Off Season Wrap Up, part 1.

Last year may have been the year of the Wondo when San Jose's striker tied Roy Lassiter's single season all time goal record at 27, but this year it could be another striker's chance at the mark. Many teams in the league revamped their strike force in what proved to be quite a busy offseason.

Starting in the Western Conference, there are two new sheriff's in town at FC Dallas. Kenny Cooper and Eric Hasseli have bolstered the Hoops attack despite the letting go of Brek Shea this off season. Hassli has scored 13 goals in the past two seasons playing for two of the Canadian teams while Cooper was last years runner up to the Golden Boot while playing for RBNY.

Real Salt Lake have filled holes in their attack by bringing in Joao Plata from Toronto and welcoming back former USMNT forward Robbie Findley. Their Rocky Mountain neighbors in Colorado snatched Edson Buddle from the reining MLS champions. If Buddle can find his form again, he could still be a lethal threat to opposing defenses.

Robbie Keane ended last year on an incredible hot streak, scoring 5 goals in 5 playoff matches on the Galaxy's march to the Cup. His Castrol Player Index number actually put him ahead of Wondolowski last season and above all other players in MLS.

These Western Conference teams were not the only movers and shakers this offseason. In the next installment of Off Season Wrap Up, I'll take a look at the changes made in the Eastern Conference where new coaches will make their debut and familiar faces return to MLS. 

Robbie Rogers Sets Himself Free

Hats off to USMNT player, MLS star, and former English league player Robbie Rogers for his courageous announcement last week. The winger and second striker walked away from professional soccer and publicly revealed he is gay. As a sign of our modern times, he was praised for his bravery and honesty by coaches and former teammates around the world.

The 25 year old Rogers hoisted both the MLS Cup and Supporter's Shield in 2008 with the Columbus Crew and also saw action with the US Men's National Team during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Afterward, he signed a deal with English Championship side Leeds United in 2011. In January of 2013, he left Leeds United and his rights were acquired by the Chicago Fire only to be released a month later when he announced his retirement from the beautiful game.

Totaling 17 goals in 151 professional club appearances and 2 goals in 18 international appearances, it is clear that he is a solid young player with plenty of talent to be proud of. His retirement comes at such an early age, and many question his refusal to keep playing soccer. Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas publicly stated that the player is welcome back to play for the Fire if he decides to return.

Teammates from Rogers' past poured out their support via Twitter, Facebook, and interviews with soccer journalists worldwide. "Much love and respect to my boy @robbierogers! Proud to be your friend bro," read a tweet from Stuart Holden." Legendary USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller tweeted, "The bravery of Robbie Rogers is commendable, I hope he realizes that he doesn't need to retire. He will be more supported than he knows."

This young man has paved a way for the freedom of others in professional sports and everyday life around the globe. His refusal to hide, to wear a mask, to keep a secret is an act that speaks volumes about his strong character. The outpouring of support and acceptance shows us that the things of which we value the most are being happy and being proud of who you are.

I hope life only gets better and better for you Robbie and as a soccer fan I hope you return to the pitch soon. Thank you for breaking down the barriers for generations to come while standing up for who you are. #Respect

Bad Start on a Rough Road

Defensive miscues, inexperience, and questionable coaching were the downfall of the USMNT in San Pedro Sula yesterday as the US dropped the opening game of the Hex to Honduras. A 2-1 road defeat is not the start that Jurgen Klinsmann and the team had hoped for.

Electing to go with the young back line of Chandler, Gonzalez, Cameron, and Johnson, Klinsmann gambled by giving the inexperienced a chance and leaving Carlos Bocanegra on the bench. At first I liked this decision because I think if Gonzalez is going to be the future center back of our national team, he needs to be in every serious game from here on out. However, Tim Chandler looked clearly unfit after the 30' and was caught ball watching on the fist Honduran goal. Unacceptable by the young outside back and one now has to question why Bocanegra was not subbed in, having played the outside back role many times in his career. 

Offensively, it was Clint Dempsey again to strike for the US. Deuce has been in top form for Tottenham lately and appears to still be our only lethal threat up top. Jozy played well in a matured role, creating chances and most notably putting forth a composed performance. However, he is a player that needs to be supported by an attacking midfielder with good delivery. We lacked such a midfielder as Bradley had a hot and cold game and Jones only facilitated well in his assist on Dempsey's goal. Danny Williams was a non factor on the outside flank, leaving the door open for Graham Zusi and Maurice Edu to fight for a starting role. Herculez Gomez, a player that has proved lethal for the US in the previous round of qualification, watched from the bench. 

This performance has also given way to the media begging the question: will Landon Donovan come back into the fold? It was apparent that the USMNT still needs his attacking creativity and reliable passing ability. Donovan's vast CONCACAF experience and his veteran leadership could help bring together this squad of European and MLS players. 

Many questions remain for head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and his staff. As the American soccer legend Cobi Jones put it yesterday, "Klinsmann gambled and he lost." Fortunately, the four other teams in the Hex tied their matches yesterday, leaving the US only a point behind Mexico, Jamaica, Panama and Costa Rica. Yet the fate of other teams does not bare weight on the unresolved issues of the USMNT. They must solve their problems quickly before their next match against the Reggae Boyz and a looming trip to Stadio Azteca. 

26 Days Until First Kick!

It seems like only yesterday we were singing and yelling at the Home Depot Center during MLS Cup 2012. One side of the stadium yelling, "DAVID!" as the opposite end replied, "BECKHAM!" That ball in from Juninho. That jumping header from Omar Gonzalez. The energy that sparked a comeback victory by the LA Galaxy over the Houston Dynamo for a second straight season. But that is all legend now. It's time to lace up the boots and start training camp for another run the title.

During the next (thankfully) few weeks, I will preview the 2013 MLS season with a recap on transfer news, SuperDraft rookies, and expectations of all kind. Also, I'll keep an eye on the difficult task ahead of the US Men's National Team as they begin the final round of World Cup Qualification matches en route to Brasil 2014. "The Hex" begins tomorrow for the red, white and blue as they face the daunting task of playing in Honduras in San Pedro Sula. A balanced squad of Euro based players and MLS stars must prove they can fight the battle that lies ahead of them as a squad united.

 Can I kick it in 2013?! YES YOU CAN!