Posts
Photo gallery: Timbers 1, Sounders 0
12 hours ago
Friday, January 22, 2010
Austin Aztex Sign Lawrence Olum
You can read here about the USL's Austin Aztex signing of Lawrence Olum who played with the Minnesota Thunder last season.
Toronto FC acquire Jacob Peterson
Click here to read more about the trade between Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids where Toronto picks up Jacob Peterson.
Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution complete trade
You can click here to read more about the trade between the Rapids and Revolution, which see the Rapids sending goalkeeper Preston Burpo, defender Cory Gibbs, allocation money and a third round 2011 MLS SuperDraft pick to New England for midfielder Jeff Larentowicz and midfielder Wells Thompson.
Justin Evans Pittsburgh Riverhounds - Interview
Here is a link to a pretty good interview that the USL posted on their website with Justin Evans, the new coach for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Kansas City Wizards add 2 players
The Kansas City Wizards signed Midfielder Stéphane Auvray from Guadeloupe and Defender Pablo Escobar of Colombia. You can learn more about them here.
Houston Dynamo acquire Kevin Harmse
Busy day in MLS! The Houston Dynamo acquired Kevin Harmse from Chivas USA in a trade. You can read more about it here.
Chicago Fire sign Julio Martinez
The Chicago Fire have added El Salvador international player Julio Martinez in a loan deal with Leon FC of Mexico's Primera A (second) Division. You can check out the Fire's announcement here.
DC United sign Floribert N'Galula
DC United have signed former Anderlecht and Manchester United youth team player (lets be honest in our reporting folks) Floribert N’Galula. You can read more about it here.
Red Bulls New York to open new stadium vs Santos
Here is a link to the announcement that Red Bulls New York are opening up the stadium on March 20 against Santos. Free game for Red Bulls season ticket subscribers.
U.S. vs Honduras Game Notes
Here's a link to a post from the USSF with the game notes for the game against Honduras on Saturday night. It should be an interesting chance to see some of the other players in the squad get a game.
Carlos Bocanegra from Rennes to St. Etienne
ESPN's U.S. National Team Blog discusses the options available to replace Charlie Davies at forward and also mentions a rumor that Carlos Bocanegra might be on the move from Rennes to St. Etienne. You can read about it by clicking here.
Americans in Action: Marcus Tracy
Here is a nice goal that Marcus Tracy scored for his Danish club Aalborg in league action against Midtjylland.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Ricardo Clark signs with Eintracht Frankfurt
Another big loss for MLS as U.S. National team and former Houston Dynamo Ricardo Clark has signed to play for Eintracht Frankfurt according to Goal.com.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC hire Tom Soehn
Vancouver Whitecaps FC who will begin playing in MLS in 2011 hired former DC United coach Tom Soehn and you can read more about it by clicking here.
Kansas City Wizards receive approval for new stadium
Exciting news as another soccer-specific stadium will be built in Kansas City for the Wizards. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Mike Lapper Columbus Crew - Exclusive Interview with Pro Soccer Weekly
Mike Lapper, current assistant coach for the Columbus Crew, former defender for the U.S. National Team and various clubs, most notably the Crew, was kind enough to give me an exclusive interview for Pro Soccer Weekly. Mike is a really nice guy and gives some very frank answers to the questions that I had for him. His insight and the experiences that he shares give us a greater understanding of U.S. Soccer. Personally, I think he was being a little humble when he said that he couldn't have played in the English Premier League, but anyway read on and I hope that all of you enjoy the interview.
PSW: Mike, what are your responsibilities as an Assistant Coach with the Columbus Crew?
ML: Basically help head coach Robert Warzycha do his job to the best of his ability, assist in scouting as well as working with the first team on a daily basis.
PSW: What do you think the team needs to do in order to improve this coming season and regain the championship success that it enjoyed 2 years ago?
ML: Since we won the Supporters Shield 2 years in a row, not all that much. We have a great nucleus of players. It was a bit unfortunate that we ran into Real Salt Lake that were peaking at that time and made a great run into the playoffs to eventually become MLS champs, one of the flaws with the playoff system. The fact of the matter is timing is everything. We have a strong team, but as any team in the world will tell you it sure would be nice to have a fast forward to bang in 10 or more goals a season.
PSW: With Guillermo Barros Schelotto not getting any younger, who are the Crew looking to in order to step up and be a leader on the team like Guillermo?
ML: Eddie Gavin, Robbie Rogers, Ekpo, Lenhart, Chad Marshall, basically everyone carries the burden on a championship team to be leaders from their own perspectives.
PSW: Do you feel that the fact that Columbus is not as big of a market as New York or Los Angeles affects the team's ability to compete in MLS?
ML: Yes, it is a fact that bigger markets are more attractive to players for a variety of reasons. Ask Angel or Beckham if they would like to live in Columbus! At the end of the day Sigi took over this team and wanted to make it the Green Bay Packers of the MLS. I hope we (Robert and the rest of the Columbus Crew coaching staff) can live out his dream of taking this small franchise and making it the best in MLS for a long long time.
PSW: Looking back now with the opportunity of time to reflect on your career, what are your feelings about your career with the U.S. National team?
ML: I lead the team in minutes played in 93, did not play in the 94 World Cup, something I wish I would have been able to do, (Tony Meola got the nod ahead of Brad Friedel), but it was a fantastic experience and I was grateful for the opportunities and doors that it opened up for me. I learned a lot from Bora and his staff, things that to this day I implement.
PSW: What do you think are the major differences between the time that you played for the U.S. National Team and now?
ML: The players are more athletic and there is a bigger player pool.
PSW: What was it like for you playing in Europe with VFL Wolfsburg and Southend United? Did you have other opportunities to play in Europe? Do you have any regrets about not having a lengthier playing career in Europe?
ML: I loved both opportunities, but for me, England was better than Germany. It suited my style of play and I love the passion, the energy, and the excitement for the games. I love how the players leave everything they have on the field every game, every practice. I don't have any regrets. I was at best a Division 1 player, not fast enough for the Premiership. I loved my team Southend, but we had just got relegated and I didn't want to play in Division 2, also I thought that it was in my best interest should I want another chance with the national team that I be in the states rather than Division 2 in England so no regrets what so ever, the time of my life in England!!!
PSW: What was it like playing in the early days of MLS and how does it compare to the league today?
ML: Biggest differences are the soccer specific stadiums we play in now (Ohio State vs Crew Stadium for example, night and day) and the fans. Fans are coming out and supporting us as a league better, for example Seattle, Toronto, the Crew,
PSW: Do you think that your career would have been different in any way if MLS had existed when you started playing professionally?
ML: I may not have gone overseas, which would have been a bummer since I truly enjoyed my time over there.
PSW: What do you feel has been the single biggest mistake made in American soccer over the last 20 years and why?
ML: The shootout in MLS when games were tied, it just not the best way to decide a game.
PSW: What do you think needs to happen in order for the US to be a force in international soccer and for MLS to achieve sustainable success to the point that its teams can compete with the best in the world?
ML: We need to try and not lose athletes to the other "big" sports. The more MLS is visible and a viable option for kids to play in and actually make a living, they will gravitate towards soccer and as a result, in theory, we will hopefully obtain athletes that in the past would have gone on and played basketball or football rather than perhaps their childhood sport of choice, soccer.
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?
ML: Not really, they're doing a great job from a financial standpoint. Having said that I do have some concern with the fact that we may be stretching the talent pool a little thin with all these expansion teams, only time will tell.
PSW: Who do you think deserves the most credit for the successes that have been achieved in American soccer and why?
ML: The players because they are willing to do whatever it is to be the best they can be. To go overseas and play is not easy. Sure its lots of money, but being away from friends and family is tough. The players that stay here often play for little money and an uncertain future, but they give it all they have in pursuit of the dream... to be the best soccer player they can become. Its pretty awesome stuff if you ask me.
PSW: What do you think it will take for soccer to become more popular within the world of American sports?
ML: Its getting there. There is more visibility, but its going to take time. Its not an overnight thing.
PSW: What do you feel is the best way for the U.S to develop its young talent?
ML: A reserve league in MLS because players need to play competitive games on a weekly basis.
PSW: What do you think about so many of the top 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?
ML: If they're good enough and they are going to play then they should go for it. It will only make them better. The short impact is negative because you lose a quality player, but in the big picture, and in regards to National team, its positive. The hope is that they bring their experience and professionalism to the National team which in turn makes us better as a country.
PSW: What else would you like to achieve personally in soccer?
ML: Eventually I want to be a head coach in MLS and become the winningest coach that the league has had.
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.
ML: Impossible to pick, there were so many great players and it would not be fair to leave someone out. I had a great career and played with and against so many great players. The 4 forwards I will never forget playing against are Batistuta, Klinsmann, Baggio, and Asprilla.
PSW: Mike, what are your responsibilities as an Assistant Coach with the Columbus Crew?
ML: Basically help head coach Robert Warzycha do his job to the best of his ability, assist in scouting as well as working with the first team on a daily basis.
PSW: What do you think the team needs to do in order to improve this coming season and regain the championship success that it enjoyed 2 years ago?
ML: Since we won the Supporters Shield 2 years in a row, not all that much. We have a great nucleus of players. It was a bit unfortunate that we ran into Real Salt Lake that were peaking at that time and made a great run into the playoffs to eventually become MLS champs, one of the flaws with the playoff system. The fact of the matter is timing is everything. We have a strong team, but as any team in the world will tell you it sure would be nice to have a fast forward to bang in 10 or more goals a season.
PSW: With Guillermo Barros Schelotto not getting any younger, who are the Crew looking to in order to step up and be a leader on the team like Guillermo?
ML: Eddie Gavin, Robbie Rogers, Ekpo, Lenhart, Chad Marshall, basically everyone carries the burden on a championship team to be leaders from their own perspectives.
PSW: Do you feel that the fact that Columbus is not as big of a market as New York or Los Angeles affects the team's ability to compete in MLS?
ML: Yes, it is a fact that bigger markets are more attractive to players for a variety of reasons. Ask Angel or Beckham if they would like to live in Columbus! At the end of the day Sigi took over this team and wanted to make it the Green Bay Packers of the MLS. I hope we (Robert and the rest of the Columbus Crew coaching staff) can live out his dream of taking this small franchise and making it the best in MLS for a long long time.
PSW: Looking back now with the opportunity of time to reflect on your career, what are your feelings about your career with the U.S. National team?
ML: I lead the team in minutes played in 93, did not play in the 94 World Cup, something I wish I would have been able to do, (Tony Meola got the nod ahead of Brad Friedel), but it was a fantastic experience and I was grateful for the opportunities and doors that it opened up for me. I learned a lot from Bora and his staff, things that to this day I implement.
PSW: What do you think are the major differences between the time that you played for the U.S. National Team and now?
ML: The players are more athletic and there is a bigger player pool.
PSW: What was it like for you playing in Europe with VFL Wolfsburg and Southend United? Did you have other opportunities to play in Europe? Do you have any regrets about not having a lengthier playing career in Europe?
ML: I loved both opportunities, but for me, England was better than Germany. It suited my style of play and I love the passion, the energy, and the excitement for the games. I love how the players leave everything they have on the field every game, every practice. I don't have any regrets. I was at best a Division 1 player, not fast enough for the Premiership. I loved my team Southend, but we had just got relegated and I didn't want to play in Division 2, also I thought that it was in my best interest should I want another chance with the national team that I be in the states rather than Division 2 in England so no regrets what so ever, the time of my life in England!!!
PSW: What was it like playing in the early days of MLS and how does it compare to the league today?
ML: Biggest differences are the soccer specific stadiums we play in now (Ohio State vs Crew Stadium for example, night and day) and the fans. Fans are coming out and supporting us as a league better, for example Seattle, Toronto, the Crew,
PSW: Do you think that your career would have been different in any way if MLS had existed when you started playing professionally?
ML: I may not have gone overseas, which would have been a bummer since I truly enjoyed my time over there.
PSW: What do you feel has been the single biggest mistake made in American soccer over the last 20 years and why?
ML: The shootout in MLS when games were tied, it just not the best way to decide a game.
PSW: What do you think needs to happen in order for the US to be a force in international soccer and for MLS to achieve sustainable success to the point that its teams can compete with the best in the world?
ML: We need to try and not lose athletes to the other "big" sports. The more MLS is visible and a viable option for kids to play in and actually make a living, they will gravitate towards soccer and as a result, in theory, we will hopefully obtain athletes that in the past would have gone on and played basketball or football rather than perhaps their childhood sport of choice, soccer.
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?
ML: Not really, they're doing a great job from a financial standpoint. Having said that I do have some concern with the fact that we may be stretching the talent pool a little thin with all these expansion teams, only time will tell.
PSW: Who do you think deserves the most credit for the successes that have been achieved in American soccer and why?
ML: The players because they are willing to do whatever it is to be the best they can be. To go overseas and play is not easy. Sure its lots of money, but being away from friends and family is tough. The players that stay here often play for little money and an uncertain future, but they give it all they have in pursuit of the dream... to be the best soccer player they can become. Its pretty awesome stuff if you ask me.
PSW: What do you think it will take for soccer to become more popular within the world of American sports?
ML: Its getting there. There is more visibility, but its going to take time. Its not an overnight thing.
PSW: What do you feel is the best way for the U.S to develop its young talent?
ML: A reserve league in MLS because players need to play competitive games on a weekly basis.
PSW: What do you think about so many of the top 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?
ML: If they're good enough and they are going to play then they should go for it. It will only make them better. The short impact is negative because you lose a quality player, but in the big picture, and in regards to National team, its positive. The hope is that they bring their experience and professionalism to the National team which in turn makes us better as a country.
PSW: What else would you like to achieve personally in soccer?
ML: Eventually I want to be a head coach in MLS and become the winningest coach that the league has had.
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.
ML: Impossible to pick, there were so many great players and it would not be fair to leave someone out. I had a great career and played with and against so many great players. The 4 forwards I will never forget playing against are Batistuta, Klinsmann, Baggio, and Asprilla.
Stuart Holden's Official Website
You can stay updated with the latest news and learn more about current Houston Dynamo and future Bolton Wanderers? player Stuart Holden by checking out his website. Its pretty cool and has a good amount of content, but no RSS feed!
Clint Dempsey will be back for the World Cup
The USSF posted an update on Clint Dempsey and it appears that he will return from his injury in time for the World Cup. This is great news for U.S. soccer fans as we all know how important Clint has been to the team over the years.
Seattle Sounders to play Rosenborg BK in LaManga Cup
The Seattle Sounders will be participating in the 2010 LaManga Cup in Spain as part of their preseason preparations. You can click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_La_Manga_Cup to learn a little bit more about the tournament, but the Sounders are already scheduled to play Rosenborg BK from Norway on February 18th.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Charleston Battery host 2010 Carolina Challenge Cup
The USL's Charleston Battery will be hosting the 2010 Carolina Challenge Cup where they will be in a preseason tournament with MLS teams Real Salt Lake, DC United and Toronto FC. You can read more about it including ticket information by clicking here.
Carolina Railhawks recruiting for a GM
Anyone looking for a job? The Carolina Railhawks F.C. of the NASL are looking for a COO/GM. Take a look at the link here.
Portland Timbers name new Technical Director for MLS club
Gavin Wilkinson has been named Technical Director for the Portland Timbers' MLS club that will begin playing next season. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Vote on the name for the new NASL team in Minnesota
You can click on this link to vote for the name of the new NASL team in Minnesota. I went old school and entered the Strikers, which was the original NASL team there.
American player moves in January transfer window
Soccer America has posted an article that describes all of the club moves by American players during the transfer window in January thus far. It really would be great for MLS to bring some more of these guys back to the U.S.A.
Michael Orozco returning to the U.S.
Soccer by Ives is reporting that Michael Orozco is supposed to play in MLS this coming season with the Philadelphia Union.
Why Danny Mwanga is playing in MLS
This article on ESPN's Soccernet by Leander Schaerlaeckens describes Danny Mwanga's career plans and why he decided to play in MLS with the Philadelphia Union before going to Europe.
Landon Donovan might extend loan to Everton
Shocker, I know, but this article on ESPN describes how Landon Donovan is considering an extension to his loan deal with Everton. Maybe he should give it more then 2 games?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Make Pro Soccer Weekly Your Home Page
Pro Soccer Weekly is on its way to being the best website for news and information related to U.S. Soccer. With recent and EXCLUSIVE interviews with people like Kerry Zavagnin, Steve Trittschuh, and newly elected Hall of Famer Hugo Pérez, I'm trying to bring the best coverage in American soccer to you on the internet. There WILL be more EXCLUSIVE content coming on this website so keeping checking it out and make it your home page.
Americans in Action: Weekend Roundup
Soccer America provides a really good summary of American players in action for various clubs in Europe and Mexico and you can read it by clicking here.
Clint Dempsey might be out of the World Cup
Not good news for the U.S. National Team as Soccer America is reporting that Clint Dempsey suffered a knee injury in Fulham's 2-0 loss to Blackburn in today's game. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Lee Nguyen possibly coming to MLS
Yanks Abroad is reporting that former PSV Eindhoven and U.S. national team player Lee Nguyen is looking to possibly come back to the U.S. with a move to a MLS club. You can read about it by clicking here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
