Award Season is here, and here is a list of the latest winners.

US Soccer Awards:

Landon Donovan wins Male Athlete of the Year for the third time.  Donovan has added another accolade to his already well decorated career.  Donovan had a stellar 2009 and we all hope he continues his great form into South Africa this summer.

Hope Solo becomes first Goalkeeper to win Female Athlete of the Year.  Hope Solo went from hero to villain and back hero over the last 2 years. The WPS goalkeeper of the year was a major reason St. Louis Athletica finished 2nd this season in the WPS.

Luis Gil and Tobin Heath Claim Young Athletes of the Year.  Heath lead UNC to a college cup this year.  She has represented the US with the U23′s and the full Women’s National Team.  Luis Gil was the youngest member of the U17 team that represented the US in Nigeria a few months ago.  He is a talented and exciting attacking player that is already getting professional offers.  He is the youngest athlete to win the award.

FIFA Awards:

Messi wins FIFA World Player of the Year for 2009.  It was an easy choice, beating out Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, and Iniesta.

Marta, Brazilian playmaker, won the women’s FIFA World Player of the Year for the 4th year in a row. She beat out England’s Kelly Smith for the award.

Here is FIFA’s Best XI:

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), John Terry (Chelsea), Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Daniel Alves (Barcelona),Xavi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

All are deserving of the award.  I think Samuel Eto’o could have gotten a nod over Fernando Torres. Eto’o had a much better club year than Torres winning the Champions League, the Spanish League, and scoring 30 goals.  Torres had a much better year with Spain, tearing through qualifiers on their way to South Africa this summer.

Barcelona news:

In case you missed it, Barcelona beat Estudiantes de la Plata to win the Club World Cup on Saturday.  Estudiantes played admirably and was winning 1-0 until Pedro tied the game with 2 minutes left in regulation.  Messi scored the game winner off a beautiful cross from Xavi.  This was Barcelona’s 6th trophy in 2009 (UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Copa Del Rey, European Supercup, Spanish SuperCup and the Club World Cup).  That is an incredible feet for any club.

In the first half, Estudiantes came out and stifled Barcelona’s fluid soccer, something no other team has been able to accomplish.  Estudiantes midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron was the best player on the pitch in the first half but once he faded so did Estudiantes.  Barcelona capitalized on their superior fitness to overcome the valiant Argentinians.

Messi took the Golden Boot, Veron took the Silver Boot, and Xavi was awarded the Bronze Boot.

Manchester City has rejected Barcelona’s bid for Robinho. The English club does not want to let the Brazilian go.  Barcelona club President, Laporta, commented:

”The conditions we set out for Robinho were not acceptable to City and since the squad are developing so well, unless there are any unforeseen last-minute changes we will not be signing anyone in January.”

Laporta has also confirmed that his goal is sign Pique to a new contract, who he considers one the best center defenders in the world.

Beasley Back?

Another game, another goal and assist for the American winger.  Beasley looks like he is back in form and getting plenty of playing time with Scottish powerhouse Rangers.

Gers boss Walter Smith has assured Beasley that if he keeps performing he will get plenty of minutes for Rangers and win a place on the US’s World Cup squad.  That is good news for American fans and great news for Beasley.  The American winger has been struggling with injuries since he had knee surgery two years ago.  It finally looks like he is passed that and is back in the form that made him a standout at PSV.

With the loss of Charlie Davies to long term injury, Beasley being back in form will be a huge relief for Coach Bradley.  Beasley can take a spot on the left flank, freeing up Donovan to play up top with Altidore or Dempsey.

Personally, I think God must truly hate me.  For me, Beasley back with the national team will be the equivalent of getting my nuts slammed in a car door.  Anyways, you have to respect a guy who fought through injury to win a starting spot.  But he probably still sucks, because he’s always sucked.  Ok . . . moving along.

Are you excited to see Beasley back in form? Where do you think he fits in the national team picture now?

Kroenke close to Arsenal take over:

Stan Kroenke is getting close to taking over at Arsenal, full story: Daily Mirror. Rapids fans must be thrilled . . . maybe not.   I am interested to see what the effects of a full takeover will be on the Rapids.  It could be nothing, or it could be a closer relationship with the London based club.  Personally, I hope it is the later. Kroenke has taken a lot of heat for not being involved enough with the Rapids and focusing more on this takeover.  When it is all done he might turn his attention back to MLS . . . but that is probably wishful thinking.

Other news from this weekend:

Mark Hughes has been replaced by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. Transfer speculations have begun. Balotelli and Chiellini have been mentioned.

Dempsey got an assist this weekend in Fulham’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Yes, you read that correctly 3-0 over Manchester United.

Chelsea squeaked out a 1-1 tie off a controversial penalty against West Ham.

Inter wins again and takes an 8 point lead on top of the Serie A table.  Juventus lost its 3rd consecutive match but still sits 3rd in the table.

Independiente Medellin has won its 5th Colombian title. Medellin coach, Leonel Alvarez, played with the Dallas Burn and New England Revolution from 1996-2001.