December 2009 Archives

David Beckham is back with AC Milan (AP Photo).

MILAN (AP) -- David Beckham hopes his second stint with AC Milan will be as good as the five months he spent on loan with the Italian club in 2009.

The England and Galaxy midfielder passed a physical Tuesday and has spent the past two days training with his teammates.

AC Milan resumes play Jan. 6 against Genoa.

"My experience with the club was so special," Beckham said Wednesday. "I missed the club. I missed playing for it; I missed the players and everybody associated with the club. It was a very special experience. It was good last time and I hope it will be as good this time."

Beckham scored twice in 18 games for Milan from January to May 2009 while on loan from the Galaxy. He has repeated the move in a bid to secure his place at the 2010 World Cup.

After a slow start, new Milan coach Leonardo has been praised for an attacking philosophy that has taken his team into second place, eight points behind Inter Milan but with a game in hand.

"Milan can certainly win the title," Beckham said. "It will be difficult because Inter and Juventus are great teams, but we have a good squad. All I am thinking about is the next six months here. I want to enjoy myself and help Milan win the championship."

Beckham will return to Old Trafford in February for the first time since leaving Manchester United in 2003, after Milan was drawn against Manchester United in the Champions League.

It will be the first time he has played in the competition since 2007, when Real Madrid lost to Bayern Munich in the second round.

"When I found about the draw, I was nearly in tears," he said. "It is a special place for me and I haven't played there for nearly seven years. I have a lot of friends at the club and a great rapport with the fans. It will be a special evening, but we will be trying to win the match."

I took Monday off.

And although the result of the poll asking readers to pick the year's most influential soccer figure in Southern California seems a foregone conclusion, I'm extending the voting period through New Year's Day to give those preoccupied with the holidays an opportunity to vote.

Cast your vote here.

To make up for the lack of a column check out this YouTube video of some of soccer's silliest moments of 2009 (viewer discretion advised due to the nature of some songs on the soundtrack, BTW):

Hope your little angels didn't let Santa get away from them and everyone has a ball. BTW, this is a shot from a charity match for the Uwe Seeler Foundation between an aptly-clad fifth division men's team and a girl's youth team last year in Germany. The score was 10-10. (AP Photo)

The club announced the signings today.

The three are:

*21-year-old left back Alex (full name (Alex dos Santos Cazumba)
*20-year-old central midfielder Juninho (Vitor Gomes Pereira Junior)
*21-year-old central defender Leonardo (Ajose Leonardo Ribeiro da Silva)

The three apparently stick together.

They were on the Sao Paulo team that won a trophy at the 2007 Dallas Cup, defeating Real Madrid and Chelsea en route to the title. They were also all on loan earlier this year with Toledo in the First Division of the Brazilian Paraná Championship.

They all trained with the Galaxy for two weeks in October.

Here's more on each of them from the Galaxy press release:

Juninho is the youngest of the three players joining the Galaxy, not turning 21 until early next month. A quick and creative central midfielder, he has been at Sao Paulo since March 2004. Good with the ball at his feet and capable of striking the ball from set pieces, he was a member of Sao Paulo 's U-17 Paulista Championship side in 2006.

A big, quick and athletic left-sided player, Alex joined Sao Paulo in December 2005 after beginning his career with Mirassol FC. Capable of playing at left back or in the midfield, he helped Sao Paulo finish second in the Brazilian Under-20 league in 2007 before making his debut with the Brazilian Under-20 National Team in June 2009.

Rounding out the group is Leonardo, a central defender who has been with Sao Paulo since the age of 13. A former member of the Brazilian Under-16 and Under-17 National Teams, Leonardo is a tall, physical presence who is good with the ball at his feet and strong in the air, thanks in large part to his 6-foot-2 stature. He has won U-15, U-17 and U-20 Paulista Championships with Sao Paulo and was a part of the club's Campeonato title in 2008.

The three will be added to the Galaxy roster once they receive their visas and other paperwork.

Products of Sao Paulo's youth system have included Adriano, Denilson, and Kaka.

Good to see the Galaxy not only getting younger, but perhaps introducing a little flair.

New Zealand Football announced the game today.

Details here.

I don't see the game mentioned on the Rose Bowl Web site yet, so no ticket information is available.

But it's a FIFA international date, so both teams should be at full strength or close to it.

Former Galaxy midfielder Simon Elliott verses Senor Blanco, perhaps?

AP Photo

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- Landon Donovan has been given the work permit he needs to play in Britain during his loan at Premier League club Everton.

The Los Angeles Galaxy star easily met the criteria for the permit because he has played 120 times for the United States and has captained his country.

The permit was granted at a hearing Tuesday, freeing the midfielder to begin his 2½-month loan from Major League Soccer as planned on Jan. 2.

It has been a busy week or so for LD.

Check out earlier posts here, here, here and here.

Everton has a half dozen games scheduled in January, BTW.

Here are the upcoming fixtures for Everton.

Finally, Donovan is one of five nominees for this year's ultra prestigious (ahem) 100 Percent Soccer blog award.

Vote here.

Photo courtesy UNC

No, this isn't the Hermann Trophy (that will be awarded Jan. 8 in case you were wondering and Whitney Engen isn't one of the three finalists).

This is the Honda Sports Award in soccer. The awards are given annually to the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports based on the results of national balloting among 1,000 member schools.

The UNC defender beat out fellow Tar Heel Tobin Heath, UCLA's Lauren Cheney and Stanford striker Kelley O'Hara, all of whom are finalists for the Hermann.

Quotable:

"To end our season with a (national) championship and then win the Honda Sports Award is beyond my wildest dreams. I was really shocked when I heard the news, especially being up against my teammate Tobin whom I admire greatly, as well as the other phenomenal nominees."

Engen is a converted striker who UNC Coach Anson Dorrance now uses in his flat back three defensive scheme.

From the Honda press release:

She was named this year's NCAA Women's College Cup MVP on Defense after helping her team to its third national championship in the past four years. She was also named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year on a team that allowed just 12 goals and had 19 shutouts.

Past award recipients include Kristine Lilly and Mia Hamm.

Bob Bradley casts his net wide to bring in 30 players for this one with an interesting collection of names announced this morning to say the least.

Former Galaxy reserve Brandon McDonald?

Here's the squad:

goalkeepers - Kevin Hartman (Kansas City), Troy Perkins (Valerenga), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Zach Thornton (Chivas USA)

defenders - Kevin Alston (New England Revolution), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

midfielders - Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Jeff Larentowicz (New England Revolution), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

forwards - Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Brandon McDonald (San Jose Earthquakes), Marcus Tracy (Aalborg)

Trivia time: Who is the leading cap winner on this squad? (Answer below).

Camp opens Jan. 4 and culminates with the Jan. 23 game at Home Depot Center against Honduras (tickets on sale now, BTW).

Quotable:

"This is the start of six months of preparations for the World Cup, and it is important that we get started off heading in the right direction," said U.S. coach Bob Bradley, who led the U.S. to first place in CONCACAF qualifying. "We have had the chance to work with many of these players through their time with the national team, while others performed well for their clubs throughout last season and have earned this opportunity. We are continuing to evaluate the player pool as we move towards finalizing our roster for this summer."

Just to underline the nature of this squad, exactly half the roster - 15 players - didn't earn a cap this year.

And the leading cap-winner - Benny Feilhaber (30).

Read the column here.

Take the poll:

Thanks for voting - and reading. Expect light posting the rest of the week while 100 Percent Soccer takes a midwinter nap.

AP Photo

It's the fourth straight award for the Brazilian.

Domestically Marta led Women's Professional Soccer in scoring with 10 goals and 3 assists during the year, was named league MVP and led the Los Angeles Sol to the regular season title and a spot in the title game.

FIFA announced the two winners - that's Barcelona's Lionel Messi, above, with the men's award - today at the annual gala in Zurich, Switzerland

Photo: Getty Images

Was there ever any doubt the Redlands native would win the award announced today yet again? The Galaxy and U.S. National Team playmaker also won in 2003 and 2004.

From the U.S. Soccer press release:

The 27-year old, a former Young Male Athlete of the Year in 2000, played a large part in the USA's qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals and providing nine assists during the Final Round of qualifying. The forward was involved in 12 of the USA's 19 Final Round goals as the team advanced to its sixth consecutive World Cup finals.

Along the way Donovan added two more records to his already impressive international résumé. He took his career qualifying caps to 35, surpassing Keller, Claudio Reyna and Eddie Pope for first all-time and also moved into first on the all-time qualifying goal chart. Donovan's 12 goals in World Cup qualifiers give him two more than former Men's National Team forward Brian McBride. Donovan was also a vital part of the USA's run to the Confederations Cup Final in June, playing 90 minutes in all five games while registering two goals and one assist. His goal in the final against Brazil was recently voted by the fans as the Best Goal during the 2009 Best of U.S. Soccer Awards.

At the club level Donovan excelled with the revitalized L.A. Galaxy. He earned Major League Soccer MVP honors for the first time in his career and helped the Galaxy win the Western Conference championship en route to a trip to MLS Cup in Seattle.

"It's a great accomplishment and a great award," said Donovan. "I'm very proud of it and knowing that the fans vote on it, your teammates vote on it, and your colleagues vote on it is very special to me."

"It was a great year for me individually, it was a great year for the L.A. Galaxy and the turnaround we had, and an incredible year for our national team with the Confederations Cup and how we did in qualifying. We look forward to next year. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Which caps a fantastic week (and year) for the Redlands native.

Watch Landon Donovan describe his beauty against Brazil last summer here:

And watch the goal here:

What they're playing for: the UEFA Champions League trophy pictured today at the draw for the final 16 teams in Switzerland. (AP Photo)

Donovan's loan deal with Everton was officially announced today.

Meanwhile, AC Milan and sometime Galaxy guy David Beckham will face a familiar foe in the next round of the Champions League.

Quotable:

"I think David wanted this match and destiny looked after him," Milan director Umberto Gandini told the Associated Press at UEFA headquarters.

The first legs will be played Feb. 16-17 and 23-24, and the return matches are set for March 9-10 and 16-17.

This is a stunning venue, BTW.

There's nothing else like it in Southern California.

Photo by Scott Varley

Check it out.

Except for the Sol and expansion Atlanta Beat, that is.

Women's Professional Soccer play begins April 10, two weeks later than the start of the inaugural season in hopes of warmer weather and to avoid playing on the Easter weekend.

The opening game on Fox Soccer Channel's WPS Sunday package will start at 3 p.m. April 11 with the 2009 WPS Champion Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) hosting the Chicago Red Stars.

Info on the Sol home opener will be announced "soon," league officials said; the full WPS schedule will be released in February.

Also:

*England's Everton has said the loan deal for the Galaxy's Landon Donovan is all but done. And I don't care what Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena says about no permanent transfer for Donovan away from the club: if Donovan is a massive success with Everton - or at the World Cup - he's gone. And probably will have more negotiating power to boot because of his improved MLS contract.

Added LD on Facebook today:

Long day yesterday but very exciting! I'm so grateful that I get to choose the direction of my career and, more importantly, my life. Thanks to all of you for supporting me and I'm looking forward to a great year next year...how many players get the chance to play for 3 incredible teams in the same year?!?

*Jesse Marsch's return to Chivas USA may depend on whether he's hired as coach of the Chicago Fire.

*And could Ramon Morales head to Chivas USA from the mother ship?

Details here.

It was just announced at LA Live as you can see below.

Donovan: Committed to the Galaxy? (AP Photo)

And as part of that agreement, Donovan is allowed to go on loan to Everton or another team from Jan. 1 to March 15 that's been in contact with MLS. Although it has "not been finalized," Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena said the front runner is Everton.

"This is further evidence the LA Galaxy and AEG are committed to building a strong team here in LA," Arena said. "He's a great building block to assure that year in year out we will have a quality team here in LA."

"This has been a very, I would say, interesting decision for me," Donovan said. "Its been very difficult at times. And at the end of the day after a lot of thinking, a lot of soul-searching, this is the place I want to be."

New contract wouldn't have happened without AEG/MLS allowing him to go out on loan, Donovan said.

Wonder how much more latitude/control the deal gives him over any possible trades, especially overseas after the World Cup?

Updated: One reported rumor is the new deal is worth more than $1.2 million a year, which if memory serves is an increase of about $300,000.

Updated: Here's the story in Thursday's dead tree edition.

While we await the expected noon announcement of Landon Donovan's likely move to Everton and perhaps vastly improved contract terms to ensure he actually returns to MLS (would the Galaxy schedule a press conference just to announce his loan move away from the club?), it's good to note that the dreams of a group of local kids are certain to come true this year thanks to Daily Breeze readers.

The annual Daily Breeze ball drive reached the goal of 1,400 balls collected for children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor thanks to a late influx of donations.

Special appreciation to all the 100 Percent Soccer readers who responded to the request for donations in a down economy and especially the Galaxy whose late contribution of 100 goals pushed the Breeze over its goal. Who knows whether one of those kids getting a ball turns out to be the next Donovan or Shannon Boxx?

BTW, a 36-man U.S. Under-20 camp gets under way today at Home Depot Center. Locals involved include defender Cesar Zamora (Chivas USA; Sylmar), midfielder Carlos Martinez (Wilmington Jrs.; San Pedro) and strikers Tristan Bowen (Galaxy; Van Nuys) and Victor Chavez (Real So Cal; Fontana).

Sounds like Landon Donovan is off to Everton, where goalkeeper Tim Howard recently gushed that LD would be a "star" in the EPL.

The announcement is scheduled for noon at ESPN Zone at LA Live, where Donovan and Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena will talk at a press conference, according to the press release.

And just to add that extra element of intrigue, here's what Donovan posted on his Facebook page Monday:

"Back from Hawaii after a great vacation. Congrats to Alan Gordon and his wife, Sandy, on getting married! If I'm not back soon, Happy Holidays to all!!!"

"If I'm not back soon" from where, exactly, since you just got back from Hawaii, Mr. Donovan?

Hmmm.

Prices start at $26 and go on sale starting Thursday to Visa card holders and the general public at 8 a.m. Friday for the game that was reported earlier here (although that report was off by one day).

The 6 p.m. game, confirmed today by U.S. Soccer, will also be televised on Fox Soccer Channel.

"Obviously we know the quality of the Honduran team very well and we think the match is a great way to start the year as we commence preparations for the World Cup," said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. "With both teams working toward finalizing their rosters for South Africa, we expect it will be a very competitive game."

As is usual for the traditional January friendly in Southern California, expect an MLS-laden U.S. roster. And let's hope U.S. fans find tickets in their stocking or we are going to host another predominantly Central American crowd in Carson for the occasion.

The U.S. went 4-0 last year against their fellow World Cup finalists including a 3-2 win in Honduras that clinched a World Cup spot for the Americans.

As I indicated Monday I chatted with the fifth Chivas USA coach in franchise history for today's column in what I believe was the first in depth interview Martin Vasquez has given since taking the post.

We learned nothing too revealing frankly, but that's about what one might expect from a club that is managed conservatively by (left to right below) Stephen Hamilton, Shawn Hunter and Antonio Cue.

Photo by Juan Miranda /Chivas USA.

There has been a largely muted reaction from Chivas USA fans regarding the hiring of Vasquez. Feel free to leave a comment below. Did fans want a bigger name to make a bolder statement or was the appointment of Vasquez apt?

And you can read the column here.

Just finished interviewing new Chivas USA Coach Martin Vasquez and I will have more on his plans for the club in Tuesday's column.

Vasquez told me he plans to tweak the roster rather than make wholesale changes to it, but some changes (at least off the field) have already begun.

Goalkeeper Coach Leo Perkovich, who Zach Thornton credited with playing a pivotal role in resurrecting his career, will join former Chivas USA coach Preki in Toronto, the two clubs announced today.

Percovich had been with the club for two years.

In other news today:

*David Beckham is shuttering his London-based soccer academy. The economy has taken it toll on the Carson branch with programs only offered in July this year due to "unforeseen circumstances."

*Palos Verdes Estates' Kyle Nakazawa of UCLA has been named a NSCAA/Performance Subaru All-American. From the UCLA press release:

Nakazawa finished the season leading the Pac-10 in points (31), and ranked second in goals scored (12) and points per game (1.55). He provided the bulk of the scoring for UCLA this season, recording a goal or assist (12 goals, 7 assists total) on 61% of the Bruin goals. A semifinalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy, Nakazawa was also a first-team All-Pac-10 and honorable mention Pac-10 All-Academic honoree.

Goalkeeper Brian Perk (Rancho Santa Margarita) was named to the second team.

For a full listing click the link to the right, but here's my picks for the best games of the weekend:

Saturday
4:30 a.m. ESPN2 Stoke City-Wigan Athletic
7 a.m. Fox Soccer Channel Bolton Wanderers-Manchester City
9:30 a.m. FSC Manchester United-Aston Villa
11 a.m. GolTV Barcelona-Espanyol

Sunday
8 a.m FSC Liverpool-Arsenal
10 a.m. ESPN2 NCAA final: Virginia-Akron/North Carolina winner (the Cavaliers beat Wake Forest 2-1 Friday afternoon)
4 p.m. KAZA Apertura final (second leg): Cruz Azul-Monterrey

You know it's tough out there when the annual Daily Breeze ball drive needs a little bounce.

I'm also noticing a dearth of donated soccer balls, BTW, hence this appeal to 100 Percent Soccer blog readers. I already have calls out to Chivas USA and the Galaxy who are peering into their equipment rooms, but yet to make any firm commitment (hint, hint, folks). The Sol should feel free to jump in, too.

Conveniently, there's a Sports Authority store across the parking lot from the Breeze building at the corner of Hawthorne and Torrance boulevards.

In other news:

*MLS announced Thursday the initial list of 62 college seniors to has invited to its annual combine Jan. 8-12 in Florida ahead of the SuperDraft that begins just two days after the combine's conclusion.

Locals invited include UCLA goalkeeper Brian Perk, midfielder/forward David Estrada and midfielder Kyle Nakazawa (Palos Verdes Estates).

The full list is here.

The Women's Professional Soccer draft is Jan. 15, BTW.

*A slight schedule change to the InterLiga schedule Jan. 10 at Home Depot Center. The first game will now be Tigres-Jaguares (3 p.m.) followed by Monterrey vs. Puebla.

Following up on the earlier reports linking Landon Donovan to the Liverpool EPL club, the Associated Press today provided the clearest indication yet that the short-term deal will become reality:

"Landon is a player David Moyes has identified as someone he would like to bring to the club," Everton chief executive Robert Elstone said Thursday. "We are working to make that happen and hope we can reach agreement soon with all the appropriate parties."

Read the entire story here.

I have calls requesting comment into the Galaxy and Donovan's agent.

Updated 11:50 a.m.

The Galaxy just released this statement:

We are aware of Everton's interest in Landon Donovan and they are one of a number of clubs who have contacted the Galaxy about the possibility of a short-term loan agreement for Landon. The Galaxy, MLS and Landon's representatives will work together (to determine) if and whether an arrangement with Everton or any other club would be beneficial to all parties.

So it's not a done deal yet, despite claims elsewhere to the contrary.

100 Percent Soccer has learned that both clubs have DVD's of central defender Jorge Guaga, 28, who has made 38 international appearances for the national team and made 224 appearances over the last 10 years while scoring 13 goals for the likes of El Nacional, Colón, Emelec and Barcelona (not that one).

Guaga's preference is to play in Southern California because of the large Ecuadorian population here.

Wanna see what Bruce Arena and Martin Vasquez are watching? Check this out:

Both Chivas USA and the Galaxy could perhaps do with a new central defender for next season, but Latin American defenders haven't fared as well here as midfielders or forwards.

Guaga is the second Ecuadorian reportedly linked to MLS in recent days. Edwin Tenorio, a defensive midfielder who played in the last two World Cups for Ecuador, is also apparently being shopped around the league, according to the Soccer Insider blog.

BTW, I spoke with a Chivas USA official today regarding the latest reports (stop me if you've heard this one before) that Jaguares striker Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista, sought by CD Guadalajara, could instead head to MLS, specifically Chivas USA.

Take this one one with a large grain of salt, I was told. It all could be part of the effort to up Bautista's price under the gentlemen's agreement between Mexican clubs that call for a transfer fee for a player even if he is out of contract (as Bautista is). One report has Chivas offering $1.5 million, while Jaguares want $2.6 million.

That's according to this report from Honduran Web site Diez.hn.

Coming to America? Honduras players pose for a photo before a World Cup qualifier soccer match against Trinidad & Tobago in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in September. Top row from left is Jerry Palacios, Mauricio Sabillon, Hendry Thomas, Eric Morales, Noel Valladares, Amado Guevara, and front row from left is Ramon Nunez, Carlos Pavon, Elvis Turcios, Maynor Figueroa and Emilio Izaguirre. (AP Photo).

Here's a rough translation of the above report from newsroom colleague Gene Maddaus:

Upon learning Honduras' rivals in the World Cup in South Africa, the friendly against Chile was canceled, but the Federation has not sat idly by, and it already has its first match lined up for the month of January.

"It's no longer feasible to play against them - Chile - because of the draw. Also with Argentina, it represented a large expense for both squads, so we have already filled in the blanks and the first game will be against the U.S. on Sunday, Jan. 24, at the Home Depot Center," Rafael Callejas, the president of Fenafuth (the Honduran Football Federation), confirmed to DIEZ.

That indicates that the Honduran team will begin to work out together in the first days of January. "Soon we will play in Europe at the first Fifa date in March, we don't have a clearly defined team, but it should be one that has already qualified," he said.

Callejas confirmed that they are counting on the requested funds to bring the team together for the needed time in Europe before the World Cup.

"We're counting on 20 million lempiras, that's what Fifa is advancing us. Though that's within the amount we requested, remember that in addition to that money, there will be all the expenses for the 35 members who will travel to South Africa."

"By already being there, they will cancel the travel allowances also."

The only concern for the Federation will be that the players "have the highest physical and mental level to compete in the World Cup, we want to qualify for the second round," Callejas said.

No confirmation yet from U.S. Soccer, which always likes to have contracts finalized before making a formal announcement.

Honduras was drawn into a World Cup group with Chile, Spain and Switzerland, BTW.

The loan deal for Landon Donovan would be of the short-term variety, similar to what he did earlier this year with Bayern Munich.

It would be a good shop window for Donovan as he either seeks a foreign club or strengthen his bargaining position with MLS over an improved contract.

Everton have little money to spend so it's unlikely to become permanent, but Everton manager David Moyes, who has worked with the likes of Brian McBride at the club level in the past, at least respects Americans more than your average English coach (or knows a good, relatively inexpensive deal when he sees one). Details here.

BTW, I should note Donovan (who is apparently on his way to Hawaii for a vacation as I write this) updated his Facebook page back on Dec. 1 thusly:

Just wanted to send a quick note regarding the Club America rumors. I certainly am interested but haven't heard anything yet...we'll see what happens.

Also:

*The alumni magazine of the University of Washington catches up with former Galaxy player Ty Harden to talk to him about his unusually selfless career move. The Galaxy's 2007 Defender of the Year player returned to MLS with the Colorado Rapids this year, playing in seven games.

*Lastly, former Sol defender Martina Franko (she was traded to the expansion Philadelphia Independence in October) and Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc are among nine nominees for the women's Canadian Player of the Year Award. (The other nominees are forward Christine Sinclair and Candace Chapman of FC Gold Pride, Sky Blue FC midfielder Kelly Parker, Washington Freedom goalkeeper Erin McLeod, Carmelina Moscato - who plays in Italy - and Rhian Wilkinson and Diana Matheson, who both play club soccer in Norway.

There's also a men's award with the usual suspects including Julian de Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario of Toronto FC.

Voting began today and runs through Dec. 20.

Vote here.

A catamaran glides past Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, site of the England-Algeria World Cup group game among others. (AP Photo)

Thinking of going to South Africa for the World Cup?

Read this.

FIFA announced the finalists earlier today.

Three of the five women finalists play in MLS - the others are Kelly Smith (Boston Breakers) and Cristiane (Chicago Red Stars).

From the WPS press release:

Cristiane, BRA/Chicago Red Stars - The only player in WPS to notch a hat trick this season, her incredible long-range strike against FC Gold Pride in mid-July was one of the goals of the year this season in WPS. Finished with seven goals, fourth-best in WPS.

Marta, BRA/Sol - Winner of the 2009 Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award as the league MVP, Marta notched 10 goals and 3 assists to lead the Los Angeles Sol to the WPS Regular Season title and a spot in the WPS Championship game.

Kelly Smith, ENG/Boston Breakers - Tallied six goals in just 15 games in WPS this year to lead the Boston Breakers early charge to start the season as one of the best teams in WPS and winning WPS Player of the Month honors for April. Finished among the top five in WPS in goals and was a consistent threat in the offensive third with her dangerous left foot.

The other two finalists come from 2009 European Champions, Germany: Inka Grings and Birgit Prinz. Both Marta and Prinz have won the award three times and each is looking to win for the record fourth-time. The winner will be announced at the FIFA World Player Gala scheduled for December 21 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Wet, cold weather, crummy public transportation system, high crime rate and expensive accommodations.

Sounds a lot like Los Angeles on this rainy Monday, doesn't it?

But that's also a good description of South Africa during the World Cup (it will be winter there, don't forget). And with ticket buying beginning in earnest now that we know where and when each team will play in the wake of Friday's draw (more U.S.-based fans have already purchased tickets than any other country in the world) I thought I'd provide the travel basics in Tuesday's column.

Before I do here are a couple of things to gnaw on:

*North Carolina Coach Anson Dorrance shut down Stanford's potent striking tandem Sunday (Kelley O'Hara, the nation's leading goal scorer, was sent off for a second yellow, a foul drawn by Rolling Hills Estates' Whitney Engen, while Palos Verdes Estates' Christen Press was narrowly shut out) and the Tarheels made off with their second consecutive NCAA Cup.

Turning point? O'Hara's second half challenge on Engen led to her sending off (AP Photo).

*I hope to chat at length with new Chivas USA Coach Martin Vasquez and take a look back at their season for next week's column, but the blog No Short Corners asked me to essentially do an abbreviated version you can read here.

*Finally, the U.S. women opened their final camp of the year Saturday at Home Depot Center. Forward Alex Morgan, one of the stars of the U.S. team that won the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, received her first-call up to the full national team to replace Sol defender Brittany Bock, who is suffering from nagging ankle and foot injuries. The camp runs through Dec. 15.

The rest of the camp roster:

goalkeepers - Nicole Barnhart (FC Gold Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Penn State), Hope Solo (St. Louis Athletica)

defenders - Rachel Buehler (FC Gold Pride), Lori Chalupny (St. Louis Athletica), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (Philadelphia Independence), Meghan Schnur (Sky Blue FC), Cat Whitehill (Washington Freedom)

midfielders - Yael Averbuch (Sky Blue FC), Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles Sol), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Christine Nairn (Penn State), Heather O'Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Leslie Osborne (Boston Breakers), Megan Rapinoe (Chicago Red Stars)

forwards - Lauren Cheney (UCLA), Ella Masar (Chicago Red Stars), Casey Nogueira (North Carolina), Kelley O'Hara (Stanford), Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)

Updated: U.S. Soccer announced an extensive series of camps Monday for elite players at various age levels including a U-23 camp at the HDC featuring Stanford striker Christen Press of Palos Verdes Estates and Portland goalkeeper Kelsey Davis of Thousand Oaks. Full roster here.

The basics:

*UCLA's season is over.

*At 10 a.m. today in the NCAA final on ESPN2, it's Stanford and striker Christen Press of Palos Verdes Estates against North Carolina and Rolling Hills Estates' Whitney Engen. Game preview.

The No. 15-ranked Toros lost 1-0 to No. 3-ranked Grand Valley State in the NCAA Division II title game today in Tampa, Fla.

Game story.

Stanford's Christen Press celebrates her game-winning goal Friday in overtime against UCLA. (AP Photo)

Christen Press scored in overtime Friday to send unbeaten Stanford through to the College Cup final Sunday after beating UCLA, 2-1.

The Cardinal and Press will face North Carolina and Rolling Hills Estates' Whitney Engen. The Tar Heels disposed of Notre Dame Friday

The game kicks off at 10 a.m. on ESPN2.

AP Photo

Not to put a damper on this, but I should point out that Becks is little more than a role player for England these days and often comes on as a sub. So it's conceivable the two will not be on the field at the same time when the U.S. and England meets.

But that doesn't make for a great story, so I'll shut up now.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Landon Donovan repeated the words, unable to wipe the smile from his face.

"It never ends," he said.

The American midfielder and England star David Beckham may be forever linked by their tumultuous time together with the Los Angeles Galaxy. And just when they seemed to have fully embraced the idea of playing for the same MLS team, Friday's World Cup draw put the United States against England in their opening match in South Africa next June.

Indeed, their story never seems to end.

"I wish we could have got a shot of his face as that happened," said Donovan, who promised to text Beckham in the start of playful banter sure to consume the next six months. "I'm sure he was thinking the same thing, to play against your own teammate is obviously pretty incredible."

Their conversations haven't always been playful, though, and Donovan didn't always smile when he heard Beckham's name.

Two of the brightest stars on two different continents have had a tenuous relationship ever since Donovan's comments this year in Grant Wahl's "The Beckham Experiment."

The highly critical book, in which Donovan ripped the England midfielder's leadership and effort, chronicled Beckham's first two seasons with the Galaxy. Donovan eventually apologized for airing his thoughts in public, and the two tamped down the potential locker room division enough to lead the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final this season.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of talking before the tournament starts," Donovan said of the
World Cup, where the U.S. and England are joined by Algeria and Slovenia in Group C.
"We talked about seeing each other there and hoping we're both there. I don't think it entered our minds that we might be playing each other."

Former national team coach Bruce Arena called it "stupid" to make anything of their
first-round matchup. He served as the peacemaker when he coached the Galaxy this season.

"The only story is that they're teammates, that's all it is. They're two guys with the
greatest respect for each other," Arena said. "There's nothing else to discuss."

That didn't stop current national coach Bob Bradley from weighing in.

"I think that this game will have many different story lines," he said. "The fact that Landon and David are teammates is a very good one."

Teammates who apparently work quite well together when they're not bickering.

The crisp passing of Beckham and Donovan set up the Galaxy's first goal in the MLS final two weeks ago, although Donovan -- the league's MVP -- became a non-factor until the shootout and Beckham struggled through discomfort from a bone bruise in his right foot.

Beckham later scored in the shootout against Real Salt Lake, but it was Donovan's miss moments later that made headlines as the Galaxy lost 5-4 on penalty kicks.

"To have David and Landon playing against each other wearing opposite jerseys is just going to be a terrific story and something that I think the entire country will get excited about," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "It will probably be one of the most exciting and anticipated games of the World Cup."

U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said the meeting could help raise the profile of Major League Soccer, which counts Donovan and Beckham as its two biggest stars.

"The league will be under a microscope," he said. "We'll all be under a microscope because of the English media's interest, David's presence in the league, his teammate Landon and so on."

Beckham plans to report on time Dec. 28 to start his second consecutive season on loan to AC Milan, something he initially did to help maintain his fitness for the World Cup. There are rumors Donovan may do the same, although he declined to say for certain.

The career leader in national team appearances, goals and assists, Donovan did say that if he remains in Los Angeles, having Beckham playing for the Italian club would help dim the harsh spotlight surrounding their budding rivalry.

"England's a very good team and we'll see how the rest plays out," he said, rocking backward on a stool and slapping his hands on a soccer ball. "In lots of ways it's a great matchup and it should be exciting. Lots of story lines, that's for sure."

One that stands out more than any other.

Here are a couple of quotes from today's conference call:

*On playing England -

"They're physical, they're big and they're used to playing the game at a very high pace ... The game is going to favor them because they're used to making decisions under those circumstances ... Are we talented as England? Probably not. But we think on any given day we have a chance to beat them."

*On the assumption - and pressure - that has the U.S. advancing out of its group -

"The expectation level around the sports fans and the soccer fans is we have a good chance to advance .... Those of us who were around in 2006 - we have been waiting a long time for this opportunity. ... Any time now that we don't advance, we're going to be disappointed."

I am hoping to talk to LD one on one on the phone within the next hour. We'll see if that happens.

Carlos Bocanegra just jumped on the call and I asked him about the different level of expectation from U.S. fans this time around compared to four years ago when most merely hoped the Americans could hang with the likes of Italy and the Czech Republic:

"To be fair maybe it's our performances over the past few years -- American fans think we should advance out of this group and I like that, I like that thinking. ... That's just something we've got to live with."

More quotes and reaction here.

Updated:

U.S. Coach Bob Bradley said today we should know the opponent for the by now traditional U.S. game at Home Depot Center "in the next few days." He also said it wasn't important that the opponent be from Eastern Europe or North Africa given the World Cup draw because the players in the January camp will be very different from those he will take to South Africa.

Those of you not near a television can follow the draw live here.

Updated:

*Mexico plays the opening game June 11 against South Africa.

*The U.S. is drawn in England's group; the nations play June 12.

*Algeria is drawn in the group with U.S. and England.

*Mexico gets France, Uruguay and South Africa.

*The U.S. is drawn with Slovenia, England and Algeria. A good group for the U.S.

*The draw is complete.

The Galaxy's Landon Donovan, watching the World Cup draw in New York, looks pretty happy (as well he should) with the outcome for the U.S. (AP Photo).

Here's the U.S. schedule:
*June 12 Vs. England in Rustenberg.
*June 18 Vs. Slovenia in Johannesburg
*June 23 Vs. Algeria in Tshwane/Pretoria

Points out SI's Grant Wahl in a tweet: "If US makes second round, its opponent would come from Group D: Germany, Serbia, Ghana, or Australia.US-Germany again?"

Update:

Here are the World Cup groups.

Here is the complete schedule.

While we and 200 million others await the results of today's World Cup draw (turn on ESPN2 or Univision right now if you haven't already) chew on these soccer-related items:

*Southern California Edison has fixed a piece of equipment that left 25,000 soccer fans shivering in the dark for almost 40 minutes during two power outages at Home Depot Center during last month's the MLS Western Conference Championship.

*The Cal State Dominguez Hills women will play in the NCAA Division II title game live at 10 a.m. Saturday on CBS College Sports (Channel 613 for those of you with DirecTV, BTW).

*For the second consecutive year, three players from the South Bay - Palos Verdes Estates' Christen Press of Stanford and Rolling Hills Estates' Whitney Engen of North Carolina and Rolling Hills Estates' Jenna Belcher of UCLA - contest the College Cup today. Stanford plays UCLA at 2:30 p.m. today on ESPN2; North Carolina-Notre Dame follows on ESPNU at 5 p.m.

*Finally, listen to Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders on his MLS Cup experience and more here.

Updated: Freddy Adu just tweeted - "OMG OMG OMG OMG the world cup draw. Mad exciting. How anxious is everyone right now lol"

On a day when Palos Verdes Estates' Kyle Nakazawa of UCLA was named a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy Award and UCLA's Sydney Leroux and Lauren Cheney, USC goalkeeper Kristin Olsen, Palos Verdes Estates' Christen Press of Stanford and Rolling Hills Estates' Whitney Engen of North Carolina were all named semifinalists for the corresponding women's award,it's the pending World Cup draw Friday that has center stage.

Said Bruce over at DuNord: "My whole body is nearly shivering with nervous energy about the draw. This might be worse than day before big game jitter for me."

Calm down folks.

Coverage begins at 9 a.m. on ESPN2 and 8 a.m. on Univision.

The breakdown:
Pot 1: South Africa (hosts), Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain.

Pot 2: Australia, Honduras, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Mexico, New Zealand, United States.

Pot 3: Algeria, Cameroon, Chile, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Paraguay, Uruguay.

Pot 4: Denmark, France, Greece, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.

Technical details courtesy U.S. Soccer:

*The 32 qualified teams will be divided into eight groups. No two teams from the same confederation will be drawn into the same group, with the exception of Europe which can have a maximum of two teams in the same group.

*As hosts, FIFA announced that South Africa will automatically be positioned as A1, and the other teams from Pot 1 will be drawn into Position 1 in groups B-H. For the remaining pots, the teams will be drawn into groups A to H and Positions 2-4 during the draw.

Quotable:

"It's a period when we'll have a lot of work to do in terms of preparation," said U.S. Coach Bob Bradley of what happens from now on once the draw is complete. "Certainly we will go to great lengths to prepare the scouting reports on our three first round opponents, there's always going to be finishing touches on the details in terms of where we're staying, our needs, what we want to put together in terms of our whole training schedule leading into the World Cup. And of course, we look forward to some of the opportunities when we'll be together. The main one in 2010 will be the March 3 fixture date, the only one on the FIFA calendar, but there will be other times, of course starting in January, where we'll have a chance to look at some other players and size up the depth of our pool."

You can go live with Landon Friday. Joining him will be Chivas USA's Jonathan Bornstein of Los Alamitos, Fulham's Clint Dempsey and the Crew's Robbie Rogers of Rolling Hills Estates. With any luck, I'll grab a quick word with LD Friday afternoon.

Also:

* Local viewing parties. Chivas USA players Claudio Suárez, Mariano Trujillo, Gerson Mayén and Jorge Flores will all be at the event, BTW.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham poses for a photograph with local mother Tamara, who is living with HIV and her three-year-old son Sesiphi who was born free from HIV, during a visit to a clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. During the visit Beckham met and talked to young pregnant women and new mothers who are living with HIV. The UNICEF "Mothers to Mothers" program supports HIV positive pregnant women and new moms.

*Meanwhile, for Beckham it's all about World Cup 2018.

Updated - the adidas World Cup ball unveiled:

Game previews:

*The Cal State Dominguez Hills women takes on top-ranked West Florida (22-0) today in an NCAA Division II semifinal game at the University of Tampa.

*The UCLA women play Stanford Friday with a place in the final of the College Cup on the line.

*The UCLA men are gearing up for Wake Forest Saturday.

Photo: Juan Miranda/Chivas USA

Ramona Shelburne was there.

More from the Chivas USA official blog.

From Soccer America's Ridge Mahoney.

Even though the official announcement is still an hour or so away, this is pretty similar to any column I would have written so I thought I'd link to it here.

One correction: Galindo speaks and understands English just fine. He's just a little shy and doesn't let on that he does with people he isn't familiar with.

Updated - Chivas USA just confirmed the appointment of Vazquez as the club's coach:

"I am honored to return to Chivas USA as the club's new head coach," he said. "I was a part of this team at the very beginning, and have seen it make great strides in the last few years. The club is in a strong place and still has a great deal of potential. This is a wonderful opportunity, and I can't wait to get started."

The club's reaction:

"Martín is a talented coach who has a deep knowledge and understanding of Chivas USA, Major League Soccer and professional soccer both in the United States and abroad," said Stephen Hamilton, Chivas USA's Vice President of Soccer Operations. "He'll be able to continue the progress that we've made in the last few years, and build on our success. We're pleased to welcome him back to the Chivas USA family."

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- Nelson Mandela will address soccer officials by video message at Friday's World Cup draw, while Archbishop Desmond Tutu and South African Oscar winner Charlize Theron will attend the event in person.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke also will welcome former South African President Frederik W. de Klerk at the International Convention Center.

The 91-year-old Mandela, the former president, is frail and makes few public appearances. Mandela and de Klerk shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for their role in ending apartheid.

Part-time Galaxy player David Beckham, who scored in three consecutive World Cups, is also expected to attend. He hopes to make the England squad for the June event.

South African President Jacob Zuma will start off the 1½ hour show. The draw, led by Valcke, will set up the eight groups of four teams.

Thousands of guests will attend the draw, which will be televised in numerous countries.
From Greece to Japan, Ghana to New Zealand, soccer fans have been waiting to find out what teams their country will face in the opening round of the World Cup, which starts June 11.

Valcke will swirl the balls in the pot and come up with combinations of groups that will look fortunate for some and cruel to others.

One spot is secure. Host South Africa will kick off the tournament at the Soccer City Stadium on June 11, and play its other first-round matches at Pretoria and Bloemfontein.

After the draw, FIFA expects a global rush on tickets.

"It is the kickoff for all people who are waiting and looking, knowing where they should fly
and in what cities they should stay," Valcke said.

Other guests include former greats Michel Platini, the current UEFA president, and Franz Beckenbauer, who has won the World Cup for West Germany as a player and coach.

Hosting the World Cup is widely seen as a coming of age for South Africa, which has made giant strides since Mandela became the first president of the desegregated nation in 1994.

Underscoring the historic feat, Makhaya Ntini, the first black player in South Africa's
national cricket team, will be assisting the draw. He'll be joined by Matthew Booth, the only white player on the Bafana Bafana national soccer team during the Confederations Cup.

"We cannot wait for Friday to arrive," Cape Town mayor Dan Plato said. "It will be a wonderful show."

What you need to know about the draw:

*ESPN2 will show it from 9 a.m. to noon with the show hosted by Bob Ley and also featuring former World Cup stars Efan Ekoku, John Harkes, Alexi Lalas and Steve McManaman. Jeremy Schaap files live reports throughout the day from the Cape Town International Convention Center in South Africa, site of the draw.

*Also included will be an interview with U.S. striker Charlie Davies, seriously injured in an automobile accident in the outskirts of Washington, D.C., on the eve of the last U.S. World Cup qualifier, as well as interviews and reaction from U.S. Coach Bob Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Beckham and newly-hired ESPN World Cup play-by-play commentator Martin Tyler, who has called all World Cups since 1978.

*A list of Southern California viewing parties is here.

*ESPN launched a dedicated World Cup Web site today.

Finally, the Los Angeles City Council voted today to submit a bid for Los Angeles to
become a host city of the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

"I hope we get it," said Councilman Tom LaBonge. "The Memorial Coliseum is the place to play."

Actually, Tom, it's fairly obvious you don't get it, if you'd actually tried to watch a game from the cruddy Coliseum in recent years. Maybe we'll have an NFL stadium by then, though.

The announcement is set for noon at Home Depot Center.

Former Galaxy, Chivas USA and Bayern Munich Assistant Coach Martin Vasquez is expected to become the first Mexican-American head coach in MLS.

Former Galaxy Coach Steve Sampson was also reportedly in the running, but given his baggage I'd be amazed if Chivas USA made such a PR blunder.

I took Monday off to extend the holiday weekend.

The column returns next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, while I take my mother-in-law to the airport this morning (yes!), check out the latest report of someone who was working Monday on the possibility of the Galaxy's Landon Donovan securing a new long-term MLS contract and potentially doubling his salary.

Again, no attribution given as to the source of the story. A plant by Donovan's agent as he plays both sides of the fence to extract the best possible deal for his client?