September 2007 Archives

Late and light post this morning, since some of the boys in the press box hung out at the bar at Alpine Village, a true kitschy South Bay institution, after the Chivas USA game and I got home at 2 a.m. just in time to watch the U.S.-Norway game.

If you didn't stay up, you can catch up on the action here.

The U.S. found a measure of redemption with its win, but here's a memo for U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati: hire Germany Coach Neid Silvia.

Discipline beat flair in the World Cup final, with Germany showing the U.S. how to stifle Brazil.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy continue their improbable playoff slog today against former Coach Sigi Schmid's Columbus Crew.

The game is sold out (thanks to Beckham) and the Crew are asking fans to wear black in what the team is dubbing a "black out."

Galaxy beat writer Billy Witz has a preview of the game and its playoff implications. The game is delayed three hours until 5 p.m. on FSN.

The Crew have plenty to play for as well, sitting just two points behind Chicago for the last playoff spot.

Chivas USA saved their unbeaten home record when Claudio Suarez scored an 82nd minute penalty kick after Brown had brought down Maykel Galindo.

The goal was throughly deserved; Chivas USA had attacked relentlessly and were desperately unlucky not to get a goal in the 72nd minute when a Mendoza volley from close range hit the underside of the bar, yet somehow still didn't go in.

Guzan secured the tie with an acrobatic fingertip save off a 25-yard Gutierrez blast in the 89th minute that was on its way into the net.

There was even more drama just before the final whistle when Blanco was brought down in the penalty box by Zotinca, but the referee awarded a corner much to the disgust of the Chicago bench.

Coach Juan Carlos Osorio was red carded apparently for not leaving the field while virulently protesting the tackle.

Cups of soft drinks and who knows what else rained down on Blanco as he waited to take the corner, which came to nothing.

Updated: Osorio didn't speak to the media after the game, although it turned out he was more angry about a previous tackle than the one on Blanco.

Chivas USA midfielder Jesse Marsch, who had just written for this blog about some of the league's worst unabashed divers, observed in the locker room that he may have to revise his list after dealing with Blanco "cheating all over the place."

"I know he's shifty and I know he's faster than you think and I know he likes to draw contact and I know he likes to fall and he did all that tonight," he said, adding this was the first Chivas USA home game he had experienced significant support for the opposing team.

"Blanco's a big draw," Marsch said. "And he's a polarizing figure. It's good for this league. I just wish he'd stay on his feet a little more."

Did Chicago Assistant Coach Daryl Shore (who spoke for Osario) agree with the diving comment? No.

Claudio Suarez enjoyed scoring on that penalty in a soldout stadium (a real one not the pseudo ones the Galaxy have) with a crowd that reminded him of Mexico.

"Classico's in Mexico have that kind of passion," he said. "We gave the fans their money's worth. It was a great show."

It was sub Alex Zotinca who surreptitiously slapped Blanco around the back of the head to draw the retaliation that led to Blanco's 85th minute yellow card, by the way.

And speaking of yellows: Chivas USA striker Maykel Gaylindo will miss the game next Saturday against Real Salt Lake after drawing a 54th minute yellow card.

A politically correct Blanco didn't say much interesting in the locker room and denied he was guilty of diving.

"You guys saw the game, you saw all the kicks I was getting," he said.

Fans who haven't had enough can take in the reserve game at 10 a.m. Sunday on the sunken field near the tennis courts (take a right at the stop sign in front of the fountain).

The Palos Verdes Peninsula's John Thorrington will play.

Thorrington has been taking things relatively easy since failing to hook on with either the Galaxy or Chivas USA before the season began. He has stayed fit playing with his brother's club team, FRAM, which plays in Rolling Hills Estates on a superb private facility called Nansen Field (it's where aging rocker Rod Stewart plays when he's not marrying another young blond).

Thorrington said he was happy to return to Chicago, especially since the Fire had a new coach (Dave Sarachan had waived him).

"This was the only option I was willing to look into other than (playing in) LA," he said.

Thorrington said he has recovered fully from the hamstring injury that restricted his playing time to just two games for the Fire last season.

Updated: Game story is here.

A world class Blanco goal from a 30-yard free kick in the 24th minute was the highlight of an entertaining first half.

In a piece of sheer artistry, Blanco somehow managed to find a sliver of space between the Chivas USA wall and the right post, leaving goalkeeper Brad Guzan no chance. The player who least enjoyed that skill: Chivas USA's Jesse Marsch, who fouled Blanco in the first place and then apparently got a yellow card for sharing some choice words with the referee.

Blanco had claimed at Friday's press conference that this was just another MLS game for him.

Don't believe it. He was in the middle of everything Chicago did and was clearly revelling in the large crowd that appeared to contain just as many Club America as Chivas USA fans.

The crowd buzzed every time Blanco received the ball waiting for an audacious back heel (check), theatrical dive (check) and yes, that, stunning goal that was still rising as it hit the back of the net.

Chivas USA, who have not lost at home this season, were not without their own opportunities in front of goal and had four shots to Chicago's one.

Maykel Galindo had a goal disallowed for offside that appeared perfectly fine, while Razov saw a shot take a wild deflection and hit the top of the bar.

There's an incredible atmosphere at this game and a second half any soccer fan would drool over in anticipation awaits.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco received a big cheer - yes, cheer - from fans when he came out for the pre-game warm-up. Lots of Club America fans in the stadium tonight and it looks to be one of Chivas USA's largest crowds of the season.

Former Chadwick School star John Thorrington, resigned by Chicago just before the transfer window closed, is on the bench. He's scored a goal in the Fire's last two reserve games.

Goalkeeper Matt Pickens can tie the regular season team shutout record if he keeps a clean sheet tonight.

Wilman Conde starts at the back as usual for the Fire, Logan Pause has moved from midfield back into defense with Dasan Robinson benched. C.J. Brown and Gonzalo Segares complete the back four.

Diego Gutierrez is moved to midfield, with Chris Rolfe stepping in alongside Chris Armas and Blanco.

Up front: Costa Rican Paulo Wanchope and former UCLA star Chad Barrett.

Chivas USA Coach Preki has benched defender Alex Zotinca and moved Lawson Vaughn from the midfield slot he played in the 2-1 win against Kansas City last Saturday. As usual, Claudio Suarez, Shavar Thomas and Jonathan Bornstein compolete the back four.

Jesse Marsch returns from suspension alongside Sacha Kljestan, Paulo Nagamura and Panchito Mendoza, who is awaiting a possible national team call for Mexico's Oct. 17 friendly against Guatemala at the Coliseum.

The forwards, as usual, are Maykel Galkindo and Ante Razov, three goals behind D.C. United's Jaime Moreno (who scored today against Toronto) on the MLS all-time goal scoring list.

Chicago, hanging on to the final playoff spot, are seeking their first win in four games.

Chivas USA were just three points behind MLS leaders D.C. United coming in to today's game, but D.C. slaughtered Toronto 4-1 earlier in the day.

The kick off is delayed a half hour on FSN

Blanco en Fuego

It will be fascinating to see the reaction of Chivas USA's Legion 1908 to Blanco tonight when he walks out on the field at Home Depot Center with the rest of the Chicago Fire. Kick off is at 7:30 p.m., although if you're watching on TV FSN has delayed airing the game until 8 p.m.

It will be no where near as friendly as at LAX Thursday when Blanco was greeted by Club America fans.

I'll blog from the press box as usual.

Chivas USA beat writer Ivan Orozco filed this Blanco profile and game preview.

World Cup Final Preview

While the fallout from the U.S. loss continues before the 1:55 a.m. Sunday third place game on ESPN2, U.S. Coach Greg Ryan has confirmed goalkeeper Hope Solo has been banished.

Torrance's Shannon Boxx is suspended for the game after her red card that really wasn't in the loss to Brazil.

Meanwhile, Ajax America Coach Brian Boswell provides the pregame analysis of the enticing Brazil-Germany matchup in the final set for 4:55 a.m. Sunday on ESPN that's mandatory viewing for any soccer fan:

Current champions Germany, with four wins, a tie and most importantly, no goals conceded, are extremely well organized.

They play a 4-4-2 system with overlapping outside midfield players. Look out especially for the lightning quick surges from Kersten Garefrekes (two goals) on the right.

Their 19 goals have come from a variety of players with their world class forward Birgit Printz and playmaker Renate Linger getting four apiece

Veteran Kirsten Stegeman anchors the defense and is the calming influence on a young back line that includes 22-year-old Annike Krahn.

The Germans have struggled at times, especially in the first half of each game; they need to start better against a free scoring Brazil side that starts fast. They must play the ball quickly to avoid the Brazilian offensive pressure.

The defense must remain compact and keep its shape and not be pulled apart by the Brazil’s creativity.

Germany must make the most of its free kicks in the Brazilian half. Brazil does not defend well from dead ball situations and goalkeeper Andreia has not really been tested.

Brazil, fresh from a resounding 4-0 victory over the U.S., are a joy to watch. In team possession, individual creativity, solid defense and confidence, they’ve got it all. If you watched the game with the U.S., it’s hard to believe anyone can beat them.

Marta was superb, the fourth goal possibly the best you will see in women’s soccer. They boast attacking threats all over the field with Marta, Cristiane, Daniella and Formiga all capable of working their way inside the box or shooting from distance.

Defensively I was surprised how quick Brazil was to pressure the ball and how strong they were.

The Brazilians, as is their heritage, have great technical ability. Add that to a Brazil that is playing well as a team, and Germany have their work cut out for them.

Look for Brazil to get into their rhythm early and try to pull the organized Germans all over the field. Brazil will then attack quickly through a combination of passing, individual skill and shots from anywhere. If they get Germany on their heels as they did the U.S. they will score and score. Germany must start playing right from the whistle, keep compact and play down the outside. If they can stifle the Brazilian offense and possess the ball, the experience and goal scoring ability of Prinz and Linger will put goals on the board for Germany.

Expect goals.

Prediction: Brazil will win 2-1 or 3-2.

Friday's College Roundup

After missing all of last year with a knee injury, including the first seven matches of this season while at the Women’s World Cup in China, Canadian international striker Kara Lang returned to the college game in a big way Friday evening, scoring both UCLA goals in a 2-1 overtime upset of No. 2 Portland at Drake Stadium.

Lang, whose last game college game happened to be against Portland (7-2) in the 2005 NCAA Final, opened the scoring after just eight minutes with a 30-yard strike. Portland equalized eight minutes from time, but Lang scored her second seven minutes into overtime.

UCLA (5-1-2) extended their home winning streak to 31 matches.

Next: San Diego State Friday in San Diego.

Senior Jamie Bell continued her goal-scoring binge for the Lady Lions, finding the net for the third consecutive game as Loyola Marymount defeated 3-1 Friday afternoon at Sullivan Field. The Lions have won five straight to post the program's longest winning streak since 1998 and tie the school record.

The 5-3-1 Lions can break that record 1 p.m. Sunday against UC Riverside at Sullivan Field.

No. 14-ranked USC (7-1-1) beat Long Beach State (6-4-0) 3-0 Friday before a record crowd of 954 for a women's soccer match at LBSU.

Evoking memories of the 1998 World Cup debacle that rightfully focused on then U.S. Men's National Team Coach Steve Sampson, pressure on U.S. Women's Coach Greg Ryan is intensifying in the wake of the humiliating 4-0 loss to Brazil.

Even though Hope Solo backtracked on any perceived criticism of backup Briana Scurry on her MySpace page (click on the "2007worldcup" link for her statement) after her angry words in the wake of the Brazil game, Solo pointedly did not express any regrets in regard to Ryan.

Fans have the knives out.

Over on BigSoccer.com they're discussing potential successors.

There's also a poll asking when (not if) Ryan will be fired.

And Nike's World Cup advertising campaign around its "the greatest team you've never heard of" slogan (am I the only one who found those ads incredibly annoying?) isn't immune either from general derision.

Meanwhile, former U.S. Women's National Team stars are also calling for Ryan's head.

As usual, the outspoken Brandi Chastain was particularly damning in her assessment:

“People say this is a step back, but I think Greg Ryan has put us three steps back – all the way to the starting gate," said Chastain, the 1999 World Cup hero who watched Thursday's loss from her home in Northern California. "He lacks the ability to communicate and is not in tune with his players, and he's obviously not a tactician or he wouldn't have made the decisions he did.”

For what it's worth, I e-mailed U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati for his view. No, I haven't heard back, but if I do, I'll post the response here.

Updated 4:45 p.m.: Sunil got back to me via e-mail, gave me a quote, then told me it wasn't for use. So, to ensure the president of U.S. Soccer does talk to me again I'll respect his request and won't use it for publication.

I'll say this though, Ryan is in trouble. (I can read between the lines).

Galaxy Find Yellow Brick Road and Win

The Galaxy won on the road for the first time this season beating nine-man Kansas City 1-0 Thursday to keep their slender playoff hopes alive.

Notable: The Galaxy took just one shot on goal and scored, meaning that former UCLA goalkeeper Kevin Hartman remains stuck on 999 career MLS saves.

Defender Ante Jazic, out of the lineup since sustaining an injury against New York Aug. 18, came on as a second half sub. Can fellow full back Chris Albright be far behind?

Here's the view from Kansas City.

Next for the Galaxy: A visit Sunday to former Coach Sigi Schmid's Columbus Crew that FSN will air on tape-delay at 5 p.m.

Weekend College Games

The Cal State Northridge men host tenth-ranked UCLA at Saturday in the first game between the two schools since 2005. The Matadors have never beaten UCLA.

The Loyola Marymount women (4-3-1), winners of four straight games, play at 4 p.m. today against Idaho (4-3-0) and 1 p.m. Sunday against UC Riverside (5-3-0). Both games are at Sullivan Field.

The Long Beach State women (6-3-0), winners of four in a row, host two games this weekend First up at 4 p.m. today is No. 14-ranked USC (6-1-1), while at 11 a.m. Sunday it's Wyoming (4-4-0) in town.

Etc.

If you only watch one game this weekend, make it Germany against Brazil in the FIFA Women's World Cup Final, a game between a team yet to concede a goal in the tournament against one that put four past the U.S. Kick off is at 4:55 a.m. The third place Norway-U.S. game is at 1:55 a.m. on the same channel.

Are the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros big in Uzbekistan? The revamped Cal State Dominguez Hills Athletics’ Web site has surpassed 14,000 hits since it was launched one month ago with visitors coming from 42 different countries including South Korea, Kenya, Uzbekistan and Turkey.

Finally, former UCLA soccer player and avid supporter Jonathan Moore died at his Los Angeles home Wednesday, just days after his 60th birthday.

A member of the UCLA soccer team in 1968 and 1969, he led the team in scoring in his first season. After graduation, he was a fixture at UCLA soccer games.

U.S. Crashes Out of World Cup

A brilliant individual goal from Marta in the 80th minute sealed a historic 4-0 win for Brazil over the U.S. this morning and handed the South Americans a deserved World Cup final berth Sunday against Germany.

Bad luck, questionable coaching decisions and uninspired play all combined to work against the U.S. and gave Coach Greg Ryan his first and possibly last loss since his 2005 appointment, rendering a two-year undefeated streak meaningless.

It was the worst U.S. defeat ever and it could have been even worse: Brazil hit the post shortly before the end of the game.

Brazil's players celebrate the victory over the U.S. after their semifinal match

Game details here.

The U.S. now turns its attention to the Olympics next year. But questions arise: has the rest of the world caught up to the U.S.? And will Ryan remain the coach?

Galaxy Preview

The Galaxy plays the Kansas City Wizards live at 5 p.m. today on ESPN2. There's a viewing party at the Underground Pub & Grill in Hermosa Beach.

David Beckham, by the way, took the first flight to London he could after learning late last night that his father had suffered a heart attack. Details here.

Beat writer Billy Witz has the game preview.

And just to catch up with Wednesday's stories: Cobi Jones said he may not retire.

And columnist Paul Oberjuerge has this take on the Galaxy's season.

Blanco Ball

Lots of fans are expected at the American Airlines terminal at LAX today to greet Cuauhtémoc Blanco as the Chicago Fire step off an airplane en route to Saturday's game against Chivas USA. American Airlines Flight 55 is scheduled to arrive at 5:30 p.m. if you want to take in the scene or just avoid the crowds.

From the Chivas USA press release:

There will be brief media availability with Blanco and Fire personnel upon arrival at the airport, where scores of fans are expected to greet the controversial Mexican National Team and ex-Club América icon ahead of his only scheduled appearance of 2007 in Southern California.

Blanco, reportedly Major League Soccer’s second-highest paid Designated Player after David Beckham, signed with the Chicago Fire in June and in just 10 games since his MLS debut has scored three goals and registered six assists, leading the Fire to a 4-2-4 record (W-L-T) and, for now, the eighth and final spot in the race to the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Mexican-owned Chivas USA (14-6-5, 47 pts) is currently in first place in MLS’s Western Conference with five regular season games remaining. Led by three-time Mexican World Cup star Claudio Suárez, Chivas USA will look to extend their unbeaten streak to nine games on Saturday against the Fire and Blanco, who for over a decade represented Club América, the Mexican archrival of Chivas USA’s parent club, Chivas de Guadalajara.

Chivas USA and the Chicago Fire face off this Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center in a preview of a potential first-round 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs matchup.

It's a first half disaster for the U.S.

A 20th minute own goal from a corner kick, a second Brazilian goal scored seven minutes later in a manner usually athletic goalkeeper Briana Scurry was brought in precisely to save and Torrance's Shannon Boxx sent off just before half time. That Boxx should not have been given a second yellow card - replays showed she was clipped by a Brazilian player and not vice versa - is no consolation for the U.S.

Down to 10 players, the U.S. has just 45 minutes left in the 2007 World Cup unless it scores at least two goals.

The game is on ESPN2, by the way.

Ajax America Women Coach Brian Boswell returns to provide 100 Percent Soccer with a match analysis of the U.S.-Brazil semifinal:

The U.S. have been preparing for this game since the end of the 2003 World Cup, whereas the Brazilian team disbanded that year and did not come together until early 2007 for the Pan American Games.

The U.S. is fresh off of a 3-0 victory over a good English side, despite starting slowly and allowing England to play at a comfortable pace, ceding most of the possession.

Upping the tempo of the game in the second half, the U.S. put the English on the back foot and scored three goals in 15 minutes. They played better possession soccer and looked like a team capable of winning the World Cup, with good goals from key players Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx and Kristine Lilly.

Brazil beat a plucky, hard-working Australian team 3-2. Although out-shooting Australia 20-4 and leading 2-0, they found it very difficult to put the Aussies away.

The U.S. is getting better with every game.

It played the England game with Shannon Boxx and Leslie Osborne as the central midfielders. Although both have been used primarily as holding midfield players, they played well together. Boxxy was able to go forward more often and this resulted in a great left-footed goal. The U.S. played the ball wider than they have in previous games and cut out a lot of the ”Route 1” long balls, which allowed the midfield to support Abby Wambach and Kristine Lilly up front. This put a lot more pressure on the England defense.

Expect to see this on Thursday.

The U.S. will try to dictate the pace against Brazil, speed it up and put the Brazilians on their heels. Look for the U.S. to be dangerous on set pieces; the U.S. is the best women’s team in the air and Brazil does not mark well from set pieces.

The U.S. will play more down the lines to try to get around the back of Brazil and use Abby’s prowess in the air with Lilly, Lori Chalupny and Heather O’Reilly picking up the knock downs and Boxxy coming through.

When defending the U.S. must pressure the ball quickly as Brazil has great individual talent and loves to shoot from outside the penalty area.

The Brazilians are the most entertaining of the women’s teams.

Good team work and great individual skill make them fun to watch, plus they have in Marta the No. 1 player in the world.

They play like their men’s team.

They beat Australia 3-2 after dominating the first 30 minutes and leading 2-0. Australia didn’t quit, were able to narrow the field and congest the midfield and claw two goals back, which shows the Brazilian defense is not at the same standard as its attack.

When Brazil are allowed to play they attack quickly, push their outside backs up and into your penalty area. They will then shoot from anywhere looking for goals, deflections, balls knocked down, anything that gives them a chance of scoring. They play well as a team, but rely on individual skill to win games.

Brazil play a 4-4-2 with forwards Marta and Christiane and attacking midfielders Formiga and Daniella interchanging positions, making them very difficult to mark. Marta is very dangerous from free kicks in scoring positions.

They are not as well organized when defending, which comes from lack of preparation time as a team. Defending is more about organization than individual ability and they've missed some of the finer points. Vulnerable at set pieces, Brazil has had the easier games to the semifinal, so the defense has not been tested in the way it will be against the U.S.

Expect the U.S. to start quickly and prevent Brazil from developing a rhythm.

To do this they will need to pressure quickly when Brazil have possession and then attack quickly on the flanks, getting midfield support to the forwards. Even though they need to attack quickly they will need to show patience and avoid the long ball that has stretched the U.S. team in previous games.

I think this will be a fun game to watch, a game of goals, Brazil loves to attack and with their individual talent they should score. The U.S., with talent, strength and organization, should score more.

Prediction: U.S. 3 Brazil 1.

Updated: Ryan has taken the unusual step of dropping goalkeeper Hope Solo for the game in favor of veteran backup Brianna Scurry.

Solo has looked shaky on a couple of occasions in group play, but the torrential rain obviously played a huge factor.

Still, it's another sign from a coach who has been with most of this squad for two years, that no one is sure of their place.

Even Shannon Boxx sat out the opening 45 minutes of the second group game against Sweden.

Was this a bold move on Ryan's part, a harsh one or simply indicative of indecision?

We'll find out within hours.

If the U.S. wins, it faces Germany in the final. Germany have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and beat Norway 3-0 earlier today.

Updated: The star of the Brazilian team, Marta, is a widely considered the best female soccer player in the world. What's the U.S. up against? Check out her skills.

World Cup Semifinals Begin Wednesday

Germany play Norway at 4:55 a.m. Wednesday on ESPN2 in the first of the semifinals, while the U.S. faces Brazil Thursday morning. We'll have a complete pregame analysis from Ajax America Women Coach Brian Boswell up Wednesday. But for now, here's the story that ran in the Daily Breeze today.

K.C. Compensates Fans For Beckham No Show

The Kansas City Wizards belatedly discovered today (I kid you not) that David Beckham won't play Thursday (are they still using pony express there?) in the game on ESPN2. Still, the club announced a slew of special offers for fans to make up for his absence (are you paying attention, Galaxy?):

Parking is free.

Buy one playoff ticket, get one free playoff ticket for the first home playoff game (for fans with) the ticket stub from the Wizards versus Galaxy game

A drawing for three kids to have a Wizards starting player (as chosen by the Wizards staff) visit their school.

The Wizards have already arranged for numerous attractions surrounding the match, including an expanded soccer celebration east of the stadium (which includes 40 booths), NASCAR driver David Ragan signing autographs before the game, a performance by the band Liverpool: A Tribute to the Beatles, a special pre-game tribute to Galaxy midfielder Cobi Jones and much more. The first 10,000 fans into the stadium will receive blue and white thundersticks courtesy of game-sponsor M&I Bank, and the game ball will be delivered to mid-field by jet pack. After the game there will be a fireworks show and then Wizards players signing autographs.

By comparison, Galaxy season ticket holders got a "hey, we won't jack up the prices for next season if you renew by such and such a date."

Beck's on Best World XI List

The MLS Players Union was bursting with pride today that it had a player - David Beckham - included among the 55 finalists for the third annual World Best XI Player Awards. Too bad the press release from FIFPro, which represents 45,000 professional players worldwide, noted that Beckham plays for Real Madrid.

Here are the nominees, as voted on by players, with the winners announced in October:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/ Juventus), Iker Casillas (Spain/ Real Madrid), Petr Cech (Czech Republic/ Chelsea), Nelson de Jesus Silva ‘Dida’ (Brazil/ AC Milan), Edwin van der Sar (Holland/ Manchester United)

Defenders: Éric Abidal (France/ Olympique Lyon), Daniel Alves (Brazil/ Sevilla), Roberto Ayala (Argentina/ Valencia), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy/ Real Madrid), Roberto Carlos da Silva (Brazil/ Real Madrid), Jamie Carragher (England/ Liverpool), Ricardo Carvalho (Portugal/ Chelsea), Cristian Chivu (Romania/ AS Roma), Ashley Cole (England/ Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (England/ Manchester United), Philipp Lahm (Germany/ Bayern Munich), Ferreira Lucio (Brazil/Bayern Munich), Paolo Maldini (Italy/ AC Milan), Marco Materazzi (Italy/ Inter), Alessandro Nesta (Italy/ AC Milan), Carles Puyol (Spain/ Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain/ Real Madrid), John Terry (England/ Chelsea), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia/ Manchester United), Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy/ Juventus).

Midfielders: David Beckham (England/ Real Madrid), Anderson Deco (Portugal/ Barcelona), Mickaël Essien (Ghana/ Chelsea), Gennaro Gattuso (Italy/ AC Milan), Steven Gerrard (England/ Liverpool), Andrès Iniesta (Spain/ Barcelona), Ricardo Kaká (Brazil/ AC Milan), Frank Lampard (England/ Chelsea), Claude Makélélé (France/ Chelsea), Andrea Pirlo (Italy/ AC Milan), Juan Roman Riquelme (Argentina/ Villareal/Boca Juniors), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/ Manchester United), Paul Scholes (England/ Manchester United), Clarence Seedorf (Holland/ AC Milan), Xavi (Spain/ Barcelona).

Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria/ Tottenham Hotspur), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/ Chelsea), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon/ Barcelona), Thierry Henry (France/ Arsenal), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden/ Inter), Filippo Inzaghi (Italy/ AC Milan), Lionel Messi (Argentina/ Barcelona), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Holland/ Real Madrid), Ronaldinho (Brazil/ Barcelona), Ronaldo (Brazil/ Real Madrid/ AC Milan), Wayne Rooney (England/ Manchester United), Carlos Tévez (Argentina/ West Ham United), Luca Toni (Italy/ Fiorentina), Francesco Totti (Italy/ AS Roma), David Villa (Spain/ Valencia).

Hail Haley

The Under-14 Girl’s National Developmental Program competed for the first time as a team at the 2007 Women’s Nike Friendlies at Home Depot Center last weekend, picking up two wins and a draw against the nation’s top Under-16 club teams. Haley Rosen of Palos Verdes scored twice.

Toros Triumph

Freshman Tiburcio Casillas (Gardena/Animo Leadership High) scored twice as the Cal State Dominguez Hills men slammed visiting Cal State San Marcos 6-1 Monday at Toro Stadium.

CSUDH, now 8-2 overall, concludes its six-game homestand at 7 p.m. Saturday against nationally-ranked Seattle Pacific.

The Cal State Dominguez Hills women, meanwhile, beat Cal State San Marcos 3-0 Monday with Melissa Livergood (North Torrance High) and Kristen Boskovich (Peninsula High) combining for the three goals.

The 7-1-3 Toros concludes its six-game homestand 7 p.m. Tuesday against Western Washington.

The good, the bad and the ugly Tuesday column is here. I'll let the reader decide who's who.

Jesse missed Saturday's game against the Kansas City Wizards. And he wasn't happy about it. This is his inaugural post:

I was sitting in my house this week contemplating what to write for my first blog entry. I was thinking about the extra time I had on my hands this week because I had been suspended for yellow card points for the game against the Kansas City Wizards.

I became irritated because my last yellow card was for a tackle on Colorado's Colin Clark where I not only didn't foul him, but I didn't even touch him! He took one and a half more steps and then took a dive that Greg Louganis would have been proud of. The attempt to garner a call from the referee was so pathetic that when he took out the yellow card, I was sure it was fixed on Clark. I actually started clapping and demanding that Clark get off his rump, but the ref then pointed at me indicating that I was the recipient. I couldn't believe the ref fell for it.

I have a major problem with diving, and an even bigger problem with rolling around on the ground like someone has been shot.

I grew up in Wisconsin, which needless to say is not a soccer state.

We like brats, cheese, beer, and the Packers.

Most of my friends and family back home don't understand soccer, but they will watch occasionally because they like to see me on TV. (Although I always get the question, "Why don't you shoot more?")

The one thing they do know about soccer is that they hate diving! And I mean loathe it. And because of this reason I have never in my career done the ole' lay on the ground and cry for a card.

It's pathetic.

I mean we are talking about grown men, with families, lying on the ground grabbing their knees (even though the were kicked in the ankle) moaning and whining. So much so that when I go out and play with my three-year-old son, he kicks the ball and then falls to the ground grabbing his foot. That's what he absorbs from watching professional soccer.

The biggest problem is that it works.

I'm not sure if Carlos Ruiz or Brian Ching will read this blog. Or if we can forward this article to every Brazilian that comes to play in America, but I am starting a "no diving" campaign.

Let's get some sponsors and go global with it. Because unless we eliminate diving from our sport, we provide easy fodder for all of the antagonists of soccer in this country.

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So now you know who Jesse Marsch thinks are the biggest divers in MLS.

Who do you think are the worst culprits at faking injury?

My nominee: the Galaxy's Kyle Martino.

If memory serves, he won two penalties in quick sucession by ramping up the drama when he fell in the penalty box. Now referees have caught on and Martino just flails dramatically to no avail.

And looks silly.

Light (and late) Monday post after a busy weekend. Chivas USA veteran Jesse Marsch blogs later today with his first post. Until then here are a few weekend left-overs:

MLS Playoff Update

Here's an (edited) summary from MLS after this weekend's games:

“By defeating the Kansas City Wizards Saturday on a dramatic, stoppage-time goal, Chivas USA became the fourth MLS team to secure a berth in the playoffs, which begin Oct. 25 on ESPN2. D.C. United, Houston Dynamo and the New England Revolution had previously clinched passage to the postseason.

Chivas USA, led by Ante Razov’s two-goal performance against Kansas City, moved to the top of the Western Conference and closed within two points of D.C. United, the current overall leader in the MLS standings. When the regular season ends on Oct. 21, the team with the most points will win the Supporters’ Shield and will qualify for the 2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Most MLS teams have just four regular season games remaining.

FC Dallas and New York can book playoff slots this week, while Real Salt Lake and Toronto could be eliminated.

College Roundup

U.S. International Lauren Cheney had a breakout performance for UCLA Sunday in the program's biggest win since 1995, while the USC women also won. Brief summaries are here.

Next for UCLA: at home at 7 p.m. Friday against No. 3-ranked Portland.

Meanwhile, second half strikes from senior Jamie Bell and junior Stefanie Baduria lifted the Loyola Marymount women to their fourth consecutive victory in a 2-0 win over visiting Fresno State Sunday afternoon at Sullivan Field in Westchester. The Lions (4-3-1) got their record above .500 for the first time this season, while handing the Bulldogs (3-4-0) their second straight defeat.

LMU continues its five-game home stand at 4 p.m. Friday against Idaho and 1 p.m. Sunday against UC Riverside.

In men's soccer, LMU and Columbia battled to a goalless draw Sunday in the finale of the LMU Invitational at Sullivan Field. The LMU Lions (2-4-1), despite going 1-0-1 in the tournament, finished second to champions UC Santa Barbara on goal difference.

Next: The West Coast Conference home opener Oct. 5 against Santa Clara.

Best in the Galaxy

Finally, Sunday was the deadline for members of the media to choose the Galaxy MVP and defender of the year.

With two virtually completely different teams fielded this year, a ghastly season and so many injuries that Coach Frank Yallop has fielded the same lineup just twice, this was a crap shoot.

My picks are below. Discussion and ridicule welcome and expected.

MVP: Chris Klein - An ever-present this season starting 15 of 15 MLS games since joining the Galaxy from Real Salt Lake, the veteran utility man deserves the award for sheer perseverence if nothing else, filling in wherever needed. As a bonus he scored two of the most spectacular Galaxy goals seen this year, including that stunning SuperLiga equalizer that sent the final to penalty kicks.

Runner-up - Cobi Jones, not for his four goals in 18 games (12 starts), but for a sparkling 12-year MLS career (hey, the Oscars are often lifetime achievement awards).

Third - David Beckham. (What this isn't for the richest player with the most valuables?). Beck's gets it for sheer guts in trying to play through serious injuries and the exposure he brought to MLS. His goal in the SuperLiga semifinal and two assists in the 5-4 loss to New York in one of the most exciting MLS games ever weren't bad either.

Defender of the Year - Goalkeeper Joe Cannon. He has the worst goals against average in the league, has lost more games than any other goalkeeper, is clearly not the player he once was and yet is the Galaxy's best defender? That tells you more about anyone else than Cannon. But he's played more games than any other Galaxy player and frankly was given virtually no support from the back four. Cannon made some fine saves and without him things could have been far, far worse.

Runner-up - Chris Albright. Played in just seven games (including two in the U.S. Open Cup) before going down with a season-ending torn hamstring. He's blameless. And he's also apparently in the last year of his contract; give him lots of money to return, Galaxy front office.

Third: Are you kidding me?

The Galaxy came from behind to win for the first time this season - and record a victory for only the second time in 13 games - on another spectacular goal from Chris Klein.

Klein, who scored a magical bicycle kick in extra time in the SuperLiga final, collected the ball on the outside of the Dallas penalty box after Carlos Pavon had jumped over (deliberately, apparently) a long grass-cutting cross from Cobi Jones, who was playing in his 300th MLS game. Klein unleashed a blistering blast that almost ruptured the top left corner of the net and left Dallas goalkeeper Dario Sala with no chance.

The Galaxy apparently have a far better chance of scoring when Pavon doesn't actually touch the ball, a point proved seven minutes later when the Honduran, put through alone on Sala, shot the ball straight at the goalkeeper.

Pavon - whose goalscoring instincts are nearing the level of the almost legendary misser of sitters, Pando Ramirez - also somehow managed to miss from just six yards out in the 67th minute from a Jones cross.

The Galaxy (5-13-6) now have 21 points, but remain in last place in the league tied with Toronto on points.

Let's hope the locker room is a bit happier.

Updated: It was.

"It felt good to have a bit of luck for a change," said a smiling Yallop, who also observed that Dallas looked tired after playing Thursday against Chicago. "I looked at Dallas and thought, 'I know how they feel.' ... We've been doing that for the last six weeks."

And they'll be doing it for a few more; the Galaxy play Thursday in Kansas City and Sunday in Columbus as the great no-show Beckham tour of MLS continues.

How tired was Dallas in the second half? They had just one shot on goal.

Yallop defended Pavon's poor touch in front of goal.

"I still think there's goals in him," he said. "His finishing is amazing in practice. He needs to just bury one and he's off."

We hope.

Landon Donovan said he didn't know why the refereee called back his first successful penalty, saying he didn't hear a whistle.

But Sala apparently directed some choice words at Donovan in Spanish after the first attempt.

"After I scored (the second spot kick effort), I let him know he probably shouldn't rile me up," Donovan said.

And that's why Donovan received a yellow card. He looked like he thought it was worth it.

Updated: Duffer Billy Witz has the game details.

Both goals and an ejection of Dallas' Chris Gbandi came within a 15-minute span of the first half.

The Dallas goal came first in the 11th minute, when a Gbandi cross was dummied by Carlos Ruiz and fell to Dax McCarty at the back of the penalty area, who scored from about 12 yards.

The Galaxy, by the way, are winless this season after conceding the game's first goal.

Gbandi should have been sent off in the 21st minute when he retaliated after being fouled by Kevin Harmse, and simply gve the Galaxy midfielder a kick. Instead referee Michael Kennedy gave both involved yellow cards.

Gbandi was gone two minutes later for blatantly holding Alan Gordon in the Dallas penalty area. Kennedy amazingly had to consult with the linesman before issuing the red though, raising concerns about his eyesight.

That led to a Landon Donovan penalty kick, who scored (twice) although only one counted. Dallas goalkeeper Dario Sala received a yellow card for encroachment after the initial kick.

Dallas finished the opening 45 minutes with three shots on goal to the Galaxy's one.

The (4-13-6) Galaxy, losers of nine of their last 10 games, have Joe Cannon in goal as usual.

Quavas Kirk is a late switch for Kelly Gray at right back, who was scheduled to replace Chris Klein, who slots into midfield today. The rest of the back four - Ty Harden, Troy Roberts and Mike Randolph - is unchanged.

Klein lines up in midfield alongside Kevin Harmse, Cobi Jones and second round draft pick Josh Tudela, with Landon Donovan moved up to forward to partner Alan Gordon.

Honduran Carlos Pavon, who Coach Frank Yallop probably never wants to see starting at forward again, is on the bench as any international striker with two goals in 12 MLS games should be. Full back Ante Jazic and Pete Vagenas are also potential subs.

FC Dallas sees Alan Yi come in to replace the suspended Clarance Goodson at the back, while Dax McCarty starts in midfield for the injured Pablo Ricchetti.

Abe Thompson drops to the bench in attack, with Dominic Oduro coming in to partner former Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz.

Ominously, Ruiz has nine goals in his last 12 games and five in his last seven MLS outings, including a brace in Dallas' 4-2 loss last Saturday to New England.

That doesn't bode well for MLS' worst team, who have seven games left to pull off a major miracle and make the playoffs.

The Crew's win Saturday against Toronto means Dallas (12-9-4) can't clinch a playoff spot today, but since they occupy the fifth playoff spot that's just a matter of time.

Beckham Update: Calm your collective selves - He's about to start a kicking a ball, he said in the pre-game interview on Fox.

Also, Klein is at right back after all, with Kirk in right midfield.

On Donovan and Denilson

The Galaxy plays F.C. Dallas today at 5 p.m. at Home Depot Center, but with the likelihood of Beckham Inc. making the playoffs receding with every game journalists must find other talking points.

To that end, Galaxy beat writer Billy Witz breaks down the importance of Landon Donovan to the team.

The none too surprising conclusion: he's important.

Still, since Galaxy fans often fall into two camps - those who think he's the greatest American player ever and those who think "Landycakes" is an over-rated, often-invisible and sometimes lazy playmaker - that's sure to spark a discussion or two.

The biggest point of interest at today's game for the visitors is not ex-Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz, but the first appearance in L.A. of Denilson, the Brazilian who was once the world's most expensive player, but never lived up to his potential. Which is why he's in MLS, of course, but still this is a player you expect to tear the league apart, dominating opponents on the level of a Juan Pablo Angel.

Here's the Denilson details.

By the way, fans who do decide to go to the game have three reasons to go early (in no particular order):
* The first 5,000 fans through the gates get a Galaxy soccer ball.
* The 10 Miss Galaxy candidates are introduced at 3:30 p.m. on the main concourse.
* And you can record a personal video tribute to retiring Galaxy great Cobi Jones from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cobi's Corner at the plaza below the Stadium Club. All the different Galaxy jerseys he has worn are on display, too, just to remind you how bad the designs were in MLS' early years.

Or you can just stay home and watch on FSN.

Here's a brief summary of Saturday's World Cup and MLS action.

College Roundup

UCLA lost 2-1 in overtime to No. 8-ranked Santa Clara Saturday evening. The Bruins, down to 10 men after a red card to forward Richard Flores, almost won in in the final minute of regulation, but a shot by Palos Verdes Estates' Kyle Nakazawa was saved by Santa Clara goalkeeper Kevin Klasila.

I'm sure Kyle will agonize over that one in his on-going blog for 100 Percent Soccer later this week.

Meanwhile, this came in from Loyola Marymount regarding today's games:

“The Harvard-UC Santa Barbara match in the LMU Invitational scheduled for Sunday, September 23 at 1:30 p.m. at Sullivan Field has ben moved to Santa Barbara. The two LMU games on Sunday will go ahead as scheduled. The women's game against Fresno State will be at 11 a.m. with the men facing Columbia at 4 p.m.”

World Cup Final Four Set

The U.S. remains on course for a World Cup final showdown with Germany and found out their semifinal opponents today: Brazil, which beat Australia 3-2 and lost to the Americans in the gold medal game at the last Olympics.

Norway beat hosts China to meet the Germans in the semifinals.

Here's a breakdown of the action from FIFA.

Colorado's 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake tonight meant Chivas USA clinched a playoff place regardless of this result.

Still, Chivas USA kept their unbeaten home record intact, jumped to first place in the Western Conference with a game in hand over nearest rivals the Houston Dynamo and can now look forward to next Saturday's visit by the Chicago Fire and former CD Guadalajara nemesis Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

Ante Razov scored his 108th and 109th goals of his career - the winner, a curling left-footed strike coming in second half stoppage time - putting him just one behind Jaime Moreno as MLS' leading alltime goalscorer.

Chivas USA struck first in the 69th minute, when substitute Ramon Nunez sent a telling pass through the Wizards' rearguard that found Panchito Mendoza on the left wing. Mendoza's cross was met by Ante Razov for his tenth of the year.

The Wizards tied it three minutes later, a long ball out of the back finding playmaker Carlos Marinelli who crossed to fellow Argentine Eloy Colombano. It was the rookie's first-ever MLS goal.

Razov's second was a worthy winner, a stunning 20-yard strike off a pass from Lawson Vaughn that left Hartman with no chance and no 1,000th save. (He's now on 999).

"It would have been a (naughty word) hell of a save," said Hartman, who is still a great quote, despite being in a different locker room. "To let a goal in, in that way, was very disturbing."

Hartman thought the Wizards were the better team on the night, despite losing.

"I didn't necessarily think they were worth the three points tonight," he said."Chivas is a team that plays unbelievable possession soccer and I thought we managed to disrupt that tonight."

Preki agreed with Hartman about the result, but believed a modicum of justice had been done given that he thought Chivas USA dominated against the Wizards in Kansas City in July, yet lost.

"It feels very good to win when you don't play well," said Preki with an uncharacteristicly wide smile on his face. "I'm not going to feel bad about this."

Chivas USA beat writer Ivan Orozco has the full details - and Razov remembers that July game against the Wizards, too, - in the game story.

Chivas USA are pretty stoked about Saturday night given the breathless press release the club issued early Sunday:

“With its 2-1 win tonight over the Kansas City Wizards at Home Depot Center, Chivas USA has clinched a berth in the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs, for the second year in a row, with five games still remaining in the club’s 30-game MLS regular season.

Fans can reserve their seats for Chivas USA’s first-round MLS Cup Playoff match (date and opponent TBD) by calling 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visiting www.cdchivasusa.com. Fans should be sure to ask about the Chivas USA Playoff Pack, which starts at just $56 and gets fans four limited edition Chivas USA Playoff t-shirts and four tickets to Chivas USA’s Western Conference Semifinal Series opener at Home Depot Center.

Led by rookie Head Coach Preki, a leading candidate for 2007 MLS Coach of the Year, along with MLS Newcomer of the Year contender Maykel Galindo, Goalkeeper of the Year frontrunner Brad Guzan, MLS Defender of the Year candidate Claudio Suárez and MLS MVP contender Sacha Kljestan, among others, the Red-and-White have compiled an 14-6-5 record (W-L-T) to date, while remaining undefeated in 12 matches at home.

This marks the second year in a row that Chivas USA has earned a postseason berth. After joining Major League Soccer as an expansion franchise in 2005, when the team finished last in MLS with a 4-22-6 record (W-L-T), Chivas USA qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2006 after compiling a 10-9-13 regular-season record.

This year, Chivas USA seeks to surpass its first playoff run, in 2006, which ended with a heartbreaking last-minute loss to the Houston Dynamo in the second leg of the Western Conference semifinals.

Following Saturday’s win, Chivas USA closes out its ‘September to Remember’ by hosting Mexican National Team legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco and the Chicago Fire next Saturday, Sept. 29 vs. (kickoff 7:30 p.m. PT). Tickets are available by calling 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visiting www.cdchivasusa.com.”

I'll have more on the Chivas USA-Chicago Fire match-up focusing on the renewal of a Mexican rivalry in the U.S. (Blanco-Claudio Suarez and all) in my Tuesday column.

The Wizards enjoyed the bulk of the possession early on, with Chivas USA perhaps missing the experienced and calming influence of suspended midfielder Jesse Marsch, the only ever-present in the team's starting line-up until tonight.

Chivas USA was not without its opportunities on the counter attack, although Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman has yet to achieve 1,000 saves (in fact he didn't have to make a single one).

Overall it was a fairly slow opening half, with the game's first shot on target not occurring until the 38th minute, when the Wizards' Eddie Johnson prompted one from Chivas USA's Brad Guzan.

Wizards forward Ryan Pore came out in the 27th minute, suffering from blurred vision. Argentine rookie Eloy Colombano replaced him.

Chivas USA, unbeaten in their last seven and needing a point to land a playoff berth, host the visting Wizards who are in the seventh and penultimate playoff spot.

Chivas USA has MLS shutout leader Brad Guzan between the pipes as usual, with Alex Zotinca returning from suspension in the backline alongside the returning captain Claudio Suarez, Shavar Thomas and Jonathan Bornstein.

With Jesse Marsch suspended, Lawson Vaughn lines up in midfield with regulars Sasha Kljesten, Paulo Nagamura and Panchito Mendoza.

Maykel Galindo, the fourth leading scorer in MLS with 12 goals, returns to start up front with Ante Razov (nine goals).

Former Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman returns to the HDC for the first time against Chivas USA, in front of the first choice back four of Jack Jewsbury, Jose Burciaga Jr., and Nick Garcia.

Michael Harrington comes into midfield in place of Kurt Morsink, with the trio of Carlos Marinelli, Kerry Zavagnin and Davy Arnaud.

Eddie Johnson, who has 15 MLS goals on the season, partners Ryan Pore up front in place of the injured Scott Sealey.

Ex-Galaxy player Sasha Victorine is on the bench.

The Wizards have just two wins in their last seven, but are coming off a 3-2 come-frrom-behind win against the Columbus Crew, when they scored two goals in second half stoppage time.

Marsch, by the way, will blog for 100 Percent Soccer beginning Monday and will vent about his suspension.

The game is on FSN.

Updated: Hartman is three saves away from recording his 1,000th save, which will make him only the third MLS galkeeper to reach that mark.

Boxx Goal Clinches U.S. Win Over England

With a goal that typifies her game, Torrance's Shannon Boxx won the ball outside England's 18-yard box and grabbed the second of three U.S. goals scored within a 15-minute second half span today to send the Americans through to the World Cup semifinals.

Abby Wambach (her fourth in four World Cup games) and Kristine Lilly also contributed goals in the 3-0 victory.

"Cat actually got the tackle in," said Boxx of her decisive left-footed shot for the second goal. "It popped right in front of me and my thought was just to take a quick shot. I hit it low ,which is what the midfielders have been working on, and the field, I think, helped. It skipped in. It was nice and quick.”

Boxx and Leslie Osborne combined well in midfield and England threat Kelly Smith was largely shut down.

“Something just clicks with us, our communication," Osborne said of the partnership. "We feel comfortable with each other out there. We read off each other really well, and we played offense and defense tonight. We’re not just two defensive midfielders. We can keep the ball for us, possess, and we’re not going to let anything past us. It’s just fun out there, and we enjoy being out there together.”

All three U.S. goals aptly exemplified the style of the player who scored: Wambach crashed in for her goal off a corner, Boxx won the ball and then quickly attacked for her 16th international goal while Lilly poached her's.

Nice to see ESPN belatedly get commentators J.P. Dellacamera and Julie Foudy to China, too.

In the day's other game, Germany disposed of North Korea.

Saturday Sorcery

Chivas USA Coach Preki pits his tactical tricks against former team the Kansas City Wizards today at Home Deport Center with a playoff place on the line.

Here's a preview.

And even if Chivas USA takes a lead against the Wizards, the team shouldn't automatically assume K.C. can't come back, The Kansas City Star suggests. Chivas USA are unbeaten at home this season, but at times have looked (more than one critic has suggested) brittle at the back.

Meanwhile, Chivas USA opens its first American retail store Sunday in Huntington Park.

From the press release:

“The ChivasPop store, the first of its kind in the U.S., will carry official adidas Chivas USA merchandise, as well as official Reebok merchandise from Chivas USA’s Mexican parent club Chivas de Guadalajara, including jerseys, posters, soccer gear and a whole lot more.

ChivasPop stores, which in recent years have opened across Mexico’s largest cities, derive their name from ‘Chivas Popular’, a tribute to Mexico’s most beloved soccer brand. The ChivasPop store, the first of its kind for a professional soccer team in Los Angeles County, bears the same layout and feel of all existing ChivasPop stores in Mexico.

Chivas USA captain Claudio ‘El Emperador’ Suárez, as well as midfielder Francisco Mendoza and forward Maykel Galindo, will be on hand at Sunday’s Grand Opening, where Chivas fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet all three players, plus the ChivaGirls and Chivas USA officials.”

College Roundup

Friday's college games are here (South Bay-oriented) and here (Valley-centric)

I asked Torrance's Shannon Boxx to blog while she was in China at the World Cup representing the U.S. Women's National Team.

She had trouble connecting to the Internet in China Friday , but persevered and kindly took the time to blog these thoughts that landed in my in box at 11:50 p.m. Friday PT mere hours before the 4:55 a.m. US-England game that's live on ESPN2.

Here's what Boxxy had to say:

Ni Hao from China: It’s game day here in Tianjin.

We are now in the playoff rounds of the tournament and it’s either win or go home.

After coming in first in our group we now face a good England team at 8 p.m. local time.

We have had three good days to rest our legs after playing in our third group game against Nigeria in Shanghai. The team is now itching to get back on the field.

My game day routine is not much different over here than it is back in the States. The hotels we have been staying in have been great about cooking us the food that we like to eat.

This morning I woke up and had my banana pancakes and coffee, a game day ritual for me.

I have taken a walk by the river that runs next to our hotel and have visited with my mom and sister who have come over to watch. Now it’s just about staying relaxed and getting hydrated.

Our pre-game meal is in about an hour and I'm thinking about watching a couple “Rescue Me” episodes, which I have become hooked on while being here.

Even though I am counting down the days till I can have my first El Burrito Jr. meal I hope tonight will be successful and we will continue on the road to bringing home the World Cup trophy.

-Shannon

Don't forget to set up that TiVo (or get up early for the U.S.-England World Cup game Saturday morning).

Read the previous post for a complete game preview, but here's what else is going on in soccer-related news locally today.

No season ticket increase for Galaxy games in '08

That's what the club announced today - for current season ticket holders - in a press release.

And considering the quality of soccer on the field this year, even the Galaxy wouldn't have the chutzpah to shaft their most loyal supporters.

Still, from what I've been hearing, long-time fans have been slowly drifting off ever since former Coach Sigi Schmid was fired.

Not surprisingly there's a lively debate on a couple of message boards among fans discussing whether to renew or not.

Here's the (edited) press release:

“As a sign of our appreciation for our season ticket holders continued support and loyalty, they are being given the exclusive opportunity to purchase 2008 season tickets at the 2007 prices if renewed by October 19, 2007,” said LA Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. “The results to date have not been what our fans expect or deserve, but there is much to be excited about for 2008 and beyond. As always, we remain committed to giving our season seat holders a successful and entertaining team and one that fans can be proud to support, on and off the field.”

In response to requests from fans that the club confirm next season’s seat locations as early as possible, the Galaxy are asking for the commitment of returning full season ticket holders for the 2008 season by October 19, 2007. After that date, any unsecured seating locations will be released to people wishing to relocate or purchase new season tickets, and the 2007 season price will no longer be available.”

U.S.-Catalonia Friendly Officially Cancelled

In the day's least surprising news, U.S. Soccer formally announced what most fans knew a couple of weeks back: the U.S.-Catalonia game set for Oct. 14 is off after the Spanish FA nixed it.

Here's the (edited) press release

“No replacement match will be scheduled, and the U.S. will face 2008 European Championship co-host Switzerland on Oct. 17 in Basel. Kickoff at St. Jakob Park is set for (11:30 p.m. PT) live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision.

U.S. Soccer spent two weeks negotiating with the Catalonian Federation and the RFEF trying to reach a positive resolution. The Spanish Federation, who has authority for sanctioning any match played in Spain, ultimately chose not to allow the match to take place.

"We are disappointed that the match will not be played, since we believe playing Catalonia would be an excellent experience for our players,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “Nonetheless, we respect the decision of the Spanish Federation.”

The U.S. will now focus on playing Switzerland on Oct. 17 in Basel.

Switzerland finished in first place in Group G of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, ahead of eventual runners up France. Falling to Ukraine in the Round of 16 in penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time, the Swiss became the first team in World Cup history to be eliminated from the tournament without surrendering a single goal. As co-hosts, Switzerland is automatically entered into Euro 2008, which will take place from June 7-29 across eight venues in Austria and Switzerland. ”

LMU Women & Bruins Men Win

Palos Verdes Estates' Kyle Nakazawa played a major role in the UCLA victory.

Soccer is Good For You!

But you knew that.

The U.S. meets England at 4:55 a.m. Saturday on ESPN2 in the World Cup quarterfinals as the knockout phase of the tournament begins.

South Bay resident Brian Boswell, coach of Women's Premiere Soccer League team Ajax America Women agreed to provide a pre-match analysis for 100 Percent Soccer.

Ajax America Women are the current U.S. Open Women’s Cup Champions and ranked No. 4 team in the world by Womensworldfootball.com.

Under Boswell, Ajax America Women have won the U.S.Women’s Open Cup five times since 1998. Boswell is ranked the No. 5 women’s coach in the world behind U.S. coach Greg Ryan by the same ranking service. Boswell is a native of London, England.

Former South (Torrance) High star Shannon Boxx and Abby Wambach played for Ajax America before joining before the U.S. Women’s team camp.

Here's Brian's view of the contest:

One of the tournament favorites, the U.S., plays an up and coming England team, with the Americans winning their group and England finishing second to a powerful Germany.

Before the start of the tournament forecasting this result was easy, with the U.S. ranked No. 1 in the world and unbeaten in 42 games playing the tenth-ranked England team who just made it out of Europe to qualify for the World Cup.

But now the tournament has started things are a little different.

The U.S. battled to a tie with North Korea in their first group game after being 2-1 down. The U.S. was lucky not to concede a third in the final minutes t