Recently in U.S. Youth Teams Category

Doh! It was that sort of day for AC Milan and David Beckham today against struggling Livorno. The two teams drew 1-1 (AP Photo).

More here.

Roma took advantage of Milan's dropped points , by pulling into a tie for second in Serie A.

Also this weekend:

*The Galaxy's second on-loan star, Landon Donovan, helped Everton narrowly beat Wigan Athletic 0-1 on Saturday. BTW, check out the nice little chalkboard device you can use to break down Donovan's or anyone other players' performance at The Guardian. Donovan was subbed yet again, but again showed some good touches, especially in the first half.

Next: the Merseyside derby against Liverpool live at 4:45 a.m. Saturday on ESPN2.

*Spoiler alert! Fox Soccer Channel will air the CONCACAF U-20 final at 2 p.m. today on a delayed basis. If you want to know what happened click here.

*Finally, while (former?) Sol GM Charlie Naimo didn't return a call seeking comment about the team's demise Friday, he did send some e-mailed comments via the WPS office:

"Yesterday was a sad day for the franchise, staff, players and fans. Until I see our players on other rosters I will continue to work for the organization. This is a very special group of players that we assembled and it's very tough for me to see this team dispersed next week.

"In just one year, we built a great brand in women's soccer and in the Los Angeles area. It takes time to build up a following in any sport and over the season, we developed a terrific and loyal fan base.

"It was a special first season, winning the regular season title like we did and playing the kind of soccer that no one thought would be possible in just the first few weeks of a new league and a new team. I'm hopeful that the team can return for LA fans in the not-so-distant future.

"It was hugely disappointing that our efforts to find a new ownership group came up short. We felt like things were really looking good until the latest stages of the transaction. Those conversations in and of themselves, leave me optimistic for the future of WPS in Los Angeles.

"We proved in 2009 that it's a viable market, we just need to locate the right ownership group that is interested in being with the team for the long-term.

"WPS has so many incredible things going for it in 2010, including the quality of the players assembled from around the world and the U.S., stadium upgrades, two new franchises and some changes to its regular season. I'm only sorry that the Sol won't be part of that in 2010."

More on the Galaxy's Mr. Klein later in this post, but you should know:

*The Galaxy had their first general media availability Wednesday (although loyal 100 Percent Soccer readers got the inside scoop here a couple of days ago). And while the waived Tony Sanneh and Leonard Griffin weren't around to answer questions, plenty of other players were to reflect on the coming season.

*That Chivas USA will host a benefit event for Haiti tonight at Grunions in Manhattan Beach.

*What the English papers are saying about Landon Donovan's stellar performance Wednesday for Everton courtesy of the Soccer Insider blog.

*One game stands between the U.S. U-20 Women and a World Cup berth, an 11:30 a.m. clash against Costa Rica live on Fox Soccer Channel.

*About that promised Klein item. Here is an exchange between Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena and an apparently hard of hearing reporter at Wednesday's training session regarding veteran Klein via colleague Phil Collin:

Arena: It still demonstrates a guy who's been a good player, a durable player, a fit player and a good player.

Reporter: Adorable player? I've never heard that adjective used.

Arena: Durable.

Reporter: Oh, durable! I thought you said adorable, I apologize.

Arena: Adorable, wow. Well, he is that as well, I might add.

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).

UCLA and U.S. Under-20 Coach Jill Ellis and Bruin striker Sydney Leroux, named the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Golden Shoe and Golden Ball winner, lead a 20-player squad in an eight-team regional qualifying tournament in Guatemala for the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup set for Germany.

The opening U.S. game against Jamaica can be seen live at 2:30 p.m. Thursday on Fox Soccer Channel or streaming (free) here (registration required). It's the first time CONCACAF or any regional confederation has offered free live coverage of a youth tournament online.

Leroux, who had 23 goals for the Bruins last season, scored five goals in the U-20 World Cup, earning her the Golden Ball as tournament MVP and the Golden Shoe as top scorer. Leroux is the most capped player at the U-20 level on the qualifying roster, with a dozen goals in 16 games.

Also on the squad is Bruin midfielder Zakiya Bywaters.

More on the team and tournament here.

The U.S. also plays Trinidad & Tobago Saturday and Mexico Monday at the same time.

Three nations will qualify for the World Cup.

While we await the expected noon announcement of Landon Donovan's likely move to Everton and perhaps vastly improved contract terms to ensure he actually returns to MLS (would the Galaxy schedule a press conference just to announce his loan move away from the club?), it's good to note that the dreams of a group of local kids are certain to come true this year thanks to Daily Breeze readers.

The annual Daily Breeze ball drive reached the goal of 1,400 balls collected for children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor thanks to a late influx of donations.

Special appreciation to all the 100 Percent Soccer readers who responded to the request for donations in a down economy and especially the Galaxy whose late contribution of 100 goals pushed the Breeze over its goal. Who knows whether one of those kids getting a ball turns out to be the next Donovan or Shannon Boxx?

BTW, a 36-man U.S. Under-20 camp gets under way today at Home Depot Center. Locals involved include defender Cesar Zamora (Chivas USA; Sylmar), midfielder Carlos Martinez (Wilmington Jrs.; San Pedro) and strikers Tristan Bowen (Galaxy; Van Nuys) and Victor Chavez (Real So Cal; Fontana).

With the family tucked up in bed I should mention:

*U.S. Soccer has announced the finalists for its annual awards and Southern Californians are well represented including Torrance's Shannon Boxx, UCLA goalkeeper Brian Perk and UCLA's Sydney LeRoux. Even Michael Bradley lists Manhattan Beach as his hometown these days, since his dad lives here. Oh, yeah, that Landon Donovan bloke was mentioned, too. Info here.

*Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan marks the World Cup draw at noon next Friday, Dec. 4 by "unwrapping a giant holiday present for the city and handing out special World Cup holiday gifts to fans at the adidas store on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica." The event includes South African Kwaito music and dancers, adidas giveaways, autograph signings and the chance to win a $500 holiday shopping spree.

From the adidas press release:

For every World Cup match ball that's bought at the Santa Monica store Dec. 4-6, adidas and Sacha will donate a ball to Toys for Tots.

*The UCLA women (20-2-1) and Portland (21-1) once again square off for a spot in next week's NCAA College Cup at 5 p.m. Saturday at Drake Stadium. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 youth/students.

From the UCLA press release:

This Saturday will mark the third time in the last four seasons that UCLA and Portland have met in the NCAA Quarterfinals in Los Angeles. It will also mark the sixth time that the two teams have squared off during the postseason (UCLA leads 4-1). The Bruins own a 7-1 all-time record against the Pilots.

UCLA posted its 20th victory of the season in its 3-0 win over Virginia last week, making it the fifth straight season that the team has reached the 20-win mark. The school record for wins in a season is 22, set in both 2005 and 2008.

*The UCLA men face UC Santa Barbara at 5 p.m. Sunday at Drake Stadium in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after disposing of Sacramento State last weekend.

Ooh la la!

Leave it to those Italians.

Juventus' Paolo De Ceglie, left, and Giorgio Chiellini, right, not only gave their shirts to fans in the wake of the Italian club's 1-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa in Israel Tuesday, but their shorts, too. (AP Photo).

I offer this picture not so much so we can ogle Italian bums (although my wife, ahem, begs to differ), but as a vivid reminder that the UEFA Champions League is on again today.

The Arsenal-AZ Alkmaar is behind Sentanta's pay wall, but everything else can be seen on free TV (if you have El Segundo-based DirecTV).

The full schedule is here. Barcelona gets things off to an early start with a game at 9:30 a.m. today on Fox Soccer Channel.

One other note: the U.S. is out of the Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria having lost 2-1 today to the Italians.

And I'm guessing those Italian lads kept their shorts on at game's end.

Briefly:

*The MLS playoffs begin tonight and Seattle Sounders fans will demonstrate the right way to support a team - by going freaking nuts in the stands. Hope Galaxy and Chivas USA fans are taking note. The Dynamo-Sounders game is on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. Game preview here.

*Incidentally, the U.S. is playing Malawi at the U-17 World Cup live on ESPNU right now. It's 0-0 at the half. You can also follow along on Matchtracker. Updated: The U.S. win 1-0 on an Alex Shinsky goal

*The U.S. women are in Germany for a sold out friendly that starts at 10 a.m. The Sol's Brittany Bock is a doubt because of a knock. Sounds like her participation is a game time decision.

*Belated congratulations to former Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan who saved four penalties (!) deputizing for regular starter Brad Friedel for Aston Villa the other night. More here.

Finally, the Cal State Northridge men (7-7-2, 2-4-1 BWC) lost 2-0 to UC Santa Barbara Wednesday. Next: hosting UC Riverside at 3 p.m. Saturday at Matador Field. Take along three cans of food as a contribution to the food drive being held and you'll get in free.

Read it here.

Oh, and the Becks to AC Milan deal is done, say the Italian club.

BTW, the U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team predictably lost 2-1 to a technically (and creatively) superior Spain Monday in Ghana Nigeria at the World Cup for that age category.

San Pedro's Carlos Martinez was an unused sub; Fontana's Victor Chavez played the second half.

Because my e-mail in-box is clogged, I give you:

*Word that San Pedro's Carlos Martinez (Wilmington Jr.) and Fontana's Victor Chavez were selected to the U.S. Under-17 team that will play in the World Cup for the age group later this month in Nigeria. Full squad and schedule here.

*A Q&A with Robbie Rogers of Rolling Hills Estates in the wake of his World Cup qualifying performance here.

*News that Fontana's Maurice Edu was a victim of racism - by fans of his own club Glasgow Rangers. Classy. And he reported the incident via Twitter.

I previewed Wednesday's Chivas USA-CD Guadalajara game Wednesday at the Rose Bowl. Read the column here.

BTW, two Chivas USA players - Gerson Mayen and Jorge Flores - won't play because they, along with UCLA goalkeeper Brian Perk and midfielder Michael Stevens, are in Egypt preparing for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup that starts Thursday.

ESPN will show all 52 games from the tournament, most on ESPN 360.com.

All three of the U.S. group games will be on TV, however:

*6:55 a.m. Saturday ESPN Classic U.S.-Germany
*9:40 a.m. Tuesday ESPN2 U.S.-Cameroon
*9:40 a.m. Oct. 2 ESPN2 U.S.-Korea

ESPN will also show the final Oct. 16.

A tournament preview is here.

Here's the full squad:

goalkeepers - Sean Johnson (Central Florida; Lilburn , Ga. ), Josh Lambo (FC Dallas; Middleton, Wis. ), Brian Perk (UCLA; Rancho Santa Margarita)

defenders - Gale Agbossoumonde ( Miami FC; Syracuse, N.Y. ), Kyle Davies (FC Dallas; Danville, Calif. ), Aaron Maund (Notre Dame; Dorchester, Mass.), Ike Opara (Wake Forest; Durham , N.C.), Anthony Wallace (FC Dallas; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Sheanon Williams (Unattached; Boston)

midfielders - Danny Cruz ( Houston Dynamo; Glendale, Ariz. ), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabak; Oslo, Norway ), Dilly Duka (Rutgers; Montville, N.J.), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA ; Anaheim), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge; Richardson, Texas ), Brian Ownby (Virginia; Glen Allen, Va.), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame; Plano, Texas), Michael Stephens (UCLA; Naperville, Ill.)

forwards - Sam Garza (Denver; Highland Village, Texas), Peri Marosevic (FC Dallas; Rockford, Ill.), Brek Shea (FC Dallas; College Station, Texas), Tony Taylor (Jacksonville; Jacksonville , Fla.)

There's no room for Chivas USA's Gerson Mayen though.

Every game of the tournament from Egypt will be shown on an ESPN-branded channel.

The U.S. opens against Germany Sept. 26, faces Cameroon Sept. 29 and finishes group play against South Korea Oct. 2.

The best U.S. finish: fourth in 1989 with Kasey Keller in goal.

Tournament home page.

AP Photo

Azteca Stadium in Mexico City sat eerily empty Sunday during the game between Club America and Tecos because of the swine flu outbreak.

CONCACAF today canceled the remainder of the Under-17 championships in Tijuana and postponed the second leg of the Champions League final because of escalating fears of a swine flu pandemic.

The U.S. Under-17 team, which includes midfielder Carlos Martinez of San Pedro, is returning to its home base in Florida.

The U.S. is advising residents not to travel south of the border.

Professional games in Mexico City were played behind closed doors over the weekend.

Here's the (edited) CONCACAF press release:

Due to the growing concerns about the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico, CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer announced Monday that the remainder of the confederation's Under-17 Championship in Tijuana has been canceled and the second-leg of the CONCACAF Champions League finals has been postponed.

Mexican authorities previously had closed schools in Mexico City and on Monday extended that decision nationwide. Based on the actions of the Mexican government, CONCACAF responded to safeguard the health of players, officials and fans.

Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and the USA all had clinched berths the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009, and were to play the semifinals on Wednesday with the championship and third-place match scheduled for Saturday. The four semifinalists will advance to the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria from 24 October - 15 November.

The second-leg of the CONCACAF Champions League™ finals between CD SC Cruz Azul (MEX) and Atlante FC (MEX) was to be played Wednesday in Cancun, but that game now will be delayed until Tuesday, 12 May at 9 p.m. local (10 p.m. EDT). Atlante leads the two-game title series 2-0 from its opening win in Mexico City last Wednesday.

The CONCACAF Beach Championship in Puerto Vallarta, scheduled to begin Wednesday and continue through Sunday, is under review with a final decision expected Tuesday.

Briefly:

* The San Fernando Valley Quakes of the Premier Development League announced today that they are the latest casualty of the economy. The team lasted three years. The 2009 season was scheduled to begin May 1.

* MLS gets its Becks bucks.

* Manhattan Beach resident Amy Massey, a defender with the USC soccer team, will attend Oxford on a NCAA scholarship. Massey played her final season for USC last year.

*The U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team, which includes Carlos Martinez of San Pedro, has qualified for the World Cup this fall. The team beat Canada 4-2 Thursday to clinch qualification.

*Sol striker Camille Abily scored in France's 2-0 win over Switzerland Wednesday in Dijon; the teams meet again Saturday.

*First-place Chivas USA (4-1-1) hosts FC Dallas (1-3-1) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Home Depot Center in a game that's live on KAZA and tape-delayed at 9 p.m. on Prime. Kids 16 and under get in free with every adult ticket purchased. The Galaxy are on the road in Colorado Saturday, (the game will be shown on tape-delay at 10 p.m. on Fox Sports West) as are the Sol who face Saint Louis Athletica.

Briefly:

*MLS "eye candy" Robbie Rogers of Rolling Hills Estates (and others) here. Also featured: Chivas USA 's 'sexy" Sacha Kljestan and rookie Galaxy defender A.J. 'the hunk" DeLaGarza.

*The U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team plays Cuba at 4 p.m. Tuesday in its opening game of the regional championships in Tijuana. No TV.

*The U.S. Women's National Team will play Canada July 19 iin Rochester, N.Y., and July 22 Charleston, S.C., it was announced today. From U.S. Soccer:

"The matches will be the last for the U.S. Women's National Team at home in 2009, but the team is scheduled to gather for training camps and a European tour following the completion of the inaugural WPS campaign."