American Soccer Roundup - Holiday Edition

Since I was slacking on posting updates over the past few days, I figured I would link a few of the more interesting stories that I came across over the break. In a big move for the reigning MLS Cup Champions, the front office resigned Chad Marshall to a multi-year contract with the Crew. Andrew Hush over at ESPN posted the second part of his interview with Clint Dempsey (Part 1 is right here), and Buzz Carrick continued his series of articles profiling the college seniors we might see in the MLS draft. Check out the lists for midfielders and defenders. O and last but not least, check out this article from Steve Davis for ESPN, profiling the power players of professional and international soccer in the United States. Davis gives us a nice glimpse of the people behind the scenes of the leagues and teams that we follow.

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Lots of News in the World of MLS

I have been slacking. Even though it's the offseason, there has been an insane amount of activity over the past few days. Freddie is hurt, Borgetti might be coming (say it ain't so), and Buzz Carrick is putting out lists of potential GA prospects, and the top goalies that might be coming to MLS. Also, the Crew got a new coach (picture above), but he might be without his best defender next year. Oh yea and apparently DC United might have passed on signing Stephen Appiah, while Houston is trying to acquire an up and coming Mexican player.

Don't forget there are also some American still playing overseas, and some of them are putting in notable performances. Dempsey bagged a goal in a winning effort, Friedel got a shutout to send his team into 3rd place, and Bocanegra and Gooch played the full 90 as both their teams were victorious. Check for Dempsey's goal after the jump.

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Two Teams, Two Big Time Players, One Contract

As the Columbus Crew and NY Red Bulls prepared to face off for the MLS Cup two weeks ago, there were a few players on the field who were instrumental in their team's success. Players that fit in that category were Juan Pablo Angel, Chad Marshall, Dave Van Den Bergh, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto. The latter two made the news for opposite reasons yesterday, GBS signed a fat new contract and became Columbus' first DP, while DVB is understandably upset that his club his low-balling him. Check out this article by Kyle McCarthy at Goal.com and this article by Michael Lewis over at Big Apple Soccer for some more information on this developing story.

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Columbus Crew Advance to the MLS Cup Final

The Columbus Crew overcame a first half goal by Brian Mcbride, scoring two goals in the second half to advance to the championship game. I know I had consumed a few beverages by the end of this game, but I came away impressed with the atmosphere at the game (take notes New England) and the quality of play. Columbus has been the most consistent team all year, and its nice to see a team that actually won the regular season advance to a final.

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