News from the USA camp


Los Angeles Galaxy defenders Omar Gonzalez, Sean Franklin and A.J. de LA Garza were among 24 players selected for the US men's national team camp at the Home Depot Center ahead of the Jan. 22 friendly with Chile.

When asked about the experience of being with the Stars and Stripes, Franklin was nothing short of captivated.

“It’s nice. Having a couple of guys that you know in camp makes you feel more comfortable, less nervous when you know someone you can talk to about the game,” Franklin said. “It’s going to be a fun camp, not just with AJ and Omar, but with all the guys here.”

Gonzalez earned his first cap last year in an August friendly with Brazil at the New Meadowland Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“It’s great. It gives me a sense of home. I’ve been with them two years now, every day,” Gonzalez said. “It’s great having them here, just to relax at the hotel together, hang out and come out here and play comfortably with them.”

For De La Garza, the fruits of his labor, playing the role of center back for the G's, are being savored.

“It’s crazy. Obviously playing with Maryland, the Galaxy and now here, it’s crazy,” DeLaGarza said. “I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s good to have him here because we know each other really well, and having Sean here also makes it easier.”

Franklin intends to use the match as a measuring stick for the players' level of fitness heading into the 2011 Major League Soccer season.

“We’ll be a little bit ahead of the game but that’s how it is,” Franklin said. “When we get back, our team’s going to be happy to see us and I’m also looking forward to starting the season with the Galaxy.”



SuperDraft upcoming, and Stephens' thoughts


The 2011 MLS SuperDraft is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 13 at the NSCAA Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. The league announced that the SuperDraft will be trimmed to three rounds as a result of feedback from a number of clubs, coaches and players.

Each team will have four minutes to make a selection in rounds one and two, and three minutes in the third round. A five-minute break will separate each of the three rounds and every club also has the option of using a single five-minute timeout.

In addition, the Supplemental Draft will return, and will also consist of three rounds.

For midfielder Michael Stephens, a former SuperDraft pick out of UCLA, the memory from last year remains fresh.

"It’s a whirlwind," Stephens said. "You’re trying to figure out where you’re going to go and there is some crazy talk going on. It’s nerve wracking. I was just sitting there waiting and hoping."

Before the SuperDraft, there is an MLS Players' Combine, which will conclude on Jan. 11 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"You don’t really know what to expect," said Stephens on the combine. "You’re playing with guys you’ve never played before and it’s definitely a nervous situation. Some people have good weeks, some people don’t. I don’t think it defines you as a player but obviously all those guys get stressed and it’s a tough time for sure.”

Stephens soaked in the moment his name was announced as a pick by Los Angeles.

"I was going crazy," Stephens said. "That’s where I really wanted to go, so for it to actually happen was very, very, very exciting to me."

The second-year player will look to build on his experience.

"I think I’ll be a lot more comfortable knowing what’s in store for me, what preseason brings," Stephens said. "I think I’ll be a smarter player with a year under my belt and hope to be more productive next year."



No loan for Mr. Beckham


It is official: there will be no loan deal for midfielder David Beckham. Instead, he will train with Tottenham Hotspur for one month.

"David is a fantastic professional—he will be a great influence around the place and I am sure we will all benefit from his winning mentality," Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said. "I think everyone will enjoy having him here. We'd love to have him here for longer but respect his commitments to LA Galaxy.

"They wanted him back in early February so that made it difficult to do a playing deal on the basis of three weeks."

"It's important that I maintain a high level of fitness during the MLS off season," Beckham said. "I'm thankful to Tottenham and Harry Redknapp for giving me the opportunity to train with the team over the next month.

"I'm grateful to the LA Galaxy for allowing to me to train with Spurs. I look forward to getting to work as soon as possible."

At least Becks will not suffer an injury like he did with Milan...



Even more honors for Landon Donovan


Last week, midfielder and team captain Landon Donovan was named 2010 Player of the Year by Fútbol de Primera for the fourth straight year and a record seventh time overall.

Chosen as the US’ top player by a panel consisting of nearly 200 journalists across the country, Donovan easily finished atop the ballot with 403 points. Following him in the poll were Michael Bradley with 169 points and Clint Dempsey with 157 points.

Donovan first won the award in 2002, becoming the youngest player to receive said accolade. He added onto his trophy case in 2003, 2004, and from 2007-2010.

Fútbol de Primera is the official and exclusive US radio broadcaster of all FIFA events, including the 2011 Gold Cup and the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

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