February 6, 2007
Penfield's Josh Bolton and Danny Kramer have both signed one year deals to return to the Rhinos for their sophomore pro seasons.
Bolton looks to be in the mix for the defensive midfielder spot that ended up going to Greg Howes. However, Howes has talked about retiring from the outdoor game, so the competition for playing time in that crucial role could be wide open again in 2007.
Kramer will once again be looking to grab as much playing time at outside midfield as he can possibly get.
Palguta makes a big impression during conditioning drills with Real Salt Lake
During the first day of Real Salt Lake training camp, Rhinos defender Scott Palguta finished in the top four of conditioning drills and made an impression on Salt Lake head coach John Ellinger.
It appears that Scott didn't employ Soccer Sam as his personal trainer and nutritionist during the offseason.
Real Salt Lake Stadium funding battle takes another twist
Senate GOP split on Real funding - Deseret Morning News.com
Rocky's stadium offer increases to $12.5 million - Deseret Morning News.com
Senate President John Valentine was optimistic that a deal would get done over the weekend. But, as it sometimes happens in politics, things don't always work out the way people think that they will once everyone gets in a room together.
Dave Checketts is supposedly on his way to St. Louis to listen to an offer to buy a club by a group that already has it's eye on a variety of locations for a potential stadium in suburban St. Louis.
I've never understood why MLS isn't in St. Louis. So, I wouldn't shed too many tears if Real Salt Lake were to relocate there.
Liverpool board recommends American takeover bid
Liverpool is poised to become the third English Premier League club to be owned by American investors. George Gillett Jr., the owner of the Montreal Canadiens, and Tom Hicks, the owner of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, have joined together in a bid to acquire one of the most storied clubs in English soccer.
Liverpool would join Manchester United and Aston Villa as EPL clubs that are owned by Americans.
It will also bring the number of foreign owned EPL clubs to seven. Chelsea, Fulham, Portsmouth, and West Ham United have all been acquired by foreign owners, as well.
MLS turns down $2 million offer for Shalrie Joseph
Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic had their initial offer of $1 million for New England Revolution midfielder turned down in the midst of the 2006 MLS season. Celtic then doubled their offer for the Jamaican International midfielder near the end of the January transfer period. But, yet again, MLS took a pass on the offer.
With the Revolution already losing US international Clint Dempsey to Fulham, you can see why they would be hesitant to lose another starter off their 2006 MLS Cup runners up. However, it will be interesting to see how this news sits with Joseph and whether it causes any issues with his attitude. Especially if MLS is unwilling to give Joseph a raise to stay in New England.
Jurgen Klinsmann is taking Spanish lessons
Could the talks to make Klinsmann the next US Men's National Team head man get started back up again in 2007............................
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.
