Orlando City SC’s Kaka tops MLS salary for 2017

Brazilian and Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka is the highest paid player in Major League Soccer this year, according to information released by the MLS Players Union.

KaKa is set to earn a base salary of $6.66 million with a guaranteed compensation of $7.16 million.

Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco is the second highest paid, earning a base of $5.6 million and guaranteed of $7.12 million.

Toronto FC’s Michael Bradley ($6.5 million), New York City FC’s Andrea Pirlo ($5.9 million) and David Villa ($5.6 million) round out the top five

The Galaxy’s Giovani dos Santos is sixth with a guaranteed compensation of $5.5 million.

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ICYMI: Reaction to a wretched LA Galaxy performance against the Seattle Sounders

Galaxy beat writer Damian Calhoun described Sunday’s pitiful performance by the Galaxy against the previously unimpressive Seattle Sounders as “disappointing“; in contrast, much of the other reaction out there was considerably less charitable.

You can read my take on the LA Galaxy in my 100 Percent Soccer column Thursday.

In the meantime, gnaw on this:

(The shuttle doesn’t operate until after the 90 minutes are up; I left at half time explaining that the game really was over, but no bus was available. A kindly supervisor spared me from watching the rest of the second half though, giving me a ride to my car at Harbor Gateway Transit Center).

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USL: Galaxy and Orange County SC play to 1-1 draw

In what is being billed as the I-405 Derby, Galaxy II and Orange County SC settled for a 1-1 draw in their first meeting of 2017 in front of a crowd of 2,225, Saturday.

OCSC opened the scoring thanks to an own goal in the 50th minute. In the 66th minuted, Adrian Vera knocked home a rebound after a free kick from Ari Lassiter hit the crossbar to even the score at 1-1.

The teams will face off again May 6 in Irvine.

https://twitter.com/LAGalaxyII/status/855994876424364032

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Dos Santos brothers launch their first soccer camp in Los Angeles

Giovani and Jonathan dos Santos will hold their first official soccer camp, July 24-28 at the Toyota Sports Complex (555 Maple Ave, Torrance CA 90503).

The brothers aim to provide the opportunity to boys and girls between the ages six-16 to enjoy high performance training, based on the values and methods that the they have acquired throughout their careers.

The program has been designed and will be conducted by their father, former professional player and Technical Director of the project Zizinho dos Santos.

Participants will be able to register online at www.2santosofficial.com. Fans can follow @2SantosWorld on social media for exclusive content, updates and information about the project and the Dos Santos brothers.

The camp will be two sessions, from 8:30 a.m. -noon and 1-4:30 p.m.

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Kevin Hartman named director of LA Galaxy Girls Academy

Former Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was named Director of the LA Galaxy Girls Academy, Monday.

The Galaxy are the first team in MLS to operate fully-funded Girls Academy teams, with play beginning in the Fall.

“This club has meant so much to me throughout my career and I am deeply humbled to be able to lead this unique, innovative and monumental initiative from the LA Galaxy,” Hartman said. “Development among youth soccer players is critical, and providing the appropriate resources and platforms to facilitate that development is an important step. I am thrilled to be a part of implementing a structure for girls throughout Southern California to develop to grow and develop in a professional environment free of charge.”

Hartman was a member of the Galaxy from 1997-2006, making 243 appearances and winning two MLS Cup (2002 and 2005).

The academy will consist of players from the U-14 to U-19 level, competing in the U.S. Soccer Girls Development Academy League. Each team will consist of up to 23 players from within a 75-mile radius of StubHub Center, home of the Galaxy.

The U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy League focuses on positively impacting everyday club environments to maximize elite female youth player development. Increasing the training to game ratio, playing fewer but more meaningful games and providing assistance for coaching education and development are just some of the standards and best practices the program will promote.

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Bruce Arena says U.S. could win 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup could be memorable as the U.S., Canada and Mexico announced a joint bid to host the event.

U.S. Men’s National Team coach Bruce Arena believes that event could be that U.S. fans would never forget.

In 1994, the U.S. was looked at as this emerging frontier in the game and FIFA wanted to bring the U.S. into the world’s game,” Arena said of the U.S. hosting in 1994. “In 2026, we’re going to be fully emerged into the game and a big player. I think 2026 will be the time

The U.S. Men’s soccer team practice with Coach Bruce Arena at StubHub Center in Carson. Photos by Brad Graverson/SCNG/01-11-17

where we are going to start talking about winning the World Cup. It wasn’t going to be in 1994. It wasn’t going to be in 2010. But 2026 could be our time.”

The U.S. advanced to the quarterfinals under Arena in 2002. They haven’t been beyond the round of 16 since then.

“We’re one of the host countries, which is an advantage, and think about where we are going to be in nine more years,” Arena said. “hink about where we were in 1994, ’98, 2000, keep going. And think about where we will be with even nine more years in our league, nine more years of players developing around the world and then playing the World Cup in our country. I think we’re going to be positioned to be a big player by 2026.”

 

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USL: Chelsea legend Didier Drogba joins Phoenix Rising FC

Didier Drogba, who last played with the Montreal Impact, has resurfaced with Phoenix Rising FC in the USL as player-owner.

Drogba, 39, will play with the club and then transition into an executive role with the MLS expansion franchise ownership group.

Phoenix Rising FC has a star-studded roster. Along with Drogba, the likes of former England national team and Premier League player Shaun Wright-Phillips and Mexican national team veteran Omar Bravo are also on the roster. Former Galaxy coach Frank Yallop is the coach.

Phoenix Rising FC is one of 12 groups bidding to win an MLS expansion berth.

If you’re interested, Phoenix Rising FC comes to StubHub Center May 27 and Aug. 5 to face Galaxy II and July 8 and Aug. 18 they will face Orange County Soccer club at Great Park in Irvine.

https://twitter.com/USL/status/852271362798497792

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