What's Going On With The Red Bulls?

The worst team in the league is tough to figure out.
Good: They are about to open the coolest soccer specific stadium in the country. Which puts them in the running to host the 2010 MLS Cup in addition to the Big East Championships.
Bad: They still don't have a head coach and the MLS Combine is starting next week with the draft on January 14th.
Good: They signed Costa Rican defender Roy Miller. Miller currently plays for Rosenborg in Norway and was a pre-season target for the Sounders last year.
Bad: Mac Kandji in this article. Well, at least we know he can score off the field.

Dempsey's Volley Against Stoke

The Full Generation Adidas Class

MLS officially announced their full class of Generation Adidas players and one name that I immediately noticed was missing is the 2009 Young Male Athlete of the Year, Luis Gil. The U.S. U-17 World Cup midfielder was a hot prospect for MLS and Ives even had him as a first round pick. Well now it looks like the kid might be skipping the domestic league and trying to land in Europe. Rumors have been around for a while now that he would cross the Atlantic, but now I see two options:
1) Stay at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL for another year, or
2) Sign with a European squad...after all, they have youth AND reserve teams.

Stuart Holden on Good Morning America

I really slept on this. Really, I was sleeping while Stu was holding it down. I saw on his twitter that he was going to be on, but I never set my DVR.

The Mexican Lottery?

I have no idea what this is about...other than a Mexican lottery game. Oh Danny Boy, please translate!


UPDATE - Someone was kind enough to translate this for me...no thanks to ODB.
Caption - Mexican Frontier 7:30am
COP: Stop right there.
LD: I am Mexican.
COP: Of course not, you're Landon Donovan!
LD: Awwh.
COP: What are you doing over here?
LD: It's just that it's winning in Mexico is easier.
COP: WHAT?!?
LD: No, no, no! I'm talking about GanaGol.
COP: GanaGol???
LD: GanaGol - the new game where it's easier to win because there are only 12 games.
COP: Well, it'll be easier for ME...not for you!
LD: [Sighs]
COP: So go back home. NOW! LET'S GO!
LD: [Walking Away] CULEEEEEEERO!

Everton through to round 4 as Landon arrives.

Landon Donovan was in the stands to see his new side's win over Carlisle United (League One) in F.A. Cup round 3 action. James Vaughan was the first to put Everton in the lead after picking off an embarrassing back pass from Adam Clayton in just 12 minutes from the start of the whistle. If David Moyes' side thought this was a taste of things to come they were sadly mistaken. The Cumbrians proved to be a worthy adversary and Kevan Hurst was the man to prove that. In just 6 minutes after Vaughan's goal, Hurst put away Adam Clayton's long range bomb that Tim Howard could only parry in the path of Hurst, which he put away from a yard out. As the game wore on Everton grew increasingly frustrated until Tim Cahill put the Toffees ahead in the 82nd minute. Leighton Baines added the insurance goal with a 90th minute penalty that made sure Carlisle's dream of advancing was laid to rest, and gave the blue side of Liverpool a sigh of relief. No word yet if Donovan will feature in the match against Arsenal on January 9th.

Should old acquaintance be forgot.....

This will be my last post for 2009. I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year. May 2010 bring happiness, luck, good fortune and blessings.... AND may it bring us an amazing World Cup in South Africa. USA!

Sounders Get Seattle Times Love

The Sounders and their fans were shown a little love by the Seattle Times in a 2009 wrap up piece. When I lived in New York, I never heard about the Metrostars, lets hope that changes for RBNY when that new arena opens.

Quick Headlines

Sky Sports and ESPN pundit Andy Gray gives off his best 11 for the Premier League Team of the Decade. I was very surprised to see who his goal keeper was, but after reading what the former Scotland international said I have to agree with him.

After Liverpools much needed win versus Aston Villa, Defender Glen Johnson was subbed off in the 88th minute with a knee injury. Liverpool F.C. reports that he could be sidelined for up to a month.

Want away Bayern Munich Striker loaned to Roma. Why is it everytime I see Luca Toni's name I start humming the tune "My name is Luka," by Suzanne Vega?

Yep, you guessed it... You know I had to!

Opa!!!!

Fulham F.C. has announced that Eddie Johnson has been sent on loan to Greek club Aris Salonika until the end the season. After only appearing 4 times for the Cottagers this year, EJ is hoping for more playing time as he looks to secure a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster. Aris Salonika sits in a 3 way tie (Kavala, Panionios) for 5th in the Greek Super League. They are hoping Eddie can give them the added offensive boost to claim the final Europa League spot. At this point I don't have too much optimism for Eddie, but I do wish him the best. I have never doubted his skill, talent or his ambition, but after a sub par loan with Cardiff and failed attempt with Fulham, I'm starting to wonder if his lack of success is more mental than anything. I do hope this opportunity is the break through he needs and he finally lives up to the potential we all see.

Zakuani On FSN

I thought it was cool to see a MLS player being interviewed during the halftime of a basketball game. Granted it's only the UW Men's Basketball team, but it's the closest thing Seattle has to the NBA. You can catch up with Zakuani's off-season here.

FIFA 10 Goals of the Year

These gamers may not win the Puskas, but EA Sports have selected their best goals of the year. If you want to enter the competition, you can go to EASportsFootball.com

FSC in HD

This is the moment we've all ben waiting for. Starting in January 2010, Fox Soccer Channel will be available in High Definition. I have to admit that I've been spoiled by ESPN's HD coverage of the English Premier League and Spain's La Liga. Even ESPN's MLS Primetime Game of the Week is more fun to watch in 1080i. So please click this link and take the time to fill out the form and let your cable/satellite provider know that you want FSC HD. Do it now!

UPDATE: And then send Fox an email letting them know that I (or you) want FoxSoccer.TV for free too. Come on Fox! ESPN gives us 360 and you can do the same.

Onalfo to United

DC United have officially hired Curt Onalfo as their head coach. There will be a press conference on Tuseday, January 5th to unveil the former KC Wizards coach to the press.

“Our first priority was to find someone who shares the club's long-standing philosophy of attacking soccer – and Curt absolutely does. Having played and coached here, Curt understands the culture of D.C. United. As a former member of our 1998 and 1999 championship-winning teams he understands what is necessary today to fulfill the D.C. United legacy and meet the lofty expectations that follow our club. His fluency in Spanish, familiarity with our community, and understanding of our league are additional factors that make him the ideal choice to lead our team and I am excited to welcome him home. We look forward to getting to work in bringing the MLS Cup back to D.C." said United President, Kevin Payne.

I always find it interesting to hear what the President says about a coaching hire when they've been turned down by their first choice. I hope that Onalfo does a good job and brings United back to being a playoff team. The league's first dynasty could use some good years during this new era of MLS 2.0. Plus, I'm excited to see Cristian Castillo in action.

Now This Is A Christmas Remix

Check out Mike Relm and DJ D-Sharp doing a 4 song Christmas remix.

Happy Boxing Day...And More Free Stuff

Happy Boxing Day everyone. I have to admit that Boxing Day doesn't mean much to me other than there tends to be quite a few matches on the telly. I did run across this free EP from B. Reith and I wanted to share it with all of our readers in case you didn't get enough for Christmas. I've brought you B. Reith before, but I'm feeling the Free Ep so I had to pass it along. The dude brings a refreshing mix of singing and rapping so he's kind of tough to classify. So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and download the free EP on Amazon and then check out the video below while you're waiting. Peace.

Merry Christmas

Here is Tacoma's own J Rice covering Mariah's hit. I'm really feeling the acoustic vibe on here. As my Christmas gift to all of you, I'm going to give you all links to J Rice's sites where you can get free downloads of two of his albums (Trust me, you will want to pick these up).

Youtube site: http://www.youtube.com/user/jriceproductions
Myspace site: http://www.myspace.com/jrice
Download his new album "Heartbreakerz" here : http://bit.ly/KmJXo
Download his older album "So Close" here: http://bit.ly/jricesoclose

And I'll leave you with a sample from his song Victoria Secret Model from his "So Close" album.
Merry Christmas!

Heads Up

Who Is Alejandro Bedoya?

I know that's what you were thinking when you read the list of players called in for the USMNT traing camp in January. So I took the liberty of giving you a little information on the man of the hour.
Alejandro Bedoya played  high school ball in Fort. Lauderdale, FL and then attended Farleigh Dickinson for two years before transferring to Boston College. He also attended the 2006 U-20 training camp in Bradenton, FL and eventually missed out on a spot on the 2008 US Olympic team. Bedoya then signed with Orebro SK of Sweden near the end of 2008. Here is a blog post from the guy on life in Sweden and I've posted a video of him making a substitute appearance and earning a point for his squad.

Pre-Christmas Roundup

A few items as we head into the Christmas holiday...and all those Boxing Day matches!

Don't know what to give your loved one? How about a massage?

Will Manchester United put a little Pep in their step?

With the new NASL breakaway league making all the noise, we've all forgotten about what's left of the USL. The PDL announced their alignment today and there are a lot of teams in that league.

According to Ives, Jermaine Jones' rehab at Schalke isn't going so well. Sucks for all the USMNT supporters.

Do you ever wonder what MLS coaches do during the offseason? Sounders FC goalkeeper coach, Tom Dutra has been in Hoffenheim, Germany learning from 1899 Hoffenheim. Check it out, it's an interesting read. He also got to see Jens Lehmann's bathroom break that ODB told you about.

Finally, here are the 30 players that Bob Bradley called into the January training camp.

Ronaldo Wins the Puskas

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "What is a Puskas? And should I be offended?" Well, the answer is "no." The Goal of the Year Award is named after the late Ferenc Puskas and the first annual FIFA Puskas Award went to Cristiano Ronaldo for his long range bomb against FC Porto in the Champions League.

Here are all the goals nominated.

Who do you think should have won? Let us know in the comments.

The Best of U.S. Soccer 2009

U.S. Soccer keeps rolling out their Best of 2009 winners. No, we didn't win best soccer blog, but our boy Ives did. Peep the videos below and check out all of the winners here.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Motor Oil?

What won't this guy sell? But if I stop and think, "Would I do a commercial for Castrol if they paid me?" I would have to say, "Yes!"

Behind the Scenes Footage

And this is why the dude makes Arab Money.

Messi Wins World Player of the Year

What came as a surprise to no one, Lionel Messi and Marta were named the World Players of the Year. Players from Argentina and Brasil...take that you Eurosnobs.

Behind The Scenes - Blind Keepie Uppie

Last week Oh Danny Boy brought you the original video, and now I'm dropping the behind the scenes on ya.