The LA Galaxy made the biggest splash during Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft, claiming forward Juan Pablo Angel. But Philadephia Union manager Peter Nowak is critical of the move. He says that three Designated Player contracts on a single squad is no way to build a roster.
There may be another explanation to the Galaxy’s move to acquire Ángel: Edson Buddle is reportedly on trial with Birmingham City and the club could make a move in January. However, a work permit could turn out to be an issue.
In addressing his club’s roster situation, Bruce Arena also was emphatic that he expects Landon Donovan to be with the Galaxy from January to November. It’s a hint that there may be no offseason loan for the US star this year.
An English paper says that Tottenham Hotspur are contemplating a move for the Galaxy’s David Beckham, another player who is not new to offseason loans.
Will Brazil’s national team coach have a say in whether Ronaldinho winds up with the Galaxy? Mano Menezes says a move to the USA might cost Ronaldinho a spot with the Seleção. (PORTUGUESE)
In the most nostalgic move of the Re-Entry Draft, the Columbus Crew acquired the rights to forward Jeff Cunningham and have already made him an offer. Meanwhile they have contracts out to two South American “impact players,” a defender and midfielder.
Are those players from Ecuadorean champs Liga Deportiva de Quito? The club’s chief confirmed that two of his players will go to MLS on one-year loan deals. (SPANISH)
Paraguayan World Cup player Denis Caniza is seemingly leaning towards MLS, saying he really wants to hear more about the offer from an unnamed US club. (SPANISH)
On the West Coast, Chivas USA acquired Tristan Bowen and Jimmy Conrad but the Goats are yet to name a head coach. After the club parted ways with 2010 manager Martin Vasquez over the hiring of an assistant, Steve Sampson has dropped out of the manager race due to control issues.
While established MLS teams strengthened themselves through the Re-Entry Draft, the expansion clubs did not claim any players and the Portland Timbers instead signed four more players from last year’s USSF D-2 squad. Get to know them here.
The club saga of 19-year-old US defender Gale Agbossoumonde seems to have reached a resolution with an impending deal in Sweden.
The story of the first American player to join Arsenal has been released in book form.
A major European club is taking a stand with respect to its fans: They must sit down during matches.
The story of Congolese side TP Mazembe has slowly captivated the attention of the soccer world as they get ready to face Italy’s Inter Milan in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
In other international soccer, New Jersey-born Giuseppe Rossi scored two more goals in Europa League action in a 2-1 Villarreal victory during which Jozy Altidore also came into the match. Former US youth international Neven Subotic also scored for Borussia Dortmund as they were eliminated in a 2-2 tie at Sevilla.
Today Atlético Madrid play for their Europa League lives in Germany against Bayer Leverkusen (1 p.m. ET, GolTV). A host of other matches are available on DirecTV.
After being awarded the 2022 World Cup, Qatar may soon get its hands on a specific English Premier League club, according to one English tabloid.
Meanwhile, another high-ranking FIFA official has said that a winter World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is a possibility.
CONCACAF general secretary and FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer explains why he voted on Russia’s bid for the 2018 World Cup in this extensive Q&A with The New York Times.
Lastly, Pep Guardiola wants to take his entire FC Barcelona squad to the gala event that will see the presentation of the FIFA Ballon d’Or to one of the club’s own players. (SPANISH)
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
Vermes confirms that Sporting Kansas City are chasing a second DP
Ferreira says FC Dallas contract talks are very advanced
Crew say there is no chance that they will re-sign Schelotto
