A Q&A with LA Galaxy defender Julian Valentin

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...

Projected Starting Lineups: Los Angeles Galaxy

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

Galaxy's New Target: Maciej Zurawski

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.

Live Blog of LA Galaxy/NY Red Bulls game

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.

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

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.

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

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)

Where's Beckham!?

This is either after Alan Gordon or Landon Donovan's goal in the Galaxy's SuperLiga win over tourney favorites Pachuca 2-1. Well, his kids seem to like the team. And now we know Beckham is emotionally invested somewhat in this team. Or it's just a pretty hysterical picture with no real meaning whatsoever.

Yallop Begs, Beckham Listens?

David Beckham has decided to cut his family holiday a bit short so he can link up earlier with Los Angeles in order ease the pain that is intensfying at the Home Depot Center. There is no word yet as to whether or not Beckham made that decision himself or both Alexi Lalas and Frank Yallop got down on their knees to beg for it. My guess is the groveling, but nevertheless the July 13th date is thrown out the window and this certainly would not have been revealed if Beckham was not, in fact, fully healthy right? I hope so, but it seems yes. I am also positive this had something to do with the fact that Posh Spice (she has re-adopted that name) has linked back up with the Spice Girls and are about to announce a global tour. Looks like the Beckhams really are trying to take over the world. Oh...and yes the picture below is not real.


Put Beckham and Donovan in the mix and you have two guys capable of gluing this team back together. That's not to say there won't be more losses before the wins start coming though. Is hole small enough to get out of? There is no real world as to how much earlier Beckham is arriving, but Yallop would probably be happy with even an hour earlier as his injury problems and on field confusion has got the Galaxy looking pitiful. I am guessing the most a week or some rumors have it as early as July 4th.

In other news, the Premiership "race" for relegated Charlton Athletic goal poacher Darren Bent has narrowed itself to one significant bid. A $33 million tag from the Tottenham Hotspur has apparently struck the fancy of Bent and Charlton and he could well be on his way to White Hart Lane very soon. Not confirmed yet however.


Despite Fabio Capello's label of "braver than a bullfighter with no knickers on" by former Miami Fusion head coach Ray Hudson, the Italian Real Madrid coach has been firmly axed. A tumultuous year was too close for comfort in Madrid. On the bright side, Chris Coleman - the American lover and former Fulham gaffer - has found his niche at Real Sociedad a recently relegated La Liga squad. Could he call on some Americans for the journey?

Findley and Sturgis to RSL. Klien in return. Santino Quaranta out?

Ives Galarcep, credible soccer guru and New Jersey man to boot, has thrown some more trade information our way. In light of Honduran striker Carlos Pavon's signing, which despite his age is all-in-all the right move for the Galaxy, Ives has said that yet another move is in the works. Nathan Sturgis and Robbie Findley, both talented and formidable prospects (one can say Sturgis has already found his niche) have been shipped to Real Salt Lake for well...31 year-old Chris Klein. Klein's worth about 5 goals a year and a solid veteran presence, but haven't we seen the raw and exciting potential of both Sturgis and Findley? I mean, Klein for one those guys and a draft pick maybe, but both? That's leaving Quavas Kirk as your only solid prospect...regardless, we'll see in the coming days if the rumors are substantiated. However, Ives was right about Pavon so need to question the Sturgis/Findley/Klein deal. Although, words from other camps see Nathan Sturgis heading to Rangers, possibly joined later this summer by Damarcus Beasley - could Rangers head coach Walter Smith have gotten the Chris Coleman American bug?

Who would be the winner in this deal? Galaxy or RSL?

Steve Goff is calling for a possible Quaranta trade. Santino is still rather knew to the Galaxy organization spending only one full year with the squad after his trade from D.C., but like Eddie Gaven, he was expected to really shine - but expectations got the best of him. Now he is seen as sloppy, unfit, and albeit without drive. Yallop, if you're cleaning out the attic, why not send Jaqua packing as well? Just a rumor...

UEFA Champions League Final and other important scores

Due to my lack of posting on the aforementioned topic, you can probably guess who won.

AC Milan 2, Liverpool 1
Athens, Greece

'Pippo' Inzaghi hit for a brace as Liverpool couldn't convert the chances they did have. Inzaghi's first was a deflection off his torso after a scorching shot from Andreas Pirlo. In good news for Liverpool, though, Stevie Gerrard should be finalizing a new 5 year deal TODAY! Kaka was the difference in this game, but Gerrard had his chances and moments too. He just couldn't convert.

Other news:

US Open Cup Qualifier

Colorado 2, Real Salt Lake 1

Jacob Petersen had 2 goals to kick RSL and Jason Kreis out of Open Cup contention. Conor Casey had a decent showing as he was given significant time for the first time since signing with the MLS.

Friendlies

Rangers 1, Los Angeles 0
Home Depot Center

Kris Boyd, the Rangers hitman and leading goalscorer, put the Glasgow Rangers on top and they never looked back really. The game was relatively even as far as skill and statistics go, but it never seemed as if the Galaxy could threaten enough to win. A good showing for LA overall.
This exhibition drew over 15,000 fans.

Toronto FC 0, Benfica 0
BMO Field

18,000 saw Andrea Lombardo and Toronto struggle to a 0-0 tie against Benfica, Portuguese powerhouses. It was somewhat lopsided as Benfica controlled the play and rhythm, but as no goals were put in the back of the net - a tie was in order. The fans showed up yet again and created an amazing atmosphere for Benfica to come play in. A nice consolation prize for not beating FC Porto in the Portuguese SuperLiga.

Accosting Frank Lampard

Tottenham 1, Chelsea 2
White Hart Lane
FA Cup Quarterfinal Replay

Everytime I watch Chelsea, the beauty of their goals is counterbalanced by the irreverance and arrogance on the pitch (especially in the waning moments of the match). With 5 minutes to go, time-wasting tactics was already at its max. Shevchenko kicked the ball away, Petr Cech booted it into the stands (receiving a booking in the process). Drogba started a catfight right after the penalty to delay Robbie Keane's attempt and concentration (although that would have already been effected by John Terry positioning himself right on the penalty mark for a few seconds). Regardless, the sublime upper 90 shot by Shevchenko (his 13th) and the right panel strike by Wright-Phillips (his 4th) were simply ridiculous. Drogba's set-up with a strong chest to Wright-Phillips was the perfect assist. Nobody doubts Chelsea can play, but I have yet to see them win with 100% class. I'm not saying they don't have any, they just don't have 100%. Or 80% for that matter. Also, when FSC came back from a commercial break, the whole Chelsea team was more or less piled on top of a Tottenham fan who jumped the barriers and went after Frankie Lampard. It looked they were all kicking him in the head, but at least they watch out for each other. Anyways, Tottenham miss out on a favorable semi-final match-up and Chelsea moves on, pushing one step closer to a possible showdown against Man Utd in the FA Cup Final.

CHE: Shevchenko (55), Wright-Phillips (61)
TOT: R. Keane (PEN 79)

Middlesbrough 0, Manchester United 1
FA Cup Quarterfinal Replay

Man U needed a penalty strike from Cristiano Ronaldo to seal their ticket to the semis. In the Red Devils' defense, their play was quite good but they just couldn't finish. There were many unlucky bounces, deflections, and too much errant miscommunication. Despite all that, Ronaldo made a nice run into the penalty box and was taken down. We all know his reputation, but it seemed a legitimate foul call with maybe a hint of Broadway. Ronaldo sunk the shot. No real response from M'bro and Man U booked a semi-final matchup with Jay Demerit and his Watford boys.


MID: NONE
MAN: C. Ronaldo (PEN 76)

FA Cup Semifinal Draw
Chelsea vs. Blackburn
Manchester United vs. Watford

Can Brad Friedel or Jay Demerit force the upset?!?

- Vasco Da Gama's Romario hit for a hat-trick recently to move his goal-total up to 998 goals. I'd love to see the list of all these goals, because I am positive all of these didn't come in professional matches. At 40, though, Romario can still finish his chances. Can somebody verify that? Or compile the list???


- Last night, there was one striker who understandably was the happiest man in the world. David Nugent, from the Championship side Preston North End, was called up by Steve McClaren to the English men's National Team for the upcoming qualifiers against Israel and Andorra. Many are on the fence about this, but clearly it is not as controversial as the call-up of Theo Walcott by former coach Sven Goran-Eriksson right before the 2006 World Cup. He's got 14 goals in the Championship for 4th place Preston. Oh yea, and he's only 21.


- Cobi Jones, legendary American wing midfielder and long time posterboy for dreadlocks, has announced that after the 2007 MLS season he will be calling it quits. I credit him for being one of the first guys on the U.S. soccer scene, probably with Alexi Lalas, to become rather mainstream with his feisty play, blistering speed, and distinct style. He will most likely end his career with 164 national team caps and 15 goals. Club-wise, he will finish his MLS stay with the Los Angeles Galaxy and playing alongside players with incredible international caliber like David Beckham and Landon Donovan. I will certainly do a rewind of Cobi Jones' career as his retirement draws near. Hopefully, he can leave with another MLS Cup championship under his belt.

- A little late to throw this out there, but the United States dropped 2 places to 30th in the FIFA World Rankings. The US women, however, are at number one with their Algarve Cup win.

- With the injuries recently to Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark and Chicago striker Chris Rolfe, two Houston Dynamo replacements have been summoned for. They are: William and Mary grad and Houston captain Wade Barrett and midfield general Brian Mullan. Barrett's age makes this pick an interesting one, but no one can deny that Wade's tenacity and determination is contagious. That's why he's won 3 MLS Cup championships. At outside back, though, there is a decent pool of players to pick from. Why no Jose Burciaga Jr.? Jeff Parke? Marvell Wynne? Dason Robinson? even a Michael Harrington or Bakary Soumare could use a brief glimpse. However, the lion-hearted, feisty, vet role has to be filled as Ben Olsen is not on the roster and neither is Mastroeni. Talk to me.

- According to Goal!, whose info is according to "Don Balon" a rather reliable Spanish football magazine, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United have already agreed to a deal with Barcelona in the vicinity of 75 million Euros (about 100 million dollars). All of this apparently is a counterbalance to the transfer speculation of Ronaldinho leaving Barca for AC Milan. We shall see. Here's the link to Goal.com. And here's the link to the Don Balon article in Spanish.

***I will have your 'games to watch" later this week as there aren't many games midweek due to the upcoming International Friendlies and Euro 2008 Qualifiers.

News Clippings

UEFA Champions League Draw:

Liverpool vs. PSV Eindhoven
Manchester United vs. AS Roma
Chelsea vs. Valencia
AC Milan vs. Bayern Munich

*I will comment more on this later.

Tidbits:

- As we all know by now, Roberto Carlos is what we call "available". Being a wingback, it is most likely he wouldn't be asking for too much money. That is...unless he is Ashley Cole. My take, however, is that he opts not to play in the US, but oh how I wish I was wrong.


- Chelsea will be coming to Los Angeles July 21st. Funny how that just seems to coincide with Mr. Beckham's arrival schedule. By the 21st, he should be settled in, healthy, and ready to knock the ball around. Chelsea will be involved with the LA Galaxy, Suwon Bluewings, and Tigres in a World Series of Football friendly tournament. Take a look.

- Cristiano Ronaldo, my vote for best player in the world right now (although Drogba's a tight second), is currently in contract talks to renew with Manchester United and Fergalicious (as in Alex 'Black Eyed Peas' Ferguson). Please stay in England dammit. People love to love you, love to hate you, and love to admire you. Plus, you patched things up with a pretty turbulent lad in Wayne Rooney. That shows you got some balls (even if you do run like a weirdo).

- Quick transfer updates: Cauhetomac Blanco is in fact talking to the Chicago Fire. Will he end up a Luis Hernandez flop? The odds are yes, assuming he's just as fiesty but 3 years older than Luis when possibly thinking of entering the MLS. Brazilian Fred, according to MLS Zone, will be joining D.C. United to complete their South American takeover. Fred's claim to fame, playing-wise, was his 4-assist performance recently in Melbourne Victory's 6-0 win in the A-League final. Off the field, he won an Aussie Golden Globe (doesn't exist) for properly showing us how to model jockshorts.

- Thierry Henry is out for the rest of the season with groin and stomach injuries. Any time this man is out, the quality of the beautiful game goes down a metaphorical notch or two. Get better Thierry.


- The Juventus Cheaters, as I like to call them, according to Eurosport, were apparently looking to bid for one Mr. Steven Gerrard. Guess what though - he was ahem, too expensive. That was after the bribes too. If you want loyalty, Steven Gerrard is the place to look. For the most part, that kind of loyalty is pretty rare today. A guy like that, with less of a spotlight, is definitely Paul Scholes. Neither Gerrard or Scholes, however, compare to the one and only Ryan Giggsy. If there is a Man U fan out there that can tell me when there has ever been controversy surrounding him I would be intrigued. Start digging...

Some interesting stuff...

* The tragedy is averted apparently as David Beckham's injury is serious by not "oh-my-lordy-MLS is going down the drain" serious. He will be out about a month with what seems to be an MCL partial tear/heavy strain. No confirmation yet as to what it is. It looks like it won't hurt his LA Galaxy debut but will certain close the door for him right now to pick up a recall to McClaren's England squad. If you remember Beckham getting hurt before like I do, four weeks for him meets two and a half. The guy is a fighter and for all we know, he could find himself on the pitch against Isreal at the end of March. Read here.


* Barcelona Phoenix? Barca Miami? Who knows...but Barcelona is planning on expanding their brand into the US sometime soon. They would like to form a partnership with an MLS team or simply go the Red Bull New York, Crystal Palace Baltimore route. It'll be interesting to see where this goes. I'm all for partnerships, but lets lay off the feeder club route. That's a hole that is really tough to get out of. Read about it here.


* Conor Casey is finally a TFC boy. Good for Toronto. Mo Johnston finally had to part ways with his number one allocation spot to secure him, but in all honesty it should be a pretty damn good pick-up. That's assuming of course he can stay healthy and not jump on the MCL injury bandwagon. Also picked up by Toronto in this afternoon's waiver draft was recent former Columbus GK Jon Busch. Toronto looks to be pretty scary this year. Is this a Chicago Fire in the making?


* Giovanni Savarese, the Youth Director at RBNY, has left and/or been fired by the New York Red Bulls. As of right now, there is no news as to why. I will certainly keep you updated and, in my mind, this kind of weird. If somebody knows something I don't, please fill me in. Check out the news here.

So much to cover.

First comes first...

Man Utd 3, Reading 2 (FA CUP 5th Round Replay)

Hard-fought game and I was right Leroy Lita scored. Whoopdy-doo. Reading really should have actually won this game the way Man U played in the second half. Three goals in the first 6 minutes will make any team go silly though, even Man U. Leroy Lita had a pretty damn good game coming on as super-sub. The Royals made Alex Ferguson's life a living a hell. So much so that he eventually had to put Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch. They essentially had been playing a 'B' squad before then. Man Utd will advance to play Middlesbrough in the 6th round.

Man U - G. Heinze (2'), L. Saha (4'), O. Solskjaer (6')
Readg - D. Kitson (23'), L. Lita (84')

Other result: Middlesbrough 1, West Bromwich Albion 1 (PK SO 5-4)

Now on to some quick news - any headlines missed can be found at Du Nord. Just visit the link on the right-hand side.

* Good young'un (19 years old) Robbie Rogers is having his contract mutually terminated by the Heerenveen Frisians. It's a shame as I think he could have done well over there given the time to progress. Regardless, he will be most likely coming back to the States to sign with an MLS team. This kid is a pacy, skilled attacking winger but no word as to who he might be signing with.


* Thomas Gravesen, the bald-headed midfield bull that quarterbacked Everton, Real Madrid, and Celtic in his days, could be on his way to the MLS according to Eurosport. He has been put on the backburner recently by Celtic manager Gordon Strachan. He is linked with the Los Angeles Galaxy but that would require a move for another DP slot or a completely reworked, cheap-ass contract coming from Alexi Lalas. Otherwise, we could see him negotiating with another MLS team or staying in Europe. Oh yea, and he's Danish.
TAKE: I like this move as Gravesen is only 30 and has several years left. I think however this might be too good to be true, just like Robbie Fowler who is now possibly resigning with his home team, Liverpool. I hope I'm wrong, but I think we'll see Gravesen back in the Premiership. Only time can tell.

*Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy were rightfully elected to the Soccer Hall of Fame. Joy Fawcett, however, did not and Kristine Lilly is about..hmm....53 and still playing. When she's done, however, she will most likely join Mia and Julie. There are five other women in the Hall of Fame? Who are they????
This comes on the heels of the announcement that a new women's soccer league will begin operation in April 2008. It will be loosely partnered with the MLS. Check it out here.

*By the way, the current player on Olympique Lyonnais who was actually born and raised in Lyon is: Eric Abidal, a French international left back. Strong, composed and very good. Nobody got this as nobody writes comments - come on now, do I have to completely make something up to get you people to respond?!??!