Thursday Kicks: Guzan Speaks & More

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.

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UCLA’s Ellis, Leroux Lead U.S. Women’s Under-20 Team in Guatemala

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.

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No Surgery for Dempsey Required

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.”

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Chivas USA’s Nagamura Joins Tigres, Padilla, Santos and Cuesta Sign New Deals

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

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Tuesday’s Column: Dempsey latest injury to strike U.S.

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.”

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USMNT Coach Bradley Reacts to Dempsey Injury

i-737076ac0c0214e99c1ef85d5409e8c1-dempseyrovers.jpgClint 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.

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Galaxy’s Donovan to Extend Everton Loan?

It could happen, Landon Donovan said today.

i-e4ef30c1be5ea96a271fae032114e755-LDbarry.jpgSounds 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.

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Sol Unveil New Strip for 2010

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

i-76925ff071911d44891a340059f72574-2010solkit0002.jpgSol 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.

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Galaxy’s Donovan Sparkles in Everton Victory

i-a4b1882b2abeb2ffee5d6e77ed5cd9c1-donovanhomedebut.jpgLD 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.”

i-93e67e58ae94431caf9406bae2a4b778-donovan salute.jpg 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.

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Rogers Out as Sol Coach, Team Being Sold

i-ec6c708b7de88a7fc2d60b7e2d548df3-AbnerRsol.jpgAbner 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.

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