I would like to begin by saying that, as will become obvious, I have never been a fan of Rafa Marquez. Quite frankly, I couldn't possibly care less about him. Being able to care less would imply that I cared at all.

The thing is, I care about MLS. I want it to continue to grow in size (by one team) and in stature around the world. Any and all threats to that continued growth need to be eliminated.

In my not so humble opinion, Marquez is just such a threat. The three-game suspension (and undisclosed fine) issued by MLS on Thursday is Marquez's second in less than a year. The incident in question stemmed from last Saturday's (4/14) match against the San Jose Earthquakes. On a corner kick in the 42nd minute,Marquez tackled San Jose's Shea Salinas from behind. Marquez also kicked Salinas, breaking his collarbone.

He was also suspended three games for throwing a ball at LA Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan during last year's MLS Cup playoffs.

To me, this suspension constitutes a slap on the wrist for Marquez and a step backward for the league. For evidence of why I think that, I want to take you back to September 30, 2007.

On that early fall day, FC Dallas was hosting the Houston Dynamo at Pizza Hut Park. In the 89th minute, Houston's Ricardo Clark kicked Carlos Ruiz while Ruiz was laying on the ground. Ruiz had kneed Clark in the back and landed on top of him on the previous play.

Both Ruiz and Clark were sent off for their fouls. Ruiz missed the next two games, one for the red card and one for yellow-card accumulation.

In the statement released announcing the suspension four days later, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, "I have decided that it is necessary to take firm action to reflect the fact that Ricardo Clark's violent kick to Carlos Ruiz in last weekend's game against FC Dallas, while out of character, is unacceptable behavior from an MLS player. (emphasis mine)"

"In taking this action," Garber continued, "Major League Soccer is sending a signal that it will not accept reckless and dangerous behavior on its fields. If there is a repeat of this kind of behavior by any MLS player, even firmer sanctions can be expected in the future. (again, emphasis mine)"

The operative phrases from Garber's statement are in bold. Clark does not have a reputation for being a violent or dirty player. That is simply not the case with Marquez.

Garber was attempting to send a message to the players that that kind of behavior was not acceptable. He's right. It's not acceptable.

It's also not acceptable for the league to be more lenient on players because they're getting Designated Player salaries, especially one with Marquez's history.

Clark was already facing a one-game suspension and a $250 fine for getting sent off. Garber increased that by eight games and $9,750, even though Ruiz wasn't seriously injured.

What does it say about the league when Marquez was only suspended three games and Salinas will miss up to two months following surgery to repair a broken collarbone? In my opinion, it's nothing good.

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Reports out of Germany today say Raul Gonzalez, the UEFA Champions League's all-time leading goalscorer, will leave Schalke 04 at the end of the season.

Raul, 34, is also Real Madrid's all-time leading scorer. His contract with Schalke runs out at the end of the season, and he has reportedly told the club he will leave.

From Eurosport-Yahoo!:

"He will explain his reasons for the move...and his plans for the future in due course," the club said in a statement.

German media reported that Raul could continue his career in Qatar.

"My future lies outside Europe in a league that is not so strong in playing terms as the Bundesliga," the player told reporters.

"It was not an easy decision to make. I have had two wonderful years and will always have a place for Schalke in my heart."

Qatar, eh?

Admittedly, Qatar would fit Raul's wish for "a league that is not so strong in playing terms as the Bundesliga." But so would Major League Soccer (sorry, MLS fanboys, but it's true).

Raul and MLS flirted late in 2009, and some more in early 2010. Back then, several clubs were mentioned as possible destinations, from the Philadelphia Union to the Seattle Sounders to the Los Angeles Galaxy to the New York Red Bulls.

This time, reports linking Raul and MLS are more scarce, but ESPN.co.uk is one source reporting on it.

On Twitter, meanwhile, pundits near and far started some half-serious speculation.

So, who's going to orchestrate the 'Raul to MLS' campaign? Can I nominate myself? #MLS

Actually, that distinction might go to B/R world football editor Will Tidey and ESPN Soccernet's Dale Johnson.

@willtidey Must be coming to Wednesyday. Gelsenkirchen is the Sheffield of Germany.

Raul to the MLS? He's still got a lot to offer and the commercial gains of signing him are potentially huge. Same with Del Piero.

All kidding aside, what do you say?

Should MLS go for Raul? He would command a high salary (for MLS) but his name is still well known around the world—though maybe not as much in the United States.

Or is it? Would the Hispanic population of, say, Los Angeles welcome the legendary Real Madrid striker with open arms?

Leave your views in the comments.

Follow @MikeCummings37

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As Major League Soccer enters yet another full week of action in the 2012 season, it makes way for the Atlantic Cup, whose origins go back all the way to the inaugural 1996 season.

The Atlantic Cup is the name given to the D.C. United and New York Red Bulls' bitter rivalry as well as the trophy the winning team receives.

This year's edition kicks off this Sunday, when New York travels to the nation's capital for its first of three matches. Due to the proximity of both clubs, and maybe even some jealousy between them, year after year this rivalry has given fans the opportunity to see amazing soccer. 

If this Sunday's match reaches tradition's expectations and becomes another MLS classic, these will be six reasons why.

1. Winning Team Will Take Advantage of the Opposition's Setbacks

Coming into this Sunday's match, NYRB will be without the services of center-back Wilman Conde, who will be out for a month due to a groin injury. Without his presence in the back line, the Red Bulls have been very vulnerable.

New York has also lost Rafael Marquez after MLS suspended him for three games due to his foul on San Jose's Shea Salinas, who suffered a broken clavicle. 

On the other hand, D.C. United will already be tired from its mid-week against the Montreal Impact, which it tied 1-1. D.C. didn't have to travel, hosting the match at RFK Stadium, but the come-from-behind draw took a lot of energy out of the squad. 

Watch for D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen to make some lineup changes and start fresh legs against a well-rested New York squad. 

2. Both Teams Will Vent out Frustrations

Like I mentioned earlier, part of Conde's being absent from NYRB's defense is that it makes it susceptible to attacks. The most recent example was its 2-2 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes.

This was a very anticipated game last week because it boasted the second-place teams of each conference. But the Red Bulls must have believed that they deserved the three points after going on top in the scoring sheet twice, and at home, only to allow the lead slip away due to defensive mistakes. 

Now for D.C., their 2-1 victory at New England was a huge confidence booster, but the team's draw against visiting expansion side Montreal may have dampened that a bit.

So both these teams will approach Sunday with frustration on their minds, which only three points will relieve.  

3. The Dwayne De Rosario Factor

These two squads exchanged wins last season. NYRB defeated D.C. at RFK with a 4-0 spanking, while United returned the favor at Red Bull Arena later in the season, winning 1-0.

The twist is that United's goalscorer for the win against New York was Dwayne De Rosario, who had just weeks prior, joined D.C. from the Red Bulls after he wasn't able to perform for the club. 

Of course, New York got the last laugh as it barely made the playoffs while D.C. once again looked in from the outside. But the loss to United and the goal by the former Red Bulls player, at New York's house no less, has left a sour note within the Red Bulls franchise.

Also, De Rosario went on to win league MVP and the Golden Boot from the numbers he put up with D.C.—numbers that New York could have used in the playoffs before it crashed out against eventual champions LA Galaxy.

The Red Bulls will want to seek some type of revenge, and with De Rosario currently a bit out of form, the perfect time to strike would be this weekend.

4. Most of the League's Heavy Hitters Will Be on the Field

In theory, both of these squads boast some of the best offensive players in the league. In practice, only one team has been able to display it.

D.C. United has the aforementioned reigning MVP De Rosario, as well as Albanian Designated Player Hamdi Salihi. However, neither have been able to find the back of the net. The team's other forward, Maicon Santos, has been the relief, scoring four goals this season. 

Now the Red Bulls are a different story. Thierry Henry has killed, scoring seven goals and five assists. And his current partner in crime, Kenny Cooper, has also scored seven goals. This tandem has become the most lethal in Major League Soccer.

That doesn't mean that we can disregard United's attacking players. They have shown the league what they are capable of with a 4-1 whooping of FC Dallas and the recent 2-1 come-from-behind victory against the New England Revolution.

With all this talent on the field, and after you sprinkle in some Chris Pontius, Nick De Leon, Danny Cruz, Dane Richards, Joel Lindpere and Jan Gunnar Solli, something explosive will happen.

5. D.C. United Leads the Rivalry

Since 1996, D.C. has led New York 44-25-8 in all competitions. But since the Red Bulls era, that margin has been kept to 8-4-5 in favor of United.

It's not a terrible record for the Red Bulls, but with the talent now at the team's disposal, and with three Atlantic Cup games to be played this season, New York will want to close that gap in the rivalry.

Also, D.C. United is currently in third place in the Eastern Conference, only one point behind New York. A win on Sunday will leapfrog the Red Bulls to second place, which will definitely be on the mind of some of United's players.

It's guaranteed the game will not be very friendly, and the referee will have a tough time setting the tone to keep all 22 players in check.

6. National Broadcast

This match will have an additional feel of importance, especially for fans, since it will be aired nationally on ESPN2. 

In addition, with D.C. hosting it will be played in the confines of RFK Stadium, which can be a fortress for United. Last year's game at RFK brought in over 18,000 fans, so expect a great atmosphere as the bleachers will be bouncing once again.  

As of late, RFK hasn't been the bunker it used to be in the 1990s and early 2000s. Nevertheless, if the fans show up—which they will, and from both sides—the environment in that stadium will erupt like it hasn't in a long time.

D.C. United/New York Red Bulls will kick off at 6:00 pm EDT on ESPN2. 

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In case you missed the announcement, Chelsea will take their talents to Philadelphia on July 25 to compete against the best in MLS at the annual All-Star game.

The two sides battled it out back in 2006 in a game that had the American super-squad come out on top one-nil. But a lot of things have changed since that historic summer day at Toyota Park. Nearly all of the players on that All-Star team are out of the league now, and Chelsea has spent millions of dollars in revamping their squad the last six years.

Plus, the MLS All-Star team has since struggled in their invented competition, losing the last two games to Chelsea-rival Manchester United by a combined score of 9-2. All signs point to another EPL victory on American soil, resulting in MLS fans across the country groaning at the league’s decision to select such a difficult opponent.

But instead of sighing about the future, let’s be optimistic about the contest and imagine the ways the All-Star Team could get back to its winning ways. It might not be as improbable as you think.

First off, let us predict the starting XI that will most likely take the field that Wednesday night for the MLS All-Stars. Remember, this first XI is fan voted, so it is more a popularity list than a legitimate All-Star lineup. Nevertheless, the team has some excellent potential:

Henry is an absolute lock at the top, and one would have to assume that Wondolowski would get the fans’ vote over a star like Robbie Keane or Kris Boyd. Wondolowski is also one of the best-positioned strikers in MLS, and Henry thrives with a hard-working striker by his side. To be honest, there really couldn’t be a more deadly MLS pairing.

As for the midfield, Brek Shea has established himself enough in this league to earn a starting spot on the left. Health prevailing, Donovan should complement him on the symmetrical wing, and Dwayne De Rosario and David Beckham (unless he does indeed get selected to represent GB in the Olympics) should run the middle.

Finally, the defense should boast the likes of Jamison Olave, Aurelien Collin, Sean Franklin and possibly Heath Pearce. The team will surely miss Omar Gonzalez in the middle, but Collin will fill in just fine with Olave as a partner.

Potential subs include Fredy Montero, Kenny Cooper, Robbie Keane, Brad Davis, Seb Le Toux, Rafa Marquez, Graham Zusi and Torsten Frings.

When looking at the roster from front to back, this is a very solid football team. How solid? One that could certainly finish mid-table if it were suddenly placed into the Premier League and was given time to build chemistry.

Keane, Henry and Donovan all recently showed that they have what it takes to really produce at the EPL level. And Shea, De Rosario, Beckham and Wondolowski could all lock down some EPL job if the opportunity was presented to them.

The bench would be no joke, either, with veteran stars like Torsten Frings, Rafa Marquez and Brad Davis, who all are be capable of holding their own on a field full of Chelsea players. Simply put, this year’s team is stronger than ever and very well could be the one to send a message to the rest of the world about their relativity.

Plus, it should be noted that Chelsea is expected to play a friendly against AC Milan a few days later at RFK in front of thousands of fans. Not to say that the team will not go 100 percent in the All-Star game leading up to the gigantic promotional opportunity a few days later, but expecting the full squad for 90 minutes would be foolish.

Simply put, the team Chelsea puts on the field is not going to be the same squad we see take on Barcelona at Camp Nou next week.  

Finally, at a quite small PPL Park, the fans should not play as big a role as they have done in past years. In 2011, I was one of the few at Red Bull Arena actually supporting the All-Stars, who were playing in what was practically a "mini Old Trafford" considering the unbalanced fan support.

A smaller stadium, with a very patriotic and supportive fan base, may lead to a more balanced attendance structure and therefore not give Chelsea any sort “home feeling” like United had last year.

So what have we gathered here today? Well, the ideal MLS All-Star lineup would undoubtedly be the most competitive squad ever assembled for the game: a squad that front to back resembles a Villa, West Brom or even Stoke of the Premier League.

Add that enhanced roster with the fact that Chelsea will most likely be playing AC Milan a few days later and PPL Park will be a smaller, less “English” venue, and suddenly an All-Star victory doesn’t seem so outrageous anymore.

I guess the only thing we can do now is wait until the exciting matchup comes upon us. See you all on July 25!

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With the announcement about the MLS All-Star Game opponent having been made, we can finally take a look at some of the potential players who will represent the league.

Their opponent, as we now know, will be Chelsea. And given the history that's already there (an MLS 1-0 win in 2006), things look promising.

There is a large and very capable pool of talent to choose from, so let's take a look at some of the more promising possibilities.

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The 2012 MLS All-Star Game will feature one of the best clubs in Europe: Chelsea.

Six years after being defeated by the MLS All-Stars, the Blues return with hopes of notching a win on U.S. soil. Obviously, Chelsea won't be bringing their first team, but there will still be plenty of stars coming to match up with the best of the MLS.

The game will be played at the Philadelphia Union's PPL Park on July 25.

For the American fans that don't know about Chelsea, I will save you the time of looking them up. I have compiled a list of why you should be excited for the EPL greats to come play some soccer.

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The MLS All-Star Game will feature one of the best clubs in Europe: Chelsea.

Six years after being defeated by the MLS All-Stars, the Blues return with hopes of notching a win on U.S. soil. Obviously, Chelsea won't be bringing their first team, but there will still be plenty of stars coming to match up with the best of the MLS.

The game will be played at the Philadelphia Union's home field on July 25.

For the American fans that don't know about Chelsea, I will save you the time of looking them up. I have compiled a list of why you should be excited for the Blues to come play some soccer.

Begin Slideshow

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Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy continue their 2011 Major League Soccer season on the road against the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.

Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 21 at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and will be televised locally by KDOC and KWHY.

With every match there are bold predictions to go with it. Here are 10 such predictions for Saturday's tilt between the Galaxy and Rapids.

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Better late than never for my player ratings, as the Red Bulls hosted San Jose in one of the most controversial games of the season. The first half had a little bit of everything — except defense — as both teams snatched two goals apiece.

Undoubtedly, everyone will be left talking about Rafa Marquez's tackle and kick of Shea Salinas in the 42nd minute that broke Salinas' collarbone. The second half was poorly played, to say the least, as neither team found any continuity in the attack, leaving a 2-2 scoreline a fair reflection of the match.

Player Ratings

GK Ryan Meara

Could do nothing about the two San Jose goals as his defense let him down. Made a terrific save in the 55th minute to deny San Jose the go-ahead goal. He was confident and sure-handed throughout the match.

Player Rating: 7

RB Jan Gunnar Solli

Did not defend well enough on both San Jose goals, although he will not bear the bulk of the blame. Didn't offer much going forward and his passing was very poor.

Player Rating: 4

CB Stephen Keel

I've had my doubts about Stephen, but he was outstanding in this game. Defended extremely well with a few blocks and crucial interceptions. Did his part to stop San Jose from finding the winning goal late in the second half by poking away the ball as Chris Wondolowski moved in on goal. Could have done better on San Jose's 2nd goal as he turned into a spectator.

Player Rating: 6.5

CB Markus Holgersson

Seemed lost at times particularly on the first San Jose goal as he got caught in no man's land as he played Stephenson onside, without preventing him from heading on to goal. Did his job well enough most of the game, but seems to lose focus which is worrisome.

Player Rating: 5.5

LB Roy Miller

Came off injured in the 59th minute as a result of Marvin Chaves' scissor challenge from behind, which should have drawn a red card. Did not do well enough in San Jose's first goal as he failed to stay with Stephenson as he broke into the box. He did have a few moments going forward.

Player Rating: 6

RM Dane Richards

Danger man all night as he rounded San Jose defenders easily and served in good crosses. Created Dax McCarty's 22nd-minute goal after winning possession beating everyone down the right side and serving in a cross that was flicked on cooper and buried by McCarty. 

Player Rating: 8

CM Dax McCarty

Played extremely well as he consistently worked hard and won back possession. His 22nd minute goal was struck perfectly on the volley giving Earthquakes' keeper Jon Busch no chance. Did lose possession under pressure in his own half in the buildup to San Jose's first goal.

Player Rating: 7.5

CM Rafa Marquez

Failed to stay with the runner on the first goal, could have drawn 3 penalties for holding in the box, and looked to intentionally kick Shea Salinas' face in the 42nd minute in a challenge that broke his Salinas' collarbone.

Rafa seems completely disengaged unless he has the ball at his feet and even then he's up and down with brilliant then absolutely dreadful passes.

The only thing worse then his erratic play is when he decides to play defense and turns into a mad man recklessly challenging every player in sight. He will be surely he suspended by the MLS disciplinary committee, probably for three games, and he deserves it.

Player Rating: 2

LM Medhi Ballouchi

Wasn't the same player in this game. His distribution wasn't very good and he was largely ineffective before being withdrawn in the 61st minute for Joel Lindpierre.

Player Rating: 5

ST Thierry Henry

Not the great game we've come to expect from Thierry Henry. His passing was good as ever, but he disappeared as the Red Bulls lost fluidity in the 2nd half. He had two golden opportunities right in front of goal in the first half that could have easily been buried but his first touch let him down. Continued to work hard throughout the game, but couldn't find another opening.

Player Rating: 6

ST Kenny Cooper

Scored in the 5th minute to put the Red Bulls ahead, then assisted on Dax McCarty's goal with a clever flick on in the 22nd minute. Seemed to fade as the game wore on and the midfield seemed disconnected from the Red Bull attack.

Player Rating: 6

Substitutes

Connor Lade (on 59th minute)

Had a tough assignment in his Red Bulls debut as he attempted to keep Marvin Chaves under control. Had a few jitters but generally looked good filling in for the injured Roy Miller. Will have to work on his attacking play as he looked hesitant when charging forward.

Player Rating: 6

Joel Lindpierre (on 61st minute)

Added width to the Red Bulls attack as he looked to operate more on the flank then Medhi Ballouchi. Struggled to link up with Connor Lade going forward, which hampered the red bull attack along the right flank, but still had a few good moments.

Player Rating: 6

Victor Palsson (on 90+2' minute)

Not enough time to make an impression

Player Rating: INC

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Compared to last season's 10-game road trip to begin the year, this will be a piece of cake. After Saturday's victory over Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City is hitting the road for two games this week.

On Wednesday, they will take on the Whitecaps at BC Place in Vancouver. The Whitecaps are playing well, having only allowed three goals in their first five games. All three of those goals came in their first loss of the season against San Jose on April 7th.

On the other side of the ball, Vancouver has only scored four goals in 2012. Former Philadelphia Union forward Sebastian LeToux leads the team with two goals. Camilo and Jay DeMerit have the others.

The home field advantage will not be the only edge Vancouver has in this match. Their last game was that loss to San Jose, so they will have had 11 days off when they kick off against Sporting KC.

Sporting KC, on the other hand, will be playing their second game in five days and will have flown halfway across the continent.

The key for this matchup will be Sporting KC's offense versus Vancouver's defense. Kei Kamara and C.J. Sapong each have three goals on the season, while Graham Zusi leads MLS in assists with six. Kei Kamara, not surprisingly, leads MLS in two categories; shots and shots on goal.

I think Sporting KC will come out with a victory, but it will probably be of the 1-0 variety (it would be the team's fourth straight 1-0 win).

JELD-WEN Field is the site of Saturday's clash with the Portland Timbers. The third game in eight days for Sporting KC will also be their last until May 5th at home versus the Montreal Impact.

To put it mildly, Portland is struggling right now. They've allowed three more goals than they've scored and are on a four-match losing streak. They took a lead Saturday on the road against the LA Galaxy, but gave up three goals to lose 3-1.

The key for this matchup is, again, Sporting KC's offense against Portland's defense (or lack thereof, lately). Portland has yet to keep a clean sheet, while Sporting KC has five, including the last three matches in a row.

I would be willing to bet Teal Bunbury starts this game. He's had a lack of playing time due to not only Sapong's strong start to the season, but he also missed two games because of a call-up to the US U-23 team for Olympic Qualifying.

I think Sporting KC will simply have too much firepower for Portland to deal with. While this game comes at the end of a long week, Sporting KC has shown that their team's fitness is on another level when compared to other teams. The work that the players put in, not only individually, but also collectively, is starting to pay off. By the end of Saturday's match, it almost seemed like Real Salt Lake was out of gas, but Sporting KC had plenty left in the tank.

It won't be easy, but I think Sporting KC has the potential to come home from this trip without a loss in their luggage.

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