Jozy headed to Spain a bit too late

The United States could have used the speedy, young striker this evening, but Jozy Altidore won't be headed to where "the rain falls mainly on the plain" to join the U.S. national team. MLS has decided to sell the rights to Jozy to Villareal of La Liga in Spain.

According to ESPNnet, the deal for the 18-year-old came in at "just under $10 million" which would be a record amount for American sold overseas. Clint Dempsey was sold to Fulham for around four million.

"This was a decision we and the Red Bulls took rationally, with the objective to achieve a couple of things: provide Jozy with an opportunity he's been looking for, and more importantly from our point of view, give us resources to elevate the team and the league," Ivan Gazidis (assistant commish) told ESPNnet.

The deal might even pay for the Red Bulls new digs, which are supposed to be open by 2009.

According to MLS, Altidore will address the media the match against Chivas USA. He is a scratch for the match with a recent ankle knock sustained in training ... or so they say. I'm sure it has nothing to do with Villareal wanting to protect their investment.