A quartet of tidbits to pass along:

*Chivas USA announced today they had released backup goalkeeper Lance Parker, who made six appearances last year in MLS, SuperLiga and U.S. Open Cup competitions.

“Lance is a hard-working goalkeeper with a lot of potential,” said Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Operations Stephen Hamilton. “He helped us both on and off the field.”

Also gone from Chivas USA’s camp: trialists Isaac Kissi and Matt McManus.

BTW, Chivas USA intend to hold open tryouts on the same March weekend as the Galaxy. Details here, giving budding MLS players an interesting dilemma. The $40 Chivas USA is asking players to pony up to participate is far cheaper than the $150 the Galaxy is charging though.

*Injuries and weather are causing problems for the U.S. Men’s National Team training camp at Home Depot Center.

*The World Cup countdown is truly on when ESPN’s Outside the Lines dedicates Thursday’s entire noon show to the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in South Africa. Bob Ley hosts from South Africa, former MLS striker and ESPN World Cup Analyst Shawn Bartlett comments on its significance to the nation and former Galaxy Coach (and I use the term loosely) Ruud Gullit, who dedicated his 1987 World Football Player of the Year award to Mandela, also chimes in.

Finally, the National Soccer Hall of Fame has sadly succumbed to its financial problems.