For recap of all the weekend action, check out the Monday Postgame.
Just days away from Wednesday’s USA-Mexico friendly in Philadelphia (9 pm ET, ESPN2/Univisión, get tickets), which will mark the debut of new US manager Jurgen Klinsmann, it’s the recently fired Bob Bradley who is stealing the headlines.
The former Chicago Fire and Chivas USA coach is set to interview to become manager of the Egyptian national team.
Meanwhile, Bradley’s previous squad — including the latest addition from the Columbus Crew — has been gathering in Philly to prepare for the Mexico match. Klinsmann has been in the City of Brotherly love for a few days, and he’s been happily talking about his plans and the US soccer scene’s pyramid scheme.
A week after Klinsi was hired, the general feeling among most observers is still that he is the perfect hire. But LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, while not disagreeing, cautioned against over-enthusiasm. And he tossed a few sarcastic barbs at the “foreign-coach-is-better” crowd.
MLSsoccer.com Must Reads
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WATCH: Behind the scenes at Barcelona-América
Away from the international scene, MLS Week 21 was a goal frenzy. MLS clubs hit the back of the net 33 times this weekend, including two from Vancouver’s Eric Hassli in the Whitecaps’ 4-2 win over Chicago on Sunday night. The secret of his success? Ask teammate Davide Chiumiento’s mother.
The youth movement was in full effect over the weekend. Five teenagers scored in MLS, including Philadelphia’s Jack McInerney, RSL’s Luis Gil, New England debutant Diego Fagundez, Vancouver’s Gershon Koffie and Chicago’s Orr Barouch.
Fagundez’s enthusiastic debut in a losing effort has provided a silver lining for the Revolution. But might it spark a battle over the Montevideo-born youngster’s international allegiances? The Uruguayan press has already taken notice. (SPANISH)
As nice as Gil’s first MLS goal was, his manager refused to feed the hype about the kid. “There are some tactical things that we need to talk through and improve upon before the next match," Jason Kreis said.
Another MLS teenager, FC Dallas’ Fabián Castillo did not have a chance to score against the Galaxy this weekend. He’s at U-20 World Cup, where his side, Colombia, have advanced to the round of 16. Three of the four CONCACAF nations who qualified also moved on to the knockout stage. However, tournament officials provided a knockout punch of their own, banning a familiar noisemaker from the stadiums.
In Kansas City, Sporting manager Peter Vermes would like to see a few officials banned in the wake of Omar Bravo’s red card in Saturday’s home loss to Seattle. If he had his way, referees would be treated the way players are.
Philadelphia pundits, after watching El Pescadito swim back to Mexico, are treating the Union’s lack of consistency in scoring as a crisis.
The Hudson Street Hooligans, the main Columbus Crew supporters group, may not be running for office anytime soon, but they are asking for your to support.
In the Netherlands, new AZ striker Jozy Altidore didn’t need to ask for anyone’s help to ingratiate himself to the supporters at the AFAS Stadion.
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