Soccer: Aging saviors failed, so U.S. tries Adu This is an interesting read about past failed attempts at importing soccer stars, such as Pele, in an attempt to popularize soccer in the USA. However, To more enlightened Americans, it dawns that their country needs to find stars of its own, stars who would merit airtime in television schedules crammed with the staple sports of American football, baseball and basketball. This article makes some interesting observations. I certainly hope that MLS will avoid the downfalls of the NASL.

Lalas leaving Quakes to join Metros

World Cup hero Lalas named as MetroStars chief I find this title a bit amusing. I mean, Lalas was an important figure in the USA's past World Cups, but I don't know if I would call him a hero.

West Coast Bias: What happens with San Jose

Standings

1. New England
2. Dallas
3. LA
4. Chicago
5. KC
5. Metrostars
6. San Jose
7. Columbus
7. DC
8. Salt Lake
9. Colorado
10. Chivas USA

Those rankings do not surprise me in the least bit. Oh, how I miss parity! And oh, how I miss a Crew who lived up to their nickname of the hardest working team in America!

News and Views

Give And Go With Thomas Rongen This statement made me think:

So you think the Chivas powers that be underestimated MLS?
No doubt. We talk about athleticism and power in this league, but clearly, there are some very good players technically and tactically who could play anywhere in the world.

Is Chivas USA's lack of success some sort of indication that the level of play in MLS has become world quality?

The Clean Sheet: Truth be told I resent this comment: Who knew the Columbus Crew could be this exciting?

Soccer League Ends Talks With San Antonio

News and Views

Chivas USA gaining new mentality This article begins with the following statement:

After one week as boss of Chivas USA, Hans Westerhof has made his mark on the club.

The article then ends with this statement:

In the end, players said that the best way to boost confidence and mental fitness is by winning. "We're six points out of making the playoffs and we've got 20 points to go. The West is not very strong. We still have a chance. We're not mathematically out this at all," Hendrickson said. "I try my best to keep the guys positive and keep the morale of the team up. We're just six points away from being in fourth place. It's not over yet."

I agree. They just need to win. Now how they will win is the tricky part.

The Cheap Seats: Riding the sub way My reason for linking to this article is the fact that it is funny. If you need more incentive, the first paragraph reads: his past Sunday, I played a reserve match for the New England Revolution against the Kansas City Wizards. I'll let the snickering subside while I give you a little bit of backstory. Go read.

United Will Get A New Owner

Six more added to Hall

News and Views

West Coast Bias: More changes coming This article begins with an interesting statement: Okay, so maybe Thomas Rongen was not Chivas USA's problem after all. The expansion club has played twice since essentially sacking Rongen and status quo has reigned supreme. Maybe yes; maybe no. Even if Rongen truly was the problem, it will probably take more than a couple matches for the team to start playing at a higher level. Also, remember what happened to LA after their mid-season coaching switch last year; it may take a while for Chivas USA to adjust to a new coach.

Lalas: Everyone's A Critic Landon Donovan had something interesting to say:

"I play best when I’m happy off the field," Donovan told The New York Times. after the US beat Costa Rica on Saturday. "People can complain all they want about me not playing in Europe, not playing at the highest level, but I’m going to play a lot better being happy here. And they’re going to see that."

Although I do think that Europe (as well as the majority of the rest of the world) has a higher level of playing than in the US, I do like Donovan's reasoning. Furthermore, if he really is telling the truth, well, that is a very admirable statement to make.

Donovan's career back on track after return to U.S.A. This article is also along the same lines as the previous one.

"I think Landon kind of shuts down as a person when he's not happy," Kajlich said. "He's definitely a different person now."

League owners complete meetings

Something's amiss: World Cup qualifying leaves MLS lacking firepower

Depth is an issue for teams in MLS

L.A.'s Donovan leads All-Star voting Don't forget to keep voting!

Crew add Wolyniec

MLS - Twellman out for a month

If the Cup were to be played today...

it would be between New England and Dallas. What a shocker. Oh, how I miss parity!

Standings

1. Dallas
2. New England
3. LA
4. Chicago
5. KC
6. Metrostars
7. San Jose
8. DC
9. Salt Lake
10. Columbus
11. Colarado
12. Chivas USA

Odd...no ties this week! That just might be a first!

News and Views

Tie brings relief for Chivas USA I empathize with any team with a record as poor as Chivas USA's record has been so far this year, and therefore am very glad that they tied!

First XI: Sinking our teeth into stats

Smith making a name for Bermuda

Not just another year: Freddy turns 16