WASHINGTON, DC (Sept 3, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- With most of Major LEague Soccer seemingly happy to overlook the US Open Cup, DC United is set to grab yet another title.
DC - Charleston
7:30pm - Fox Soccer Channel
No excuses tonight as DC throws as close to first choice as possible against the Charleston Battery. RFK could be the difference, with Charleston a lot closer to the MLS standard than most would expect.
DC has the advantage in the attack, and they exit the transfer window tougher than they entered. Charleston gives up a lot of away goals. Advantage DC, who would be the first MLS team to guarantee CONCACAF Champions League soccer.
Think New England
Let's set aside the score line and talk a bit about the other problem in New England last night. With your club a goal down after the first leg and with the group stage of what should be the prestige tournament for MLS clubs on the line, the Revs faithful weren't. We'll be polite and say the attendance was less than 4k.
Now that can be taken for more than the obvious. Maybe the Revolution support is sending a clear message that they won't be parting with money or bonus game vouchers for a tournament they know their club doesn't value. That's about as clear as it gets.
Can't Cope Without Seattle
Apparently, Portland isn't going out that way. With Seattle moving to Major League Soccer next season, their nearest and perennial rivals want in. Yes, that could be Vancouver, but for now it's Portland making the push.
From the mlstoportland site, we get the hard sale"
Portland has a soccer tradition that’s as rich and vibrant as any other market in the United States. Currently, the Portland Timbers provide a unique and authentic fan experience through the 'Timbers Army' that rivals many European and Latin American stadiums. The Timbers Army has over 3,000 members and is the most tenacious and active soccer fan base in the country. International exhibition games have drawn more than 12,000 fans to each match, and when Portland hosted the Women’s World Cup in 2003, more than 80,000 fans turned out to watch the action at PGE Park. The Oregon Youth Soccer Association has approximately 56,000 players in 112 clubs with more than 6,000 volunteers and coaches, which makes Portland a major training ground for soccer players. Portland is ‘Soccer City USA.’
Barrett For Four
Toronto forward Chad Barrett signed a four-year extension, and has the press release quote to prove it: “I said when I came here from Chicago that this would be a fresh start for me. I’m excited about staying here, working with the coaching staff, winning more games, and hopefully scoring a lot more goals. I love the city, and my teammates are great. So I’m pretty happy about everything.”
Gomez Joins Kansas City
Again with the draft picks and allocation money for a player. This time it's Kansas City shipping a 4th round 2009 SuperDraft pick, a first round 2009 supplemental draft pick, and an undefined amount of money to Commerce City for Herculez Gomez.
“Herculez Gomez is a talented, hardworking and passionate player who is capable of scoring quality goals,” Technical Director Peter Vermes said. “He has the ability to play at forward or in midfield and help bolster our attack. Gomez is a young player who already has a lot of experience and will help us both this season and in the future.”
