*But MLS failed to announce the expected opponent on July 27 – Barcelona. Observers are noting the Italian (doh!) Spanish club has room in its schedule.

Not quite the “major” news promised this morning.

Tweeted Alexi Lalas:

2011 MLS All-Star game at Red Bull Arena…and the word “major” feels it has been taken advantage of yet again.

Still, in my book the lame announcement perfectly matches the lame MLS All-Star game that clogs up the calendar and means absolutely nothing.

Details here.

MLS holds a conference call later today where Commish Don Garber, the Galaxy’s Landon Donovan and New York’s Thierry Henry will talk gush about, um, I’m not sure what.

Updated (via AP)

Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry said on the conference call he hopes the All-Star game opponent is either Barcelona or Arsenal, his two previous clubs.

Barcelona last month announced a preseason U.S. tour that includes games against
Manchester United at Landover, Maryland. (July 30), AC Milan in Miami (Aug. 3) and Mexico’s America at Arlington, Texas (Aug. 6).

“If it’s Arsenal or Barcelona, it’s going to be pretty special if I’m involved,” Henry said.
“Arsenal and Barcelona, not only I played there, but I think they are the two teams that play the best football right now in the world.”

*ESPN announced today it has acquired the rights to the 2012 and 2016 European Championships. Details here.

*USWNT Coach Pia Sundhage has announced a large squad of 32 players for a camp in Florida starting Thursday.