The LA Galaxy still have Seattle's number.
Remember how Landon Donovan said that he wanted to quiet the Qwest Field crowd? After LA edged past the Seattle Sounders, 1-0, in the 2011 MLS curtain raiser, Donovan says he loves playing at Qwest Field — so much so, he invited the Sounders to “open the upper deck and add more people to the stands, we would love it.”
Another loss against the Galaxy and several missed scoring opportunities means manager Sigi Schmid is left contemplating “bogey teams” and “bugaboos.”
Less than 24 hours later and the news of Blaise Nkufo’s separation from the Seattle Sounders is in the headlines.
Club GM Adrian Hanauer says that the final arrangement is still being worked out, which will involve whether or not Nkufo will have an opportunity to play elsewhere.
You can hear the frustration in Kasey Keller’s words after he reacted to the Nkufo news. He feels the move leaves the club “high and dry” but he says the club is not about “people who don’t want to be here.”
Some of the reactions to the Nkufo release have been somewhat cryptic, with Sounders management admitting not all details can be revealed. However, this line from the club’s GM sure stands out: “Blaise … is not bags of money.”
One columnist wonders whether the Sounders should reconsider signing 30-something European stars, especially given how the Freddie Ljungberg saga ended.
In Sandy, Utah, Real Salt Lake once again made the case as to why Rio Tinto should take the cake over Qwest Field as the best home field for an MLS team. Their unbeaten streak continues after a 2-0 win that sets them up nicely for the return leg in “The Cave.”
In addition to the start of the league season, this week will also mark the opening of the Reserve Division, which makes its return since the 2008 campaign.
All those reserve players can learn a thing a two from Jeff Cunningham, who is poised to become the league’s all-time leading goal-scorer this season and overtake Jaime Moreno. It wasn’t always easy, however. Like the time he wanted a jersey number but the team’s mascot wouldn’t give it up.
Things don’t always go smooth for pro athletes. Take the situation of one Vancouver Whitecap who needed his father-in-law’s help to propose to his wife.
Nothing to complain about for D.C. United starlet Andy Najar, who after turning 18 found one of those cars with the ribbon on it awaiting him. (PHOTO)
Life is good for Red Bulls star Thierry Henry, who loves New York so much he is looking to emulate one of New York’s beloved, Yogi Berra, with his own Yogi-isms: “You’re not a success if you don’t win.”
The Whitecaps are looking ahead to their debut in MLS this Saturday. Some however, are still stuck on one of the club’s viral videos which continues to cause a stir several days after its release.
In a real blast from the MLS past, former FC Dallas head coach Dave Dir is back in league circles these days. Find out which club has snapped up his services.
Hey fantasy players: There is an update on the New York Red Bulls’ goalkeeping situation. And that is that an update is coming on Thursday as to whether it’s Bouna Coundoul or Greg Sutton in the nets.
When it comes to whether Jay DeMerit is healthy enough to go for the 'Caps, fans are likely going to have to wait until gameday. Contrasting reports are coming out of Vancouver.
There’s a potential new player arrival for Toronto FC. Reports indicate it’s Serbian Alen Stevanovic, who currently plays in Italy. (SPANISH)
After the turn of events offered by Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League matches, they do it all over again on Wednesday with the last two quarterfinalists to come from Chelsea vs. FC Copenhagen (3:30 pm ET, Fox Soccer Channel) and Real Madrid vs. Lyon (3:30 pm ET, Fox Soccer Plus).
Ahead of the US national team roster announcement, one report in Germany claims that MSV Duisburg goalkeeper David Yelldell will be among the call-ups.
USMNT manager Bob Bradley will be taking national team camp to the quiet confines of Cary, N.C., where practices will be closed to the public.
Lastly, the efforts have begun in earnest to raise money to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan through MLS W.O.R.K.S.
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
MLS to be part of new four-team preseason tournament in Hawaii
Diminutive Brazilian Juninho makes strong start to 2011 for the LA Galaxy
Any players from LA and Seattle on your fantasy teams? Find out how they scored.
Get the The Kick-Off delivered to you!
Enter your email address below to sign up for The Kick-Off mailing list and get it delivered to your inbox every morning.
E-mail:
