Two Strikers Score Their Way Into The Picture
by Billy Witz (Profile/Interview | New York Times - May 17)
Herculez Gomez, like each of his four siblings, was named after a Greek god. Edson Buddle was named after a Brazilian one — Pelé, the soccer deity whose given name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento. more details | go to article

End To End: The Pre-Camp Edition
by Noah Davis (Analysis | Goal.com - May 7)
In a little more than a week, the United States Men's National Team will convene in Princeton, New Jersey for their pre-World Cup camp. Between 22 and 26 field players will endure workouts under the watchful eye of Bob Bradley and his coaching staff in hopes of earning one of the 20 non-goalie World Cup roster spots. The guesswork is almost done, but here's a final pre-camp look at players on the move. more details | go to article

It Took Two To Make Gomez Go Right
by Andrea Canales (Profile/Interview | Goal.com - April 30)
Mexico and the USA both contributed. more details | go to article

Burpo Wants To Be A Keeper
by Frank Dell'Apa (Profile/Interview | Boston Globe - March 16)
With Matt Reis recovering from surgery, the Revolution will have a different goalkeeper in the season opener for the first time since 2004 when (and if) they visit the Los Angeles Galaxy March 27. (MLS players voted to authorize a strike if a new labor contract is not reached by March 25.) more details | go to article

Winners And Losers: USA Versus El Salvador
by Noah Davis (Commentary | Goal.com - February 24)
For many of the almost entirely Major League Soccer-based squad, it was the last chance to impress the U.S. coach in person. Note: For the purposes of this column, players with little to no chance of making the roster won't be including no matter how well (Eddie Gaven and Brad Davis) or poorly (Brad Evans) they played or absent (Marvell Wynne) they were. more details | go to article

Ching, Casey Target U.S. Roster Spot
by Grant Wahl (Commentary | Sports Illustrated - February 24)
The U.S.' domestic-based B team meets El Salvador here Wednesday night (7 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic, Galavisión), but while the bigger first-team game takes place next Wednesday at the Netherlands, there are still some things that we can learn as coach Bob Bradley continues narrowing his options toward naming a 23-man World Cup roster in May. Also: MLS players on verge of strike? Argentina to tour the US. more details | go to article

Brian Ching Surfs To World Cup
by Noah Davis (Profile/Interview | Goal.com - February 19)
Brian Ching longs to be out beyond the breakers, but not just yet. more details | go to article

Erie's Lorei Closes In On MLS Contract
by Matt Martin (Profile/Interview | Erie Times-News - February 19)
“Yeah, you and 10 million other kids.” Paul Lorei kept the thought to himself when his college freshman son answered that most parental of questions: What do you want to do with your life? Andy Lorei told him. “I want to play professional soccer.” more details | go to article

MLS Academies Look To Set The Standard
by J.R. Eskilson (Analysis | Goal.com - February 9)
Three years ago, U.S. Soccer began an initiative called the Development Academy. At the forefront of the progressive youth soccer adjustment was the introduction of MLS academies to the scene. more details | go to article

End To End: The El Salvador Edition
by Noah Davis (Analysis | Goal.com - February 9)
United States Men's National Team coach Bob Bradley announced the 23 players he plans to call into camp before the American's friendly against El Salvador. With European leagues in the midst of their seasons, the roster consists entirely of domestic-based talents and offers a bit of insight into the thoughts of the manager. It's time for Goal.com's weekly run-through which players are improving their positions and who is falling down the pecking order. more details | go to article

U.S. Striker Conundrum Unresolved
by Steve Davis (Analysis | ESPN - February 8)
With apologies to poor Charlie Davies for his injury hardship, it's a dandy time to be a U.S. striker. It's a moment that's plump with opportunity for a bundle of fringe forwards who continue to hang around the front porch of the national team house but are still unable to kick in the door and truly join the party. more details | go to article

Revolution Go Get Gibbs From Colorado
by Frank Dell'Apa (Profile/Interview | Boston Globe - January 22)
The Revolution have acquired former US national team defender Cory Gibbs in a four-player trade with the Colorado Rapids, a team source confirmed yesterday. more details | go to article

Harris Urges Greater Focus On Prep Game
by Anthony Foster (Article | The Jamaica Gleaner - December 10)
Former national player Wolde Harris believes prep school football deserves more attention, even if it means sending the best referees to officiate the games. more details | go to article

US Sets 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup Roster
by Dylan Butler (Article | Major League Soccer - June 25)
Fifteen Major League Soccer players, including six who are looking to make their full United States national team debuts, highlight Bob Bradley's 23-man roster for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. more details | go to article

Rapids' Casey Called Up To National Team
by No Author Listed (Profile/Interview | Denver Post - June 5)
Rapids forward Conor Casey, the top scorer in Major League Soccer this season, will miss Saturday's game against Real Salt Lake after he was called up to the U.S. men's national team roster. more details | go to article