“It will be exciting” was how New York Cosmos defender Carlos Mendes described their upcoming fourth round US Open cup tie against the New York Red Bulls.

June 14 is when New York looks inwards and watches the first-ever meeting between MLS side New York Red Bulls and NASL side the New York Cosmos. The two have battled each other for over a year, but never on the pitch. For 90 minutes, marketing strategies and social media become obsolete as the two sides battle for supremacy.

Mendes is a New York native, and as a former Red Bull will go into the clash aware of its significance. As the Open Cup focus hones in on New York, fans are reminded of the rich history New York enjoys with the competition.

No state has won more U.S. Open Cups than New York with 26. The first ever Lamar Hunt cup final was contested in 1914 between Brooklyn FC and the Brooklyn Italians (the team the Cosmos beat in round three). One hundred years on and now the fourth round of the competition is once again pitting New York’s premier sides against each other.

Speaking bluntly, Cosmos head coach Gio Saverse said: “We don’t have to prove anything to the New York Red Bulls.”

Savarese has consistently spoken of the competition’s importance to the club: “It’s another competition. It’s a serious competition for us. It’s important and every game is important for us,” head coach Giovanni Savarese told SoccerWire.com. “When the time comes for us to play in the U.S. Open Cup, we’ll take it very seriously.”

Allowing for another rivalry to bed itself into the country’s soccer culture, defender Mendes told Empire of Soccer: “It’s going to be a good challenge for us. I think it’s great for the New York/New Jersey area to have a rivalry and to have two good teams play against each other.”

Surprisingly, neither side is yet to taste U.S. Open Cup success, with the Red Bulls coming closest in 2003 — finishing runners-up to the Chicago Fire. Providing a route into international competition and the CONCACAF Champions League, the incentive for both clubs not only stretches past the opportunity to add more silverware to the club trophy cabinet.

Yet Mike Petke seemed unwilling to stoke the flames of rivalry: “Obviously, I guess, because they’re close by in proximity, it makes up an interesting story,” he said. “I know as much as I should know about them.”

Perhaps his mind is more focused on New York City FC. The club that is backed by Manchester City and the New York Yankees is becoming more ubiquitous as time passes. With the release of season ticket packages and plans on how they will modify Yankee Stadium to accommodate matches, last week saw them linked with World Cup winner David Villa.

Regardless, the chance to gain another derby can only be seen as a positive for U.S. soccer.

“Growing up in this community, knowing the Cosmos, playing for the Red Bulls, it’s all very special,” Mendes told the Wall Street Journal. “I think soccer’s growing. I think New York deserves this.”

With only 35 days until World Cup 2014, USMNT Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann is getting closer to naming his final 23-man squad for the tournament where the USA will play Ghana, Portugal and Germany.

Klinsmann has plenty of difficult choices ahead of him to finalize the list to the 23 best players. Here are our picks of the 23-man squad for Brazil 2014:

Goalkeepers (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando.

— The goalkeepers take care of themselves with the USMNT. Howard or Guzan are the country’s best option, and having someone as experienced as Rimando is never a bad option.

Defenders (8): Omar Gonzalez, Geoff Cameron, Fabian Johnson, Clarence Goodson, DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, Timmy Chandler, Brad Evans.

— The back line has certainly been a discussion point with the USMNT. The lack of really strong full back options is certainly a concern, especially when you factor in that their opponents have some dangerous wide players. Using Geoff Cameron at right full back is essential. It’s his club position. And having seen Brad Evans during the Scotland friendly, I was not filled with confidence in his ability.

Midfielders (8): Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Mix Diskerud, Alejandro Bedoya, Maurice Edu, Graham Zusi, Jermaine Jones.

— The midfield is the strongest avenue for the USMNT. It very much picks itself, but it’s important to look at form of those guys on the fringe. Maurice Edu has been a plus for Philadelphia Union and he deserves the call. It would be nice to have more pace in the side, but the technical level of the group is at a high level.

Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Aron Johansson, Chris Wondolwski, Terence Boyd.

— There isn’t a huge amount of experience in that front line, but sometimes that can breed a freedom of expression. Terence Boyd is in great form for Rapid Vienna and his ability to play wide makes him a versatile option for the squad to consider. Leaving out Julian Green is a must for me as while he’s a fantastic talent, I think exposing him to this setting could do harm to his development. Having a smart finisher like Johansson is contrasted by the veteran that is Wondo. Goals from this front four are a concern for me, but it will make them better players in the long run.

What’s your opinion regarding the picks for the World Cup 2014 USA team? Do you disagree with any of the picks or opinions? If so, let us know in the comments section below.

The halls of Sporting Club de Portugal’s academy are famed, their graduates plentiful. Over the last two decades wingers have been of consistent emergence. Luis Figo, Simao, Ricardo Quaresma, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all graduated from the academy in Alcochete, Portugal. Anyone who emerges from Sporting’s academy will draw comparisons and some pressure, just ask Yannick Djalo. The striker turned winger is another talent that Sporting fans hoped would bring them success, yet unfortunately for both parties it never worked out.

In the beginning he showed much promise for the club. Selected for an end of season friendly by Laszlo Boloni at the tender age of 16, he bet his coach a crate of cola he would score. Djalo did just that and Boloni was forced to make a stop at the grocery store. Loaned to Casa Pia, he recorded fantastic form before returning to Sporting where he was slowly introduced. By the age of 20 he was part of an exciting striking partnership alongside Brazilian forward Liedson.

Yet it never truly came together for the forward. His pace was an asset, but his electric displays were never consistently strung together. Once a bright talent, his star began to fade and eventually he was making the difficult transition to: ‘Former Sporting starlet’. An offer from Nice in France arrived, but confusion quickly ensued. The move was officially completed after the transfer deadline and thus was ruled null and void. Cast into a state of limbo, it was a difficult place for the young man to find himself. Fate had other plans and seemed to smile upon him. Djalo was granted the opportunity to sign with Benfica. A move that surprised many at the time, perhaps those at the Estadio da Luz had seen something missed by his former employers.

Djalo was imeediately loaned to Toulouse of Ligue Un, by now he was operating as a winger. Fast yet lacking a subtlety to really use the asset, his time in Ligue 1 brought over half a dozen games, but little in the way of development. Heading back to Benfica, his situation did not improve. That’s because his second Lisbon club was beginning to feel a lot like the one he had just left. Largely training with the B-side, opportunities were few and far between. It was around this time when he became famous in Portugal for marrying a pop star.

His next move was a transfer to Major League Soccer. San Jose seems to have sparked something inside of him. At the age of 27, it seems things are slowly aligning for the Guinea-Bissau born player. His delightful trick against the Columbus Crew showed a swagger and confidence that had been lacking in previous seasons. Add that to his recent strike against Chivas USA and Djalo is starting to show why he could be a shrewd investment for the Earthquakes.

His current hope is to gain consistency in San Jose and began building a career for himself. Described as a ‘game changer’ this week by teammate Alan Gordon, it’s a bold statement for a player that is only just showing flashes of brilliance. In a fairly open interview Gordon explained: “He’s someone that we’ve needed. He gives us a different dimension, and without him we’re pretty one dimensional. He gives us that ‘X’ factor. It’s great to have him. I’m excited to watch him get better and better as he gets more fit.”

Djalo has yet to reach the peak of his sharpness, perhaps that is what makes the fans in San Jose excited. An understandable feeling given the brief glimmers he has already shown. It is important now that Djalo not only sparks something in San Jose, but sparks something inside himself, especially given that the stakes are much higher than a crate of cola.

Think Darren Mattocks and the term ‘outspoken’ will often be found in his midst. A confident player, who sometimes falls into the realm of cocky, his explosion onto Major League Soccer started as soon as he was overlooked by the Montreal Impact in the 2012 MLS Superdraft.

“They didn’t choose me No. 1 [in the SuperDraft] and I showed them they made a mistake,” the Jamaican striker told mlssoccer.com after his strike against the Impact in February 2012.

An unquestioned talent, the early emergence of his self-confidence would once again rear it’s head last season. With a confident swagger only few can carry off, Darren Mattocks began to speak. This was a public airing of the gospel according to Darren on Jamaican TV, and one that pulled few punches.

“When Darren led the team as a rookie, Vancouver made the playoffs, right?” Mattocks said, modestly referring to himself in the third person. “My second season, coach have me upon the bench a majority of the season – me and him couldn’t agree. The player who lead MLS in scoring [Camilo] play for Vancouver – how come them [miss] the playoffs? So you read between the lines.”

In a surreal public appearance, the Jamaican openly spoke of potential suitors. He claimed that “every other team in MLS” wanted him playing forward. Regardless of how valid his statement was, word of his comment quickly filtered back to Vancouver.

Releasing a statement shortly after the event, club president Bob Lenarduzzi said: “Vancouver Whitecaps FC have not lost faith in striker Darren Mattocks; however, the club does not tolerate the type of behavior he displayed on a Jamaican TV show earlier this week.”

The situation certainly seemed to have an impact on the youngster: “I need to take a hard look at myself,” he tweeted. “I will use [the] offseason to improve on & off the field to be a positive player, teammate and member of Whitecaps FC and the city of Vancouver.”

It’s a promise he seems to be intent on delivering upon. Although his goalscoring form sits at a modest 2 goals in 7 games, there is a far more intriguing statistic surrounding the 23-year-old. For the first time in his young career, Mattocks was playing his seventh game in a row.

Speculation over his future will never dampen, even if that is due to the man himself fanning the flames. However after losing Camilo in the off-season, Vancouver need a new figurehead, and Mattocks could be just that man.

Working under the guidance of Carl Robinson, who has a suitably better relationship with than previous manager Martin Rennie, many have cited the coaching changing as the catalyst to Mattocks’ bright moments in the league this season.

Netting an opportunist finish against LA Galaxy at the weekend, the 23-year-old also provided the assist for young Kekuta Manneh. What the pair lack in experience they more than make up for in dynamism and explosiveness. After narrowly missing out on the MLS playoffs last season, the Whitecaps are showing genuine progression from last season.

As for Mattocks, the chance for personal development comes with the knowledge that could lead him onto the path of European soccer. Firing Vancouver into the playoffs could serve as the precursor to accomplishing his European ambitions, at which point he may finally have justified referring to himself in third person.

There was no celebration, no puff of the chest and no over exuberance from Clint Dempsey. The American forward had scored a goal and, much like Mario Balotelli, seemed to view it as no more impressive than a USPS employee delivering the mail.

A devilish free kick that kissed the underside of the bar this past weekend against FC Dallas — this was the Clint Dempsey Seattle Sounders fans expected when he was unveiled at Century Link Field in July last year. Arriving off the back of an acceptable showing at Tottenham, the Texan born forward decided he wanted to be back in Major League Soccer, to make an impact on the league’s future.

It wasn’t plain sailing though. Dempsey started slow, and as the hype machine continued to crank, with it came a pressure that seemed to disrupt Dempsey’s flow.

It was a situation that wasn’t helped by a loan spell with Fulham. Dempsey had likened Craven Cottage to ‘home’, but it did not prove a safe haven. Playing just a handful of games, Dempsey quietly departed the pitch after his final appearance, albeit without regrets as he told Bleacher Report:

“I knew they were down toward the bottom of the table and it was going to be a difficult situation that I was going into. I wanted to come back and get back to playing with some of the best competition, work on my fitness and form and try to help the team as much as I could.”

Heading back to Seattle, Dempsey nestled into the club’s preparations ahead of a new campaign. Speaking to Associated Press in February he said: “It’s been tough, but also it’s been good for me, trying to get back to fitness and feeling good, coming off an injury towards the end of the season with the national team,” he said during a telephone interview Thursday. “It’s good to get some games, some minutes over here, but unfortunately the results haven’t been going our way. But I’ve still got a month left and hopefully we can start getting some points.”

Thus with the new season approaching, there was a sense of intrigue enveloping the Seattle training camp. A new question, one previously unthought of had emerged: will Clint Dempsey perform?

The answer it seemed from the start of the season was yes. A goal against Toronto FC, his impassioned celebration felt like the subtle lifting of weight from a man’s shoulders. Although the game resulted in a loss, he would eventually have his special moment with Seattle’s fans.

A goal against your fierce rivals will do a great deal in endearing you to fans. Three in one game will mean you’re unlikely to have to buy a drink for a few months. A hat-trick against Seattle in a 3-3 draw, Dempsey now seemed back into the kind of rhythm he had during his first spell at Fulham.

Crescendoing last weekend with a two goal haul against FC Dallas, Dempsey had restored his tag as ‘match winner’. He has also once again reconstructed the narrative that trails him.

With the World Cup rapidly approaching, concerns remain over Jozy Altidore. The forward has just two goals this season for Sunderland, and with Gus Poyet seemingly ostracizing him from the first team, the question remains over whether this will impact his international form.

Alongside the Sunderland striker is Aron Johansson. Currently with Altidore’s former club AZ, the youngster has never sampled the intensity of a World Cup, which in turn would lead to concerns over how he would handle such a unique situation.

Thus, come the start of the tournament, there remains every chance that Clint Dempsey could be the best option for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

With his fourteen game goalless run for Seattle now long forgotten, Dempsey could become a savior for both club and country, and not a moment too late.

Here were two players that would significantly improve any roster in Major League Soccer, and they were choosing to join Toronto, a side that had often found itself near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

A significant coup for the Canadian club, it could spell the end of a difficult time in the league. Having seen six managers at the club since their inaugural season in 2007, including two interim head coaches, it is the current incumbent — Ryan Nelsen — that has piqued interest in the city.

A hard nosed defender during his playing days, the former D.C. United man is now in his second season in management, and now seems to be thriving after three wins and one defeat from their opening four games.

Collecting wins at Seattle and Columbus, Toronto have succeeded despite struggling to dominate possession this season. It began in week one when they traveled to Century Link Field. Enjoying just 32.3% of possession, Toronto completed 266 passes, as the home side recorded over double that figure (569).

It is a trend that continued itself in rounds two and three of the season. As Defoe notched his third goal of the campaign against a struggling D.C. United side in week two, Toronto’s possession share had risen to just 38%. Carry that on to their third game of the season against last season’s beaten MLS Cup finalists Real Salt Lake, and the figure had risen to 40%.

Suffering their first defeat this season against Real Salt Lake, it was the Nelsen’s shrewd tactical shifts against the Columbus Crew that allowed Toronto to get back to winning ways this weekend.

“I attribute this loss to two things, a bad start to the game and to a very well organized Toronto FC,” Crew coach Gregg Berhalter said to TSN afterwards.

Berhalter was right. Toronto’s narrow formation afforded little space for the in-form Federico Higuaín to operate in. That in turn meant the Argentinian was forced deep to collect the ball and made it harder for him to impact the game, as he failed to register even one shot on target.

Their success in shutting down Higuain also showed Toronto had learned from previous mistakes. Unable to silence talented attacking midfielders in recent games against Seattle and Real Salt Lake, they granted too much space to Clint Dempsey and Javi Morales — both of whom punished Toronto, Dempsey with a goal and Morales with an assist.

Forced to operate without striker Jermain Defoe, Nelsen was still able to call upon Michael Bradley. Operating alongside Canadian Kyle Bekker, the duo further shut off space in front of the back four, as Bradley also notched his first goal of the campaign.

Unable to close off the entire pitch, Toronto allowed Columbus space down the flanks and thus the opportunity to cross the ball. However a series of poor deliveries from the home side meant they were unable to capitalize as Bradley Orr recorded an astonishing 18 clearances.

Speaking after the game Ryan Nelsen said: “I thought we were magnificent today. It’s very hard to single one individual out because I thought everybody was just brilliant. Nick Hagglund and Bradley Orr at the back looked like they’d been playing together for a long time together and Jackson had one of the best games I’ve seen him play on both sides of the ball.”

The Toronto head coach was wise not to single out one individual performer, given that Toronto’s most impressive trait this past weekend was their teamwork. A side that has unquestioned individual talent in the form of Julio Cesar, Defoe, Bradley and others, there remained questions on just how well this side would function as a unit. If the past weekend is anything to go by, the answer would seem to be there.

Still someway from the promised land of the playoffs — a feat the club have never achieved — if Toronto continue in this vein, they will be preparing themselves for the post-season sooner rather than later.

Twitter is a wonderful tool. It is also a harbinger of rumor mongering. A faceless entity that does not discriminate, that was exemplified by the situation surrounding Mike Magee at Chicago.

The Illinois native was delighted to finally make his way home last season, and showed his happiness by collecting the league’s MVP award and taking Chicago to the edge of the playoffs. An arduous off-season saw Magee disappear from the scene, citing a “personal situation.” Many claimed it was frustration that his deal was not being bumped up enough for his liking.

Speaking earlier this month, Chicago Fire Technical Director Brian Bliss said:

“The plan all along in the offseason was to eventually address Mike’s situation. However the deal internally — and even publicly — (wasn’t) something that we were going to do until we got better clarity on our roster and better clarity on our roster cap.”

The 29-year-old Magee is yet to take the field this season. To further muddy matters, Magee said at the weekend he was not injured, only for Frank Yallop to contradict his forward.

Having taken one point from their opening two games, it is important the situation with Magee is rectified quickly. A talented individual, the ambiguity surrounding him quickly spreads to the rest of the team, as it remains to be seen whether Chicago will sink or swim this season.

Sixteen and a half minutes. That’s all it took for Jermain Defoe to explode onto Major League Soccer. Described by Toronto as a bloody big deal, Defoe certainly made it seem that way with his performance last Saturday. Grabbing a second inside half an hour, the forward showed the kind of  predatory instinct that goes some way to justifying his Designated Player salary.

Behind him was “Captain America” Michael Bradley. Gifted man of the match and leading from the middle of the park, Bradley is a massive upgrade for the club’s midfield, and proved that on Saturday against Seattle, giving the team a steel and craft with his smart passing, Toronto are certainly blessed. A team that on paper should easily make the playoffs this season, we arguably saw both sides of the Reds in this game.

There was undoubted moments of quality from Defoe, Bradley and those around them. However there were also lulls in which Seattle exerted concentrated pressure on Ryan Nelsen’s side. The New Zealander responded well. Having previously been questioned over his tactical eye, Nelsen was smart to switch Alvaro Rey and Jackson from left to right wing during the second half.

Keen to operate in a 4-4-2, his side will fly or fail based on how healthy he can keep his spine. Bradley will almost certainly miss a handful of games with the World Cup, but if Toronto can ride that bump they could finally be set to taste the playoffs.

Toronto’s next game is their first home match of the season, this Saturday at 4:30pm ET against DC United. For soccer fans in the United States, the match is available on MLS Live. Canadians can watch the game live on TSN.

Julian Green represents a significant capture for Jurgen Klinsmann after persuading him to ignore interest from Germany in order to commit his international career to the US Men’s National Team (USMNT).

Born in Florida, little is really known about Green as a player. Described as more of a winger than a forward, sources close to the Frankfurt Camp were left suitably impressed by what they saw from the teenager. Already earmarked as playing a part against Mexico next month, talk has already begun over Green’s potential involvement in this summer’s World Cup.

Considering that Green will take one of the coveted 23 spots in Klinsmann’s squad, the news has been met with a divided opinion. Passing a place to a player that is currently playing in Germany’s fourth tier seems counter-productive when there remain so many bubble players with legitimate cases to be heard.

In a situation that seems somewhat reminiscent to England’s inclusion of Theo Walcott in 2006, Green may make the plane, and an impact that far outweighs some of his more established colleagues. However if he is selected and does not make the pitch, questions will be raised.

It’s for that reason that the situation must be carefully managed. Ejecting a player who has spent the last 18 months contributing to the USMNT cause in favor of Green could easily cultivate an air of contempt for the young talent. Given how harmonious the USMNT pool is, it remains vital that dynamic is maintained.

Credit must also go to Klinsmann. The US head coach has helped expand the national team pool via a solid recruitment drive in Europe. Players such as Green and John Anthony Brooks have been persuaded by a cautious, yet focused recruitment approach that sees all pressure removed from the player.

As Green explained in an official press statement: “A big part of the decision was the experience I had in Frankfurt. All the players were super nice and welcomed me from the beginning.”

At just over 6ft 2in, with a blonde mohawk, it seems Brek Shea was born to stand out. An athletic wide player with the ability to glide past defenders, the 24-year-old continues to be a polarizing figure for the US Men’s National Team.

Alongside those who recognize and admire his potential are those who believe he will never realize it. Transferred to Stoke City in 2013, his move to England has not seen him earn regular first team opportunities.

It was for that reason Jurgen Klinsmann expressed happiness that the 24-year-old had agreed a loan move to Barnsley in January. Set to remain at Oakwell until April, his time at the club has been cut short following an unfortunate altercation with a fan. Seen making an offensive gesture in the wake of the club’s 5-0 defeat to fierce local rivals Huddersfield Town, it soured what had been a productive loan spell for Shea.

Making eight appearances, it represented his first real consistent exposure to first team soccer in just under a year. Eager to remain positive, Shea told the Stoke Sentinel newspaper:

“At the time I was upset, but now I’ve left it behind me. I can’t really change what happened. The passion of the fans over here is crazy, in a good way, but when things don’t go their way they are upset with their players and that can get out of hand.”

Reflecting on what the coming months hold for him, Shea added:

“I’ve had a lot of experiences, whether good or bad, and I’ve got to learn from them. Hopefully, I can earn a spot in this team. I have to keep my head down, work hard and hope I get my chance.”

While his optimism is admirable, realistically Shea’s situation at Stoke will have changed little following his return to the club. Currently six points above the relegation zone, Stoke are yet to secure Premier League survival. Thus it is unlikely that Hughes would see fit to include a player he was happy to loan out in January — even with the absence of Jonathan Walters through suspension.

Thus the question remains, what next for Brek Shea? Unable to garner another loan deal in England due to the window being shut, he could still return to Major League Soccer. With Toronto FC currently first in the allocation order, it remains to be seen which if any MLS club would be interested in acquiring Shea.

While he remains a talented individual, there is little in the way of a long term benefit to potential suitors. For Shea however the upsides are considerable. Returning to a league that shares similarities to England, it will also give him a solid run of games right up until the World Cup in Brazil.

Realistically MLS is Shea’s only option, and it would be a silly one for him to pass up. A player it seems Klinsmann likes, the former FC Dallas man appears to enjoy a strong relationship with his coach: “He gives me every confidence every time I come up [to the squad],” he recently told mlssoccer.com. “I still think playing for him is pretty cool. He was a great player so when he says stuff like that, it means a lot to me. But you still have to perform every time you get the chance or you won’t get it again.”

With a US camp in May, Shea is running low on opportunities to cement his place in the US squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. However if he can secure a temporary spell in MLS, the midfielder may finally begin to deliver on his potential and give the US a much needed impact sub.

So you don’t miss games this 2014 season, view the MLS TV schedule. You can also watch games via MLS Live. And be sure to stay updated on the MLS news throughout the season via the MLSsoccer.com site.

MLS returns this Saturday for its 19th season as a top flight league in the United States. There’s plenty to look forward, but here are 5 reasons in particular to be excited about the opening weekend:

1. Michael Bradley — When reports first surfaced on Twitter that Michael Bradley may be heading back to Major League Soccer, there was a nervous excitement. The star central midfielder for the US Men’s National Team, Bradley oozes class on the ball and would be an improvement for every team in the league bar none. The end of his time in Europe may disappoint those who wish to see US players compete at the highest level, but when you consider the influence he may have on players in MLS, it’s hard not to get excited all over again. A real conductor in the centre of midfield, his first game for Toronto marks the beginning of a new phase in the club’s history. Sink or swim, Toronto will be an interesting watch this season.

2. FC Dallas — A new coach, a clutch of new players, things are all change in FC Dallas this season. After watching Oscar Pareja nurture some exciting young talent in Colorado, you would be forgiven for being interested to see what he’ll do with the Hoops. Seeing Fabio Castillo joined by Andres Escobar and David Texiera, FC Dallas have arguably the most exciting young forward line in Major League Soccer. Although Texiera is still a few weeks away from being ready to start regularly, his clever off the ball movement should mesh well with the pace and athleticism of Escobar and Castillo. If you’re looking for a dark horse to keep track of this season, start by catching Dallas against Montreal.

3. Chivas USA — Schadenfreude, it’s a German word that means to take joy from the sadness of another. Watching Chivas USA last season usually meant engaging in schadenfreude or masochism, depending on your stance. With the owner Jorge Vergara now long since gone and a new owner sought, it will be interesting to see how the squad and Wilmer Cabrera do. They’ve picked up a prominent South American star of MLS in Mauro Rosales along with veteran Bofo Bautista. Whether that will see an improvement of fortunes remains to be seen, but it provides an interesting sub-plot to the 2014 season.

4. Eddie Johnson v Seattle: who was right? — Self praise is no recommendation. Thankfully for Eddie Johnson, he also led the Seattle Sounders scoring chart last season, otherwise he may have struggled to negotiate his DP contract with D.C. United. The forward has been impressive since returning to MLS, but there are just as many column inches on his divisive nature as there are on his goalscoring habits. Now the star attraction is in our nation’s capital, Johnson should have the space with which to grow as an individual. The problem however is that the majority of the club’s attacking hopes hang on the 29-year-old. If he fails, D.C. fails, and after a poor campaign in MLS last year, the club can ill afford another sub-par regular season performance.

5. New York Red Bulls — Last season was a strong start from Mike Petke. A former Red Bull, his delivery of the Supporters’ Shield gave New York a tear jerking moment that will forever live in the memory. Failing to make the MLS Cup final however, Petke made few off-season additions to his squad. That indicates he trusts the guys he has, which could forge a strong understanding and togetherness in New York. However, if they start the season poorly, questions will be raised over why more fresh recruits weren’t sought in the off-season. Still with space for one more Designated Player, there remains potential for a shock acquisition, making New York an interesting watch during the early weeks of the season. RBNY begin their season with a tricky match away against Vancouver.

Tune in to this weekend’s MLS games on MLS Live or via local or national television (view the MLS TV schedule for complete details).

This content series is sponsored by MLS.

Given the modern fascination with statistics and infographics, last week saw a particularly interesting nugget of information come to the fore. Blessed with 5 goals in 12 World Cup appearances, Landon Donovan has scored more World Cup goals than Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic combined (the quartet holding 3 in 31 games).

As well as temporarily exalting Donovan to the pinnacle of US soccer, it also served as a reminder of the concern being raised during discussion of the US Men’s National Team. Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey and the aforementioned Donovan — on paper — are a strong trio of forward options — yet only one of the three is heading into Brazil in potentially good club form.

Altidore continues to toil at Sunderland, with Sunday seeing him excluded from the 18 selected to face Manchester City. Meanwhile for Dempsey, a meek end to his second stint at Fulham saw him promptly depart down the tunnel at full time. The prodigal son had not proved potent during his second stint.

While Aron Johansson continues to display potential, he remains an unknown quantity in a tournament setting. After USA’s poor performance against Ukraine on Wednesday, the opportunity for a striker to break into the squad and begin scoring goals presents itself.

Terence Boyd bleeds red white and blue. If the American flag tattoo on his arm was not enough, his constant patriotic declarations and desire to do well for the USMNT should further convince.

In stellar form for Rapid Wien, he netted his 14th goal of the season on Sunday, as he desperately tries to book a seat on the plane to Brazil. When I spoke to the exuberant Boyd in November, his plan was clear. “I just need to get on the pitch, and run around like I’m being chased by bees,” he said with a large grin.

Boyd has a relaxed attitude. Speaking with him last week, he displayed his selfless nature again: “For me it is all about the team. We’re trying to do the best for this country,” he explained. With such a harmonious locker room, it makes sense for Boyd not to rock the boat.

Speaking to Goal earlier this week, he said: “There are a lot of good strikers up front for the national team now. I just have to focus on myself, just play my game and score as many goals as I can get. Hopefully it will be enough. If not, I have to work harder.”

Alongside Boyd is another young US prospect, Juan Agudelo. The former New York Red Bull recently completed a dream move to Europe. Farmed out to FC Utrecht due to work permit issues, Agudelo scored against PEC Zwolle — reminding everyone of his talent. An expert finish, his partnership with former Southampton man Steve De Ridder has already shown potential.

Replace the small, nippy De Ridder with Donovan, and Klinsmann could forge a pairing that has the exuberance of youth and the kind of guile a 32-year-old Donovan brings to the table. Speaking to mlssoccer.com earlier this week, Agudelo said: “I need to make it hard for [Klinsmann] to not pick me to go to the World Cup. I can only do that through working hard and working even harder than the rest, because the competition is there and there aren’t enough places to please everyone.”

Barring injury, it seems unlikely Altidore or Dempsey will fail to make the final 23 for Brazil this summer. However there remains a spot in the squad for another striker. While Boyd holds more experience and a better record at club level, he also benefits from playing in a lesser league.

Meanwhile for Agudelo, there remains just the faintest memories of his goal against Argentina, and the early promise he displayed in his teens. A player that holds the potential to conjure something special (such as his goal for New York against D.C. United), that kind of clutch play could just be the difference between emerging from the group stage or not.

Change has been abundant in Seattle this year. With a number of prominent first team members shipped out of Seattle Sounders, it facilitated the arrival of a number of new faces. The home of the Super Bowl champions, the city’s soccer team is yet to feature in the show piece occasion of MLS. Regardless, they still had one of the biggest talking points last season when they acquired Clint Dempsey from Tottenham Hotspur.

On paper, the Sounders had a deadly strike force comprising Oba Martins, Eddie Johnson and Dempsey, but it simply didn’t click last season as the Sounders were meekly eliminated from the MLS playoffs by fierce rivals Portland Timbers.

It meant that a significant change was required, and looking at the Seattle squad, that is certainly the case. The names of the departed were once all prominent members of the squad — Mauro Rosales, Eddie Johnson, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Michael Gspurning. Only a few of the club’s prominent players from last year remain.

In their place arrive the likes of Chad Marshall, Kenny Cooper, Marco Pappa, and Stefan Frei. With Brad Evans believing the club have replaced the former group with ‘good people,’ the harmony of the dressing room will be a constant discussion point for Seattle this season.

Last season, the divisive/honest (depending on your slant) nature of Eddie Johnson made him an easy scapegoat for the club and those evaluating Seattle. Now that he has pitched up in the nation’s capital, togetherness should flow with ease in Seattle — at least in theory.

It was certainly something Sigi Schmid hinted towards in a recent interview with ESPNFC:

“The group in general, the mix wasn’t quite right. I think that held us back a little bit. But it wasn’t pinpointed onto one individual. I think a lot of people are trying to read into that with Johnson and are making a mistake about that.”

One former teammate (who sought anonymity) was far from forgiving of Johnson’s influence. Telling ESPNFC, “It’s almost like, ‘In what way is he not a problem? From being late, disruptive, abusive, uncoachable — the list goes on. You can only take it for so long. You either lose the whole team or you lose him.”

Regardless, trading your leading scorer is a risk. The theory suggests that with a steadier locker room, the club should improve. Following an extensive set of trades, Seattle’s squad remains strong.

That is in part due to the presence of Clint Dempsey’s name. A huge coup when he arrived at Seattle last season, his first six months back in MLS were not happy.

His return to familiar surroundings with Fulham may have been seen as the chance to reignite the spark inside the striker. Instead it seemed to plunge him further into a rut. A handful of appearances, he departed the pitch promptly after his final game for the club against Chelsea.

“I’m grateful to Fulham for allowing me to come back on loan, where it all kind of started for me in Europe,” Dempsey told Bleacher Report this week. “There were other clubs that I had options to go to, but Fulham has always kind of been like home to me.”

Speaking on the benefits of his time at Craven Cottage, Dempsey added: “I wanted to come back and get back to playing with some of the best competition, work on my fitness and form and try to help the team as much as I could.”

Also forced to juggle the pressure of the World Cup in Brazil, it’s a lot for Dempsey to wrestle with. It’s a pressure that has not spread to his manager. Calm amid a storm of conjecture, Schmid told ESPNFC:

“We need Dempsey in the final third as often as possible. Positionally, that’s the way he’ll get lined up so he can get into those areas of the field. [Formation-wise], that might vary a bit from game to game. Overall, he’s going to be one of those four attacking options for sure.”

With Kenny Cooper now also in the mix, Seattle has the potential to be a dangerous attacking force. A former Timber, Cooper brings a big physical presence that could compliment the pace of Martins well.

The Nigerian certainly thinks so, telling mlssoccer.com: “I think he’s strong. He has big potential. He reminds me of Christian Vieri with how he plays. He was a big guy, too. We hope we play well together.”

Underpinned by the continued presence of Osvaldo Alonso, the club’s backline will also need a significant improvement if Seattle are to reach their potential. Shipping 15 goals in their last seven regular season games, once again on paper the club’s pickups long strong.

An opportunity for Schmid to show how he can forge a strong locker room, Seattle are rightly seen as one of the league’s strongest sides.

However with the emergence of Toronto FC, as well as a Portland Timbers side bursting with potential, the Sounders need to show that they are just as dangerous on the field, as they are on paper.

Sacchi, 67, enjoyed spells with both the Rossoneri and Atletico Madrid during his managerial career, and helped Milan achieve successive European titles while at the club in the late 1980s. Although Atletico are currently sitting third in La Liga, level on points with Barcelona and Real Madrid, Sacchi believes the Italian giants have enough European experience to cause the Spanish side problems.

“Atletico is a very strong team. A real one,” Sacchi told Spanish newspaper Marca. “They play with very clear ideas. I’ve seen them play a few times this season and they are spectacular. The game they had against Real Madrid in the league at the Bernabeu really impressed me. They won, deservedly so. It is a very strong side, very well connected, who imposes a high rhythm, with great collaboration between all of the players. The collective play is at the highest level.

“Today, Atletico is the favorite; however, be careful with Milan. We are talking about a team with much experience in Europe. A team that has won seven European Cups/Champions League titles. It’s evident Milan is not going through a good time, but they have players of the highest level who can overturn the balance.”

Sacchi was also keen to credit Rojiblancos coach Diego Simeone for his work with the club. Elevating his side to the top of La Liga, the 67-year-old praised the young manager’s organization, as well as revealing an admiration for his star striker Diego Costa.

“He is a fury. I’m enchanted by his strength, aggressiveness and fight,” Saachi said of Costa. “He is a modern attacker. He has deployment both in attack and defense. There are many good strikers who only manage a few concepts of play and only move in one direction. But not him. He gives you a lot up top and also in the defensive end.

“Cholo’s [Simeone] work has been fantastic. There isn’t a more organized side in Europe than Atletico. It’s fluidity in attack isn’t always optimal; however, if they exercise pressure on their rival, their style is to tighten down things. They have a great defensive organization.”

Myth, legend — it all ties into the tapestry of sport with a fluid ease. In baseball, it was Steve Bartman who famously endeared himself to Marlins fans while enraging his fellow Cubs fans by “Catching Hell” (as ESPN 30 for 30 coined it). Further East, there was the Curse of the Bambino that plagued the Boston Red Sox for almost a century. Meanwhile at the home of the New York Red Bulls, there is a similar pessimistic conjecture that emerges around the time of the playoffs.

‘Caricola’ is a name that conjures the image of a medieval middle eastern monster. The truth is somewhat less fanciful. Nicola Caricola, the former Juventus and Genoa defender, spent a spell in MLS and also holds the unwanted mantle of ‘own goal’ scorer at Giants Stadium.

“It was the first game at Giants Stadium, 46,000 people, I’ll never forget that game,” he told MLSSoccer.com recently. A memorable day,  but it gained a more sickening relevance for Caricola when Tony Meola palmed away a shot in the final seconds. A tired prod from Caricola sent the ball into the one place he didn’t want it to end up — his own net. With New York Red Bulls the only original franchise still unable to win the MLS Cup, reasoning was sought and so the curse was born.

As with any good folklore and tales of misfortune, there must be supplementary examples. “The curse of Caricola is a great story to me, it’s like the ‘Curse of the Bambino’,” current head coach Mike Petke admitted.

Petke is a non-believer even though he has had closer exposure than most. Chicago, the Eastern Conference Final, 2000. The decisive fixture in a three game series (as was the format then). Tied at 2-2 after recovering from a two goal deficit, Adolfo Valencia races onto a defensive mistake, and scores what he (and at the time Petke) assumed to be a potential game winning goal.

Piercing the celebrations with a shrill whistle, Petke likens the polarizing feelings to ‘what I imagine a heart attack to be like’. If Petke’s heart was weak at the moment, Valencia’s goal was struck off. It suffered a second blow minutes later. Ante Razov burst through to end the Metrostars hopes, and gave further credence to the cynical curse believers among the fan base.

“It haunted me for a while,” Petke said with a chilling tone. With a name change, and a rebranding, you may have thought the curse would perish too. Could the new Red Bulls
provide the catharsis its patrons had longed for? It had a chance in 2012 against DC United, the antithesis of New York when it comes to success in MLS.

A goalless first leg placed New York in the position of power, a grip that was further strengthened by the dismissal of Bill Hamid that granted Kenny Cooper a penalty kick. The striker was coming off a fantastic year in front of goal. Confidently striding up, he stroked the ball home and now new memories could be chiseled into the consciousness of fans – or at least so it seemed.

The whistle, the deja vu, it was all coming back to haunt the franchise again. This time there was nothing to be debated. Players had encroached the penalty, and while not always ruthlessly enforced, the referee was right to call it. Yet allowing yourself a moment of empathy with the crestfallen fans, you can see why self-pity was easier to meander to. Countless spot kicks have bore witness to the same issue and yet none have been recalled.

As Cooper prepared himself for round two against substitute Joe Willis, it seemed the script was being whispered around the ground. An identical run up, a little stutter. Saved. The stand-in keeper had become a hero and denied another New York player the chance to bury the demons swirling around the club in play-off season.

To compound the misery and now a man light, DC United scored to win the game, one which descended into a tail spin for a franchise that like years gone by had so much promise when regaling the team-sheet, yet could not deliver. With Petke now serving as head coach, his season has begun brilliantly.

Delivering the Supporters Shield, to see the hometown boy bring home the silverware has been a bright spot of the MLS season. And as he lay the Shield to rest on the stand, his attentions almost undoubtedly focused on the MLS Cup. New York not only has a blessed squad, but a cohesive one. Its reliance on Thierry Henry does not seem as strong. Now it stands on its own, while still holding his clutch potential when required.

Yet in the back of the mind waiting for the club to slip up was a post season case of schadenfreude. It didn’t seem like it would happen on Sunday. Two quick goals from Tim Cahill and Eric Alexander placed New York in a position of comfort. Then a rush of blood to Jamison Olave’s head saw him lunge in on Omar Cummings and earn a stupid red card.

Ending the game tied at 2-2, tonight’s game will see them try to prove they, like their manager, have moved past the claims of a curse and begun to write their own history, with no consideration for the one that preceded them.

Programming alert: Tonight’s second leg of the Eastern Conference semi-final against Houston will be shown live at 8pm ET on Univision Deportes.

Pepe Reina has admitted he can understand Luis Suarez’s desire to leave Liverpool, but hopes his teammate will remain at Anfield.

The Uruguayan international has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield, citing media pressure and the toll it has taken on his family as a strong factor in his desire to relocate. With Real Madrid rumored to be a potential suitor, it is understood Liverpool will demand in the region of £50million to any club that hopes to sign the former Ajax player.

Reina, who is currently on international duty with Spain ahead of games against Haiti and the Republic of Ireland, conceded he is sympathetic to the plight of his teammate.

“I haven’t read Luis himself say he wants out of Liverpool to be honest,” Reina said.” He might say that the times have been a little bit rough and the media has been having a bit of a go at him. In the past it’s been difficult for him and his family.

“To be honest, I would like for Luis to stay at Liverpool, but I understand if he’s thinking about leaving for something bigger – when I say bigger I mean not as a club, just challenging for titles and playing in the Champions League and competing with the best.

“Because of the situation, because of the treatment by the media, it would be difficult for any player, not just Luis, to stay strong and be happy. Hopefully he will stay at Liverpool for many years, but I understand if the right offer comes for him and for the club for him to go.”

Fernando Torres has dismissed reports he is set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager.

The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Napoli, that would once again see him reunited with Rafa Benitez. Signing a five-year-deal when he joined the club in 2011, Torres maintains that he is looking forward to working with Mourinho, dismissing any suggestion he could be leaving London.

“I’m looking forward to the chance of working with Jose,” Torres explained. “It is the same every summer, there is talk and rumors every day. When I signed for Chelsea I signed for five-and-a-half years and I want to be there for all of that. I know it’s going to be hard, but I’m happy and look forward to that,” the striker said. “He is the best for what we can expect at Chelsea. Everyone who loves the club is so excited. A lot of fans will be so happy.”

Torres was speaking in advance of Spain’s two friendlies on US soil.

Fernando Torres has played down the negative perception of Chelsea, adding that the club are now striving for a Premier League title.

The Spanish striker was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s games this week against Manchester City, when he told reporters, “At least since I’m here it always looks a bit worse than it is really. I think we have been doing two really good seasons and we have won two European trophies, so things are not as bad as everyone says.

“We’re happy for the progress of the team. We won the Champions League with one squad and this year with a newer squad with five or six new players, young players, we have [had] good success again in Europe and that it is not easy with so many changes in the team.”

Satisfied with the achievements of the latest Chelsea squad following their Europa League title, Torres believes it is the work of the press that has garnered Chelsea such a negative perception. Already thinking to next season, the former Liverpool striker is now aiming to add a Premier League winners medal to his collection.

“I think the players, the staff, the supporters are happy with what we are doing so hopefully we can build from what we have done in the last two seasons for the future. Next season we have to think even more trophies, especially the Premier League. It has been difficult to do well in the Premier League and I think it is a trophy the fans really want to win.

“It looks like everything has been negative [in the press]. Nobody really talks about what Chelsea is doing good. But at the end of the day in all sports it is about results. Results are good. [In the last two seasons], we won the FA Cup, the Champions League and we have won the Europa League this season. Things are going well. We have to be realistic with that. Chelsea has won three trophies in the last two years, it is not bad.”

It’s a rare opportunity that I get to incorporate the words of William Shakespeare into an article. Yet in the wake of Mike Ashley’s decision to rename St James’ Park, a friend promptly text messaged me asking what I thought.

Instead of swearing or talking about ‘the business of the modern game’, I instead replied; “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Pretentious as my response may appear, I feel in many ways it summates my opinion rather succinctly. I say that because on the one hand, with football clubs becoming far more business-like as the years pass, it shouldn’t surprise you to see stadium names be auctioned off to whomever stumps up the money.

Maybe it’s because I watch MLS and write about ‘Pizza Hut Park’ and ‘The Home Depot Centre’. By that I mean it has almost numbed me to the outrage of changing a stadiums name. Newcastle’s next game is the Etihad stadium for example. After that they move across Manchester to play at Old Trafford, which leads me to my next point.

If for a hypothetical moment the Glazer family were to auction the rights of Old Trafford, do you think any self respecting fan would call it by the new name? I for one doubt it. That’s because changing a name does not alter memories.

From observing Twitter I can already see, of those objecting, the majority maintain they will refer to the stadium as ‘St James’ Park’ irrespective of what signage is displayed in the stadium and on the wall outside the ground.

In the wider context however, I do question the change from a business standpoint. We’ve already seen the anger attributed to the decision. Newcastle fans hate it, and so do football fans in general it seems, so with that in mind, what company is going to want to attach themselves to that? It seems to be brand suicide almost, and the quickest way to earn castigation from your potential customers.

That is of course before we even consider the timing of such an announcement. The club are third in the Premier League and the news broke not too long after the BBC had spent an hour with Steven Taylor discussing how wonderful things were.

Managing Director Derek Llambias has been quick to validate the decision with suggestions that the money will be used to buy players. Unfortunately the pessimistic members of Newcastle’s fan base will ask if this is before or after the money received for Andy Carroll is spent.

A fragile relationship that has been devoid of trust for sometime, this latest announcement will have only validated those set against the current hierarchy. Citing Llambias’ promise in 2009 that St James’ Park would always remain as the stadiums name, this latest twist hardly serves as a glowing character reference.

Which is a shame in truth. The last three months have seen so many positive stories emanate from Newcastle. Be it; the playing staff, the togetherness or the fantastic league start, there has been so much to cheer about which makes this latest development harder to swallow because in the eyes of many it eradicates the good work that has gone before.

In truth this is far more likely to affect those in the media. With a local pub offering free drinks to any journalist that refrains from adopting the new name, a difficult decision comes to the fore. In the grander scheme of the game, it seems Newcastle are neither the first nor the last to undergo a name change. Whether these rebranding exercises will permeate to the fan on the street however still seems highly unlikely.

Off the pitch, it’s been a really poor few weeks for English football. People wanting to renegotiate TV deals, and now suggestions that relegation should be scrapped. How long before the Premier League gains a backbone and stops being the Far East’s cheap hooker?

I’m not even a Bolton fan, yet I was left angry by Ian Ayre’s comments. What right does he have to belittle any club? Bolton have played in Europe. They gave England the great Nat Lofthouse. And they have earned their thread in English football’s tapestry just like Liverpool. As so many have rightly said, Bill Shankly would be far from impressed, and thankfully this view is shared by so many of the club’s fans.

Greed is a discernible trait. Greed for titles and cups I could understand, but not for the dollar. Not because it makes spreadsheets look better in eight month’s time. With this league beginning to suffer from claims of little competition, why anyone would want to further enhance that by redistributing money leads me to instantly question why they’re involved in the game.

If you want more money why not look at improving your own media? Liverpool have their own TV channel and website. Why not hire more staff and produce more original content for your fans abroad to watch? Why must they try to steal money from those around them?

We admire so much of the Spanish game, but we should look at their system of negotiation to see why it just doesn’t work. Racing Santander are given one tenth the TV revenue of Barcelona. How are you to even try and compete with such gulfs in wealth? I enjoy La Liga, but outside of Barcelona and Real Madrid I could not truly see any team taking the league crown.

To make it even worse, now certain foreign investors want us to modify the league structure. Get rid of relegation? Why don’t we just hold glorified training sessions and play out fixtures using dice and math paper like when I was a child? Soccer in England is about relegation- the juxtaposition of survival and defeat. Fans in the stand crying because they know they have to go to Barnsley in December.

Yet it’s also about promotion. I enjoyed watching Blackpool last year, and I even found myself supporting them on the final day as they so nearly reached the supposed impossible dream. You’re now trying to convince me that it would be better to scrap all of that and just self contain our leagues, meaning no team can grow and no team can shrink? If you want Premier League football, then pick one of these lucky 20 — like t-shirts in a shop window.

I say all this as the fan of a Premier League club. I’m all for foreign investment, but not at the cost of my domestic game. If you want to pay Carlos Tevez the equivalent of a three bedroom semi detached house a week that’s fine. After all it’s your money. But don’t play the game and then ask to change the rules.

Otherwise where do we stop? How defined and self contained does our league become? How long before the top half of the Premier League looks like a disinterested lover, turns and says “This isn’t working for us, we want to form a new league with the other top teams in Europe.’ I guess it’s a shame ‘The Champions League’ is already taken. It would make the transition all that smoother.

Even now this isn’t the first instance of the Premier League’s questionable approach. Let’s add one game to the season and play it abroad, like a traveling circus — not so fans can connect with players, but so shirts can be printed and sold by the box load.

Football will always have its questionable characters, people interested in quick money for little work. It is vital that we blindside these people, and show them the coldest of shoulders. After all, the Premier League’s logo incorporates a lion at it’s core, but I’m beginning to think a large pussycat might be more appropriate.

Q: Despite having to retire ‘early’ you were still able to play up until the age of 34, what do you consider your career highlights?

A: It’s hard to deviate from the obvious choices of playing in the 2006 World Cup, scoring my one and only goal for the National Team against our bitter rival, Mexico, in 2007, and captaining the U.S. on five different occasions but I’ll get a bit more personal, and potentially cheesy, by saying that one my career highlights was when Brian McBride knew who I was near the end of my rookie year in MLS in 1999. We were doing the “team exchanging handshakes” ritual before kick-off and he said, “Hey, Jimmy,” and I thought, “Brian McBride knows my name!” It was definitely one of my “I’ve arrived” moments.

Q: When you joined the Flash were you worried that you might not make it to MLS? Were there ever any instances where you considered trying a different career path?

A: I was less worried about not making it than I was about not getting the opportunity to prove that I could play at that level. Based on the amount of work I put into my game when no one was watching, I would’ve been incredibly disappointed if I hadn’t got the chance to see what it was all about. With regard to other career paths, of course I had my eye on other things! I got $800 a month for playing with the Flash in the then A-League, which definitely forced my teammates and I to reflect on what we were doing with our lives on a daily basis.

Q: That’s something I’ve wondered, with the money of MLS often bemoaned, do you think the league has lost potential quality players because of it’s lack of financial benefit?

A: Absolutely. How could it not? I earned $24,000 my first year in San Jose during the Dot Com Boom and I had $300 to my name at the end of the year, which, naturally, I used to go to Vegas with my friends. I ended up winning $1500 playing craps for the first time so that was a nice way to finish up my first year in MLS but, to answer your question directly, I think professional sports is the dream of many kids of our country for a better life and, unfortunately for the sport, Major League Soccer isn’t the answer for them…yet. But It will be a legitimate option in the near future.

Q: You did eventually begin in MLS with the San Jose Earthquakes. What was it like the first day you went out to train with those guys? Did any of your preconceptions come true?

A: Fortunately for myself and Joe Cannon, we had trained with the majority of the team for two weeks at the end of the 1998 season for a friendly against Toluca so we didn’t feel completely like the new guys but we weren’t too far off. As for any of my preconceptions coming true, well, I always assumed that I would become much better looking once I signed a professional contract and look at me. I think it’s clear what the answer is.

Q: Did any guys treat you differently because of where you’d came from? Also who was your best friend on the team?

A: As long as you could play and had a good attitude and kept your mouth shut, then it was easy to earn the respect of the older guys. Also, my best friends on the team my rookie year were fellow rookies, Richard Mulrooney and Joe Cannon. We leaned on each other during tough times then and we still do that now. They are both awesome guys.

Q: When you joined San Jose they were ‘The Clash’ now they are ‘The Earthquakes’. Do you think that readily changing of names like that helps or hinders the league?

A: The Earthquakes had history in the San Jose area, which dated back to their NASL days so I don’t think that name change came as much of a shock. However, changing a name out of thin air like my former team, the Kansas City Wizards, did this year with their name change to “Sporting Kansas City” has fans and players alike rolling their eyes but, in time, everyone will get used it.

Q: Arguably the pinnacle of your time in San Jose saw you win the MLS Cup, in the context of MLS Cup winners before and after, where do you think that side measures up?

A: We had Dwayne DeRosario coming off the bench! Enough said.

Q: You also had a brief stint in Poland, how did that come about?

A: One of my teammates on the Earthquakes, Wojtek Krakowiak, had set up a loan situation with the team, Lech Poznan, in Poland and the coach asked if we had any more players who would be interested. I raised my hand and I’m happy that I did. I ended up playing in 15 games over there and learned a lot about myself and the player I wanted to become.

Q: And how is your Polish?

A: The only word I know how to say is the F-word, which I’m sure makes my mom incredibly proud.

Q: Was there one key thing you felt you learned in Europe?

A: The one key thing I learned in my brief stint over there was how important every game was to the people of the city. If we played at home and won, we were encouraged to go out because all of the food, drinks, etc., were taken care of. However, if we played at home and lost, we were encouraged to stay in the locker room until two hours after the game had ended and then head straight home without going out afterwards because fans would want to fight us if we looked like we were having a good time after losing a game. In short, it was pretty intense and something that doesn’t exist over here in any of our professional sports.

Q: It was rumored around 2006 that you may be heading back to Europe, was that ever close? Do you wish maybe you had gone back there or not?

A: I had a chance to go to a number of teams after the World Cup but based on the general laziness of my agent at that time, who will remain nameless, we weren’t proactive and that caused a lot of things to fall through. Sadly, during the January 2007 transfer window, I had my transfer fee agreed upon between Hannover in the Bundesliga where Steve Cherundolo plays and MLS and my physical was all lined up to make it official but they decided at the last minute to go after a forward from Rangers so I was the odd man out. I was bummed for a little while but, in hindsight, I’m glad I stayed my whole career in MLS because I took a lot of pride in helping the league grow regardless of how incrementally small my impact has really had.

Q: As someone who was selected for the best XI four times, what do you make of those who’ve criticized this years All Star selections? Is there anyone you think should have made it?

A: It would be hypocritical of me to throw out names because there was definitely a year or two when I should have not made the All-Star team and did. Of course, on the flip side, there were definitely years where I should’ve made the team and didn’t so, I don’t know, I think it all evens itself out.

Q: 2004 saw Kansas CIty named Western Conference championships. Was that the best Kansas side you played in? Do you think you should have won it that year?

A: 2004 was a special year for our club but not winning the championship after going up 1-0 in the final will always be one of my biggest regrets. We shot ourselves in the foot at the worst possible time in the biggest game of the year and we had to settle for being second best.

Q: In 2005, you actually were named the league’s best defender, where does that rank for you in terms of career achievements?

A: The word, “actually,” in your question makes it seem like you were surprised I won but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt since I won the award despite my team not making the playoffs, which I assume is unheard of because individual awards are usually linked with team success. I mean, obviously I was honored because the award is voted on by my peers but it was hard to celebrate since the team had nothing to show for a season’s worth of hard work. I guess “bittersweet” would be the best word to describe how I felt about winning it.

Q: Your time with Kansas City ended in the 2010 season, how did it feel to leave a club you’d made such an impact on? Would you have liked to finish up there?

A: I spent 8 years of my life in Kansas City, which is where I started a family, made lifelong friends, and created a vast amount of incredible memories but, based on my relationship with the current coaching staff, it was definitely time to move on.

Q: Joining Chivas you notched a goal against Sporting KC, what was that like? Did it feel like you had proved a point perhaps?

A: I’d be lying if I said the goal didn’t carry any emotional weight whatsoever but my new team and I ended up losing the game, 3-2, so any point I proved in the moment I scored didn’t mean as much at the final whistle.

Q: As a defender who not only won the Gold Cup but played over 25 times for his country, how do you rate the US current defensive prospects?

A: I think we have identified quite a few players who have the potential to be solid contributors to our national team but I don’t think anyone has stepped up and seized the opportunity, which, frankly, is a bit alarming because we need to start transitioning from Bocanegra, Onyewu, Demerit, and Cherundolo sooner rather than later. I mean, I love those guys but it’s rare to have too many players on the wrong side of 30 being major contributors in a World Cup. I hope they prove me wrong though!

Q: Are you big on memorabilia do you have any of your USMNT shirts for example?

A: I have a few of my national team shirts but only the ones that signified a major accomplishment in my career, like my first cap with the full team, my 2006 World Cup jersey, and the jersey I wore when I scored against Mexico in 2007. Outside of those, I gave the rest away to family and friends. Why do you ask? Do you want one?

Q: Do you think the USSF was right to dispense of Bob Bradley when they did?

A: I’ll preface my answer to this very layered question by stating that I don’t think any coach in any country should have the national team job for more than one World Cup cycle or a maximum of 4 years because I firmly believe that it’s not healthy to the program. Otherwise things grow stale because the players tune out the coach and a general malaise infects the team. As for “when” they fired him, I suppose that on the heels of being thoroughly outplayed by our biggest rival for a chance to go to the Confederations Cup would be as good a time as any.

Q: Away from football you’re quite prominent in the media side of the game, what got you interested in that?

A: I don’t remember ever setting out to be a quote-unquote “media whore” when I first came into MLS but it all started when I was in Poland. I used to go to these internet cafes to write emails back to friends and family to keep them updated on the latest travails of my Polish adventure but the internet was so slow that after two months of it, I literally lost my mind, wrote a scathing email to everyone I know, my agent included, about how Poland was living in the Stone Age. Unbeknownst to me at the time, my agent pitched the scathing email to Sports Illustrated and off I went.

Q: Do you think players could do more in terms of media, by that I mean be a bit more honest and not always offer the diplomatic answers they do?

A: I think Facebook and Twitter have changed the game in terms of how fans interact with players and vice versa so I think there is probably more honesty oozing out of players than ever before but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Based on the mental and emotional capacity of some athletes around the globe, sometimes less is more.

Q: I also read you’ll be doing some coaching with Chivas Youth, are you excited by the prospect? Have you thought about what you’re approach will be to teaching?

A: I will be teaching the “How To Be Awesome Like Me” approach. I plan on having my little army of clones dominating the fields and the blogosphere in no time.

Q: Now, you’ll obviously have some more free time available, how do you see yourself filling your days? Maybe rivaling Brek Shea in the art world?

A; Sadly, I have less free time now than I did prior to retiring, which makes me yearn for the 3-hour-a-day workday that I spent the last 13 years of my life reveling in. Damn this real job, 9-to-5 crap!

Q: I also couldn’t interview you without mentioning the ‘ConradRoast’ do you have any reply to those mean folk who poked fun?

A: To be honest, I loved the meanest comments the most because they cut right to the core of what my perceived weaknesses are and, well, because they were funny and I like to laugh.

‘Sports Academy USA’ aims to help British soccer players through the potentially daunting process of applying for a scholarship stateside. “I know so many talented players back home,” said Craven. Home to them is Nottingham with the pair having both spent time at Notts County in their youth before embarking to America.

With the news that University tuition fees are set to triple in Britain, scholarships abroad are becoming a much more viable option for those wishing to expand their horizons and gain an education. “They just don’t have the financial backing to get a degree in the UK,” said Stimpson, who studied at Neosho County Community College and Mesa State University.

Looking to work as the bridge between schools and potential players, Craven believes they are the ideal candidates for this kind of work. He said, “I’ve made a lot of contacts in the collegiate, professional development, and professional sectors of soccer in the US. I’m hoping to use these contacts to meet the needs of both school and player.”

It’s hard not to admire the pair for their ambitious efforts. While the venture is a business first and foremost, the potential change they can enact in these player’s lives can only be a good thing. With Craven having gone on to play for FC New York after College, the potential for graduates is exactly what they make of it.

The pair are quick to admit that this is no holiday however. Work is required by the player just as much as the school. Stimpson said, “College athletics in the US is no hobby. Believe me schools want to win. Not only are players studying full time for a degree, but they are also training and playing everyday. The only teams in the UK that have that level of training are professional senior and youth teams.”

He also believe the top class facilities are what the player gains in return for hard work adding, “The facilities at a lot of colleges in the US are as good if not better than many professional teams (in England).”

As for Sport Academy USA, their work doesn’t stop when the player enters school. In fact it just begins. With everything from dietary advice, to academic assessments and meetings with candidates parents, the service is a comprehensive one throughout their study.

In time they aim to build a solid reputation of providing the collegiate programs of America with quality players. With one clear mantra Craven explained; “ We want to be known for delivering high quality players to colleges all over the US. We are focusing on the old fashion rule of quality, not quantity.”

Even when school has finished, the decision on what to do next comes with the advice of experienced individuals. Having already begun sending players through the system, they are able to see the fruits of their labour with players like Kash Siddiqi a shining example.

Now a Pakistan international, and considering offers both in Europe and Asia, Kash believes he owes a lot to the academy. He said, “It was the best four years of my life and I wish I had the chance to do it all again. I’ve played football and studied in California and Florida, made some great friends, and most importantly I’ve got my international business degree.”

Still in it’s infancy however, both Craven and Stimpson are projecting big things for the future of the company and British players in America “ There’s no reason why talented British players can’t take their ability to America and make a name for both themselves and the college they represent. “Just look at Craig Sutherland. He has just spent four years at a US college and this summer signed a two-year contract with Blackpool FC,” said Sam.

With Craven’s good friend Luke Rodgers also enjoying an impressive debut season in MLS, it would appear the once narrow road for British soccer players is beginning to widen. You can find out more about the academy at www.sportsacademyusa.com or by contacting them at lance@sportsacademyusa.com or sam@sportsacademyusa.com.

July saw Kevin Hartman named MLS’s MVP of the month. He follows that accolade with an inclusion into our MLS Legends feature. The 37-year old currently leads the league in minutes, and we caught up with Kevin on the way to practice. He told us all about his stock portfolio, and how he’s managed to have such a long career.

Kristan Heneage: Congratulations on your July MVP award. What do you attribute to your career longevity?

Kevin Hartman: I would imagine it’s probably staying healthy and demanding a lot out of myself on a day to day basis. I always feel those things are important, so I constantly reevaluate where I am and where I need to get to. I think that has allowed me to stay on top of it. Soccer is something I really love and I think that shows sometimes in my play.

Do you agree that it makes goalkeepers unique in that sense because you become more valuable the older you get?

(Laughs) I don’t know about valuable, but I think your experiences begin to really pay off. I would say my ability to relate experiences I’ve had in my career to the guys in front of me is one of the most important things I do on a game to game, day to day basis. I think if I’m able to maneuver the guys in front of me to rectify a situation I’ve seen in the past so that I have a better outcome, I think it can be a real success.

I don’t want to make you feel old, but you do also top the league in terms of minutes played and you’re two games from taking the appearance record from Steve Ralston. How long do you think you will go on in MLS?

It’s something I consider on a day to day, week to week basis. I need to make sure I manage my quality but I also need to prove that it is just a number. So I make sure I consistently get down to the gym, and lift and get on the treadmill and elliptical, and continue to really push myself. I know Cobi [Jones] told me to play as long as I can. I’m going to try and make sure it seems right and I’m an asset to the team. I certainly want to continue playing rather than watching the game.

Bill Hamid was given his chance for the national team recently. Where are you internationally? Do you think you still have a part to play?

Yeah you know it’s the beginning of the cycle so they’re looking at the young guys. I definitely feel I could be a contributor to that team. I know Timmy’s [Tim Howard] done a great job, and there’s some other goalkeepers in the pool who’ve done great things. I have a lot of respect for Nick Rimando and some of the things he’s done at Real Salt Lake.

I’d certainly relish the opportunity. I think I have about 5 or 6 caps and I’ve been in numerous camps so I’ve got a lot of experience at that level, but I don’t know. We’ll see. Obviously Bill’s getting his opportunity, I know [Sean] Johnson at Chicago got his opportunity at the start of the year, I had a knee injury at the start of the year so I wasn’t really available.

Jurgen is someone I have a ton of respect for, and I will just be patient with it and continue to push and try to make sure I’m someone that runs across his mind when contemplating his decision.

Is your German very good?

(Laughs) No I don’t have any German knowledge.

We hear a lot of the dominance of the West. Is there an Eastern Conference team you think could cause real trouble in the Playoffs?

I think that we have a lot of respect for every team we play. MLS is an interesting thing in that, I feel like on a majority of league games you’re facing an opponent that can beat you. I think the length of the season really does sift through some of that stuff, and you do see that the Western Conference does kind of rise to the top. I don’t think you can look at it as an easy weekend when you’re playing an Eastern Conference rival. I know we have Philly [Philadelphia Union] next week. They’ve certainly had a lot of success, and changed a lot of things in terms of where they are in league and their success since last year. So we know its going to be a tough place to play at PPL Park. That’s in the back of our mind in anticipation for the game against LA. We don’t really feel like they’re easy games. I know from my perspective as a goalkeeper, New York has a superb attacking group with Henry and the like.

I mean coming at it from a European perspective where the top team wins the league, does that occasionally make you ignore the league standings because you know you’ve just got to be ‘near the top’?

You know, I think that the players probably have more respect for the Supporters Shield sometimes than the fans do, or than the fans or the league give it credit for. I think a lot of us are followers of the English or foreign tables, so for us to be near the top is something that we’re excited about. We have a big tilt this week versus LA to try and get to the top of it. It’s something we think about on a week to week, and day to day basis, just trying to make sure that we’re near the top and put ourselves in a good position for the playoffs. I would say the Supporters Shield gets you into the CONCACAF Champions League and something that I’d be hard pressed to say isn’t near the top of the list of things I want to win this season.

You mentioned the CONCACAF Champions League. How important is that for you in terms of everything you want to win?

I won it in 2000 for LA Galaxy. It’s different now because when we played it was a tournament style format in Los Angeles. Now it’s a home and away, a lot more like the European Champions League, so it probably has a lot more validity to it. It’s certainly something we take very very seriously as we do with all the competitions. I think winning is something you have to do on a regular basis, not something you can send one group out on one week, and another group another week and create a culture of winning. We continue to push ourselves through the eight games in July and I think we have eight games this month. So there’s a lot going on for Dallas in the summer.

Looking at FC Dallas season, a lot of the attention seems to be forming around Brek Shea. Just how good is he in terms of the guys you’ve played with throughout your career?

Athletically he’s probably the most gifted player I’ve ever played with. He’s strong, he’s fast, he has a willingness to defend and attack, which makes him a huge asset for us in terms of what we get done on both sides of the ball. I think he’s creative, he’s carefree, he’s got a willingness to attack and he’s willing to shoulder responsibility. It’s really refreshing to see that in such a young player so he’s really been a huge asset for us.

What about that mohawk? Was that something where you said ‘Listen come that to the side and you’ll thank me in 10 years time’?

(Laughs) Yeah, I let him do what he wants to do. I’m sure when I was his age I was doing the same kind of stuff, so really I plead the fifth on it.

He also played in the All Star game. From a selfish perspective, do you sometimes wish he could go unnoticed so you don’t lose him?

No, I mean you obviously want to see the guys have as much success as they possibly can. Careers aren’t that long so it would be great to see him be put on a stage that prepares him and would really help us at the national team level. He’s certainly someone who can do that. It’s been a while since we’ve had an out-and-out left sided winger like that. I think that any chance he could go to an international level and play be it; England, Italy, Spain or something like that would help with his development, and make our international team better, and financially he’d be much better off too.

How much do you think his emergence is due to the injury suffered by David Ferriera?

I don’t know. It’s hard for me to find anything positive about David not being with us. I think that we really had to reestablish ourselves with David gone, and as a group I think we became more workmen like. A bunch of guys have had opportunities they perhaps wouldn’t have had with David not being around, so that’s one thing that’s been good for us in terms of depth coming into all these tournaments. So there’s been a lot of opportunities we’ve had to give people because of his absence but it’s a stretch to say we wouldn’t rather have David around.

So is that the positive that you’ve drawn, that it’s almost evolved you as a team?

Yeah I think guys have had to kind of step up. I think if you look at last season, David shouldered a lot of responsibility, so now he’s not around other guys need to be stepping up. You see now our group has real quality, that’s why people now sit back and really appreciate what it is we do.

You mentioned Europe in relation to Brek Shea. Have you ever fancied it yourself? I can tell you the weather’s not as great, but it has it’s pluses.

(Laughs) You know I was over training at Roda JC and Belgium. I was contemplating going over. MLS significantly raised what I was being offered and I was living in Los Angeles at the time, and I was probably 25 at the time and I think the lure of staying on Sunset Beach was too much. I don’t know if anyone would come after a 37 year old keeper but we’ll see.

Looking back on your career, what’s the biggest change you’ve noticed from when you first started to now, in terms of the game?

I think I’m appreciative of what my preparation is like. I think I’m pretty consistent with it. I think I have a better look at what the picture is. I think when you’re younger you’re trying to stabilize yourself, but I think now I’m able to deal with the pressures of it all a little bit better and stay at an even keel. I think that’s important for a goalkeeper, be it conceding a goal or recovering from that and looking at what’s coming next. Always just taking it one play at a time.

Do you think the rivalry with Houston has been impacted by you two being separated in conferences?

Nah, we have some great rivalries. I know Houston is one the Dallas fans take seriously. I think it’s always going to be a huge rivalry for Dallas. Just being from Texas you want to be the club that people think about when they think of Texas.

Obviously you have a few years left in your career but have you thought about after that. The two roles seem analyst or coach. Do you have a leaning to either?

No, I have enrolled into a speech course but I’m not sure if it’s just so I can do commentary. I think it’s important, even in terms of management to be able to speak well. I’m being patient with it, I have my A-License. I took the courses over the two previous off-seasons, I currently have one of the highest licenses you can get in the United States. We’ll see. I’m going to be patient with it.

Do you think goalkeepers make better potential managers because they see the game from a broader perspective?

I certainly recommend for my younger goalkeepers to try take coaching courses because I think there’s a lot of things on the field they need to be able to see and communicate with their teammates. I think the number of experiences we’ve had, coupled with time on the field, is what would make for a good manager. There are psychological aspects too because obviously how you speak to some guys over others differs, and you need to cultivate those relationships.

What about away from football. Any unique hobbies?

Well I have a four and a half year old so I spend a lot of time with my wife and daughter but if I have a spare moment on the road I’ll play some video games. I say that’s my guilty pleasure.

I’d say the more important question is does your daughter have goalkeeper gloves?

(Laughs) Yeah she does. They’re David James (ex-England international), so a big gamer. We don’t play soccer yet, but when I’m playing first person shooters, she can’t be in front of the TV. I have an iPad though so I use the learning games on there to teach her things.

Is that how you sold the iPad to your wife? It seems to be the staple of a footballers accessories now, a washbag and an iPad.

Yeah! There is so much you can do it. I’m an Apple stockholder too so I’m always excited to see what they have coming out.

Ah, so you probably are pushing them to your teammates and opponents! Do you see a corner kick as a business opportunity then?

(Laughs) Yeah I just get it out from behind the goal, I don’t really have to push it to be honest. It sells itself

You’ve certianly sold it to me. Thanks for your time Kevin, and good luck for the season!

Thanks, it was my pleasure! Hopefully we’ll talk again soon.

Like something from Footballers Wives or Dream Team, Freddy Shepherd was one of football’s characters. Be it defaming the women of Newcastle or bringing Michael Owen to Tyneside, the former Newcastle United chairman has engrained himself into the history of the club rightly or wrongly. You could argue Mike Ashley is forging a similar path with his own questionable PR decisions. Downing a beer in the stands or sacking his much loved pinata of a manager Chris Hughton, he’s had a ‘colorful’ time owning the Magpies.

That is however where the similarity ends. Shepherd’s desire for bringing the flash and often overpaid stars to Newcastle is not something his successor shares. Instead Ashley represents the antithesis of this by appearing to pinch the pennies rather than spend them.

The much publicized £35m ‘war chest’ Newcastle have is already being spent. Yet if you analyze the money spent, you may question how. Consider the £3m for Kevin Nolan offset by a reported £4.3m for Yohan Cabaye and three free transfers: Demba Ba, Sylvian Marveaux and Mehdi Abeid should in theory see a budget remaining of £33.7m.

Like many who play Football Manager (self included), we negate to mention wages, agent fees and signing-on fees (all of which Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias include in the ‘transfer fund’). In essence the budget covers all the costs of transfers. Meaning, in reality, Newcastle may only officially spend at most £15m on fees.

Even their first signing Yohan Cabaye was only approached due to a contract clause activated in his final year allowing him to depart French champions Lille for a paltry fee. You’d be ingenuous to think that this kind of loophole maneuvering was done overnight.

Newcastle are gaining somewhat of a reputation for premeditated scouting and target ascertainment. Player’s situations are monitored closely and even their contracts are structured to make any potential loss to be as minute as possible. Demba Ba, for instance, is said to have a heavily incentivized contract that only benefits him if he is playing and scoring. This is a counter measure to questions over his fitness due to a knee injury sustained while playing in Belgium.

Even their most expensive target thus far, Charles N’Zogbia, is in his final 12 months of his Wigan contract. The more frugal approach can of course reap rewards. Teams like Everton have displayed, if moves are calculated and well planned, they can bear fruit. Of course to use another metaphor they also leave you putting all your eggs into a solitary basket. David Moyes’ most notable sales during his tenure were that of Wayne Rooney and Joleon Lescott totaling over £50m in fees. However little has been given back to reinvest. With the exception of Russian Diniya Bilyaletdinov, Moyes is more often than not purchasing inexpensive youngsters such as Magaye Gueye from Strasbourg — something Newcastle themselves seem keen to attempt with the acquisition of another Frenchman, Mehdi Abeid. The youngster who chose to leave RC Lens comes with a healthy pedigree of youth international football and highlights the club’s constant monitoring of contractual situations.

There is a feeling somewhat of a changing of the guard at Newcastle. Joey Barton’s much publicized situation seems a clear signal that Ashley is looking to remove those high wage earners to move in line with an overall lower wage structure. Rumors that Alan Pardew’s contract is incentivized to reduce running costs haven’t helped matters.

Forgotten man Alan Smith is also being hawked round to any team that may wish to welcome him with Leeds the strongest suggestion. His sixty grand a week wages are putting most potential suitors off including Leeds, meaning Newcastle will most likely have to cover the majority of his wages until his contract expires next summer.

Smith typifies the dead wood Ashley is now attempting to remove. He’s learned quickly that signings such as Smith are not the way to sustainability as Smith’s re-sale value post-Manchester United was never likely to rise following his broken leg. His lack of ability at either striker or midfield positions didn’t help either.

A frequenter of Casino’s Ashley is without question taking a gamble enforcing such a quick period of transition. The players that have arrived — excluding Demba Ba — are without any prior Premier League experience but of course that in itself may explain why Ashley has chosen to raid Ligue Un. Sharing similar attributes to that of England, its fast physical game means many players in Ligue Un find the transition smoother than the slower pace of say Serie A or La Liga.

With self sufficiency the new buzzword at Newcastle, it has left fans questioning when their stars will be sold. Cheik Tiote, Jose Enrique and even Fabricio Coloccini have been linked with moves away from the club in the last six months. Every player now has a price and while for fans at least under Shepherd’s often wayward ship, the team’s stars were somewhat guarded from rival bids.

Suggestions of a conveyer belt-esque talent line seem somewhat wide of the mark, but either way it does remain clear that there are sections of the support that will breathe a sigh of relief when Ashley does end his tenure in the North East.

When you think of Bolivian football it’s hard to look past the name Jaime Moreno. One half of the lethal Etcheverry-Moreno partnership in the 90’s that saw DC dominate the league, Moreno also spent time in England with Middlesbrough. Now coaching DC United’s next generation, he took time out to talk us through a glittering career on the field as well as what he tries to teach his players off it.

Kristan Heneage (KH): You mentioned in an interview with DCUnited.com that you had other options around 1996. What were those?

Jaime Moreno (JM): Well you know I had a small option to go back to Middlesbrough at the time. At the same time before MLS, I could have gone to the second division in Portugal, which you know we are never going to know how that would of gone. There was a team in second division of Spain that had just been relegated too. Those were my only options I had.

KH: You mentioned Middlesbrough. You were there with the likes of Juninho and Emerson. Did that make it easier to settle?

JM: Yeah it was enjoyable to play with those guys. I went back to Europe as that was my goal. Other things happened here [in] winning Championships and being with such a good team and being comfortable getting playing time, which made it good here. But my goal was still to go back to Europe, hopefully get a little more mature, stronger, and to go back to Europe.

KH: When you returned to Europe, did you think this is it, this is where I will forge my career?

JM: Not really, I didn’t think like that. I knew I had a contract to DC and I would have to do something spectacular for me to go back to Middlesbrough permanently. At the time they did want me back but they knew the cost would be more than what they sold me for. So that was one of the issues. I knew I had a longer contract with DC, which is why in my head it was like I had to stay at least in DC for another two years and then see what happens but from there it is history.

KH: I also noticed you still own the bobble-head from your time at Middlesbrough. DDo you still look out for their results?

JM: Yeah I do, I was there last month. My wife’s cousin Parky [Gary Parkinson Ex-Middlesbrough player] had a stroke. We went to be there for him and it was nice to see the people, see old friends, and play in the Riverside [Middlesbrough stadium] again. The people there are so nice. They treat me the same way as if it was yesterday.

KH: In terms of DC they were very dominant in the 90’s. How much do you attribute that to having you the goal scorer and Marco Etcheverry creating chances behind you?

JM: Well that team was a big hit. We did make a big name for us [DC United]. I think they put a nice team together with Marco, myself, Ritchie Williams, John Harkes — you name it was an awesome team, something that is very rare now [because] you don’t see real quality players. The game is different, very physical and hard work. You don’t see much technique. Like I said every year it is getting tougher and tougher to be a player.

KH: You were quite the creator yourself. Do you think its important strikers contribute more and more?

JM: As the years go by, you get more experience. You mature and grow older. You see the game more. When you lose your pace you start creating a different position for yourself where you mentally prepare yourself. You are in a different position and you start to create for others, which is also important for the team.

KH: Your 100th assist was actually for Ben Olsen. As an ex-DC player, does he bring a special understanding to the job?

JM: He definitely brings all his experience. He’s a guy with a big heart. He’s been in the club a little bit less than me but he knows what its all about and is trying to contribute and show the new younger guys how it is to win and [how to] get it done. It’s never easy to take that job especially when you have a lot of new players and you try to create a new team, it’s always hard. So far he’s done an okay job.

KH: You now coach. How hard has that transition been for you?

JM: Actually it’s not that difficult because I’m still around the first team. I see the guys and we joke around. It hasn’t hit me that much. I still play at the weekends in the Bolivian league so it hasn’t really hit me.

KH: Who do you play for now?

JM: I play on weekends in the 3rd division Bolivian league. It is mainly a lot of college kids and young guys but for me it’s good to keep my shape.

KH: Really? The defenders must be petrified when you turn up, getting ready to play and Jaime Moreno shows up!

JM: [Laughs] To be honest, with the kids, they appreciate it. Some kids want to kick me. There are so many different people out there. Some respect me, some don’t. I love the game that much, I still play on weekends.

KH: When it comes to teaching youngsters, is there one key lesson you try to engrain in them?

JM: I don’t think there is a secret as long as you believe in yourself. You work and you put all your knowledge and pretty much listen to what coaches say. Then I think everything just comes on their own. It was hard for me to understand that. My coach was saying that to me at 19 but I thought all the work I was doing was more than enough but there was always room to work harder and improve. I think that was one of my mistakes and we all learn by our mistakes, so thats what I try to tell these kids.

KH: Teammates of yours said how you often did extra training sessions. Do you try to get the youngsters at U23 to do that?

JM: Usually yes. For me the last 5 years after my surgery I worked extra in my house and it did pay off for me. Maybe not for everyone but for me it did. And it showed on the field. And thats the only thing I tell the kids to do extra work in the afternoon and it will pay off in its own way.

KH: Your son James had a trial with West Ham United. Is he still wanting to be a professional?

JM: Yeah he does but I told him he has a long way to go and to prepare himself for that and we will see where he goes with that and see what happens.

KH: What position does he play and does he come to you for advice?

JM: He plays just behind the forward and he doesn’t come and ask for advice. He’s a little bit stubborn [laughs].

KH: Your last goal for Bolivia was a beautiful dipped shot. Was it nice to sign off with a goal of such quality?

JM: Yeah it was. After I had a big spell in the national team, then I didn’t play for 3 years. I knew it was my last Copa America to prove it to myself to play at that level. I was fortunate to score. We didn’t get through to the next round unfortunately but it was still nice for me.

KH: In my research I saw the awards you won: MLS Best XI, MLS Cup MVP. What does it mean to be engrained in MLS history like that?

JM: It’s great to be part of that foundation but you know you always think you can do more and it’s never going to be enough to say I did it and that’s enough. Now I continue to do something in a different way but still linked with soccer.

KH: Do you have a favorite goal from your career?

JM: That is hard for me, but you know goals from finals are always special. So really any goal in a final is my favourite.

KH: The big news from DC right now is the signing of Dwayne De Rosario. What kind of impact do you think he will have?

JM: We know how good he is. The talent he’s got is no secret. The coaches and staff think he will bring that to the team. We don’t know what will happen but we hope he brings his talent and quality to the team as well as his knowledge of the game.

KH: You’re currently a coach but have you considered management in the future?

JM: Maybe, you never know. I think I want to prepare myself first.

KH: Away from football you have set up the 99 Dreams Foundation. How is your work with that going?

JM: Unfortunately we are still waiting for the Tax ID number but we have raised some money. Once we get that number we will hopefully look to do more work with the 99 Dreams Foundation.

KH: My final question and I need an honest answer on this one. The goal against Chicago Fire from wide right, was it a cross or did you mean to sneak it in?

JM: Oh it was a cross, definitely.

Learn more about Jaime’s charity, 99 Dreams.

The Spanish youngsters, much like their senior side, looked well drilled and used the space effectively. Quick interchanges gained fluidity and were a joy to watch as the game wore on.

Both goals in the 1-1 match had a degree of controversy. A handball for the Spanish and an offside for the English meant one point for both sides. It was however far from an even contest.

It’s at this point I note my first grievance with England at youth level. Spain have a very clear tactic and mantra, I can see what they are trying to do in their play. By exploiting the flanks and playing the newly coined Barcelona 4-3-3, they use a holding midfielder to take the ball from the back and distribute. In the early stages Stuart Pearce’s men looked to match their Spanish opposition with quick short passes but Michael Mancienne and Jordan Henderson were consistently overrun.

Before too long the dreaded long ball from the England defence made an appearance. It was the same long ball John Terry can be seen to play for the senior side and it has the same, minimal effect. The ball would often fall into space to be swept up by the composed Spanish centre backs with neither Danny Wellbeck or Daniel Sturridge the physically imposing target man this kind of tactic requires.

In the first half the main attacking outlet for England came through Kyle Walker. His blistering pace caused occasional problems for the Spanish left side but it was the bright spot of a poor first half. He continued in the same vein throughout the second half squaring it inside for Danny Wellbeck to apply the finish.

A draw was not in truth a deserved result with Spain wasting a number of chances. England didn’t even appear set up correctly to deal with Spain’s tactics. Pearce’s selection process is also a cause for debate. Michael Mancienne, a defender operating in midfield with Jack Rodwell warming the bench, was a puzzling decision to say the least.

However my biggest selection issue comes with the inclusion of Danny Rose. In what’s becoming a recurring theme when he takes the pitch, the commentator inevitably mentions his infamous strike against Arsenal. Rose is fast becoming this generation’s Ronnie Radford.

His performance was erratic and best summed up by a wild shot in the first half that looked more like a clearance than an attempt at goal. He would make way for Henri Lansbury with Pearce’s final substitution being Swansea City’s Scott Sinclair — both of whom joined the squad on the back of impressive seasons in England’s second tier.

Yet surprisingly neither is deemed worthy of the starting XI. This is where Pearce begins to garner more criticism. The team selection seems to lack any thought to the opponent or with a composition in mind. A team is not selected merely an eleven all wearing the same shirt. A fairly flat and lifeless 4-4-2 with players just pushed in.

The general consensus in the English media seems to be that the tournament serves little purpose other than giving youngsters games at international level. Ergo why Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere, both of whom are on the fringes of Fabio Capello’s side, were granted a pardon, citing ‘potential burnout’ as an explanation.

However looking back at 2009 the final between Germany and England makes for interesting analysis. Mesut Özil, Jérôme Boateng, Sami Khedira, Denis Aogo, and Manuel Neuer all played that evening as Germany’s U21’s dismantled England 4-0. That same quartet also lined up a mere 12 months later against England’s senior side in South Africa with a similar score-line being the end result.

Familiarity is what breeds a well gelled side. England should be using this tournament with next summer’s European Championships and the 2014 World Cup in mind. A core group should be ushered together as a unit for Capello’s side being the ultimate goal. Allowing players like Carroll and Wilshere breaks from international football can be a dangerous game.

David Bentley was praised in some quarters for removing himself from the 2009 tournament. His impact for club and country has since been minimal at best. While I’m not cynical enough to befit the same fate to Carroll and Wilshere, I believe that if a chance to gain tournament experience arises youngsters should take it.

After all, one of the stars of Sunday night Juan Manuel Mata — a player Sky drooled over with envy in their pre match build up — is in fact a World Cup winner along with Javi Martinez. Diego Capel, and Bojan Krki? have also made their senior debut yet Spain use this tournament to gel those players with the next generation such as Thiago Alcântara, César Azpilicueta and Iker Munian.

There is a lazy argument that the tournament has no bearing on senior football because it birthed one month wonders such as Royston Drenthe and Maceo Reigters. The latter of whom was turned down by Southend in 2009 . However it can’t be ignored that both Germany and even world champions Spain have used this tournament to forge their international future. Time will tell if England start to realize and adopt the same philosophy.

The first time I heard Luke Rodgers was moving to New York Red Bulls was when it fell through. He was turned down for a visa due to an affray charge. The dream seemed all but over for the diminutive striker. This however was not my first memory of Birmingham born Rodgers. That would come around 8 years prior in an FA Cup tie against Everton.

He was playing for little known Shrewsbury Town in a now legendary game days after celebrating his 21st Birthday. A fast nuisance of a striker, he gave the Everton backline a torrid affair and brought a foul from Thomas Gravesen that was eventually converted for the winner by veteran Nigel Jemson.

His moment in the spotlight was short lived. Chelsea were the next Premier League visitors to Gay Meadow. With the element of surprise gone, a fairly routine 4-0 victory ensued and Rodgers was filed under ‘FA Cup shocks’ with the likes of Ronnie Radford and Kayode Odejayi.

A move to one of English football’s institutions Crewe Alexandra would follow two years later but it would be very much be the start of a difficult period for Rodgers. His goal scoring was never prolific, and spells with Port Vale and Yeovil Town preceeded a move to Notts County and his first meeting with Hans Backe.

It was around this time he picked up his second brush with the law after a drinking session in Nottingham. The off the field issues were overshadowing his playing career with the story of his car park confrontation with a Hartlepool United player being the standout moment.

When Backe left the turbulent scenes at The Magpies many thought he had made a smart move especially when you consider his next appointment would be in the nicer surroundings of New York/New Jersey.

So when it was announced that the Swede was looking to bring Rodgers across the ocean with him, I couldn’t claim to be anything other than surprised. In fact I even remember writing in a pre-season piece about NYRB that I expected little impact from the striker and that they had almost dodged a bullet with his rejected visa.

Imagine my surprise when he not only began to perform but chipped in with goals and assists. His mini rivalry with Landon ‘Who is Luke Rodgers?’ Donovan has been a particular highlight that allowed a display of Rodgers somewhat fiery character. The financial transparency in MLS allows for me to view his paycheck without ravaging through bins which is a relief.

It shows he earns roughly 2,100 GBP per week. Now we can’t compare that with a League One wage in England, but you would imagine it meets a similar level to what he was earning playing for the Magpies.

I recently interviewed Alexi Lalas in which he said something I couldn’t help but agree with. ‘MLS needs more characters’. To purists that might sound like Lalas wants an American circus in which MLS becomes a hybrid of 70’s NASL and WWE. It wasn’t. Taking just Italy and the Premier League as case studies, because they form the majority of my European knowledge, they both have their characters, as do most leagues in Europe. These players like Eric Cantona, Paolo Di Canio, Antonio Cassano, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jose Mourinho and Ian Holloway, just to name a few. Be it with offbeat quotes, their passionate displays or just something that added to their legend.

So in that sense while Rodgers benefit may appear purely on the pitch, scoring goals and providing assists. It must be remembered his off-field antics, especially his potential feud with Landon Donovan, sets him apart and makes him one of the more valuable players in the league because his contributions are both local and national.

Follow me on Twitter at @kheneage

Cobi Jones is considered a legend of US Soccer and MLS. Having played in Europe, South America and for his beloved LA Galaxy, Jones truly is a great of the US game. The 4th of June sees him inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside former team mate Eddie Pope, as well as Earnie Stewart, Bruce Murray and former U.S. and MLS Head Coach Bob Gansler.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Cobi and discuss everything from his career to the current state of his game room.

Here is that interview:

You’ve recently taken up a position with New York Cosmos how did that move come about?

When Terry Byrne (formerly David Beckham’s manager and currently Vice Chairman of The New York Cosmos) came to LA with David, we formed a great relationship over the 2 year span that he was involved with the LA Galaxy and we formed a relationship that inolved a lot of trust. When he spoke to me about the opportunity to join The New York Cosmos as Associate Director of Soccer and International Ambassador, I knew that it was the right thing to do and the right way to go to further my progress and career in the soccer world.

You were briefly interim manager with Galaxy and said you enjoyed it. Is becoming head coach somewhere a goal for you?

Yes, I think in the future, depending on how things progress, that being a head coach is something I would highly consider for myself in the future.

The first part of your professional career was at Coventry City. What was it like as a young guy moving to a new country?

It was a great experience and very different. Imagine being a young kid going straight from Los Angeles to Coventry City.

You were in your mid twenties. Did it make it easier or harder than had you moved say in your teens?

I think it would have been easier in my teenage years, as you’re naturally less rigid with things in life when you’re younger.

After leaving Coventry you made the rather surprising move to Vasco De Gama. What made you decide Brazil was a good next step for you?

When I was in England, I gained a workman-like view of the sport and learned a lot. When I moved to Brazil, it was all about enjoying the game the Brazilian way, which fit better with my personality at that particular time in my career.

You only stayed in Brazil for one year. Looking back would you have done anything differently?

No, I did it exactly the way that I planned. I went to Brazil during the off period between the World Cup and the league starting and my plan was always to come back to help kick off the league.

Now having grown up in California was it nice to represent LA Galaxy in MLS?

It was great to represent the LA Galaxy in my own backyard, which also gave my friends and family a chance to see me play on a regular basis.

You also made over one hundred appearances for your country. Does that make you proud to think you have such a stake in US Soccer history?

I’m extremely proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish for this country in soccer and I hope U.S. Soccer continues to use me in the future, in all of their endeavors to further the sport in the U.S. and continue to establish its footprint worldwide.

Do you think its harder for modern players to establish themselves internationally and earn 100+ caps?

I think it’s more difficult if you are playing internationally. There isn’t as much leeway with the clubs as there was back then to allow players to play for their national team

One player who has broke that barrier is Landon Donovan. Just how does he rate in terms of US Soccer?

I think Landon is a great player who represents the country well. He will continue to do some amazing things and has a long career ahead of him. He has done a lot for himself, his club and his country.

You also spent time with him in close quarters at LA. What’s he like as a person?

Landon has a strong personality and doesn’t let anything stop him – which is why he’s done amazing. He definitely knows what he wants.

Looking back at your career you won a number of trophies. Is there one that sticks out as a personal favorite?

For me, it is the winning our first MLS Cup. We had been there 3 times before, and there was a lot of disappointment and pressure mounted to win it. It was an incredible moment for me – especially since I was captain.

You went to three World Cups in ’94, ’98, and ’02. Which was your favorite and why?

2002 was my favorite World Cup (the last one I played). It’s my favorite because I will never forget the experience of beating Mexico 2-0. It was great to meet up wth our great rival, on the world’s biggest stage, and come out victorious.

More recently you were inducted into the National Soccer Hall Of Fame. Where does that rank in terms of career highlights?

Not sure where this will rank – but I do know this is something extremely special for me because soccer is such a big part of my life and other things had to sit back because of it. But regardless, now I have my son, who is able to experience this stage of my soccer life.

And finally, do you still have that video game room, and have any former team-mates come over and beat your high scores?

My video game room has now turned into a nursery and my gaming time has been drastically cut down!

Follow me on Twitter at @kheneage

Photo by Ronnie Macdonald

Often when a team is relegated the first thing to hit the owner’s desk is a transfer request especially when players are looking to secure their moves prior to holidays and pre-season.

This is no different with Blackpool who, despite going down, were this season’s surprise package. Former truck driver DJ Campbell, one time bartender Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Welshman David Vaughan all contributed to the Tangerines up and down season that ended bitterly in disappointment on Sunday.

The standout player in terms of column inches and media attention was former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam. The 25 year old was signed for a club record £500,000, a shrewd investment by today’s standards.

A deep-lying playmaker, January was a turbulent month for the Scotsman as he was linked with Tottenham and Liverpool. An offer of £4.5m was rejected, which led the player to submit the now dreaded ‘transfer request’. The club also dismissed his plea and the issue was brushed under the proverbial rug. As if the season wasn’t unique enough, the game at Tottenham sparked a mini drama in itself.

Missing a penalty, scoring another penalty and kissing the badge, many wondered could it be enough for Holloway to succeed in a task he himself acknowledged was difficult. Even on the final day at Old Trafford, Adam’s contributions were significant.

Watching in my living room even I raised a cheer when he crashed in another free kick past veteran Edwin Van Der Sar to draw Blackpool level at 1-1. The day would end with a 4-2 victory for Manchester United but Adam had long since displayed to potential suitors a talent suitable for England’s top tier.

He is not perfect however. Much like Juan Roman Riquelme he likes to dwell on the ball and if closed down and tackled he can quickly change from focal point of creativity to defensive burden as was displayed this season. However his range of passing is nothing short of fantastic. In particular one pass away to West Brom using the outside of his foot displayed the vision and technique that could see him playing in European competitions soon.

That’s why Adam’s transfer from Blackpool is a case of when not if. It may appear the club are in denial and trying to keep him by activating a year extension clause. When in actuality they are merely protecting their investment. A player with a year or less on their contract receives a significant mark down on their potential fee.

With reported prices of £8-£12m, the money could be reinvested and allow significant improvements on the playing staff. Of course speculation is rife that Adam is but the flagship for a host of deals out of Bloomfield Road involving many of the aforementioned players.

I remember the relegation of Newcastle and the subsequent claims that all but the catering staff would leave post relegation. In truth a solid core of around a dozen remained and was built on from there.

Unfortunately Blackpool are unlikely to have the internationals and quality that Newcastle side had at their disposal. However with Matt Gilks, Craig Cathcart and winger Matt Philips a play-off pushing Championship squad is within the realms of possibility.

One thing is for sure though. The partnership between Adam and Blackpool, like so many good things, appears to be drawing to an end. I do hope however it can finish on the pleasant terms it began with for both parties sake.

In this World Soccer Talk exclusive, we learn the Alexi Lalas all-time USMNT as well as other facts and opinions from the former player.

Alexi Lalas is an icon of American soccer. Whether it was his nine years of professional experience playing in Italy, Ecuador and MLS, or his international career for the United States where he starred in the 1994 World Cup, Alexi has always been a talking point. He is now a soccer analyst for ESPN and ABC.

Here’s the interview I conducted with him recently.

Kristan (KH): Currently you are an analyst for ESPN. Just how difficult is that job? Do you ever get frustrated at some fans nature to go over everything you say with a fine tooth comb?

Alexi (AL): I love working on TV for ESPN. Like I said, I’m an entertainer and I make no apologies for it. I have no problem with anyone taking issue with something I may say, that’s part of the gig. To be honest, opposing views are what makes sports (and politics) fun. When I meet people in person they are very respectful and actually appreciate the fact that, while they may not always agree with me, they like the fact that I’m honest, passionate and articulate when expressing my views.

KH: You once said Soccer is not a ‘fast food kind of sport.’ Do you stand by that? Do you think it’s more complicated than America’s more popular sports?

AL: Soccer is not a sport that caters to the surface pleasures. It can impact on various levels, during and after consumption. It takes its time and often the process as a whole is what leaves one satisfied, not just the obvious moments of quality. It is not a complicated game to understand but it is a complicated game to love. It requires an acquired ability to appreciate subtle nuance and accept subjective interpretations of the rules and strategies.

KH: Many fans of MLS say it’s strength is the level playing field. Can it really be considered level when teams like LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls seem so stacked in talent compared to others?

AL: I still maintain that MLS is the most competitive league in the world. I don’t say the most entertaining or popular, but with the salary cap and single-entity system we do not yet have the clear haves and have-nots that the rest of the world does. Although it’s true NY and LA have spent more on their product and are starting to pull away, the competitive parity that exists between teams is still unlike anywhere else in the world.

KH: During your seven year stint in MLS you played at four different clubs. Do you have a favourite of the four?

AL: I think that my time at LA Galaxy was special because of the success we had. The wonderful thing about being a part of a new league is that you are often given the opportunity to write history and establish tradition. Many years from now when I’m old and grey, I will still be a member of the LA Galaxy team that won the first MLS Cup in the club’s history. I’m proud of that.

KH: You actually oversaw NYRB’s transition from Metrostars to NYRB and hailed it as a fantastic move. Do you think your comments have been vindicated?

AL: I took a lot of heat for my very public commitment to creating an MLS “SuperClub” while GM of the LA Galaxy and the MetroStars. Now in 2011 we see both LA and NY spending the most money and starting to set themselves apart in terms of world-wide perception. I recognized that it was an arms race and a unique opportunity to become the brand that people think about when they think of MLS. Maybe I lacked some of the tools and skills to fulfill the vision at the time but it’s still fun to see it finally coming to fruition.

KH: Your old team-mate Claudio Reyna is now the US Youth Soccer Technical Director. What do you think of his mission statement for US Soccer?

AL: I think Claudio has a very difficult job. To influence youth soccer in the U.S. is no small feat. Youth soccer clubs have long wielded a significant amount of money and power. They have a vested interest in keeping the status quo. Claudio’s recent curriculum and pronouncements are still very broad but I think he’s done a good job of starting a dialogue about how to develop talent in a consistent way throughout the country.

KH: In a recent interview you dubbed Andy Najar as ‘special’. How big a loss is he to the USMNT, and did you ever believe he was likely to change allegiances?

AL: Ultimately, I want players who want to play for the US. It’s an honor and privilege. Andy [Najar] is not the first or the last player who will choose to go elsewhere. He’s certainly a talent but it is not a devastating loss to the USMNT. His decision is actually an indirect comment and compliment on the depth and quality that exists right now on the USMNT. He took a look at the current and emerging talent and calculated that he had a better chance to play elsewhere.

KH: As an American centre back who played in the peninsula with Padova, what advice would you give to Oguchi Onyewu upon his return to Milan?

AL: Gooch has had some bad luck with injuries. Now that he is back and playing consistently I think he will return to Milan with confidence. But he is not going to return a completely different player. If he continues to sit at Milan then it becomes counterproductive. He needs to figure out quickly if he has a future on the field in Milan. If not, then get to another team. My time in Italy was priceless because, at the time, I was playing every week against the best teams and players in the world.

KH: Prior to your time in Italy you trained with Arsenal. Sum up that experience for us. What was the best lesson you learned during that time?

AL: I had a trial in the end of 1992 with Arsenal which was a real eye-opening experience. I was nobody at the time but I was able to see what a professional club environment was like, something I had never been exposed to. I’ll never forget running the steps of the stands at Highbury with Tony Adams or eating potato skins with Ian Wright and Paul Merson at a TGI Friday’s restaurant. Although I wasn’t signed, the trial gave me confidence that I carried back to the U.S. and that I used when I was called into residency in 1993 with the USMNT in preparation for the 1994 World Cup.

KH: You made nearly 100 appearances for your country. Do you think it’s harder for players to reach those figures in modern football?

AL: From 1992-1994 we were in residency with the USMNT as we prepared for the 1994 World Cup. We functioned as a professional team simply playing international games all over the world. That is a major reason why many of us from that generation have so many caps. That would never happen today and an international career should be quality over quantity.

KH: You were a key member of the national team at USA 94 even though you had never played a pro game before. How steep was the learning curve for you?

AL: I was 24 years old when I stepped on the field for the 1994 World Cup. I had never played a single professional game for a club but I had played more international games than many world stars. I had no idea what to expect but I also had no club distractions. My physical and mental preparation was totally geared towards the World Cup and international soccer. In a sense, I did it backwards. By the time the 1994 World Cup rolled around I was much more prepared for international soccer than club soccer.

KH: During that time you were also known for your long locks and guitar playing, Do you think MLS and maybe even the USMNT needs more characters?

AL: I watch sports for the personalities, the characters and the show. I’ve always considered myself an entertainer. People pay money and want to see a show. How you look, how you act and what you say is part of the show. But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t take my play seriously or that I didn’t always want to win. I think we do a poor job of cultivating personality from a young age. Rather than celebrate and encourage players to express themselves within a team environment we often dampen or criticize the very attributes that could make them even more appealing and, I believe, even better players.

KH: Many hailed the 1994 squad as ground breaking for US Soccer, where does the 2010 team fall in the context of US Soccer?

AL: A World Cup is often about the moments that endure. In that sense, the 2010 team left an indelible impression on the U.S. sports landscape with their performances and the drama that accompanied them. But I think it’s also fair to say that it was a massive missed opportunity. A golden path to the semi-final through Ghana and Uruguay opened up and we were unable to capitalize. You never know if that type of pathway will open up again, but maybe we’re just destined to win a World Cup the hard way.

Alexi Lalas All-time USMNT

KH: If you could pick an all time USMNT XI to play with who would you pick and why?

AL:

GK – Tony Meola. He was great with his feet and when a big save had to be made he made it.
LB – Jeff Agoos. The best distributor of the ball from the back in U.S. history.
CB – Me. I’m awesome.
CB – Tim Ream. He’s that good. Plus, I need a young guy to cover my ass.
RB – Claudio Reyna. Class on the ball. I’ll put him at right-back but he’s got carte blanche.
LM – Landon Donovan. Best player the U.S. has ever produced.
CM – Tab Ramos. He was ahead of his time. Quickest first step I’ve ever seen. Best player I ever played with.
CM – Clint Dempsey. Attitude and skill that enables him to create something out of nothing.
RM – Cobi Jones. Play it wide and he will beat his man and serve a cross 9 out of 10 times. Bank on it.
FW – Eric Wynalda. Big ego fueled the big time player. Deadly on set-pieces.
FW – Brian McBride. Could hold the ball and always dangerous in the box.

KH: Since retiring you’ve worked as a GM, have you ever considered just being an ‘M’ and taking up a managerial role?

AL: Yes. Managing (coaching) is something that and I would like to do and something that I would be good at.

KH: If there was one rule you could change or remove from MLS structure which would it be and why?

AL: I would get permission from FIFA and U.S. Soccer to take the MLS referees in-house. Our inability to control such a crucial part of the game is becoming detrimental to the business.

KH: In recent seasons we’ve seen the likes of Thierry Henry and Cuauhtémoc Blanco move to the league, which designated player would you like to see move next?

AL: Guys like [Didier] Drogba, [Andrea] Pirlo, [Miroslav] Klose, Guti, and [Nicolas] Anelka would be interesting. While I think the big-name signings will continue, I am also looking forward to the day when an MLS team becomes involved and wins an international bidding war for a young phenom. That would do wonders for the credibility and perception of the league.

KH: And finally, what do you do to relax, are you able to pull yourself away from soccer?

AL: I have been and continue to be heavily involved with music. I continue to write, record and perform and I’m fortunate to have something in my life that fulfills and challenges me as much as soccer ever did. I also continue to satisfy my life-long craving for Slurpees and red licorice.

Photo by blenky64

Underneath the club crest by the tunnel at Upton Park reads: “The Academy of Football”. After all, in recent years they have produced some fantastic British talent. Rio and Anton Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe and even John Terry spent time with the club in his youth.

The current generation may not be displaying the same level of potential, but it’s argued they could perform in England’s second tier. Scott Parker is likely to depart meaning Mark Noble may inherit the captaincy should he stay with James Tomkins and Saturday’s full debutant Jordan Spence filling out the back line.

Examining the squad further shows more of a British core emerging with Freddie Sears, Gary O’Neil, Zavon Hines, Junior Stanislas and Welsh pair Jack Collison and Danny Gabbidon all likely to be important players next year.

With owners in poor financial health, supporting the high wage earners is simply not conceivable. That would in theory force an exodus meaning holes will need to be filled. In a slightly baffling move prior to relegation, Gold and Sullivan openly stated they will not stand in the way of the club’s England internationals, meaning Robert Green is likely to move.

His back up little known Belgian stopper Ruud Boffin who made his Premier League debut this season. From research online, the name Sebastian Lletget is one that crops up with regularity and one US fans may want to watch. Scouted through a satellite club he represents West Ham’s constant desire to unearth the next generation of talent.

Of course the Internet is full of pages claiming that their club has the next star biding his time in the reserve ranks. Players like Anthony Edgar also seem to have a bright future was well as a man I recently had the pleasure of watching take on England U21’s with good success, Icelandic centre back: Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson.

It would be naive to say relegation is a good thing. It cripples you financially and teams often spend their first season playing the dangerous game of keeping on high earners in the hope of bouncing back up. Many have claimed this was the mantra Mike Ashley adopted. The keen gambler deciding to keep some of his stars on the basis they would get back into the top flight and make his asset more appealing to potential buyers.

Unfortunately as I mentioned Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan lack the financial ability to do this. By their own startling admission they’ve already sunk the majority of their fortunes into the club. So if things are to be done on a stringent budget you can see why Chris Hughton’s name adorns the newspapers as a potential manager.

Many noted he operated with a fairly small squad and despite signing nine players in his first season that was offset by the departure of nine first team players from the period between relegation and the new season.

Of course the other aspect of Hughton’s appeal is the unity with which he bonded Newcastle’s downbeat squad. Joey Barton’s dedication of the home victory to Liverpool days after the former Tottenham assistants departure speaks volumes of how much his players trusted and believed him.

As for West Ham’s fans, the advantage of Hughton is not only the Championship winners medal he possesses but his demeanor off the pitch and general ‘nice guy qualities’. The hierarchy at Newcastle hasn’t always been as normal and pristine as many fans would hope but regardless Hughton maintained a professional and respectable manner even after the day he left.

It may seem a bold claim to make but much of Newcastle’s success in the last 18 months goes to the calming influence of the former manager. Stability allowed for unity which in turn gave the players the chance to reach their potential and perform as expected.

I’m sure some would argue this mirrors the predicament West Ham find themselves in. Poor man management and a squad that shouldn’t really be propping up the Premier League table. By contrast, if true, financial frugality is the order of the day as former West Ham player Kevin Keen may be given the job having so openly expressed his desire to undertake the role.

Without wanting to sound too much like his booking agent it should be remembered however that Hughton was in fact the lowest paid managers in the Premier League. So while to some there may seem a wealth of options available, in my opinion there is but only one.

Photo by michael.kjaer

In football rumors of transfers are rife, more so when the season draws to a close and clubs begin to plan their deals and targets for the summer. Of course many of these supposed tip offs are nonsense claiming that ‘Frank Ribery has been seen in Manchester Airport’ or that your neighbor’s postman somehow knows that Jermaine Defoe has all but agreed a transfer to Everton.

However on some occasions a rumor surfaces and you take notice. For example I was told a month prior to his appointment that Alan Pardew was being lined up, crazy I know. At the time I laughed it off but when Hughton was sacked the rest as they say, was history.

Now once again I’ve been told a rumor with a bit more substances than airport sightings or Milkman claiming that a player has cancelled his delivery. The claim in question is that Charles N’Zogbia will make a return to Newcastle United this summer. And I for one am shocked.

I still remember the first time I watched him play. It was away to West Brom. Signed from Le Havre when he was 14 by famous talent spotter (and legend) Sir Bobby Robson, there was a sense of intrigue as he took the pitch. The game finished 0-0 but N’Zogbia hit the post, you could see there was potential in his play: quick feet and good dribbling. You knew he would at least forge a career from football.

In the 2005-06 season, we saw him really establish himself. He became an early hero after scoring the equalizing free-kick in a draw at home to Fulham, kick-starting the club’s season. The season would see him end on six goals and several assists. His form of course did not go unnoticed with the Premier League’s French embassy Arsenal taking a keen interest in him.

His crowning moment that year was his goal against Sunderland. Holding off one defender with his back to goal, he span his man before squeezing past another and dribbling past a third. He then calmly slotted it in the bottom corner to visual pandemonium in the away end in arguably one of the best goals of the season. Everything seemed fantastic for both club and player. Fans adored him. He adored the attention.

A contract extension duly followed but 2006-07 saw problems in the burdening career of N’Zogbia. Disappointingly then manager Glenn Roeder, he preferred the talents of Damien Duff. Many, including myself, wanted ‘Zoggy’ to start.

That season also saw the first emergence of a questionable attitude. Selected as a substitute for the final game of the season to Watford, he refused. This was not the first temperamental French winger Newcastle fans had liked. Still in his teens cynics may say his attitude showed the naivety of youth and that at his age patience was required. His agent on the other hand may say his client was clearly ambitious and vindicated in believing he was better than the aptly named Damien Duff.

With the departure of Glenn Roeder a proverbial clean slate was given to N’Zogbia by scientist come football manager Sam Allardyce. Another fruitful romance blossomed and he scored the first goal in a 3-1 win away to Allardyce’s former employers Bolton. Shortly after that he signed a 5 year contract and all seemed right in the world of Charles N’Zogbia. Everybody was happy, for now.

Move forward just over a year and Allardyce’s days at the club were numbered. Meanwhile N’Zogbia was now telling every journalist with a pen and paper that he wanted to play at a higher level, and that he could play at a higher level. Already wanting out the final straw came in January thanks to foul mouthed PR specialist Joe Kinnear.

After a 2-1 loss to Manchester City, Kinnear stumbled over Charles’s last name before calling him ‘Insomnia’ by mistake. In a somewhat childish move the player issued a statement saying he would never play for Newcastle again while Kinnear remained in charge. In truth this was just the vehicle with which to engineer a move to bigger things.

With but one day to go in the transfer window N’Zogbia got his move. It wasn’t Arsenal or Juventus as expected but Wigan. Looking back, the fee of £6m was scandalous moreso when you consider Newcastle gained Ryan Taylor in return. His form for Wigan since has been more than impressive. Birmingham, Sunderland, and even Newcastle have all had bids rejected but it would seem the latter have all but secured their man with one source claiming ‘almost done,’ while another claiming a definitively done deal.

They say ‘never go back,’ a lesson learned the hard way with Kevin Keegan and the club. One thing is for certain. Despite temperament issues, Charles N’Zogbia has unquestionable talent and for that reason will excite the fans and no doubt cause them to fall in love with him again. The question is though how long until the Frenchman’s itchy feet kick in and he starts to be seduced by the press rumors of top clubs fighting for his signature.

I recently interviewed Vincenzo Bernardo, the Italian-American who was once of Napoli and now plays his soccer in Austria. He was born in New Jersey and reminds me a lot of Giuseppe Rossi. Visit his website at www.vincenzobernardo.net and follow him on Twitter at @VB10.

Kristan: Moving to Italy at a young age from the MetroStars seemed a big move. How smooth was your transition to Naples and did you have other options in Italy at the time?

Vincenzo: Well my family is Italian and originally from Naples so I would always go on vacation there. I was familiar with the language and somewhat the lifestyle, but actually living there for a little over 3 years was really a unique experience. I would have to say the transition wasn’t easy but, it went fairly smooth.

You made the surprising decision to leave Napoli. What was your motivation to move on?

It was a decision that I was basically forced to take due to the circumstances. During my last year I was told that I would get an appearance in Serie A by the end of the season as well as a loan to a team in C1 for the following season. Unfortunately when I returned to preseason during the summer transfer window none of these promises were kept. I was sad to leave Napoli but it was a decision I had to take to move forward with my career.

An Italian-American from New Jersey who was at a Serie A side, the comparisons to Giuseppe Rossi seem all too easy. How would you describe your style of play?

I would say that I am a very smart player. I use my technical ability as well as my tactical intelligence to my advantage. I’m very quick and I can finish well around goal. I see myself as an attacking outside midfielder or a supporting striker.

Do you think as a deeper lying striker you could fill a potential void for the US as that link up man between midfield and attack?

I think that it’s very early to say. Right now I am fully focused on getting a lot of game minutes and developing physically and technically each day so that when my opportunity comes I can prove that I am ready. I hope one day I can have the honor of being part of the national team.

A much traveled man from your career history, what made you decide Austria should be the next step in your career?

I felt that being young and coming out of a prestigious youth system I was ready to be part of a club where I can get as much playing time as possible at a professional level. Fortunately I had the opportunity to come to Austria. After spending some time with the players and becoming familiar with the lifestyle here, I felt that this was the ideal place for me to really settle down and focus on my game. I am very grateful FC Hochst gave me this opportunity.

I’ve noticed you tweeting about your lack of proficiency with the German language. How hard is it on the pitch when you don’t fluently speak the language?

To be honest, it hasn’t been a problem because most of my teammates speak and understand English. I feel that soccer is a language of its own and is understood between the players on the field.

Your contract in Austria expires at the end of the season. Will your next deal look to be more long term so you can establish yourself?

I hope so. Obviously It doesn’t always depend on me but I would love to be part of a club knowing I can have more than a year to actually adapt and establish myself. We will see what happens once the season comes to an end. Right now I just want to focus on Hochst and doing well here.

As well as the soccer player staple of Twitter, you have a personal website. Do you think it’s important for modern players to have those media outlets?

Yeah I think it’s very important as a player to have your name out and stay connected to the people who follow your career. Especially when you are young and living away from home. It’s always nice to get the support from people all over the world as well as America. It truly means a lot to me and I thank everyone who is by my side.

Is there anything you miss about living in the US? Does your family still live in NJ?

Of course I miss my family and friends back home but I try not to think about it too much. I guess you can say I have adapted to this lifestyle since I left home at 16 to live and play in italy. To be honest, having training everyday and a game on the weekend it really keeps me busy. Also Facebook and Skype has made it a lot easier to connect with everyone. I always look forward to coming home to Jersey during my offseason break.

The USMNT has a real young feel to it. Do you think that will benefit the team in the long term?

Yeah, I think it can only benefit US Soccer in general. There is a lot of talent and if we are given the opportunity and the experiences to be part of a national team at such a young age it can be positive for the future.

Some of those USMNT players are still plying their trade in the MLS. Has that ever been a consideration for you, to return home and play?

I am very attracted to MLS. I think the level of play has grown and the league is moving forward in a positive way. Last winter I considered the option to play in MLS but the timing wasn’t in my favor due to the CBA, etc. Now that everything seems to be sorted out I would love to consider MLS an option in the near future.

The reason I ask that is that by playing in Austria do you think it’s difficult sometimes to get the attention of selectors when you aren’t playing in a much publicized league?

I think playing in Europe has its advantages and disadvantages. Like you said, playing in Austria may be more difficult to get a certain amount of attention compared to playing in MLS. But I also feel that playing in a European league is an experience that is respected and is taken in high regards.

Off the field how do you relax. Are you an active explorer of Austria?

Well, Hochst is a small town right on the border of Austria and Switzerland so I can literally walk to Switzerland. I am also about 20 minutes away from Germany. If I’m not visiting the surrounding countries I am usually at home surfing the internet, watching TV or playing Playstation.

And finally how do you hope the summer pans out. Would you hope to secure a move further up?

I hope to be healthy and end on a positive note here with Hochst. I want to go home for my offseason with my mind set on where I will be playing for the following season. Obviously a move up is the goal for next season.

There was an audible sense of relief on Wearside Saturday and for a change it was the home fans going away happy. The weekend saw a 4-2 win against relegation threatened Wigan Athletic for Sunderland. However like so often recently for Sunderland they made it hard for themselves, and Sunderland’s recent form has been so abysmal that you wouldn’t have gotten good odds for a home win at any online gambling website.

Mohamad Diame’s 60th minute drive must have left many Black Cats fans thinking another defeat was on the cards, but a quick salvo from Asamoah Gyan and Jordan Henderson quickly turned the game on it’s head.

A second for Henderson and a first for January signing Stephane Sessengnon gave them a comfortable lead before a rare goal from Argentine striker Franco Di Santo left the game at 4-2. Despite sitting reasonably comfortable on 38 points prior to kick off, this was a vital win for Sunderland as they desperately tried to stop the rot of recent months. The importance is not lost on Wigan as well with games running out for Roberto Martinez as he desperately tries to keep The Latics in the Premier League.

It wasn’t all fantastic for Sunderland however. Both Danny Wellbeck and goalscorer Gyan pulled up with injuries leaving the club with no recognized strikers available for the weekend’s game with Fulham. Thus leaving their season to splutter across the finish line as they desperately try to get to the summer and a hopefully a number of new recruits.

Here are the key decisions Sunderland will need to make this summer:

1. The first real decision Steve Bruce will be forced to make is with his current loan signings. John Mensah, Sulley Muntari, Nedum Onouha and Danny Welbeck all joined Sunderland on a temporary basis with all bar Welbeck being available for purchase from their parent club. With Mensah only playing sixteen times this season he is in no way likely to trigger his permenant transfer clause. His persistent injury problems are a likely put off for Bruce despite his unquestionable quality. One player you would imagine will move north is Nedum Onuoha. Surprisingly overlooked by England, the Man City defender has been brilliant for Sunderland. The crowning moment of his season coming against Chelsea where he went on a mazy run before slotting it past Petr Cech. Sulley Muntari is needed to provide options in midfield with Lee Cattermole having an indifferent season (his disciplinary record again being the pinnacle of much criticism bore at the former Wigan and Middlesbrough man).
2. As for El-Mohammady, the jury is still very much out after March saw him complete a permanent transfer to Sunderland for £2m. Having Pace and a good work effort, comparisons to Jonas Gutierrez of Newcastle could be made. He’s a solid worker but he lacks the final ball to make him truly dangerous. Of course Bruce is aware he must build a squad not a first eleven, a lesson one would hope he has learned this season.
3. With the likely departures of Argentine defender Marco Angeleri and midfielder Cristian Riveros, Bruce will most definitely need quantity and quality in equal measure. Whether he will also look to dip into the loan market with such frequency is also up for debate. While it allows for a good indepth trial period for players, it also provides an unstable footing as should a player perform well he goes back onto the market at the end of the season with any number of your rivals able to bid for him.
4. He may also find it a struggle to hold onto a player he actually owns in the shape of Asamoah Gyan. The Ghanian striker has had an impressive debut season in England which has not gone unnoticed. Obviously with strikers always in demand many have been quick to link the man nicknamed ‘Baby Jet’ with a move away from Wearside.
5. Quinn is quick to disparage rumors of Gyan leaving and he will not have failed to notice the ovation Sunderland fans gave former Newcastle winger Charles N’zogbia on Saturday. He has been long courted by his former manager Bruce with numerous sources linking him to Sunderland and it would appear the fans are hoping the deal finally happens in the summer. One thing is for sure and that’s the temperamental Frenchman will not come cheap. Newcastle had a £12m bid rebuffed in January so Sunderland can look to spend upwards of £10m at least to get their man even if Wigan do succumb to relegation.

In the grander scheme of things the major disappointment from this season will be Sunderland’s failure to maintain a top half position and secure a first season in the Europa League. Many attribute the loss in form to the loss of Darren Bent but the lack of depth and bad injuries are really what curtailed Bruce’s men, so with next season in mind Bruce will not be allowed to make the same mistakes twice.

Teal Bunbury is a man on a mission. Leading the line for Sporting KC and with aspirations to play both abroad and for the United States, he knows it’s going to take a lot of hard work. He kindly sat down with me to talk about his good friend Juan Agudelo, as well as how he see’s the season panning out for Sporting KC.

Kris Heneage (Kris): Obviously it’s been hard to ignore that Chad Ochocinco has been in and around the camp training. What was your gut instinct when that whole thing came about?

Teal Bunbury (Teal): “When I first heard about it, I didn’t know really if it was going to happen or not. And then, when I really did find out that he was going to be there, I was excited to be there because I’ve seen him in the media, and he was someone that I wanted to be. And given the opportunity to finally meet him, hang out with him, and just see what he was all about, was great. Really.”

Kris: Do you think, in some ways, his appearance, is good for soccer in the US because it possibly opens you up to other markets, and proves it’s not an easy sport?

Teal: “Yeah, I think it does most definitely. I think he tweeted about some saying that he’s been at the highest level of his professional realm, and coming here to try soccer is really hard for him. So I mean it shows that soccer is not an easy sport, and that it takes a lot to understand the game, not just be an amazing athlete. So I really think it does open the markets up to more people in the US understanding that soccer is a great sport and they should take a look at it.”

Kris: Recently the US played Argentina, which meant some teams were without players. Is that a bit annoying for you as a player that you can potentially lose players just for a friendly?

Teal: “No, I don’t think it is. I think games like that are important. Playing for your national team is important and so is playing for your club team. But if you are given that opportunity, I think it’s great, like most teams, they have players to back those players up that get called into things like that, are able to handle situations where you might miss a play here, or a player might be injured or something like that, so I don’t think it’s that bad of a thing.”

Kris: And in regards to you, you spent December with Stoke City, a Premier League side. How was that?

Teal: “Oh, it was great. I was there for a week and a half, and I loved every minute of it. The organization was great to me. The training facility was one of a kind. The players were really nice. Just playing at that level, and that caliber was great. I was only there for a week and a half, and I could see myself improving and just learning things quicker. It was my dream. I mean it still is my dream to play overseas in England. So yeah, it was great to be able to train with them and they gave me a great opportunity. And yeah, it was a lot of fun.”

Kris: I know your dad spent time with West Ham. Have you discussed England with him? Was he positive or negative about England because obviously his time there was only brief.

Teal: “Yeah, he was really positive about it. When he talked about when he played there, obviously the game has changed a lot now, but he feels that my future, if something happens, he wouldn’t say no for me to play there, or anything like that. He was very supportive that he just wants me to get to places where I can learn the most and improve my game and develop as a player.”

Kris: So, on top of that, you have played for the US, and you played for the Canadian Youth side. Was that an easy decision to change to the US. Or was that a long term thing that you thought, you know what, I’ve probably got better chances with the US?

Teal: “Well, it was more-so where I felt my heart lies. I mean, it wasn’t the easiest of decisions obviously, because my dad played for Canada obviously, hall of famer and all of these things. He didn’t push me in either direction but I really took the time to talk to my family and things like that. I just felt like it was the best for me in my career, and I felt like, I’ve lived in the States longer. It just felt stronger ties with the US. So I’m really happy with my decision. And yeah, it’s been good.”

Kris: You’ll have probably seen the Argentina game recently. Be honest. Does Juan’s goal annoy you a bit? Do you think “Ah, no i’ve just fallen a rung down the pecking order.”

Teal: “Oooh no no haha not at all. Juan’s my boy. I talked to him after the game and told him he had a great game and it was a good goal and stuff like that. So no it doesn’t bother me at all. It’s good to have competition and that’s what I want. It brings the best out of players. So you know I’ll just have to work that much harder to get a look and get an opportunity to showcase what I can do.”

Kris: Much like yourself he wasn’t born in America. He moved there. Do you think it’s good that America’s almost widening it’s net to players who aren’t necessarily 100% American, if that makes sense?

Teal: “Yeah, I thinks it good. If a player is good enough and you want them and you feel that they are worthy, then yes go for it.”

Kris: Now back to your club for a moment. You recently lost to Chicago 3-2 with Omar Bravo seeing red. How important do you think Omar is to Sporting KC’s chances this season?

Teal: “He’s real important. Obviously he’s new this year but through pre-season and the season starting out you can tell he’s been gelling with the chemistry and the guys all in there. He’s going to be a key factor this season and it’s unfortunate we have to lose him but obviously we have other guys that can come in and fill in his place that way.”

Kris: I mean it’s a new team in the sense of the name change. The Wizards were seen as a not quite traditional soccer name. Do things like that ever bother the players? Or do they just say you know what it’s the same shirt it’s the same city, who cares?

Teal: “Yeah it hasn’t really bothered any of the players and in fact I feel like most of the players are embracing it and really liked the name change. It’s something new. Obviously there’s some Portuguese teams that have the ‘Sporting’ there name. To me it gives me a feeling of more European. It hasn’t been a detriment to any of the players I think a few fans didn’t know what to think at first but obviously it’s going to take some time to adjust to it and embrace it.”

Kris: A lot of English fans like myself will recognise Ryan Smith in the Sporting KC roster. How do you think he’s taken to the league. Were you impressed with what he brings?

Teal: “I think he’s great for the league and our team. He’s got the speed, the technical ability and loves to take players on. Hopefully he can get healthy pretty soon and start playing in games.”

Kris: I asked Dax McCarty this so i’ll ask you the same. Who’s the dressing room DJ who grabs the iPod before training or a game?

Teal: “There’s a few guys actually, I sometimes do. Michael Harrington, Kei Kamara. For game time switch up their iPod’s and get the music going. Who’s the fastest in training? Oh I don’t know I think we’d have to race. I mean we have a lot of fast guys.”

Kris: Is that something you think Sporting KC’s game is based on, speed?

Teal: “I definitely think it is. Our core is very fast and that’s what we try to employ on our game-plan, in terms of transition. Put pressure on teams but also when we go at teams we try to incorporate that into our game.”

Kris: I know it’s early into the season but how do you see the club’s season panning out?

Teal: “I mean we are going to keep progressing as the season goes on. All of us have a winning mentality and all of us want to make the MLS Cup and that’s our mentality. I’m not going to say no we aren’t going to make the play-offs or anything like that. In all our minds we are striving to make the playoff’s and so on.”

Kris: Do you have a team in Europe, someone you look out for maybe?

Teal: “Yeah I follow Arsenal.”

Kris: Oh wow they could do with you right now. I mean is England the first choice for you?

Teal: [laughs] “Yeah I mean France, Spain, Italy… any of those would be nice but I’ve always wanted to play in England since I was little. All the top European countries are big with soccer I’d love to play in.”

Kris: What happens if come the summer Tottenham bid for you. Do you join Tottenham?

Teal: “Haha right now I can’t comment, I’m just focusing on the season with Sporting KC. I’m just focusing on what I can control and working hard to get my teams in the play-offs.”

Kris: Do you see a long term future at KC? Is that sometimes frustrating when you have players like Dax McCarty who spent literally days with Portland before being traded?

Teal: “Not really frustrating but it keeps you on your toes and you have to always be thinking. I think it keeps you on your toes because you never really know if you’re cemented on a team or if there’s a trade or something like that. So I think it’s not really frustrating because that’s just how the business works.”

Kris: In terms of the USMNT they seem to be breeding quite a young strikeforce. Do you think they could sometimes benefit from a slightly older head amongst them?

Teal: “I’m behind whatever the coaching staff think the team needs. I’m really not one to say we need this one, or need that one and still accomplish before I could start saying things like that.”

Kris: I would imagine Brazil 2014 is earmarked for you. Do you think that tournament could be a big one for the US?

Teal: “Oh definitely. It’s going to be huge. Any World Cup the US is in is huge for us. Obviously I want to be striving to be on that team. I know I’ve got a long way to go. I know everyone’s excited but it’s still a long ways away.”

Kris: We mentioned your friend Juan Aguedelo. Do you think it’s important he’s ushered in slowly to avoid burn out?

Teal: “I don’t know about slowly, I hear that thing about age, but I say if a player is good enough, let him play. He’s old enough, so I don’t know if he really needs to be put on slowly. Obviously you don’t want him to get worn out or anything but if he’s good enough he’s old enough. I feel like what he’s doing right now is great. He’s showcasing his abilities.”

Kris: I’ll finish with a slightly controversial question. With players like Thierry Henry and other designated players earning such big salaries, do you think it can create a distance between the guys on big money and those on less?

Teal: “I honestly don’t think it can be detrimental. Those players are getting paid for the fact of what they did in the past and because how good they really are, so I don’t think it’s detrimental. The designated players I’ve seen really exceeded expectations for the most part, so I don’t think it’s a worry for most players.”

Photo by Yellow Book

When he was interviewed on Saturday night Ian Holloway cut a desolate figure. The color drained from his face. You have to question whether it had dawned on him that his early season high flyers Blackpool are now very much entrenched in a relegation scrap.

In stark similarity to Hull from two seasons ago, they shocked the league with performances above all expectations with a talismanic midfielder grabbing all the headlines. The problem now is much like Geovanni from that Hull side, nullifying Charlie Adam has become the standard tactic for teams facing the Tangerines.

Lacking in pace Adam, like a lot of midfield schemer’s such as Juan Riquelme, requires time and space to pick out the pass that splits a defence. By closing him down quickly and limiting his space he quickly shifts from key player to potential liability.

As some of the goals Blackpool have recently conceded show, if Adam gets caught in possession in the middle of the park the opposition’s shift from defence to attack can be all too quick, especially for a midfield bereft of real pace such as Blackpool’s.

Of course it would be wrong to lay all of the blame at the foot of Adam as he has been fantastic this season. It seems obvious to say but when your first choice centre back pairing has such little Premier League experience between them, a high goals against column would seem consequential. Many may even say that for Craig Cathcart, formerly of Manchester United, and Ian Evatt have performed well above expectation and that they are just suffering the mental strain of a tough season.

In a regression to the Kevin Keegan mantra of ‘You score 3, we score 4,’ the eventual flaw in the plan has reared it’s ugly head, Blackpool aren’t scoring enough. What will leave Blackpool fans even more frustrated is the fact they are actually the 2nd highest scorers outside of the top four with 47. This is of course offset by a frightening stat that they are the worst defence in the division having conceded 69 goals. So in truth when I say they aren’t scoring enough, it’s not a goal drought, they just aren’t scoring enough to counter balance such defensive frailties.

The final few games of this campaign could also easily dictate the next few seasons for Blackpool Football Club. Should they survive there is potential to grow and improve. As survivors of the relegation cull you become a slightly more attractive proposition to certain players. Those who wouldn’t return your calls are now leaving you voicemail.

It does have its drawbacks as well because those clubs higher up now circle your team looking to dissect you and take your best players. Holding on to them is also difficult, as proven with the pursuits of Andy Carroll and Charlie Adam, the latter of whom will no doubt be hoping for a move come the summer.

If they do succumb to the drop and go back into the Championship then it is very much a coin toss as to where they may end up. They have used their money wisely in the long term, choosing investing in the club over the playing staff. Even still with players like Matt Philips, Frenchman Elliot Grandin and the aforementioned Cathcart, all good young players, they will provide a solid base with which to build a promotion challenging side next season.

Unlike most relegated sides you would also believe those in charge will not decide to dispense with Ian Holloway’s services. The Bristolian affectionately known as ‘Olly’ has done great things for the club, when you consider many tipped them to match the Derby side of a few years previous in terms of points total, he has done a fantastic job to have them with something to play for in the final 5 games.

I do question whether he’s able to mount another lower league title challenge however. Much like this season his strength has been the element of surprise. As the saying goes ‘Once bitten twice shy.’ Clubs will and have wised up to Blackpool. They know they like to commit bodies forward and play a scarily high line.

Take the Manchester United game as a case study. At 2-0 up most teams would like to slow the game down and draw the time out. Blackpool’s insistence on attack opened up gaps and Manchester United’s clinical finishing earned them three points.

One thing that is harder to counteract is Bloomfield Road. The ground, much like Scunthorpe’s Glanford Park, is very compact which can make it a daunting prospect. After all, last year’s Championship winners Newcastle only lost 3 games all season but failed to come away with points from the Blackpool away fixture despite many expecting a victory prior to the game.

That may possibly make for a good omen with Newcastle the next visitors to Blackpool on Saturday in what is vital game for the home side. In many ways one would imagine that with three of their last five fixtures at home, the atmosphere at Bloomfield Road could decide what patch is ironed onto the sleeves of Blackpool’s shirts next season.

Photo by X Ceccaldi

There’s a beautiful phrase in Brazilian football that was applied to the national side a few years ago. “They have too many Piano carriers and not enough Piano players.” When I first heard it I instantly integrated it into my vocabulary because I liked it so much.

So as I watched Chelsea take on Manchester United this week, that phrase began running through my head. Of the big four, Chelsea managed to secure a fantastic prospect in Fabricio Coloccini lookalike David Luiz. Calm, composed and tough tackling, he is the ideal replacement for the Ricardo Carvalho.

Their other foray into the market saw them break English records for money spent on one player. Unfortunately for Chelsea and that man Fernando Torres, he is still to score for the club and it’s beginning to affect his confidence.

Now the problem is, if you watch Torres at Liverpool, a lot of his goals were based around through balls and chances created. He is not the complete forward like teammate Didier Drogba who can create his own chances, he requires that ‘piano player’ behind him. That’s why I found it perplexing that with Yossi Benayoun still injured Chelsea made no efforts to secure a creative midfielder.

After all when was the last time Frank Lampard or Ramires slid a through ball in for Anelka or Drogba. Even the aforementioned Anelka has looked to drop deep and fashion chances, but he isn’t able to do so. The commodity of creating chances seems underrated in the modern game. It may be because I played midfield as a youngster, but for me a good through-ball is just as important if not more so than a goal.

You just need look at midweek’s opponents Manchester United to see why a playmaker is so important. Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, even Wayne Rooney, have the capacity to create for their teammates.

It would seem that some managers are beginning to realise the importance of this position. With all the speculation regarding Charlie Adam, the likes of Sky Sports cited the Scotsman’s brilliant array of passing as his best attribute.

In the wider context of the game if we look at the ‘best’ team in the world right now, Barcelona, you have a team full of those piano players. When you have so many players able to create a goal, it makes the task even harder. If you were to play Blackpool you would look to nullify Charlie Adam but with Barcelona there are essentially 10 Charlie Adam’s.

The question I would imagine on most Chelsea fans minds is where next? After spending close to £80 million in January, will Abramovich sanction another big money deal? After all they aren’t blessed with many sellable assets with which to offset the price. The likes of Drogba, Anelka, Lampard and Terry are all older than they once were.

If they had been more proactive in the summer and secured Mezut Ozil, who knows how the season could of panned out. Of course, I speak with the blessing of hindsight which allows for perfect clarity.

I’d be interested to see the suggestions of readers on who Chelsea should sign to fill that void. Who knows? Your suggestions and predictions may even come to fruition.

What is for certain though is that without a player holding the key ability to unlock defences, Chelsea will always struggle when playing against top opposition who don’t make the mistakes teams lower down do. This past Wednesday typified that.

Kristan: So soccer was your sport of choice at college. So, who did you support in terms of a club team?

Kwame: I’ve always been a Manchester United fan. When my dad came back from business trips in England, he’d bring back replica jerseys. I’d play in the backyard all day wearing those jerseys pretending I was at Old Trafford. Domestically I’d say I’ve always been a D.C. United fan because I’m from the D.C. area. But lately I’ve been torn between MLS teams because I have so many close friends who play on various teams throughout the league.

Kristan: Do you still play at all and, if so, with any fellow rappers?

Kwame: I play every now and then, when I can find the time or a competetive game. Unfortunately I haven’t played with any fellow rappers [laughs].

Kristan: Did you prefer to wear classic plain cleats or colorful flamboyant ones?

Kwame: I definitely wore flashier cleats. Not too flashy, but if I could pull off a pair that didn’t clash too crazily with my uniform, I was all for it. Just had to make sure I justified wearing them by playing well.

Kristan: I don’t know if you know this but Akon is a big soccer fan. Would you consider a Kwame and Akon production for World Cup 2014? And what would you call it?

Kwame: I didn’t know he was a fan! Good to know though! It would be an honor to do a song with Akon! And since my childhood ambition of playing in a World Cup is done, I’d like to perform at one for sure! I have no idea what I would call the song though. If someone wants to put me in touch with Akon, I think we could vibe to a track in the studio and figure it out [laughs].

Kristan: Okay, so from college defender to rapper from MD, explain how this transformation came about exactly?

Kwame: I’ve always been musically inclined and I’ve always played soccer. A lot of people think I made some sort of transformation into a “rapper” when that’s not the case. It just so happens that I’d built up a bigger reputation as a soccer player at a young age. It wasn’t until college that I was really able to really get more involved with music and learn about the business. Before college I was defintely working on music and building my network but soccer was kind of my platform.

Kristan: Some may say moving from a likely pro soccer career to music is a risky decision. Do you see it like that? Is it a case of you taking a chance to do what you truly love?

Kwame: I don’t see it as risky at all. I’ve been blessed to have a choice. Both soccer and music are risky routes because longevity is a luxury in either profession. I picked music over soccer because music is what makes me happier and it was the best decision for me. I have so many talented friends who were/are willing to sacrifice anything to play soccer. That just wasn’t the case for me after college. I have admiration for them and they respected my decision to step away from the game to pursue my other passion.

Kristan: You’ve played with a variety of ‘who’s who’ in US soccer. You’re even friends with some of them. Have they ever asked to do a track with you? Is there any you would or wouldn’t let touch the microphone?

Kwame: All of them want to get on a track with me [laughs]! I think Maurice Edu is the only one who I’ve actually recorded with. I wouldn’t let AJ Delagarza or Omar Gonzalez touch a microphone [laughs]! They can stick to the backline with the Galaxy [laughs].

Kristan: Clint Dempsey (aka Deuce) has already released a video. Honest opinions now, what did you think when you first heard it? Could that be a future collaboration?

Kwame: I thought it was interesting when I first heard it. I think he brought awareness to some people who wouldn’t have known anything about US Soccer. The video was actually featured on 106 and Park so that was definitely a good look. Sure, there could be a future collaboration. Why not? We know a lot of the same people and have an interest in rap. Looks like I’ll have to reach out to some of my former teammates and have them contact him.

Kristan: If you could pick your dream team in terms of collaborator and album producer, who would you pick and why?

Kwame: That’s always the toughest question…I really can’t pick an artist who I would want to collaborate with because everyone brings something to the table and I look up to so many artists. I can’t narrow it down. It’s the same with producers but I guess the producer who I’ve been most curious about working with is Pharrell. I think it would be dope working with him in the studio.

Kristan: And what about a dream eleven to play with?

Kwame: International (current/former): Goalkeeper: Tim Howard; Backline: Cafu, Lucio, Puyol, Maldini; Midfield: Messi, Ronaldinho (2002 WC), Essien, Cristiano Ronaldo; Forwards: Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole (Package deal…best forward tandem EVER!)

MLS (current/former): Goalkeeper: Chris Seitz;  Backline: AJ Delagarza, Clarence Goodson, Omar Gonzalez, Danny Califf; Midfield: Jeremy Hall, Seth Stammler, Maurice Edu, Robbie Rogers; Forwards: Jason Garey, Taylor Twellman.

Kristan: Have any of your professional playing friends ever tried to get you back into the game? Would you consider it?

Kwame: No, they haven’t. We’re all such good friends and they know what I want to do. Before a show I get calls from them and before big games I give them some words. It’s beyond soccer. We look out for one another on a larger scale.

Kristan: How would you describe your style and lyricism to a potential new fan?

Kwame: I would say that I have a more upbeat sound overall but I have the ability to really mesh with soulful tracks. If you’re open-minded and come from a diverse background ethnically and/or economically I really think you can vibe to my music. Even if you’re not I think you’ll grow to have an appreciation for what I’m saying because I talk about my experiences from my perspective.

Kristan: Is it sometimes an annoyance to have people focus on your soccer career when you are trying to establish yourself as a musician?

Kwame: At first it was but I realized that soccer is a huge part of who I am. It’s the world’s greatest sport and one of the largest political platforms. Why not embrace it? As of late I’ve been getting more recognition for just music. The bottom line is that people who know me know where my mind has been with the music. It just takes others a little longer to realize that music has been just as important and that my potential in music is greater than it could have been in soccer.

Kristan: You’ve produced some mix-tapes. Do you think mix-tapes are a staple of the emerging rappers repertoire?

Kwame: They are a huge part of an emerging artists career. People aren’t buying music like they used to and until you have a large enough fan base that truly supports you, it’s a must. It’s a tool to keep your fans satisfied but gives an artist the chance to gain more fans along the way.

Kristan: You’re a member of Twitter like many musicians. What do you see as the benefits of having a Twitter in your profession?

Kwame: The benefits are enormous. It’s great for networking but more importantly it gives an artist a more personal relationship with fans who want to know what an artist is up to on a daily basis.

Kristan: What three CDs are currently playing in your car stereo? Obviously if you don’t have a car, we’ll say iPod.

Kwame: I recently moved to NYC and refuse to drive so I have my iPod on blast when on the subway [laughs]. To be honest, I don’t really listen to full albums on the regular anymore. I think it’s because I just recently found my comfort zone/identity as an artist and don’t want to be too influenced by what other people are doing. But yeah, I’ve been listening to Yelawolf, J.Cole and Wale a lot on my playlists.

Kristan: Do you have any tips for who might win MLS Cup this season?

Kwame: If I had to guess, I would say the Galaxy. AJ and Omar are holding down the backline for LA and they have special attacking players in Landon and Beckham. Aside from the Galaxy I think any team with a Terp in the lineup has a shot!

As a Brit and Newcastle United supporter, I must give credit for this piece to one of our readers, ‘Clampdown’. In the article on our sister site MLS Talk about how The Guardian dismisses Major League Soccer as not a big league, I liked the premise that Clampdown suggested. He recommended I should write a piece to ostensibly persuade readers and those at The Guardian to take interest in the MLS. I do, after all, think that there is enough reasons to want to watch the league otherwise I wouldn’t be devoting my time to it.

The opening gambit of my argument will be money. That thing you hear most of the older generation cite as what’s killing the game. Wayne Rooney earning more in a week than 10 nurses do in a year. Andy Carroll being worth £35 million after 6 months in the Premier League. In short, the MLS doesn’t have it, and it’s better for it in some ways. Yes you have designated players, but clubs are still governed by a $2.3m salary cap. Yes Guardian writers that’s per squad, not per player. The idea of it being a last paycheck is very much outdated. In MLS you earn your money.

In a romantic way it makes the players more approachable. I’ve only had very brief encounters with Premier League players during my short writing career, but with many it’s like they live on a different planet. They have no real concept of normality because of it and it’s often why you see them caught up in National Enquirer-style escapades. How am I supposed to identify with a man who’s on more money than I’ll ever see unless I guess the six correct numbers in the lotto?

The idiots aren’t ever present either. Like it or not, MLS doesn’t have near as many stupid fans in it’s stands. They may not be as clued up on the game, but you won’t hear a racist word at an MLS game that’s for sure. If I could say the same for England I’d be a happier man but I can’t. You can extend that to Europe in truth. Football racism still exists and the games worse for it.

What I also find quite charming about the MLS is it’s ability to mix passion with sportsmanship. You have players like Dax McCarty who want to win and occasionally may swear on the pitch. But they are still solid role models for those younger members of the crowd. When was the last time you saw an American player involved in an infidelity scandal? Or a punch up with a nightclub DJ?

They give their players a foundation. Yes the college system isn’t perfect. In theory it holds players back because they don’t start professional soccer ’til 22-23. But at least they have a degree behind them. I’ve seen countless players during my lifetime play a handful of games in the top flight then fall from the radar of the Premier League, playing amateur football and living on a poor wage.

At least the American system provides its players with a back up plan should they be not good enough or be so unlucky as to suffer a career ending injury.

I quite like how active clubs are in getting you involved. I believe it’s because in America, soccer is not the biggest slice of sports revenue like in Europe. When I went to my first MLS game, I was greeted in the car park by latino music, hot dog stands and club booths. And that was before I got into the stadium.

At half time they loaded T-shirt’s into a cannon and fired them into the crowd. Cheesy, it may seem, but I still wanted one. I thought I wouldn’t. But as they came close to my section, I moved to the edge of my seat ready to fight man, woman or child for that T-shirt that might not even fit.

They look to bring young coaches into the game. This point really does relate solely to the UK. Figures post-World Cup showed a chronic lack of coaches in the UK. And despite empty claims from Sir Trevor Brooking, it’s still increasingly difficult for a football coach to get anywhere in the UK, especially in the Premier League. Amplify that if you aren’t a former professional.

My younger brother intends to be a coach and I don’t envy his task. I’ve already advised him to look at coaching in the US and even purchased the official USSF training manual. The promotion of youth and emphasis on the future in all aspects of the game is exactly why you are seeing a rise in the quality of the USMNT.

I do find the lack of hyperbole around MLS refreshing as well. When watching the BBC’s highlight show or Sky Sports, I find the way players are made out to be modern day miracle workers a little sickening. What makes it worse is it’s the same bunch of media darlings. Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney all considered wonderful life savers yet I’m reminded of the moment Alan Shearer admitted knowing little of Hatem Ben Arfa, only made worse by the fact he was playing at Shearer’s old club, Newcastle United.

You don’t hear MLS proclaim itself as the best league in the world either. I often believe if you are a self proclaimed great, you probably aren’t that brilliant. Andy Gray’s rather hilarious debate regarding whether Lionel Messi could perform on a wet night in Stoke typifies this. In truth there is no best league, and if you are to elect one it’s not likely to be England because much of the Premier League’s appeal and excitement is based on its physical nature and the fact that goals are often based on individual mistakes as opposed to individual brilliance.

Rivalries don’t equal bloodshed. I’m blessed or cursed to be involved in one of England’s biggest rivalries depending how you perceive it. Newcastle versus Sunderland is the one fixture a year where I actually get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Nerves hit me big style, but as soon as the game is over, I happily converse with my friends in red and white. Sadly not all are able to do this and the requirement for a large police presence is sad for what is supposed to be entertainment.

I’m all for passion. I advocate it. A game’s quality can be defined by the fans that participate, but the need for violence in an arena inhabited by both adults and children is still alien to me.

I’m well aware that it’s unlikely AC Jimbo or any of the podcasting team at The Guardian will actually read this article, that wasn’t why I wrote it. Instead I decided that things needed addressing so that if by accident one of them stumbles across it, they can see that the MLS is a viable option for soccer fans in Europe. I don’t expect to see Sean Ingle with a Sporting Kansas tattoo, but acknowledgement of it’s place within the game would be much appreciated.

As our owner and head honcho The Gaffer highlighted last week, The Guardian podcast snubbed MLS deeming it not a ‘Major league’. Quite ironic for the satirist’s amongst you given it’s name but that’s irrelevant.

Now before I reel of a list of reasons, let me state this as de facto. I like Major League Soccer. A lot in fact. The following article is in no way a justification for their comments. It’s merely an explanation for why those in England (since I’m British) and maybe Europe find the concept of MLS so perplexing.

First off, the salary cap. A staple of American sports that stops the likes of Portsmouth and, lower down, Plymouth Argyle ever becoming a reality in the US. To some, though, it removes the excitement. For certain purists it’s brilliant. Imagine Manchester United having the same budget as Blackpool and forced to cut their cloth accordingly. It evens the divide and makes sure that no one stretches out. It keeps the league competitive.

In turn though it means you won’t see a team establish true dominance because they can’t just go out and sign all the best players. The situation at Man City would never happen. Nor Chelsea for that matter. To an English journalist used to seeing both ends of the financial spectrum in a league table, the concept of money boundaries is alien.

Then of course there are the playoffs. Now while the Football League does adopt a playoff for the third promotion slot, it does not give it to those in first and second so that is ignored. In some instances I do see their point. After all the team that finishes highest doesn’t always win the MLS Cup.

It almost spits in the face of the league season if all you need to do is qualify and then perform in the knockout rounds. A bit like a World Cup in some senses. To an American audience, this is fine. However, they’ve grown up with it. Yet to European football/soccer fans (delete where applicable), it can seem almost like cheating.

The distinct lack of relegation. Just as much as the English media likes to revel in champions, they love to pan the cameras, to the tearful fans of those unlucky relegated trio. Be it children or grown men balling their eyes out, the worst teams are deemed not fit to eat at the top table and must earn that right by fighting it out with the other peasants in the Football League.

The fact MLS doesn’t have a tiered league structure with promotion and relegation makes it unique in soccer. Even South America uses it, albeit on the most confusing and slightly irrational three season add-points-divide-by-three-pull name-from-hat method they use.

The best analogy I can come up with is two boxers. The loser is carried away and then a new contender is brought in. If the same two boxers just fought, it would end up the same result, in theory. I say in theory to protect myself from a barrage of abusive responses.

Personally I don’t think they take too kindly to the idea of ‘Designated Players’ either. One star per team? What about Real Madrid? I think they almost perceive it as one good player alongside 9 cloggers. And the best DP wins. Of course, the designated player is really an attempt by MLS to diversfy and bring in quality without losing teams in a financial fireball of destruction.

Of course, cynics of the league would also say that any league in which Juan Pablo Angel can score a flurry of goals in can’t be special. Now I will admit JPA wasn’t always clinical in England but that could be down to the pace of the league more than his personal quality as a player. The flurry of lower league Englishmen joining won’t strengthen my case, but Andriy Shevchenko scored for fun in Italy yet couldn’t in Italy. Does that mean Serie A is a tin pot league? No because we accept it’s a slower league with a different tactical mantra.

MLS is less than twenty years old. While the Premier League was birthed in 1992, professional soccer in England has been around for well over 100 years. It’s future is guaranteed because it has a market and a secure fan base. I’d bet in the early years of the Football League in the 1800’s, it wasn’t the streamline behemoth it is today. It probably had flaws. After all, it took over half a century to outlaw the backpass rule, and longer to decide on three points for a win and one for a draw. These things take time.

America is still trying to grow the game and from my recent trip to Northern Virginia I’d say it’s gaining popularity. Those in charge are walking the tightrope of producing a legitimate league that appeals to an American market.

With so many European leagues, I appreciate it’s difficult for the likes of The Guardian to devote time to every league, but cut MLS some slack. It’s still in its infancy and it requires an embrace from those in Europe, not a patronizing shun. After all, last summer proved quite clearly those American’s can kick a ball quite well. Plus I’m pretty sure Tim Howard wouldn’t have spilled that shot over the line.

Editor’s note: MLS Talk blogger Kristan Heneage had the fortunate opportunity of speaking to rising star Dax McCarty last week before the season began.

Here is the transcript of the interview:

Kristan Heneage (KH): You were drafted around November, albeit briefly to Portland Timbers. What was your gut instinct regarding that deal? Were you pleased or disappointed?

Dax McCarty (DM): Yeah I was pleased. You know, I had five great years in Dallas. And while I certainly would have been happy going back to Dallas, I certainly didn’t mind a change. It would have been nice and I’d heard nothing but great things about Portland as a City and as an organization.

KH: One of the first things I noticed when watching you for Dallas was your combative style and how aggressive you seemed. Is that will-to-win a self taught discipline or do you attribute it to a certain coach/mentor during your development?

DM: I think it’s a mixture of both. I sort of attribute that to my Dad you know. He always taught me to have that ‘never say die’ kind of fighter attitude. He always taught me if you’re going to do something, you might as well do it to 100% of your effort or not bother doing it at all. He’s a big reason why I play the way that I do. And just one of those things that you know my desire to win is so great, if I’m ever out on the field I’m going to show my team-mates and my coaches that I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.

KH: I know you said you’re a fighter but I just saw a goal about 10 minutes ago that any Brazilian would be proud of. The bicycle kick for the USMNT. Can DC fans expect that on a week to week basis?

DM: [Laughs] I’d say not on a week to week basis but a year to year basis I’ll attempt one of those in a game. But that was actually an inter-squad scrimmage in our US National team camp. I’m not a big bicycle man. I don’t practice them often. It’s just one of those things. It was a perfect cross. It kind of hung up there for a while and I kind of said why not and we’ll see what happens. And I hit it perfectly. It turned out to be one of the best goals I’ve ever scored. Hopefully if I get a chance in an actual game with DC, if I have the courage enough to try it, I’ll try it and see if it will win a game.

KH: And it’s on video as well, so one for the grandkids.

DM: Oh definitely got to be excited about that!

KH: You’ve joined DC who, by their own admission, didn’t have the best season last year. Does that make it harder for you coming in as a new guy or easier because there is less expectation?

DM: No, I think it makes it harder. You’re a new guy who’s brought in to turn things around. Obviously DC United as a club has a tremendous amount of tradition and they’re not used to having seasons like they’ve had in the past season or two. So you know for me, myself, and all the other the new guys, and as well as the guys coming back who’ve been on DC for a while, I think the onus is on all of us to say ‘Ok last season wasn’t good enough, we can’t accept that we were last in the league.’ We have to kind of take it upon ourselves to turn it around. I think the playoffs are certainly within reach for this team and a realistic goal that we should have. So there is certainly pressure on everyone, not just the new guys and myself.

KH: A lot of media-people, pundits even fans are tipping you for the play offs. Is that something you think this team can achieve? Can you go further and compete with teams like LA Galaxy and NYRB?

DM: Yeah, you never know. You never know this early in the season who’s going to be competitive and who’s not. But I think every single team in MLS has the mindset that they should aim for the playoffs. I think for our team, for DC, we certainly have enough talent to be able to make the playoffs. There is no question about that. Once you make the playoffs, it’s a whole new season we’ve seen the past couple of years, especially last year with my old team Dallas, and the team that ended up winning it, Colorado. The best teams at the start of the season aren’t necessarily the teams that win MLS Cup. So I think if DC, if we have a good enough year to make the playoffs, which is certainly a realistic expectation for us, once we get to the playoffs it’s a crab-shoot from there. And we’re definitely going to go for MLS Cup.

KH: Your new coach Ben Olsen, he’s only 33. Does his young age make it easier for him to relate to the squad as players?

DM: Yeah definitely. He’s been a top professional for a number of years now and he knows what it takes to win and to compete at the highest level. He’s obviously got that fire in his belly that makes him want to win just as bad as all of us players want to. When you’re playing for a coach like that, I think it not only makes things more competitive but it makes things easier because you know exactly what he expects out of you day in day out. I think our team is good enough and deep enough that if a certain player isn’t giving him what he wants, or playing up to their standard, you know he’s going to bring in someone else who will get the job done. You can feel the mood around the team is that everyone is very excited to play for a coach like that. And he’s definitely the right man to lead us to where we ant to go which his the playoffs and the MLS Cup.

KH: A few questions about the squad. Who is the dressing room DJ? And who grabs the iPod as you get ready for practice?

DM: [Laughs] Oh let’s see, I would say Chris Pontius thinks he has good taste in music. He’s the one who always has the iPod out, playing new songs and stuff. Him or Bill Hamid. He’s a good guy to go to learn about new songs that are out there. Those two are definitely the front-runners in that.

KH: Other than yourself, who’s the hardest worker in training?

DM: Hardest worker in training? Let’s see. It’s hard to single out one guy because we all are dead set on improving our finish from last year, so everyone works hard. One guy who sticks out for me though is Perry Kitchen, the rookie. He brings not only that hard work that everyone brings but also a different kind of intensity that you just don’t see in young kids so he’s definitely up there.

KH: Have you been impressed with DC’s rookie acquisitions so far?

DM: Yeah absolutely. Everyone of them is first and foremost a good soccer player, which is what you want. And secondly they all have good character, which in order to build a team, is what you want. These acqusitions are going to be good not only because of depth, but to help us improve and hopefully they’ll be able to contribute throughout the year.

KH: Who’s the most intelligent in the squad?

DM: I would say Stephen King is a pretty intelligent guy, a pretty good head on his shoulders. A great degree from Maryland for 4 years. The thing I keep hearing about Stephen is he never lies. He’s never told a lie in his life. He’s a pretty nice and intelligent guy.

KH: Any squad jokesters or pranksters?

DM: Yeah yeah, this team is fantastic with keeping the mood light and keeping the jokes a flowing. I would say the guys that take the brunt of the jokes are Chris Pontius and Kurt Morsink. Those two are really popular amongst the team and get along well with most guys. They’re good. They’re fun. They’re light hearted. You can have a good laugh with them.

KH: You have youngster Andy Najar in the squad. With him being so young, do you have to be careful in terms of rushing him? Not to compare him, but in a similar situation to the one Freddy Adu found himself in?

DM: Yeah absolutely. With all young players you have to be careful of that but, Andy’s a tremendous talent. I can see that last year, and I can see it in training when I play with him and against him. He’s got all the talent to be a very good player and have a very good career. With Andy, it’s all about patience. We can’t put too much pressure on him to surpass what he did last year. If Andy has a year that’s just as good as last year it would be a great season for him. He’s a young kid but he’s got a very big opportunity in front of him and we just have to make sure we bring him along in the right direction and I think Ben also knows that. Ben’s the perfect guy to do that for him.

KH: Looking at you in the longer term. I mentioned Ben Olsen. He spent time with Nottingham Forest in England. You started at an Ajax affiliate. Is Europe the eventual goal for you? Have you earmarked a league and thought “I want to go there”?

DM: Absolutely. Especially these days. MLS is a fantastic league. I think you have to say it’s one of the top league’s in the world now just in terms of recognition and quality of play, but as a player you’re always wanting to test yourself against the best competition and over in Europe. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have dreams and aspirations of one day playing in Europe and trying something different. That’s certainly a goal of mine one that I can hopefully fulfill before my playing days are over.

KH: I spoke to Alejandro Bedoya recently. As you know, he’s in Sweden right now. He’s looking to establish himself in the USMNT same with yourself. Central midfield is a deep position for the US. Are you almost willing to play anywhere for the US, or do you want to be known as a central midfielder?

DM: Playing for the national team is an absolute privilege. Whenever I get to suit up and represent my country, it is something I definitely don’t take for granted. Obviously, as you said, the deepest position for us is central midfield which is where I like to play. Wherever the coaching staff needs me to play, I’ll play. If that’s goalkeeper, then I’ll play goalkeeper. But really that’s never going to happen with the incredible goalkeepers that we have. But to get my point across, I’m willing to play lots of different positions but obviously my preference is to play in the middle. Like you said we have tons of players tons of competition but that’s good it makes for lots of competition and when you have lots of great players that can only make you a better team. I definitely think the US are getting one step closer to having more players playing at the top level.

KH: Alot of the US team is very young. The likes of Michael Bradley, Bedoya, and yourself who are around 23-24. By the time Brazil 2014 hits, you should all theoretically be at your peak. Is it sometimes difficult to focus on the longer term when you’re wanting to play now and establish yourself?

DM: Yeah it’s definitely difficult to be patient, but I think that’s one thing that us younger players are learning these days. Things don’t happen overnight for you. It takes a lot of handwork a lot of dedication that goes into the process of establishing yourself on the national team. For myself, I just have to continue to be patient, hopefully play well for DC United in the upcoming season. And if the opportunities comes up for the national team, then fantastic. I’ll obviously look to take those opportunities and do well, but yeah, first and foremost, it’s about being patient and making sure I’m performing for DC United.

KH: Now the killer question is, we will fast forward a couple of months and it’s FC Dallas versus DC United in the MLS Cup final. A textbook McCarty overhead kick in the 90th minute wins it for DC, do you celebrate and why?

DM: I think I would celebrate just because of the magnitude and importance of the game. In that moment in time I wouldn’t be thinking “This is my old club.” I’d be thinking, “Holy crap, what did I just do?” in the biggest game of my career. I have a lot of respect for Dallas as an organization. Those are some of my best friends in the league still on that team. Those guys are like my brothers. I think my mind would just be blank and I don’t know if I’d kind of black out for a while there. But yeah, I have a lot of respect for those guys. But you know it would be a pretty fun story line.

KH: How are you settling in to life in DC?

DM: Yeah it’s going great. I haven’t found a place to live just yet it’s been tough to get around the city too much because we’ve been away so much. So I haven’t really immersed myself in the different things that DC has going on. It’s a little different to where I used to live in Dallas. It’s a very cool city with lots of fun things to do. Once I get settled and find a place to live, I think I’m really going to enjoy it.

KH: You speak as if you see a long term future here. Do you see a three, maybe four, year stint here with DC?

DM: Absolutely. It’s a tremendous organization, one of the best in MLS. A very rich history and a fantastic fanbase. I’ve settled here and my first few months here have gone really smooth and they’ve gone very well. So there’s certainly no reason.

KH: Finally the two new teams… Portland and Vancouver. How do you see them fairing this season?

DM: I actually see them doing well. Traditionally expansion teams haven’t been that successful. But you have to think with the support those teams are getting, not only from their front offices, but from their fans, it’s going to be very difficult to get good results when those teams play at home. I can definitely see at least one of those teams challenging for a playoff spot.

Photo by kevinmcc

He’s been one of the bargains of the season. The Ivorian defensive midfield who joined Newcastle for £3.5m has taken to the league like he’d played in it for years. I recently went to see Birmingham against Newcastle at St Andrews. I watched it like many games, with my Dad. After another smart turn and lay off by the aforementioned Tiote, my Dad turned to me and said “How we couldn’t do with ten more like him.”

I knew he didn’t mean ten more African defensive midfielders. Instead like Mike Ashley he shared the desire for young exciting players that cost little and grew with the club. The biggest issue with this transfer policy is that fans don’t like the selling aspect, and who would? Like many, I was disappointed with the sale of Andy Carroll but I’d be lying if I didn’t think the £35m held massive potential for the club’s future playing staff.

After all, the policy of well-scouted transfers can unearth real quality. Take Hatem Ben Arfa for example. He may now be nursing a broken leg, but in his four appearances prior to that, he looked exciting. A comparison to David Ginola or Laurent Robert seems too easy but you can bet either would have been proud of Ben Arfa’s strike against Everton at Goodison Park.

Signed in January for £5m, his move to Newcastle was anything but smooth. A month of drawn out transfer negotiations saw OM president Jean Claude Dassier claim the deal was off. It was on, rinse and repeat. During this time Ben Arfa had refused to train and flew to Newcastle in a bid to seal his move away from France.

Depending on how you viewed the situation, it suggested one thing, Ashley was either a tough negotiator or cheap. Either way he was the antithesis of his predecessor Freddy Shepherd who regularly bowed to the demands of player agents in a desperate bid to bring home the club’s first domestic silverware since the 1969 Fairs Cup.

Graham Carr, the club’s chief scout, and Chris Hughton both explained that the Tiote deal, much like Ben Arfa’s, was a careful one. The reports conflict slightly but claims they had watched him at Anderlecht, Roda JC and more recently FC Twente, completed the dossier that made those in charge decide he was the right man to give the midfield strength. He also came with a glowing report from former Twente manager Steve McClaren. So when he was offered to those in the Premier League, both Newcastle and West Brom moved to secure him.

Carr also revealed that France is a big market for the club as they are still held in high regard there. He mentioned Tiote’s international colleague Gervinho as one target as well as Kevin Gamiero of Lorient. Nearby neighbours Belgium is also a constant scouting ground with the club represented at the recent Anderlecht vs Genk match, where it’s likely they were watching Jonathan Legear. His suggested price of around €3m fits the club policy and Newcastle are desperate to secure a long term solution to the lack of depth on the right hand side.

His poor injury record won’t have gone unnoticed and with Newcastle operating a risk assessment type policy, no facet is overlooked. Re-sale value is the new buzzword, and when you consider that some of this season’s players like Danny Simpson and Mike Williamson only cost £1.75m combined, the frugal approach doesn’t seem such a bad idea.

Using a mixture of scouting and asking those within the game, they use all the available resources when identifying targets. Take Leon Best who was recommended by former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland player Liam Brady. Carr also mentioned discussions he had with Sven-Goran Erikksson about Gervinho who won’t be as cheap as many of the recent purchases.

The real problem with this style of transfers is the risk of not always finding quality. The concept of paying peanuts gets you monkeys being the argument of those cynical of the new transfer strategy. There have been failures during Ashley’s tenure. James Perch looks well out of his depth but at £1.5m you’d think the club would recoup a fair portion of that fee. Spanish striker Xisco, however, who cost £6m, makes the mind boggle. An assist against Aston Villa at the start of the season made you think he had a future, all be it in the unorthodox position of right wing. He’s now back at Deportivo on loan from whom he joined Newcastle with his future at the Magpies not looking likely.

Ashley’s history means many will never trust him. That image wasn’t enhanced by the sacking of Chris Hughton who did all that he could and was much loved by the fans. So while the mega fees and star names are unlikely to be joining Newcastle soon, it would appear they want to go a different route. And instead of buying the stars, they want to make them.

Photo by Jeffery Simpson

Team Name
Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Stadium and Location
Empire Field

Coach (with record as MLS coach)
Teitur Thordarson (ICE)

2010 LEAGUE RESULTS: 2nd in NASL conference 5th overall.

2010 REVIEW: A strong finish in the conference saw them finish behind the eventual league winners the Carolina Railhawks.

Their playoff campaign ended in the semi-finals with a bitter extra-time loss to the Puertan Rican Islanders. A 0-0 in the first leg saw a repeat in the return fixture which took the game into extra time. A double from former DC United forward Nicholas Addlery sealed the victory and with it a final place for the Islanders.

ROSTER ADDITIONS: Much like Portland Timbers, it’s all change for Vancouver with a host of new faces. Jay DeMerit was acquired through the allocation ranking on a free transfer and he also takes the captains armband for the season.

Seattle Sounders Sanna Nyassi moves north from Seattle along with team-mates Nathan Sturgis. The latter of whom was later shipped across Canada to join Toronto FC for a first round draft pick.

Winger Atiba harris moves from MLS Cup finalists Dallas while experienced goalkeeper joins from the San Jose Earthquakes to give experience in goal. Philadelphia duo Alejandro Moreno and Shea Salinas also moved to Vancouver.

O’Brian White joined from fellow Canadian side Toronto FC and Jonathan Leathers moves from Sporting Kansas. John Thorrington moved from Chicago Alan Gordon all be it for a short time moved from Chivas USA.

Alain Rochet joined from FC Zurich along with Frenchman Eric Hassli and exciting propsect Omar Salgado moved through the Superdraft. From the USSF DIV 2 side Vancouver chose to take Jay Nolly, Wes Knight, Canadians Philippe Davies Greg Janicki and Terry Dunfield, Nizar Khaflan Gershon Koffie and onetime Juventus youngster Davide Chiumiento. Blake Wagner a one time FC Dallas defender and Long Tan complete the summer’s acquisitions.

With some still in camp don’t be too surprised to see a late move for Brazilian forward Camilo.

ROSTER SUBTRACTIONS: Only 5 left Vancouver and they were all recent additions. Alan Gordon and Alejandro Moreno moved to Chivas USA.
Gambian Nyassi was allowed to join league champions Colorado and O’Brian White joined Seattle.

Youngster Nathan Sturgis was moved to Toronto FC for a draft pick in the 2011 Superdraft.

PROJECTED STARTERS: A 4-4-2 was last year’s formation but they have tried a 4-2-3-1 in pre-season.

FORWARDS: If they go with the 4-2-3-1 it’s all up to Hassli on his own up front, the 6ft 4 forward is technically gifted with a strong right foot so fingers crossed he starts strong.

MIDFIELD: Salinas and Harris will operate out wide for Vancouver with Chiuemiento in the middle playing the advanced playmaker role. Dunfield and Thorrington who started their careers at the two Manchester clubs will hold back providing protection for the back four. If they go 4-4-2 expect Chiuemiento to play further up and the midfield to go to a flat four.

DEFENSE AND GOAL: Joe Cannon will take up the goalie position you would hope, ahead of him is Twitter buddy Jay DeMerit. It looks likely they will sign Mouloud Akloul to partner him with Swiss signing Rochat on the left and Wes Knight on the right supplementing the attacks.

KEY PLAYER: It’s between DeMerit and Hassli in my opinion. An experienced leader and good captain can be the foundations of a good side, just ask Jose Mourinho. Hassli on the other hand is likely to be the pinnacle of Vancouver’s attack. It’s naive to say if he doesn’t score they won’t but it won’t be too far from the truth.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Davide Chiuemiento. The club rave about the Swiss midfielder but reports from VC fans say he looked poor last year the club attributing that to poor fitness. I also read reports they are currently in Europe searching for a player of similar ilk to Chiuemiento which is good. If he can perform the way the club seem to think he could be a great cog in the side, early signs are good considering the coaches switch to 4-2-3-1 to allow him more freedom.

OUTLOOK: It’s difficult to tell really. If I could I’d leave this blank as there are too many “What if’s”. They have a good backing fan wise, yet as I mentioned above the lack of striking options is a concern, with only 3 signed up strikers. The addition of Brazilian Camilo would be good but would require a change in system to two up front.

I think they may struggle not defensively but offensively, meaning they won’t get hammered but they’ll lose more games by the odd goal. After all the West does look really stacked in quality.

PREDICTION: 30 pts 9th.

Photo by camknows

Team Name
Seattle Sounders FC

Stadium and Location
Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington.

Coach (with record as MLS coach)
Sigi Schmidt (GER) (14-10-6)

2010 LEAGUE RESULTS:
4th in Western Conference, 6th Overall.

2010 REVIEW:
A solid season for the Sounders saw them finish well in their conference before a strong Galaxy side ended their time in the play-offs.

A rather disappointing Champions League campaign was off set slightly by the US Open Cup win. Despite both Steve Zakuani and Fredy Montero hitting double figures for the club they actually struggled for goals failing to break the 40 league goals mark. Their defensive record was little to write home about also, conceding 35 goals.

ROSTER ADDITIONS: The club have brought in 6 in the close season but have already waived Irishman Danny Earles. The ongoing negotiations with veteran Julian Baudet seem unlikely to rectify themselves with the ex-Colorado player spending time on trial with Celtic in February.

Erik Friberg looks the most interesting prospect having joined from BK Haken in Sweden, a skillful play-maker he should link up well with NKufo and Montero. Lamar Neagle moved to Seattle from the Finnish league and seems a good pickup. A fast player with a cool finish he adds real depth to the Sounders attack.

ROSTER SUBTRACTIONS: Former Jamaican international Tyrone Marshall the league champions Colorado through the re-entry draft. Chris Seitz was quickly moved on to FC Dallas.

Nathan Sturgis and Sanna Nyassi both moved to newcomers Toronto FC, the latter being moved on to Colorado to join up with the aforementioned Marshall. Peter Vagenas made it a trio of transfers to Colorado but he was later waived by the Rapids.

PROJECTED STARTERS: Expect a diamond like 4-4-2 with Alonso playing the holding role but don’t rule out wing backs in a 3-5-2 line up.

FORWARDS: Swiss target man Blaise NKufo will lead the line with Fredy Montero playing just off him. Hopefully the big striker can continue his impressive return of almost 1 in 2 next to Montero’s nigh 1 in 3.

MIDFIELD: Former Arsenal youth player Steve Zakuani will look to terrorize the league’s right back’s and with no natural right winger in the squad, Miguel Montano could deputize and play inside forward. You would hope Alonso will play the holding role alongside Swede Friberg to give the team some creative prowess.

DEFENSE AND GOAL: Veteran Kasey Keller is still between the sticks at the ripe old age of 41. Ahead of him James Riley and Leonardo Gonzalez will fill in at right and left back. Meanwhile Colombian Hurtado and former Vancouver man Jeff Parke will hold down the centre back spots for the Sounders looking to improve on last seasons poor showing.

KEY PLAYER: Fredy Montero is to Seattle what Landon Donovan is to LA. He scores and creates for Seattle and along side the not so mobile NKufo he will look to give them a spark and energy as they look to progress from last year.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Swede Erik Friberg looks an interesting acquisition. A classy playmaker, he looks to have a real eye for a pass. Sitting just ahead of Alonso if he can aim it at NKufo or play off Montero’s clever running the team could go really far. He could easily fill the right sided void and look to angle balls in.

OUTLOOK: This season is all in Seattle’s hands. The lack of activity is worrying as they look heavy on left wingers with no real natural right sided players. Their fullback options are limited and the pre-season loss to the Timbers won’t have helped morale. On paper they look dangerous in attack but unfortunately the game isn’t played on paper. Friberg could be the key to helping the team scores goals if he settles quickly, but the leaky defence still seems to have gone unfixed.

In my opinion a similar season at best for the Sounders with a first round play off knockout.

PREDICTION: 43 points 4th in Western Conference

Photo by spinnerin

Team Name:
Portland Timbers

Stadium and Location:
PGE Park, Portland Oregon

Coach (with record as MLS coach):
John Spencer (First season as Head Coach)

2010 LEAGUE RESULTS:
3rd in the USL Conference table . (4th Overall)

2010 REVIEW:
A 3rd place finish in the USL Conference and 4th overall saw the Timbers round off their time in the USL with a good finish.

Despite making the play-offs it was short lived after a 2-1 aggregate defeat to fellow MLS newcomers Vancouver Whitecaps. They were able to reach the final of the US open cup but an agonizing 4-3 defeat over two legs saw them end the season without a trophy.

ROSTER ADDITIONS: Numerous new faces have joined the club in their inaugural MLS season. Notable newcomers include former Arsenal youngster Kerrea Gilbert who has been brought in to give the defence steel alongside Rodney Wallace. Also head coach John Spencer chose to sign fellow Scotsman Adam Moffat for the midfield meanwhile in attack Kenny Cooper looks set to lead the line with exciting prospect Darlington Nagbe. Troy Perkins was signed as starting goalkeeper.

Former Man United trainee Eddie Johnson was signed from the USL as well as Ugandan Brian Umony on loan. Sal Zizzo moves north from Chivas USA along with Jack Jewsbury who joins from Sporting Kansas.

Defenders Eric Brunner joined former team-mate Moffat in moving from Columbus and David Horst left Real Salt Lake to join the Timbers. Former American U-17 international Jeremy Hall moved from New York to play out wide for the Timbers with Peter Lowry moving from the Chicago Fire.

ROSTER SUBTRACTIONS: Dax McCarty was surprisingly traded to DC United for Rodney Wallace and a 4th round draft pick. Steve Cronin was also allowed to move to the capital in a deal that saw Troy Perkins move the other way. While former DC player Jordan Graye was allowed to join Houston Dynamo. El Salvador international Arturo Alvarez was traded to Real Salt Lake for a 2011 draft pick and Anthony Wallace moved to the Colorado Rapids.

PROJECTED STARTERS: 4-4-2 is likely with potential for 4-5-1.

FORWARDS: Kenny Cooper has clearly been brought in as the figurehead of attack with youngster Nagbe offering the pace alongside him.

MIDFIELD: Jeremy Hall will operate on the right wing with Sal Zizzo on the left. Jewsbury and Lowry will most likely hold the middle of the park with pace out wide looking to exploit Cooper’s target man abilities.

DEFENSE AND GOAL: Troy Perkins will marshal the defence in its premier season. Rodney Wallace will inhabit the left with Gilbert on the right giving real power and pace at full back. Brunner and Goldthwaite will be the centre backs as the team look to form a good understanding quickly.

KEY PLAYER: Kenny Cooper stands out after having decided to return from his German adventure with Munich’s second side 1860. His form for Dallas was good and the Timbers will need that if they are to have a respectable first season.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Darlington Nagbe came with quite expectation with coach John Spencer really excited by the 2nd overall draft pick. It may take him time to settle and learn the tactical side of the game being fresh out of College but when he does Portland could have a real player on their hands.

OUTLOOK: Little to nothing is expected of Portland in their debut season, it’s all about settling the side and building on that as the years progress. The team made some astute signings and if it all clicks who knows a good cup run, maybe even an outside shot at the playoff’s . It’s totally dependant on how quickly the team click and if the bigger names in the squad play to their potential.

PREDICTION: 39 points, 7th in Western Conference

Photo by Alfonso Jiménez

In the wake of a manic transfer deadline day that saw Andy Carroll join Liverpool for ?35 million and Fernando Torres join Chelsea for ?50 million, Stephen Ireland’s loan move to Newcastle from Aston Villa slipped under the radar.

It was the Irishman’s second move of the season having only joined Villa in the summer from Manchester City in a deal that took James Milner to Eastlands for ?24 million. The fact it was Ireland who was the makeweight showed just how times had changed.

In 2007 Ireland became the centre of controversy after leaving a Republic of Ireland training camp early. He cited the death of his grandmother as the reason for his departure, only for it to come out she was in fact alive and well. Claims it was a different grandparent were also found to be untrue.

He went on to have an average season netting four league goals in 33 games from midfield. Come 2008-09 season under Mark Hughes and playing along side Brazilian Robinho it all began to click for Ireland and he looked brilliant.

His passing was intelligent and defence splitting. He contributed 9 league goals, the best of which was a beautifully curled shot away to Hull City. His manager considered him vital to the team and he had cemented himself in the first eleven. The promising talent was beginning to come to fruition.

His problem however was the owners at Manchester City wanted instant gratification. As good as his performances were, the club still attempted to purchase AC Milan’s Kaka; a bid they intend to renew in the summer.

As the 2009-10 season began his chances became limited. With the sacking of Mark Hughes he faded back and found himself moving from the unlikely star man to bench warmer. When the chance of a move to Aston Villa came there was suggestions the player himself was not overly willing to move. His wage demands also made the deal difficult but with the 08-09 season still fresh in the mind, it made him seem like a snip at ?8 million.

In his early interviews for Aston Villa he spoke openly of the changes at Manchester City. References to ‘fancy watches’ and ostentatious accessories all seemed slightly hypocritical from the owner of a red and white Bentley Coupe. As the season began many waited with bated breath. Here was the playmaker Villa needed; they had a quality midfielder that could also chip in with goals.

In short his debut was a nightmare. Celebrating his 24th birthday he was deployed in central midfield as Villa were demolished 6-0 by Newcastle with his impact being minimal at best. It didn’t get much better after that and come December reports surfaced he had fallen out with manager Gérard Houllier. The former Lyon and Liverpool head coach confirmed on December 19 that Ireland was free to leave after a meeting with the player’s representatives.

A move further north to Celtic seemed most likely, with Neil Lennon’s side picking up the majority of his reported ?70 grand a week wages. That deal quickly fell flat and towards the end of the window rumors began circulating that a move north was back on this time with Newcastle United.

In a rather drawn out set of negotiations that finally concluded itself on deadline day, Ireland eventually moved to the Magpies. The supposed hold up was because Newcastle was unwilling to take over his wages until he was match fit.

Claims he is mentally fragile and requires a figurative arm around him means he can sometimes be a difficult player to man manage. His talent is unquestionable though and the early signs are positive.

A month into his stay on Tyneside he has yet to make an appearance but looks likely to play some part in the weekend’s game at home to Everton. He has already expressed his fondness of the region and in particular the Geordie people.

‘I’ve had a walk around the city, and the people here are so nice and polite.
They come up and shake your hand, and say “all the best here”.’

The move would seem a good one for the player. Newcastle’s success is built on a tight dressing room and good team spirit. If embraced by the squad’s big characters like Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan the sense of belonging he is seeking for may be found.

Of course with every element of optimism, a degree of pessimism counter balances it. A disgruntled character shoved from club to club may be inverted and stand offish. In a hard working side like Newcastle’s, can they accommodate the luxury player that is Stephen Ireland?

In truth Alan Pardew’s is likely to get his best results using Ireland in a more advanced position than the one he found himself in at Villa. In a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 operating in the same way Mezut Ozil did for Germany in the World Cup. A roaming role should allow Ireland that freedom of expression that saw him flourish at Man City.

With a purchase option of around ?5 million at the end of his loan, a good few months with Newcastle could see the rejuvenation of Ireland’s career as Newcastle look to re-establish themselves in the Premier League.

Managers have it hard. This statement is not a ground breaking one. In recent times coaches have had to become more adept at addressing their player’s needs and dealing with different personalities. It’s one thing to stop your player talking to ESPN or Sky Sports when they feel annoyed, but with the creation of Twitter a new demon is born.

First it was Ryan Babel tweeting a picture of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United kit. Now Jack Wilshere has decided to put the twit in Twitter with a dig at Birmingham captain Barry Ferguson. In the wake of Obafemi Martins’s last minute winner, the former Rangers man rubbed the head of Frenchman Laurent Kosicelny as he ran past.

Yes it was childish and not exactly the epitome of good sportsmanship but Wilshere taking to Twitter claiming his team-mate was slapped hardly saw him mount a high horse of his own. I appreciate he is frustrated, a trophy they were expected to win snatched from their grasp because of poor communication between goalkeeper and centre back. However in these instances, a deep breath is required, a calming walk, a game of Fifa 11, just something to sooth the mind before deciding if it’s a good idea.

The fact that a rapid delete rarely saves the tweeter makes it an even stupider decision. Even if you decide to comment at 3am GMT you can guarantee a football fan, somewhere will be watching your page. Take for example Wilshere’s message in the wake of the crazy 4-4 draw against Newcastle United:

‘Inconsistent refereing needs to stop.its killing the game.if Diaby goes..whats the difference between that and Nolan on our keeper!?? joke.’

The aforementioned quick delete didn’t stop numerous message boards and newspapers picking up the comments and despite claims of a Twitter hack from the player, the England international was lucky to avoid FA punishment.

So how does the modern manager stop this new problem? Often a social network shutdown is the easiest way. After Newcastle Jose Enrique tweeted he would miss the Spurs game hours before kick off, his manager responded none too kindly in his post match interview. The player eventually closed his Twitter account as it ‘caused too many problems’.

It’s not all bad though. Many of the world’s top players have good, fun Twitter pages that never blur the lines of asset and problem. After all, Twitter is a great way for fans and even journalists to connect with players. Posting pictures, re-tweets and even Twitter competitions for signed shirts and boots help form a bond when often players seem unapproachable to the fans that fund their profession.

If Wilshere feels bad about his recent tweets he must remember he is not alone. Take Gregory Van Der Wiel of Ajax. In 2009 he ruled himself out of a game for Holland because of concussion. Around the same time he posted a photo entitled ‘Me with Lil Wayne last night’. Not the smartest move for which he was quickly reprimanded with Bert Van Marwijjk saying footballers on social media should be banned.

Closer to home, Aston Villa’s Darren Bent used his page to vent his frustrations at a hold up in his move from Tottenham to Sunderland, curse words were even used. He apologized to his then employers and even closed his Twitter page at one point during his time with Sunderland to concentrate on his football.

Even then just when you think it’s safe because you’ve shut down your star players Twitter/Facebook don’t rule out a faux pas from his partner or family. Take Mrs David Bentley and Paul Konchesky’s Mum Carol.

The former took to her page to have a go at her husband’s manager Harry Redknapp with the ever so eloquent ‘Sort it our Harry for f***’s sake’. The now standard prompt delete and half hearted apology may have got Bentley his move north to Birmingham, but you imagine he was left rather red faced at training.

Mother Konchesky by contrast used Facebook to have a go at Liverpool fans degrading her son and his cockney roots. I appreciate the sentiment as no Mother likes to see their child so routinely and sometimes unnecessarily insulted. However this is one of the less desirable parts of being a footballer, fans have opinions and with the internet they have the means to broadcast these views.

So the lesson here? Tweet responsibly; ask yourself if your message is controversial or defamatory and would your manager appreciate it. Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage are the golden children here. Fun, joke exchanging players who display personality but maintain professionalism throughout.

Team Name:

Los Angeles Galaxy

Stadium and Location:

The Home Depot Centre, Carson California.

Coach (with record as MLS coach)

Bruce Arena (USA) Record last year, 18-7-5

2010 LEAGUE RESULTS: Pts:

59 Record: 18-7-5 1st in Western Conference.

2010 REVIEW: Another season goes by and despite winning the Supporters Shield many fans will consider last season a failure. Losing to FC Dallas was a bitter blow especially considering the emphatic score line and the pressure is on this year for David Beckham to end his time in the US with at least one MLS Cup to his name. However it wasn’t all bad for LA, finishing top of the Western Conference, Edson Buddle left for Germany on the back of a strong league campaign netting 17 goals.

His solid form was enhanced by Landon Donovan who finished top of the league for assists. Add to that 21 year old Michael Stephens who can be proud of his 8 assists in his debut season as well as the continued progress of Omar Gonzalez means the club has some bright youngsters coming through.

ROSTER ADDITIONS: It was vital LA bolstered their attack in the wake of Edson Buddle’s departure. The re-entry draft saw Juan Pablo Angel join the club to give the Galaxy on paper a deadly strike-force. Veteran fullback Frankie Hejduk moved from Sporting Kansas in exchange for Luke Sassano who had been recently been acquired from New York.

Meanwhile Paolo Hernandez joined through the super draft along with Hector Jiminez. As if the striking options weren’t strong enough, Chad Barrett and Adam Cristman moved from Toronto FC and DC United respectively to give LA some depth in attack. Argentine Miguel Lopez joined from Quilmes and Brazilian duo Juninho and Leonardo returned on loan from Sao Paolo. The club concluded their business with the acquisitions of Daniel Keat, a hard working box to box midfielder who once trialed at Blackburn Rovers. Ryan Thomas a tidy central midfielder with a great long throw and Dustin McCarty.

ROSTER SUBTRACTIONS: A trio of retirements hit Galaxy’s squad with Americans Eddie Lewis & Chris Klein as well as Ukrainian Dema Kovalenko all choosing to hang up their boots. Alex Cazumba returned to Brazil after his loan deal expired and Soca Warriors midfielder Yohance Marshall was also allowed to leave. Edson Buddles move to the German 2nd tier was the club’s biggest loss and along with Tristan Bowen’s move to rivals Chivas USA opened some squad positions in attack.

PROJECTED STARTERS: 4-4-2 is the order of the day for LA with Beckham’s range of passing being aided by good movement up top. With their attacking options however don’t rule out a 4-2-3-1 similar to Germany’s in the World Cup.

FORWARDS: It’s any MLS coaches dream to have the likes of Angel, Donovan, Kirovski as starters and the deputies’ aren’t too shabby either.

MIDFIELD: Beckham playing on the right and youngster Stephens on the left will look to be the main creative outlet for the Galaxy. Diminutive workman Chris Birchall is likely to partner Juninho in the middle in an arced midfield four.

DEFENSE AND GOAL: Donovan Ricketts will remain as first choice between the sticks again for LA this season behind a young defence. Omar Gonzalez and J.P. DeLaGarza will look to form a strong if not young centre back pairing with experience coming from Frankie Hejduk and Todd Dunivant at right and left fullback.

KEY PLAYER: It seems obvious to suggest him but Landon Donovan is likely to be the reason the club either fail or succeed this season. At 28 he’s coming into his prime, and if he can continue his rich vein of assists from last year by supplying Angel with the chances to score he’s likely to succeed.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Despite all the big names, keep an eye on young Michael Stephens. Often the creators of goals don’t get as much credit but it’s not an easy skill. He will benefit from being surrounded by the star names the Galaxy have in attack which should allow him the freedom to grow as a player.

OUTLOOK: It’s now or never for LA and David Beckham. In some ways getting this season over with as quick as possible may be beneficial for the long term goals of the club. Strong in attack I still hold question marks over the depth and experience in central midfield and central defence. The acquisition of Hejduk was an astute one and it’s likely JP Angel will flourish in LA. Thankfully for LA Donovan is always going to give his all and while they are all but guaranteed to make the play off’s I can see a similar stumbling point around the semi’s or even in the final.

PREDICTION: 61 pts, 1st Western Conference

Photo by GregHickman

Editor’s note: In our daily MLS 2011 Preview, the next team to be reviewed and analyzed is Columbus Crew. Will the Rodney Dangerfield of MLS be able to earn more respect in 2011? Read Kristan’s preview and predictions…

Team Name

The Columbus Crew

Stadium and Location

The Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

Coach (with record as MLS coach)

Robert Warzycha (POL)

2010 LEAGUE RESULTS: Pts: 50 Record: 14-8-8 2nd in the Eastern Conference.

2010 REVIEW: Last season was a good one for Colubmus in the Eastern conference. Finishing second only to the New York Red Bulls the team racked up 50 points in what was coach Robert Warzycha’s second season as Head Coach. The Pole had Argentine Guillermo Barros Schelotto to thank for his contributions, leading both the goals and assists table for the club the veteran proving his class once again. His cause was helped by midfielder Eddie Gavan’s assits and fuzzy haired forward Steve Lendhart chipping in with 6 goals. The highest scorers in the East The Crew will want to focus on defensive strength this campaign as they let in 31 goals last term.

ROSTER ADDITIONS: It’s all change in the Columbus ranks with a many a new face joining the Ohio side. Much travelled Jeff Cunningham makes a return to where it all began, no doubt brought in to fill the striking void left by Schelotto. Warzycha has also looked to draw on his Eastern European knowledgebase with the acquisition of Serb, Dejan Rusmir. The poor defensive record has looked to be addressed with Chilean defender Sebastian Miranda coming in to sure up the back line alongside youngster Josh Balchan. The Super Draft saw The Crew pick up Kwaku Nyamekye, defender Ben Sippola, Venezualan Bernardo Anorl and Cole Grossman who made his debut in the CONCACAFF Champions League against Real Salt Lake. USA U-20 defender Korey Veeder joins alongside 26 year old goalie Ray Burse, the host of new faces meaning it’s very much all change for The Fighting Canaries.

ROSTER SUBTRACTIONS: It’s difficult to look past Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s departure. The veteran surprisingly deemed surplus to requirements despite a strong season last year. Fellow Argentine Gino Padula was also let go and Duncan Oughton announced his retirement from the game at 33. The quartet of ageing departures was complete with former Captain Frankie Hejduk moving cross country to LA Galaxy. Steve Lenhart moved to San Jose Earthquakes and defender Eric Brunner joins the Portland Timbers along with Scotsman Adam Moffat. The outgoings were rounded off with Brian Carroll joining the Portland Timbers on the back of his playoff penalty miss.

PROJECTED STARTERS: Tuesday’s CONCACAFF Champions League game saw a continuation of last year’s 4-4-2 with the ball being played out wide often. FORWARDS: Emilio Renteria and Andrés Mendoza provide strength and pace in the attack and complimented well with goal scorer Jeff Cunningham give The Crew a strong attacking trio that could see them continue their good goal scoring form of last season.

MIDFIELD: The explosive prospect Emmanuel Ekpo will look to provide the attacking threat with Cole Grossman likely to sit back and hold. The wide positions pick themselves with Eddie Gavan and US international Robbie Rogers on the left and right respectively.

DEFENSE AND GOAL: 26 year old Raymond Burse sits behind a centre back pairing of Englishman Andy Iro and youngster Rich Balchan. Josh Gardener was deputized to left back for the game against Real Salt Lake with Chilean Sebastian Miranda making up the back four.

KEY PLAYER: It would seem Jeff Cunningham has been brought in to replace star man Guillermo Barros Schelotto. His goals record speaks for itself and despite starting on the bench against Salt Lake he will no doubt be the spearhead for The Crew’s attack.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Nomadic Frenchman Leandre Griffit comes with one Swedish Championship to his name and a lot of potential. At 26 it’s now or never for the former Southampton trainee who started last year well and is highly rated by the club’s fans after moving to Ohio from Belgian club Centre.

OUTLOOK: It’s very much a year of transition for Colubmus, out with the old and in with the new younger squad members. A promising early start to the season was ruined with a first round playoff defeat. Headcoach Robert Warzycha is now entering his third season in charge and has used the off season to fully stamp his mark on the club with a host of his own additions. The true test for Columbus will be whether they have managed to address the failings of last term. A shakey defence still looks weak and inexperienced and while I predict a good Eastern Conference performance I think they will struggle come the play offs.

PREDICTION: 52 pts, 2nd Eastern Conference

Editor’s note: MLS Talk blogger Kristan Heneage recently had the opportunity to interview U.S. international Alejandro Bedoya. The 23-year-old midfielder currently plays his soccer for Örebro in the top flight division of Sweden. Raised in South Florida, Bedoya represents another talented U.S. international player who decided to ply his trade in Europe instead of Major League Soccer.

Kristan Heneage (KH): My first question is, you’re just over two years into your time in Sweden, how are you finding it?

Alejandro Bedoya (AB): Sweden has been nothing but great to me. From the people, the fans, and my teammates it has all been very welcoming. I have no regrets about moving and playing in this country and league. I find Sweden to be a great country with the only complaint being the freezing winters that seem to last all year!

KH: The majority of US players go to college then the Super Draft. What made you decide to go straight to Europe?

AB: Since I was young I feel like I did what most young kids do and watch mostly European soccer and followed the big clubs. I know much has changed since, with MLS establishing itself but I had fallen in love with the soccer in Europe and always aspired to play abroad and test myself. Hey you only live once and I saw an opportunity that I felt I could do something that not many get the chance to do! I have matured greatly as both a player and person.

KH: We’ve seen recently with Giuseppe Rossi players can sometimes chose to play for the country of their parents over the US, did you ever consider representing Columbia?

AB: I never really gave it deep thought. Obviously growing up in a Colombian household we would watch closely the Colombia national teams games and follow the league and players, but I had always considered myself more American being born in the States even though in the summers I would be in Colombia for a few weeks and be playing and training there.

KH: You are arguably at one of Sweden’s better sides, having finished 3rd last season. How do you think playing in the Allsvenskan has improved you as a player?

AB: I think one of the most important part of the professional game that differs from college or amateur is the tactical part of the game. Coming to Sweden I was really taught a lot more about tactics then ever before and that helped me raise my game. I was also put into a very competitive environment and it really made me work hard and just improve everyday with every training whether it be extra sprints or just simple technique work.

KH: Your international debut came when the USA found itself down 3-0. Did that make it easier or harder for you coming on?

AB: I would say neither. I was actually a lot less nervous than i thought I would be. I just came in with the attitude that I am blessed and lucky to be given this chance and to just go out there and show what I can and prove that I belong at this level. It was more of a ‘I have nothing to lose’ type attitude and thinking that there was a reason for me being there so just try and get out there and play my game and try my best. It was an unforgettable experience!

KH: At 23 you are very much seen as one of America’s top prospects along with Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley etc. Do you think the men’s team has potential to go further than it did in South Africa 2010?

AB: Yes!! Of course. Looking back with a little more luck, and I do believe in a little bit of luck, that the USA could have held off Ghana and one or two of our good chances would have gone in and then it would have been a totally different story. As a soccer country we are growing at a fast pace and I won’t be the first or last to say that the talent developing in the States is massive. I can only look forward and hope to be a part of 2014 and future games and also watching future teams do real big things representing the USA National team.

KH: Ok putting your career to one side for a minute, we’d like to know a little bit more about you. What car are you driving at the minute, and what’s in the CD player the most?

AB: Nothing, I don’t need a car in the small city where I live. It is like a mini Amsterdam where many people use bikes. I have an amazing bicycle that gets me around with my iPod and headphones playing stuff from Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, J. Cole, Kid Cudi, and Wale as well as some house music.

Can you remember what you bought with your first months salary?

Yeah, a 52 Inch LCD TV.

Which team did you support as a kid?

Arsenal, Barcelona, Parma.

Who’s your best friend both at club and international level?

At my Club [Örebro] I would say I get along with everyone very well and I’m grateful with that. I hang around a lot with many of the guys off the field. On International level, even though I have yet to play alongside him, Charlie Davies.

What was the first Swedish phrase you learned?

Hi my name is…. Hej, Jag Heter…

What’s the one thing you miss about life in the US?

That is easy for me…The BEACH!!

How do you spend your down time?

I spend time off the field either enjoying a “Fika” with teammates. Fika is like a coffee and snack and lounging around at a coffee-shop, or at someone’s place talking and stuff. If not that then relaxing at home catching up with friends and family via Skype or social networks and many times playing PS3 specifically FIFA or Call of Duty!

What’s been your career highlight?

I think I have three so far that stick out to me. First, it would be when I scored my first 2 professional goals in the Allsvenskan. I would have to say after that I had a great confidence boost and from there on I began in a starting role. Another would have to be my first cap for the USA vs Honduras. Simply a dream come true! Then one of best highlights for me has to be coming in with with the first team with USA and playing against Holland at the Amsterdam Arena. It was a moment that I have always dreamt of playing playing with and against some of the best in the world!

And finally where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself still playing soccer at a high level with a great club in a top league. God willing with hard work and dedication I can get to where I would like to be and where many people dream to play.