Category: Story

Ridge Mahoney on the 2008 Combine
Without extensive scouting networks, MLS coaching staffs rely heavily on the adidas MLS Combine, the annual showcase of college talent, to formulate their SuperDraft strategy. With the draft a week away, Soccer America’s Ridge Mahoney examines who might emerge as the sleeper at this year’s Combine, which begins this weekend in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

[SUPERDRAFT COUNTDOWN] Last year, seven of the first-round picks in the MLS SuperDraft were Generation Adidas players. This year’s initial pool is smaller yet still features some of the top collegiate talent.

[MLS] Head coach Frank Yallop and goalkeeper Joe Cannon have been reunited in San Jose for the second time and for the third time in their careers

[ITALY WATCH] When play resumes this weekend in Italy after the holiday break, all eyes will be on 18-year-old Brazilian Alexandre Pato, who could debut for reigning European champion AC Milan in its game against Napoli on Sunday (TV: Fox Soccer Channel, live, 2:25 pm ET). Pato is only 18 years old, but he is already being hailed as the Rossoneri’s savior.

[TRANSFER WATCH] Rumors persist that AC Milan will make a deal for Ronaldinho or Didier Drogba, reported to be unhappy at Barcelona and Chelsea, respectively. For all the Serie A players on the move and all the deals “in the works” ..

[GERMANY] Juergen Klinsmann, who coached Germany to third place at the 2006 World Cup, will take over as coach of Bayern Munich on July 1.

In its Development Academy debut, Greensboro SC won a pair of games last weekend, beating Bridge FA, 2-0, behind goals from Thomas Driver and Mark Millard and the Virginia Rush, 1-0, on a goal by Drew Claytor. For all the Development Academy results and goal scorers …

[MAKING A LIST] Newcastle United’s Sam Allardyce became the eighth English Premier League manager to leave this season when he left by “mutual consent” only six months into his tenure with the Magpies. Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was the favorite to replace Allardyce.