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

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!

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.


--

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.










_

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.




--

Charlie Davies 9

Congratulations and well done go out to Charlie Davies! In his debut, he scored 2 goals in his return to top-flight football with MLS' DC United. This boy was recognized for talent at an early age, played an instrumental role in 2010 World Cup Qualification for the US National Team, and has played professional soccer in Europe.

Now, while embarking on his Comeback after a tragic automobile accident, Charlie Davies is doing his part in the continued growth of American soccer. He could be a driving force in DC United's MLS Cup campaign if they can keep up with the strong LA Galaxy and skilled NY Red Bulls.

Keep up the hustle and the Stanky Leg.

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.

Colorado Rapids: MLS Cup 2010 Champions

The most exuberant of congratulations to the Colorado Rapids for tearing through the MLS playoffs and garnering the honor of holding the MLS Cup high as Champions of the 2010 season! FC Dallas turned many heads this season as they put together an amazing run led by their rock solid goalkeeper, Kevin Hartman, and the MLS MVP David Ferriera, but it was the other inaugural season team that hoisted the trophy.

In a season where we saw United States National Team legends like Brian McBride, Eddie Lewis, and Chris Klein all retire from the beautiful game, it was only fitting and honoring to see Pablo Mastroeni and Conor Casey win their first MLS Cup. Two men who have served their club and country during their storied careers smiled like boys tonight. And what a thrilling game it was, having been decided in overtime. Extra big-ups to Conor Casey for symbolizing what a tough, physical match it when he battled for a loose ball around the six yard box to put in Colorado's first goal, granting him the honors of being named MLS Cup MVP.

And props to the entire MLS league for lifting the bar of American soccer. This season was a great one boys, even more excitement and beautiful game than ever before. And that's what it's all about in the end: raising the level of play and rewarding those who have worked to show the true talent that American's have in the world's game.

MLS Cup and Back to South Africa

So the 2010 MLS Cup teams have been decided: Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas. It's good to see two original teams back in the Cup, heading up to Toronto to do battle for the titles of Best Underdog. Colorado has a solid, cohesive team anchored by former US international Pablo Mastroeni. Dallas have proved their toughness this season and are coming off of quite an impressive spanking of the Supporter's Shield holding Galaxy. Should be a good game of some tactical, tough soccer.

On the international front, the US Men's National Team head back to South Africa to play a friendly with Bafana Bafana (The Boys, The Boys) in beautiful Cape Town. The team have already landed in the 2010 World Cup host country and are paying back the locals in thanks for their warm embrace over the past summer. It will be a team of youngsters for Bob Bradley getting some much needed caps against the likes of Steven Pienaar and Siphiwe Tshabalala. Bradley is still looking for players that can plug some holes in the US' shaky defense as well as a true scoring threat up top.

Other international exhibition matches for tomorrow (Wednesday Nov. 17, 2010) include friendlies between Brazil and Argentina (featuring the Samba return of Ronaldihno), champions Spain against Portugal, and England taking on France.

The End of the Year Stretch

My hats off to the San Francisco giants and the Freak, Tim Lincecum. That goes first and foremost as being a Californian. Now it's time for a another amazing run!

The MLS league has come to a close and its time for the Cup. All eight teams have poised themselves for the tournament by ending the year in strongly. The Crew have the most to worry about- will Guillermo Schelotto have the stamina they need to continue carrying the offense? Last years finalists, Sheild holders the Galaxy, and RSL look again like the favorites. Or will the bolstered NY Redbulls crash the party?

"Across the pond", as the UK dudes like to say, the EPL leads a bevy of close league races through the firs half of the season. Chelsea look the strongest out of the gates, but there is some real action going on in the rest of the top four (MU, Arsenal, and Man City). Gareth Bale has looked superhuman for Tottenham in their campaign. La Liga's two headed beast (Barca and Real Madrid) roars again as Villareal, Valencia, and Atletico Madrid stay in striking distance. We all know that this will just come down to Messi v. Ronaldo again though for the Golden Boot, sorry David Villa and Gonzalo Higuain. Shout out to Clint Dempsey for tallying four impressive finishes while stepping up his game in place of the injured Bobby Zamora!

I publically condemn Alex Ferguson for his comments about the UEFA Champions League being "the game's premiere competition" over the World Cup. The World Cup is far and away, the most important Cup to win in all of soccer. There is no doubt that the Champions League showcases the world's best talent from the world's best clubs, the likes of which have been on display through the group stage so far. The AC Milan v. Real Madrid game today from the San Siro was one of the most exciting matches I've seen all year. Holders Internazionale experienced a shocker from the aforementioned White Hart Spurs already and 2009 champs Barcelona only seem to be warming up. But no Fergie, you can't match the anticipation, celebration, and pure football jubilation of the World Cup. It is the world's game, not just a game for the Euro boys.

Tune into the next two months of televised soccer American folks, things have a tendency to heat up before the holidays. And who knows, maybe we'll see Landon and a few other of our crew crashing the European parties in Januaray. That's the American Soccer Dream: getting Americans playing at the highest levels, here and abroad, year round. That'll bring up our level of play and give those guys the paychecks their due.

Thank You Brian, Eddie, and Chris

Brian McBride, Eddie Lewis, and Chris Klein are all retiring from the beautiful game now that the MLS season has come to and end. All three have been instrumental in the devolpoment of US Soccer and MLS.

Most notably, McBride has left his heart and his blood on the pitch time after time. Three World Cups, an Olympics, and many caps in both European leagues and MLS. He ended his career this past weekend with a beauty of a back-heel goal for the Chicago Fire. I will always remember his diving header in the 2002 World Cup and his always classy attitude on and off the field.

Thank you gentlemen, for all that you have done for this country's growth at home and on the world stage.

Jozy's Video on VBS.tv

Check out this very well produced video for the EA Sports "We Are Eleven" series on VBS.tv about American striker Jozey Altidore and his experience as a soccer player in Spain and England. The Jersey Boy describes what its like to adapt to life playing in La Liga and the EPL, his American born teammate Giuseppe Rossi, and the future of MLS.

Last of the US MNT for 2010

Well their record after the World Cup is decidedly worse than their record during the World Cup. Having lost to Brazil, and tied both Poland and Columbia, the US Men's National team wrapped up play for 2010. Their next game lies far ahead in the spring of 2011 when they will return to South Africa and take on Bafana Bafana at Green Pointe Stadium in Cape Town.

What have we learned? We've learned our weaknesses and experimented with some new strategies. Pulling from more unused talent as of late, Bob Bradley has found another asset in the midfield with Jermaine Jones. His physical play is coupled with some good vision to support our less than strong attack. It seems that a 4-5-1 formation will suite our developing style much better with Donovan or Dempsey falling in behind Jozy Altidore (or perhaps Edson Buddle or Charlie Davies) as the lone striker.

Our defense remains our greatest weakness still, as only Stuart Holden has stepped up and showed that he has intentions of replacing a back line of veteran players. As solid as Bocanegra has been throughout his captaincy for the U.S., he has been the only reliable piece as of late. Onyewu clearly needs to find more professional minutes than he's not getting with AC Milan and Cherundolo may not see action in Brazil 2014.

We need some solid youth defenders, most notabley a defender on the outside that can push ahead and get involved in the attack, much like a Sergio Ramos or a Dani Alves. The US have never really had a defender that can distribute the ball out of our third with real patience. Our defenders need to be able to start long stretches of possession instead of quickly dumping balls over-top.

It will be interesting to watch MLS' postseason and see if some more homegrown stars develop, as well as the progression of our boys abroad. But until we start plugging these holes, the edge may go to Bafana Bafana in Cape Town.

Coach Bradley re-signed by US Soccer MNT

Coach, you've done a fine job since taking over as the manager of Sam's Army. A Gold Cup win in 2007, an exciting run with a second place finish at the Confederations Cup in 2009, and first place qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa...not a bad list of achievements for one's first gig as a national team coach.


You're dedication to picking from the farm crops of Major League Soccer, with talent such as Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstein, and Ricardo Clark, helped to give the young American pros some valuable international caps. While adding to the credibility of MLS, the very league you made a name for yourself in (Chicago Fire, Chivas USA), our young talent was able to bolster their stock abroad. Now, Sacha's boots are planted in the Belgium First Division, Clark is enjoying Oktoberfest with the rest of the German Bundesliga, and Bornstein...well, he's still a Goat.


However, praise must be accompanied by some constructive criticism for the sake of striving to form a more perfect soccer union. We came up short at the World Cup in beautiful South Africa, plain and simple. It should have been US in the quarterfinals. It should have been US with the strong chance to go through to the semifinals. It should have been US with proud smiles in busy Johannesburg, instead of disappointed frowns in cold Rustenburg. I was at that game. It still hurts...bad.


I have a serious question in regards to your tactics: Did you sew Edson Buddle into his warm ups? Why was MLS's hottest player left to do drills behind the goal during that game against Ghana? During the second half, I shouted with all I had in me, "YEAH EDSON! THIS IS YOUR GAME! LA GALAXY!" while he warmed up at your command. I had seats 4 rows up, right next to the corner flag where he turned to me and smiled, flashing the thumbs up. Edson and I waited...and waited...and waited. Then when you made your final substitution, it was clear.


Lionel Messi led La Liga with the most goals before the World Cup began. Didier Drogba led the English Premiere League in the 2009/2010 season. Antonio Di Natale wore the golden boot in Serie A last season. All three were called upon to work their magic on the pitch wearing their country's colors at critical times. Next time, perhaps we should follow the trend.