He was supposed to change MLS and soccer in America forever. David Beckham’s signing in January 2007 with the LA Galaxy was supposed to elevate his new club and by extension its league to heights never experienced before. Eighteen months later all parties (except AEG, the Galaxy’s owners who have made a killing off the […]

He was supposed to change MLS and soccer in America forever. David Beckham's signing in January 2007 with the LA Galaxy was supposed to elevate his new club and by extension its league to heights never experienced before. Eighteen months later all parties (except AEG, the Galaxy's owners who have made a killing off the […]

2008 hasn't been a great year for Arsenal and their fans. In February, they watched their hated North London rivals Tottenham win a major trophy (Carling Cup), something Arsenal hasn't done since winning the Premiership four seasons ago. They've watched Spurs bring in several high-profile players this summer already and significantly strengthen the team, whereas […]

Freddy Adu did not develop well in MLS We’re constantly hammered with one side of the coin including Sunday at the conclusion of the US-Netherlands match on NBC by Marcelo Balboa: we hear constantly that Major League Soccer is responsible for the US being more competitive in major international tournaments. This theory is so often […]

Freddy Adu did not develop well in MLS We're constantly hammered with one side of the coin including Sunday at the conclusion of the US-Netherlands match on NBC by Marcelo Balboa: we hear constantly that Major League Soccer is responsible for the US being more competitive in major international tournaments. This theory is so often […]

With just over a week to go until the first US World Cup 2010 qualifier of the group stage at Guatemala who would you like to see called in? Edson Buddle has been impressive for the LA Galaxy and as mentioned above Ante Razov despite a recent injury has a history of scoring in the […]

Marvell Wynne had an outstanding match in the US' 2-2 draw with Holland/from foto.net Sacha Kljestan: scored a goal for the United States in a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. Marvell Wynne: Played 90 minutes and helped set up several chances for the US against the Dutch. Robbie Rogers: Started on the right side for […]

PRE GAME (4-4-1-1) Guzan Wynne – Edu – Parkhurst – Orozco Rogers – Bradley – Kljestan – Holden Adu McBride Rogers and Holden swap flanks to play on owing itself to the bad linkup play between Orozco and Rogers. Otherwise Nowak keeps his starting XI intact. Join us to discuss at CSRN's Third Half Chat. […]

As our readers and listeners to the American Soccer Show are aware, I have advocated the use of a 4-5-1 formation for the US Olympic side. I see no reason to change the setup now, but perhaps a change or two should be made to the lineup. The change I'd make is to place Benny […]

The Netherlands entered the Olympic Men's Football Tournament as the favorite in Group B. However, following a scoreless draw against Nigeria, the other highly touted side in this draw, Holland needs at worst a draw and ideally a victory against the US to realistically stay alive in Group play. Ryan Babel the Liverpool attacker is […]

Aston Villa surprised many neutrals last season, and probably even some of their own supporters, with their 6th-place finish. In 2006-2007, the Villans checked in at a respectable 11th, a nice improvement from 16th the season before. Villa's emergence, led by manager Martin O'Neill, came with one of the smallest, if not THE smallest, first […]

The 2007-2008 season was a roller coaster for Tottenham Hotspur. Martin Jol was removed from the manager's post in late October, but only found out through a text message sent to his nephew, who then forwarded the news to the Dutchman's phone. A team that was a trendy pick to break into the top four […]

Peter Nowak's decision to adjust his tactics (ironically enough in line with what most American Soccer Spot readers suggested the other day) shows a tactical savvy and willingness to take chances that many American coaches have quite frankly lacked in big competitions. Since the debacle of Steve Sampson 3-6-1 in the 1998 World Cup, American […]

Just like Manchester City and Everton, Portsmouth is coming off their best season in England's top division in years, and I'm not sure there'd be much argument from the South Coast side's supporters by saying it was the best season in club history. Portsmouth wound up in 8th place, their highest-ever finish in the Premiership […]

Solomon Kalou of Chelsea celebrates the Ivory Coast's goal with a teammate / AP PhotoMatchday one is in the books for 2008 Men's Olympic Football tournament with Argentina, Brazil, the United States and Italy all recording victories. However some performances were more impressive than others: Brazil for example were outplayed badly by Belgium for much […]