American soccer always faces a bit of a dilemma.  While we want to have an exciting league (MLS) with the best American soccer players, there is also a desire to perform at the international level with the American Men’s National team.  And for players to get experience playing against the best, having Americans playing in the best European leagues like the English Premier League or Germany’s Bundesliga can greatly improve our top players.  Look at the career of Clint Dempsey for an example.  Here are 5 current MLS players that could be on the move as soon as this summer, as the European soccer leagues wind down and enter the transfer period.

1.  Omar Gonzalez – Everything was set for a 2012 move abroad when the central defender and Los Angeles Galaxy star was loaned to FC Nuremburg in January of 2012.  But a torn ACL delayed those plans.  The 24 year old has since recovered and has played very well at the heart of the Galaxy defense, helping them along to an MLS Cup victory last year.  He has also started several games for the American National team and impressed during a 0-0 draw in Mexico this year.  A move to a European club is vital if Gonzalez will develop to be the key man at the heart of America’s defense.  The sooner he heads across the ocean the better!

2.  Matt Besler – Perhaps the partner of Gonzalez at the heart of the American defense, Besler has been a force for Sporting Kansas City, who have been a strong defensive team in the MLS, largely because of Besler.  Besler has also earned several national team call-ups.  Already 26, if Besler ever wants to move to a European club, now is the time.  In a few years his potential will have been maximized, so he should take advantage of this opportunity to prove himself abroad.  Further starts for America could result if he plays well in Europe.

3.  Graham Zusi – Also a playmaker at Sporting Kansas City, Zusi is one of those midfield players that make an impact in a variety of ways.  He has great command of striking the ball, which results in solid crosses and great free kicks.  His great play has earned him several national team appearances and a trial at West Ham.  Zusi trained with the British team for a week in January and said it was a positive experience.  I feel he would be a great player for a mid-table Premier League club like West Ham and would greatly improve from the intensity level that English soccer provides.  Also 26, this is the best time for him to make the switch.

4.  Will Bruin – Just 23, Bruin has already burst onto the MLS scene.  With 16 goals last season and 4 already this year for the Houston Dynamo, Bruin has the potential to be a top American striker.  With competition from players like Jozy Altidore and Hercules Gomez, perhaps he should think about moving abroad soon too.  With a large frame, he would be ideal for the physical English Premier League, though with so little experience playing professionally, perhaps another year at the MLS would be smart.

5.  Sean Johnson – American goalkeepers have had immense success at international clubs, and 23-year-old Sean Johnson could be the next one to move.  His Chicago Fire are having a woeful campaign, and Johnson has already been evaluated by English clubs like Everton and Manchester United.  Johnson has made several international appearances but could benefit by playing at a major league.  However, he must be smart with his decision as moving to a major club just to develop and sit on the bench is not ideal.  In Chicago, Johnson is the clear starter and wherever he moves to should also start to push his development.  He could well be the next American number 1 keeper.

Premier League Week in Review

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Manchester United played a distinctly second-string group of players to a Chelsea team that came to ready to play. Manchester United has already won the title, so this game has not much meaning to them. Chelsea, on the other hand, is in a tight race for the final two Champions League spots with Tottenham Hotspurs and Arsenal. Chelsea came into this matchup knowing a win would greatly increase their chances of playing in the lucrative Champions League.

With all this build-up for Chelsea and not-so for United, it was always going to be a struggle for the Premier League Champions even though this was a game at Old Trafford. As it was, Chelsea came away with a priceless 1-0 victory courtesy of a Phil Jones own goal after Chelsea’s Juan Mata hit a shot that was deflected by the United midfielder past the diving Anders Lindegaard in the 87^th minute of the game. 2 minutes later, Rafael earned a straight red card on fellow Brazilian David Luiz after frustratingly kicking him after Luiz had already gotten rid of the ball.

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Liverpool vs Everton

The 220^th Merseyside derby was probably one of the most forgettable in recent history as 45,000 supporters at Anfield watched a boring 0-0 game. With this result, Everton have now increased their chances of finishing ahead of their rivals for the second-straight season (the first time that that has happened since 1937) as they now sit 5 points up with only 2 games remaining.

With the suspended Luis Suarez out of the team, Liverpool lacked the cutting edge that they found also without Suarez in their 6-0 hammering of Newcastle last weekend. Daniel Sturridge, Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing all had games to forget as only the ever-formidable Steven Gerrard had a game worth remembering.

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Much has been said in the past weeks of the impressive year that American striker Jozy Altidore has had for AZ Alkmaar in Holland.  After netting 30 goals in all competitions this year, Altidore has cemented his legacy by becoming the highest goal-scoring season for an American playing abroad in Europe…ever.  Such a feat is quite incredible and shows that the 23 year old is well on the path of development that had seemed to stutter in recent years.

For a moment it appeared as though Jozy Altidore would stumble down the same path as Freddy Adu, the highly touted American prospect that has largely failed to live up to the hype.  Altidore largely failed when he played for Hull City in the English Premier League and found few opportunities with Villareal in Spain’s La Liga, but it seems that in the Dutch Eredivisie Altidore has found a happy home.

He has expressed his satisfaction at the club, and as the clear-cut starting striker on the team, and with his impressive goal-scoring statistics, this should come as no surprise. The big question everyone is wondering is what Jozy Altidore will decide to do in the summer.

Altidore has struggled to play as well in the big games and leagues. He had some success in the American National team several years ago, including this memorable goal against Spain in 2009:

But since then Altidore has largely disappointed, and has only scored against modest opposition or in friendlies.  America needs a striker who can produce in the big games and will surely be hoping for him to some goals in the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifier matches this summer.

Friendlies against Belgium and Germany will provide a stiff test while qualifiers against Jamaica, Panama, and Honduras in June will surely give him opportunities to elevate his play to the level America needs from him.

Also, after such a fantastic season at AZ Alkmaar, Altidore will surely be hearing the beckoning calls from several clubs this summer.  Every team needs a great striker, and he has all the tools needed for success: a large frame, speed, ball control, and great finishing.  Take a look at this fine goal from earlier in the season:

Perhaps his agents won’t be fielding calls from major clubs, but surely a mid-table club in England or Germany could use Altidore to boost their attack.  His decision will be hugely important, but I think that eventually he may need to move to a new club to reach his full potential.

Personally, I think such a transfer should wait another year.  With next season being a huge season for all international players to showcase their skills ahead of the World Cup, Altidore would benefit from being in a comfortable setting ahead of the major tournament.  If he transfers to a new club and fails to find the same level of success, it could hamper his form or ability to compete for the starting role in Brazil next summer.  Perhaps after the World Cup would be the best time for a new challenge.

But regardless of whether he stays or not, Jozy Altidore has brightened the hope for American soccer that he could still be the premier player that our nation’s soccer team needs. This season has been nothing short of tremendous and bodes very well for both his and America’s future.

There’s no doubt that America could use a potent striker. Although there are several players who have the potential to be that vital cog in the national team, no one has truly grasped the position and become the pure striker that our nation’s soccer team needs.  But one young 20 year old is in fine form this year and is showing the class and talent required at the position.  Jack McInerney is on the right path and could just become that crucial player that America needs.

Having joined the Philadelphia Union of the MLS in 2010, McInerney has been too young to really make a difference.  Last season he netted a respectable 9 goals for the team and showed some potential.  This year, McInerney has come out of the gates firing, scoring 6 goals in 7 games, and he is currently the MLS goal leader.  After his brace this past weekend, I am convinced that Jack McInerney has the potential to become a star striker.

Both goals oozed of natural talent at the position.  Here is the first goal he scored on the day:

McInerney did everything right on this play.  As soon as his team intercepted a pass from D.C. United, McInerney sprang into action and made a quick run.  This got him space.  Then with the ball at his feet, and withholding a shove from the back, Jack split the two defenders and calmly found an open space where he blasted in a ferocious shot.  He completely embarrassed the D.C. United defense and showed incredible poise for a 20 year old.

His second goal was also looked to be the work of a much more experienced striker:

Pulling down a cross-goal header, Jack McInerney wisely placed the ball into open space to allow himself just enough time to calmly shot the ball across the goal and into the net.  It was the work of a true striker, making the effort look easy and relaxed.

This is still just a young season though, and time will tell if McInerney is truly the striker he appears to be at the moment.  A huge thing for him and any other player is the level of consistency required to keep up this rate of scoring.  Additionally, we still need to see if McInerney can perform in the big games.  If he could lead the Union to the MLS playoffs this year and play well, he could begin to earn considerations for a national team call-up.  Still young, it may take several years for Jack McInerney to become America’s top striker. But with the form he has shown the last two months, he does give the country some hope that such lofty goals could be within reach.  Next year’s World Cup may come too soon for McInerney to make a strong impact, but by the time Russia 2018 roles around, an older McInerney might just be leading the line.  Big things can come from this player if he continues to develop.  Let’s hope his strong run of form continues!

Premier League Week in Review

Manchester United Win the Barclays Premier League with 4 Games to Go

Manchester United vs Aston Villa

Manchester, England, specifically Old Trafford, was the place to be on April 22^nd, as Manchester United claimed their 20^th League Championship, the 13^th under Sir Alex Ferguson. With Manchester City having lost 3-1 to Tottenham the day before, Manchester United knew that a win would mathematically seal the title for the Red Devils. They came out firing with Ryan Giggs setting up Robin Van Persie for a 2^nd minute opener.

Continuing to press hard, United’s Wayne Rooney played a ball from near half field over the top of the Villa defense to find a streaking Van Persie at the top of the box. Before even letting the ball bounce, Van Persie struck a wonderful one-touch volley that is sure to be a nominee for Goal of the Season to give find both his and Manchester United’s second.

Before the 33^rd minute, Van Persie was at it again as Ryan Giggs was sent through on goal. Instead of finishing the chance off himself, he played the ball across goal to Van Persie and after juking out Brad Guzan in the Villa goal, Van Persie calmly struck the ball into the goal for his 5^th career hat trick, tying him for the most Premier League hat tricks by a Dutchman with Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Surely, Manchester United were going to win this game at this point and they soon started to keep possession for long periods of times wearing down both the clock and the Aston Villa defense. Despite a slower second half, Manchester United cruised to victory to seal their 20^th Premier League title.

Robin Van Persie also passed Luis Suarez in the race for the Golden Boot as this is also a lock for him as Suarez will most likely be banned for the rest of the season after biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovich.

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With most MLS clubs having played 6 or 7 matches in the young 2013 MLS season, the early rankings are beginning to take shape.  As that shape enfolds, there are more than several surprises at either end of both the Eastern and Western Conferences of the league.

Last year’s regular season points champions, the San Jose Earthquakes, are currently second to last in the Western Conference, based on goal differential.  With 8 points on the season, they only have 2 wins from 7 matches, and to make matters worse, Alan Gordon completely lost his cool during a match against the Portland Timbers earlier this week.  Earning a red card and then an additional 3-match ban for using a homosexual slur, the Earthquakes are without one of their top players.

However, all is not lost already.  Chris Wondolowski has netted 3 goals on the season, and the team is currently tied for 4^th in the division with 4 other teams, just last in goal differential.  What this means is that there is still plenty of time to right the ship, but there is a clear frontrunner in FC Dallas, who lead strongly with 16 points.

FC Dallas just missed out on the MLS playoffs last season but has returned to get over the hump this year.  Brazilian forward Jackson is helping the team with 2 goals, a number that 4 players on the team have matches.  With goals coming from everywhere, FC Dallas is currently the league’s top-scoring team.  With returning veteran Kenny Cooper just simmering with 1 goal, FC Dallas could becomes a true force this year if he finds form.

Another surprise team near the top of the Western Conference is Chivas USA.  Strangely ahead of the champion Los Angeles Galaxy, the LA rival is seeing Juan Agudelo coming back to form.  After a decent end to last year, Agudelo currently has 2 goals, and has helped his side to 10 points in the table.  Still struggling to fight back into the American National team, a strong MLS season is exactly what Agudelo will need to earn a spot on the roster for the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

Although there are some surprises in the Eastern Conference standings, Sporting Kansas City has continued their strong defensive ways by only allowing 3 goals through the first 7 matches.  However, they will still be ruing their wasted MLS playoffs last year, but have begun the year off in good fashion, showing resiliency.

A team that has yet to show that same amount of resiliency is the New York Red Bulls, whom many had picked to win the MLS Cup after joining Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill late last year.  With 4 losses in 8 games, the team has found goals, but has crumbled defensively under pressure, conceding 11 goals thus far (2^nd worst in the MLS).  With so much expected of this team, they had better start winning soon to avoid an embarrassing year.

A surprisingly happy team in the Eastern Conference is the Montreal Impact, whose 13 points from 6 matches has put them in the driver’s seat.  Canadian Patrice Bernier has led the way with 3 assists and a goal for the team.  Also, the quiet arrival of Italian striker Marco Di Vaio last season, the club’s first ever designated player, has paid dividends this year, and he has scored 3 goals thus far.  Having missed out on the playoffs last year, their good early form has opened up the door for a more successful 2013.

The 2013 MLS season is still young though, and there will surely be more shake-ups in the standings as we progress through the year.  However, as the Galaxy showed us last season, what matters is simply getting to the playoffs, and from there-on, it’s anyone’s game.  Such is the excitement with the MLS!

As evidenced by the Mexican team victories in the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) semifinals over two MLS teams, the gap between MLS and the Mexican league is still quite wide.  Over the two-legged semifinal matches, neither the Los Angeles Galaxy nor the Seattle Sounders looked to have any real hope of qualifying for the final match when they lost to Monterrey and Santos Laguna of Mexico.  This has been the historical norm for the CCL, and shows that American soccer needs to improve greatly if they are ever to compete in this tournament and represent the region at the FIFA Club World Cup.

For the Los Angeles Galaxy, the experience was rather embarrassing.  Neither Robbie Keane, nor Landon Donovan, nor Mike Magee had any real answers for the powerful Monterrey, which dominated both of the games.  Although the Galaxy did take an early lead, they crumbled in weak fashion in front of their home fans in the first leg, giving up two late goals to the Mexicans.

On the road, the Galaxy was weak and couldn’t finish any chances.  Aldo De Nigris put away the Galaxy with a goal to qualify Monterrey for their 3^rd straight CCL final.

Seattle Sounders fared slightly better against Santos Laguna, but were also denied in the final stages of the match, as they couldn’t find the vital goal.  Several shots were saved or missed and it resulted in another all-Mexican CCL Final.

The resulting display of MLS teams failing in this competition is a major downer for American soccer.  How can the MLS prove its legitimacy if our club teams repeatedly fail in their only competitive international matches?  In the 5-year history of the current version of the CCL, only one American team has ever qualified for the final match, Real Salt Lake in 2011.  They ended up losing to Monterrey, who has taken over as the dominant team in the region, now aiming for a 3^rd straight CCL championship.  Although they haven’t won the Mexican league in several years, the team has been splendid with the goals produced by Aldo De Nigris.

So what can American soccer do to improve our domestic league?  The designated player rule has brought in a ton of talent, but the players like Robbie Keane need to make bigger impacts in these major matches.  Teams and players surely take these CCL matches seriously, as the opportunity for global recognition at the FIFA Club World Cup is an achievement worth striving for, but the players simply need to perform in these matches.

What pained me so much in the last moments of the semi-finals was the wasted chances by both the Sounders and the Galaxy.  Clearly, the teams had the ability to create such chances; the players simply couldn’t convert them.  For me, this shows that the difference in skills is largely due to a mental factor.  American players simply need to believe that they can overcome these Mexican clubs and start to compete for CONCACAF titles.  Unfortunately, each year that the Mexican teams continue to win these games, the more poor thoughts that will seep into MLS player’s minds about their lack of skills.  Let’s hope that next season an MLS team will have the courage to take the next step and win the CCL.  Until then, we return to MLS action!

The extended break from soccer for Landon Donovan is over.  Los Angeles Galaxy fans and American soccer fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief in the fact that he has not decided upon retirement and has instead chosen to return to the sport that he is so good at.  He played half an hour in an MLS match against Toronto FC but failed to capitalize on an early goal-scoring opportunity and didn’t do much else. What lies ahead for the face of American soccer?

Clearly it will take a little bit of time for Donovan to not only regain his place in the Galaxy lineup but also to re-emerge as the impact player he always was.  In his place, Mike Magee has been sensational, scoring 5 goals in just 4 matches in the young MLS season.  Donovan will surely find a spot back on this team and should start making an impact soon.  He was a vital cog in the side that won the MLS Cup for the last two seasons and will be needed greatly in the absence of David Beckham, who moved to Paris.

Clearly frustrations will have mounted in Los Angeles surrounding his call for a much-needed break, especially in the light of Beckham’s departure.  However, the team has shown a continuation of high form with a solid 8 points in the league’s first 4 games, a much better start than that of last season.

For the national team, Donovan’s return will bring a great sense of relief.  Without their leader, America stumbled to a loss opening the CONCACAF 2014 World Cup qualifying final round.  After a questionable snowy win, the team did muster up a draw in Mexico. However, America was outplayed and is now just mid-table in a competition they should be winning.

Landon Donovan’s return to soccer comes at a great time.  The first international matches he would be eligible for include friendly matches against Germany and Belgium in two month’s time.  With a solid run of games with the Galaxy, Donovan should have returned to good form and be ready to play for America.

The two friendly games will give Donovan time to get back with the national team in time for a run of three crucial qualification games against Jamaica, Panama, and Honduras.  These matches will be the real return to soccer for Donovan in mid June, and we can only hope that he will be ready and well prepared to shine for America.

American coach Jurgen Klinsmann has stated that he will treat Landon Donovan the same as any other American soccer player when selecting his team for the June qualifiers, but let’s be honest here: Donovan will surely get the call-up, unless any major injury or complete loss of focus derails those hopes.

American soccer needs Landon Donovan because he is the guy who can make the crucial impact in a game when no one else does.  Having his returned and focused to play is a huge bonus for the country and hopefully he will soon be flying high and getting ready for the World Cup next June in Brazil.

Chelsea vs Manchester United

In front of 40,000 Blues supporters at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea secured a place in the FA Cup semi-finals against Manchester City after overcoming their Manchester counterparts in an exciting 1-0 game that was won by a sumptuous volley by Demba Ba.

Chelsea and Manchester United had tied the opening game of this highly anticipated quarterfinal pairing at a score of 2-2 at Old Trafford. Having both been knocked out of the Champions League, this was the last opportunity for either team to make a cup run. While Man U has basically sewn up the Premier League title with 8 games remaining, they haven’t completed a double triumph in 14 years meaning this was a big game since they were knocked out the Champions League by Real Madrid. For Chelsea, they are fighting for a top 4 place next year while looking to stay on course for a fifth FA Cup triumph in only seven seasons.

Both sides fielded a strong eleven despite United using Van Persie on the bench and Chelsea leaving Lampard and Terry as substitutes as well. Instead, it was Javier Hernandez who caused Chelsea much trouble and forced an incredible save from Petr Cech that is sure to go down as one of the top saves of his illustrious career.

Chelsea’s goal came from a strong slide tackle from John Obi Mikel deep in Chelsea’s own half before the Blues slowly advanced the ball. Finally, with a bit of space, Mata played a ball over the head of Rio Ferdinand into a darting Demba Ba who, with his outstretched leg, delightfully hit the ball across the goal into the top corner leaving David De Gea stranded with no chance in the 49^th minute. Despite a Van Persie substitution for Cleverly in the 61^st minute, United could not find an equalizer and will have to settle for the Premier League trophy as their only championship this season. Off to Wembley for the Blues!

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The most recent round of 2014 World Cup qualification matches was dubbed a sort of make-or-break affair for the United States Men’s National Team.  Having lost their first match away to Honduras, any further slip-ups could have meant that America would be in grave danger of missing out on the next World Cup, which would have been the first American absence since 1986.  Such an occurrence would be tragic for American soccer, but fortunately the team played fantastic in their two matches against Costa Rica and Mexico, and found a blessed piece of good fortune that earned the team a valuable 4 points of a possible 6.

The Costa Rica game was massive.  With a blizzard raging, the weather meant that the teams would be equally balanced and anyone could favor from a lucky bounce or slippery mistake on the frozen field in Denver, Colorado.  Fortunately, the break fell to America in just the 15^th minute as a deflected Jozy Altidore shot fell right into the path of Clint Dempsey, who pounced upon the opportunity and gave America the lead.

Naturally, the Costa Rica officials have cried foul to FIFA, but the result will stand nevertheless.  And although I predicted that these matches would be goal-fests, this lone goal was actually the single goal scored in both matches!  The American defense was able to set up shop and withhold any legitimate chances from Costa Rica.  It was a terribly strange match because of the snowy conditions, and in many respects cannot show us much about how America would play in sweltering Brazil, but a tough 3 points earned is a success for me!

The second match was billed as the big test.  Playing in Mexico’s sacred Azteca Stadium has been a nightmare for past American soccer players in World Cup qualifiers, and became even a tougher task when one considered the defensive lineup of Brad Guzan in goal, DeMarcus Beasley at left back, and center back Matt Besler making just his second ever international appearance.

Both Beasley and Besler were struggling early and picked up yellow cards in the match’s early goings.  Mexico was eating up our defenders and creating many chances, but for some reason they simply couldn’t score.  An American defender would always help break up the play at the pivotal moment, or shots would go high and wide.

Mexico had two fairly clear shouts for a penalty kick, but even the referee wouldn’t help them find the goal as he waved the claims away.  In the end, Mexico was never able to find a breakthrough, and the Americans were able to hold down the fort for the duration of the game.  One of the broadcasters even described it as the “Defending of the Alamo” as Mexico lined up for another one of their 15 corner kick attempts on the night as time winded down.  The point earned was just the second ever at Azteca for America in their history of competitive matches.

And so America is now sitting rather comfortably in the CONCACAF group with 4 points from 3 matches.  Although only in 3^rd position, there are still 7 games to go to determine the final spots in the table, and one must be feeling quite good about the American hopes considering they have already travelled to two of the most challenging locations for qualifying and will have an abundance of home matches to close out the campaign.  A big step has been taken towards the World Cup in these most recent qualification matches for America!