Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story

Gazidis: Foreign Talent, Player Development Key to MLS Expansion

During a press conference earlier this week, MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis touched on a multitude of topics facing MLS as the league expands, including international competition, stadiums, schedules, designated players and the expected influx of foreigners in MLS. Overall, Gazidis said the league was in “very healthy condition” with new investors, partnerships and franchises, […]

Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story

Nowak Criticisms Unwarranted

Coach Peter Nowak has been widely criticized for the way the US U-23s have played so far in Olympic qualifying. A poor 1-1 draw with Cuba was followed by a decent 1-0 victory over Panama. Resting several starters, Nowak’s men were lucky to beat Honduras, 1-0, on a 95th-minute penalty. Nevertheless, the U-23s are now […]

Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story

Sanchez: I Won’t Quit

Despite calls for his resignation from the Mexican press, Hugo Sanchez said he would not resign as coach of Mexico’s senior and U-23 national teams, after arriving in Mexico City following the team’s failure to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. “I’ve said it already, I’m not resigning,” Sanchez told a news conference at the Mexico […]

Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying

What They’re Saying

“I speak for all of Argentina when I say that we do not fear the altitude. All of us have to play where we were born, my brothers and sisters. Not even God can ban that — much less [FIFA president Sepp] Blatter.”

— Former Argentine great Diego Maradona after scoring three goals to lead a team of ex-Argentine players to a 7-4 win over Bolivian President Evo Morales‘ team of former Bolivian greats, palace staffers, security guards and local television newcasters in a charity match played before 25,000 fans in La Paz’s Hernando Siles Stadium, high in the Andes at 11,800 feet. FIFA effectively banned international games from taking place in La Paz after ratifying a rule requiring players to arrive at the host city a week before international games above 9,000 feet and two weeks for matches higher than 9,800 feet to allow time to adjust to the thin air.

Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story

Beckham Passes English Test

David Beckham’s desire to play for his country has never been in question — neither has his ability to deliver a ball with accuracy. Now that the former England captain is 32, the questions are over his fitness and mental sharpness. Luckily for both Beckham and England manager Fabio Capello, who sent general manager Franco […]

Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story

Galaxy’s Gaping Depth Problem

If you take David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Carlos Ruiz out of the picture, the Los Angeles Galaxy’s roster looks pretty threadbare, says ESPN’s Steve Davis. Aside from the marquee trio, there are maybe three or four guys you could call genuine professionals. “The remainder of the roster is a selection of MLS day laborers,” […]

Posted inSoccer on TV., Story

Soccer on TV

In midweek action, D.C. United and the Houston Dynamo host the second legs of their Concacaf Championship Cup quarterfinal matchups while the USA will try to clinch a spot in the 2008 Olympic Games when it faces Canada on Thursday.

Gift this article