World Cup: Team USA Preview

The road to South Africa: After hammering West Indian minnows Barbados in stage two, the USA found themselves in the same bracket as Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Cuba in round three. Bradley's men won five of their six encounters in the third round, with their only defeat being a 2-1 loss at Port of Spain against the Soca Warriors. A win over arch-rivals Mexico in their opening game, followed up by a 2-2 draw in El Salvador, got the USA off to a solid start. After a comfortable 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago,the stars and stripes faltered against Costa Rica in a 3-1 defeat. Their other loss came against Mexico in the fortress-like Estadio Azteca, losing 2-1. The USA kept their nerve to stay on track and clinch their South Africa 2010 ticket with a 3-2 win over Honduras.   Top Qualifying scorers: 6—Jozy Altidore 5—Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan & Michael Bradley 4—Brian Ching   Key Player: Carlos Bocanegra The 31-year-old will be an integral part of Bob Bradley’s defense when the USA comes up against England, Slovenia, and Algeria in June. Bocanegra currently plays his football in France for Rennes FC and primarily plays centre back. However, he also has the ability to play left back and defensive midfield. The former ...

MLS News: Philadelphia Union Release Defender David Myrie

On November 25, 2009, Costa Rican International David Myrie was selected by the Philadelphia Union in the MLS Expansion Draft. On March 25, 2010 he made his MLS debut at fullback in the Union's first game of the season. And on March 30, 2010 he was released. Such is the curious case of David Myrie's brief career with the Philadelphia Union. David Myrie was an unusual selection for Philadelphia in the expansion draft. Myrie had been signed by the Chicago Fire two months before, but had not made any league appearances with the club. Regardless, Piotr Nowak and the rest of the Union coaching staff took a flyer on him, hoping to unlock his potential. He played solid if not unspectacular football during the preseason and was a surprise selection in Nowak's starting 11 for the debut game against the Seattle Sounders. Five days later he was released. Starting defender to unemployed in five days is quite a transition. Anyone that watched the game or even highlights of the game would agree that Myrie certainly did not make the best impression. He was repeatedly beaten down the wings by Fredy Montero, often appeared indecisive, and made many rash tackles. Despite this, it still seems odd that it took only one game for Myrie ...

2010 MLS Power Rankings: Week Two

MLS Power Rankings (March 31)—Last Week’s Rank in Parentheses 1. Columbus Crew (1): GBS proved he’s still got it in a 2-0 win over Toronto. 2. LA Galaxy (2): It wasn’t pretty, but a 1-0 win over NER keeps them at No. 2. 3. Seattle Sounders (3): They looked darn good, but they did play the Union. 4. Real Salt Lake (6): A 4-0 win? Maybe their road woes are a thing of the past. 5. Houston Dynamo (4): Dominic Kinnear’s bunch dug deep for a road tie against Dallas. 6. Colorado Rapids (9): A very nice win on the road for Gary Smith’s squad vs. CHV. 7. Chicago Fire (5): The Windy City took a tumble in NY’s new digs, so they fall. 8. K.C. Wizards (13): The week’s biggest climber put a 4-0 beatdown on DCU. 9. Toronto FC (7): Nobody puts baby in a corner, nor beats CMB at home. 10. FC Dallas (8): A tie vs. HOU isn’t bad, but it ain’t enough for the former Burn. 11. N.Y. Red Bulls (14): A win over CHI to open their new stadium was sweet. 12. N.E. Revolution (10): A tough Week One loss for a team that has injury problems. 13. Chivas USA (12): The Goats dropped a ...

MLS Should Adopt a European Calendar To Progress and Promote Its Soccer?

In recent years, football has taken giant leaps in America. Look no further than what the USA national football team was able to accomplish in last year's Confederations Cup. An unprecedented 2-0 victory over European champions Spain and a narrow defeat in the final to Brazil opened footballing eyes to the talent and commitment that the USA team possesses. Football in America has become more popular than ever. The arrival of David Beckham has brought the Major League Soccer brand over to Europe and, for the first time ever, MLS merchandise is on sale in European stores. David Beckham has done the majority of his work off the pitch for Major League Soccer. Beckham's role in the MLS has brought the league across the Atlantic and into home and store in Ireland, England, and further on throughout Europe. Major League Soccer needs to grab hold of this momentum and build on it. They need to use this as a foundation for progressing their product in other countries as well as developing further interest at home in the league as well as in the sport as a whole. How do they do this? Adopt the European football calendar! As it stands, the Major League Soccer calendar runs ...

The Votes Are In: Red Bull Arena is a Golazo!

HARRISON, N.J. (March 29, 2010)– While the New York MetroStars, no, my bad, New York Red Bull has yet to live up to its winning and legendary predecessors, the New York Cosmos, their new stadium is certainly a big time winner. Red Bull Arena is living up to, perhaps even exceeding expectations from fans, players and other observers. Tri-State area fans watched and enjoyed the intimate and genuine soccer experience of Red Bull Arena as the Red Bulls played a friendly against Brazil’s Santos and competed in their first MLS game in the gorgeous soccer-specific venue. Many observers say that Red Bull Arena was exactly what they wanted. The feedback I received from friends and family who attended the match was overwhelmingly positive. News reports and fans commentary on the web has also been positive (No, I have not yet personally watched a match at the stadium). Comments about the proximity of the stands, how the roof captures the generated noise, the intricate Red Bull logos painted across the seats and sprinkled throughout the catacombs, the location of the Empire Supporters Club and the emphasis on public transportation, all speak of the attention to detail and the effort to foster a bond between ...

New England Revolution Consecutive Playoff Appearance Streak on the Line

The New England Revolution have the longest active streak for consecutive playoff appearance, going to the postseason eight straight times. A number of other teams look more attractive than New England, but Head Coach Steve Nicol continues to get the best out of his squad. The team is still looking for its first MLS Cup championship, even though they’ve reached the finals four times. The one constant in the lineup since 2003 has been MVP candidate Shalrie Joseph. He started ever since his rookie season and is an absolute force. He is (in)famous for his strong, physical, and tenacious defense. He is also equally as valuable in the offense. In 2009 he tied for the team lead in goals (eight) and led the team in assists (eight). Both tallies were also career highs. Joseph is good in the air, challenges hard, and is a sharp passer. He’s a great two-way midfielder and is one of the best players in the league. His presence is what keeps the Revolution going. The Revolution also have a strong defense. Last season saw the emergence of rookie defenders Darrius Barnes and Kevin Alston. Barnes, a center back, started and played every minute of every league game. Alston, a right fullback, is a ...

Much-Improved New York Red Bulls Beat Chicago Fire, 1-0

It’s only one game, but it looked so much better than any game from 2009. Red Bull New York’s 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire last night was a complete turnaround from what was only a five-win team from last year. Everything was noticeably different. The most obvious difference was the new stadium and incredible fan support. Instead of playing in front of a sparse crowd in barren Giants Stadium where the noise made, if any, would just dissipate into the wide open space, the Red Bulls were now the main event at a packed Red Bull Arena where the noise would bounce off the roof over the seats. There were finally fans at the game and they were finally glad to be there. Still, to win games things needed to be different on the pitch as well, and they were. Passing was markedly better. It all started from the back as rookie Tim Ream showed why he was so highly touted throughout the preseason. Not only was he solid defensively, but his sharp passing was on display as he looked comfortable on the ball and linked up with midfielder Joel Lindpere quite a bit in transition. Lindpere has looked like a great signing for the team in ...

MLS: Red Bulls Extinguish the Fire

Harrison, NJ—Playing in cold weather, the New York Red Bulls kicked off the 2010 MLS season by defeating the Chicago Fire, 1-0, in front of their boisterous fans of more than 24,000. Last week, Joel Lindpere, the Estonian international who had the first goal in the Red Bulls' first game at Red Bull Arena, a 3-1 win over Santos, scored the winning goal at the 40th minute. Along with Lindpere's performance, Bouna Coundoul played marvelous all night with acute awareness and well-timed saves. Coming off a 7-0-3 preseason record, the Red Bulls displayed cohesive ball control and were able to trap the Fire when it mattered most. This game also marked the first official win for new manager, Hans Backe. The Fire, managed by new manager, former El Salvador coach Carlos de los Cabos, played its first official match since Cuauhtemoc Blanco left after three seasons for Mexico’s Veracruz. Chicago played well and out-shot the Red Bulls 17-11, with an astronomical 13-5 shot difference in the second half. Early in the first half, the Fire almost took the lead when former U.S. national team star Brian McBride had a beautiful 18-yard bicycle kick that bounced off the post. This is ...

Buddle, Donovan, Defense Pace Los Angeles Galaxy Over New England Revolution

The number six may as well have been the number of the match for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Last year, the Galaxy won games 1-0 nothing six times. Six minutes into the first half of their first game, the Los Angeles Galaxy took the first step towards putting the penalty shootout disaster last November in Seattle behind them. And if you combine the digits of the jerseys behind the winner, they add up to...six. Edson Buddle (No. 14) converted a delivery from Landon Donovan (No. 10) and the Galaxy defense made some stops, getting the breaks they needed to open the 2010 Major League Soccer season with a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution. Last year, Buddle managed just five goals. While it's certainly too soon to tell, the goal may be a sign that the 28-year-old forward is on the upswing. Revolution manager Steve Nicol pieced together a ragtag lineup, molded together by one of the mainstays for New England, Shalrie Joseph. The match had its share of chippy play from New England and questionable finishing from both ends. Revolution defender Kevin Alston was booked in the 18th minute for a hard ...

Real Salt Lake Opens Title Defense with Convincing 3-0 Victory

I would not call myself a soccer nut. I would not say I am a soccer aficionado. I am definitely not a soccer hooligan, but I enjoy the beautiful game as much as the next guy. Despite my lack of knowledge as it relates to soccer strategy there is something that I have seen that I think translates to every sport. Winning a championship gives you confidence, and experience that raise your game to a whole new level. Case in point: Real Salt Lake. I realize I am a little biased having spent most of my life in Salt Lake, but hear me out. Real was not exactly a powerhouse last season. They finished the regular season 11-12-7. For those of you without math degrees that is below .500. They lost more games than they won. They were worse than average. I have long hated the idea of allowing a team into the playoffs that doesn’t even have a .500 record. Just give the No. 1 seed a bye or something, but if you can’t break even you don’t deserve a shot at the title. But, the rules are what they are, and Real made the playoffs as the No. 8 seed. On a side note I ...