US Soccer Players

Questions: India, San Diego, Houston, Liverpool, Fairness

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Feb 23, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In Thursday's Five Questions, Tony looks at a delayed start in India, Brad Davis's recovery, and Franz Beckenbauer's Fair Play ideas.

So how's it working out with the fledgling Premier Soccer League?

Not so well. As expected with any startup league, the problems began to mount.  Player clearances were the first hurdle, both domestic and international.  Now, it's the stadiums.  The promoters are pushing for an April start, good news for Santino Quaranta, who signed as a player, and Marco Etcheverry, who is coaching one of the teams.

Questions: Quakes, United, Everton, RSL, Bolton

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Feb 21, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In Tuesday's edition, Tony looks at the Earthquakes' work towards a new stadium, Landon Donovan's positive influence on Everton, Salt Lake's injury problem, and Bolton's chances for survival.

So, what are the chances the Earthquakes' stadium gets approved this week by the San Jose Planning Commission?

Pretty good, at least from the tone of the quotes cited in this article from the San Jose Mercury-News.  I support the 'no vuvuzelas' stance of the neighbors, but agree that's up to the Earthquakes, not the San Jose Planning Commission.

Questions: Roster, Ring, 442, Chievo, MLS

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Feb 16, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In today's edition, Tony looks at key roster-building and Champions League dates, notes a worthy honor for CJ Brown, questions how San Jose is going to get their attacking talent on the field, and wonders if Michael Bradley's Chievo can score enough to keep themselves up.

When do MLS teams have to be in compliance with roster and salary limits?

March 1st, followed the next day by the Waiver Draft. July 1^st is when “semi-guaranteed” contracts become guaranteed. Essentially what this means is roster adjustments (read cuts) over the next two weeks as teams, particularly Champions League teams, get ready for their first games.

Questions: Everton, Sporting, Cap, Premier, Money

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Feb 14, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In Tuesday's edition of the Questions, Tony asks about Everton's tactics against Chelsea, where the real problems might lie for Portugal's Sporting, and how Major League Soccer is viewed in financial terms.

How did Everton win the tactical battle against Chelsea this past weekend?

A few weeks ago, I wasn't very impressed with Everton manager David Moyes' tactical lineup. But this past weekend, Everton pressed high up the field, forcing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech to play his goal kicks long, and not allowing Ashley Cole, Juan Mata, etc much time on the ball. It seemed like Frank Lampard was so well marked out of the game that his main contribution was trying to calm his teammates down during their frequent whining at the referee. That's five unbeaten for Everton in the league, even if three of them are ties. They are up to 10^th place now with 33 points.

Questions: Castrol, Rapids, Buddle, Pairings, West

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Feb 9, 2012) US Soccer Players -- Tony looks at an innovative marketing plan by the Rapids, asks about Edson Buddle's childhood role models, and sees the Western Conference getting more difficult.

Who is the 31^st best player in the English Premier League, according to the latest Castrol Rankings?

Clint Dempsey. Yes, these are the rankings that have David Silva as the 27^th best player in England right now. Dempsey is the highest rated American in individual league ratings, not  surprise considering his contributions for Fulham.

Questions: Convey, Timbers, Beckham, AZ, Quakes

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Feb 7, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In today's edition, Peter Vermes' shocking plan to get the most out of Bobby Convey, David Beckham confronts a referee over a red card, and the struggles of Jozy Altidore's AZ Alkmaar.

What is Peter Vermes' (early) plan to get the best out of Bobby Convey?

Putting him closer to the goal. Vermes is playing a 4-3-3, with the newly-acquired Convey on the left side of the forward line. Now, the idea of playing Bobby Convey, a skilled and creative left-footed player, in a position where he can influence the attack might sound odd to Earthquakes fans, but apparently Vermes is willing to consider the idea.

Questions: Leeds, Hoffenheim, Rapids, MLS, Wolves

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Feb 2, 2012) US Soccer Players -- Tony looks at changes at Leeds United, Major League Soccer's market penetration, and a visit to Hoffenheim in today's edition of Five Questions.

So Robbie Rogers, are you enjoying playing under Simon Grayson?

Welcome to Leeds, eh? Grayson was fired yesterday after a 4-1 loss to Jonathan Spector's Birmingham City, replaced by Leeds Youth Team manager Neil Redfearn, at least on a caretaker basis. Leeds is 10^th in the Championship, with 42 points after 28 games. Spector played the full 90 minutes.

Questions: MLS, Season, Marco, Model, Sporting

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 31, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In Tuesday's edition, Tony looks at the longer MLS season debate, an unexplored benefit of preseason training, Marco Etcheverry's new job, and contrasting styles of MLS management.

Can you name at least one non-MLS city which is very excited about MLS pre-season training?

Tucson, Arizona. Six MLS teams are headed to Arizona to train. Interestingly, the NY Times' article reports that preseason training is an economic boon for an area because people come from out-of-town to watch pre-season training/games. As such, Spring Training (baseball and soccer) defies the conventional wisdom that spending money on a stadium/sports team just moves money around an area (ie, people go to a sporting event rather than a movie).

Alums: Manny Lagos

In this new series, USSoccerplayers.com looks at how retired National Team players (alumni, if you will) are using their experience and knowledge to develop and grow the game in the United States.

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 30, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In a clip of highlights from the 2001 season, Manny Lagos, then of the Earthquakes, has the ball deep on the left side in the attacking zone. He is basically mugged by two MetroStars defenders and knocked down, but somehow gets up, wriggles free, strides into the box, where he back heels the ball to Wade Barrett, who curls it into the goal (at about 3:20 of that video).

That's a lot of what Manny Lagos' career has been like. Getting up off the deck and transforming a difficult situation into a winner wherever he's gone.  This National Team Alum has transitioned from college to the US Olympic Team, from USL to MLS (three MLS Cups), and to the US National Team.  Now, he's back in Minnesota, again creating a winner out of a difficult situation.

Questions: Fitness, ASG, Coaches, West Ham, City

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 26, 2012) US Soccer Players -- Thursday's Questions, and Tony finds proof of the smartest coach in MLS, wonders how Jonathan Spector's Birmingham City are doing, and would like to see MLS have things lined up before they make announcements.

Will Jurgen Klinsmann's focus on fitness during the January camp help the MLS players in camp during the first part of the long season?

“I don't know if everybody expected how much fitness we actually did,” said Benny Feilhaber to ESPN.com. After last night's game, the players are back to their clubs to prepare for the opening of the Major League Soccer season in about six weeks. That's a long time to maintain an extra physical and mental edge, but it will be interesting to see if those players in camp get off to good starts to the season.

Questions: Hannover, Everton, Houston, Rapids, Cannon

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 19, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In today's edition, Tony asks about Everton's tactics and upcoming schedule, looks at Steve Cherundolo's Hannover '96 back in action in Germany, wonders about the Rapids' priorities going into the season, and asks Joe Cannon not to quit his day job.

Now that Germany is back from their winter break, how is Steve Cherundolo's Hannover 96 team doing?

They drew 0 – 0 at Hoffenheim over the weekend and sit in 7th place, five points behind Leverkusen. Cherundolo played 90 minutes this weekend, playing in his eighth game of the season (his team has played 18). His staying healthy is one of Hannover's keys to making a run towards a Europa League spot. Hannover has a -8 goal difference in 9 road games this year, suggesting this weekend's clean sheet was a step in the right direction.

Questions: DMB, DC, Heaps, Chivas USA, Chicago

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 19, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In today's Questions, Tony wonders if it's possible for a professional soccer player to have a more bizarre few days than DaMarcus Beasley and his Puebla teammates.  From there, we look at changes in New England, and wonders about the Fire's signings and DC's attack.

How was DaMarcus Beasley's Friday?

Oh, not-so-great. Here's a quick rundown.  Having government agents invade your team's locker room and seize assets, including the team bus, for unpaid taxes.  Waiting on another bus to take you to an away game against Pachuca that ends up turning into a 3-1 loss.  Add in Beasley's tweets describing another traffic stop shakedown for cash earlier this week, and that's a tough few days. 

5 Questions: Superpowers And MLS Elsewhere

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 17, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In Tuesday's edition of the Five Questions, US National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann talks competition and Tony presents a case study in using Major League Soccer's model in another part of the world.  Also, Wilmer Cabrera's exit as U-17 coach and Open Cup changes.

Where is the latest soccer league to follow MLS' business model located?

India might be Robert Pires's swansong, as the former Philadelphia target has signed with the new Indian Premier League for more than £300,000 for the 7-week season.

Questions: MLS Fans Turned Players

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 12, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In the Thursday edition, Tony looks at how Major League Soccer values the Super Draft, contraction 10 years along, and the kind of enthusiasm from a Crew signing that bodes well for the league.

Where can I get an autographed jersey from the guy with the most yellow cards in any one season in MLS?

Right here, for the Leonel Alvarez fans in the crowd. From the same page, there are a couple of Tampa Bay Mutiny jerseys available to be bid on, which is a reminder that it was 10 years ago Tampa and Miami were contracted. Far from “saving MLS,”  as the hyperbolic contraction article headline asks, the contraction left a hole in the league as wide as the South. And for all of MLS' press about stable, innovative ownerships, MLS Cup this year was the Anschutz Cup in more ways than one, again.

5 Questions: Operating In Major League Soccer

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 10, 2012) US Soccer Players -- Tuesday's Five, and Tony considers a big name in CONCACAF coming to MLS, Chicago's latest signing, and coaches who were fired after they won MLS Cup.

Which has been the quietest 'big name' signing by an MLS club this offseason?

How about Dallas signing Panamanian forward Blas Perez. For all the Perez potentially brings as a target forward and physical presence, he's 31 and just now making the adjustment to MLS. While he should be able to handle the physical play, is this a sign Dallas is trying to win this year because Perez is not a signing for the long-term?

5 Questions: MLS Changes

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 5, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In Thursday's edition, Tony analyzes the Rapids' coaching choice, the same old news out of Harrison, and midfield options for the Sounders.

Are the Rapids getting everything they want in a coach?

With Colorado yet to make this Denver Post report official, possibly. In previous comments, they've prioritized someone who understands the League, but in Pareja, the Rapids are getting a coach who not only knows the League, but is grounded in youth development and potentially brings a more pleasing style of play.  Colorado has had attendance concerns that predate their MLS Cup win. What's positive about this hire is the Rapids are putting quality of play on the to-do list, maybe giving fans in the region another reason to look at the club.

5 Questions: Points In The Premier League

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Jan 3, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In the first edition of the new year, Tony looks one organization getting new leadership (not the Rapids), the Pan American Maccabi games, and another organization jumping on the retro name train.  Also, did Aston Villa's earlier win against Chelsea make up for Monday's loss to Swansea?

Why is the name Ted Howard important?

He was the guy who played the 'White Shadow' right? No, that was Ken Howard. Ted Howard is CONCACAF's new Acting General Secretary, replacing Chuck Blazer, who left CONCACAF last year. Before he was named CONCACAF's Deputy General Secretary in 1998, he worked for the original North American Soccer League and the National Basketball Association, among other organizations.

5 Questions: Timbers, Fulham, Rangers, Rapids, Union

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Dec 27, 2011) US Soccer Players -- Tuesday's Questions, and Tony asks about Clint Dempsey's growing legacy with Fulham, an Old Firm derby date for the Americans at Rangers, and the Rapids' search for a new head coach.  As always, let us know what you think or add some questions of your own.

What does Portland General Manager apparently like most about new Young Designated Player José Adolfo Valencia?

"The ability to develop within the organization and athleticism,” Portland GM Gavin Wilkinson told MLSsoccer.com. Timbers coach John Spencer cautioned against treating Valencia like an immediate answer, and all credit to him.  Even designated players need to adjust to the quirks of MLS.  With that in mind, when are we going to hear a club executive tell us they’ve signed a player who isn’t quick and his bench press won’t impress you, but in the attacking third he can pass and find space?

5 Questions: Preseason, Dome, Cup, Breakout, Gifts

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Dec 22, 2011) US Soccer Players -- Tony looks at National Team players in the German Cup, the breakout MLS player, and is pleased Toronto fans won’t have to shiver during the CONCACAF Champions League game.

Which MLS team in the CONCACAF Champions League is skipping all the MLS Preseason ‘Tournaments’?

Seattle. While Los Angeles and Toronto are headed to exotic places such as Orlando and Tucson for preseason tournaments with other MLS, American, and international teams, the Sounders are preparing for their March 7^th first leg against Santos Laguna. Los Angeles and Toronto, of course, face each other in another CCL quarterfinal.

5 Questions: Rights, Canada, Chievo, EPL, Bolton

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Dec 20, 2011) US Soccer Players -- In Tuesday's questions, Tony starts in the boardroom, and then travels to Canada, Italy, and England.

Which organization offered MLS the most money during recent broadcast rights negotiations?

Fox Soccer, according to this article in the New York Times. MLS Commissioner Don Garber cited the “vision” of new NBC Sports executive Mark Lazarus as one of the reasons the League signed with NBC.  Garber's confirmation that the League took a cheaper deal for the potential for wider exposure certainly increases the pressure for MLS on NBC.