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MLS News
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Wednesday, 18 March 2009 23:22 |
Let's update the list as some notable former MLS players and 2009 draft picks have finally found homes in the USL.
NEWEST
USL-1
Lyle Adams has re-surfaced after several trials in Europe (Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium) didn't yield a contract. The four-year Wake Forest starter opted for the Austin Aztex instead of DC United. Maybe he thinks Stoke City will come a-callin' if he shows well in Austin? At 22 and a 2nd round SuperDraft pick, he seems a bit out of place, but it'll be interesting to follow his progress.
Stephen Keel wound up with Portland after four years and 10 games with the Colorado Rapids. With the rumored announcement of a Portland MLS franchise expected Friday, maybe the 25-year-old defender has found his road back in Major League Soccer.
Keel will be a good defensive option for the Timbers, but Portland will be a little more excited about the prospect of Ryan Pore, former Kansas City Wizards utility man. Pore appeared over 50 times for the Wizards, scoring three times.
Portland didn't just add field players as they strengthen their squad to make a run at the 2009 USL Championship. Former Galaxy keeper Steve Cronin joins the fold after a bittersweet time in Los Angeles, one that saw him win and lose the starting position for a team that struggled badly last season.
He never quite got the chance to work his way into Toronto FC's or most recently Tampere United's lineup, but Tyler Hemming should get his shot with the Charleston Battery. He will join long-time USL Sounder Kenji Treschuk.
The Cleveland City Stars have bolstered their prospects for a successful opening USL-1 season with the addition of Ricardo Pierre-Louis. The Haitian international was selected 22nd in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, but never featured in MLS play for the Columbus Crew. With 26 caps on the international level, he could prove a good pick-up for the Stars.
Kyle Veris wasn't able to latch on with DC United after a stint in Norway, but the big defender did find himself a USL-1 home. Puerto Rico, two goals up on Cruz Azul in CCL Semis, have snapped up the former Galaxy defender with the idea to add depth to an already effective backline.
OTHERS
Former DC United mid/striker Rod Dyachenko signed for the Minnesota Thunder.
Real Salt Lake hot prospect Alex Nimo has joined the Portland Timbers on loan for the season. It seems the Timbers are plucking all the excess talent from MLS.
Cleveland signed Akron graduate Evan Bush. The keeper had been invited in to train with the Seattle Sounders, but it didn't stick.
USL-2
The Richmond Kickers recently announced the signing of former Real Salt Lake midfielder Kenny Cutler. He's got plenty of MLS experience, but has battled injuries in years past so it will be interesting to see what he can do for the Kickers.
PDL
Now this one is the most surprising. Former New England Rev and Hofstra standout Gary Flood will be playing his 2009 soccer for the Long Island Rough Riders of the PDL. With 10 MLS games under his belt, it looks to be a hometown selection.
OLDER: Who else made the drop?
Source: Click Here
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MLS News
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Wednesday, 18 March 2009 19:40 |
With the news that Vancouver is going to join Major League Soccer in 2011 and reports circulating that Portland will be joining them, it is time to take a look at what MLS might look like in two seasons.
It is hard to believe, in a sense, that the fledgling league we have all grown up with is now going to be an 18 team powerhouse in a span of 15 years.
I remember one soccer writer proclaiming that MLS Cup 1997 was going to be the final match played in what at that time would have been the league's infant history.
Now, things have not been all rosy, what with the now long departed Tampa Bay and Miami. But I do not think there is any reason to be anything other than optimistic about Vancouver and Portland's entrance into the league in 2011, and not to forget Philadelphia next season.
When these three teams push the league to 18 clubs, there are several possibilities as to how the league will be constructed.
If MLS wishes to keep its current East-West setup, you are left with two 9 team conferences in this possible scenario.
It is assumed that no teams relocate between now and First Kick 2011.
East: DC United, New York, Philadelphia, New England, Toronto, Columbus, Chicago, Kansas City, Houston, or Dallas.
West: Portland, Vancouver, Seattle, San Jose, Colorado, Los Angeles, Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake, Houston, or Dallas.
You see the problem here, of course.
The West has seven natural residents with the two new teams; the Sounders, Earthquakes, Rapids, Galaxy, Chivas, and RSL. The East would definitely include United, Red Bulls, Philly, Revs, TFC, Crew, Fire, and probably Wizards.
The question is, what do they do with FC Dallas and the Dynamo?
I would not want them in different conferences. They are somewhat isolated enough from the rest of the league as it is.
So, the second possibility is going back to the old three division alignment.
I am not a fan of this really. I prefer two divisions or one. But, we will give it a shot in the interest of fairness.
East: New England, DC, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Columbus.
Central: Salt Lake, Colorado, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Chicago.
West: Portland, Vancouver, Seattle, San Jose, Los Angeles, Chivas USA.
The central division is sort of a problem here in my book. It is not logical to have RSL and the Fire in the same division. Even though the combo of Colorado, Houston, Dallas, and Kansas City seems to work.
You would not change the west because those six make too much sense. You could exchange Chicago and Columbus in the east and central. But even if you did, there would be the same oddity with the Crew and RSL in the same division.
So, that leaves a single table.
Now, lets be clear. I am not one of those freaks who insist that MLS must go to single-table and pro/rel, and all that other stuff to survive long-term.
I think the league is doing fine. But if you wanted a neatly tuned 34-game season with one 18 team table, there would certainly be a good argument for it. The disadvantage here, perhaps, lies against with Houston, Dallas, and Kansas City, who would in theory do more traveling than other teams because you have good clusters of clubs on the east and west coasts.
I do not know the answers. I am just presenting the options.
I am curious to hear how you, if you were head of MLS for a day, would align the league come 2011.Source: Click Here
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MLS News
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Wednesday, 18 March 2009 16:35 |
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Major League Soccer announced today that Vancouver has been awarded a Major League Soccer franchise for the 2011 season. The Vancouver franchise will have natural rivalries with Toronto and Seattle, who both have MLS teams:
“Having Vancouver in the league helps us create a national sporting landscape for soccer,” said Paul Beirne, Toronto FC’s senior director of business operations. “From a business standpoint it makes the overall business, from a corporate sponsorships standpoint, a little more robust because even though Vancouver is far away, it is a natural rival as one of the three major cities in Canada along with Toronto and Montreal.”
At a press conference announcing the decision, MLS commissioner Don Garber said:
“Our goal is to become one of the world’s best soccer leagues. The addition of Vancouver will help us get to that point.”
The Vancouver Whitecaps currently play in the United Soccer Leagues’ first division. Whitecaps owner Greg Kerfoot leads the Vancouver ownership group. NBA star Steve Nash is also involved along with San Francisco Giants co-owner Jeff Mallett and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Luczo.
The Vancouver MLS team will play at BC Place. The stadium, 20,000-seat soccer-specific design, will undergo about $292 million in improvements before the club begins playing.
“British Columbians are excited about hosting a Major League Soccer team in a newly renovated BC Place Stadium beginning in 2011,” said British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell in a news conference. “The Vancouver Whitecaps have been a part of our province’s history for more than three decades. As an MLS team, the Whitecaps organization will carry on that incredible tradition, as well as generate economic benefits of up to $25 million each season.””
“The successful bid for a Major League Soccer franchise offers a whole new level of opportunity for our organization and by extension for our city and our province,” Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi said.
Source: Click Here
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MLS News
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Wednesday, 18 March 2009 16:01 |
I've been reading BigSoccer too much, because I was quite concerned that the focus on Vancouver meant that MLS wasn't going to announce an 18th team in the near future.
Quote:
MLS plans to announce another expansion team, its 18th, in the near future.
I should read press releases all the way through before I panic. Here's the release, by the way.
Quote:
The Vancouver MLS team will begin play in 2011 at the newly-renovated BC Place Stadium in the city's downtown entertainment district. The venue will undergo approximately $365 million CDN in improvements before the new MLS team takes to the field, and will have a seamless 20,000-seat soccer-specific configuration.
Quote:
Grass not found
Did you mean: FieldTurf?
I'm starting to think we've lost this particular battle, particularly if MLS is intent on expanding to windswept, frozen, snowbound outposts in the very hinterlands of habitable earth, warmed neither by the sun or by the glow of civilization. ITTET, FieldTurf is cheaper.
Well, it's also cheaper in good economic times. But if you're waiting for people to make decisions that cost them money, you'll be waiting on that bus for a while. (Even Drew Carey's drunken Seattle Sounders marching band. It was originally going to be a full symphony orchestra. True story.*)
Basically, if you've been mad about Seattle playing in Qwest For Fire Stadium, well, copy and paste those complaints, because you'll have another reason to be upset. Including holding important games there. I wouldn't be at all surprised if BC Place hosted an MLS Cup before BMO Field. (Presumably Vancouver fans won't demand US qualifiers...unless they're more clever than we thought...)
Oh, speaking of the US national team. Yes, several of our more northerly states continue to hold out against the federal government, and that goddam pansy Obama won't send a few divisions of Marines to avenge 1812. A century of humiliation is ENOUGH.
Maybe that's a topic for my other blog, letsconquerandenslavecanada.com. The point is, Vancouver cannot be relied on to prioritize US national team development. This goes against the stated mission of MLS from back in 1993 or whatever.
But, it does not go against the Three Laws of MLS Robotics. Which are, to recap:
1. Make money.
2. See No. 1.
The MLS Board of Governors sees Vancouver as a more profitable expansion site than every city in America. Might be a little tough to swallow, but it's their money.
Oh, I don't believe there's a ceiling on the number of potential MLS teams, FIFA or no FIFA. So I don't believe that Vancouver is costing Your Town a team, just a team that will kick off in 2011. However, if you are ticked off at MLS fielding teams that deprive Your Town, there's at least one redundant team in Los Angeles that I think makes a much peachier target than a business that just bet somewhere in the neighborhood of forty million donuts that they can get twenty thousand customers every two weeks.
In any case, congratulations to Vancouver. Now, what will they call themselves?
Let's have a contest here, to help pick a name.
1. In a nod to the soccer tradition of the city, Vancouver 86ers. Mascot:
2. For the traditionalists, BCFC. Mascot:
3. Vancouver Athletics, because if Philadelphia can't use it, someone's got to.
4. Vancouver Barcelona. For the sheer awesomeness of it.
5. We need another Eurosnob name. I got it: Vancouventus.
*LieSource: Click Here
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MLS News
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Wednesday, 18 March 2009 11:48 |
In their efforts aimed at providing a fitting introduction for the next great world soccer superpower, the folks out in Seattle have been preparing a suitably Speer-esque extravaganza which will be missing only a bunch of guys wearing swastikas to be a perfect duplication of the opening of the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
One feature of this Busby Berkley caliber celebration was to be the release of hundreds of beautiful white doves from the tunnel just prior to the emergence of a really, really fat guy and a bunch of soccer players wearing a licensed logo of the Microsoft corporation.
Ah, poetry.
Unfortunately, during a test run late last week, when they let a dozen or so of the universal feathered symbols of peace loose so they could zero the cameras, they were met in mid-flight by a pack of ravenous hawks, who proceeded to shred them into the dove-like equivalent of chicken fingers.
Only much bloodier.
So they've decided that rather than treat their sellout crowd and a national TV audience to a the sight of bloody little dove carcasses raining down on the crowd (not that having a dead bird land on John Wolyniec's head wouldn't be amusing as hell) during something that, as a famous King once said "is supposed to be a happy occasion", they've sent the birds back to wherever they keep them.
Now if we could just arrange to tie some feathers onto Freddie Ljundberg, maybe we could...well, nevermind.
While I'm busy exploring new vistas of enemy-making, I might as well jump in with both feet and refer to a piece from CITYFILE NEW YORK.
It points out that while everyone is in a frenzy over the American taxpayer working 9-5 so that AIG executives who did possibly the worst job imaginable can be rewarded with obscene "bonuses" (imagine what they'd be getting if they HADN'T driven their company well past insolvency and helped bring the world financial system to the point of implosion), we're missing another equally atrocious use of our money.
If in fact it's possible for the US to legally vacate the contracts which demand these truly ludicrous "bonuses" totaling a reported $160 million, then surely we can find a way for us to not have to send Manchester United another $20 million to complete the sponsorship deal.
The money comes from exactly the same place.
The Toronto Globe and Mail which has proven to be pretty reliable with regard to the Vancouver MLS bid, is reporting that there will be an announcement later today confirming that the Whitecaps will enter MLS in 2011.
Despite the fact that I'm philosophically opposed to both more Canadian MLS teams and playing matches in BC Place—and if I have to hear another word about how lovely their roof is I'm going to hurl—in the end, Kerfoot probably had the best, most viable bid and if MLS is determined to go ahead and expand at an alarming rate then this was undoubtedly a reasonable choice.
Best of all, MLS will finally meet a deadline, since they siad they would definitely make an announcement before the beginning of the season.
Just under the wire counts.
Meanwhile, all you MLS teams who were working on developing some roster depth should just forget it. We're going to see three teams stocked through expansion drafts in the next year and a half.
No point in wasting time and effort developing players for somebody else.
For those of you who've been riveted to your seats in eager anticipation of where the long-awaited "Eighth WPS Team" would be located, THE WAIT IS OVER.
The team will land in Philadelphia, giving the stadium in Chester another 10 home dates and if you think I'm making some pun using "dates" and "women soccer players" then you're crazy.
As you've undoubtedly noticed, the soccersphere is currently awash with "MLS Preseason Prediction" articles, most of which are totally witless (see Trecker, Jamie) and all of which are pretty much meant to be forgotten by next Wednesday if not sooner.
Still, for bloggers—and even for "Big, Impressive Professional Journalists"—the yearly "predictions" article is one of those "automatic" posts that free you from having to figure out what to write about that day.
Some guys go whole-hog on the thing and do one "review" per team per day, thus providing us all with a couple of weeks worth of total drivel rather than just one day's worth.
That being said, the ever-worthwhile Buzz Carrick has offered up a different sort of column which is well worth your time.
Among his more interesting thoughts for the 2009 season:
- This summer, Freddy Adu will return to MLS and will join LA Galaxy with their top-ranked allocation.
- Preki will be the first coach fired and the parent club will replace him with a Mexican coach.
- When Tom Soehn loses control of his locker room and is fired later this year, Ben Olsen will be named coach in his place.
- Real Salt Lake will be MLS Cup Champs.
(Since I won't break my personal promise not to mention a certain well-known underwear model, I'll just mention that Buzz is predicting that Brooklyn's Mom and Dad won't be spending much time with Tom and Katie this summer and let you read that one for yourself.)
Regarding RSL, it's worth noting that while the Carolina Challenge Cup isn't usually considered Big Time, four of the last five winners have gone on to win a trophy.
Of course, Buzz isn't the only one predicting good things for Jason Kreis and the boys—I myself will have my boring, mundane and pointless MLS Predictions piece done tomorrow if I don't run out of Laphroaig between now and then)—but it's worth noting that they've had a really strong preseason and Kreis seems to have them tight and focused.
It would be a mistake to forget how close they came to the final last year, and they mean to be reckoned with.
So while the Carolina Challenge isn't exactly the FA Cup, Kreis does indeed intend for this to be a shot over the league's bow.Source: Click Here
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MLS News
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Wednesday, 18 March 2009 08:00 |
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I am not a fortune teller, I lack psychic powers, and I am definitely no prophet, so take these predictions with a grain of salt.
I have consulted the league rosters (not tarot cards or the stars) to come up with a slew of predictions for the 2009 MLS season.
Here they are. If they do somehow turn out to be right, it will be luck, so please do not burn me at the stake.
Regular Season Standings
East
Columbus
Chicago
New York
Kansas City
New England
Toronto
D.C.
West
Houston
Salt Lake
Chivas USA
Dallas
L.A.
San Jose
Colorado
Seattle
Supporters Shield: Columbus (again)
MLS Cup: Chicago
Individual Awards
MVP: Guillermo Barros Schelotto (again)
Golden Boot: Juan Pablo Angel
Defender of the Year: Jimmy Conrad
Goalkeeper of the Year: Pat Onstad
Coach of the Year: Jason Kreis
Comeback Player of the Year: Taylor Twellman
Rookie of the Year: Steve Zakuani
(Fictional) Bust of the Year: Freddie Ljungberg, the “Swedish Becks”
2009 MLS Best XI
Goalie: Pat Onstad
Defense: Chad Marshall, Jimmy Conrad, Drew Moor
Midfield: Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Sacha Kljestan, Javier Morales, Steve Ralston, Cuauhtemoc Blanco
Forward: Landon Donovan, Juan Pablo Angel
So, that’s it folks, those are my ultimately-useless predictions for the 2009 MLS season. Will any of them be correct? Well, maybe one or two. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then, right?
My 2009 MLS Season Preview Series is now complete. Please keep coming back to STO throughout the season for the best MLS news, commentary, and analysis on the vast ocean of interwebs. Source: Click Here
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MLS News
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Wednesday, 18 March 2009 05:52 |
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Shandong Luneng 5 - Sriwijaya 0 (Asian Champions League, March 17, 2009) Braces from Li Jinyu and Mrdakovic Miljan helped the Chinese outfit collect their first win in the ACL, Han Peng also finding the back of the net as Shandong completely outclassed the visitors.
Newcastle Jets 2 - Ulsan Hyundai 0 (Asian Champions League, March 17, 2009) Sasho Petrovski gave Newcastle the lead after just 15 minutes when he latched onto Ljubo Milicevic’s ball into the penalty area before sweeping home a left-footed effort from eight yards out. Petrovski then notched a header just before to break, and the South Koreans were unable to respond.
FC Seoul 2 - Gamba Osaka 4 (Asian Champions League, March 17, 2009) Gamba took the lead after just 13 minutes when Masato Yamazaki scored with a fine effort from the edge of the box. Jung Jo-gook equalised nine minutes after the break before Brazilian striker Leandro scored a hat-trick to put the match to bed. Lee Sang-hyub’s 90th minute goal was nothing more than scant consolation.
Pakhtakor Tashkent 1 - Al-Hilal 1 (Asian Champions League, March 17, 2009) Radoi’s 56th minute penalty for Al-Hilil was cancelled out 60 seconds later by Tadzhiev’s header for the Uzebkis.
Al Sharjah 0 - Al Gharrafa 2 (Asian Champions League, March 17, 2009) The Qataris won with goals in each half from Kamil and Clemerson.
Saba Battery 0 - Al-Ahli 0 (Asian Champions League, March 17, 2009) Saba enjoyed the majority of possession in Iran but failed to capitalise on their few chances.
Nagoya 0 - Beijing Guoan 0 (Asian Champions League, March 17, 2009)
***
Puerto Rico Islanders 2 - Cruz Azul 0 (CONCACAF Champions League, March 17, 2009) The Islanders got an early goal by Sandi Gbandi after a great service by Josh Hansen, which was doubled by Nicholas Addlery’s well taken free-kick.
***
Chivas USA 2 - Houston Dynamo 2 (Pre-season Friendly, March 13, 2009) Shavar Thomas and Atiba Harris scored for Chivas, who also had Ricardo Clark sent off with the referee taking hands-on control of the situation pushing the offender out of the way before the Houston side could take reprisals. Source: Click Here
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MLS News
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Tuesday, 17 March 2009 22:02 |
Though the off-season moves leading up to this Thursday's season opener haven't exactly been the most mindblowing, there is still a lot to look forward to in 2009.
The following feature will show up every Tuesday in an effort to track the impact and play of each MLS "newcomer."
I wanted to add possible breakout players like San Jose's Ryan Johnson or FC Dallas' Eric Avila but then things got way too confusing...for me (it doesn't take much).
The initial ranking is based purely on perceived hype throughout the league's preseason. Feel free to disagree and add your own entries in the comments section as I'm sure I have missed some.
It's 10 points for the first position, 1 point for the 10th position in the list. Arbitrary but it should be fun. Suggestions to make things better are welcome too.
1. Freddy Montero (Seattle)
Despite interest from Real Betis in La Liga, the 21-year old Montero was a surprise capture for the Sounders expansion campaign. The majority of MLS enthusiasts are still scratching their heads asking "what's the catch?".
A 21-year old Colombian international, proven goalscorer in with Deportivo Cali and Huila. Montero has shown over the pre-season that he could be the real deal, but he has certainly drawn the most hype.
2. Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle)
The former Arsenal terror will most likely miss the home opener, but many will be itching to see Ljungberg return from his hiatus.
The Swedish Beckham has had an extensive history of injuries but at 31, if healthy, he can offer an awful lot to the expansion Sounders' midfield. The hype is high. Can Freddie deliver?
3. Bobby Convey (San Jose)
Another injury case. It seems like Bobby should be retiring soon, but at 25, he still has a lot to prove. Convey returns from Reading and joins a San Jose squad that lost several midfield options in the off-season in his second MLS stint.
When healthy and in-form, the Philly native is dangerous on the wing and even working up the middle. Unfortunately, the past couple years staying healthy has become the biggest challenge of the midfielder's career.
Still, with 45 USMNT caps under his belt, Convey provides international experience and a spark to go with the new and seemingly improved Quakes.
4. Albert Celades (New York)
RBNY's website even says Celades could be the piece to the puzzle that eliminates the Cinderella label this season. Well there is no questioning his resume, easily the most impressive in the league, but there will still be questions.
Celades has reiterated several times since his signing that he is not here on vacation, but here to win a championship. I don't doubt him, but prove it.....
5. Pablo Vitti (Toronto FC)
Vitti was at one time one of the most discussed Argentine attacking prospects. With only one goal in the last 3 years, Toronto FC coach John Carver is hoping he can turn that all around.
At 23, he still has the youth to do that and lead a seemingly improved TFC line-up to the top of the Eastern Conference.
6. Santiago Hirsig (Kansas City)
A lot of question marks here but really not a huge amount of hype. Frankly, I'm more interested to see how Claudio Lopez does in his second but first non-DP MLS season.
It will be season early on if Hirsig is going to provide the playmaking ability that can spark a Wizards offense in need of a continuation of their late 2008 efforts.
Or will former San Lorenzo midfielder Hirsig become just another afterthought like Carlos Marinelli?
7. Tristan Bowen (Los Angeles)
It'll be Tristan's first season with the Galaxy. As the first academy product signed, Bowen's progress will be tracked by many.
He's not expected to blow people away but with the "academy generation" starting to grow (Tyler Deric of Houston was No. 2), MLS fans will be looking to see how the homegrown products pan out in the pro ranks.
At RBNY's media day recently, there was speculation that the third MLS academy product may come from New York.
8. Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles)
The former Terp and NCAA champion has very Sean Franklin-esque job ahead of him this year. It's highly likely the massive Gonzalez will be part of a hugely questionable back line that Bruce Arena has pieced together...one that could be led by 37-year old Tony Sanneh.
A former NCAA defensive player of the year, the 20-year old Gonzalez is hoping to transition quickly and help turn the fortunes of the Galaxy around. Can he do it?
9. David Ferreira (FC Dallas)
Oddly enough, there hasn't been much hype coming out of the FC Dallas camp about the 29-year old Ferreira. Yet something makes me believe this guy is going to rocket up the list.
Despite his diminutive size, reports and rumors out of Dallas say the Colombian international is no Franco Neill. Another product of the great Atletico Paranaense/FCD strategic partnership and a true #10, Ferreira seems to have all the makings of a transfer steal.
10. Sam Cronin (Toronto FC)
With the acquisition of Dwayne De Rosario, Toronto's midfield has almost become crowded this year. If there's one thing the Reds will take, however, it is depth. Cronin, the second pick overall in the 2009 Superdraft, will add that and learn from great MLS midfielders Guevara, Robinson, and DeRo.
With international duties looming, it's not a matter of if but when Cronin gets on the field to show what he can offer. A productive offseason has people excited to see what he can do.
OTHERS TO WATCH:
Cam Weaver (San Jose), Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Seattle), Sanna Nyassi (Seattle), Dejan Jekovic (DC United), Donovan Ricketts (Los Angeles), Steve Zakuani (Seattle), Stefan Frei (Toronto FC), Jeremy Hall (New York), Raphael Cox (Real Salt Lake), Steve Purdy (FC Dallas), Eduardo Lillingston (Chivas USA)
Are there others I missed? Source: Click Here
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MLS News
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Tuesday, 17 March 2009 21:36 |
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Every week during the 2009 MLS season, I'll be ranking all 15 MLS clubs based on their performances during the season to that point. MLS is a league with a lot of parity, so you can expect the rankings to change a great deal from week to week.
The formula for the rankings will be part statistical analysis, part subjective observation on my part, and, as always, reader input will be appreciated.
1. Columbus Crew
Until somebody proves otherwise, Columbus is the team to beat in 2009. League MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto returns to the club, as do key defenders Chad Marshall and Frankie Hejduk. Columbus appears to be in great shape for a title defense.
2. Chicago Fire
I wasn't completely sold on the Fire a few weeks ago, but I've had a change of heart. The combination of Blanco and McBride is possibly the best in the entire league. Bakary Soumare also adds quite a bit of pace and athleticism to the back line.
3. Houston Dynamo
Despite losing star playmaker Dwayne De Rosario in the off-season, Houston has proven that they will be a competitor during the 2009 season. They've fared better than any other MLS club in the CONCACAF Champions League. Also, Houston still has Brian Ching, Stuart Holden, and Ricardo Clark on the books.
4. New York Red Bulls
Last season's surprise finalists won't catch anybody unaware this season. The club has a solid core of players, including dangerous scorer Juan Pablo Angel. They also picked up Albert Celades, a Spaniard who has spent significant amounts of time with both Real Madrid and Barcelona. This kind of top-flight experience makes New York a club to be reckoned with.
5. Toronto FC
Toronto made the biggest move of the off-season when they acquired Dwayne De Rosario from Houston. He'll pair with enigmatic talent Amado Guevara in midfield, with Marvel Wynne shoring up the back line. For Toronto to stay near the top of the league, though, the defense will have to come up big.
6. D.C. United
Jaime Moreno may be one of the elder statesmen in MLS, but I still like him. Few clubs can match D.C. for offensive firepower. Their lineup of Moreno, Christian Gomez, Luciano Emilio, and Santino Quaranta give them the potential to put up huge numbers in the scoring column. Of course, they could also surrender tons of goals as well. Will Ivan Guerrero be enough in back?
7. Chivas USA
I love Chivas' midfield. In fact, Sacha Kljestan may be the best player in the league this side of Landon Donovan. If he exits in the summer transfer window, which looks likely, Chivas will plummet. If he stays, he can carry them deep into the playoffs. A lot rides on his shoulders.
8. New England Revolution
For several seasons, New England has been among the league's elite. Now, they've lost Michael Parkhurst and just keep getting older. Taylor Twellman, Steve Ralston, Shalrie Joseph, and Matt Reis are all high-mileage players. It's looking like New England's window to win a title with their current stars has finally closed.
9. FC Dallas
I don't care that their defense has been terrible in the pre-season. Kenny Cooper now has Dave Van Den Bergh's service to look forward to, and you can bet Cooper will make the most of it as he tries to break into the regular lineup for the U.S. National Team. Jeff Cunningham gives Dallas an experienced scorer off the bench.
10. San Jose Earthquakes
Their signing of U.S. international midfielder Bobby Convey was a shrewd move that should pay huge dividends. He still has a lot left in the tank and will be eager to succeed after a couple of injury-plagued seasons at Reading. Convey to Huckerby might not give you goosebumps, but it should win San Jose some games.
11. Kansas City Wizards
Kansas City signed their own Argentinian playmaker this off-season, Santiago Hirsig. He won't have the huge impact of Schelotto, but he should prove to be a decent signing. Jimmy Conrad will provide solid play and excellent leadership from the back. If this team can find some offense, they could be 2009's surprise package.
12. Los Angeles Galaxy
David Beckham will be coming back, but only for half the season. Unfortunately, every one of his teammates not named Landon Donovan isn't good enough to take advantage of his fantastic passing. Speaking of Donovan, he'll be playing for his last chance at a decent European contract. He could score 25 goals easily this season.
13. Real Salt Lake
ESPNSoccernet.com has these guys ranked No. 4 in their table. I can't be that optimistic about them until I see them in action in 2009. Yes, they made the playoffs last season. Yes, they've got some definite quality on the roster. But, the 10-10-10 record they sported last season wasn't very impressive. Call me skeptical for now.
14. Seattle Sounders FC
Seattle might have an outside shot at a playoff spot if they can stay healthy. Kasey Keller is still an excellent goalkeeper, Freddie Ljungberg should be intriguing at worst, and Nate Jaqua has the potential to be a homeless man's Brian McBride. He's big enough to win some balls in the box, but he lacks the durability and finishing touch of McBride.
15. Colorado Rapids
Aside from Conor Casey and Pablo Mastroeni, the Rapids don't have anybody who really grabs your attention. And let's face the facts, only one of the two players that I mentioned is capable of scoring more than a goal or two this season. Even if Colorado gets great defensive play, they will struggle dearly to score. Source: Click Here
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MLS News
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Tuesday, 17 March 2009 18:30 |
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3/17/2009
Roger Levesque was signed by Seattle.
Zach Scott was signed by Seattle.
3/16/2009
Lider Marmol was waived by Chicago.
Fabian Espindola was waived by Salt Lake.
Alex Nimo was loaned to Portland Timbers (USL) by Salt Lake.
Simon Elliot was signed by San Jose.
Mike Zaher was signed by San Jose.
Eduardo Lillingston was signed by Chivas.
Tony Sanneh was signed by Los Angeles.
Ty Harden was signed by Colorado.
Tristan Bowen was signed by Los Angeles.
Zack Simmons was signed by New England.
Tim Ward was signed by Chicago.
3/15/2009
Stephen Keel was waived by Colorado.
3/12/2009
Claudio Suarez has retired from Chivas.
James Thorpe was waived by DC.
Albert Celades was signed by New York.
3/11/2009
Josh Wicks was traded by Los Angeles to DC.
3/5/2009
Stefan Dimitrov was signed by Chicago.
3/4/2009
Ned Grabavoy was signed by Salt Lake.
Anthony Peters was signed by DC.
3/3/2009
Facundo Erpen was waived by Colorado.
Jose Burciaga was waived by Colorado.
Josh Boateng was waived by Los Angeles.
Tyler Deric was signed by Houston.
Emmanuel Gomez was signed by Toronto.
Amadou Sanyang was signed by Toronto.
Ned Grabavoy was waived by San Jose.
Kai Kasiguran was waived by Chicago.
Tyler Kettering was waived by Chicago.
Brian Grazier was waived by Colorado.
Sean Bucknor was waived by Dallas.
Andrew Daniels was waived by Dallas.
Jamie Watson was waived by Dallas.
Chase Wileman was waived by Dallas.
Stephen Wondolowski was waived by Houston.
Vardan Adzemian was waived by Los Angeles.
Charles Alamo was waived by Los Angeles.
Charles Alamo was waived.
Michael Gavin was waived by Los Angeles.
Mike Munoz was waived by Los Angeles.
Sam Brill was waived by New England.
Brandon Manzonelli was waived by New England.
Brandon Tyler was waived by New England.
Joe Germanese was waived by New England.
Gary Flood was waived by New England.
Brennan Tennelle was waived by Salt Lake.
3/2/2009
Chris Leitch was traded by New York to San Jose.
Michael Ghebru was waived by San Jose.
John Cunliffe was waived by San Jose.
Justin Hughes was waived by Colorado.
Kwame Sarkodie was waived by Colorado.
Cesar Zambrano was waived by Colorado.
Raphael Wicky has retired from Chivas.
3/1/2009
Gregory Richardson was signed by Colorado.
Mike Zaher was waived by DC.
2/28/2009
David Ferreira was signed by Dallas.
Dejan Jakovic was signed by DC.
Mike Graczyk was waived by DC.
2/26/2009
Matt Pickens was signed by Colorado.
2/25/2009
Adrian Serioux was traded by Dallas to Toronto.
Gonzalo Martinez was waived by DC.
Caleb Patterson-Sewell was waived by New York.
Kevin Reiman was waived by Salt Lake.
Tyler Rosenlund was waived by Toronto.
Pablo Campos was signed by San Jose.
Mike Randolph was waived by Los Angeles.
Steve Cronin was waived by Los Angeles.
Ely Allen was waived by Los Angeles.
Brandon McDonald was waived by Los Angeles.
Troy Roberts was waived by Los Angeles.
2/21/2009
Jhon Hurtado was signed by Seattle.
2/17/2009
Joe Vide was waived by DC.
2/16/2009
Santiago Hirsig was signed by Kansas City.
Andrew Jacobson was signed by DC.
Mike Graczyk was signed by DC.
Pablo Vitti was signed by Toronto.
Bouna Coundoul was waived by Colorado.
Tom McManus was waived by Colorado.
Jordan Seabrook was waived by Colorado.
Zach Wells has retired from DC.
Doug Warren was waived by New England.
Kenny Deuchar was waived by Salt Lake.
Fredy Montero was signed by Seattle.
Gavin Glinton was waived by San Jose.
2/15/2009
Christian Gomez was traded by Colorado to DC.
Andrew Weber was signed by San Jose.
Khano Smith was traded by Seattle to New York.
Ivan Guerrero was traded by DC to Colorado.
Tyrone Marshall was traded by Toronto to Seattle.
Scott Sealy was sold to Maccabi Tel-Aviv by San Jose.
Bobby Convey was signed by San Jose.
Thanks to the guys at MFLS for the list of moves since mid-February. Since that was when I wrote most of my previews, please excuse me if I did not mention some of the roster changes on this list. Like for example, the Seattle signing of Fredy Montero, as so many Sounders’ fans have mentioned in the comments. Sorry guys, I wrote SEA first.
He’s quite a beast and makes me a little more confident in their ability to break the dreaded “curse of the expansion team” that started with TFC. But, I still think they miss the playoffs even if he scores 15 goals. Keller is great, but not enough defense yet, in my opinion. Please come back tomorrow for all my predictions for the 2009 MLS season.
I also wanted to give you an injury update today, but MLS hasn’t gotten around to posting those lists yet even though the season starts in two days. Go figure. It is St. Patty’s Day, so I suppose no one can be expected to be working too hard. Hopefully we’ll at least get the injury report tomorrow before the season kicks off Thursday.
Also, please watch the First Kick coverage Thursday and watch SEA v. NYRB. The more people watch, the higher the ratings, the more advertising bucks and media exposure, etc. etc. MLS needs our support, so let’s all give it to them and make 2009 the year MLS rises into America’s sports conscience. I know it’s time, even if some idiots don’t. Source: Click Here
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