Regardless of how much we disapprove the 2010 MLS Cup outcome, the fact of the matter is that the Colorado Rapids won the Cup and are arguably the defending league champions going into their 2011 campaign. 

While no club has won a consecutive MLS Cup title since the Houston Dynamo in 2007, there's evidently a myriad of things that the Rapids will need to live up to in 2011. Recent defending MLS Cup champions have had success in qualifying for the quarterfinals in the CONCACAF Champions League and either winning or falling short of winning the MLS Supporters' Shield, an award for the best regular season record. 

The question that roams is, can Colorado be capable of doing that much? Do they have the potential to make a namesake for themselves in Champions League play and dominate the league simultaneously? 

We can look back on Real Salt Lake's impressive 2010 campaign and say that it's very possible to even likely. However, the Rapids' cross-mountain rivals had much more attacking depth than they themselves have had. 

Their depth will inevitably be thrown into question starting with offseason loans and maybe even transfers. One of their most dangerous attacking weapons, Mr. Omar Cummings, may be on is way to donning an Aston Villa jersey for either a few months, but possibly for good, stowing his maroon kit in the closet.  

CONCACAF Champions League

Another concern has to be how critical the Rapids see the CONCACAF Champions League. I'm not saying they will take it seriously, but they are no Seattle Sounders FC when it comes to Champions League-talk. The hope is that they see this tournament as the reward for MLS Cup triumph and not a burden for winning a Cup title.

Obviously, having six additional matches in 2011 will be taxing on the players and will somewhat impact their domestic campaign, but being able to juggle the two is a necessity. One that has been accomplished by past Cup champions.

Take Columbus in 2009 and RSL in 2010. The Crew went on to capture their second consecutive Supporters' Shield, and RSL was literally within a point's reach of the Shield. Even when Houston took the MLS Cup more seriously than the Shield in 2008, they were still able to advance from their Champions League group. 

Sounds like a lot for the Rapids to live up to. 

While Colorado may be the defending MLS Cup champions, it's a bit obvious they are not the best club presently in the league. However, in spite of this, they have the star power to be competitive and fairly dominate in the Champions League. 

As I previously said, the only way to prove this true is by one thing—interest. 

The mentality for the Rapids needs to express that being the Champions League is not a burden but a privilege that only four American clubs have the opportunity to play in. Only 25 percent of the American MLS teams earn a birth in the tournament...a third fewer than the U.S. Open Cup and half as many as the MLS Cup Playoffs. 

The most important thing in the Champions League is a chance to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. I'm sure if Colorado marketed this to the Denver area, that the club has a chance to play against the likes of Manchester United or Inter Milan for a shot at being the best soccer club on the planet...they'll garner some interest.

Plus if Coloradans believe it's awesome that the Rapids won the championship for the best club in the United States, imagine how they'll react to being the best club in North America. 

Potential exists, but it's the significance to them that matters. 

MLS Supporters' Shield

You ask any American soccer purist what determines the champion of Major League Soccer, and they'll immediately say it's the Supporters' Shield. Even though MLS and America likes to consider the Supporters' Shield the consolation prize, the incentives for winning the Shield are practically identical to those of winning the MLS Cup.

First and foremost, the Supporters' Shield winner books a Group Stage spot in the CONCACAF Champions League, just like the MLS Cup champion. I'm not sure if the money reward is similar, but I believe the Shield winners earn more allocation bonuses for the club than the Cup winners whom win more allocation bonuses for the players. I suppose you could say the true winner then in terms of rewards contract one another (although winning the Cup gives you the star above you crest).

It's not really, and probably will not, really be a priority for Colorado once 2011 kicks off. The way Colorado will find themselves in this race is if they come out playing with much attacking and not "get a goal" then "defend, defend, defend". It will then get them used to always winning and not expecting draws or defeats. 

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Inside the Private Lives of Landon and David...

Oh, how relationships can be strained among the best in the business.

Just a few days ago, Landon Donovan filed for divorce from actress Bianca Kajlich. According to the Associated Press, the files of divorce stated that they both had cited some ‘irreconcilable differences’ which led to their split up earlier, after only a period of three years in marriage.

Interestingly, in October of 2009, they issued a statement saying, “We remain the closest of friends and will always be important parts of each other’s lives.”

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, boo hoo hoo.

Meanwhile, David and Victoria Beckham (who actually are faring much better as a couple; take that, Landon), have decided to move to the Big Apple—New York City, and with good reason.

“My work is so important to me and L.A. just isn’t a real fashion city,” Victoria was quoted as saying.

”Her friendship group in L.A. has disbanded," sources said, "and David was traveling a lot more than she’d anticipated and so was she. It just seemed to make sense for her to be based in fashion capital New York. It’s closer to London and Europe for her business meetings.”

Logistics, logistics, logistics. And thus, this is what it all boils down to. Of course, the last thing Galaxy fans want is Beckham playing for the New York Red Bulls, especially after they took Juan Pablo Angel away from Harrison.



What's Needed for the G's

Even though Christmas is already history, there are some tasks that need to be done in order for the Los Angeles Galaxy to be a legit contender in 2011.

First, they need a second forward. Edson Buddle's 17 goals gave him the team's Golden Boot and was the second-most in the league. But he is the only legit forward of the bunch. While the addition of Juan Pablo Angel may address this issue, looking towards a talented youth in the SuperDraft might prove beneficial.

Next, Juninho has to come back. If São Paulo FC can extend the loan or rather allow the G's to buy his right and sign him to a long-term deal, this Brazillian has the potential to do bigger and better things for Los Angeles in 2011.

Hopefully, David Beckham will not be available for a loan via the transfer window, in spite of Real Madrid, Chelsea, and a bevy of other clubs asking for some short-term services.

“I won’t be trying to sign David, but certainly I tried 18 months ago,” said Steve Bruce, manager at Premier League side Sunderland AFC. “But I did try when he agreed to go to Milan.”

“I didn’t get any encouragement at all—he just said ‘thanks Brucey, but I’m going to Milan I can understand that. To be honest, I can’t see him coming back to England for a swansong.”

More talent on the defensive side of things is also a must. With Gregg Berhalter nearing the end of his career, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. De La Garza, and Sean Franklin will need help from another strong central defender. If they can't acquire anyone during the transfer window, this should be a key priority in the upcoming MLS SuperDraft.

And speaking of SuperDraft, the Galaxy get the 16th (Round 1), 34th (Round 2), 50th (Round 3) and 70th (Round 4) picks.

Los Angeles will look to attain all the depth they can get from the SuperDraft and the Youth Academy to once again contend for and defend some MLS hardware. If they can get fresh new support, look for the G's to also be in good stead heading into the upcoming 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Major League Soccer is expanding faster than any other league in the United States. At only 15 years old, MLS is quickly coming up behind the four main leagues: NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Many would argue that it has surpassed NHL in a majority of the markets, same for the NBA and some MLB markets. The NFL is the biggest challenge, but MLS can easily become the #2.

Expansion clubs are becoming a trend in the league. 2009 saw the entrance of the instantly successful, instantly popular Seattle Sounders FC. 2010 welcomed Philadelphia Union. While not as successful, the Chester, PA-based club enjoyed great attendance at the new PPL Park. 2011 will welcome Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In 2012, Montreal Impact will join the league. There is also talks of another New York team bearing a familiar name, New York Cosmos, for 2013.

MLS is hitting the main target points of most professional sports areas. The league is now based in 18 cities: New York, Columbus, Los Angeles, Toronto, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Houston, San Jose, Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Montreal, Portland, Chicago, Vancouver, Kansas City, and Washington, D.C.

Commissioner Don Garber loves the expansion, but he is missing several great opportunities. Florida did not welcome teams in Miami or Tampa Bay in the 90s, but times have changed. St. Louis would love a club as well.

However, I seem to be the only one remembering a state that would welcome a club in a heartbeat: Connecticut.

Little old Connecticut. The third smallest state. My beloved home. Connecticut is in a peculiar situation when it comes to loyalties in sports. See, we do not have our own teams. We support the Connecticut Huskies athletic programs with a professional passion and our only pro team is the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. The only time I have been to the Sun's arena was to watch my old high school's girls basketball team play in the state championship.

Connecticut has felt the cold chill of loneliness ever since that fateful day. 13 days before my fifth birthday in 1997, Connecticut said goodbye to its beloved Hartford Whalers. The NHL team, which had been a center of culture in Connecticut since 1972, moved to Raleigh to become the Carolina Hurricanes. Whalers merchandise continues to be a hot buy.

We are the college basketball capital of the northeast, and one of the basketball hot spots nationally, however, Connecticut also loves its soccer. It is the perfect place for a new MLS franchise.

This slideshow gives several reasons as to why Connecticut would be a great spot for an MLS team as the league looks to expand its popularity.

Begin Slideshow

Source: Click Here

The theme of 2011 planning continues, building off the idea of Agility that I mentioned in the last post.

And no, I’m not suggesting that the team sign up for advanced calisthenics, Bikram Yoga classes or take ballet (though, after last season’s struggles, I’m not necessarily against any of the above either).

Instead, as I sat in those 2011 marketing planning meetings last week, I was reminded of a key theme that pervades our corporate marketing direction—the idea of becoming more agile. This is not an abstract idea of agility, but rather a reasonably well accepted marketing adaptation of agile development process.

There are plenty of places for you to get information on agile marketing principles, but here is a nice summary. Instead of recreating the depth of that article, there are a few key tenets…frequent status checks and communications built on trusted relationships, around simple repeatable topics, that can deliver measurable increases in key metrics. Oh, and expect… no… welcome (!) changes to your plan, as it represents new, better information on which to make decisions.

The good news for our New England Revolution marketing department is that it seems to have adopted some of these key themes. Perhaps by accident, perhaps by design, but either way, it’s probably a good thing. The positive potential within the new blogging outreach program ties nicely to the themes of building trusted relationships and getting repetitive conversations and themes to market. It has potential; we’ll see how it works.

Dealing with change in marketing is one thing, but it got me thinking about something quite a bit different: the Revolution’s claimed hunt for a Designated Player (DP.)

For a while now, fans have heard the Revolution management suggest that a designated payer should provide a very particular-sounding mix of local fit, on-field production, fan support, as well as a direct impact to ticket sales. In fact, Mike Burns, when answering questions from fans, specifically said, “Any Designated Player would have to be someone whom our coaching staff feels gives a competitive advantage on the field, and someone whom our ownership and front office felt would give us a boost off the field in the community, through marketing, and by drawing additional fans, as well.”

For the record, I generally agree with Revolution management that a designated player, who makes that makes much more than the current MLS salary cap allows, should indeed bring special qualities to the table. This is doubly important in my view, since I’ve always felt team balance is more important for a successful MLS season than one or two stars. Achieving a team balance in MLS means walking a very careful line relative a restrictive salary cap, which does not necessarily square well with the idea of one or two highly paid stars. Oddly, as shown before, the Revolution already have a pretty badly skewed roster from a salary perspective without ever having used the DP option.

With the salary cap being such a central concern for any MLS team that is building a roster, an April 2010 Boston Globe article had caught my attention and increased my frustration. In the article, team owner/operator Jonathan Kraft states, “We actually have money allocated at the league and we’d love to put it to work…We’ve been trying to do it, because the money just sits there. But we’re going to be true to the intent of what it was meant to be.”

Not only have they been trying, but Mr. Burns said in that earlier blog that the team has “pursued and made offers to a couple” impact players. Some moves were made last year Perovic (good!) and Stolica (hard to judge in 2010, but not usually game changing) but with the departure of Taylor Twellman and Edgaras Jankauskas there is certainly room to work in the salary structure.

If we are to take Mr. Burns and Mr. Kraft at face value—and I see no reason not to—it would seem to me that the Revolution either a) have created such an unrealistic view of what player they can/should attract to New England (and at what cost) that they are not able to find many candidates, or b) they have realistic expectations of DP candidates for New England and are inept in deal making.

I suspect the struggle has been more about the players being pursued, especially since Mr. Burns had gone in that blog on to say: “I think the perception is that there are more of these players out there than do actually exist.”

This is where I start to question the Revolution logic, and where the ability to plan, make a reasoned decision and change direction ties back in. I am not convinced we, the soccer focused New Englanders, really know what impact any particular player can have directly on the “community” and the gate, mostly because the team has recently stayed away from bringing someone with a recognizable international name into the team.

And this is where agility comes back in.

There comes a time when you try what you think is right, even when the view forward is foggy. You sign a player you think can be an impact player and someone who may draw extra fans. You monitor the situation, and based on how things go, you change direction. Some of these attempts will fail, just as some of the team’s lower-priced signings will fail.

Most Designated Player contracts are not extremely long in duration, generally leverage “option years” to get the deal done and appear to have multiple “outs”. Mista? Denilson? These players did not make an impact for their respective teams and most like them get pushed back out of MLS reasonably quickly. Perhaps too quickly, some might say. So while player contracts are not the best place to practice agile processes that require frequent progress checks and course corrections, there are ways to limit the damage of bad decisions.

The teams who have tried such moves were showing their respective fan bases (and rosters) that action was being taken to make the teams significantly better. As the 2010 season showed, a combination of amazing luck and skill with drafting league-leaders like Clint Dempsey and Michael Parkhurst cannot be counted on as being the answer every year.  If you have noticed the fan angst around Foxboro, you know that this is not an insignificant matter for a team neither generating enough positive energy or ticket sales.  A more proactive, if imperfect, direction is needed in MLS these days – on the field and in the mind of fans.

Which brings us to today. The worst Revolution season in years has management thinking differently. On ESPNBoston.com in October, Revolution Chief Operating Officer Brian Bilello said, “…we are going to be looking bring in a Designated Player this off season.”

If it is time to act, monitor and react, we will soon see if the Revolution have learned enough from prior failures to identify and sign the right player. Or maybe more importantly, a near-right, player?  Being agile means you realize that at times, that waiting for perfect move can kill off a number of would-be good moves.

So either the team will act, monitor and—if needed—react to some early decisions. Or it should revisit it’s own capability to change and act there, by reviewing how it is structured for player acquisition.  Perhaps the team needs some new ”designated players” on that management team as well.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

"You know, a lot of people say if you dig long enough and hard enough you will get to China. And that may be true, but what they don't tell you is that if you dig long enough and hard enough in a conversation, you get to a friend. So here is to conversation."—Michael Scott, The Office

Since the New York Cosmos organization announced its intentions of becoming the 20th team in Major League Soccer, I've been flooded with emails and phone calls.

A lot of my readers are fully aware that while I may write about the Cosmos on a regular basis, they (readers) know that they're the ones who I write for. 

With an American soccer history as rich as that of the New York Cosmos, I thrive on the challenge of educating the new generation of Cosmos fans while reminding the older generation that their memories of the Cosmos are as valuable as the Mona Lisa. To all my New York Cosmos readers, I dedicate this article to you. 

To the new generation of Cosmos fans, thank you for the questions that you've asked over the past few months. From asking about the best books to read to who I consider to be the best Cosmos goalkeeper, you've kept me busy. Now that we're cool, heed my advice and finish school.

To older fans like Frank, thank you for keeping me honest. When it's said and done, you were there when the team played at Hofstra Stadium, Randall's Island, Yankee Stadium and eventually at the old Giants Stadium. From the beginning to the end...you were there. Now with their eventual return, you will be needed more than ever because your vivid memories of the Cosmos are valuable and irreplaceable.  

To the Borough Boys Supporters Club, thanks for your enthusiasm and your Supporters scarf. It's one of the best icebreaking tools I've ever had. Your passion for the Cosmos is exactly what young and old fans alike need. I look forward to your chants, and in a city like NYC, it's never too early to prepare for 2013.

To the parents of the Cosmos Academy players, thank you for making the sacrifices towards your sons' soccer education. You're a tight-knit community, and I'm extremely grateful for our conversations about soccer and family life. Thank you again—we'll talk again in 2011. 

Last and not least...to the future Cosmos fans who I will run into: I have no idea who you are, but I will look forward to our conversations. Prepare your questions, have your statements intact...it's going to be one heck of a ride!

Happy holidays, New York Cosmos fans!

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

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Landon Donovan nixes loan move

The suspense is over. The Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan is staying stateside.

Yesterday, both Donovan and the team announced that LA's No. 10 will forgo any potential loan opportunities when the international transfer window re-opens on January 1. Donovan, who played more than 50 games with the Galaxy and U.S. National Team while on loan with Everton in 2010, was named to the MLS Best XI team again last season after scoring seven goals and adding an MLS-best 16 assists in 24 regular season games.

"We think in the best interest of the club and the player that Landon continues his postseason break and begins preparations for what will be a challenging year in 2011 at both the domestic and international levels,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “We expect Landon to join our club for the start of preseason training next month as we begin to prepare for the 2011 MLS season.”

For Donovan, the news was bittersweet, but staying local ultimately prevailed over one final curtain call with the Tofeees of the Everton Football Club.

“While I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me, I feel that it is important to continue to rest and recover this offseason as opposed to going on loan,” Donovan said. “I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly non-stop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the National Team throughout the upcoming year.

"I look forward to re-joining my Galaxy teammates for the start of preseason training next month and beginning our quest for another MLS Cup championship.”

Now, the question remains: will it pay off this time around?

A.J., Omar and Sean to the forefront

Defenders A.J. De La Garza, Omar Gonzalez and Sean Franklin were named to the U.S. Men's National Team's 24-man roster ahead of its Jan. 22 friendly with Chile.

The camp begins Jan. 4.

“The timing is right to assess many of the younger players and to broaden the player pool as we look forward to the next three years,” Bradley said. “These extended camps give the coaching staff an opportunity to work with these players closely, and at the same time expose them to what the environment and expectations are like at the international level.”

Gonzalez made his international debut on August 10, playing the full 90 minutes in central defense in a 2-0 loss to Brazil at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

In two years with the Galaxy, Gonzalez has appeared in 58 regular season games, scoring three times and adding one assist. The Galaxy’s 2010 Defender of the Year, Gonzalez has started all seven of the club’s postseason games over the past two years, adding a goal and an assist, while helping LA reach MLS Cup in 2009 and win the Supporters’ Shield in 2010.

Franklin is in camp with the U.S. for the third time in his career, though he is still looking to make his first appearance for the Red White and Blue.

The 25-year-old was first called into Bob Bradley’s squad in November 2008 ahead of a 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Guatemala in Colorado. Franklin did not play in that game, but he was back in camp with the U.S. in January 2009, only to be forced to leave camp and undergo sports hernia surgery. In three years with the Galaxy, Franklin has appeared in 65 regular season games while helping his team reach the postseason twice.

The Galaxy’s second-round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of Maryland, DeLaGarza has established himself as one of the most versatile and reliable young defenders in the league. The 23-year-old has been used on the right and left sides of defense, as well as in central defense, where he played for much of the second half of last season.

De La Garza has appeared in 39 regular season games for the Galaxy in his two years with the club, scoring twice and adding an assist. He was used primarily as at outside back during his rookie season in 2009 when he helped the Galaxy return to MLS Cup for the first time since 2005.

Here is your 24-man roster ahead of the Jan. 22 match with La Roja.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Dominic Cervi (Celtic), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (9): A.J. DeLaGarza (Los Angeles Galaxy), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Ugo Ihemelu (FC Dallas), Zach Loyd (FC Dallas), Ryan Miller (Halmstads BK), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Anthony Wallace (Colorado Rapids), Marvell Wynne (Colorado Rapids)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Eric Alexander (FC Dallas), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Sam Cronin (San Jose Earthquakes), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids), Dax McCarty (D.C. United), Brek Shea (FC Dallas)

FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Landon Donovan nixes loan move

The suspense is over. The Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan is staying stateside.

Yesterday, both Donovan and the team announced that LA's No. 10 will forgo any potential loan opportunities when the international transfer window re-opens on January 1. Donovan, who played more than 50 games with the Galaxy and U.S. National Team while on loan with Everton in 2010, was named to the MLS Best XI team again last season after scoring seven goals and adding an MLS-best 16 assists in 24 regular season games.

"We think in the best interest of the club and the player that Landon continues his postseason break and begins preparations for what will be a challenging year in 2011 at both the domestic and international levels,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “We expect Landon to join our club for the start of preseason training next month as we begin to prepare for the 2011 MLS season.”

For Donovan, the news was bittersweet, but staying local ultimately prevailed over one final curtain call with the Tofeees of the Everton Football Club.

“While I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me, I feel that it is important to continue to rest and recover this offseason as opposed to going on loan,” Donovan said. “I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly non-stop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the National Team throughout the upcoming year.

"I look forward to re-joining my Galaxy teammates for the start of preseason training next month and beginning our quest for another MLS Cup championship.”

Now, the question remains: will it pay off this time around?

A.J., Omar and Sean to the forefront

Defenders A.J. De La Garza, Omar Gonzalez and Sean Franklin were named to the U.S. Men's National Team's 24-man roster ahead of its Jan. 22 friendly with Chile.

The camp begins Jan. 4.

“The timing is right to assess many of the younger players and to broaden the player pool as we look forward to the next three years,” Bradley said. “These extended camps give the coaching staff an opportunity to work with these players closely, and at the same time expose them to what the environment and expectations are like at the international level.”

Gonzalez made his international debut on August 10, playing the full 90 minutes in central defense in a 2-0 loss to Brazil at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

In two years with the Galaxy, Gonzalez has appeared in 58 regular season games, scoring three times and adding one assist. The Galaxy’s 2010 Defender of the Year, Gonzalez has started all seven of the club’s postseason games over the past two years, adding a goal and an assist, while helping LA reach MLS Cup in 2009 and win the Supporters’ Shield in 2010.

Franklin is in camp with the U.S. for the third time in his career, though he is still looking to make his first appearance for the Red White and Blue.

The 25-year-old was first called into Bob Bradley’s squad in November 2008 ahead of a 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Guatemala in Colorado. Franklin did not play in that game, but he was back in camp with the U.S. in January 2009, only to be forced to leave camp and undergo sports hernia surgery. In three years with the Galaxy, Franklin has appeared in 65 regular season games while helping his team reach the postseason twice.

The Galaxy’s second-round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of Maryland, DeLaGarza has established himself as one of the most versatile and reliable young defenders in the league. The 23-year-old has been used on the right and left sides of defense, as well as in central defense, where he played for much of the second half of last season.

De La Garza has appeared in 39 regular season games for the Galaxy in his two years with the club, scoring twice and adding an assist. He was used primarily as at outside back during his rookie season in 2009 when he helped the Galaxy return to MLS Cup for the first time since 2005.

Here is your 24-man roster ahead of the Jan. 22 match with La Roja.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Dominic Cervi (Celtic), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (9): A.J. DeLaGarza (Los Angeles Galaxy), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Ugo Ihemelu (FC Dallas), Zach Loyd (FC Dallas), Ryan Miller (Halmstads BK), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Anthony Wallace (Colorado Rapids), Marvell Wynne (Colorado Rapids)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Eric Alexander (FC Dallas), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Sam Cronin (San Jose Earthquakes), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids), Dax McCarty (D.C. United), Brek Shea (FC Dallas)

FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

March 20: FirstKick against New England

The Los Angeles Galaxy will begin their 2010 season at Qwest Field to take on the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday, Mar. 20. The match will be televised LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and espn3.com at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

As for the Galaxy, they will have their home opener on Sunday, March 20 when they face the New England Revolution. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT

More home openers for you...All times ET.

Saturday, March 19
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Toronto FC, time TBD
D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
New York Red Bulls vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 7:30 p.m.
FC Dallas vs. Chicago Fire, 8:30 p.m.
Houston Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union, 8:30pm
Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers, 9 p.m.
Chivas USA vs. Sporting Kansas City, 10:30 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 26
Chicago Fire vs. Sporting Kansas City, 4 p.m.
Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls, 4 p.m.
Philadelphia Union vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 4 p.m.
Toronto FC vs. Portland Timbers, time TBD
New England Revolution vs. D.C. United, time TBD
Real Salt Lake vs. LA Galaxy, 9 p.m.

Thursday, April 14
Portland Timbers vs. Chicago Fire, 11 p.m.

Thursday, June 9
Sporting Kansas City vs. Chicago Fire, time TBD


Youth Academy Update

While the Los Angeles Galaxy Youth Academy sides are going through their layoff period this season, we wanted to give you a look at some of the teams performing well in the USSF Development Academy. Here they are.

U-15/16
Solar Chelsea SC (Texas) – 11-1-2 overall, 27 goals for, 7 against
Seattle Sounders FC (Washington) – 8-2-2 overall, 23 goals for, 14 against
Concorde Fire (Georgia) – 18-2-3 overall, 71 goals for, 19 against
Los Angeles Galaxy (California) – 10-0-1 overall, 32 goals for, 7 against

U-17/18
FC Dallas (Texas) – 11-1-3 overall, 32 goals for, 9 against
Seattle Sounders FC (Washington) – 8-1-3 overall, 26 goals for, 8 against
Real Salt Lake (Arizona) – 4-0-3 overall, 20 goals for, 6 against
Chivas USA (California) – 7-3-4 overall, 27 goals for, 20 against

As you can see, the Under-16s are well represented on this list, with an unbeaten season to boot.


More plaudits for Mr. Donovan

Fresh off a successful FIFA 2010World Cup campaigh, Galaxy midfielder and team captain Landon Donovan was named US Soccer’s Male Athlete of the Year for a record fourth time on Monday. Donovan previously earned the prize in 2003, 2004 and 2009.

Donovan led the United States national team in goals for the fifth time, netting three during the World Cup in South Africa, and also topped the team in points for the seventh time. On the club level, Donovan led the league with 16 assists in 2010 and helped the Galaxy capture the 2010 Supporters' Shield.

“I want to thank everyone who chose me for this honor,” Donovan said in a statement. “I am very proud to have been part of this team and how we represented ourselves this year.

“For me, the lasting memories from South Africa this summer will be as much about the amazing support we received from fans across the country as our team’s performance. It certainly meant a lot to all of us.”

Donovan's goal against Algeria was also the foundation for four other "Best of" awards from U.S. Soccer, including Best Goal, Best Photo, Best Performance: Team and Best South Africa Moment.

Well done, that man.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Watching the MLS nowadays, one is stuck wondering whether he or she is watching a men's Friday night soccer league or an actual professional league.

The league and media spends so much time investing in older, fading European stars that the rare, raw American talents often take a back seat.

Hidden behind Champions League medals, Premier League and FA Cup doubles, FIFA Player of the Year Nominations, and much more lie a host of American players waiting for a chance to make American soccer popular and finally be voted as Prom Queen over their more "pretty" and "popular" peers—football, baseball, basketball, etc.

Realistically, at the rate we are moving, this romantic notion will remain stuck in time.

American citizens far and wide are packing the stadiums for Thierry Henry and David Beckham, not Chris Albright and Quincy Amarikwa (I had to Google American soccer players in the MLS—no joke).

Fostering European "wash-ups," no offense Mr. Henry or Mr. Beckham, is only going to take popularity so far.

Americans are crying out for a Rocky Balboa. An underdog in the world game. A stubborn rock who simply does not comprehend the term "fail."

America, if it has not realized it, needs to look no more. His name brought the chants "USA, USA" into England soccer coliseums. He carried America on his back in South Africa. And he made his career here, in the red, white, and blue streets of America.

His name—Landon Donovan.

His story makes him the Hollywood star American fans adore.

Unknown at the age of 16, he claimed the Golden Ball award in the under-19 World Championship. He signed a contract in Germany, where he was then sent out on-loan to the San Jose Earthquakes and led them to the MLS Championship.

His climatic climb reached its height in 2002, when he officially cemented his name in the hearts of American soccer lovers. He scored two goals to propel the USA to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 1930.

However, like many cinematic characters, Donovan faced a fall from grace and was exiled from Bayern Leverkusen twice and Bayern Muinch once after failing to make any impression at all in Europe.

Easily the lowest point in his career, Donovan was down and out and looked to be another lost kid in the grand scheme of the game.

However, at the ripe age of 28, he joined Everton on-loan and all his trials and tribulations were soon a distant memory. In 10 games, he scored twice and assisted three times.

He then carried the US National Team on his back in the 2010 World Cup. Donovan scored three goals in four games, including the late winner against Algeria that gave the USA its first win in eight years, and set them on top of the group table.

The rest, as they say, is history.

His pace, composure in front of goal, unmatched work rate and selfless play has put Donovan in a class that no soccer player in America can match.

When his career comes to a close, commentators, coaches, players, fans and anyone associated with soccer will always agree that Donovan was the first of his kind.

He is the first player to give Americans someone to claim their allegiance to, and claim it proudly.

No matter who comes to this country and what accolades they hold, they will always be following in the footsteps of Landon Donovan.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here