February 28, 2007
The league formally known as WUSA is on track to make a comeback in 2008. And despite the fact that it was widely assumed that Rochester would have a team in the league, that is not the case today. Reportedly LA, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, St. Louis, and possibly San Jose are in and talks are ongoing to perhaps have 8 teams in the league next season.
Other reports have Rochester and Cary still in the mix to be the two markets that will take the league from 6 teams to 8. The interesting thing to me is how spread out the league will be. Given how much travel costs tie into financial viability of a league such as this, I'm surprised that they didn't try and consolidate teams much closer geographically.
Hamm and Foudy chosen for US Soccer Hall of Fame
For the first time in history, this year's induction class for the US Soccer Hall of Fame will be made up only of women in the player's category with Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy getting the nod.
There should be absolutely no arguments over whether these two deserve to be a history making duo as they enter the US Soccer Hall of Fame together.
Could New England be the MLS team after Robbie Fowler?
With cap space created with the loss of Clint Dempsey to Fulham FC, New England has contemplated going after Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler. New England head coach Steve Nicol has contacted Fowler, but feels like it is a longshot to land the former English international.
Should the Rhinos be looking at bringing in a couple of NY Red Bulls cuts?
It looks like midfielders Craig Capano and Peter Philipakos could be cut from Red Bulls camp. Capano is a former US youth international that has struggled with knee injuries over the past few years with the Chicago Fire. Philipakos played his college soccer at American University before starting his pro career in Greece.
With the Rhinos still on the lookout for some offensive pop in the midfield, perhaps these are two guys that would at least warrant a look at in training camp.
Seattle signss Hugo Alcarez-Cuellar away from rival Timbers
The Seattle Sounders have signed midfielder Hugo Alcarez-Cuellar away from the Portland Timbers. Alcarez-Cuellar is the all-time leader in assists for the Timbers and the Sounders hope he can help fill the offensive void created by the losses of forwards Cam Weaver and Mykael Galindo.
The Sounders have to be hoping that Roger Levesque can return to the form that he had in 2005 when he led the team with 10 goals. And adding Alcarez-Cuellar can only help the quality of service that the Sounders forwards can expect this season.
Is Robbie Rogers headed to MLS as well?
In a move that is mirroring Conor Casey's move back stateside, former Maryland Terp and current member of the US U-20 Nats, Robbie Rogers reportedly will be released from his Heerenveen deal later this week in order to allow him to move to MLS for the 2007 season.
While some bemoaned the loss of Charlie Davies and others to European clubs, it is interesting to see good young Americans such as Casey and Rogers moving back stateside after stints in Europe.
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.
