Where is our #10?

In the beautiful game, the number 10 has always meant being the playmaker, the facilitator, the trusted one. Landon Donovan has always been that person for American soccer throughout his career, until now. The reigning champion hasn't kicked a ball for his club or country since the whistle blew in Los Angeles on December 1st and the effects of his absence are getting more influential as the clock ticks down to his return.

The captain's armband is being worn by Robbie Keane for the LA Galaxy and the MLS Cup winners are already in a position to evolve without David Beckham. After months of silence, Landon announced in February that he would return to training "by the end of March." Bruce Arena has called upon his young guns to step up and veteran Mike Magee to lead the attack. But the Galaxy face arguably the toughest season yet in pursuit of an unprecedented three-peat as numerous teams around the league have bolstered their rosters with designated players, SuperDraft signings, and blockbuster trades.

Tim Cahill, Australian international and NYRB designated player, called for Donovan to "embrace the weight of the world," and to "question why you play football." As a former teammate of Landon's at Everton, Cahill got to know Donovan well and can even draw strong comparisons to him. Both have been captains of international sides for countries whose national sport it not soccer. Both have had success playing in Europe as well as brought unparalleled stardom to Major League Soccer.

It's this "weight of the world" that has Landon Donovan publicly questioning his own commitment to the sport. Twelve MLS seasons, two loan spells in England, numerous grueling World Cup Qualifiers, and a tough extra time loss to Ghana in South Africa have seemingly taken their toll on the mind and body of the 31 year old Californian.

However, now may be the most important time for him to return to the game on an international level. Dropping the opening game in the Hex to Honduras and facing a tough schedule ahead of them, the USMNT is feeling a whole lot of pressure. Defensive woes aside, the US don't have a clear playmaker. Michael Bradley does well to win balls in the middle but he doesn't have another midfielder to help facilitate the attack. Dempsey and Altidore have proven themselves as lethal goal scorers in European premier leagues but they look tame without someone to feed them the ball in the middle to attacking third.

No other active player in American soccer has the experience of Landon Donovan. He's seen it all when it comes to World Cup Qualifying in CONCACAF. Rocks thrown at team busses, high fences in hostile territories, and obscenely poor pitch conditions may be new to some of the players on the current USMNT roster, but not to Landon Donovan. And it's clear now more than ever that Jurgen Klinsmann needs a number 10 to lead them through the qualifying if they want to have a fighting chance at a trip to Brazil in 2014.

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!

LA Galaxy v. Portland Timbers - 4/23/11 Home Depot Center

MLS is evolving. The level of play and the passion of the fans continue to grow with each season. Leading the way, are the big market teams such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. But newcomers Portland and Vancouver are impressing with their loyal, traveling fan base.

Saturday night in Carson, CA the Home Depot Center hosted the Portland Timbers in a nationally broadcast match. Landon Donovan returned to action and the Angel City Brigade supporters club welcomed him back with a strong showing, flags waving and drums pounding.

Chad Barrett scored the opener on a breakaway from a Beckham/Donovan combination. Then, later in the first half, the captain Landon Donovan converted from the spot to make it 2-0 for the Western Conference leading Galaxy. Donovan scored his second goal of the season and the night in the second half with a snap header.

The Timbers had some great chances, not at all rolling over at the Galaxy's boots, but goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts had some key saves to preserve the free chicken coupons for the Los Angeles crowd.

With flags waving proudly and supporters clubs springing up in local stadiums, American Soccer is taking its next step toward top tier, world-class football. With increased fan support comes inspired play.




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MLS 2011 First Kick: LA Galaxy 1-0 Seattle Sounders

MLS kicked off their sixteenth season with a brilliant choice of a host city: Seattle.

The Sounders played host to the LA Galaxy and the Emerald City faithful came out to represent in force. The strong crowd of 36,443 Seattle supporters stood united as they sang all kinds of chants and songs for their home team. Qwest Field was plastered with neon green, XBox and Adidas logos, and smiling soccer fans who braved the rain for the start of a new Major League Soccer season.

The LA Galaxy looked strong in the early moments of the game, creating chances through patient possession. However, it was obvious that they were missing their main striker, new signing, Juan Pablo Angel. Seattle played tightly, springing some runs in the first half but the teams drew 0-0 at the break.

There was much discussion about David Beckham and the locale of his loyalties this preseason. Opting to train in London with Tottenham Hotspurs instead of being with the club he is currently under contract with. The English ex-captain looked a bit sluggish at moments out there tonight, possibly bringing his fitness into question.

The second half saw some excellent saves from both goalkeepers, with Juninho scoring the lone goal of the match for the defending Western Conference champions. The Brazilian showed signs of what Bruce Arena called, "a more mature player" by taking a well timed crack on goal that barely got past the fingertips of stellar veteran US keeper Kasey Keller. At the other end, Josh Saunders came off the bench in place of the injured Donovan Rickets to record a hard-earned clean sheet for the Galaxy.

All in all, it was a good 1-0 game and an even more impressive atmosphere to start the season off. It's great to see American soccer being Tweeted, texted, Facebooked, and most importantly ATTENDED and SUPPORTED in greater numbers.