San Jose pick some real winners (read losers)

San Jose's selections in 2007 MLS Expansion Draft.

1. Ryan Cochrane (Houston Dynamo)
2. Clarence Goodson (FC Dallas)
3. Ned Grabavoy (Columbus Crew)
4. James Riley (New England Revolution)
5. Joseph Vide (New York Red Bulls)
6. Ivan Guerrero (Chicago Fire)
7. Brian Carroll (D.C. United)
8. Jason Hernandez (Chivas USA)
9. Gavin Glinton (LA Galaxy)
10. Chris Pozniak (Toronto FC)

Did someone tell San Jose that they were the only team participating in this draft? Cochrane, Goodson and Vide were decent picks. Grabavoy is a bit of a stretch, but Carroll and Glinton are ridiculous wastes of roster space. You have to believe that the Quakes are considering bringing in a high-profile DP, so they went low on the pay scale in this draft. Otherwise, there is absolutely no accounting for leaving some of these players on the board (see last post for a complete list).

Notable names enter San Jose draft

Usually an expansion draft is a chance for other teams to trim the fat (and slow) from their line-up, but this Wednesday's expansion draft for the new San Jose Earthquakes features several quality players that could make the 'Quakes a contender right away.

There are of course players from Real Salt Lake and TFC listed as well, but that would be like taking the irregular scraps at a scrap-making factory (or something like that). Here is a decent starting line-up for San Jose on opening day, considering (very roughly) things like salary cap and so forth:

GOALKEEPER

P. Onstad

DEFENDERS

J. Burciaga, C. Waibel, A. Yi, G. Vanney

MIDFIELDERS

K. Martino, P. Vagenas, A. Dorman, Denilson

FORWARDS

J. Wolyniec, F. Doe

Here is a list, by team, of players who could make an immediate impact:

Chivas USA
Cunliffe, John
Guevara, Amado
Nunez, Ramon

Chicago Fire
Busch, Jon
Curtin, Jim
Gutierrez, Diego

Colorado Rapids
Casey, Conor
Kirovski, Jovan
Petke, Mike
Prideaux, Brandon
Sanneh, Tony

Columbus Crew
Grabavoy, Ned
Gruenebaum, Andy
Herron, Andy
Miglioranzi, Stefani
Pierce, Rusty

FC Dallas
Denilson
Oduro, Dominic
Rhine, Bobby
Thompson, Abe
Yi, Alex

D.C. United
Dyachenko, Rod
Gros, Joshua
Vanney, Greg
Walker, Jamil

Houston Dynamo
Cochrane, Ryan
Dalglish, Paul
Onstad, Pat
Waibel, Craig

Kansas City Wizards
Burciaga, Jose

LA Galaxy
Martino, Kyle
Mathis, Clint
Vagenas, Peter
Xavier, Abel

New England Revolution
Dorman, Andy
Franchino, Joe

New York Red Bulls
Doe, Francis
Quaranta, Santino
Vide, Joseph
Wolyniec, John

Click here for a complete list of names

MLS Cup: Dynamo repeat!

Two second-half goals delivered Houston from a goal down to the top of the MLS Cup mountain, as they picked up a second consecutive MLS Cup, defeating eternal Cup bridesmaids New England 2-1 at RFK stadium on Sunday.

As was the case last year, New England struck first with a goal in the 20th minute from Taylor Twellman, his third goal of the competition. The play began when Steve Ralston played behind the Houston defense to the right-side endline and then crossed to Double-T who headed past Pat Onstad from eight yards out.

But the second half was all Houston, as Joseph Ngwenya scored an equalizer in the 61st minute and then Dwayne DeRosario fired home the winner 13 minutes later. DeRosario, who was last year's man of the match, was named the 2007 MLS man of the match, as well.

The equalizer came after Brian Mullan's cross found DeRo at the back post and the Canadaian international slotted it to Ngwenya out in front. Ngwenya made a mess of his first attempt but was able to find and put away the rebound. The winner was scored when Brad Davis sent an early cross into the box and DeRo rose up and snapped home a beautiful header.

'Dolo might! USA 1, SA 0

The United States beat World Cup hosts South Africa 1-0 in a friendly on Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, thanks to a goal from a rather unlikely source -- defender Steve Cherundolo.

As in the Swiss match, US youngsters made the difference in this match, as an impressive build-up, featuring Benny Feilhaber, Freddy Adu, Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu led to the goal. Edu played the ball perfectly to Cherundolo, who had moved up into the attack from his right back position, and Dolo's fired home his second career goal from near the six.

“The result is important,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley after the game. “We have some young players with us, so the experience to play in front of this kind of crowd and get a result is important. I thought Steve scored a very good goal, and we defended well as a group. To be able to maintain a lead in that type of atmosphere is a positive."

The USSF will try to make a lot out of Coach Bob Bradley's 12-5-1 record in 2007, but they should consider the absolute crapfest that was the Copa America before signing him through to WC 2010. He still hasn't proven himself as someone who can win consistently away from the comfy confines of American stadia. That said, the last two matches, in which Bradley finally selected more youthful rosters, demonstrates a willingness (although apparently begrudgingly) to give the kids a chance. It is a positive development to be sure, but I'm doubtful that Bradley's the man to develop this young talent.

MLS Commish: 16 by 2009, 18 by 2011

Here is a list of potential expansion cities along with MLS Commissioner Don Garber's thoughts about each from his annual State of the League address:

• Atlanta. MLS officials have spent time over the last several months with the Atlanta Falcons and owner Arthur Blank. Discussions have focused on the possibility of having a soccer-specific stadium. The league would ideally like to have a club south of Washington, D.C. sometime soon and Atlanta's growing Hispanic population has caught the eye of MLS.
  
  
• Las Vegas. This fast-growing city is looking to burst onto the professional sports scene. The concept there is to have an indoor soccer stadium that would be used as a multi-used entertainment venue. Officials from MLS are encouraged there is support from both the private and public sector in Las Vegas for such a facility.
  
  
• Miami. Preliminary discussions have taken place with regard to funding for a soccer stadium in Miami. Although the league wasn't successful in Ft. Lauderdale, there is optimism that a Miami venue would bring out a huge fan base geared for soccer.
  
  
• Philadelphia. Negotiations with the city of Chester, Delaware County and the state of Pennsylvania have been ongoing for a year. The stadium would exist on the waterfront in Chester. MLS is waiting to see if $40 million in funding from the state will materialize in December.
  
  
• Montreal. A market MLS has looked at since the league's inception, Montreal would provide a potential Canada rivalry with Toronto that could give the league added flavor.
  
  
• New York. MLS has long sought having a second team in New York. The league looks at the success it has had with Chivas USA and the Galaxy in the Los Angeles area and believes two New York teams in separate stadiums would fly in the nation's largest market. Discussions have taken place with the Wilpon family and the New York Mets. The proposed facility would be based in Queens near Shea Stadium and have multi-use, year-round opportunities.
  
  
• Portland. With Seattle on board, Portland would provide for a Northwest rivalry. Preliminary discussions have focused on trying to make appropriate modifications at PGE Park, home of the Portland Timbers.
  
  
• St. Louis. The potential ownership group is led by attorney Jeff Cooper. He has been able to put a package together for a soccer stadium with the city of Collinsville, Ill., located eight miles east of St. Louis. MLS is impressed by the rich soccer tradition in St. Louis.
  
  
• Vancouver. Greg Kerfoot, owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps, is trying to arrange for the building of a stadium on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver. The concept is for a privately financed stadium. Kerfoot just needs approval to put the stadium at that proposed site.

For the full article on Garber's SotL address, Click here

"What's your name again?"

DC's Bobby Boswell's Office-like documentary on former DC striker Alecko Eskandarian's return to DC (posted on bobbyboswell.com)

Seattle tapped for '09 expansion

I guess the paltry USL.1 crowds didn't make a difference after all. Joe Roth (director of Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise) and the Seattle Sounder group will be getting a team in 2009.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber will be in Seattle on Tuesday, to announce that city will receive an expansion franchise to begin play potentially in the 2009 season. The Seattle team will be owned by Hollywood movie studio executive Joe Roth, Seattle Sounders managing partner Adrian Hanauer and Vulcan Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

Oh, and I guess Drew Carey is no longer a Galaxy fan: Carey signs on to invest in Seattle expansion team

Click here for the entire article

MLS Cup: Revs, Dynamo Redux

Nate Jaqua and Dwayne DeRosario scored on either side of halftime, as the Houston Dynamo beat the Kansas City Wizards 2-0 to reach consecutive MLS Cup finals, where they will face last year's foe New England on November 18th at 12pmET at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

A DeRosario shot saved by KC keeper Kevin Hartman resulted in a 35th minute corner kick, and Richard Mulrooney's cross soared found Jaqua's head in traffic and Houston's big man redirected the cross into goal to make it 1-0. Following halftime, DeRosario added an insurance goal, when Craig Waibel intercepted a pass and put DeRo through with a nice pass. The Canadian international controlled and then beat Hartman to his inside post.

Scoring Summary:
HOU -- Nate Jaqua 1 (Richard Mulrooney 1) 35
HOU -- Dwayne De Rosario 1 (Craig Waibel 1) 81

US roster for South Africa friendly set

Coach Bob Bradley announced a 17-players roster for next Saturday's match with South Africa. Four more players will be added in the next few days. Here they are:

GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC)

DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege)

MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County)

FORWARDS: Josmer Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

No surprises given the relative success of the younger players in the Swiss match.

Ruud awakening for LA fans

Ok, the trite headline aside, how should LA fans feel about their new coach Ruud Gullit?

The former Chelsea, Newcastle, Feyenoord manager was named as a replacement for outgoing Frank Yallop who "resigned" to take the head coach reigns of the expansion San Jose Earthquakes on Friday. So, Alexi Lalas got his big-name coach to go with his big-name signing. But will it turn into big-time play or is it just a couple of washed up Euro trash having one last hurrah? More on this later.

In other coaching news, Bruce Arena was given the boot after just two seasons as the head coach of New York.

MLS Cup: Double-T's bike pedals Revs to final

New England is back in the MLS Cup final for the second year in a row, after Taylor Twellman's 38th minute bicycle kick doused of the Chicago Fire.

Double-Ts bike was created by a deflected cross by Wells Thompson. Splitting Fire defenders Dasan Robinson and Gonzalo Segares, Twellman's overhead kick beat Matt Pickens inside the left post.

It will be New England's fourth title appearance (always a bridesmaid...) where they will face either (last year's Cup final foe and winner) Houston or (please god no) Kansas City.

Chicago 0-1 New England
Scoring:
NE -- Taylor Twellman 2 (Wells Thompson 1) 38

TYH'S MLS BEST 11 (Conference semis Gm2)

GOALKEEPER

K. Hartman (KC)

DEFENDERS

E. Robinson (HOU), M. Harrington (KC), W. Barrett (HOU)

MIDFIELDERS

S. Ralston (NE), S. Joseph (NE), C Blanco (CHI)

FORWARDS

C. Rolfe (CHI), B. Ching (HOU),
J. Ngwenya (HOU), T. Twellman (NE)

MLS Cup: Dynamo, Revs -- and Wiz?

New England's Taylor Twellman managed the only goal his side would need in their Conference series with the NY Red Bulls, as the Revs advanced 1-0 on aggregate following their 1-0 home win in Game 2. New York was unable to over come injuries to Claudio Reyna, who left the match with yet another injury (looks like Captain America's super-soldier serum wore off a few years ago) and perhaps more importantly, to Juan Pablo Angel who left in the 64th minute due to injury. Before NY was able to get Angel's substitute into the game, New England raced down the field and Steve Ralston found Twellman who beat Jon Conway for the match's (and series') only goal.

A Dynamo deluge drowned FC Dallas in Game 2 of the Western Conference semi-finals, as Houston won the battle of Texas 4-2 on aggregate with a brace by Brian Ching. Dallas took a 1-0 lead into Game 2 in Houston and scored another 14 minutes in off the boot of Carlos Ruiz. As was expected following the incident in the clubs' last meeting between Ricardo Clark and Ruiz, the tempers flared several times, resulting in 40 fouls, 11 yellow cards and two ejections (both on Dallas); the match was extended due to stoppages into the 120th minute. Following the straight red to Arturo Alvarez, the Dynamo opened an orange can of whoop ass and scored four unanswered in front of the home crowd. Along with Chings' 72nd and 97th minute goals were sandwiched by Stuart Holden's 67th minute strike and Brad Davis' extra time goal.

But the most stunning victory of the night fell to Kansas City who having limped into the playoffs, nearly being bounced on the last weekend of the regular season, will advance to play Houston following their scoreless draw in Game 2, which allowed their 1-0 home win on Game 1 to hold up. Man-of-the-match honors should clearly fall to Kevin Hartman who managed to turn away six shots on goal and to keep his defense organized under extreme pressure.

The Cup semi-finals will feature Chicago versus New England on November 8 and Houston versus Kansas City on November 10.

SCORES
New York 0-1 New England
NE -- Taylor Twellman 1 (Steve Ralston 1, Shalrie Joseph 1) 64

FC Dallas 1-4 Houston
DAL -- Carlos Ruiz 1 (Kenny Cooper 1, Bobby Rhine 1) 14
HOU -- Stuart Holden 1 (Brian Ching 1, Ryan Cochrane 1) 67
HOU -- Brian Ching 1 (Joseph Ngwenya 1, Dwayne De Rosario 1) 72
HOU -- Brian Ching 2 (Joseph Ngwenya 2) 97
HOU -- Brad Davis 1 (unassisted) 100

Kansas City 0-0 Chivas USA

MLS Cup: DC 2, Chicago 2 (2-3) - Fire advance

Two first-half goals, two minutes apart, allowed the FIre to knock DC United out of the MLS Cup tournament with a 3-2 aggregate score Thursday night at RFK Stadium.

Chad Barrett started the Fire in the 31st minute and Chris Rolfe added the second, his second of the tournament. DC managed two second-half goals from Clyde Simms and 2006 MLS MVP Christian Gomez, but the League champions (Supporters' Shield) were unable to overcome the aggregate deficit, created by their 1-0 Game 1 loss in Chicago.

The Fire now advance to the next round where they will face the winner of New York v. New England, a series even at 0-0 after Game 1. New England host the Red Bulls on Saturday.

Scoring:
CHI -- Chad Barrett 1 (Calen Carr 1) 31
CHI -- Chris Rolfe 2 (Cuauhtemoc Blanco 1, Calen Carr 2) 33
DC -- Clyde Simms 1 (Rod Dyachenko 1, Christian Gomez 1) 69
DC -- Christian Gomez 1 (Rod Dyachenko 2) 74

Discipline:
CHI -- Gonzalo Segares (caution; Reckless Foul) 54
DC -- Devon McTavish (caution; Reckless Foul) 61
DC -- Troy Perkins (caution; Reckless Foul) 63
CHI -- Matt Pickens (caution; Delaying a Restart) 93+
DC -- Rod Dyachenko (ejection; Serious Foul Play) 94+