[MLS] Western Conference teams defended better in 2009 than those in the East. Soccer America’s Ridge Mahoney explains why and grades thecentral defenses of MLS Western Conference teams going into the 2010 season. Chivas USA’s signing of Costa Rican international defender Michael Umana should make it eventougher to score against one of the Western Conference’s […]
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Posted inSoccerTalk with Paul Gardner, Story
The Shattering of the Beckham Fairy Tale
By Paul Gardner Suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, the soccer gods turned on David Beckham, and cut him down while he was doing the very thing at which he wassupposed to be divinely inspired: playing soccer. In a flash, the Beckham myth crumpled. Done in by the greatest mythical figure the Greeks had, […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
MLS players warned by AEG boss Leiweke
Nobody has put more money into MLS than AEG and its owner, Phil Anschutz, and AEG chief executive Tim Leiweke calledthe threat of a player strike “ridiculous.” “Here’s our issue, and I’m speaking on behalf of AEG,” Leiweke said. “We have spent to the tune of $300 million on soccer. We have spent moneyon facilities. […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Beckham doctor: Achilles' tendon totally torn
[MLS] Dr. Sakari Orava, the Finnish specialist who operated on David Beckham on Monday, said the English star’sleft Achilles tendon was “totally torn,” and he is expected to be out of action for about six months, meaning he’s not likely to return to action with the Los Angeles before September. Dr. Orava told the Associated […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
An icon goes down: Beckham's American legacy in doubt
By Ridge Mahoney Like it or not, David Beckham is still the only soccer player who moves the sports media needle in the United States. Newsof his torn Achilles’ tendon and probable absence from the World Cup emerged from a fierce blizzard of stuff Sunday, during which NBA, NHL and exhibition baseball news were submerged […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Fans side with Everton in Donovan tug-of-war
[SOCCER AMERICA POLL] Soccer America polled its readers, asking them to weigh in the Landon Donovan tug-of-war. Shouldhe stay at Everton? Or should he return to the Los Angeles Galaxy? Almost half the fans who responded said Donovan should arrange a permanent transfer to Everton. Not one suggested he return to LosAngeles and not go […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
SA POLL: What should Donovan do?
Landon Donovan is torn between staying at Everton, where his loan deal expires March 15, and returning to the Los Angeles, where he has signed a newfour-year deal. What should be do? poll by twiigs.com
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Donovan wants to extend stay at Everton
[AMERICANS ABROAD] Landon Donovan is expected to play his last game for Everton this season at Birmingham City onSaturday, but he says that — if possible — he’d like to stay in England until April 15. And why not? Everton has six wins, one tie and only two losses in the nine EPL games since […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Bruce Arena expects Donovan back with Galaxy
Landon Donovan finds himself involved in tug-of-war between MLS’s Los Angeles Galaxy and English club Everton, at which his loan is set to expire. Hours after Everton manager David Moyes said he was hopeful thatan extension of the loan agreement would take place, Los Angeles Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena shot down […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
South Bay battleground: high school vs. club soccer
The advent of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program has put high school teams at odds with clubs teams in Southern California. The Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and Pateadores OC all haveDevelopment Academy teams with South Bay teenagers who are no longer playing high school ball. “Academies have expanded their pool of players and […]