Archive: MLS
Morning Kickaround
*Argentina's Olympic roster is set. Looks a bit like the national team, eh? GKs: Oscar Ustari (Getafe), Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar). Ds: Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol), Luciano Monzon (Boca Juniors), Ezequiel Garay (Real Madrid), Nicolas Burdisso* (Inter Milan), Federico Fazio (Sevilla), Lautaro Acosta (Sevilla). MFs: Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Juan Roman...
By Steve Goff | July 3, 2008; 08:54 AM ET | Comments (54)
Late-Morning Kickaround
*LDU from Ecuador takes a two-goal lead into the second leg of the Copa Libertadores finals against Fluminense tonight at Maracana. Great quote from Fluminense's Washington: "LDU's best player, the altitude, is not coming." Away goals are not factored, so if the Brazilians win by two, regardless of the score,...
By Steve Goff | July 2, 2008; 11:28 AM ET | Comments (79)
Matchnight: U.S. Open Cup
If eight matches are played and only a few people see them (either in person or on online video), do they make a sound? This is our blog-thread dilemma tonight as eight MLS teams face five USL1 and three USL2 sides in Open Cup action in Boyds, Md.; New Britain,...
By Steve Goff | July 1, 2008; 03:28 PM ET | Comments (161)
Evolving Galaxy
As we told you yesterday, the Galaxy has been trying to trade Guatemalan forward Carlos Ruiz, who did not accompany the club to Washington over the weekend. Today we hear that Los Angeles is moving closer to signing a mid-level Argentine central defender. No other details are available at this...
By Steve Goff | June 30, 2008; 04:06 PM ET | Comments (34)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
THE GOOD *DCU stretching its winning streak to four and its unbeaten streak to six with a rout of the Galaxy before 35,000+ at RFK. *Steve Ralston's fantastic second goal during the Revs' win over Toronto. *Emmanuel Ekpo's run from midfield and finish from distance to lift Columbus over Colorado....
By Steve Goff | June 30, 2008; 09:19 AM ET | Comments (130)
Ruiz on the Move?
Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz is not hurt and not here at RFK. Word from a high-placed source is that Ruiz is on the trade block and several scenarios have been discussed. Chivas USA was very interested, but needs to clear salary cap space in order to complete a deal. Don't...
By Steve Goff | June 29, 2008; 12:02 PM ET | Comments (18)
Morning Kickaround
*The final round of Asian World Cup qualifying is set. Which four teams do you think will qualify for South Africa? The clear favorites are Australia, Japan, South Korea and Iran. *A link to my Beckham-Gallardo, LA-DC story in today's print edition. *I will follow up later today on Latin...
By Steve Goff | June 28, 2008; 08:49 AM ET | Comments (21)
Morning Kickaround
*Insider loyalists were in the know before anyone else yesterday about Franco Niell's imminent departure. Late in the day, DCU made the official announcement, but without even the standard "We'd like to thank so-and-so for his contributions....." Just three paragraphs and no comments from club officials. Ouch! *Dallas and Houston...
By Steve Goff | June 27, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (32)
Morning Kickaround
On this sunny morning in the nation's capital, as we mourn the loss of a comedic legend and savor his famed American football/baseball routine, plenty of international football to discuss..... *With the USA Olympic women's squad set, we now await the 18-man men's roster. The FIFA deadline is July 23,...
By Steve Goff | June 24, 2008; 08:44 AM ET | Comments (85)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
Let's start our weekly session with a non-MLS item that would definitely be considered Coyote Ugly. (Click here.) THE GOOD *Admit it, you never thought you'd see this scoring combination: Goldthwaite from Ubiparipovic. *Or how about key goals by Tino Nuñez to put RSL ahead and Steven Lenhart to earn...
By Steve Goff | June 23, 2008; 10:08 AM ET | Comments (57)
Saturday in the Park
Today's lineup..... EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP Quarterfinals Netherlands vs. Russia, 2:30 ET (ABC) WORLD CUP QUALIFYING Belize at Mexico, 10 (Telemundo) Guatemala vs. St. Lucia in L.A., 10 Grenada at Costa Rica, 10 ...and lots of African matches. MLS Kansas City at Toronto, 3:30 Dallas at New York, 7:30 (FSC) Houston at...
By Steve Goff | June 21, 2008; 01:01 PM ET | Comments (7)
Morning Kickaround
*Bob Bradley might want to rescind Chad Barrett's invitation to Sunday's World Cup qualifier at Barbados after watching his two first-half misses druing last night's 2-0 loss at Chivas USA. (Video match highlights are available by clicking here.) MLS's best team through the first third of the season, the Fire...
By Steve Goff | June 20, 2008; 08:52 AM ET | Comments (53)
Barbados, Bakary, Books and Back-to-Back
A variety of afternoon topics to discuss: *Sticking with the alliteration, Bob Bradley is in the process of finalizing his roster for the almost meaningless World Cup qualifier at Barbados on Sunday. The following players have been dropped from consideration: Ching, Dempsey, Cherundolo, Donovan, Guzan, Hejduk, Edu, Kljestan, Mastroeni and...
By Steve Goff | June 19, 2008; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (47)
Morning Kickaround
*The Euro quarterfinals get underway today with Portugal facing Germany in Basel (2:45 ET, ESPN). *New England's unbeaten streak reaches seven with a 1-1 tie against visiting New York. Credit to the Revs' Shalrie Joseph, who played for Grenada over the weekend, returned to Foxborough to play all 90 in...
By Steve Goff | June 19, 2008; 08:39 AM ET | Comments (47)
Morning Kickaround
*The complete Luciano Emilio story and other DCU notes are available here. TODAY IN MLS -- New York at New England, 7:30 -- San Jose at Real Salt Lake, 9 Depleted and defensive-inept Red Bulls attempt to slow the surging Revs, while RSL looks to extend its modest streak against...
By Steve Goff | June 18, 2008; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (44)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
MLS's weekend in review..... THE GOOD *A hat trick for Luciano Emilio, a hat trick for Edson Buddle, two goals for Rohan "Best Day of My Life So Far" Ricketts, two goals for Alejandro Moreno. *Toronto remains unbeaten at home (5-0-2). *Nearly 40,000 in Oakland for the visit by David...
By Steve Goff | June 17, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (73)
48 Hours
I am off the grid for a couple days in order to attend a family function in a foreign land (okay, it's Ohio) and will not rejoin you until Tuesday morning. Lots of activity on Planet Futbol while I am away: SUNDAY *USA vs. Barbados, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Galavision)...
By Steve Goff | June 15, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (95)
Morning Kickaround
*Never mind the Celtics' majestic comeback or Mike Lowell's grand slam last night. Boston is all about Matt Reis and the Revs, who are on a 5-0-1 run following a 2-0 victory at Houston. The Revs are the rage up and down Route 1, no? Reis continues to exact his...
By Steve Goff | June 13, 2008; 09:44 AM ET | Comments (53)
Morning Kickaround
Good mornin'..... *Big Phil will take over Chelsea after the European Championship. He brings winning experience, personality, international flair, and most importantly, the gift of gab. "If someone talks about my private life, for example, I'll give them a good punching. I'm not interested in suing. I like to sort...
By Steve Goff | June 12, 2008; 08:10 AM ET | Comments (97)
Midday Update
*USA defender Cat Whitehill tore a knee ligament and will miss the Olympics, the second women's standout to be ruled out of the Summer Games. *CONCACAF conducted only a portion of the Champions League draw (my bad), so we still don't know the potential groups for DCU and Houston. However,...
By Steve Goff | June 11, 2008; 02:24 PM ET | Comments (46)
Show Us the Money
That pay raise D.C. United quietly gave Luciano Emilio a few weeks ago, elevating him to designated player status? The details: His base salary increased from $285,000 to $425,000 (a jump of nearly 50 percent) and his guaranteed compensation from $313,125 to $453,125. Forward Francis Doe, acquired by United after...
By Steve Goff | June 11, 2008; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (11)
Morning Kickaround
*Click here to read my print-edition story about Luciano Emilio and his postgame celebration in Chicago. *Chicago defeated Columbus in overtime in U.S. Open Cup qualifying to reach the round of 16, while the first round commenced with matches all around the country. Real Maryland's home game was postponed until...
By Steve Goff | June 11, 2008; 09:21 AM ET | Comments (25)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
A belated look back at MLS last week..... THE GOOD *Brian Ching's two goals and one assist. *Luciano Emilio awakening from his spring slumber, capped by his game-winner at Chicago. *Jeff Cunningham's 99th career goal. (His uniform selection before the season was No. 96 to match his total. If he...
By Steve Goff | June 9, 2008; 11:33 PM ET | Comments (48)
Morning Kickaround
It's still morning in the Mountain and Pacific time zones, so I get a pass, right? ;-) *In the wake of last Wednesday's monsoon at Estadio RFK, D.C. United has proposed playing the make-up match with Houston on July 23, the day before the All-Star Game in Toronto. It would...
By Steve Goff | June 9, 2008; 01:18 PM ET | Comments (50)
Euro Matchday
Let the games begin! Switzerland-Czech Republic, noon Portugal-Turkey, 2:45 TV: ESPN Classic. This is the place for pregame, in-game and postgame discussion. In the meantime..... *Read my United-Fire preview. *Show your disgust about racist elements in Paris. *Watch video highlights from the Revs' 2-1 victory over Dallas. *Marvel at Venezuela's...
By Steve Goff | June 7, 2008; 06:46 AM ET | Comments (48)
Streamers on Probation
Are you listening, Toronto supporters? In the wake of the Columbus incident and the on-going issue at BMO Field, here's MLS's ruling: "MLS teams will communicate to their supporter groups MLS's existing policy - that streamers are not to be used to impact on-field competition or thrown toward a player,...
By Steve Goff | June 6, 2008; 03:19 PM ET | Comments (50)
Around MLS
*Juan Pablo Angel lifts the Red Bulls over Chivas USA, 1-0, on this header. Did attendance reach five figures in the Swamp? Nope (9,521) -- though you'd never know it from the audio on ESPN2. It sounded as if a microphone had been strategically placed in the middle of the...
By Steve Goff | June 6, 2008; 08:54 AM ET | Comments (49)
NY, MLS, RSL and a CD
Before I call it a day (hopefully), a few odds and ends to share: *Depleted Chivas USA (4-4-2) vs. shorthanded New York (3-3-3) at Giants Stadium (7:30 ET, ESPN2). Attendance predictions? Five figures? *Two items from the Sports Business Journal that caught my eye...... Founding editor Steve Bilafer writes: "I...
By Steve Goff | June 5, 2008; 02:59 PM ET | Comments (65)
Jozy's Deal
From what I've been able to piece together, MLS will receive approximately $10 million from Villarreal for Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore, not the $12 million-plus I initially reported. However, if Altidore meets certain incentives, the league could end up with a couple million dollars more. There is also a...
By Steve Goff | June 5, 2008; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (18)
Morning Kickaround
*The second round of World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF began last night with Honduras crushing visiting Puerto Rico, 4-0. *Greenbelt United? Read this. *In a U.S. Open Cup qualifier, Kansas City defeated Colorado on penalty kicks following a 2-2 tie to reach the round of 16 starting July 1. Ivan...
By Steve Goff | June 5, 2008; 09:36 AM ET | Comments (41)
'Banned for Life'
MLS Commish Don Garber issued the following statement in regard to the racial epithet directed at New England's Kheli Dube by a Columbus fan two weeks ago: "MLS and the Columbus Crew are working diligently with all relevant authorities, including Club Supporters Groups, to identify the spectator involved. In the...
By Steve Goff | June 4, 2008; 07:15 PM ET | Comments (42)
Jozy and the Nats
[UPDATED with more information on the transfer fee.] The deal we told you was on the brink of being finalized is all but done: Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore to Spanish club Villarreal. New York made the official announcement moments ago. He still must reach a contract agreement with Villarreal,...
By Steve Goff | June 4, 2008; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (98)
Altidore, Villarreal Deal Close
According to one U.S. source familiar with the situation, Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore is on the verge of completing a move to Spanish club Villarreal. The paperwork is being finalized, I am told, and the transfer is likely to be announced in a couple of days. MLS had rejected...
By Steve Goff | June 4, 2008; 11:46 AM ET | Comments (86)
Morning Kickaround
*Click here to read my story about D.C. United's goalkeeping situation. *Weather outlook for Estadio RFK tonight: gloomy. *Attendance outlook: Maybe 15,000. *D.C. United's academy team wrapped up group play in a major youth tournament in Spain with an 8-0 loss to Partizan Belgrade. Yes, that score is correct. *Besides...
By Steve Goff | June 4, 2008; 09:19 AM ET | Comments (45)
Robinson: Added Time
Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson will have to sit out another match -- Wednesday at D.C. United -- for an altercation with Andre Rocha, which immediately followed an altercation with Marcelo Saragosa last week at Dallas. Click here to watch the video. Robinson, who missed Saturday's game against New York for...
By Steve Goff | June 2, 2008; 03:02 PM ET | Comments (60)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
It's a wrap..... THE GOOD *By scoring against Columbus, Chivas USA's Jesse Marsch, in his 13th season, has more goals (four) than either Luciano Emilio or Jozy Altidore (three apiece). *Christian Gomez's midfield control and perfect ball to Conor Casey for Colorado's first goal. It was Gomez's fifth assist. *Geoff...
By Steve Goff | June 2, 2008; 09:39 AM ET | Comments (56)
Morning Kickaround
*Tragedy in Liberia, where at least eight die at the Monrovia stadium during a World Cup qualifier with Gambia. The match ended 1-1. D.C. United's Francis Doe played the final 29 minutes. New England's Kenny Mansally was on the Gambia roster, but did not play. *England defeated T&T, 3-0, in...
By Steve Goff | June 2, 2008; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (27)
Saturday in the Park
*Dallas finally gets its man: SMU's Schellas Hyndman. *More than 38,000 at Estadio RFK for El Salvador-Guatemala. *Franco Niell scores for the DCU reserves in a 1-1 tie with New England. *MLS today: Los Angeles at Toronto, 3:30 New York at Houston, 9 (HDNet) San Jose at RSL, 9 (FSC)...
By Steve Goff | May 31, 2008; 01:01 PM ET | Comments (39)
L.A. Law
The Galaxy is atop the Western Conference, albeit with a mediocre 4-3-2 record. David Beckham is as much substance as style. Landon Donovan is an early MVP candidate. No team has scored more goals. And a no-name group of young players has nicely complemented the big-ticket stars. But if you...
By Steve Goff | May 30, 2008; 06:36 PM ET | Comments (70)
Morning Kickaround
Before I head to the airport for a flight to Boston and tonight's DCU-Revs match..... *The entertaining video highlight package from the 2-2 tie between Dallas and Houston is available by clicking here. *As you will read in my print-edition story, Franco Niell has been left off DCU's game-day roster...
By Steve Goff | May 29, 2008; 08:10 AM ET | Comments (114)
More on McBride
As you know, Brian McBride has decided he wants to return to MLS after five seasons in England. Here is what I know at the moment: *MLS's negotiations with McBride have just begun and a deal must be formalized before his club can be officially determined. *Toronto is first in...
By Steve Goff | May 28, 2008; 03:54 PM ET | Comments (71)
Lots of Soccer
[Updated with link to U.S. national team preview package] Where to begin in today's soccer-happy Washington Post? *The prospects of a 27,000-seat D.C. United stadium at Poplar Point are improving, or so it seems. *Franco Niell could be nearing the end of his stay in Washington. You'll find an interesting...
By Steve Goff | May 28, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (75)
The Crew's Statement
Following up on the video from the Crew-Revs match, Columbus has issued this statement: "We appreciate the energy and support we receive from our fans and understand that emotions run high during games, but there is no excuse for the reprehensible behavior exhibited by the fan heard in the video...
By Steve Goff | May 27, 2008; 05:49 PM ET | Comments (48)
Incident in Columbus
Watch this home video from the Columbus-New England match on Saturday night. Listen closely, between the obscenities, for the racial epithet hurled at Revs goal-scorer Kheli Dube. MLS, we've got a problem. [CAUTION: Strong language.]...
By Steve Goff | May 27, 2008; 08:46 AM ET | Comments (196)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
Wrapping up Week 9 in MLS..... THE GOOD *Cuauhtemoc Blanco playing a part in four of Chicago's five goals against New York's comical defending and goalkeeping. "He knows what the stage is about and he's not afraid to step on it and our guys know that," Fire Coach Denis Hamlett...
By Steve Goff | May 27, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (45)
Holiday Kickaround
Hope you are enjoying the long weekend. While you are lounging at the beach and minding the grill, please remember the reason most of us do not have to work today. Our weekly MLS "Good, Bad and Coyote Ugly" feature will return Tuesday morning. In the meantime, a few things...
By Steve Goff | May 26, 2008; 12:41 PM ET | Comments (16)
Beckham From 70 Yards
Video of David Beckham's long-distance clincher against Kansas City. (If the embedded clip does not work, click here for the official MLS link.)...
By Steve Goff | May 25, 2008; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (67)
Beas, Wolff and Terps
U.S. winger DaMarcus Beasley celebrated his 26th birthday -- he is only 26?? -- with a goal and an assist in Glasgow Rangers' 3-2 victory over Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup final. (Queen of the South? Sounds like a Lifetime special.) Beasley was playing in only his...
By Steve Goff | May 24, 2008; 03:17 PM ET | Comments (14)
Morning Kickaround
So I'm a little slow on this matter -- must've been that American University education! -- but after visiting BMO Field again this week I've finally formed an opinion on the streamers being tossed during TFC matches. The key word in that previous sentence is "during." It's gotta stop. Sorry,...
By Steve Goff | May 23, 2008; 08:40 AM ET | Comments (150)
Good Afternoon
Pardon the absence. Flew back from Toronto and then celebrated the wedding anniversary with Mrs. Insider in historic Leesburg. Just trying to catch up on things..... *United's reserves can't win either -- a 2-1 loss to Toronto this morning. Lombardo and Gala scored for TFC, Kirk for DCU. Leftover quote...
By Steve Goff | May 22, 2008; 02:36 PM ET | Comments (63)
Morning Kickaround
In today's print editions, I take a broad look at D.C. United's problems heading into this week's critical pair of matches against Toronto FC. For a chart of DCU's slow starts over its history, click here. Some interesting quotes to chew on, as well: "Losing the other day really ticked...
By Steve Goff | May 21, 2008; 09:03 AM ET | Comments (135)
Morrow Out in Dallas
Internal issues and poor results have spelled the end for FC Dallas Coach Steve Morrow. The club was 0-3-1 and outscored 8-2 in the past four matches, including a 5-1 defeat at home against Los Angeles on Sunday. "We have set high standards, expectations, and goals for this team and...
By Steve Goff | May 20, 2008; 01:50 PM ET | Comments (70)
Inter Active
Inter finally secures the Serie A title, thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's two goals: *D.C. United player update: Devon McTavish (foot) and Fred (hamstring) are both listed as probable for Wednesday's match at Toronto, Gonzalo Peralta, whose pregnant wife is on bed rest, trained today and may very well travel with...
By Steve Goff | May 19, 2008; 11:06 AM ET | Comments (63)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
Wrapping up Week 8..... THE GOOD *Edson Buddle's hat trick. *Marcelo Gallardo's change of direction and well-placed goal. *TFC Coach John Carver, on Columbus's tactics: "They've come to spoil the game. They've come to take their time. They've come to fall over and dive all over the park, and I...
By Steve Goff | May 19, 2008; 09:15 AM ET | Comments (81)
Cordeiro's Time?
We know that Fred will not be available to start on the left flank for D.C. United at Chivas USA on Saturday night. From all indications, Marc Burch will drop back into defense after playing in midfield against Chicago. Devon McTavish is hurt. Ben Olsen is not returning anytime soon....
By Steve Goff | May 15, 2008; 03:17 PM ET | Comments (63)
Morning Kickaround
*MLS tonight: Real Salt Lake (2-3-2) at Colorado (3-4, first place!), 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). *The Celtic family loses Tommy Burns. *The transcript from my online chat yesterday. (Ignore the reference to Martin Palermo being from Mexico -- brain freeze.) *Joel Senior, a Howard University sophomore midfielder, was among 25...
By Steve Goff | May 15, 2008; 08:59 AM ET | Comments (11)
Toronto Protest Brewing?
Before we get to the TFC stadium issues, let's stay in Canada..... *Former DCUer Nicholas Addlery scored in USL1 Vancouver's 2-1 exhibition victory over David Beckham and the Galaxy before more than 37,000 spectators in Edmonton. *TFC supporters are suggesting a protest during the MLS All-Star Game to express their...
By Steve Goff | May 14, 2008; 07:58 AM ET | Comments (90)
Morning Kickaround
*As your favorite soccer/culture blogger, I was trying to find the right music for D.C. United's back-to-back shutout losses over a recent five-day period. How about "Five Days in May" by Blue Rodeo, the countryish band from Toronto? (DCU does, in fact, play TFC twice next week.) Sometimes the world...
By Steve Goff | May 14, 2008; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (34)
More on Altidore
Just when you think you've nailed down a juicy item along comes more information. Remember this morning when I told you a German club had been told it would have to pay at least $7 million for Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore? Now I am hearing that MLS turned down...
By Steve Goff | May 13, 2008; 02:01 PM ET | Comments (74)
Morning Briefing
*An Insider contact with strong European ties tells me that one German club recently inquired with MLS about Jozy Altidore's transfer availability. The response: Give us $7 million. That club passed, but would others in Europe be willing to fork over serious cash for a young American? *England Coach Fabio...
By Steve Goff | May 13, 2008; 07:42 AM ET | Comments (129)
Afternoon Briefing
First, let's go to the mailbag..... Typical RFK (from an anonymous e-mailer): "Tonight's friendly match between USA and Canada -- all and all fun, great to see the US women back on the field - YET who could focus on a game when repeatedly the game pa announcer fumbled over...
By Steve Goff | May 12, 2008; 01:22 PM ET | Comments (44)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
THE GOOD *Columbus scoring three goals in 10 minutes to win its fifth straight and improve to a league-best 6-1-0. *After two losses and four ties, the two-time defending champion Dynamo has a victory. *Dane Richards's 30-yard run and delivery that led to Juan Pablo Angel's go-ahead goal for New...
By Steve Goff | May 12, 2008; 10:30 AM ET | Comments (43)
Saturday in the Park
*Read about the USA women's team, about Gordon Bradley's memorial service and Heather O'Reilly's online chat. *Expecting to see Mike Wise's column about Ben Olsen and DCU in this morning's paper? It will appear in Sunday's editions instead. *The USA women's 18-player game-day roster for tonight's friendly against Canada at...
By Steve Goff | May 10, 2008; 07:19 AM ET | Comments (42)
Hamlett, Contracts, Web TV
*Click here to read my front-page profile of first-year Fire coach Denis Hamlett, who went to high school and college in the Washington area, had his playing career cut short by a stroke and worked 10 years as an assistant before getting a top job. *Second Third-year defender Michael Dello-Russo...
By Steve Goff | May 8, 2008; 09:46 AM ET | Comments (36)
More Surgery for Vaughn, No Suspension for De Ro
Chivas USA defender Lawson Vaughn will require three surgeries, not one as initially believed, to repair a shattered nose and other facial injuries when he was kicked by Houston's Dwayne De Rosario on Saturday night. Vaughn had surgery Sunday to reconstruct his nose, will have another procedure Thursday for further...
By Steve Goff | May 7, 2008; 09:05 PM ET | Comments (27)
Afternoon Updates
*DCU-Chicago kickoff tomorrow is scheduled for 8:02 p.m. ESPN2 coverage begins at 7:30. *A moment of silence for Gordon Bradley (former Cosmos, Dips and George Mason coach, and a former DCU TV commentator) and longtime USSF official Bill Goaziou will be held before tomorrow's match. Both passed away last week....
By Steve Goff | May 7, 2008; 02:06 PM ET | Comments (22)
Commissioner's Comments
Insider: Have you smoothed out your relationship with Tom Soehn after he made critical comments about things you said concerning DCU's performance in the first match against Pachuca in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinals? Don Garber: "I don't know if it is a matter of smoothing them out. Tommy gave...
By Steve Goff | May 7, 2008; 10:25 AM ET | Comments (30)
Morning Kickaround
*Click here to read my long profile of DCU's high-priced playmaker, Marcelo Gallardo. Unlike most foreign players, he opened up and had some interesting tales to tell, most notably the telephone call he received from Diego Maradona. *Dan Steinberg's Sports Bog was on location at RFK for the VW-DCU festivities...
By Steve Goff | May 7, 2008; 08:55 AM ET | Comments (46)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
It's a wrap..... THE GOOD *David Beckham's two goals: 25 yards into the far side in the run of play, 30 yards on a free kick. *Houston investor and noted pugilist Oscar de la Hoya wearing Dynamo colors during his boxing match at Home Depot Center. *ESPN Classic on Saturday...
By Steve Goff | May 5, 2008; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (61)
Morning Kickaround
*I hear that D.C. United President Kevin Payne will join GM Dave Kasper in Argentina this weekend for the superclasico. Intriguing, no? Maybe a formal relationship with Boca? Are the Juan Sebastian Veron talks back on? How about a Martin Palermo signing after Luciano Emilio is transferred to a Central...
By Steve Goff | May 2, 2008; 08:59 AM ET | Comments (77)
Morning Kickaround
*One day after the U.S. soccer community said goodbye to Gordon Bradley, longtime soccer administrator Bill Gaoziou passed away in Florida. He was 68 and had battled emphysema. Gaoziou was a four-term USSF treasurer and had served on the federation's board member for many years. "From his work at the...
By Steve Goff | May 1, 2008; 09:22 AM ET | Comments (52)
Goal of the Week Is.....
Marcelo Gallardo's one-time smash from a tight angle against RSL. He received 52 percent of the vote. Amado Guevara's 25-yard free kick was second with 39 percent. MLS received three times more votes this week than last week, much of it apparently through clever electronic means -- the modern version...
By Steve Goff | April 30, 2008; 06:07 PM ET | Comments (54)
Morning Kickaround
*Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is none too pleased about Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez's accusations. "Perhaps he is looking for something to destabilize us before the match. If he wants me to stay on my feet, maybe he should tell his defenders to stop hitting me." Today's the day: The second...
By Steve Goff | April 30, 2008; 09:24 AM ET | Comments (46)
DCU News and Notes
*MF-D Devon McTavish (sprained foot-ankle) and MF Fred (bruised quadriceps) worked out on the side and did not participate in regular workouts. MF-D Domenic Mediate (hamstring) remains out. "I feel much better," Fred said, adding that he thinks he'll be ready for Sunday's match at Colorado. Coach Tom Soehn believes...
By Steve Goff | April 29, 2008; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (35)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
In our third installment of the MLS weekend in review..... THE GOOD *Five Saturday matches averaged nearly 20,000 spectators. And then there was the one Sunday game in the Swamp (see The Coyote Ugly). *Landon Donovan's hat trick, increasing his league-best goals total to eight. *The past three No. 1...
By Steve Goff | April 28, 2008; 12:01 AM ET | Comments (79)
Matchday Primer
For the weather forecast between 7:30 and 9:30 at Estadio RFK, click here. For a look at Luciano Emilio's problems, click here. For a look at RSL's approach, click here and here. For RFK qualifier news, click here. For George Vecsey's wonderful column on the closure of a New York...
By Steve Goff | April 26, 2008; 10:54 AM ET | Comments (29)
MLS's African Pipeline
Super agent Patrick McCabe, who has strong ties to the African player market, was spotted at D.C. United training this morning. He was not accompanied by any players, but he did share this with me: He is headed to Senegal and Gambia in June on a scouting mission with representatives...
By Steve Goff | April 25, 2008; 03:38 PM ET | Comments (46)
Morning Kickaround
Let's play "Name That Team." Here are your clues: Chase Hilgenbrinck, Amaechi Igwe, Gary Flood, Kheli Dube, Rob Valentino, Spencer Wadsworth, Brandon Tyler and Sam Brill. The first three mysterious characters were starters on the road against unbeaten Dallas last night. The other no-names were available on the bench. That's...
By Steve Goff | April 25, 2008; 08:26 AM ET | Comments (53)
Gargan to Chivas USA?
I'm hearing that Chivas USA is considering offering defender Dan Gargan a senior roster contract. Gargan, 25, was waived by Colorado after starting 26 games the past two seasons. He has been training with the Goats and played most of today's reserve division match against Dallas. Primarily a right back,...
By Steve Goff | April 21, 2008; 08:13 PM ET | Comments (15)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
THE GOOD *Toronto wins its second in a row for the first time in almost a year and does it in front of another large, energized crowd. *When Kenny Cooper scores, Dallas is 15-0-3. He scored. They won, despite no Toja, Rhine or Richetti. *Jozy Altidore shows off his acceleration,...
By Steve Goff | April 21, 2008; 02:34 AM ET | Comments (65)
The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
THE GOOD *A pair of goals apiece from three Americans: Kyle Beckerman, Robbie Rogers and Landon Donovan. *TFC, Canada's Team, winning on the road for the first time since the American holiday, Fourth of July, its only away victory last year. *The wonderful passes by Andre Rocha and Adrian Serioux...
By Steve Goff | April 13, 2008; 07:39 PM ET | Comments (43)
Fire Search and More Salaries
I'm hearing that a possible replacement for the ousted John Guppy in Chicago is Ilja Kaenzig, the former sporting director at Hanover, GM at Bayer Leverkusen and front office executive with Grasshopper. The last two years he has been running a Zurich-based consulting firm, Boutique Football. (Any relation to Ruud...
By Steve Goff | April 12, 2008; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (24)
Friday Night Arrives Without a Suitcase
My suitcase gets packed tonight in advance of tomorrow's day of travel to Salt Lake City. So the floor is yours until I rejoin you sometime Friday. Your MLS weekend schedule is highlighted by San Jose's home debut, though not at the Santa Clara University stadium. The Quakes will host...
By Steve Goff | April 10, 2008; 08:32 PM ET | Comments (68)
Revolution Revelations
No Twellman, no Ralston, no Albright, no Thompson, not even a Larentowicz. No worries. The Revolution turned to its Gambian teenagers, Sainey Nyassi and Kenny Mansally, and a collection of other young players to hand host Kansas City its first loss, 3-1. Amaechi Igwe made his MLS debut at left...
By Steve Goff | April 10, 2008; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (26)
Guevara to Toronto
From Honduran star Amado Guevara's rep, Patrick McCabe: "Guevera has signed and will arrive in L.A. on Friday." Guevara, who had been playing for Motagua, reached a deal with MLS. His previous MLS club, Chivas USA, then traded his rights to TFC for undisclosed 2009 and '10 draft picks. The...
By Steve Goff | April 9, 2008; 05:43 PM ET | Comments (14)
Guevara Update
The Amado Guevara saga continues. A few weeks ago, negotiations with the Honduran midfield star and 2004 MLS most valuable player stalled. This week, with talks heating up again, reports out of Honduras said he was about to join Toronto FC. Today his representative, Patrick McCabe, told the Insider: "Slow...
By Steve Goff | April 8, 2008; 06:38 PM ET | Comments (15)
Yi Retires
Defender Alex Yi, who grew up in the Baltimore-Washington area and spent time in Belgium before joining FC Dallas, has decided to retire. Yi, 26, was a product of the Bradenton Academy and represented the United States at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. He played three full seasons for...
By Steve Goff | April 8, 2008; 06:20 PM ET | Comments (16)
Strained Roster Muscle
Flashing back to yesterday's thread that included the Champions League schedule..... I am all for MLS clubs playing in international competition, the challenges it brings on the field and the marketing possibilities off it, but after taking a closer look at the calendar late this summer and in the fall,...
By Steve Goff | April 8, 2008; 09:38 AM ET | Comments (92)
Seattle's Club Will Be Named.....
After counting 15,000 votes, the new team is Seattle Sounders FC. (The write-in candidate wins -- shocker! FC, Republic and Alliance rejected.) Whatcha think? Home: Qwest Field. Kickoff: 2009. Season Tix: Approaching 14,000....
By Steve Goff | April 7, 2008; 03:13 PM ET | Comments (125)
Midday Kickaround
*DCU's Santino Quaranta has a broken hand, but will not miss any matches. *Did you know that MLS has changed the playoff format again? I don't believe the league ever announced anything -- let me know if I'm wrong about that -- but according to the 2008 rules of competition,...
By Steve Goff | April 7, 2008; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (58)
Ain't No Sunshine
Bill Withers wrote it. Everyone from the Neville Brothers to Ziggy Marley and Sting covered it. On the subject of great music, please take five and read this profile of Dave Brubeck that appeared in The Post on Sunday. Where is this going? Not sure really. But it was, after...
By Steve Goff | April 6, 2008; 11:29 PM ET | Comments (37)
He Makes How Much?
We were the first to bring you the long list of MLS salaries earlier this evening (see previous thread). Now we offer a few numbers that might have caught your eye: BARGAINS Maykel Galindo, Chivas: $79,750. Brad Guzan, Chivas: $103,974. Juan Toja, Dallas: $150,000. Devon McTavish, D.C.: $33,000. Marc Burch,...
By Steve Goff | April 3, 2008; 11:55 PM ET | Comments (49)
MLS Salaries Are Here
I offer you the complete list. Not every player is included; the paperwork on some contracts has not been finalized (i.e. Lopez in K.C.). Highlights: Gallardo -- 1.5 million base salary; $1.9 million guaranteed Blanco -- 2.5 million; 2.7 million Christian Gomez -- 385,000; 430,000 Schelotto -- 425,000; 425,000 Duilio...
By Steve Goff | April 3, 2008; 06:13 PM ET | Comments (84)
All-Star Lame
MLS has finalized plans to have West Ham play the all-stars in Toronto on July 24. The Commish promises a "memorable display of the world's game." Prediction: MLS 3, West Ham 1 League trumpets another glorious victory over a foreign club in preseason. Rest of world yawns....
By Steve Goff | April 3, 2008; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (41)
MLS Fines and Suspensions
Colorado's Ciaran O'Brien has been suspended an additional match and fined another $250 for his red card tackle that sidelined Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz for at least a month. Watch the video and tell me what you think of the league-imposed penalties. Meantime, Galaxy defender Abel Xavier was fined an...
By Steve Goff | April 2, 2008; 04:27 PM ET | Comments (60)
Ralston, Twellman Sidelined
New England's 3-0 victory over Houston in an MLS Cup rematch Saturday at Gillette was the good news for the Revs. Today's injury report was the bad news. Forward Taylor Twellman tore cartilage in his right knee during training last week and will have surgery tomorrow. He will miss at...
By Steve Goff | April 1, 2008; 01:12 PM ET | Comments (29)
Guevara and DCU Updates
The latest on the Amada Guevara saga: From one of his reps: "Amado will not be joining MLS at this time. The MLS made a concerted effort to see that Amado rejoin the league and we were able to reach an agreement but unfortunately certain obligations could not be met...
By Steve Goff | March 27, 2008; 12:14 PM ET | Comments (60)
Champions' Cup Semis Set
Well, almost. D.C. United will face defending champion Pachuca, which edged visiting Motagua (Honduras), 1-0, on Wednesday night. Houston moved on with a 3-1 victory over Municipal and now awaits the Atlante-Saprissa winner tonight. The Mexican club has a 2-1 advantage. The semis have not been kind to MLS teams...
By Steve Goff | March 20, 2008; 09:29 AM ET | Comments (57)
Another Facundo in MLS?
That would be forward Facundo Sava, 33, who has been scoring at a high rate for Racing in Argentina the last two years and had previously passed through Fulham and Celta Vigo. Though his price would be rather steep, I'm hearing that three MLS teams have expressed some level of...
By Steve Goff | March 15, 2008; 12:37 AM ET | Comments (21)
Lopez-Wizards Update
[updated with DCU-TFC result at bottom] Following up on our exclusive report from this morning (actually, dating back several weeks from when we first broke this story)..... Just got off the phone with Wizards Coach Curt Onalfo, who confirmed that Claudio Lopez has joined the team in Buenos Aires. As...
By Steve Goff | March 7, 2008; 04:47 PM ET | Comments (59)
Lopez Nears Deal, Mina Talks Heat Up
I am hearing that Argentine forward Claudio Lopez is scheduled to fly from his home in Cordoba to Buenos Aires today and meet up with the Kansas City Wizards to finalize a two-year contract that would make him the club's first designated player. As usual with major international negotiations, there...
By Steve Goff | March 7, 2008; 11:54 AM ET | Comments (26)
MLS Waiver Draft Results
D.C. United bolsters its defensive corps by claiming Jeff Curtin, the former Georgetown standout who was let go by Chicago after two seasons. Houston takes forward Kyle Brown (Real Salt Lake) and Chicago acquires defender Brandon Prideaux (Colorado). The 6-foot-3 Curtin, 24, is out of contract and will have to...
By Steve Goff | March 4, 2008; 05:06 PM ET | Comments (35)
Lopez, Mina Updates
[updated with Mina] Two weeks after the Insider broke the story, the Argentine media is finally catching up to Kansas City's pursuit of former Albiceleste star Claudio Lopez. The sides have been ironing out the final details the past week and, barring a last-minute problem, an announcement is expected in...
By Steve Goff | March 3, 2008; 10:51 AM ET | Comments (74)
Mina Signs....
.....with Dallas after all. The sides apparently overcame their differences today, allowing Ecuadoran forward Roberto Mina to sign a one-year contract. He will be on loan from a Latin American club with an option to buy. Two Western Conference clubs had expressed interest in purchasing Mina's MLS rights from Dallas,...
By Steve Goff | February 28, 2008; 05:46 PM ET | Comments (13)
Meantime, in Dallas, er, Frisco
I'm hearing that relations between Ecuadoran forward Roberto Mina and FC Dallas are strained and he might not end up with the Hoops, after all. Let's rewind for a moment: The sides agreed in principle to a deal last month and Mina arrived at training camp. Dallas wanted to take...
By Steve Goff | February 27, 2008; 02:20 PM ET | Comments (19)
Crew Move
Columbus has finally acquired a foreign forward, though not from overseas. It's Nicolas Hernandez, an Argentine who comes to the Crew from Colorado in exchange for defender Tim Ward and a third-round draft pick. Hernandez, 28, had seven goals in 2006 but just one in 21 appearances last year. Ward,...
By Steve Goff | February 27, 2008; 11:23 AM ET | Comments (41)
MLS-USSF Updates
*Final paperwork at the league office is apparently preventing New England from formally announcing the signing of Costa Rican forward Argenis Fernandez. Rest assured, the deal is done. ... Still awaiting word on Kansas City's negotiations with Argentine forward Claudio Lopez, which reached the late stages over the weekend. ......
By Steve Goff | February 25, 2008; 03:56 PM ET | Comments (23)
He's Off to See the Wizards
He's close, anyway. The word on this Friday night is that Kansas City is in the late stages of talks with Argentine forward Claudio Lopez about becoming the club's first designated player. A few days after telling you that the sides were in serious negotiations, we are being told by...
By Steve Goff | February 22, 2008; 10:25 PM ET | Comments (36)
Seattle Sound
See them running heading homeward to Seattle *While Philadelphia will step into the spotlight next week when the city/area/region is formally introduced as MLS's 16th club, Seattle is preparing to start play next year. Top priority: Nickname and logo. Indications are that both will be unveiled in the next 12...
By Steve Goff | February 22, 2008; 10:27 AM ET | Comments (161)
Piojo, DCU, Lunch, Real, a Book and 'Redemption'
I wasn't sure when I would be able to join you Wednesday, so I'll provide this late Tuesday offering: *There is definitely something to Kansas City's pursuit of Argentine forward Claudio "El Piojo" Lopez. One source tells me: "I think it's going to happen." Wizards Coach Curt Onalfo says he...
By Steve Goff | February 19, 2008; 08:53 PM ET | Comments (63)
On the Grapevine
Something I've heard..... *Are the Kansas City Wizards in serious negotiations with Argentine forward Claudio Lopez? We told you a couple months ago about the Lopez-to-MLS rumblings, and now there appears to be something to it. He's 33, he's played more than 50 times for Argentina, he's played in the...
By Steve Goff | February 19, 2008; 02:47 PM ET | Comments (32)
Olsen, Quaranta and the Academy
*United MF Ben Olsen has still not participated in preseason workouts following surgery on both ankles in November and will need to undergo another procedure Monday. Let's let Ben explain it: "The procedure involves taking blood and spinning the blood so the good healing blood is seperated from the other...
By Steve Goff | February 15, 2008; 09:59 AM ET | Comments (34)
Revolution Signing
I'm hearing that New England has finalized a deal with Mauricio Castro, a 26-year-old Honduran midfielder from Olimpia who has made four international appearances. Expect a formal announcement from officials in Honduras and New England/MLS in the next couple days....
By Steve Goff | February 14, 2008; 04:40 PM ET | Comments (25)
Gbandi Out, Corrales and Borchers In?
FK Haugesund of the Norwegian Second Division has paid FC Dallas/MLS a transfer fee of close to $100,000 for Chris Gbandi, the 29-year-old left back and former No. 1 overall draft choice, according to one source. Norwegian media is reporting the figure is closer to $75,000, but I've been assured...
By Steve Goff | February 9, 2008; 03:26 PM ET | Comments (30)
Philly Fever
Greetings from Philladelphia, home of MLS's next club. (Well, we'll see about that.) After departing Houston, I've come here for a college basketball game -- not that you care. I did have the opportunity to drive through the heart of Chester, proposed site for Philly's soccer stadium. Always a thrill....
By Steve Goff | February 7, 2008; 06:27 PM ET | Comments (70)
Mo, Toronto and Gomez
*The Toronto FC coaching change is now official. Read about it here. The latest in the Christian Gomez saga is that Colorado has offered him a two-year, guaranteed contract with a base salary of at least $400,000 and bonuses/incentives that could bring his total compensation close to the $500,000 figure...
By Steve Goff | February 1, 2008; 12:50 PM ET | Comments (25)
Toronto News and SuperLiga Details
*I am hearing that Mo Johnston is out as Toronto FC coach and will move into a personnel role with the club. Frankly, I am not surprised. The buzz at MLS Cup here in D.C. in November was that Mo might not return as coach and would slide into the...
By Steve Goff | February 1, 2008; 11:36 AM ET | Comments (25)
Revving It Up in Honduras
From a well-connected Latin American contact, two names have surfaced in New England's Honduran scouting mission: *Emilio Izaguirre, 21-year-old midfielder for Motagua and the national team and *Victor Bernardez, 25-year-old defender for Motagua and the national team There are apparently several others on Steve Nicol's list, but I do not...
By Steve Goff | January 30, 2008; 01:06 PM ET | Comments (60)
France and Philly, New England and New Jersey
*D.C. United folks tell me that midfielder Andrew Jacobson, the club's second-round draft pick out of Cal who has been training with Lorient in France, will join United in Bradenton tomorrow. No other details on his status (MLS contract, overseas options, etc.) available at this time. *Thanks to the Pennsylvania...
By Steve Goff | January 30, 2008; 11:49 AM ET | Comments (67)
MLS Updates [new stuff added]
We are patiently awaiting news from DCU world headquarters (aka Estadio RFK) and those shadowy places throughout Planet MLS for what you really want to hear. Take your pick: Gomez? Gallardo? Carvallo? Martinez? Peralta? Vanney? Arguez? [UPDATE WITH GALLARDO NEWS] Marcelo Gallardo tells Argentine radio that he rejected an offer...
By Steve Goff | January 23, 2008; 01:51 PM ET | Comments (37)
DCU, CONCACAF, El Salvador Updates
*Reports in Bolivia say that Bolivar will play D.C. United in a friendly here in March. Not true. Bolivar did, indeed, inquire about a match, but it's not going to happen because of scheduling and other issues. *Dates and times are set for DCU's quarterfinal series with Jamaica's Harbour View...
By Steve Goff | January 22, 2008; 11:36 AM ET | Comments (30)
The Draft
FIRST ROUND 1. KANSAS CITY: D Chance Myers UCLA 2. DALLAS: D-MF Brek Shea U-17s 3. REAL SALT LAKE: D-MF Tony Beltran UCLA 4. LOS ANGELES: MF-D Sean Franklin Cal State Northridge TRADE ALERT: Galaxy trades D Chris Albright to New England for allocation money. 5. COLORADO: MF Ciaran O'Brien...
By Steve Goff | January 18, 2008; 02:01 PM ET | Comments (120)
Live From Baltimore
The latest buzz..... In no particular order, the top three might end up being UCLA defender Chance Myers, UCLA defender Tony Beltran and UConn defender Julius James. One well-connected source said the latest he heard was that Kansas City was going to keep the top pick and select Myers to...
By Steve Goff | January 18, 2008; 12:04 PM ET | Comments (23)
Draft Central
Back to Baltimore soon. Join me on the Insider beginning at 2 p.m. (ET) for draft results as they occur....
By Steve Goff | January 18, 2008; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (32)
Update From Baltimore
It's snowing. Hard. Inside the warm confines of the MLS hotel headquarters, a few things to pass along: *Wizards Coach Curt Onalfo, who has already made two significant trades and is finalizing a deal for a Colombian forward, said there is a possibility his club could trade the No. 1...
By Steve Goff | January 17, 2008; 01:23 PM ET | Comments (50)
Morning Kickaround
*On the surface, the reports that Morelia is interested in acquiring MLS MVP Luciano Emilio seem awfully far-fetched, but I am hearing that the Mexican club may very well be serious about the prospect. Of course, it would take several millions of dollars to even get MLS's attention. Emilio's U.S.-based...
By Steve Goff | January 17, 2008; 08:01 AM ET | Comments (65)
Checking In With the Hokies
I wish I had more to offer right now, but everything seems up in the air, so we'll have to be patient. In the meantime, I wanted to share some of Patrick Nyarko's thoughts as the MLS draft approaches. I am planning to write a comprehensive story for Friday's print...
By Steve Goff | January 16, 2008; 01:22 PM ET | Comments (21)
'Quakes Deal Top Pick
*Expansion San Jose has apparently traded the top overall pick in Friday's draft to Kansas City for defender Nick Garcia. Details from the Kansas City Star are here. Are the Wizards now angling to select Virginia Tech's Patrick Nyarko or UC Santa Barbara's Eric Avila with the No. 1 pick?...
By Steve Goff | January 15, 2008; 02:44 PM ET | Comments (36)
Ruiz Traded
We suspected this was going to happen, and now it has. Carlos Ruiz is going back to the Los Angeles Galaxy in a trade with FC Dallas. FCD receives allocation money and a 2009 second-round pick. Beckham, Donovan and Ruiz together at Home Depot Center! Thoughts?...
By Steve Goff | January 15, 2008; 10:37 AM ET | Comments (86)
Twellman Vents About Preston Approach
Just got off the phone with star forward Taylor Twellman, who says the Revs and/or MLS have rejected a $2.5 million offer from England's Preston North End, an increase of about $1 million since their initial approach. Twellman, to say the least, is not happy. "I want to go. It's...
By Steve Goff | January 11, 2008; 06:22 PM ET | Comments (93)
Mathis to Greece?
Bizarre. Read this. Admire the photo....
By Steve Goff | January 10, 2008; 07:17 PM ET | Comments (47)
Esky Speaks
Alecko Eskandarian is in New Jersey at the moment, enjoying the final weeks of what has been a busy offseason for him. But by the end of the month, he plans to be in Los Angeles as a member of Chivas USA -- his fourth club since the end of...
By Steve Goff | January 10, 2008; 05:25 PM ET | Comments (23)
Big Trade
We've known for weeks that star goalkeeper Joe Cannon was on his way out of Los Angeles. At first, he seemed en route to Washington. Now he's heading home to Northern California. The Galaxy sent him to the Earthquakes today for allocation money. Nice deal for Yallop and the Quakes,...
By Steve Goff | January 10, 2008; 04:05 PM ET | Comments (21)
MLS Signings Set
Introducing your Generation Adidas class of 2008: MF Eric Avila, 20, UC Santa Barbara D Tony Beltran, 20, UCLA GK Josh Lambo, 17, Middleton, Wis. D Chance Myers, 20, UCLA F Alex Nimo, 17, Portland, Ore. F Patrick Nyarko, 22, Virginia Tech MF Ciaran O'Brien, 20, UC Santa Barbara MF...
By Steve Goff | January 10, 2008; 02:03 PM ET | Comments (35)
Lopez Possibly Coming to MLS
*After being sent a link to this story on Univision's Web site, which quotes Argentina's Claudio Lopez saying there is a 90 percent chance he will sign with MLS, I made a few calls. The verdict: Lopez's claim is credible and three MLS teams have expressed varying levels of interest...
By Steve Goff | January 9, 2008; 06:55 PM ET | Comments (45)
Dallas Signs Davino
*After several days of financial negotiations, FC Dallas has reached agreement with Mexican central defender Duilio Davino. The club's pursuit of Davino was first reported on the Insider a few weeks ago. Dallas will formally announce the move this afternoon. He'll turn 32 in March and brings 10 years of...
By Steve Goff | January 9, 2008; 04:49 PM ET | Comments (19)
Revving It Up
The Insider has learned that the New England Revolution is looking at a Colombian international and is also in trade talks with the Columbus Crew. Sorry, no names available, but I hear trade discussions might continue right up until next Friday's draft in Baltimore and is not a major swap,...
By Steve Goff | January 9, 2008; 12:44 PM ET | Comments (26)
Schelotto and Red Bulls News
The latest on the Guillermo Barros Schelotto saga: From what I have been told by those familiar with the delicate situation, Schelotto enjoys living and playing in Columbus and wants to return to the Crew this season. However..... He believes he was misled about the terms of the contract that...
By Steve Goff | January 8, 2008; 11:19 AM ET | Comments (27)
The Pope Is a Union Man
Eddie Pope, who retired last fall after 12 seasons and was arguably the best defender in league history, has accepted a job as director of player relations for the Bethesda-based MLS Players Union. He had also discussed a job with D.C. United this winter. Instead, he will be part of...
By Steve Goff | January 8, 2008; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (27)
Catching Up With DCU and MLS
Now that the holidays have passed, contract negotiations, trade talks, college signings and the pursuit of foreign players will resume in earnest this week. Expect a busy month of personnel moves. A few early items to share: *After saying he was almost 100 percent sure of returning to Virginia Tech,...
By Steve Goff | January 2, 2008; 11:16 AM ET | Comments (29)
MLS Changes Unveiled
MLS has dumped the distinction between senior internationals and youth internationals, and provided each club with an additional foreign player slot (eight total). Insider readers have known for weeks that this announcement was coming. What we did not know until today was that those foreign slots can be traded,...
By Steve Goff | December 18, 2007; 03:12 PM ET | Comments (65)
MLS Player Updates
[UPDATED WITH ESKANDARIAN COMMENTS] *Argentine media reports insist that D.C. United is pursuing former national team star Claudio Lopez, but DCU GM Dave Kasper tells me that there is "no truth" to it. *Luciano Emilio and his agent, Alex Solis, have been in discussion with United about a new contract...
By Steve Goff | December 17, 2007; 01:05 PM ET | Comments (29)
What Else Is New.....
While I have your attention..... *Expect MLS to finally unveil the new player guidelines in the next couple days (foreign limit, developmental rules, grandfathered designated players, etc.). *Scratch Peter Nowak from the potential list of coaching candidates in Chicago. Nowak has grown tired of seeing his name mentioned for various...
By Steve Goff | December 12, 2007; 12:27 PM ET | Comments (17)
Long December
Long December and there's no reason to believe Maybe this year will be better than the last I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself To hold on to these moments as they pass How 'bout a round of applause for the Counting Crows. Thanks, Adam. FYI,...
By Steve Goff | December 7, 2007; 09:12 AM ET | Comments (93)
Mastroeni on the Move? United's Draft List
Unrelated items, of course. Sources tell me that Colorado has discussed trading veteran midfielder-defender Pablo Mastroeni this offseason. The latest scenario, I'm told, has him going to expansion San Jose. More details as we learn them. However, with almost two months until training camps open, there is no urgency in...
By Steve Goff | December 6, 2007; 04:22 PM ET | Comments (24)
Updates
*It's now official: United will play its regular season opener March 29 at Kansas City. Kickoff is 8 p.m. Eastern. Beckham and the Galaxy will open at Colorado, then host San Jose the following Thursday night for ESPN2 coverage. *Some of you have been wondering why United did not say...
By Steve Goff | December 4, 2007; 03:32 PM ET | Comments (25)
Till Tuesday
*MLS is expected to announce today the opening weekend schedule (March 29-30). I do know DCU will start the season on the road (perhaps at champion Houston?) and play its home opener a week later. *Travis Perkins, older brother of DCU goalkeeper Troy Perkins, has made it through qualifying school...
By Steve Goff | December 4, 2007; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (20)
MLS's Foreign Rule, Gomez Update and More
We told you exclusively here at the Insider two weeks ago that MLS had proposed ditching its senior international/youth international designation and allowing each team to sign seven foreign players, regardless of age. (No longer would clubs be limited to four older internationals and three younger ones.) Now I am...
By Steve Goff | November 29, 2007; 03:39 PM ET | Comments (69)
Tidbits
A little bit of everything this morning: *I'm told that representatives from both United and the Revs attended the River Plate-Colon de Santa Fe match Saturday in Buenos Aires. They did not know the others were there, but ran into each other at some point. Might they be scouting the...
By Steve Goff | November 28, 2007; 09:32 AM ET | Comments (50)
Carroll Traded
We fully expected former DCU midfielder Brian Carroll to be traded after being selected by San Jose in the expansion draft last week. And now it is done -- he's going to Columbus. The Earthquakes also acquired GK Preston Burpo from Chivas USA for a fourth-round draft pick. COLUMBUS, Ohio...
By Steve Goff | November 26, 2007; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (32)
MLS Rumblings
*Two sources tell me that Chivas USA's Preki, the MLS coach of the year, has spoken to the New York Red Bulls about their head coaching vacancy. I am also told that the Red Bulls remain very serious about Chicago's Juan Carlos Osorio, even after the Fire denied them permission...
By Steve Goff | November 26, 2007; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (36)
Heard It on the Grapevine
I am hearing that..... .....representatives for DCU, RSL, K.C. and Dallas are in Argentina this week to meet with agents and attend a scouting combine. Following the success of Emilio, Fred, Angel, Schelotto, Toja, Blanco and others, clubs are well aware that Latin America is the place to find...
By Steve Goff | November 26, 2007; 10:06 AM ET | Comments (23)
Expansion Draft Etc.
[UPDATED! The list below is 100 percent accurate -- MLS just put out the official release.] I am told DCU has lost Brian Carroll in the expansion draft. Awaiting official confirmation and the complete draft list very soon. I hear SJ has taken: CARROLL (D.C.) Cochrane (Houston) Goodson (Dallas) Grabovoy...
By Steve Goff | November 21, 2007; 01:32 PM ET | Comments (89)
The Full Expansion Draft List
A day earlier than expected, MLS has compiled the list of players available for selection by San Jose in Wednesday's expansion draft. Lots of interesting names, including Denilson and three Houston starters, but keep in mind that salaries and whether players want to remain in MLS will play a big...
By Steve Goff | November 19, 2007; 07:15 PM ET | Comments (62)
MLS Cup 2008: Carson
Soccer Insider has learned that Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., has been chosen to host the 2008 MLS Cup on Nov. 23. Chicago and Dallas were the other finalists. Expect an official announcement soon. HDC also hosted in 2003 and 2004....
By Steve Goff | November 19, 2007; 05:28 PM ET | Comments (22)
Mathis Traded
First, Bruce Arena was dismissed. Now, Clint Mathis has been exiled. Could Claudio Reyna be next? Mathis was guaranteed $410,000 this year. It is probably safe to say he will not be making that much next year. Details..... SECAUCUS, NJ (Monday, November 19, 2007) - Red Bull New York announced...
By Steve Goff | November 19, 2007; 03:36 PM ET | Comments (30)
What Offseason?
MLS Cup is over, now the real fun begins. We were the first to tell you about the salary cap adjustments, the Champions League plan, the foreign player proposal, Chicago's rejection of New York's request to talk to Juan Carlos Osorio and the Red Bulls' interest in Peter Nowak. We...
By Steve Goff | November 19, 2007; 12:54 PM ET | Comments (28)
We Are the Champions (League)
Here are the latest rumblings on CONCACAF's plans next year: The 2008 Champions' Cup will go on as planned with D.C. United and Houston as the MLS entries. Apparently, the tournament will start a little later than this year, so expect first matches to be played in March. The Champions...
By Steve Goff | November 19, 2007; 10:14 AM ET | Comments (64)
MLS, Looking Ahead
Three days until the expansion draft. 60 days until the college draft in Baltimore. 74 days (approximately) until training camp opens. 132 days until the 2008 regular season openers....
By Steve Goff | November 18, 2007; 08:38 PM ET | Comments (39)
Matchday: MLS Cup
Greetings from Estadio RFK..... Cool, sunny morning, chance of sprinkles later. Lot 8 starting to fill up, hopping with tailgaters. The pitch looks (almost) immaculate. Jimmy Eat World is warming up. They're very loud. The highlight of the pregame will be Placido Domingo singing the national anthem. We're also expecting...
By Steve Goff | November 18, 2007; 10:01 AM ET | Comments (58)
On the Eve of MLS Cup.....
A few things overheard at the commissioner's party Friday night at The Park at 14th: *Jose Mourinho has gone back to Europe after two days in D.C. (family emergency) *United's Luciano Emilio, the league MVP, will also be named newcomer of the year tonight, a trusted source says. (Makes sense,...
By Steve Goff | November 17, 2007; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (35)