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Every Landon Donovan international goal

Tuesday, 09 February 10, 12:49 PM

Here's a video to help you get through the day:

It's every goal Landon Donovan has ever scored for the USMNT. Enjoy.

H/T: Soccer Insider

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Altidore, Donovan eye mid-week Premier League tests

Tuesday, 09 February 10, 10:34 AM

If Jozy Altidore's goal is the tipping point to a rich vein of form for Hull, then Wednesday is the chance to keep it going. His well-worked goal in Saturday's win against Manchester City was another positive step for the 20-year-old, and with a visit to Blackburn on the schedule, Altidore will be itching to score once again.

Meanwhile, the other high profile American field player in England, Landon Donovan, faces his steepest test yet as league-leaders Chelsea visit the Merseyside.

The West London club have established themselves as the team to beat in the title race, and are fresh off another triumphant defeat of inter-city rival Arsenal. Donovan will line up against a possible June opponent, as Chelsea left back Ashley Cole looks a firm favorite to start for the Three Lions come South Africa.

This will likely be the biggest test for Donovan who has enjoyed a solid stint for Everton. The 28-year-old even scored before Altidore, quite the accomplishment when you consider Jozy's been in and out of the Hull lineup since August.

Altidore's form has been on the rise of late -- after a couple of weeks off due to the tragedies in his parents' homeland -- his play has steadily improved for the relegation strugglers. He is more confident, running and challenging opponents on the dribble, and becoming more adept at throwing around his physical frame to draw free kick opportunities. Both Manchester City central defenders finished the match with a yellow card drawn through Altidore's play.

Getting carried away over one goal is easy for American fans, though Altidore's all-around improvement will prove most beneficial to the U.S. national team.

Still, the images of Haiti will continue to weigh on the mind of the young striker. He recently told the Daily Mail in a lengthy interview how the struggle of his people continues to affect him.

"There are days I just sit at home and can't get it out of my head. There have been times when I just can't watch it. But it will get better. And I have a job to do here."

As long as Altidore avoids injury and continues to rack up minutes, he'll be prepared to contribute to the U.S. in South Africa. A battle-tested attacker is badly needed by the U.S., and Altidore will look to keep his form up and stay on the pitch.

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Altidore nets first Premier League goal vs. Manchester City

Saturday, 06 February 10, 11:09 AM

There's the proof. Jozy Altidore opened his account today against Manchester City in Hull's 2-1 win. It took 18 appearances, but the 20-year-old continued his good run of form. While still lacking in some aspects of his game, Jozy is learning how to throw his big frame around and cause opposing defenders some problems.

While his solid play is a good thing, staying healthy is just as important. After the injury bug that has plagued the U.S. team, if Jozy were to get injured things could get ugly.

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U.S. roster named for El Salvador friendly

Thursday, 04 February 10, 02:20 PM

MLS players, step right up and be prepared for your last chance at impressing Bob Bradley. Today, the U.S. coach named 23 players -- all from Major League Soccer -- to take part in yet another camp, prior to a February 23 friendly against El Salvador.

First, the roster:

Goalkeepers: Troy Perkins (D.C. United), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Zach Thornton (Chivas USA)

Defenders: Kevin Alston (New England Revolution), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Michael Orozco (Philadelphia Union), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

It's a pretty ho-hum cast of characters -- and at this point, given Bradley's track record, any surprises would be, well, a shock. Obviously, just a fraction of these players will make the final 23 for South Africa.

But that's what is on the line here. By this time, Bradley has to know most of these players well, and is looking for standouts to ride the pine once the World Cup rolls around. Here are a few thoughts on the call-ups:

*Brian Ching, paging Brian Ching. The flyin' Hawaiian makes his return to the USMNT after a long stint in the wilderness. Once a consistent pick of Bradley, Ching apparently fell out of favor with the ascension of Jozy Altidore-Charlie Davies strike duo. Ching might not make it to South Africa, but he's a veteran who will work hard if called upon.

*Bradley likes the rookies. This is probably be the last time that Omar Gonzalez, Chris Pontius and Kevin Alston can be referred to as rookies. The trio were called in for the January camp, and this will mark the second time Bradley will get a look at them -- speculation is rampant as to what that means: is this just another shot or will they get some playing time? With it being a World Cup year and all, they'd have to really stand out in camp in order to actually see the pitch against El Salvador. 

*Can Perkins overcome Marcus Hahneman? As warmer weather approaches -- at least in the northern regions of the U.S.A. -- time is ticking on those with aspirations of making the final squad. Troy Perkins's battle with Marcus Hahneman is one to watch, as the latter is the starter for Premier League side Wolverhampton. Who would Bradley rather take? Of course, it has little to no significance considering it's a fight for the third goalie spot.

*Orozco comes front and center. Michael Orozco's move to Philadelphia paid off before the season started. Now that he's free for the February training camp after heading to MLS on loan from San Luis, Bradley decided that he wanted a look. Known mostly for earning a red card in a vital Olympic match, Orozco might not have too many chances left to impress. There's also the chance of the Union having a player capped by the USMNT before even playing a match.

*No Jimmy Conrad. It's worth mentioning the absence of Jimmy Conrad after his red card performance against Honduras. How much stock to take in that is impossible to know for sure -- though it can't be a good sign.

The outcome of the match has little to do with the importance of the game against El Salvador. Like the Honduras game, it will be focused only on player evaluation. After all, out of these 23, no more than five are likely to be on the plane to South Africa. 

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Ten MLS matches to watch in '10

Wednesday, 03 February 10, 02:15 PM

With January recently giving way to February, it was only a matter of time before the complete MLS schedule would be finalized. The complete 2010 schedule dropped today, and here are ten matches to watch -- in no particular order.

1. March 25: Philadelphia Union at Seattle Sounders

Seattle once again get the honors of kicking off a season, and visiting will be the newest MLS club Philadelphia. The Union's much-anticipated debut will no doubt be the overwhelming storyline, although the Sounders will be keen to avoid a sophomore slump.

2. March 27: Chicago Fire at New York Red Bulls

MLS will get to showcase the brand new Red Bull arena on national television. Anything less of a sellout will disappoint both the Red Bull and MLS head honchos -- but if the club can't perform on the field once again, that will be the least of their worries.

3. March 27: Real Salt Lake at San Jose Earthquakes

First match of the year for the defending MLS Cup champions. Real Salt Lake will be aiming to prove that they are no slouches and to build on a championship season. San Jose will want to avoid a third consecutive season of disappointment, not to mention play spoiler against RSL.

4. April 10: D.C. United at Philadelphia Union

Significant for two reasons -- this will mark the home opener (albeit at Lincoln Financial Field) of the Union, and it's a chance for D.C. United fans to make the trip up I-95 and boost the atmosphere of Philadelphia's first game. That's not to forget the return of Peter Nowak to face the club he once managed.

5. May 1: New York Red Bulls at D.C. United

D.C.-New York matches are always fun for those involved, but it will be an early test for new coach Hans Backe. By this time, the Swede will have a few matches under his belt and will hope to have the floundering Red Bulls on the right track.

6. May 5: FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo

Of the two Texan sides, Dallas has been the far inferior club for as long as the two have shared a state. Is this the year that Dallas proves its worth -- both in a head-to-head match-up as well as the league table?

7. June 27: Seattle Sounders at Philadelphia Union

If all goes to plan, this will be the opener of Philadelphia's sparkling, brand-new stadium located on the Chester waterfront. Visiting will be Seattle, who get the honors of opening not only the 2010 season for Philly, but also the Union's new home.

8. July 18: Los Angeles Galaxy at D.C. United

This could be the return of David Beckham -- and while that's a tired storyline, significance could be injected if it also marks the return of Landon Donovan. The latter would only matter if Donovan extends his loan at Everton into the summer.

9. September 5: San Jose at Houston Dynamo

It's the old Earthquakes against the new as San Jose heads to Houston. It's always a bit of fun to see these two sides line up against each other, and at this point in the season could have playoff implications as well.

10. October 3: Los Angeles Galaxy at Chivas USA

The over-hyped SuperClasico will only be played twice this season -- but if it lives up to past billings, there will be plenty of cards, harsh tackles, and bloodied players. That's before acknowledging the playoff stakes that could hinge on the outcome.

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DaMarcus Beasley's car torched in Scotland

Wednesday, 03 February 10, 11:59 AM

Life on the pitch in Scotland hadn't been particularly positive for DaMarcus Beasley of late -- after a brief run of form found, a thigh injury has kept the Rangers winger on the sidelines for more than a month.

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MLS preseason well underway

Monday, 01 February 10, 02:25 PM

Even with a season still in the balance, MLS preseason camps are underway in every market. While February 12 has become the new date circled on many calenders, it's business as usual around the country.

Some clubs are well into the swing of things -- in fact, the New York Red Bulls have already taken their act overseas, spending the last couple of weeks in La Manga, Spain. Perhaps it's the new coach who wanted that, or just the desire to improve by leaps and bounds, but New York has already played three matches, with a myriad of trialists coming in.

A few familiar names have popped up in their three friendlies against the likes of CSKA Moscow and Stromsgodset IF; Bill Gaudette, formerly of the Puerto Rico Islanders, former Toronto FC 'keeper Greg Sutton is also with New York. It's likely that Hans Backe is still playing catch up and trying to build the team. Walter Garcia is back, and trying to make the team once again.

New York's rivals to the south only reported on Thursday. New coach Curt Onalfo and the club just announced the re-signing of club legend Jaime Moreno, and are also waiting on the progress of new striker Danny Allsopp. The Australian is currently awaiting visa issues to be resolved and will likely join the team next week.

United's challenge for 2010 is simple -- make the playoffs. Once again, a lackluster performance in 2009 has the club under pressure to qualify for the postseason. With the number of clubs up to 16, the task is difficult, but manageable all the same.

As for MLS's newest club, Philadelphia, continues to wheel and deal heading into 2010. This time it was Michael Orozco, brought in on loan from Mexican club San Luis FC. Training is well underway as players have reported already.

It's too early to tell if the season will get underway on time, but the fact that players are training and are in camp is a positive. Optimism is high that a deal will get done, though there is no guarantee.

In spite of that, rookies like Teal Bunbury are getting thrown in the rookie mix, while Orozco looks to make an impact in MLS for the first time in his playing career. As the snow thaws and the bitter winter warms (at least in some parts), MLS draws closer to another season.

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Adu to Johnson connection secures lone goal in Aris defeat

Sunday, 31 January 10, 12:44 PM

Freddy Adu and Eddie Johnson are two American players down on their luck. Either that, or they made the wrong move when they headed to Europe. Both have been starved for playing time in recent memory after swapping MLS for higher-paying European clubs.

Whatever the issue, Aris FC decided to give the two new life -- and the early signs are promising. While the duo have yet to earn a start in the Greek Super League, today marked the first time both were on the pitch at the same time. The end result was an Adu-to-Johnson goal in Aris's 2-1 defeat against 

Diving too deeply into Sunday's development would be a mistake, but it's a positive sign nonetheless. Johnson has been coming off the bench on a fairly regular basis for Aris, and Adu's appearance today marked his debut after a small injury issue. Even if the two see regular playing time, it's difficult to imagine a scenario that lands either one of them on the plane to South Africa.

And as written here before, the stint in Greece needs to serve as a platform to improve their respective careers. A fantastic run of form has an outside chance of securing a spot in Bradley's 23 -- Johnson more than Adu -- but for two players who have spent so much time on the bench, playing on a consistent basis needs to be main goal.

Perhaps Sunday will be the new beginning Adu needs. Maybe Johnson will strike a rich vein of form that earns him a shock nod for the U.S. squad. For the present, both seem to be happy to be competing once again.

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Positives Signs from New York

Thursday, 28 January 10, 09:03 PM

News arrived Thursday night that the MLS Players' Union and league were continuing negotiations through February 12 was no surprise. When players headed in to camp, a strike or lockout weren't likely -- both sides are in this to make a deal.

"While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach agreement," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a press release. "This extension provides both MLS and the players the opportunity to continue our discussions while clubs are in training camps preparing for the 2010 MLS season."

It was clear that the February 1 deadline would come and go with no deal in place barring a miracle. To hear that both sides were engaging in lengthy conversations all week was one of many positive signs. The fact that they two parties are actively working towards a solution indicates a willingness to work things out.

Anyone and everyone who sounds off on the subject -- including this space here -- shared that a strike can't happen. Clearly, the owners and players are aware that a work stoppage helps no one. There's a new team getting off the ground in Philadelphia, a new stadium in New York. Imagine the setback Philadelphia would suffer through a work stoppage after all that has happened this year.

That being said, there's no guarantee that a solution will be reached. Hope abounds, and February 1 no longer looms as a big deadline. Whatever still separates the side, at least two weeks remain to work something out -- the new day coinciding with the opening of the Winter Olympics. A distraction tactic perhaps? If things don't work out and a strike begins, fewer people would take notice.

Conspiracy theorists may pick up on that -- the two sides are likely just covering their tracks in case the worst happens.

Until then, it's business as usual. Camps are opening, players are reporting. It's all systems go, with Philadelphia fans getting geared up for a trip to Seattle on March 25. If something changes, the 2010 could unravel. But for now, there's a willingness to at least try to work things out.

A deal could be in the works. It could be close, in need of a few more days to iron out minor details. Or there could be some major hangups to get past. Whatever the case, there's even more reasons to be encouraged.

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Landon Donovan scores for Everton - so what?

Thursday, 28 January 10, 09:24 AM

It's fair to label Landon Donovan's latest European adventure a success -- right? The American attacker added an extra gear to Everton's attack since joining the club in January, and Wednesday the 27-year-old found the back of the net for his new side. Labeling it a success off one goal and a few solid performances may be a bit premature, but he has hit the ground running.

So what to make of it? At the very least, the few doubters who thought Donovan would make the trip over and sit the bench realized that wasn't the case when Donovan started the first game he was available. He has transitioned into Everton's side with apparent ease and will look to continue building on solid performances.

The questions percolate now -- will Moyes want to keep Donovan around? Can Everton afford to bring him in? Will the Galaxy let them?

Those questions can only be answered when Donovan's loan comes to an end. At the very least, Donovan has proved that he belongs and can match up with some of the world's biggest clubs -- and while scoring against Sunderland is hardly scrapbook material, an EPL goal is an EPL goal for someone who struggled in previous European stints.

Proving he belongs in England or Europe is far different than World Cup success. After all, how many times has England underachieved at the World Cup? Perhaps the last stigma that Donovan has to shake is his tendency to disappear in big (see World Cup/Azteca) matches. Of course, it's worth vetting that soccer is a team sport and it isn't up to just Donovan to ensure U.S. success.

Just under two months are left in Donovan's Everton adventure. Provided that he stays healthy, he'll get the chance to measure himself and his talents against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Strong performances there would certainly boost his confidence heading towards either a return to Los Angeles or some kind of a deal that keeps him in England.

As far as that goes, Everton doesn't have a unlimited cash flow, and the bounty that MLS will demand for their star player would likely surpass David Moyes's checking account. However, a loan extension similar to Beckham's could be possible, or perhaps some sort of buy out clause Donovan negotiated into his latest MLS contract.

Whatever the outcome, the most important for U.S. soccer fans is Donovan's health. Injuries have plagued American soccer players, and if Donovan were to go do, it would perhaps be a fatal blow to second round hopes.

Maybe Bob Bradley will head over to the UK and bubble-wrap Donovan, ensuring that he stays fit until July.

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