tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881900704685432412023-11-15T10:10:32.159-05:00MLS Soccer News - Transfers | Trades | Signings | RumorsMLS Soccer NewsDuncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-79788475156453817992008-01-22T08:44:00.000-05:002008-01-22T08:45:51.598-05:00Curtin Traded to Chivas USA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://chicago.fire.mlsnet.com/images/2004/05/25/js35fUcp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://chicago.fire.mlsnet.com/images/2004/05/25/js35fUcp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span id="text"><p>Fire defender Jim Curtin has been traded to Chivas USA, according to a source. Curtin spent seven seasons with the Fire and was a starter for the Eastern Conference in the 2004 MLS All-Star game. He played in only 11 games last year due to injury. The trade will reunite him with former Fire teammate and good friend Jesse Marsch.</p> <p>The Fire has also traded a fourth-round pick in the 2010 SuperDraft for Andy Herron's rights, according to the Columbus Dispatch. The Dispatch reported that Herron might sign with Saprissa of Costa Rica's first division, but I wouldn't rule out a return to the Fire. The guy loved Chicago. From what I hear, he was devastated when he found out the Fire traded him to the Crew before the 2007 season. </p> <p>Herron might not be the only forward joining the Fire this off-season. I'm told the team is expected to announce a new signing soon. And no, it's not Ante Razov.</p><p><a href="http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/soccer_redcard/2008/01/curtin-traded-t.html">Source</a><br /></p></span>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-31775687117957939782008-01-22T08:41:00.000-05:002008-01-22T08:43:31.366-05:00NY Red Bull Academy Cost-Free<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/sports/gif/red_bull_ny.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.nyc.gov/html/sports/gif/red_bull_ny.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="articleText"> Players selected to the New York Red Bulls youth academy teams will play cost-free. "We believe by eliminating the cost barrier, top players will be able to develop within our program with a goal of someday playing on the first team for the New York Red Bulls," said RBNY Academy Director Bob Montgomery.<br /><br />"Top soccer talent will only have to be selected to the program by our world-class coaching staff, said Montgomery. "Beyond that, all of the participation costs will be handled by Red Bull."<br /><br />Tryouts for the 2009 cycle of teams will be held in the Spring of 2008 for the five Academy teams (U20, U18, U16, U15, U14).<br /><br />"Red Bull New York continues to commit its resources to the sport of soccer in the United States," said RBNY Sporting Director Jeff Agoos. "Red Bull is firmly committed to player development and helping support youth soccer organizations within the local community.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=25284">Source</a><br /></span>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-31580989898789446852008-01-22T08:39:00.000-05:002008-01-22T08:40:37.144-05:00Gallardo Leaning Towards MLS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.00dose.com.ar/deportes/futbol/futbolistas/gallardo.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.00dose.com.ar/deportes/futbol/futbolistas/gallardo.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="storyindexabstract">According to his agent, erstwhile Paris St. Germain attacker Marcelo Gallardo has his sights set on a move to America.</div> <div class="storyindexabstract"><br />Borussia Dortmund and San Lorenzo are also in for the Argentina international, who has already ruled out signing for the latter.<br /><br />"Marcelo won't return to Argentina at this moment," Juan Berros told Goal. "He has already terminated his contract with Paris Saint Germain, and the idea is for him to continue his career in the United States."<br /><br />The 32-year old has recently been linked with D.C. United, but New York is also apparently in the running.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccer365.com/mls/story_22108120608.php">Source</a><br /></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-57358851131675478592008-01-22T08:37:00.000-05:002008-01-22T08:38:27.231-05:00Osorio Scouting South Americans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/75467173.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19309EBFDFE8F65174D03EFFA854CA7905E284831B75F48EF45"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/75467173.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19309EBFDFE8F65174D03EFFA854CA7905E284831B75F48EF45" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="storyindexabstract">New Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio is busy looking into attractive players to bring to MLS, with an eye to South Americans playing in Europe.</div> <div class="storyindexabstract"><br />While the boss has targeted some playing overseas, the players he's scouting now are in Brazil and Colombia.<br /><br />"I am looking for a central defender, hopefully left-footed," Osorio told the New York Times. "I'm also looking for a wide midfielder, also left-footed, and we're trying to squeeze in a playmaker."<br /><br />"I can tell you that we have already found the players we need, but there are restrictions because of the salary cap."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccer365.com/mls/story_22108122142.php">Source</a><br /></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-58858019728831200422008-01-21T16:42:00.000-05:002008-01-21T16:44:18.252-05:00Last Pick a Flier for Toronto FC<a href="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/nd/sports/m-soccer/auto_action/603430.jpeg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/nd/sports/m-soccer/auto_action/603430.jpeg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Toronto FC had an excellent Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Friday and it could be even better if their final pick, an admitted gamble, Joe Lapira of Notre Dame, decides to sign a contract.</p><br /><p>Lapira, 21, is training with Nottingham Forest of England's League One and has expressed an intention to play in Europe. His mother is Irish, and last May he was a late substitution for Ireland in a 1-1 draw in an exhibition game with Ecuador.</p><br /><p>In another development, an offer was made to goalkeeper Josh Wagenaar, 22, of Grimsby, Ont., who has been released by his club in Holland, but so far nothing has developed. During the summer, Lapira had a trial with Rangers of the Scottish Premier League that was cut short by a leg injury. Toronto head coach Mo Johnston spoke to Lapira on the morning of the draft and also has talked to those who have coached him before making him the 35th pick overall.</p><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080121.TORFC21/TPStory/Sports">Source</a><br /><div></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-5947712661740184392008-01-21T16:40:00.000-05:002008-01-21T16:41:31.175-05:00Guzan Set For Hoops Visit<a href="http://chivas.usa.mlsnet.com/images/2006/09/24/4KgIBAxJ.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://chivas.usa.mlsnet.com/images/2006/09/24/4KgIBAxJ.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Fresh from backstopping the U.S. to a win over Sweden, Chivas USA keeper Brad Guzan is making his way over to Glasgow for a Celtic trial.</div><br /><div><br />The netminder would likely cost the Parkhead crew upwards of $2 million, with several other clubs milling around the player.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"It's always exciting when a club such as Celtic are in for you," Guzan told the Daily Record."I know all about them, they are a world-renowned team with a great history."</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.soccer365.com/mls/story_21108185838.php">Source</a></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-39756774810991887152008-01-21T16:38:00.000-05:002008-01-21T16:39:33.960-05:00Schmetzer Shmoozes At Combine<a href="http://www.seattlesounders.net/images/brian_schmetzer.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand" height="174" alt="" src="http://www.seattlesounders.net/images/brian_schmetzer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer was lurking the recent MLS SuperDraft combine, making relationships with players who might fail to make a top flight roster.</p><br /><p>Although the Sounders will remain in the A-League for the time being, 2009 brings a chance for all squad members to crash MLS on the expansion team.</p><br /><p>"If a guy gets cut during the preseason, we're trying to get the last guys released from MLS rosters," Schmetzer told the Seattle Times."</p><br /><p>We're a hot USL franchise right now," he added, giving a thumbs up to the scouting trip. "There was quite a bit of a buzz going on about that at the combine."</p><br /><div></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-58197092605157919382008-01-21T00:16:00.000-05:002008-01-21T00:21:51.429-05:00Babayaro to LA Galaxy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.football.co.uk/shared/images/news/celestinebabayaro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.football.co.uk/shared/images/news/celestinebabayaro.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Celestine Babayaro has agreed a three-year deal with Los Angeles Galaxy<b> </b>after being released by Newcastle United. The left back, 29, will play under Ruud Gullit, who signed him for Chelsea in 1997.<br /><br />Due to his many injury problems it was mutually decided on <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_10" title="December 10">December 10</a>, 2007, that Babayaro should be released from his contract at Newcastle with immediate effect and a compensation figure was agreed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3221996.ece">Source</a>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-77171749382331573652008-01-20T11:00:00.000-05:002008-01-20T11:03:28.648-05:00Donovan to Return to Earthquakes?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/grant_wahl/11/23/donovan/p1_donovan-112304-getty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/grant_wahl/11/23/donovan/p1_donovan-112304-getty.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span id="mn_Global"><span id="mn_Article"><p>The Earthquakes still have a "designated player" exemption, which enables a team to pay a star player more than the salary cap allows. Doyle has said the team is willing to use that exemption if the right player comes along.</p><p> Which bring us to Donovan, the former Quakes star and main man with the Los Angeles Galaxy until David Beckham arrived last summer.</p><p> The stage has grown even more crowded with the Galaxy's acquisition of Carlos Ruiz from Dallas. Ruiz is the talented player who was shipped out from L.A. three years ago to make room for Donovan in the backdoor deal that still burns Earthquakes fans.</p><p> This is the Galaxy way: stockpiling stars. It's clearly what team president Alexi Lalas likes to do, but the scuttlebutt is that Lalas has lost power and Paul Bravo is now the lead on soccer decisions.</p><p> Star-studded lineups work for some teams, but the Galaxy isn't Real Madrid. The Galaxy's roster has been a bust and the league doesn't have enough star power to put so much on one team.</p><p> The Galaxy will devote half of its payroll to Beckham, Donovan and Ruiz, leading to speculation that the team will try to move one of the players.</p><p> Donovan has a no-trade clause. Also, we know from experience that he doesn't mind letting someone else be the focal point. And we know how happy and content he is living in Manhattan Beach with his wife, the actress Bianca Kajlich. Donovan likes his comfort level.</p><p><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/earthquakes/ci_8006839">Source</a><br /></p></span></span>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-17530091223880782112008-01-20T10:50:00.000-05:002008-01-20T10:52:08.331-05:00Pickens rejects Fire's offer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://chicago.fire.mlsnet.com/images/2007/09/23/iz5OxTOv.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://chicago.fire.mlsnet.com/images/2007/09/23/iz5OxTOv.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span><span id="text">I don't mean to be a buzz kill after such a great draft for the Fire, but I've learned that Matt Pickens' turned down the Fire's contract offer last night. Pickens is not under contract with the Fire for next season and is currently on trial with Norwich City in England.<br /><br /></span></span><p>"We made what we felt was a good offer last night and his agent turned it down," said Fire head coach Denis Hamlett, who believes talks will continue.</p> <p>The Fire used one of its first round picks to select Tulsa goalkeeper Dominic Cervi at No. 12.</p> <p>"We couldn't just sit around and wait," Hamlett said of the Fire's goalkeeper situation. "We needed to protect ourselves.</p> <p>"We were excited [Cervi] was available at that number."</p> <p>As for reports that Cervi is considering a move to Europe, Hamlett has a wait-and-see attitude.</p> <p>"We get the players into pre-season training camp, have them compete for a position, than talk about a contract," said Hamlett. "I spoke with Cervi, but mainly to say congratulations."</p><p><a href="http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/soccer_redcard/2008/01/pickens-rejects.html">Source</a><br /></p>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-81301913124370268472008-01-20T10:46:00.000-05:002008-01-20T10:48:01.128-05:00Red Bulls Set to Swoop on Midfielders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/sports/gif/red_bull_ny.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.nyc.gov/html/sports/gif/red_bull_ny.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="entry-body"> <p>Just a day after adding a quality defender in the MLS Draft in Eric Brunner, the Red Bulls look set to address their concerns about the midfield.</p> <p>The Red Bulls have targeted a pair of South American midfielders, one a left winger and another an attacking midfielder, in a double-swoop that could help address the team's need for more offensive productivity from the midfield.</p> <p>Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio told media on Friday that the team was close to adding a left winger, but a team source has confirmed that an attacking midfielder is in the team's sights as well and both players could join the squad by the end of the month.</p> <p>What does this mean for left winger/fullback Dave Van Den Bergh? His future with the Red Bulls remains uncertain and he could be on his way out if Osorio can find a suitable option at left back. Van Den Bergh's lack of pace makes him an unsuitable option on the left wing for Osorio, who prefers speed on the flanks.</p><p><a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2008/01/red-bulls-set-t.html">Source</a><br /></p> </div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-36810375226360704092008-01-19T23:22:00.000-05:002008-01-19T23:26:29.025-05:00USL Sounders Roster Gets Full Promotion to MLS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.soccer.com/blog/images/real-dc/qwest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.soccer.com/blog/images/real-dc/qwest.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />...there are six to eight current Sounders who could be on the MLS team.<br /><br />He also scouted two former Washington players at the combine he said have MLS potential — forwards Ely Allen, drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Galaxy on Friday, and Kevin Forrest.<br /><br /><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soccer/2004133749_mls19.html">Source</a>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-82695197437423628252008-01-19T13:20:00.000-05:002008-01-19T13:23:46.443-05:00Armas and Klopas join Fire staff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/mediaUS/20061013/armas3_205.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/mediaUS/20061013/armas3_205.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span><span id="text">One week after being named the Fire's new head coach, Denis Hamlett has hired Chris Armas and Mike Jeffries as his assistant coaches. Daryl Shore will stay on as the team's goalkeepers coach. Frank Klopas, a member of the 1998 team that won the MLS Cup, has been named the Fire's technical director.</span></span><br /><br />Armas has no previous coaching experience but showed he was a natural born leader during his 12-year career in MLS. After announcing his retirement following the 2007 season, Armas was approached by a handful of MLS teams interested in his services. <p>Jeffries was an assistant coach with the Fire for three seasons between 1998-2000 before taking the Dallas head coaching job. He spent last year as an assistant coach with Duke.</p> <p>Klopas most recently was a head coach with the Chicago Storm. Even though he interviewed for the Fire's head coaching job last month, he has always had his eye on a technical director position with the team.</p><a href="http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/soccer_redcard/2008/01/armas-and-klopa.html">Source</a>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-31959640094272224332008-01-19T13:09:00.000-05:002008-01-19T13:13:59.131-05:00Report: Noonan to Rapids, Maestroeni to San Jose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/1958854.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1939057D9939C83F10604DDA19685CAD5B35A5397277B4DC33E"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/1958854.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1939057D9939C83F10604DDA19685CAD5B35A5397277B4DC33E" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Just because the draft is over doesn't mean the trade rumors stop.<br /><a href="http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/soccer_redcard/2008/01/pickens-rejects.html"><br />Luis Arroyave is reporting on his blog </a>that New England Revolution's Pat Noonan may be headed to Colorado. What New England gets in return remains to be seen.<br /><br />And it appears we now know Pablo Mastroeni's destination: San Jose according to Arroyave.Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-30258718800210779992008-01-19T10:31:00.000-05:002008-01-19T10:34:07.436-05:00Moreno Re-signs With DC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/08/23/PH2007082300009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/08/23/PH2007082300009.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>According to DCU General Manager Dave Kasper, team captain <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Jaime Moreno </strong>will sign a new contract next week that is guaranteed for the 2008 and '09 seasons, but at a lower salary than he had been making. <p> "Where he is in his career, he wanted security. It's important to him. He had some good offers out there from Mexico, the Middle East. He's an important player that goes well beyond the playing field."</p><p><a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/">Source</a><br /></p>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-22765204701085915322008-01-19T10:22:00.000-05:002008-01-19T10:23:51.550-05:00Revolution add Albright<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/images/2007/02/06/2X3FXNCP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/images/2007/02/06/2X3FXNCP.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><p>The Revolution took steps toward bolstering their back line yesterday, acquiring former United States national team member Chris Albright from the Los Angeles Galaxy for an undisclosed amount of allocation money, and selecting Rob Valentino of the University of San Francisco in the first round of the MLS draft.</p><p>Albright (hamstring tear) and Valentino (knee) are recovering from surgery but are expected to join the Revolution for training Jan. 29 in Foxborough.</p><p>Albright, 29, has been among the MLS's most productive right backs, effective defending and contributing to the offense, since being converted from forward in 2004. Albright was a member of the US team but did not play in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He was injured in the fifth game of the 2007 MLS season.</p><p><a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/articles/2008/01/19/revolution_add_albright/">Source</a><br /></p>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-68268045133332395882008-01-19T10:19:00.000-05:002008-01-19T10:21:55.694-05:00Philadelphia: 'A step ahead' in MLS race?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://icad.kaist.ac.kr/%7Emsh/usa/Pic-Scan/Philly/Philly-Cityhall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://icad.kaist.ac.kr/%7Emsh/usa/Pic-Scan/Philly/Philly-Cityhall.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The victor in the highly competitive contest to secure a soccer expansion team will be either Philadelphia or St. Louis, Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said yesterday, eliminating the immediate prospects of cities such as Miami. <p> "Both Philadelphia and St. Louis are making progress in their plans, and one of them will be our 16th team," Garber said during a break from the league's SuperDraft, being held at the convention center here.</p> <p> As for which it would be, Garber first said he did not think either was ahead of the other, then appeared to tilt toward Philadelphia, saying, "If Philadelphia is able to finalize their plan, they have been leading the charge and have a step ahead of St. Louis."</p> <p> What was clear was that months of preparation, discussion and negotiations have boiled down to a two-city race. In addition to Miami, there was interest from Canada for a second MLS team, and a group was seeking a second New York City franchise.<br /></p><p><a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/chester/20080119_A_step_ahead_in_MLS_race_.html">Source</a><br /></p>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-22705218130703161922008-01-19T10:16:00.000-05:002008-01-19T10:19:06.920-05:00Johnston loads up on defence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/images/upload/johnston-mo_9653.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/images/upload/johnston-mo_9653.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We get the message, Mo.<p>Defence is a priority.</p><p>Last season Toronto FC surrendered a league-high 49 goals, so in yesterday's MLS draft, head coach Mo Johnston and his staff went after defence, defence and a little more defence.</p><p>Toronto headed into the MLS SuperDraft with four picks, and spent the first two on UConn defender and two-time All-American Julius James (ninth pick), and Pat Phelan (10th), a defensive midfielder from Wake Forest. Phelan, 23, was also an All-American in 2007.</p><p>Before taking yet another defender with the 30th pick (UCLA's Mike Zaher), Toronto traded up to the 28th spot to take Wake Forest goalkeeper Brian Edwards.</p><p>The only help for Toronto's often-injured front line came with the team's final selection – striker Joseph Lapira, who scored 41 goals in his career at Notre Dame.</p><p><a href="http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/295546">Source</a><br /></p>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-52081677504090293722008-01-18T17:54:00.000-05:002008-01-18T17:59:00.577-05:00FieldTurf Announces 2007 Soccer Awards<a href="http://www.charityadvantage.com/New_Providence_Athletic_FoVTNYTO/images/logo_1.JPG"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.charityadvantage.com/New_Providence_Athletic_FoVTNYTO/images/logo_1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p>* MLS Coach of the Year - Preki Radosavljevic (Chivas USA) </p><br /><p>* USL Division 1 Coach of the Year - Gavin Wilkinson (Portland Timbers) </p><br /><p>* USL Division 2 Coach of the Year - Bill Becher (Harrisburg City Islanders) </p><br /><p>* USL W-League Coach of the Year - Keith Jones (Atlanta Silverbacks) </p><br /><p>* NCAA Division 1 Coach of the Year (Men's Soccer) - Ed Kelly (Boston College) </p><br /><p>* NCAA Division 1 Coach of the Year (Women's Soccer) - Garrett Smith (University of Portland) </p><br /><p>* MLS Team of the Year - Houston Dynamo </p><br /><p>* USL Team of the Year - Seattle Sounders </p><br /><p>* NCAA Team of the Year - Wake Forest Demon Deacons</p><div></div><div><a href="http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=133714">Source</a></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-23369874626618555422008-01-18T16:36:00.000-05:002008-01-18T16:44:43.552-05:00'08 Superdraft Recap - First Round<a href="http://soccerlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/mls-badge.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://soccerlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/mls-badge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Kansas City was toying with the idea of trading the top pick, and still might deal Myers, but the UCLA left back is one of the most coveted players in the draft.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1) KC Wizards - D <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=myers_c&event=superdraft&year=2008">Chance Myers</a> </div><div>2) FC Dallas - M/D <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=shea_b&event=superdraft&year=2008">Brek Shea</a></div><div>3) RSL - M/D <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=beltran_a&event=superdraft&year=2008">Anthony Beltran</a></div><div>4) LA Galaxy - M/D <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=franklin_s&event=superdraft&year=2008">Sean Franklin</a></div><div>5) Colorado Rapids - M <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=obrien_c&event=superdraft&year=2008">Ciaran O'Brien</a></div><div>6) Columbus Crew - D <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=iro_a&event=superdraft&year=2008">Andy Iro</a></div><div>7) Chicago Fire - F <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=nyarko_p&event=superdraft&year=2008">Patrick Nyarko</a></div><div>8) FC Dallas - GK <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=lambo_j&event=superdraft&year=2008">Josh Lambo</a></div><div>9) TFC - D <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=james_j&event=superdraft&year=2008">Julius James</a></div><div>10) TFC - M <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=phelan_p&event=superdraft&year=2008">Pat Phelan</a></div><div>11) KC Wizards - Roger Espinosa</div><div>12) Chicago Fire - GK <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=cervi_d&event=superdraft&year=2008">Dominic Cervi</a></div><div>13) NE Revolution - D <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=valentino_r&event=superdraft&year=2008">Rob Valentino</a></div><div>14) RSL - D <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=mls&player=horst_d&event=superdraft&year=2008">David Horst</a></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-727673538207894632008-01-18T16:33:00.000-05:002008-01-18T16:34:58.944-05:00Columbus make Zurawski their DP<a href="http://images.askmen.com/men/celeb_profiles_sports/43_maciej__zurawski.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.askmen.com/men/celeb_profiles_sports/43_maciej__zurawski.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Reports out of Poland state that 31 year old Celtic forward who wants out of Celtic is headed to Columbus. Yes. Columbus. Formerly the striker had been linked with the LA Galaxy but with their acquisition of Carlos Ruiz in a trade with Dallas that deal fell through. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>According to the article: The offer is solid and Zurawski would make 300 thousand euros or about 445 thousand dollars .</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.sport.pl/sport/1,65025,4848421.html">Source</a></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-48544815475075817492008-01-18T15:13:00.000-05:002008-01-18T15:14:28.776-05:00McClaren discusses MLS at convention<a href="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/05_02/McClarenDMp1062505_468x545.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/05_02/McClarenDMp1062505_468x545.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Former England manager Steve McClaren is not ready to rule out Major League Soccer for his next coaching role.<br />Speaking at the NSCAA convention in Baltimore, McClaren revealed his desire to return to coaching as soon as possible and said he would consider MLS as seriously as any other offer.<br /><div></div><br /><div>"I'm not dismissing anything and I wouldn't," he said when asked about the league. "Football is football and I think the experience is beneficial, whatever country it is in." </div><br /><div><br />McClaren spent 18 months as England manager but was fired after his team failed to qualify for Euro 2008. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news;_ylt=Ah_Na9b7eULHj7xww7xOraikvrYF?slug=txnscaamcclaren&prov=st&type=lgns">Source</a></div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-32838327771599423372008-01-18T12:53:00.000-05:002008-01-18T12:55:28.439-05:00Movie Biography of Galindo<a href="http://chivas.usa.mlsnet.com/imgs/bios/photos/galindo_m.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://chivas.usa.mlsnet.com/imgs/bios/photos/galindo_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The movie staring actor Allanyire Lopez, is based on the life of the forward who while representing his nation during the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, defected and sought political asylum in Seattle, WA in order to pursue his football dream (which began with the USL Seattle Sounders.) This short film debuted at a Spanish sports film festival . Rumor has it that this film may be released in the USA.</div>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-49960743836295598442008-01-18T08:38:00.000-05:002008-01-18T08:40:20.943-05:00Gaven to the LA Galaxy?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://columbus.crew.mlsnet.com/imgs/bios/photos/gaven_e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://columbus.crew.mlsnet.com/imgs/bios/photos/gaven_e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><p> <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Rumors that the Crew</strong> is talking about trading Eddie Gaven to the Los Angeles Galaxy have been swirling, which has fueled more rumors that the Crew is trying to get as much cash as it can to sign free agents beyond the European designated player it is supposedly after.</p> <p>Coach Sigi Schmid has always been high on Gaven, but on Major League Soccer's published salary list he is the team's highest-paid player with a base salary of $165,000. Guillermo Barros Schelotto is doubtless making more -- his published salary is $150,000, but he is rumored to be getting more than $1 million -- but losing Gaven's salary and gaining cash at the same time would put the Crew in good position to go after other talented free agents.</p> <p>Gaven tied with Schelotto for second on the team in goals (five) last season and with Alejandro Moreno for second in assists (seven), but he would have to be considered overpaid.</p><p><a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/01/18/rumblings18.ART_ART_01-18-08_C3_2V93EQA.html?sid=101">Source</a><br /></p>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588190070468543241.post-88155736795887358972008-01-18T08:34:00.000-05:002008-01-18T08:36:27.857-05:00Wizards expected to make Nyarko #1 pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2008/01/17/PH2008011703208.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2008/01/17/PH2008011703208.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Despite an average combine, Nyarko's record over three years with the Hokies suggests a special talent, and it seems likely he will go first overall to the Wizards. Nyarko, a junior, scored 31 goals and added 24 assists in 57 games for Virginia Tech and finished as a M.A.C. Herman Trophy finalist. With <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/players/771/;_ylt=AiqLtAJ4U6HHEK1AYnBW7yLpvrYF">Eddie Johnson</a> seemingly on the brink of sealing a switch to Fulham, and the Wizards in full rebuilding mode after trading <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/players/671/;_ylt=AlzTdAINc8Zo5H0M2ZxXy.LpvrYF">Nick Garcia</a> and <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/players/765/;_ylt=AoDpGvCrfIQxYaazWd8hrxPpvrYF">Jose Burciaga Jr.</a> for draft picks, Nyarko is the logical choice at the top.<br /><br /><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news;_ylt=Akh0vHvSAc8XBA20CJQMTxKkvrYF?slug=txmlsdraftneeds&prov=st&type=lgns">Source</a>Duncan Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15829201994995186007noreply@blogger.com0