January 2010 Archives

Doh! It was that sort of day for AC Milan and David Beckham today against struggling Livorno. The two teams drew 1-1 (AP Photo).

More here.

Roma took advantage of Milan's dropped points , by pulling into a tie for second in Serie A.

Also this weekend:

*The Galaxy's second on-loan star, Landon Donovan, helped Everton narrowly beat Wigan Athletic 0-1 on Saturday. BTW, check out the nice little chalkboard device you can use to break down Donovan's or anyone other players' performance at The Guardian. Donovan was subbed yet again, but again showed some good touches, especially in the first half.

Next: the Merseyside derby against Liverpool live at 4:45 a.m. Saturday on ESPN2.

*Spoiler alert! Fox Soccer Channel will air the CONCACAF U-20 final at 2 p.m. today on a delayed basis. If you want to know what happened click here.

*Finally, while (former?) Sol GM Charlie Naimo didn't return a call seeking comment about the team's demise Friday, he did send some e-mailed comments via the WPS office:

"Yesterday was a sad day for the franchise, staff, players and fans. Until I see our players on other rosters I will continue to work for the organization. This is a very special group of players that we assembled and it's very tough for me to see this team dispersed next week.

"In just one year, we built a great brand in women's soccer and in the Los Angeles area. It takes time to build up a following in any sport and over the season, we developed a terrific and loyal fan base.

"It was a special first season, winning the regular season title like we did and playing the kind of soccer that no one thought would be possible in just the first few weeks of a new league and a new team. I'm hopeful that the team can return for LA fans in the not-so-distant future.

"It was hugely disappointing that our efforts to find a new ownership group came up short. We felt like things were really looking good until the latest stages of the transaction. Those conversations in and of themselves, leave me optimistic for the future of WPS in Los Angeles.

"We proved in 2009 that it's a viable market, we just need to locate the right ownership group that is interested in being with the team for the long-term.

"WPS has so many incredible things going for it in 2010, including the quality of the players assembled from around the world and the U.S., stadium upgrades, two new franchises and some changes to its regular season. I'm only sorry that the Sol won't be part of that in 2010."

The move eliminates the possibility of a lock-out as of Sunday, when the current five-year contract expires. And it means preseason training, which for some clubs like the Galaxy and Chivas USA began this week, will continue.

Said MLS Commissioner Don Garber:

"While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach agreement. This extension provides both MLS and the players the opportunity to continue our discussions while clubs are in training camps preparing for the 2010 MLS season."

Said Players Union Executive Director Bob Foose:

"Both the Players Union and MLS have concluded that a new agreement will not be reached by February 1, but we have agreed to continue to talk and we will be meeting over the next two weeks to determine if a new agreement can be reached."

If you haven't heard today's news, click here.

And yes, the sun has indeed set on the Sol despite a press release from the Women's Premier Soccer League that just arrived in my inbox that insists:

"Yet, it still may not be too late to save the franchise. If another investor group jumped into the fray within the next week, scheduling for the Sol for the upcoming season could be easily worked out in time."

No, it can't, said Women's Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci who spoke this afternoon to 100 Percent Soccer:

"We had a buyer for the L.A. Sol which regrettably fell through in the 11th hour. Not only did (the sale) fall through, it's right up against the steps we need to take to get on with business for 2010."

She said that Anschutz Entertainment Group had pledged to get the franchise started, but had never intended to stay for the long-term.

Antonucci said this is not the first step in the eventual folding of the league, as some observers believe:

"Regrettably, it hurts to lose a major media market in our early growth stage. But we don't believe, nor do we believe fans believe, this is a statement on the viability of Women's Professional Soccer. ... Ticket sales have surpassed where they were last year (elsewhere), sponsorship sales are beyond where they were last year. It's not as if expectations are out of the ordinary. We're surviving, we see an uptick. This is a setback we're going to get past.

"We have eight strong, committed ownership groups in eight markets. If anything they've gotten more united in the course of this process."

On whether the WPS hopes to return to Southern California:

"We'll keep the brand. ... This now becomes an (expansion) priority for us. We think it's a very viable market."

Antonucci said a WPS team could return to L.A. as soon as 2011.

Antonucci said players such as Marta, Torrance's Shannon Boxx and Aya Miyama have guaranteed contracts and will be picked up by other teams:

"What's actually going to happen is that the other eight teams are going to get stronger."

It's unclear whether Sol sponsor Amway will remain a partner in WPS, although because the company also has a personal endorsement deal with Marta, Antonucci said she believes the company may wait to see which club picks up Marta's playing rights.

Sol GM Charlie Naimo did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Women's Professional Soccer will officially announce on Friday announced today the termination of the franchise following the league's inaugural season and the dispersal of the team's 19 players, including Brazilian star Marta, via a draft Thursday to other teams.

The league operated the Sol for the last couple of months after one of its two original ownership groups pulled out in mid-year, leaving Galaxy owners Anschutz Entertainment Group in charge of the team until the end of last season until they, too, pulled out. The Sol lost as much as $2 million last year, despite leading the league in attendance, WPS officials said.

The league had attempted to sell the team, which last year won the regular season title before losing in the championship game at Home Depot Center, but those negotiations to an "investment group" fell through, officials said.

The Sol had suspended season ticket sales while it was operated by the league.

Coach Abner Rogers was fired via e-mail two days before Christmas and General Manager Charlie Naimo took over in that post.

In an interview last week with 100 Percent Soccer Naimo sounded optimistic the Sol would continue operating, although he didn't directly answer the question of how close the franchise came to shutting down.

"Sometimes with new ownership comes new direction and we're just looking to move forward," he said. "We're hoping in the next week or so (the sale) will become official. We want to get the right message out to the fans and get them back on board. We've been working hard to make sure we can come back and be bigger and better than last year.

"I don't want to comment on any of the budget stuff," Naimo added. "We're confident we're going to make up for lost time."

The team participated in the recent WPS draft and was lining up some European stars to play for the franchise, although oft-injured national team veteran Aly Wagner had announced her retirement.

While the Sol's demise appears to echo the end of the now defunct WUSA, league officials observe this season will see two new expansion teams (the Philadelphia Independence and Atlanta Beat, which will have a new stadium built specifically for the team), a longer regular season with more home games for each team, increased sponsorship and a reformatted All-Star Game that will take place in mid-season rather than at the end of it.

Still, the end of a franchise in one of the nation's two largest media markets is not going to enhance the credibility of supposed national women's soccer league.

More on the Galaxy's Mr. Klein later in this post, but you should know:

*The Galaxy had their first general media availability Wednesday (although loyal 100 Percent Soccer readers got the inside scoop here a couple of days ago). And while the waived Tony Sanneh and Leonard Griffin weren't around to answer questions, plenty of other players were to reflect on the coming season.

*That Chivas USA will host a benefit event for Haiti tonight at Grunions in Manhattan Beach.

*What the English papers are saying about Landon Donovan's stellar performance Wednesday for Everton courtesy of the Soccer Insider blog.

*One game stands between the U.S. U-20 Women and a World Cup berth, an 11:30 a.m. clash against Costa Rica live on Fox Soccer Channel.

*About that promised Klein item. Here is an exchange between Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena and an apparently hard of hearing reporter at Wednesday's training session regarding veteran Klein via colleague Phil Collin:

Arena: It still demonstrates a guy who's been a good player, a durable player, a fit player and a good player.

Reporter: Adorable player? I've never heard that adjective used.

Arena: Durable.

Reporter: Oh, durable! I thought you said adorable, I apologize.

Arena: Adorable, wow. Well, he is that as well, I might add.

ESPN is firming up its World Cup coverage plans, including announcing today that it will show the U.S.-England game on ABC HD.

Gotta love this quote from ESPN's executive vice president of content from the story below:

"At some point you've got to treat it like the significant sporting event that is," said John Skipper. "I understand it has not traditionally stopped work and stopped the country to watch it in past years. But we're going to treat it like it should."

It will and it does, Skippy. Just not in your parochial world.

And let us know when ESPN starts taking MLS seriously, too. Hey, at least we'll get rid of those amateurish broadcasts with the announcers stuck in a U.S. television studio. About time.

Here's the story:

NEW YORK (AP) -- At ESPN's offices in Bristol, Conn., a World Cup countdown clock is outdoors, clicking down the hours until the kickoff on June 11.

A room inside has a "Wheel of Fortune" style spinner, where staffers can come in to pick up additional teams to root for. But when the action shifts to South Africa, ESPN and ABC will make a major shift in their coverage.

The U.S. networks will have crews on site for all 64 games at the 10 stadiums.
During the 2006 tournament in Germany, two of five crews stayed home and called 20 matches from the U.S. studios.

"At some point you've got to treat it like the significant sporting event that is," said John
Skipper, ESPN's executive vice president of content. "I understand it has not traditionally
stopped work and stopped the country to watch it in past years. But we're going to treat it like it should."

The networks, owned by The Walt Disney Co., announced Wednesday that 10 games will be on ABC, including the U.S.-England matchup on June 12 and the final on July 11.

ESPN will televise 44 matches, with the remaining 10 on ESPN2. All but the ABC games also will be on ESPN360.com, 46 games will be on ESPN Mobile TV and every game will be replayed at night on ESPN Classic.

In what appears to be an attempt to ambush Univision's Spanish-language coverage, ESPN Deportes will broadcast up to 40 matches -- Cristiano Ronaldo fans take note -- in Portuguese.

ESPN2 will go all soccer for a 24-hour countdown before the opener.

The pre-World Cup concert will be televised live on ESPN on June 10, with an edited version replayed on ABC the following night. ESPN plans about 250 hours of originally programming around the games.

Jed Drake, an ESPN vice president who is executive producer of its World Cup coverage, said the network is sending 165 people to South Africa and will have 50 local hires -- double the staff it used four years ago. The network will be broadcasting soccer 12 hours a day during the first round.

"The level of ambition we have for this project is second to none compared to anything we do at ESPN," he said.

ABC/ESPN acquired rights to the 2010 and 2014 tournaments directly from FIFA in late 2005 for $100 million. For the previous two World Cups, the rights were owned by Soccer United Marketing, an affiliate of Major League Soccer that bought them for $40 million and then purchased air time. Univision bought the Spanish-language U.S. rights for 2010 and 2014 for $325 million.

But South Africa especially will be an expensive place to produce.

One of ESPN's first actions was to hire its own private security company for the tournament. The logistical issues are unusual for a major event.

"How are you going to get around? Eat? Sleep? Get to the stadium? Get in and out? Get there on time? Park or take the bus in?" said Skipper, who thinks people will be safe as long as they don't go off the beaten track. "FIFA, the South African government, the South African police, international security, they can only control so much if guys get themselves drunk and wander down the street with 1,000-rand bills ($132) hanging out of their pockets."

Drake already has made four trips to South Africa in the past year to prepare and is scheduled to go back in February and March.

"It doesn't feel nearly as foreign as it used to," he said. "And the flight doesn't seem as
long. I know that sounds bizarre."

Soccer is one of the few sports whose ratings haven't declined.

ABC's 12 telecasts four years ago averaged 3.5 million households, according to Nielsen Media Research, up from 1.7 million for ESPN's 21 games and 919,000 million for ESPN2's 31 matches. In addition, Spanish-language coverage averaged 1.5 million for 56 games on Univision and 122,000 for four on Telefutura.

When ABC and ESPN broadcast the entire tournament for the first time in 1994 -- it was in the United States that year -- the 52 games were viewed by an average of 1.95 million households.

That was up from an average of 685,000 homes for the 25 games televised by Turner
Broadcasting's TNT network in 1990, when the U.S. made its first World Cup appearance in 40 years.

In an effort to widen soccer interest, ABC and ESPN televised the European Championship for the first time two years ago, and Spain's victory over Germany in the final was seen by 3.76 million viewers on ABC. Skipper said ABC/ESPN intends to bid aggressively for rights for the 2012 Euros, which likely will be put up for bid in about three months.

And this time it has jettisoned Dave O'Brien, criticized for his lack of soccer knowledge, and added Martin Tyler of Britain's Sky Sports along with a pair of retired European stars, Ruud Gullit and Steve McManaman.

For all the enthusiasm, Skipper keeps soccer in perspective. Speaking on Monday afternoon, he cited ESPN's broadcast of Spain's La Liga the previous day.

"It's great counterprogramming for us to the NFL," he said. "We didn't quite beat it
yesterday. I think we did a 0.2 and they did a 33."

Chivas USA announced today its season opener against the Colorado Rapids has been switched from Sunday, March 28 to Friday, March 26 at Home Depot Center.

The date was changed because Telefutura would not have televised Sunday's game anyway, due to changes in its schedule and Chivas USA officials believe the game would be a bigger draw on a Friday evening. MLS clubs - and especially Chivas USA given its fan demographics - have historically had a tough time drawing fans on Sundays.

Kickoff for the Friday game, the second of the MLS season, is at 7:30 p.m. A complete MLS schedule will be released next month.

Also, Chivas USA, which began preseason training Tuesday, has waived veteran defender Jim Curtin and Serb Bojan Stepanovic.

Stepanovic made seven starts for Chivas USA after arriving in mid-season, scoring one goal and recording two assists.

Curtin, 30, a nine-year MLS veteran, made just two starts last year.

Now that photo to the right is a familiar sight for Galaxy fans when Landon Donovan scores, no?

And LD almost got a second goal, too.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- U.S. midfielder Landon Donovan scored his first Premier League goal, helping Everton defeat Sunderland 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Donovan, on a 10-week loan from Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy, scored in the 19th minute at Goodison Park with a left-footed shot off a headed pass from Tim Cahill.

Cahill put Everton ahead with a sixth-minute header at Goodison Park.

Donovan has signed a new contract with the Galaxy through 2013 and is scheduled to rejoin the team for its March 27 league opener, but a MLS work stoppage could start next week and prompt Donovan to try to extend the loan.

"The games he started were Arsenal and Manchester City, two of the better teams in the
country, and I thought he played really well in those games," Everton manager David Moyes said. "He has not had many chances in those games but tonight he got his first one and he was a bit unlucky not to get a second with it cleared off the line. If he can add us a goal or two, that will be great."

More details here.

Updated

Said LD on Facebook:

Fantastic night and a great result for us! It was nice to play a mid-week game after a disappointing result on Saturday against Birmingham. It was really nice to get my first goal...great header by Cahill and a great run by Saha to take the defender away. Not too much time to enjoy it with Wigan coming up on Saturday. Thanks, as always, for all the love and we'll see you guys Saturday.

This news would have been unheard of four years ago in Germany:

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- World soccer's governing body says one-third of World Cup tickets remain unsold less than five months before the first tournament held in South Africa.

About 1 million of the 3 million tickets are still available, FIFA officials said Wednesday.

South Africans and Americans had made the most bids for tickets in the third round of sales, which will be settled by lottery on Monday.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke dismissed concerns that South Africa -- notorious for its high crime rates -- would be dangerous for visiting fans.

"Don't kill the World Cup before the World Cup is taking place," Valcke said. "I mean give us a chance. Give South Africa a chance to organize a great World Cup. Give a chance to people to fly to South Africa and don't tell them every day that they should not fly to South Africa."

FIFA has received 1.2 million ticket applications from 192 countries for the Feb. 1 draw and said that the semifinal and final matches are attracting the most demand. Some 960,000 applications came from South African residents, who are eligible for cheaper tickets.

U.S. residents sent in some 50,000 applications, followed by Britain with 41,000. Neighboring Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia made a combined 5,500 bids.

Two ticket draws remain before the World Cup begins June 11.

Valcke's words echoed those of South African President Jacob Zuma. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Zuma said Wednesday that his country would ensure the safety of fans.

South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, with at least 50 people killed each day. The country plans to beef up police and training by investing in high-tech equipment and crime-busting surveillance to combat crime as well as threats from terrorists and hooligans.

Safety fears mounted after three people were killed this month when the Togo national soccer team bus was attacked en route to the African Cup of Nations in Angola.

For a more vitriolic (sensationalistic?) view of this apparently unfolding debacle check out this story from frequent FIFA critic Andrew Jennings.

Read the story from reporter Phil Collin here.

Listen to veteran Cary Talley, top draft pick Blair Gavin and new Coach Martin Vasquez from a soggy Home Depot Center here:

The jet set: David Beckham and former Galaxy Coach Ruud Gullit discuss hairstyles on the Galaxy's Australian tour in November 2007 (AP Photo).

At least in any depth, although with Ruud Gullit that's a relative term.

In truth, the story below is not particularly eye-opening, but then that was one of Gullit's major traits as Galaxy coach, speaking without actually saying much of substance. Hope ESPN isn't paying him too much.

Still, for what it's worth, here's the Associated Press piece:

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) - Ruud Gullit didn't take long to realize he was the wrong man to coach David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"In LA, nobody is talking about soccer. No television stations. You see it nowhere," Gullit
said. "It's difficult to swallow because you need that adrenaline to pump yourself up. If
nobody talks about it, it's almost like an enigma."

Famous from a standout career that earned him the 1987 European player of the year award, the former Dutch star was hired with much fanfare in November 2007. He left just nine months into a three-year contract, the Galaxy further adrift than when he arrived.

Now a television commentator for Sky Sports in England, the long dreadlocks of his playing days replaced by a close-cropped look, the 47-year-old is preparing to be a studio analyst for ESPN at this year's World Cup. He'll be paired in Johannesburg with his former Galaxy boss, Alexi Lalas, a key figure in the expansion of the network's coverage.

To prepare, Gullit made his first trip to ESPN's studios this week. During a 30-minute
interview Monday, he was willing for the first time to publicly discuss what went awry during his time in Los Angeles.

"It was too much of a clash between my way of being used to working and the rules of the MLS," he said.

Gullit couldn't cope with restrictions such as Major League Soccer's salary cap and its draft.

Having coached previously at Chelsea, Newcastle and Feyenoord, he was accustomed to the ways everywhere else in the soccer world: When you want a player, you go out and buy him.

His three-year contract was said to be worth $6 million, and he said that was so out of line with MLS standards that it created an uncomfortable situation.

"For the amount of money that they normally pay, I don't go from Europe all the way to live here. So therefore they need to find sponsors. But who knows Ruud Gullit in America? Who would pay that amount of money? And the moment that you find out nobody wants to pay that, that's where all the trouble starts," he said.

Lalas was let go as the Galaxy president and general manager on the same day Gullit departed, the team just 6-8-5 following a seven-match winless streak. The Galaxy missed the playoffs for the second straight season before reaching the MLS Cup final in 2009 under Gullit's successor, former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena.

"I think he's being a little hard on himself to be honest with you. I think there's plenty of
blame to go around," Lalas said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "I probably should have done things differently to at least help more in some ways. But I think ultimately the learning curve was so big, and he came into a situation that was so different than anything he'd ever been associated with, that it was going to take a long time. And unfortunately for Galaxy, we didn't have that time. And that's our fault also."

In some ways, Gullit is dismayed by the lack of a soccer culture in the United States.

"When USA is playing at home, they don't play at home. It's unbelievable," he said. "Certain people don't want to acknowledge it so much because everybody wants to protect the American sports, and I can understand that. But everybody knows soccer is coming. Everybody plays it everywhere. I think it will be two generations -- then people will get used to it, understand the game more. This generation still doesn't understand it."

He also can't get used to the American system of playoffs that MLS uses. Gullit thinks it
creates an atmosphere that's not conducive to top soccer, clashing with the rest of the world, where the team that finishes first automatically is the champion.

"Every week you have to play well to be the champion. But here it's just a matter of getting in the playoffs, and how you get there is not so much important as long as you play well in the knockout stages," he said.

ESPN likes Gullit's outspokenness. Tim Scanlan, ESPN's vice president of event productions, recommended Gullit to Jed Drake, the executive producer of ESPN's World Cup coverage, and the pair met with Gullit in London late last year to sign him up.

"He is just a completely engaging character and one who has been around a good bit of time and has seen the game from a variety of perspectives," Drake said.

Gullit predicts Brazil will reach the final in South Africa. He has high hopes for the
Netherlands, the team he captained to the 1988 European Championship. But he also has doubts.

And then there is Italy, the defending champion.
"The thing is always with the Italians, they don't need to play well to get to the final," he
said.

He also believes the U.S. has the ability to upset England when they meet on June 12.

That matchup in Rustenburg is getting the most attention of the 48 first-round games, already drawing the highest prices in the secondary ticket market.

"I always say to a lot of people all around about American football, I say: 'Look, you
underestimate it. You go and play in 90 degrees, on turf, in the afternoon, traveling six
hours,'" he explained. "And when they play under the normal circumstances, all of the sudden these teams say: "Hey, wait a minute. This is not as bad. They play some good
football.'"

New Galaxy signing Clint Mathis works out in the gym Monday on the opening day of preseason training (Photo by Robert Casillas).

It's a simplistic argument, but a convincing one: were it not for a lack of firepower last year the Galaxy would go into this season as defending MLS Cup champions.

Coach Bruce Arena, I think, would generally agree with that statement given what he told his players Monday on the first day of preseason training.

Of course, we can argue whether the Galaxy have the players who are capable of scoring more goals, but Arena clearly believes that to be the case.

The Galaxy have until March 27, when they open the season against the New England Revolution at Home Depot Center, to sort it out.

For more, read Tuesday's column.

There's always quotes that don't make it into a column for space reasons.

Here's Arena on why he chose to "draft" Brazilians rather than take a closer look at the college ranks here:

"There's only so much you can do with draft picks. I really believe if you're going to build a team from the college draft, I bet you're going to have a tough time."

Here's Arena on what he expects from those three young Brazilians this season:

"They're good young players. Like any players there's going to be a transition period. We have to see how they adapt to being in this country and this league every day and deal with the grind of competing."

Defender Gregg Berhalter puts his best foot forward Monday in fitness training.

Finally, here's Gregg Berhalter on the Galaxy picking up Clint Mathis:

"We know Clint. We're lucky enough to have been around him for many years and he has special gifts that many players don't have: he can use both feet with equal effectiveness and he has a good eye for a pass, he has a great shot, so we know what he brings to the table. It's just bringing all of those things out of him and getting him focused on helping the team, which I know he'll do."

Also, UCLA striker Sydney Leroux scored a 64th minute winner for the U.S. U-20 team to beat Mexico 2-1 and send the Americans onto a 11:30 a.m. Thursday meeting with Costa Rica in the World Cup semis live on Fox Soccer Channel. FSC will also show the Canada-Mexico semi that immediately follows the U.S. game.

More here.

At least, that was the verdict of the BBC as nine-man Inter Milan went nine points clear atop Serie A today over rivals AC Milan.

Inter Milan Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar, left, saves from on-loan Galaxy midfielder David Beckham in today's Milan derby as Inter Milan defender Davide Santon looks on (AP Photo).

It was the first time David Beckham had tasted defeat with AC Milan while on loan there this season.

Full disclosure: I did not see the game because I'm stuck here at work on a Sunday and we don't get Fox Soccer Channel at the office.

Read the game story here.

Chivas USA today announced the hiring of former San Diego Spirit coach Carlos Juarez, former Bayern Munich assistant coach Nick Theslof and goalkeeper coach Daniel Gonzalez to the club's coaching staff.

The trio join Carlos Llamosa as assistant coaches to Head Coach Martín Vásquez on the team's technical staff.

"These three coaches are talented, experienced, and perfectly suited to help this club move forward," Vásquez said. "Adding Carlos, Nick and Daniel, and with Carlos Llamosa already here, will help all our players, from youth teamers to experienced professionals, learn and develop."

In addition to formerly coaching the WUSA's Spirit, Juarez is a former coach of a variety of U.S. international youth teams and also coached the men's and women's teams at Cal Poly Pomona. The L.A. native was most recently with the Claremont Stars club as the organization's technical director.

Theslof, who takes on the new role of technical coach for Chivas USA, was on the staff at Bayern Munich with Vasquez.

He was also scout for the German National team at the 2006 World Cup and was the coach and GM for PDL club Orange County Blue Star from 2002-2007.

As technical coach, Theslof will work with players on various aspects of their performance, and will also help the club in both player and club scouting, Chivas USA officials said.

Gonzalez is an Argentine native who played with Rosario Central in a 16-year pro career and also was on the staff at the Colorado Rapids for three years.

BTW, Theslof is pretty close to Rolling Hills Estates' Robbie Rogers, who played for him at Blue Star and had a big influence on him during his formative soccer years. Wonder if that could help Chivas USA lure the U.S. international winger from the Columbus Crew, where Rogers saw his playing time diminish toward the end of last season?

Chivas USA opens preseason training camp Tuesday.

U.S. 1 Honduras 3

How to sum this one up Saturday in Carson?

Here's one way.

In general, there was way too much of this from Honduras and forward Jerry Palacios, seen here celebrating what was a sweetly taken second goal for the Central Americans (Photos by Steve McCrank).

And there was far too little of this
from the likes of second half sub Conor Casey, seen here making one of very few U.S. efforts on goal (the U.S. finished the night with all of two shots on target).

Here's another, from the always understated coach Bob Bradley:

"It wouldn't be a game where we're picking players who stood out."

Um, no.

He called the passing "poor," observed that the U.S. put itself in a "bad" position to start the game (joke your way out of that one, Jimmy Conrad) and that it was a "big task" for this particular group of (10) players to come back from behind.

And let's face it, any game where your most effective offensive threat is central defender Clarence Goodson is not going to be remembered as a vintage attacking performance.

Here's left winger Robbie Rogers, who moved to left back (a position he has practiced in the last few U.S. camps, BTW) when Jonny Bornstein moved into the middle after Conrad was sent off:

"I'm kind of bummed we started the year this way, but we'll keep our heads up, we'll keep moving forward.

"I thought we let them pass the ball, get a little bit too comfortable. It's tough when you play a team who are good technically and tactically. They can move the ball around and you're playing a man down.

Here's Rogers on why he took the 35-40 yard shot that hit the post:

"(I) just felt it. (I'm) kinda mad it went the other way. Wish it would have hit the post and went in."

Game story.

A wider view.

Check out Steve McCrank's photo gallery from the game here.

By the way, was this not the best performance by former Galaxy forward Carlos Pavon at the HDC?

For a lot of these players it will be the last time we see them in a national team camp, if previous January camps are any guide.

But some who attended, like 35-year-old former Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, back in camp for the first time since starting the first two games of 2006, at least had realistic goals while there:

"It was a great opportunity to stay in shape, stay sharp and get back in with the team. I was excited about it and had a great time."

The Wizards open preseason training Monday. Hartman was off to make a phone call to see if he needed to be there right away.

Finally, I'll leave you with this thought.

The new 2010 USMNT media guide was handed out before the game today. Among the player profiles (surprisingly) included: Schalke 04 midfielder Jermaine Jones. But it's too late for him to make the roster given his recent injuries and the lack of USMNT games before Bradley names his World Cup squad. Isn't it?

The U.S. regroups in Carson in early February with a camp before traveling to Florida for the Feb. 24 game against El Salvador.

U.S. 1 Honduras 3

This one is mercifully over (if you're a U.S. fan).

Conor Casey shooting wide in second half stoppage time with only the goalkeeper to beat pretty much summed up this poor effort.

A crowd of 18,626 - the largest to see a U.S. friendly at Home Depot Center - witnessed this one and it's hard to think of an American player who stood out tonight (although Robbie Rogers was pretty active and did hit the post).

In 2002, 13 of the players in the U.S. January camp ended up on that year's World Cup team and four years later 10 of the campers went to Germany.

Less than a handful who played in this one - perhaps Rogers, Bornstein and Feilhaber - will head to South Africa.

We'll see if Bob Bradley says anything of note in the post-game press conference.

U.S. 1 Honduras 3

The U.S. pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, Clarence Goodson heading Brad Davis' corner kick into the net at the far post.

U.S. 0 Honduras 3

Oh, dear.

An intricate three-man move inside the U.S. penalty box was finished off by the Kansas City Wizards' Roger Espinoza in the 53rd minute to give the Hondurans a comfortable three-goal cushion.

Robbie Rogers blasted a 35- to 40-yard shot off the Honduran post out of nowhere a couple of minutes before that, but he's about the only U.S. player with his shooting boots on: Sacha Kljestan and Kyle Beckerman have both shot high over the bar with ghastly efforts.

U.S. 0 Honduras 2

We'll let former U.S. National Team Coach Bruce Arena sum this one up so far:

"I think the best team is ahead," he said. "Honduras is a much more experienced team at the international level and it shows."

Stats don't always tell the complete story in soccer but this one does: The U.S. has zero shots on goal, Honduras three (the official stats say two, but I don't believe that's correct) - and, of course, they scored on two of them.

Arena, BTW, was up in the press box at half time to react to being named to the National Soccer hall of Fame.

"It's a great individual accomplishment," he said, while observing hundreds of people throughout his career helped him achieve the honor.

Updated: Central defender Clarence Goodson has come in at the half for striker Jeff Cunningham to plug the gap left by Jimmy Conrad's sending off.

U.S. 0 Honduras 2

Jerry Palacios just got on the end of a cross Carlos Pavon whipped in, connecting with a diving header from six yards in the 38th minute while central defender Chad Marshall did a fine impersonation of a statue.

Pretty goal, but the U.S. is in real danger of losing its undefeated record in January games here in Carson.

The U.S. are down a goal and down to 10 men after 19 minutes.

Captain Jimmy Conrad received a second yellow for holding a player in the box as Carlos Pavon took a shot that went over the bar. Conrad had picked up his first yellow for a midfield clip in the sixth minute that frankly looked accidental.

Pavon scored on his second effort from the spot, a low strike just inside the far post after the first was called back for some reason (encroachment, perhaps?).

U.S. Soccer announced the honor just before kickoff here in Carson.

Arena topped a Builder ballot that also included former Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid, MLS Commissioner Don Garber and D.C. United GM Kevin Payne. Arena was named on 78 percent of the ballots.

Those on the Builder ballot must have had a major impact on American soccer for at least a decade and one is elected annually.

Arena qualifies by virtue of 18 seasons at the University of Virginia that included five national championships, eight years as U.S. coach with a record of 71-30-29 and stints in MLS with three clubs, notably D.C. United, where he won two MLS Cups.

He is also a two-time MLS Coach of the Year.

Welcome to Honduras North aka Home Depot Center, Carson.

A predominantly blue and white clad crowd here tonight at the Home Depot Center.

The U.S. was roundly booed when they ran out to warm-up at about 5:25 p.m.

I'm told about 150 members of the LA Riot Squad are here tonight, which may be the largest single group of Americans in attendance.

Here's the U.S. starting XI (4-4-2): Troy Perkins, Marvell Wynne, Jonathan Bornstein, Chad Marshall, Jimmy Conrad (capt.) Benny Feilhaber, Kyle Beckerman, Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers, Robbie Findley, Jeff Cunningham.

Bench options: Nick Rimando, Heath Pearce, Clarence Goodson, Brad Davis, Conor Casey, Dax McCarty, Alejandro Bedoya

No room for Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez, unfortunately.

The U.S. will wear all white tonight.

Former Galaxy striker Carlos Pavon is up front for Honduras, who will play a 3-4-3; former Chivas USA midfielder Amada Guevara is in midfield.

The game is on Fox Soccer Channel.

And there's a special announcement coming up in 20 minutes or so, stay tuned.

The Galaxy's Landon Donovan may have the ball in this picture of him in action against Birmingham City today, but he apparently did little of consequence with it in a 1-2 Everton loss. (AP photo).

The on-loan Galaxy star lasted 76 minutes before being subbed and I couldn't find a match report that even mentioned his name.

It was Birmingham's first win on Merseyside in more than 50 years.

Updated.

Said LD on Facebook:

Tough night. My first FA Cup experience wasn't the best but fortunately we play again on Wednesday. Need to forget about this and move forward to Sunderland. Thanks to all the Everton fans for all your support...you guys have been great to me. See you Wednesday night.

Everton play Sunderland at home Wednesday, BTW.

As of Friday about 13,000 tickets - about 75 percent of them purchased by Hondurans - had been sold for tonight's 6 o'clock friendly (live on Fox Soccer Channel) at Home Depot Center in Carson between the U.S. and the Central American nation.

A large walk-up crowd is expected so officials are urging fans to get there early. Especially more Americans.

Still, that means U.S. defender Jonathan Bornstein, right, should have plenty of fans on hand, as colleague Phil Collin points out.

I plan to blog from the game, so if you can't be at the game check back this evening for updates.

For earlier posts related to the game:

*Here's how you can buy Bornstein's boots.

*Check out Coach Bob Bradley's thoughts on tonight's opponent.

*More from goalkeeper Troy Perkins, midfielder Benny Feilhaber and others is here.

Chivas USA and U.S. international defender Jonny Bornstein is auctioning off the pair of boots he wore when he scored a goal for the U.S. on the final day of World Cup qualifying that sealed Honduras' trip to South Africa and made him a national hero in the Central American nation.

Bornstein, of Los Alamitos, has autographed the boots and put them up for sale on eBay today with 100 percent of the proceeds to go to the American Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts in Haiti.

"The devastation and suffering in Haiti is a tragedy for everyone," said Bornstein. "One of our teammates, Jozy Altidore, is the son of Haitian immigrants and still has many family members there. It's heartbreaking to see what is happening, and we hope to be able to help in any way we can."

The auction runs through Wednesday and bidding has reached $750 as I write this post.

To bid, click here..

And if you're unfamiliar with Bornstein's dramatic contribution to Honduran football history, read this from the U.S. Soccer press release:

On Oct. 14, 2009, the final day of qualifying and the end of a journey lasting nearly 18 months, the U.S. had already earned a spot in the World Cup by defeating Honduras four days earlier and was committed to winning first place in the group. In order for Honduras to qualify that day, they needed to win against El Salvador and for the U.S. to at least tie against Costa Rica.

Having secured their victory against El Salvador and watching helplessly as the U.S. trailed Costa Rica with only seconds remaining, their despair turned to incredible joy when Bornstein headed home a corner kick from Robbie Rogers to even the match at 2-2, setting off a jubilant celebration of U.S. fans at RFK Stadium and in the streets of Honduras thousands of miles away. On an emotional night for the U.S. team, the tie ensured first place in the group for the second straight cycle, and lifted Honduras into their first World Cup in 28 years.

Bornstein became an instant celebrity in Honduras, even receiving an invitation to visit through the press from the president of the country. To this day, he gets daily messages of thanks from Honduran fans. There is even a Facebook page dedicated to him called "Gracias Jonathan Bornstein.

A grab bag of Southern California-related soccer news this morning:

*The MLS off-season is over (sort of). The league permits teams to open training camp today.

Galaxy players will report to Home Depot Center Monday for physicals and fitness work in the gym, but won't hit the practice field until Feb. 1. The trio of young Brazilians GM and coach Bruce Arena signed won't be there Monday though; they're awaiting visas. Chivas USA opens camp Tuesday.

MLS clubs must be roster (and salary cap) compliant, with 20 senior players and four developmental, by March 1.

Look for the complete MLS schedule to be released in the first week of February. And as of Wednesday, players under contract in other countries may be signed by MLS clubs through April 15.

*U.S. Coach Bob Bradley was asked whether Landon Donovan playing in the EPL against English players the Americans will see in their opening World Cup game is a good thing. Um, yeah.

*Hotshot UCLA striker Sydney Leroux scored a brace and was named player of the game as the U.S. crushed Jamaica 6-0 Thursday in its opening CONCACAF qualifier for the U-20 World Cup. Game details here.

*PDL team the Ventura County Fusion will play against the Mexican Under-21 team at 7:30 tonight at Buena High School in Ventura, 5670 Telegraph Rd. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 kids under age 12. Kids under the age of six get in free.

*As always, click the link at top right for an exhaustive run-down of the weekend's games, but I'll be paying special attention to:

Chelsea-Preston North End 4:30 a.m. Saturday (FA Cup fourth round) Fox Soccer Channel

Fulham-Accrington Stanley 7 a.m. Saturday FSC (giant killing possibility?)

Leeds United-Tottenham Hotspur 9 a.m. Saturday FSC (the leaders of League 1 play an EPL outfit)

Tigres-CD Guadalajara 5 p.m. Saturday KVEA

U.S.-Honduras 6 p.m. Saturday FSC

And there's two big derbies Sunday: Inter Milan-AC Milan 11:30 a.m. on FSC and River Plate-Boca Juniors at 5 p.m. for those of you who get Fox Sports Espanol.

I'll blog from the U.S.-Honduras game Saturday so check back in then (or better yet if you're local, come on down; I suspect the U.S. could use the support).

Canadian midfielder Kevin Harmse, the former Galaxy player Chivas USA acquired from Toronto FC last season, but who arrived with a right knee injury and never played a game for the club, is gone.

His rights were traded Thursday to the Houston Dynamo.

Chivas USA got a conditional third of fourth round draft pick out of the deal.

I seem to recall being told Harmse had a girlfriend who aspired to be an actress (or something), which is why he wanted to come back to Southern California. So assuming they are still together, this is likely more of a crushing blow to him (or her) than a club he never kicked a ball for in a competitive game.

Is MIA DaMarcus Beasley, seen here at the Confederation's Cup last summer, worth a U.S. roster spot in South Africa? (AP file photo).

I was unable to make it out to the U.S. Men's National Team training camp in Carson today, but the Associated Press filed this report:

CARSON -- U.S. coach Bob Bradley sounds willing to consider midfielders DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu for his World Cup roster.

The U.S. will be missing many of its regulars for its 2010 opener, an exhibition against Honduras on Saturday night, and for a Feb. 24 match against El Salvador on Feb. 24 in Tampa, Fla.

Far more significant is a March 3 game against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, the last game before Bradley selects his 23-man World Cup roster.

Beasley, a veteran of the past two World Cups, hasn't played for the national team since a poor performance against Brazil at last June's Confederations Cup. Last month he scored his first two goals for Glasgow Rangers since April 2008, then
strained a thigh muscle.

"It was nice to see DaMarcus after a period when he wasn't seeing much playing time at Rangers work his way back into the fold," Bradley said Thursday. "Obviously, he's had a little setback with this injury but, hopefully, that's not going to be a big one."

Edu, Beasley's Rangers teammate, returned to first-team action Dec. 27 for the first time since injuring a knee ligament on May 24.

"It's great that he's back," Bradley said. "That's a good example I think of a guy that we've got to look at closely to see exactly where he is in the next few months."

While the Honduras match is a vehicle for players from Major League Soccer and Scandinavian clubs, the March 3 game will be played on an international fixture date and should draw from virtually the entire player pool.

"It's the one opportunity we have for the group as a whole to be together before May, and so I think that time, just to set the tone for May is important. I think in certain cases there will be some players that now you're still a little bit unsure of," Bradley said. "The more guys that you have that are now healthy, playing, certainly that may mean that it's a little tougher in some cases for decisions, but those are good problems to have."

While Beasley and Edu could be called in for the Netherlands match, the U.S. will be without midfielder Clint Dempsey, who injured his right knee Sunday playing for England's Fulham.

After fearing initially that he might have torn the posterior cruciate ligament and needed surgery, the Cottagers said Tuesday that damage was moderate and that he should return before the end of the Premier League season in May.

Still, Bradley doesn't know exactly when Dempsey will be able to play.

"I don't think anybody wants to give a time frame at this point," he said. "I'm not the doctor. I'm not the trainer."

Bradley also won't have Oguchi Onyewu back by the Dutch game. The AC Milan defender is recovering from knee surgery in October.

"I think one of the hopes is that he'd be ready to get back into regular training in March," the coach said. That means the earliest Onyewu could play in matches would be in April.

Sorry, couldn't resist the story below. And if Beckham insists on doing this sort of thing as he did in a game earlier this month against Juventus, who can blame excitable Italian women for, um, indiscriminately grabbing things. (AP Photo).

MILAN (AP) -- An Italian television channel has apologized for a prank in which a female presenter attempted to grab David Beckham between the legs.

The AC Milan midfielder was visibly angered when Elena Di Cioccio, who fronts the popular show "Le Iene (The Hyenas)" on Italia Uno, made her move while the soccer player was being interviewed by another person Wednesday.

Security immediately hustled the 34-year-old Beckham into a nearby hotel.

Beckham has started all three league matches for AC Milan in 2010 while on loan from the Galaxy and is expected to play in Sunday's derby against Inter Milan.

We're expecting a fourth consecutive day of at times torrential rain that hopefully is going some way to easing the drought in Southern California, but the weather looks a helluva lot better for Saturday when the U.S. plays Honduras at 6 p.m. in Carson.

The game is live on Fox Soccer Channel, but U.S. Soccer officials say a "sizable" walk-up crowd is expected, so if you're planning to head out to the Home Depot Center leave a little early.

The game will be between two teams of largely domestic-based players.

"Honduras is a good team," said U.S. Coach Bob Bradley. "We've played them enough times that I think there's a lot of respect on our end and I think they probably have a great deal of respect for us as well. This game probably is similar to the match-up in the Gold Cup, the semifinal, where neither team had some of its European-based players, but where you still see some dangerous players, you still see the solid work that's gone into their team in terms of organization and the way they play. They have athleticism, so I think it's a good test for us this time of year and a chance for us to assess some of the players in this camp.

I'm guessing Chivas USA's Jonny Bornstein of Los Alamitos, still a national hero in Honduras after his last-minute strike on the final day of World Cup qualifying catapulted the Central Americans into the World Cup for the first time in almost 30 years, gets the start at left back over Heath Pearce.

How do those two rivals get along anyway?

"Having Heath there adds a lot of healthy competition," Bornstein said "We're both fighting for the same spot, but we do get a long really well. We communicate off the field, not just about soccer, but about other things."

Bradley wouldn't be drawn about who would start or whether each will get a half. But both know what they need to do to get the starting spot in the World Cup.

"We've seen them both perform well at different times in the last few years," Bradley said. "Now we need to see the consistency. We also have some other options - Carlos Bocanegra has played left back."

BTW, if you missed more pre-game coverage here earlier in the week, click here.

Finally, former Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan isn't in camp but he's making sure Bradley doesn't overlook him by continuing his League Cup exploits for Aston Villa Wednesday night and helping them reach the final at Wembley.

Read more about Guzan's progress at Villa here.

UCLA and U.S. Under-20 Coach Jill Ellis and Bruin striker Sydney Leroux, named the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Golden Shoe and Golden Ball winner, lead a 20-player squad in an eight-team regional qualifying tournament in Guatemala for the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup set for Germany.

The opening U.S. game against Jamaica can be seen live at 2:30 p.m. Thursday on Fox Soccer Channel or streaming (free) here (registration required). It's the first time CONCACAF or any regional confederation has offered free live coverage of a youth tournament online.

Leroux, who had 23 goals for the Bruins last season, scored five goals in the U-20 World Cup, earning her the Golden Ball as tournament MVP and the Golden Shoe as top scorer. Leroux is the most capped player at the U-20 level on the qualifying roster, with a dozen goals in 16 games.

Also on the squad is Bruin midfielder Zakiya Bywaters.

More on the team and tournament here.

The U.S. also plays Trinidad & Tobago Saturday and Mexico Monday at the same time.

Three nations will qualify for the World Cup.

Sighs of relief all round.

It appears the USMNT will have striker Clint Dempsey available for the World Cup after all.

From a U.S. Soccer press release this afternoon:

U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Clint Dempsey will not require surgery on an injured knee, according to a statement from Fulham Football Club following an MRI evaluation. Dempsey suffered moderate damage to a ligament in his right knee during Fulham's 2-0 loss on Jan. 17 at Blackburn. The club expects Dempsey to be back in action prior to the end of the season.

"The news about Clint's injury is positive, especially given the fact that he will not require surgery," said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. "We are confident that Clint will be ready to be an important part of our team during the World Cup."

As reported by 100 Percent Soccer last week out of contract Chivas USA holding midfielder Paulo Nagamura has signed with Mexican club Tigres, a week before the start of preseason training camp.

Nagamura made 73 appearances for Chivas USA over three seasons and also played for the Galaxy.

"Paulo is a strong, dedicated player who has given this club a lot in the past three seasons," said Stephen Hamilton, vice president of soccer operations. "While we're disappointed that we weren't able to re-sign him, we're eager to continue building the team for the 2010 season."

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Jesús Padilla, striker Maicon Santos, and central defender Yamith Cuesta have all renewed their loan deals with Chivas USA for the upcoming season.

And we are still awaiting word of how serious the injury is to Clint Dempsey.

In the meantime, this piece should give a little bit of camp flavor and how some of the players are treating it just months before the World Cup.

Read the column here.

I had some leftover quotes that didn't make it into the piece.

Here's goalkeeper Troy Perkins, who signed with D.C. United last week, elaborating on why he returned to MLS from Norway:

"We're back. A lot of it had to do with family issues. My wife (Elizabeth) was having trouble getting a job - she's a doctor and for me it was tough to sit there and make a case for myself after putting her through school for eight years and for her not to be able to do what she wants.

"The league there is struggling a little bit financially and I think over the past two years MLS has improved with the development and talent of players.

"She doesn't speak Norwegian. She's taking courses, but it's one of those things where you have to be fluent and Norwegian is not exactly a language you can become fluent in very easily. It's a crazy language - there's no real structure to it, no one speaks the same thing. You can go two hours up the road and someone will be speaking completely different. ... Obviously having a kid (a son, now 11 months old) unexpectedly changes your whole life plan (as well).

"I definitely didn't waste my time (in Norway). Financially it was the right move. It's like investing in yourself. Now my value is even higher. Secondly, I think I've improved quite a bit. Obviously it's gotten me in the national team picture more and I've really worked with some great coaches. Personally I think I've grown a lot as a man and as a husband so the two years have been great and we will never regret it ... I won't have to get two jobs (to play in MLS), let's say that."

Here's Perkins on why he chose to return to where he started - D.C. United:

"My agent and I had talked about it and my wife at first was 'no, it's not great for your career.' But I've stayed up on MLS, I've watched the games a little bit and I've been impressed with the way thing have gone and I said you know what: 'Either way for me is OK. But if we got to DC I'd be really happy with that. So it turned out D.C. was interested and we were able to work it out."

Here's midfielder Benny Feilhaber reflecting on his different roles for his Danish club and his country:

"Right now for my club team the last three or four months I've been playing on the left side, so we've been playing with two more defensive style midfielders in the middle. ... I've played that position here with the national team, but I tend to play in the center more often than not. That obviously requires (me) with my club team to be the creative player on the team. Here, of course, they like me to be creative and find the forwards up top, but we've got definitely other players who can do that as well, so in that sense it's a little bit different of a role."

Here's winger Robbie Rogers expanding on the difference between his first USMNT camp last January and this one:

"I definitely prepared myself this time better than I did last time. Last year, in the first week of training I was in my bed and ice baths (often), mentally exhausted. I definitely prepared myself better training with these guys in the off-season at Home Depot (Center). It got me fit and kept me sharper than last year. I'm enjoying it more than last year simply because my body is feeling better. It's always nice to meet new guys and I think the U.S. player pool is getting a lot bigger.

"When I came into camp last year it was my first national team camp and I was kind of scared, I didn't know what to expect and definitely the first week you feel nerves and you're nervous when you're playing. But now it's just trying to find your fitness and just working hard. You get to enjoy yourself more when you're familiar with the players around you and know what to expect. Its weird when you look back and I remember how I felt when I was coming into this and now it's really different."

Finally, here's Rogers on what aspects of his game Coach Bob Bradley has asked him to focus on:

"He asked me to try and be consistent for 90 minutes. I think I've learned a lot from him defensively, both positionally and tactically. I feel I've gotten a lot better at that. He's asked me to get better at reactions, second balls and being first to more balls and I'm working on that."

Clint Dempsey hit the bar for Fulham against Blackburn Rovers Sunday with a spectacular bicycle kick before suffering an injury that could end his World Cup dreams (AP Photo).

Bob Bradley is doing the same thing as the rest of us - waiting for word on the severity of the injury the U.S. forward suffered Sunday for Fulham.

That update may not come until Tuesday since it appears Fulham officials are seeking more than one medical opinion.

Bradley spoke to reporters after Monday's morning training session at a wet and windy Home Depot Center and tried to sound positive about the third injury to a crucial player in recent months. (Striker Charlie Davis is still rehabbing his injuries suffered in that car crash last year, while defender Oguchi Onyewu is similarly a World Cup question mark after injuring a knee in the final World Cup qualifier, of course).

Bradley said Dempsey sounded "upbeat" when the two spoke and was "surprised" by the quantity of text messages and e-mails he received in the wake of the injury.

"Obviously we're waiting on reports of the scan they did today," Bradley said. "I saw the play - it looked a harmless play. Now we just need to wait and see.

"You never want to see your players injured and Clint has been in good form. But we have hope that the time is right for him to be able to get through this, continue to play for his club team as well as he has, and be ready for the World Cup."

Dempsey started 13 out of the 15 U.S. World Cup qualifying games, although he didn't play against either Honduras or Costa Rica in the final pair of games in the campaign.

Bradley said he was optimistic all three players were capable of recovering in time for the World Cup:

"The rehab programs in almost all cases take on different stages. ... The early stages for both Gooch and Charlie have been positive. We all know it's the final stages that determine whether somebody is back and playing as good as they were before the injury.

"I know that in all these cases we're dealing with guys who will put everything they have into their rehab and try to be back."

BTW, all players except Kevin Alston (who has worked out on his own for the entire camp) were back on a chilly practice field today, so at least Bradley doesn't have any other big injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game in Carson against Honduras.

But after seeing Chivas USA striker Justin Braun manage to put the ball over the bar from all of two or three yards out this morning, it's not like Bradley is completely worry free.

I'll have more on the game in Tuesday's column.

It could happen, Landon Donovan said today.

Sounds like LD may have an easier time fending off the likes of Manchester City's Gareth Barry, as he did Saturday in Liverpool, than resisting the temptation of not staying in the EPL for good (AP Photo).

Donovan told the Liverpool Echo:

"I've been made to feel so welcome and when you're welcome like that you don't want to let anyone down. It's a sharp contrast to how I felt last year when I was at Munich.

"It's a little more individual and selfish there. Here they make you feel part of a family and you keep going because you don't want to let anyone down.

"The future is out of my control. I want to enjoy this experience. That means I show up for training and I'm ready. I show up for the game and I'm ready.

"But who knows what will happen in the future. Football's funny and you never know what could happen.

And who can blame him given the impression he has made so far?

Said Donovan on his Facebook page Sunday: "Good evening from a slightly warmer England! I've spent the day resting and recovering from an incredible game last night. That was in the top 5 of the most memorable games in my career. Thank you so much to all the Everton fans for making me feel right at home! It's been nice to enjoy the victory today but tomorro...w we start preparing for Birmingham in the FA Cup. Goodnight!"

Also, don't believe everything you read in those tatty English tabloids.

As did the other Women's Professional Soccer teams Friday in Philadelphia.

Sol players Manya Makoski (wearing the home kit) and draft pick Casey Nogueira (the away version) at the unveiling of the newly redesigned Puma Sol uniforms.

From the Puma press release:

Fusing performance with fashion, the new 2010 PUMA WPS uniforms take inspiration from our primal instinct of Fight. Designed to give the players the courage to be awesome and bold, PUMA's new offerings, from the Power collection, provide both technological features, benefits and fashion sense, keeping the women stylish, bright and ready to do battle during the 2010 season.

Each uniform was engineered with a feminine body fit to allow for maximum performance and speed. The overall cut of each piece contours a woman's shape and also features a star-shaped neckline as a unique design feature.

The "Power" theme comes to life with the cut lines within the uniform to accentuate the strength and power of a player.

Each uniform is made with 100% polyester microfiber and includes the PUMA Ultimate Sport Performance (USP) technical treatment making uniforms moisture wicking, breathable and made of authentic performance fabric to ensure players are dry and comfortable during play.

More here:

If you missed Friday's post about the drama going on at Sol, BTW, click here.

LD and Phil Neville in full flight today for Everton. (AP Photos).

Especially in the first half of his Goodison Park debut in the Toffees' 2-0 win over Manchester City. The win saw Everton propel themselves into the EPL top 10, while City dropped out of the top four with a performance that was, frankly, total crap (sorry to get so technical).

On-loan Landon Donovan raided down the right side for Everton to good effect, looking dangerous on occasion and helping to keep City's defense vulnerable and tentative all afternoon. He went the entire 90 minutes in his second appearance for the club and was brought off in the 91st by Everton manager David Moyes specifically to allow the 37,000 or so Liverpudlians in attendance to show their appreciation.

He's receiving good reviews and as The Sunday Telegraph observed today in their game story:

The Landon Donovan appreciation society were gathering in number, too, chorusing "USA" with gusto when the American broke away from Vincent Kompany, only to direct his chip wide.

Tweeted respected English soccer writer Henry Winter:

"Not that Capello will leave any World Cup oppo under-scouted...but USA's Donovan doesn't half take a great corner. Smart signing by Everton."

Donovan got an assist from a corner last week against Arsenal in his Everton debut. BTW, Donovan is taking all the Everton corner kicks and today was constantly looking for the mop-like head of Marouane Fellaini, who was an aerial threat throughout the game. Donovan isn't yet taking free kicks or penalty kicks though and Everton didn't need him to today; other players supplied the goals from set pieces, first on a free kick and then from the penalty spot.

Moyes told evertonfc.com:

"I think it is our best performance of this season but I think it has been coming. We have been playing really well in recent weeks without maybe scoring enough or keeping a clean sheet to win the games.

"Our performances have been improving every week and it is now getting a bit more like where I want us to be."

LD salutes the home fans as he's subbed.

Next for Everton: Birmingham City at home Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

A round-up of EPL action (and other European Leagues) is here.

The Galaxy's other on-loan European star, David Beckham, is scheduled to play Sunday for AC Milan against Siena in a game that can be seen live at 6 a.m. on Fox Soccer Channel.

Abner Rogers won't be coaching Sol star Marta, left, any longer.

Sol Coach Abner Rogers, a notable absentee at the L.A. Sol's table at the Women's Professional Soccer draft today in Philadelphia, left the team Dec. 23, 100 Percent Soccer has learned.

The move was part of an organizational shake-up related to its pending sale to a new ownership group.

"Right now the team is in transition over to a new ownership group and Abner is no longer with the organization," confirmed Robert Penner, spokesman with Women's Professional Soccer.

Penner said the sale of the team, which is currently operating under the custody of the league, will likely be finalized within the next week or two. He gave no further details.

Anschutz Entertainment group, which had a 50 percent share in the team that played at AEG-owned Home Depot Center, has been in discussions "for months" with an unidentified party to sell its stake, Penner confirmed. However, the team will play at the Carson stadium this season.

The news was not unexpected. One Hundred Percent Soccer broke the news in October that the Sol lost $2 million last year.

General Manager Charlie Naimo has taken over coaching duties from Rogers, who was named WPS Coach of the Year after leading the Sol to the inaugural regular season title with a dominating 12-3-5 record.

Rogers did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Naimo is himself an accomplished coach whose greatest success came with the W-League New Jersey Wildcats. He took over the struggling team in 2004 and in three years led it to two W-League regular season titles and the W-League championship in 2005.

He was named W-League Coach of the Year in 2006, after first winning the honor with the Central Jersey Splash in 1999.

Naimo also led the W-League Pali Blues, based in Pacific Palisades, to consecutive league championships in 2008 and 2009.

Naimo did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

It's been a busy couple of days for soccer news and there's no let-up in sight.

Let's catch up a bit:

*Galaxy playmaker Landon Donovan told AP that Everton fans chanted "U-S-A, U-S-A" every time he took a corner kick in his debut at Arsenal last weekend.

"It was awesome," he said. "From Day 1 everyone has been very welcoming."

Donovan could make his home debut at Goodison Park against Manchester City on the weekend. The game airs live on Fox Soccer Channel at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

*The third 3rd Annual Mia Hamm & Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer Challenge benefiting Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and The Mia Hamm Foundation kicks off at 3 p.m. Saturday at Home Depot Center. Tickets are $20. Celebrities scheduled to play include Galaxy striker Edson Buddle, James Kyson Lee and Jimmy Jean Louis of "Heroes," Lakers guard Jordan Farmar as well as USWNT greats Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly and Joy Fawcett.

*Former Chivas USA Coach Preki and former U.S. international Thomas Dooley were
elected Thursday to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Dooley was selected on 83 of the 117 ballots cast in his final year of eligibility. Preki was
on 80 ballots (68.4 percent), just over the 66.7 percent required for election. Earnie Stewart (58.1), Shannon MacMillan (54.7) and Joe-Max Moore (52.1) were next on the list.

*Cal South has announced the sixth Soccer Nation Expo, touted as the largest free family soccer exposition in the nation, will return to the L.A. Convention Center Feb. 13-14. For full details, click here.

*The Women's Professional Soccer draft is under way today. The expansion Atlanta Beat took midfielder Tobin Heath (North Carolina) with the first pick.

The Sol's picks were:

*No. 5 overall midfielder Nikki Washington of North Carolina. Tweeted Sol GM Charlie Naimo: "The best outside MF in the US to whip crosses into Marta."

*Forward Casey Nogueira (North Carolina) was taken with the 8th overall pick.

*Forward Kiersten Dallstream (Washington State) was picked ninth overall.

*Forward Michelle Enyeart (Portland) was taken with the 14th overall pick (3rd pick of the 2nd round).

*Forward Kiki Bosio (Santa Clara) went 22nd overall (2nd pick of the 3rd round).

*The 25th pick overall was used on Kansas defender Estelle Johnson.

*Goalkeeper Mary Casey (Maryland) went 38th overall.

*Clemson's Lindsay Browne (midfielder-forward) was taken with the 47th overall pick in the fifth round.

Also:

*Ten of the 11 WPS First Round Draft picks played in the W-League, the first five all from Pali Blues.

*UCLA Olympian Lauren Cheney was the second overall pick by the Boston Breakers.

*North Carolina defender Whitney Engen of Rolling Hills Estates was taken fourth overall by the Chicago Red Stars.

*Kristina Larsen of UCLA went to St. Louis Athletica with the 17th pick.

Reports out of Mexico suggest that the out of contract Chivas USA defensive midfielder's move south of the border is pretty much a formality, with some stories saying all that remains is for Paulo Nagamura to take a physical.

In fact, Tigres UANL has already announced the signing (in a Google-translated statement):

The club announces that it has reached agreement with the player Paulo Nagamura for the Bicentennial Tournament 2010, a loan with a purchase option.

The player will arrive in Monterrey on Friday, at 8:00 am, to be subjected to medical examinations and view details of their engagement for six months, joining the squad as soon sign a lease.

Why Tigres would consider the move a loan is unclear, but Stephen Hamilton, Chivas USA's vice president of Soccer Operations, was moved to issue a statement this evening:

"Since Paulo's contract expired at the end of last season, we have been making our best effort to renew his contact and bring him back to Chivas USA for the 2010 season. However, as a free agent, Paulo is able to explore other options, and we are aware that he has opportunities with other teams."

Losing the former Galaxy and Toronto FC Brazilian midfielder would be a blow to Chivas USA and new Coach Martin Vasquez had made resigning him a priority. Nagamura, a six-year MLS veteran, added an eye and capability for a spectacular goal to his well-honed, hard-nosed repertoire this season in what was a career year.

Incidentally, one Chivas USA official I spoke with earlier today told me that the possibility of losing Nagamua was one of the things that made drafting defensive midfielder Blair Gavin such an attractive pick. Chivas USA staff were apparently surprised the Akron standout was still available when they picked tenth today, so they were pretty jazzed about that.

And Gavin could see substantial playing time, although Chivas USA also still have Marcelo Saragosa on the roster, of course, who is a similar player to Nagamura.

Details here.

The MLS SuperDraft is getting into its latter stages in Philadelphia and the Galaxy and Chivas USA are done.

Veteran-hunting Galaxy GM and Coach Bruce Arena stood pat after trading for Clint Mathis earlier today and picking up UCLA midfielder Michael Stephens, sending the 39th overall pick (received from D.C. United for goalkeeper Josh Wicks) to Real Salt Lake for a third round pick next year.

For earlier draft coverage from today on Mathis and Stephens click here.

Over at the Chivas USA draft table, the club picked up Maryland defender Kevin Tangney with the 35th overall pick as Coach Martin Vasquez seeks to rebuild the club's backline after some key departures.

Here's more from Maryland on Tangney:

Tangney, who was part of Team Jabulani at this year's combine, overcame tremendous odds to become a mainstay in the Maryland backline in 2009. After battling through a pair of significant knee injuries, the Newtown, Pa., product served as co-captain of this year's team and notched Maryland's game-winner against then-No. 2 North Carolina. He ended his senior campaign with three goals and one assist while leading the Maryland defense to nine shutouts. For his efforts, he was named NSCAA First Team All-Atlantic South Region as well as Second Team All-ACC. Tangney was a part of both the 2005 and the 2008 national championship squads.

The club added powerful Dayton midfielder Isaac Kissi with the 42nd overall pick and Akron midfielder Ben Zemanski with the 47th selection overall.

Midfielder Chris Ross of Colgate became Chivas USA's final pick, the 58th in the draft.

For more Chivas USA draft news from earlier today click here.

"We're very happy with (top draft pick) Blair Gavin, who is an excellent ball-winner, has great vision, and reads the game very well," said Chivas USA Coach Martín Vásquez. "Later in the draft, we were able to get some depth with a center back, another holding midfielder, an attacking midfielder and a forward. We got some players that we're excited about, and we'll give them the opportunity to come into preseason and show that they can play at this level and they can help us."

Also of note:

*UCLA playmaker Kyle Nakazawa of Palos Verdes Estates was selected 33rd by the Philadelphia Union.

*The Colorado Rapids took CSUN defender Chad Borak with the 40th pick. Said Borak:

"It was a nerve-wracking experience watching the draft take place. But it was worth it once I saw my my name and found out that I was chosen by Colorado. My dream to become a professional took place before my eyes today."

*UCLA U.S. youth international goalkeeper Brian Perk headed off to the Union when he was picked 49th.

*Midfielder Othaniel Yanez, a native of Moreno Valley who attended the University of Louisville, was selected 61st overall by the Columbus Crew.

Complete draft coverage is here.

That means the Galaxy will drop to the 16th pick overall in today's Superdraft that's on-going in Philadelphia, while Real Salt Lake has taken University of Portland midfielder Collen Warner with the 15th pick.

Clint Mathis and Landon Donovan will be reunited at Home Depot Center next season - but this time they will be wearing the same colors.

Updated: Clint Mathis has returned to the Galaxy from RSL as part of the trade. The Galaxy also give RSL their third round draft pick next year.

Mathis had 15 goals and 17 assists in 65 starts for L.A.

The Galaxy has selected UCLA midfielder Michael Stephens with the 16th pick from RSL.

Guess Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena continues to surround himself with veterans he knows.

Updated: I just got off the telephone with Arena.

Here's what he said about Mathis:

"Clint Mathis has proved to everyone he's a quality player, he's a champion and we want him to be a champion with us, too. ... I know him and he knows me. Clint can play anywhere in the midfield and up front."

Arena observed that Mathis won't be a regular starter, but believes at age 33 he's still got the legs to make a difference:

"There's enough there. We just need to lean on his ability and his experience."

Here's what Arena said about Stephens:

"Mike Stephens is an exciting young talent and gives us the local flavor we want."

Updated:

And I just spoke with Stephens about being taken by the Galaxy:

"If you had asked me a week ago, this is definitely my first choice because I've spent this past summer training with the team ... I just felt comfortable with the organization as whole."

Stephens was a member of the Galaxy's U-20 team and spent a little over a month training with the senior squad and will bring some young legs to a veteran midfield:

"It seems like a good fit for me on a day to day to basis. ... I think I'm a high energy midfielder, I'm very active on the field and I'm sure that's what they're looking for."

Gavin, meet (MLS Commish Don) Garber. (Photo by Jose Argueta/MLS).

The midfielder from Kentucky had five goals and three assists for the Zips last season.

He was the 10th overall pick in today's draft.

More info on Gavin is here.

In addition, the Philadelphia Union took UCLA freshman midfielder Amobi Okugo with the sixth pick overall and former UCLA Coach Sigi Schmid plucked Bruin forward David Estrada for his Seattle Sounders with the 11th overall pick.

The No. 1 pick: 6-foot-2 Danny Mwanga, 18, who scored 14 goals and had two assists in 18 games for Oregon State last season and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year.

Tweeted Galaxy striker Alecko Eskandarian: "Congrats and welcome to the #1 Pick Club, Mr. Danny Mwanga. U will love playing for Peter Nowak."

Updated: In addition, Chivas USA defender Ante Jazic was among 17 players selected for a Canadian National team camp that begins Monday and ends Feb. 1 in Florida. Canada plays Jamaica in a friendly Jan. 31.

Estudiantes Tecos goalkeeper Mario Rodriguez stops a shot during the second half of the InterLiga soccer match against Puebla Wednesday at Home Depot Center. (AP Photo).

And the winners are: Monterrey and Tecos.

In truth, there's not much particularly super about the rather terse four-round, 64-pick draft that begins at 11 a.m. Thursday with the opening round live on ESPN2.

For instance, critics generally acknowledge the Galaxy are the top dogs in MLS when it comes to drafts in the last two years with both 2008 top pick Sean Franklin and 2009 first pick Omar Gonzalez becoming MLS Rookies of the Year and integral parts of the club. Similarly, full back A.J. DeLaGarza was a useful second round acquisition last year.

On the other hand, neither of the Galaxy's other two picks last year, Josh Boateng and Kyle Patterson, are still with the club. And only Franklin has stuck around from the six selections in 2008.

Recognizing that the most important thing about the draft may be the opportunity to pick up veterans who can make an immediate impact, last year General Manager and Coach Bruce Arena traded draft picks to acquire journeymen like Stefani Miglioranzi (picked by Philadelphia in the expansion draft), Alecko Eskandarian (sending their third round pick to Chivas USA), Mike Magee and Dema Kovalenko (allocation money and a conditional pick in the 2011 draft).

Magee did well last season, hot-headed Kovalenko less so, Miglioranzi was a pleasant surprise simply because nothing much was expected of him after his previous Galaxy stint, and frankly I have my doubts about Eskandarian's health after those repeated concussion.

So the draft is fairly important and interesting, yes; super important, no. And to me that says a lot about the quality of youngsters coming through college ranks, as well as the fact that existing (but fairly ordinary) roster players still have roles to play.

Expansion Philadelphia, of course, pick first this year unless some sort of trade materializes.

As a result of Arena's savvy wheeling and dealing last year the Galaxy have just two picks: The overall No. 15 pick in the first round and the No. 39 pick acquired from D.C. United in exchange for goalkeeper Josh Wicks.

Chivas USA will be considerably busier with five picks (Nos. 10, 35, 42, 47 and 58 overall).

Their big prizes last year: Michael Lahoud out of Wake Forest (nine starts) and defender Ante Jazic, picked up in a draft day trade with the Galaxy.

Who else did they pick? Forward Kyle Christensen from the University of Denver (35th overall), and Jamie Franks of Wake Forest (49th overall), neither of whom remain with the club.

What do you think about the draft? Crucial or not?

I'll provide updates at least as the first round progresses, so check back Thursday.

I've been accused of lots of things during my two decades as a reporter and soccer columnist.

Democrats have accused me of being Republican. Republicans have accused me of being a liberal. Galaxy fans have accused me of being pro-Chivas USA. Chivas USA fans have accused me of being, well, you get the idea.

But this accusation was a new one on me after I wrote this story last weekend recounting how the city of Torrance wanted to turn a little-used sump into youth soccer fields:

"First, Nick Green should be removed from reporting this issue. He covers occer (sic) and AYSO clearly making him biased and thus compromising journalistic ethics. Shame on the Daily Breeze editors!"

Drat!

I knew it was only a matter of time before someone discovered I'm part of vast soccer-loving conspiracy hoping to leave every spare plot of land in this nation littered with lush, green sports fields the youth of America can run around on, stay healthy and enjoy the great outdoors.

Actually, I couldn't care less what they do or do not do with the site since I don't live in West Torrance where the sump is, don't have kids and will likely never step foot on the tract whether it becomes soccer fields or not.

But I do care I will have to miss the finals of InterLiga tonight at Home Depot Center to listen to a sump "debate" that judging by the above comment may struggle to rise above the level of a Steven Colbert interview.

The implications of tonight's two InterLiga games are succinctly summed up here, BTW.

And if you do head out to Carson, dress warmly.

Lastly, Galaxy playmaker Landon Donovan is saying all the right things about his likely home debut this weekend at Everton's Goodison Park.

Incidentally, I'd like to thank U.S. Soccer Players for linking to my Tuesday column on the Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez in their (usually) excellent daily e-mail today.

However, they attributed the story to a "Nick Garcia" for some reason that escapes me.

Hey, if you're going to give me a random Latino surname that's "Verde" not "Garcia."

Just don't let folks in Torrance know. Because we all know how those Latinos just love futbol.

Not much of a surprise given the Rose Bowl hosted the 1994 World Cup final.

The USA Bid Committee today released the locations of 18 cities - the maximum allowed by FIFA - as potential World Cup game hosts after an eight month process that winnowed the field from the 45 stadiums in 38 cities identified last June.

This time around San Francisco, which hosted games in 1994, was cut, but San Diego is in.

The two stadiums in Southern California are the aging Rose Bowl (alleged capacity 93,607) and the crumbling Coliseum (listed at an equally uncomfortable 89,000).

The other 16 cities named: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Miami, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, Tampa and Washington, D.C.

"Today our hopes of becoming a host nation are strengthened many fold by the announcement of the 18 cities we will submit to FIFA on May 14," said Sunil Gulati, president of the bid committee and U.S. Soccer. "These 18 cities share outstanding leadership with a vision and understanding of what a FIFA World Cup would mean to the United States, along with how well we can play the role of host to visitors from throughout the world."

England, hosts in 1966, are considered the frontrunner for the 2018 World Cup and the U.S. is one of the favorites in 2022.

From the U.S. Soccer press release:

The United States, Australia, England, Japan and Russia have formally declared their desire to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain have each submitted joint bids for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, while Indonesia, Qatar and South Korea have applied as candidates to play host only to the tournament in 2022. Mexico withdrew its bid in September.

The winning bidders for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments will be announced in December.

In other news today, Fox will start a new soccer channel picking up rights to the EPL and other leagues relinquished by Sentanta:

From AP:

NEW YORK -- Fox is launching its second all-soccer network in the United States on March 1.

The new network, called Fox Soccer Plus, will televise matches of the European Champions League, England's Premier League, the English Football Association Cup and the Italian Serie A.

Fox Soccer Channel began operation in 1997 as Fox Sports World and changed its name to FSC five years ago.

"As America's interest in the world's game is increasing, the launch of Fox Soccer Plus will complement and enhance our current programming on Fox Soccer Channel," new FSC general manager David Nathanson said Tuesday.

The new network will draw content from Setanta USA, whose sublicenses with Fox are expiring, a person familiar with the negotiations said Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because that detail won't be included in the announcement.

Fox, a division of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, is negotiating with cable carriers to determine whether they want to place it on a select tier or offer it as a monthly subscription service for a fee. The new network will be broadcast in high definition; Fox also has been preparing to start high definition telecasts of FSC.

Fox has been televising the Premier League in the U.S. since 1998 and sublicenses some of the games to Setanta USA and ESPN2, which is televising 48 matches this season.

Also Monday, FSC said it was hiring Andy Gray of News Corp.'s Sky Sports in Britain for its studio show during this year's World Cup. Gray, a former Scotland national team player, worked for ESPN's U.S. coverage of the 2008 European Championship.

MLS Rookie of the Year Omar Gonzalez aims to score more goals from set pieces this year. Here he is doing just that with a header from a corner kick against Colorado in April.

I caught up with the potential national team defender (can you imagine him slotting beside Oguchi Onyewu in central defense?) Monday at the national team training camp in Carson.

Read the column here.

A brief one I'm afraid because I have a column to write, a profile of Galaxy center back Omar Gonzalez who capped a remarkable rookie year with a call-up to the annual national team camp at Home Depot Center.

And that meant I spent an extended period of time interviewing Gonzalez and was therefore unable to chat with Coach Bob Bradley (who I don't think was talking to media today anyway) or any other players.

Aalborg striker Marcus Tracy remained sidelined with tendonitis, but Sacha Kljestan and San Jose's Brandon McDonald were back out on the practice field for the morning session after suffering minor knocks last week. Robbie Rogers also sat this one out (nothing serious I was told).

Bradley did not sound happy with the level of passing on display and perhaps as a result of that ended the session with a running drill (as if to say "if you guys aren't going to get the fun part right, I'll inflict a little pain"). And there's more pain to come: two a day sessions will continue at least through Thursday (maybe they''ll get Friday off if the passing improves, one assumes).

Gonzalez and veteran Jimmy Conrad (as well as McDonald) manned one back line together and the big Galaxy rookie did not look out of place marking Conor Casey, although former Galaxy striker Robbie Findley scored the only goal of the morning on that team with a nice little near post run. Veteran Jeff Cunningham looked lively, too.

The big debut of the day? The Nike Total 90 Ascente ball, which the team used for the first time. It is, apparently, an improvement over the last ball the team used, which featured a design that created an optical illusion that made it appear not perfectly spherical, which some players found a little off-putting.

Someone apparently told Nike because the Ascente promises "a flicker effect as the ball rotates, making the ball easier to spot."

I should think so, too, for a ball that can apparently cost up to $140.

Equipment geeks can revel in this:

For earlier camp news, click here.

Despite an equipment issue, David Beckham and AC Milan beat Juventus Sunday. (AP Photo)

Game story.

Hercules Gomez (yes, that one), left, made his Puebla debut Sunday in Carson, but couldn't stop his team going down to defeat. Here he vies with the ball with Monterrey's Jose Maria Basanta. (AP Photo)

Monterrey take final InterLiga berth Sunday in the nightcap at Home Depot Center.

The early dud game.

The official site.

On Wednesday it's Puebla-Estudiantes Tecos (6 p.m.) and then Club América-Monterrey.

Diving Tecos goalie Mario Rodriguez can't stop Salvador Cabanas scoring the second of Club America's three goals in nine minutes that enabled them to take a 3-1 lead Saturday in Carson. The game ended 3-3. (AP Photo)

Saturday's games.

With Club America and Tecos securing semifinal berths Saturday and Puebla already qualified among today's contestants, the final place is up for grabs today at Home Depot Center between Monterrey, Tigres UANL and Jaguares.

Tigres-Jaguares game preview.

Monterrey-Puebla game preview.

Official site.

A quintessential South Bay backdrop frames the U.S. practice today on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills, the Goodyear blimp taking off from its Carson base in the background, while Chivas USA's Justin Braun controls the ball and Rolling Hills Estates' Robbie Rogers (closest to the camera) stays out wide.

Today was day five of the 29-man U.S. squad hitting the practice fields at Home Depot Center in Carson, Coach Bob Bradley holding a single morning session after several days of two a days.

Players have their first day off Sunday and will be back out there Monday, the first week now behind them.

Held out of practice today were midfielder Sacha Kljestan (mild hip flexor strain), San Jose's Brandon McDonald (mild calf strain) and Marcus Tracy, the Aalborg striker.

Players already appeared to be moving the ball quickly in the short game I saw at the end of the training session, the Columbus Crew's Robbie Rogers in particular looking creative and effective out wide to the right (those previously mentioned pick-up games he organized after the MLS season ended with Kljestan at the HDC helped his fitness, he said).

Galaxy central defender Omar Gonzalez and former Galaxy forward Robbie Findley were having a good tussle at one end of the park.

Benny Feilhaber also sprayed one or two of his trademark crossfield passes to pretty good effect.

Chivas USA's Zach Thornton was in goal for one team while former Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman manned the other net. Goalkeeper Coach Zak Abdel was seen giving a pointer or two to Hartman and it must have taken both back a few years when they had the same roles with the Galaxy.

And, in case you're wondering, there were no goals, although that's beside the point at this early stage of a long camp that culminates with the Honduras game later this month, of course.

I chatted with Rogers afterward, who is shall we say not happy with the goings-on at the Crew of late (and that's perhaps an understatment). I'll post that interview later.

Bradley addressed a variety of topic with reporters, although he didn't always directly answer the question posed.

For instance, I asked how many slots were still open on the World Cup squad?

Said Bradley:

"Over the last couple of years there's been a solid group of guys that have established themselves, have played in important games. Most of them continue to be important players on their club teams. There are always ups and downs on that part. But I think that nucleus is there for us and from there we're trying to assess always the rest of our pool, make decisions about depth and be ready to put a good group together."

Bradley watched part of Landon Donovan's debut for Everton against Arsenal Saturday morning (and has taped it at his Manhattan Beach home, too) and was asked what he thought of his most influential player's EPL performance. I also asked whether whether he thought the experience was beneficial or should Donovan be here rather than playing at such a competitive level given the number of games he will play this year.

He said:

"It's great that he started. I think that in today's game he showed that technically he's got abilities. He's a player who has shown, whether it's in Confederations Cup or other big tournaments in the past, other World Cups, he's technically very good, able to make plays, he sees things very well, his movement is good. Now adjusting week in and week out to the Premiership is a good challenge for him and today was a good first step.

"This experience is excellent. He had a little time off. The opportunity now to keep himself going, be in a good environment, play in Premiership games, those are all great things for him and will ultimately help our team.

One reader had asked why the veteran likes of Brian Ching and Frankie Hejduk were't in camp, so I asked Bradley about that.

He said:

"Every situation is different, but there is a category of veteran players and you assess at the end of the season where they are physically. You talk to them, you talk to their coaches, you talk to their trainers. In some cases I think that decisions were made that they needed to be doing other things to prepare for their seasons and therefore we can assess them when their seasons start. We didn't need another January camp. There's different situations for different guys and I think those are two players that kind of fit that example."

Similarly he was asked how he assesses the young players such as McDonald and Justin Braun.

Bradley said:

"New players come in here and there's a mix of excitement, there's a mix of nerves, Typically, the level in this camp, the pace in this camp, the games are played quickly, the bar is raised so far as everything they do and so a lot gets thrown at guys.

"You expect that at first it's going to not be so easy and you combine that with the fact that guys have been off and everything else and then you see over the course of three weeks how they sort of come along. I would guess that's the case with most of the young guys you're referring to.

"Again, you've got to be careful who you choose now. Robbie Findley was in when we were preparing for El Salvador and Trinidad, so he's been in a national camp lately. There's guys that have been in camps before. They kind of understand how we do things and they understand a little bit of what's demanded day in and day out. That's a little but easier for them. There's guys that are new - there's a lot to throw at them. All of them come in having some period of time off, so now they have to face the challenge of physically getting going again. So there's a lot different things going on in January."

I plan to head back out to camp Monday BTW, so if you have a question you'd like answered by Bradley (or one of the players), put in the comments section.

Although EPL types don't really count assists.

The final score: 2-2 with Arsenal equalizing in second half stoppage time.

The Galaxy's Donovan looks good in blue. Here Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin attempts to hold him off in today's game in London, one of the few to survive England's deep freeze. (AP Photo).

Landon Donovan started, lasted 68 minutes and got his assist off a corner kick. Check out his role in Everton's opening goal here.

Full disclosure: I didn't watch the game on the Internet, so for some (unedited) instant analysis on Donovan's performance in the first 45 minutes, let's turn to L.A. Riot Squad member Dan Schuette:

"Not a bad first half. Donovan took a bit to settle in as could be expected. Looked a bit slow to start but eventually, slotted in well. Tracked back well on several occasion and showed his speed doing so on one particular break by Arsenal.

Hasn't had much to work with but when they did attack from the right, it showed the most potential and fluidity. Traore has been horrible yet Everton continues to attempt to ignore their best options by seeming to attack from the left. Gallas, Sagna, Traore all look sketchy.

Arsenal has had virtually no attack or build up. Everton look much the better team but can't seem to put together a few, sustained passes. I expect Everton to exploit the right side a bit more in the second half.

Landon looks good ! Better than what I would have thought.

And here's Galaxy Assistant Head Coach Dave Sarachan's assessment via Twitvid from a local pub (from MLS Insider):

Updated:

A complete game story and roundup of games from around Europe is here.

A preview of the opening game of tonight's doubleheader from Carson, Santos Laguna-Atlante at 5:30 p.m., is here. Both teams still have a chance to advance from Group A.

More on the game most fans want to see, Club America-Tecos, the top two teams in the group, is here.

Full tournament details here.

Tournament officials said "a full stadium is expected and organizers are encouraging fans to purchase their tickets in advance, as well as arrive early to the stadium."

I won't be blogging at the games due to a previous commitment, but I do intend to head out to today's USMNT practice at Home Depot Center. I'm collecting material for Tuesday's column, but if there is any news I'll blog it here.

Updated:

Fellow South Bay blogger Chris Cognac will provide updates from the stadium of tonight's InterLiga games. Follow along here.

Catching up on the day:

*U.S. Soccer said today a USMNT Feb. 24 exhibition at home against El Salvador is under consideration. The U.S. has confirmed games before the World Cup begins against Honduras Jan. 23 at Home Depot Center and the Netherlands in Amsterdam March 3.

*Chivas USA announced this afternoon that striker Eduardo Lillingston is going out on loan to second division Mexican team Tijuana.

The 32-year-old veteran led Chivas USA last year with nine goals, but often disappeared for long stretches of games and former Coach Preki was never overwhelmed by his work rate.

Lillingston joins former Chivas USA midfielder Panchito Mendoza, who is similarly on loan from CD Guadalajara, at the club.

Lillingston will supposedly return to Chivas USA after the transfer window re-opens July 15.

"This move allows us some flexibility with our roster, and will give Eduardo a good opportunity to play games during the offseason before rejoining our team," said Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Operations Stephen Hamilton.

*U.S. Women's National team coach April Heinrich Pia Sundhage has called in 26 players for a 20-day camp running Jan. 17 through Feb. 4 at Home Depot Center ahead of the annual Algarve Cup in Portugal.

The roster is essentially the same as the players called in for a December camp except for veteran defender Stephanie Cox (55 caps); midfielder Tobin Heath, the 2009 U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year who was sidelined from the December camp through injury; goalkeeper Jillian Loyden, Hope Solo's back-up for St. Louis Athletica; and U.S. Under-23 defender Brittany Taylor.

The full roster:
goalkeepers - Nicole Barnhart (FC Gold Pride), Jillian Loyden (St. Louis Athletica), Alyssa Naeher (Penn State), Hope Solo (St. Louis Athletica)

defenders - Lori Chalupny (St. Louis Athletica), Stephanie Cox (Los Angeles Sol), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (Philadelphia Independence), Meghan Schnur (Sky Blue FC), Brittany Taylor (UConn), Cat Whitehill (Washington Freedom)

midfielders - Yael Averbuch (Sky Blue FC), Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles Sol), Tobin Heath (UNC), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Heather O'Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (Chicago Red Stars)

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

*Finally, Fox could reportedly launch a second all-soccer channel called "Fox Soccer Plus," using rights purchased from financially-challenged Sentanta, who dropped EPL games from its schedule this weekend.

That's not going to help viewers this weekend though, because the EPL program is devastated anyway due to the unusually cold weather sweeping Europe.

What's left to watch from England?

Not much.

Wigan Athletic-Aston Villa is still on at this writing (7 a.m. Saturday FSC), as is Birmingham, City-Manchester United (9:30 a.m. FSC).

Hull City-Chelsea is off Saturday, as is Liverpool-Tottenham on Sunday. And before you ask, no, FSC won't be showing Landon Donovan's potential debut for Everton against Arsenal.

But, if you're truly desperate for a little LD facetime, he pops up at 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." And, no, I'm not kidding.

From the U.S. camp in Carson:

*And then there were 29. Uncapped New England Revolution midfielder Jeff Larentowicz lasted all of two days before calling it quits Thursday; he had been rehabbing a right knee injury anyway. No replacement will be named.

*Charlie Davies made a surprise visit to the team hotel Thursday afternoon in the South Bay to say hi; he's "walking on his own," U.S. Soccer officials said, and returning to Delaware to continue rehabbing.

*Interesting to hear how good friends Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kljestan (who both knew each other growing up in Huntington Beach) kept fit before the U.S. camp started. They used the Home Depot Center for pick-up games with an all-star cast of other players including Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez.

*Chivas USA forward Justin Braun sounds like he's making the most of his national team experience when he tweeted late Wednesday:

"National camp has been awesome so far! Just trying to go in every day and prove myself..next 3 weeks is going to be sick!!"

From Chivas USA:

*Defender Mariano Trujillo worked out today with his former team, Atlante, who are in Carson for InterLiga.

*Jorge Flores and Jesus Padilla (the latter on loan from CD Guadalajara) have been training in Mexico this week with the mothership; teammate César Zamora has joined them today, too.

*One player no longer training with CD Guadalajara though is long-time midfielder Ramon Morales, who has been with the team since 1999 and now appears surplus to requirements. He reportedly left the training ground in tears today and will sit for at least six months (which is what he has left on his contract) before deciding on his next move.

He won't be coming to Chivas USA though. The club tweeted (in Spanish) that quoted him as saying something along the lines of (very roughly translated)

"Chivas USA is a club that deserves all respect ... but I chose not to take the proposal to Chivas USA."

From the Galaxy

*Edson Buddle doesn't look like he's killing himself to stay fit in the off-season. He made a five minute video of his workout and the first two were of him um, walking. Pretty slowly. While a loooong musical intro played.

*Finally, Lawndale's Kei Kamara kicked back in an unusually foggy South Bay Thursday night and tweeted around 11 p.m.:

"Yo its so Foggy out not safe for driving happy I made it home safe...I passed out at the movies lol super tired."

Camille Abily will shine for the Sol no more.

Camille Abily and the 20th overall draft pick was traded to FC Gold Pride today in exchange for the Pride's top draft pick of 2009, Tina DiMartino (third overall), the 14th overall selection in the 2010 draft and the rights to one of the Pride's 2009 International Discovery Players.

On the face of it, the move appears to be a curious one for the Sol.

Abily, a French international, scored eight goals in 18 games, tying her with goal-machine Abby Wambach for second in the league, and was named to the WPS All-Star team. She was widely considered an integral part of the league's best attacking team.

"She has tremendous instinct on the field, her vision and decision making skills are right on point," said FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya. "Based on her performance in 2009, I'm sure everyone is aware of what she can do on the field. Abily is a very dynamic player."

UCLA product Martino, 23, is an attacking midfielder and accomplished U.S. youth international who made her full national team debut in January 2008.

I'm trying to get a comment from Sol GM Charlie Naimo. Stay tuned.

Updated 11:50 p.m. Thursday:
Naimo is apparently too busy tweeting to return my calls.

But he is responding to fans questioning the trade:

*"we'll have an exciting team with a lot of depth. Marta, Aya, Boxxy, Karina plus 3 new world class european players."

*"have faith, we have 3 new European players to play with Aya and Marta PLUS Dimartin and 4 of the 1st 14 picks. alot of depth 2010."

*"I know its a big move."

More brewing at the Sol. Stay tuned.

The next great Everton striker? (AP Photo).

England's Everton needs goals.

And they clearly expect on-loan Galaxy playmaker Landon Donovan to provide them.

Today the club awarded Donovan the No. 9 shirt worn by such club legends as Dixie Dean and Joe Royle over the decades.

Prolific LD sounds up for the challenge.

Puebla goalkeeper Jorge Villalpando got the shutout and his club got a crucial win Wednesday in Texas (AP Photo).

Puebla clinched a spot in the InterLiga finals in Carson by beating Jaguares 1-0 in Houston Wednesday, while Monterrey must beat Puebla Sunday at Home Depot Center if they hope to advance after drawing with Tigres in the nightcap.

Game stories here and here.

More from the official site of the tournament is here.

Catch up on Tuesday's action here.

U.S. soccer icon Mia Hamm and her husband, former Red Sox and Dodger great Nomar Garciaparra, host a charity soccer game Jan. 16 at Carson's Home Depot Center.

The ticket giveaway is from 1-2 p.m. at Sport Chalet, 21305 Hawthorne Blvd., at Del Amo Village (that's at the intersection of Torrance & Hawthorne boulevards).

The free tickets are for the third Annual Mia Hamm & Nomar Garciaparra Celebrity Soccer Challenge set for 3 p.m. Jan. 16 at Home Depot Center on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills. One ticket will be given to each of the first 100 people in line. The store will sell tickets to the event priced at $20 all weekend between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are also available via TicketMaster.

The charity soccer match benefits Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and the Mia Hamm Foundation. The nonprofit foundation raises funds and awareness for bone marrow transplant patients and their families. Mia's late brother, Garrett, died in 1997 from a bone marrow disease. More than $250,000 has been raised since the event began.

Confirmed challenge participants include U.S. Women's National Team greats Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy and Kristine Lilly, Galaxy icon Cobi Jones, Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, Lakers point guard Jordan Farmar, Olympic volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh and Chivas USA's Gerson Mayen. Other Galaxy and Chivas USA players have yet to be confirmed.

From the event press release:

At halftime, patients who were suffering from leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases will be introduced in person for the very first time to their bone marrow donors. The donor and recipient meetings will recognize all those who have given hope to patients in need of a life-saving transplant by joining the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. Fans in attendance will be given the opportunity to register and become donors themselves at the City of Hope Bone Marrow Registry on the concourse.

Said Hamm:

"This event is a great atmosphere for fans of soccer, sports, celebrities, and music. It is more important than ever to bring our diverse community together to ensure people in need are given the best chance at a donor match. We hope to increase the number of registrants this year and find another successful match."

For more check out the the foundation's Facebook page.

And in an unusual position, too, by the sound of it.

Beckham: A picture of concentration in today's game for AC Milan against Genoa. (AP Photo)

Here's the game report:

MILAN (AP) -- David Beckham began his second stint with AC Milan on Wednesday night, playing 76 minutes and positioned at forward rather than his usual midfield during his team's 5-2 victory over Genoa in the Italian league.

The English star lined up on the right side of an attacking trio with Marco Borriello and
Ronaldinho. He came close to scoring in the first half, his long shot hitting the side
netting.

Beckham, on loan from the Galaxy, is looking to sharpen his game leading to the World Cup in South Africa.

In the third minute, Beckham crossed to Borriello, but Genoa's Marco Amelia pushed away the shot from close range shot.

Milan won behind penalty kicks from Ronaldinho and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, two goals by Borriello and another by Thiago Silva. Giuseppe Sculli and David Suazo scored for Genoa.

AC Milan (10-3-4) moved into second place in Serie A with 34 points, eight behind Inter
(13-2-3), which won 1-0 at Chievo Verona on Mario Balotelli's 12th-minute goal.

Club America leads Group A after beating Atlante Tuesday night, while Tecos stayed alive by defeating Santos.

Tonight it's Group B leading Puebla facing Jaguares, while Monterrey faces arch rivals Tigres.

Suggested reading:

*A Tecos-Santos game story is here.

*For complete stats and info, the official InterLiga site is here.

*Is this the seventh and final edition of InterLiga?

Finally, check out the Club America-Atlante highlights:

Scheduling issues prevented me from heading out to Home Depot Center today for the opening day of the U.S. Men's National Team annual January camp.

But the Associated Press dispatched a reporter.

Here's the story that was filed:

CARSON (AP) -- Five months before the United States makes its sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, coach Bob Bradley is searching for starters.

Forward Charlie Davies is likely to miss the tournament because of injuries sustained in a car crash last October and defender Oguchi Onyewu is sidelined until spring following knee surgery.

Here's a Twitpic of Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez in action today.

Bradley also is hoping to find players to provide consistency.

Bradley began the search Tuesday with the start of the team's annual training camp for players from Major League Soccer and Scandinavian clubs on winter break.

Bradley cited the competition between Chivas USA's Jonathan Bornstein and FC Dallas' Heath Pearce for a spot at left back as an example of the intensity he expects to see.

"Certainly, when you have Heath and Johnny Bornstein in the same camp, they understand," Bradley said. "They've been battling each other for a few years, so I'm sure that's going to continue."

With most of the team's regular starters -- such as Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey -- in Europe, Bradley invited 25 players from Major League Soccer and five from clubs in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

"There's a solid nucleus; we're trying to add the right depth," Bradley said. "The hope is
that we see some players who are making progress and are going to be in the mix as we make decisions later this year."

The Columbus Crew's Robbie Rogers of Rolling Hills Estates hopes to be in Bradley's mix for a place on the 23-man World Cup roster.

"I want to show that I have something to add to the team," said Rogers, who has played nine games for the United States. "I know the team needs some players who are creative, who can attack with speed but also work hard.

"Whenever you're in front of these coaches, you want to be sure you're professional and you're good for the team."

Being good for the team means adapting to the style Bradley has brought since becoming the national coach in 2007.

"We know what kind of team we are and how we can win games," midfielder Benny Feilhaber said. "We've really got to depend on good defending and trying to take our opportunities when we have them."

The camp will end with an exhibition against Honduras on Jan. 23. The U.S. has been attempting to schedule a February home match against Mexico.

"There are a number of conversations going on with different teams," Bradley said. We'll need to have something to make sure that the players who are here are kept in the right kind of form, the right kind of fitness."

The United States plays the Netherlands in Amsterdam on March 3, the only date before May that European clubs are required to release players to national teams.

The U.S. also is trying to schedule May exhibitions to prepare for its World Cup games against England (June 12), Slovenia (June 18) and Algeria (June 23).

Looks like things are getting ever more tense between MLS and its players.

MLS' "code of silence" is going to work against them if they don't start being more forthcoming.

Prediction: fans will side with the players, not MLS, and the league is risking its hard-won credibility.

I wonder though, why Landon Donovan, one of the highest-paid players in the league, is the apparent spokesman on this issue. I'm guessing players figure LD is pretty much untouchable.

Here's the latest:

NEW YORK (AP) -- Major League Soccer could be headed for a work stoppage next month.

The sport's international union says management is threatening to lock out MLS players after the league's five-year labor contract expires Jan. 31.

"It is difficult to understand why the owners would take this course, when all we are asking for are the same rights enjoyed by other players around the world, not just in the biggest leagues, but in leagues of all sizes," Los Angeles Galaxy star Landon Donovan said in a statement released by FIFPro, which represents more than 50,000 players, including members of the MLS Players Union.

MLS president Mark Abbott disputed much of what FIFPro said.

"Any discussion about a lockout, players' strike or other work stoppage is premature and frankly counterproductive to our ongoing mutual commitment to reach an agreement," he said.

FIFPro claims MLS's single-entity structure, in which all players sign with the league rather than individual teams, violates regulations of FIFA, soccer's governing body.

FIFPro said almost 80 percent of MLS players don't have guaranteed contracts, that contracts give the league multiple one-year options, that players can be transferred without their consent and that out-of-contract players lack freedom of movement.

"Despite months of negotiations the two sides have made little progress on a new deal," FIFPro said. "The league is now threatening to lock the players out on Feb. 1 if the players don't agree to a continuation of the status quo."

Before forming a union, MLS players filed a federal antitrust suit against the league. A jury ruled against the players in 2000.

Abbott said the league complied with FIFA's regulations and that "it has been proven in
federal court that the MLS business structure is legal and does not operate as a cartel."

"During the last 50 years, there have been multiple failed efforts to launch professional
soccer in the United States and Canada," Abbott said. "In order to avoid this fate, the MLS owners created a structure that has provided stability and growth during the last 15
years."

Income for MLS players averaged $147,945 at the start of last season, according to the MLS union, but the median -- the point at which an equal amount make above and below -- was $88,000 for 323 players listed.

"What we are looking for are the same basic rights that players enjoy in other leagues around the world," Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller said in a statement issued by FIFPro. "We have made great strides in developing the game in the United States. But we can't truly compete internationally, either for players or fans, with a system that is so radically different than other leagues around the world."

MLS Players Union executive director Bob Foose declined comment, spokesman Neil Hare said.

The heaviest snow in England for decades prevented the Galaxy stars' introduction to the English media from happening today as his 10-week loan to EPL club Everton begins.

So Landon Donovan had to be content with an interview with the club's Web site (which is behind a pay wall).

However, Donovan reportedly said that U.S. and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard had helped him settle in and that "going into a World Cup year this experience will keep me sharp."

Everton needs Donovan's firepower: The team has 26 goals in 19 matches and is in 11th place in the EPL.

The bad weather has already forced the postponement of some English games scheduled for today.

And will we see LD make his possible EPL debut this weekend on U.S. TV?

Um, maybe but it's complicated.

Maybe Donovan should have headed to Mexico after all, although this may not be the best way to do that:

The first live telecast: the Mexico-South Africa game from the World Cup.

A minimum of 84 other live events will follow this year including 25 other World Cup games.

"ESPN 3D marries great content with new technology to enhance the fan's viewing experience and puts ESPN at the forefront of the next big advance for TV viewing," said George Bodenheimer, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks, and President, ESPN and ABC Sports.

From the ESPN press release:

ESPN has been testing ESPN 3D for more than two years. Last fall, ESPN produced the USC vs. OSU college football game which was shown in select theaters as well as to 6,000 fans at the Galen Center on USC's campus. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing the technology in live game applications which have provided ESPN the ability to streamline workflow operations, adjust 3D camera positioning, test transmission and gauge fan reaction to a 3D telecast versus a traditional telecast.

ESPN's goal: to drive adoption of 3D television sets.

Oh, great. And I just got a 46-inch HD TV a little over a year ago. Wonder if I can just get away with wearing those funky cardboard glasses?

Flying at InterLiga. Tecos' Fredy Jose Bareiro, center, is tripped by Atlante's Miguel Angel Martinez during the teams' InterLiga opener Saturday in Houston (AP Photo).

Read the column here.

OK, not exactly earth-shaking news, I know, but it's a reminder we live in a soccer town when the assistant Galaxy head coach and his wife walks into the Hermosa Beach vet waiting room first thing this morning while I was waiting to get the cat we just rescued from the Carson Animal Shelter checked out. (Tycho is fine, thanks for wondering).

Dave has a small white poodleish type dog, BTW. And yes, I resisted the temptation to grill Dave for any news.

It's that kind of non-news day anyway.

In other non-news:
*The U.S. Men's National Team will hit the Home Depot Center fields for the first time Tuesday (players are still filtering in from what I understand). Schedule permitting I'll head out there to see what's going on.

*MLS will not move MLS Cup to the home field of the regular season champion this season after all.

"Following a detailed review and careful analysis of both options, we have elected to continue with a neutral-site format for MLS Cup 2010," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "We believe this format will provide an exciting environment for our fans while also allowing the necessary planning time for our key constituents. We will continue to assess the possibility of playing MLS Cup at the home stadium of the higher seeded team in the future."

MLS will announce the venue later in the first quarter of this year.

Now excuse me, I have a column to write for Tuesday's paper.

Updated:

Guess we have a little news this afternoon after all.

MLS has announced eight new additions to its Generation adidas class including local product Amobi Okugo (UCLA), an 18-year-old midfielder who was Pac-10 Freshman of the Year.

MLS also announed the signing of U.S. U-20 and UCLA goalkeeper Brian Perk today ahead of the draft.

They'll join the likes of Kyle Nakazawa, Michael Stephens and David Estrada (all UCLA) and Chad Borak (Cal State Northridge) at this weekend's combine.

Landon Donovan, who readers voted as the second annual 100 Percent Soccer So Cal Personality of the Year (the first winner was CSUDH Coach Joe Flanagan, BTW).

So he can add that to his player of the year, MVP, goal of the year, etc., etc., honors he picked up this year from U.S. Soccer, MLS, and more.

It wasn't even close.

Thanks to all who took the time to vote.

I'll resume regular blogging later on Monday.