Major League Soccer: February 2008 Archives

When Canadian midfielder Kevin Harmse returned back to the U.S. from Hawaii and was not included in the Galaxy's Asian tour it seemed likely he was on the trading block.

On Friday, the 23-year-old Harmse was duly sent back home to Toronto FC in exchange for a fourth round 2009 draft pick.

“We are looking forward to getting Kevin here with us, he’s a tough young Canadian player, and he adds some quality depth to the team,” said Toronto Manager Mo Johnston. “His versatility will certainly help the squad this season.”

From the (edited) Galaxy press release:

In his first year with the Galaxy in 2007, Harmse appeared in 17 regular season games, making 13 starts and scoring one goal. He officially signed with the club on April 12 and made his debut that evening against FC Dallas. He scored his only league goal in his next MLS appearance, scoring the game-winning goal in the 3-1 win over Chivas USA in the Honda SuperClasico. Harmse, who has six caps for Canada, also appeared in four SuperLiga matches, scoring once in the 6-5 win at FC Dallas, as well as two U.S. Open Cup games for the Galaxy

Harmse, who has six caps for Canada, spent the 2006 season in Europe with FC Nitra in Slovakia. The Vancouver native played for his hometown Whitecaps in 2004 and 2005.

Meanwhile, the trade gives the Galaxy five draft picks next year, including one picked up earlier from Chivas USA.

And speaking of Chivas USA, Maykel Galindo returned to score in one of two scrimmages the team had today with college teams at Home Depot Center.

From the Chivas USA press release:

In the first game of the morning, Chivas USA earned a 1-0 victory over UC Riverside, thanks to a goal from Claudio Suárez. The Red-and-White used goals from Maykel Galindo and Kraig Chiles in the second game to take a 2-1 win over UC Irvine.

The first game, which ran for two 35 minute halves, featured the return to competitive play of a number of Chivas USA players. Jonathan Bornstein started at left back for the Red-and-White, Paulo Nagamura was in the center of the midfield, and was replaced in the second half by Lawson Vaughn. It was the first taste of game action in 2008 for all three.

The only goal of the first game came in the 59th minute, when a rebound from Ante Razov’s free kick fell to the feet of Claudio Suárez, who had charged in on goal after the initial shot. The team’s captain finished from close range to give Chivas USA the win.

The Red-and-White used a different group of players in the second game, and was able to come away with another one-goal win. After going into the half down a goal, Maykel Galindo and Kraig Chiles each scored to give Chivas USA the 2-1 victory. Chiles also played an excellent ball to Galindo on the first goal, and Jorge Flores notched the assist on Chiles’ goal. The match was played with two 40-minute halves.

Chivas USA will soon head to San Antonio for next week’s Texas Pro Soccer Festival, where the team will face off against D.C. United, the Houston Dynamo, and Toronto FC.

Chivas USA lineup for game one:

Chivas USA (4-4-2): Brad Guzan; Alex Zotinca, Claudio Suárez, Jim Curtin, Jonathan Bornstein; Sacha Kljestan, Jesse Marsch, Paulo Nagamura (Lawson Vaughn 46), Raphaël Wicky (Luciano Fusco 46); Ante Razov, Atiba Harris.

Game two: Chivas USA (4-4-2): Sam Reynolds (Lance Parker 40); José Antonio Patlán, Daniel Carlos Montes, Bobby Burling, Jorge Flores; John Cunliffe, Eric Ebert, Lawson Vaughn (Kraig Chiles 40), Luciano Fusco (Gerson Mayen 40); Maykel Galindo (Justin Braun 47), Chukwudi Chijinju.

The Galaxy plays live at 11:30 tonight on Fox Soccer Channel against FC Seoul in the first game of their Asia tour.

The Daily Telegraph in England has more on the David Beckham buzz in South Korea.

Galaxy PR folks reminded me that the team has four players (and one coach) who particpated in the 2002 World Cup in Korea: Becks, Landon Donovan (who is back here in the U.S. for treatment and won't play tonight), Abel Xavier, Celestine Babayaro and now Assistant Coach Cobi Jones. Strangely, they all played against each other in the first round of that World Cup - Jones and Donovan beat Xavier and Portugal 3-2 while Beckham and England drew Babayaro's Nigeria 1-1.

Here at home, last year's Big West Goalkeeper of the Year, Galaxy draft pick Charles Alamo (UC Riverside) goes under the knife today, a week after tearing his ACL, a team spokesman e-mailed from Korea. Alamo is out for the year, but remains with the team after the Galaxy offered him a contract the same day the injury happened.

Injured defender Ante Jazic, remains in Korea to continue his rehab work with trainers Armando Rivas and Cecelia Gutierrez, as suspected, team officials confirmed.

Meanwhile, former Galaxy prospect Dan Paladini has resurfaced with Chivas USA. Former Galaxy midfielder Santino Quaranta has returned to D.C. United in an effort to resucitate his career. And, yes, Landon Donovan is the U.S. leading scorer after all FIFA confirmed today.

Finally, there's preps news from the Daily Breeze here.

When you start the day with a 7 a.m. talk to Rotarians, things just go downhill from there.

So, to bring us up to speed, the Galaxy have announced their 21-player roster for their Asian tour: goalkeepers Steve Cronin, Josh Wicks; defenders Celestine Babayaro, Sean Franklin, Michael Gavin, Ante Jazic, Mike Randolph, Troy Roberts, Julian Valentin, Greg Vanney, Abel Xavier; midfielder Ely Allen, Alvaro, David Beckham, Chris Klein, Brandon McDonald, Josh Tudela, Peter Vagenas; forwards Alan Gordon, Bryan Jordan, Carlos Ruiz.

Goalkeeper Charles Alamo, forwards Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan and Israel Sesay and midfielders Kelly Gray and Kevin Harmse have all returned to Los Angeles.

Donovan has patella tendonitis in his right knee, although he's expected to be fit for the start of the MLS season; Buddle is expected to miss approximately six weeks after suffering a dislocation of his right collarbone during the second half of the Galaxy’s 2-1 win over Sydney FC; and as previously reported Alamo is out six months after suffering a serious knee injury in a scrimmage against the Dyanamo.

Are Izzy, Gray and Harmse all on the outs with new Coach Ruud Gullit? No reason was given for their early flight home.

Galaxy single game tickets go on sale Friday, incidentally.

By the way, MLS Commish Don Garber is expected to formally announce Thursday that Philadelphia will snag the next MLS team.

Beckham and the Galaxy (in that order) arrived in Korea and spoke at a press conference Wednesday managing to say nothing we haven't heard before, although at least fashion is number two for Becks behind soccer.

Back in the U.S., Men's Under-23 National Team Coach Peter Nowak has named camp selections for the Olympic qualifying roster, although it's widely expected he'll add the European-based likes of Jonathan Spector and Michael Bradley for the games in March.

Local interest: Rolling Hills Estates' Robbie Rogers, Fontana's Maurice Edu, the Galaxy's Mike Randolph, Chivas USA's Sacha Kljestan and UCLA products Sal Zizzo, Marvell Wynne, Patrick Ianni and Chad Barrett are all on the roster.

The full roster: goalkeepers Dominic Cervi (Chicago Fire), Tally Hall (Esbjerg fB), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake); defenders Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Hunter Freeman (New York Red Bulls), Kamani Hil (Vfl Wolfsburg), Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Mike Randolph (LA Galaxy), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC); midfielders Arturo Alvarez (FC Dallas), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96); forwards Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake).

Ten players on the roster have earned caps with the U.S. National Team.

Finally, Pacific Palisades-based W-League team Pali Blues announced the signing of UCLA goalkeeper Valerie Henderson and English Under-19 Team goalkeeper Karen Bardsley from Chino Hills.

With Fidel Castro stepping down, it seemed like a good time to check in on Chivas USA's Cuban defector Maykel Galindo who resumes scrimmaging with the team today after off-season sugery.

The column is here.

Galindo had a league-leading five games in which he scored multiple goals last season including these typical strikes against the Galaxy.

Incidentally, while I was out at Home Depot Center Monday chatting with Maykel (the sort of guy it would be fun to hang with for a mojito or two, by the way), former Chivas USA assistant coach Martin Vazquez, who joins Bayern Munich in the same role in July, was spotted heading into the team's offices. Vazquez, inundated by interview requests from around the world, according to team officials, wisely isn't talking to the media until he begins work.

Meanwhile, Galaxy goalkeeper Charles Alamo is out for the season.

The Galaxy's parent company, Anschutz Entertainment Group, looks to make a nice profit by selling an interest in the Houston Dynamo to boxer Oscar de la Hoya. It's a move that can only be good for MLS, as the league looks to diversify its investor groups.

Finally, it's Tuesday and that means preps coverage from the Daily Breeze here and the Daily News.

Light and late blogging, let's play catch-up:

All three games - another against a Hong Kong team was added today - on the Galaxy's Asian tour are televised on Fox Soccer Channel.

From the Galaxy's press release:

The LA Galaxy announced today that they will play a preseason friendly 11 p.m. March 9 against the Hong Kong Union in Hong Kong in the third and final match of the club’s Asia Tour 2008.

Fox Soccer Channel begins coverage 11:30 p.m. Saturday with the Galaxy-FC Seoul match, followed four days later by an 8 p.m. tape delayed broadcast of the game against Shanghai-Hong Kong United.

Also, former Galaxy flop Santino Quaranta has resurfaced in D.C.

Fontana's Maurice Edu is profiled.

The Women's Olympic Qualifying groups are set, although you don't really need to pay attention (read the last graf). From the U.S. Soccer press release:

The U.S. has been drawn into Group A along with Jamaica and Mexico for 2008 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying from April 2-12 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

The U.S. will open the tournament April 4 against Jamaica before facing Mexico April 6. Both games will be played in the Estadio Olímpico Benito Juarez, which will host all 10 games during the qualifying tournament.

The top two teams from Group A will advance to the semifinals, where they will cross over to face the top two teams from Group B, which includes Canada, Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago. The winners of the April 9 semifinals will qualify for the 2008 Olympics.

The U.S. has only faced Jamaica once previously, a 10-0 victory 14 years ago in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying match in Montreal, Canada. Mexico is a more familiar opponent for the U.S., with the teams having faced each other 22 times previously. The U.S. has dominated the rivalry with the qualifying hosts, winning the first 21 meetings before Mexico earned a 1-1 tie on Oct. 20, 2007.

Finally, (and this is sorta old, but so is the rest of this post) from this link you've gotta wonder who is getting traded next.

Tuesday's column: Chivas USA Cuban defector Maykel Galindo and the departure of Castro.

Galaxy wins, Chivas USA loses and Long Beach State cancels.

Back Monday.

Galaxy-Sydney

The Galaxy plays the final game of the Pan-Pacific Championship in Hawaii tonight in a game ESPN Classic airs at 8 o'clock (the Houston Dynamo-Gamba Osaka championship game follows immediately after).

The island newspapers are avoiding much mention of the event and even the increasingly secretive Galaxy seem uninterested; no press releases or updates to the club blog. Deep discounts on tickets too.

Here's a preview (such as it is).

Chivas USA-Crew

Closer to home, Chivas USA takes on the Columbus Crew in Santa Clarita in a charity game that kicks off at 5 p.m.

From the Chivas USA press release:

All proceeds from the match will benefit the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, a non-profit which provides financial and emotional support to children and their families facing childhood cancer in Santa Clarita and the surrounding area.

The match will be played in Cougar Stadium at the College of the Canyons in Valencia, and tickets are available at prices of $20 for adults and $15 for children.

Fans should note that, due to the Tour of California cycling race, there will be a number of road closures and detours in the area near the College of the Canyons. These will occur mostly prior to game-time, but full information can be found on the City of Santa Clarita’s Web site.

Striker Alecko Eskandarian may make his first appearance in a Chivas USA shirt, while Swiss defender Raphael Wicky has resumed training this week, but isn't expected to play, team officials said. Also unlikely to get on the field: Jonathan Bornstein, Francisco Mendoza and Lawson Vaughn.

The Crew played Friday night against the San Jose Earthquakes in San Luis Obispo and so are likely to rest Rolling Hills Estates' Robbie Rogers and Argentine Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus Coach Sigi Schmid said via e-mail. He expects to mix and match different combinations tonight.

Sigi recommends fans keep an eye out for newcomer Nigerian attacking midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo who is on trial with the club.

The long-time South Bay resident and former Galaxy coach has also offered to blog occasionally this season and so I thought I'd get that into print and hold him to it.

The Crew also plays the Ventura County Fusion Monday in Ventura.

Preps Update

Finally, the Daily Breeze has high school soccer coverage here, the Daily News here, and the Long Beach Press-Telegram here.

A new Upper Deck Retail Store opened today in Huntington Beach, which if not actual cause for excitement on a slow news day at least gives me an excuse to blog about the the company's newest set of MLS cards. Issued after the end of the season (so we get a now-retired Eddie Pope in action, for instance on card 88), the cards have some (usually incomplete) stats, pallid text and reasonable photography.

The 200-plus set includes the David Beckham "rookie" card pictured below as well as the likes of Freddy Adu and the now-retired Chris Armas. There's 10 cards a pack and they retail for around $2.

Upper Deck has periodically issued MLS cards over the years (the ones from 1996 serve mainly to remind one how damn ugly those first-year team jerseys were).

A sampling is below. Kevin Hartman is reportedly much sleeker now, by the way.

Becks' "rookie" card	That's the best they could do?

A tubby Kevin Hartman	Pasadena City College's Yuri Movsisyan

The new Upper Deck store is in the Bella Terra Center, 7777 Edinger Ave., Suite D-150, just off the 405 Freeway at Beach Boulevard.

More info on the cards here.

And this this guy sounds like he knows more about the hobby than I do.

The USC women play Mexico tonight at the Coliseum, while up the coast in San Luis Obispo the Earthquakes play the Columbus Crew in the MLS Central Coast Showcase.

Mexico also plays Cal State Long Beach Sunday.

Swiss international Raphaël Wicky has started training with Chivas USA after off-season ankle surgery, while they're down to the last 60 players for Sueño MLS: The Dream Continues.

Plenty of high school soccer on tap from the Daily Breeze here and here, the Daily News and Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Finally, if you've got $10,000 (or so) to burn all this could be yours. Bucks for Becks, I guess.

It's only a preseason tournament with a grand name, but both games of the Pan-Pacific Championship are live on ESPN Classic tonight (the Galaxy game against Japanese team Gamba Osaka airs at 8 o'clock) and it's the first chance to see what a Ruud Gullit Galaxy team looks like.

Landon Donovan is out with an (achilles?) tendon injury according to the preview on the tournament's Web site and, of course, midfielder Kyle Martino was left off the Galaxy roster.

Gamba Osaka is reportedly missing seven players through injury, but Gullit conceded last weekend he knows nothing about the Japanese team. Still, he said a win is not the most important thing about the game anyway.

I spoke with Donovan and a couple of other players last weekend before the team left the state.

Donovan said that at least the attacking half of the team looked good in scrimmages last week against two college teams even without striker Carlos Ruiz:

"Attacking-wise we look pretty good because we have a lot of talented players," Donovan said. "We still don’t have Fish on the field and that’s going to help too (when he returns). Defensively is where we’re going to need to get better and that’s just because you don’t know the guy next to you. You don’t know how he moves. It’s a new coach so you don ‘t know completely what style he wants to play. Those things you have to figure out. And unfortunately, you can get away with a lot playing against college teams."

Newly-anointed starting goalkeeper Steve Cronin sounded eager to get between the posts, too:

"Since I've been with the national team I've basically been practicing, doing fitness and stuff like that for a month and a half now so I'm real anxious to play a competitive game," he said. "I want to solidify my spot on the team, gain the players' confidence."

It's a tough game so early in preseason, but midfielder Pete Vagenas welcomes the challenge:

"They're quality opponents so there’s going to be tough matches," he said. "It's important we schedule games in preseason where you're going to face adversity. It’s a waste of time where you go out and face college teams all the time and don’t face any type of adversity, don’t even lose. Sometimes it's good to see your team and players struggle to see how they come out of that because we all know MLS is a grueling season and everything is not going to always go great. So for me the most important thing is to schedule the toughest games you can. And if that means you're going to have to lose and take something in the behind because your team is not exactly ready, so be it. I think in the long run it benefits us."

The Galaxy Web site has pictures of the players working out Monday and tonight's weather looks ideal for a soccer game, which could encourage reportedly tepid ticket sales (only 10,000 or so sold was the word Tuesday). All sorts of discounts are on offer.

Here at home Chivas USA continue to prepare for Saturday's benefit game in Santa Clarita against the Columbus Crew.

Finally, high school playoffs are in full swing and there's prep news from the Daily Breeze here, the Daily News here and the Long Beach Press-Telegram here.

It took long enough, but here are the 27 players in Hawaii for the preseason tournament that starts Wednesday night:

Goalkeepers Charles Alamo, Steve Cronin, Josh Wicks; defenders Celestine Babayaro, Sean Franklin, Michael Gavin, Ante Jazic, Brandon McDonald, Mike Randolph, Troy Roberts, Julian Valentin, Greg Vanney, Abel Xavier; midfielders Ely Allen, Alvaro, David Beckham, Kelly Gray, Kevin Harmse, Chris Klein, Josh Tudela, Pete Vaganas; forwards Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan, Alan Gordon, Bryan Jordan, Carlos Ruiz, Israel Sesay.

The missing: Galaxy draft picks Daniel DeGeer and Matt Hatzke, open tryout selection Vito Higgins (who is from Hawaii) and midfielder Kyle Martino.

Martino told me last weekend that's he's healthy and recovered from offseason surgery, so the question arises: Is the relatively high-paid veteran trade bait as the Galaxy look both to reduce their wage bill and log-jam in midfield?

I have no idea whether Ruiz is healthy enough to play; he didn't feature in either of the Galaxy's two closed-door scrimmages last week. Similarly, it's unclear whether Babayara has yet secured a work permit.

And I bet Higgins is crushed.

The Galaxy have landed in Hawaii for the Pan-Pacific Championship amid the requisite scenes of Beckham hysteria and the typically bland press conference. Best line at the press event went to Dynamo Coach Dominic Kinnear, who quipped: "I am surprised the tickets only cost $10. I had a Pina Colada last night – and that was $10. So if people just hold off on one Pina Colada then they can come down and see some great soccer."

18 February 2008: Brian Ching of the Houston Dynamo and David Beckham of the LA Galaxy pose with the Pan-Pacific Championship trophy during a press conference for the inaugural event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, HI.

Still no travel roster from the increasingly secretive Galaxy.

Perhaps this new set of squad photos provides a clue and signifies who is likely to win a spot on Coach Rudd (sic) Gullit's team.

Check out the uncomfortable looking Alexi Lalas and defender Abel Xavier, who appears to be striving to look like one of those little plastic trolls that were a fad in the '70s.

Finally, Galaxy beat writer Billy Witz has more on who will return from the Galaxy's trip to Hawaii and Asia still on the team.

The last week has seen a heated global debate over a proposal to play regular season English Premier League games overseas, including the U.S.

Read this week's column for my take and the opinion of local players, then take the poll.

Comments welcome.

Should the EPL play regular season games overseas?
	Sounds splendid. When do tickets go on sale?
	Don't be daft. Have EPL officials lost their collective tiny minds?
	Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Updated: And the debate rolls on.

Good set of links with reaction, etc., on that page, too.

Defender Shavar Thomas remains stranded in Jamaica with visa problems, Chivas USA still has a dozen or so injured players and yet they looked good going forward in a 1-0 win today against D.C. United at Home Depot Center.

Preki played a lot of youngsters in the second half, yet was pleased with what he saw.
"They stepped on the field in the second half and played pretty good," he said. "We're making progress every day."

Defensive midfielder Jesse Marsch took exception to a tough challenge from Luciano Emilio and left the game in the first half to apply ice to his right ankle (the one he always ices after games), but it's not believed he will add to the Chivas USA ranks of the walking wounded.

Former Galaxy midfielder Quavas Kirk played for D.C.

Incidentally, reality TV show winner Jorge Flores' nick name: Sueño (Dream).

Here are the match details from Chivas USA.

Quickly: Chivas USA lost 4-0 to the Japanese Under-23 team Saturday at Home Depot Center and supposedly had 13 players missing because of injury. Sounds like a great way to start the season.

Chivas USA line-ups: (first half; 4-4-2): Brad Guzan, Omar Becerra, Alex Zotinca, Jorge Flores, Jim Curtin, Keith Savage, John Cunliffe, Jesse Marsch, Sasha Kljestan, Arnolfo Salazar, Atiba Harris.

(second half; 4-4-2): Brad Guzan, Omar Becerra, Gerson Mayen, Trey Lee, Darren Spicer, Chukwudi Chinjiju, Kraig Chiles, Dan Paladini, Steven Kaufman, Eric Ebert, Justin Braun.

Chivas USA plays D.C. United Monday at Home Depot Center in a game I plan to attend.

Also: Fontana's Maurice Edu put two shots past Kansas City goalkeeper Kevin Hartman (Peninsula High) as Toronto FC disposed of the Wizards 2-0 over the weekend.

Long Beach State women's soccer hosts the Mexican National Team Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at George Allen Field, two days after the Mexicans play USC at the Coliseum. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 kids.

Plenty of prep soccer from the Daily Breeze is here and here; from the Daily News here and here; and the Long Beach Press-Telegram here.

Some 22 Galaxy players trained Saturday morning (Greg Vanney was not there) at Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy played two games against college opponents this week beating Loyola Marymount 6-0 or 7-0 Tuesday (no-one could quite remember the exact score by Saturday) and UCLA 4-1 Friday with the Bruins' moms and dads allowed in the stands, but warned not to bring any cameras in.

The games were divided into thirds and goalkeeper Steve Cronin played the first 30 minutes of each game.

He only faced one shot (against LMU).

"We were just trying to figure some things out," said Galaxy Coach Ruud Gullit, saying he couldn't remember who scored. "It's not about the score."

Midfielder Pete Vagenas sounded like he was looking forward to Hawaii, comparing this camp to the early Sigi Schmid years: "I'm exhausted," he said, adding that coaches usually slack off the double days - but Ruud and Cobi Jones haven't. "Its been unique. ... We're licking our wounds so to speak."

On the Greg Vanney trade: "I thought I'd stepped into a time machine or something."

For those playing catch-up, here's the report from today's dead tree edition (to steal a phrase).

Defender Jay Needham was cut from training camp today, Galaxy officials said. Although he plays in the USL his MLS rights were owned by D.C. United and the Galaxy obviously didn't feel he was much of an upgrade.

Brazilian defensive midfielder Alvaro, last seen playing in Russia, is in camp. Aussie goalkeeper Chris Sharpe, who played in Denmark and for the Vermont Voltage (is that a great name or what?), was let go earlier in the week.

Excellent camp update is here.

The Galaxy also announced today they have entered into a multi-year broadcasting agreement with ESPN Deportes Radio KWKW 1330 AM to provide coverage of all 30 Galaxy games this season including a weekly program Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Over at Chivas USA, draft pick El-Hadj Cisse (North Carolina State University) picked up a knock on Tuesday against the Red Bulls and hasn't trained the last couple of days. Chivas USA plays Saturday against the Japanese Under-23 National Team in a game in the main Home Depot Center stadium that's only open to the media.

U.S. Women's National Team update (such as it is) is here.

Mexican Olympic Team head coach Hugo Sánchez announced the roster for 2008 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifiying today as well as warm-up games against Australia March 2 in Oakland and against Finland March 6 at Pizza Hut Park.

The squad: goalkeepers Guillermo Ochoa (Club América), Jorge Villalpando (Puebla) y Jonathan Orozco (Monterrey); defenders Omar Esparza (Chivas), Luis Robles (Atlas), Julio César Domínguez (Cruz Azul), Rodrigo Iñigo (Club América), Luis Omar Hernández (Necaxa), Hugo Ayala (Atlas), Francisco Gamboa (Toluca) y Efraín Velarde (Pumas); midfielders Jorge Hernández (Atlas), Patricio Araujo (Chivas), Alan Zamora (Atlante), Gerardo Rodríguez (Pachuca), Juan Carlos Silva (Club América), Edgar Castillo (Santos), César Villaluz (Cruz Azul) Sergio Ávila (Chivas); forwards Enrique Esqueda (Club América), Pablo Barrera (Pumas), Edgar Andrade (Cruz Azul), Santiago Fernández (Toluca), Luis Ángel Landín (Morelia) y Omar Arellano (Chivas).

Finally, UCLA men's soccer coach Jorge Salcedo today signed seven players to national letters of intent: goalkeeper Joseph Scachetti (West Torrance High), midfielder/defender Chris Cummings (Chatsworth/Crespi High), midfielder Daren Flitcroft (Great Falls, Va.), defender Oscar Reyes (Santa Ana, Saddleback High), midfielder/defender Andrew Rose (Bristol City) and midfielder Christian Vazquez and defender Zach Zerrenner (both Santa Barbara High). In addition, striker Fernando Monge (Bellevue, Wash.) graduated from high school early and will join the 2008 freshman class.

From the Galaxy press release on the trade:

The LA Galaxy has confirmed today acquired defender Greg Vanney from D.C. United in exchange for midfielder Quavas Kirk. Vanney, who began his MLS career with the Galaxy in 1996, returns to Los Angeles after previous stops at FC Dallas, Colorado and D.C. United, as well as a three year stint with Bastia in France’s Ligue 1. A native of Tempe, Ariz. and a graduate of UCLA, Vanney was out of contract with United but has signed a new deal with the Galaxy. Per league and team policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

“Ruud and the entire coaching staff are pleased to be acquiring a true professional such as Greg, who is coming off a great season with D.C. United in which he helped the club capture the Supporters’ Shield,” said Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo. “Greg is coming back to our club a stronger and more experienced player, who will be able to play multiple positions in the backline.”

The 33-year old Vanney has played in 245 career regular season games during his first nine years of MLS, scoring 22 goals and adding 22 assists, as well as five goals and six assists in 32 postseason matches. During his six seasons with the Galaxy (1996-2001), Vanney helped LA reach the MLS Cup three times, as well as leading the club to the 2000 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the 2001 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship.

“It’s great; I am excited to be back. I left six or seven years ago and I always felt like this was where I belonged,” said Vanney. “Though I have been through several experiences, my heart has always been with this club. I am looking forward to bringing trophies and championships back to LA.”

After leaving the Galaxy following the 2001 campaign, Vanney signed with Bastia of France’s Ligue 1, appearing in more than 50 games, mostly at right back, during his time at the club. He returned to MLS for the 2005 season, joining FC Dallas, with whom he played two seasons, appearing in 54 games before being traded to Colorado prior to the start of the 2007 season. He split time last season between Colorado and D.C. United, appearing in a total of 24 games, making 23 starts at both center and left back.

Vanney made 37 appearances for the U.S. during his 10-year National Team career, helping the Red, White and Blue qualify for the 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. Vanney was named as an alternate for the U.S. squad at the 2002 World Cup in Japan/Korea and was briefly added to the 23-man roster following a pre-tournament injury to Chris Armas, only to suffer a knee injury himself, ruling him out of the tournament.

Entering his fourth season in MLS, Kirk joins United after appearing in 33 games for the Galaxy, making 15 starts in his three seasons with the club. Kirk scored his only ever goal for the Galaxy in their 2-0 win over Roma FC in the Fourth Round of the 2006 U.S. Open Cup. The 20-year old Illinois native battled foot injuries for most of last season, limiting him to just 16 games in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Harden's exit was indeed so he can concentrate on "philanthropic endeavors away from professional soccer."

The (edited) Galaxy press release:

The Galaxy’s 2007 Visa Defender of the Year, Harden made 24 appearances, all starts, and played 2,086 minutes with the club.

"While it's difficult to lose such a talented young player, we recognize that there is much more to life than soccer,” said LA Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. “We respect Ty's decision and are happy that he will have the opportunity to fully pursue his mission of helping others. He remains a member of the Galaxy family and the door is always open for his return."

A native of Junction City, Oregon, Harden made a big splash in 2007, his rookie season. Despite missing playing time in the second half of the season with hip and calf injuries, Harden, 23, provided stability in the heart of the Galaxy defense after being selected by the club in the second round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. Tough and strong in the air, Harden battled some of the league’s top forwards game after game last year.

"My parents have worked for Goodwill for over 25 years, so it has been ingrained in me that helping others is something that we have been put on earth to do. It has always been part of my life and something that I wanted to do,” said Harden. “I have loved soccer for a long time, but I have always loved helping people and doing things for others. I just got to the point where I felt there is more that I can do than just playing soccer.”

Both Steven Goff's Soccer Insider and Soccer By Ives are reporting this morning that former Galaxy defender Greg Vanney will return to the Galaxy today in a deal with D.C. United, which owns his rights.

In a related story, young central defender Ty Harden has unexpectedly retired.

With rookie Sean Franklin and EPL veteran Celestine Babayaro installed as the de facto Galaxy full backs could this spell the end for central defender Abel Xavier? The Galaxy won't need (or can afford) two aging and expensive central defenders. And who will play alongside Vanney? Troy Roberts?

No confirmation from the Galaxy's blog, which apparently busied itself Wednesday moving San Luis Obispo from the state's Central Coast to Southern California. Must have comes as a shock to the folks up there.

Updated:
The exodus of young players may be continuing for the Galaxy this morning.

Now Goff is reporting that classy young Galaxy prospect Quavas Kirk is out the door as part of the Vanney deal.

Chivas USA officials said today that Japanese World Cup veteran Takayuki Suzuki has left camp, while Frenchman Marko Muslin has arrived.

In other camps, it sounds like there was a nasty collision at U.S. Women's National Team training today in Carson.

In Bradenton, Fla. today, Rolling Hills Estates Robbie Rogers scored a 26th minute equalizing goal from the middle of the box in what ended as a 3-2 Fire win over the Columbus Crew in a preseason scrimmage.

Closer to home, there's less than a week left to buy tickets for the Crew-Chivas USA charity game in the Santa Clarita Valley at $5 off the regular prices of $20 for adults and $15 for youths. The Feb. 23 game is at College of the Canyons' Cougar Stadium, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road.

Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Michael Hoefflin Foundation that provides financial and emotional support to children and their families facing childhood cancer in the Santa Clarita and surrounding valleys.

Details here.

UCLA signed seven players to letters of intent today: Camarillo High midfielder Hannah MacKechnie, the younger sister of Bruin midfielder Caitlyn MacKechnie; defender Amelia Mathis from Ventura; Canadian Under-19 international striker Sydney Leroux; Canadian Under-17 international defender Robyn Dutton from Calgary, Alta.; midfielder Summer Williams from Orinda, Calif.; U.S. Under-17 international defender Whitney Sharpe from Iowa; and goalkeeper Yiana Dimmitt from Redwood City, Calif.

Incidentally, former Chicago Fire Coach Dave Sarachan, last seen at the recent U.S. Men's National Team camp in Carson was appointed scouting manager for U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy. One of two scouts just hired: former MLS striker Raul Diaz Arce.

The always suspect FIFA Rankings were released today. Here are the rankings for CONCACAF. Looking forward to those CONCACAF Champions League games involving clubs from Belize?

Finally, because sheer stupidity is always worth blogging about, there's this. Ditch the names maybe?

The Galaxy, apparently failing to learn from last year's grueling schedule designed to wring every dollar possible from the presence of you-know-who (no, not Canadian defender Ante Jazic), are at it again.

Today the club announced a May 13 (that's a Tuesday) rematch against the USL Vancouver Whitecaps in Edmonton, Alberta sandwiched between a home date against New York the preceding Saturday and a road game in Dallas the following Sunday.

Assuming the Galaxy return to LA before heading to Texas, that's three games in nine days covering 5,222 as-the-crow-flies miles in two states and two nations.

Almost as curious is the Galaxy press release. There's no mention of the main reason for the Canada game (and no, it's not so fans can see Jazic):

“We have a tremendous relationship with the Vancouver Whitecaps and share their view of growing the sport throughout North America,” said Galaxy Assistant General Manager Tom Payne. “The first time that we played the Whitecaps the game ended in a draw, this time we are looking to score goals, entertain the fans of Edmonton and come away with a victory.”

This will be the Galaxy’s second friendly against the Whitecaps in a six month span, with the two sides having played to a 0-0 draw in Vancouver on November 7. A crowd of 48,172 was in attendance at BC Place Stadium for that match, making it one of the biggest crowds ever to see a soccer game in Canada.

“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to play the Galaxy in Edmonton,” said Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi. “One of our club’s mandates is to grow the game of soccer and this match will allow us to showcase two of North America’s most storied soccer franchises. Alberta has successfully hosted some of the biggest soccer events in Canada and I am positive that this match will be no different.”

The Whitecaps play in the 11-team United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) and boast a formidable roster, which includes a mix of youth and experience. Long-time veterans include Canadian international Martin Nash, Jeff Clarke and Steve Kindel. Nash, the 2007 Whitecaps team MVP, has won three USL-1 titles and earned 38 international caps. All three members were key contributors to the Whitecaps 2006 USL-1 championship season.

And let's hope the snow is off the ground in Edmonton by then. It usually is, but late season blizzards are not unheard of. (There's a reason the city's CFL team is called the Eskimos).

In other Galaxy news, the club announced today they had unearthed a goalkeeper from the just-ended open tryouts: former Gonzaga goalkeeper Vito Higgins.

From the (edited) Galaxy press release:

Higgins, who played four years at Gonzaga University, will begin training under the tutelage of goalkeeper coach Ian Feuer on Wednesday.

“Vito had an outstanding career at Gonzaga and was somebody whose talents we were well aware of in advance of this week’s open tryouts,” Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo said. “He came into the tryouts and impressed us with his play and has without a doubt earned his chance to train with the Galaxy.”

The 22-year old Hawaii native appeared in 69 games during his four years with the Bulldogs, including 38 in his last two seasons when he played every minute of every game for the school. As a senior in 2007, Higgins compiled a 9-6-4 record along with a 0.70 goals against average, which is the second best single season mark in club history. Higgins helped the Bulldogs reach the NCAA Tournament last year and recorded a career-high 14 saves in the Bulldogs 1-0 loss to SMU, with the game’s lone goal coming via a late penalty kick.

Higgins will train with the Galaxy for the rest of the week in the hopes of earning a spot on the club’s trip to Honolulu as part of the inaugural Pan Pacific Championship, which begins a week from today.

How cool would it be for a long shot to make a pro roster in that fashion and then possibly end up playing a tournament with the team in your home state? Good luck, Vito.

Finally, the Galaxy announced today that half season and six-game mini-plans are now on sale. One of the games included in the mini-plan is the Red Bull game, incidentally, presumably so fans can see the team before everyone is exhausted (again).

From the (edited) press release:

These plans are currently the only way for fans to purchase tickets to multiple Galaxy games this season without buying a season ticket and offer a significant discount over single game ticket prices.

Fans who order the Big Six plan, which range in price from $75-$420, will receive tickets to the Galaxy’s home opener against San Jose on April 3, the first installment of the SuperClasico against inter-city rival Chivas USA on April 26, the May 10 visit of the New York Red Bulls, the Galaxy’s annual July 4th fireworks match against New England, an MLS Primetime Thursday meeting with the Chicago Fire on August 21 and the 2008 MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center on Sunday, November 23.

Fans who select the half season plan, which range in price from $125-650, will receive tickets to all of the games in the Big Six plan, including the 2008 MLS Cup, as well as the Galaxy’s game against the two-time defending MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo on April 19 and three other matches.

The game was played this morning at Home Depot Center.

From the (edited) Chivas USA press release:

An early goal from striker Ante Razov was the only goal of the match, Chivas USA's all-time leading scorer taking a pass from Sacha Kljestan in the fourth minute and placing a low shot past New York goalkeeper Jon Conway. The goal was the second in as many pre-season games for Razov, who also scored Saturday in Chivas USA’s 2-0 win over UCLA.

First half llneups:
New York Red Bulls (3-5-2): Jon Conway; Scott Palguta, Jeff Parke, Carlos Mendes; Marshall Leonard, Seth Stammler, Dema Kovalenko, Dane Richards, Claudio Reyna; Juan Pablo Angel, Diego Serna.

Chivas USA (4-4-2): Brad Guzan; Alex Zotinca, Claudio Suarez, Jim Curtin, Jorge Flores; Sacha Kljestan, Jesse Marsch, Marko Muslin, John Cunliffe; Ante Razov, Atiba Harris.

Second half lineups:
New York Red Bulls (3-5-2): Zach Thornton; Mateus Anjos, Eric Brunner, Chris Leitch; Danleigh Borman, David Roth, Sinisa Ubiparipovich, Luke Sassano, Michael Palacio, John Wolyniec, Chris Megaloudis.

Chivas USA (4-4-2): Brad Guzan; Zach Flores, Mike Munoz, Marko Muslin, Jorge Flores; El-Hadj Cisse (Nick Blanco 77), Kraig Chiles, Dan Paladini, Keith Savage; Justin Braun, Chukwudi Chijinju.

Updated: Chivas USA named former Toronto FC Assistant Coach Mike Matkovich to that post with the team, replacing Martin Vasquez who joined Bayern Munich.

From the Chivas USA press release:

“Mike Matkovich is one of the most experienced coaches in the country,” said Preki. “He brings knowledge of everything from youth soccer to MLS, and has an ability to scout and develop players that will help Chivas USA for years to come. I’m thrilled to have him on our staff.”

Matkovich served as Director of Soccer for the Chicago Magic Soccer Club, a Chicago youth club that he founded in 1987 and which from 2005-2007 has been named the top youth club in the country. One of the players that Matkovich coached while with the Chicago Magic is current Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who was at the club with Matkovich from 1996-2004.

Matkovich’s wealth of experience also includes serving as the Head Coach of the Chicago Power of the indoor National Professional Soccer League from 1990-1994, where he won a national championship in 1990. Matkovich also spent 2000-2006 at the helm of the Chicago Fire Reserves of the Premier Development League, where he amassed a 71-8-7 record, which gave him the highest winning percentage of any coach in PDL history.

So Ruud Gullit has trained the Galaxy for all of a week or so now.

Time to take a closer look at the chap and what the Galaxy hope to accomplish by hiring him. This week's column is here.

Meanwhile, access is increasingly a problem in journalism period, but I'm not sure the cause is helped by this sort of whining by perhaps the most boorish sports columnist in the country.

And anyway, the premise of the column is false. Becks isn't the voice of MLS, he's the face of MLS.

He just needs to stand there, look handsome and score the occasional trade mark free kick. More standing than scoring so far, of course.

The Galaxy have confirmed trainer Ivan Pierra has departed the new Gullit regime after a dozen years, joining the U.S. National Team set-up. He's replaced by Armando Rivas who comes over from the Angels.

Also joining the Galaxy: Fitness Coach Chris Neville, a Brit and former pro.

Meanwhile, former Galaxy forward Diego Serna (three goals in 10 games back in 2003) is in town working out with the New York Red Bulls.

Finally, NYRB play Chivas USA in a scrimmage starting at 10 a.m. today at Home Depot Center's Track & Field Stadium. Chivas USA beat UCLA 2-0 last weekend in a closed door scrimmage, with veteran Ante Razov getting on the score sheet.

ESPN Classic and ESPN360.com will air next week's inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship live from Hawaii, the Galaxy announced today.

Adrian Healy and Allen Hopkins will be in the commentary booth.

The schedule:
Feb. 20
• 8 p.m. Galaxy vs Gamba Osaka.
• 10:30pm Houston Dynamo vs Sydney FC .

Feb. 23
• 8 p.m. PPC Third Place Match - Live on ESPN360.com.
• 10:30 p.m. PPC Championship Final.

I just got back from training camp where Galaxy officials said trialist Gabriel Aikhena, who last played in Singapore, was cut from the roster today.

In addition, draft picks Ely Allen, a forward out of Washington, and Julian Valentin, a defender out of Wake Forest, have signed contracts, team officials announced.

I'll have more from the Galaxy camp Tuesday including a closer look at new Coach Ruud Gullit.

For what it's worth, English tabloids were aflutter this weekend with "exclusive" news of an apt opponent and venue for the Galaxy's David Beckham to collect that 100th England cap he craves.

More here and here. No confirmation from U.S. Soccer.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy begin the second week of training camp today. Here's an update from the team on who remains in camp:

Thirty-three players, including eight of the club’s 10 draft picks will begin their second week of training with the Galaxy on Monday. With just more than a week remaining before the club’s first preseason game and the team scheduled to fly to Hawaii in one week, Ruud Gullit and the rest of his coaching staff will be continuing the club’s preparations for the Pan Pacific Championship and the opening match against Gamba Osaka on February 20.

Forward Landon Donovan was the last player under contract to enter camp, training for the first time on Friday after helping the U.S. National Team earn a 2-2 draw with Mexico in a friendly last week in Houston.

While four trialists were released from camp last week, one new face joined Galaxy camp over the weekend as 2007 USL First Division Rookie of the Year Jay Needham arrived in Los Angeles. The Texas native played for the Puerto Rico Islanders in 2007 after being selected by D.C. United in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. A central defender who is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, Needham played four years at SMU and was named a finalist for the Hermann Trophy as a senior in 2006, one year after he helped lead SMU to the College Cup.

Finally, former Galaxy striker Clint Mathis made a huge impression this weekend on his debut in Greece, scoring a vital late equalizer for his struggling new team.

Galaxy Goodies

As I write this almost 400 would-be Galaxy players have begun four days of games (and cuts) at Home Depot Center.

The big winner: the Galaxy. If memory serves players paid $150 apiece for the ultra long-shot Galaxy "trial," which works out to $60,000.

In Torrance today, defender Ante Jazic is signing autographs, getting his picture taken with fans and getting asked the question, "when are you getting traded?" (I kid about the last one) from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at a Sports Authority store at 3610 Torrance Blvd. Galaxy gear is 40 percent off and they're handing out free tickets to games. The Redondo Beach resident is one of the most approachable Galaxy players.

Finally, Sydney FC was confirmed Friday as the fourth and final participant in this month's Pan-Pacific Championship. Despite the name, neither the Galaxy nor Sydney are champions of anything, of course.

Chivas USA Preseason Schedule

Here's the Western Conference champions' tentative California schedule (all games at the HDC unless noted): 10 a.m. Tuesday vs. New York Red Bulls 2 p.m. Saturday Feb. 16 vs. Japanese U-23 National Team Noon Monday Feb. 18 vs. D.C. United 10 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 20 vs. UC Riverside 5 p.m. Saturday Feb. 23 vs. Columbus Crew @ Santa Clarita TBD Saturday March 1 @ Fresno Fuego 10 a.m. Saturday March 15 vs. San Diego State 10 a.m. Wednesday March 19 vs. Cal State Fullerton

Camp Cutdown

U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Pia Sundhage cut 11 players from training camp in Carson Friday, brought in three and sent defender Becky Sauerbrunn to the Under-23 team.

Incoming: defender Stephanie Cox, a starter at last year's Women’s World Cup, after being given last week off to rest and recuperate from the college season (she was the only player on the World Cup team to go straight into a collegiate season); Under-23 defender Rachel Buehler; and midfielder Kacey White, who Sundhage has likely seen playing in Sweden with AIK in Stockholm.

Outgoing: goalkeeper Cori Alexander; defenders Amy LePeilbet, Brittany Taylor, Lindsay Huie and Manya Makoski; midfielders Jen Buczkowski, Tina DiMartino, Sarah Huffman, Noelle Keselica and Joanna Lohman; and forwards Tiffany Weimer and Christie Welsh.

Full camp roster:

Goalkeepers Nicole Barnhart (Gilbertsville, Pa.), Kristen Luckenbill (Paoli, Pa.), Briana Scurry (Dayton, Minn.), Hope Solo (Richland, Wash.); defenders Rachel Buehler (Del Mar, Calif.), Stephanie Cox (Elk Grove, Calif.), Keeley Dowling (Carmel, Ind.), Tobin Heath (Basking Ridge, N.J.), Kate Markgraf (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.), Heather Mitts (Cincinnati, Ohio), Christie R