Happy New Year!

Before we begin today, SoccerJunkie would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and I sincerely hope you all had a happy, safe, and warm holiday season! SoccerJunkie was proud to be in Times Square (for work) on New Year's Eve, and I hope you all had as enjoyable a New Year's as I...

Back to business...it's January, which means the FIFA transfer window is open, and the MLS Draft is coming up...

SoccerJunkie will get into full details of the draft next week, but this could be one of the most interesting drafts in the league's short history---not just because of the depth of the talent, but also due to questions that surround whether or not the league will kickoff on time. Normally, this time of year is buzzing about the draft and the MLS schedule, but, aside from each team's opening games, the schedule hasn't been released yet...and the draft is being dwarfed by the possibility of a devastating work stoppage. As far as anyone can tell, the league and the MLS Player's Union (MLSPU) are still very far apart, with neither side backing down. Players are said to be looking for an increase in the salary cap, guaranteed contracts (currently less than 30% of contracts are guaranteed), as well as the ability to negotiate their contracts directly with teams (rather than the league, who presently owns all contracts). It's likely that these changes would usher in other new items, including free agency, as well as the possibility of buying/selling players between teams. The union also claims that the league's single-entity structure violates FIFA regulations, though FIFA has announced it sees no issue with the structure, and won't get involved. The league, on the other hand, is looking to continue to grow the league slowly, and attempting to build a solid financial base for the future. With that in mind, the league isn't ready to budge on most of these demands, meaning it's increasingly likely that a last-minute deal will be necessary to save the season.

All that said, BOTH sides NEED to work out a deal in the coming weeks. MLS is simply too young and lacking a strong enough fan base to be able to survive even just a brief work stoppage. Unlike the NHL, which took a hit, but survived a lockout (and is in a better place, both on and off the ice, for it), any kind of stoppage (strike or lockout) would likely spell the end of another North American soccer league.

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The US Men's National Team has opened camp, featuring 30 domestic- and Scandinavian-based players who are currently out of season (or on a winter break from action). Most of these players are fringe players looking to earn a spot on the roster for South Africa, and will have a friendly later in the month against Honduras to try to impress US coach Bob Bradley. Bradley is also said to be looking for a February friendly to give these players every shot, as most likely won't see the field in March's friendly with the Netherlands.

SoccerJunkie will give a more in-depth look at the roster and the possibility for these players to earn a spot in South Africa in the coming weeks.

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The Red Bulls appear set to make their first signing of the offseason, as Costa Rican defender Roy Miller has reportedly agreed to a deal, with only a physical and a few details left before he will be unveiled.

Miller, who is 6'2", can feature at any position in the back 4, and is an international teammate of Red Bulls right back Carlos Johnson (the two used to share an agent, as well). The idea that Miller will be new GM Erik Soler's first signing shouldn't come as a surprise---Miller's professional career has been based in Scandinavia in recent years, with Rosenborg having been his most recent home.

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Scary sight in this afternoon's Serie A game between Chievo and Inter Milan, as Inter left back Cristian Chivu had to be rushed to the hospital following a clash of heads.

Even scarier is that Chivu was rushed into emergency surgery to repair skull fractures and bleeding around his brain. Doctors have said that his injury doesn't appear to be career-threatening---his skull fracture was successfully repaired, the hematoma was successfully alleviated, and there was no sign of any brain injury---but couldn't yet set a timetable for Chivu's return. Inter will have to expect, however, that it will be quite a while before the Romanian international's back on the field.

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Also in Serie A---LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham has been handed a start in his first game back on loan with AC Milan.

Becks got the start in the right midfield against Genoa this afternoon, a game AC Milan leads 4-1 in the 60th minute. Beckham will rejoin the Galaxy after the World Cup---he is on loan hoping to keep himself on England coach Fabio Capello's radar for South Africa.

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Meanwhile over in England...

-US/LA Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan will look to get his first Premiership start on Saturday. Donovan is loan with Everton, who will travel to Arsenal (weather permitting---Arsenal's match against Bolton was postponed this afternoon due to snow, just one of many matches lost to the weather over the past couple weeks).

-One game that did get played was yesterday's Premiership match between Stoke City and Fulham. Though Stoke did pull out the 3-2 win, it wasn't for lack of effort from Fulham's American striker Clint Dempsey, as is evidenced by this late wonder-strike that drew Fulham within one:

-Portsmouth continues to fall on hard times. For the third consecutive month, the club has failed to pay player's on time---this time missing a second, self-imposed deadline yesterday to make up that payment. The south-coast team says it will hand out paychecks tomorrow, but the team is actively looking for investors. The English government is apparently in pursuit of back taxes owed, and administration would almost certainly guarantee that Portsmouth will be relegated to the League Championship. If the team is sold, it would mark the 4th owners to step into Fratton Park this season alone...

A Christmas Gift From SoccerJunkie...

...for everyone out there. If you're in the midwest, I wish I could send you a huge plow, but they haven't developed that internet technology yet... at least you get a "White Christmas" :-)

Anyway, as people across the country prepare to start opening their gifts, I leave these gifts for you---a real treat of a video from US Soccer, and a couple added bonuses from the inside...

First off, I treat you to the US Soccer Behind the Scenes video from the 2-2 tie between the US and Costa Rica at RFK Stadium on October 14th. While this may not rank as the best game for the US in 2009 (the 2-0 win over Spain in the Confederations Cup will top SoccerJunkie's list---look for that next week), it was an absolute thriller that won't soon be forgotten... If you have 13 mins. handy, it's well worth the time...



And here is a look at the tying goal from inside the stadium, shot from the section directly next to SoccerJunkie by Youtube's own Fujiwu36...



And, shot by SoccerJunkie himself, I present you:

Celebration of the tying goal/Final whistle/Fireworks...



US captain Carlos Bocanegra takes the mic/"Thank You Fans" video...



Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday!

Another Week...

Another bad time to be at the top of the EPL...

The top of the English league is becoming more cluttered by the weekend---thanks to Manchester United's 3-0 demolishing by Fulham (a game in which American Clint Dempsey picked up an assist), Chelsea was able to extend their lead to 4 points with only a 1-1 draw against West Ham. Wins by Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Tottenham have closed the gap between the top 2 and the rest of the league, however---Arsenal and Villa are only 2 points back of United, Tottenham's only 4 points adrift of the Red Devils.

Once again, it was good to be an American 'keeper in EPL---the 3 teams with Yank 'keepers earned 10 out of 12 possible points. Tim Howard and Everton were the only team to drop points, picking up a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City, while Brad Friedel (Aston Villa) picked up a 1-0 win over Stoke, and Marcus Hahnemann continued to put a stamp on the #3 spot for the World Cup, making 5 saves as Wolves' topped Burnley, 2-0.

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Speaking of the US World Cup squad, a prominent name from the past now has to be mentioned with the players likely to make the team following an incredible resurgence...

DaMarcus Beasley's standout play could earn him a spot in the US starting 11 for the World Cup

Provided he keeps playing---and producing---Rangers' midfielder DaMarcus Beasley should find himself not just on the US team, but in the starting 11, after spending 2 years fighting to recover his health, fitness, form, and place in his Scottish club team following a serious knee injury. A goal and an assist in Rangers' win over the weekend gives Beas 2 goals and 4 assists in 5 games this year.

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US Soccer has announced an important warm-up for South Africa...

The Yanks will take on the 3rd-ranked Netherlands on March 3rd (FIFA's only dedicated fixture date prior to the World Cup) at the state-of-the-art Amsterdam Arena.

The 51,000-seat stadium features Europe's first retractable roof, as well as pitch built 30 feet above the ground to allow a vital highway to pass underneath the stadium.

Not only will the match provide a warm-up against a quality opponent, but the US should have a full, fresh compliment of European-based players who won't need to make the trans-Atlantic trip for this one.

Kickoff at the colorful arena is set for 2:30pm ET, and the match will air on ESPN2.

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Reports are surfacing that Blackburn has offered current free agent Stuart Holden a 4-year contract. A move to the EPL could be the best---or the worst---thing to happen to the former Houston Dynamo midfielder this winter...if he gets solid playing time, Holden's World Cup prospects rise dramatically...but if he finds himself on the bench, Holden could find himself on the outside looking in come May (when the World Cup squad will convene for camp). If he doesn't take a chance on a move to Europe now, Holden will likely remain at the top of the list of fringe players, though there's no guarantee that he will get quality offers from English or Scottish clubs in the future (he's in his prime developmentally, something that European managers drool over).

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The draw for the UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 took place on Friday, and there are plenty of intriguing match-ups. David Beckham will take on the team that developed him into a superstar, as AC Milan take on Manchester United. Karim Benzema led Ligue 1 in scoring last year as a member of Lyon---the team he will now face as a member of Real Madrid, who purchased him over the summer. "The Special One," Inter manager Jose Mourinho, will also face his former club, as the Italian giants face Chelsea.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich will face Fiorentina, FC Porto takes on Arsenal, Olympiakos plays Bordeaux, VfB Stuttgart takes on holders Barcelona, and CSKA Moscow will play Sevilla.

In related news, Barcelona's 2-1 win in the FIFA Club World Cup Final on Saturday gives them SIX trophies this year---the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Copa Del Rey, European Supercup, Spanish SuperCup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Add in the Spanish players on the team who won Euro 2008, and the only team to knock any of those players out of a tournament since Euro '08? The United States (in the Confederations Cup).

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In the latest addition to the "Adding Injury to Insult" files, Liverpool's Javier Mascherano will miss at least 3 weeks after injuring his knee in a rash challenge on Portsmouth's Tal Ben Haim in Liverpool's 2-0 loss over the weekend. The injury will likely keep him out longer than the suspension he faces for the red card he received on the play.

This comes after Jens Lehmann's self-injury-causing-red-carded challenge last weekend.

And how was your weekend?

Undefeated Akron...

...are not the 2009 NCAA Division I National Champions?

That's right, in the qwirky world of college soccer, Akron managed to finish the season with a 23-0-2 record, yet only take home the National Finalists trophy. How? For records sakes, a shootout, whether won or lost, in the collegiate postseason is recorded as a tie. Akron, who went 20-0-0 in the regular season, defeated UNC in a shootout in the semis to take their record to 23-0-1, before falling in a shootout to the University of Virginia in yesterday's final.

Congratulations to the University of Virginia, 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Champions.

If there were any bright spots from the lack of goals in this weekend's College Cup (3 goals in 3 games---all of which went to at least Added Extra Time (2 all the way to shootouts)), it was the play of a number of MLS prospects. Akron's Teal Bunbury and Virginia's Tony Tchani both boosted their stock, and either one could go as the No. 1 pick to Philadelphia in January. The second overall pick---which belongs to the Red Bulls---could be the highest-rated player in the draft, Wake Forest centerback Ike Opara. Opara proved himself to be the best player available, but likely won't go to the Union, who have 2 solid starting centerbacks already on their new roster (Chivas USA's Shavar Thomas, and US centerback Danny Califf, who is returning from Denmark in January).

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For the 2nd consecutive week, it's great to be an American playing in Europe, but a horrible week to be at the top of the table.

Brad Friedel stonewalls giants United (Photo/Getty)

In England, leaders Chelsea were held to a 3-3 draw by Everton and US 'keeper Tim Howard (4 saves), but still managed to extend their lead to 3 points over Manchester United, who were blanked by Aston Villa and their American 'keeper, Brad Friedel (4 saves). The shining American star in England on this day, however, was Wolves' 'keeper Marcus Hahnemann, who made 7 saves en route to a 1-0 win over Tottenham (which dropped the Spurs from 3rd to 5th in the table). Hahnemann, who only recently took over as the No. 1 at Wolves, may just play his way into the 3rd goalkeeper spot for South Africa (behind Tim Howard and Aston Villa backup Brad Guzan), where his personality would be a great advantage to the US team off the field (Hahnemann also held the #3 spot in the 2006 World Cup squad, behind Kasey Keller and Tim Howard).

In Germany, Michael Bradley had the big night in an American-vs.-American match-up---Bradley scored the winning goal off a freekick in Monchengladbach's 5-3 victory over Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96. It was a tough night for top-of-the-table Bayer Leverkusen, as they were held to a 2-2 by Hertha Berlin (former club of Yanks outside back Heath Pearce).

While there are currently no Americans playing for the top Italian teams (with US/AC Milan centerback Gooch Onyewu continuing to rehab his knee injury), maybe they should consider signing a few. Leaders Inter had the best result of the top 3, a 1-1 draw with Atalanta. AC Milan, currently 2nd, fell 2-0 to Palermo, while 3rd-place Juventus lost both their game against Bari (3-1) and Italy 'keeper Gigi Buffon, who will miss more than a month after having knee surgery following Saturday's loss.

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In what could be a terrific move for all those involved---player, clubs, and country---Everton is finalizing their loan deal for Yanks playmaker Landon Donovan. Not only will Donovan combine with US teammate Tim Howard (who's on the record predicting Donovan will be a star in the EPL), he'll provide a needed boost for injury-riddled Everton, and gain added sharpness ahead of the World Cup. Provided he doesn't get hurt (or burnt out before the end of the MLS season), this can only be a positive for the LA Galaxy, as well.

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Lehmann is given his marching orders (Photo/Getty)

In a case of adding insult to injury...well, actually...adding injury to insult...VfB Stuttgart (and former Germany and Arsenal) 'keeper Jens Lehmann struck out at a Mainz striker during the Bundesliga match on Saturday, causing the penalty that allowed Mainz to tie the game 1-1 late. As if costing his team the 2 points isn't enough, Lehmann suffered ligament damage in his knee on that play, and is set to miss more than just his suspension.

And how was your Saturday?

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The world is getting its first look inside the new Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. The new 69,000+-seat stadium will host a World Cup semifinal this summer.

'Soler' Powered...

...is what the New York Red Bulls are now.

New Red Bulls GM Erik Soler (right) with Red Bull Sporting Director Deitmar Beiersdorfer (left)

The Red Bulls introduced former Norwegian player/agent/broadcaster/owner/executive Erik Soler as their new Sporting Director/General Manager, charged with helping to rebuild the league's worst team. Well respected soccer writer Ives Galarcep was at the press conference introducing Soler, and came away with "the distinct impression that he may be the sharpest man Red Bull has ever hired to run its New York club." Of course, given the previous hires (with the exception of Bruce Arena), there really isn't anywhere to go but up. Red Bulls fans need to hope that he surrounds himself with MLS-knowledgeable people who actually listen and can provide him accurate information, especially for January's draft...

Just take a look at Agoos' bomb last year: the Red Bulls were eyeing fullback Evan Brown with their 18th-overall pick...until Seattle took him with the 16th pick. Agoos was left to scramble, and selected Babajide Ogunbiyi---a defender who really impressed at the MLS Combine. Of course, Red Bulls fans are probably scratching their heads and asking "Who on Earth is Babjide Ogunbiyi???" Well, that's because Ogunbiyi made it clear he wanted to play in Europe, and wouldn't join an MLS team for anything less than a senior-level contract---which is the reason he had slipped so far in the draft. In the end, the Red Bulls 18th-overall pick never signed with the team.

SoccerJunkie is willing to give this guy a couple years, let's see what he can do...

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"Hero, thy name is Tim Howard."

Howard saves!

That was the chant heard around Goodison Park on Sunday after Tim Howard stopped Tottenham striker Jermaine Defoe in 2nd-half stoppage to preserve Everton's come-from-behind 2-2 tie against their London rivals. England's Daily Telegraph took it a step further, linking the save to this summer's World Cup (look for complete analysis of the World Cup draw below): "USA 1, England 0 as Everton's American 'keeper saves Defoe penalty and denies Tottenham victory."

Howard's save was one of 3 PK stops for Premiership 'keepers this weekend, as Manchester City's Shay Given rescued their victory over Chelsea with a late stop, while Stoke GK Tomas Sorenson also picked up a save against Arsenal.

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Shay Given's PK save was just the start of an awful weekend for top-of-the-table teams in Europe...

Given stones Frank Lampard

In England, leaders Chelsea saw Manchester United's deficit cut to just 2, as the Blues lost to Manchester City. As mentioned, Timmy Howard's PK save left 4th-place Tottenham with just a draw against 15th-place Everton.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the top 2 in the Bundesliga were left with just a point each: leaders Bayer Leverkusen were held by US defender Steve Cherundolo and Hannover, while 2nd-place Weder Bremen only managed a draw against Cologne. Italy's leaders, Inter Milan, fell to Juventus, while 4th-place Parma drew against Genoa. Over in Spain, Seville fell from 3rd to 4th after dropping their match against Valladolid.

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US coach Bob Bradley talks to reporters before the draw

The US now knows who they will face in the group stage of the 2010 World Cup, and the Yanks draw for South Africa is one of the best that any fan could've hoped for, and one of the best the team has ever been given. Before answering some questions, here are the results of last Friday's draw:

Group A- South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

Group B- Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Group C- England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

Group D- Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Group E- Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Group F- Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Group G- Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal

Group H- Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

So here's SoccerJunkie's answer to some common questions:

What is the "Group of Death?"

Without a doubt, Group G. Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast all rank in the top 11 in FIFA's rankings, and in the top 9 of ESPN's Soccer Power Index (SPI)---Ivory Coast gets bumped up 2 spots in the SPI as they gain "home field" since the tournament's held on their home continent. No other group has 3 teams that are in the top 18 of the SPI.

Who is the favorite to win the World Cup?

Simply put, there is none. The top 2 teams in both FIFA's rankings and the SPI (Spain and Brazil) could meet as early as the 2nd-round, but no later than the quarterfinals. Other possible quarterfinal match-ups could include Argentina/France, Italy/Netherlands, and some form of England, Germany and the US. If you can find a winner with this draw, then SoccerJunkie needs your crystal ball.

How is this draw for the US?

This draw is simply scrumtrilescent for the Yanks (scrumtrilescent (adj): a word that describes something so great that, ironically, no word can describe it). It isn't just the teams involved, but the order---the US gets the most preparation time for England, being able to prepare through most of camp instead of just 3 days between games. Most important thing for the Americans? Whatever you do, don't overlook Algeria and Slovenia...one slip and the US could face the same fate as Russia: out of the tournament.

Is anybody a "lock" to win their group?

Germany, Spain and Argentina will have the easiest time progressing...but this is the first World Cup in a long time where the two spots that will advance from each group are truly up-for-grabs. Predicting who will finish 2nd in almost every group is a longshot at best.

Who is the "sleeper" in the tournament?

Watch out for Honduras in Group H---SoccerJunkie is quite familiar with them, having seen them play live twice in the last year. "Shock" results against Switzerland and Chile aren't out of the question, though they'd have to face a strong team from Group G in the 2nd round. Other possibilities? South Korea and Paraguay.

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Speaking of the US National Team... The US appears set to face Honduras in a January 24th friendly at the Home Depot Center. While US Soccer has yet to confirm the match, the Honduran federation confirmed it to their local media this morning. Since this match doesn't fall on a FIFA fixture date, expect this to be similar the US roster that went to the Gold Cup, made up mostly of current MLSers and Scandanavian-based players (the Dutch and Swedish leagues will be on winter break until March). Honduras will also likely field a team of domestic players, and, like the US, will likely feature fringe players hoping for the final spots on the 23-man roster for South Africa.

While many Americans will be tired of playing Honduras (having met twice in qualifying, as well as in the Gold Cup in the last year), there are serious limitations as to who the US can set-up as an opponent for such a date. No teams from outside North/Central America will be available, as they are in season (with the exception of Denmark, who the US just played in November), and Honduras is a team that will show up with something to prove, as their players look to make the World Cup roster. A friendly against a team like Jamaica would be less valuable to the US at this point than even an intra-squad scrimmage.

One player likely to suit up for the US: Danny Califf. But instead of joining the team due to the winter break in Denmark, he'll likely be there as a member of the Philadelphia Union. The MLS' newest franchise is finalizing a deal with Houston for the rights to the defender, with a contract already agreed upon that will have him join the Union during the January transfer window.

There are also reports that the US is working to complete an agreement for a friendly with Northern Ireland. That match would either be played on a FIFA fixture date set for March (March 3rd), or right after the end of the European league's seasons in May.

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UNC celebrates their 20th title

Congratulations to the University of North Carolina Women's Soccer Team, 2009 NCAA Champions.

The Tar Heels beat the until-then undefeated Stanford Cardinal 1-0 to take home the trophy for the 20th time in the 28 years.

FIFA or Red Bull New York...

...Who's worse???

Right now, they both seem to be in a "how can we make this any worse" mode. First off, with just 2 days until the World Cup draw, let's take a look at some international tidbits...

FIFA has recognized that Thierry Henry's handball led to an unjust result of the 2nd leg of the Ireland-France playoff. That said, they've rejected Ireland's requests for a replay or to be allowed in "under special circumstances" as the 33rd team in the tournament. Instead, they've opened a Discipline Committee investigation into Henry's "unsporting actions in not accepting his actions during play" that could result in the striker being suspended for France's first match of the Finals. As for punishment against France?...

FIFA announced the Pots for Friday's group draw in Cape Town, and have once again changed the method to determine which team goes in which pot. Pot #1, which includes 7 "seeded" teams and the hosts, is now done based on seeding...sort of. As a punishment to France, they've been dropped from the seeded pot, despite being ranked 7th. To justify it, they've also dropped Portugal from the seeded pot (Portugal is ranked 5th), saying seeded teams can not have used a playoff to win qualification. For the rest of the pots, they've thrown out ranking entirely, and placed the teams based on region (with Pot #2 holding CONCACAF, Asia and Oceania; Pot #3 holds unseeded CONMEBOL and Africa; Pot #4 holds unseeded UEFA). The idea behind this is to prevent any group from containing 2 teams from the same region, with the exception of seeded teams (5 groups will feature 2 European teams, while anywhere from 0-2 groups can have 2 South American teams). This system is entirely unfair to mid-ranked teams, as the World Cup doesn't feature the teams ranked 1-32 in the world---the lowest ranked team (which is oddly in the "seeded" Pot #1) is the hosts, South Africa, ranked 86th, while North Korea isn't far behind at 84th---and also leaves strong CONCACAF teams like the US and Mexico with a great risk of being drawn into a "Group of Death."

The pots for Friday's draw are (with FIFA rank):

POT #1: Brazil (2), Argentina (8), Spain (1), Netherlands (3), Italy (4), Germany (6), England (8), South Africa (86)
POT #2: USA (14), Mexico (15), Honduras (38), Australia (21), Japan (43), South Korea (52), North Korea (84)
POT #3: Chile (17), Uruguay (19), Paraguay (30), Cameroon (11), Ivory Coast (16), Nigeria (22), Algeria (28), Ghana (37)
POT#4: Portugal (5), France (7), Greece (12), Switzerland (18), Serbia (20), Denmark (26), Slovenia (33), Slovakia (34)

As there are teams from outside the top 32 in the field, surely there are some from inside the top 32 left out... They include:

Croatia (10)
Russia (13)
Czech Republic (23)
Ukraine (24)
Israel (25)
Bulgaria (27)
Egypt (29)
Norway (31)

Just for fun, SoccerJunkie has decided to do a mock World Cup draw, though far less official (using ripped up Post-Its and a faded navy Adidas baseball cap... Here's the results...

Group A- South Africa, Honduras, Nigeria, Greece

Group B- Argentina, South Korea, Uruguay, Portugal

Group C- Netherlands, North Korea, Paraguay, Serbia

Group D- Brazil, Australia, Algeria, France

Group E- Spain, USA, Ivory Coast, Slovakia

Group F- Italy, Japan, Cameroon, Slovenia

Group G- Germany, Mexico, Ghana, Denmark

Group H- England, New Zealand, Chile, Switzerland

England get a great group, while the US could be in trouble with a good Ivory Coast team to go with Spain and Slovakia...

Let's hope SoccerJunkie doesn't see into the future very well...
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In a bit of US National Team news...

...Jermaine Jones returned to training with Schalke, his club team in Germany. Jones has taken advantage of a new FIFA mandate that allows players to transfer their international allegiance under certain conditions (having not played with the Senior national team in their home country in a recognized competition (a non-friendly), and fitting the FIFA nationality requirements of their "new" country), moving from the German National Team (where he was born and grew up) to the US (thanks to his American father). Though he has yet to appear with the Yanks (due to a shin injury that's plagued him since his transfer of allegiance was finalized), he's a definite midfield candidate for the US in South Africa.

...Charlie Davies has given his first interview since the tragic wreck that claimed one woman's life---and left Davies seriously injured---just before the US/Costa Rica qualifier in DC in October. Davies told ESPN that he's still struggling with the psychological aspects of surviving such a devastating accident, but that he expects to make a full recover BY THE WORLD CUP. The President of Davies' club team, France's FC Sochaux, has said he expects Davies to leave Delaware and return to France by the end of this month, and that he's been told Davies could begin jogging by the beginning of February.
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There are reports out that the New York Red Bulls will introduce Erik Soler as their new GM by the end of the week. Soler's apparent favorite for the head coaching position is out, as fellow Norwegian Age Hareide has accepted a club coaching position in Norway. The new name being thrown around as a coaching candidate?? Tony Adams. Adams, who has no MLS experience whatsoever, was fired this season by Premiership side Portsmouth after producing worse results than the Red Bulls did last year...but he is a close friend and former teammate of Red Bull target Thierry Henry. To top off the "how stupid can we possibly get" side of this...IF the Red Bulls hire Adams, they will likely keep Jeff Agoos aboard as an "advisor" who will help Soler and Adams with the intricacies that are the MLS roster system and salary cap.

Exactly what the Red Bulls need...people in charge who don't understand the American game, and the chief architect of last season's debacle there to hold their hand and guide the way...

Again, let's hope SoccerJunkie doesn't see into the future very well...
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In other MLS news...

The Philadelphia Union have completed their Expansion Draft, and can begin trading and signing players. Those taken in last week's draft are:

Jordan Harvey (D), Colorado Rapids
Andrew Jacobsen (M), D.C. United
Brad Knighton (G), New England Revolution
Sebastien Le Toux (F), Seattle Sounders FC
Stefani Miglioranzi (M), L.A. Galaxy
Alejandro Moreno (F), Columbus Crew
Dave Myrie (D), Chicago Fire
Shea Salinas (M), San Jose Earthquakes
Shavar Thomas (D, Chivas USA
Nick Zimmerman (M), New York Red Bulls

These selections were a bit of a surprise, as Union coach Peter Nowak decided to take only one proven starter (Moreno), and one semi-proven player (Le Toux)...the rest of the selections came off the bench (if at all) for their teams. To start building a real core to the team, the Union are expected to acquire two players in the near future:


Jeremiah White is a Wake Forest product (and Philly native) who chose to play overseas instead of the MLS. Currently a teammate of Benny Feilhaber at Aarhus in Denmark, it's widely expected he'll leave the team (where he's fallen out of favor, averaging just 10 minutes/game over the last 2 months) to play in his home town.



Chris Seitz is currently Real Salt Lake's backup 'keeper, but is considered the highest rated goalkeeping prospect in the country. Philly has made no secret of their desire to acquire the US Youth National Teamer, and a deal is expected before the draft next month. Seitz, who left the University of Maryland after his freshman year to turn pro, is expected to step in immediately as the starting 'keeper.



The Chicago Fire are apparently trying to get former Fire and USA midfielder Chris Armas to change his mind. Armas is reported to be the club's leading candidate to replace head coach Dennis Hamlett, who was let go at the end of the playoffs, but is said to not be interested in a coaching position right now.

SoccerJunkie's Expansion Draft...

With less than 24 hours until the Philadelphia Union draft their first 10 players, SoccerJunkie has been asked by more than a few people just who I would draft if I were Peter Nowak...

Well, here they are, in no particular order...

Jon Conway- GK, Chivas USA (Chester, PA native---Philadelphia's new stadium is being built in Chester)

Bobby Convey- MID, San Jose Earthquakes (Philadelphia native, once the youngest player in MLS (played for DC at age 16))

Amado Guevara- MID, Toronto FC (even if he's not for the roster, he's terrific trade bait)

Frankie Hejduk- DEF, Columbus Crew (IF Philadelphia is interested, but finds out he's pondering retirement, Columbus FWD Jason Garey is my pick instead)

Alan Gordon- FWD, LA Galaxy (IF Frankie Hejduk is pondering retirement (see above), LA DEF Todd Dunivant is my pick)

James Riley- DEF, Seattle Sounders FC (2nd consecutive year he'd be picked up in the Expansion Draft)

Ned Grabavoy- MID, Real Salt Lake

Jacob Peterson- MID/FWD, Colorado Rapids

Mike Chabala- DEF, Houston Dynamo

Pat Phelan- MID, New England Revolution

This leaves Chicago, FC Dallas, DC United, New York Red Bulls, and Kansas City free and clear...though some of these teams certainly have attractive players available---KC's Adam Cristman, Chicago's Calen Carr, and FC Dallas' Dave van den Bergh just to name a few.

There are other notable names available---Chicago's Chris Rolfe and Gonzalo Segares, Colorado's Mehdi Ballouchy---but there's a good chance they're considering going to Europe, which wastes the pick. Also available, but widely expected to retire, DC workhorse Ben Olsen.