After delaying the release of the U.S. national team roster, head coach Bob Bradley finally came out with his list of the 23 men who will wear the red, white, and blue in the U.S. team’s June 4 friendly against Spain and in the CONCACAF Gold Cup June 5 through 25. As has become expected, the roster is a mix of youth and experience, and it is not without its areas for concern.

Chief among these problem areas on the roster is the forward position. Only three forwards even made the cut, and of the three, only Jozy Altidore has considerable national-team experience. Unfortunately, despite Bradley’s notion that Altidore was “unlucky” at the World Cup, his form for the national team and his club as of late has been sub-par. It appears the U.S. will look to its midfield for goal production, as it did during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Chris Wondolowski and Juan Agudelo are the other forwards. Agudelo has shown promise, scoring two goals in his meager four caps for the team, and Wondolowski has been on a tear for the last season in Major League Soccer, but both are unproven on the larger stage of international competition. That being said, this could be their big chance for a breakout.

There is also a serious lack of wide midfielders, which likely accounts for Robbie Rogers’ selection. Somebody is going to have to play outside. Landon Donovan has played there and can do the job, but it would not be surprising to also see Maurice Edu played wider, with his speed and touch. Benny Feilhaber could also possibly play out there. It will be interesting to see how Bradley solves this little problem, which is still a problem, but not as big as the problem of who will score the goals.

In most areas of the field, the usual suspects will patrol for the U.S. Donovan has become a staple of the midfield and always seems to do well in international competitions these days – a stark and welcome contrast to his early days of missed opportunities and poor performances. Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Edu all had solid World Cup appearances and appear to be geared up to make another run at it.

Freddy Adu has somehow clawed his way back into the picture despite spending all season at Turkish second-division Rizespor. Jermaine Jones of Blackburn is another interesting selection who has been waiting for his chance to get after it on this stage for a while, held back mostly by injuries and his inexperience.

Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake has been rewarded for his steady play in domestic and CONCACAF competitions with a call-up. However, Bob Bradley has already said he will stay with the club and only be called into camp if needed. This oversight is unfortunate because he is in better form than Marcus Hahnemann, but it is encouraging to see him included in the trio of netminders in any case. He has been long-deserving of an opportunity.

In the back, it should also be business as usual for the U.S. Carlos Bocanegra will be back, as will Oguchi Onyewu. Jay DeMerit has been left out, but Tim Ream could prove to be a capable replacement. His MLS form has been good and he is still young, which goes nicely with Bocanegra and Cherundolo’s veteran statuses. Eric Lichaj could also see considerable time in the tournament.

Two glaring omissions from the roster are DeMerit and Charlie Davies. Neither are too surprising, though. Davies is still making a comeback from his barrage of injuries that need not be repeated, and both he and DeMerit have had niggling injuries that have kept them out of MLS play this season. However, it would have been nice to see Davies get his chance in the Gold Cup, especially with his experience in international competition and his fair form so far this season. He will get his chance at some point, but it is a shame it could not be in an international tournament on home soil, especially considering the U.S. situation at forward right now.

Overall, the roster is decently strong. This is an important tournament for the U.S., with a berth to the Confederations Cup on the line. The U.S. used the Confederations Cup as a springboard to their World Cup success, turning heads in the process. Its importance is reflected in Bradley’s selections.

Projected starting lineup for the U.S. in the Gold Cup (4-4-2): Howard; Lichaj, Ream, Bocanegra, Cherundolo; Donovan, Dempsey, Bradley, Edu; Altidore, Agudelo.

Liviu Bird is a journalism student at and plays goalkeeper for Seattle Pacific University. You can follow him on Twitter here.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The MLS 2010 season came to a close with Colorado Rapids winning the MLS Cup and LA Galaxy winning the Supporters’ Shield. Now that league and cup competitions are approaching their climax, Major League Soccer has gone on a break and waiting for the 16th season to start on March 15th, 2011.

Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC will make their MLS debut – taking the total number of clubs to 18. Both the Timbers and the Whitecaps will join the Western Conference and Houston Dynamo will move into the Eastern Conference.

As far as the kits are concerned, adidas is the lone supplier of the kits for all the clubs playing in the league. Because of that, questions are raised about the amount of involvement by the club in the final decision of the kits. For example, when Seattle Sounders’ third kit for 2011 was unveiled, fans and media personnel wondered whether the Sounders actually opted for electric yellow or was it forced upon them.

The general consensus is that, clubs do have a final nod in the decision of the kits they will wear. So yes, Seattle Sounders did opt for electric yellow as their third color only after joining MLS in November 2007.

You can see the 2011 MLS jerseys here for all the 18 clubs participating.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Once again it’s that time of year when we like to kick-back and ask “where did that one go?”, break out the Christmas spirit, and reflect on the football year that was. What were our highs and lows? Who stole the headlines and, more importantly, who won the prizes and is most deserving of our applause, however begrudging an exercise that may prove to be at times.

But credit where credit is due! After all, doesn’t each of us like to see praise heaped upon our own team(s) when they do the business, and as the season of ‘goodwill to all men’ approaches (yes that even applies to scousers!), it is high time we handed out the plaudits.

So I’ve come-up with my Top 11 winners for 2009 and some honourable mentions. Why 11? Well why not? If you’ve got a better number then let’s have it, but Giggs wears number 11 and that’s a good enough reason for me!

The starting place is obvious this year but maybe there are one or two surprises and no doubt you’ll highlight my oversights…..which is 49% the point of the exercise anyway (I like to keep a controlling interest in these things!)

1. Viva Barca!

Yes, the Catalans were irresistible this year! It used to be a case of ‘the peasants were revolting’ down in Catalonia….now they’ve become European royalty! The first time the ‘Treble’ was achieved by a Spanish team; Barca swept all before them, scored goals for fun, and in Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Henry and Eto’o presented one of the most formidable attacking units ever to grace a football pitch.

Add to that the 6-2 ‘tonking’ they gave to bitter rivals Real Madrid in ‘El Clásico’, the ease with which they won the CL Final (ouch! that hurt!), and the fact that seven of their starting eleven in that game came through their academy…… and it doesn’t really get much better than that!

So it’s hats off to ‘L’equip blaugrana’ on an outstanding year!

2. Guardiola

Now there’s a man with pep in his step (a comment as irresistible as his team)! Has any young manager ever had such a meteoric start to his career? Pep guided his team past all obstacles (Didier Drogba included) and carved himself a place in Spanish footballing history, regardless of what happens from here on in.

Add to that his charismatic media persona…..magnanimous, modest and congenial in equal measure, and here is a man born to the job. Could this be the start of an iconic career in football management? If ever there was a contrast to Mourinho, Sir Alex or Benitez then Pep is it.

Kudos for a truly magnificent first season Pep!

3. Lionel Messi

Not much to say that doesn’t repeat the above except…51 games, 38 goals, 18 assists (2008/9 season, as opposed to the calendar year) and:

• UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 2008–2009
• Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano: 2008–2009
• UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 2008–2009
• UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2008–2009
• LFP Best Player: 2008–2009
• LFP Best Striker: 2008–2009
• Onze d’Or: 2009
• Ballon d’Or: 2009

Need I say more? Pure class and luckily we’ll also see him on the World stage next year….despite the best efforts of Diego!

4. Wolfsburg

The German ‘Wolves’ sprang from nowhere to upset the elite of the Bundesliga and claim a first ever title. Lead by former German international Felix Magath, Wolfsburg infiltrated the top table of German football with some style.

Along the way they equaled the longest winning streak in a Bundesliga season with 10 successive victories. They also became the only team in the Bundesliga to have had two strikers score more than 20 goals in one season with Brazilian Grafite and Bosnian Edin Džeko achieving this feat, scoring 28 and 26 goals respectively. As a result of their title win Wolfsburg qualified for the CL for the first time in their history.

Unfortunately, they went out at the group stages when a win in their final game would have ensured qualification as group winners. But a magnificent achievement all the same!

5. Ryan Giggs

Like a fine wine Giggsy seems to get better with age! An eleventh Premier League title (see there’s that number 11 again), a third League Cup winners medal, a 1st PFA Player of the Year award and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award (modestly accepted….as always.)

Giggsy also beat Bobby Charlton’s long standing record for most games played by a United player (in the CL Final of all places!…. it’s now at 821 and counting), and became the first United player to score 100 Premier League goals. Add to that the fact that he has never been sent-off playing for United, is the consummate professional and the ultimate role model, and you could say Giggsy has it all.

A truly outstanding year for Sir Ryan!

Vintage!

6. Laurent Blanc

In only his 2nd year in management Blanc guided Bordeaux to the Ligue 1 title, finally breaking Lyon’s seven year domination in France. Motivated by Blanc, Bordeaux delivered eleven wins from eleven games in the run-in, setting a new French record in the process. Blanc’s team also scooped the French League Cup (Coupe de la League) and the French equivalent of the Charity Shield (Trophée des Champions).

He has since guided Bordeaux to top their Champions League group with an impressive total of 16 points from a possible 18, leaving both Bayern Munich and Juventus trailing in their wake.

How far can they go? Who knows, but with Blanc at the helm they look like a well organised and talented outfit.

Well done Laurent….some ‘big names’ may be sniffing around very soon!

7. Rubin Kazan

Rubin who? we all asked when these Russian ‘minnows’ first appeared on our radar. In 2008 they became only the 3rd team outside of Moscow to win the Russian League and followed that up by winning it again in 2009.

Delivered into the ‘Group of Death’ in the Champions League when matched with Barcelona, Inter Milan and Dynamo Kiev, these plucky Russians had the audacity to take four points off Barca, including a memorable win at the Camp Nou, and while they ultimately came-up short, they made it more than interesting (anyone who makes Mourinho sweat scores points with me!)

Rubin, geographically the most eastern team in Europe, were a breath of fresh air in 2009!

8. Real Madrid Fans

Well OK, they didn’t actually win anything and they were humiliated by Barca so why are they on the list? Well all of the above was the catalyst for the return of Florentino Perez (their 3rd President in 2009 by the way) and the promise of a new ‘Galacticos’.

And he duly delivered: Ronaldo…Kaka…Benzema…Alonso…………all for obscene money!

Perez may be about as cultured as a junk yard dog but he delivers what the Real fans want, regardless of the cost. Will it get Real back to the top in Spain and Europe? Maybe, but I hope not!

A big win for Real fans though….no question!

9. Michael Owen

Who would have thought? Certainly few Man Utd fans that’s for sure. Even fewer Liverpool fans! Owen’s career had been careering out of control ever since he picked-up that injury at the 2006 World Cup. Newcastle relegated…where was he to go? Hull? Stoke?….indeed was anyone prepared to take the risk?

Enter Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael must have thought, in the words of Bette Davis “I’ve been lucky….. I’ve been lucky again!” In the prelude to a World Cup year Owen surely can’t resist dreaming a little these days. Seven goals from a handful of starts and a number of substitute appearances and his star is slowly rising. If he stays fit he may just get 15 to 20 goals for the season….and would/could Capello ignore that?

Then again, it may all go pear shaped but Owen couldn’t have dreamt of a bigger opportunity than this, and that qualifies him as one of this year’s winners!

10. Raymond Domenech

Following France’s recent world dominance, 17 wins in 33 games just doesn’t cut it for a French manager, given the talent available….but that’s been Domenech’s record to date.

After failing to top Group 7 in the qualifiers (Serbia took the honours) one of the most reviled managers in recent French history found himself in the play-offs. ‘No problem’ was probably his sentiment when he saw his team paired with the Republic of Ireland….and no problem it certainly was after they won 1-0 in Dublin.

But after Robbie Keane scored in Paris it took ‘the hand of Thierry’ and a couple of optically challenged officials to save Domenech from the dreaded guillotine. He might be like a cat with nine lives but considering his balls have been dangling before the butcher’s knife all year you have to reward him with a place on the winners’ rostrum….…non?

11. Rafa Benitez

Before you choke on your porridge…read on! Rafa is a man who knows how to play the game….if not on the pitch, then certainly off it.

As Liverpool’s best ever challenge for the PL title started to wilt in the first months of the year, Rafa was making moves with the dexterity of a pole dancer down to her g-string.

He’s clearly been there (watching I mean….as the alternative interpretation is just too….!) You tweak it here and tweak it there, but when the ultimate moment comes make sure all of your best assets are showing. And so Rafa publicly ‘tweaked’ the nuances of his new contract to get his loyal fans salivating, waited for the ‘purple patch’ to be revealed to a frenzied audience and was off to the boardroom like someone had shoved an onion up his ass, to sign a new five year deal.

A £20m pound insurance policy you might call it….and based on what has gone down since at Anfield who could deny that it was the shrewdest move of the year?

Stand tall on the podium Rafa! A win is a win in any man’s language…and that’s a fact!

Honourable Mentions

Real Salt Lake

Nobody’s tip to take the MLS title this year, it was a backs to the wall exercise for this young club.

The ‘big city’ glamour boys may not have taken them too seriously but they came-up trumps, digging out results and beating the ‘pretty boys’ of LA Galaxy in a penalty shoot-out to win the final.

You’ve got to love the underdog…and they certainly were that!

Liga De Quito

Losing finalists against Man Utd in the Club World Cup last year, in 2009 Liga added the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana titles to their 2008 Copa Libertadores win, making it three continental titles in two seasons.

For those who missed the Copa Sudamericana final, it was a thrilling affair with Liga winning the 1st leg 5-1 before falling 3-0 down (to Fluminense of Brazil) in the 2nd leg and finding themselves with only 9 men. But they held out and continue to strike a blow for the ‘little guy’ as representatives of one of South Amreica’s smaller nations.

And finally…..

Go ANZACS

As a now resident of the southern hemisphere how could I not acknowledge the qualification of both Australia and New Zealand for South Africa 2010? The first time both have qualified together; thanks to the Aussies decision to go via the Asian qualifiers.

Both have tough groups but if the ultimate were to happen….a meeting of these great rivals on football’s biggest stage….. then the ‘All Whites’ and the ‘Socceroos’ will both have to make the semi-finals.

And with that (and considering that!) the only thing left to say is…..Goodnight Irene!

Also See:

The Biggest Losers of 2009
The Biggest Winners of 2008
The Biggest Losers of 2008

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

It was supposed to be written in the stars above the Space Needle. Sunday was the night everything was to come together and confirm the resurrection of a fallen giant. MLS Cup 2009 had an air of destiny; LA Galaxy, guided by the reinvigorated Beckham-Donovan axis, were to confirm their return from too long in the wilderness to triumph against all the odds.

Under Bruce Arena, the Galaxy were transformed from the worst team in the Western Conference in 2008 into the best – and Western champions – in 2009. He did so in the face of adversity, laughing off David Beckham’s controversial return and setting up a showpiece final in which LA were not ony favourite, but carried with them the filmic stench of inevitability.

And yet during the cup final festivities in the Emerald City between Thursday and Sunday, Arena would have been all too aware that a similar story was developing for Real Salt Lake. In Major League Soccer, there’s no such thing as a foregone conclusion.

The boys from Utah were gunning for some fairytale records of their own in Seattle on Sunday. Head coach Jason Kreis would become the league’s youngest victorious boss if Salt Lake took their first MLS title. And, having qualified for the playoffs as the eighth seed on the final weekend, his side would be the first team to win MLS Cup after posting a losing record (that’s sub-.500 to you and I) in the regular season.

In front of 46,000 people at a noisy Qwest Field on Sunday evening, two destinies collided. Of course, it went all the way – and it was Salt Lake skipper Kyle Beckerman who held MLS Cup aloft after a dramatic penalty shoot out.

LA take the initiative

Emerging from a storm of expectation, the team news on Sunday evening was unspectacular. Real Salt Lake remained unchanged from the side which had clinched the Eastern Conference title in the name of the West the weekend before. Beckham, who hadn’t trained until Friday, played through the pain of a foot injury – but he started on the right wing with Landon Donovan on the left. Chris Birchall and Jovan Kirovski started in the middle, while Dema Kovalenko had succumbed to illness.

The first ever MLS Cup to be played on turf got underway in the manner in which it would continue for much of the evening. It was a touch scrappy but Salt Lake played a patient passing game against the more urgent approach of the Galaxy.

Goalmouth drama, however, had to wait. In the 22nd minute it was a sad moment which created the first talking point. RSL midfielder Javier Morales had earlier been fouled rather aggressively by Beckham and, having tried to continue, eventually accepted his fate. He was replaced by Clint Mathis and left the field in tears.

On the pitch, Robbie Findley played on the shoulder of the last defender and was repeatedly foiled by LA’s offside trap. His pace took him past Gregg Berhalter in the 27th minute but the experienced defender jockeyed him out of play.

And from there, LA began their most productive spell of the match. Salt Lake’s play became predictable as tidy horizontal passing was invariably followed by a long ball into the channels, but the Galaxy were beginning to carve out some opportunities. Omar Gonzalez and Mike Magee missed the target either side of a shot by RSL’s Andy Williams, and Donovan hit a wild volley wide from an acute angle.

Three minutes later Donovan turned provider in a similar position and it paid dividends. Receiving the ball in his stride from Beckham, Donovan considered another shot but chose instead to send over an inch-perfect cross for Magee to finish at the far post. All Magee had to do was keep his cool and take care over his technique and he did so with flying colours to give LA Galaxy a 1-0 half time lead. It was deserved in the sense that the Galaxy found the better openings, but Salt Lake were controlling large parts of the pitch.

Fortune favours the brave

Kreis was forced into a second unplanned substitution at half time. Will Johnson started despite a recent bout of food poisoning and he had to be replaced by Eastern final penalty hero Ned Grabavoy. The change gave RSL more energy but they continued to have little in the way of an attacking threat in the early minutes of the second half.

LA would soon have to make an emergency change of their own. Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts hurt his hand in a 47th minute collision with Gonzalez and was grateful to have almost nothing to do for the next ten minutes. But then, RSL had a great spell of possession and had a penalty shout turned down on the hour. Birchall was lucky his clumsy tackle went unpunished but in truth a penalty would have been harsh.

Salt Lake finally broke through after 64 minutes. The ball ricocheted around the area during a goalmouth scramble and, with Yura Movsisyan helping him wreak havoc, Findley found the ball conveniently at his feet and stroked home the equaliser.

Ricketts was stranded, but in any case he was unable to use his injured right hand. Josh Saunders replaced him after the goal and Ricketts became the first goalkeeper ever substituted in an MLS Cup final. Saunders did Arena proud with a fine performance.

Both sides had a few chances to win it in normal time but were unable to convert. The Galaxy’s offside trap continued to frustrate Findley and Kreis responded by gambling on his last substitute, introducing Fabian Espindola to help unlock the Galaxy defence. He replaced Movsisyan, signalling the end of his MLS career. He’ll be in Europe with Denmark’s Randers FC in the new year.

The cruellest tie-breaker

A penalty shoot-out is no way to lose a cup final, but after an end-to-end but uneventful extra 30 minutes that was the fate facing one of these two teams.

LA went first and the first four spot kicks found the net. For the Galaxy, Beckham hit the bottom left corner and Berhalter went wide left of Nick Rimando to score. Mathis and Findley went for power, Findley’s finish into the top left corner making it 2-2.

Not so fortunate was Kirovski, who found Rimando blocking his shot’s path into the bottom left hand corner. RSL skipper Beckerman suffered an identical misery but was redeemed when his opposite number blasted over with the next kick. Donovan’s awful penalty gave Grabavoy the chance to make it 3-2 with a powerful shot into the top corner.

Magee’s must-score kick found the net but Williams, spent from his exertions after 120 minutes, couldn’t score the winner. Chris Klein and Chris Wingert held their nerve to make it 4-4 after the first round of sudden death, coolly finishing into the bottom corners.

And so it fell to Galaxy striker Edson Buddle, staring down Rimando and preparing to take the most important kick of his career. But Rimando, as he was against Chicago in RSL’s last game, was equal to it, diving low to his left to claw away a poor penalty and put Salt Lake’s fortunes in the hands of Robbie Russell. He made no mistake, and Real Salt Lake were crowned MLS Cup Champions 2009 on the back of a 5-4 victory from 12 yards.

Donovan may be the league’s MVP for 2009, but Rimando and Beckerman won’t be envious. Rimando picked up the MVP award for the match in Seattle on Sunday and Beckerman was visibly ecstatic when he stooped low on the platform with the Cup in his hand and then raised it to the sky to salute RSL’s first Major League Soccer triumph.

The fourteenth Major League Soccer season is over and we have a new champion. But for MLS, the off-season battle is just as vital and pits it against its own players. The upcoming collective bargaining agreement renewal has caused a dispute and striking has been threatened. FIFPro has vowed to get involved on the players’ behalf and, while FIFA’s initial response refused to condemn MLS, we’re set for a dramatic close season.

Chris Nee writes at twofootedtackle and co-hosts the twofootedtackle Podcast.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Nine months, 456 matches, and controversy aplenty. And it all comes down to to one game, one high-octane head-to-head for the title.

The fourteenth season of Major League Soccer is nearing its end and, while Seattle Sounders have skewed an otherwise worrying attendance picture, the action on the field has impressed. Two teams are still standing, and they’ll play for MLS Cup in Seattle this Sunday. It may not be the final commissioner Don Garber would have wanted – apart from one obvious element – but it has all the makings of an exciting one.

Friday’s Western Conference final hit the 90 minute mark without a goal, as had Houston Dynamo’s semi-final against the Sounders. This time, the Dynamo lost out in extra time as Gregg Berhalter stabbed the ball home from close range and Landon Donovan sealed LA Galaxy’s journey to Seattle from the spot. Two floodlight failures punctuated the match and took it past 11pm, but there was no dampening of LA’s spirits as the Beckham-Donovan axis goes from strength to strength.

Over in the East, matters were even more fraught. Western Conference wildcard Real Salt Lake’s progression past Columbus Crew put them into an Eastern Final against Chicago Fire at Toyota Park. Again the underdogs, RSL triumphed nonetheless in another conference final which suffered a lack of goals. A tense match saw Salt Lake hold out against a wave of Fire chances for 180 minutes before goalkeeper Nick Rimando stood firm in the penalty shoot-out. Ned Grabavoy’s winner secured RSL’s spot in the final.

Season so far

Real Salt Lake are as unpredictable as they come. In the early season they contrived to lose away to New York Red Bulls, one of the worst teams in the league’s history. They did so having beaten Columbus and DC United in consecutive games, and went on to demolish a very solid New England Revolution a week later. In a sense, those April results summed up their season. One minute RSL are formidable, the next they’re pretty untidy. They eventually got their revenge on New York, winning 2-0 at Rio Tinto to keep their playoff hopes alive in the middle of October.

Salt Lake qualified for the playoffs as the fourth wildcard despite picking up only 40 points from 30 games and winning just 11. It’s not terribly impressive, but it may not matter. The fact is RSL kept going right until the very end despite looking dead and buried, and qualified thanks to a bizarre final weekend. That determination can go a long way in one-off matches so it could be perfect for Sunday.

LA Galaxy kicked off the season with a draw at Chicago Fire and that result set the tone for the next couple of months. They drew six of their first seven matches and then went on a five-match tying streak bookended by wins over New York and Toronto FC. Throughout those periods LA looked anything but world-beaters but their main problem was failing to turn draws into wins, not scrapping to pick up those draws in the first place. The football was good, but the killer instinct was slightly lacking.

The easiest turning point to identify in LA’s season is the return of David Beckham from AC Milan in July, but that’s something of a falsehood. Beckham’s first game back in the Galaxy side was a 3-1 win at Giants Stadium, the final game in a solid four-game winning streak for the team. It is true, though, that Beckham’s influence has been telling. He links increasingly well with Landon Donovan and their partnership gives the midfield a creative edge to supplement its industry.

Worryingly, one or two defeats have begun to creep onto the form book towards the end of the season. In September, a 6-3 humiliation at the hands of then rampant FC Dallas was compounded by a loss at Columbus Crew. But they won the Western Conference title after finishing top of the Western table – that should please the purists.

MLS Cup 2009

Sunday’s game has all the makings of a thriller, and yet it could just as easily go the other way. The Galaxy look a different team to that of five months ago, but their playoff matches so far have demonstrated that they retain the knack of drawing matches. Their defensive unit is very competent and is capable of shutting the game right down given the right circumstances. On top form, Salt Lake have the personnel to cause LA some problems. But it’s been almost impossible this season to predict which RSL will show up for a game. Sometimes we get the fluid, dynamic RSL which can pile on the pressure and score for fun; others, it’s the anonymous RSL.

Judging by Salt Lake’s performances against Chicago and Columbus, I’d say the Galaxy won’t have it all their own way on Sunday. If the Salt Lake coaching staff can get their players prepared mentally for this match – as if they’ll need it – they’re certainly worthy contenders.

Regardless of Salt Lake’s unpredictable nature, would MLS have preferred a different final? There was much talk of Don Garber having a preference but in truth I don’t think MLS sets out at the beginning of the season with an ‘ideal’ MLS Cup tie in mind. But I’m certain that as the Conference finals kicked off the prospect of the league’s two highest-paid designated players – both due to leave MLS (probably temporarily) – facing off against one another became a very attractive one. But it wasn’t to be, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco will not be on the pitch against David Beckham.

Adding yet more spice to the occasion is its venue. Seattle Sounders couldn’t quite get over the finishing line but their supporters will no doubt be out in force at Qwest Field on Sunday. Football seems to have recaptured Seattle’s imagination and the team has been well-supported this year, integrating well into MLS and becoming one of its finest assets. The capacity at Qwest has been opened up to 42,000 for MLS Cup and with LA and RSL both taking plenty of supporters to the north west, the atmosphere should be electric. Keep an eye out for a whole load of rave green, though.

The Men to Watch

Real Salt Lake might be the unsung contender for this match but they have two of its most lethal players. Robbie Findley went through a fantastic purple patch in front of goal earlier in the season and has continued to impress while RSL have jostled for a playoff position. Yura Movsisyan, an Armenian forward who scored RSL’s first ever MLS Playoffs goal, is one of the league’s most exciting players to watch. He can beat his man with a blend of skill and strength, terrifies defenders when running at them, and has been known to put the ball in the back of the net. Behind them, Kyle Beckerman is arguably Major League Soccer’s most efficient box-to-box midfielder.

For the Galaxy, Landon Donovan and David Beckham have the potential to be deadly. Beckham’s passing ability remains second-to-none, as demonstrated in the playoff tie with Chivas USA, and his dead ball delivery could be the key which unlocks a nervy final. Donovan’s pace and skill is always dangerous and he has begun to link up effectively with the former England skipper. He also has a fantastic eye for goal and, dare I say it, a good record from the penalty spot. At the back, Omar Gonzalez has rightly been crowned Rookie of the Year and is capable of handling himself in the big games. But he’ll have to have his wits about him to keep RSL’s raiders at bay.

This MLS season has been a very good advertisement for the league. Seattle Sounders made a blistering start before Chivas USA took over as frontrunners. As the season wore on, the quality of Columbus Crew began to shine through and New England Revolution dragged themselves back into contention. There was mid-season drama in Kansas City and New York as coaches came to the end of their tenures, and in DC the most storied club in MLS history, DC United, went rather stale.

So, with the fifteen down to two, who’s got the wherewithal to take it all the way?

Real Salt Lake, as they’ve shown throughout the playoffs, are more than capable of springing a surprise. But I think this is the Galaxy’s year and MLS Cup has their name on it. They have overcome adversity, shaken off their inability to turn draws into wins and they play some of the best football in the league. What’s more, the two big guns are firing. You don’t really think Beckham will be satisfied until he’s won the title, do you?

Chris Nee writes at twofootedtackle and co-hosts the twofootedtackle Podcast.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Anybody casually tuning in to Major League Soccer’s Week 32 action and teetering over the great lake of MLS fandom will have jumped right in. The final week of the regular season began with a cluster of teams fighting it out to take up the final three playoff spots. The results and their impact on the playoff bracket were hugely surprising and entirely unpredictable as slip-ups and upsets allowed an unfancied team to leap into the post-season from outside everyone’s assumed candidates.

Chicago Fire confirmed their spot in midweek, defeating Chivas USA in a match which in turn confirmed Columbus Crew as winners of the Supporters Shield. Toronto FC somehow contrived to throw away their strong pre-game position by getting beaten 5-0 by New York Red Bulls. The result was a great send-off for Giants Stadium as the clubs prepares to kick off next season at the newly-built Red Bull Arena.

DC United and FC Dallas failed to take advantage. Tom Soehn’s men were 2-1 up at Kansas City and heading for the post-season when Fred handled the ball on the line, getting himself sent off and conceding the penalty which – when all the confusing permutations had been played out – ultimately doomed DC’s quest to failure. Dallas were beaten in Seattle to end their fantastic run through the second half of the season, while New England went to Crew Stadium, held their nerve, and booked a date with Chicago in the playoffs.

The chokers of the weekend were Colorado Rapids, who missed out on a very favourable opportunity by slumping to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Real Salt Lake, the weekend’s main beneficiaries. Thanks to Toronto, DC and Dallas all failing, RSL’s win sent them into a playoff spot which as recently as last week seemed almost impossible. Just goes to show – when you’re mathematically still alive, keep going until you’re not.

With the regular season done and dusted, it’s time for the top eight to get down to business. The playoffs begin tonight (Thursday) in Seattle and ending in the same stadium with MLS Cup Final on 22nd November. Here is your Soccerlens preview.

West: LA Galaxy v Chivas USA

This is exactly the kind of match MLS needs to continue to raise its profile. LA Galaxy are the highest profile team in the league, at least overseas, and the Superclasico is quickly developing into a worthy derby. This is surely helped by the fact that the two teams both play at Home Depot Center, a superb soccer-specific facility, and have been known to trade players across the lobby. Chivas is a young club which has defied the doubters to become a solid MLS concern, playing superbly in the early part of the 2009 season and improving late on to make a last-ditch push for the top of the table.

The Galaxy have taken the league by storm. A draw-riddled unbeaten streak characterised the first half of the season but by the time David Beckham returned from AC Milan the wins were beginning to flow. Folding Beckham back into the side and introducing Chris Birchall has given the side an extra creative edge, relieving some of the burden on the in-form Landon Donovan and allowing him to thrive alongside his English colleague. Their relationship, so fractious in the wake of 19 Entertainment’s alleged shadow takeover of the Galaxy and Grant Wahl’s book, The Beckham Experiment, appears to have developed into something much more productive.

The same appears to be true of Beckham’s relationship with the Galaxy supporters, who will no doubt appreciate the team’s first playoff qualification since Beckham’s arrival in 2007 and finishing first in the West.

West: Houston Dynamo v Seattle Sounders FC

For much of the 2009 season, Seattle have dominated the headlines. Large crowds have accentuated the feeling that the city was a market ready to adopt a top-level football club. Other sports have been suffering in Seattle and the Sounders name has plenty of history behind it.

The club has been marketed well all year and Drew Carey’s habit of appearing on national television draped in rave green can do no harm at all. On the field, Kasey Keller has been a solid backstop for a team which has for several months now struggled to score at home. Despite this, Fredy Montero is the most naturally gifted player in the league and is ably supported by designated player Freddie Ljungberg, former Arsenal youth player Steve Zakuani and target man Nate Jaqua.

However, Houston Dynamo are very reliable. A consistent team coached by Dominic Kinnear, possibly Major League Soccer’s finest, the Dynamo’s efficiency is the club’s biggest advantage. They are superb from set pieces and play confident, clever football on the floor too. The team’s superstar is Stuart Holden, an effervescent Scottish-born US international whose superb box-to-box midfield play has been a highlight for both the Dynamo and the US Men’s National Team this season. A big move surely awaits.

In Andrew Hainault, Juan Luis Landin, Ricardo Clark, Brian Ching, Geoff Cameron and others, the Dynamo have enough quality to make things very difficult for Seattle. Injuries to Landin and Clark could slow their progress but Houston should be consistent enough to see off the Sounders, though you just never know in football.

East: Columbus Crew v Real Salt Lake

In the East, Columbus Crew already have a 2009 title to their name. The Supporters Shield winners were crowned thanks to Chicago’s win over Chivas and go into the playoffs brimming with confidence. They know how to win MLS Cup (reigning champions, no less) and have looked unstoppable for large chunks of the 2009 season. Their squad depth is remarkable for MLS, demonstrated by Steven Lenhart and Jason Garey chipping in with crucial goals while Guillermo Barros Schelotto was out with an injury. Their excellent home record and depth of quality will make them many pundits’ favourites for a second consecutive win.

Their semi-final opponents Real Salt Lake did the business on the final day, defeating Colorado to take advantage of teams collapsing elsewhere. They grabbed an unexpected wildcard slot and will face a very difficult challenge against the Crew. Yura Movsisyan will want to sign off on a high before moving to Randers in Denmark, Robbie Findley has a sharp eye for goal and Kyle Beckerman is one of the finest midfielders in MLS. On their day, they can give anyone a run for their money.

East: Chicago Fire v New England Revolution

Also in the East, New England Revolution pounced on DC and FCD’s last-gasp inadequacy to grab a berth by winning the last game of the regular season. Having qualified in the absence of Taylor Twellman, the Revs are likely to be high on confidence despite one or two notable injuries. Shalrie Joseph, as ever this season, could be the key man. Kheli Dube must also be firing for the Revolution to succeed.

Their opponents may be hamstrung by their lack of consistency and questionable home form. Chicago Fire draw too many matches on their own pitch and the Revs’ gritty football may give the Fire some problems breaking them down. They will be relying on Blanco to unlock the Revs, and he is certainly capable of doing so. The two sides have been inseparable in league play in 2009, but the Fire triumphed in a Superliga tie in July.

The two winners from each Conference will play in the Conference finals in the middle of November before the final showdown in Seattle. So which team will be crowned champions? Columbus Crew’s squad depth is a huge asset because it provides options and flexibility, both ideal for cup football. Houston are also solid and are excellent from set pieces, which could help them dominate the key moments against Seattle. For their part the Sounders will have fantastic support and the confidence of a successful first season. I fancy them to upset the Dynamo.

But for me the favourites are LA Galaxy. It is said by English football supporters that momentum is essential for a playoff campaign, and if that holds true then the Galaxy hold the cards. They have big name players in David Beckham and Landon Donovan, both of whom possess immense quality, a winning attitude and, it appears, a new-found respect for one another. The pair are on form and, with a reliable defence behind them and worthy support acts elsewhere, they could lead LA to a title win before the former England captain heads back to Milan.

Chris Nee writes at twofootedtackle and co-hosts the twofootedtackle Podcast.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

There are plenty of promising players in Major League Soccer, and many of proven quality too. Despite Europe’s negative perception of the United States’ flagship football league there is a good deal of talent currently plying its trade Stateside.

Many players have played on both sides of the Atlantic already. Juan Pablo Angel moved to New York Red Bulls from Aston Villa, David Beckham to Los Angeles Galaxy from Real Madrid (and back to Europe to play for AC Milan) and Darren Huckerby left England to have a crack at MLS with San Jose Earthquakes. Terry Cooke’s been in the USA for a while, and the British trio of Danny Dichio, Rohan Ricketts and Carl Robinson play in Major League Soccer’s Canadian outpost, Toronto.

Americans have had an impact in Europe, too. Kasey Keller starred in the Premier League and now plays in goal for Seattle. Brian McBride was a proven Premier League striker before returning to Illinois to lead the line for Chicago Fire. Bobby Convey plays for the Quakes with Huckerby and spent time in England with Reading. Others, including Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley and Freddy Adu, are currently flying the Stars and Stripes in Europe.

A predictable clutch of MLS players look capable of playing in Europe, Landon Donovan and Rapids goal machine Conor Casey being the obvious current candidates. But who else is playing in America and perhaps sneaking under the European radar? This is by no means a comprehensive list, and there are many omissions.

The players listed are not all Premier League quality or even of Premier League potential. Some would fit in better in other English leagues, others elsewhere on the continent. But I think they all have the potential to cross the Atlantic, earn a little more money – because that’s what football is about these days – and make a success of it.

The most defensive man on this list is a player who has the attributes to make an excellent holding midfielder. For my money, Major League Soccer’s goalkeepers are still generally lacking composure, dominance and the nous to effectively apply their agility and athleticism. But despite my sweeping generalisation there are one or two promising stoppers in MLS currently and the USA’s traditionally successful export of goalkeepers is unlikely to be at its end. There are good defenders too, but this is a position in which players will struggle to make an earth shattering impact.

As Week 12 gets underway, here are five surprising players who’ve caught the eye this season (and aren’t too old to make the move):

1. Macoumba Kandji (New York Red Bulls)

Despite the Red Bulls’ lumbering start, 23-year-old Mac Kandji has been bang in form. The big forward has only scored twice this term but has contributed three assists and forged a promising partnership with RBNY hitman Juan Pablo Angel.

Kandji’s physique would be ideal for the Premier League and he uses it well. He’s 6’4″, a wirey athlete with deceptive pace, great touch and decent vision, and he’s brimming with confidence. He’s definitely one to watch. If Kandji were to cross the pond, the Premier League is definitely the league for him, perhaps via France. His physicality and speed of thought would be an ideal asset for clubs in Europe’s more robust leagues.

2. Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders)

Colombian forward Fredy Montero took Major League Soccer by storm in the early weeks of the season as Seattle got off to a roaring start in their first season in the league. Montero’s stylish South American swagger makes him an ideal candidate to play his home continent’s traditional number ten role, a creative pivot sorely lacking in certain European leagues.

Montero has so far racked up four goals from nine outings for the Sounders, including an ambitious strike from distance which found the net against Real Salt Lake at the end of March. As well as an eye for goal, Montero has plenty of pace and a good range of passing. With his off the pitch travails behind him and his first MLS red card out of the way, all eyes at Qwest Field are on Montero as the Sounders hunt for a playoff berth.

Fredy’s football brain and number ten style make him the perfect candidate to bring a little trequartista entertainment to Serie A. Perhaps clubs in mid-table which now play one striker and one withdrawn striker on the peninsula would get the best out of the Colombian youngster and with Napoli soon to be without Ezequiel Lavezzi, Naples could be his perfect destination.

3. Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)

Real’s former Colorado Rapids midfielder might be a choice slightly out of left field, but the dreadlocked skipper deserves recognition. The 27-year-old has been capped by the United States and is, to my mind, a little under-rated.

Beckerman holds together RSL’s midfield, providing protection for the defence and the occasional blockbusting shot at goal. He has boundless energy and that wonderful ability to be in the right place at the right time and play simple. Beckerman’s attributes could be well suited to England, perhaps in the middle of the Premier League, but arguably he could also thrive in the Bundesliga.

4. Chris Pontius (DC United)

“Party Boy” was acquired by United in the 2009 SuperDraft and has made a huge impact at RFK in just 12 matches of his rookie year. Quickly becoming one of DCU’s key players, Pontius’ versatility enables him to be effective as a striker, just behind or – at a push – on either wing. He has already netted three league goals for his new club including a lovely late strike to trigger a blistering last few minutes at home to Toronto and a stoppage time winner in New York. In fact he’s already something of a Red Bulls killer, having struck twice in DC’s Open Cup win between the two – from defensive midfield.

Pontius has bundles of energy and has a little bit of everything to his game: an accurate shot, aerial ability, skill and a decent cross. While I’m tipping him now for a possible move to Europe, the truth is he probably needs to settle into a more regular position for a couple of years first. Right now, the fact that he is more than proficient in such a variety of roles is doing United the world of good.

5. Gerson Mayen (Chivas USA)

20-year-old Gerson Mayen debuted in MLS this season after progressing from Chivas USA’s developmental squad to the first team squad in 2008. In fairness his inclusion here is something of an ambitious one, as he has only seven appearances under his belt, but I think this is a talented young player. He’s a midfielder with stacks of ability and one thing he possibly has to his advantage over Pontius is a ruthless eye for the killer pass. Four assists have been chalked up by Mayen, the highlight being a perfect through ball for Eduardo Lillingston in Chivas’ 2-0 win at Dallas in March.

While Mayen’s selection will likely come as a surprise to any American readers, he is one player I’d like to see a lot more of. It’s possible he’ll develop into a more attacking midfielder than he is currently and adding a few goals to his repertoire would be a huge step forward – midfielders who can score and create are worth their weight in gold. That said, it’s too early to identify a European destination for Mayen. But he’s definitely one to keep an eye on.

Of course, this is all a matter of opinion. Who else is currently playing in Major League Soccer and has caught your eye? Who are the league’s best players, and should its homegrown players be getting a chance for the USMNT?

Chris Nee writes at twofootedtackle and co-hosts the twofootedtackle podcast.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Is the MLS the most balanced football league in the world? Why does the Galaxy insist on building teams around a single player? Will Seattle recover their grove? All this and more in our MLS weekly review.

1.) Parity like no other league

I cannot think of one league in the world that has the level of parity of MLS.  The salary cap keeps teams in check, and for it, on any given day, event he worst team in the league can win a game nobody would expect them to win.  We saw that this week.  

Winless in four, FC Dallas laid into Toronto, and on the back of the do it all Kenny Cooper, grabbed a win.  The win saw them climb out of the basement of the Western Conference, one point ahead of LA.  Houston, also collected their first win of the campaign topping an inform Colorado side to move from seventh to fifth in the standings.  

In the eastern conference, New York finally got in the win column by thoroughly dismantling a strong Real Salt Lake side.  If you’re planning on placing a bet, I’d peg New York to have a good stretch coming up.  Mac Kandji and Juan Pablo Angel are finally hitting their stride.

This just goes to show that disparity between any two teams is negligent.  It’s just about which team can consistently grind out results, and put fill up the win and draw columns in the standings.

2.) Where oh where is David Beckham?

Those who said the league did not need Beckham were right and wrong.  The league didn’t need him to add to the quality of play, but they sure do need him for his media presence and the butts he puts in the seats.  The average attendance this week was 11,019, and that does not even factor in the unannounced attendance in Dallas.  Based on what I saw in the broadcast, I would say there were no more than 5,000 fans in attendance.  Yikes!  

3.) Seattle learns why MLS is so tough

Seattle jumped off to a 3-0 start, but since has lost two in a row.  They fought an uphill battle courageously after Kasey Keller was red carded last week for a hand ball outside the box, and lost on a late goal, 1-0.  This week, they faced first place Chivas USA on the road and were beaten 2-0.  They didn’t play particularly poorly, but were not the same team that dominated their opponents in the first three games.  Kasey Keller will return this week from a one game suspension, and I’m sure they will welcome him back with open arms.

4.) I’ve heard this before

I initially thought the hiring of Bruce Arena was a good move, and in all honesty, Bruce is a great coach, but the guys he has to work with are dross.  Last year the team was carried by two players, David Beckham and Landon Donovan.  This year, the team is being carried by one player, Landon Donovan.  He’s scored two and assisted on three for a grand total of five goals that he has been involved in.  That’s great production, but the LA Galaxy have only scored six goals on the season.  Credit to the man after returning from a less than inspiring stint in Germany, but really, get him some help LA!

5.) 41 and counting…

Pat Onstad came up big again this weekend.  He pulled off a miraculous penalty save with his trailing hand against Conor Casey, then had the where with all to get up and make an instinctual save on the subsequent header.  Bravo!  Not to mention he was kicked in the face by Omar Cummings as well.  At 41, you begin to wonder how long Pat can go?  I’d bet that he’ll stay in the game until Vancouver enters in 2011, and try to play his final season in his home town.  

That’s about it for the weekend’s news and notes.  Share your thoughts and comments below.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Our last column, inspired at 2AM, carefully selected winners for MLS season openers. Some were slightly off, and today we discuss why these results went topsy and what to expect down the road.

1) NY Red Bulls @ Seattle Sounders

Result: Seattle 3-0 New York
Prediction: New York 3-2 Seattle
Excuse: Seattle is a strong team, Sigi Schmid a champion coach, the fans passionate, the owners pulled the stops, but this result was better than chemistry. Hot young striker Fredy Montero triggered the magic and joyfully scored two goals and an assist. Even the glib announcers were blinded by the polish in this playoff bound team. They ate New York for lunch.

There is no excuse for New York. This was appalling. New Yorkers are heartless and largely responsible for the global economic collapse, borne of greed and corruption. They deserve this hopeless team. Learn from it.

2) Columbus Crew @ Houston Dynamo

Result: 1-1
Prediction: Columbus 3-1 Houston
Excuse: Loss of faith in virtue (see above). In a well-played game, it came down to the classic battle of two kings facing off. Brian Ching scored for Dynamo, Guillermo Barros Schelloto for Columbus. See them both in the playoffs.

2) Chicago Fire @ FC Dallas

Result: Chicago 3-1 Dallas
Prediction: 2-2
Excuse: 2AM, tequila. Cuautehmoc Blanco and Brian McBride are older, but not heading to pasture anytime soon. They both scored, Blanco ten minutes after entering the field at 79 minutes. Justin Mapp left his mark, Chris Rolfe will, and Chicago will be in the playoffs.

Dallas will struggle again this year, but Kenny Cooper’s blast from 60 yards distinguishes him from other MLS players – he’s the #1 reason to watch Dallas play. It might have been only one goal, but it was worth two.

3) Toronto FC @ Kansas City Wizards

Result: Toronto 3—2 Kansas City
Prediction: Toronto 3-1 Kansas City
Excuse: None, pretty much called it. Amado Guevara scored 2, Jim Brennan the other, and Toronto won its first season opener in its three-year history and it’s fifth away win. Expect to see more and their first trip to the playoffs. As predicted, the Wizard’s Davy Arnoud made the difference with two goals, but wins will be few and far between for KC.

4) New England Revolution @ San Jose Earthquakes

Result: New England 1-0 San Jose
Prediction: San Jose 2-1 New England
Excuse: Quakes were disorganized and should have done better, unable to tally even though three of the four Revs defenders were rookies. The replacements kept it simple and persevered, but their future depends on the fitness of sidelined Steve Ralston, Taylor Twellman, Gabriel Badilla, Mauricio Castro, and two incoming players from Ghana. That’s a lot of X factors for the Revs and a thumbs-down for the Quakes.

5) Colorado Rapids @ Chivas USA

Result: Chivas USA 2-1 Colorado
Prediction: Colorado 2-0 Chivas
Excuse: Paulo Nagamura not on radar. He is now, after scoring two second-half goals for Chivas in an ugly, physical match. Omar Cummings scored for the Rapids, but both these teams must improve to reach sea level.

6) DC United @ LA Galaxy

Results: 2-2
Prediction: Galaxy 3-2 United
Excuse: None. Donovan comes from behind with a header and a penalty. LA will prosper this year, DC will not. See LA in the playoffs with David Beckham. Put money on it.

7) Real Salt Lake @ Seattle Sounders — to be played March 28

New Prediction: Sounders 3-1 Salt Lake
Old Prediction: Salt Lake 2-1 Sounders
Excuse: See above. Still looking forward to the Javi and Kyle show.

USL-1 Puerto Rico Islanders blow past MLS in CONCACAF tournament.

March 17, the USL-1 Puerto Rico Islanders trounced five-time CONCACAF champion Cruz Azul 2-0 in the CONCACAF semifinals with goals by Nicholas Addlery and Sandy Gbandi and clutch saves by Bill Gaudette. The Islanders face Santos Laguna (2-1 Atlante) April 28 in the return leg and could earn a berth in the FIFA World Championship.

They USL-1 Islanders danced past last MLS hold-out Houston Dynamo (3-0 loss to Atlante) and long outlived New England Revolution, DC United, and Chivas USA in the tournament. USL-1 Montreal Impact, cut down in the semi-finals, also went beyond every MLS squad but Houston.

How did this happen? How did these players fly under MLS radar? Coach Colin Clarke previously coached FC Dallas, keeper Bill Gaudette played for Columbus Crew, and striker Nicholas Addlery was a DC United reject. How did two teams from a lower league accomplish this with so little fanfare?

Revolution coach and former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol shared his thoughts with us.

LE: How do you explain how USL went beyond MLS in the CONCACAF tournament?

Nicol: I think it’s a fantastic result. For them to be where there are and get the results they are, it’s fantastic. The coach they have in [Colin] Clark — he’s been around, he was smart as a player and he’s smart as a coach, he has them well organized. Clearly their opponents are better paid, supposedly better qualified to win matches, but it shows you that some heart and good organization — and some ability as well — can take you a long way.

LE: Did the packed schedule hold MLS back last year or are Montreal and the Islanders really talented?

Nicol: I don’t think the MLS schedule had anything to do with it. They did well in their own right, shown that they’ve got ability, they’re well-organized and they’ve got heart. You put all these things together and it takes some beating.

MLS awards franchises to Vancouver and Portland in 2011, promises two more in 2012

After awarding contenders Vancouver, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon MLS franchises, MLS Commissioner Don Garber promised two more clubs in 2012, mentioning St. Louis and Ottawa by name.

The proximity and fanbase of these northwest cities may have played into the decision, but more likely the deep pockets of investors and the likelihood of soccer specific stadiums in uncertain financial times factored heavily in the equation.

The Vancouver Whitecaps investors are by Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash. Nash is a two-time NBA MVP and like Mallet, (former president of Yahoo!) is an investor in Women’s Professional Soccer. Vancouver is hosting the 2010 winter Olympics and contracted to renovate the BC Place stadium from 60,000 to a 20,000 seat soccer specific stadium at a cost of $360 milion for the event. The stadium will have a retractable roof and a centrally hung scoreboard, the first in MLS.

Montreal was favored over Vancouver earlier this winter, but Montreal proposed the 13,000 seat Stade Saputo, which doesn’t line-up with the more ambitious MLS plans. The Vancouver deal went through at $35 million, not the $40 million fee. Saturday the Whitecaps sold four thousand season tickets out of 16,500 in just three hours.

Portland agreed to renovate PGE Park to the satisfaction of MLS, and has the wherewithal to do it. Owner Merritt Paulson and his father former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, that currently own USL Timbers, are well-heeled and have the background. Merritt Paulson was previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development at NBA Entertainment.

“The Portland City Council’s recent approval of the framework for the renovations of PGE Park was a key factor in Portland becoming our 18th team,” said Commissioner Garber.

Photo Credits: Traynor, KB Hall via Flickr.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The MLS season opens with fireworks Thursday night for the Seattle Sounders inaugural game at Qwest field against New York Red Bulls.

The Seattle Sounders management did everything right to create a model club, including stealing 2008 MLS Cup Champion coach Sigi Schmid from Columbus Crew.

The supporters group, FC Alliance can vote out the general manager, currently Adrian Hanauer, every four years if 20% of the members sign a petition, an idea lifted from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Comedian/owner Drew Carey put full media spin behind the club, which sold 22,000 season tickets and 32,400 seats for the opening game. “We’ll have this big drunken march down to the stadium before the game begins,” said Carey.

The inevitable and highly suspect predictions:

In a league where parity is king, it’s pointless to discuss MLS Cup at this point, so without further ado, here are the predictions for the season openers:

Thursday, March 19

New York Red Bulls @ Seattle Sounders
Prediction: Red Bulls 3-2

The Sounders have Kasey Keller in net, but designated player Freddie Ljungberg, recovering from hip surgery, might not take the field. Young Columbian Fredy Montero and Nate Jaqua are the strike force, and with central defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, this team could be a threat on short notice.

Juan Carlos Osorio reinvented the Red Bulls with 15 foreign-born players to support Juan Pablo Angel, the top MLS goal scorer (14), who is fit and re-signed. Dynamic midfielder Dane Richards will be assisted by 33 year-old Albert Celades, former Barca and Real Madrid midfielder.

Danny Cepero, who scored the first goal by an MLS goalkeeper in his very first game, will continue his own fairy tale by substituting for Jon Conway, still suspended. The Bulls won their last preseason match 2-0 with Crystal Palace, with goals by Khano Smith and Mathew Mboto.

Saturday, March 21

Columbus Crew @ Houston Dynamo
Prediction: Columbus Crew 3-1

The Crew remain intact with 2008 MLS assist leader (19) and league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelloto, Robbie Rogers, and defenders Frankie Hejduk and Gino Padula.

Although Houston coach Dominic Kinnear still has national team striker Brian Ching, he lost goal scorer Dwayne DeRosario, recently suffered a humiliating defeat in CONCACAF, and striker Kai Kamara was just suspended for the first two matches for inappropriate comments. Midfielder Stuart Holden is expected to make miracles happen.

Chicago Fire @ FC Dallas
Prediction 2-2

The Chicago Fire will succeed as expected with Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Brian McBride and Chris Rolfe, but the individual efforts of Dallas Kenny Cooper, Dave van den Bergh, and Dax McCarty will throw off their game.

Toronto FC @ Kansas City Wizards
Prediction: Toronto 3-1

Toronto has a team set on scoring and Captain Jim Brennan and Dwayne DeRosario will make it happen along with Pablo Vitti, Chad Barrett and Danny Dichio. The fans want goals and the fans will get goals with this roster.

Jimmy Conrad, Davy Arnoud, and the rest of Kansas City will be hard pressed to keep TFC from running up the score.

New England Revolution @ San Jose Earthquakes
Prediction: San Jose 2-1

San Jose has a versatile midfield of Bobby Convey, Arturo Alvarez, Darren Huckerby, and Ramiro Coralles, and Cam Weaver can tally goals.

The Revolution lost three big players over the winter and replaced them with untested rookies while dealing with serious injuries to goal scorers Steve Ralston and Taylor Twellman. Shalrie Joseph, Jay Heaps and Chris Albright will control the back, but this team needs attacking players. Although the Revolution have troubles, they keep their spirits up by humiliating their coaches.

Colorado Rapids @ Chivas USA
Prediction: Rapids 2-0

Jason Kreis kept the Rapids intact with linchpins Omar Cummings, Conor Casey, Colin Clark, and Pablo Mastroeni, and beat the Sounders in preseason. Sasha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstein, and Ante Razov will toil for Chivas but it may not be enough.

Sunday, March 22

DC United @ LA Galaxy
Prediction LA 3-2

LA will come off solid, thanks to Bruce Arena, who shook the team up top to bottom. Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan, and Dema Kovalenko will score goals without David Beckham, but still need to solidify a backline, particularly with the absence of new keeper Donovan Ricketts due to injury. DC also may be handicapped by the absence of their keeper Louis Crayton due to injury, but Francis Doe, Thabiso Khumalo, and Santino Quaranta will provide a show in the top half of the field.

Saturday, March 28

Real Salt Lake @ Seattle Sounders
Prediction: Real Salt Lake 2-1

Javier Morales, Yura Movsisyan, and Kyle Beckerman give Real Salt Lake the stability and creativity to challenge the new Seattle Sounders, while still producing episodes of the Kyle and Javi show.

National teams drop in the clutch

The women’s national team failed to win their third straight Algarve Cup, handing it over to Sweden in penalty kicks after the 1-1 tie. Shannon Boxx scored for the US in the 90th minute.

The men’s U-20s fell 3-0 to Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Championship final, but secured a spot in the U-20 World Cup in Egypt with their 2-0 win over El Salvador.

FC Barca resurfaces near 2010 Philadelphia franchise

A few days before bowing out of the proposed Barca Miami franchise, Barca president Joan Laporta toured the site of the stadium being constructed for the approved 2010 Philadephia MLS franchise. Don Garber told Sports Business Journal, “the team has secured more than 6,000 season ticket deposits and two sponsors a year before kicking off,” but Philadephia is looking for partners. MLS Philadelphia CEO Nick Sakiewicz said that Delaware County and Pennsylvannia put up $77 million and expects Jay Sugarman, the majority owner-operator, and his fellow investors to produce the $38 million balance.

“FC Barcelona has expressed for some time an interest in Major League Soccer financially and strategically,” said Don Garber. “They spent a great deal of time with us looking at Miami and are continuing to look at opportunities around the league.”

Photo Credits: W. Jarrett Campbell/Triangle Soccer Fanatics

From Soccerlens.com - Football News