March 2010 Archives

Yeah, this is pretty important ahead of Thursday's Galaxy-Chivas USA game: New food at Home Depot Center.

The (edited) press release from the HDC:

"This season, expanded food and beverage options include the popular fried chicken restaurant chain Pollo Campero, Starbucks coffee and Cinnabon at selected concession stands."

"In addition to Pollo Campero, Starbucks coffee and Cinnabon, stadium food and beverage partner Levy Restaurants will be introducing new items, including a BBQ brisket stacker sandwich, pulled pork sandwiches, pizza-by-the-slice, tostadas grandes, super nachos and more.

I had the Pollo Campero chicken in the press box last week and it is excellent (a Guatemalan colleague of mine who wasn't impressed notwithstanding).

Also from the Home Depot Center press release:

The American Express Stadium Club's west terrace has been transformed into an outdoor lounge, complete with 2,295 sq. ft. of Tiger Turf Sierra Pro synthetic grass, flat screen television, outdoor couches and lounge furniture and a full bar. More than 30 planters were also added to the west terrace, filled with Jasmine flowers. The re-design was done by Hermosa Beach-based design firm, GEORGE Interior Design

Also on the west terrace, the facility will roll out private, four-seat 'Cabana Suites' this season, available for single game rentals with a view of the field along the south endline. The cabana rental includes four tickets, two VIP parking passes, complimentary food and drink with waiter/waitress service and access to the American Express Stadium Club. The private cabanas will occupy space on the west terrace, above sections 104 and 105. More information on the cabana rentals is available by calling 1-877-604-8777.

And the snow angels?

More here.

Here's a half-dozen (or so) soccer stories for you to chew on:

*Reporter Phil Collin observes that Chivas USA are looking to put their season-opening loss behind them ahead of Thursday's derby against the Galaxy at Home Depot Center.

*The first event on ESPN's new 3D channel: the opening game of the World Cup. More here.

*The Budweiser Cup, a six-on-six soccer tournament held in 16 cities, begins April 17. The championship is scheduled for Sunday, May 16 at Home Depot Center. The ultimate prize: a trip to South Africa to represent the U. S. at an international 6v6 tournament. Details here.

*The U. S. climbed two places to No. 16, one ahead of Mexico in the latest FIFA rankings released today.

*The U.S. Women's National Team plays Mexico at 6 p.m. today live on ESPN2 for the second time in four days.

*If you're wondering what's going on at Home Depot Center today, it's filming for something called "Rock n' Gol," a 4v4 tournament of four teams of athletes and celebrities. Among them: Marcelo Balboa, Brandi Chastain, Tony Meola and Tab Ramos. If you care the event airs at 6 p.m. June 3 on MTV Tr3s.

*Finally, if you're a U.S. fan sick of hearing about the string of injuries to American players ahead of the World Cup opener against England, you should know the soccer Gods are watching and are apparently evening things out:

LONDON (AP) -- Wayne Rooney will be sidelined for two-to-four weeks because of a sprained ankle, a person close to Manchester United told The Associated Press.

Rooney was hurt in the final minute of Tuesday night's 2-1 Champions League loss at Bayern Munich. The person, who spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not been made, said Rooney had not broken any bones and should be fit for the World Cup.

Rooney flew back to Manchester from Munich on Wednesday with his right foot in a protective boot. He scored his 34th goal of the season in the second minute of the game at Allianz Arena.

England coach Fabio Capello says the injury is "terrible" news. England plays its World Cup opener against the United States on June 12.

"I think he will have a scan tomorrow," Capello said Wednesday. "I'm not happy when a player from the England team is injured, it's terrible. It's not a good thing for me. I will speak to him this evening or tomorrow morning."

Rooney is set to miss Saturday's Premier League match against Chelsea at Old Trafford. The result is likely to have a major effect on the title race, with United a point ahead of second-place Chelsea.

An absence of two weeks would rule Rooney out of three games: league matches against Chelsea and Blackburn and the Champions League return leg against Bayern.

Three weeks would mean Rooney also misses the derby at Manchester City. If out for a month, he would be sidelined for the league game against Tottenham and possibly a Champions League semifinal against Lyon or Bordeaux -- if United qualifies.

With Michael Owen out for the rest of the season, United is left with Dimitar Berbatov as the team's only veteran forward until Rooney returns.

"England's worst nightmare" said The Times, while the mass circulation Sun had one word: "Pray."

"Get well soon" said the Daily Mail alongside a photo of Rooney grimacing and lying on the turf in pain. "Please don't let this be the moment England's World Cup dream died."

Three Four for Tuesday:

*As expected, Toronto was selected as the site today of this year's season finale, the MLS Cup, a reward for a market that has sold out the stadium since the MLS franchise began play there in 2007.

Other factors that undoubtedly played a major role in awarding the event to Toronto on Nov. 21: capacity at BMO Field will increase this year to 21,800 and the stadium now has a grass field.

A Canadian newspaper broke this news a week or two ago, but it was a fairly predictable choice anyway. In fact, let's forecast who will get the game next year: name the world-class city with a spanking new stadium touted as perhaps the world's best for its size. No prizes for guessing New York and no prizes for guessing that this team could be this year's All-Star game opponent either.

*And this isn't much of a surprise either: Tim Leiweke, president of Anschutz Entertainment group, owner of the Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, Home Depot Center, etc., has joined the effort to bring the World Cup to the U.S. in 2018 or 2022.

"AEG has an unparalleled history with soccer in the United States and Tim has played an important role in developing the sport's legacy in this country for many years," said Sunil Gulati, the chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of U.S. Soccer. "He is a tireless worker whose international experience and industry connections will be invaluable assets to the USA Bid Committee moving forward."

*FIFA has amended the rules regarding player selection for the World Cup.

From the U.S. Soccer press release:

"For this tournament, teams must submit a preliminary list of 30 players by May 11. The final list of 23 players must be delivered to FIFA by June 1, and those players must come from the 30-man preliminary roster. Once again, teams must include three goalkeepers. From June 1 on, a player may be replaced due to injury up to 24 hours prior to a team's first match. In this case, the replacement player is not required to come from the 30-man preliminary list."

*Almost forgot to mention (speaking of potential World Cup players) that U.S. international defender Oguchi Onyewu (seen sitting with club teammate David Beckham at Saturday's Galaxy game, BTW) was busy running stairs Monday during the Chivas USA practice I was watching at Home Depot Center as he continues to rehab the injury suffered with AC Milan.

New England Revolution's Kheli Dube, left, knocks the ball away from the Galaxy's Leonardo during last Saturday's MLS encounter that saw Los Angeles field four rookies, including Leonardo (AP Photo).

Galaxy central defender and Rookie of the Year Omar Gonzalez was the club's only player to see action in all 30 MLS games, while former Maryland teammate and fellow rookie AJ DeLaGarza, also saw significant playing time.

But after that there wasn't much depth in terms of youth and Coach Bruce Arena was forced to stick with capable, if pedestrian veterans for the most part.

Not this year, as Saturday's opener showed when Arena played four rookies, including the trio of on-loan Brazilians.

Why the change over last season?

"They're better," Arena said.

Point taken, but it makes for a short column.

I go on longer about the subject in today's column.

The only problem is no-one on the playing or coaching staff can speak Portuguese (midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi could, but he was taken in the expansion draft).

The three receive an English lesson twice-weekly, but curiously those same tutors haven't taught a handful of Portuguese words to the rest of the team.

Spanish and sign language only goes so far.

"The biggest thing is going to be the communication barrier with the Brazilians," said Landon Donovan. "Being able to communicate is the most important thing. When you have three guys who don't speak the language it's difficult. When that comes I think it will be a lot easier for all of us. They need to learn at least the basic words so we can move forward."

With Tuesday's column wrapped (check back in the morning for more on the Galaxy's new crop of rookies) and the technical issues that have prevented me from blogging solved, I thought I'd provide a modest update on the teams ahead of Thursday's nationally televised LA derby between Chivas USA and the Galaxy.

Regular readers of 100 Percent Soccer know that Chivas USA Coach Martin Vasquez is strongly leaning toward veteran Costa Rican Froylan Ledezma to fill one of the two remaining open roster spots.

The other could well be filled by a more familiar face - former Chivas USA defender Alex Zotinca.

The club didn't pick up Zotinca's option last year and he spent 2009 qualifying for his coaching license.

But the 33-year-old veteran of six MLS seasons is not ready to hang up the cleats yet and Vasquez needs a backup at centerback (and right back).

"We need depth because we only have six defenders, with him it will be seven," Vasquez said. "He looks good so far. We have another two weeks to make a decision, but if he gets over the fatigue and the soreness and gets fit, I believe he can help us.

"He knows the players in this league and that's a big plus."

Meanwhile, striker Maicon Santos played 60 minutes Saturday in a scrimmage against a local PDL team and could return for the game against the Galaxy, pending a fitness test Tuesday or Wednesday.

Here's the Galaxy's injury report ahead of Thursday's game:

QUESTIONABLE - Gregg Berhalter (left knee soreness), Alan Gordon (left knee bruise), Bryan Jordan (left upper leg soreness), Jovan Kirovski (left knee sprain), Eddie Lewis (left foot contusion), Clint Mathis (left knee surgery)

Also, while I was unavoidably out of the blogging loop for much of the weekend:

*GOLTV announced it will start airing in HD Aug. 1, although of course, as we're discovering with Fox Soccer channel, if your carrier doesn't make room for it among its hi def offerings that doesn't mean much.

*Three So Cal products all got on the scoresheet as the U.S. Women's National Team, downed Mexico 3-0 Sunday in San Diego.

Scoring were Torrance's Shannon Boxx, USC product Amy Rodriguez and UCLA product Lauren Cheney (Boxxy got the assist on Cheney's goal, too).

Galaxy 1 New England Revolution 0

Technical difficulties will force me to cut this short tonight.

Here's the game story.

Quotable:

The guys for the most part were pretty solid, but we could have been better and I'm a little disappointed we didn't get the second goal," said Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena.

Here's the reaction of New England Coach Steve Nichol to the loss:

"The one thing we said at halftime was we needed to believe in what we were doing. The inexperience we had tonight kind of manifested itself in the first half; we were timid and unsure."

New England finished with just one shot on target; the Galaxy had three.

Quote of the night went to Edson Buddle when he was asked what his assessment of the Brazilian trio of new Galaxy players was.

"Well, they're from Brazil," he said as reporters dissolved into laughter.

Buddle, who only got his braces off his teeth a couple of weeks ago after wearing them since arriving at the Galaxy, took an elbow to the bottom front teeth from Pat Phelan in the 70th minute.

He was not pleased and required emergency dental work from the team dentist before addressing the waiting media.

"You've got to do what you've got to do to win," he said to laughter.

Attendance: 21,376.

Next: Chivas USA 8 p.m. Thursday.

Galaxy 1 Revolution 0

The second 45 minutes was quieter than the first, but the Galaxy again had the better of the game and for the most part cantered home comfortably to win a season opener for the first time since 2004.

Buddle tested Preston Burpo in the 79th minute, the goalkeeper needing to tip the ball around the post to prevent a second goal, while Omar Gonzalez had a stong header repulsed by Burpo in the 82nd minute.

Donovan had a couple of forays forward that left the Revolution's defense at sixes and sevens, but the Galaxy was unable to find the second goal that would have put this one well beyond the Revs' reach.

Still, the Galaxy did what they needed to do to win, while playing comfortably within themselves. A good start to the season for Ricketts who had nine shutouts last season and wasted no time notching another at the outset of this one.

More later.

Galaxy 1 Revolution 0

When Galaxy midfielder Eddie Lewis left in the 26th minute with a left knee contusion and was replaced by Alex Cazumba, Coach Bruce Arena found himself fielding all three of his young Brazilian imports in the first game of the season to good effect, sending a message to his sidelined veterans as well.

The Galaxy are firmly in control of this one with the Revs seemingly unable to penetrate the attacking half.

The Brazilian trio have been involved in all the best Galaxy chances outside of Buddle's sixth minute goal.

Central defender Leonardo headed over the bar from a Landon Donovan corner kick in the 26th minute, Cazumba supplied a cross that needed a Kevin Alston deflection to stop a stabbing Buddle attempt from 14yards in the 36th minute and Juninho supplied the cross that gave Revs goalkeeper Preston Burpo issues and Mike Magee almost a headed goal two minutes before half time.

Key stat: the Galaxy have seven shots to the Revs' one.

Galaxy 1 Revolution 0

That's a quick way to quiet critics who wonder whether Edson Buddle has lost his scoring touch.

He opened his account just six minutes into the game, escaping the attentions of Pat Phelan to head home from a Landon Donovan free kick with a diving header from five yards.

The opening game of the season and both teams are missing several veterans.

As expected, the Galaxy are without central defender Gregg Berhalter (left knee soreness), striker Alan Gordon (left knee bruise), Jovan Kirovski (right knee sprain) and Clint Mathis (left knee surgery).

Injured David Beckham, I'm told, is also in the house, on crutches and wearing a knit cap.

So the Galaxy give MLS debuts to two of three young Brazilians on the roster - Leonardo in central defense in place of Berhalter and Juninho in the depleted midfield.

Coach Bruce Arena is already modifying his original plan of having Mike Magee partner Edson Buddle in attack; Magee moves back to midfield and Donovan will go up front with Buddle.

Sean Franklin is back at right back.

The complete Galaxy XI (4-4-2): Donovan Ricketts, Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, Leonardo, Todd Dunivant, Mike Magee, Dema Kovalenko, Juninho, Eddie Lewis, Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan.

Bench options include: Chris Birchall, Chris Klein and A.J.DeLaGarza, but just one out and out striker - young Tristan Bowen of Van Nuys.

The Revs are without the injured Shalrie Joseph, Taylor Twellman and goalkeeper Matt Reis, while Steve Ralson, of course, is gone to the USL.

The Revolution lineup (4-4-2): Preston Burpo, Kevin Alston, Cory Gibbs, Emmanuel Osei, Seth Sinovic, Sainey Naissi, Pat Phelan, Joseph Niouky, Chris Tierney, Kheli Dube, Zack Schilawski.

Updated: Nice touch - Donovan just went over before kickoff and acknowledged the Riot Squad, who were displaying a large "Welcome Home Landon" sign.

The Galaxy face a Shalrie Joseph-less Revolution at 8 p.m. at Home Depot Center (live on Fox Soccer Channel) in both teams' season openers.

I haven't heard whether the Galaxy are close to a sellout for the opener, but here's the parking and traffic essentials.

Here's some assorted game previews:

*The game basics from reporter Phil Collin.

*The view from Boston.

In other news around the league:

*Preki has signed former Chivas USA defender Dan Gargan, 27, for Toronto FC continuing his personnel moves that are infuriating some fans in Toronto.

*Rolling Hills Estates' Robbie Rogers is targeting a "huge" year with Columbus.

Other televised MLS games today:

*1 p.m. KFTR Dallas-Houston

*3:55 p.m. ESPN New York-Chicago Fire (Check out the new Red Bulls Arena in HD).

*6 p.m. FSC San Jose Earthquakes-Real Salt Lake

I plan to blog from the Galaxy game as usual, so join me then.

Chivas USA 0 Colorado Rapids 1

Two views:

*Reporter Phil Collin filed this game story.

*Here's the perspective of The Denver Post.

Chivas USA lineup - Dan Kennedy, Mariano Trujillo, Jonathan Bornstein, Michael Umaña, Ante Jazic, Michael Lahoud (Jesus Padilla 64), Marcelo Saragosa, Sacha Kljestan, Jorge Flores (Justin Braun 46), Osael Romero, Maykel Galindo (Chukwudi Chijindu 75)

Attendance: 18,658

Fans expected to see a fluid, loose, attacking Chivas USA team under Martin Vasquez.

They got a disjointed, uptight, hesitant Chivas USA that made you wonder whether they were already missing the discipline previous coach Preki instilled or just some wiser heads.

"We were not sharp in the attacking half," Vasquez said. "We tried to break them down, we couldn't. If we want to win games we have to be sharper and more hungry.

"In the first half our mobility wasn't what we wanted," he added. "We were patient, but our speed of play needed to be faster."

Midfield was the main problem.

Jorge Flores, who started wide on the left, never got to grips with his responsibilities and was replaced at the half by Justin Braun.

Michael Lahoud never got behind the defense to create problems, Vasquez observed, while Sacha Kljestan "lost a few balls, but it wasn't just him."

Tweeted Kljestan after the game: "disappointed with our game tonight, we didnt perform well enough."

Chivas USA looked like team missing some experience which they were; the likes of Jesse Marsch, Paulo Nagamura, Claudio Suarez and Cary Talley have all retired or departed.

"We're a young team," said Jonathan Bornstein. "The Galaxy game will be a good indication of what we learned from this game."

Notable: New signing Osael Romero of El Salvador, virtually invisible at times in the game drew more attention in the dressing room than on the field; his locker was surrounded by members of the media serving that community after the game.

Phil Collin filed this quote from goalkeeper Dan Kennedy on the team's performance and his return to competitive action after a year out through injury:

"We let the fans down a bit, but we've got a quick turnaround until the clasico on Thursday, so there's no time for us to dwell on this and put our heads down. We just need to pull it together, evaluate our performance and hopefully we'll be able to adjust to the game this Thursday.

"I felt very comfortable out there, very confident. I felt my play was strong. I don't think anyone would have said. 'Oh, that guy's been out a year. I felt like I just walked right back to where I was when I left off."

I thought Colorado Coach Gary Smith summed up the difference between a Preki-coached Chivas USA and a Martin Vasquez-coached Chivas USA, having beaten the same franchise under two coaches in Carson in consecutive seasons:

"They're a much changed team, there's a lot of differences in that changing room. They're trying to play a lot more football. A lot of bodies out and some new bodies in. There's some cultural changes going on in there. It might take a little bit of time for them to find their feet. They played some very nice football at times.

"Last year this team was very resilient and determined, verging on the spiteful and nasty at times. It was a difficult place to come and difficult individuals to play against.

"This team looks a lot more creative, there's a lot more movement, it looks like there's a direction of possession and rotation of bodies and flexibility within the team. I thought they kept the ball ever so well at times.

Something to build on.

And that will make these fans even happier than they are here before Friday's game in a first for Chivas USA:

Chivas USA 0 Colorado Rapids 1

The best Chivas USA chance of the second half was arguably a short header back to the goalkeeper by defender Danny Earls that almost deceived Matt Pickens.

'Nuff said.

This is the first Chivas USA loss in their home opener since their inaugural, awful 2005 season.

More later.

Chivas USA 0 Colorado Rapids 1

Colorado's Omar Cummings turned and fired home from 17 yards, the ball falling to him after Colin Clark went past Mariano Trujillo in the 56th minute.

If Colorado hold onto win it will be their third win in the last four meetings with Chivas USA at Home Depot Center.

Chivas USA 0 Rapids 0

Let's be charitable and note that this was the opening 45 minutes of a long season.

This was a game that took at least 30 minutes to get rolling - and it didn't roll far.

Maykel Galindo was Chivas USA's bright spot, his long, rapid runs causing Colorado problems on several occasions, notably when the Cuban burned Kosuke Komura with a run that started in his own half midway through the first half.

But on the whole Chivas USA - and to be fair the game as a whole - has lacked any sort of real rhythm.

Sacha Kljestan has looked out of sorts in midfield, running randomly into packed defenses or losing the ball unnecessarily. Jorge Flores hasn't looked much better out wide on the left either, which is where the bulk of Chivas USA's attacks have been concentrated.

Perhaps the fact that both teams best chances may have come from long range summed up the speculative nature of both attacks.

Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens - who has looked shaky on several occasions - had trouble handling a long-range Marcelo Saragosa shot in the 18th minute; similarly Colin Clark sent a 30-yard blast whistling past Dan Kennedy's far post just before halftime.

Colorado finished the half without a shot on target, Chivas USA had two.

Not surprisingly, Justin Braun has replaced the ineffective Jorge Flores as the second half begins.

I'm leaving for Home Depot Center in about 30 minutes, but before I do:

*Here's reporter Phil Collin with the gameday basics.

*How does Vasquez (an assistant coach with Chivas in the club's inaugural season, remember) feel about the game?:

"Very special. Ive been waiting for this moment since I got the job. I've been waiting for this moment from day zero when we started this franchise. (I feel) nervous, excited, anxious, all of the above. But mainly excited and proud to have this opportunity."

*Notable: The team's average age (25 years, 160 days) has dropped almost two and a half years from the average age of the roster at the end of the 2009 season. Goodbye, Jesse Marsch, Claudio Suarez, Sasha Victorine, Cary Talley, etc., hello Blair Gavin, Osael Romero, Ben Zemanski, etc.

*Veteran defender Cary Talley, who Chivas USA let go earlier in the week, has returned to D. C. United.

*Former Chivas USA goalkeeper Jon Conway joined Toronto Friday reuniting him with former coach Preki.

If you missed these earlier in the week, check out the:

* Chivas USA season preview.

*And my column from earlier in the week.

I'll be back with the lineups a little later.

Updated:
New Coach Martin Vasquez hasn't sprung any major surprises with his first starting XI in MLS compared to what we've seen in preseason.

The 4-4-2 formation has Dan Kennedy returning in goal after missing all of 2009 though injury, Mariano Trujillo and Ante Jazic slotting in as full backs, with Jonathan Bornstein and Michael Umana in the middle of the back four as expected.

Sacha Kljestan is captain with Jesse Marsch gone and he's joined in midfield by Marcelo Saragosa, Michael Lahoud and Jorge Flores.

Up front is Maykel Galindo and new signing Osael Romero

Options off the bench include Blair Gavin, Jesus Padilla, Justin Braun and "Chucky" Chijindu

Here's the Rapids lineup (4-4-2): Matt Pickens, Kosuke Kamara, Drew Moor, Danny Earls, Marvell Wynne, Jeff Larentowicz, Mahdi Ballouchy, Pablo Mastroeni, Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Omar Cummings.

The game is on KDOC.

The folks at the Major League Soccer talk blog decided to scrape the bottom of the barrel this week and interviewed yours truly for inclusion on their season preview podcast.

Meanwhile, reporter Phil Collin wisely kept his mouth shut and his laptop open for today's Galaxy preview.

Here's more on the special guest the Galaxy had visit them at training Wednesday.

Finally, Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena appears on an on-line chat at 12:30 p.m. on ESPNLosAngeles.com

I'll be back a little later today with more on tonight's Chivas USA season opener.

AP Photo

On a magnificent night in Seattle, Torrance's Sigi Schmid coached his Sounders past the expansion Philadelphia Union 2-0 Thursday before a record MLS crowd of 36,241 at Qwest Field in the league season opener.

It was a spectacle on and off the pitch, with frenzied fans undaunted by the steady rain (the first time it had rained on a MLS soccer game in Seattle I was told) and chanting their city's name with a Kop-like passion.

"It hasn't lost its luster," Schmid told the Seattle Times. "This is still almost a dream sometimes, every time I step on the field."

The opening goal was a thing of beauty, the entire Sounders forward line getting involved and giving MLS a touch of class between Freddy Montero, Freddie Lungberg, Steve Zakuani and, ultimately, Brad Evans.

Game story.

Incidentally, Chivas USA's Sacha Kljestan tweeted after the game:

Stoked to see the MLS season start tonight... congrats to my boy Brad Evans for the game winner! Ima try to be like you tomorrow night..

Chivas open their season Friday at Home Dept Center.

Well, the organizers would like to wheel the Galaxy midfielder (or have him hobble) out, apparently to goose ticket sales:

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- World Cup organizers will talk to David Beckham about having a role at the tournament's opening ceremony.

Organizing committee chief executive Danny Jordaan told The Associated Press on Thursday there have already been indications that Beckham will travel to South Africa with England's squad, even though he has been ruled out of playing because of a torn Achilles' tendon.

Beckham is expected to be involved in promoting England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Jordaan said the organizing committee would approach the former England captain about taking part in the opening ceremony at the Soccer City Stadium in Soweto on June 11.

"I think that already there is an indication that he will come with the England team and he
will work for the 2018 bid," Jordaan told the AP at a FIFA event in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra. "So we will meet him when he comes here."

The England team is expected to arrive in South Africa on June 3.

The 34-year-old midfielder ruptured his Achilles' tendon playing for Italian club AC Milan
this month. He underwent surgery in Finland and is expected to be sidelined about six
months.

England coach Fabio Capello has invited Beckham to join the squad at the monthlong tournament.

Beckham had been hoping to become the first Englishman to play in four World Cups.

Beckham's presence at the opening ceremony could be a massive boost for local organizers, who have experienced disappointing ticket sales for soccer's biggest event.

The local organizing committee expressed its disappointment after Beckham was injured on March 14, saying Beckham was a "household name" who would "enhance spectator presence in South Africa."

The MLS season starts at 6:30 tonight on ESPN2 when the Seattle Sounders host the expansion Philadelphia Union at an expanded (for soccer), sold out Qwest Field in front of what is certain to be a near delirious crowd.

Chivas USA kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Home Depot Center against the Colorado Rapids (tickets start at $15) and reporter Phil Collin checks in with this preview.

Phil will have a Galaxy preview Friday ahead of their home opener Saturday at Home Depot Center.

Here's a look at the 16 MLS teams as they head into the 2010 season, in alphabetic order, by the Associated Press:

Chicago Fire

LAST YEAR: 11-7-12 (second place), lost to Real Salt Lake in Eastern Conference final.

WHO'S BACK: D C.J. Brown, D Wilman Conde, M Justin Mapp, F Brian McBride, D Marco Pappa, M Logan Pause, M John Thorrington.

WHO'S GONE: Coach Dennis Hamlett, F Cuauhtemoc Blanco, G Jon Busch, D Gonzalzo Segares, F Chris Rolfe.

WHO'S NEW: Coach Carlos del los Cobos, M Corben Bone, G Andrew Dykstra, D Steve Kinney, D Krzysztof Krol, M Julio Martinez, F Collins John.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Fire opened 2009 with an 11-game unbeaten streak (5-0-6) then played around .500 the rest of the way to finish second in the MLS Eastern Conference behind Columbus. Still, Chicago advanced to within a game of the MLS Cup finals before a 5-4 loss on penalty kicks to Real Salt Lake in the conference finals. In a busy offseason, the team hired former El Salvador national team coach de los Cobos as new field boss and signed former Premier League striker John. He'll be paired with a healthy McBride, his former Fulham teammate. Salvadoran international Martinez joins veterans Pause, Thorrington and Mapp in the midfield, while Fire original Brown and all-star Conde anchor the defense. Dykstra, a 24-year-old rookie, will start in goal. Veteran keeper Busch was surprisingly released earlier this week after three seasons with the Fire. And Chicago will be without star forward and drawing card Blanco, who returned to Mexico to continue his career.

Chivas USA

LAST YEAR: 13-11-6 (fourth place), lost to Galaxy in first round.

WHO'S BACK: GK Zach Thornton, GK Dan Kennedy, D Jonathan Bornstein, D Yamith Cuesta, D Mariano Trujillo, MF Sacha Kljestan, MF Marcello Saragosa, MF Michael Lahoud, F Maykel Galindo, D Ante Jazic, F Jesus Padilla, F Maicon Santos.

WHO'S GONE: Coach Preki, MF Paulo Nagamura, MF Jesse Marsch, D Shavar Thomas, D Carey Talley, F Eduardo Lillingston (on loan at Tijuana until June).

WHO'S NEW: Coach Martin Vasquez, MF Osael Romero, D Michael Umana (pictured above), MF Blair Gavin.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Goats' fourth consecutive first-round playoff exit -- this time at the hands of their L.A. rivals -- prompted the departure of Preki, who always produced a consistent side, but never challenged the Galaxy for pre-eminence in their shared hometown. Vasquez, the former U.S. and Mexican national with coaching experience in MLS and the Bundesliga, will attempt to generate some offense from a club that profoundly struggled to score despite its playoff run. Romero could be a key part of that progress as he looks to replace Nagamura and Marsch, the foundations of Chivas' recent offense alongside Kljestan, the U.S. international who hasn't put his club on his shoulders. With a little more cohesion on offense, starting in Friday's home opener
against Colorado, the Goats could be ready to roll up the Western Conference standings.

Colorado Rapids

LAST YEAR: 10-10-10 (tied for fifth place), didn't make playoffs.

WHO'S BACK: Coach Gary Smith, F Conor Casey, F Omar Cummings, M Colin Clark, M Pablo Mastroeni, D Julien Baudet, GK Matt Pickens, D Kosuke Kimura, D Drew Moor.

WHO'S GONE: GK Preston Burpo, D Ty Harden, M Jacob Peterson, F Pat Noonan, M Greg Dalby.

WHO'S NEW: D Danny Earls, M Jeff Larentowicz, GK Ian Joyce, M Wells Thompson.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Rapids missed the playoffs for a third straight season, the longest postseason drought in franchise history. They were cruising along before being derailed by a late-season slide. Part of that was due to injuries as Colorado lost Clark, Jamie Smith and Peterson to knee ailments. Casey turned in quite a year for the Rapids, finishing with a team-record 16 goals. His reward? A three-year deal in early March. Cummings tied for the league lead in assists with 12 and set a career-high by scoring eight goals. Pickens will start in goal for the Rapids after a season in which he finished 9-6-4 with a 1.16 goals-against average. To bolster their midfield, the Rapids acquired Larentowicz and Thompson from New England in January.

Columbus Crew

LAST YEAR: 13-7-10 (first overall in MLS), lost to Real Salt Lake in Eastern Conference semifinal.

WHO'S BACK: Coach Robert Warzycha, D Eric Brunner, M Brian Carroll, M Emmanuel Ekpo, F Jason Garey, M Eddie Gaven, D Frankie Hejduk, G William Hesmer, F Steven Lenhart, D Chad Marshall, M Adam Moffat, D Danny O'Rourke, D Gino Padula, M Robbie Rogers, F Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

WHO'S GONE: F Alejandro Moreno.

WHO'S NEW: F Sergio Herrera.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The core that brought two consecutive Supporters' Shields (most points overall) and the 2008 MLS Cup title to Columbus remains with only Moreno (expansion draft, Philadelphia) missing. The Colombian Herrera and late-season addition F Emilio Renteria from Venezuela were brought in to spark an attack that lacked finishing other than the 14 goals from Schelotto, the 2008 league MVP. The defense should again be rock solid starting with 2008 and '09 MLS Defender of the Year Marshall and a back line that lacks speed but oozes with experience. Hesmer, after tying a team record with 10 shutouts in 2008, had seven last season in 10 fewer matches. Carroll anchors a steady midfield, but more is expected from Rogers (pictured), a U.S. international who had only one goal in 20 starts for the Crew last season. The disappointing first-round playoff exit still gnaws at the team, but a good showing in the recent CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series against Mexican club Toluca has the Crew eyeing a record third consecutive Supporters' Shield and another crack at the MLS Cup. The Crew open at home Saturday against Toronto FC before playing at FC Dallas on April 10.

D.C. United

LAST YEAR: 9-8-13 (fourth place), missed playoffs.
WHO'S BACK: F Chris Pontius, F Jaime Moreno, M Santino Quaranta, M Clyde Simms, D Bryan Namoff, D Dejan Jakovic.

WHO'S GONE: Coach Tom Soehn, M Ben Olsen, F Luciano Emilio, M Fred, M Christian Gomez.

WHO'S NEW: Coach Kurt Onalfo, G Troy Perkins, F Danny Allsopp, M Christian Castillo.

WHAT'S AHEAD: Once MLS' flagship franchise in every sense of the word, United has suffered through a malaise of sorts recently and watched the rest of the league pass them by on many fronts. Several highly touted player acquisitions have gone awry, keeping the club out of the playoffs for the last two seasons, and the last of the club's four MLS titles was back in 2004. And as soccer-specific stadiums are springing up for MLS clubs across the country, United remains stuck in antiquated RFK Stadium while several proposed deals for a new facility have fallen apart. The team started its competitive overhaul by letting Soehn's contract expire and replacing him with Onalfo, the former United player and Kansas City coach. Former league goalkeeper of the year Perkins was also brought back after his overseas stint, but that was the only major roster upgrade for a team that lacks depth, especially after preseason injuries to Simms and D Marc Burch.

FC Dallas

LAST YEAR: 11-13-6 (eighth place in Western Conference).

WHO'S BACK: F Jeff Cunningham, M Daniel Hernandez, M David Ferreira, M Dax McCarty, D Heath Pearce, D Ugo Ihemelu, D Brek Shea.

WHO'S GONE: M Dave van den Bergh, M Pablo Ricchetti.

WHO'S NEW: GK Kevin Hartman, M Zach Loyd.

WHAT'S AHEAD: FC Dallas started last season 1-7-3 and missed the playoffs for a second straight year. The club finished strong with the addition of Pearce, a U.S. international who helped the league's worst defense last season hold all of its opponents under two goals a game over its final five games. The club had the most goals (50) in MLS last season led by the league's Golden Boot winner Cunningham, but also led the league in most goals allowed with 47. After sitting on the bench for the first part of the season, Cunningham went on a second-half tear after the trade of striker Kenny Cooper to German club 1860 Munich. Cunningham scored 17 goals in 16 games and should benefit from a full season as a starter. The team also added Hartman to compete with veteran Dario Sala in goal. Although 35, Hartman holds just about every meaningful MLS record including games started in goal, wins and shutouts. Last season Hartman started 30 games for Kansas City and finished with a 1.40 goals-against average. The club will also look to improve with a full season from team captain Hernandez and Ihemelu -- both of whom were midseason additions last year. The team is also high on rookie Loyd who may be able to break into the starting lineup and allow Pearce to play in the midfield.

Houston Dynamo

LAST YEAR: 13-8-9 (tied for first in Western Conference), lost to Los Angeles in Western Conference final.

WHO'S BACK: Coach Dominic Kinnear, F Brian Ching, GK Pat Onstad, M Brad Davis, F Cam Weaver, D Geoff Cameron, D Bobby Boswell, M Brian Mullan, M Corey Ashe, D Richard Mulrooney.

WHO'S GONE: M Stuart Holden, M Ricardo Clark.

WHO'S NEW: M Lovel Palmer, M Adrian Serioux.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Dynamo were once again one of the league's top defensive teams in 2009, tying Seattle for the fewest goals allowed (29). Midfield mainstays Holden and Clark left to play in Europe and Houston signed Palmer and Serioux to replace them. Palmer played for the Jamaican national team and Serioux, who helped the Dynamo win the 2006 MLS Cup, returns after starting 25 games for Toronto in 2009. Ching, the team's all-time scorer, and 2009 assists leader Davis are back to lead an offense that ranked sixth in goals last season (39). Onstad recorded 10 shutouts and had the longest shutout streak (491 minutes) in 2009. The 42-year-old Onstad was one of three goaltenders to play every minute for his team last season, and he is the league's all-time leader in goals-against average (1.05). The Dynamo went 8-1-6 in 2009 at rowdy Robertson Stadium, where they averaged more than 17,000 fans.

Kansas City Wizards

LAST YEAR: 8-13-9 (sixth place).

WHO'S BACK: Coach Peter Vermes, and M/F Davy Arnaud, D Jimmy Conrad, F Josh Wolff, M Jack Jewsbury.

WHO'S GONE: Coach Curt Onalfo, G Kevin Hartman, M/F Claudio Lopez, M Herculez Gomez.

WHO'S NEW: M Ryan Smith, M Stephane Auvray, F Teal Bunbury (pictured), G Jimmy Nielson, D Pablo Escobar.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Wizards have always had talented rosters, but haven't gotten results to show for it. Kansas City, which reached the 2004 MLS Cup, has finished fourth, fifth and sixth the past three seasons. Last year's disappointing run cost Onalfo his job after 2½ seasons. Vermes returns after taking over when Onalfo was fired. The biggest change this year for the Wizards will be in goal. Hartman, who holds nearly every significant MLS goaltending record, couldn't agree to a new contract and was traded to FC Dallas. Danish keeper Nielson, a veteran European league player, takes over after signing in the offseason. The biggest concern in Kansas City is scoring. The Wizards managed just 33 goals last season, second-worst in the league, and lost former Argentine international and playmaker Lopez. Wolff was impressive after rejoining the team in 2008 -- 11 goals in 27 games -- but Kansas City will need more production to stir interest with a new soccer-specific stadium due to open in 2011.

Galaxy

LAST YEAR: 12-6-12 (T-first place), lost to Real Salt Lake in MLS Cup.

WHO'S BACK: Coach Bruce Arena, F Landon Donovan, F Edson Buddle, F Alan Gordon, D Omar Gonzalez, D Gregg Berhalter, D Todd Dunivant, MF Eddie Lewis, D A.J. DeLaGarza, MF Mike Magee, MF Dema Kovalenko, GK Donovan Ricketts.

WHO'S GONE: MF David Beckham (though injury) MF Stefani Miglioranzi, MF Kyle Patterson, D Julian Valentin, D Leonard Griffin, D Tony Sanneh.

WHO'S NEW: MF Clint Mathis, MF Juninho, D Alex, D Leonardo, M Michael Stephens.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Beckham Experiment is on hold for at least several months after the superstar English midfielder injured his Achilles' tendon, which will keep him out of the World Cup and could sideline him for the entire Galaxy season. Yet this resilient club has learned to play without its world-wandering midfielder over the past few years, and every other significant part of the core from last season's MLS Cup finalist is back for another run. All eyes again will be on Donovan, whose successful loan to Everton has Los Angeles' fans expecting even bigger things from the top American goal-scorer. The Galaxy's fate could be determined by whether Lewis, Magee, Kovalenko and others can step into Beckham's huge playmaking shoes. Arena drew raves for his reinvigoration of the Galaxy last fall, and his sophomore campaign begins at Home Depot Center Saturday against the New England Revolution.

Philadelphia Union

LAST YEAR: First year for expansion franchise.

WHO'S NEW: Coach Peter Nowak. Assistant coach John Hackworth, G Brad Knighton, G Brian Perk, G Chris Seitz, D Danny Califf, D Jordan Harvey, D Dave Myrie, D Michael Orozco, D Shavar Thomas, M Fred, M Andrew Jacobson, M Sebastian Le Toux, M Stefani Miglioranzi, M Omobi Okugo, M Shea Salinas, M Toni Stahl, M Roger Torres, M-F Kyle Nakazawa (pictured), F Jack McInerny, F Alejandro Moreno, F Danny Mwanga, F Nick Zimmerman.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The league's 16th team, Philadelphia hopes to join Chicago and Seattle as the only expansion teams to win their openers. The Sounders set a high standard last year by going 12-7-11, and Le Toux will be returning to Seattle after playing there with in the USL. Fred is suspended for the opener following a red card in his final match last season for DC United. After playing on artificial turf in the league opener at the Sounders Thursday, the Union returns home for two games at the Eagles' Lincoln Financial Field starting against D.C. United on April 10. They open their new stadium, 18,500-seat PPL Park in Chester, against Seattle on June 27.

New England Revolution

LAST YEAR: 11-10-9 (third place), lost to Chicago Fire in Eastern Conference semifinal.

WHO'S BACK: Coach Steve Nicol, D Kevin Alston, D Darrius Barnes, M Mauricio Castro, M Nico Colaluca, F Kheli Dube, F Edgaras Jankauskas, M Shalrie Joseph, F-M Kenny Mansally, M Sainey Nyassi, D Emmanuel Osei, D Pat PhelanZZSB, G Matt Reis, D-M Chris Tierney, F Taylor Twellman, M Michael Videira.

WHO'S GONE: D Chris Albright, F Stephane Assengue, D Jay Heaps, D Amaechi Igwe, G Brad Knighton, M Jeff Larentowicz, F-M Steve Ralston, M Wells Thompson.

WHO'S NEW: D Gabriel Badilla, F Zak Boggs, G Preston Burpo, D Cory Gibbs, M Joseph Niouky, F Zack Schilawski, G Bobby Shuttleworth, D Seth Sinovic.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Revolution clinched a postseason berth with a win in their final game of the 2009 regular season then were eliminated from the playoffs by Chicago for the second straight year. They're still without Twellman, their career-leading goal scorer, who hasn't been cleared to play after appearing in just two games last season because of concussions and a neck injury. With 101 goals, he is the fifth player in MLS history with more than 100. The Revolution lost two fixtures after last season, Ralston and Heaps. Ralston, who leads MLS with 378 games played, became an unrestricted free agent and signed with St. Louis of the new North American Soccer League. Heaps retired after 11 MLS seasons, the last 8½ with New England, where he played in a club record 243 games. And Reis, the Revolution's starting goalkeeper for the past six seasons, is expected to be out until late May or early June after having surgery on his left shoulder in December and an operation to fix the quadriceps tendon in his left
knee on Feb. 4. Burpo, acquired in the offseason, is expected to fill in. The Revolution's
season starts Saturday at the Galaxy.

New York Red Bulls

LAST YEAR: 5-19-6 (7th place, Eastern Conference).

Red Bull fireworks in 2009? (AP Photo).

WHO'S BACK: F Juan Pablo Angel, F Macoumba Kandji, F Dane Richards, F John Wolyniec, M Danleigh Borman, M Seth Stammler, M Sinisa Ubiparipovic, D Jeremy Hall, D Carlos Mendes, D Mike Petke, D Andrew Boyens, D Kevin Goldthwaite, D Luke Sassano, GK Bouna Coundoul, M Ernst Oebster, F Giorgi Chirgdaze.

WHO'S GONE: GK Danny Cepero, M Jorge Rojas, M Albert Celades, D Carlos Johnson, M Matthew Mbuta.

WHO'S NEW: GM Erik Soler, coach Hans Backe, D Roy Miller, D Chris Albright, M Joel Lindpere, M Austin da Luz, D Tim Ream, M Tony Tchani, M Carl Robinson, M Irving Garcia, GK Greg Sutton, F Conor Chinn, F Ibrahim Salou.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Red Bulls have a new coach in Backe, a new sporting director-general manager in Erik Soler and a new $200 million stadium called Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. The team would like to forget about the disastrous 2009 season that saw the franchise that played for the MLS Cup in 2008 collapse to the worst record in the league. The team didn't make wholesale changes. Angel, the franchise's all-time leading scorer, had 12 of the team's 27 goals last year and eight in preseason. He starts this season favoring a knee injury and his status for the opener against Chicago is in question. Kandji and Richards, who scored four and three goals, respectively, last season, have benefited from a solid offseason conditioning program. Lindpere should add stability to the midfield. Coundoul, who came over in a midseason trade, is the man in goal for now. Veteran defenders Mendes and Petke are healthy and the club added another veteran when it acquired Albright. Miller is a solid free agent signing and draft
picks Ream and da Luz should play from the start.

Real Salt Lake

LAST YEAR: 11-12-7 (fifth place), beat Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS Cup.

WHO'S BACK: Coach Jason Kreis, F Robbie Findley, F Fabian Espindola, M Javier Morales, F Andy Williams, M Kyle Beckerman, D Jamison Olave, G Nick Rimando.

WHO'S GONE: F Yura Movsisyan, M Clint Mathis.

WHO'S NEW: F Alvaro Saborio.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The defending MLS champion slipped into the 2009 playoffs on an unlikely combination of wins and losses by other teams at the end of the regular season. RSL got all bounces it needed, beating Chicago on penalty kicks in the semifinals and then winning on penalties again against the Galaxy in the MLS Cup championship match. Coming off that success, the club made very few changes in the offseason. Veteran midfielder Mathis was sent to the Galaxy in a draft-day deal, F Movsisyan left to join a club in Denmark and backup goalkeeper Chris Seitz went to the Philadelphia Union in the expansion draft. RSL picked up Costa Rican forward Saborio on a loan from a Swiss Super League team. Salt Lake hopes the continuity and confidence after last season's playoff run carries over into a better regular season in 2010. RSL was just 2-12-2 away from home before the playoffs last year.

San Jose Earthquakes

LAST YEAR: 7-14-9 (last place).

WHO'S BACK: Coach Frank Yallop, F Ryan Johnson, G Joe Cannon, M-F Arturo Alvarez, M Bobby Convey, F Cornell Glen, D Brandon McDonald, D Ramiro Corrales, M Andre Luiz, M Ramon Sanchez.

WHO'S GONE: M Darren Huckerby, M Shea Salinas, D Mike Zaher, M Simon Elliott, M Antonio Ribeiro.

WHO'S NEW: M Eduardo, M Joey Gjertsen, D Ike Opara, M Brad Ring, M Javier Robles, D Justin Morrow, M Steven Beitashour.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Earthquakes have struggled in their first two seasons back in the league after San Jose lost its franchise to Houston in 2005. Yallop, who led the team to MLS titles in 2001 and '03, hasn't been able to get the Earthquakes back to the playoffs in his second stint here. The loss of Huckerby to retirement and Salinas to the expansion draft deliver a big hit to the midfield. That will put even more pressure on Convey to regain the form that put him on the U.S. World Cup roster in 2006. He had only one goal and two assists last year. The team added some help in the midfield by signing Eduardo from FC Basel in Switzerland. The Brazilian adds some offensive flair that had been missing. The addition of Gjertsen from Canada also could be a big help. Opara, the third pick in the draft, will miss the start of the season while he finishes work on his degree at Wake Forest. When he does arrive in May, Opara is being counted on to offer a big upgrade to San Jose's defense. In good news off the field, the San Jose city council recently approved the rezoning of a site for a new 18,000-seat stadium that would allow the team to leave its temporary home at Santa Clara University.

Seattle Sounders FC

LAST YEAR: 12-7-11 (third place), lost to Houston Dynamo in Western Conference first round.

Capable Kasey Keller (AP Photo).

WHO'S BACK: Coach Sigi Schmid, F Fredy Montero, F Nate Jaqua, F Steve Zakuani, M Freddie Ljungberg, M Brad Evans, D Tyrone Marshall, D Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, D Leo Gonzalez, D James Riley, G Kasey Keller.

WHO'S GONE: F Sebastien Le Toux.

WHO'S NEW: F Blaise Nkufo (arriving in July).

WHAT'S AHEAD: Priority No. 1 in Seattle is making sure there is no sophomore slump. The Sounders inaugural season could not have gone much better: sellout crowd for all 15 home games, the U.S. Open Cup championship and becoming the first expansion team in 11 years to reach the MLS playoffs. Within that remarkable first season were plenty of problems, none more glaring than Seattle's struggles to score. Montero emerged as a young star with 12 goals, catching the eye of some European clubs. Jaqua netted nine, but no one else scored more than four. The Sounders goal total of 38 ranked eighth in the league, only standing up because Keller showed he's still one of the best goalkeepers in America. Keller's back, Ljungberg decided to remain with the Sounders rather than accepting the overtures from European clubs and Seattle hopes to get a scoring punch when Nkufo arrives after the World Cup. The Swiss striker is the all-time leading scorer for Dutch club FC Twente.

Toronto FC

LAST YEAR: 10-11-9 (fifth place).

WHO'S BACK: D Nana Attakora. F Chad Barrett, D Jim Brennan, M Sam Cronin, G Stefan Frei, D-M Gabe Gala, D Nick Garcia, D Emmanuel Gomez, M Dwayne De Rosario, F O'Brian White, D Marvell Wynne.

WHO'S GONE: Coach Chris Cummins, M Amado Guevara, M Carl Robinson, D Adrian Serioux, G Greg Sutton, MF-F Pablo Vitti

WHO'S NEW: Coach Preki, D Ty Harden, M Jacob Peterson

WHAT'S AHEAD: John Carver quit as coach after a 2-2-2 start and Chris Cummins, who had been an assistant coach, took over. He led the team to an 8-9-7 record, but the team didn't renew his contract after missing the playoffs. Preki was hired, leaving Chivas USA after leading the team to the playoffs in three straight seasons. The biggest change is the switch to grass from artificial turf at BMO Field, which could be important for a team with a 2-9-4 league road record last year. Honduras captain Guevara, the MLS MVP with New York in 2004, had five league goals last season but left Toronto to re-sign at home with Motagua. Barrett, Gomez and Peterson have been injured during preseason, and F Ali Gerba was sent home from preseason training in Charleston, S.C., after the team said his performance was not up to expectations. De Rosario (11 league goals last year), Barrett (five league goals) and de Guzman, Toronto's designated player, will be counted on as leaders.

An El Tri fan in North Carolina: The agony of the scoreless draw (AP Photo).

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP) -- Goalkeeper Gunnleifur Gunnleifsson made three saves in the final minutes as Iceland held on for a scoreless draw with Mexico Wednesday in an international friendly.

Gunnleifsson's final save was a header by Mexico forward Miguel Sabah with seconds left in the third match of Mexico's U.S. friendly tour. More than 60,000 fans were on hand.

"I didn't like not winning," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said through an interpreter. "I said before I didn't care about winning or not winning ... but a goal would have been great."

Mexico -- which will open its World Cup against host South Africa on June 11 -- had won the first two games over Bolivia and New Zealand by a combined 7-0 score.

Mexico had two good chances in the first half, its best coming when Adolfo Bautista was set up for a header 10 meters out from the goal with 11 minutes remaining. His shot slid to the outside of the right post.

Iceland's best opportunity came in the final minute of the first half, from a free kick by Jon Gudni Fjoluson from 20 meters out. Mexico keeper Luis Michel made a diving save to deflect Fjoluson's shot.

"Normally, my players play in Iceland in front of 1,000 people," coach Olafur Johannesson said. "This was a very new experience for them. They're going to remember this the rest of their lives."

On the eve of the MLS season, here's a few items to much on until the games begin:

*Here's the Galaxy's Landon Donovan on KTLA this morning:
 

*Mexico take on Iceland at 5 p.m. on KVEA. Game preview is here.

*If the Galaxy or Chivas USA makes it to MLS Cup this year, fans will have a looooong way to go to watch the game in person.

*Chivas USA announced today that all 30 regular season games will be aired on TV in English and Spanish for the first time. Click to the link at top right for the complete schedule details; the Galaxy have their TV info up, as well.

*Former UCLA midfielder David Estrada, 22, the Seattle Sounders' first round draft pick, has signed a contract with the club, the franchise announced today.

*U.S. Men's National Team Coach Bob Bradley has been named 2009 National Coach of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee. It's the first time a soccer coach has received the award since the USOC began handing them out in 1996.

*Finally, Becks is now No. 2 on the soccer rich list. And judging by these figures we may have to wait a little longer than we thought to see Thierry Henry in MLS:

PARIS (AP) -- Barcelona's Lionel Messi has deposed David Beckham to top France Football's list of the soccer players who earn the most.

The Argentina forward, the reigning FIFA player of the year, is said to have made $44 million last year in salary and endorsement income. Beckham, who has been first or second in each of the last nine years, took home $40.5 million in 2009, according to the report Wednesday.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2008 FIFA player of the year, was third with $40 million, while teammate Kaka, the 2007 FIFA player of the year, was fourth at $25 million, followed by Barcelona's Thierry Henry at $24 million

I'll have a complete MLS preview up a little later.

Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy looked to be Brad Guzan's worthy successor for Chivas USA between the posts before going down in the 2009 preseason with a serious right knee injury that kept him sidelined until now.

With last season's starter Zach Thornton seeing limited minutes in preseason it appears Kennedy, a Southern California native, will get the start Friday in Chivas USA's season opener at Home Depot Center.

I spoke with Kennedy this week about his injury and his return to competitive soccer:

Question: How is the team shaping up for the season under new Coach Martin Vasquez?
Answer: We've had plenty of time and plenty of preseason games to adapt to Martin and the coaching staff. At this point we're as prepared as we're going to get. We have a long preseason here and I think the guys are jelling well. Even though there's been a lot of change there's still a great core of guys we've had over the last two to three seasons and that should be a group we look to to show some experience and leadership.

Q: How did you handle the lonely task of rehabbing that injury month after month?
A: Sometimes when you take a step back away from the game and you go through a serious injury, coming back you have lot of time to reflect. My main goal was to be fully fit by preseason and I was.

With that time off you realize what you have here and the job of being a professional soccer player in a town that you grew up in is pretty special. So for me it was a little bit eye-opening and hopefully I come back more disciplined and more professional than I was before. I don't take this for granted. At some points you felt like you'd never play again, that's the reality of it. Now I feel great. If you were to walk on this field and tell someone I had a serious injury you wouldn't be able to pick which knee it was, that's how strong I feel."

Q: How will Chivas USA play differently under Vasquez than Preki?
A: Martin is emphasizing possession as our strength. This team is forever known as a stingy team on defense. Bob Bradley started it, Preki ran with it so hopefully we can continue to hold that reputation, but hopefully score more goals going forward and we're hoping that would put us in a place to win something.

Q: What's the biggest change this team needs to make to win a trophy?
A: I don't think it's any secret in big games we haven't put goals on the board and that makes it tough. With some of the personnel changes here I think we're going to be a much better attacking team and hopefully with the style of play that we have we commit some more numbers forward and that will create some more goalscoring opportunities.

Q: What was your goal coming into the 2010 season?
A: The goal coming into this season was to win back my job and prove to myself and the coaching staff and my teammates that I can (still) play at a very high level. I want to play an important role on this team. My goal is to compete for that starting job to the best of my ability.

Q: The projected back line of Ante Jazic and Mariano Trujillo as the full backs, with Jonny Bornstein moving into the center of defense to partner new signing Michael Umana looks one of the league's strongest.
A: The biggest thing is that three of the four - Mariano, Jonny and Jazic - have been at Chivas for some time so they have immediate chemistry. And everyone knows in soccer defensive chemistry is a very, very important factor in a team being successful. Umana has been here since day one of preseason, he's adapted very well, he's shown that he's a very, very good player and can play with us. So we're confident in that group of defenders getting us some good defensive results.

Cary Talley, a dependable veteran defender for Chivas USA who played a dozen MLS seasons for five clubs, was waived today ahead of Wednesday's 5 p.m. roster compliance deadline as anticipated.

"Carey provided leadership and strong play for us in the last two seasons," said Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Operations Stephen Hamilton. "This year, both he and the club decided to move in a different direction."

Translation: he didn't want to take a pay cut from the $110,000 he made last year.

Talley, 33, played 43 games for Chivas USA after joining them from Real Salt Lake in 2008, all except one as a starter.

All told, he's clocked up more than 300 MLS games since 1998 in his rookie year for D.C. United; he also played for Kansas City and Dallas.

Also gone: goalkeeper Jon Conway, who made all of one appearance in a friendly for Chivas USA after joining them last September after stints in New York and San Jose.

I'm going to miss Jesse Marsch and Talley in the Chivas USA locker room this season; both were great quotes who knew how to break a game down.

But at least I got to use that mug of Talley from his RSL days.

Hopefully more along the lines of Juan Pablo Angel and not David Beckham.

After all, if it's more profitable clubs MLS wants it needs designated players who actually stick around to play more than a game or two here and there.

Here's the story:

NEW YORK (AP) -- Major League Soccer is looking to add stars and teams now that it has avoided a strike and agreed to a five-year labor contract.

"It's in all of our best interests to ensure that we have star players that can help drive
interest in our league and grow attendance and ratings," commissioner Don Garber said Tuesday. "Now that we're past the CBA, we could sit down and we can tackle that issue."

Los Angeles midfielder David Beckham, the league's top attraction, will be sidelined for most if not all of this season with a torn Achilles' tendon.

MLS has just four other star "designated players," whose salaries don't fully count against a team's salary cap: New York forward Juan Pablo Angel, Seattle midfielder Freddie Ljungberg, Houston forward Luis Angel Landin and Toronto midfielder Julian de Guzman. The Galaxy's Landon Donovan isn't a DP but doesn't fully count against the cap, either.

Each team has a designated player slot and can trade it, with no team able to keep more than two DPs at once. Most of the DP slots are open.

Barcelona's Thierry Henry and Real Madrid's Raul Gonzalez often are mentioned as possibilities for the Red Bulls.

MLS says Seattle and Toronto were the only profitable teams last year, when regular and postseason attendance averaged 16,391.

"Clearly you're looking for a player that can be breakthrough figure locally and nationally, somebody that can give the team relevance in the local market against all competition but also give us respect throughout the international soccer community that proves that Major League Soccer is serious about building a professional soccer league that at one point can be competitive with the other leagues around the world," Garber said. "You're looking for somebody that can clearly move the needle on ticket sales and on sponsorship and on television ratings and get that buzz factor that we got with (Cuauhtemoc) Blanco and with David Beckham and a lesser extent but an important one with Juan Pablo Angel."

Philadelphia, which plays Thursday's MLS opener at Seattle, is the league's 16th team.
Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, British Colombia, are set to join in 2011. Garber said he will reopen talks to add Montreal, possibly for 2012, and that Atlanta and owner Arthur Blank could join later.

"You can't be a national league unless you have teams in the South," he said.

Garber said this year's MLS title game could be played in Toronto and new Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., which he said cost $250 million, was a top candidate to host in 2011 or beyond.

*Updated and edited

Read the column here.

One correction: Chivas USA have now fallen at the initial stage of the playoffs four years in a row, not three as I incorrectly stated in the column.

Chivas USA open their season at home Friday against the Colorado Rapids, of course, with the Galaxy following suit Saturday against the New England Revolution.

Notable: Of the 26 Galaxy players who were with the team at the end of last season, only eight were on the Galaxy roster when Bruce Arena was named the club's coach on Aug. 18, 2008.

And speaking of cuts, World Cup-bound New Zealand midfielder Simon Elliot, a former Galaxy player, was waived by the San Jose Earthquakes.

Here's a little more info from the Chivas USA camp:

*Before fans get their knickers in a twist and blame the club completely for dumping defender Cary Talley (there was a report last week he'd been waived) - oops, too late, Coach Martin Vasquez told me there's more to this than meets the eye.

Vasquez said Monday it wasn't entirely up to Chivas USA whether Tally stays or goes and there are family issues involved:

"We're waiting on him to make a decision at this point. We had a conversation and that's where we stand right now. ... We're looking at what's best for him and his family and what's best for Chivas USA. If it were up to us I would be honest in telling you."

Still, if you saw the quote from Talley's wife in the above link, you know he isn't sticking around. Reading between the lines I'm guessing that at the very least he was asked to take a pay cut and declined.

*Here's a little more on the status of Costa Rican striker Froylan Ledezma, mentioned at the end of the column as being on trial with Chivas USA. He has most recently been playing in Austria. He requested to train with the club, but hasn't played much lately and isn't match fit:

"We're going to be patient with him," Vasquez said. "Maybe in a couple of weeks we'll see how our first games go and we'll see how our guys go and make a decision."

*While we're at it, here's more on the status of trialist Artur Aghasyan, an Armenian-American striker who last year played for the PDL Ventura County Fusion:

"We don't have anything to offer him," Vasquez said. "We told him he's welcome to stay, he's welcome to continue to fight for a spot. There's some little details (of his game) he needs to improve on and he accepted that invitation to continue to stay with us and continue to improve those weaknesses. If something happens this week we'll sit down and have another conversation."

Unlike Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena, Vasquez is keeping his options open when it comes to potential new recruits.

*Incidentally, we'll know more about the new collective bargaining agreement Wednesday later today.

Full details of the collective bargaining agreement here.

Here's MLS players union rep and Galaxy defender Todd Dunivant on the new collective bargaining agreement that he called "historic":

"The players have a lot more protections in terms of what happens if you get dropped, if you get waived, if you get cut. The players have a lot more freedom. Under the old system I think that was the thing to us that made the least sense. The fact that a team could cut you, but still own your rights, that doesn't make a lot of sense and we eliminated that. The fact we have more freedom now to go where we want, we have an ability to go somewhere without being penalized and that's an important step for us.

"It's common sense. Now we have the ability, whether you're option is not picked up, whether you're waived or whether you're cut that you can go to other teams without that team having to give compensation to your previous team that cut you ... We have a lot more players (contracts) that are guaranteed now."

Also, from the Associated Press:

*The developmental minimum will go up to $31,250.

*Last year, 40 players among 323 listed by the MLS Players Union at the start of the season made the $34,000 minimum and 12 more made the developmental minimum of $20,100. The senior salary will increase 5 percent annually.

Updated

Adidas unveiled a new Galaxy jersey Monday called the "TECHFIT PowerWeb."

The company explains in its press release:

TECHFIT PowerWeb is a cutting edge athletic apparel technology that improves muscular endurance and responsiveness, and reduces muscle vibration, ultimately maximizing the athlete's performance. Through the use of compression fabrics and strategically placed TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) bands, located in key areas to enhance muscle power, TECHFIT is proven to increase a player's power by 5.3 percent, vertical leap by 4 percent, sprint speed by 1.1 percent and enhance endurance by 0.8 percent.

The TECHFIT jersey as worn by the players on the pitch will be specially packaged and retail for $150 starting in July.

All other MLS teams will wear the adidas FORMOTION uniform. FORMOTION is engineered to move naturally with the athlete's body resulting in an ideal fit and comfort while in motion. It also features adidas CLIMACOOL technology which combines a moisture wicking fabric and mesh construction in the player's highest heat zones to improve body ventilation and keep the athlete at optimum temperature.

Alrighty then. D.C. United and the Chicago Fire will also wear the Techfit PowerWeb jerseys as will teams at the World Cup.

Galaxy central defender Omar Gonzalez heads over CD Aguila's Hermes Martinez in the first half (AP Photos).

Full disclosure: I had to work today and missed most of the game.

That was a good thing, judging by the final score and Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena's reaction:

"I think it was a sloppy performance by us tonight. On the night we were sloppy on the final third of the field and on the night our passing wasn't good enough to break down a team that obviously came to defend with eight or nine players behind the ball."

But frankly, he didn't sound too concerned either.

The Galaxy outshot Aguila 19-2, but that's a deceiving stat; for instance, in the first half the Galaxy had just one shot on target.

On the other hand, Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts didn't have to make a single save.

Landon Donovan challenges CD Aguila's Hermes Martinez in the first half.

It was a final preseason performance that was hard to assess anyway given that central defender Gregg Berhalter was given the night off, Edson Buddle's strike partner Mike Magee had personal issues to attend to and the likes of Alan Gordon, Jovan Kirovski and Clint Mathis are all injured.

Notable: The Galaxy's three Brazilian offseason acquisitions - Alex Cazumba, Juninho and Leonardo all started for the Galaxy.

Picture of determination: the Galaxy's Alex Cazumba.

Galaxy lineup: Donovan Ricketts; Alex Cazumba (Todd Dunivant 46'), Leonardo, Omar Gonzalez, Sean Franklin; Dema Kovalenko, Eddie Lewis (Michael Stephens 68'), Juninho (Chris Klein 87'), Tristan Bowen (Chris Birchall 46'), Landon Donovan©, Edson Buddle.

Attendance: 6,364.

Next for the Galaxy: the home opener at 8 p.m. Saturday against the New England Revolution.

Look for a Galaxy and Chivas USA season preview in Tuesday's column.

Major League Soccer's newest stadium opened Saturday when the New York Red Bulls beat Brazil's Santos. Amazingly, the Red Bulls won (AP Photos).

By all accounts, Red Bull Arena surpasses Home Depot Center as the finest soccer-specific facility in the United States, although considering it cost twice as much as the Carson stadium that's to be expected.

But as writer Michael Lewis points out (in this piece written before the canceled March 13 international youth game that was to act as a "soft" stadium opening) the venue owes a a massive debt to the Anschutz Entertainment Group-built (and paid for) edifice.

Here's more on Saturday's opening:

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) -- On a picture-perfect night many fans longed for, the New York metropolitan area finally got its own soccer stadium Saturday.

The long-suffering Red Bulls even got a win, and Major League Soccer ensured five years of labor peace by signing a new collective bargaining agreement before the match.

The sky was cloudless blue, and the first evening of spring felt more like early summer. A sellout crowd of 25,000, many in shirt sleeves on a 73-degree night, filled long-discussed and much-delayed Red Bull Arena and watched the Red Bulls roll over Brazil's Santos -- Pele's old team -- 3-1 in a chippy exhibition.

Joel Lindpere scored off the rebound of his own free kick in the 11th minute, Mike Petke added a goal in the 43rd and Dane Richards made it 3-0 two minutes later. Germano headed in Santos' goal in the 90th, just before the lights were cut and a fireworks display was shot off from the center circle.

Fans filled the $200 million, two-deck oval, and league officials immediately proclaimed the nation's eighth soccer specific stadium its finest. The arena had been planned for a decade, but construction repeatedly was pushed back.

"It was six weeks away, six weeks away," said Petke, the Red Bulls' captain. "These last 10 years have been the longest six weeks of my life."

Franz Beckenbauer, a World Cup champion for Germany as a player and coach, was on hand to mark the moment along with Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn. When Der Kaiser played for the Cosmos from 1977-80, they filled up Giants Stadium in nearby East Rutherford with crowds of nearly 80,000. But with MLS mostly lacking the biggest stars, the Red Bulls averaged just 12,491 fans for league home games last year, 12th among 15 teams.

And they were forced to play on artificial turf that was slightly too narrow. Now they're in a gleaming stadium that looks as if it could have been transplanted from a wealthy regional club in central Europe, with a translucent glass roof over the seats to protect fans from rain.

"Thirty or 40 years ago, almost no one in the country played the game, and it takes time," Beckenbauer said. "Also, it's a question of tradition. So it takes time to get used to, to compete with the best teams in world, which you are doing now."

In a league that will miss its biggest draw, Los Angeles midfielder David Beckham, for most if not all of this season because of his torn Achilles' tendon, the Red Bulls hope to add a star later this year. Barcelona's Thierry Henry and Real Madrid's Raul Gonzalez often are mentioned as possibilities.

"It should be the beginning of a new era in New York soccer," said Dietmar Beiersdorfer,
sporting director of parent Red Bull. "For sure we are also working on one other player maybe to strengthen our team."

The biggest stars were missing from this match because of injury -- Santos' Robinho and New York's Juan Pablo Angel. Beiersdorfer knows what sells, especially in the Big Apple.

Neymar, the biggest star on the field for Santos, gave his jersey to Red Bulls defender Jeremy Hall at the half. Many fans wore yellow Brazilian national team jerseys, and Santos coach Dorival Junior called it "a party atmosphere" even though he was disappointed with the result."

"We could feel the love from the crowd," Neymar said through a translator.

The field needs a little work -- sand kept kicking up.

"We've always talked about getting away from the turf at Giants Stadium and how bad it was," Petke said. "What I played in tonight, you could put concrete down, to be honest with you and I would have been, you know, thrilled."

While PATH commuter trains go directly to the stadium, allowing fans to travel in the same manner as most European supporters do, those who took shuttle buses from Newark's Penn Station were caught in a 45-minute bottleneck to the nearby stadium, which looks like a silver spaceship on the shore of the Passaic River.

"We would have been better off walking," said Suzanne Becker of Bethlehem, Pa.

Now that there won't be a strike, up ahead is the first official match, New York's MLS opener against Chicago next Saturday. The Red Bulls were 5-19-6 in the league last year and 6-21-7 overall.

"Even friendly games are important games," new coach Hans Backe said.

Now that they have a top ground, they need to build an equal team.

"There really is no excuses," Petke said.

It was almost exactly 10 years ago - and I know because I wrote the story - that the Daily Breeze became the first newspaper to break the news AEG were looking to the South Bay to build a new stadium for the Galaxy.

Just for fun, here's that story as it ran on Feb. 28, 2000:

The campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills, has emerged as one of "three leading contenders" the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer is considering as the site for a new 30,000- to 35,000-seat soccer stadium, the Daily Breeze has learned.

"They actually brought an architect out here last week, so I know we are one of the three," said George Pardon, the university's vice president for business and administration. "They're going to do some renderings and sketches to know whether we have enough buildable room."

The other two sites being looked at are a vacant parcel in Carson near the Kmart store off Torrance Boulevard between Figueroa and Main streets and an unidentified tract in Los Angeles, said Sergio del Prado, the Galaxy's general manager.

But the campus near Carson may be the preferred site for what del Prado describes as a $50 million to $70 million soccer complex that would include a stadium, soccer academy and practice fields suitable for the Galaxy and U.S. national teams.

"That's the one that gives us the easiest ability to do all those things," he said Friday of the Cal State Dominguez Hills site. "We'd like the one that gives us the most opportunity to really succeed."

In other signs the campus may have the inside track, del Prado said architects are looking at the design of the 70-acre tract at the university before other potential stadium sites. And the weekly magazine Soccer America reported last month that billionaire Galaxy owner Philip Anschutz particularly liked the campus parcel after taking a Jan. 14 helicopter tour of possible locations.

The Galaxy plays at the 92,000-capacity Rose Bowl in Pasadena but is seeking to construct a smaller venue more suitable for the average crowd of 18,000 it attracts to its 16 home dates annually.

At Cal State Dominguez Hills, the soccer facilities would be built at the site of the cycling velodrome constructed for the 1984 Olympics. The cycling facility, although considered a world-class venue, has little connection to the university and in the past has been a money-losing endeavor.

On the other hand, a soccer stadium would be an ideal fit, Pardon said.

The university needs a stadium large enough to accommodate the 16,000 people who attend graduation ceremonies; last year the university spent $70,000 to rent chairs and erect temporary bleachers for commencement, he said.

The Galaxy would lease rather than buy the land needed for the stadium so the university would retain control in what Pardon called a good example of a public-private partnership.

Moreover, becoming a major center for soccer with its widespread and growing appeal, rather than a niche sport like cycling, is attractive to an institution redoubling efforts to reach out to the community.

"One of the main thrusts of our new president is for this campus to be more widely known as a `communiversity,' " Pardon said. "We have a really strong soccer program and it really fit with what we are doing educationally."

Area has broad appeal

For the Galaxy, the South Bay and the campus have several appealing characteristics, said del Prado, a former Parks and Recreation commissioner in Hawthorne who lives in El Segundo.

For one thing, Cal State Dominguez Hills is accessible for spectators with its proximity to the Harbor (110), San Diego (405) and 91 freeways, he said. And the area has the right demographic mix, ranging from the Latino communities in cities like Carson and Hawthorne that the Galaxy has traditionally relied upon for the bulk of its support to the middle-class soccer hotbeds of the South Bay and Orange County.

"We're looking for a site that attracts both the youth soccer suburban crowd as well as our Hispanic hard-core soccer fans," del Prado said. "Sometimes that's a challenge, but I think to maximize the potential for the MLS in Los Angeles you need to appeal to both fan segments."

Cal State Dominguez Hills has become a serious contender for the stadium with surprising speed.

The Galaxy has long sought a soccer-specific stadium of its own -- the Rose Bowl doesn't even have adequate practice fields.

But the project has received renewed attention following the completion of the Staples Center that Anschutz's corporation owns in addition to such properties as two other MLS teams, the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey league and the Forum in Inglewood.

In recent weeks more than a dozen potential sites in the Los Angeles area have been winnowed to three.

It was the university that extended feelers to the Galaxy initially, Pardon said, adding that the school was not interested in being a site for an NFL stadium and the hassle of having 100,000 people flood the campus and surrounding neighborhoods. But officials did make preliminary overtures about locating a possible training facility for the franchise on campus, he said.

Soccer a better fit

When the idea collapsed along with the NFL proposal, it was resurrected when officials heard the Galaxy was searching for a new home.

The idea quickly evolved into a serious proposal after Anschutz's January helicopter tour when several high-ranking executives with the corporation visited the site and asked for a copy of the university's master plan, its blueprint for growth, Pardon said.

On Friday del Prado called the campus location one of the three leading candidates. The team needs to move quickly because the team's lease at the Rose Bowl expires at the end of this season. Ideally, the team wants a new home by the start of the 2002 season, del Prado said.

"Mr. Anschutz is committed to doing whatever he can to make soccer work here in Southern California," del Prado said, adding that no commitments have been made. "Hopefully within the next two to three months we'll find out one way or another."

A soccer stadium that would provide an appropriately exciting atmosphere -- something often lost in huge stadiums designed for football -- is seen by most observers as essential if the game is to progress.

Galaxy officials consider it no coincidence that the team finished second in league attendance last season to the Columbus Crew, which opened the nation's first large stadium -- capacity 22,500 -- designed specifically for soccer.

Positive influence

Carson officials have responded positively so far, noting as they did with the NFL proposal that the soccer stadium would help put the city on the map.

"I don't know of any problems associated with the site itself," said City Manager Jerry Groomes. "The concern would be to try to minimize traffic impacts on the surrounding residential area."

University officials believe that can be done, since the proposed site in the center of campus would help shield surrounding neighborhoods that contain some of the city's most expensive homes from what would be relatively modest crowds compared to the NFL.

But an environmental report that would include a traffic analysis would have to be performed, Pardon said. And adverse community reaction would quickly kill the idea.

"If the city doesn't want it here we're not going to push it," Pardon said. "That would run right in the face of our whole communiversity objectives."

But for now, officials with the Galaxy, city and university believe the idea of a professional soccer team in Carson is worth investigating further.

"It's an opportunity for (Carson) to get a lot of recognition not only in the city, but around the country and even internationally if we do build a new stadium and it does become the West Coast home of U.S. soccer," del Prado said.

The Galaxy's Landon Donovan and MLS Commish Don Garber shake hands after the league and the players reached agreement Saturday on a new labor agreement (AP Photo)

Said Donovan:

"We have a deep appreciation for the commitment shown by the owners both historically and through this process to make MLS one of the top leagues in the world."

It appears the players got rid of some of those rules that, frankly, resembled feudalism.

The first game is Thursday, when the Seattle Sounders and Philadelphia Union open the season; Chivas USA opens at home Friday against the Colorado Rapids and the Galaxy play Saturday at Home Depot Center.

Details here.

And the new agreement means Galaxy player reps Donovan, Chris Klein and Todd Dunivant are expected to play Sunday in the friendly against El Salvador's CD Aguila at 5 p.m. at Home Depot Center, the Galaxy announced today.

Chivas USA lost 3-1 to the Houston Dynamo this evening in Santa Barbara. Center back Yamith Cuesta, one of four subs Chivas USA sent on in the 64th minute, got the lone Goats goal, heading home a Gerson Mayen corner in the 83rd minute.

Attendance: 1,657.

Chivas USA lineup: Jose Miranda, Ante Jazic, Jonathan Bornstein, Michael Umaña, Mariano Trujillo (Yamith Cuesta '59), Jorge Flores (Gerson Mayén '76), Marcelo Saragosa (Chukwudi Chijindu '67), Sacha Kljestan, Michael Lahoud (Blair Gavin '59), Osael Romero (Jesus Padilla '59), Maykel Galindo (Justin Braun '59).

A punishing schedule at my other (non-related soccer) job the last couple of days (combined with a nasty attack of grunge-like spring allergies) has kept me away from the blog for a couple of days.

But if you're ready for some soccer, both Chivas USA and the Galaxy are in action this weekend ahead of next week's (alleged) start of the MLS season, presuming the players don't go on strike Monday as has been rumored if there's no new labor deal strike.

So here's run-down of where and when to get your soccer fix:

*Chivas USA plays the Houston Dynamo Sunday in their final preseason game up in Santa Barbara.

Game time is 7 p.m. at Harder Stadium on the UCSB campus and it's for a good cause: proceeds from the game go to nonprofit group Direct Relief International to help aid their efforts for the earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile. Tickets are $10 for children under 12 and students with valid ID, $15 general admission, $20 reserved. The high in Santa Barbara Saturday: 74 degrees. Lovely.

Also, Chivas USA Coach Martín Vásquez will appear on Fox Football Fone-In Monday. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Fox Soccer Channel.

*The Galaxy plays their final preseason game 5 p.m. Sunday at Home Depot Center against Salvadoran side CD Aguila, but if you go just before game time you'll miss half the fun.

A free fan fest runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in parking lot 13 that includes speeches from Galaxy President of Business Operations Tom Payne at 2:45 p.m. and Coach Bruce Arena at 3 p.m. who will tell the assembled horde how little the team will miss David Beckham (and that you should all go buy tickets anyway) at the annual State of the Galaxy address.

Also on tap: a beer garden, dunk tank (featuring mascot Cozmo, unfortunately, not your least favorite Galaxy player), interactive soccer-related games, "special vendor carts from Don Chow Tacos and Fishlips Sushi on site" (no word on the availability of bacon-wrapped sausages) tons of other stuff and did I mention the beer garden. Yes, I did, but it's worth mentioning twice with the temperature expected to hit 78 degrees.

The club will also host its annual equipment sale outside of the northwest entrance benefiting the Galaxy so you can buy Beckham's old sweaty jockstraps (or something) from last year.

Tickets to the game start at $15.

*If you prefer to stay pinned to the armchair, games on TV this weekend include Aston Villa-Wolves at 5:30 a.m. Saturday on ESPN2 HD and Blackburn Rovers-Chelsea while Real Zaragoza plays Barcelona at 1 p.m. Sunday on GOLTV. Clink the link at top right for comprehensive listing of games.

Which reminds me: thanks to webmeister extraordinaire Chris Berry for culling and updating the list of links to the right.

Junked were many of the links I don't believe were used much (including to local college programs) and of course the Sol and WPS are now a thing of the past locally. If I'm missing anything, let me know.

*Finally, thanks to those who responded via e-mail, telephone, in person or commented on the blog to this week's intentionally provocative column about the aforementioned Mr. Beckham.

Some thought me more than a tad vitriolic (including my wife), but I was trying to make a point: by the end of this season Beckham will be four years into his $6.5 mill a year contract and will have probably played, what, 10 MLS games or so a year when you average it out.

If you think that's worth the hype, the expensive tickets and the likely damage done to the team via the salary cap (will the Galaxy solve their issues in front of goal without a new striker or two?) I suggest applying for a job as an AEG PR flak.

Yes, it's a shame everyone's favorite cuddly Brit won't go to the World Cup, dashed dreams, lost glory and all that.

But wasn't this guy supposed to be this country's soccer saviour, not England's? Instead, I'm betting he alienated more people here than he won over.

I'll print a couple of e-mails with a different view a little later, but at least I know the folks at my own newspaper not only read my column, but agree with it. And when was the last time you saw an editorial devoted to soccer?

Hmm, and who's the influential one here anyway?

All of a sudden El Tri's World Cup hopes have a bright new spark - Chivas striker Javier Hernandez.

Javier Hernandez celebrates his game winner Wednesday against North Korea (AP Photo).

The nickname?

Chicharito, 21, is a third generation CD Guadalajara player following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

At the other end of the age spectrum, veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 37, opened the scoring for Mexico in their 2-1 win.

Game story.

Check out Chicharito's goal:

Incidentally, England will play their penultimate World Cup warm-up match May 24 against Mexico at Wembley Stadium, officials announced today.

Landon Donovan scored twice in the Galaxy's 8-0 scrimmage win this morning over Hollywood United (AP Photos).

More here on Landon Donovan's first scrimmage back with the Galaxy since returning from his loan deal with Everton in England.

Updated: 10:50 p.m. Highlights:

It sounds like Donovan (rightly) believes his successful stint in England lets his critics know he can cut it playing at a top class level.

Here's some additional quotes from Donovan via reporter Phil Collin who was out at the press event today, but the most important one that will endear him to Evertonians is this:

"If I ever went back to England, I would only want to play at Everton."

*On the reception he received in England and the Everton locker room:

"The people in general in England are pretty witty, humorous, seemed to make jokes and be kind of lighthearted. The biggest difference for me was the locker room from the minute I walked in the locker room for my first training session I could feel the energy was different. You could feel that this was a real team that cared about the team. There were no individual, no ego that overshadowed the team. It's just a different culture to be in and when you feel that way it makes you better as a player. You want to fit in."

*On the stability of the Galaxy this season:

"I'm looking forward to playing again with these guys and it's been very helpful immediately to have almost the same team here. This is my first time in all the years I've been here that we've had almost the same team back and I think it makes a big difference."

Donovan: EPL sharp.

Updated
And here's Donovan on returning to Everton, MLS labor negotiations, etc.:

CARSON (AP) -- Landon Donovan will attend the resumption of Major League Soccer bargaining and says he might return to Everton if players go on strike next week.

Donovan had two goals and three assists in 13 games during an impressive 10-week loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy to Everton that ended Saturday, helping the Toffees beat Manchester United and Chelsea, the top two teams in the Premier League. He rejoined the Galaxy on Tuesday ahead of their March 27 opener against New England.

"There's nothing concrete set up," Donovan said at a news conference Wednesday. "I think we've all been very clear about the possibility that I could go back if something happens. It's crossing that bridge when we get to it, right now."

Negotiators for MLS and the MLS Players Union met Tuesday and talks are set to resume Thursday in Washington, D.C., More than 20 players were expected after the union accepted an invitation from the league to have a large group of its members attend the session.

Players want greater free agency and a higher percentage of guaranteed contracts. MLS owns all player contracts and restricts movement within the league when deals expire.

"Nobody wants to go on strike if it can be avoided," Donovan said. "We've made it very clear from the beginning that we're not trying to bankrupt the league and ask for tons of monetary increases. But we need basic rights if we're going to continue playing. We want rights afforded other players in other countries that we don't have. We're very unified on the way we think."

The union said last week that it will strike if an agreement is not reached by March 25, when the expansion Philadelphia Union plays the league opener at Seattle.

The league notified the union that medical, dental and vision insurance would expire March 31 in the event of a strike, and players would have to continue coverage under the federal COBRA program. Life insurance would end on the start date of a strike, and players could covert to individual coverage.

If and when the Galaxy start the season, Donovan said his role would not substantially change because of David Beckham's Achilles' tendon injury. The English midfielder was hurt Sunday while on loan to AC Milan and will be sidelined about six months, causing him to miss the World Cup. Beckham, starting the fourth season of a five-year contract with the Galaxy, was not due back until July.

"Where I play might tweak slightly," Donovan said. "But I know what my role is and what I need to provide for the team, regardless of who's on the field."

Donovan speaks at Wednesday's news conference.

Donovan called Beckham's loss "devastating" for the Galaxy.

"He's sacrificed, I think, more than anybody in the world to have a chance at playing in a
World Cup," Donovan said. "When you do that and something like this happens, it's awful."

Lew Wolff of the San Jose Earthquakes became the latest owner to speak out Thursday, saying his team's "plans for a new venue and expansion of our youth program will be set back for a period that certainly does not benefit the current or future players."

Wolff, who also owns baseball's Oakland Athletics, said he was "at a loss as to how to
respond" to players' statements that the rules of the expired five-year labor contract are
unfair and asked the union to continue bargaining without a strike.

"The Earthquakes and the majority of MLS teams did not generate a profit in 2009, nor do they expect to generate a profit in 2010," Wolff said in a statement. "I am hopeful that the players and their representatives will carefully measure the importance of having labor peace and recognize the negatives to the sport that a work stoppage will cause."

From the Finnish clinic where he was operated on for his torn achilles tendon.

Here's an actual picture of David Beckham's actual legs and his actual crutches getting in an actual airplane to take an actual flight back to London. Apologies to Monty Python. (AP Photo)

Here's the full story (and by the way, don't you just love it's AC Milan rather than the Galaxy commenting on Beckham's rehab plans in this story; just which club does he supposedly belong to anyway?):

LONDON (AP) -- David Beckham arrived in London with his wife Victoria on Wednesday after flying in from the Finnish clinic where he had surgery for a torn Achilles' tendon.

With his left leg in a cast, Beckham flew in on a private jet. He injured his foot on Sunday
and will be sidelined for about six months, forcing him to miss the World Cup in South
Africa.

The Beckhams, who have yet to speak publicly since the injury, are expected to spend a few days at their home in England before returning to Los Angeles.

"I did say that perhaps it would not be wise to fly straight off to Los Angeles ... that he
should stop somewhere first," said Sakari Orava, the orthopedic surgeon who performed the operation.

Orava said Beckham was "well and in a good mood."

"He has to take it easy for about a month -- that's how long it will be in a cast -- and then week-by-week he can move the foot and use it more," Orava told The Associated Press.

When the Beckhams left the clinic in Turku, Finland, on Thursday, police pushed back dozens of shouting fans as the couple got into a silver Volkswagen van. Escorted by two police cars, they were taken to the local airport.

The 34-year-old Beckham tore his left Achilles' tendon when playing for AC Milan and underwent surgery in Turku on Monday.

Before Beckham's departure, Orava and medical teams reviewed a rehabilitation program he had planned for the midfielder.

Beckham, who flew to the Mehilainen Clinic in Turku on Monday, was joined a day later by his wife, who also spent the night at the clinic.

Orava said they ordered pizzas and watched soccer on a large-screen TV on Tuesday evening but that he left the couple just as the Champions League match between Chelsea and Inter Milan started.

"They looked happy," he said.

Orava, who has operated on several international sports stars, including runners Frank
Fredericks, Merlene Ottey and Haile Gebreselassie, said Beckham was an exemplary patient.

"He was a very easy and good patient. Even the nurses said they wished that all their patients were like him," Orava said. "He was very satisfied and didn't complain about anything and thanked everyone."

Orava said Beckham's tendon was totally torn, ruling out his hopes of playing in his fourth World Cup. The tournament starts June 11 in South Africa.

AC Milan said Beckham would begin rehabilitation right away.

"The plan includes a complete recovery in six months, at the end of which he can play again," the club said.

Apparently.

Britain's poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy was inspired by David Beckham's Achilles' tendon injury to write this verse titled "Achilles."

"Myth's river -- where his mother dipped him, fished him, a slippery golden boy flowed on, his name on its lips.

"Without him, it was prophesied, they would not take Troy.

"Women hid him, concealed him in girls' sarongs; days of sweetmeats, spices, silver songs...

"But when Odysseus came, with an athlete's build, a sword and a shield, he followed him to the battlefield, the crowd's roar,

"And it was sport, not war, his charmed foot on the ball...

"But then his heel, his heel, his heel..."

As one wit wrote, can't wait to read the poem about Toger Tiger Woods.

Galaxy players reacted Tuesday to Beckham's injury; Coach Bruce Arena sounds like he's taking it in stride, however:

CARSON (AP) -- David Beckham's prolonged absence because of an injury suffered in Europe will affect the Los Angeles Galaxy profoundly, Galaxy players said Tuesday.

"With this team, it's massive," said Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter, who played for the
United States in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. "He's a huge part of this team. It's (a matter of) trying to figure out what to do next."

Beckham tore his left Achilles' tendon Sunday while playing for AC Milan during his second offseason loan to the Italian club from Major League Soccer's Galaxy. He underwent surgery in Finland on Monday and will be sidelined for about six months.

The Galaxy's season ends in October so Beckham will miss most of the MLS season.

"He's an important part to AC Milan, he's an important part to England and he's a vital part to us," Galaxy midfielder Chris Klein said. "On the field, the leadership, the quality he brings, you don't replace that."

Beckham was trying to earn a place on England's World Cup roster. Had he done so, he would have been the first English player to appear in four World Cups.

"I know he's very down about this," said Klein.

Galaxy midfielder Bryan Jordan said Beckham provided a positive example for young players.

"I look at how he does things, how he keeps the ball, where he loses the ball, how he gets his crosses in," Jordan said. "I've looked up to him even before playing with him."

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said he had no idea when Beckham would return.

"I don't think I've ever had a player with an Achilles' tendon tear," Arena said. "When they say 'six months,' it's probably accurate. That might even be aggressive. You don't know how the player reacts to the surgery, therapy, rehab, all that stuff."

Nevertheless, Arena said Beckham's absence will not alter the Galaxy's basic approach to offense.

"We're not going to change anything," Arena said. "We were going to be playing without him up until July, anyway. We won't need to be making any adjustments if he's not back in July."

Incidentally, Landon Donovan will meet the media Wednesday for the first time since returning to the Galaxy from Everton.

As Michael Jackson showed yet again today, dying is a great career move.

I doubt the same applies to David Beckham's torn achilles tendon (at least in the U.S.).. (Mrs. Beckham has now arrived in Finland, BTW).

As much as the injury is a personal tragedy for Beckham, one writer Monday observed it was merely "inconvenient" for England given his limited role on the national team these days.

And for the Galaxy, the injury is virtually irrelevant.

Except, of course, for the fact the Galaxy won't make money this year. Wonder how much is due to the ridiculous amount of money showered on a part timer (if that) like Beckham?

Agree? Disagree? Too cynical? Or realistic? Have at it in the comment section.

More on David Beckham's injury in Tuesday's column.

Also noted today:

*The U.S. plays Australia June 5 in South Africa, one week before its World Cup opener. ESPN2 airs the game at 5:30 a.m.

*Chivas USA officially presents new central defender Michael Umaña Tuesday at Costa Rica Restaurant in Anaheim.

*Galaxy striker Alan Gordon is still rehabbing a bone bruise to his left knee he suffered shortly before the club's 10-day camp in Arizona, while Jovan Kirovski sprained the MCL in his left knee in training at the start of this month. Neither played in last week's friendly in Fullerton. Clint Mathis remains out for at least another four weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

*MLS labor negotiations from a legal perspective. Essential reading. Tip of the hat to du Nord for the link.

Galaxy GM and Coach Bruce Arena released this statement Monday morning regarding the career-threatening Achilles tendon injury David Beckham suffered Sunday in AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo Verona:

"Injuries are an unfortunate part of our game and they are even more disappointing when they happen to a player who was so close to realizing his dream of representing his nation at this summer's World Cup. We will give David our complete support to make sure that he is able to get himself back to full health before he returns to the field. David remains an important player for the Galaxy and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club and assisting him in his recovery."

Beckham went under the knife today in Finland.

And here's confirmation Beckham will miss the World Cup.

David Beckham is stretchered off in tears Sunday, his World Cup dream over (AP Photo).

Full story here.

Updated Monday

More here.

Also:

* Galaxy 0 Chivas USA 0

Galaxy lineup: Josh Saunders; Todd Dunivant, Leonardo, Yohance Marshall, A.J. DeLaGarza, Chris Birchall, Eddie Lewis, Michael Stephens, Chris Klein, Mike Magee, Bryan Jordan

Chivas USA lineup - Dan Kennedy, Mariano Trujillo (Gerson Mayén 76), Michael Umaña, Jonathan Bornstein, Ante Jazic (Jesús Padilla 55), Michael Lahoud, Blair Gavin, Marcelo Saragosa, Sacha Kljestan, Maykel Galindo (Justin Braun 54), Osael Romero (Emilio Viades 46)

*Landon Donovan's "life experience."

David Moyes (AP Photo).

Surprise, surprise:

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- Everton manager David Moyes says a possible Major League Soccer players' strike could enable Landon Donovan to extend his loan at the Premier League club.

Everton's match against Birmingham on Saturday is expected to be the last of Donovan's 10-week loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

But MLS players voted Thursday to strike if a new labor contract isn't agreed on before the season opener on March 25.

Moyes said Friday that if the players do strike, "we can keep" Donovan.

But Galaxy coach Bruce Arena expects his captain back after this weekend, saying Thursday "we're proceeding ahead like we do a couple of weeks before any season."

Moyes says he's not sure if Birmingham will be Donovan's last game with the team.

"There is still a chance that there could be a players' strike in the US and that could give
us the chance of having him a bit longer," Moyes said. "He has done really well. He settled in very quickly and he has had an impact on the club in the short time he has been here, so we couldn't have asked for more from him.

"We have never talked about a permanent deal. But I think he will return to the States and say, 'Wow, the Premier League is where I want to be.'"

And Moyes would like Donovan back next year during the MLS offseason.

"If Landon was available again next January, I would probably try to bring him back here," Moyes said. "Everyone wants to be somewhere that they are loved and cherished, which he certainly is in the U.S.

"But there is a different situation when you can be playing in the best league in the world
against the best players. And if you want to be recognized at that level, Landon would
probably want to have the opportunity to give it a go."

Fox Soccer Channel airs the Birmingham City-Everton game at 7 a.m. Saturday.

The move was expected as 100 Percent Soccer blog readers knew, with Chivas USA Coach Martin Vásquez pleased with the showing of the 27-year-old Costa Rican central defender in camp.

"Michael has impressed us throughout preseason, and we're excited to have him join the team for 2010," Vásquez said. "He is a versatile, talented and experienced defender who is going to be an important part of our success this season."

Umana made six starts for the Galaxy in 15 appearances for Steve Sampson's 2005 MLS championship-winning side; he did not appear in the MLS Cup final that year.

Chivas USA needed central defenders after the loss of Shavar Thomas and the potential retirement of 40-something former Mexican international Claudio Suarez.

From the Chivas USA press release:

Umaña has made 40 appearances with the Costa Rican National Team, including playing 90 minutes in all three matches the team played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He also played the bulk of Costa Rica's matches in 2010 World Cup Qualifying, has played in three Gold Cups with the squad, and was a part of Costa Rica's Olympic Team in 2004. Umaña joins the Red-and-White after playing for Liberia Mia in Costa Rica for the past three years. Prior clubs in Costa Rica include CS Herediano, Brujas, and AD Carmelita, which was Umaña's first professional team, joining in 1999 as a 17-year-old.

Updated:

Meanwhile, former Chivas USA and currnet Galaxy striker Alecko Eskandarian, who hasn't played since suffering (yet another) concussion last season, Tweeted this today:

"As some of you have already heard i haven't been medically cleared to play pro soccer and am forced to step away from the game at this time."

Which is probably the closest thing you can get to a retirement without actually saying you've retired.

If this is the last we've seen of Esky on a soccer field,the eight-year MLS veteran will be missed.

Two Three for Thursday:

*Chivas USA midfielder Michael Lahoud has the chance to become a regular in the Chivas USA midfield. Also in this piece by reporter Phil Collin, meet the Chivas USA co-captains.

*An MLS players strike edges closer.

*Should Landon Donovan return to the Galaxy or stay in England? Soccer America took a poll.

It appears SA readers are thinking along the same lines as some readers of this blog. Here's an e-mail from reader Stephen Gordon that expresses some of those thoughts:

I wanted to weigh in on Landon Donovan and his status for the MLS this spring.

I hope the Galaxy grants him an extension to stay in the Premier League, because our future depends on it.

Here's why...

*The World Cup and matchup with England. The need for players with European experience is at a premium, particularly those who understand the rugged English style of play, which often resembles a rugby match. Americans who play in England (and play regularly) understand the English mentality: physical prowess, work rate, long balls and crosses, and aggressive surges across midfield involving the entire swarm.

I've seen England overwhelm opponents who weren't prepared for the onslaught, but I've also seen England neutralized by teams with players who know how to counter the surge through smart tactics, namely ball control and counter attacks via their skill players. Nevertheless, this England team had a great qualifying campaign, and last week they scored a resounding victory over Egypt while we were outplayed by the Dutch.

*Weather. This year's World Cup will take place in chilly weather, and yes, it will be very cold in South Africa. European players thrive in cold conditions, at the expense of their warm-blooded counterparts in other parts of the globe. The MLS season begins and ends at the winter thaw, and Los Angeles has none, so forcing Donovan to return will not bolster his mental preparation, especially after his strong second-half performance with Everton last weekend.

*We need to make sure Donovan stays at Everton, where he must fight for playing time. The MLS doesn't need Donovan to survive. It needs World Cup success. The NHL can attest to this, thanks to a fine Winter Olympics.

Do you agree or disagree with Stephen? Do you fear what will happen to the Galaxy this season without Donovan? Or are you more worried about U.S. chances at the World Cup and believe American chances will benefit from Donovan staying in England?

Feel free to speak your piece in the comment section.

Galaxy 1 Puntarenas 0

Puntarenas midfielder Ricardo Garcia and Galaxy defender Alex Cazumba vie for the ball in Wednesday's exhibition game at Titan Stadium in Fullerton (AP Photo).

The second 45 minutes was better than the first and the Costa Ricans probably had the better of the chances with speedy counter attacks that caught the Galaxy back four flatfooted on several occasions, until Chris Birchall scored a late goal in the 88th minute from outside the box. UCLA product Michael Stephens provided the assist on the give and go with Birchall on his Galaxy debut.

Indeed, the visitors had a goal disallowed for offside in the 52nd minute and it appeared to some of us in the press box goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts used his hands outside the box - and got away with it - to prevent what could have been a dangerous cross.

Jose Macotelo for Puntarenas also had a 13-yard shot go over the bar in the 77th minute.

Who impressed for the Galaxy?

Well, Tristan Bowen was fairly industrious up the right flank, looking sharp and threatening on occasion.

Temple City's Bryan Jordan came on for Eddie Lewis and had two good shots at goal, the first a stinging, low drive in the 65th minute, one minute entering the game.

Birchall also had a strong, low shot with the final kick of the game from 25-30 yards out the goalkeeper needed to tip around the post to prevent a second late goal.

Not much else stood out; we'll see what Bruce Arena has to say about the performance.

Updated:
In case you were wondering, Jovan Kirovski and Alan Gordon sat this one out with minor knocks.

Puntarenas did indeed field what was essentially their first team in the second half, hence their better effort.

BTW, the Galaxy finished with 20 shots on goal, Puntarenas six.

"We needed to play a little quicker tonight," Arena said. "We needed to play a little sharper in the last third."

But overall, Arena said he was glad for the run out, observing the playing time for the younger players on the field was valuable.

Said Birchall: "It's more pleasing we're playing good soccer and our passing game has improved."

Complete game story here.

Next for the Galaxy: El Salvador's CD Aguila at 5 p.m. March 21 at Home Depot Center. Tickets start at $15.

A fan fest including a State of the Galaxy address by Arena, a Galaxy equipment sale, and beer garden runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Lot 13.

Galaxy 0 Puntarenas 0

Well, that was a fairly ghastly 45 minutes.

To say the Galaxy dominated the half is an understatement; Puntarenas managed to get over the halfway line all of three times by my count.

The closest the Galaxy came to a goal was a Tristan Bowen blast off the bar from about 20 yards out in the 17th minute. Mike Magee had a shot saved seven minutes later.

All told the Galaxy had 10 shots, the Costa Ricans zilch.

Really, the Galaxy should have had better chances considering the possession they had.

I don't whether the Costa Ricans are freezing, this is their second team or what, but they appear slow and disorganized. And that's being charitable.

I'm sure Coach Bruce Arena would like to see more out of striker Edson Buddle. I know I would.

BTW, available off the bench are Yohance Marshall, A.J. DeLaGarza, Leonardo, Chris Birchall, draft pick Michael Stephens and Bryan Jordan, as well as goalkeepers Josh Saunders and Kevin Guppy.

Galaxy union reps Chris Klein and Todd Dunivant are busy, um, repping back east.

Updated: Gregg Berhalter is off to start the second half; Leonardo is in for him in central defense.

We're about five minutes in (I just love the 91 Freeway) here at Titan Stadium.

The Galaxy lineup (4-4-2) sees Donovan Ricketts in goal, young Brazilian Alex Cazumba at left back, Gregg Berhalter and Omar Gonzalez in the middle of the back four as usual and Sean Franklin at right back.

In midfield it's Dema Kovalaenko, Eddie Lewis (who is captain tonight), another of the trio of Brazilians, Juninho, and Van Nuys' Tristan Bowen on the right.

Mike Magee and Edson Buddle start up front on this chilly evening.

There are seven subs allowed tonight so we'll see virtually everyone get off the bench.

Before I head out to tonight's Galaxy game at Cal State Fullerton there's time to note that:

*Former Galaxy midfielder Sasha Victorine, who was most recently with Chivas USA, has retired because of injury, the club announced today.

The UCLA product has accepted a front office job with former club Kansas City Wizards, who traded him to Chivas USA in 2008. He will also serve as the club's color commentator for its TV broadcasts.

Victorine, 32, made just 15 appearances for Chivas USA in 2008 and 2009, scoring two goals before injury derailed his career. In ten MLS seasons Victorine played 242 games and scored 32 goals and 41 assists,

"I'd like to thank all of my teammates that I've played with over the years, and all of the fans who have given me their support," said Victorine. "Growing up in Orange County, I feel lucky that I was able to play in front of my home fans for so much of my career. I am now eager to start the next phase of my career."

Victorine spent the first five years of his career with the Galaxy, which drafted him out of UCLA.

*Chivas USA beat UCLA 5-0 in a scrimmage at Home Depot Center today, with striker Maykel Galindo scoring a second half hat trick and Michael Lahoud and trialist Mario Padilla, most recently a defender with Mexican team Necaxa, adding the others.

Chivas USA lineups:

First half - Dan Kennedy, Carey Talley, Emilio Viades, Carlos Borja, Jonathan Bornstein, Michael Lahoud, Marcelo Saragosa, Sacha Kljestan, Gerson Mayén, Mario Padilla, Chukwudi Chijindu

Second half - Dan Kennedy, Mariano Trujillo, Michael Umaña, Yamith Cuesta, Ante Jazic, Blair Gavin, Ben Zemanski, Jesus Padilla, Jorge Flores, Osael Romero, Maykel Galindo

*Lastly, there's no resolution on a new MLS labor agreement yet. A statement from the two sides was issued this afternoon:

"This week Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Union met in Washington, D.C. under the auspices of George H. Cohen, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). MLS and the Players Union have agreed to continue collective bargaining agreement discussions with the FMCS."

On-loan Galaxy midfielder David Beckham salutes the crowd at Old Trafford today after the final whistle (AP Photo).

Apologies up front for the semi-obscure Mancunian music reference.

But it seemed semi-appropriate as David Beckham and AC Milan were comprehensively beaten 4-0 on the night and 7-2 on aggregate by Manchester United and exited the UEFA Champions League today on his first return to the club.

Becks received a standing ovation when he entered the game with slightly less than 30 minutes to play as a second half sub. By then the score was 3-0 and the game was already out of the Italian club's reach.

Beckham gave a good account of himself, connecting with a ferocious volley that was saved by United keeper Edwin van der Sar and also putting in a tantalizing cross that needed just a final touch for Milan to get a consolation goal in second half stoppage time.

But he also made a bad back pass to a defender that could easily have led to yet another United goal.

All in all a Blue Monday wednesday for Beckham.

More here.

Two games for Galaxy fans to pay attention to today, one locally and one in England.

First, David Beckham figures to be the center of attention today - he's seen here practicing with his AC Milan teammates at Old Trafford Monday - when he returns to Manchester United's home stadium for the first time since leaving for Real Madrid in the second leg of the teams' UEFA Champions League game (AP Photo).

The game is live at 11:30 a.m. on Fox Soccer Channel. Beckham hasn't been starting for Milan of late, but you've got to figure he's going to see some action today.

Full coverage is here.

Here's Beckham arriving in Manchester.

Closer to home the Galaxy play their first preseason game against Puntarenas FC of Costa Rica at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.

Student journalists from the Daily Titan were out at the Galaxy's practice Monday and filed this report.

The Costa Rican club's roster is here.

Galaxy striker Edson Buddle will be looking to get off the mark tonight.

I plan to blog from the game, so if you can't be there tonight check back in here.

Read the column here.

Bonus quotes

Here's Buddle on his perspective on last season considering the Galaxy were winning without him:

"It was kind of bittersweet .. Last year I did a lot of dirty things - dirty running we call it, to position myself, to win second balls, to hold the ball up so other players can run on. I just had to take the bitter with the sweet; I'll take the wins over the goals. .. In the past I've probably been a little more selfish, wanting to score goals, but now I put the team first and I appreciate that concept of the game more."

And Buddle said he'll start smiling more soon anyway:

"I've always been quiet, more reserved, maybe I'm trying to hide the braces and stuff. I get them off next week so hopefully I'll look a little bit more excited."

Former Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman of Palos Verdes, held up as the poster boy for the shortcomings of the current MLS labor agreement, was dealt by Kansas City today to FC Dallas.

The Wizards got a second round 2012 draft pick for the rights to the former UCLA and Cal State Dominguez Hills product after failing to come to terms with the out of contract 'keeper. Why?

"I'm really glad to be the hell out of KC," Hartman said. "Cheap bastards."

"I'm excited to be in Dallas," Hartman said. "It's the place where I won the 2005 championship with the Galaxy and it's always held a place in my heart. I'm excited to be here to play in front of the Dallas fans and excited to start a new chapter in my soccer career."

"And I'm excited to have a job."

As the Dallas release pointed out, the 1999 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year won two MLS Cup titles, two U.S. Open Cup crowns and the CONCACAF Champions Cup with the Galaxy.

The four-time MLS All-Star is also the MLS leader in games in goal, saves and shutouts.

And deserves better from the league.

Also:
*Chivas USA faces the Houston Dynamo at 7 p.m. March 20 at Harder Stadium on the campus of UC Santa Barbara in their final preseason match before the March 26 home opener against the Colorado Rapids.

The game against the Dynamo is a benefit for nonprofit group Direct Relief International to help aid their efforts for the earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile. Tickets are on sale at local Santa Barbara stores priced at $15 general admission, $20 reserved, 10 for children under 12 and students with valid ID.

Chivas USA drew 0-0 with the Fresno Fuego over the weekend in Fresno.

*U.S. Women's National Team Coach Pia Sundhage today named Rolling Hills Estates defender Whitney Engen (Chicago Red Stars), Torrance defender Shannon Boxx (St. Louis Athletica), UCLA product Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers) and USC's Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence) to the squad for the March 28 and March 31 games against Mexico in San Diego and Sandy, Utah. It's Engen's first call-up to the national team.

A very brief one since I have a column to write and I'm running behind:

*Galaxy veteran Clint Mathis was out doing a bit of running and some light training today for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in early February.

"He's not days away (from full training), he's certainly weeks," Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena said in response to a reporter's query. "Whether that's two, three, four weeks remains to be seen."

*Veteran Mexican centerback Claudio Suarez will decide next week whether to continue playing or retire, Chivas USA Coach Martin Vasquez said. He's only been with the team for a week or so in preseason, missing time because of the death of his mother.

It's appearing Suarez, at age 41, will likely hang up his boots and be replaced by former Galaxy centerback Michael Umana, who has impressed Vasquez in camp.

The 29-year-old Costa Rican defender made a half dozen starts for the Galaxy in 2005.

Vasquez described him as a "very good defender who can strengthen our club."

"He's looking sharp, (has) World Cup experience, winning some trophies in Costa Rica, being part of the team that won the MLS Cup here with the Galaxy. Everything is looking positive and when we sit down with him hopefully we can work something out."

I'll have more in Tuesday's column on Galaxy striker Edson Buddle and Chivas USA forward Maykel Galindo. Both are healthy and fit for the first time in a long time, both are in the final years of their contracts and both are hungry to recapture the form that made each of them the top scorers with their respective teams. And both teams are in dire need of a consistent goalscorer.

Is Landon Donovan secretly hoping negotiations between MLS and the players union breaks down this week?

Jack Rodwell was well-served Sunday by Landon Donovan, so he served up LD to the fans after notching Everton's fifth against Hull City (AP Photo).

That's one possible interpretation of Donovan's claim Sunday in the wake of his supposed Goodison Park finale that there's still a "chance" he could remain on Merseyside longer after scoring Everton's fourth and creating their fifth in just about 20 minutes of action in the 5-1 victory Sunday over Hull City.

His second goal for Everton was shrewdly taken, Donovan smacking an adroitly placed and well-controlled shot into the Hull net with a calculated maturity that underlined his all business approach to his English stay. And Donovan's unselfishness in creating the fifth showed just why he is going to be missed by Everton players and fans alike.

If, of course, he returns to the Galaxy as Coach Bruce Arena Friday insisted he would as scheduled.

Donovan's goal and assist may have been unnecessary to the Everton cause Sunday anyway, with the game already well in hand by the time he made his entrance, but it illustrated his level of achievement in Europe this year in comparison with the Galaxy's other on-loan player, one David Beckham.

Beckham made yet another brief appearance for AC Milan Sunday who squandered the opportunity to close the gap atop Serie A on rival AC Milan.

Is it any wonder Donovan is being outrageously linked with the likes of Chelsea while Beckham is yet again deemed extraneous to the England cause at the World Cup this summer.

A Chelsea forward line of Donovan, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka may be the stuff of tabloid newspaper fantasies, but somehow it's not as easy to reject the idea that Donovan's time in MLS is drawing to a close one way or another, despite what Arena would like to believe.

We'll do the more first:

*Galaxy striker Edson Buddle scored three goals today in a scrimmage against San Diego State. Details here. Galaxy fans will hope the streaky Buddle keeps on, um, streaking.

*Former Galaxy defender Tony Sanneh is blogging for his hometown newspaper while he is in Haiti taking part in relief efforts.

Recommended viewing this weekend:

*4:30 a.m. Saturday ESPN2 Manchester City-tottenham Hotspur
*9:30 a.m. Saturday Fox Soccer Channel Wolverhampton Wanderers-Manchester United
*11:30 a.m. Saturday FSC Roma-AC Milan
*3 p.m. Saturday KVEA Jaguares-Chivas

*8 a.m. Sunday FSC Everton-Hull City

For full TV listings, click the link at top right.

NEW YORK (AP) -- A federal mediator will be at the bargaining table when Major League
Soccer's labor talks resume next week.

Management and the MLS Player Union have accepted an offer from George H. Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

The league's labor contract expired Feb. 25 when players refused to agree to another extension of the deal, which originally was to have run out Jan. 31.

Players want free agency within the league when their contracts expire and a higher percentage of guaranteed contracts.

You knew that was coming, right?

Said Everton manager David Moyes about the possiblity of keeping the Galaxy's Landon Donovan longer:

"I am keen to keep Landon and it sounds initially in America that they might say yes. I think Landon is keen to stay also so it looks as though all parties are keen. But I have not got that confirmed yet, I can't say exactly if that is going to happen. If we can make it happen we will."

Here's the full story.

I've got a call in to the Galaxy seeking comment and will update the post once I hear any word from General Manager and Coach Bruce Arena.

Everton's game against Jozy Altidore and Hully City Sunday (8 a.m. Fox Soccer Channel) was scheduled to be Donovan's last in England.

Updated 1:50 p.m.: Still awaiting comment from the Galaxy

Updated 2:30 p.m.

"We're not interested," Galaxy GM and Coach Bruce Arena told MLSnet.com today. "Landon will be back here March 15. We're being consistent with everything we've said all along."

But...

"Obviously the collective bargaining could change that," Arena also said. "If we didn't have a league going on we would certainly entertain the idea of allowing Landon to stay there."

First: U.S. midfielder Stuart Holden has been ruled out for up to six weeks after fracturing his left leg Wednesday in the game against the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Details here.

Also this morning:

Chivas striker Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring for Mexico against New Zealand Wednesday at the Rose Bowl (AP Photo).

*Mexico beat New Zealand 2-0 Wednesday at the Rose Bowl before a rabid crowd of more than 90,000.

"It was a rambunctious crowd," Pasadena Police Lt. George Wiley said. "Ten minutes before the end it started raining. That settled things down a little."

About a dozen people were taken into custody on misdemeanor alcohol-related offenses.

Game story here.

*Guatemala beat El Salvador 2-1 Wednesday at the Coliseum. New Chivas USA midfielder Osael Romero came on as a 61st minute sub for El Salvador.

*David Beckham was an unused substitute in England's 3-1 win over Egypt.

*Alta Loma striker Jennifer Gonzalez, who plays for local youth team Arsenal FC, was selected Thursday for the 20-player squad that will seek to qualify for the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup at the upcoming CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship March 10-20 in Costa Rica.

Updated:
Galaxy striker Alecko Eskandarian, struggling with a concussion injury he suffered last season, posted this on Facebook this morning:

Just wanted to let all my friends and fans know I will have an update soon on my injury status for the upcoming 2010 season. Stay tuned.

Final: Netherlands 2 United States 1

A push by Jonathan Bornstein on Wesley Sneijder, left, gave the Dutch a first half advantage from the penalty spot over the U.S. that they never relinquished in what was a comfortable win for the world's No. 3-ranked team (AP Photo).

And it was a flattering scoreline for the Americans considering they didn't really start playing until the 89th minute when Carlos Bocanegra scored from a DaMarcus Beasley free kick.

Did the U.S. even have a shot on target until that point?

A spectacularly stupid error by Chivas USA defender Jonny Bornstein gave the Dutch a penalty kick and a 1-0 lead at the half. The second Netherlands goal was also deflected into the goal by a ball-watching Bornstein, who failed to deny the attacking Dutch space in front of the U.S. net.

Landon Donovan was mostly AWOL, too.

But the No. 3 Dutch easily handled the outclassed Americans, who, of course, were without a half dozen or so likely starters through injury. Let's hope Stuart Holden, who limped off in the first half and was replaced, doesn't add to the list.

Quotable:

"Certainly it was a good test for us, and I think overall the team played well," U.S. Coach Bradley said. "The collective effort was pretty solid. There were moments where it needed to be sharper, quicker and better and we still need to raise the bar. Late in the game it was nice to see a good push. We had the ability to move the ball forward get people running off it and we created some good opportunities. We take a lot from the game."

All in all, another disappointing outing:

AMSTERDAM (AP) -- The United States fell flat in Europe once again, losing to the Netherlands 2-1 Wednesday night in the Americans' last match before coach Bob Bradley picks his World Cup roster.

Dirk Kuyt converted a penalty kick in the 40th minute after Jonathan Bornstein pushed Wesley Sneijder in the penalty area. Kuyt sent his kick to the right of goalkeeper Tim Howard, who dived the other way.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made it 2-0 for the third-ranked Dutch in the 73rd minute with a shot that deflected off Bornstein and left Howard with no chance to stop it.

U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra scored in the 88th minute, beating Maarten Stekelenburg to the 6-yard box to head in DaMarcus Beasley's 35-yard free kick. It was his 12th goal in 77 international appearances.

Beasley had a chance to tie it in the 90th, but his free kick from just outside the penalty
area was easily grabbed by Stekelenburg.

Rejoining the national team for the first time since playing poorly in last June's
Confederations Cup, Beasley entered in the 34th minute after Stuart Holden limped off with a bruised shin sustained from a hard tackle by Nigel de Jong. Holden was taken for X-rays.

Maurice Edu, Beasley's Glasgow Rangers, teammate, replaced Jose Torres at the start of the second half, Edu's first international appearance knee surgery last June.

Robbie Findlay was paired up front with Jozy Altidore at the start, then was replaced in the 62nd minute by Alejandro Bedoya. Eddie Johnson entered in the 76th for Landon Donovan, who hardly touched the ball while playing a day before his 28th birthday.

The 18th-ranked U.S. has lost its last five matches in Europe and is 4-19-3 on soccer's most powerful continent since April 1998, with three wins over Poland and one over Switzerland. The Dutch are 4-0 against the Americans, outscoring them 7-1.

Playing on Bradley's 52nd birthday, the U.S. debuted new obsidian road jerseys with white sashes that harken back to the jerseys the Americans wore at the 1950 World Cup, where they upset England 1-0.

The Americans play England on June 12 in their World Cup opener and complete the first round against Slovenia and Algeria.

The Americans are now off until May 25, when they play the Czech Republic at East Hartford, Conn. They face Turkey four days later in Philadelphia before heading to South Africa, where they may play Australia on June 5 in Johannesburg.

Observations? Speculation? Condemnation? Leave a comment below.

Here's what's on tap on a busy day full of significant international fixtures:

*The U.S. Women's National Team beat Germany 3-2 today to lift the Algarve Cup in Portugal on a lucky 70th minute goal by UCLA's Lauren Cheney. Not an insignificant victory against the nation that hosts next year's World Cup. More here.

*The newly-anointed 18th best team in the world, the U.S., at least according to the widely-disparaged FIFA rankings (the latest edition was released today) plays the Netherlands at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN2 and Galavision. More here. And here's the U.S. starting XI.

*Mexico plays New Zealand at the Rose Bowl (8 p.m. on KVEA). One correction to the article: New Zealand's Ryan Nelsen is out injured and will not play. Also, Mexico will likely play England at Wembley May 23, although the date still has to be confirmed.

*El Salvador plays Guatemala at 8 p.m. at the Coliseum where Chivas USA's new signing Osael Romero will be on view.

*In other games, Germany faces Argentina at 11:45 a.m. on GOLTV, while the same channel has Italy-Cameroon at 1:45 p.m.

*U.S. Soccer has confirmed the East Coast location of the previously scheduled game against the Czech Republic:

AMSTERDAM (AP) -- The United States will start its World Cup send-off tour by playing the Czech Republic at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn., on May 25.

The site of the match was announced Wednesday by U.S. Soccer Federation. The U.S. has played at Rentschler Field twice previously, defeating Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in August 2005 and beating Latvia 1-0 in its final warmup before the 2006 World Cup.

The Americans play Turkey at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on May 29 before leaving for South Africa. They also might play fellow World Cup qualifier Australia in an exhibition on June 5 in Johannesburg.

Making its sixth straight World Cup appearance, the U.S. opens June 12 against England, plays Slovenia six days later and completes the first round against Algeria on June 23.

In addition to playing the U.S., the Czechs meet Turkey on May 22 in the first match between national teams at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.

At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the Czechs outplayed the Americans in the tournament opener for both teams, winning 3-0. In 1990, Czechoslovakia routed the U.S. 5-1 in the Americans' return to the World Cup following a 40-year absence.

The Czech Republic failed to advance to the 32-nation field for this year's World Cup in South Africa, finishing behind Slovakia and Slovenia in its European qualifying group.

*Lastly, MLS Commish Don Garber says bring on the Brits:

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber wants English Premier League clubs to invest in teams or start new franchises in the United States.

As part of wider discussions with English clubs about co-operation, Garber said Wednesday that money can be made in the expanding MLS.

Some English clubs already travel to the U.S. in the offseason to build their profile by playing exhibitions. Garber said helping to grow the sport in North America is the next logical step for them.

The game, the last before Coach Bob Bradley selects his 23-player World Cup roster, will air at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday on ESPN2 and Galavision.

Notable:

*The U.S. will wear its World Cup strip for the first time, seen here being modeled by Clint Dempsey, who will not play Wednesday because of a knee injury. Made from recycled plastic bottles, the jersey is a throwback to the design the U.S. wore for the 1950 World Cup, when they beat England 1-0 in a game widely considered one of the biggest sporting upsets of all time. And, of course, the U.S. plays England in its World Cup opener.

*The game will also be the first for former Chicago Fire defender Lubos Kubik as an assistant U.S. coach. The former Polish intrnational was named to the post Tuesday Coach Bob Bradley was Kubik's coach at the Fire.

Here's more:

AMSTERDAM (AP) -- American players hoping to make an impression on U.S. coach Bob Bradley before he picks his World Cup roster have one last chance Wednesday night.

In its final match before the World Cup team gathers in mid-May, the United States plays an exhibition at the Netherlands, the world's third-ranked team.

"My last memory playing Netherlands in Amsterdam Arena was not the best," midfielder Landon Donovan said. "I think we chased the ball for probably 90 minutes, so it's hopefully a little different this time. Hopefully, we have a little more of the game. It's really our last chance against a top, top, team before the World Cup and so we want to make the most of it."

The Netherlands is 3-0 against the No. 14 U.S., winning 2-0 in Miami in 1998, 2-0 at
Foxborough, Mass., in 2002 and 1-0 in Amsterdam in 2004.

Donovan, enjoying a successful loan stint with Everton, is assured of a spot on the final 23. Others, such as Glasgow Rangers midfielders DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, might need good matches to earn their trips to South Africa.

"You feel that the World Cup is coming. It's real," U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra said.
"Amsterdam Arena is cool venue to play in. So, it should be a good atmosphere, you know, another good test before we go down to South Africa."

Sixteen of the 20 players on the U.S. roster are based in Europe, with just three players from Major League Soccer and one from Mexico.

"It's a good opportunity to play against a real good team, size ourselves up one more time and know that in a few months when we come together again it's with everything right in front of us," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said.

The U.S. is missing AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu (Oct. 21 surgery to repair ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee); Hannover defender Steve Cherundolo (injured a shoulder in practice Jan. 31); Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey (injured right knee on Jan. 17); Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ricardo Clark (pulled right calf muscle); Aarhus midfielder Benny Feilhaber (damaged ankle cartilage); and Sochaux forward Charlie Davies (recovering from injuries sustained in Oct. 13 car crash).

Jozy Altidore figures to start at forward, with Michael Bradley -- the coach's son -- joined in the central midfield by Edu. Stuart Holden or Beasley could get a start in midfield along with Donovan.

"It's a good way to gauge where we're at, a good way for Bob to gauge where the team is at and also in the bigger scheme to make some assessments on how guys are going to be and help make choices for the World Cup," Donovan said.

The Dutch and Spain were the only teams in European qualifying with perfect records -- the Netherlands was 8-0 and outscored opponents 17-2 in coasting to first place in Group Nine.

Even with Arsenal's Robin van Persie still sidelined after tearing ankle ligaments in November, Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk could start AC Milan's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben and Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt up front in a stiff test for the U.S. defensive line and goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Getting ready for its World Cup opener against England on June 12, the U.S. is looking to boost its confidence.

"I think a good performance will go a long way," Howard said.

Manchester City's Nigel de Jong is set to partner with Bayern Munich's Mark van Bommel, the coach's son-in-law, in midfield along with Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder. Wingers Eljero Elia of Hamburg or Ryan Babel of Liverpool also are potential starters.

"What you see is a top team with great players," Bob Bradley said. "So you're challenged by the technical ability that they have. You're challenged by the speed that the game will get played, the way they press, the way they move the ball, the way they run off the ball. So it just gives you a chance to play in a game where the bar is real high in terms of just reactions and executing plays. It's good for us."

After this, the Americans gather in mid-May and play exhibitions against the Czech Republic (May 25, possibly in East Hartford, Conn.) and Turkey (May 29 at Philadelphia), with a June 5 exhibition against Australia in Johannesburg also possible.

After playing England, the U.S. meets Slovenia on June 18 before finishing the first round five days later against Algeria.

"Obviously we're still missing a few guys through injury, but I think this is a big test for
us," Donovan said. "And we're going to take advantage of it."

NOTES: Schalke MF Jermaine Jones, sidelined by a shin injury since last summer, joined the U.S. team Monday night. He has not played for the U.S. since opting to switch to the American national team from Germany's last year. ... All three U.S. opponents have matches Wednesday. England hosts Egypt, Slovenia is home against Qatar and Algeria hosts Serbia.

Is it my imagination or does MLS Commish Don Garber strike more of a conciliatory tone in this article than we've ever heard before?

Read more here:

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber is confident the start of the season will not be affected by a strike, while insisting Tuesday that there won't be a quick-fix deal with the players.

The league's first collective bargaining agreement expired Thursday after the sides twice extended the five-year deal, which originally was to have run out Jan. 31.

The MLS Players Union failed to match league management's no-lockout pledge with a no-strike offer, leaving the start of the season on March 25 in doubt.

"We will not lock them out, and we are confident they will not go on strike," Garber told The Associated Press at the SoccerEx convention Tuesday. "We will not make any decisions just to avoid a work stoppage. We've got to make decisions that will ensure the long-term financial success of the MLS, and I'm sure we will not make any decisions to prove a point.

"I don't think any of our players want to go on strike, and we are taking their issues very
seriously. The expectations are that the season will start on time, and the expectation is
that will be reach agreement with our players."

The Philadelphia Union plays at Seattle in the MLS opener on March 25 and Garber acknowledges that talks could go on until then.

"It's conceivable, but my expectation is not to be negotiating an agreement an hour before kickoff," Garber said. "I would describe these as big-league problems. Years ago we had nothing to fight about, so we didn't have labor issues.

"Now that the league is growing and there is a bit more at stake, the players want to see
improvement in their salaries and their working conditions. And we need to understand, we need to listen and take their issues into consideration."

Not that we want to put new Chivas USA signing Osael Romero of El Salvador under pressure or anything by mentioning the great Galaxy playmaker and his fellow countryman in the same breath as him.

Chivas USA President Shawn Hunter, new Chivas USA signing Osael Romero and Chivas USA Coach Martin Vasquez meet the media Monday in Inglewood (Photo courtesy Chivas USA).

But it's clear that Chivas USA and the Salvadoran community expect a lot of Romero.

His English-born, Dallas-based agent Martin Kelman, who marketed Romero as the Salvadoran David Beckham because of his free kick ability, believes his client could contribute 10 to 15 goals a year for Chivas USA.

Read the column here.

Chivas USA President Shawn Hunter said he likes the way the team is building this year. One obvious need: a central defender. Hamillton said fans can expect another player announcement in the next week or two.

Hunter, who said he saw and briefly spoke with out of contract veteran striker Ante Razov about 10 days ago when he bumped into him at a Manhattan Beach restauarant, said Razov is still rehabbing his injury and intends to give MLS another shot, although whether that's with Chivas USA is unclear.

Coach Martin Vasquez may have a young replacement waiting in the wings anyway. He sounded impressed with Armenian-American forward Artur Aghasyan, who has been banging in the goals in Chivas USA scrimmages and last year played for the PDL Ventura County Fusion.

"Right now he's somebody we're looking at very seriously," Vasquez said.

Updated: Speaking of coaches taking a look at new players, this is non-Chivas USA related, but USMNT fans should check out this.

A few items to pass along this evening include:

*MLS delaying today's roster compliance date, absent a new labor agreement. It has to, of course, because without a new labor agreement the old squad size of 20 senior and four developmental players essentially doesn't exist. The new roster compliance date will be set "in the next few weeks." That gives a breather to clubs who don't have to make decisions over players now.

*Tony Sanneh wasn't invited to Galaxy training camp, but he hasn't cut ties with the club; he's off to Haiti Tuesday with the Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation to deliver soccer equipment and supplies to the L'Athletique d'Haiti sports program.

The program gives poor children an opportunity to get off the streets, play a sport and receive a daily meal. The foundation will also provide food, soap, coolers and other items (such as 3,000 sticks of Degree Men deodorant, I kid you not).

From the Galaxy press release:

Following January's devastating earthquake, the children did not return to L'Athletique d'Haiti for almost ten days at which time 150 of the program's participants showed up at the field with their families. Currently, L'Athletique d'Haiti has approximately 500 displaced families living on their two fields that are being provided food, water and tents and more than 700 children returning for the soccer program each day.

"My heart goes out to the children of Haiti ," Sanneh said, who has also founded a nonprofit group, The Sanneh Foundation. "As soon as I heard of the disaster, I knew I had to help. I am pleased the Galaxy and Galaxy Foundation invited me to be a part of their outreach efforts.

More information on L'Athletique d'Haiti is here and The Sanneh Foundation is here.

*Enhanced soccer offerings from Foxsoccer.tv include England National Team games beginning with England-Egypt at noon Wednesday, EPL, UEFA Champions League et al. A monthly pass is $14.95; a 24-hour pass (available for limited time) $4.95.

*Finally, chew on this - Extra®, "El Chicle Oficial de la Selección Mexicana" (that's the Official Chewing Gum of the Mexican National Soccer Team, gringos) has invited us media types in a press release to an "African-themed night" Tuesday that will feature African dancers, mariachis (y'know, African mariachis) along with retired El Tri goalkeeper Jorge Campos as master of ceremonies and a "Countdown to South Africa Clock" at L.A. Live on the eve of the team's friendly against New Zealand at the Rose Bowl.

Luckily, "Jorge, along with representatives from Wrigley, makers of Extra gum will be available for interviews to discuss Mexico's chances and strategies for a successful bid at the 2010 World Cup™ in South Africa."

I have no idea what wisdom and insight Extra reps will provide on Mexico's World Cup chances. Nor do I know what flavors of gum (if any) they will serve.

Nor will I be going.

Away from the laptop much of the weekend (happy birthday, mum) so if (like me) the last soccer action you noticed was Manchester City's Wayne Bridge artfully missing shaking the hand of Chelsea's John Terry before the two teams met Saturday, here's what else happened this weekend:

*UCLA's Lauren Cheney scored two goals today as the U.S. beat Sweden 2-0 to reach its eighth consecutive Algarve Cup final. The U.S. plays the winner of the Germany-China encounter in the final.

*David Beckham played 90 minutes Sunday for the first time since AC Milan's UEFA Champions League loss to Manchester United as Milan beat Atalanta 3-1 to stay second in Serie A.

*Flu-stricken Landon Donovan came on as a 63rd minute sub Sunday but couldn't prevent Everton losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hotpsur. He missed a sitter with 13 minutes to go, failing to convert Jack Rodwell's cross from close range that would have been his second goal in 11 appearances for the club.

"This is just a really disappointing moment for me personally," Donovan told the Liverpool Echo. "I've put a lot into my time here and another goal would have been a nice reward.

"I got myself in a good position at the back post and was hoping Jack was going to put the ball across goal," he added. "He did that and it came perfectly for me.

"It's hard to understand what went wrong. I felt like everything was right but then I looked up to see the ball had hit the side netting.

"It's so frustrating because if we had scored then it's possible we might have gone on to win the game.

"It's tough but we've got to put this behind us now and move on. There are still a lot of points to play for."

*Fontana's Maurice Edu became an instant Ibrox hero Sunday when his lone stoppage time goal decided the Old Firm clash as Rangers beat 10-man Celtic, 1-0.

*The Galaxy beat the Kansas City Wizards 1-0 Friday evening on a Gregg Berhalter penalty kick in Arizona, but heavy rain canceled a Sunday rematch and the Galaxy headed home today.

Lineup: Josh Saunders (Kevin Guppy 45'); Alex Cazumba, Gregg Berhalter, Yohance Marshall, Sean Franklin; Chris Birchall, Bryan Jordan, Michael Stephens, Chris Klein; Jovan Kirovski, Edson Buddle (Mike Magee 31')

*Lastly, Chivas USA introduces El Salvadoran midfielder Osael Romero today. More on that in Tuesday's column.