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Preview: USMNT vs. Antigua & Barbuda

 Posted by on October 12, 2012 at 5:57 pm  Global Football Today, United States, USMNT, World Cup 2014
Oct 122012
 
Mikele+Leigertwood+Antigua+Barbuda+v+United+NQ_Nej_K8b1l

The team goes into their next set of World Cup qualifier as clear favorites to win over Antigua & Barbuda. The U.S. is tied at the top of the group with Guatemala and Jamaica with Antigua and Barbuda trailing behind. Back in June, the Yanks beat the Benna Boys 3-1, in a match were most believed the score should have been more like 6-0. The Benna Boys will be focusing their efforts in the back and strategizing on their defense against the Americans.

After the team’s 2-1 loss to Guatemala in June, Jurgen Klinsmann is trying to change the mentality of the players going into these next two qualifiers, as is shown with his decision to omit Jozy Altidore from the American’s roster stating, “I was not happy about his latest performances with us, maybe even over the last 14 months”. Klinsmann also added “I think Jozy can do much, much better, and the reason why he’s not coming in is mainly about the performances in Jamaica and at home, also in training. Also certain things that went on through the May-June camp.” Altidore is having his best club season so far and is tied in the Eredivisie leading in goals for AZ Alkmaar. With Altidore’s absence, most of the pressure upfront will be put on Clint Dempsey and Herculez Gomez.

Another person left off the roster is Timmy Chandler who has turned down his previous call-ups with the U.S. to remain with his club team. Chandler has recently stated he is very much open to returning to play with the U.S. The next opportunity for Chandler to be cap-tied will not come until next summer during other qualifier matches. Klinsmann instead made the surprise decision to call-up Eddie Johnson who is making a return to the national teams after two years without a call-up. Johnson has recently been having a breakout year after joining the Seattle Sounders, and as Klinsmann stated, Johnson provides much needed versatility in the air up-front.

The Americans will be aiming for a win these next two matches without some of their starting players. Landon Donovan and Brek Shea were both dropped from the roster last week because of injuries and returned to their clubs for recovery. Later in the week, U.S. Soccer announced that both left backs Fabian Johnson and Edgar Castillo would also be dropped from the roster because of an injury and illness. Johnson is sick with the flu and will hopefully recover in time to meet up the team in Kansas City next week for the match against Guatemala. The changes to the roster will likely force Klinsmann to start Carlos Bocanegra in the left back position for the upcoming match.

Despite, the home field advantage for Antigua the final score should reflect this new mentality Klinsmann is trying to enforce after the team’s loss in Guatemala City. “The mentality we are bringing into these two games is to get six points. We must have urgency within the group and a clear understanding that we need to deliver, which means each player has to bring a 100 percent effort”, Klinsmann said.

Following their match against Antigua & Barbuda, the Yanks will once again take on Guatemala in the semifinal round of qualifying next Tuesday. Guatemala is heavily favored to finish in the top two of the group behind the U.S, and will be a tougher opponent than the Benna Boys.

Our Boys Overseas: October 2

 Posted by on October 3, 2012 at 12:31 am  Our Boys Overseas, United States, USMNT
Oct 032012
 

This weekend marked a memorable weekend for Clint Dempsey, who notched his first goal since joining Tottenham Hotspur. Several Americans begin competition this week in the first round of the Champion League and Europa League.

ENGLAND

Clint Dempsey scored his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend in the Spurs’s first win against Manchester United in 23 years. Dempsey’s game winner lead Tottenham to a 3-2 victory. Brad Friedel made five saves for his team, helping them extend their unbeaten streak to five games. Dempsey and Friedel face Aston Villa fellow Americans Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj next weekend. Before the Spurs host Aston Villa they travel to Athens on Thursday to take on Greek-side Panathinaikos in the first round of the Europa League.

Tim Howard made four saves for Everton in their 3-1 win over Southhampton in the team’s second straight win on Saturday. Everton stands near the top of the table in second and have gone unbeaten in their last three league matches. The Toffees travel to Wigan Athletic next Saturday.

Brad Guzan started in goal on Sunday and made two saves for Aston Villa in the Villans 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion. Eric Lichaj was an unused sub in the match. Eric Lichaj dressed but did not play for Aston Villa. Aston Villa sits 16th in standings.

Geoff Cameron went the full 90 minutes in Stoke City’s 2-0 shutout over Swansea City on Saturday marking the team’s first win of the season. Maurice Edu was an unused sub in the match. Stoke travels to Liverpool on Sunday.

Jonathan Spector and Birmingham City won in a 1-0 shutout over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. Birmingham lost to Cardiff City 2-1 on Tuesday in midweek action. Spector and Birmingham take on Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

ITALY

Michael Bradley is still recovering from an injury and did not play in AS Roma’s 4-1 loss to Juventus on Sunday. Roma dropped to tenth in standings with the loss. i Giallorossi host Atalanta on Sunday.

SPAIN

Oguchi Onyewu was an unused sub in Malaga CF’s 4-0 shutout over Real Betis on Saturday. Malaga is currently third in La Liga standings and have gone unbeaten in all of their league matches this season. Onyewu and Malaga travel to Belgium on Wednesday to take on Anderlecht and Sacha Kljestan in the first phase of the Champions League.

 Carlos Bocanega went 90 minutes in the back in second divison Racing Santander’s 1-1 draw against Numancia on Saturday. Bocanegra and his team travel to Murcia on Saturday. Racing has gone unbeaten in their last five matches. 

GERMANY

Jermaine Jones picked up a yellow card last Friday in his team’s 2-2 draw against Fortuna Dusseldorf. FC Schalke 04 takes on Montpellier on Wednesday in the first phase of the Champion League. Schalke currently sits at fourth on the league table. The team returns to Bundesliga play on Saturday when they host VfL Wolfsburg.

Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96 fell 1-0 loss to Hamburg SV on Saturday. With the loss the team falls to fifth place in standings. Cherundolo and Hannover hope to start off the first stage of the Europa League with a win on Thursday against Spanish-side Levante. After the match on Thursday, the team returns to league play over the weekend with a match against Dortmund.

Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams both went 90 minutes in Hoffenheim’s scoreless draw against FC Augsburg on Saturday. Williams picked up a yellow card in the match. Hoffenheim sits in the middle of the pack in 9th place.

NETHERLANDS

Jozy Altidore netted the equalizer and had an assist in AZ Alkmaar’s 3-3 draw against RKC Waalwijk on Saturday. The goal marked Altidore’s eighth league goal of the season. Altidore and AZ travel to Twente Enschede on Sunday.

DENMARK

Michael Parkhurst had an assist in FC Nordsjaelland’s 3-0 shutout over Esbjerg on Friday. Nordsjaelland were defeated 4-0 by Chelsea FC in the first phase of the Champion League. Parkhurst and his team travel to Odense BK on Sunday. The victory moved Nordsjaelland to third place in standings.

NORWAY

Mikkel Diskerud scored a goal in Rosenborg BK’s 5-2 win over Haugesund on Friday. Diskerud also picked up a yellow card in the match. Diskerud and Rosenborg host Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday in a Europa League match-up.

MEXICO

 Jose Torres went 26 minutes in Pachuca’s 1-0 win over Chivas de Guadalajara on Saturday. Torres and Pachuca travel to taken on DaMarcus Beasley and Puebla on Wednesday. Pachuca hosts León on Saturday.

DaMarcus Beasley played 68 minutes for Puebla in their 1-1 draw against Pumas UNAM on Sunday. Beasley and his team take on Tigres UANL and Jonathan Bornstein on Saturday.

Edgar Castillo played the full match in Club Tijuana’s 1-0 win over Queretaro on Saturday. Neither Joe Corona nor Greg Garza played in the match. The trio travels to Monterrey on Wednesday before hosting Toluca on Sunday.

Give Crew Stadium A Chance

 Posted by on September 10, 2012 at 11:33 pm  Blogs/Media, Columbus Crew, International, MLS, United States, USMNT, World Cup 2014
Sep 102012
 

A few hours ago I engaged a couple friends in a healthy debate about Crew Stadium’s place in history and whether or not it would be a suitable home for the US Men’s National Team.

Now, I am an ardent Crew supporter but I need to be honest (aka objective) with all of you for a moment. Crew Stadium was the first soccer specific stadium for an MLS franchise. Many people will try to tell you that Crew Stadium is an important part of American soccer folklore/history. They will tell you that without Crew Stadium, there would be no Home Depot Center/PPL Park/BBVA Compass Stadium.

This is simply not true.

Am I supposed to believe that without Crew Stadium, the New York Red Bulls NEVER would’ve wound up with their own facility. Does Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois REALLY exist because of what happened in Columbus? No. Crew Stadium itself is quite simple. It’s four sides of mostly cheap, metal bleachers on a former county fairground parking lot. Only recently did the organization pull enough teeth to remove the central stands at the north end of the stadium and insert a concert stage to help bring in more events to generate more revenue. Outside of that, the stadium has remained largely untouched since it originally opened in 1999. The front office continues to search for a sponsor to sign a long term naming rights deal, but they haven’t really come close in the stadium’s 13 year existence. Meanwhile, pretty much every soccer specific stadium that has come along since then has a lucrative (some more than others) naming rights deal that was completed fairly close to each one’s debut. Some even had naming rights done BEFORE the inaugural game.

So yes, Crew Stadium was the first of its kind and represents a significant footnote in American soccer history. But it’s nothing more than that: a footnote. The facility continues to wither away under the harsh sands of time.

Enter the US Men’s National Team.

The USMNT has never lost a World Cup qualifier inside the confines of Crew Stadium. In fact, the qualifying campaigns for Italy 2006 and South Africa 2010 both featured significant victories by the US over hated CONCACAF rivals Mexico inside Columbus Ohio’s favorite soccer stadium. I was in attendance for the original “Dos a Cero” match when the US clinched its spot in the 2006 World Cup with a resounding 2-0 victory over Mexico in September of 2005.

It was by far the most festive atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at a sporting event. And this was in 2005! The American Outlaws were still in their infant stages. US soccer supporters hadn’t even remotely begun to mobilize at that point in time. The US also won its home qualifying fixture over Mexico in Columbus in 2009 leading up to the 2010 World Cup. Columbus has become a fortress for the Stars And Stripes, especially when it matters most during qualifying. Not only that, but Columbus is ideally located in the heart of America’s Midwest; the home of the middle class. Tuesday night’s sellout crowd will feature fans from Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Pittsburgh, as well as the rest of the state of Ohio. You could not ask for a more central focal point from to draw fans from surrounding cities/states. It is truly a melting pot when the USMNT comes to the capital of Ohio.

Are there bigger cities than Columbus who feel they deserve a shot? Absolutely. But I seem to recall a match at Chicago’s Soldier Field several years ago in which the US played Honduras and the crowd was overwhelmingly Blue And White. The immigrants put the natives to shame. The same thing happened the last time the US hosted Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The 2011 Gold Cup Final showed us the true colors of Southern California. Places like Portland, Seattle, Kansas City, and Washington DC will also cry out for their voice to be heard. But with the exception of DC, all of those places have solid stadiums already in place. They are no longer in need of a modern home.

If the US Soccer Federation declared Crew Stadium the official home of the USMNT for World Cup qualifying it would create a true sense of urgency to upgrade the archaic facility. The grounds crew regularly receives national awards for its pristine upkeep of the natural grass playing surface itself, but beyond that the stadium is in desperate need of renovations. It must become a modern stadium like so many of its MLS counterparts. A little nudge from the USSF would make all the difference in the world. It would allow things to come full circle and let Crew Stadium leave behind the days of being old and outdated while sleek new stadiums spring up around the country. A wide open parking lot around the stadium leaves plenty of room for tailgating and pregame festivities, but it will take more than that to make Columbus the official home of America’s Team.

When you’re watching the match against Jamaica on Tuesday night, pay close attention to the crowd. See just how skilled Columbus is at hosting  American soccer supporters. Listen to the sounds of AO Columbus and the rest of the Midwestern chapters of America’s best supporters group who traveled to this “cathedral of American soccer”. Then close your eyes and imagine if the stadium had actual chairs and legitimate VIP suites courtesy of a lucrative naming rights deal. Imagine the country’s first soccer specific stadium as the official home of the US Men’s National Team.

Now that would be truly MASSIVE…

 

“Be MASSIVE!!!”

Our Boys Overseas: August 31st

 Posted by on September 1, 2012 at 12:09 am  Our Boys Overseas, United States, USMNT
Sep 012012
 

With the summer transfer window coming to a close today, several U.S. Soccer players secured a move to a new club for the remainder of the season. Several of these Americans are set to make their debuts this weekend for their respected teams.

ENGLAND

Clint Dempsey’s time at Fulham has officially come to an end today after spending the last six years with the team after joining the Cottagers in 2006 from the New England Revolution. After speculations that the American would be transferring to Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur snatched the Texan before the close of the summer transfer window. Dempsey will be joining fellow American Brad Friedel at Tottenham who is the current starting goalkeeper at the club. Dempsey completed his physical yesterday and has signed a three-year contract with the team. With the help of both Americans, the team hopes to get their first win of the season this weekend against Norwich City.

Maurice Edu will be joining fellow U.S. Soccer team member Geoff Cameron at Stoke City after signing with the team last weekend on a three-year contract. Cameron made his debut for Stoke last weekend against Arsenal in a match that ended in a scoreless draw. Edu makes the move as a free transfer after the demotion of Glasgow Rangers to the third division of Scotland and four seasons with the team. Edu could make his debut for the team as soon as tomorrow when the team faces Wigan Athletic.

After spending most his first season for Leeds United recovering from a concussion injury, Robbie Rogers is going on loan with Stevenage FC of League One for the remainder of the season. Rogers was recently put on Leed’s transfer list. Current Stevenage coach, Gary Smith, is the former coach of the Colorado Rapids in the MLS. Rogers could make his debut for the team this Saturday against Oldham Athletic.

SCOTLAND

Carlos Bocanegra is going on a loan for the season to Racing Santander of the Spanish second division following in the footsteps of fellow American teammates Alejandro Bedoya and Maurice Edu  who also made moves due to the team’s ongoing financial struggles and recent demotion to the fourth tier of Scottish football. The last American to play in Spain was Jozy Altidore who previously was a player for Villarreal. Santander host Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

GERMANY

Joe Gyau has made a loan move to St. Pauli of the Bundesliga 2 from 1899 Hoffenheim to gain more playing time and experience. The 19 year-old leaves behind fellow Americans Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams who are both starting players for Hoffenheim. Gyau’s first chance at getting minutes may come this weekend when the team takes on Sandhausen.

PORTUGAL

Oguchi Onyewu will be joining Carlos Bocanegra in Spain from Sporting CP when he moves to La Liga team Malaga for a season-long loan. This comes after CP left him of the team’s Europa League roster. Onyewu’s Belgian citizenship allows the player to bypass the Spanish-side’s non-allowance of players who are not European. Malaga travels to Zaragoza on Saturday.

Michael Bradley out for a month with an injury

 Posted by on August 29, 2012 at 12:17 pm  Breaking News, Serie A, USMNT
Aug 292012
 

Michael Bradley out for a month with an injuryMichael Bradley suffered an injury to his upper right thigh in training on Tuesday and will likely be out for the next month, missing matches for not just his club AS Roma, but also with the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). The USMNT has an the upcoming pair of World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Jamaica on Sept. 7 and 11. Bradley likely will not be able to participate in these important matches for the USMNT.

Bradley kicked off his Serie A season with AS Roma last Saturday and contributed an assist on a last minute goal to help Roma get a draw against Catania.

 

 

 

Our Boys Overseas: August 23

 Posted by on August 23, 2012 at 7:11 pm  Our Boys Overseas, United States, USMNT
Aug 232012
 

After the United States’ historic triumph at Estadio Azteca last week, several Yanks began their new club seasons amidst transfer rumors , while several others are making the transition to their new clubs after summer transfers.

ENGLAND

Tim Howard and Everton started the new EPL season off with a 1-0 win against Manchester United at home. Howard helped his team by making three saves in the match. The match also marked the debut of former Arsenal player Robin van Persie for Manchester United who came on as a sub in the second half. The Howard and Toffees travel to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey was not on the game day roster for Fulham on Saturday during their 5-0 shutout over Norwich City. According to various reports Dempsey has been fined an undisclosed amount by Fulham FC for not agreeing to play in the match against Norwich. Fulham manager Martin Jol is stating that the American has also not been training with the team for the past several weeks. After previously being linked with a summer move to Liverpool, Dempsey’s future club situation still remains uncertain and his time at Fulham seems to be nearing an end. Dempsey has spent tha last six years at the club since moving to Fulham in 2006 from the New England Revolution. Fulham travels to Old Trafford on Saturday to take on Manchester United.

Geoff Cameron was unable to play in Stoke City’s season opener due to a visa delay and is expected to return to England sometime this week and should be available for Stoke’s home opener against Arsenal this weekend.

Neither Brad Guzan nor Eric Lichaj was on the game day roster in Aston Villa’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham United. Guzan recently signed a new contract with Aston Villa that would keep him at the club for three more years after spending the last four years as Aston Villa’s backup goalkeeper.

Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-1 to Newcastle United on Saturday. Friedel made one save in the game. Friedel and his team host West Brom on Saturday.

Tim Ream went the full 90 minutes in defense for Bolton Wanderers in their 2-0 loss to Burnley on Saturday. This was the team’s first game of the season in the Championship after being regulated last season from the Premiership. Stuart Holden is still out recovering from a knee injury that kept him from any playing time last season. On Tuesday, Ream and Bolton took on Derby County and won 2-0 in their first win of the season. The Trotters play against Nottingham Forest and Robbie Findley on Friday.

Robbie Rogers was not included on Leeds United’s game day roster in the team’s 2-1 loss to Blackpool on Tuesday. This comes after Rogers was placed on the team’s transfer list. Rogers spent most of last season recovering from concussions he sustained during matches. Leeds United travels to Peterborough United on Saturday.

Jonathan Spector played the first 27 minutes in Birmingham City’s 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. On Tuesday, the team lost 3-2 to Hillsborough. Spector and Birmingham take on Jay Demerit’s former team Watford on Saturday.

ITALY

Michael Bradley and new team AS Roma have ended their United States tour and begin the Serie A season on Sunday with a match against Catania. The match is expected to be Bradley’s official Serie A debut with Roma. On Sunday, Bradley scored in a friendly against Greek side Aris FC marking his second goal for AS Roma since joining the team this summer. The midfielder scored his first goal for Roma a couple weeks ago at Fenway Park in a friendly against Liverpool.

SCOTLAND

After Rangers FC’s demotion to the fourth-tier of the Scottish league rumors of potential bids for Maurice Edu to either Ipswich Town or Stoke City were swirling. Ipswich has recently denied this rumor and any bid for Edu. Edu has made it clear that he seeks a transfer from Ranger’s due to their demotion. Carlos Bocanegra has also been amidst many rumors tying him to a potential move back to MLS. Meanwhile, the defender has spent the time captaining Rangers in their past few games. Bocanegra will once again be captaining Rangers this Sunday when they travel to Berwick Rangers.

SWEDEN

Alejandro Bedoya recently made a summer move to back to Sweden after leaving former club Rangers FC due to the club’s money issues. Bedoya has started off on the right foot at Helsingborgs IF. On Saturday, Bedoya marked his debut for Helsingborgs by scoring the team’s only goal of the night with a bicycle kick in the team’s 2-1 loss to Elfsborg. On Tuesday, the team lost 2-0 to Scottish league giants Celtic in the first round of Champions League qualifying. Next Wednesday, Rangers and Helsingborgs will have a rematch against Celtic in the second league of Champions league qualifying. Helsingborgs travels to Djurgården for league play on Saturday.

NETHERLANDS

Jozy Altidore scored two goals on Sunday in AZ Alkmaar’s 3-1 win over Heracles. This comes one week after also scoring two goals for AZ Alkmaar in the team’s home opener. AZ lost 1-0 to Anzhi Makhachkala in the first play-off round of the Europa League. Altidore and AZ return to league play on Sunday against Heerenveen.

GERMANY

Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96 defeated FC Nottingen 6-1in the first round of DFB Pokal on Sunday. Cherundolo lead his team to a 5-3 win over ?l?sk Wroc?aw in their first round of Europa League play-offs.  Hannover and Cherundolo host Jermaine Jones and Schalke 04 in league action on Sunday.

Timmy Chandler and FC Nurnberg lost 3-2 in extra time to TSV Havelse in the first round of DFB Pokal on Sunday. Chandler and Nurnberg travel to Hamburg SV on Saturday for league play.

Alfredo Morales and Hertha Berlin lost 2-1 loss to Wormatia Worms in the first round of DFB Pokal on Sunday. Hertha Berlin host SSV Jahn Regensburg on Friday.

BELGIUM

Sacha Kljestan and RSC Anderlecht are off to a winning start season after finishing on top in last season’s Belgium League by defeating Mons 2-1 win on Saturday. Anderlecht lost 2-1in the first game of Champions League play-offs against AEL Limassol. Kljestan and his crew travel to OH Leuven on Saturday before hosting AEL Limassol next Tuesday for the second leg of their play-offs match up.

DENMARK

Michael Parkhurst scored the game winning goal for FC Nordsjaelland in their 1-0 win over AGF Aarhus on Sunday after scoring last week’s game winner also. Parkhurst and FC Nordsjaelland host Sonderjyske on Friday.

Clarence Goodson was another defender who also scored a goal this past weekend. The American defender scored his first goal of the season and lead Brondby IF to a 1-1 draw against FC Copenhagen on Saturday. The team takes on Esbjerg on Sunday.

Charlie Davies and his new team Randers FC won in a 1-0 shutout over Silkeborg IF on Saturday. Davies is one of several Americans that changed clubs over the summer after leaving French side Sochaux. Davies and Randers play FC Copenhagen on Saturday at home.

PORTUGAL

Oguchi Onyewu was not included in Sporting CP’s game day roster on Sunday in their scoreless draw against Vitoria Guimaraes. This comes just after being left off Sporting CP’s Europa League roster. The team takes on Rio Ave on Monday.

MEXICO

Herculez Gomez and his team Santos Laguna lost 2-1 loss to Pumas UNAM on Saturday. Days after, Santos Laguna and Gomez shutout Salvadoran side Aguila 5-0 on Tuesday in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League matchup. On Saturday, the team takes on Pachuca and Jose Torres.

DaMarcus Beasley and Puebla fell 3-0 last Friday to Morelia. On Tuesday, the team defeated Lobos BUAP 3-0 in a Copa Mexico match-up. They return to league play on Sunday when they host Michael Orozco Fiscal and San Luis. Michael Orozco Fiscal and his team lost 1-0 to Chivas de Guadalajara on Saturday. The defender picked up a yellow card in the match.

Edgar Castillo and Joe Corona both played in Club Tijuana’s 2-1 over Tigres UANL last Friday. Greg Garza was an unused sub in the match. Tijuana beat Celaya 2-1 at home on Tuesday in Copa Mexico action. The trio travels to take on América this Saturday.

 

 

If Donovan Isn’t Motivated Now, When Will He Be?

 Posted by on June 5, 2012 at 11:58 pm  Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS
Jun 052012
 
landon donovan 1 If Donovan Isnt Motivated Now, When Will He Be?
Does Donovan still have a thirst to quench in LA?

I actually really like Landon Donovan… as a player. In person? Well, he isn’t the most cheerful to be around, even when the Galaxy are winning.


Sarcastic, short, and almost surgical are Donovan’s responses to most post-game questions. You don’t sense he takes much joy in the time he has to spend with us. But in the short time I have had a chance to cover Donovan and speak with him after games and practices, regardless of how trite his answers to questions have been, he has always come off as being very honest.


So, when Donovan tells a group of reporters before the recent U.S. men’s national team friendlies that he’d lost some of the passion and hunger he once had for the game, I believe him.


But with the news coming down today that the Galaxy forward Edson Buddle is to be sidelined 3-6 weeks due to knee surgery, it might be time Donovan regains some of that hunger, and fast.


Mired in a seven-game winless streak, the LA Galaxy are at the bottom of MLS’ Western Conference with 11 points and a minus-6 goal difference. And now with Buddle out, and Robbie Keane away at Euro2012, injury has been added to insult. The Galaxy aren’t just hemorrhaging goals and late game leads anymore, they’re losing players, too. 

While he is likely to play big minutes in the national team’s opening two qualifiers Friday(6/9) and next Tuesday(6/12), Donovan would presumably be available to play for the Galaxy when it returns to action on June 17.  Whether he will play though – Donovan has had niggling problems much of the season and with all the recent injuries, Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena may not risk his captain – is probably up for debate. But in light of LA’s poor form, does Donovan need anymore motivation than his side’s record to hurry back to the aid of his team?

In his return to the national team, and after his comments regarding his loss of motivation, many were questioning Donovan’s hunger for the sport. Those doubters were silenced after a MOTM performance and hat trick in his return against Scotland left Donovan just one goal short of 50 for his career with the national team. It’s that kind of fire the Galaxy could seriously use to break from their current winless slide.


Donovan has always been a loyal captain to the Galaxy, and regardless of what is said off the field, his effort on it has never been questioned. But with only two goals and two assist in 10 played this season, some might surmise much of the motivation Donovan lost was actually in playing for the team he led to the MLS Cup just last season. Not necessarily something you want from your captain and team’s best player.

So, now is Donovan’s time to flip the switch, dig deeper, or do whatever it takes to find whatever has been lacking for him and the Galaxy these past three months. If he can’t be motivated by the embarrassment of the team’s league standing, maybe Donovan’s time with LA has run its course and its time for the two sides to move on.


With the summer transfer window around the corner and each dropped point pushing the Galaxy closer and closer to the edge of the abyss, it might be now or never for Donovan and LA.







Posted by: Vincent La Rosa, GFT/LA Galaxy writer

We Was Robbed! Klinsmann Snubs Galaxy in Their Own Home.

 Posted by on August 31, 2011 at 12:36 am  Uncategorized
Aug 312011
 

Thoughts and prayers go out to those in the wake of Hurricane Irene. While many claim the potential for disaster was overhyped, it’s likely much of the “overhyping” helped save many lives, as a majority of people actually acknowledged evacuation instructions leading up to the hurricanes arrival.

Irene also gave a very fixture-congested LA Galaxy team the chance for a much needed break, as their match at the NY Red Bulls postponed until Oct. 4. And with a FIFA scheduled international break this weekend (a break the entire MLS will more or less will be observing as well), your LA Galaxy will not be in action two straight weekends (they will face Sporting KC on Monday, however).
But while the Galaxy get a few extra days of rest, three members will be representing their national sides during said international break. Chris Birchall, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan will be away on national team duty with Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Ireland, and the United States national teams, respectively. While we’ll be cheering equally for all our national team representatives, the most intriguing international match is likely to be the US Men’s National Team against Costa Rica at our own ground in Carson, the Home Depot Center.
Of course, Donovan is a perennial call-up to the USMNT, and a worthy call-up at that! But Galaxy supporters planning on being in attendance at the HDC will be disappointed to see Donovan as the only Galaxy representative suiting up for the USMNT on Friday night. With the match being on the Galaxy’s pitch and fans eager to see how new coach Jurgen Klinsmann shapes his side, many would have hoped for a few more inclusions from the team atop MLS and their CONCACAF Champions League group. Here’s a look at three possible (and deserving to varying degrees) Galaxy inclusions to the USMNT squad set to take on Costa Rica at the Home Depot Center Friday, Sept. 2 at 8 pm PST on ESPN2 (no, ESPN does not pay me for that plug, but they should!):
TODD DUNIVANT, LEFT BACK:


Dunivant has become “Mr. Reliable” for LA this season starting all 26 matches so far at left back. While he isn’t a flashy player, he is a more than capable passer and exhibits a high work rate. Rarely caught out of position, it’s no wonder with Dunivant on the field for every match this season the Galaxy have conceded a joint-league low of 20 goals on the season. At 30 years of age, he isn’t likely to be the future of the US setup for years to come, but with the heavy rotation the US has seen at left back over the years his consistency merited a look.
SEAN FRANKLIN, RIGHT BACK/RIGHT MIDFIELD:


Franklin’s been a favorite here at the blog, but that takes nothing away from his well-deserved praise this season. Named to his first MLS All-Star Starting XI, the speedy right back has recently been pushed farther forward by coach Bruce Arena in an attempt to match Donovan’s speed from the opposite flank. Make no mistake though, moving Franklin into midfield says more about his ability going forward than any deficiencies in defense. Strong in the tackle and very good 1v1, Franklin can mark any attacker out a match. And recently, he has even found his scoring boots, notching the first two goals of his career this season. Franklin’s my pick for Klinsmann’s biggest snub from the Galaxy team, but it seems a majority of fans feel another defender has been even more deserving….
OMAR GONZALEZ, CENTER BACK:


The heart of the Galaxy defense, Gonzalez, a towering 6foot5 defender, is the quintessential modern center back. Great in the air, dangerous on set-pieces, physical but able to play the ball out from the back, the 23-year old from Texas has all the right attributes. Building on a Rookie of the Year performance in 2009, Gonzalez has been named to the MLS All-Star First XI two years running. An excellent man-marker, Gonzalez reads the game well and serves as clean up for the Galaxy defense with many well-timed tackles. The center back positions are a bit of a question mark recently for the US, and it’s a shame Gonzalez, now back to full fitness after a broken nose forced him to wear the phantom of the opera-esque face mask, isn’t getting the call when the NY Red Bull’s error-prone Tim Ream is. Galaxy fans are none too happy about this one, but as already stated with the Galaxy top of MLS and their CCL group, Jurgen can only ignore Omar for so long.

New Kit, Familiar Opponent

 Posted by on July 2, 2011 at 6:31 pm  Uncategorized
Jul 022011
 

On Friday, the LA Galaxy unveiled their new third jersey in downtown LA. At the event, fans got a chance to mingle with their favorite Galaxy players, and be the first to witness the new dark blue and gold kit.

The team’s new colors, referred to by the Galaxy officials as “Punjab and Light Oil Gold” (who are we kidding it’s dark blue and gold), will be worn when the Galaxy take on the Seattle Sounders this 4th of July at the Home Depot Center. The regular season match will be the Galaxy’s second tilt with the Sounders this year, and the start of a run that will see them playing three games in 8 days.
After dropping the Sounders from the MLS playoffs last season, the Galaxy opened the 2011 season with a road win in Seattle, 1- 0. On Monday, the Galaxy will look to continue their dominance of a Sounder team they have beaten in five consecutive matches (including playoffs).
However, the Galaxy will be without two key players, Donovan Ricketts and David Beckham, for the match, as each player is out injured (Ricketts is out long term with a fractured ulna, Beckham is still having issues with his back). With backup keeper Josh Saunders earning a straight red card in the last match, in the nets will be MLS debutant Brian Perk.
Perk, the Galaxy’s third-string keeper and a standout goalie at UCLA, had a dry run in the team’s USOC match against the LA Blues last Tuesday. Perk did well, and the Galaxy pulled out a 2 – 1 win to advance to the USOC quarterfinals. Coincidentally, their upcoming quarterfinals opponent on July 12 will be the same Sounders’ team Perk will get his debut against.
On the upside for the Galaxy, Landon Donovan, the team’s leading scorer, has returned from Gold Cup duty with the US Men’s National Team. The USMNT lost in heartbreaking final to Mexico last Saturday, and Donovan will be anxious to erase memories of an up-and-down tournament. Look for him to slot back into his free role in midfield, supporting the likely forward choice of Chad Barrett and Juan Pablo Angel.
For their part, the Sounders have been one of the hotter teams in MLS as of late. Their recent 6-game unbeaten run has seen them pick up three straight victories and close the gap between themselves and the first place Galaxy to just four points. If the Galaxy are to keep their own 10-game unbeaten streak moving forward, they’ll need to exhibit much more urgency and energy than they did against San Jose last week.
Monday’s game will be on ESPN2 at 7:30pm. Expect the HDC to be rockin’ as the Galaxy don their new third jerseys in what has become a growing rivalry between Seattle and LA in the past couple of seasons.

Galaxy Make Easy Work of Defending Champs

 Posted by on June 20, 2011 at 3:51 am  Uncategorized
Jun 202011
 

With changes abound in the starting 11, the LA Galaxy defeated a 10-man Colorado side and extended their unbeaten streak to a season-high nine games. A Juninho screamer in the 42nd minute would prove to be the game’s winning goal.

Travelling to Colorado light on stars, the Galaxy were coming off a disappointing last minute home draw with Toronto FC. David Beckham and Landon Donovan were both missing for the Galaxy, but central midfielder Juninho was back in the line-up. Chad Barrett was relegated to the bench, with Miguel Lopez partnering Juan Pablo Angel and Mike Magee slotting into the midfield.
After getting married in his native Brazil and missing last match, Juninho would be central to the key moments of this match.
With the Galaxy already ahead one to nil on an own goal by Colorado defender Drew Moor, Juninho picked up a ball near the right touchline and found room 40 yards out from the Colorado goal. Touching the ball forward into space, Juninho took advantage of the retreating Colorado defense and unleashed a long distance missile from about 35 yards out into the top left corner of the Rapids’ net. The goal in the 42nd minute, which would later prove to be the game winner, put the Galaxy up by two just before the half, and was Juninho’s third of the season.
In the 64th, Colorado managed to pull one back by way of Connor Casey. Casey pounced on a rebound off goalkeeper Josh Saunders’ right post and finished cooly to cut the Galaxy’s lead in half. Casey’s goal was his third of the season, as the forward continues to demonstrate his aptness for scoring against Galaxy.
However, it would not be enough for Colorado on this night, and worse they would find themselves down a man in the 74th when forward Caleb Folan was ejected for his tackle on Juninho. Folan’s late lounge was deemed excessive and dangerous by referee Hilario Grajeda, and while the Galaxy midfielder writhed on the pitch in pain, Folan was shown a straight red.
From there the Galaxy killed off the game quite easily, with Barrett slotting home an easy third for the Galaxy in the 80th minute. The win snapped the Rapid’s nine game unbeaten streak.
Next up for the Galaxy is another away match. They’ll travel to San Jose to take on the Earthquakes, and they expect Beckham to return from the back spasms that kept him out of last game. However, the Galaxy will continue to be without Donovan as the US progessed to the semifinals of the Gold Cup. They will get goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts back though, after his Jamaica squad fell two – nil to the US.
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