US Soccer Players

USA - Canada Set For June 3rd

The United States will play Canada on June 3rd at Toronto's BMO Field (7pm ET - NBC Sports Network), the US Soccer Federation announced on Thursday.  The game will be part of the Canadian Soccer Association's 100th anniversary. 

"First of all, we are honored to be chosen to be part of Canada's Centenary Celebration," US National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "This is exactly the type of challenge we are looking for as we grow the team and get ready for the start of World Cup qualifying. There is a great history in the rivalry, and Canada is a team we could see in the final round of qualifying. It's a win-win for everybody."

Novara 1 - Chievo 2

Michael Bradley went 90 minutes for Chievo on Thursday, beating Novara 2-1 at the Stadio Silvio Piola.  Sergio Pellissier opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, with Cyril Thereau doubling the lead in the 78th.  Novara answered back a minute later, but were unable to come up with an equalizer.  The result has Chievo in 10th place, with Novara bottom of the table.  Chievo play Parma at home on Sunday.

Friday's TV: Bundesliga

Nurnberg - Borussia Dortmund
2:30pm - GolTV

Timmy Chandler's Nurnberg are 13th in the Bundesliga table to Dortmund's 2nd, making this on paper a tough assignment at the EasyCredit-Stadion.  Nurnberg are coming off a 1-0 loss to Hannover 96 last Friday, with Chandler absent with a pulled muscle. 

Upside: Galaxy Strikers

Their Words

“He has been an outstanding player for us in the past and we look forward to him continuing that success for many years to come." LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, on signing Edson Buddle. 

Other Sources

Buddle return might mean repeat - from ESPN LA's Scott French: How big is this?

This is Toronto FC's make-or-break season - from The Toronto Sun's Kurtis Larson: It’s one of the few remaining question marks the club has following a drastic roster overhaul that began a year ago.

Questions: Leeds, Hoffenheim, Rapids, MLS, Wolves

By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Feb 2, 2012) US Soccer Players -- Tony looks at changes at Leeds United, Major League Soccer's market penetration, and a visit to Hoffenheim in today's edition of Five Questions.

So Robbie Rogers, are you enjoying playing under Simon Grayson?

Welcome to Leeds, eh? Grayson was fired yesterday after a 4-1 loss to Jonathan Spector's Birmingham City, replaced by Leeds Youth Team manager Neil Redfearn, at least on a caretaker basis. Leeds is 10^th in the Championship, with 42 points after 28 games. Spector played the full 90 minutes.

The Hall Calls

By J Hutcherson - WASHINGTON, DC (Feb 2, 2012) US Soccer Players -- The ballot for the National Soccer Hall of Fame's Class of 2012 was released earlier this week, with two of the nominees presenting themselves as obvious choices.  Claudio Reyna and Tony Meola should have no problem getting the requisite number of votes to make them first ballot Hall of Famers.  Barring a surprise in the voting, they'll be joining several of their teammates already inducted. 

As has been the case with the Hall voting, being a US National Team player is almost a requirement for getting elected in the first year of eligibility.  Since the Hall was designed for players who spent at least some time playing in the United States, that's as it should be.  We're seeing the capstone on careers that rebuilt the National Team program and took it to greater heights. 

FIFA Statement On Egypt Deaths

On Thursday, world soccer's governing body released the following statement after more than 70 soccer fans were killed following the Al-Ahly - Al-Masry Egyptian Premier League game on Wednesday, February 2nd.

FIFA is deeply saddened by the tragic incidents which led to the death of football fans and others at last night’s match in Port Said. As expressed by President Blatter in a letter to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) today (see the PDF on the right hand side), FIFA is in mourning and our thoughts are with the families of all those who lost their lives.  Furthermore, FIFA has asked the Egyptian authorities for a full report on the incidents in order to evaluate what happened.

Premier League Results

Clint Dempsey was once again the goal scorer for Fulham putting them in front in what turned into a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage.  Dempsey's 69th minute opener was cancelled out in the 82nd.  With Bobby Zamora transferred to Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday, Dempsey was used as a striker. 

"Clint scores goals from the left and up-front. It's extraordinary to score goals the way he does," Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "He is normally on the left but today he played up-front and you know there are goals in him so I was pleased."

Thursday's TV: Serie A

Novara - Chievo
2:30pm - Fox Soccer

A chance to see Michael Bradley in action, with 12th-place Chievo traveling to bottom club Novara.   In 20th-place, Novara have won two games this season, both at home including a shock result against Inter Milan on September 20th.  Chievo and Novara met on the opening day of the season, drawing 2-2. 

Wednesday's Upside: Nowak And Le Toux

Their Words

“This is a big thing for me. It is a new step in my career, a step forward and I can promise the fans and the people at the Club that I will give my very best and score as many goals as possible." Everton striker Nikica Jelavic. 

Other Sources

Nowak explains why Union let go of Le Toux, Mondragon - from MLSsoccer.com's Dave Zeitlin: “To build a club, it’s all about the future,” Nowak said.

Union’s Le Toux sounds off after trade to Vancouver - from The Journal Register's Christopher A. Vito: “I wanted to stay in Philly."