*U.S. Soccer announced today an 8 p.m. Sept. 2 friendly against Costa Rica at Home Depot Center that will air on ESPN2.

Tickets go on sale July 15 starting at $20.

It’s a rare non-January friendly in Southern California against a Latin American team, which U.S. Soccer officials customarily attempt to avoid because of their fan support here. The U.S. has a 8-1-2 record at Home Depot Center.

The two nations haven’t faced each other since the fall of 2009 when a Jonathan Bornstein goal saw the U.S. qualify for the World Cup in a 2-2 draw. Costa Rica were forced into a playoff for a World Cup spot with Uruguay and lost.

The U.S. will also play belgium four days later in Brussels (11:30 a.m. ESPN Classic). It’s the first U.S. game against the Europeans since 1998.

“

The matches against Costa Rica and Belgium represent another great opportunity to continue the building process as we move towards the start of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying,” said U.S. Coach Bob Bradley. “We will have the chance to look at a variety of players and at the same time challenge ourselves against two very different opponents.”

*The Galaxy reserves lost to their Seattle counterparts today at the HDC.

*The Palos Verdes Peninsula’s John Thorrington is still trying to shake off persistent injuries and add to his 52 minutes of action this season for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

*Fan voting for the MLS All-Star game ends at 9 p.m. tonight.

ESPNU has increased its college soccer coverage. From the press release:

ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports network, will double its men’s soccer coverage and showcase the strongest women’s line-up in the network’s six-year history during the 2011 NCAA season. In addition to four more regular season games on its six-week schedule, the network will televise both the men’s and women’s ACC championship matches for the first time.

A total of 10 women’s – up from eight in 2010 – and four men’s regular season games will be televised throughout the fall.

*And no, you didn’t miss today’s column. I took Monday off; the column returns next Tuesday.

Thierry Henry: No. 1 in New York – for now (AP Photo).

When Juan Pablo Angel was introduced to the Los Angeles media after signing from New York in the off-season, he was asked about the weight of expectations in MLS compared to the pressure of, say the EPL, where he once played for Aston Villa.

Angel laughed and without answering the question directly, acknowledged that there was plenty of pressure in England, leaving unspoken the fact that in the U.S. most fans are interested more in other leagues than MLS.

Still, it’s a fact there are already players this young MLS season under pressure to perform for one reason or another and they are responding – or not.

Read more in today’s column about Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry, D.C. United’s Charlie Davies, Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, former Galaxy and Chivas USA forward Alan Gordon and yes, David Beckham (you knew I couldn’t write that column without mentioning him, right).

One player not featured in the column for space reasons, but who could well be, is Columbus Crew winger Robbie Rogers, who grew up in Rolling Hills Estates and Huntington Beach.

Rogers, a good friend of Sacha Kljestan, seems to have the same problem the former Chivas USA midfielder did on the field toward the end of his time in MLS when he appeared disinterested and stale.

An early pass Rogers attempted in the game against Chivas USA Saturday seemed to sum up his situation – it was lazy, inaccurate and appeared to show he doesn’t really care (although he insists the opposite is true in interviews) about MLS and wants out so he can head back to Europe after finishing the last year of his contract.

Rogers’ problem, however, is that he appears to be squandering his youthful potential and is failing to grow as a player. And the root of the problem, as he pretty much admits, is more psychological than physical.

Rogers is in and out of the USMNT (these days more out than in) and Crew Coach Robert Warzycha told reporters Saturday he expected to see more from Rogers considering his potential.

Rogers did not disagree when he talked to reporters after the game.

Question: What did you think of your performance against Chivas USA?
Answer: “First half it was not great. I created some good chances for us, but it wasn’t my best (showing) and then I thought the second half was better, I created some chances and I thought I was dangerous, I got some fouls – I thought I was OK.

I agree with (the coach). I hold myself to a high standard. I think that I can do it more consistently. I think I need to be more dangerous. I think I need to be held more responsible for creating chances for our team. So, it’s something I really need to do this year. I’ve worked my butt off. But it’s not about how hard I work now, it’s just getting my mind right and doing it. So, that’s what I’ve got to do, that’s what I’m going to do.

Q: Is this a make or break season for you because you’re in the last year of your contract?
A: No, not at all. I’m excited this is the last year of my contract. I’m excited in the interest (from other clubs) I’ve had so far. I think so far this season I’ve started to get back to myself, I feel more happy on the field.

I think in the past two seasons there was a point in the first half where I haven’t really had the confidence to cut back and get a cross off and that’s kind of what I used to do. I’ve felt a little bit more like myself. It’s stupid to say you should always be yourself, but sports are difficult. It’s a mind game. Like I said I need to be more consistent and dangerous for 90 minutes and help my team out more.

Q: Is returning to Europe the next step?
A: Yes, of course, I want to go back to Europe. I think that’s every player’s dream here in MLS. I was close to making the last World Cup (squad) and if I really want to make the next World Cup I really need to get to Europe.

If I fail, at least I took that chance. Obviously I need to go there with confidence and be positive and just not let myself fail. This is the last year of my contract – I’m going to work off my butt with the Crew or wherever I am and I’ve just got to be positive and confident.

Cobi Jones, who grew up in Westlake Village and spent virtually his entire career with his hometown Galaxy, was elected to the hall in the first year his name was on the ballot.

His full biography is here.

Jones left the Galaxy coaching staff this year to join the New York Cosmos.

Also named to the hall: Eddie Pope, an anchor of the U.S. defense for nearly a decade and winner of three MLS Cups with D.C. United and Earnie Stewart, a three-time World Cup veteran.

From the press release:

Jones, eligible on the player ballot for the first time, was named on 87 percent of the ballots, while Pope earned a spot on 74 percent of the ballots and Stewart on 71 percent of the ballots.

Joining the players in this year’s class are Bruce Murray, a midfielder and forward who was one of the leading stars of the U.S. Men’s National Team in the late 1980s and early 1990s who was elected on the Veteran ballot, and former U.S. Men’s National Team and Kansas City Wizards head coach Bob Gansler, who was elected on the Builder ballot.

The Class of 2011 induction ceremony will likely be scheduled for this summer.

*Former Chivas USA central defender Yamith Cuesta, released by the club in preseason after making 15 appearances since joining them on loan from a Colombian team in 2009, has been picked up by the Chicago Fire, the club announced today.

“Yamith is a gifted defender with size, speed and strong defensive skills,” said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. “Our defense will benefit from bringing in a young player with experience both in MLS and his native Colombia.”

Chivas USA received a 2012 Supplemental Draft selection from the Chicago Fire in exchange for the rights to Cuesta.

*Chivas USA has loaned Fontana’s Chukwudi Chijindu, 25, to new USL Pro team L.A. Blues, which adds him to a roster that also includes former Galaxy players Josh Tudela, Mike Randolph and Izzy Sesay.

The Blues, who despite their name will play most games in Orange County, also announced today that they had signed former Galaxy defender Leonard Griffin, 28, on loan from Orlando City of USL Pro.

“Both players have MLS experience which will be invaluable,” said Blues Coach Charlie Naimo. “Leonard is the final piece we have been looking for in our back line, while Chuk can provide electricity up top.”

*Meanwhile, Chivas USA sported a pair of new (well, newish) defenders Tuesday in a reserve team scrimmage against Loyola Marymount College: Coach Robin Fraser and his assistant Greg Vanney. The pair played part of the 5-0 win because Chivas USA has three center backs on international duty.

Rookie Victor Estupian, the Ecuadorian forward who bragged he would score 25 to 30 goals in his first MLS season, bagged a hat trick in the game. Mariano Trujillo and Van Nuys Tristan Bowen also scored.

Chivas USA lineup (4-1-4-1): Dan Kennedy (Sergio Arias 60); Michael Lahoud, Greg Vanney, Seth Owusu, Jorge Flores; Mariano Trujillo; Gerson Mayen, Blair Gavin (Artur Aghasyan 46), Tristan Bowen, Jess Padilla; Victor Estupian (Robin Fraser 67)

*Rolling Hills Estates Robbie Rogers, the 23-year-old Columbus Crew midfielder shaping up to have a make or break season with the club, was benched, then came on as a sub and scored from the penalty spot in his club’s season opening loss against D.C. United on the weekend. Will he stay with the club or head elsewhere?.

*Lawndale’s Rafael Baca, the former Loyola Marymount College playmaker, played 90 minutes Tuesday for San Jose in the Earthquakes’ reserve league opener against the Vancouver Whitecaps. San Jose, who also had former LMU and Chivas USA defender Bobby Burling in their XI, put two goals past former Galaxy goalkeeper Joe Cannon to defeat the Whitecaps, 2-1.

Doh! Seattle Sounders’ Osvaldo Alonso, right, and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, react during Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids (AP Photo).

*Seattle midfielder Brad Evans will miss the MLS season-opener against the Galaxy Tuesday after suffering an injury Wednesday in the Sounders’ final preseason game. Fredy Montero had two of Seattle’s goals. Game story here.

Check out the highlights:

*UCLA product Chad Barrett has already found a very different Galaxy team from the side he left behind in Toronto. Reporter Phil Collin talked to the UCLA product Wednesday and filed this story.

*U.S. soccer great Mia Hamm has downplayed the influence David Beckham has had on the soccer scene here because his continued commitment to England has affected his appeal. Hamm told the The Associated Press that change has come “to some degree” but “it’s still evolving.”

*JP Dellacamera will work Fox Soccer Channel’s 14 Friday night telecasts and 17 Saturday games after moving from ESPN, Fox confirmed Thursday night.

Former U.S. national team star Eric Wynalda will host the pregame, halftime and postgame shows with Christopher Sullivan, his teammate on the 1990 U.S. World Cup team. Former Galaxy midfielder Kyle Martino succeeds Sullivan as the color commentator, while Brian Dunseth becomes sideline reporter.

*The Chicago Fire have signed 6-2, 190-pound striker Orr Barouch, 19, of Woodland Hills, a former Chivas USA youth player.

From the Chicago Fire press release:

Born in Haifa, Israel and raised in Woodland Hills, Barouch began his professional career at the age of 17 with the Tigres UANL youth system. After graduating from El Camino Real High School and entertaining options with Belgian side Club Brugge, the former Chivas USA youth product joined the Mexican club’s reserves in September of 2009. While with the Monterey, Mexico based club, Barouch appeared in 24 matches, scoring one goal, primarily as a left winger, while helping Tigres to a first place finish in the Mexican U20 Apertura tournament. Barouch joined the Fire on trial during the club’s Florida phase of preseason camp.

Jonny Bornstein, seen here playing against Houston’s Geoff Cameron earlier this season, said Monday his toughest opponent in MLS was the Dynamo (and individually it was Brian Mullan, incidentally). (AP photo).

Jonathan Bornstein has always been among the most approachable players in the league.

Modest, personable and honest, Bornstein always greets reporters with an easy grin whether Chivas USA has won or lost.

Bornstein has been a reliable contributor to MLS during his five years in the league and blossomed into an international class defender.

As he approaches the last two games of his career before moving to Mexico, I chatted with an accommodating Bornstein under gloomy South Bay skies Monday for today’s column, which also looks ahead (briefly) to Sunday’s final MLS and Galaxy game of the season at Home Depot Center, where the regular season title will be on the line (again).

I for one will miss his classy presence both on and off the Home Depot Center pitch.

Updated

Also, now that David Beckham is back with the Galaxy it looks like the global game of cashing in on their marketable commodity has returned, too, with another trip to Australia possible.

Galaxy 0 Wizards 2

Lawndale’s Kei Kamara and the rest of the Kansas City Wizards were head and shoulders above Leonardo and the Galaxy Saturday night at Home Depot Center (AP Photos).

Game story.

Yes, the Galaxy still lead MLS.

But you can’t help but wonder if we’re about to see the biggest Galaxy swoon since blowing a 4-0 lead to lose to the Earthquakes 5-4 on aggregate back in the 2003 playoffs.

“They made plays tonight and we did not,” said Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena, sounding like a broken record. “There were two many guys who did not win their battles tonight and that makes a difference in the game.”

But it was, in truth, more than that.

Lots of errant long-range passes that made you want to set this lot in front of a few videos of Spain from the World Cup so they could see how effective short, sharp passing can be.

Too many bad first touches – I’ve picked on Mike Magee earlier – but tonight it wasn’t just him.

And just plain bad decision-making and ball watching (especially from defenders) with some players trying to do too much and others clearly not doing enough.

Psst, Omar Gonzalez: Davey Arnaud is behind you and scoring the opening goal.

Notable: The Galaxy have lost successive home games in MLS for the first time in two years, but have now lost four straight games in all competitions at Home Depot Center. I’m not sure that has happened before.

Next for the Galaxy: at Chicago on Saturday.

Incidentally, in case you’re wondering it’s unclear whether Juninho will return next week (he apparently has visa issues) and David Beckham is “week to week,” Arena said. It’s unclear when he will return to the field.

Meanwhile, as the Galaxy make missteps, their rivals are beginning to peak:

“I would say this is probably our best 90 minute performance that we’ve had all season long,” Wizards Coach Peter Vermes said. “In the end it yielded the correct result for us so I commend the guys for their work ethic tonight.”

Lawndale’s Kei Kamara created the first goal, his third assist of the season and, of course, he’s also the Wizards leading scorer.

I asked Wizards Coach Peter Vermes to talk about the contribution Kamara has made to the team:

“We have some pretty decent speed on the outsides, especially with (Kei) Kamara and Ryan Smith. “There’s a lot of mismatches on the outside with Kamara, because he’s such a big guy. It’s very rare you have such a big guy that plays on the outside like he does and I think it’s difficult for players to handle him. You saw that on the first goal when he spun (Todd) Dunivant … that kind of created that opportunity.

“Last year when I made a trade for Kei it’s like any player you come across there’s always something said, there’s a reason why he’s being traded and Kei has been a great professional. He has a burning desire to be successful in the game. He listens. There are times, like any athlete (when) he can be a little bit stubborn because he knows he wants to be successful and he thinks ‘this is what I’ve got to do.” But you can always sit down and talk with him and I think every day we train, play a game, he’s getting better and better and better. He has a great career ahead of him for sure.”

And Kamara always wants to put on a show at the HDC:

“I love it. I’ve come home. I played here in my college years (with Division II Cal State Dominguez Hills on whose campus Home Depot Center sits on, of course) the whole team, was watching, my family, my friends, it’s good – (and) the weather is perfect.”

And undoubtedly a helluva lot better than the 25-hour airplane ride to Egypt Kamara embarks upon Monday to play for Sierra Leone next weekend.

There I was this morning, stopping in at the Borders coffee shop across the parking lot from the Daily Breeze offices in Torrance, when who should be sitting there but the Columbus Crew’s Robbie Rogers, Steven Lenhart and playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

The Crew are, of course, in town to face Chivas USA Saturday and visiting MLS teams usually stay in the Torrance Marriott, which is adjacent to Borders.

Schelotto immediately busied himself with his cell phone, but I chatted briefly with Rogers, who grew up in nearby Rolling Hills Estates and I’ve known since he was a teenager.

Incidentally, Rogers, a close friend of ex-Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan, said the now-Anderlecht player is loving it over there in Belgium, ensconced as he is in a cool apartment with his model girlfriend (who wouldn’t, given those circumstances?).

Also, the following report doesn’t tell us anything new about the status of the Galaxy’s Landon Donovan (he’s been saying exactly this all along), but since AP moved a brief story and I’ve seen it elsewhere, it’s worth reprinting:

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Landon Donovan says he still wants to return to Everton and the English Premier League.

The 28-year-old U.S. forward scored twice in a 13-game spell for the team in northwest England while on loan from the Galaxy between January and March.

Donovan returned to the Galaxy but has repeatedly spoken of his desire to return to Everton, where he was an instant hit with fans.

Donovan says on Everton’s website Friday he “would love to go back … I love the people there.”

Donovan added that other clubs had made approaches, but that any interest in signing him was “only preliminary.”

He made the statements after the MLS All-Stars’ 5-2 loss to Manchester United on Wednesday night.

OK, so it was only against a Welsh Premier League outfit in a stadium that seats 1,000, but, hey, a goal is a goal:

(AP) American midfielder Sacha Kljestan scored in his European Champions League debut, helping Belgium’s Anderlecht win 3-1 at Wales’ The New Saints in the first leg of the third qualifying round on Tuesday night.

Kljestan, of Huntington Beach, scored the game’s first goal in the seventh minute, He was acquired in June from Major League Soccer and Chivas USA. The 24-year-old had 15 goals and 33 assists in 114 games for Chivas USA over 4 seasons and was the team’s most valuable player in 2008.

He was on the 30-man preliminary World Cup roster before getting cut when it was trimmed to 23.

Kljestan has 24 international appearances and played for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympics. Kljestan also played in Anderlecht’s 1-0 win over Ghent in the Belgian Super Cup last Friday.

Two for Thursday:

*The Galaxy have launched an official five-pub foray to establish away game viewing parties. The first scheduled game: a delayed 10 p.m. encounter against the Houston Dynamo on Fox Sports West. Really?

*Here’s an update on the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s John Thorrington, still struggling to regain fitness with the Chicago Fire.