Kinnear family weighs in on extension Looks like Kinnear is moving to Houston with the team. That should help the team's playing this year. (Then again, take that comment for what it's worth. If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you're probably aware of my abilities when it comes to predictions.)

2006 Supplemental Draft to be held Thursday Columbus is near the top of every round; they need all the help they can get.

Adu, Reis earn caps in U.S. draw

Ivy League players snubbed in Friday's MLS draft

All the latest SuperDraft gossip

MLS CONFIDENTIAL: Chivas USA looks to deal Well, seeing how Chivas' last season went, I think it is pretty obvious that they are going for some major changes, but that's just a guess. What do I know? In fact, they'd better go for some big trades. And, while I'm at it, that comment goes for Columbus, too.

Protected players will get long look from MLS teams Lopez argues that

Certainly, the college route has proven successful for some MLS players. However, no college players were used by the U.S. national team during World Cup qualifying. Arena selected only professional players from either MLS or the various European professional leagues.

The majority of the world's professional (soccer) players don't get their start in college, and, frankly, the same can be said for most American players. It's just a guess, but maybe a factor is that the players who don't go the college route, have a chance to play at a higher level younger, thus developing their skills more.

U.S. soccer world flocks to Phila. Hmm, maybe this will be push necessary for Philadelphia to get (or, at any rate, start seeking) an MLS team.

Ex-area standout coveted by MLS

Son of ex-Cub Wynne aims high in MLS draft

Without further Adu, teen star must find way to beat the odds

United Will Be Cautious With Trades, MLS Draft

News and Views

Schmid continues search for talent Hopefully he’ll end up with a combination that will get the Crew back up to where they need to be (at the top of the league, of course).

Guevara unhappy with GM's criticism I have three words: Grow up, Guevara.

Midfielder Kovalenko to leave MLS

Albright injures knee with U.S. team

Fire Announce Preseason Schedule

D.C. United sale terminated

U.S. Goalie Gives Shirt Off His Back This isn’t strictly about MLS, but it is interesting nevertheless.

Real Salt Lake to host draft party

Looking for a side dish, not a main entrée

MLS news and views

Walsh: Those Who Can't Play or Coach
Sigi Schmid and Bob Bradley. Besides Bruce, these are the two best coaches ever to walk an MLS sideline. Hmm, I think I have to agree with this statement. Come to think of it, Bruce has done a very good job with the national team over the past, what, seven or eight years. (I can’t remember how long it was after France ‘98 that he took the coaching job.) Let’s hope that he can keep the team heading in the right direction.
All but a handful of soccer writers are morons. They are either soccer brain dead or are regurgitating crap that they have heard others say. Does that include me?
Soccer is at a time now much like surfing was in the 1950s and 1960s. Twenty years from now people will look back and admire MLS players that play the game for love and not a lot of money. I’ve always thought that there is something more enjoyable about watching those who play for love of the game. However, it is most likely is true that at least the majority of professional players worldwide, including those making bundles of money, are in the game because of their love of it. Yes, they may be making some good money, but there certainly is an element of love of the game that got them that far. It is also true that those making more money typically are making the money because they, simply put, are very good at what they do, which makes for an enjoyable experience for the spectator.

The state of U.S. Youth Soccer

Crew add two defenders to roster Anything to get the Crew playing well again.

John, Gutierrez swap cities in trade

Chicago forward Andy Herron suspended for six games

MLS Player Combine to begin Thursday

Note: I've corrected the links; they should work now.

My wishlist for 2006

1) I wish for the USA men to win the World Cup, or, at the very least, make it into the the top 4. They made it into the top 8 four years ago, and they're sitting pretty nicely at number 8 in the current FIFA world rankings, even ahead of powerhouses like England (9), Italy (12), and Germany (16). Go USA!

2) If number 1 doesn't come true, I at least want a country that has never won the World Cup to win. Yes, Brazil is good and it is exciting to see them win, but, well, they've had their day. Besides, who doesn't like the underdog? I think it's about time for some changes.

3) I wish for Columbus to win the MLS Cup. I've stopped bothering to count how many times they've come close.

4) While I'm at it, how about some good deals between MLS, major networks, and advertisers? It's time for MLS to gain more publicity in the USA.

5) What happened to the hype over WUSA? If the US wants to keep up with the rest of the world, they need a women's league. I find it ironic that the USA, who were among the first countries to have a solid women's team, now no longer has a league. (Yes, I know why the WUSA failed; you don't need to remind me. However, this is my wishlist. I can dream, can't I?)

Now we know

Yep, we now know why football, er, soccer, is so exciting. Check out the BBC's report on the Surprise secret to soccer appeal. The Los Alamos National Laboratory has concluded that Football is more likely to produce an unexpected result. Interesting conclusion. In my studies and research in my academic field, I have learned to carefully choose my methodology and body of data when conducting any sort of study. These researchers decided to make unpredictability - how often a leading team is overcome by an opponent with a worse record - the best measure of how exciting a league is. Although I do agree with the conclusion - yes, I think that soccer is the most exciting sport in the world, and that is due in part, but only in part, to its unpredicatibility. I also enjoy the creativity, beauty, and intensity of the game. You probably have your own reasons for liking the game. My point is this: this study certainly is interesting, but take it for what it is: a very one-sided study that fails to address other issues. (I realize that they probably cannot analyze all possible options, however, my point is that the casual observer ought to be discerning about the methodology used in any study, including this one, as trivial as it may seem.)

Note: this post has been edited for grammar.

News and Views

Elliott leaves Crew, signs with Fulham Ah, another Crew player leaving for the Premiership - Fulham, no less. Same club as former Crew member Brian McBride. I'm half-tempted to stop rooting for Man U and start rooting for Fulham. I'll have to give that some thought.

Chivas USA close to adding Suarez