Some amazing PSP original work from the past few days: Earl Gardner’s sweet photo essay from the SOB Help Kick Hunger event, info on the MLS All-Star game, Ed’s fantastic piece on the last All-Star game in Philly, Dan’s take on the possibility of selling Le Toux, and Eli’s examination of the U’s post-Seba strike force.

Philadelphia Union

The Sebastien Le Toux transfer saga rumbles on with all the energy of a hard-working French striker. Last night, Daily Mirror transfer gossip specialist Alan Nixon tweeted that a Bolton decision on Le Toux would be coming shortly. Unfortunately, he did not say what that decision would be. Nixon went on to say that the striker Bolton really want is Mexican Giovani Dos Santos, currently on Spurs’ payroll. Adding fuel to the Bolton fire is SkySports’ unsourced speculation that Kevin Davies could be on the move.

When pressed, Nixon wrote that Dos Santos was his own beast, but that it appears to be an either/or situation for Bolton between Guinean striker Ismael Bangoura and Seba Le Toux. Which means nothing is decided, but we can all report as if it is, claim credit if the deal goes through and blame outside forces if something goes awry. Oh, actor-observer bias. You keep the rumor mill’s self-esteem high!

Dave Zeitlin’s article, “Nowak, Sakiewicz still mum on potential Le Toux move”, is counterintuitively filled with quotes from Peter Nowak and Nick Sakiewicz. Maybe they were just mum in the headline, but decided to blab once things got down to 10-pt font. Anyhow, the Union brass says that Bolton would be a great opportunity for Le Toux and that negotiations are ongoing (Nowak: “We’re in the middle of the whole thing.” Sakiewicz: “If we can give a player an opportunity like this and capitalize from it and reinvest that money into the team to get better, we’ll do that.”).

CSN Philly has some video of Sakiewicz talking about Le Toux as well.

Meanwhile, the Union’s preseason gets underway today, “Players report for preseason today! First round of physicals tonight, more physicals and fitness testing over the next few days. #DOOP”

CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers

The USWNT pounded Mexico last night. PSP’s Mike S. has all the gory, delicious details.

When asked about her team’s high scoring efforts of late, Pia Sundhage said, “It’s hard to score goals. It’s difficult to score goals even in practice. I’m very happy when players score goals. It’s contagious. I would never think to tell players not to score.” Baller.

Hope Solo picked up a light quad injury in the team’s win last night. She believes she will be good to go Friday against Costa Rica.

And if you ever wondered why, in addition to simply being interested in the game, people like us love covering women’s soccer, it’s because of the personalities. Specifically, Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger.

US

TSG has a preview of the US/Panama match.

Teal Bunbury should get more minutes as the US prepares to face Panama on ESPN3.

Richie Williams is the new US U-17 men’s national coach. Williams was previously an assistant with the Red Bulls.

MLS

Tim Ream’s work permit appears finalized. Now he can “work” on his passing. Heh.

Jeremiah Oshan thinks MLS is becoming a more attractive option for foreign players both because MLS is getting better and Latin American leagues are becoming less reliable at paying their players.

SkySports believes Victor Palsson is heading to NYRB. They don’t give any evidence but, hey, the mill needs grist.

Elsewhere

Forbes takes a look at Fox’s growing involvement in the soccer scene.

TwoHundredPercent rounds up the early action from the African Cup of Nations.