Quick MLS Week 1 Predictions

D.C. United vs. Colorado Rapids
3:30pm ABC

This is going to be a tough match-up for United and it's not because they have a 'Chivas hangover'. It will be because Colorado's team, in my opinion, is drastically improved. We are going to see Herculez Gomez and Nico Hernandez thrive this year. Roberto Brown is a question mark, but had an okay preseason. The good riddance of Clint Mathis makes the Rapids a better team as he was not the right fit. Beckerman and Mastroeni will do well in the midfield. The Latin trio of D.C. is real hard to bet against though.
PREDICTION: 1-1, Emilio strikes, Nico counters.

FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake
6:00pm

I have put Dallas on my shit list for the year as I think their defense has been downgraded. If they pick up one or two pieces to address that issue, my opinions can be swayed. I'm a fickle character. Juan Carlos Toja will be the guy to watch and Ruiz can hit the century mark for goals today if he performs. RSL's spotlight will be occupied by how Freddy Adu and Jeff Cunningham link up. There's about a decade and a half separating the two guys, so it should be interesting. Also, look for Mehdi Ballouchy to make his matured presence known.
PREDICTION: 2-1, Ruiz gets one, Wagenfuhr the other as the FC Dallas defense scores just to spite me, Adu scores to welcome himself to Salt Lake

Red Bull New York vs. Columbus Crew
7:00pm

From comments I have received, being bullish on the bulls is utter bullshit (say that five times fast). My bets are on the abilities of Bruce Arena. He knows how to craft a winner and RBNY will be no different. Young'un Josmer Altidore will have a burden on his shoulders, but it should be okay as he's got Dave Van der Bergh and Claudio Reyna feeding him crosses/passes. Robbie Rogers and Andy Herron will have to adjust to the Columbus cold and mediocrity. Who knows though, could be a better year for the PREDICTION: 3-1, Altidore gets 1, Van der Bergh 1, rookie Dane Richards adds one; Kamara scores for Columbus

New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire
8:30pm

This proves to be an intriguing matchup mainly because for many previewers of the MLS season these teams along with F.C. Dallas had the biggest swing of the predictions. New England is without Dempsey, but still has a solid core in Dorman, Larentowicz, and Joseph whether he is happy or not. Nicol has praised his new draftees - Adam Cristman, Amaechi Igwe, Wells Thompson, and Ryan Solle but only Cristman looks to seize his first MLS cap today. Chicago will field Blanco and I will be watching on MLSlive.tv to see how that turns out, especially with Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe already up front. If certain things fall in place for these teams, both could be dangerous.
PREDICTION: 2-2, Twellman solid, scores 2, Blanco gets his first and tough guy and soon-to-be retired Chris Armas tallies the other

Toronto FC vs. Chivas USA
10:30pm, FSC

I love expansion speculation - but there is nothing that makes me happier than when a team actually comes into fruition. There are many question marks for Toronto and some key injuries with Ronnie O'Brien and #1 Draft Pick Maurice Edu are out. Everyone cites the TFC defense as being relatively weak, but it's underestimation. We will know today. My guess is they do have some trouble but that is expected from a team trying to grasp cohesion. Chivas USA's men to watch consist of Cuban Maykel Galindo and Francisco Mendoza, my sleeper pick for this year's assist champion.
PREDICTION: TFC 1, Chivas USA 2, rookie John Cunliffe registers, Razov registers, and Toronto gets a consolation goal from Esky.

Because I Think...'s Record for the Year: 0-0

MLS Western Conference Preview

Projected Finish

1. Houston Dynamo (PLAYOFFS)
2. Los Angeles Galaxy (PLAYOFFS)
3. Colorado Rapids (PLAYOFFS)
4. Chivas USA (PLAYOFFS)
5. F.C. Dallas
6. Real Salt Lake

Houston Dynamo



Players In

NONE

Players Out

Adrian Serioux (Toronto/FC Dallas)

Blurb:

Houston is a rock of a team. This back four is easily the most feared in the league in terms of physicality and consistent presence. Add that the work ethic of Ricardo Clark, the pizzazz and skill of DeRo and the smart play of Brian Mullan and Brad Davis on the wings, and you got yourself a Championship caliber team regardless of who you stick up front. Houston, however, has got it all. The Hawaiian Brian Ching looks to continue his form while foul sufferer extraordinaire Alejandro Moreno (this guy will be the record holder in fouls suffered by the time his career his over) and scrappy Paul Dalglish fight for that second spot. Although Houston’s defense looked like shit against Pachuca, look for them to find their legs and start to dispatch their opponents with a slight sense of ease. Between the posts, Zach Wells is more than capable of taking injured Onstad’s spot depending on his early play this season. Dominic Kinnear was smart in keeping his team relatively intact, but he will need possible starters Kelly Gray and Ryan Cochrane and back-ups Kevin Goldthwaite or Patrick Ianni to develop the intimidating presence necessary to cover the loss of Canadian Adrian Serioux.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Pat Onstad (again, I know he is injured)
DR: Craig Waibel
DC: Eddie Robinson
DC: Ryan Cochrane
DL: Wade Barrett
MR: Brian Mullan
MC: Dwayne DeRosario
MC: Ricardo Clark
ML: Brad Davis
FC: Alejandro Moreno
FC: Brian Ching

Key Subs:
FC: Chris Wondolowski
DF: Kelly Gray
FC: Paul Dalglish
GK: Zach Wells
DF: Kevin Goldthwaite

Los Angeles Galaxy



Players In

David Beckham (Real Madrid), Joe Cannon (Colorado Rapids), Nate Jaqua (Chicago Fire), Shavar Thomas (Kansas City Wizards), Ian Russell (unattached)

Players Out

Stefani Miglioranzi (Columbus Crew), Kevin Hartman (Kansas City Wizards), Cornell Glen (waived), Josh Gardner (waived)

Blurb:

There are three young’uns on this team that look poised to make a big contribution this year. One, Nathan Sturgis, you already know about. Quavas Kirk, touted as the fasted player in the league, should play a more prominent role this year due to Cobi Jones impending retirement after the 2007 season. Kirk has appeared for the U-20 team consistently and will look to take over that position one Cobi is gone. Josh Tudela is a preseason standout who has done nothing but impress Frank Yallop. Look for him to get 15-20 games this season. The line up looks scary when Beckham arrives in July, but the key is, finding the right mixture until then. The Galaxy defense takes on a more physical presence this year, instead of depending on recovery and speed. You will see big Jamaican Tyrone Marshall at centerback coupled with strong Shavar Thomas who came west from Kansas City. The loss of Ugo Ihemelu could go either way. The end of 2007 will signal the end of a dreadlocked era. Cobi Jones, a poster-boy for American soccer, will retire at the end of the season. Could this be the year he goes out on top?

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Joe Cannon
DR: Chris Albright
DC: Tyrone Marshall
DC: Shavar Thomas/Nathan Sturgis
DL: Ante Jazic
MR: Cobi Jones
MC: David Beckham (until then, Pete Vagenas)
MC: Landon Donovan
ML: Kyle Martino
FC: Nate Jaqua
FC: Alan Gordon (now out injured)

Key Subs:

MF: Pete Vagenas
MF: Josh Tudela
MF: Quavas Kirk
DF: Troy Roberts
GK: Steve Cronin
FC: Robbie Findley

Colorado Rapids


Players In

Roberto Brown (Tacuarembo F.C.), Ugo Ihemelu (Los Angeles Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Zach Thornton (Chicago Fire), Yherland McDonald (), Brandon Prideaux (Kansas City Wizards), Greg Vanney (F.C. Dallas), Jose Cancela (Toronto FC)

Players Out

Joe Cannon (Los Angeles Galaxy), Tiago Martins (released), Aitor Karanka (waived), Matt Jordan (waived), Melvin Tarley (Minnesota Thunder)


Blurb:

This offseason felt like musical chairs for the Colorado locker room. A brand evolution, a marketing partnership with Arsenal, and a new stadium later, the squad list seems to have followed suit. Two experienced goalkeepers in Cannon and Jordan have moved on. Defensive stalwart Spaniard Aitor Karanka has been shown the door. A lot of wheeling and dealing has opened the doors for a new look backline with trusty names like Ugo Ihemelu coming over from Los Angeles and Brandon Prideaux coming west from Kansas City. Don’t forget American international Greg Vanney. The past two years have been out-performance at its’ best. The problem is, each respective year, they have come 90 minutes from getting back to the MLS Cup final. Chicago “fire” Zach Thornton will start in between the posts in Commerce City after getting relegated in Chicago by the consistent play of Matt Pickens. English right midfielder Terry Cooke is coming off a half-season with real promise, leading the league in assists with 12 in only 20 or so games. Although coach Fernando Clavijo believes he has upgraded his roster, the main position to watch will certainly be aging Zach Thornton in goal. In my mind, that is a major downgrade at the keeper position based on Cannon’s past performance. Brandon Prideaux is a welcome addition to compete with the inconsistent Dan Gargan. Jovan Kirovski will come off the bench most likely with Panamanian Roberto Brown ready to roll (although he has been relatively quiet this preseason). Both Nico Hernandez and Kyle Beckerman look to improve upon their breakout seasons (with Beckerman that should be hard-pressed as 7 goals in one year after scoring only 3 in his career before then is quite amazing). The departure of Clint Mathis to New York is a release of dead weight necessary for the health of the squad. The trade of Hunter Freeman, however, might come back to nip them in the butt as Dan Gargan and Daniel Wasson are not my idea of depth (although with them last year, the Rapids did make the MLS Cup Semis).

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Zach Thornton
DR: Mike Petke
DC: Brandon Prideaux
DC: Ugo Ihemelu
DL: Greg Vanney
MR: Terry Cooke
MC: Kyle Beckerman
MC: Pablo Mastroeni
ML: Herculez Gomez
FC: Nico Hernandez
FC: Roberto Brown

Key Subs:
FC: Jovan Kirovski
MF: Yherland McDonald
DF: Dan Gargan
FC: Jacob Petersen
MF: Nico Colaluca
DF: Daniel Wasson

Chivas USA


Players In

Alex Zotinca (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Red Bull New York), David Arvizu (Red Bull New York), Maykel Galindo (Seattle Sounders), Jorge Barrera,

Players Out

Juan Pablo Garcia (UANL Tigres), Juan Francisco Palencia (UNAM Pumas), Ramon Ramirez (waived), John O’Brien (waived)

Developmental Contracts

Mohammed Sethi, Eder Robles, Erasmo Solorzano

Blurb:

On paper, Chivas looks to be somewhat less capable than last year’s Bob Bradley revival. Don’t be fooled however. New coach Preki looks to continue in Bob Bradley’s footsteps and his presence is already well received within the Chivas USA community. He has made some small coaching staff changes, assistant coach Zoran Savic, as well as some key player moves. Alex Zotinca has come in from Preki’s old stomping ground of Kansas City, while Amado Guevara looks to be more of threat with Chivas than he was with the Red Bulls. The man to watch will certainly be Cuban Maykel Galindo picked up from the Seattle Sounders. This is mainly because it will be up to him to fill the shoes of the two Mexican departed, Juan Francisco Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia. Two other Mexicans look to make their presence known: centerback Claudio Suarez (the most-capped Mexican player in national team history) and breath of fresh air Francisco Mendoza who had a somewhat breakout season last year registering 2 goals and 6 assists. If Zotinca doesn’t perform at right back, second year Lawson Vaughn will surely take his place and get the job done. Other inter-team battles include goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Preston Burpo and also Maykel Galindo will fight for time with newcomer, English-born John Cunliffe. It will be interesting to see them face off against the expansion side Toronto FC tomorrow at home without Bornstein.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Brad Guzan
DR: Alex Zotinca
DC: Claudio Suarez
DC: Orlando Perez/Jason Hernandez
DL: Jonathan Bornstein
MR: Sacha Kljestan
MC: Jesse Marsch
MC: Amado Guevara
ML: Francisco Mendoza
FC: Ante Razov
FC: Maykel Galindo

Key Subs:
FC: John Cunliffe
GK: Preston Burpo
DF: Lawson Vaughn

F.C. Dallas


Players In

Juan Carlos Toja (Boca Juniors), Adrian Serioux (Toronto F.C.)

Players Out

Richard Mulrooney (Toronto F.C.), Greg Vanney (Colorado Rapids), Simo Valakari (released), Jeff Cassar (retired)

Blurb:

FC Dallas should not be this far down. Yes, their defense is somewhat weak. Yes, their attack makes up for all that. The truth is, Dallas just doesn't have luck and I am anticipating that. If some young'uns are given a chance you can bet you'll see baby-faced midfielder Dax McCarty, promising goalkeeper Ray Burse, Jr., and speedy Ghanaian forward and former Richmond Kicker future Dominic Oduro. Brown graduate Andrew Daniels might also get a run out every once in a while. Already, Dallas has taken a blow with Adrian Serioux being knocked out with injury until midsummer and left back Chris Gbandi out for the first couple games of the new season. New coach Steve Morrow looks to guide Dallas to their first MLS Cup this year, but call it instinct, I see a much different future this season for and the worst of it is, I can't really tell you why but if it happens I will take full credit for it. If the defense comes together, Dallas could finish as high as second. If not, Ruiz's goals can only avert failure. It will be interesting to see how Columbian Juan Carlos Toja fits into this mix. Shaka Hislop will be fighting for his position at keeper with last year's model of inconsistency Argentinian Dario Sala.


POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Dario Sala
DR: Bobby Rhine
DC: Adrian Serioux (yes, I know he is injured)
DC: Clarence Goodson
DL: Chris Gbandi (as is he, but David Wagenfuhr will fill in)
MR: Roberto Mina
MC: Ramon Nunez
MC: Juan Carlos Toja
MC: Arturo Alvarez
ML: Kenny Cooper
FC: Carlos Ruiz


Key Subs:
GK: Shaka Hislop
MF: Andrew Daniels
FC: Dominic Oduro
MF: Dax McCarty
DF: David Wagenfuhr
DF: Drew Moor

Real Salt Lake



Players In

Freddy Adu (D.C. United), Nick Rimando (D.C. United), Chris Lancos (Kaiserslautern), Jack Stewart (Chicago Fire), Luis Tejada (), Kyle Brown (New England Revolution)

Players Out

Scott Garlick (retired), Jay Nolly (Real Salt Lake)

Blurb:

There are a lot of question marks with John Ellinger’s Real Salt Lake this year. The first is goalkeeper, with the loss of Scott Garlick to retirement, first round pick Chris Seitz and oft-orphaned Nick Rimando look to have a bit of a Burpo/Guzan struggle this year. My guess is the poise and professionalism of Rimando allows Ellinger to make an easy decision. The back four is rather week and lacking much depth. Several midfielders, however, have played defense and probably will do so (Chris Brown, Nikolas Besagno, Kenny Cutler). Young’un Besagno should get more time this year even with the crowded midfield. Look for him to make a decent impact. Some preseason surprises might make an appearance or two early in the season: Cote D’Ivoire’s Jean-Martial Kipre and midfielder Steven Curfman. Several questions exist though: will Cunningham fade? Can Mehdi Ballouchy progress like Bornstein and Kljestan? Was Tejada even worth the signature (my guess is no)? It looks like Salt Lake is going to miss the cut yet again this season, unless a DP signing in the secondary transfer window proves the key.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Nick Rimando
DR: Jack Stewart/Chris Lancos
DC: Eddie Pope
DC: Daniel Torres
DL: Willis Forko
MR: Chris Klein
MC: Jason Kreis
MC: Mehdi Ballouchy
ML: Carey Talley
FC: Freddy Adu
FC: Jeff Cunningham

Key Subs:
GK: Chris Seitz
FC: Luis Tejada
MF: Jamie Watson
FC: Atiba Harris
MF: Andy Williams
MF: Nik Besagno

MLS Eastern Conference Preview

Predictions/INDEX:

1. D.C. United (PLAYOFFS)
2. Red Bull New York (PLAYOFFS)
3. New England Revolution (PLAYOFFS)
4. Kansas City Wizards (PLAYOFFS)
5. Toronto F.C.
6. Chicago Fire
7. Columbus Crew

Enjoy. Please give me feedback.

In order of projected finish:

D.C. United


Players In

Luciano Emilio (C.D. Olimpia), Fred (Melbourne Victory), Kasali Yinka Casal (Fulham F.C.), Jay Nolly (Real Salt Lake), Marc Burch (Columbus)

Players Out

Mattias Donnet (Belgrano), Freddy Adu (D.C. United), Alecko Eskandarian (Toronto F.C.), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Brandon Prideaux (Colorado)

Developmental Contracts:

Kiki Willis

Blurb:

D.C., along with Houston, looks like the favorite again. Even with the departures of quality contributors in Freddy Adu, Eskandarian, and Nick Rimando. New coach Tom Soehn has already made D.C.’s influence felt in the CONCACAF Champions Cup falling short however to Chivas Guadalajara mainly due to defensive miscues. That missing link will be the key to how United fares this season. Facundo Erpen specifically possesses the ability to make or break the performance of a team. His blunders often outweigh his brilliant attacking back play. Luciano Emilio, from CD Olimpa, has proven his worth already but how he will deal with MLS soccer, the scrapfest that it sometimes is, still remains to be seen. Fred is a question mark, but these acquisitions do falter, young possibilities exist in the form of tough gun Justin Moose, pacy Clyde Simms, and Rod Dyachenko who made the trip to Toronto only to come back a week later. Fulham Reserve young’un and Nigerian product Yinka Casal could see some considerable time as a versatile midfield and forward combination. With all that, D.C. looks to weather the storm of inconsistency and perform well this season within the MLS and also the SuperLiga.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Troy Perkins
DC: Bryan Namoff
DC: Bobby Boswell
DC: Facundo Erpen
MR: Fred
MC: Brian Carroll
MC: Bennie Olsen
MC: Christian Gomez
ML: Joshua Gros
FC: Luciano Emilio
FC: Jaime Moreno

Key Subs:

MF: Yinka Casal
MF: Justin Moose
DF: Stephen De Roux
MF: Bryan Arguez
MF: Rod Dyachenko
MF: Clyde Simms

Red Bull New York


Players In

Claudio Reyna (Manchester City), Clint Mathis (Colorado Rapids), Hunter Freeman (Colorado Rapids), Dave Van Den Bergh (Kansas City Wizards), Richard Waterreus (AZ Alkmaar)

Players Out

Amado Guevara (Chivas USA), David Arvizu (Chivas USA), Abbe Ibrahim (Toronto F.C.), Steve Jolley (retired), Michael Behonick (Virginia Beach), Shawn Kuykendall (released), Mark Lisi (retired), Chris Henderson (retired), Youri Djorkaeff (retired), Tony Meola (released), Jordan Cila (retired), Edson Buddle (Toronto FC), Peter Canero (released)

Undrafted and Signed

Hugh MacDonald (Monmouth U.)

Blurb:

With this being Bruce Arena his belly’s first full season with New York, we should bank on seeing a good coach’s work in progress. He has the player pool to dramatically improve upon last year, but a lot depends on whether 17 year old prodigy Jozy Altidore can become a full-time starter. If not, Arena most likely has reinforcements on the way. The questions are: will it be before April 15th? Or will it wait until the secondary transfer window? Links to Chilean legend Marcelo Salas and Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel have been plentiful. Get ready to see the continued education of Marvell Wynne and eventual molding into an international caliber full-back. Draftee Dane Richards will get a good amount of time in the middle even with the recent pick-up of Cletus Mathis. A lot rides on the health of Claudio Reyna and his Austrian counterpart Markus Schopp. Dave Van der Bergh has played well in his first MLS preseason. You will find that Van der Bergh gives Terry Cooke a run for his Most Assists title. The defense is rather strong and has depth in Seth Stammler and former Red Bull, turned Chivas USA, turned Bull again Tim Regan. Taylor Graham will most likely be shipped out at some point this season as his inconsistency is wasteful. At goalkeeper, former AZ, Rangers, and Manchester City netminder Ronald Waterreus will be formidable in goal and a big upgrade from recently released Tony Meola and trade-rumoured Jon Conway The Bulls’ season will not be decided within the first couple games so be ready for a late season good form run.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Ronald Waterreus
DR: Marvell Wynne
DC: Carlos Mendes
DC: Jeff Parke
DL: Todd Dunivant
MR: Markus Schopp (out injured)
MC: Dema Kovalenko
MC: Claudio Reyna
MC: Clint Mathis/Dane Richards
ML: Dave Van der Bergh
FC: Josmer Altidore

Key Subs:

DF: Seth Stammler
FC: John Wolyniec
MF: Dane Richards
DF: Tim Regan
MF: Mike Magee

New England Revolution


Players In

Players Out

Clint Dempsey (Fulham F.C.), Kyle Brown (Real Salt Lake), Jose Manuel Abundis (Queretaro F.C.)

Blurb:

Clearly, my pick of Adam Cristman starting at forward is a bit of a stretch. My disdain for Joey ‘the Rat’ Franchino far exceeded my know how that Cristman probably wouldn’t be starting. His recent performances in the preseason however almost warrant a starting position up next to Twellman. Another preseason standout, Arsene Oka, will probably get little time but he looks to be involved, at least, in the future of the organization. A solid midfield and a disciplined defense could lead these guys back to the MLS Cup, but the missing ingredient is a skilled and fiery midfielder like Clint Dempsey to provide that spark of creativity needed to win clutch games. A DP might solve that problem, but the midfield contingent now is more than capable of winning most games (problems arise, however, with the possible departure of Shalrie Joseph soon). Speaking of clutch, or lack thereof, Jay Heaps will look for redemption in the back and the only way to do that is to win an MLS Cup championship. Parkhurst will continue to progress to Boswell status this year as the foundation of the Revolution back line. OVerall, Nicol will have them ready to perform as the Revolution always seem to be.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Matt Reis (just signed a new contract)
DR: Jay Heaps
DC: Michael Parkhurst
DC: Avery John
MR: Steve Ralston
MC: Jeff Larentowicz
MC: Shalrie Joseph
MC: Andy Dorman
ML: Pat Noonan
FC: Taylor Twellman
FC: Adam Cristman

Key Subs:
MF: Amaechi Igwe
DF: Daniel Hernandez
FC: Khano Smith
MF: Joey Franchino
MF: Arsene Oka

Kansas City Wizards


Players In

Kevin Hartman (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Players Out

Alex Zotinca (Chivas USA), Shavar Thomas (Los Angeles Galaxy), Bo Oshoniyi (waived), Dave Van Den Bergh (Red Bull New York), Josh Wolff (1860 Munich), Will Hesmer (Columbus)

Blurb:

The starting lineup looks promising, but the lack of depth with Kansas City is potentially very troublesome. As injury prone as KC has been in the past, it looks to be a tough year for the Wizards. However, if their lineup stays intact with a couple additions here and there, this squad could regain its’ previous form. Speaking of additions, there is rumor of a Carlos Marinelli signing, but no confirmation has materialized as of late. A couple personnel changes put Curt Onalfo in charge and brought Kris Kelderman and Chris Henderson in as assistant coaches. Onalfo proceeded to decide not to toy with the lineup too much and instead try his luck in the draft, which has always treated the Wizards pretty well. They picked up UNC fullback Michael Harrington who was slated to start at rightback until recent info has stated that Jewsbury will be moving back there. Another draftee Michael Kraus and second year Yuri Movsisyan could see significant time this year barring the recent inconsistent health of Sasha Victorine and Davy Arnaud. Also look for Jose Burciaga, Jr. to have another big 8 goal, 8 assist year as he is on a mission to find his way into the U.S. Men's National Team. Overall, it should be either a bright or dim year for KC, no real room for middle ground.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Kevin Hartman
DR: Jack Jewsbury/Michael Harrington
DC: Jimmy Conrad
DC: Nick Garcia
DL: Jose Burciaga, Jr.
MR: Davy Arnaud
MC: Kerry Zavagnin
MC: Sasha Victorine
ML: Michael Harrington/Edson Elcock
FC: Scott Sealy
FC: Eddie Johnson

Key Subs:
MF: Will John
DF: Matt Groenwald
FC: Yura Movsisyan
MF: Lance Watson

Toronto FC

Players In

Carl Robinson (Norwich City), Andy Welsh (Sunderland), Richard Mulrooney (F.C. Dallas), Ronnie O’Brien (F.C Dallas), Abbe Ibrahim (Red Bull New York), Jim Brennan (Southampton), Conor Casey (FC Mainz), Edson Buddle (Red Bull New York)

Players Out

Danny O’Rourke (Columbus Crew), Adrian Serioux (F.C. Dallas), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew)

Developmental Contracts

Tomer Chencinski, Andrew Gray, David Guzman, Andrea Lombardo, Stephen Lumley

Blurb:

Head Coach Mo Johnston has done a great job of finding the right pieces to the puzzle that is an expansion team. A couple injury problems (to Ronnie O’Brien and #1 Draft Pick Maurice Edu) will keep Toronto, however, from fielding their strongest team heading into their game against Chivas USA tomorrow. Draftee Andrew Boyens from New Mexico looks to possibly start at right-back, but Canadian international Adam Braz could fill the role just as well. Johnston and TFC will be reeling from recent news that all 14,000 season ticket plans are now officially sold out. Toronto’s first season may very well be a question mark, but in no way will it be as turbulent and unsuccessful as RSL and Chivas USA’s first year. With enough injuries, however, the true inconsistencies and weaknesses of this squad could be realized. Underneath it all, Johnston has a slew of young’uns signed to developmental contracts. My verdict: with health comes success.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Chris Sutton
DR: Andrew Boyens
DC: Chris Pozniak
DC: Marco Reda
DL: Jim Brennan
MR: Ronnie O’Brien (now injured)
MC: Carl Robinson
MC: Paulo Nagamura/Jose Cancela
ML: Andy Welsh
FC: Conor Casey
FC: Alecko Eskandarian/Edson Buddle

Key Subs:
MF: Maurice Edu
DF: Adam Braz
FC: Abbe Ibrahim
GK: Tomer Chencinski
FC: Andrea Lombardo

Chicago Fire

Players In

Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Club America), Erik Hort (Sparta Prague)

Players Out

Andy Herron (Columbus Crew), Zach Thornton (Colorado Rapids), Nate Jaqua (Toronto FC)


Blurb:

The Fire has the roster which ostensibly possesses the potential to be drastically underestimated. That was even before the recent DP signing of the fiery Mexican legend Cuauhtemac Blanco from Club America. With that signing though, Chicago’s total number of aging starting lineup members comes to three. Blanco, Armas, and Gutierrez all fit the bill. Pascal Bedrossian, the injury-riddled Frenchman, looks to breakthrough and find himself a starting lineup. With the wear and tear of the MLS season, it seems he might get his chance (however, he is only a good 2 years younger than the 3 veterans). Another player waiting in the wings will be forward Calen Carr and U.S. international Chad Barrett (who might well start depending on where Blanco goes). Thiago could fit in at an attacking midfielder position pushing Diego Gutierrez out of the line-up. Coach Dave Sarachan is bullish on his defense but whether they’ll go flat back four or a straight three is yet to be seen. He has a solid defensive setting in veterans Brown and Curtin, an attack-minded wingback in Gonzalo Segares, and a budding star in Dasan Robinson. Look for Virginia defensive stud Bakary Soumare to get some time in his first year. Former Yanks Abroad Czech Republic and Sparta Prague representative Erik Hort might get a run if any injuries arise.

POTENTIAL LINEUP

GK: Matt Pickens
DR: C.J. Brown
DC: Dasan Robinson
DC: Jim Curtin
DL: Gonzalo Segares
MR: Ivan Guerrero
MC: Chris Armas
MC: Diego Gutierrez
ML: Justin Mapp
FC: Cuauhtemac Blanco
FC: Chris Rolfe

Key Subs:
FC: Chad Barrett
MC: Thiago
MC: Pascal Bedrossian
FC: Calen Carr
DRL: Bakary Soumare

Columbus Crew



Players In

Robbie Rogers (Heerenveen), Stefani Miglioranzi (Los Angeles Galaxy), Danny O’Rourke (Toronto F.C.), Andy Herron (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Toronto F.C.)

Players Out

Sebastian Rozental (waived), Jon Busch (waived), Chris Leitch (waived), Jonny Walker (retired)

Blurb:

We all knew the signing of Sebastian Rozental last preseason was a mistake at its core. Therefore, the release of Rozental was no surprise. Columbus looks to have improved marginally this year, but there will certainly be some bright spots to watch out for. Yanks Abroad and former Heerenveen reserves wing midfielder Robbie Rogers looks to put a definitive mark on his first year in the MLS. If new acquisition Miglioranzi can stay healthy, he most definitely could be a factor in sparking the Crew attack. The consistent development of Ricardo Virtuoso could also be the key to a Crew rejuvenation. Otherwise, it looks to be another troublesome year for Sigi Schmid’s boys. The fight at goalkeeper became wide open when Schmid cut Jon Busch and Jonny Walker retired in the off-season leaving three: Bill Gaudette, Andy Greunebaum, and Will Hesmer to share the position. Gaudette is the most experienced out of the three, but my guess is they will go with Greunebaum as he has shown the most promise as of late. At forward, it will fall upon Kamara to up his goal tally alongside the formidable presence of Andy Herron. The depth is somewhat weak based on last season’s performances of former Maryland Terp Jason Garey. Joseph Ngwenya will help shoulder the burden. As far as the season is concerned, I have learned to not expect too much from the Crew.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP

GK: Andy Greunebaum
DR: Frankie Hejduk
DC: Chad Marshall
DC: Marcos Gonzalez
DL: Tim Ward
MR: Eddie Gaven
MC: Danny O’Rourke
MC: Stefano Miglioranzi
ML: Ricardo Virtuoso
FC: Kei Kamara/Joseph Ngwenya
FC: Andy Herron

Key Subs:

DF: Ezra Hendrickson
FC: Jason Garey
MF: Danny Szetela
MF: Ned Grabavoy
MF: Duncan Oughton

Pachuca 5, Houston 2 (Pachuca wins 5-4 on aggregate)

Ew. That was disgusting.
Some good goals - but a lot to be angry about for MLS and Houston Dynamo fans a like.

No more American teams. Out in a crappy fashion.

Goo.

Kroenke - You Sneaky S.o.B.

Stan Kroenke, the head honcho of Kroenke Sports Enterprises (KSE), has bought his stake in Arsenal today. For the past month or so (ever since the link up between Colorado and the Gunners really), it has been speculated that he would front a take-over bid. The bid, however, never materialized but this is certainly a step in that direction. Kroenke extends overseas for the first time as he has mostly been confined to ownership of Colorado teams (the NHL's Avalanche, the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the MLS' Rapids). His only outlier is his co-ownership of the NFL's St. Louis Rams. This particular chunk of ownership was bought from the British boobtube network, ITV which Kroenke is also looking at buying into. The stake is worth about $80 million. Although a "small" percentage was taken over, this puts the Big Four (Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Man Utd) in the hands of overseas owners.

His stake is now 9.99% (as reported by ESPN Soccernet). He is clearly bullish on the prospects of Arsenal and might be eying a future takeover. This is big news following the recent takeover of Liverpool by Americans George Gillett Jr. and Tom Hicks (both big in the NHL) and the controversial takeover of Manchester United by Tampa Bay Bucs' owner Malcolm Glazer and his entourage of offspring. Don't forget Randy Lerner with Aston Villa. All in the past year or so. Kind of ridiculous.

Young'uns - The New Generation: The Future of Mexico and It Looks Dangerous

Andres Guardado
Club: CF Atlas
Birthdate: September 28, 1986
Fullname: Jose Andres Guardado Hernandez


An attacking wing midfielder, we all got our first glimpse of Andres when he burned the U.S. wing and defensive line to no avail. No goal or assist to show for his efforts, yet he seared his image into our brains. He looks like the future of the Mexican midfield. In fact, he almost looked Ryan Giggs-esque. Incredible acceleration, skill, and great vision for the ripe-old age of 20. This, however, is not new news to the Mexican Soccer Federation. Guardado has 12 international caps and a goal to his name. He is being hounded by the likes of Real Madrid, A.C. Milan, newly branded powerhouses Udinese, and even youth-nurturing Eredivisie teams like PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam. Where he will go, nobody really knows but there are heavy ties to PSV where he would join international teammate Carlos Salcido. We have not seen the last of him – and at 20, it is scary to think about what he can turn into.

Andres Guardado "El Chico Maravilla"

Omar Esparza
Club: Chivas de Guadalajara
Birthdate: May 21, 1988
Fullname: Omar Alejandro Esparza Morales


Esparza is a defensive midfielder looking to be the heart of the Mexican U-20 this summer in Canada at the U-20 World Cup. He has played his first full season with Chivas de Guadalajara and looks poised to get his first full for the Mexican senior national team early this summer. A composed and determined defensive keystone, he might not have the pizzazz of an Andres Guardado but he certainly gets whatever is needed of him done. Think Michael Bradley’s potential with less size, but better vision and more skill. I think you will find him plying his trade in Mexico for a little while longer until he is bit more mature, although he has already received interest from Sevilla, Racing Santander, and even an Italian Serie A team or two.

First Goal for Chivas

Giovanni Dos Santos
Club: Barcelona
Birthdate: May 11, 1989
Fullname: Giovanni dos Santos Ramirez


Son of a Brazilian father and Mexican mother, at 19 years old this attacking midfielder has already made the trip across the Atlantic. His family made the trip with him. His brother Jonathan also plays for the Barcelona youth system, but his chances to play for the first team remain almost certain this year. He was first discovered globally at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship where he assisted over half the Mexican goals and briefly afterwards, he made the move to Barca. He has played with the Barcelona senior team in a friendly against the Swiss team Aarhus. Naturally, he scored but Giovanni is still looking to make his mark consistently on the first team. Look to see him prominently in the U-20 FIFA World Cup this summer and even before in the Gold Cup.

Giovanni Dos Santos vs. St. Kitts and Nevis w/ Mexican U-17s

Chivas Move On

Troy Perkins made some fantastic saves, but unfortunately missed a routine ball (due to rain, letting it slip through his hands) that gave Chivas Guadalajara the permanent lead 2-1. The first Chivas goal was also on a defensive miscue. Some other opportunities for Chivas, however, should have gone in. Regardless, Steve Goff predicted right (daaaaaamn him), a Chivas 2-1 win.

In good news, Emilio is not a fluke and has already proven himself against top competition and new acquisition Fred ain't too shabby himself. The goal for D.C. was a beautiful and well positioned psuedo-bicyle from the Bolivian Jaime Moreno. Jamil Walker almost had an equalizer late in the game when his "put-back" header hit off a Chivas defender's head and clanked against the post. It was a turbulent day.

Chivas move on to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final to play against the winner of Thursday's Houston - Pachuca match-up. Here we go, Dynamo.

I will have a more detailed outlook later today.

This is Funny...

Coupled together on the Eurosport.com website are 2 articles. One is for a happy and rich Premiership manager. The other is ono a Premiership manager griping and bemoaning a lack of cash to spend on his already star studded team. In the past, the happy dude would have been Chelsea's Jose Mourinho (then again, when is he ever happy). The other would have been either Arsenal's Arsene Wenger or Liverpool's Rafa Benitez. Well folks, the tides have turned..

Rafa Benitez has been given a bone by Liverpool's new North American investors. He will have $80 million dollars to spend on new blood to bring in. This, however, comes with the tag that Liverpool has to take steps towards competing again with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. This also comes on the heels of the announcement a new stadium for Liverpool in Stanley Park (rendering Anfield obsolete). As Jose Mourinho has learned in the past, the money is great but it's a matter of spending it wisely. Transfer targets are Sevilla's Brazilian right back Dani Alves, Valencia's Spanish hitman David Villa, and Barcelona's unhappy and once unstoppable Cameroonian striker Samuel E'too. Should be interesting.

Jose Mourinho, on the other hand, has hit out at Roman Abrahamovich for his lack of a transfer budget. After already spending $800 million on players over the past 3-4 years, Mourinho wants more. He's got young stars, disgruntled players, and some of his contingent is both, yet he still wants to bring in more. Why can't he remember his days with FC Porto when he worked with what he had (and still won the Champions League)! He's had almost of a billion bucks of help and still hasn't won that Champions League (but 2 Premiership titles of course). I hope he finds what he's looking for, but only in his own players.

Tracy Morgan and Digiorno

American Soccer

Better late than never, I have decided to put the story up. By now, I am sure you've seen it.

Cauhtemac 'because of my disdain for him I will spell his name wrong each time' Blanco is on his way to the Chicago Fire. He will 'officially' sign tomorrow at 11am. Known for the 'bunny hop' (which he pulled most memorably in the second round 1998 World Cup match-up vs. Germany), this guy is going to push some buttons even at 34 year old. Overall, it's a good signing and should win over a lot of the Chicago Mexican community. Here it all is.


- Here is a detailed overview of Don Garber's "Game First" initiatives from Mlsnet.com. Many are small steps but they could dramatically change the atmosphere of the American game. All of these steps lead to a more uniform and celebrated game in America which warrants the new monies being poured into the league (i.e. the $64 million, 8 year ESPN deal, etc.) Even though all it did was reiterate a bunch of recent developments, the power of presenting them all at once makes me feel like MLS is sure as hell goin in the right direction.

- Carlos Ruiz is this year's FC Dallas captain. Maybe for the sake of other MLS opponents, this year's season-end result for Ruiz will be the same as last year's FC Dallas captain Simo Valakari. But no.

- Now former Sunderland midfielder Andy Welsh has formally put the pen to paper for Toronto FC. A left-wing midfielder with Premiership experience. Not bad. Put Ronnie O'Brien on the other wing and you've got potentially dangerous flanks.


- Marcelo Salas had joined Juan Pablo Angel as the Red Bull New York transaction of the week candidate. Salas is a Chilean legend and at one time or another was a solid scoring machine. He's got 35 goals in 65 international caps for Chile. Here.

- In expansion news, there has been talk of a Portland expansion recently. Here's the only source really to check out: OregonLive
The Northwest needs a team. Give'em one.

- In USL-1, the Minnesota Thunder have an ally in Saint Paul. Mayor Chris Coleman, no relation to the other American-lover Fulham manager named Chris Coleman, said in his state of the city address that there is good reason to believe a soccer stadium of sorts is on its' way. Read here.

English Premiership

- Not even 10 minutes after I posted my praises of Nemanja Vidic, he sustains a broken collarbone putting him out for the most part of the rest of the season. I like this guy and that plain sucks. Not a great time to have it happen either. With Vidic, Mickael Silvestre and Gary Neville out, the backline is starting to seem pretty thin. Can Johnny O'Shea and Wes Brown fill the holes?



Everton 1, Aston Villa 1

- An 83rd minute savior strike from young'un Gabriel Agbonlahor screwed up Timmy Howard's clean sheet in Aston Villa's clash with Everton today. I hate to beat a dead horse but Juan Pablo Angel was not in Aston Villa's line-up today...could he be coming east???? Or could he have a case of the Clint Dempseys. That was mean. I like Clint.


EVE: J. Lescott (15)
AVI: Agbonlahor (83)

- Liverpool is getting a new stadium and Newcastle is upgrading theirs to a capacity of around 60,000 or so. First, someone's got to tech them how to win consistently again.
Work on Liverpool's new pitch will begin in May. Bye bye Anfield.


World Soccer

- Owen Hargreaves, the much coveted Bayern Munich midfielder, has a blog/article on BBC.com. It's good stuff reading about a world-class player's take on other world-class players. Check it out.

- A great little piece from the Daily Mail in the UK: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was asked at a corporate event in Switzerland which of his arch rivals, Chelsea's Jose Mourinho or Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, he would prefer to be stuck in a lift with for two hours. "Is there a fire exit instead," he joked - before going on to be complimentary about both bosses.

- Bosko Balaban, one of my favorite underrated Croatian strikers, is looking to move to Glasgow Rangers this summer. He is currently with Club Brugge in the Belgian Jupiler league. Balaban recently endured a terrible spell with Aston Villa, but as we know, most Croatians don't far well at Villa (i.e. Milan Baros). Look for this not to be sorted out til late May or even until the window opens up July 1st.

South Jersey FC vs. UPenn Dental Molars, Game 1

The first game of the CASA Spring 2007 Season was a long time coming. After two successive cancellations, Due to the field conditions, which all honesty they were better than anything we had played on before, the play was ultimately shaky. A touch at foot could just as easily hit a snag and bounce waist-high. On several occassions forward Carlos Clay had the ball in wide open space. Before a shot could be fired off, the ball would zig-zag or bounce too high. Essentially, what was a regular shot turned into a shin deflection. The chances were aplenty for South Jersey, though, and several times midfielders John Brackmann and Eric Danner over compensated for the crappy pitch by skyrocketing shots over the bar. The play of the UPenn Dental goalkeeper was certainly a factor too. SJFC struck first in the 57th minute, however, with a scrum in the penalty box that allowed Carlos Clay to trickle a shot by the UPenn Dental GK who was probably expecting a bomb. Play continued with UPenn pushing men forward, at times over-extending their midfield, allowing the solid SJ backline led by Matt Acciani to quickstart a counter attack leading to the majority of South Jersey chances. Acciani also fueled the inter-penalty box dog fights with his long throws. In the 65th minute, Acciani's efforts were rewarded when Eric Danner took his long throw on his feet and fired a shot low to the far post beating the UPenn keeper to make it 2-0. This was especially rewarding as he had been taking a beating physically the whole game. Danner celebrated fittingly and capped a great game for the former Wheaton College player. The game seemed to be sealed, but another scrum this time in the South Jersey box led to an errant UPenn goal making it 2-1 a couple minutes before time. SJFC held out with other strong efforts from new acquisition Steve Fatula, right full-back Chris Gercke, defensive midfielder Brandon Bonnette, and first time striker Adam Evans. SJFC also donned their new kelly-green uniforms sponsored by Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC. and were missing such starting line-up mainstays as Jorge Montoy and Mike Mellencamp.

South Jersey FC's next game will be against a strong West Philly FC team at 11:15am on Saturday, April 14th. Last year's match-up ended in a last gasp 2-1 win for SJFC. It will assuredly be a tough match.

OTHER CASA SCORES

CASA Spring 2007 Season Schedule

Future games will surely have pictures of the new jersey.