May 15, 2007
Thomas Rongen Podcast at US Soccer.com
Hopefully the weather cooperates this evening and the U-20 match up of the US versus the defending U-20 World Champs, Argentina, goes off without a hitch.
Thomas Rongen seems happy with how things have gone so far and actually looks forward to his team playing on FieldTurf as they will be playing plenty of meaningful matches on the surface during the upcoming U-20 World Cup in Canada.
With only 4 defenders listed on the US roster, it will be interesting to see if they go the full 90, or if someone will slide back from a midfield spot into defense for tonights match.
Another thing to keep an eye on is how much playing time NY Red Bulls forward Josmer Altidore gets. Prior to this weekend, expectations were that Jozy might only see time as a late substitute as he played for the Red Bulls on Sunday. But, that might change since Altidore was a late sub in the Red Bulls match and likely has more legs left that expected.
I know I can't wait for tonight to get here.
Bob Bradley to be named permanent US Men's National Team Head Coach on Wednesday
First it was Steven Goff of the Washington Post, now it's pretty much everyone reporting that Bob Bradley will get the interim tag removed tomorrow. Reportedly Sunil Gulati will hold a press conference in NY City tomorrow to announce that Bob Bradley will stay on as the permanent head coach of the US Men's National Team.
A lot will be said and written about how this whole thing worked it's way out. But, I think the bigger issue is whether US Soccer made the right hire.
Personally, I think they did with not only getting Bob Bradley, but also Peter Nowak being named as Bradley's assistant coach. Many times it's not just what the head coach brings to the table, but what his entire staff brings to the table. And between Bradley and Nowak, I think that US Soccer has a nice mix of everything that most people wanted in a coach to replace Bruce Arena.
Well, except that sparkling name that makes EuroSnobs wet themselves............
Scott Palguta once again named to the USL 1st Division Team of the Week
For the second week in a row, Rhinos defender Scott Palguta was named to the USL 1st Division Team of the Week. Scott's game winning goal versus the California Victory on Friday night led to Palguta being named to the team.
Palguta was joined on the Team of the Week by a couple of ex-Rhinos in Mauro Biello and Eduardo Sebrango.
MLS News & Notes
- Is LA turning into the Mini-Galacticos ? On the heels of adding soon to be former Galactico David Beckham, the LA Galaxy will add Portugese defender Abel Xavier on a free transfer as he was released by Middlesbrough last week. The former Liverpool and Everton defender would appear to be the first player to follow Beckham to LA. But, the rumor mill has the Galaxy making even more deals. The club is reportedly trying to re-acquire Carlos Ruiz from FC Dallas. Alexi Lalas has talked forever about creating a "Super Club". And it appears that he is well on his way to doing that with the Galaxy. Well, at least an MLS version of a "Super Club".
- The impact of the Designated Player can not be fully measured yet. But, the New York Red Bulls attendance has yet to see a boost by the signings of Claudio Reyna and Juan Pablo Angel. To be fair though, Angel has only played in one home match in NY. Guillermo-mania has yet to blossom in Columbus, but again, it's early on in his MLS career. The key question that has to be asked is whether these teams have the ability to turn these signings into butts in seats as it obviously takes more than just signing the player to attract fans. The LA Galaxy were the league leaders in attendance before signing Beckham and Toronto FC are thriving as an expansion club without a DP signing. And then you have clubs like the Red Bulls and Crew that struggled at the gate before their DP signings and haven't seen a bump afterward.
But maybe I should take Adam Spangler's mom's advice .........
Cool little link of the day
This is a cool little map with all the MLS and USL 1st Division teams marked and with links to their homepages.
It's sad to think that Cary, NC is the second closest location of a USL 1st Division team after Montreal.......
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.
