(Late) Monday Morning Buzz: WPS, Becks & More
Salutations from the soggy South Bay, where the winter's biggest storm is drenching us.
Thanks to Scott Wolf and others who contributed to the blog during my week-long absence.
I'm off to a press conference at Home Depot Center shortly where the Galaxy and representatives of the other three teams in the Pan-Pacific Championship will attempt to explain the import of this preseason tournament.
At least for Galaxy fans the Wednesday and Saturday doubleheaders will provide an opportunity to see what sort of job Coach Bruce Arena has done rebuilding the team so far. More on the tournament in Tuesday's column.
But just have time to note that:
*David Beckham, reportedly the subject of a rejected $3 million bid Friday by AC Milan, limped out of the derby against Inter Sunday after an undistinguished hour or so. More here.
*Landon Donovan meanwhile, came on as a first half substitute for an injured Luca Toni, but couldn't prevent Bayern Munich from sliding to a 2-1 defeat to Hertha Berlin on Valentine's Day. With the loss, Bayern relinquished the top spot in the Bundesliga to Hertha.
*And Women's Professional Soccer announced this morning it has reached a contractual agreement with members of the U.S. Women's National Team so expect a flurry of signings soon. From the (edited) WPS press release:
"The contract may extend over three seasons and provides for players in the U.S. Women's National Team pool to be compensated by the teams for on-field play and for off-field commercial and marketing appearances.
The average league salary: about $32,000.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. 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 and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Good news for NY (Angel resigned), DC (Stadium) and thanks for the WPS updates and infos.
I'd be happy for any non Beckham news on the Galaxy
goal.com says a deal has been agreed btw.
Nick replies: From what I understand the report goal.com cited is incorrect. The Beckham soap opera continues. I just got back from the PPC press conference in Carson and will post some additional thoughts from Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena a little later.
thought so, would be nice if it was over tough one way or another...
thanks, looking forward to them and your column.