Will he or won’t he? No, we’re not talking about Liverpool's Fernando Torres and his potential move to Chelsea. But will D.C. United's Andy Najar finally say yes to Honduras?
The manager of the Honduras Under-20 national team seems to think Najar will. And the coach will be traveling to the USA to meet with reigning MLS Rookie of the Year about participating in CONCACAF Under-20 qualifying.
He says the DC starlet would not be eligible to play for the US until 2013 and that this time Najar will say yes. (SPANISH)
Another MLS connection with the Honduran national team could come in the person of former MLS head coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who is reportedly in discussions to take over the senior national team. (SPANISH)
Someone familiar with the international pressure in the game is Vancouver manager Teitur Thordarson, who has moved 29 times in his life and is prepared for the worst on his one-year contract.
The Icelander is prepping his team for its first-ever exhibition as an MLS team when the Whitecaps face Real Salt Lake on Tuesday. The question marks in Vancouver surround the forward position.
Thordarson, who was once Estonian national team coach, could very well be familiar with the newest trialist of rivals Portland. It’s an Estonian defender, who is reportedly heading to the USA to join the Timbers for camp through Feb. 9. (ESTONIAN)
Judging by how he’s been received in the first few days of camp, Vancouver’s Alain Rochat would seem like an early contender as MLS All-Star left back. His teammates say he is “a sick player.”
Far from being considered an All-Star is the 2011 version of Mr. Irrelevant. The last player taken in the MLS SuperDraft who did not believe he was selected until he spoke with the New England Revolution himself.
This Spanish-language report indicates that Jorge Perlaza declined to sign with Colombian side Deportes Tolima because he is awaiting a work permit to join an MLS club. (SPANISH)
Joining the ranks of MLS teams in preseason today is the Chicago Fire, who have undergone a major upheaval. Here’s how the club enters training camp.
One international player being targeted by MLS clubs is former France midfielder Ousmane Dabo, who is also known for his role in an infamous incident which left him “looking like the elephant man.”
International transfer deadline day moves include one for American Freddy Adu. The Benfica man is heading out for a six-month loan to the Turkish second division.
Here's a taste of what could be awaiting Adu in Turkish football. A coach confronts a fan and it does not have a happy ending. (VIDEO)
The move will be a success if Adu can have his coach standing and applauding his plays like Walter Smith of Glasgow Rangers does when Maurice Edu picks out the top corner like he did on this shot. (VIDEO)
While Adu is moving East, Michael Bradley is heading West. The loan deal which takes him from the German Bundesliga to the EPL’s Aston Villa is set to be wrapped up after a medical today.
The recently concluded Asian Cup in Qatar has provided some early indications whether the country can be ready to host the World Cup in 2022. Turns out there is some work to do.
Another country which has questions around its ability to host an event is Egypt. Organizers are apparently looking into contingency plans for the US national team’s Feb. 9 match against the African champs in Cairo.
Lastly, an example of fair play coming from England where a team allows its opposition to score in order to make up for a lack of sportsmanship on an earlier goal. (VIDEO)
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
Toronto FC trying out some Dutch players while in Turkey
MLS Commissioner says that the league is interested in Argentine partners
Philadelphia’s Peter Nowak stresses ball work in early part of preseason
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