March 2008 Archives

Game preview. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. on Fox Soccer Channel.

A (very) little more background on Brazilian midfielder lvaro Pires, signed as expected by the Galaxy Friday in time for today's game, from the team press release:

The 23-year old has trained with the Galaxy for most of the preseason and started all six of the club’s preseason matches, playing 472 minutes in those games, collecting one assist and one caution.

“Alvaro is a player that has been on our radar for some time now and we’re glad to finally have him as a member of the Galaxy,” Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo said. “He has done well so far in our preseason and we feel that he will be a tremendous asset to our club.”

A native of Jardinopolis, Brazil, just outside of Sao Paulo, Pires signed his first professional contract at the age of 16 with Brazilian side Internacional and broke into the first team at the age of 19. He spent three years there, appearing in a handful of games with the First Division team before trying his luck abroad. He signed with Spartak Nalchik, a club in the Russian First Division.

For me, it's already here.

With both the Galaxy and Chivas USA on the road this weekend, it seemed the perfect opportunity to head to Vegas with the soccer widow before weekends become a thing of the past. I don't intend to do too much staring at a computer screen.

So blogging will be minimal to nonexistent, depending on the vagaries of finding Wi-Fi in hotel lobbies or whether a sports book is foolhardy enough during March Madness to show the 6:30 p.m. Galaxy game Saturday from Colorado on Fox Soccer Channel or the noon Sunday Chivas USA opener at Dallas on Telefutura. Regular blogging resumes Tuesday, although I'll have no column this week.

While you await the return of MLS (Houston plays New England in the first nationally televised game in a rematch of MLS Cup at 4 p.m. Saturday on Fox Soccer Channel), enjoy the best of Chivas USA's goals from last season and Galaxy highlights from 2007 (such as they are).

U.S. Soccer announced the game this afternoon.

From the press release:

The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Argentina at Giants Stadium June 8 to cap off a blockbuster trio of friendlies before kicking off 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying. The match against the world’s No. 1 ranked team follows a two-game tour in Europe where the U.S. will take on England May 28 in London and Spain June 4 in Santander.

The match against Argentina will kickoff at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN Classic and Galavision.

"Argentina is clearly one of the best teams in the world and playing against an opponent of that caliber is a great opportunity for our team," said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. "Combined with the matches against England and Spain, we have put together a very good schedule to help us prepare for World Cup qualifying. We expect it will be a fantastic crowd at Giants Stadium, and we are looking forward to an exciting atmosphere."

The U.S. begins the quest to qualify for their sixth-consecutive World Cup finals when they take on Barbados on June 15 at Home Depot Center. The second leg of the home-and-away series will be played either June 21 or 22 in Barbados. Prior to the USA’s first World Cup qualifier, the U.S. will have faced six teams that have been ranked in the top 15 in the world since 2007 – Argentina, Brazil, England, Mexico, Sweden and Spain.

The U.S. has played top-ranked Argentina eight times in their history, holding a lifetime record of 2-6-0 against the South American juggernaut. Of those eight matches, only three have been played in the United States, with the other five taking place in neutral sites. The two U.S. victories include a 3-0 upset of the defending champions in the group phase of the 1995 Copa America, and a 1-0 win in 1999 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., when a Joe-Max Moore goal was the difference.

The teams last met during the 2007 Copa America, with the Argentines outclassing a young and inexperienced U.S. team in their 4-1 win in Venezuela.

Torrance resident Vanessa Rojas, who played for North High and Loyola Marymount University and is a member of the Costa Rica Women's National Team, has agreed to blog for 100 Percent Soccer during CONCACAF Olympic qualifying. Her first post is below, followed by the 2003 article I wrote for the Daily Breeze when I first met Vanessa, who made her national team debut in Carson.

For those of you who don’t know who I am, which I’m guessing is everyone reading this minus my family, let me give you a brief bio.

My name is Vanessa Rojas and I play on the Costa Rican National team, but I am also from the South Bay, Torrance to be exact.

I am a proud North High Saxon alum, played for FRAM soccer club and am currently going to LMU.

You are probably wondering how Costa Rica got into the mix.

Well, when I was 16 the U.S. Women's National Team was playing against Costa Rica and my dad (who is from Costa Rica) got in contact with the coach though e-mail. He told him how I was a dual citizen and sent him clips of me playing. So when they came down I had an unofficial tryout and got to play a miniscule 10 minutes, but for a 16-year old at the Home Depot Center it was a rush.

As time passed, I played off and on with the team, but it was not always easy assimilating to a new style of soccer, customs and players.

Fast-forward five years and I am getting ready to go to an Olympic qualifier.

I arrived in Costa Rica March 20th on the red eye and am practicing with the team until we leave Wednesday for the tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Even though I have been training four hours a day in preparation to come down here, the sun has no mercy and the tropics defiantly know how to make someone sweat.

On Tuesday, I played in my first scrimmage with the team since I played with them in November.

Now that you know a little of who I am I will be dropping in with some blog posts as the tournament unfolds.

Here's the 2003 Daily Breeze article on Vanessa's national team debut, which also happened to be the first appearance in U.S. colors for one Shannon Boxx. Incidentally, when Vanessa trotted out onto the field she immediately found herself standing next to none other than Mia Hamm.

A tale of two Torrance women underlines the gulf between American and Costa Rican soccer as the two nations prepare to meet tonight at Carson's Home Depot Center in the penultimate warm-up game for the United States before the World Cup begins later this month.

Shannon Boxx, 26, a graduate of South Torrance High, who helped Notre Dame to its only NCAA championship in 1995 and this season was named MVP of the WUSA's New York Power, may make her national team debut for the reigning World Cup champions. Despite her experience, Boxx made history last week when she became the first-ever uncapped player named to a U.S. World Cup roster, which boasts a dozen veterans who won the trophy in 1999.

The tough-tackling midfielder will have 30 friends and family members in the stands to cheer her on in the nationally televised game.

''This will be the one game they are going to be able to come to,'' Boxx said. ''If I get to play I'm going to go in with a lot of confidence.''

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Vanessa Rojas, who will begin her senior year at North Torrance High this fall and plays on a Rolling Hills Estates-based FRAM's second-tier women's club team, was scheduled to train Sunday with Costa Rica.

Rojas was not listed on a preliminary roster given to the U.S. team, but it's possible the North Athlete of the Year could be added to the Costa Rica team roster. She qualifies to represent the country via her father, who is a native Costa Rican. Rojas had sent Costa Rican officials a videotape of herself in action and a letter of recommendation from her club team coach, Jeff Tuttle.

Rojas' father, Mario, bought 20 tickets to the game for family and friends who will watch a team ranked 45th by FIFA take on a U.S. team that outscored Costa Rica by a combined 15-0 in its only two games against the U.S. in 2000 and 2002.

''It's a phenomenal opportunity,'' Tuttle said. ''I told her if she plays 90 minutes or doesn't play at all, to cherish the moment.''

The U.S. team, which will play the 300th match in its history tonight and is riding a 22-game home unbeaten streak, is simply looking for an uneventful work-out in what will be the first game for a U.S. national team at the Home Depot Center.

''You always have to look for a competitive game. Teams are motivated to play us hard every time,'' American forward Mia Hamm said. ''If goals come, they come. If they don't, you can't get frustrated and upset.''

In a result that emphasized the increasing importance of set-pieces in international soccer, the U.S. beat Poland 3-0 today with the Galaxy's Landon Donovan supplying two assists from corner kicks and Eddie Lewis scoring the third from a free kick. Game story here, overly enthusiastic details here.

David Beckham notched his 100th appearance for England, a yellow card and the general consensus that this game should be his last for the national team.

In other results, the Koreas drew in a game more important than the result, the U.S. learned it will play Barbados in the opening World Cup qualifier in June 15 at Home Depot Center, and the Canadians figured out how they will choose a CONCACAF Champions League entrant from all of three teams.

While the Galaxy's David Beckham is winning his 100th cap for England today in a game only available on pay channel Sentanta here, the 28th-ranked U.S. led by Landon Donovan will wear its new anthracite (charcoal grayish?) away jersey for the first time against 24th-ranked Poland in a game shown live at 12:30 p.m. on Fox Soccer Channel.

Meanwhile, Mexico plays Ghana in London at 12:30 p.m. on Univision Telemundo among a host of other international games on tap.

The Galaxy made official today what was reported here Monday, when forward Bryan Jordan and goalkeeper Josh Wicks joined from the USL Portland Timbers.

The two appeared regularly in preseason games.

“Bryan and Josh have impressed the coaching staff since the beginning of the preseason and have earned the right to be on our roster,” said Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo. “We believe that both players will add depth and quality to our group."

A 22-year old California native, Jordan, 22 scored five times in 26 games for Portland last year after four years at Oregon State.

Wicks, 24, spent the last three years in the USL with Portland and the Vancouver Whitecaps and played four years at Cal State Bakersfield. After winning the 2006 USL Championship with the Whitecaps, he was the USL Goalkeeper of the Year in Portland in 2007 with a 0.60 goals against average.

“Josh came in and has opened a lot of eyes with his play,” Galaxy goalkeeper coach Ian Feuer said. “We knew that we needed someone who could push Steve (Cronin) for the No. 1 spot and he has certainly done that. Not only that, but he has a great attitude, works hard and always livens up the locker room. He will be a tremendous asset to the club.”

Meanwhile, Chivas USA announced the signing of former San Diego State midfielder Kraig Chiles to a developmental contract. He was the club's first draft pick in the supplemental draft.

Finally, those who plan their soccer-viewing at Home Depot Center around the freebies at the gate should know the Galaxy have announced their 2008 loot grab, sorry, promotional schedule.

The opener sees the first 4,000 fans get the latest limited edition "collectible" T-shirt, while 10,000 magnetic Galaxy schedules (always mandatory for the fridge door) will also be given away.

The rest of the incentives:
*April 19 vs. Houston - Galaxy hat.
*May 10 vs. New York - Collector’s series T-Shirt No. 2.
*June 21 vs. Columbus - Galaxy soccer ball No. 1.
*Sept. 6 vs. Real Salt Lake - Collector’s series T-Shirt No. 3.
*Oct. 12 vs. Colorado - Galaxy soccer ball No. 2.

Still no $2 brat and beer night.

For today's column in the Daily News and Daily Breeze I riffed on the return of a changed Carlos Ruiz to the Galaxy.

Omitted from the column for space reasons was Ruiz' penchant for on-field dramatics:

Fans loathe it to such an extent that on Saturday when Lalas addressed season ticket holders and mentioned Ruiz, one fan bluntly asked: “Did you tell him to quit diving?”

The short answer is no (although Lalas acknowledged he cringes on occasion too when Ruiz dives and jokingly suggested acting lessons may be in order).

And the reason why isn’t hard to understand. As Lalas pointed out, the Galaxy come equipped with the world’s best dead ball specialist in Beckham, who can be expected to swerve in a free kick or two stemming from a Fish flop.

The questions remains, though, can Ruiz replicate the form he showed with the Galaxy the first time around?

At least he hooked up well with David Beckham on the Galaxy's recent Asian tour as the video of his hat trick in China showed.

The best deal in MLS - the reserve division - begins play this weekend, too, with the Galaxy's second string facing Colorado.

Until now it's been free admission, free parking and a generally relaxed attitude that enables fans to mingle with established stars returning from injury and up and coming youngsters.

Here's the details on the six home games (10 a.m. at Home Depot Center except where specified) of the 12-game schedule:
Fri., April 4 San Jose Earthquakes.
Sun., June 8 Colorado Rapids.
Fri., July 11 Chivas USA.
2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 San Jose Earthquakes. (UC-SC Training Field).
Fri., Aug. 15 Chivas USA.
Sun., Sept. 7 Real Salt Lake.
2:30 p.m. Sun., Oct. 26 FC Dallas.

Just got back from Galaxy training and thought I'd pass along a couple of items.

On the injury front, defender Julian Valentin is doubtful for this weekend's MLS season opener in Colorado with a right ankle injury he suffered last Thursday; striker Alan Gordon and veteran midfielder Pete Vagenas are listed as probable with a right ankle injury and right quad problem respectively; goalkeeper Charles Alamo and defender Ante Jazic are both out with long-term injuries as most readers already know.

Incidentally, striker Edson Buddle returned to full training today (and was being driven hard by Coach Ruud Gullit in practice) and looked fairly sharp.

Expect a bunch of fairly routine roster moves for the Galaxy this week, which as of today has 19 senior players (and must get down to 18).

No one will be cut, but midfielder Brandon McDonald, defender Michael Gavin and striker Bryan Jordan will all be signed to developmental contracts this week that don't count against the salary cap or senior roster limit.

Backup goalkeeper Josh Wicks of San Bernandino has won a senior roster spot, while Brazilian midfielder Alvaro Pires (technically still a trialist) is awaiting a work visa any day now.

Lastly, striker Carlos Ruiz, held out of the recent game as a precaution when he felt a slight twinge in his hamstring, is good to go this weekend.

I'll have more on the return of Ruiz in Tuesday's column, which I'd better go write.

Busy over the Easter weekend?

Here's a recap.

David Beckham is looking at cap No. 100 - and beyond - for England against France Wednesday, Landon Donovan is eying cap No. 99 - and beyond - for the U.S. against Poland the same night, while the U.S. fell to Honduras 1-0 Sunday in a meaningless end to Olympic qualifying in Nashville, Tenn.

The U.S. has already qualified for the Olympics, but plays at 2 p.m. live on Fox Soccer Channel against Honduras in Nashville for the Under-23 CONCACAF championship.

Not that there's a great deal of cachet in that: Freddy Adu, Charlie Davies, Jonathan Spector and Sal Zizzo flew out Friday to return to their European teams.

Both teams have only conceded one goal in four qualifying games so far and you've got to wonder how interested either will be in breaking an honorable draw.

Chivas USA beat Honduras' Real Espana 4-1 Saturday in Fullerton. And no, ex-Galaxy striker Carlos Pavon did not score for Real Espana.

Details from the Chivas USA press release:

In a match played in Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton, Francisco Mendoza and Alecko Eskandarian both marked returns to the Chivas USA lineup after injuries by scoring in the win.

Atiba Harris gave the Red-and-White the 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute when he headed in a perfectly placed Ante Razov cross, sent from almost 40 yards. The goal was the only tally in the first half, and Chivas USA could not break through the Real España defense again until the 68th minute. It was then that Chivas USA’s only selection in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, Keith Savage, dribbled through the defense before hammering home a shot to the near post to give the Red-and-White a 2-0 lead.

Francisco Mendoza, in his first action in a preseason match for Chivas USA in 2008, finished a short pass from Harris in the 72nd minute to add to the lead before Alecko Eskandarian, also recently returning from injury, closed the scoring for the Red-and-White in minute 78. Real España striker Douglas Caetano knocked home a penalty in the 89th minute for a consolation goal.

Chivas USA lineup: (4-4-2): Brad Guzan; Lawson Vaughn, Shavar Thomas, Claudio Suárez, Jonathan Bornstein (Eric Ebert 57); Keith Savage, Jesse Marsch, Paulo Nagamura, Francisco Mendoza; Atiba Harris (Justin Braun 73), Ante Razov (Alecko Eskandarian 59)

More than 4,000 people attended the Galaxy's annual fan fest Saturday at the Home Depot Center.

The free event included a 3-1 Galaxy win over PDL outfit the San Fernando Quakes, with Carlos Ruiz, Michael Gavin and Landon Donovan scoring.

Donovan headed to LAX before the event had even finished to catch an airplane for the U.S. game Wednesday against Poland, while David Beckham was similarly scheduled to fly out to join up with the England squad.

I missed the "fan with biggest Galaxy tattoo" contest unfortunately, but heard Alexi Lalas' address to season ticket holders in the Stadium Club.

Last season was a "hell of a year" Lalas told the crowd , while acknowledging that in their "zeal' to promote the brand with Beckham the Galaxy had overlooked "the product on the field."

He pledged that would be different this year although he again acknowledged the "calculated risk" in tying up much of the salary cap in just three players; Becks, Ruiz and Donovan.

Lalas expanded on the reason for releasing former Newcastle United defender Celestine Babayaro, conceding that his was a "perfect example" of a playing style that didn't fit the team.

"It's difficult, but I'd much rather make that decision now than four or five months down the road," Lalas said.

Living up to the hype, Freddy Adu, apparently benefiting from playing in Europe with Portugal's Benfica, led the U.S. to an Olympics berth in a 3-0 win Thursday over out-classed Canada with two goals from set pieces, while Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan added the third.

A reminder: the Galaxy hosts its Fan Fest Saturday.

David Beckham, who will talk to the local media today before jetting off to England, was busy handing out awards this week. Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz was also honored for his contributions to the sport at the event.

Chivas USA has resigned fan favorite 22-year-old Panchito Mendoza, the leader in games and minutes played for the club, and acquired Irvine native and defender Eric Ebert from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for a supplemental draft pick.

The U.S. women have scheduled games April 27 and May 3 against Australia in the first domestic dates of the year in North Carolina and Alabama respectively.

In one of the best bargains in televised sport, the MLS Direct Kick package that gives armchair fans 115 games for $79, is back.

Finally, if you watch just one game this weekend, check out the Chelsea-Arsenal London derby at 9 a.m. Sunday on Fox Soccer Channel.

David Beckham and manager Simon Fuller of "American Idol" fame have an option to buy an MLS team in 2011 when his Galaxy contract expires, according to a "60 Minutes" report scheduled to air at 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS.

Neither MLS nor the Galaxy would comment.

Beckham receives a salary of $5.5 million annually and a "large share" of Galaxy ticket, merchandise, and concession sales and Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, the Galaxy's corporate parent, said that despite injuries and limited playing time, Beckham beat financial expectations.

"When we set down on a piece of paper and said to David, 'Here's what we think you can make here,' he did better than that," he said.

Becks also demonstrates his trademark bending free kick and gives a guided tour of his tattoos, for those who care.

Qualification for the Olympics is at stake at 6 p.m. tonight live on Fox Soccer Channel for the U.S. and Canada.

As expected, David Beckham was recalled to the England squad, while the U.S. game against England May 28 in London has been confirmed.

Closer to home, Chivas USA defender Alex Zotinca may be out for the season and the Red & White Wednesday thumped Cal State Fullerton.

Lastly, the Galaxy announced that AM 570 KLAC (home of the Lakers) will broadcast at least 24 games this season.

Not strictly LA-soccer related, but a touching piece of journalism that was selected as the winner of the new North American Soccer Reporters group feature story of the year.

Read it here.

Several different English media reports indicate David Beckham will win a recall to the England team Thursday when Fabio Capello names his squad for next Wednesday's game in Paris against France. Becks is widely expected to notch his ton of caps in that game and as an added bonus for Galaxy fans will be nice and rested for the MLS season opener that weekend (ahem).

Incidentally, for those who like to get a head start planning this coming weekend, the Galaxy follows last weekend's ChivaFest with their own open house on Saturday.

MLS rivals Chivas USA have launched a new blog called "Inside the Flock," which reports that first-choice goalkeeper Brad Guzan returned to training Tuesday after his injury. Actual information in a blog (Galaxy take note)!

Finally, new Pacific Palisades-based W-League franchise Pali Blues have announced the signings of three more players including former Trojan midfielder Rosie Tantillo.

U.S. Women's National Team Coach Pia Sundhage named 26 players today to the pre-Olympic qualifying camp that opens at Home Depot Center Friday, including all 20 players on the Algarve Cup-winning team in Portugal plus six others, including veteran defender Heather Mitts and goalkeeper Brianna Scurry.

Sundhage will whittle that roster down to 20 for Olympic qualifying next month.

The complete roster and more details are here.

Sundhage and captain Christie Rampone held a media teleconference to discuss the camp and qualifying this morning. A podcast is available here (look under podcasts).

For Tuesday's column I looked at the on-going struggle of Chivas USA to achieve some sort of critical mass in drawing a fan base.

One point left out of the column for space reasons was whether Chivas USA should own and operate its own stadium. Team President Shawn Hunter indicated that leaving Home Depot Center was a long way down the road for Chivas USA.

"Every team wants to own its own venue," he said. "My first task is to fill this one."

On the player signing front, MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis told reporters on a teleconference call Monday that teams in general are still looking to sign players and he expects more acquisitions.

"We're still early in the cycle for imports," he said, observing MLS has signed 21 foreign recruits since MLS Cup, including 18 from Latin America, where players are technically adept yet relatively inexpensive.

The largest foreign contingent in MLS: Argentines (17) whose physical style of play suits MLS (there are also 10 Brazilians).

Well, not really, but if I called it reheated weekend left-overs you may not be reading.

While Mexico was getting dumped out of the Olympics by Guatemala (who played as big a role in the proceedings as Canada at Home Depot Center) Chivas USA was shutting out minor league team the Fresno Fuego Sunday night 4-0 in a game that saw striker Maykel Galindo sent off.

On target for Chivas USA: Jesse Marsch, Atiba Harris, draft pick Keith Savage and Shavar Thomas.

The Chivas USA line-up: (4-4-2): Sam Reynolds; Jon Bornstein, Shavar Thomas, Claudio Suárez (Bobby Burling 57), Lawson Vaughn; Raphael Wicky (Eric Ebert 69), Jesse Marsch (Jim Curtin 84), Paulo Nagamura, Keith Savage; Atiba Harris (Justin Braun 76), Maykel Galindo.

Meanwhile, the five finalists for "Sueño MLS 2008: The Dream Continues" who will train with Chivas USA Under-16 team for the next two weeks were named Sunday and include a 17-year-old midfielder out of Compton named Juan Moreno.

The Galaxy, meanwhile, apparently spent the weekend trying to control time.

Coming full circle, West Ham United's Jonathan Spector joined the U.S. Under-23 team Sunday ahead of Thursday's Olympic qualifying semifinal with Canada. The winner, of course, goes to China.

Despite beating nine-man Haiti 5-1 Sunday night at Home Depot Center, Mexico crashed out of Olympic qualifying on goal difference.

The result means Canada, the second place finisher in Group B, plays the U.S. Thursday, while Guatemala faces Honduras.

In a game that featured wave after wave of Mexican attacks, El Tri could have scored several many more goals, but missed a penalty while Toluca's Santiago Fernandez missed two point-blank chances within two minutes.

Cruz Azul's Cesar Villaluz opened Mexico's account with a diving header in the 18th minute before 12,824 mainly Mexican fans.

Edgar Andrade of Cruz Azul made it two in the 61st minute, while Haiti pulled a goal back two minutes later as Mexico got caught pressing forward.

Fernandez claimed Mexico's third in the 70th minute and Club America's Enrique Esqueda made it 4-1 seven minutes from the end of regulation.

Luis Angel Landin of Morelia scored Mexico's fifth in the 90th minute, but despite five minutes of stoppage time, El Tri couldn't score the sixth that would have propelled them to the semifinals.

Mexico finished with 24 attempts on goal to 14 for Haiti, with shots on target 14-4. Mexico was called offside 14 times.

Updated:

Well, Mexican Coach Hugo Sanchez didn't resign after the game, though Mexican Football Federation officials held a press conference and said his contract would be discussed at a March 30 meeting. Still, they also observed Sanchez has a contract through the 2010 World Cup.

"Obviously, this is a failure," Sanchez said. "I don't like to use that word, but you guys are going to keep bringing it up until I do so I will."

"We had hoped to make history," he added. "Mexico has never won an Olympic gold medal (in soccer)."

Sanchez lamented the absence of his four European-based players their clubs wouldn't release and then noted the U.S. and Canada had their European-based players for the competition, which isn't quite true (the U.S. couldn't secure the release of Michael Bradley from his Dutch club, for instance).

His counterpart, Haiti's Wilner Etienne, was quite blunt about the performance of some of his team.

"There are some players who can play at a high level and there are some players you can't count on," he said.

Canadian Coach Nick Dasovsic, who had said he wouldn't comment on the U.S. until after the Mexico game, was quite voluable when I bumped into him in the Stadium Club en route to the Mexico-Haiti press conference. It probably helped he was on his third beer.

"When (Haiti) went down to nine men, I thought we were done," he said. "I think I died eight times. It was like something out of a movie. We're through, though, we're going to Tennessee."

"It's a one-game cup final and (if we win) we go to the Olympics," he added. "The guys will be up for it."

"They've got quality," he said of the U.S. "It's going to be huge for the guys."

Canada beat Guatemala 5-0 Sunday afternoon in the penultimate group game of Olympic qualifying at Home Depot Center, meaning Mexico must beat Haiti in the second game of the doubleheader by at least five unanswered goals to retain any hope of reaching the semifinals Thursday in Nashville, Tenn.

Even then, Canada and Mexico would need a coin toss to send one team through since the two would be tied on goal difference and goals scored. The Mexicans must score at least six goals without reply to go through.

The Mexicans have scored just two goals in two games during the tournament and unlike Guatemala, who had already qualified, the Haitians are motivated; a win would send them through to the semifinals.

Guatemala didn't look particularly enthusiastic about the game, raising more than a suspicion they would be perfectly happy to see Mexico exit the competition.

Canada, not exactly renowned for their goal-scoring prowess, got two goals from former Chicago Fire forward Will Johnson, back from a one-game suspension after being sent off in Canada's opening game, a pair from Tosaint Ricketts and the fifth from substitute Kyle Hall deep into second half stoppage time.

Guatemalan fans celebrated after the game as if they had won.

Updated:
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could win 5-0," said Coach Nick Dasovic, who paid tribute to his players. "They were extraordinary."

Player of the game Will Johnson said he was seeking a measure of redemption in this game: "Any time you get a red card you feel you let your teammates down a bit," he said. "I was fresh today, I was a lot fresher than the other guys, so I took it upon myself to make a difference."

The Galaxy played to a dull scoreless draw in Dallas Saturday, the U.S. made it through to the Olympic qualifying semifinals with a very late goal over Honduras the difference, while Mexico is seeking to ensure it doesn't make an ignominious exit from the competition today at Home Depot Center.

Meanwhile, protests in Tibet against Chinese rule are growing although no one is yet suggesting the Olympics are at risk.

Finally, Chivas USA beat San Diego State 2-1 Saturday in a scrimmage at Home Depot Center.

From the Chivas USA press release:

Chukwudi Chijindu put the Red-and-White ahead just seven minutes into the game when he received a ball from Ante Razov and hammered home a shot to the near post from 12 yards. Chivas USA continued pushing up for goals throughout the first half, and were caught on a quick counter attack by San Diego State in the 27th minute, when Steven Beitashour’s shot was deflected to Daniel Ortega, who finished for the Aztecs to tie the game.

The match went into the half tied at one, but Chivas USA quickly took the lead once the second session started. Razov’s free kick from 25 yards was saved by the Aztec goalkeeper, but the rebound fell to Erasmo Solórzano, who finished easily. The Red-and-White had a number of chances in the rest of the half, with forward Anthony Hamilton hitting the post and Solórzano seeing his header bounce over the net, but the game ended with the 2-1 scoreline.

Chivas USA lineup (4-4-2): Lance Parker; Eric Ebert (Arnaldo Salazar 46), Jim Curtin, Bobby Burling, Gerson Mayen; Chukwudi Chijindu (Erasmo Solórzano 46), Daniel Paladini, John Cunliffe, Anthony Hamilton; Ante Razov, Justin Braun (Jorge Flores 46).

Chivas is in Fresno today playing PDL team the Fuego.

Briefly:
*The U.S. plays its final Olympic qualifier live at 4 p.m. on Fox Soccer Channel against Honduras.

*A reminder that the Galaxy preseason game against FC Dallas will be shown live on the team's Web site at 5:30 p.m. Link is over to the right.

*Chivas has announced one final preaseason game at 6 p.m. next Saturday at Titan Stadium at Cal State Fullerton against ex-Galaxy striker (I use the term loosely) Carlos Pavon and his new team Honduran First Division side Real España.

From the Chivas USA press release:

The match will feature a ceremony prior to the match honoring three members of Honduras ’ 1982 FIFA World Cup team: Gilberto German Yearwood, Jaime Enrique Villegas y Roberto “Macho” Figueroa.

Real España is one of Honduras ’ most popular and successful clubs, having captured the league championship nine times in their history, most recently in 2006-2007. The España roster features forward Carlos Pavón, who was with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 and has 78 appearances and 47 goals with the Honduran National Team. ‘Los Aurinegros,’ or the Gold-and-Black, are currently in second place in the league, with a record of 5-3-3 (W-L-T).

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 dollars at the gate. More info: (310) 467-6637.

After the game with Canada two days ago Mexican Coach Hugo Sanchez said he wasn't worried because his team hadn't lost.

He's worried now.

Despite out-shooting its opponents 17-10, Mexico was upset by Guatamala 2-1 Friday night before 19,638 fans at the Home Depot Center.

"They're just another team," said Guatemalan Coach Rodrigo Kenyon.

The result means Mexico must win Sunday against Haiti and either hopes Canada doesn't win or scores fewer goals (or allows more) in their game against Guatemala. Because if the two teams are even (as they are now) on goal difference and goals scored it will come down to a coin flip.

"We're under fire, we have to show what this team is capable of and we have to attack," Sanchez said.

The only Mexican goal came from American-born Edgar Castillo in the ninth minute after the Guatemalan defense failed to clear its box, leaving one to wonder what Sanchez is thinking now considering his criticism of his predecessor for using naturalized American citizens on the team.

But Guatemala doggedly stayed in the game five minutes before half time when a long ball from Jean Marquez caught the Mexican defense napping and Carlos Villa, one of a half dozen CSD Municipal players on the roster, raced through to score.

Guatemala sealed victory in the 67th minute on a Maynor Ignacio Lopez header from a corner kick.

"They were more effective in their finishing," said Sanchez, calling his opponents "just conquerors."

He also blamed the media for giving his players "bad vibes" for getting on them for not scoring goals.

"We've done good things, not everything has been bad," he protested.

True.

Just most things, Hugo.

More here.

Haiti scored two goal in 12 minutes to seal a shock come from behind 2-1 victory Friday night in the first game of a doubleheader at Home Depot Center.

The Canadians, on the defensive for much of the second half after opening the scoring through Tyler Rosenlund (who doesn't have a club, but might after tonight) in the 17th minute, only had themselves to blame.

The first Haitian goal came after Canadian Nikolas Ledgerwood went down injured in the 72nd minute and a teammate put the ball out of play. The Canadians expected Haiti to give the ball back to them as is customarily done in soccer, but instead Leonel Saint-Preux passed to wide-open substitute Alain Gustave who volleyed home a first-time shot from 17 yards.

Canadian Coach Nick Dasovic was not amused.

"For our fair play we got it in the backside you might say," he said. "It was atrocious."

Haiti sealed the win in the 84th minute with a beautifully taken long-range shot from at least 35 yards out that soared into the top corner and caught Canadian goalkeeper Josh Wagenaar, on trial with Toronto FC, off-guard and out of position.

The Canadians had seen a chance for a second goal evaporate in the 54th minute when Andrazes Ornoch hit the bar from 17 yards out, but Dasovic blamed a lack of fitness and inexperience for the loss that sent his team spiraling to the bottom of Group B.

"We knew the Haitian team has a strong team physically and they were obviously emotionally driven," he said. "I think our boys were a little bit naive. ... I kept yelling to them a draw is good, we didn't need to win today."

But Canada needed to avoid losing - and didn't.

Next up tonight: Mexico-Guatemala.

It wasn't a thing of a beauty and a Freddy Adu penalty kick was all that separated the teams in the 1-0 win over Panama Thursday, but Coach Peter Nowak's revamped line-up showed more initiative in attack and more resilience in defense in the second Olympic qualifier.

Nowak summed up the difference between the Cuba and Panama games:

“I think we learned from what happened last Tuesday. Everyone was over anxious. I think we were pushing too much just to score goals. I think today the combinations (we’re better) and we just played faster and found the right people at the right time. The timing was good. The build-ups were very effective, so it’s not only the patience. You can be patient, but still develop your game in the right moment at the right speed.”

The U.S. must merely avoid losing Saturday against Honduras to advance to the semifinals.

Honduras, by the way, beat 10-man (yes, you read that right) Cuba.

In Carson tonight, it's Canada vs. Haiti (at 5:30 p.m.) and Mexico vs. Guatemala (at 8 p.m.).

The Galaxy plays in Dallas Saturday with English scouts watching David Beckham and Chivas USA plays San Diego State University at 10 a.m. at Home Depot Center before heading to Fresno Sunday to play the Fuego.

The 5:30 p.m. Galaxy game will be shown on the team's Web site, incidentally.

Also, from noon to 4 p.m. in Carson Saturday, it's ChivaFest.

Finally, the dumb quote of the week award goes to noted ESPN soccer-hater Jim Rome, who oblivious to the sell-out crowds, Beckham jersey sales and general Beckhamania, declares his signing a bust:

"Soccer may be the world sport, but here it ranks right behind darts and just ahead of foosball. It doesn't matter now and it never will. The fact the greatest footballer of them all came here and didn't move the needle at all proves that once again."

The second annual version of SuperLiga, the eight-team competition featuring MLS and Mexican teams, has just unveiled its schedule at a Home Depot Center press conference.

Last year, the Galaxy lost in a thrilling final and this version will feature Western Conference champions Chivas USA.

The relevant dates for games in Carson (except where noted):

Sunday July 13 - Chivas USA vs. defending champions Pachuca CF.
Wednesday July 16 - Chivas USA vs. Santos.
Sunday July 20 Chivas USA vs. New England Revolution. (Venue TBD).

Full competition details here.

The U.S. faces Panama in the second game of Olympic qualifying at 5 p.m. live on Fox Soccer Channel and desperately needs three points from the game after Tuesday's tactically naive draw against Cuba.

Meanwhile, Mexico has announced the opponents for three of five planned games in the U.S. this year including a June 4 game in San Diego against Argentina.

While the MLS teams in the second edition of SuperLiga have long been known (Chivas USA, Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution and D.C. United) dates for games and the Mexican teams involved will be announced at noon here.

As reported here a couple of days ago, Chivas USA signed goalkeeper Lance Parker (Missouri State) and three other players to developmental contracts (a maximum of 10 young players whon don't count against the cap are allowed per team).

The others: the team's only draft pick this year, 22-year-old midfielder/forward Keith Savage (University of West Florida); forward Justin Braun, 20, discovered playing rec soccer in Utah; and former Galaxy 2006 Supplemental Draft pick Dan Paladini, a midfielder out of Northridge.

Finally, Chivas USA have announced an 18-game broadcast schedule with Fox, starting with the March 30 opener in Dallas.

Canada's Dejan Jakovic slide tackles Mexico's Cesar Villaluz during the second half.

In what is becoming an Olympic qualifying full of surprises, Canada held supposedly mighty Mexico to a 1-1 draw at Home Depot Center Wednesday night in a game that also saw both goal scorers sent off.

Canada struck first after just three minutes, temporarily silencing the overwhelmingly pro-Mexico crowd, after former Chicago Fire striker Will Johnson stabbed home a close range shot when Mexico failed to clear.

Morelia striker Luis Angel Landin equalized for Mexico in the 22nd minute from the spot after what appeared to be a dubious penalty call.

Mexico gradually asserted control, but saw Landin ejected midway through the second half. Canada was unable to score on the resultant power play and Johnson followed him down the tunnel about 10 minutes later.

Mexico dominated with Canada hanging grimly on - the Canucks didn't have a shot in the second half - but El Tri couldn't break down the stubborn defense.

Chants of "Lavolpe" - a reference to former Mexico Coach Ricardo Lavolpe - could be heard emanating from the crowd of 9,949 toward game's end.

Guatemala beat Haiti 1-0 in the opening game of the night to take an unexpected lead in Group B.

Updated: Canadian Coach Nick Dasovic observed after the game that considering the nation had played precisely zero Under-23 games in four years, his back four was playing together for the first time ever and he had his full roster together just 24 hours before the start of the game, this was a "baptism of fire."

"I wish we could play Mexico every week," he said jokingly. "After three minutes I thought 'sheesh, we pissed off the Mexicans.'"

He added: "This was a confidence builder."

While, Dasovic was happy with the result, Mexican Coach Hugo Sanchez was not pleased.

"We showed we were superior on the field," he said.

Sanchez was asked if he was worried by the result.

"No, I would have been worried if we would have lost," he said.

Meanwhile, the latest on the defecting Cubans confident of getting a job in MLS after seeing the state of the American team is here.

The crowds are already waiting for the gates to open at Home Depot Center for the first of two Olympic qualifiers there tonight, Guatemala against Haiti.

Top billing though goes to the 8 p.m. game between Mexico and Canada.

The San Diego Union-Tribune caught up with Mexico while the team trained in that city while The Toronto Star provides the Canadian perspective.

The Star is also reporting on the opponent for the MLS All-Star Game in Toronto - England's West Ham United.

I'll have more tonight from Carson.

The U.S. Women's National Team lifted the Algarve Cup after winning 2-1 over Denmark in Portugal today with Abby Wambach scoring the game winner.

CONCACAF has released the rosters for Mexico and the three other Group B teams in Olympic qualifying that open play tonight at Home Depot Center.

In other women's soccer news, the new Pacific Palisades-based W-League franchise Pali Blues signed a trio of Australian national team players.

The Galaxy announced an 18-game Fox Sports broadcast schedule meaning every Galaxy game this season will be televised.

Finally, sign ups open today for the seventh annual MLS Fantasy Challenge.

It didn't take long for cracks to appear in Peter Nowak's U.S. Men's Under-23 National Team facade.

Despite a sparkling performance by Freddy Adu, a largely punchless U.S. could only manage to tie lightly-regarded Cuba 1-1 in Tampa, Fla., tonight in the opening game of Olympic qualifying for both nations.

That makes Saturday's game against Honduras, which beat Panama 1-0 earlier in the night on a last-gasp goal, the potentially pivotal game for the slightly bruised U.S. hopes of qualifying for China.

Teenage striking sensation Jozy Altidore was so ineffective up front he was replaced by Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan at half time.

Adu was dominating from the first minute, clipping the far Cuban post with a curling shot and continually directing the U.S. attacks, but applied the finishing touch just once in the 14th minute.

It had seemed a goal was only a matter of time, but Cuba struck just before half time to level the score.

The two sides went into the break level despite a 8-2 U.S. advantage in shots.

Adu aside, creativity was scarce in the U.S. midfield, leaving one to wonder why the likes of Robbie Rogers was left off the squad.

Cuba was content to pack the defense, but the U.S. disappointingly failed to break down their opponent to seal what was surely a lost opportunity.

Here's more from U.S. Soccer.

I'll have more in the morning on the games in Carson Wednesday night between Haiti-Guatemala and Mexico-Canada.

Starting Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan received confirmation from doctors Monday he had sustained a mild sprain of the MCL in his left knee, which he suffered in training the previous Monday before the team left for a pre-season tournament in Texas.

With an expected recovery time of two to four weeks, if will be touch and go whether Guzan is fit for the Chivas USA MLS opener March 30 away to Dallas, which is less than three weeks away. But Chivas USA officials said Tuesday they were "cautiously optimistic" Guzan will be fit to start.

In his absence, Chivas USA will fill the void at the goalkeeping position - Guzan was the only netminder on the roster - with 22-year-old goalkeeper Lance Parker out of Missouri State.

Parker was signed to a developmental contract Monday, a move the team will formally announce later this afternoon.

Guzan's injury occurred as he attempted to stop a shot with his legs, but the ball struck him awkwardly, causing the sprain.

CONCACAF Olympic qualifying begins tonight with two games including the U.S. against Cuba and I offered a primer in today's column.

CONCACAF has released the rosters for the teams in Group A.

Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan and his role on the U-23 team is profiled here, although Fontana's Maurice Edu was on Monday named team captain for the tournament.

Lastly, Andrew Sakura, 17, the starting goalkeeper for Palos Verdes High died last weekend after crashing his father's Corvette while speeding. He would have turned 18 later this month.

Already a busy day in soccer so let's get to it:

The U.S. Women's National Team decisively defeated Norway 4-0 Monday to reach Wednesday's Algarve Cup final in Portugal against Denmark.

Former U.S. star Hugo Perez and former U.S. women's Coach Anson Dorrance were elected to the veteran and builder categories respectively, the National Soccer Hall of Fame announced today. Palos Verdes' Joy Fawcett was yet again denied entrance, though.

Chivas USA's striking duo of Maykel Galindo and Ante Razov (who scored a goal) started for the first time this preseason, but that wasn't enough to prevent Toronto FC winning 3-2 Sunday in San Antonio, Texas.

Finally, Chivas USA put their single-game tickets on sale today, with seats starting at $14.

Coach Peter Nowak named his 20-man Olympic qualifying roster this afternoon, omitting Rolling Hills Estates' midfielder Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Galaxy defender Mike Randolph, goalkeeper Tally Hall, Derby County midfielder Bennie Feilhaber and FC Dallas' Arturo Alvarez, who were all in the 24-player pre-Olympic qualifying training camp.

Lots of locals on the roster though: Fontana's Maurice Edu, Chivas USA's Sacha Kljestan and UCLA products Patrick Ianni, Kamani Hill, Marvell Wynne, Chad Barrett and Sal Zizzo as well as former Galaxy player Robbie Findley.

As expected, West Ham United's Jonathan Spector was also drafted in.

Here's the roster and the (edited) U.S. Soccer press release: goalkeepers Dominic Cervi (unattached), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake); Hunter Freeman (New York Red Bulls), Kamani Hill (Vfl Wolfsburg), Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC); midfielders Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas) Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96); forwards Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake).

The roster features 10 players who have earned full international caps with the senior team led by Jonathan Spector, who has 11 caps.

The U.S. plays Cuba Tuesday, Panama Thursday and Honduras Saturday. All games are at 4 p.m. live on Fox Soccer Channel.

Canada, Guatemala, Haiti and Mexico play Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at Home Depot Center in Carson.

The top two teams qualify for the Olympics.

The Galaxy wrapped up their Asian tour with a 2-2 draw (in regulation) against a Hong Kong selection in a game that started Saturday and ended Sunday our time.

For the second time on their three-game tour of Asia, the Galaxy lost on a penalty kick shootout. THe Galaxy's blog has an interesting note on that, by the way.

Coach Ruud Gullit likely won't be as concerned about the loss as he will the total defensive breakdown that led to the only Hong Kong goal from the run of play.

A Brad Guzan-less Chivas USA (the goalkeeper was sent home with an injury) wraps up the tournament in San Antonio today against Toronto FC.

Chivas USA lost 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo in San Antonio on Friday, the Galaxy play the next game of their Asia tour at 11 tonight live on Fox Soccer Channel from Hong Kong where ticket sales have reportedly been poor, the U.S. Women triumphed again in Portugal while the high school soccer season is over.

And so is my posting on a gorgeous day in Southern California. Enjoy the weekend.

Chivas USA plays the Houston Dynamo tonight in San Antonio (although due to the state of the field there it's reportedly the reserve squads that will play) and the Galaxy plays the third and final game of its Asian tour live on Fox Soccer Channel at 11 p.m. Saturday (that's a time that screams TiVo).

Still, if you only watch one game this weekend make it Brad Friedel's Blackburn Rovers against FulhamAmerica at 7 a.m. Saturday on FSC as the London team with a large contingent of Americans fights for EPL survival.

The David Beckham Academy in Carson has redesigned its Web site.

And as of Monday, Fox Football Fone-In has moved to a new night and time (the show begins at 5 p.m.).

Finally, prep action from the Daily Breeze is here and here, the Daily News here and the Long Beach Press-Telegram here.

A good question for multiracial Los Angeles.

Besides, I needed some comic relief after enduring a pre-Olympic qualifying teleconference today that featured Coach Peter Nowak offering up such penetrating insights as "Qualifying is going to be very difficult." (I'm not kidding).

Perhaps more on that Friday (I feel a rant coming on). But, for now, back to the question.

The question was prompted by this tongue-in-cheek link sent to me by a white, American-born colleague.

And like all good satire, there's a kernel of truth in there.

If I have another American-born white person approach me to talk about soccer, but in reality it's simply an excuse to relate the latest triumph of their little brat in AYSO or whatever, I shall find a ball or two to kick, if you know what I mean and I think you do.

The conversations I have outside the press box on the merits of say, the Galaxy verses Chivas USA, are sadly, far and few between.

Now I know a lot of white people who like soccer (a lot of you are reading right now, I hope), but the funniest part of the above link were the number of thin-skinned American-born white people who took exception to the post.

Lighten up people. It's called S-A-T-I-R-E.

Edgy, racially-tinged satire in the finest tradition of Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce and "All in the Family," an American rip-off of the far superior English sit-com "'Til Death Do Us Part."

Enjoy.

Here we go again.

Reports out of England suggest David Beckham's landmark 100th England appearance could come against France March 26, just three days before the Galaxy's first MLS game of the season in Colorado. More here.

Mexico's Under-23 team, which will play its Olympic qualifiers in Carson, turns out for its final warmup game against Finland tonight in Dallas and hasn't looked good.

Lastly, preps news from the Daily Breeze is here, the Daily News here and the Long Beach Press-Telegram here.

Back after a self-imposed radio silence on (most) of a day off.

Three typically opportunistic Carlos Ruiz strikes saw a largely listless Galaxy beat an "all-star" Chinese squad 3-0 today, the U.S. senior women's team ripped China and Chivas USA lost to D.C. United in Texas two times on what sounded like one unusual day.

Updated: Anaheim's Jorge Flores opened the scoring for Chivas USA with a line-up of largely reserves in the 2-1 loss to D.C. United in San Antonio, Texas.

The Chivas line-up: (4-4-2): Lance Parker; Gerson Mayen, Shavar Thomas, Bobby Burling, Eric Ebert; Jorge Flores, Daniel Paladini, Kraig Chiles , Keith Savage (Chukwudi Chijindu 62); Justin Braun, Anthony Hamilton (Arnaldo Salazar 84).

I just got off the phone a couple of hours ago with Galaxy staff in China and they tell me they have a 17-man senior roster set that's pretty much the one listed on their (surprise) Web site.

Izzy Sesay though is a developmental player and does not count toward the "cap" or roster.

Injured goalkeeper Charles Alamo is also signed to a developmental deal as previously reported, by the way.

The status of these three is uncertain: goalkeeper Josh Wicks, striker Bryan Jordan and Brazilian midfielder Alvaro Pires.

Expect more deals in the next month. The Galaxy are not done yet.

The Galaxy kick-off their game against the all-star Shanghai Hong Kong United (hopefully they all don't know each other to well) at 8 p.m. Wednesday in China, which is 4 a.m. our time. The game is televised at 8 p.m. here on Fox Soccer Channel.

So I'm going to avoid contact with electronic devices until after the game.

Perhaps not professional blogging behavior, but I'm off work tomorrow anyway and can enjoy the game.

By the way, Pires apparently has no idea why he's called "the buffalo," especially since he's never been called that anywhere before.

My question: if he's Brazilian why does he have two names?

Today's column looks at Monday's roster and salary budget compliance day in MLS, but it wasn't until this morning that we learned the Galaxy has waived Celestene Babayaro, Kyle Martino and Kelly Gray.

The latter two aren't much of a surprise as the column points out, but Babayaro getting cut is. At age 29, the former Newcastle United defender can't make an MLS team? Salary was undoubtedly an issue, but he hasn't shown an awful lot anyway and the Galaxy don't seem to have room for him on the back line (he played in midfield last weekend).

Here's the (edited) Galaxy release:

The LA Galaxy waived three players on Monday, the day that all teams must be roster and salary budget compliant in accordance with MLS rules. The club has waived midfielders Kelly Gray and Kyle Martino, as well as defender Celestine Babayaro. All three, as well as players waived by each of the other 13 MLS clubs, will be available in an MLS Waiver Draft, which will be held at noon today.

A native of Kaduna, Nigeria, Babayaro had spent the last month training with the Galaxy, playing once in last weekend’s match against FC Seoul. The 29-year old Nigerian had spent time with Belgian club Anderlecht, as well as English sides Chelsea and Newcastle United prior to training with the Galaxy. A Gold Medal winner at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Babayaro also represented his country at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups.

Gray originally joined the Galaxy on July 3, 2007 in a trade that sent Nate Jaqua to the Houston Dynamo. A six-year MLS veteran, he appeared in six regular season games, as well as three SuperLiga matches and one Open Cup game for the Galaxy last year, but missed most of the final two months of the year with a pair of calf injuries.

Martino played in 35 games in a year and a half with the Galaxy, scoring three goals and adding two assists. The 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year with the Columbus Crew, Martino led all Galaxy field players with 26 appearances for the club in the 2007 regular season, as well as playing three times in SuperLiga and three times in the Open Cup, where he scored once.

Meanwhile, over in China it really is Beckhamania.

MLS teams grappling with today's roster and salary budget compliance deadline didn't generate much news, with few teams actually announcing their cuts (including the Galaxy).

I'll have more on that in Tuesday's column, but I can tell you that Chivas USA didn't have to make any cuts since they have just 17 senior players on their roster. (Defender Bobby Burling, striker Anthony Hamilton and Jorge "Sueno" Flores - who has been playing at left back during preseason - are developmental players who don't count toward the 18-player senior roster).

Presumably, Chivas USA will add another goalkeeper, a critical need if starter Brad Guzan can secure a work permit in England during the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Chivas USA left today for a preseason tournament in Texas.

From the Chivas USA press release:

Chivas USA Head Coach Preki has selected 28 players to travel to San Antonio this week for the Texas Pro Soccer Festival. Chivas USA departed today for San Antonio, where it will play three games, against Major League Soccer opponents D.C. United Wednesday, the Houston Dynamo Friday and Toronto FC Sunday.

The roster: goalkeepers Brad Guzan, Lance Parker, Sam Reynolds; defenders Jonathan Bornstein, Bobby Burling, Jim Curtin, Jorge Flores, Claudio Suárez, Shavar Thomas, Lawson Vaughn, Alex Zotinca; midfielders Kraig Chiles, John Cunliffe, Eric Ebert, Luciano Fusco, Jesse Marsch, Gerson Mayen, Paulo Nagamura, Daniel Paladini, Keith Savage, Raphaël Wicky; forwards Justin Braun, Chukwudi Chijindu, Maykel Galindo, Anthony Hamilton, Atiba Harris, Arnaldo Salazar, Ante Razov.

Chivas USA midfielder Francisco Mendoza (groin strain) and forward Alecko Eskandarian (groin strain) will stay behind in Southern California as they continue their respective rehabs. Also absent: midfielder Sacha Kljestan, who is currently with the United States Under-23 National Team in Florida as it prepares for Olympic qualifying.

By the way, for those who keep track of these things "Sueño MLS 2008: The Dream Continues" is down to its final 18 players, who will play at Home Depot Center March 13.

Over in Galaxyland, Coach Ruud Gullit is reportedly upset with the state of the pitch the Galaxy will play on Wednesday.

"The pitch is in bad shape and dangerous, there were stones and bones, shells, everything was on the pitch. It is pretty difficult to play on it, so I hope they can clean it," he said.

Finally, Fox Soccer Channel will show all of the U.S. men's Olympic qualifying games.

From the press release:

Fox Soccer Channel will show a total of seven qualifying matches, including all three of the USA’s first-round matches, semifinals, third-place and championship match.

All three U.S. matches in Group A will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., with the U.S. taking on Cuba at 5 p.m. March 11, Panama at 5 p.m. March 13 and Honduras at 4 p.m. March 15.

Group B features Canada, Guatemala, Haiti and Mexico facing off on March 12, 14 and 16 at Home Depot Center.

Fox Soccer Channel will broadcast both semifinal games at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 20, along with the third-place match at 11 a.m. and the final at 2 p.m. March 23.

Among South Bay and Harbor Area schools Saturday, Peninsula beat West Torrance to claim the CIF Division II title, while Banning won its first soccer title since 1995.

In Downey Saturday, Wilson and San Clemente shared a championship as did Mayfair High and La Mirada, but Downey High lost.

Lancaster's Desert Christian triumphed Saturday, as did Oaks Christian of Westlake Village.

However, Newbury Park lost.

On the day after the Daily News, the Daily Breeze and Long Beach Press-Telegram announced major layoffs and restructuring, its effect on this blog (carried on all three newspapers' Web sites) should be noted.

Galaxy beat writer Billy Witz, an employee of the Daily News, was among those laid off, following former Chivas USA beat writer Ivan Orozco out the door. Ivan left a few weeks ago to join a new newspaper in San Diego County. That leaves the Los Angeles News Group of MediaNews without any soccer beat writers, which in addition to the three papers already mentioned includes the Pasadena Star News, the San Bernadino Sun, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the Whittier Daily News, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Redlands Daily Facts.

Also gone: Lori Stassi, the online editor at the Breeze, who was responsible for the technical support of this blog as well as others. Lori built this blog, uploaded photos and edited links, but more importantly championed blogs and multimedia on the Breeze Web site. In fact, she was busy updating the links to the right of this page just before she left (check out the new North American Soccer Reporters Web site and the blogroll, a list of blogs I check daily.).

She will be missed.

Perhaps it's apt to note that, as Lori departed, the page hits on this blog have set a new monthly record in hits.

Thanks for your support in a time of convulsive change in the newspaper industry.

If you watched the 11:30 p.m. Galaxy-FC Seoul game on Fox Soccer Channel last night you know LA salvaged a rather uninspiring 1-1 tie in regulation time to kick off their Asian Tour.

Yet if you read this story you know the Galaxy actually lost on penalty kicks, something neither alluded to or shown on FSC.

More than a little strange.

Also, preps coverage from the Daily Breeze is here.