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.

Off Season Wrap Up, part 2.

The Eastern Conference is looking to regain its dominance after being absent atop the Supporter's Shield and MLS Cup podiums. Mike Petke, ex-defenseman and MLS veteran has stepped into the coach's box for the New York Red Bulls and he's got a new Designated Player on his squad. Juninho Pernambucano has been brought in to support Henry and Cahill. The big three look to be the early favorites in the East as many are heralding the Brazilian's signing to be the final piece of the puzzle.

Sporting Kansas City were barely edged from the Shield by San Jose last season. Their stellar defensive line returns to help protect Jimmy Nielsen's net. Head coach Peter Vermes has called upon outside back Chance Myers to become even more of a threat by getting forward in their attack. Graham Zusi has played his way into the USMNT fold and looks to keep his stock trending with his skillful playmaking, and precision set pieces. However, the loss of striker Kei Kamara to EPL side Norwich City may put more pressure upon Teal Bunbury to recover from injury and become the player many KC and US supporters have hoped for.

Meanwhile, DC United have brought together two former MLS MVPs by bringing back "El Pescadito" Carlos Ruiz. Coupled with a healthy De Rosario, this maybe the push that the United need to get past reigning Eastern Conference champs Houston.

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!

Gold Cup 2011 - USA 2 - 0 Canada

The United States opened up Gold Cup group play against their neighbors to the north Canada on Tuesday with a two goal victory. The starting strike force of Agudelo and Altidore proved dangerous, with the two making good runs at the top and getting open for their midfield supporters. Timmy Howard came up huge again to preserve a shutout, something that must have felt good coming off the poor showing against World Cup holders Spain.

Jozy struck first in the fourteenth minute, to the delight of Detroit soccer fans, taking one touch to settle a Donovan pass, and only a second touch to power his shot under keeper Lars Hirschfeld at the near post. Failing to score first has been a major source of frustration for Bob Bradley and his squad over the past year, so it was good to see how the US could hold the advantage.

Thankfully, the second half saw another goal for the red, white, and blue; this one from one of its biggest superstars: Clint Dempsey. Deuce slid home a cross from the Man of the Match, Altidore, to put the Canadians away. Looks like the Texan's stock continues to climb as he is anticipated to draw interest from Champions League level clubs in Europe this offseason.

The only dangerous threats the Canadians mounted were snuffed out by the US' #1 between the posts. An acrobatic save and constant stability in the eighty-fifth minute aided Howard in preserving his clean sheet for the Americans. The United States played a much better game to open the competition and campaign to re-establish their dominance as the power of North American soccer.

Granted, the passing could have been tighter and the bulk of the offense was being facilitated by a few too many long balls instead of short-sided, one-touch passing. The center of the midfield still looks to be evolving with Bradley and Jones dropping deep to ensure the safe passage of possession from the defense to the strike force. The backline will continue to be a carousel of players that will look to solidify their international experience, but they'll have a few more quizzes before a big time exam against Mexico in the later rounds of play.



Photo Credit: Paul Sancya/AP
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Barça are the kings of UEFA!

Goals by Pedro, Messi, and Villa were enough to hand Pep Guardiola's men the giant copa and restore beautiful soccer to the throne of the world's greatest team in Europe. The Red Devils put up a great fight in the first half after Wayne Rooney's excellent strike tied the match, but Manchester United could not overcome the "ticki-tacka" possession of the Catalan Giants.

Winning this trophy qualifies FC Barcelona for next year's FIFA Club World Cup tournament, where they will face the other club championship winners from each continent. Congratulations to Barçelona and little Leo Messi, the greatest footballer in the universe.



Photo Credit: Getty Images/David Ramos


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USMNT v. Spain/Gold Cup Roster 2011

GK: Tim Howard, Nick Rimando, Marcus Hahnemann

D: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Churundolo, Jonathan Bornstein, Tim Ream, Eric Lichaj, Clarence Goodson

M: Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu, Jermaine Jones, Benny Feilhaber, Sacha Kljestan, Freddy Adu, Robbie Rogers

F: Jozy Altidore, Juan Agudelo, Chris Wondolowski


Our goalkeeping corps is as strong as ever with Timmy leading the way between the posts. Look for this to be Hahnemann's last Gold Cup effort and Rimando to be the number two option when resting Howard. The evolution of the US defense system continues with captain Carlos Bocanegra and veteran Oguchi Onyewu mentoring MLS stand-out Tim Ream. Solidarity at the back continues to be a focus for Bob Bradley, as well as good distribution to the very capable offensive unit.

The midfield proves once again to be the national team bank of stars. Landon Donovan is red hot after scoring 8 in a row with the league leading Los Angeles Galaxy and Clint Dempsey has set a new record for American goal scoring in the English Premier League this season at Craven Cottage. The young Bradley is hungry for playing time after his recent move to the bench of Aston Villa. The surprise pick here is Freddy Adu, who is currently in good form playing in the Turkish 2 Lig, helping to elevate his team into the promotion playoff.

The potential of strike force that the USA has shown in recent friendlies is boiling to a head, all fueled by an 18 year old passionate US Soccer player. Agudelo will be paired once again with Jozy at the top giving a quick one, two combination. But it will be MLS's Mr. Consistant, Chris "Wondo" Wondolowski, who may make some noise for himself at the Gold Cup.

Carlos Bocanegra, Timmy Howard, Landon Donovan, and Clint Dempsey lead the way again for a determined United States on the road to getting the Gold Cup back from rivals "El Tri," Mexico. Javier Hernandez is astounding in England, but will the long championship campaign catch up to Chicharito? And does Rafa Marquez have another Gold Cup left in his aging legs?

The US Men's National Team kick things off with a warm-up against World Cup holders Spain on June 4th in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Gold Cup group play begins against our neighbors to the north, Canada on June 7th in Detroit, Michigan.



"Let's go get our cup back." -US Captain Carlos Bocanegra via Twitter.


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Sepp Blatter interview w/ESPNsoccernet May 4, 2011

About Goal Line Technology: I really hope it passes as "satisfactory" in 2012, making it available for the World Cup in Brasil 2014. It was blatantly obvious that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa lacked this vital element.

About Major League Soccer: I agree with Sepp, we need more "stadia" in the United States. But we should follow the European calender for club soccer, it will correspond well with the international club tournaments and open new transfer windows across the Atlantic.










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