Allen Hopkins of ESPN weighs in on the latest MLS rumors and other assorted goings-on. Top of his list is the continuing talks between former Juventus and Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello and U.S. Soccer. According to Hopkins, Capello met with U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati and national team coach Bob Bradley in London last month and expressed his interest in coaching in the U.S. “in some capacity.” However, his price tag — Capello has been coaching some of Europe’s best teams for more than 15 years — could prove to be a roadblock.
Hopkins also makes the case to consider D.C. United captain Ben Olsen on the short list of candidates for this year’s MLS MVP award. He says that Olsen has been “the key cog in the engine” for D.C. this year, contributing seven goals and five assists — tied with Andy Dorman of New England for the most goals by a midfielder this season. Teammate Luciano Emilio, with 18 goals from 23 games, is almost certain to make the short list; New York’s Juan Pablo Angel, FC Dallas’ Juan Toja and Kansas City’s Eddie Johnson should also be considered.