Union
MLSSoccer.com says of Freddy Adu, “there is one club in particular that would make the best fit and give him a real chance at success: the Philadelphia Union.” As of this writing, 75% of of those who participated on a poll on the topic agree.
FC Nürnberg midfielder Marek Mintal responds to reports that the Union are interested in him on this German website, “I know of the interest. Now you have to see what will come of it.” (Click here for a translation of the piece. His Wikipedia page is here.)
A mock draft on Goal.com forgoes the common Corey Hertzog to the Union and less common Zac MacMath to the Union predictions and projects Zarek Valentin to the Union, noting “Valentin is also from Pennsylvania and would definitely be an upgrade for that haphazard defense.” This mock draft also sees the Union going for defender Tyler Lassiter in the second round.
For more on Valentin, take a look at this interview. He’s good friends with Amobi Okugo and Jack McInerney.
The Union website has a piece that posits eleven storylines for 2011.
Yesterday, PSP editor Dan Walsh participated in a live chat that featured representatives of a multitude of media organizations that cover the Union as well as questions from readers. The chat, which covered a range of Union-related topics, was organized by Scott Kessler of the SB Nation-affiliated blog The Brotherly Game, where you can take a look at the transcript.
MLS
New England Revolution confirm that Fred is “pursuing other opportunities abroad.”
The rosters and schedule for the Player Combine have been released.
Here are ten players to watch out for at this weekend’s Player Combine.
It’ll cost Aston Villa £2 million to get Omar Cummings.
LA Galaxy have agreed to let Beckham go on loan provided their terms are met.
The Guardian takes an extensive look at how David Beckham’s time at LA galaxy has been marked by “questionable loyalty to his employers and their fans.”
More on DC United’s plans to move to a new stadium.
Portland Timbers have passed the 10,000 mark in season tickets sold.
Sigi Schmid has been honored with the Walt Chyzowych Memorial Fund Lifetime Achievement Award for 2011.
US
The USMNT training camp opened on Tuesday for preparations for the upcoming match against Chile on January 22.
It looks like the USA v Argentina friendly won’t be taking place in Seattle after all. No word yet on where the March 26 match will be.
Eric Wynalda talks about his job as Director of International Development at Mexican club Murcielagos: “My typical work week involves watching a lot of soccer.”
Elsewhere
Sepp Blatter’s ongoing project to turn FIFA into the United Nations continues with the 2014 World Cup: “Our goal in Brazil is to create infrastructures in the provinces.” While acknowledging that “there is still poverty” in Brazil, Blatter says, “Nevertheless, I’ve no doubt the legacy of the World Cup will help in that respect too.”
Blatter also said FIFA may return to the golden goal rule to settle matches that go into extra time at the 2014 World Cup. Also under consideration are the points awarded for wins and draws.
The president of Bayern Munich has criticized the selection of Russia and Qatar as World Cup hosts, saying a bid to host the tournament can only succeed “if payments are made under the table.”
Arsene Wenger thinks only a salary cap will level the playing field in the Premiership. “That is the real test. Then you can say at the end of the year, the best club has won. The real, real test would be that everybody has exactly the same resources.”
Avram Grant says the force behind West Ham’s return to form is his lucky scarf.
Here’s a review of Dutch soccer in 2010.
There are some great matches on the telly today:
Wolverhampton v Chelsea, 2:45pm on FSC
Arsenal v Manchester City, 2:45pm on ESPN2
Blackburn v Liverpool, 3pm on FSP
Newcastle v West Ham, 5pm on FSC
I know there’s some history between Adu and Nowak from the DCU days. I wonder how much of that was really Piotr’s “mishandling” of the situation, and how much was the media’s over exaggeration? Assuming the former, and that Adu has become more humble as his career progressed, while Nowak has turned the intensity down a notch in his old(er) age, maybe an Adu/Nowak re-UNION (see what I did there?) could benefit both the individuals and the team. And imagine all the media coverage this situation would bring?! I have to wonder why Major League Soccer Soccer.com would publish articles like this if there wasn’t some truth to it …
I would hope the Union pick up some defenders in the draft. While the situation was a lot better towards the end of the year we still have no depth at rb/lb and well…Harvey. My prediction though: CDM and a CM. Adu would be a good pick up, but I worry if he would go the way of Fred with much hype and little production. The other aspect is where does he play? Another attacking mid doomed to playing on the flanks or striker?