Union/Local
Click on the image to the left to vote for your favorite Union players to play in the 2010 MLS All-Star Game against Manchester United on July 28 on ESPN2. If that doesn’t work, click here.
Sebastien Le Toux talks to Goal.com about how excited he is that Henry might be coming to MLS. Some guy at the Bleacher report gives five reasons why Henry won’t make soccer popular in the US. You mean he’s not imbued with transformative mystical powers? He’s certainly capable of some amazing tricks of the hand.
PennLive.com talks to JT Noone. and takes a deeper look into the history of the Harrisburg City Islanders.
Upper Deck has released its “exclusive 2010 Upper Deck Soccer set featuring the greatest players in Major League Soccer.” I will trade you three Kei Kamara’s for one Jack McInerney.
US Men’s Team/World Cup
The Inquirer talks to Landon Donovan who says, “I’m more real than I was.”
FIFA will crackdown on “unsporting” feints in penalty kicks, starting with the World Cup. It’s all the South American’s fault. Additionally, the fourth official will have powers similar to those of assistant referees, which it is hoped will be greater than those possessed by Thierry Henry.
Sir Alex Ferguson, in the States to help promote the upcoming Manchester United tour (my favorite is the quiet one—he’s so dreamy), thinks the US will make it to the second round. Meanwhile, the Bleacher Report suggests that expectations should be lowered.
In case you missed it, US coach Bob Bradley recently commented on the decision not to include Charlie Davies on the squad. Of note are Bradley’s thoughts about Davies comments about Sochaux following his non-selection. Goal.com and The Star-Ledger have some advice for Davies.
US Soccer Daily wonders what the the USMNT could learn from the Flyers. I don’t know, how to skate, perhaps?
While MLS Insider worries that“Should Oguchi Onyewu be starting?”.
Sports Illustrated has a nice piece on the top five US World Cup performances. You can see a mini documentary about the history of the US team below.
Here’s a review of a recent crop of soccer books that may or may not be worth your time.
Etc.
The USWNT will host Sweden on July 17 in East Hartford. The Philadelphia Independence is likely to be represented by five players on the pitch: Lindsey, Mitts and Rodriguez for the US; Seger and Larsson for Sweden.
Barcelona have signed David Villa from Valencia for $49 million.
When I read the imperative to vote Union, I was originally amused because of the growing reality that our squad lacks all-star talent. But then when I got to the poll- I found I only knew six names that were not union- and no defenders. I voted for Beckerman in midfield, and couldn’t vote for Seitz. Otherwise I was a good homer. Go Union.