One day after the LA Galaxy announced the signing of Colombian forward Juan Pablo Angel, the Philadelphia Union are following suit with two Colombians of their own: goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón and defender Carlos Valdés.
Meanwhile Philadelphia assistant John Hackworth is outspoken with his feelings about the MLS Combine. He says that the event is “not a great evaluation tool” and he explains why the club selected both Michael Farfan and Matt Marcin – two playmakers who were not Combine standouts.
The Union’s Northeast rivals, the New York Red Bulls, have revealed that they are in the market for a central defender. If the search comes up empty, they may very well play Rafa Márquez in the back.
Sporting Kansas City’s first-round draft pick C.J. Sapong is some athlete: He tells the story of how he played baseball, basketball and soccer games as a kid … all within a few hours.
Toronto FC’s new draftee, Junior Burgos, knows how to endear himself to the TFC faithful. He says the club’s goal in 2011 should be an MLS title. (SPANISH)
Speaking of rookies, the Seattle Sounders draftees are already in camp. Watch them train and hear their first impressions in this video.
A Somali refugee is hoping to join the rookies for Sounders preseason if he can get through the open tryouts taking place in two weekends.
He could use some of Ángel’s confidence. After signing as the LA Galaxy’s third DP, the 35-year-old Colombian says that he looks forward to doing “what I have always done in every club I've been.”
One veteran forward who comes across a little more self-critical is Houston’s Brian Ching, who says he was not a good enough leader for the Dynamo last year.
Far from the world of draftees and Designated Players is San Antonio. But the NBA’s Spurs continue to move closer to changing the status quo with a USL soccer club in the city after a tour of Alamo Stadium with league officials on Wednesday.
Also in the lower divisions, FC Tampa Bay have settled on a place to play of their own: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Another non-MLS city that could find itself in the middle of a major soccer event is San Diego, where speculation indicates a March international friendly could take place.
In Europe, German club 1860 Munich may have transferred Kenny Cooper to Portland but they have also elevated a younger American forward through the ranks and he could get see time on Friday.
US defender Oguchi Onyewu played his first European match in a long time when he debuted for FC Twente on Wednesday in a 5-0 victory. The central defender, who is on loan at the Dutch club, played right back in the match.
Another American player who may be shipped off on loan is Villarreal’s Jozy Altidore. After two previous loans, this time it’s another team in Spain’s La Liga that is reportedly inquiring about his services.
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard probably never thought he could inspire a fellow MLS goalkeeper thousands of miles away through a few highlight reel saves.
Howard could have faced Colorado’s Omar Cummings in the EPL had it not been for Aston Villa’s inability to land a work permit due to Jamaica’s standing in the FIFA world rankings.
No Mateja Kezman for any MLS club. The former PSV man has taken his game to the Chinese league.
Staying in Spain, they may have lost to second-division side Real Betis to stop a 28-game undefeated streak in all competitions, but Lionel Messi and Barcelona still joined Almería and Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semis on Wednesday. The Madrid derby between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid (4 p.m. ET, GolTV) will determine the other semifinalist.
In other TV action, fans can get a glimpse at Brazil’s Neymar when Brazil face Colombia in the Under-20 CONMEBOL championship at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN Deportes).
Hopefully this is the last mention of the topic, but FIFA explains that there are no plans for a winter World Cup in 2022 and there is a specific process in place if it were ever to take place.
Finally, if you can stomach it, here’s a video feature on the worst-looking jerseys in the history of Mexican soccer. (VIDEO)
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
Chivas USA’s Ecuadorean forward says he’s aiming for 30 goals in 2011
Should Perry Kitchen play as a midfielder or defender for D.C. United?
RBNY say that Márquez will not be granted permission to train with Atlas in Mexico
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