Retired Serbian striker Paunovic, last seen on trial with the Red Bulls in 2009, played for the Union in their reserve loss to DC last night. After only 72 minutes of field time, Paunovic is already only two goals away from becoming the Union’s leading scorer on the season. Wait, that applies to nearly everyone.

Another note from the reserve match: Juan Diego Gonzalez played the full 90, putting to rest any fears that he was injured. And confirming that he must be living in some dank, dark corner of Nowak’s doghouse right now.

No! This cannot be true! Referee Mark Geiger – the red card ruffian who has yet to send Jordan Harvey an apology card – has been tabbed to work the FIFA U-20 World Cup. This should be reason enough to oust Sepp Blatter.

Amy Rodriguez says the Women’s World Cup could help WPS. If the league can make it through an extended period without their stars (please. please. please.) then she may be right.

Goal.com runs through the newly released MLS salary data.

Japan has officially pulled out of Copa America.

Reading United will play friendly matches against the US U-17 team and against the NY Cosmos U-23 squad in Exeter, PA.

The Boston Globe likes the parity in MLS this season. And they should like parity in New England, because it is the only thing that will keep the Revs in contention for the playoffs.

RSL Soapbox looks at the latest MLS expansion rumors. Vegas, anyone?

Alexei Lalas says the US should win the Gold Cup. He’s always saying stuff, that guy. Hahaha. Sigh.

And finally, AS Roma of Italy’s Serie A has expressed interest in the Galaxy’s Landon Donovan. Roma believes there is no truth to the rumor that if you see your reflection in Donovan’s forehead it means three more years without Champions League.

Photo: Nicolae Stoian