Yanks Soccer

I’m thrilled right now.  The US won their first game of the Olympics, against the opponent that undoubtedly is the easiest to beat.  It wasn’t the most beautiful win, but we have 3 points out of a possible 3 points and that’s all that matters.  We still have to play Nigeria and the Nedtherlands, but I think there’s a sunny outlook for these Olympics. Continue reading “USA 1-0 Japan: 6 Points to Think About”

Good Morning All.  I was going to do a running commentary of the game as many of you know, but I slept right through my alarm this morning.  That’s the price you pay for some jet lag I guess.  Anyway, the US Olympians took a giant step towards qualification for the knockout rounds by winning against Japan.  Stuart Holden’s 47th minute goal was the difference and the US held on for the win. Continue reading “USA Downs Japan 1-0 in Olympic Opener”

We’re less than a day away from the Olympics starting, and with no real soccer news to report yet today, we’re going to do a little guessing.  Below are the Olympic groups and then below that, you place the teams that win and come in second in their groups where they are supposed to be.  I think you guys get it. Continue reading “Olympic Soccer Predictions”

Not a long post here, Danny Szetela has been purchased by Brescia, a Serie B promotion contender, who he spent the second half of the year with.  He went on loan from Racing de Santander in the winter in an effort to gain playing time.  Szetela only appeared once for Santander which prompted his loan move to Brescia.  There was a clause in the loan contract that allowed Brescia to buy Szetela after the loan was over, and they have exercised the option.  We don’t know what the purchase price is, at least yet.  

Once Szetela went on loan, he made ten appearances for the Serie B outfit, and obviously was good enough to keep around.  Szetela is considred an outsider for an olympic squad place, and this move will most likely hinder his chances of making the team.  Brescia will want to keep Szetela for the start of the Serie B season.  

This is a good move for Szetela considering he appeared once for Santander.  He is in Brescia’s plans and will probably get regular time in North Italy.  

What do you think of Szetela joining Brescia?  Is Szetela going to make the Olympic squad?  Your thoughts are welcome.

Brad Friedel, the keeper who doesn’t age might just be the hottest American transfer target of the Summer.  Friedel who plays for Blackburn has been told that he might not be the No. 1 next year at Ewood Park.  New manager Paul Ince is looking at younger options, possibly a loan move for Scott Carson, or Ben Foster.  Since the consistent Friedel has come available, his old manager, Mark Hughes wants to bring him to Manchester City.  Today, we saw two more teams jump into the race. Continue reading “Brad Friedel (Bidding War Mania) Arsenal, Villa, City”

As we draw closer to the July 23rd deadline for submitting Olympic rosters, it is time for speculation to begin on who the USA should bring.  Each team is allowed 18 players, three are allowed to be older than 22, the rest are not.  Peter Nowak I’m sure, is busy calling players and their clubs as he tries to put together the best 18 players.  Nowak also had to deal with a World Cup Qualifier on August 20th which potentially conflicts with the Olympics.  All over-age call ups will also have to take into account the qualifier.  So, here’s my take on the three over age players he should take. Continue reading “US Olympic Roster: Who Should the Three Overage Players Be?”

Early July is the heart of transfer rumor season and we are really feeling it now.  This site normally doesn’t have to deal with a heavy dosage of European rumors, but this summer, there seem to be plenty of Americans on the move as well.  So as we continue with our relentless coverage of Americans transfering, there come news from the British Midlands about some young Yanks. Continue reading “2 Americans Set to Join Aston Villa”

Michael Bradley’s signature is hot property and Monaco has put all other interested teams on high alert.  A new report from Le Figaro, a daily French newspaper, says that Monaco have offered an astonishing $13.3 million for Bradley’s services.  The offer is reportedly double what Bayer Leverkusen offered recently.  Middlesborough, who are also keen on Bradley is set to up their offer for his services.

This morning, I profiled the potential suitors for Bradley, but it appears that many of them will be priced out by Monaco’s offer.  $13.3 million will be the most payed for any American player, even more than Jozy Altidore’s transfer to Villarreal earlier this year.  Personally, Bradley is not worth close to $13.3 million dollars and that offer seems ridiculous.  I value him at around $8 million but it looks as if he’ll be sold for much more. 

What do you think of this incredible offer?  Is Bradley even worth that much?  Leave your thoughts below.

Since the European transfer window opened on July 1st, there has been increasing speculation about Michael Bradley’s potential transfer to a number of places.  Hamburg in Germany, Blackburn, and Middlesborough in England, and now, AS Monaco in France.  When the dust settles and Bradley chooses a place, we will presumably know his reasons, but for now all we can do is way the pros and cons of each team.  So, with that said, here is my attempt to discern which team would be the best fit for Bradley.   Continue reading “The Hunt for Michael Bradley’s Signature”

Pablo Mastroeni says he has “made his mind up” and he is ready to go to Europe to play.  Mastroeni who has been in MLS for the last ten years says he is finally “ready to go.”  Mastroeni has been in Colorado for the last six years.  His hard nosed midfield play has earned him league wide respect and his play for the National Team has earned him some world wide credibility.  Mastroeni says he “loves it [in Colorado]” but it appears he is ready for a new challenge.  Mastroeni, whose contract expires after the season is over will look for an opportunity to play in either Italy or Spain.

Continue reading “Pablo Mastroeni to leave MLS After Season, Michael Bradley to Monaco?”