The rumors are hitting us from all directions. It’s just that time of year.
While talk of a move by Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini to the LA Galaxy begins gaining steam on Twitter this morning, Belgian reports say that Anderlecht have secured a loan deal for D.C. United right back Andy Najar and that he’s already joined the club for training.
But that’s not even the craziest rumor of the weekend. How about the articles that say former Montreal Impact manager Jesse Marsch has been offered the reins of Toronto FC? New TFC president Kevin Payne, who made it clear Paul Mariner is the manager of the club at his introductory news conference, says the Marsch rumors are a “complete fabrication.”
No word yet on who Chivas USA will hire as head coach, but one man seems to think he has the job. José Luis Sanchez Sola, “El Chelis,” says he’s just waiting on the official announcement. But that didn’t stop him from coming out guns blazing: “In MLS, almost all the teams play the same.”
The Vancouver Whitecaps want to play better. And club president Bob Lenarduzzi admits that the midseason changes in 2012 may not have been beneficial: "We certainly take responsibility for impacting the chemistry of the team because we made changes and we probably made one or two too many. … Everyone needs to be accountable, and so does management. Did we really help the situation? Probably not.”
Real Salt Lake and GM Garth Lagerwey is trying to help his team’s situation by finding that special player and goalscorer. He identifies the flaw in “Moneyball” and he knows that addressing it will help RSL get to titles. (VIDEO)
It starts with the kickoff of today’s RSL Player Combine, which comes nearly a full month before the MLS edition in Florida. RSL manager Jason Kreis wonders if he’ll find “a gem” in Arizona this year.
For Seattle Sounders fans experiencing withdrawal, how about a post looking at Fredy Montero’s evolution throughout his MLS years? We’re not talking soccer, but hair.
The English papers are enamored with talk of Thierry Henry’s apparent loan deal to Arsenal (watch: Henry’s Top 25 goals for Arsenal), which the New York Red Bulls deny. But the loan rumors are sounding loudest for LA Galaxy forward Robbie Keane, who now has a list of three EPL clubs reportedly chasing his services.
Meanwhile, there are another two suitors to add to the group chasing Keane's former LA Galaxy teammate: new free agent David Beckham. Hint: They both start with “Al.”
Meanwhile, former FC Dallas forward Ruben Luna is looking to latch on with Correcaminos in Mexico. (SPANISH)
Congratulations to Indiana University for capturing their eighth national soccer title with a narrow 1-0 win against Georgetown in Sunday’s College Cup final. “It had so much of a classic feel to so many of our championships of the past,” said IU head coach and former MLSer Todd Yeagley. Watch the game-winner here. (VIDEO)
In case you missed it on Sunday while watching the College Cup, Lionel Messi broke Gerd Müller’s single-season goals mark with his 86th tally of the 2012 calendar year. We’ve got all 86 goals for you right here. (VIDEO)
On the same day that Messi broke the Müller record, Colombian forward Radamel Falcao makes his case for the title of “world’s best striker” with five goals against Deportivo La Coruña (watch them here).
In other international news, CONCACAF champs Monterrey have advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup semis, where they will face European holders Chelsea on Thursday. But if they’re to make a run at the world title, it’ll be without injured superstar Humberto Suazo.
Also this weekend we witnessed a Manchester derby that featured a late winner, a coin tossed by a fan that busted open one player’s head and a Mario Balotelli controversy. Balotelli is the type that even makes gift-wrapping controversial. Watch it here. (VIDEO).
That Manchester rivalry match was big enough to see Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall come out and even get a chance to walk the field. (PHOTOS)
But you're not Tom Cruise and your Monday will likely be one of those days, so why not take 45 minutes to watch this José Mourinho documentary? (VIDEO)
We close with one last video: A streaker, a tackle, a wig and a red card. If that combination doesn’t make you click on this, what will?
MLSsoccer.com Musts
WATCH: The top moments of the 2012 season
American Exports: Dempsey scores, but Howard gets last laugh
American Exports: Tack on another assist for Kljestan in Belgium
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