What’s your name, son? Ref Alex Prus was taking names – or at least David Beckham’s – about five minutes after he got on the field in Saturday’s game in Carson (AP Photo).
Yeah, it’s mandatory, I’m afraid. An LA soccer columnist just isn’t allowed to ignore David Beckham’s temporary reappearance in Southern California before he heads back to Europe to play for England. Only a year left on his contract before he joins a newly-revitalized Cosmos in New York, heads to the Olympics or something.
Read more here.
Meanwhile, it’s little Chivas V. big Chivas, fake Chivas V. real Chivas or simply a battle of the Chivi tonight in San Diego. Or if you prefer, it’s a chance to see the reigning MLS Player of the Week: recently-signed former Galaxy striker Alan freaking Gordon, who had one of the best MLS games of his career Friday in Chivas USA’s win over the New England Revolution
Chivas de Guadalajara Coach Jos Luis Real, left, and goalkeeper Luis Ernesto Michel listen to questions from the media during Monday’s press conference ahead of today’s ChivaClsico against Chivas USA in San Diego (Photo courtesy Chivas USA).
A preview is here.
If you go to the game tonight, (which begins at 8 o’clock and is also live on Galavision) the guys in the famous red and white stripes are Chivas USA. CD Guadalajara will play in jerseys with green trim intended to honor 200 years of Mexican independence the nation will mark Sept. 16. And yes, you can buy the jersey at the game, too.
Here’s the CD Guadalajara roster:
goalkeepers – Luis Michel, Sergio Arias
defenders – Hector Reynoso, Mario De Luna, Edgar Meja, Miguel Ponce, Jonny Magalln, Christian Perez, Patricio Araujo, Juan Ocampo
midfielders – Xavier Baez, Dionicio Escalante, Jorge Enriquez, Marco Fabin, Ulises Dvila, Sergio vila, Mitchel Oviedo
forwards – Omar Arellano, Omar Bravo, Adolfo Bautista, Michel Vzquez, Jess Snchez
Updated
Well, I’m not sure anyone saw this coming (at least not quite this quickly when we’re talking about Preki), but Mo Johnston and the former Chivas USA coach were fired this morning by Toronto, which is five points adrift of a playoff spot.
From the Toronto press release:
Toronto FC Assistant Coach Nick Dasovic will take over as Interim Head Coach and Earl Cochrane has been appointed Interim Director of Soccer Operations.
Assistant Coaches Leo Percovich and Danny Dichio, Goalie Coach Mike Toshack and Assistant General Manager Jim Brennan will remain with the club.
“This was a difficult decision, but one that was made in the both the short-term and long-term interest of the club. Mo has been with the club since its inception and has embraced the Toronto community. Preki is a proven winner who led the team to the Nutrilite Canadian Championship and our first taste of CONCACAF success,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “At the start of the season, we set a team goal of improving on last year’s record and making the playoffs. Anything less would be unacceptable to our club and our supporters. We felt we had to make this move at this time to best position the team for the final push for the playoffs as well as for its long-term success. The search for a new management team begins today.
“I want to thank Mo for his years of dedicated service to building Toronto FC from day one, as the inaugural Head Coach and then as Manager, Director of Soccer Operations. I also want to thank Preki for his passionate determination.”
Johnston became Toronto FC’s first Head Coach and Director of Soccer Operations in team history on August 25, 2006. In February 2008, he was named Manager, Director of Soccer. Johnston leaves Toronto FC with a MLS record of 32-51-31. Preki was hired by the club in November, 17, 2009 and leaves with a MLS record of 7-10-7.
Dasovic is in his third season with Toronto FC. He joined the club in May 2008 as Head of the TFC Academy. He became a member of the first team in 2009 when he was named Assistant Coach.
“We have great confidence in Nick’s ability to lead the team for the balance of the year. He brings experience both as a player and a coach to the game. He understands our expectations and we think he will inspire a renewed effort and enthusiasm among our players necessary for this final playoff push,” said Anselmi.
Prior to joining Toronto FC, Dasovic spent five years with the Canadian National team program. He was also the Head Coach of the Men’s Olympic team that finished third in the CONCACAF Olympic qualification tournament and an Assistant Coach of the Men’s National Team in 2007.
