Much like their energy-drink namesake, the New York Red Bulls are known for top-flight speed and performance under pressure. 

However, the upcoming year is expected to be grueling due to the expansion of the MLS regular season schedule to 34 games.

Last season, each club played only 30 matches and the addition of four more is sure to be tiresome coming down the stretch in October.

In determining the schedule, MLS commissioner Don Garber said the decision came down to two different approaches.

One idea was to maintain the balanced format of 2010 in which every team plays the others the same number of times and the other option was to move back to an unbalanced schedule that promotes rivalries.

It appears that the final selection was a combination of the two choices, as the Red Bulls play a balanced schedule, but have plenty of games against their natural rivals.

The Red Bulls will be kicking off the season against the Seattle Sounders FC at Red Bull Arena on March 19 at 7:30 p.m. and then head to Ohio to battle the Columbus Crew on March 26 for their first road match.

On April 9, the Red Bulls will continue their intense rivalry against the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park in a showdown that will be televised live by ESPN at 7 p.m.

One item of note was the decision to schedule the D.C. United-New York Red Bulls game on April 21, which is a Thursday night.

Historically, Red Bulls faithful make the pilgrimage down to RFK Stadium because it is a major rivalry, but it will be a difficult trip to make this season since it's not on a weekend.

New York will travel to Los Angeles on May 7 to take on David Beckham, Landon Donovan and the rest of the dangerous LA Galaxy squad.

In June, the Red Bulls hit the road for a four-game West Coast trip, facing the Portland Timbers (June 19), Seattle Sounders (June 23), Chicago Fire (June 26) and San Jose (July 2).

Another highlight in the schedule is a tilt against Philadelphia at Red Bull Arena on Oct. 20 that will wrap up the regular season.

In 2010, New York set an MLS record for best single-season improvement, finishing with 51 points after having just 21 points the previous year. 

Despite the impressive turnaround, the season ended in disappointment when they fell to the San Jose Earthquakes in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. 

In 2011, Thierry Henry will be back for his second season in the league and the New York Red Bulls should be back in the race for the MLS cup.

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Beckham. Angel. Henry. Marquez. Montero. Ferreira. Cummings. Ricketts. Wondolowski. Le Toux. Rimando. Coundoul. Buddle. Keller.

These are just a few names when talking about some of the best-known players in Major League Soccer in the past few years.

But who are the top 25 players to have ever competed in this league? Bleacher Report investigates.

NOTE: Records are as of this publishing date.

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Galaxy play to a 1-1 draw with Timbers 

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy continued their preseason with a match against the Portland Timbers at the Home Depot Center on Tuesday. 

Paolo Cardozo scored in the 47th minute off a delivery from Bryan Jordan from the right flank. Portland's Brian Umony scored an unassisted goal in the 50th minute to tie the match. 

Up next will be a preseason game with their California Clasico rivals, the San Jose Earthquakes, on Thursday, Feb. 10. 

After the match, the Galaxy will continue to train at the Home Depot Center until Sunday, when they take off for training in Arizona.

Barrett raring for more production 

San Diego's very own Chad Barrett looked forward to the opportunity to increase his production as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy. 

“It’s a happy place here” Barrett said. “Everybody’s just happy. I can see why it’s so easy. You wake up, the sun’s up. How can you be mad? 

“I’m just looking for the chance to get in there. I consider myself a starter in this league and I’m going to fight for my starting spot but I’m definitely going to have a lot of competition.” 

In terms of skill, Barrett feels that he emulates a certain Manchester United superstar. 

“I think I look like Wayne Rooney," Barrett said. "I try and play a little like him, too. We’re both stocky players. I’m aggressive. I’ve gotten better with my back to goal. The one part of my game that lacks is just heading in the box and stuff like that.” 

The former UCLA grad scored 34 goals in six seasons with Toronto FC and equaled a career high in goals with seven in 2010. 

“I haven’t been the goal-scorer I’ve wanted to be," Barrett said. "I felt like last year had a chance to score 10 goals despite my injuries. This year, that’s going to be my new goal. I’m fast, I’m aggressive. You’re going to get 100 percent out of me all the time.”

Reunited...and it feels so good 

Former Alta Loma Arsenal FC stars Hector Jimenez and Ryan Thomas enjoyed the opportunity of playing together once again, this time as members of the Galaxy. 

“We had talked about it during our college careers and always had a real good relationship, growing up with Arsenal,” said Thomas. “We had this banter back and forth, ‘What would it be like to play with each other again?’ And now we’re on the same team we grew up watching. 

"It’s pretty unbelievable to actually be playing for them now. There are no words to describe it.” 

“It’s exciting,” Jimenez added. “I don’t think it really sunk in until I got here a few weeks ago." 

Arena enjoys the close ties that players have on this Galaxy side. 

“I guess that stuff happens, and obviously we want that to happen,” Arena said.

“Down the road we want our academy players playing for our first team, so hopefully this will be the beginning of those types of long relationships, with players we’re going to have from their early days up until playing in The Home Depot Center. 

“I think they’re both good players with a good future with the Galaxy. I think this year with the reserve program it’s going to really be helpful to move those players forward.” 

Still, Jimenez and Thomas would take their time getting used to playing football on Victoria Street. 

“I’m getting there,” Jimenez said. “I’m starting to feel better. Walking into the locker room and everybody saying hi to me, that was great. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.” 

“I’m still trying to find that comfort zone," Thomas added, "but hopefully I’ll get there. The guys are all really nice and making me feel pretty welcome.”

All systems go for Curt Onalfo 

Galaxy assistant coach Curt Onalfo felt relieved to work under Arena, whom he revered as the league's "best coach." 

“To be working for a great organization here in MLS, and obviously for a head coach I have unbelievable confidence in and who, in my opinion, is the best coach in the United States ... it’s a unique opportunity, something I’m really looking forward [to],” Onalfo said. 

Onalfo used to be the head coach of the Kansas City Wizards and D.C. United. In spite of how things turned out at both those clubs, Onalfo believed that it was time well spent. 

“I’ve never let anybody define success for me,” Onalfo said. “I’ve always defined that for myself.” 

Onalfo will also be the manager for the reserve division side. 

“You’ve got 30 players, but it’s just about making sure we’re kind of mimicking what the first team is doing and there’s a good continuity between the Youth Academy and the reserve team into the first team," Onalfo said.

"Great soccer organizations have really qualified people in positions to make sure that stuff works well." 

When asked about returning to a managerial position some time in the future, Onalfo didn't give any timetable. 

“I’ve had a great four years of head coaching experience and another seven as an assistant, so I just look at it as an opportunity now to be coaching and to be improving each day in my profession,” Onalfo said. "What better place to do it than in Southern California?”

More shirt number changes 

Chad Barrett, Chris Birchall and Ryan Thomas donned new numbers to start training for this week. 

Barrett will wear the No. 11 shirt, while Birchall will don the No. 8. As for Thomas, he will wear No. 28.

The Galaxy invades Long Beach. Sort of. 

Defender Omar Gonzalez, goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts and Onalfo will be at the Cal South Soccer Nation Expo on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Long Beach Convention Center. 

Gonzalez and Ricketts will be signing autographs for fans for 90 minutes starting at approximately 1:30 p.m., while Onalfo will lead a passing and receiving skills clinic with a group of local youth soccer players starting at 2 p.m.

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While the New York Cosmos celebrates the club's 40th anniversary, the Los Angeles Futbol Club has made the decision to end their affiliation with the New York Cosmos six months after the New York Cosmos announced the creation of Cosmos Academy East and West.

As part of their initial agreement, the New York Cosmos organization was covering the costs of registration fees, uniforms, coaches’ salaries and travel costs that families normally have to pay from their end.

Who ends an affiliation with the most famous American Soccer Club in American Soccer History?

An organization who (1) has a better deal with another party or (2) wasn’t happy with the affiliation. Odds are that we'll never know the reason because the Los Angeles Futbol Club were polite about terminating their relationship with the Cosmos Organization and whether the New York Cosmos organization issues a statement regarding the matter is something only time will tell.

In a statement posted on the Los Angeles Futbol Club's website, LAFC Director of Coaching announced, “We have decided to end our affiliation with the New York Cosmos and Cosmos Academy West. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and know that they will be successful in each of them.”

For the Los Angeles Futbol Club to end their affiliation with Cosmos organization is a powerful message that will most likely be ignored or considered a blessing in disguise. It’s a situation that many will justify as a positive thing because if the Cosmos were part of MLS, those kids wouldn’t be able to sign with the team.

It's one thing if both parties mutually reached an agreement to part ways because of MLS policies on Youth Academies, but it appears that wasn't the case. Regardless of the situation, it's still bad business considering that this involves children and that it was LAFC who made the decision to dump the New York Cosmos.

I know majority of true Cosmos fans, as well as those hipster Cosmos-gear-wearing-newbies, whose form of advocacy is “liking” a cause on Facebook, is considered volunteer work in their TMZ/Facebook/Twitter mentality are more interested in hearing about the Cosmos becoming the 20th MLS Team, the Stadium deal and the latest Cosmos gear they can purchase in the Spring.

If you're a Cosmos fan, hearing about the Los Angeles Futbol Club decision to end their affiliation with the New York Cosmos should be embarrassing because an incident like this is a poor demonstration of the organization’s commitment to grassroots and youth soccer.

I’m not blaming the entire organization, but I will hold Academy West Director Teddy Chrnopoulous accountable. After all, he was being paid to maintain a healthy relationship with LAFC.

Other than covering the games, I tend to talk with a lot parents who have their children involved in soccer academies, such as LAFC, as well as the US-U17 teams. And the sacrifices they have to make, in not only adjusting their schedules so their kids can practice with the team, but also in raising the money so their children can continue with their Soccer Education.

At the end of the day, we have to remember that any professional club who forms a partnership with any youth soccer club, their number priority should be the children and their families. I hope this situation doesn’t have a negative impact on the families and their children who are currently involved with LAFC.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for Latino Sports. You may follow him on Facebook at Covering Soccer and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer and @LatinoSports143. Please email your questions and comments to Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Consistency expected from Galaxy defense 

While Los Angeles Galaxy manager Bruce Arena brought in nine new players to the team, a defensive unit that gave up only 26 goals in the regular season was mostly left intact. 

It can be said that bigger things are expected from the backline, which now has Ryan Thomas and Frankie Hejduk in the lineup. 

“It’s [Arena's] job to get things right,” goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts said. “It’s our job to do them right on the field.” 

Ricketts, the 2010 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, finished his initial campaign with an 18-7-4 record, 12 shutouts and a 0.90 goals average. 

“You never know with that stuff,” said defender Todd Dunivant. “You come out every day and do your job, and we did that last year. We came in every day and put in our work and throughout the year, we were the best team in the league." 

In spite of giving up critical defeats for patches of the regular season and the Western Conference Championship, Dunivant was optimistic. 

“We’ve had a very good defense the last two years," Dunivant said. "Last year it was one of the best all-time in the history of the league, and that tells you something. We had a good group, a deep group. 

"Adding somebody like Frankie just adds more depth to us. We drafted Ryan Thomas, and we got another bit of depth there. I think our defense got a little better actually in the offseason. 

“If we can build on that, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.” 

Ricketts agreed that in spite of having the second-best scoring defense in MLS during the regular season, it didn't translate well in the playoffs. 

“Obviously not good enough; we didn’t win (the title),” Ricketts  said. “But I think it was a good defense. Hopefully we can build on what we had, be even more compact than what we had and keep working hard.

"Individually we have good players, and hopefully we can jell again as a team. 

“If we can stick together and play as a team, there is no telling what we can do. We can’t think about what we did, but what we have to do. Hopefully, we can do it again.”

Impaling the Lions 

In their first game since their setback to the Newcastle Jets a few months ago, the Galaxy took their frustrations out on the Loyola Marymount Lions by the tune of 7-1 on Friday at Victoria Street. 

Chris Birchall, who is more known for his defending rather than his scoring touch, scored a brace for the Galaxy.

Juan Pablo Angel, Gregg Berhalter and Juninho added first-half goals to make it 5-0 at the break. 

Paolo Cardozo and Jovan Kirovski added goals in the second half. 

However, that contest was a scrimmage. Their first preseason game will be on Tuesday, Feb. 8, when they face the expansion Portland Timbers.

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Lopez, Cardozo get to work

Los Angeles Galaxy manager Bruce Arena salivated at the prospects of Paolo Cardozo's and Miguel Lopez's success this season during team training on Wednesday.

“We’re hopeful they can add a different dimension to our attack,” Arena said. “We know Lopez is a quick, direct, aggressive attacker. He likes the ball at his feet and he’ll take people on. He can play as a second forward or perhaps as an attacking midfielder or wide midfielder. Cardozo has a good first touch, he plays quick and can score some goals for us.

“I think with all these players, whether it’s the very elite player or players underneath that, I think there’s an adjustment they have to go through. You always have to reserve your judgment until we get going and see how they hold up. I’m hopeful they’re both going to help us.”

“Without a doubt, the [Galaxy are] one of the few teams you hear about,” Lopez said in Spanish through an interpreter, “because of the stars with the team.”

“I just know the league was growing,” Cardozo added, “and becoming more and more recognizable. This is a great opportunity, and I want to take advantage of it.”

For Cardozo, the memory of the SuperDraft remained fresh.

“I was just very anxious that day, the whole day,” he said. “But when I left Buenos Aires to come to the United States, I was told the Columbus Crew were very interested. When the Galaxy drafted me, I was very surprised.

“But at the same I was very thankful to God to get this opportunity that was presented to me.”

“Honestly, I was very happy the day they reached out to my club in Argentina,” Lopez said. “I’m very happy to be here and I want to help this team win championships.”

Lopez hopes that the opportunity to team up with Cardozo will pay dividends this year for the G's.

“It definitely helps when you have someone there you already know,” Lopez said.

“I was very happy when I found out he was going to be here. I’ve played with him for two years," Cardozo said, "and it’s always good when you go to a new team and someone you know was going to be there with you.

“It definitely will help make things easier.”

Beckham set to return later in February

Midfielder David Beckham is set to return to the Galaxy later in February as he concludes training with Tottenham Hotspur.

Of course, the club don't mind the business he has to attend to, right, Mr. Landon Donovan?

“I would normally say yeah, but every year we’ve spent significant time without David, whether it’s been injuries or he’s been away,” Donovan said. “This team knows how to gel quickly and David conversely does a good job of coming into the team. The expectation is to have him back relatively soon.”

“He'll be back this month, the exact date we haven't finalized but he'll be back in February,” Arena added.

Beckham tried to sign a loan with the Spurs, but failed. Additionally, he managed just one full season with the Galaxy, in 2008.

“He has never been that kind of guy who is going to moan,” Donovan said. “When he’s here, he wants to play, he wants to win. I’m sure the day he gets back here he’s going to be ready to go.

“One thing he needed was, he needed a break,” Arena said of Beckham. “He worked real hard just to get back on the field last year coming off his Achilles injury. I think he needed some time away from the game. Then he also needed a slow buildup into the season and I think he's getting that.”

No scheduling problems for All-Star Game, says Garber

One of the biggest hassles for last year's MLS All-Star Game was the selection of players that were exhausted from playing a suicide schedule of matches. Players from the Seattle Sounders were unavailable for the match, while the Los Angeles Galaxy's players were forced to make a quick turnaround.

On Tuesday, MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced plans to fix that problem.

“We’re going to try and do everything we can to ensure that every player that’s picked will be able to play in the game,” Garber said Tuesday on a media conference call. “We have learned a little bit of the lessons from the past, and our goal is to ensure we have full participation.”

The Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas will compete in the summer’s CCL qualifying round, while Toronto FC or the Vancouver Whitecaps could compete in the stage as well if they qualify by winning the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.

That could be trouble for the likes of Dallas's David Ferreira, Seattle's Fredy Montero, Vancouver's Jay DeMerit and Toronto's Dwayne De Rosario.

“It’s fair to say that our goal is to be able to avoid the issue,” Garber said. “The goal is to avoid the problem.”

Of course, the Galaxy won't have to worry about that, since they are already in the group stages of the CONCACAF Champions League...

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Major League Soccer has come a long way from its humble beginnings at the dawn of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Now there is talk of the league expanding to accomodate more teams.

At one point in time, you may see as many as 25 teams taking part in this competition.

Which markets deserve a shot at expansion? And which markets don't? Bleacher Report investigates.

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New York, NY - No matter what the New York Red Bulls organization does, people are going to ask about the New York Cosmos.

Even with the announcement of Red Bull Arena hosting the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game, someone had to ask MLS Commissioner Don Garber about the possible return of the New York Cosmos during his media teleconference.

While Commissioner Garber answered the question, I wished that he would have simply said, "Today I am here to answer questions about the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star game. Any questions regarding the New York Cosmos or any other groups vying to become the 20th team in MLS will not be addressed today. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

By now we're all aware of the New York Red Bulls history of being an underachieving team dating back to their days as the Metrostars. When one thinks about it, doesn't the New York Area has a history of producing underachieving professional sports teams?

Lets review the current men's professional teams and the number of championships they've won: the New York Red Bulls (0), the New York Jets (one), the New York Giants (seven; four NFL Championships and three Super Bowls) the New York Mets (two), the New Jersey Nets(two ABA), the New York Knicks (two), the New York Islanders (four), the New York Rangers (four), the New Jersey Devils (three) and of course the New York Yankees (27). Total: 52 Championships

If you notice the numbers, the Yankees have won more championships than the other nine teams I've listed combined. Some of the Championships I listed no longer exists. So what's my point? With the exception of the Yankees, the other teams have nothing to really boast about.

By now we're all aware that the New York Red Bulls will never be like the New York Cosmos of the NASL. And that's not a bad thing considering that they've accomplished a few things the New York Cosmos has yet to achieve.

Unlike the New York Cosmos, the Red Bulls (then the Metrostars) were one of the original teams in their league. Currently they're entering their 16th season of play, and they have a home of their own called Red Bull Arena. Now with the right personnel running the Red Bulls, they're finally becoming the soccer club that NY/NJ fans have been wanting.

As much as I hope for a possible Cosmos-Red Bulls NY Derby in the future, I believe it's important to acknowledge and applaud the recent actions of the New York Red Bulls. Now if you're a New York Cosmos fan who despises the Red Bulls, then at least give them their respect.

I wonder if Chicago Fire fans are ever reminded about the Chicago Sting's success?

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for Latino Sports. You may follow him on Facebook at Covering Soccer and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer and @LatinoSports143. Please email your questions and comments to Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Red Bull Arena all go for All-Star Game

On Tuesday, Major League Soccer announced that Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey will be hosting the 2011 MLS All-Star Game. This marks the first since since 1997 that the New York City metropolitan area hosts the All-Star Game.

“The combination of one of the most spectacular stadiums of its size in the world with the passionate soccer supporters in the metropolitan New York area will provide a terrific showcase for our All-Star Game,” league commissioner Don Garber said. “Red Bull Arena will be a tremendous venue for this marquee event and we are pleased to bring the All-Star Game to an area with a rich soccer tradition.”

New York was the venue for the All-Star Game in back-to-back years during the league’s first two seasons in 1996 and 1997. The old Giants Stadium hosted East vs. West matchups on both occasions.

The league has since moved to a format which showcases the stars of the league against renowned international opponents including Chelsea, Manchester United, Celtic, Chivas Guadalajara and Everton. The MLS squad has lost only one of those eight matches, against Manchester United last year at Reliant Stadium in Houston in front of a record-breaking crowd of more than 70,000.

The 2011 MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for July 27. An MLS opponent will be announced later in February.

"It will be of the caliber of clubs we’ve played in the past,” Garber said. “It will be a major, major international opponent. We’re in very productive negotiations with a number of teams and we should be able to finalize it earlier than we have in the past.

“We are in discussions with a number of international clubs about bringing handful of these major clubs to the USA this summer. We’ll continue to do that both as part of the All-Star Game and as part of the international matches that we’ve held for so many years.”

For Red Bulls triggerman Thierry Henry, he hopes the opponent is either Arsenal or FC Barcelona.

“It would be pretty special,” Henry said. “I think they are the two teams that play the best football right now in the world. That would be a great thing. If one of the two teams is involved, it would be amazing. It’s a game that is very important for us to show that we can compete with the great teams of Europe.”

Thanks for the layoff, Hosni Mubarak!

Apparently due to the political crisis in Egypt, the USA men's national team canceled their Feb. 9 friendly with Egypt.

"We were excited about the opportunity to play against Egypt, but due to the current situation, all parties agreed it was best to cancel the match," USSF president Sunil Gulati said in a release announcing the news. "We appreciate the efforts of the Egyptian Football Association and the US State Department as we worked through this situation."

Landon Donovan, you can rest now.

Meet Jack McBean

Local Galaxy youth academy prospect Jack McBean was signed by the Los Angeles Galaxy as a homegrown player. McBean, of Newport Beach, California, becomes the youngest player ever to sign for the club since Tristan Bowen in 2008.

McBean starred for the Galaxy Academy’s U-16 team before being selected for the U.S. Under-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. earlier this month.

McBean will remain with the U-17’s through the completion of qualifying for this summer’s FIFA U-17 World Cup before officially joining the Galaxy at a later date.

“Jack is a player that I was immediately made aware of upon accepting my position with the Academy. He has shown tremendous growth and potential since joining our program and we believe that he this is more than ready to make this next step in his career,” said Chris Klein, the Senior Director of the LA Galaxy Academy. “The goal of our Academy is to create a direct link through which our top young players like Jack can progress into our first team where they can continue their maturation and development in a professional environment.”

“I am very excited to be given this opportunity to join the Galaxy and I can’t wait to get back to California so that I can begin training with my new teammates,” McBean said. “I am still growing and improving as a player and I believe that having the opportunity to train and play in this new environment will only make me better.”

Prior to joining the Galaxy Academy, McBean helped the 94 Region IV Regional Team win a National Championship in Dec. 2009.

A special on McBean as part of the "This is The Los Angeles Galaxy" series will be posted later this year.

Back at camp.

With the addition of McBean, there are now 28 players on the Galaxy's preseason roster, with 26 in camp. Aside from McBean's absence, David Beckham continues to train with Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Juan Pablo Angel, Juninho and Miguel Lopez each arrived for their first day on Monday, with Angel and Lopez taking part in the day’s session. Juninho completed his physical and fitness testing in the morning and will train with the team for the first time on Tuesday.

New numbers are in the way for a number of players.

Juan Pablo Angel No. 9

Chad Barrett No. 29

Gregg Berhalter No. 3

Paolo Cardozo No. 30

Adam Cristman No. 17

Sean Franklin No. 5

Frankie Hejduk No. 6

Hector Jimenez No. 16

Dan Keat No. 15

Jovan Kirovski No. 7

Miguel Lopez No. 25

Jack McBean No. 32

Dustin McCarty No. 21

Ryan Thomas No. 14

The new man in charge

Juan Pablo Angel got to work immediately and began training for the team in the cozy confines of Victoria Street and the Home Depot Center.

“Little by little, it will happen,” Ángel said after the team's training session on Tuesday. “I’ve only been here two days. We have the rest of February, the beginning of March to build partnerships. Right now, the focus is to be fit, to get used to the ball again. There’s plenty of time to do the rest.”

Angel was pleased by his first impressions of the club.

“It’s too early to tell, but there’s some good balance,” Angel said. “There are some experienced players—that are always important on a team—and there are some good, young talented players.

“The important thing about this team is that there is a good core. A lot of players have been together for a number of years and that always gives you an advantage.”

Adding to the team's chemistry will be crucial to his success with the Galaxy, according LA's  No. 9.

“All the new guys coming in right now, we’ll try to adjust to the philosophy of the team as soon as possible and try to start getting it together,” he said. “The quicker we settle in, the better for everybody.

“First of all, I need to get into the rhythm of the game again, get to know the players, hopefully they get to know me quick, hopefully start to perform well.

"I want to win with this team. This team has been doing well the last couple of years, but the only thing that has been lacking has been the championship. Hopefully this year could be the one.”

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Red Bull Arena all-go for All-Star Game

On Tuesday, Major League Soccer announced that Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey will be hosting the 2011 MLS All-Star Game. This marks the first since since 1997 that the New York City metropolitan area hosts the All-Star Game.

“The combination of one of the most spectacular stadiums of its size in the world with the passionate soccer supporters in the metropolitan New York area will provide a terrific showcase for our All-Star Game,” league commissioner Don Garber said. “Red Bull Arena will be a tremendous venue for this marquee event and we are pleased to bring the All-Star Game to an area with a rich soccer tradition.”

New York was the venue for the All-Star Game in back-to-back years during the league’s first two seasons in 1996 and 1997. The old Giants Stadium hosted East vs. West matchups on both occasions.

The league has since moved to a format which showcases the stars of the league against renowned international opponents including Chelsea, Manchester United, Celtic, Chivas Guadalajara and Everton.

The MLS squad has lost only one of those eight matches—against Manchester United last year at Reliant Stadium in Houston in front of a record-breaking crowd of more than 70,000.

The 2011 MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for July 27 and the All-Star opponent will be announced later in February.

"It will be of the caliber of clubs we’ve played in the past,” Garber said. “It will be a major, major international opponent. We’re in very productive negotiations with a number of teams and we should be able to finalize it earlier than we have in the past.

“We are in discussions with a number of international clubs about bringing handful of these major clubs to the USA this summer. We’ll continue to do that both as part of the All-Star Game and as part of the international matches that we’ve held for so many years.”

For Red Bulls triggerman Thierry Henry, he hopes the opponent is either Arsenal or FC Barcelona.

“It would be pretty special,” Henry said. “I think they are the two teams that play the best football right now in the world. That would be a great thing. If one of the two teams is involved, it would be amazing. It’s a game that is very important for us to show that we can compete with the great teams of Europe.”

Thanks for the layoff, Hosni Mubarak!

Apparently due to the political crisis in Egypt, the USA men's national team canceled their Feb. 9 friendly with Egypt.

"We were excited about the opportunity to play against Egypt, but due to the current situation, all parties agreed it was best to cancel the match," USSF president Sunil Gulati said in a release announcing the news. "We appreciate the efforts of the Egyptian Football Association and the US State Department as we worked through this situation."

Landon Donovan, you can rest now.

Meet Jack McBean

Local Galaxy youth academy prospect Jack McBean was signed by the Los Angeles Galaxy as a homegrown player. McBean, of Newport Beach, California, becomes the youngest player ever to sign for the club since Tristan Bowen in 2008.

McBean starred for the Galaxy Academy’s U-16 team before being selected for the U.S. Under-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. earlier this month.

McBean will remain with the U-17’s through the completion of qualifying for this summer’s FIFA U-17 World Cup before officially joining the Galaxy at a later date.

“Jack is a player that I was immediately made aware of upon accepting my position with the Academy. He has shown tremendous growth and potential since joining our program and we believe that he this is more than ready to make this next step in his career,” said Chris Klein, the Senior Director of the LA Galaxy Academy.

“The goal of our Academy is to create a direct link through which our top young players like Jack can progress into our first team where they can continue their maturation and development in a professional environment.”

“I am very excited to be given this opportunity to join the Galaxy and I can’t wait to get back to California so that I can begin training with my new teammates,” McBean said. “I am still growing and improving as a player and I believe that having the opportunity to train and play in this new environment will only make me better.”

Prior to joining the Galaxy Academy, McBean helped the 94 Region IV Regional Team win a National Championship in Dec. 2009.

A special on McBean as part of the "This is The Los Angeles Galaxy" series will be posted later this year.

Back at camp

With the addition of McBean, there are now 28 players on the Galaxy's preseason roster, with 26 in camp. Aside from McBean's absence, David Beckham continues to train with Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Juan Pablo Angel, Juninho and Miguel Lopez each arrived for their first day on Monday, with Angel and Lopez taking part in the day’s session. Juninho completed his physical and fitness testing in the morning and will train with the team for the first time on Tuesday.

New numbers are in the way for a number of players:

Juan Pablo Angel No. 9

Chad Barrett No. 29

Gregg Berhalter No. 3

Paolo Cardozo No. 30

Adam Cristman No. 17

Sean Franklin No. 5

Frankie Hejduk No. 6

Hector Jimenez No. 16

Dan Keat No. 15

Jovan Kirovski No. 7

Miguel Lopez No. 25

Jack McBean No. 32

Dustin McCarty No. 21

Ryan Thomas No. 14

The new man in charge

Juan Pablo Angel got to work immediately and began training for the team in the cozy confines of Victoria Street and the Home Depot Center.

“Little by little, it will happen,” Ángel said after the team's training session on Tuesday. “I’ve only been here two days. We have the rest of February, the beginning of March to build partnerships. Right now, the focus is to be fit, to get used to the ball again. There’s plenty of time to do the rest.”

Angel was pleased by his first impressions of the club.

“It’s too early to tell, but there’s some good balance,” Angel said. “There are some experienced players—that are always important on a team—and there are some good, young talented players.

“The important thing about this team is that there is a good core. A lot of players have been together for a number of years and that always gives you an advantage.”

Adding to the team's chemistry will be crucial to his success with the Galaxy, according LA's No. 9.

“All the new guys coming in right now, we’ll try to adjust to the philosophy of the team as soon as possible and try to start getting it together,” he said. “The quicker we settle in, the better for everybody.

“First of all, I need to get into the rhythm of the game again, get to know the players, hopefully they get to know me quick, hopefully start to perform well.

"I want to win with this team. This team has been doing well the last couple of years, but the only thing that has been lacking has been the championship. Hopefully this year could be the one.”

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