1 down, 10 to go: Landycakes hands Ashley Cole a beatdown.

MLS officials and players agreed to extend collective bargaining negotiations until Feb. 25 due to massive snowfall.

Can Union manager Peter Nowak match Sigi Schmid and Bob Bradley for best expansion team results? Soccer America asks the question all Union fans want to know. Naturally, they don’t really answer it.

The Daily News has a story on Union defender Michael Orozco.

The National Soccer Hall of Fame is closing in Oneonta, N.Y.

Chelsea and England defender Ashley Cole is out three months after Landon Donovan broke his ankle. The Washington Post rounds up English scribes’ praise for Donovan’s excellent play in Everton’s win over Chelsea.

Andrea Canales has a great piece on Donovan/MLS haters. Must read.

The Kansas City Wizards appear set to sign goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen to replace Kevin Hartman, who is out of a contract. Hartman holds the league record for most shutouts and wins by a goalie. MLS clubs hold their players’ rights within the league even after their contracts expire (unless they don’t try to sign them), and Hartman’s delay in signing could indicate there may be some limited free agency granted in the new CBA.

A Spanish newspaper reports that Raul will join the New York Red Bulls. We may have to stop reporting Raul to MLS rumors.