Preliminary Training Camp Roster for Mexico

Now before anyone starts calling for Bob Bradley's head, let's remember that this camp is mainly to keep out of shape MLS players (and Charlie Davies) in top form for their possible selection for the Mexico game. When the game rolls around on Feb 11th, look for most of the US lineup to be comprised of European-based players. That being said, I could see Ching, Hejduk, Klejstan, Bornstein, and Wynne having a chance to make the roster for the showdown in Columbus (With the former 3 pretty much locks). Check out the roster below:

U.S. Men’s National Team Roster By Position
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids)
DEFENDERS (5): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)
FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)

Jozy Altidore Set for Loan Move

After months of rebutting speculation that they would loan out their young American striker, Villareal are set to loan Jozy Altidore to Second Division leaders, Deportivo Xerez. Now that their injury crisis has subsided, the Yellow Submarine now have a chance to get Jozy some much needed playing time. I, for one, am excited to see Jozy tear up the Second Division and get some goals. Only problem is.....when the hell am I going to see him on TV?

Seattle Making the Right Moves

I was skeptical when Freddie Ljungberg went down. I never liked that they would be playing in a football stadium. But besides those two issues, I am impressed by everything else that the Seattle Sounders are doing. While most teams in the MLS routinely lose money, Seattle is already planning on making a profit this year. Also, contraty to how San Jose was solid defensively but inept on offense throughout much of their first year back in MLS (until they made a few trades later in the season), Seattle is focused on having a quality team from day one. Excluding players they obtained through expansion draft, they have already signed Osvaldo Alonso, Fredy Montero(Highlights above from his time in Colombia), Taylor Graham, Patrick Ianni, Chris Eylander, Kasey Keller, Sebastien Le Toux, Sanna Nyassi, and Freddie Ljunberg. Alonso, Graham, Le Toux, and Eylander all come from USL, and it is nice to see an MLS team bringing in top players that are MLS-quality from that league. I am also liking the move for a young foreign attacking prospect like Fredy Montero. O yea, don't forget that they drafted the best attacking prospect in the MLS Superdraft, Steve Zakuani, with the number 1 pick. I don't know if I see them making the playoffs in the first year, but I definitely see them putting in a better performance than RSL, Chivas USA, and San Jose did in their expansion years.

I'm Back

I am sorry. I have been slacking. With inauguration weekend in DC (It's a celebration bitches!), a trip to NYC this past weekend, and a busy work week in between, I could not find any time to hit you up with some updates. That time is now over. I will be posting my thoughts on all the off season trades and news, as well as my thoughts on the Sweden game this past weekend. I will also be posting some interviews with a couple players so check back to see what I put up.

2009 MLS Superdraft Picks by Team

Here are the 2009 MLS Superdraft Picks by Team:

Chicago
Baggio Husidic (Round 2, 20th pick overall)
David Sias (Round 3, 43rd pick overall)
Jokull Elisabetarson (Round 4, 52nd pick overall)
Richard Jata (Round 4, 58th pick overall)

Chivas USA
Michael Lahoud (Round 1, 9th pick overall)
Kyle Christensen (Round 3, 35th pick overall)
Jamie Franks (Round 4, 49th pick overall)

Colorado
Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe (Round 2, 28th pick overall)
Steward Ceus (Round 3, 37th pick overall)
Ross Schunk (Round 4, 47th pick overall)
Jordan Seabrook (Round 4, 51st pick overall)
Henry Kalungi (Round 4, 53rd pick overall)
Michael Holody (Round 4, 59th pick overall)

Columbus
Paul Gerstenberger (Round 2, 30th pick overall)
Alex Grendi (Round 3, 45th pick overall)
Chris Clements (Round 4, 60th pick overall)

DC United
Rodney Wallace (Round 1, 6th pick overall)
Chris Pontius (Round 1, 7th pick overall)
Milos Kocic (Round 2, 21st pick overall)
Lyle Adams (Round 2, 26th overall)
Brandon Barklage (Round 3, 36th pick overall)

FC Dallas
Peri Marosevic (Round 1, 5th pick overall)
George John (Round 1, 14th pick overall)
Brian Shriver (Round 2, 27th overall)

Houston
Daniel Cruz (Round 3, 41st pick overall)
Marcus Tracy (Round 4, 56th pick overall)

Kansas City
Matt Besler (Round 1, 8th pick overall)
Doug DeMartin (Round 2, 22nd pick overall)
Graham Zusi (Round 2, 23rd pick overall)
Neal Kitson (Round 3, 42nd pick overall)
Akeem Priestley (Round 4, 50th pick overall)

LA Galaxy
Omar Gonzalez (Round 1, 3rd pick overall)
AJ DeLaGarza (Round 2, 19th pick overall)
Josh Boateng (Round 3, 33rd overall)
Kyle Patterson (Round 4, 48th overall)

New England
Kevin Alston (Round 1, 10th pick overall)
Ryan Maxwell (Round 1, 15th pick overall)
Andrei Gotsmanov (Round 2, 24th pick overall)
Denaldin Hamzagic (Round 2, 25th pick overall)
Darrius Barnes (Round 3, 40th pick overall)
Tyrel Lacey (Round 4, 55th pick overall)

New York
Jeremy Hall (Round 1, 11th pick overall)
Babajide Ogunbiyi (Round 2, 18th pick overall)
Jack Traynor (Round 2, 29th pick overall)
Nick Zimmerman (Round 3, 43rd pick overall)

Real Salt Lake
Jean Alexandre (Round 1, 12th pick overall)
Raphael Cox (Round 4, 54th pick overall)
Futhi Bhembe (Round 4, 57th pick overall)

San Jose
Brad Ring (Round 2, 17th pick overall)
Quincy Amarikwa (Round 3, 32nd pick overall

Seattle
Steve Zakuani (Round 1, 1st pick overall)
Evan Brown (Round 2, 16th pick overall)
Jared Karkas (Round 3, 31st pick overall)
Michael Fucito (Round 4, 46th pick overall)


Toronto
Sam Cronin (Round 1, 2nd pick overall)
O'Brian White (Round 1, 4th pick overall)
Stefan Frei (Round 1, 13th pick overall)
Mike Grella (Round 3, 34th pick overall)
Kyle Hall (Round 3, 39th pick overall)

Galaxy Acquire Two Before Draft

The LA Galaxy acquired Mike Magee and Dema Kovalenko yesterday, concluding what has been a series of conservative moves from the franchise that tends to lean toward big-splash signings (See Abel Xavier, Carlos Ruiz and Ruud Gullit). Mike Magee comes from the NY Red Bulls for a second round pick and Dema comes from Real Salt Lake for a draft pick and some allocation money. Good moves by "the most popular team in MLS" (according to their blog), Magee should add some attacking flair, while the wily veteran Kovalenko should add some bite to their midfield.

B.O.B. - I'll Be In the Sky

B.o.B - "I'll Be In The Sky"


Before I leave work, I figured I'd hit you guys with some music to help keep you moving and warm in the cold ass weather outside. He already made us laugh with his auto-tune parody, but now B.O.B. is back with a video with an actual budget. Check out the video for "I'll Be in the Sky". This is one of my brother's favorite joints that he has heard from him. I am inclined to agree.

Combine Wrap Up + Superdraft Predictions

The MLS Combine is over and those that participated now have to wait and see how the Superdraft will shake out. The MLS fan like you and me however, can now attempt to make predictions concerning draft order and offer detailed analysis on players we have only seen play a few times or read about. In keeping with that theme (and adding to my knowledge on the subject), Buzz Carrick hits us with his Combine Wrap up and his final Goalkeeper rankings. He also gives us his breakdown of the Top 20 overall prospects, while Ives Galarcep lets us know who he thinks hurt and helped themselves during the MLS combine. Check in tomorrow to see where everyone got picked (including Sam Cronin, pictured above) and read my previous post for some further insight into the build up to the draft.

As the MLS Superdraft Approaches.....

With the MLS Superdraft taking place tomorrow (Thurs., 2 pm, ESPN2), teams are busy solidifying their rosters and making trades so that they know what positions they need to address in the draft. Kevin Alston, the Generation Adidas right back from Maryland, has probably fell some on DC United's draft board as the team has re-signed veteran Bryan Namoff to a new contract. For some more DC United news and roster analysis check out this post by Goff over at the Soccer Insider. The LA Galaxy remained busy, trading the rights to Ty Harden to Colorado for a 3rd round draft pick. For those that don't remember, Harden had a promising rookie campaign for the Galaxy in 2007, only to leave soccer to work on charitable endeavors. Finally, check out Buzz Carrick's analysis of the last day of the combine. As the day goes on, it should become clearer where players should fall in tomorrow's draft.

MLS Teams and Players Keeping Busy

Landon Donovan is continuing to make an impression on Bayern Munich, as he scored an injury time goal (video above) in his second friendly with the German giants. His home club is staying busy as well, by trading a conditional draft pick to Columbus for midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi. Ives Galarcep reports that they are close to trading for Red Bull midfielder Mike Magee, in this post about the Red Bulls trading Dave Van den Bergh to FC Dallas for speedy forward Dominic Oduro. Last but not least, it looks like San Jose will be resigning veteran goalkeeper Joe Cannon to a new deal. It is nice to see LA making some shrewd moves instead of going for the big name signing and San Jose intelligently bring back one of the best goalkeepers to play in MLS. I also think that the NY-Dallas trade will work out for both teams as NY clears cap room and gets the speedy forward they have been wanting, while Dallas picks up the veteran left sided player that Schellas Hyndman has been talking about since he first got hired.

Asher Roth On Carson Daly and Cartoon Chicks

Okay. I know had a post about Asher Roth a couple of days ago, but after downloading and pumping the Greenhouse Effect Vol. 1 the whole weekend, I figured it was worth another post. Check above to see Asher's performance skills on Late Night with Carson Daly and listen below as he raps about which cartoon chicks he would invite into his bed. The latter made me laugh and think about a certain classic scene from Waynes World.

Feilhaber Rehabbing, Szetela Chilling

Maurice Edu, Michael Bradley, Danny Szetela, and Benny Feilhaber (pictured above) make up the contingent of young American central midfielders that US fans hope will develop into stars for the Red, White, and Blue. The latter two have been getting less of the spotlight as Edu made a big time move to Rangers and Bradley moved to the Bundesliga, but both should still have a bright future with the senior squad. Szetela has been getting significant PT with Brescia in Serie B, while Feilhaber has finally overcome the need for surgery on his bum knee and is close to returning to training. Check out ESPN's piece on Szetela and Yanks Abroad's piece on Feilhaber. Let's hope that Szetela can turn some of that Italian experience into solid contributions with the US and Feilhaber can regain the form and confidence he showed us in the last Gold Cup.

Monday MLS News and Notes

This past weekend, Landon Donovan made his Bayern Munich debut, going 90 minutes in a friendly against Al Jazeera and recording an assist in a 3-2 win. Kansas City showed other MLS teams how you should negotiate, by signing Claudio Lopez to a new, non-DP deal. Lopez had a slow start last year but finished strong, and should be a valuable asset to the Wizards especially now that he isn't a Designated Player. Gonzalo Peralta is returning to Argentina after an injury plagued season with DC United and the Red Bulls will be playing a team comprised of a few players you may have heard of, on June 14th. Finally, there may be trouble with the stadium for the Philadelphia MLS team. At least the DC mayor has come through with the stadium he promised to DC United fans, o wait, hold on a second.......

MLS Combine and Superdraft News

Marcus Tracy, the striker from Wake Forest, just won the Hermann Trophy for best college player in the country. So, he should be drafted in the top of the MLS Draft, right? Wrong. Looks like the 22 year old American will be signing with Danish Champions Aalborg instead. Nick Schiffler over at ESPN, caught up with him yesterday and discussed his decision to pass over MLS for the second year in a row and jump to Europe.

For the players that want to try their luck in MLS, there is the MLS Combine, and the first games of the event were played on Saturday. Gianfranco Panizo and Buzz Carrick both take time to give us their analysis of the first 2 games of the event. Looks like Sam Cronin showed why so many teams are high on him, while some of the Generation Adidas players failed to impress. Buzz even hits us with his report from Day two. Take that SoccerbyIves.

Ben Brackett's PES 2009 (PS2) Review

In what should be the first of many contributions by people other than me, Ben Brackett reviews Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 for Playstation 2. I am currently waiting on my version of the game for my newly purchased XBOX 360 and am pretty hyped about it. Ben Brackett was an All-Ivy defender/midfielder for Brown University from 2003-2007 and enjoys playing darts (the soccer version), long walks on the beach, and sandwiches with a lot of mayo. He has been a frequent contributer to Goal.com (google him) and is pretty much the man. Check out his All-Winning Eleven team below and his full review after the jump.

Here is Ben's Pro Evolution 2009 “Winning Eleven” with notes (Positions are in order from left to right):

Gk: Edwin Van der Sar

D: Gael Clichy, Carles Puyol, Rio Ferdinand, Danny Alves

MF: Messi, Yaya Toure, Cesc Fabregas, Steven Gerrard

F: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry

On the Travel Roster:

Casillas
Totti
Theo Walcott
Gago
Sergio Ramos
Cannavaro
Ronaldinho (he’s back, Ladies and Gents)
Adriano

**Notice, this is a free-flowing 4-4-2 with wing backs that will give us width going forward and good cover in the back. I have dominating center backs that are sheltered by a strong central midfield (hopefully the future Arsenal midfield) with some serious attacking prowess in my front 4. Zlatan, Messi, and Gerrard (free Stevie G!!) form a formidable front line with Henry all the way up top to stretch defenses. You’ll see that my first 11, as well as my bench, is very versatile and capable of interchanging under any circumstances (red players, blue players, etc.)**




Written by Ben Brackett

I’ve been mulling over a metaphor for comparison of the FIFA gaming series to the Pro Evolution/Winning Eleven gaming series now for a few weeks. The more and more I beat it up in my brain, the more and more I continue coming back to fact that it’s really the difference between Top Sirloin and Filet Mingon. Additionally, you’re looking at something like MTV music vs. rock and roll or underground hip-hop. But seriously, the difference is in quality. Whilst you may not have perfect likeness in the characters, the subtleties of the game and the gameplay itself totally wins out. If this is a game you haven’t played, play it. If you have, buy it. If you’re a junkie like me, crack a beer and spend some time.

As you turn on the game, you’ll find that it’s very similar in its entrance scene and menu to other versions. The music has been upgraded in that it isn’t ALL cheesy techno. There is, however, some techno. Otherwise, there is nothing earth-shattering. Of course there are updated rosters, updated player ratings, you know the works. Unfortunately, no Bayern Munich or German teams period and the EPL team names are still all f**ked up. It’s pretty easy to figure out who’s who if you follow the game, but if not, you just go online and google “pro evolution team names” and you’ll be all set.

There are some little improvements that are noticeable to a connoisseur like myself. Goalkeepers have gotten much better on crosses and reaction saves. There are less ‘keeper blunders (Dave Semenzas on the Sting Rays) and there’s the ability to start a counter at quicker speed. The AI has shown tremendous improvement as well, which is difficult at first to attack against, but it isn’t an unbreakable code. The AI is also apparent on the other side of the ball as well. Where an opposing team will normally just get it wide, get to the end line, and cross it (or cut it back and cross it), they quickly change their tactics if you defend with a little courage and block wide service.

The most refreshing part of the game is the re-emergence of the requirement to be fluent in R2-ing. R2-ing is an art form – a lost and forgotten part of the (video) game that tends to fall by the wayside when rookies pick it up. It is R2-ing that sets the game a part and in the same breath, is one of the most realistic facets of PES/WE 2009.

**side note – R2-ing is the ability to control your player and, more or less, emphasize certain players’ ability to showcase their strength, speed, and balance**

As an avid soccer player in real life, I take this to be where I find my competitive advantage. The ability to defend individually and collectively is enhanced and, as was mentioned prior, the game’s AI has significantly increased. This has given the gamers’ control over team shape and defensive pressure a real boost. Conversely, on the other side of the ball it becomes possible to change players’ runs and really body defenders in an attempt to win balls and spark the counter.

There is also an extremely cool (seriously the only way to describe it) new feature where you can build your own player and, from first person POV, manage his development from age 17 on. You are beamed into a low level professional game and must put in a good performance in front of big-European scouts. This is where my character scored an own goal, yet redeemed himself by scoring the equalizer and helping himself to Man of the Match honors. From there, you are given the opportunity to progress through the ranks by taking a contract with a totally shite team where you have to prove yourself as a sub, earn a starting role, and go from there. Eventually, you are able to play for the big names and get called in to the national team, etc., but you must cut your teeth a little bit first.

Personally, I haven’t spent a large amount of time on this feature. Along with the first person POV, you can also pick to play this feature in a normal gameplay mode, but you can only control your player. Additionally, you still have Master League mode and the World Tour mode, both of which are very enjoyable ways to spend a few hours (or days) a week.

The greatest part about the Pro Evolution/Winning Eleven series is the way it has evolved (no pun intended). I began playing Winning Eleven 6 and every year, Konami comes out with what is basically the EXACT same game with fantastic improvements. It’s almost like they are sitting around with me and my buddies drinking beer and playing winner-stays-on and we’re simultaneously critiquing the game. Every little thing that we enjoy or dislike seems to be taken into consideration. Cheers to another great one.

Eric Lichaj Signs Extension with Aston Villa

Little known American defender, Eric Lichaj, has signed what is believed to be a 2 year contract extension with Aston Villa. The 20 year old former North Carolina player, signed with the club in 2007 and after overcoming a series of injuries, has featured prominently for Villa reserves this term. Nice to see a young American hanging on with a top tier club like Aston Villa. If he is able to break into the first team in the next year, that would make 3 Americans plying their trade with the first team. Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan already man the nets for the Villa.

MLS Offseason Continues...

As the off season continues, Ives checks in with some of the trade rumblings around MLS. Also, the Galaxy released Eduardo Dominguez and signed Leonard Griffin, Steve Cronin, and Jovan Kirovski. The official release from LA is here. Seattle was also busy as they signed Chris Eylander to become Kasey Keller's backup. Finally, the league released the list of Generation Adidas players that have signed with the league and will be available in the upcoming draft. I would have posted this yesterday, but every soccer blogger on the planet linked it on their website so I figured there was no rush. Seems to be a pretty solid class, with Steve Zakuani (highlight video above) from Akron and Omar Gonzalez from Maryland looking to be locks to go in the top 3.

Asher Roth, Rapper and Hero?

There is a reason I am excited about 2009 and the world of music. It's not just that Eminem is returning and the Blueprint 3 is supposed to be dropping, but also because of new artists like Wale, B.O.B., Charles Hamilton, and Asher Roth. The latter is not only dropping hot songs like the ones above, below, and after the jump, but he is apparently fighting terrorism. Kudos to Asher for assisting in detaining a crazy man on a plane, as well as being a skinny, dorky, white kid that is injecting some fresh music into the hip hop scene. Can't wait to see if he can turn some of the promise he shows in these tracks into a solid debut album. When watching the video below for "Roth boys" check the cameos by Akon, DJ Drama, and the first time flip cup has ever been featured in a rap video.

Charlie Davies from MNT Camp

Check out Zac Lee Rigg's interview with Charlie Davies over at Goal.com. I'm really hoping that Davies gets a good amount of PT against Sweden because I think he has the potential to be a goal-scoring machine for the US. In his recent appearances with the Senior and Olympic teams he has been pure energy once inserted in the match. Also, I have to point out the Vegas mention at the end of the interview (Check out the pictures over at The Offsides Rules). It's crazy how when you are a professional your social life gets put in the spotlight, if I was in Sin City I would have been doing the same thing. If it was me though, the bottles of champagne would of probably been Andre instead of Dom Perignon. You can still pop bottles with cheap champagne, don't hate.

DC United Making Moves

Before the start of last season, DC United looked to be the favorite to win the Supporter's Shield once again. Skip ahead to a year later and most analysts aren't even penciling them into the top four in the Eastern Conference. As a result DC is focusing on keeping the players that performed well for them last year, and they have taken two steps forward in that regard by resigning Marc Burch as well as Santino Quaranta (Clyde Simms and Devon McTavish have already signed contract extensions). Despite their lackluster performance last season, with the addition of a quality center back and a couple young talents through the draft, DC United could be return to their usual place among the MLS elite. That is of course if Marcelo Gallardo, Luciano Emilio, and Fred can all stay healthy. Now we we just have to wait and see what happens with veteran Bryan Namoff's contract situation (O and if Ben Olsen makes a miraculous recovery).

Theo - Dillagence

Never heard of Theo before today, but after watching the video above and him kill it over that J Dilla beat, I have to say I am intrigued. Theo is straight out of Rhode Island and I had to give him a little play after having gone to college up in "The Ocean State". Check out his mixtape "The Birth" available for download over at Okayplayer.com and give him a listen.

Parkhurst and Torres Speak

Jose Francisco Torres and Michael Parkhurst, two young American stars who are not in the January camp, took some time to talk to the media recently. Parkhurst speaks to Andrew Hush over at ESPN and Torres chats with Jack Bell of The New York Times. Although I am not totally sold on either player yet (Parkhurst because of lack of physical gifts and Torres because I just haven't seen him enough), I think both have a solid future with the Senior team, Torres especially. Anybody who is consistently starting for Pachuca in big games at age 21 is fine with me.

Monaco Ties Juventus, Adu Draws Penalty

In a friendly that took place today in Messina, Italy, Freddy Adu started and drew a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Italian giants, Juventus. Although it is a meaningless game during the winter break, it is nice to see Freddy get some playing time and make an impact against such a high quality opponent. Juventus wasn't joking around either as Nedved, Del Piero, Buffon, and Sissoko were all in the lineup for the Italians. Let's hope this translates into increased playing time for the diminutive striker in the second half of the season.

Updated with video higlights:

US vs. Mexico News

When my friend informed me that he had ordered our tickets today for the Mexico game in Columbus, I felt it was only appropriate that I make a post about the game and the teams involved. First, Goal.com chips in with a couple articles about the Mexican team, one a preview of Mexico in the Hexagonal and the other an analysis of the state of Mexican Football. Just like a good journalist and newspaper should always do, they cover both sides of the story by posting some exclusive video from the US National Team. They have Sacha Kljestan talking about taking a leadership role with the Senior team (above) and Kenny Cooper talking about staying in Dallas next year (let's hope they at leat raised his salary a little bit). Last but not least as I steal all of Goal.com's content, Andrea Canales checks in from the US training camp in California.

Donovan Move to Munich Official

MLS finally admitted Donovan is moving to Germany and Bayern Munich, well at least until March 8th. Still don't know why it took so long for the league to make an announcement, but I am already excited to see Donovan suiting up with the likes Ribery and Toni. Check out Goal.com's recap of an interview done by Bayern's website with their new acquisition as well as a few quotes from Head Coach Juergen Klinsman over his upcoming selection dilemma. Think the third time will be the charm for Donovan over in Germany or will he fail to make an impact during his short stay? Watch the video above for a reminder of how good he actually is.

MNT Camp News

The January MNT Camp began yesterday and there have already been two withdrawals. Clarence Goodson has not yet made it back to form after ankle surgery and Cory Gibbs withdrew for an undisclosed reason (better be a good one because this was one of his last shots). Replacements have not been announced but I am sure they will come in the next few days as the backline is a little short after the aforementioned withdrawals.

Ives checks in for ESPN, breaking down a few things and a few players to pay attention to during the camp. Personally, I am going to be paying close attention to how Stuart Holden, Chad Marshall, Robbie Rogers, and Charlie Davies do, as I think they could all have legitimate futures with the Senior squad. I am also going to be checking for Kenny Cooper, who apparently will be staying in Dallas next year, and Sacha Kljestan, who has impressed me with his performances of late. Who do you think will make a splash during this camp? Did I miss anybody? Let me know.

MLS Superdraft News

I knew the holiday season was over when I stepped on the Metro this morning and there were no seats available at all. But, at least I was lucky enough to get to stand between two heavy set men that were having a competition to see who could take up the most room on the train (always a good time). On to more important things, the MLS Superdraft is coming up shortly and there have been a bunch of articles profiling this year's draft class. Here is Buzz Carrick's take on the best Senior Forwards available (Marcus Tracy pictured above) and Kyle McCarthy's take on why Generation Adidas players are so appealing to MLS executives. Finally here is the 3rd and updated edition of Ives Galarcep's mock draft. Check it out and I will be back with national team news later in the day.

Skillz - Rap Up 2008

Skillz had himself a big year, dropping his first album (Million Dollar Backpack) in a long time. Now he takes a little time out of his busy schedule to give us his annual recap of the year's events. Check it out, have a good laugh, and get to breaking those New Year's resolutions.