New NIke Ad

Saw this posted on Steven Goff's Washington Post blog. It's the new Nike ad. Enjoy.

TYH'S MLS Goal of the Week

WINNER: Welcome back, Guevara.


RUNNER-UP: A Sacha special

TYH'S MLS BEST 11 (Week 5)

GOALKEEPER

M. Reis (NE)

DEFENDERS

M. Wynne (TFC), F. Hejduk (CLB), A. Igwe (NE)

MIDFIELDERS

A. Guevara (TFC), K. Smith (NE), J. Thorrington (CHI), M. Gallardo (DC)

FORWARDS

J. Moreno (DC), L. Donovan (LA), J. Altidore (NY)

What is wrong with Brad Guzan?

So, it wasn't too long ago that Brad Guzan was considered the USMNT's second choice behind Tim Howard. Just a few months ago he was at the center of transfer speculation after having been named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2007 and participating in the 2007 Gold Cup victory. Linked to EPL heavy weights like Arsenal and Liverpool, Guzan seemed headed for sacred cow status on the national team like the Kellers and Friedels before him. Now, after three straight weeks of underwhelming the crowds in MLS, he's probably wondering if his phone is broken.

That albatross around Guzan's neck? It's a 2.60 GAA and a 1-3-1 record for Chivas USA. The one-time stalwart of the sticks has allowed 13 goals in five matches. This stat is even more startling when you consider that he only allowed just 25 goals in the entire 2007 season (a 0.93 GAA).

Here's exhibit A from this weekend's 5-2 derby debacle against LA.


So, I ask again: What's up with Brad Guzan? Is it lingering disappointment over the failed European transfer? If it is, I think it's safe to call it clinical depression. And someone who loves Guzan should get him to a shrink, or it won't be just goals slipping past him. It will be his future with the U.S. national team.

No Becks for Iran, says Galaxy

The Iranian Football Federation claims the Los Angeles Galaxy requested a friendly with the current Enemy#1's national team to be played in America this June. But the Galaxy deny that a request was ever made.

As reported in the Fars News Agency, described on their web site as "Iran's leading independent news agency," IFF international relations official Hassan Ghaffari told fans, "A friendly encounter against L.A. Galaxy is scheduled to take place in June 2008, once the IFF receives an official invitation from the US [Soccer] Federation."

Well, don't bother checking your mail for the invite, Hassan. It's not coming.

An unnamed Galaxy official said, "The Galaxy has no plans to play Iran anytime in the near future. It is very rare for the Galaxy to play any national team. The Galaxy likes to play top-tier friendly matches against other clubs and let the US national team play the friendlies against other national teams."

So much for Beckham bringing world peace.

TFC wants to get their hands on Dickov

Manchester City striker Paul Dickov may be headed to Toronto, following his loan spell at Blackpool.

According to The Herald in Plymouth (UK), Dickov has been linked with Major League Soccer club Toronto as well as Perth Glory in Australia.

The 35-year-old Dickov has been a key player for Blackpool in their quest to try to stay in the Championship after their promotion last May, scoring six goals in 10 games, four as a substitute. His stint with Blackpool follows a rather unsuccessful showing with Crystal Palace. Dickov will be out of contract at Manchester City this summer.

Can you imagine a couple of Dics at BMO? Dichio and Dickov. Here's Paul Dickov's MySpace page.

Canucks sign Côte d'Ivoire defender

Toronto FC have finally acquired Ivory Coast defender Oliver Tebily, according to reports in the Canadian press. TFC have had their sights on the 32-year-old for some time, but MLS rules along with work permit issues have held up the move.

Tebily, who played will fill the spot vacated by Andrew Boyens, is a versatile defender who has played every backline position and could even play defensive midfield if called upon. He most recently played with Birmingham City but was not a regular starter on the first team.

General Manager Mo Johnston told The Star that Tebily could mentor TFC's young defenders like Julius James and Pat Phelan. But if TFC fans are hoping Tebily can anchor their defense, he may just end up sinking the ship.

Tebily's blunder versus Leeds

Tebily OG Vs Birmingham - The best home videos are here

Spaniard Mendieta MLS bound?

Middlebrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta is headed to Major League Soccer, according to an article in Thursday's UK rag, The Sun.

The Sun writes,

Mendieta, once valued at £30million, was restricted by injury to just 76 games in five years. He is now set to join a Major League Soccer club in the States.

The 34-year-old Spanish national teamer has suffered an injury-riddled three seasons with MIddlesbrough and had fallen out of favor with coach Gareth Southgate. There were rumors that he was on his way to the Los Angeles Galaxy last December, but he later said that he would stay and fight for a first team spot. Southgate, however, squashed his hopes for a first team, spot, saying he had "no chance."

Mendieta has denied reports of his retirement from pro football and expressed back in December his desire to play out the rest of his contract at Middlesbrough.

He has played 38 games and scored 10 goals for the Spanish national football team, and represented Spain at the 1996 Olympic Games, the 2000 European Championship, and the 2002 World Cup.

A slightly gay tribute video by youtuber Exacerbuto