Major League Soccer announced the location of the 2011 MLS Cup Championship match on Tuesday.

For the fourth time in league history, the match will be held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

The match is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2011 at 9 p.m. ET.

While it is very early in the season, and anything can happen in the playoffs, here is a list of the top 10 teams that could make it through a long season, survive a brutal playoff schedule and make it into the championship match.

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In terms of footballing stature, two names would be at the top of the list of players you want to see play before you die: David Beckham and Thierry Henry.

The two clashed as the L.A. Galaxy and New York Red Bulls went head-to-head Saturday.

Perhaps the two largest franchises in the MLS circuit, L.A. and New York fought out a 1-1 draw at the Home Depot Center in California, but it was the football on display that ended up being the winner.

In an entertaining match that could have ended with many more goals, it was sad to see it end and a pleasure to have watched all at the same time.

Goals from Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan saw the nets bulge at both ends, but the winner on the night was the reputation of America's soccer league, proving that it's not a part player in the sports arena anymore.

In a match that saw Henry showing flashes of past genius, Beckham providing trademark free kicks and Donovan sending his more than 20,000 home fans into raptures at his equalizing goal, this was a great showcase for football in the U.S.

If they continue in this stead, there's no reason for future investment in the sport throughout the country.

Henry commented afterward,"I think that tonight, it was great football, we’re just trying to pass the ball, and it’s refreshing to see that L.A. was trying to do the same. It’s a little sad that it was an even game, but what we’re trying to do is to play football, and that’s what L.A. does as well."

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Though these two teams may not put the most talent in the world on the pitch, I figured that going to a live soccer game would be well worth it for the atmosphere if nothing else. My expectations were certainly met, and on top of that, David Beckham and Thierry Henry put on as good of a show as possible.

The atmosphere was awesome, definitely better than I expected. The fans were loud, and very into the game. I was sitting right next to the "spirit corner", as I'm going to call it, and they were very animated— they didn't get quiet for more than a minute through the entire match. However, as animated and fun as the crowd was, I was surprised with the obscenities that were yelled collectively. While I don't necessarily condone the cursing, which isn't appropriate for the children in attendance, I loved the passion. The Staples Center could definitely take some notes.

You could certainly see the difference between Henry and Beckham and the MLS lifers. Landon Donovan was the lone exception, and although he was very quiet for the first 10-15 minutes of the game, he played an excellent first half. I was disappointed when he missed an easy opportunity when he got past the keeper and had an empty goal in front of him. He wasn't able to kick it hard enough to reach the net, and the defender sprinted back in time to clear the ball off the line.

I've just recently started to watch soccer on a more consistent level, I haven't gotten to the point that I watch Chelsea play every week (which is my ultimate goal), but I've seen on average a game a week. This being said, you could definitely notice a difference in the level of play between Saturday night's action and the EPL, Champions League and La Liga.

I know this goes without saying, but the overall flow of the game just felt different—it felt a lot slower to me. One positive though was the lack of diving in comparison to the upper echelon of the soccer world. When I watched the first leg of the Real Madrid/Barcelona Champion's League, the amount of diving was brutal to watch.

Overall, it was a great experience. I got to witness Henry score with some nice footwork, and I saw countless beautiful balls from Beckham. Whether they were from set pieces, or from the middle of the field, Beckham completed a multitude of long passes to his teammates. It was a great experience, and fun to watch.

This post is also featured on my personal blog, The L.A. Minute.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Also, please follow me on twitter (@rcbinyon), I interact with all my fans!

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In a rare afternoon game for Real Salt Lake, they were able to take advantage of a great opportunity by putting in a needed goal while playing much of the game up two men.

After battling the eight-man Chivas USA defense for most of the second half, and after having multiple scoring chances fall away, Will Johnson finally punched in the only goal of the match for a 1-0 victory over the visitors.

While Real Salt Lake did get the win and was able to move to 15 points in just six matches, the news of the day was another major injury to an elite Major League Soccer player.

Playing down a man due to two yellow cards shown to teammate Andrew Boyens, Chivas forward Marcos Mondaini needlessly and recklessly tackled fellow Argentine Javier Morales after being beaten near the corner of the box.

It appeared that as Morales planted to shoot, Mondaini slid into the back of his leg and ankle to break up the play.

Not only did he break up the play, he broke Morales' ankle, and sent him to the bench for what looks to be the remainder of the season. Morales was immediately taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Following the match, Team Doctor Andrew Cooper joined the broadcast team on the KALL 700 post game show.

In that interview he stated that the injury to Morales is being classified as a "Fracture, Dislocation." He later explained that the bone near his ankle was broken, causing the ankle to dislocate.

He went on to say that the injury will most likely require surgery and that the earliest recovery time would be four months. Dr. Cooper was hopeful, however, that Morales could return to full fitness following healing and rehabilitation.

Following the match, Real Salt Lake players were happy with the result of the match, but were clearly affected and in tears over the injury.

Not that anyone can match the play-making ability of Morales, and to say that he will be missed is an understatement, but Head Coach Jason Kreis does have some options that he can use in coming matches.

Today's goal scorer Will Johnson, Andy Williams, and young player Collen Warner could all see some time in the attacking mid-field position that is now vacated due to a needless foul.

Real Salt Lake plays three of their next four matches at home which may help them to figure out how to move forward without Morales.

It is now up to Major League Soccer to sort out the discipline of this foul, and to send a message to the league that this type of dangerous play will not be tolerated. One thought is that the player who ends the season of another on a play such as this should be suspended for as many games as the player who is injured.

While they have some decisions to make, this could be a pivotal time in the league to better ensure the safety of the game.

Scoring Summary:  
Real Salt Lake: Will Johnson 1 (First of season) 87'

Misconduct Summary:  
Chivas: Andrew Boyens (Caution; Tactical Foul) 15' 
Chivas: Andrew Boyens (Caution; Tactical Foul) 24' 
Chivas: Andrew Boyens (Ejection; Second Caution) 24' 
Chivas: Marcos Mondaini (Ejection; Serious Foul Play) 37'

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When the New York Red Bulls square off against the Los Angeles Galaxy, offense will be at a premium.

Landon Donovan, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Juan Agudelo, Juan Pablo Angel and Luke Rodgers are all names that should see action and they all bring it in the attacking third.

Good offenses are fueled by teams that are capable of playing good defense, transitioning to offense, and possessing the ball. So New York not having Teemu Tainio is a huge loss and could have a great effect on the outcome of the match. He did not travel with the club to Los Angeles because of a groin injury.

The Finnish International was signed by the Red Bulls before the season started in March and has a long history of playing soccer at the highest level. He’s played in the UEFA Champions League with Auxerre, a club he spent eight years with, making 150 appearances for the team. Then he moved onto the English Premier League with Tottenham for three years. He rounded out his European career with Sunderland, Birmingham City in England and Ajax, the famous club from Amsterdam.

The signing with New York was a quiet one, and he had to go on trial with them before the club would commit to him. But he may be the best signings in the entire league.

Tainio has started and played every league match at defensive midfield for the Red Bulls so far this season. He played every minute of every match until he was subbed out at halftime of last week’s game against Sporting Kansas City with a groin injury.

He’s a hard worker who plays strong, tenacious defense. He’s also been the link from the defense to the offense. His passing has been crisp and he had been the key to the Red Bulls being one of the cleanest passing teams in the league. They’ve been a very good possession team, something head coach Hans Backe has been very proud of.

Tainio only has one assist this season and more times than not if the announcer is not saying his name, he’s having a good night. But the impact he has on the field was felt when he was removed from the Kansas City game.

“He’s a very important piece of the team,” Rafael Márquez said to the press. “He is the one that balances the entire squad on the field, so when he is not around, we always miss him.”

Carl Robinson, Tainio’s replacement, did not hold his own.  The team’s time of possession was way down in the second half, and as a result, Kansas City’s attack was more potent and dangerous.

It’s unfair to say it was all Robinson’s fault, or that he won’t be able to get the job done adequately, it’s just that you can tell the kind of difference Tainio makes on the field.

His replacement, as well as the entire team, have their work cut out for them against the Galaxy.

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Queens, NY—For one night, the baseball diamond New York Mets fans are accustomed to seeing will be converted into a soccer pitch.  Citi Field—the home of the Mets—for one special night will host their inaugural soccer friendly match between the national teams of Ecuador and Greece on Tuesday, June 7 at 8PM ET.

Currently ranked 12th in the world, Greece competed in the 2010 FIFA World Cup where they placed third in Group B after facing off against Argentina, South Korea and Nigeria. Despite finishing with a 1-2-0 record, Greek fans had every right to be proud of their team's accomplishments. 

Boasting one of the most loyal fans in South America, the 56th-ranked Ecuador team will be ready to give their fans a competitive match they deserve. With the game being in played Queens County, Ecuador may have the slight home advantage because the county has the largest population of Ecuadorians in the United States.

However, Astoria, Queens has the largest Greek population outside of Greece. With Queens being the melting-pot borough for South Americans and Greeks, Citi Field may be the most electrifying place to host a soccer match that evening.

With two teams representing their countries, fans of both nations will come out not only to support their national team, but to educate each other about their cultures. The diversity, the music, the food and the energy outside of Citi Field on match day may demonstrate once and for all why Queens would be the perfect location for a professional New York-market Major League Soccer franchise.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, May 9 at 10AM ET. New York Mets Season Ticket and Plan & Pack holders will have the opportunity to purchase their tickets on Friday, May 6, 2011.

For more information, please go online at www.507TIXX.com or by Phone to (718) 507-TIXX

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He's also a Columnist for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.

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On February 14, 2011 or Valentines Day to be exact Allstate announced their new four-year, eight-figure sponsorship agreements with Soccer United Marketing (SUM).

As part of their new agreements, Allstate became the Official Insurance Sponsor of Major League Soccer (MLS), U.S. Soccer and the United States Men and Women National Soccer Teams.

In addition, Allstate signed New Jersey native Tim Howard in March to be the face of their new soccer campaign. Along with his responsibilities of protecting the net for the United States Men's National Team and EPL Club Everton, GK Tim Howard is the focal point of Allstate's soccer-themed campaign, "Protection is Our Game."

Howard starred in three humorous 15- and 30-second commercials where the audience sees him mentally wandering off during a match. Of course, he's brought back to reality when he realizes he needs Allstate Insurance for every scenario that he's thinking about.

Tim Howard's Allstate Commercials: Many Tims, List-Making Tim, and Cool Tim

These commercials have already and will continue to appear during MLS broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, and Fox Soccer Channel. In addition, to the Allstate commercials, Tim Howard also participated in a behind the scenes commercial shoot where he opens up to his fans while revealing his other favorite sport.

Remaining true to his Jersey roots, Howard talks about Jersey Shore and Bruce Springsteen. He also talks about his favorite automobile and culinary skills. If you're a supporter of the U.S. Men's National Team and Tim Howard, these commercials are a must see.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer.

Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow.

Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He's also a Columnist for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.

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A week after the New York Cosmos launched the Cosmos Copa at the the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland, the United Soccer League announced that the New York Cosmos U23 team will compete in the USL Premier Development League (PDL) exhibition schedule in 2011.

Led by current Cosmos Academy East Director Giovanni Savarese, the U23 team formally become competitors in the 2012 season. By competing in an exhibition schedule, the New York Cosmos U23 is ineligible for this year's playoffs or the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. However, the Cosmos U23 team will have the opportunity to compete against teams already competing in the PDL.

“We are excited to have one of the top names in world soccer joining the Premier Development League,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “New York Cosmos U23 is led by experienced and ambitious management who know how to run a first-class operation, and their participation will only strengthen the thriving PDL presence in the greater New York area. This relationship is a natural progression based on their strong relationship with Umbro, USL’s most important and longest standing partner.”

Once eligible for the 2012 season, the New York Cosmos U23 team be included with other the New York-area teams of the Brooklyn Knights, Long Island Rough Riders, and the Westchester Flames.

“We are excited to be a part of the USL family and are putting forth the dedication and resources necessary at every level within our organization to rebuild The New York Cosmos in the right away,” said Paul Kemsley, Chairman, The New York Cosmos. “Our New York Cosmos U23 team is a natural extension to our Cosmos Academy and further reinforces our commitment to developing young, talented players. Our academy players will have a chance to play amongst some experienced and competitive PDL teams and we look forward to a full season in 2012 and beyond.”

New York Cosmos fans have every reason to smile. While many of them are salivating for the announcement of being officially recognized as the 20th team in Major League Soccer, this is a fantastic opportunity for fans to demonstrate to MLS why New York needs a metropolitan New York-based soccer club competing in MLS.

This is the perfect opportunity for Cosmos fans to bring their kind of energy and passion that many in MLS admired from the Portland Timbers fans. This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the U23 how important the New York Cosmos legacy is to you. Last, but not least, this is the perfect opportunity for Cosmos fans and the Borough Boys to put their chants in action.

Now the question remains (for those living in New York)—where will you be when the New York Cosmos U23 play their first PDL exhibition match?

Two Cosmos Academies, the Cosmos Copa and now an U23 team is further evidence that their commitment to their mission statement of inspiring, developing, and fielding world-class players is a priority. When it's said and done, the New York Cosmos organization has invested a lot of money in an attempt to demonstrate to their Cosmos fans, as well as Major League Soccer, that they're intent on becoming the 20th MLS team.

Further information regarding a coaching announcement, along with the full roster and schedule, will be posted by mid-May on www.uslsoccer.com and www.newyorkcosmos.com.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He's also a Columnist for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.

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The Cosmos Copa, New York City's "World Cup," returns for its third year.

Founded in 2009 by Spencer Dormitzer and Chris Noble, this year's summer blockbuster amateur adult soccer tournament formerly recognized as "Copa NYC" will feature 30 New York-based teams representing their countries in their quest of hoisting the Cosmos Cup. 

Not only will the winning team be declared the "Cosmos Copa City Champion," they will be heroes in their ethnic community. If last year's finale between Poland and Jamica was a classic, where Poland was declared the winners after winning 5-3 in penalties, imagine how competitive this year's tournament maybe.

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the defending champions, NYC Poland kicked off this year's Cosmos Copa launch reception at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York. Representatives of the competing teams attended.

From media, dignitaries, team officials and players, all were present to not only represent their country, but to represent New York City's goodwill of soccer.

Hosting the launch reception was none other than ESPN's color commentator Tommy Smyth. Having the audience eating out of the palm of his hands, Tommy said to the audience:

“I have been with Cosmos Copa since the beginning, and this event has done many great things for New York City. I’m proud to be a part of something that brings a high level of cultural respect and competitive soccer together in one place, while giving sports fans of all ages an entertaining summer event.”

Also on hand was Borough Boys president Nick Laveglia. He presented Tommy Smyth an official Borough Boys Supporters scarf who in return graciously accepted it. Ever the busy man that he is, Nick was busy chatting it up with former Cosmos great Shep Messing and members of the New York Cosmos staff.

For the duration of the evening, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland was electrifying. The cultural borders were broken as representatives from different ethnic team fraternized amongst each other.

While all of this was happening, I couldn't help what was in store for this year's Cosmos Copa championship match. Last year, Pelé surprised all of us in attendance at the halftime of the Poland-Jamaica final to announce the return of the New York Cosmos.

So, what's going to happen at this year's halftime?

By no means am I guaranteeing something monumental is going to happen at this year's halftime championship match. However, if you're thinking about what I'm thinking about the possible scenario, then I recommend you attend this year's Cosmos Copa.

You know the saying, "Anything can happen in New York minute."

For more information, go to www.cosmoscopa.com or follow the tournament on Twitter at @CosmosCopa or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cosmoscopa.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He's also a Columnist for USSoccerPlayers.com; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team.

Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.

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New York, NY - In an effort to raise money for America SCORES NY, an after-school program that promotes health and literacy through their soccer and poetry program, local artists unveiled their new artwork, inspired by the poetry of America SCORES' young and talented poet-athletes.

Taking place at Manhattan's Sky Room, this one-night-only event titled "Inspired Art" gave guests the opportunity to meet the artists who generously donated their artwork and time for the event. In addition, participants also had the opportunity to participate in the silent auction as they mingled with the other guests.

“Inspired Art will connect the art world with the education world, Harlem with Midtown, and public elementary school students with “grown-up” artists,” said Megan Bartlett, event co-chair. “We will celebrate the students’ voices alongside the artists’ vision, demonstrating the ability of our city’s youth to inspire others once they are encouraged to express themselves creatively.”

Not only was this fundraiser well-planned and enjoyable, it served as a reminder of the importance of these events. One thing about America SCORES NY that I must commend is the dedication and efforts of their fundraising committee.

With all the government and state cutbacks, programs such as America SCORES NY are usually the first ones to feel the effects of it. Anyone who's ever interned, worked, or volunteered for a nonprofit organization understands the challenges and stress that comes with fundraising.

From brainstorming an event, to finding a site that's not only affordable, but accessible for their guests to easily commute to. This is a reason why fundraising is now a full-time job. While they may do a successful job in planning and promoting their events, they still need our financial support.

Having been involved as a volunteer for a reputable nonprofit organization for 10 years has given me an idea of the planning and execution of any fundraiser. Not only are you figuring out themes and sites, there's the promotion as well as the outreaching for sponsors, in-kind donations, and possible celebrities or community leaders to attend.

In layman's terms, you're trying to keep everything at a minimum cost, and by the end of the fundraiser, you're hoping that only 6-10 percent of what was raised went towards the cost the event. Even before the event takes place, you're already in the red. 

Did I mention that the organization would have to approve of all of this and depending on the event, they would have to follow up with the agency's attorney for possible waivers for guests to sign? If your fundraising committee consists of volunteers, keeping them motivated is also a job within itself.

When it's said and done, the only result that matters the most in any fundraiser is dollar amount that was raised. I apologize for being cold about this but it's the reality. Breaking even or less is basically not a good situation to be in. While the event may have been pleasant and memorable, it's still a fundraiser.

In the end, it's about raising the necessary funds in order for programs like America SCORES NY to continue to do a marvelous job in serving the communities where they're involved in. I've met the staff and not only are they committed to providing a quality service, but their staff, coaches, and volunteers are fantastic with the children.

While many of us follow the professional teams, we mustn't forget that youth soccer programs such as America SCORES NY enables children in the inner-city to have an alternative that's positive and educational in their lives.

The only thing that isn't being downsized in New York City is the need for donations. If you're able to help America SCORES, whether individually or through the company you work or own in New York, please do so. To learn more about America SCORES, please go to: www.americascoresnewyork.org.

You can also follow America SCORES NY at Facebook and Twitter at @AmericaSCORESNY.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He's also a Columnist for USSoccerPlayers.com; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.

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