At the beginning of the year, I asked readers for feedback on different features they would like to see on the site, with the hope of giving some new content and new opportunities for discussion. One new idea was to do a round-up feature that would capture the stuff that didn’t make it on to the site but is worth noting about MLS, the lower soccer divisions, the national team, and Americans abroad. My goal is to do this post every Monday during the MLS offseason, and Fridays during the season to allow discussion on those stories that may have been missed during a busy time or just overshadowed.
Let me know if this is the kind of post you find useful, either in the comments or on Twitter (@roberthayjr).
- The biggest news over the weekend was the divisional realignment in MLS for the 2011 season. The Dynamo are packing up their bags and moving to the Eastern Conference to provide a perfect balance of nine teams in each division. Houston is slightly more eastern than Dallas, hence the shift.
- As expected, the U.S.-Egypt friendly was canceled. The next United States friendly will be March 26 against Argentina.
- D.C. United released a third kit for the first time in its history, and it puts the red in the Black and Red. See the pictures here.
- In other D.C. United news, Andy Najar was invited to join the Honduras U-20 squad, an invitation to which he has not responded. Najar is one of those talented MLS players with dual nationality that Bob Bradley’s staff is wooing to play for the U.S., but Najar has not tipped his hand either way.
- The Galaxy have signed 22 year old midfielder Miguel Lopez on loan for the 2011 season from Quilmes of Argentina’s Second Division. He has been in the Argentina soccer system since age 10 and was a teammate of new Galaxy draftee Paolo Cardoza.
- MLS has released its new budget and roster rules for the 2011 season, in response to the roster expansion to 30 players. To be honest, it is so technical that I will leave it to the excellent Drew Epperley to explain them.
- Portland looks to be about to sign Columbian striker Jorge Perlaza after a brief trial. The 25 year-old speedster will be an excellent addition to a club that already looks like it will score a host of goals.
- The international transfer window closed yesterday and there were a host of Americans on the move, most notably Jozy Altidore to Busapor and Michael Bradley to Aston Villa. I plan on having a post with detailed thoughts on all American transfers up later today.
What else happened this weekend in American soccer?
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Tom
February 1, 2011 at 6:48 pm
I like the weekend update format, guys. I’m not the most pro MLS guy, but I like the All-Star game, I think it is fun if you don’t take it too seriously- it was a fun night in Colorado a few years ago. It works in both NFL stadiums and in our smaller MLS stadiums depending upon the opponent. I like playing a visiting opponent because then the All-Stars are just one team and it is quite hard to make it. I think it will be a lesser opponent this year because it is in a smaller stadium- no problem. I’d like to see a Latin American team for a change.
LWPA
February 1, 2011 at 11:28 am
“D.C. United released a third kit for the first time in its history”
Correction. DC has had more than one third kit in the past. Who can ever forget the “Cat in the Hat” jersey styled out with Marco Etchevery’s mullet.
Robert
February 1, 2011 at 10:34 am
ALL STAR GAME WAS THE BIG F-IN ANNOUNCEMENT!??????
Joe
February 1, 2011 at 10:17 am
I’m loath to join in the common MLS hater bandwagon, but to hype up this “major announcement” only to have it be announcing the location of the all-star game is completely ridiculous. I live in NY and love Red Bull Arena, but they managed to sell 70,000 tickets last year in Houston, and now they’re moving it to a 25,000 seat stadium? That’s a disaster.
Charles
February 1, 2011 at 9:13 am
MLSsoccer.com is saying you can get the inside scoop on the Major announcement on their site in 45 minutes. 7:00AM Sounder time.
Landon and Henry will be there ?
I was thinking Cosmos, but I don’t think they would be there for that ?
Robert Hay
February 1, 2011 at 9:24 am
Don’t worry, if it’s as big as they are saying it is, I’ll be all over it. Haven’t heard what it definitely is though. I am always suspicious of “big announcements”.
Charles
February 1, 2011 at 12:48 pm
I am as pro MLS as they come.
That was the worst “major” announcement ever. They have Landon and Henry talking about it later ? Don’t they have training to do ?
Four more teams joining the league ?
Changing the playoffs back to 8 teams ? In best of 3 series ?
Nope. There have been 25 bigger MLS stories than that since MLS Cup !
bradjmoore48
February 1, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Theory about All-Star Game I’d rather not see happen, but might considering the upcoming teleconference – similar to the NHL All-Star game, Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry have already been picked as captains, and when the all-star balloting is done, 34 players will be picked all-stars, and then Landon and Thierry will take turns picking those 34 players to join their team (so 18 per team), and Team Donovan vs Team Henry for the All-Star game.
I can’t see Barca being an opponent for the All-Star game if they are playing at Red Bull, unless they are going to charge $150 a ticket or more (supply-demand). But weirder things have happened.
Charles
February 1, 2011 at 8:53 am
nice job Robert Hay.
Yikes, those Red uniforms at not good. The should call it Tomato Red