After a lengthy layoff, Total 90 is back to keep you up to date with all the latest American football news as the 2009 MLS Season rolls through its first couple of weeks.

The biggest story of the young season has been that of Cuauhtemoc Blanco. The former Mexican international and current Chicago Fire star has announced that this season will be his last in Chicago.

While Blanco isn't retiring after the season, he said that he wished to pursue opportunities elsewhere, either back in Mexico or with another MLS club.

During his tenure with MLS, Blanco has been an indispensable asset for Chicago. No player in the league draws more fouls, no player in the league has his experience, and no player has been as consistently creative as Blanco.

Hopefully, the league will be able to hang onto him.

I bet Chivas USA would jump at the chance to sign an established Mexican star like Blanco...

On a happier front, a decision on the sites for expansion in 2011 has been reached. The Pacific Northwest will add two more teams when Portland and Vancouver join the league in two seasons.

Given the excitement generated in the region by Seattle Sounders FC, this could be an excellent move for the league on both an economic and competitive front. That region has a rich footballing history dating back to the days of the NASL and there are still many fans in the area that remember the league.

Arsenal FC have announced that they will be making a foray into the US. In summer of 2009, young American footballers will have the chance to study the game as part of the Arsenal Summer Soccer Academies USA program.

Now, instead of hoofing the ball up the pitch and hoping a forward latches onto it, American youngsters can learn to "play the Arsenal way."

On the women's front, Abby Wambach is ready to kick off the inaugural WPS season. A broken leg she suffered against Brazil last summer has fully healed, and the international star is eager to return to competitive action. Wambach expects to be in the lineup this Sunday for the season opener.

Quick Hits

Is anybody else excited to see the LA Galaxy take on AC Milan in July? That could be an awkward fixture for David Beckham.

Eventually, Columbus is going to need somebody who isn't from Argentina to score a goal.

The Kansas City Wizards have launched their own Firefox theme. Smart money says that this browser will have sub-par virus protection and won't be able to take you to any websites after the MLS regular season concludes.

Source: Click Here