Austin Aztex to play Houston Dynamo

The Austin Aztex of USL Division 1 will host a preseason friendly against the Houston Dynamo. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Crystal Palace Baltimore sign Korey Veeder

Here's a really interesting story that got by me. Crystal Palace Baltimore have signed U.S. youth international Korey Veeder who will end up training with Crystal Palace F.C. in London and then will be loaned to ANOTHER European club - NOT Crystal Place Baltimore. Very interesting move.

Euan Holden signs with Vejle Boldklub

Euan Holden, the younger brother of former Houston Dynamo player and U.S. international Stuart Holden has signed to play with Danish club Vejle Boldklub according to Soccer Scene USA. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Tampa Bay Rowdies sign Takuya Yamada

The Tampa Bay Rowdies continue to add to their team and this time its Japanese midfielder Takuya Yamada. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Los Angeles Galaxy doing it the right way

This article that the USSF posted about the Los Angeles Galaxy is extremely important and I urge all of you to read it.

This is how the rest of the world does it with player development!

This is how we should be doing it in the United States!

The Galaxy were able to circumvent the process and sign a player, Tristan Bowen. Why can't other MLS clubs do this? And why can't we have our best young players playing for the top clubs in the country just like they do at Manchester United, Barcelona, Boca Juniors, and so on? It really is something that everyone needs to read and think about in terms of American soccer. This is the path to developing top young professional players, and we have to continue to pursue this. There are so many talented players in this country that don't receive the coaching and instruction that they need. This is the path to follow going forward and we need the MLS clubs to adopt this model throughout the league.

Jozy Altidore scores first EPL goal for Hull City

Well it took him awhile, but Jozy Altidore finally scored his first goal in the EPL for Hull City against Manchester City. Soccer by Ives has the whole story and you can watch the goal by clicking here.

Tampa Bay Rowdies sign Julian Valentin

The NASL's Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Valentin who has brief experience in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy and in the USL. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Jesse Marsch retires, will be an Assistant Coach for U.S. National team

Former Chicago Fire and Chivas USA player Jesse Marsch announced his retirement today to take a position with U.S. Soccer as an assistant coach with the U.S. National Team. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Columbus Crew sign Sergio Herrera from Deportivo Cali

The Columbus Crew made a really big signing today by adding Colombian international forward Sergio Herrera from Deportivo Cali on loan. You can read all about it by clicking here.

Welcome to... the Minnesota Stars

The Minnesota fanchise in the NASL will be called the Stars. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Devann Yao signs with Ipswich Town

American Soccer News.net is reporting that American Devann Yao has signed with Ipswich Town who are currently in the English Championship League and fighting for a promotion to the Premier League. You can read more about it by clicking here.

2:00 PM EST TODAY NASL Minnesota team name announced

There will be a live broadcast at 2:00 PM EST today of the press conference where the name of the new Minnesota team in the NASL will be announced. You can click here to watch the broadcast.

SoccerPro.com Free Jerseys for Life Contest

SoccerPro.com, a website that I provide a link to, is having a terrific contest where you can win free soccer jerseys for life. You can click this link to find out more information.

I've always found Soccer Pro to be a great website to order from as they always have a good selection of whatever you are looking for and now with the World Cup in South Africa coming up they are holding this contest to promote the many items that they have for sale. Definitely check it out and order your World Cup gear from Soccer Pro.

USL PDL complete 2010 schedule released

The USL has released the complete 2010 schedule for their Premier Development League. Check it out and go see your local team. Its a great opportunity to see young players developing their game, and the quality of play continues to improve each season, plus its usually a fairly inexpensive night out.

Collins John trying to catch Fire in Chicago

Former Dutch youth international Collins John is being given a trial with the Chicago Fire and this article on MLSnet describes how John has reached this point in his career and is just trying to make the team.

Bob Bradley calls up 23 players for Training Camp to begin February 10

Bob Bradley has called up 23 players for a training camp which will begin on February 10. This will be the final domestic-based training camp before the World Cup roster is announced in May. You can read more about this by clicking here.

Red Bulls New York sign Joel Lindpere

ESPN's Soccernet is reporting that Red Bulls New York have signed Estonia midfielder Joel Lindpere from Norwegian club Tromso. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Portland Timbers get ready to enter MLS in 2011

The Portland Timbers gained approval to have PGE Park rennovated and have begun taking deposits for season tickets in 2011, their inaugural seaon in MLS. You can read more about it by clicking here.

MLS 2010 schedule released

Well MLS has released the 2010 schedule and there actually are some big changes. Each team will play each other home and away just once. Hmmm could we eventually be moving to a league structure like the rest of the world? I definitely prefer this setup.

D.C. United acquire Adam Cristman

D.C. United have acquired Adam Cristman from the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for an international roster spot. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Is it me or how do you exchange actual players for "international roster spots" or "allocation money". In MLS there just seems to be so many types of commodities available for trade and I'm sure that there is genuine value attached to them, but wouldn't you rather just have an actual player?

Article on Los Angeles Galaxy's Mike Magee

Here's a pretty good article the MLSnet has done about Mike Magee with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Alejandro Bedoya article on ESPN

ESPN's Soccernet has posted a really good article on young American Alejandro Bedoya and his success with Orebro in the Swedish League. You can read all about him by clicking here.

Steve Sampson comments on Harkes and 1998 World Cup

Soccer America has posted a pretty detailed article with comments from former U.S. National team coach Steve Sampson on the whole situation involving John Harkes and the 1998 World Cup. You can read all about it by clicking here.

Tickets available to see the U.S. in the World Cup

Anyone want to go see the U.S. in South Africa? Well tickets are still available and you can click this link to find out how to get them!

Harrisburg City Islanders resign 5 players, but Steve Fisher retires

The Harrisburg City Islanders, a franchise in USL Division 2 have resigned 5 of their players (Dustin Bixler, Geoff Bloes, Jason Pelletier, Anthony Calvano, David Schofield), but long time player Steve Fisher has decided to retire. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Harkes and Wynalda now have an affair

Anyone watching Fox Football Fone-In on Monday night and hearing Eric Wynalda discuss the affair that John Harkes supposedly had with Wynalda's then wife had to do a double-take with the reaction of "Did he really just say that?". Well yes he really did. You can read all about it and Steve Sampson's comments about how if affected John Harkes not being included on the roster for the 1998 World Cup by clicking here.

Who knows why Wynalda chose to reveal these details now, whether its to sell his upcoming book, regain some of his lost notoriety as an announcer, or just to get it off his chest. He has created a situation out of something that happened a long time ago and its something that both he and John Harkes will have to deal with.

Dayton Dutch Lions sign Hans van de Haar

This is a pretty amazing story to keep following. The Dayton Dutch Lions FC signed veteran Dutch player Hans van de Haar and you can read more about it by clicking here. This team though is a USL PDL club and they keep signing veteran Dutch players. They should be a lot of fun to watch this season. Maybe they'll bring over Marco Van Basten to coach them!

Red Bulls New York defeat Stromsgodset IF 2-1

Red Bulls New York continued a successful preseason defeating Norwegian club Stromsgodset IF 2-1. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Chivas USA acquire El Salvador international Osael Romero

Chivas USA have signed El Salvador international Osael Romero on loan from Vista Hermosa. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Flavio Ferri - Exclusive Pro Soccer Weekly Interview

Pro Soccer Weekly is proud to present an EXCLUSIVE interview with Flavio Ferri, Vice President for the USL PDL franchise the Long Island Rough Riders. Flavio is a former player with the Rough Riders and had a very successful career in the USL. In recent years he was worked with the President of the Rough Riders, Peter Zaratin, to provide a solid foundation for the franchise in the PDL.

The Long Island Rough Riders have been one of the best franchises in the United States for many years. Prior to MLS they were one of the top teams in the then USISL and A-League. They developed many top players who went on to play in MLS and for the U.S. National Team. Flavio and Peter have worked to continue that tradition with recent examples being current Leeds United player Mike Grella and current Rough Rider and former New England Revolution player Gary Flood.

PSW: Flavio, what was it like for you to come to this country when you were younger and experience the soccer culture in this country as compared to Brazil where you were born?
FF: My family moved to the States in the late 70s. The only soccer culture was in certain ethnic pockets. It was very different than Brazil where soccer and culture are permanently intertwined. There has certainly been a change in this county. I was at a sports bar the other day, and there were soccer highlights on SportsCenter!

PSW: What was it like playing in the USL and how do you feel it compares to the league today?
FF: I had a great experience playing in the USL. I had the opportunity to travel and play at a high level. I believe the overall level of soccer has improved in the U.S. I feel the next evolution for USL franchises is coming in the way of running their clubs more like a business.

PSW: Why did you decide to retire from your career as a player at a relatively young age?
FF: I tore my ACL in my early 20s. I made a full clinical recovery. However, I felt like I never fully recovered my explosiveness. I also started becoming more interested in the business side of the sport. The combination of the two led me to decide to retire.

PSW: What was the greatest moment of your playing career?
FF: I would have to say being a part of the U.S. U-23 National Team. Making it to the National Team is the highest level you can achieve in your respective county. I have always been proud to have been one of the top players in the Country at that point in time.

PSW: Did you have any opportunities to play in a foreign country? Do you have any regrets about not having taken advantage of that opportunity?
FF: I actually played on the Pumas (Mexican 1st division) reserve team for 6 months. Unfortunately, I developed a sports hernia while down there. They offered me a 6 month extension, but I decided to return to the States. I also had a brief stint with a 2nd division team in Brazil (America). My one regret is not staying in Mexico. I could have stuck it out for another 6 months.

PSW: What do you feel has been the single biggest mistake made in American soccer over the last 20 years and why?
FF: I believe the biggest mistake is the lack of emphasis on creativity in the American game. The U.S. has produced some of the best athletes in the world. However, other than goalkeepers, no American players have ever stood out at the highest levels of play. I believe this is because American players aren’t given the freedom to develop like Brazilians, Argentinians, etc.

PSW: What do you think needs to happen in order for the U.S. to be a force in international soccer and for MLS and the USL to achieve sustainable success to the point that its teams can compete with the best in the world?
FF: Unfortunately, this has to do as much with money as it does with soccer. Once clubs are able to thrive as businesses, they will have the resources to develop and bring in top level players. That is why the Man Uniteds, AC Milans, Real Madrids, etc. are perennial powers.

PSW: Do you think that MLS is expanding the league too quickly and do you think its possible that the same problems that this caused for the NASL will reoccur with MLS?
FF: I don’t think that the MLS is making the same mistakes as the NASL. The leagues have completely different business models. I the MLS has expanded at a calculated rate and a country of our size should be able to field 20 division 1 teams.

PSW: What are your thoughts about the current status of the Second Division within U.S. Soccer and what do you think the USL and NASL should do going forward?
FF: Frankly, I think it is a mess. It does not bode well for the U.S. not to have a clear cut division 2 league. I also think that at some point, MLS and division 2 (USL or NPSL) need to come together for the betterment of soccer in this country.

PSW: Who do you think deserves the most credit for the successes that have been achieved in American soccer and why?
FF: I think that the credit should be spread evenly throughout everyone who is passionate about the game. This includes everyone from the local soccer mom to the president of the USSF.

PSW: What do you think it will take for soccer to become more popular within the world of American sports?
FF: I think the U.S. needs a true international superstar player. I’m talking about someone in the class of Zidane, Messi, Kaka, etc. The U.S. is used to having some of the top athletes in the world. I think having one of the top soccer players in the world would significantly raise interest in the sport.

PSW: What do you feel is the best way for the U.S to develop its young talent? How does the USL PDL factor into the development of young American players?
FF: I think there is no substitute for playing. In most countries, kids are playing everyday (both organized and pick-up games). In the U.S., high level youth players are training 2 times per week at best. There are so many distractions for kids. I think other countries develop high level players simply because they play more. The PDL serves as a bridge between Collegiate and Professional soccer. Most U.S. professional players have some PDL experience.

PSW: Do you feel that top young players should play college soccer even if it doesn’t allow them to begin their professional career at the same age as players in other countries typically start theirs?
FF: That is the million dollar question that more and more players will be asking themselves. I can’t say either option is correct or incorrect. I see the value of a college education. Unfortunately, in most countries, college age players are already playing professionally. If American players attempt to try out abroad after graduating college, they are at a major disadvantage.

PSW: What are your feelings about this quote from a recent interview that I conducted with Hugo Perez “college soccer has to play year-round, or at least have two seasons. The current system pushes the players back four years in their development in soccer because they only play for four months. Everyone else in the world is already ahead four years.”?
FF: I agree 100% with Hugo’s quote. However, I don't think that it will ever change due to NCAA rules and regulations.

PSW: What do you think about so many young U.S. players going to European clubs and how do you think this affects their development? What is the overall impact upon U.S. Soccer in a positive or negative way?
FF: I believe this is a positive for U.S. Soccer. Europe and South America have historically developed the top players in the world. The more the American player is exposed to their development processes, the better.

PSW: What are your current responsibilities as Vice President and General Manger with the Long Island Rough Riders?
FF: I oversee the day to day operation of the organization. This includes the Men’s PDL team, the Women’s W-League team, two indoor sports facilities, a youth development program, and the camp business.

PSW: Where do you see the Rough Riders going as a franchise? Do you think the organization will continue to stay within the USL PDL or will it grow back into being one of the preeminent soccer clubs in the United States again?
FF: The PDL/W-League models are working well for us at this point. In the long term, we do aspire to potentially move up to division 2. It may be a few years until the professional landscape of U.S. Soccer gets situated.

PSW: What else would you like to achieve personally in soccer?
FF: I would like to be at the forefront of making soccer in this country a viable business. I would also like to see a World Cup Final with Brazil playing the U.S.

PSW: I like to end my interviews by borrowing from Four Four Two magazine and asking you to select your all-time starting XI of players that you played with and against, and why you selected them. You can also select players that you’ve managed and a few substitutes as well if you like.
FF:
GK Jorge Campos
Def Branco
Def Lothar Matthäus
Def Wilmer Cabrera
Def Frankie Hejduk
Mid Roberto Donadoni
Mid Carlos Valderrama
Mid Joe-Max Moore
Mid Danny Mueller
For Giovanni Savarese
For Roy Wegerle