Recently in Mexican Futbol Category

All of a sudden El Tri's World Cup hopes have a bright new spark - Chivas striker Javier Hernandez.

Javier Hernandez celebrates his game winner Wednesday against North Korea (AP Photo).

The nickname?

Chicharito, 21, is a third generation CD Guadalajara player following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

At the other end of the age spectrum, veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 37, opened the scoring for Mexico in their 2-1 win.

Game story.

Check out Chicharito's goal:

Incidentally, England will play their penultimate World Cup warm-up match May 24 against Mexico at Wembley Stadium, officials announced today.

First: U.S. midfielder Stuart Holden has been ruled out for up to six weeks after fracturing his left leg Wednesday in the game against the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Details here.

Also this morning:

Chivas striker Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring for Mexico against New Zealand Wednesday at the Rose Bowl (AP Photo).

*Mexico beat New Zealand 2-0 Wednesday at the Rose Bowl before a rabid crowd of more than 90,000.

"It was a rambunctious crowd," Pasadena Police Lt. George Wiley said. "Ten minutes before the end it started raining. That settled things down a little."

About a dozen people were taken into custody on misdemeanor alcohol-related offenses.

Game story here.

*Guatemala beat El Salvador 2-1 Wednesday at the Coliseum. New Chivas USA midfielder Osael Romero came on as a 61st minute sub for El Salvador.

*David Beckham was an unused substitute in England's 3-1 win over Egypt.

*Alta Loma striker Jennifer Gonzalez, who plays for local youth team Arsenal FC, was selected Thursday for the 20-player squad that will seek to qualify for the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup at the upcoming CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship March 10-20 in Costa Rica.

Updated:
Galaxy striker Alecko Eskandarian, struggling with a concussion injury he suffered last season, posted this on Facebook this morning:

Just wanted to let all my friends and fans know I will have an update soon on my injury status for the upcoming 2010 season. Stay tuned.

Here's what's on tap on a busy day full of significant international fixtures:

*The U.S. Women's National Team beat Germany 3-2 today to lift the Algarve Cup in Portugal on a lucky 70th minute goal by UCLA's Lauren Cheney. Not an insignificant victory against the nation that hosts next year's World Cup. More here.

*The newly-anointed 18th best team in the world, the U.S., at least according to the widely-disparaged FIFA rankings (the latest edition was released today) plays the Netherlands at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN2 and Galavision. More here. And here's the U.S. starting XI.

*Mexico plays New Zealand at the Rose Bowl (8 p.m. on KVEA). One correction to the article: New Zealand's Ryan Nelsen is out injured and will not play. Also, Mexico will likely play England at Wembley May 23, although the date still has to be confirmed.

*El Salvador plays Guatemala at 8 p.m. at the Coliseum where Chivas USA's new signing Osael Romero will be on view.

*In other games, Germany faces Argentina at 11:45 a.m. on GOLTV, while the same channel has Italy-Cameroon at 1:45 p.m.

*U.S. Soccer has confirmed the East Coast location of the previously scheduled game against the Czech Republic:

AMSTERDAM (AP) -- The United States will start its World Cup send-off tour by playing the Czech Republic at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn., on May 25.

The site of the match was announced Wednesday by U.S. Soccer Federation. The U.S. has played at Rentschler Field twice previously, defeating Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in August 2005 and beating Latvia 1-0 in its final warmup before the 2006 World Cup.

The Americans play Turkey at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on May 29 before leaving for South Africa. They also might play fellow World Cup qualifier Australia in an exhibition on June 5 in Johannesburg.

Making its sixth straight World Cup appearance, the U.S. opens June 12 against England, plays Slovenia six days later and completes the first round against Algeria on June 23.

In addition to playing the U.S., the Czechs meet Turkey on May 22 in the first match between national teams at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.

At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the Czechs outplayed the Americans in the tournament opener for both teams, winning 3-0. In 1990, Czechoslovakia routed the U.S. 5-1 in the Americans' return to the World Cup following a 40-year absence.

The Czech Republic failed to advance to the 32-nation field for this year's World Cup in South Africa, finishing behind Slovakia and Slovenia in its European qualifying group.

*Lastly, MLS Commish Don Garber says bring on the Brits:

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber wants English Premier League clubs to invest in teams or start new franchises in the United States.

As part of wider discussions with English clubs about co-operation, Garber said Wednesday that money can be made in the expanding MLS.

Some English clubs already travel to the U.S. in the offseason to build their profile by playing exhibitions. Garber said helping to grow the sport in North America is the next logical step for them.

The Galaxy's Landon Donovan sounds more than a mite interested in staying/returning to Everton: "Every day that goes by makes me think that I want to stay here," he told the Associated Press.

Full story here:

LIVERPOOL, England -- Landon Donovan expects to return to Everton in the future even though he will leave the Premier League club when his 10-week loan ends next month.

The United States midfielder was Everton's player of the month for January and has helped lift his new team from 12th place to eighth.

"I'm enjoying it and enjoying every day that I'm here," Donovan said. "Every day that goes by makes me think that I want to stay here. "I would definitely imagine that I will be back here at some point in my life."

The 28-year-old Donovan is due to head back to the Los Angeles Galaxy for the club's opening Major League Soccer game on March 27.

Fans have set up a Facebook group to promote keeping Donovan at Everton. It has attracted more than 3,900 fans since being created Feb. 12.

"I wasn't aware of that," Donovan said. "That's pretty funny. We'll see what happens."

Meanwhile, David Beckham didn't get off the bench today as AC Milan moved into second in Serie A with a last minute 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.

The Galaxy beat Colorado 2-0 in a scrimmage today in Arizona.

Chivas USA drew 1-1 and 0-0 in a pair of 60-minute scrimmages today with the Kansas City Wizards in Arizona. Mariano Trujillo got the goal in the first game.

Chivas USA lineup (first game) - Jon Conway, Carey Talley, Emilio Viades, Carlos Borja, Ante Jazic, Mariano Trujillo, Blair Gavin, Michael Lahoud, Jorge Flores, Maykel Galindo, Justin Braun

Chivas USA lineup (second game) - Dan Kennedy, Miguel Sanchez, Claudio Suárez, Yamith Cuesta, Kevin Tangney, Cesar Zamora, Mario Padilla (Jesus Ochoa 45), Ben Zemanski, Chris Ross, Chukwudi Chijindu, Artur Aghasyan

The U.S. Women's National Team won its Algarve Cup opener today.

Torrance's Shannon Boxx glides past Iceland's Rakel Honnu today in the two teams' Algarve Cup opener (AP Photo).

Finally, Scotland-based defender Steven Old has replaced injured captain Ryan Nelsen on New Zealand's roster for the March 3 World Cup warmup against Mexico at the Rose Bowl. The former D.C. United defender is out out four to six weeks after pulling muscles and bruising a knee Monday night during Blackburn's 3-0 Premier League win over Bolton, but should be fit by the World Cup.

This legal battle doesn't affect Chivas USA, BTW.

This is the clearest explanation of this complex issue I've yet seen (a Goal.com story earlier this week that appeared translated from Spanish was virtually unintelligible), although the ramifications of this courtroom squabble isn't spelled out in this story either.

But, for what it's worth, here's the story:

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Owners past and present of Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara are engaged in a legal battle over the rights to use the club's name and trademarks.

An administrative court has ruled in favor of a group of former owners and has asked a federal court to follow its guidelines.

However, current owner Jorge Vergara, who bought the club in 2002 and changed its legal name, has said he retains ownership of the name and trademarks of the Chivas brand.

The complex case is likely to go to a higher court or be resolved in an agreement between the sides.

Former president Francisco Cardenas is arguing that the club's trademark still belongs to Club Deportivo Guadalajara AC. When Vergara bought the club, he changed its name to Club Deportivo Guadalajara SA de CV.

Vergera's lawyer, Leticia Ruiz, said the case brought by some of the former owners amounted to a publicity stunt.

"There will be no real legal ramifications," Ruiz said. "We will continue to use our
trademarks and nobody has the right to ask us to do otherwise."

Major League Soccer spokesman Dan Courtemanche said the case does not apply to Chivas USA.

"Chivas USA has protected its brand in the United States and Canada and is not involved with any of the legal proceedings in Mexico," Courtemanche said.

Glad that's cleared up, then.

A couple of things to pass along this evening:

*Chivas USA scored twice in each half Tuesday at a cold and rainy UC Irvine to beat the hosts 4-0 in a preseason scrimmage. Artur Aghasyan, who was with the PDL Ventura County Fusion last season, scored both first half goals. Gerson Mayén and draft pick Chris Ross added two more in the second 45 minutes.

Lineups:
Chivas USA (first half)- Zach Thornton, Mariano Trujillo, Carey Talley, Michael Umaña, Ante Jazic, Michael Lahoud, Blair Gavin, Ben Zemanski, Jorge Flores, Jesús Padilla, Artur Aghasyan.

Chivas USA (second half) - Dan Kennedy, Miguel Sanchez, Carlos Borja, Emilio Viades, Kevin Tangney, Chris Ross (Cesar Zamora 72), Marcelo Saragosa, Alfonso Motagalvan, Gerson Mayén, Justin Braun, Maykel Galindo

Chivas USA departs for Guadalajara Thursday for two games during a week-long stint in Mexico.

*New Zealand has named a 17-player squad that will face Mexico March 3 for a World Cup warmup against Mexico at the Rose Bowl. Only two players are missing from the lineup that beat Bahrain 1-0 in September to qualify for the World Cup: Goalkeeper Mark Paston is injured and defender Ivan Vicelich is suspended.

The roster:
goalkeepers: James Bannatyne (Team Wellington), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory)

defenders: Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix),
Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Tommy Smith (Brentford

midfielders: Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Simon Elliott (San Jose Earthquakes), Michael McGlinchey
(Mortherwell, Scotland), Craig Henderson (Mjallby)

forwards: Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle), Chris Killen (Middlesbrough), Shane
Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion)

*The U.S. Women's National Team open its 2010 domestic schedule next month
with a pair of matches against Mexico, the first at 2 p.m. March 28 at Torero Stadium in San Diego (live on Fox Soccer Channel), the second at 6 p.m. March 31 in Salt Lake City (live on ESPN2). Tickets for the game in San Diego go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Call (1-800) 745-3000.

*Los Angeles F.C. Chelsea has joined the Women's Premier Soccer League in the wake of their merger with the Los Angeles Rampage and will play their home games at La Canada High School. Former rampage Coach Emamuel "Manny" Martins will head up LAFC Chelsea.

I've been under the weather the past couple of days, so unless I hear of something major going on in the next hour or so I'm planning to skip Tuesday's column and crawl back into bed.

But here's a couple of quick updates to get your week under way:

*Chivas USA defender Ante Jazic played 90 minutes Sunday as Canada lost 1-0 to Jamaica.

*Chivas USA will scrimmage against the PDL's Ventura County Fusion at 11 a.m. Tuesday on field 6 at Home Depot Center and scrimmage again at 11 a.m. Thursday in Carson against LMU.

*The Galaxy's new Brazilian trio have joined preseason training.

*And here's your deal o' the day - both the Galaxy and Chivas USA are offering ticket specials that went on sale today in conjunction with the March 3 Mexico-New Zealand game at the Rose Bowl that's part of Mexico's six-game pre-World Cup tour in the U.S. between Feb. 24 and May 13. (Mexico also plays Bolivia Feb. 24 in San Francisco, the road trip inclined should know).

For $30, Chivas USA fans can purchase a general admission seat for both the Mexico match and Chivas USA's Home Opener on March 26 against the Colorado Rapids.

For $75, fans receive a midfield seat to the Mexico-New Zealand game as well as sideline seats for the first two Chivas USA home games of the season.

Galaxy fans have a similar choice.

For $30 fans get GA seats for the Mexico game and the Galaxy's March 27 season opener at the HDC against the New England Revolution OR the April 1 SuperClasico against Chivas USA, while $75 gets you the same choice of games, but with sideline seats.

For the Chivas USA offer call 1-877-CHIVAS-1; for the Galaxy offer call1-877-3GALAXY.

A grab bag of Southern California-related soccer news this morning:

*The MLS off-season is over (sort of). The league permits teams to open training camp today.

Galaxy players will report to Home Depot Center Monday for physicals and fitness work in the gym, but won't hit the practice field until Feb. 1. The trio of young Brazilians GM and coach Bruce Arena signed won't be there Monday though; they're awaiting visas. Chivas USA opens camp Tuesday.

MLS clubs must be roster (and salary cap) compliant, with 20 senior players and four developmental, by March 1.

Look for the complete MLS schedule to be released in the first week of February. And as of Wednesday, players under contract in other countries may be signed by MLS clubs through April 15.

*U.S. Coach Bob Bradley was asked whether Landon Donovan playing in the EPL against English players the Americans will see in their opening World Cup game is a good thing. Um, yeah.

*Hotshot UCLA striker Sydney Leroux scored a brace and was named player of the game as the U.S. crushed Jamaica 6-0 Thursday in its opening CONCACAF qualifier for the U-20 World Cup. Game details here.

*PDL team the Ventura County Fusion will play against the Mexican Under-21 team at 7:30 tonight at Buena High School in Ventura, 5670 Telegraph Rd. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 kids under age 12. Kids under the age of six get in free.

*As always, click the link at top right for an exhaustive run-down of the weekend's games, but I'll be paying special attention to:

Chelsea-Preston North End 4:30 a.m. Saturday (FA Cup fourth round) Fox Soccer Channel

Fulham-Accrington Stanley 7 a.m. Saturday FSC (giant killing possibility?)

Leeds United-Tottenham Hotspur 9 a.m. Saturday FSC (the leaders of League 1 play an EPL outfit)

Tigres-CD Guadalajara 5 p.m. Saturday KVEA

U.S.-Honduras 6 p.m. Saturday FSC

And there's two big derbies Sunday: Inter Milan-AC Milan 11:30 a.m. on FSC and River Plate-Boca Juniors at 5 p.m. for those of you who get Fox Sports Espanol.

I'll blog from the U.S.-Honduras game Saturday so check back in then (or better yet if you're local, come on down; I suspect the U.S. could use the support).

As reported by 100 Percent Soccer last week out of contract Chivas USA holding midfielder Paulo Nagamura has signed with Mexican club Tigres, a week before the start of preseason training camp.

Nagamura made 73 appearances for Chivas USA over three seasons and also played for the Galaxy.

"Paulo is a strong, dedicated player who has given this club a lot in the past three seasons," said Stephen Hamilton, vice president of soccer operations. "While we're disappointed that we weren't able to re-sign him, we're eager to continue building the team for the 2010 season."

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Jesús Padilla, striker Maicon Santos, and central defender Yamith Cuesta have all renewed their loan deals with Chivas USA for the upcoming season.

Reports out of Mexico suggest that the out of contract Chivas USA defensive midfielder's move south of the border is pretty much a formality, with some stories saying all that remains is for Paulo Nagamura to take a physical.

In fact, Tigres UANL has already announced the signing (in a Google-translated statement):

The club announces that it has reached agreement with the player Paulo Nagamura for the Bicentennial Tournament 2010, a loan with a purchase option.

The player will arrive in Monterrey on Friday, at 8:00 am, to be subjected to medical examinations and view details of their engagement for six months, joining the squad as soon sign a lease.

Why Tigres would consider the move a loan is unclear, but Stephen Hamilton, Chivas USA's vice president of Soccer Operations, was moved to issue a statement this evening:

"Since Paulo's contract expired at the end of last season, we have been making our best effort to renew his contact and bring him back to Chivas USA for the 2010 season. However, as a free agent, Paulo is able to explore other options, and we are aware that he has opportunities with other teams."

Losing the former Galaxy and Toronto FC Brazilian midfielder would be a blow to Chivas USA and new Coach Martin Vasquez had made resigning him a priority. Nagamura, a six-year MLS veteran, added an eye and capability for a spectacular goal to his well-honed, hard-nosed repertoire this season in what was a career year.

Incidentally, one Chivas USA official I spoke with earlier today told me that the possibility of losing Nagamua was one of the things that made drafting defensive midfielder Blair Gavin such an attractive pick. Chivas USA staff were apparently surprised the Akron standout was still available when they picked tenth today, so they were pretty jazzed about that.

And Gavin could see substantial playing time, although Chivas USA also still have Marcelo Saragosa on the roster, of course, who is a similar player to Nagamura.

Estudiantes Tecos goalkeeper Mario Rodriguez stops a shot during the second half of the InterLiga soccer match against Puebla Wednesday at Home Depot Center. (AP Photo).

And the winners are: Monterrey and Tecos.

Hercules Gomez (yes, that one), left, made his Puebla debut Sunday in Carson, but couldn't stop his team going down to defeat. Here he vies with the ball with Monterrey's Jose Maria Basanta. (AP Photo)

Monterrey take final InterLiga berth Sunday in the nightcap at Home Depot Center.

The early dud game.

The official site.

On Wednesday it's Puebla-Estudiantes Tecos (6 p.m.) and then Club América-Monterrey.

Diving Tecos goalie Mario Rodriguez can't stop Salvador Cabanas scoring the second of Club America's three goals in nine minutes that enabled them to take a 3-1 lead Saturday in Carson. The game ended 3-3. (AP Photo)

Saturday's games.

With Club America and Tecos securing semifinal berths Saturday and Puebla already qualified among today's contestants, the final place is up for grabs today at Home Depot Center between Monterrey, Tigres UANL and Jaguares.

Tigres-Jaguares game preview.

Monterrey-Puebla game preview.

Official site.

A preview of the opening game of tonight's doubleheader from Carson, Santos Laguna-Atlante at 5:30 p.m., is here. Both teams still have a chance to advance from Group A.

More on the game most fans want to see, Club America-Tecos, the top two teams in the group, is here.

Full tournament details here.

Tournament officials said "a full stadium is expected and organizers are encouraging fans to purchase their tickets in advance, as well as arrive early to the stadium."

I won't be blogging at the games due to a previous commitment, but I do intend to head out to today's USMNT practice at Home Depot Center. I'm collecting material for Tuesday's column, but if there is any news I'll blog it here.

Updated:

Fellow South Bay blogger Chris Cognac will provide updates from the stadium of tonight's InterLiga games. Follow along here.

Puebla goalkeeper Jorge Villalpando got the shutout and his club got a crucial win Wednesday in Texas (AP Photo).

Puebla clinched a spot in the InterLiga finals in Carson by beating Jaguares 1-0 in Houston Wednesday, while Monterrey must beat Puebla Sunday at Home Depot Center if they hope to advance after drawing with Tigres in the nightcap.

Game stories here and here.

More from the official site of the tournament is here.

Catch up on Tuesday's action here.