Tuesday Kicks: WPS teetering on the brink & more

No column today, but I am playing a little catch-up after being away for the weekend:

*I was sitting in the Qwest Field press box Sunday night when tweets made apparent that WPS franchises FC Gold Pride and the Washington Freedom had all but expired.

The teams’ dire situation became even more transparent – and desperate – today.

I’m more a fan of the idea of WPS than the execution, but you’ve got to spare a thought for the likes of Torrance’s Shannon Boxx, currently on duty in Mexico with the USWNT in CONCACAF qualifying.

If Gold Pride folds, which seems likely, Boxx would have the dubious honor of having been a member of three extinct WPS teams – she also played for the Sol and St. Louis Athletica. Still, few seem to mourn their loss, which is pretty much the league’s problem.

*Meanwhile, the USWNT will play the loser of today’s Mexico-Canada game in the semifinals after disposing of Costa Rica 4-0 on Monday. The U.S. has scored 18 goals over its three group games while allowing none (yawn).

Mexico has never beaten Canada in World Cup qualifying and in fact has lost all seven games against North American opposition in qualifying, getting outscored 35-0 in the process (yawn, yawn).

*Just before leaving for Seattle for the weekend I posed the question: Who should become the next coach of Chivas USA? Well, the result of the poll is inconclusive to say the least (unless you’re a Galaxy fan), but as Soccer America pointed out in this succinct summation of the club’s problems a big shovel is needed.

And let’s face it the club is at a critical juncture with the underlying philosophy that led to its creation very much in question.

*The Galaxy have the day off today after Sunday’s exertions in the Pacific Northwest, but the Sounders’ Freddie Montero managed to get a card the day after the Galaxy and Sounders met in Seattle.

*The New York Cosmos, which have a youth academy in Southern California, are sounding more and more serious about joining MLS. Here’s Cosmos Academy East Director Giovanni Savarese on ESPN Deportes recently:

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About Nick Green

South Bay-based Los Angeles News Group soccer columnist and blogger Nick Green writes at the 100 Percent Soccer blog at www.insidesocal.com/soccer and craft beer at the Beer Goggles blog at www.insidesocal.com/beer. Cheers!