Scouting Report: Czech Republic
by (Preview | US National Soccer Players Association - May 24)
With 18 days to go before the US takes on England in their World Cup opener, the Americans will face the Czech Republic on Tuesday in the first of three friendlies before the start of the tournament. The road to South Africa will begin in earnest at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT, when Landon Donovan and his teammates face the Czechs in the first match since coach Bob Bradley named a provisional 30-man roster on May 11th. more details | go to article
10 Questions With... Eric Wynalda
by (Profile/Interview | US National Soccer Players Association - May 20)
In the pantheon of all-time United States National Team greats, Eric Wynalda holds a special place. I recently spoke with Wynalda, where the former star discussed his TV career, his experiences as a player and the US’s chances of getting past the group stage at next month’s World Cup. more details | go to article
The Champions League Final On Fox
by (Blog Entry | US National Soccer Players Association - May 17)
Last night Fox was running Champions League final overlays in the bottom right corner of their prime time shows. One has to wonder what happens if Fox can get an audience for Bayern Munich - Inter Milan on Saturday. more details | go to article
The Premier League's Model Problem
by (Commentary | US National Soccer Players Association - March 1)
There's no need for shocked looks all around when discussing the economics of the Premier League and its member clubs. They've spent too many years - my entire career and I've been writing about the business side of soccer since 1999 - operating with best case scenarios. more details | go to article
Scouting Report: Holland
by (Preview | US National Soccer Players Association - March 1)
The United States National Team has spent a large portion of the past two months in training camp. That included games against two Central American opponents in friendly matches. None of this included the players most believe will be crucial to the team's success this summer. more details | go to article
A Ticket To Holland
by (Commentary | US National Soccer Players Association - February 24)
Rather than treating tonight's USA - El Salvador friendly as the last World Cup roster audition for United States-based players, maybe it makes more sense to see it as a chance for a trip to Holland. Also: UEFA looks and English club debt loads. more details | go to article
Donovan And Everton
by (Commentary | US National Soccer Players Association - February 22)
Back in December when we talked about Everton's daunting January and February, there were two things we didn't know. One was whether or not the rumor linking Donovan to the club would prove true. The other was how he would fit with a squad that had shown a tendency to drop points to sub-par teams. Well, now we know. more details | go to article
Scouting Report: El Salvador
by (Preview | US National Soccer Players Association - February 22)
United States National Team coach Bob Bradley continues his quest to finalize his 23-player roster for the World Cup when the Americans take on El Salvador on Wednesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. more details | go to article
Soccer Greats Talk World Cup
by (Analysis | US National Soccer Players Association - February 19)
The training is better. The players are better. There is much more money and prestige on the line. So, does that mean the World Cup better? Michael Lewis puts the questions to Zico, Edgar Davids and Eusebio. more details | go to article
10 Questions With... Brian Ching
by (Profile/Interview | US National Soccer Players Association - February 18)
With a week to go before the US plays El Salvador in Tampa, I spoke with Ching about what he needs to do over the next few months to play at the World Cup, his National Team highlights, and what he does when he’s not kicking a ball. more details | go to article
10 Questions With... Vincenzo Bernardo
by (Profile/Interview | US National Soccer Players Association - January 28)
Although many Americans have found success in the English Premier League, very few have had a chance to play in Italy’s Serie A. In 2006, New Jersey-native Vincenzo Bernardo signed with Napoli’s youth team, putting himself in position to be the first American-born player in Serie A since Alexi Lalas donned a Padova jersey in 1994. more details | go to article
Big Game League
by (Commentary | US National Soccer Players Association - January 28)
Let's take a look at the attendances from yesterday's games in England's Premier League. 32,126 at Goodison Park. 39,601 at Villa Park. 22,190 at Ewood Park. 41,293 at Stamford Bridge. The listed capacities of those stadiums are 40,157, 42,783, 31,367, and 42,055. more details | go to article
Revisiting Project 2010
by (Analysis | US National Soccer Players Association - January 27)
Like it or not, there are no quick cures or fixes in international soccer. You can't make a trade with another country, sending two top-flight defenders for an attacking midfielder. You can't pick up a high-scoring forward on the free-agent market. more details | go to article
Always Be True
by (Commentary | US National Soccer Players Association - January 27)
I feel like Charlie Brown writing to his baseball hero who has just been sent to the minors. As of 5pm London time yesterday, Crystal Palace are now officially in administration, and a once promising season could end up in a points-deducted relegation. more details | go to article
Coaching Help Wanted
by (Analysis | US National Soccer Players Association - December 15)
Are we agreed that it's safe to presume that most Major League Soccer clubs would prefer a coach in place by the time the combine starts in January? After all, not having that coach in place pushes whoever takes the job back a draft cycle. more details | go to article
MLS Q & A: Kyle Beckerman
by (Profile/Interview | US National Soccer Players Association - May 23)
Kyle Beckerman has blossomed into one of the top central midfielders in all of Major League Soccer. After scoring a career-high seven goals to go with four assists during last season’s breakout year with the Colorado Rapids, the 25-year-old is off to a strong start with a goal and two assists through eight games. more details | go to article