Columnist Nick Green has written 100 Percent Soccer
since 2005. A
native of England, he began writing about soccer in
the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat
in the stands for one in
the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home
Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas
USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer.
Married to a long-suffering soccer widow, he has a cat
named Pele.Monday Wrap
Spent much of today researching Tuesday's column, but noted these items in passing:
*David Beckham was named MLS Player of the Week today by the North American Soccer Reporters for his goal and assist in the Galaxy’s 2-0 win Thursday over the Earthquakes. It's his first Player of the Week honor and the first for a Galaxy player since Landon Donovan was recognized four weeks into the season last year.
*In reserve games, Chivas USA drew 1-1 with Real Salt Lake Sunday in the track and field stadium at Home Depot Center, with midfielder Kraig Chiles scoring in the 14th minute. Real Salt lake equalized in second half stoppage time. The Galaxy and Earthquakes traded first half penalties Friday, but San Jose won 2-1 on a 72nd minute Adam Smarte goal. Edson Buddle scored for the Galaxy.
*The Galaxy acquired a fourth round pick in next year's supplemental draft for the rights to midfielder Matt Hatzke last week, who was selected in this year’s draft, but not offered a contract by the club. The former Santa Clara player signed with the Earthquakes last week and played against the Galaxy in Friday’s reserve game.
*The Galaxy's Brazilian midfielder Alvaro Pires will see a foot specialist this week and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Toronto.
*Missed this article about new Chivas USA signing Justin Braun.
Finally, as a former resident of Seattle I should note (with much relief) that the suits finally gave into reality and today named the 2009 MLS expansion team the Seattle Sounders, the name it should have been all along. They've tacked a FC on the end, but that's irrelevant given that football teams the world over employ that acronym and it's widely ignored. Good riddance Seattle Alliance and Seattle Republic.