Maybe this is the summer, crammed with games and tours and competitions and scheduling conflicts, in which the philosophies of Major League Soccer and its marketing offshoot, Soccer United Marketing, came into clear focus through the blur of activity.

Additions and subtractions to the MLS All-Star team that will face Everton Wednesday at Rio Tinto Stadium (ESPN2, Galavision, 9:30 p.m. ET) are removing much of the luster that is supposed to emanate from one of the league's showcase events.

Despite its recent dominance over Mexico, the very idea that the USA could beat its southern rival in a competitive match, or any match, without its top players was ludicrous. It may happen this weekend.

Not for declaration and certainly not for vindication, here's a rundown on the status of certain MLS players as they vie for spots in the 2010 World Cup squad of 23.

Monday is the first day David Beckham will train with the Galaxy since leaving on his self-created long-term loan deal to AC Milan, and already he's playing the victim.

Player absences and summer heat notwithstanding, can anything be gleaned by last weekend's results, when teams aspiring to join the top-tier clubs and playing at home couldn't beat said members of the elite?

Nightmare though it may be for MLS coaches, the Concacaf Gold Cup is a rich vein of opportunity for players and fans.