizzo and Freddy Adu in 'going European' as Zizzo is at Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga now and Adu went to Benfica of the Portuguese SuperLiga.
The IMG product also had interest from other world leagues - Everton, Galatasaray, Rangers, and FC Sion all had submitted transfer inquiries to the MLS front office. When it all boils down - you really can't frown upon this move and his reinvigorated performances with US U-20s made it happen. It's just a shame that Columbus couldn't have reaped the benefits in his 4-year stay in Columbus. The deal should be finalized in the next week or two and, as always, things can go awry.

Who's next from that U-20 squad to go? Chris Seitz? Tony Beltran? Ofori Sarkodie? etc.

US OPEN CUP: Can the MLS teams survive?

2007-08-07T05:30:00.001-07:00

Since I am getting NO help as to what the real focus of this blog should be - especially with the new one in play - here is the upcoming US Open Cup clashes. Any suggestions are welcome...I'm leaning towards just focusing on the MLS here, and world leagues at Center Holds It. Or just scouting the new talent of the world. Or disbanding the site altogether...anybody?

Tuesday, August 7th

Richmond Kickers (USL-2) at Carolina RailHawks (USL-1)
SAS Soccer Park; Cary, NC - 7:30 p.m.

FC Dallas (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL-1)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, SC - 7:30 p.m.

Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
Qwest Field; Seattle, WA - 10 p.m.

Wednesday, August 8th

Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) at New England Revolution (MLS)
Gillette Stadium; Foxborough, MA - 7:30 p.m.

After 5 months, help arrives. New collaboration at Center Holds It.

2007-08-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

As of tomorrow, August 6th, I will be collaborating with the writers of It's a Simple Game and Let's Go Buffalo at a new site call CENTER HOLDS IT. I look to most likely continue posting here - on more specific terms (transfer rumors, young talent, any suggestions??) but if I can't seem to do both (with the day job looming too), I will move shop to there - moving everything with me (and hence, making the soccer blogosphere just a little bit smaller for the better).

Us three are looking forward to covering the universe of World Soccer. There will still be "Bright Spots of the Week", "New Generation", "Team of the Weeks"....as of right now, I just don't know on which site I am going to put it. The next couple weeks will tell - so bookmark both websites and help us get started!!

CENTER HOLDS IT

Community Shield: Chelsea vs. Manchester United starting lineups

2007-08-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Chelsea v Man Utd

Teams
Chelsea	Man Utd
1 Petr Cech (G)	(G) Edwin Van der Sar 1
22 Tal Ben Haim (D)	(D) Wes Brown 6
6 Ricardo Carvalho (D)	(D) Patrice Evra 3
3 Ashley Cole (D)	(D) Rio Ferdinand 5
2 Glen Johnson (D)	(D) John O'Shea 22
10 Joe Cole (M)	(D) Mikael Silvestre 27
5 Michael Essien (M)	(D) Nemanja Vidic 15
8 Frank Lampard (M)	(M) Michael Carrick 16
15 Florent Malouda (M)	(M) Ryan Giggs 11
12 John Mikel (M)	(M) Cristiano Ronaldo 7
24 Shaun Wright-Phillips (M)	(S) Wayne Rooney 10

Ferguson had said that he was going to shelter the young'uns for the first couple games and use them sparingly. He held true to that as both Anderson and Nani are out of the line-up. It looks a 5-3-1, but it will most likely operate as a 4-4-2 as both Patrice Evra and Wes Brown will push forward on the right and left sides at times. It looks like Frank Lampard's hurt toe was immensely exaggerated as he will be starting in this match-up. Other surprise is NO John Terry, instead Glen Johnson who last year spent his time with Portsmouth. Florent Malouda will look to have an immediate impact in hopes of solidifying a starting spot. John Mikel will help Lampard man the middle as Michael Ballack is out with injury.

More interesting than the line-ups are the substitutes for each team (Chelsea's on the left, Man Utd's on the right):

Substitutes
23 Carlo Cudicini (G)	(G) Tomasz Kuszczak 29
40 Henrique Hilario (G)	(D) Phillip Bardsley 26
39 Harry Worley (D)	(D) Gerard Pique 19
19 Lassana Diarra (M)	(M) Chris Eagles 33
9 Steve Sidwell (M)	(M) Darren Fletcher 24
14 Claudio Pizarro (S)	(M) Lee Martin 30
17 Scott Sinclair (S)	(M) Luis Nani 17

No Anderson for Man Utd which means he must be nursing a little bit of a knock. Chris Eagles seems to always be on the bench up until the start of the season, when they eventually concede that there is nothing better to do than send him out on loan. Some young'uns for the Red Devils - Gerard Pique (a first-team defender in a year's time or so) and Lee Martin (solid attacking mid). Philip Bardsley is the Glen Johnson of Manchester United - having spent time on loan much of the past two years. For Chelsea - Claudio Pizarro - who is probably itching to get in this game, will sit first. Same with Sidwell. The young'uns to watch for Chelsea, though, are Scott Sinclair who has already shown a lot of promise and Harry Worley. I do find it funny that Jose Mourinho has thrown two more goalkeepers on the bench as it seems a little excessive - but then I remember last year's Chelsea/Reading clash and the injuries to Cech and Cudicini which led to John Terry being thrown in goal.

Happy watching.

It'd Be Much More Funny if it was on his ass.

2007-08-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

Compliments of BBC Sport's Rumor Central and The Sun.

Aston Villa's American owner Randy Lerner is so committed to Villa he has a tattoo of the club's crest on his ankle. (The Sun)

PDL Semifinals set to play tonight.

2007-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Sat, August 4, 2007
	PO	7:30 pm	Brooklyn Knights	at	Michigan Bucks	Lake Orion High School
	PO	9:05 pm	Fresno Fuego	at	Laredo Heat	UISD - Student Activity Center

The Michigan Bucks have found their way to the final four yet again, as the Brooklyn Knights upset their way to the semis - beating previously unbeaten Hampton Roads Piranhas and the Cape Cod Crusaders. Certainly, the cinderella of the play-offs. Whether it's Fresno or Laredo that goes through, both teams are dangerous.

I'm guessing the Bucks will take the cake.

Because I Think...'s English Premiership Preview: Projected Finish ,Teams 11-15

2007-08-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

11. West Ham United (15)

With the Carlos Tevez transfer saga now firmly behind them, the Hammers need to turn their sights inwards to make sure they keep the locker-room cancer that is Craig Bellamy from spreading his disease. If he plays by the front office's rules, it could be a good year for Bellamy. If not, expect one and done - just like Liverpool. New faces include Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg who was cast aside after a year chock full of injury. Scott Parker joins from Newcastle where he enjoyed possibly the most successful unsuccessful anyone could. The most important new face, however, is Dean Ashton who returns from a season-long injury and looks to make his presence known immediately. Rumors are swirling about who will next step foot in at Upton Park and they include Eidur Gudjohnsen who is itching to move back to the Prem as well as Kieron Dyer, whose offer was scrapped today. Without Tevez - believe it or not - I think this team will jell. With Ashton and Bellamy in front and Bobby Zamora in tow, you should see scoring production but another quality defender could help. Expect middle of the road for last year's underperformer of the season.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Freddie Ljungberg, as many are wondering does he have the gas in his tank to, along with Scott Parker, lead this team to something other than a relegation battle. If Ljungberg is healthy and on point, you could see a Hammer turn-around with the possibility of European competition looming.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Robert Green
LB: Jonathan Spector (Julian Faubert might have started if he wasn't sidelined)
CB: Anton Ferdinand
CB: Matthew Upson
RB: Lucas Neill
LM: Luis Boa Morte
CM: Scott Parker
CM: Lee Bowyer
RM: Freddie Ljungberg
ST: Dean Ashton (back from injury)
ST: Craig Bellamy

12. Everton (6)

I would have put them higher up, but injury always hits this squad. No changes in injury luck this year as Tim Cahill has just been ruled out for the start of the season. If the physios do their job and luck is on David Moyes' side and Mikel Arteta can cover for an injured Cahill, Everton could possibly repeat last year's ambitious 6th place, European competition run. If Andy Johnson stays healthy though, there won't much to keep the Toffees from decent offensive production. The rest of the striker corps is young and untested, especially since James Beattie was bought by Sheffield United. It consists of Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan, who could be injured for the start of the season. Expect Anichebe to do well as his time increases, but unless they make more purchases for depth reasons, I can't really see Everton making much of a splash this year. Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott certainly hope to make that last statement false as their defensive work alone last year attracted a lot of attention from Premiership sides and clubs abroad with deep-pockets. Tim Howard will hope that Phil Jagielka's acquisition from Sheffield United will provide cover on the flanks, as the former Blade is capable of playing pretty much every position on the field - including goalkeeper.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Andy Johnson, the team's performance hinges on Johnson's health because when he is on the field, you can expect a goal or two. It's been that way since his first Premiership run-in with Crystal Palace. Truth is, AJ is pretty young and, if his body doesn't fail him, we could have competition for Drogba at the top of the scoring charts.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Tim Howard
LB: Phil Neville
CB: Joseph Yobo
CB: Joleon Lescott
RB: Phil Jagielka
LM: Manuel Fernandes
CM: Tim Cahill (with the injury expect Lee Carsley)
CM: Leon Osman
RM: Mikel Arteta
ST: Andrew Johnson
ST: Victor Anichebe (if James Beattie goes like he's rumored to)

13. Fulham (16)

The three Americans are, believe it or not, the key to this team's fate this year. If Clint Dempsey progresses and becomes the kind of attacking creative force that Lawrie Sanchez wants, if Brian McBride, defying age, keeps finding the net, and if Carlos Bocanegra keeps providing defensive and offensive support - this team could sit higher than 13th. Papa Bouba Diop will be healthy and that is a huge returning piece for the Cottager midfield. The biggest question mark is Lawrie Sanchez's new signings as they are numerous and many can't seem to see where they'll fit in. Paul Konchesky from Charlton, Adrian Leijer from the A-League's Melbourne Victory, Chris Baird from Southampton, Lee Cook from the Queens Park Rangers, and David Healy from Leeds United are just some of the 'can they convert to Premiership soccer form' captures or will they revert to Championship side soccer? On top of that, quite possibly, before this weekend is up, you could be seeing Watford's young'un Hamuer Bouazza and Reading's Korean winger Seol Ki-Hyeon in a Fulham uniform. The key though is depth and if the signings prove to be effective, the Cottagers won't be European competition contenders but they will revel in the fact that they won't need to fight, tooth and nail, for survival.
Because I Think...'s Play to Watch: Moritz Volz, the German right-back has been coming of age at Craven Cottage and, still young, he looks to keep the push of progress going forward as his eye is on a German call-up at some point.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Antti Niemi
LB: Carlos Bocanegra (could potentially play in a defensive midfielder's role)
CB: Zatyiah Knight
CB: Paul Konchesky
RB: Moritz Volz
LM: Stephen Davis
CM: Papa Bouba Diop
CM: Simon Davies or Alexei Smertin
RM: Clint Dempsey (until Jimmy Bullard comes back from injury or another signing announced)
ST: Brian McBride
ST: Diomansy Kamara

14. Birmingham City (-)

It's either young, talented 21-year old Colin Doyle or 35-year old veteran Maik Taylor in goal for the Blues as they try and keep the momentum going. Why are they staying up? To be honest, most of it is just a hunch. You're going to find that striker Garry O'Connor, rescued from the Russian tundra (not really tundra...but Russia yes), will prove to be a quality striker within the Premiership. He could potentially start over the much more seasoned and former Coventry City targetman Gary McSheffrey, who's a hard worker through and through. All in all, their best money has been spent in the back with Franck Queudrue coming from Fulham, Liam Ridgewell from Aston Villa, and Stuart Parnaby from Middlesbrough. All three were fringe players that got little opportunity at their former clubs, but could greatly influence the outcome of each close game that the Blues play. Two stars in the making highlight the line-up, both former Arsenal young'uns (seems like everyone is). They are Sebastian Larsson and Fabrice Muamba, who should transition his effect from Championship quality to Premiership quality rather smoothly. Look for Birmingham to be the Reading of last season.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Fabrice Muamba, will also look to make sure that the money that Birmingham spent for him does not go to waste. He has been a standout at every level and will look to make that so in the Premiership. He's got a keen eye for the flow of a match as well as creativity, which is something - except for maybe Aaron Lennon - that the English youth squads lack.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Colin Doyle
LB: Franck Queudrue (new signing from Fulham)
CB: Liam Ridgewell (new signing from Aston Villa)
CB: Stuart Parnaby
RB: Stephen Kelly
LM: Fabrice Muamba
CM: Olivier Kapo
CM: Sebastian Larsson
RM: Mehdi Nafti
ST: Cameron Jerome
ST: Gary McSheffrey

15. Reading (8)

The Royals had an extremely successful first Premiership campaign, but is a sophomore slump on the way? I think if they finish mid-table this year, then that's a respectable follow-up to last year's surprise season. Things that help: Bobby Convey is back from injury and slowly regaining form with limited time in the preseason friendlies. Leroy Lita had a fantastic showing at the Euro U-21 Championship and has turned some heads recently. New signing Khalifa Cisse has been backed for good things as he comes over from the Portuguese SuperLiga. Andre Bikey, the strong and aggressive center back, returns on a permanent basis. Shane Long, Kevin Doyle and Dave Kitson all played above their supposed potentials last year and, if producing, could make Steve Coppell's job a bit easier. The negatives though: Steve Sidwell has moved on to Chelsea - a surprising destination but certainly not the fact that he is moving on. He felt his talent was too big for the club. Marcus Hahnemann for now is injured and could miss the beginning of the season. The Royal talent pool is thin and finances are certainly hard to come by. Most importantly, though, when on the field last year - Reading's most influential player was Korean Soel Ki-Hyoen who has been ostracized to the point of fresh transfer bids rolling in for the hard-working wing midfielder (a possible move to Fulham). If injuries don't hit the club, a mid-table finish will be sufficient - but if the wheels even threaten to come off the wagon, relegation is a possibility. A recent Nantes recruit, Emerse Fae could be a vital part of that midfield as James Harper and Shane Long would most likely not cut it.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Bobby Convey, if he can stay healthy and he gets a chance to overthrow Shane Long on the left the Philadelphia native can help shock the Royals' offense into prolific action.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Marcus Hahnemann
LB: Nicky Shorey
CB: Michael Duberry
CB: Ibrahima Sonko
RB: Andre Bikey
LM: Seol Ki-Hyeon
CM: James Harper
CM: Emerse Fae (new $5 million signing from Nantes)
RM: Khalifa Cisse
ST: Kevin Doyle
ST: Leroy Lita

Glasgow Rangers 3, Inverness Caledonian Thistle 0: DMB gets chances, finishing not there.

2007-08-04T12:26:00.001-07:00

Beasley still seemed like the hardest worker on the field - but the award for most productive certainly goes to Barry Ferguson. The Scottish captain had a Beckham like falling out with Rangers and former coach Paul Le Guen a while back. When loyalty was tested, Ferguson's was firmly with Rangers while the club had to choose between the benched star or the conflicted coach. The benched star won over and now Walter Smith has this team firing on all cylinders with a trustworthy captain to boot. Ferguson hit for a brace, while Spaniard Nacho 'Libre' Novo struck for the other. Bad news to the effect that striker Kris Boyd could be out for a while after he left with a knock in the 64th minute.

It was a firm display of quality soccer away from home and, maybe, just maybe...the 2-0 win over Chelsea had a little something to do with it. Regardless, it's gonna be one hell of a race between Celtic and Rangers this year.

Match Report from rangers.co.uk

Once Beasley starts putting those chances away - he had two breakaways but one time he was pushed wide and the other he mis-hit into the keeper's hands. The goals and assists will come.

Welcome to Man Yoo Mr. Tevez. Alan Smith to Newcastle.

2007-08-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the Community Shield clash vs. Chelsea.

Glad that was actually resolved quickly. The price? $4 million. Wonder how much MSI got.

As Alex Ferguson continues to siphon off the leftovers, Man U keeps looking more and more dangerous. Alan Smith follows Guiseppe Rossi out the door as the former Leeds striker heads to St. James Park on a five-year deal.

The USA U-17s try to succeed where the U-20s "failed"

2007-08-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Starting on August 18th, the Under-17s will take on Group E in Korea - a much weaker group than the U-20s faced - consisting of Tajikistan, Tunisia, and Belgium. Goal: out-perform the 1999 team's placing of fourth led by DaMarcus Beasley, Bobby Convey and Landon Donovan. John Hackworth's boys will take on Tajikistan first on August 20th.

Some potential stars pepper this squad as well with midfielder/striker Alex Nimo leading the list. He scored 3 in the 5 CONCACAF qualifying matches and has drawn comparisons - with his Liberian heritage - to the great George Weah. Perhaps a tad stronger, actually, with the physical attributes of Jozy Altidore who, go figure!, is 17 as well. All but two are IMG Residency program players with Ofori Sarkodie's little brother Kofi leading the back line, Zac Macmath in goal, and Gregory Garza the glue that'll hold it all together.

U.S. U-17 Roster:

GOALKEEPERS: Josh Lambo (Middleton, Wis.), Zac MacMath (St. Petersburg, Fla.), Larry Jackson (East Palo Alto, Calif.)

DEFENDERS: Sheanon Williams (Boston, Mass.), Mykell Bates (Roseville, Calif.), Tommy Meyer (St. Louis, Mo.), Chris Klute (Grand Prairie, Texas), Kofi Sarkodie (Huber Heights, Ohio), Brandon Zimmerman (Pasco, Wash.)

MIDFIELDERS: Daniel Wenzel (Federal Way, Wash.), Jared Jeffrey (Dallas, Texas), Kirk Urso (Lombard, Ill.), Dane Shea (College Station, Texas), Gregory Garza (Grapevine, Texas), Brendan King (Naperville, Ill.), Alex Nimo (Portland, Ore.)

FORWARDS: Ellis McLoughlin (Seattle, Wash.), Bryan Dominguez (Atlanta, Ga.), Abdusalam Ibrahim (FC Dallas.), Billy Schuler (Allentown, N.J.), Daniel Cruz (Glendale, Ariz.)

The Revs in Pole Position thanks to Noonan and Cristman.

2007-08-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

New England 2, Kansas City 0
Gillette Stadium

The game wasn't a domination by the Revs - but they converted on the chances they did get. Pat Noonan, who is on one hell of a run of form, and rookie Adam Cristman made sure of that. With the win, the sole possession of first in the Eastern Conference belongs to New England. The crowd looked deceivingly big on TV, but clearly it was a trick of the camera as MLSNET says only 12,000 or so were there.

Match Report from MLSNET.com

NER: Noonan (5), Cristman (4)
KCW: NONE

Man City, Eriksson, and Shinawatra are NOT messing around: Elano, Corluka, and Garrido in now.

2007-08-02T09:29:00.001-07:00

$16 million bought Brazilian Copa America standout Elano who will fill the hole and more left behind by convicted felon Joey Barton. This guy in the Premiership scares me - look for him to be all over the place. He's also a physical Brazilian, not something you see every day. He will adapt and perform well...

$16 million (merely reported, not confirmed) has allowed the welcoming of highly rated Croatian defender Vedran Corluka from Dinamo Zagreb. A work permit struggle awaits, but the 21-year old is confident it will go through.

$15 million secured the services of Viktor Krum look-a-like (yes, that was a Harry Potter reference) Valeri Bojinov. His speed and youth up front should help keep the veterans Rolando Bianchi, Bernardo Corradi, Giorgios Samaras, and Emile Mpenza firing on all cylinders with competitive bliss. I'd be surprised if Darius Vassell wasn't immediately shown the door.

$3 million confirmed Real Sociedad's Javi Garrido's transfer as the Swede and his Thai sugar daddy show they are committing to Man City's future and as they key in on the improvement of the defense, that Citeh's future is richer with Micah Richards firmly entrenched there.

$9 million was all that was needed to shore up the veteran presence at the City of Manchester Stadium. Bulgarian Martin Petrov from Atletico Madrid is the guy Eriksson chose to be the glue of this whole new roster the Swede seems to be bringing in.

Geovanni and Gelson Fernandes have also arrived. Geovanni on a free transfer, a firm grab if he's got a history with Barcelona (albeit a shaky one). Gelson is a face for the future coming in from Sion in Switzerland (a possible destination for US starlet Danny Szetela). Won't see him feature that much this year.

Total rounded up with Gelson and Geovanni's transfer fees included:

$60 million in about a week.

Best thing is: more faces are expected.

There is a Beckham Poser running around Los Angeles

2007-08-02T09:22:00.001-07:00

This is funny stuff on Comcast Sports. Read here. I specifically like this blurb...

He failed to show as promised at 10:30 a.m., and then called back to say he'd be coming at 2:30 p.m. That's when skeptical county staff put him on the phone with the Sheriff's Department. Officials wanted to suss out whether he was the real-deal Becks; if so, the department wanted to ensure that the proper security measures were in place.
"It rattled him and he hung up," says Hammond. "I haven't heard from him since."

I don't understand...what WAS the guy trying to do? Coordinate some charity efforts, then run away with the money? I guess we'll never know. I love that the cops won't go any farther with the investigation as the imposter didn't seem to do it for 'personal gain'.

My guess was that it was Landon Donovan. Because he's jealous and wanted to do this:

Thanks to Emma for the tip!

Because I Think...'s English Premiership Preview: Projected Finish ,Teams 16-20

2007-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of five installments of Because I Think...'s English Premiership 2007-08 Preview. They are numbered in order of predicted place of finish, therefore Because I Think... believes that Wigan, Sunderland, and Derby will be heading down this year...

ENJOY! I will stagger these out until the first day of the season! Please comment all you want.

16. Bolton (7)

The Wanderers are due for a bad year, although their consistency keeps proving everyone wrong. Yet ever season they prove a middle of the table stalwart, but with Nicolas Anelka in transfer limbo, El-Hadji Diouf always in some sort of a limbo, and a less than productive offseason, we could see some problems. Sammy Lee's first full year at the helm will either be a resounding success or a threatening flirtation with relegation. The club has done well to hang on to Kevin Nolan while recruiting the services of Gavin McCann and J'Lloyd Samuel from Aston Villa and big striker Heidar Helguson from Fulham. The loss of Tal Ben-Haim in the back is crucial but Nicky Hunt looks to captain the modified back four to trusty service which now consists of one new face, Gerald Cid. Danny Guthrie joined on loan from Liverpool to inject even more youth into a roster that includes Cid, Dzemaili, and now Guthrie. The midfield looks to be Bolton's strength as veteran Gary Speed leads Iranian Andranik Teymourian, Idan Tal, and Mikel Alonso joins on loan from Real Sociedad, If Anelka stays, another signing for the back reveals itself, and Sammy Lee can keep the ship afloat - Bolton can hit the middle of the table. I don't think they'll be 7th or above though.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Kevin Nolan, the 25-year old that has been the driving force behind the Wanderer's for years, is due for a spot of attention. Look for a breakout year as his crunching tackles start to balance out with opportunities at goal.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Jussi Jaskaleinen
LB: J'Lloyd Samuel
CB: Adboulaye Meite
CB: Fitz Hall
RB: Nicky Hunt
LM: Ricardo Vaz Te (as Stelio Giannakopoulos is out until mid Sept)
CM: Gavin McCann
CM: Gary Speed
RM: Kevin Nolan
ST: Nicolas Anelka
ST: El-Hadji Diouf

17. Middlesbrough (12)

Gareth Southgate could not be any happier with how his offseason as gone (well of course he could, but in the financial terms that were given to him, he has done well). Former Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate has decided to stay permanently, while crafty playmaker Sanli Tuncay has joined from Turkey. Those two alone could warrant a raise, but he also added little-used Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere and dependable Charlton right-back and English international Luke Young. Why the murky outlook then? The loss of Mark Viduka to Newcastle is worse than you think, as it has unsettled fellow striker Yakubu and robbed Middlesbrough of a strong presence and target in the penalty box. Together, the two produced 26 goals - 14 for Viduka. If Sanli Tuncay starts at striker with Yakubu, who could just as well attack from the midfield, another partnership could form but Southgate could still just opt for a 4-5-1. Look for Lee Cattermole to keep developing and demand a spot in Southgate's starting line-up.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Yakubu, how he responds will set the tone for the whole squad. Both extremes are possible: the Nigerian could find away to settle himself and hit for 20 or he could bail out and ask for a transfer come January. Either way, I don't think Aliadiere will have much effect.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Mark Schwarzer
LB: Emmanuel Pogatetz
CB: Ronald Huth
CB: Jonathan Woodgate
RB: Luke Young
LM: Stuart Downing
CM: Lee Cattermole
CM: Fabio Rochemback
RM: Julio Arca
ST: Yakubu
ST: Sanli Tuncay

18. Wigan (17)

Wigan missed relegation by a hair last year and nothing has been done in the offseason to change the fact that it is a great possibility this year. They have managed to shake off some attention towards fullback Leighton Baines, but little has been done to match his ambitions. Big French target man Antoine Sibierski and Titus Bramble have joined up from Newcastle, Jason Koumas from West Brom, Michael Brown from midfield-rich Fulham, but there is very little in the way of goal production, unless one thinks that the aging Sibierski, Henri Camara, and Emile Heskey can still score at least 30 together. Doubt it. The only other hopes are that the midfield can help produce enough chances to grab a few and then sit back and defend. Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia is a lock to start that can attack and tackle, while Andreas Granqvist, who served a decent loan spell with Wigan last season, has joined permanently. Wigan Athletic and relatively new manager Chris Hutchings will join Sheff United (whom they squeaked by last year by 1 goal) down in the Championship.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Jason Koumas has been the attacking midfielder of the English Championship the past several years. He was finally joined a Premiership team and will be itching to prove himself. With 31 goals over the past 3 full seasons (as he sat one out with injury), Koumas could provide that attacking spark needed to support their striker contingent.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Chris Kirkland
LB: Leighton Baines
CB: Andreas Granqvist
CB: Titus Bramble
RB: Mario Melchiot (as Ryan Taylor is out until October)
LM: Antonio Valencia
CM: Denny Landzaat
CM: Paul Scharner
RM: Jason Koumas
ST: Emile Heskey
ST: Henri Camara

19. Sunderland (-)
Roy Keane's Premiership managerial debut looks to be a tumultuous one though survival is certainly not out of the question. Keane has used his transfer budget wisely and brought in the likes of Dickson Etuhu from Norwich City, Paul McShane from West Brom, Scottish starlet Russell Anderson from Aberdeen, and Greg Halford from Reading. These signings could boom or bust but the true transfer expectations are attached to former Red Devil Kieran Richardson and Championship leading scorer Michael Chopra. Keane's selections are formidable but the real test is how those promoted respond to Premiership action. Sunderland has been to known to be a one up-one down kind of team, but Roy Keane aims to change that. He will be depending upon the play of former Arsenal youth product Anthony Stokes (who was lights out for Falkirk on loan last season), former Ranger Ross Wallace, and most importantly young'un Grant Leadbitter who had a breakout year in Championship last season notching 7 goals and 3 assists. For all we know, another Reading awaits as Stokes could equal Lita, Chopra could equal Kitson, but the defense does not have the physical presence that an Ibrahima Sonko, Andre Bikey, or Ingimarsson has.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Anthony Stokes, see the Next Generation tag over to the right for why.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Marton Fulop
LB: Paul McShane
CB: Nyron Nosworthy
CB: Carlos Edwards
RB: Greg Halford
LM: Kieran Richardson
CM: Dickson Etuhu
CM: Liam Miller
RM: Grant Leadbitter
ST: Michael Chopra
ST: David Connolly or Anthony Stokes

20. Derby County (-)

They have tried furiously to strengthen their squad and they truly have, but is it enough? Robbie Earnshaw is a great signing and, in turn, could be the Rams' saving grace if he produces as he has in the Championship. This is doubled if Steve Howard can do the same. The captures of Tyrone Mears from WHU and Andy Griffin from Portsmouth aren't going to win you survival, although Claude Davis coming in from relegated Sheff Utd should help the backfield a bit. An inspiration to the Rams will be coveted starlet, Giles Barnes who if meshed well with Man Utd cast-off David Jones and jettisoned former Celtic winger Stephen Pearson, they could push Derby into contention. Unfortunately, this year seems to be the year of the relegation battle for the Rams and there's nothing you or Eddie Johnson can do about it.
Because I Think...'s Player to Watch: Robbie Earnshaw, the 26 year old Welshman and a club record transfer, has the Premiership experience to propel a team, albeit in a relegation-mired season. Earnshaw scored 11 goals in a West Brom's short stint at the top. He was transferred the next year to Norwich City where he excelled. That experience will be vital as both of Derby's other stars, Steve Howard and Giles Barnes will look to him for guidance by example.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Stephen Bywater
LB: Andy Griffin
CB: Claude Davis
CB: Andy Todd
RB: Tyrone Mears
LM: Matt Oakley
CM: Stephen Pearson
CM: Giles Barnes
RM: David Jones
ST: Robert Earnshaw
ST: Steve Howard

SuperLiga 2007: The Semifinals Set as Ching Says So and Club America Helps Out D.C.

2007-08-02T04:57:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, August 14

Houston Dynamo vs. Pachuca - Robertson Stadium (Houston, TX) - 10:00 p.m. ET

Wednesday, August 15

LA Galaxy vs. D.C. United - Home Depot Center (Carson, CA) - 10:00 p.m. ET

Group A
TEAM	W	L	T	PTS
LA Galaxy*	2	1	0	6
CF Pachuca*	1	1	1	4
CD Guadalajara	1	1	1	4
FC Dallas	0	1	2	2
Group B
TEAM	W	L	T	PTS
Houston Dynamo*	2	0	1	7
D.C. United*	1	1	1	4
Club América	1	2	0	3
Monarcas Morelia	0	1	2	2

Houston 1, D.C. United 0

Brian Ching catapulted Houston into first place and secured a match-up against Pachuca in the next round. This left D.C. with their fate in Club America's hands.

Match Report from SuperLiga2007.com

Club America 3, Morelia Monarcas 2

Another back-and-forth game, but not of Los Angeles/FC Dallas proportions. Both Salvador Cabanas and Frederico Insua scored the most important two goals for Club America. They leaped out to a 2-0 only to be tied up Uruguayan Gonzalo Choy and Luis Landin equalized. Argentine Insua, who last year plied his trade for Borussia Moncheongladbach, provided the winner and salvaged some dignity in the standings for America.

Match Report from SuperLiga2007.com

Freddy Adu issues a warning to David Beckham

2007-08-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

BBC Sport has the details.

In short, though, on a much smaller scale Freddy Adu sort of knows what he's talking about. "Freddy Adu Mania" was felt by all MLS fans and even those on the fence. Is it even close to the amount of pressure that Beckham goes through everyday? Not at all. Adu is just saying...

What are your thoughts?

Who do you think the next Yank Abroad will be?

2007-08-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Because I Think... Readers - Remember this? You guessed it right...that's pretty well done. Adu to Benfica - Champions League soccer and the SuperLiga awaits.

Your answer was:

Freddy Adu: 23 votes (31%)

Jonathan Bornstein: 14 votes (19%)
Eddie Johnson: 11 votes (15%)
Josmer Altidore: 9 votes (12%)
Justin Mapp: 8 votes (11%)
3 (Donovan, Twellman, Parkhurst) at 2 votes (3%)

Total Votes: 71

A Couple Morning Tidbits: Spector scores, West Ham scores a partnership, Beckham on-air, Man City keeps bringing in recruits

2007-08-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

We saw Jonathan Spector's potential this summer and now he's bringing that well-reinforced confidence back to West Ham United. The fullback unleashed a long range shot that found net in a 2-1 friendly win over Norwich City.

Speaking of West Ham United - anyone catch this partnership between the Hammers and the whole of the United Soccer Leagues? Read up on it. One of the highlights is taking 20 or so handpicked Super-Y and Super-20 Leaguers and taking them to West Ham Academy to be trained, assessed, criticized, and then shipped back home better soccer players.

David Beckham's possible MLS debut against Toronto FC - as first seen on the blogosphere at MLSUnderground - will be aired by ESPN2 on Sunday, August 5th, at 7:30pm. Hopefully he plays and hopefully this starts a trend of kicking re-run poker shows off-the-air or at least ESPN Ocho.

Manchester City have raided former Fulham skipper Chris Coleman's new club, Real Sociedad for defender Javi Garrido for a rumoured $4 million or so. At the other end of the pitch, Bulgarian forward and former Fiorentina favorite Valeri Bojinov could be on his way to Manchester as well. Fiorentina made the crappy move of sending the still young striker to Juventus on loan last season and, despite their Serie B status, Bojinov didn't play too much. The deal could be worth as much as $11.5 million. Former Thai Prime Minister and bad boy on the run Shinawatra seems to be giving Manchester City the financial flexibility they always needed.

What's Goin' on in Dallas? More Goals in One Half than a whole Premiership season!, 4 more in the second half

2007-07-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles wins 6-5 over FC Dallas. LA moves onto the next round as FC Dallas is eliminated.

Goalscorers (so far):

I had to drive some where and miss the first 15 minutes - look what I missed, 4-1 Los Angeles at halftime and it's not like man-for-man the defense isn't bad.

1st Half
LAG: Gordon (2) 3'
LAG: Klein (1) 12'
LAG: Gordon (3) 15'
LAG: Harmse (1) 18'
FCD: A. Alvarez (2) 43'

2nd Half
FCD: Juan Toja (1) 78'
FCD: A. Alvarez (3) 82'
LAG: Donovan (2) 84'
FCD: C. Ruiz (2) 90+'
LAG: C. Pavon (1) 90+'
FCD: A. Thompson (1) 90+'

Donovan assisted the first two goals and was sprung from the back by Ante Jazic on a breakaway with Sala; the FC Dallas goalkeeper cut the angle down nicely and blocked Donovan's bid for a goal to go with his two assists. Half ended 4-1 and you thought most of the action was done. No - the 2nd half didn't want to be outdone by the first as the goal clinic continued (and Cannon even had a pretty decent game). Six goals peppered the 2nd half with Alvarez grabbing his second (he is quickly becoming a vital part of that squad) and Toja got into the mix. Donovan added the necessary goal to quell the crowd and dash the hopes of FC Dallas. Then came injury time - the most goals I have ever seen in one as Dallas kept clawing one back through lucky bounces, lackadaisical defending, and shots on the frame. But 2 goals in injury time was not enough as Pavon's 1st goal for the club ended up being the gamewinner (who would of thought?)

To be honest, I thought this was the best quality high scoring game I have seen in a long time. They were spreading each other out, tiring each other, and taking rips that all seemed to find the goal. The 22-year old Arturo Alvarez was lights out and Donovan had a better game, all in all I wish I had taped that so I could go back and watch it right now. Oh but wait - I can - thank you MLS.

Beasley set to resume European play with Rangers

2007-07-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Even after Walter Smith sung his praises to local UK media, Beasley didn't get off the bench. A big reason for that, however, was Alan Hutton's sending off in the 60th minute. They were only up 1-0 at that point and felt like they had to protect it. Final score: 2-0. Beasley will get his chance.

The Montenegrin champion FK Zeta looks to make it tough at home for Beasley and the roster-shocked Glasgow Rangers. Rangers - strapped for cash over the last decade after Walter Smith's last tenure with club when he dropped the cash on veteran Italians (an experiment that failed) - have opened their doors to forward Jean Claude 'the Rocket' Darcheville and defender Carlos Cuellar from Osasuna, while also bringing in Lee McCulloch from Wigan Athletic. All - preseason friendly-wise - seem to have meshed well with Beasley and the American winger looks to make his competitive debut at Ibrox today ay 3:00pm EST.

Updates on the outcome - FK Zeta defeated Lithuanian champion FBK Kaunas in the first round of qualifying, 5-4 on aggregate. A little overview of the match with quotes from Walter Smith.

American, dare I say traitor?, Guiseppe Rossi to Villareal

2007-07-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

The 20-year old Rossi will be taking place of the departed Diego Forlan who went to Atletico Madrid to replace Fernando Torres who went to Liverpool. It's a game of transfer musical chairs. Rossi, well-known for his US-Italy - which team to do I want to play - tug of war, was born in the NY metro area and is one of the many youth prospects found and nurtured by Manchester United, but eventually - due to the attraction of bringing in big name players, already established - he was cast aside. Rossi could find life tough in La Liga, but then again, if you can score in Serie A as he did with Parma on loan last season, you can score anywhere.

Source

It is confirmed: Benfica answers Adu's European come-and-get-me call

2007-07-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

The 18-year old showed his true colors at U-20 World Cup and now, about $2 million later, Benfica - a storied Portuguese superpower, legendary for being Portugal's soccer savior Eusebio's stomping ground - has won the signature of Freddy Adu. Confirmation here.

The task will be a tough one - Benfica has won the signatures of some highly rated players this summer. Angel di Maria, also a U-20 standout from Argentina, was courted heavily by Arsenal to add to their already youth-laden line-up, but found an $8 million move to Benfica much more appealing. Belletti, the versatile Brazilian who has long been a part of the core that was Barcelona's success, will join on loan after a tumultuous and frustrating year at Barcelona has brought in several new players, weeding Belletti out. Adu has his competition and large shoes to fill as slightly older Simao Sabrosa was considered Benfica's attacking heart and soul, but just transferred out. A $27 million offer from Atletico Madrid (who also recently just captured former Arsenal and Real Madrid attacking mid Jose Antonio Reyes) was too enticing to turn down.

Apparently, Adu has trained with them (as seen above, courtesy of Yanks Abroad), has received the graces of a Salt Lake community (who will be happy to have the money open up for a rebuilding acquisition) as well as a former D.C. community who want the kid to succeed (for the most part). If he plays with the grace and tenacity that he had in the recent U-20 World Cup, this kid could be something special. After 98 appearances in the MLS and the continued pressure of being the USA's first "soccer wonderkid", Adu will test his mettle abroad where the scrutiny is more intense and everything is under the microscope.

My verdict? Good move - and given two years, we're going to see a consistent, refined, and even haughtier Freddy Adu. One who can perform against teams other than those in CONCACAF (i.e. Mr. Donovan).

For those Benfica supporters/Portuguese SuperLiga fans that are looking for information on Freddy. Check here...

What are your thoughts?

Be back with more later. Day job calls.

10 Bright Spots of Week 19: Light Week but the East is Beast and Blanco shines

2007-07-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

1. Ante Razov - everything he does is so damn subtle; Razov propelled Chivas USA to a much needed road win over the Red Bulls on ESPN2 this past Thursday; his goal was a powerful header that beat Jon Conway as the Goats might not have been the better team but at least they finished their chances and if anyone could, it would be Razov to give the scoring clinic - Ante now sits four behind Moreno and Kreis as all-time MLS scoring leader

2. Cuauhetemoc Blanco - he might be 34 but Blanco never lacks the desire to win and he never really cares who he has to go through to get it; his MLS debut helped the Chicago Fire grab an elusive three points to also cap off a new era consisting a front four of Mapp, Blanco, Rolfe, and damn...Paolo Wanchope. it's only one game but, barring a horrific injury, Blanco could fit in real nice at Toyota Park

3. Yura Movsisyan - he fell asleep for a couple weeks but came back to make his presence known in the shoot-out that was Kansas City's 3-2 victory over Chivas USA; his 89th strike won the game and gave him his 5th goal of the season; the Armenian-American super-sub was on for all of 7 minutes before he found the back of the net and put Kansas City only one point behind New England at the top of the Eastern Conference; when Eddie Johnson is silent it is nice to know you have this kind of young talent to back him up

4. Calen Carr - seen him play, passed him off for 'adequately serviceable' but his performance in Chicago's revival win, 3-0, over Toronto FC told me otherwise; does it change my opinion? No, but it certainly will make me give him another look. Carr had the second goal and assisted the third (Floyd Franks); the 24-year old is known mainly for his ability to make something in the last 5 minutes and he could also be labeled 'king of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup' as he scored 3 goals in 3 appearances in last year's USOC win; with Chris Rolfe out he has seen extended playing time but look for it to wane as Wanchope is on his way

5. Brad Guzan - a great showing against the Red Bulls on Thursday in a 2-0 shutout win, but believe it or not, despite the 3-2 loss to Kansas City on Sunday, Guzan was the star of the match seeing a lot of action and reacting really well to it; it was probably the best performance by a goalkeeper who still ended up conceding 3 goals this year (haha, what a feat)

6. Jeff Larentowicz - the West Chester, PA product had his hand in both New England goals - scoring one and assisting Pat Noonan's opening strike; this is yet another example of a guy who's play day in day out goes rather unnoticed, but his effect is deserving of some attention; Larentowicz during the 2006 Preseason looked to be a career reserve midfielder at best (considering he was actually drafted as a defender); due to injuries and contract issues Larentowicz got his chance and ended up being a crucial part of New England's MLS Cup run

7. Kyle Beckerman - it was the week of the holding midfielder as Vide, Zavagnin, and Beckerman all made the cut; his effort was certainly worth mentioning in Real Salt Lake's frustrating 2-1 loss to New England; Beckerman is potentially a guy you can build around and that's exactly what Jason Kreis is looking for; unfortunately (unless you count friendlies) Beckerman's roving midfield play has not amounted to points for the Salt Lakers; RSL needs a target and they need it soon

8. Kerry Zavagnin - the defensive midfielder struck again (as he very rarely does) in the same fashion as he did before against the New York Red Bulls earlier in the year; he has two goals this year, both long blasts, both in really tight wins, and both a product of his balls-to-the-wall approach to the game; never stops running and is probably in the top 10 of fittest players

9. Joe Vide - a Kerry Zavagnin-like player, he's not flashy and not even technically sound but he fights, bites, claws and can pass a little; he barely played last year and with all the shuffling Arena has had to do with injuries to Freeman, Kovalenko, Reyna, Parke, etc. at various times; Vide is raw but in time, he could be a consistent MLS starter

10. Red Bull - yes, the owners of the New York franchise - why? because as previously reported throughout the soccer blogosphere, Red Bull deserves credit for announcing their intention to buy the remaining half of their unfinished stadium (tentatively named Red Bull Park); shows a massive commitment to soccer in America and their presence in the New York metro area, while also preserving a "soccer-specific" feel to the Harrison, NJ project - Comcast - take note - and find a way to do something Philadelphia.

Iraq wins the Asian Cup, 1-0 over Saudi Arabia

2007-07-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

That completes the improbable. A massive underdog, a war-torn country, and one hell of a football team.

Unfortunately, then I hear about 4 deaths caused by celebratory shootings. And lest we forget, 50 dead after the semifinal when a bomb goes off amidst a crowd of supporters.

“Those heroes have shown the real Iraq. They have done something useful for the people as opposed to the politicians and lawmakers who are stealing or killing each other,” said Sabah Shaiyal, a 43-year-old policeman in Baghdad. “The players have made us proud, not the greedy politicians. Once again, our national team has shown that there is only one, united Iraq.”

A true "fairy-tale" as Soccernet as so nicely put it, it seems only a little while ago I was reading shit about one of Saddam Hussein's sons flogging the feet of Iraqi soccer players, locking them away, etc.

Extremely fitting that the captain and guy lifting the trophy in the picture above happened to score the game's only goal.

Thoughts?

SuperLiga 2007: DC wins this time only to see Houston cough up 2 points

2007-07-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

Quick Note: This tournament is quickly turning into a huge success. Each game looks destined to break out into one massive brawl but yet it never quite does. Both D.C. and Houston had altercations tonight - Brian Mullan sticking up for Wade Barrett and Bennie Olsen getting things done all on his own. We need more rivalries like this in the MLS.

D.C. United 1, Club America 0
RFK Stadium

A 12th minute goal from Rod Dyachenko (a nice one, I'll give him that) sealed the deal for D.C. This time an Oscar Rojas ejection in the 49th minute for one of the nastiest looking tackles I have seen in a while (it was both studs up, looking to tear off some ankles), put D.C. in familiar territory. The Eagles responded well, preserving the lead, and creating more scoring chances, while keeping America to 2 (if you call them scoring chances). Christian Gomez had a feisty and productive game, while Luciano Emilio missed more opportunities than can certainly be comfortably stomached. They held on and now sit in firs

Match Report from MLSNET.com

Goalscorers:

DCU: Dyachenko (12)
AME: NONE

Houston 1, Morelia Monarcas 1
Robertson Stadium

To all Ngwenya doubters (and damn, am I one of them), the Houston striker threw a huge f-you out to his critics and Morelia supporters scoring in 12 seconds. All was solid until a penalty box mix-up forced a tough 50/50 challenge between a Morelia forward and Zach Wells. The ball popped out nicely to the only Morelia attacker in the vicinity (go figure), Marcio Batista, who proceeded to find the hole between three Dynamo defenders. Game tied. 1-1. Morelia still has that chance to go to the second round.

Goalscorers:

HOU: Ngwenya (1)
MOR: Batista (74)

Match Report from MLSNET.com

Transfer Central: Nery Castillo courted by Sven, but won by Shakhtar Donetsk

2007-07-30T00:08:00.000-07:00

The Ukrainian powerhouse has shelled out upwards of $20 million for the Mexican playmaker who has been "hiding" in the Greek Premiership for some time now. The deal is reported to be for four-years and should be confirmed on Monday. It looks like Castillo prefers to wallow in what some would call 'obscurity' - the club, itself, however, has made some decent strides in the past couple years and possess such talent as Brazilian midfielder/forward Fernandinho, Copa America stud Elano and forward Brandao, wing midfielder Darijo Srna, Czech defensive stalwart and former Newcastle target Tomas Hubschmann, and promising Ukrainian goalkeeper Bohdan Shust. Their profile skyrocketed after securing prolific Italian forward Cristiano Luccarelli from Livorno in Serie A. Luccarelli has been at the top of the Serie A scoring charts for some time now.

It looks like Manchester City's hope to bring the 23-year old to England has failed, despite now having the cash to drop too.

MLS: Blanco Debut a Resounding Success, Another GK for Toronto, and KC wins without the offensive help of Eddie Johnson

2007-07-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

New England 2, Real Salt Lake 1
Rice-Eccles Stadium

The heartbreak continues for RSL and there really seems to be no end in sight. Jeff Larentowicz served as the catalyst of New England's victory - chipping in a goal and an assist. His goal was the winner. Noonan started it off, while RSL countered with Carey Talley's PK conversion. Robbie Findley was border-line non-existant - while Sturgis and Beckerman gave decent efforts.

NER: Noonan (4), Larentowicz (2)
RSL: Talley (pk 1)

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Chicago 3, Toronto FC 0
BMO Field

Blanco's first MLS appearance inspired a very stagnant Fire in search of a much-needed win. To do it at BMO is even prettier. Calen Carr had his first real efficient performance of the year with a goal and an assist. Floyd Franks, an unlikely candidate to be on the scoresheet, scored his first but it was Ivan Guerrero (assisted by Blanco) who opened the floodgates in front of a sold out Toronto crowd anxious to see their home team back in MLS play. TFC employed yet another new goalkeeper - David Monsalve.

CHI: Guerrero (1), Carr (2), Franks (1)
TFC: NONE

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Kansas City 3, Chivas USA 2
Arrowhead Stadium

Chivas USA grabs two goals yet again, but get beaten by the firepower of the Wizards (and who could believe it? nothing from Eddie Johnson). Bornstein and Cunliffe both found their first goals of the season while Kansas City got premium efforts from the hard-working Kerry Zavagnin, another goal from Davy Arnaud, and the game-winner from super-sub young'un Yura Movsisyan.

KCW: Zavagnin (3), Arnaud (4), Movsisyan (5)
CHV: Bornstein (1), J. Cunliffe (1)

Match Report from MLSNET.com

A Superliga Saturday: Chivas Pulls One Back while the Hoops tie again

2007-07-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

FC Dallas 1, Pachuca 1
Pizza Hut Park

You know, most of the time I cringe and get upset when Carlos ' the flopping fish' Ruiz scores. But when he scores against a Mexican team - especially one who dives more than he does - I celebrate. Oh but then I get punished when that age-old 'dive in the box for a PK' trick works - Christian Gimenez converted the penalty kick with about 5 minutes left to tie it all up. Ricardinho had another spirited match showing some decent flashy footwork and running ragged at the Pachuca defense.

Match Recap from the Superliga Website

Match Recap from Top Drawer Soccer

Goalscorers:

FCD: Ruiz (76)
PAC: Gimenez (PK 87)

Chivas de Guadalajara 2, Los Angeles 1
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

Landon Donovan continued his wildly inconsistent ways by turning in a rather uninspired showing last night. Despite grabbing back a goal in waning moments of the match, his touch, vision, pretty much everything was off the whole game. The Galaxy were also torn apart by the 6 returning internationals who put the LA defense on their heels throughout the whole game. Both Omars - Esparza and Bravo - had decent games for the Goats. Bravo scored the eventual gamewinner and Francisco Rodriguez finally beat Joe Cannon with a low-driven header to put them up at the beginning of the second half. Cannon was the team's MVP - perhaps for the second game in a row.

Match Report from Superliga

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Goalscorers:

LAG: Donovan (88)
CHV: Rodriguez (59), O. Bravo (82)

All you Football Manager addicts - 2008 list of features and screenshots released

2007-07-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Check it out here!!!

Don't look too much into it: Rangers 2, Chelsea 0

2007-07-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Spaniard Nacho Novo and Filip Sebo knocked home two late goals to dispatch of a much-stronger Chelsea line-up. You wouldn't have guessed though as Rangers' new acquisitions Carlos Cuellar and Lee McCulloch delivered some nasty tackles on the Blues. Though just a friendly, many see this as proof that Rangers have effectively strengthened their squad this offseason and look primed to de-throne defending champs and bitter rivals Celtic. DaMarcus Beasley did not start but got decent work in after both sides entered 8 new players each at the beginning of the second half. Beasley acted as a one of two wingers supporting former Wigan Athletic man Lee McCulloch who sat alone up front.

The win against the Premiership runner-ups should serve as a confidence booster before their Champions League qualifier, this coming Tuesday, versus FK Zeta.

Match Report from Chelsea's website.

LINE-UPS:

RANGERS: McGregor, Alan Hutton, David Weir, Sasa Papac, Barry Ferguson, Brahim Hemdani, Kris Boyd, Charlie Adam, Jean-Claude Darcheville, Carlos Cuellar, Lee McCulloch

Subs: Smith, Carroll, Thomson, Novo, Sionko, Gow, Burke, Murray, Beasley, Broadfoot, Webster, Sebo

CHELSEA: Petr Cech, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Tal Ben-Haim, Lassana Diarra, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Steve Sidwell, Florent Malouda, Andrei Shevchenko, Didier Drogba

Subs: Cudicini, Hilario, Cole, Carvalho, Obi Mikel, Pizarro, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips, Hutchinson

Blackburn signs Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern; what does this mean for Eddie Johnson?

2007-07-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

The big Paraguayan had a tumultuous time at Bayern Munich - suffering through a massive case of the ups and downs. He is, however, only 25-years old and with a great track record which, if compared to Eddie Johnson (who has been rumoured to have ongoing contractual discussions) - Roque Santa Cruz is a much better, high-profile choice. What does that mean? Eddie Johnson will probably not head to Blackburn, has already turned down Derby, and how many other teams are willing to chase him in the Premiership? And is the Premiership even the right spot for him?

Regardless, the Rovers have paid $7 million for the striker and the only reason he's leaving Munich is because of the strong acquisitions new coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has made. Where's the playing time when you got Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose, and Lukas Podolski all ahead of you? Can't even move him to the flank because Frank Ribery is there. More importantly, Hitzfeld is looking to shed any remnants of last year's "disaster" of a season (in Bayern Munich standards). This is a steal for Blackburn and to have him up top with Benni McCarthy (who was rumored at some point to be on his way out) with Jason Roberts in support - is a damn good thing (with two young'uns Maceo Rigters and Matt Derbyshire vying for a role as well). The Paraguayan scored 31 times in a 155 appearances with Bayern and also has 49 caps for the national team, tallying 14 times.

Chelsea re-sign Terry until 2012, but is Ballack sticking around?

2007-07-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

Defensive stalwart John Terry, despite previous reports of a move out of London, has signed on for another 5 years at Stamford Bridge. Though no real figure was reported, his new contract likely makes him one of the highest paid defenders (if not player) of all-time. Is the man worth it? With Ryan Giggs-like loyalty and a keen form of leadership, I'd have to say yes. You can't quantify influence, respect, or determination. This guy has all of them and he has always wanted to keep himself at Chelsea. From Eurosport.com...

"I hope that the fans can see that we are all trying to build something special here, both for now and for the future, and I want to be a part of that.

"I have been at Chelsea all my career and have the privilege of being captain. Now it's time to look forward to the new season, which we are all very confident about."

Chief executive Peter Kenyon added: "This is an important day for Chelsea. This was the right deal for us and for John.

"As a club we are committed to try and keep our players together on long term deals and this was a natural progression from last season when other players also committed themselves for the long term.

"As captain, John is clearly a key player for Chelsea and also a great symbol of the club so naturally we are pleased this has been agreed."

This "building something special", however, might have to come without oft-injured and fading German midfielder Michael Ballack. But is he fading? Or is it lack of playing time and consistency of health? Either way, new Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster is looking to bring his talent to the Bernabeu. Let him go, Jose. You rarely play him anyway. And remember...you said you'd calm down.

Landon Donovan to the English Premiership?

2007-07-27T05:05:00.001-07:00

When has Landon Donovan only spoken to Skysports News. Regardless, the LA Galaxy midfielder says that as he ages he realizes how much he "yearns to play at the highest level". Not only is the English Premiership the highest level, but there are also no language barriers (which apparently threw Donovan for a loop in Germany).

For all those Donovan to San Jose hopefuls, this could introduce more suitors. Or will the failed time at Bayer Leverkusen be enough to ward potential suitors off?

"The older I get and the more I play, the more I'm yearning for that highest level I can play at and I think the Premiership would be the best place the play," he told Sky Sports News.
"If I were to go obviously the language isn't an issue. There are a lot of Americans there. It would be the easiest place the settle, Germany was difficult.
"At the moment I'm happy here, at least for the next few years with Dave (Beckham) here. I want to be a part of this too. Not many people get to be a part of this, so I want to live it."

Source is here...what are you thoughts?

Chivas USA 2, Red Bull New York 0

2007-07-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Angel called it "strange" and "unlucky"

Altidore called it "frustrating"

Stammler called it "unlucky"

Arena called it "not good enough" - but believe it or not, he did say "we actually probably played better tonight than last Sunday against D.C. [United]". Interesting

Either way...Ante Razov and Sacha Kljestan scored for Chivas USA, while the post kept most everything out of Brad Guzan's goal. Bruce Arena's 3 forward attack in Altidore, Angel, and Wolyniec created the chances but couldn't convert those chances into goals.

Match Report from MLSNet.com

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Goal Scorers

CHV: Razov (6), Kljestan (2)
RBNY: NONE

YANK ABROAD UPDATE: Frankie Simek signs on for 3 more years.

2007-07-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Sheffield Wednesday fullback made it clear to the Premiership squads interested in him would have to fight a little harder if they want his signature. A newly-minted American international, Simek's consistent play in the Championship has attracted interest from Everton and Birmingham respectively. His thoughts, however, are on getting Sheffield Wednesday back into the Premiership (which quite interestingly was the team that John Harkes you used to play for). Therefore, Simek has agreed to a new three-year deal.

Sheffield Wednesday will open their season at Ipswich on August 11th.