The always expressive Dema Kovalenko silences the crowd after Edson Buddle scores last season. (Photo by Chris Coulter/SoundersPhoto.com)

Worth catching up with:

*The Shin Guardian blog caught up with recently retired Galaxy midfielder Dema Kovalenko.

*For crying out loud do not call striker Chad Barrett a veteran. (Frankly, I’m not sure he appreciated it a few weeks back when I mentioned watching him and former Chivas USA striker Matt Taylor partner up front and destroy Cal State Fullerton in the first college game ever at Home Depot Center in 2003).

Barrett needs to understand though that more are expected of players dubbed “veteran.” And yes, Chad, that includes you.