Author Archives: Soccer America

The U-20 World Cup in Canada turned out to be a good advertisement for several young Americans, including Sal Zizzo, who signed a three-year deal with Hannover 96 earlier this week. Zizzo joins countryman Steve Cherundolo at the German club. Incidentally, the former U.S. international played a part in Zizzo’s transfer, according to Yanks Abroad. […]

In transfer news: busy Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson snagged Martin Petrov from Atletico Madrid for three years for $9.4 million, subject to a UK work permit. Various reports say that Sven is also close to adding Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini for $14 million. After eight years at Arsenal, Freddie Ljungberg packed his bags for […]

Iraq’s first-ever run to the final of the AFC Asian Cup is a remarkable achievement, says SI.com’s Grant Wahl, and not just because of the war (although that’s most of it): the inexperienced Iraqis were never supposed to make it this far. It’s certainly a team with some legitimate talent, having beaten favorites Australia and […]

The Carlos Tevez affair took yet another interesting twist on Thursday as Brazilian giant Corinthians broke off its partnership with Carlos Tevez’ agent, Kia Joorabchian, and his company Media Sport Investment. The Brazilian club made the decision after its board voted unanimously to nullify the deal, which was three years into a 10-year term. “It’s […]

Iraq needs no introduction as a nation in turmoil, but the exploits of its soccer team once again managed to lift the spirits — however briefly — of the war-torn nation. On Wednesday the Iraqis defeated South Korea, 4-3, on penalties in the Asian Cup semifinal; they will meet Saudi Arabia, which won, 3-2, against […]

Various reports have linked Argentine wizard Juan Sebastian Veron with Chivas USA of MLS, but Chivas GM Javier Leon would neither confirm nor deny the speculation. Keegan Pierce, the club’s director of Communications on Tuesday said the team had never spoke to Veron about joining the club. “If those Argentine Web sites reported that Veron […]

Given the lavish spending of Sir Alex Ferguson on new players this summer, supporters would be forgiven for wondering where Manchester United’s money is coming from. United is the most heavily indebted club in the English Premier League. Its borrowings total $1.32 billion. Using a little math, the Guardian points out, however, that the Glazer […]

Real Madrid has made no secret about its need for a left winger or its desire for Chelsea’s Arjen Robben to fill that role, but Chelsea has been unwilling to play ball with the Spanish champion. Indeed, many thought the deal was killed last week when Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich said […]

U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley issued a calm response to criticism over his decision to send a squad of untested internationals to the recent Copa America in Venezuela. In an interview with the New York Times, the U.S. boss reiterated that the Gold Cup was the priority and that fans should not lose sight […]

Sweden international Olof Mellberg, in Canada this week with Aston Villa to play against Toronto FC Wednesday night, expressed interest in Major League Soccer during a press conference with reporters on Tuesday. “Yes, I have talked about the possibility of playing in North America. When Juan Pablo [Angel] left [Aston Villa] for the MLS, everybody […]

Freddy Adu was on target from the penalty spot as Real Salt Lake earned an impressive 1-1 draw with South American champion Boca Juniors of Buenos Aires. The 18-year-old started at striker and played 68 minutes despite reports linking him with a move to Portuguese giant Benfica. Apparently, Major League Soccer agreed a $2 million […]

The numbers are in: David Beckham’s L.A. Galaxy jersey is the No. 1 selling jersey in the world at the moment, according to Adidas’ sports marketing manager Chris McGuire, having sold 200,000 replicas last week alone. Beckham has been one of the sport’s most marketable figures for a long time; prior to his move to […]