MLS Negotiations

The negotiations between MLS and the players Union are not going well.  Apparently MLS is playing hardball and hasn’t begun to consider some of the union’s demands.  The players want guaranteed contracts, free agency, and the ability to negotiate with other clubs without going through the MLS office.  A player lockout is expected.

I can understand why MLS is reluctant to give in to these demands, as they are a clear departure from the system that has made MLS successful up till now.  I don’t think the issue is whether or not to give the players these rights, but a question of when? While the players clearly want it right now, the powers at MLS might not think the league is ready just yet.

Donovan In England

Landon arrived in Liverpool on Saturday and will begin training with the club today or tomorrow after officially signing.  Good news for Donovan is that Everton’s Brazilian striker, Jo, is done at Everton.  The Brazilian took leave without permission and Moyes has pretty much said that the striker’s time at Everton is over.  That is one less player for Donovan to compete with.

Freddy Adu’s decisions

It seems like Freddy Adu has a choice between English Premier League side Hull City and Greek Super League side Aris FC. The reports linking to Aris are stronger than those to Hull, but it will be interesting to see where he chooses to go.

Adu will have friends at either club since Aris has recently signed US forward Eddie Johnson on loan from Fulham and Hull is home to US forward Jozy Altidore.  This is a tougher decision than it looks for Adu.  While Hull plays in the one of the most competitive leagues in the world there might not be much opportunity for Freddy.  The speed and physical play of the Premier League might be too much.  Although Aris is not really in need of more attacking options Freddy might find the level more suitable.  Failing to make the cut in Greece will be devastating for his confidence.

Transfer Talk

Herculez Gomez has left MLS and the Kansas City Wizards to play for Mexican first division side Puebla FC.  The former Rapids forward only scored 1 goal and added 5 assists for the Wizards in his season and a half with the club.  NY Red Bulls midfielder Jorge Rojas has also packed his bags.  He is on his way back to Venezuela to play for Deportivo Tachira.  Rojas never lived up to expectations.  This move will clear up some cap space for NY who desperately need a playmaker.

FC Dallas midfielder/forward/defender Brek Shea has been linked to Fulham.  Shea represented the US at the U20 World Cup and was one of the few bright spots of the tournament.  Fulham has also been linked with US and Rangers winger Demarcus Beasley.  Beasley is fully recovered from a knee injury that has hampered him over the last 2 years. He has been brilliant for Rangers since returning to fitness.

USMNT January Training Camp Opens

The training camp started up today. You can follow the progress of the camp at US Soccer: Link

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 4th, 2010 at 10:54 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.