An Assortment from the Soccer Buffet

Starter Fun

• Special 1 TV: Act of God 

MLS

• Dave Clark: Terrific Look at Sounders' Roster Battle
• Buzz Carrick: Looks at FCD's Roster
• Shin Guardian: All Is Not Peachy in the Southeast… 
• Expansion: Detroit and the Silverdome - I posted about this months ago when I first saw the plan to rip the roof off of the Silverdome. It was such an 'out of the box' idea that I was fascinated, even though I have no clue if it could be done.
• J.R. Eskilson: MLS Academies Distance Themselves From The Pack

Video

• The Straight Red Card: Play Like FC Barcelona? with Tony Sanneh
• The Straight Red Card: Why US Soccer Shouldn't Bother Trying to Become FC Barcelona
• Peter Wilt Interview - Part 1

The Business of Soccer

• Guardian: Football League Clubs Heading for Precipice, says Chairman Greg Clarke
• ESPNSoccernet: Euro Woe Affects Celtic's Finances 
• Rob Hughes: Money Buys a Lot, but Not Everything, in Soccer 
• Unprofessional Foul: The FIFA/UEFA Money Train Hits A Crack In The Track 
• J Hutcherson: Big Games Cost 

Interesting Reads

• David Hills: Said and Done
• Fake Sigi: NASL's Sort of Sanctioning 
• Bill Archer: NASL's Provisional Sanctioning 
• Run of Play: Television and the Form of the Soccer Match 
• Jason Davis: Portland Challenges The Sounders' Way 
• Soccer By The Numbers: The Goal Value of Corners: Zero   

Tournaments

• CONCACAF: Champions League
• Copa Libertadores: Cerro smash five past Colo Colo
• UEFA: Champions League
• UEFA: Europa League
• US Open Cup Structure and Schedule

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Back to Regular Programming

I hope you enjoyed the pictures from the US Development Academy Winter Showcase. I'll probably do one more post with the best of the pics(IMO).
For now, though, back to regular programming, linking to stories that are not quite mainstream, at least in the US, along with a few of my own opinions about events in the world of soccer.

Starter Fun

• The latest episodes of Special1 TV: This one, and this one.

MLS

• Steve Davis on MLS Cup Winning Tactics: Beauty of British game 
• For all the uproar over season ticket prices in Toronto, 2011 season tickets have sold out.
• Robert Jonas: Fortune and Fame in a Salary Cap World 

Tournaments

• FIFA Club World Cup: CONCACAF bows out early again
• Digicell Cup: Jamaica Takes Title

On Development in the US

• Not sure what I make of this, but I'll offer it anyway: Winning vs Development: Really? That’s the problem?
• How The Development Academy Changed College Soccer

Around the World

• With a nod to our(US) recently completed youth Academy Showcase: The Barcelona Way
• David Hills with his always great read: Said and Done

The Business of Soccer

• On the Barça decision to accept Qatar based sponsorship money, and a lot of it: Barcelona Football is a Business

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Tuesday Night

MLS

• CCL:  CCL Effects on team
• Wizards keep slim playoff hopes alive
• Tactics:  Colorado fiddles with formations

Soccer in the US

• USMNT:  US and Colombia in scoreless draw
• Youth Development:  ‘Homegrown’ MLS players could help club, country
• Steve Davis Before and After:  USA v Poland Preview - USA v Poland Review -I'll do the same for the Colombia game in a few days

Interesting

• FIFA:  Goal Line Technology Back on the Table
• Media:  Arsenal sign deal with YES network
• David Mitchell:  Does football need billionaires 

Competitions

• African Nations Cup:  Niger beats Egypt
• EURO 2012:  Qualifying Underway
• CFU Caribbean Cup:  Niger beats Egypt 

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Late Tuesday Post

MLS

• Philadelphia Union:  What's needed next season - Because I'm a Union fan

Soccer in the US

• L.H. US Open Cup:  Seattle defends title, defeat Columbus for Open Cup
• L.H. US Open Cup:  Making over the USOC

Around the World

• This week I posted a link on FIFA's suspension of Nigeria:  Fifa should ban corruption, not Nigeria
• La Liga: Sid Lowe in Spain
• BundesLiga: Rafael Honigstein in Germany
• Tim Vickery in South America 
• Taking Beckham to the US and Other Sports Business 
• David Conn: The Liverpool Mess  

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Monday late post

MLS

• Steve Davis:  Steve's MLS 5 things - A good weekly read

Soccer in the US

• D2:  San Antonio to join NASL in 2012

Around the World

• Hexagonal Blog:  A look at Central America
• FIFA:  Nigeria suspended for government interference

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News and Views from Mon Jun 28

MLS

• Wizards Juniors at U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs.
• Jason Davis: MLS and the World Cup Hangover.
• Footiebusiness: MLS business bits.

World Cup On Field News and Updates

• FIFA
• ESPNSoccernet
• Goal.com
• The Guardian
• SI
• June 29 rd of 16 previews.
• FIFA Cracks Down on Stadium Screen Broadcasts.
• Brasil – The Myth about Dunga and the Two Defensive Midfielders.

Non Game Specific Football World Cup Stories

• ESPN takes it on the chin with USA/Mexico eliminated.
• Why hard-up FA needed to strike gold in South Africa.
• Record Ratings for ABC and Univision World Cup TV Broadcasts.

FIFA Under Fire

• Stubborn Fifa rules out using goal-line technology.
• Video technology in football: Fifa should let the experts decide.
• FIFA under fire as it evades calls for new technology.
• Sepp Blatter and FIFA: Reasons To Be Thankful.
• Ginge: FIFA is Causing a Crisis of Faith.
• FIFA's Fix to Officiating? Embargo the Evidence.
• FIFA ruining growth of soccer worldwide.

US World Cup News and Stories

• Eric Altshule: A post cup assessment of the USMNT.
• Andrew Hush: Final thoughts on U.S. campaign.
• George Vecsey: ‘Mixed Results’ for U.S.; Uncertain Future for Coach.
• No vote of confidence for Bob Bradley.
• World Cup Impact on Soccer in America.

Not World Cup News

• J Hutcherson: For US Media, Time To Assess Blame.
• Benfica winger Angel Di Maria signs with Real Madrid.
• New rules, not debts may be Alex Ferguson’s problem.
• Gulati says MLS happy to do trials to reduce on field decision errors.

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News and Views from Wed May 26

At the Top

• US World Cup squad named.

The buzz surrounding the selection ...

• Findley over Ching
• 'Only' 4 MLS players, but a majority have played in MLS
• Onyewu's performance against Czechs
• Defense, particularly left back, no surprise there

MLS

• Wizards sign midfielder Jamar Beasley.
• World Cup Player bonuses(from 2004 CBA).
• Do soccer stadiums equate to better attendance?
• Open Cup 'win and you're in' - RBNY 3 Colorado 0 - DC United host RSL on June 2.
• DC United over AC Milan 3-2.
• Seattle beats Boca Jrs. 3-0.

Interesting Reads

• FIFA will crack down on dangerous tackles.

World Cup

• FIFA puts up 150,000 tickets for sale.
• France keeper Lloris: WC ball is disaster.
• Clubs receive compensation for each player at World Cup. 
• Team profile: Switzerland. 
• Team profile: Ghana.

Around the World

• Real Madrid axe Pellegrini, clear way for Mourinho.
• Friendlies: France 2 Costa Rica 1 - Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 - Turkey 2 N Ireland 0
• Toronto wins Nutralite Canadian Championship, gain berth in CONCACAF Champions League.

The Business of Soccer

• Most EPL teams will have to cut wages to comply with UEFA's 'Financial Fair Play'. 
• The business side of the US/Czech friendly.

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News and Views from Tues Apr 27

MLS

• Boca Jrs to play Galaxy at HDC on May 23.
• FC Dallas defeats Haiti in friendly.
• Via Buzz Carrick: FC Dallas gets a page at FS Southwest.
• Expansion: Finding the supporters.
• Expansion: The dream is alive in San Antonio.
• Climbing the Ladder: MLS Player nationalities.
• Aaron Stoller: Why MLS fan violence matters and why the response to it matters even more.
• Dan Loney: The regular season is for the little people.
• Some Beckham bashing by Precious Roy. Note: I like Becks and think he has been great for MLS.
• DC United v FC Dallas in the US Open Cup will be streamed live.
• To the Seattle fans and their protest against referees.
• Fake Sigi on MLS attendance. This strikes a little close to home as I do a weekly attendance post over at MLS Talk. One day I'll get around to responding to the ever entertaining Sig-Man.
• Ben Berger at Footiebusiness: Greg Lalas on the status of MLSSoccer.com.
• J.R. Eskilson: 2010 Rookie report.

World Cup

• US Opponents Sovenia and Algeria: How they fared this week.
• Algeria team profile.

Player Moves

• Metzelder will return leave Real Madrid and return to Germany.

Around the World

• Top scorers in the 2010 Argentine Clausura.

Interesting Reads

• Reuters: Referees wrestling with a problem they can't solve.
• Limbering up for the philosophers' football rematch.
• Michel Platini lays the blame for Portmouth's plight on the EPL.
• Why playing with one forward fails so often.
• Rob Hughes: Recipe for Soccer Success: Let Young Talent Blossom.
• Does the US Open Cup need an overhaul? 

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Club Tournaments

• Red Bulls defeat Philadelphia in US Open Cup play-in match.
• CAF Champions League(Africa)
  
• AFC Champions League(Asia) - Thai Port 2 - 0 Tai Po. Thai Port thru to round of 16.
  
• UEFA Champions League(Europe) - Bayern get past Lyon, head to final.
  
• CONCACAF Champions League(North America) - Final 2nd leg on Wed.
  
• Copa Libertadores(South America) - The Knockout Stage preview. Estudiantes over San Luis.
  
• Europa League(Europe)
• News from the Bulgarian Cup, yeah you heard me, the Bulgarain Cup.
• Nutralite Canadian Championship 

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News and Views from Fri Apr 23

MLS

• A decent thought provoking piece with the usual assortment of good and moronic comments.
• Richard Farley: Pires a good fit for Philadelphia.
• The Chicago Fire and Section 8 Chicago jointly announced today that they have instituted the first-ever Chicago Fire Soccer Club Supporters’ Charter. The document marks the first such organized effort in U.S. professional sports
• Michael Lewis: Nowak and Hackworth, not an odd couple.
• Revs injury report.
• MLS injury report.
• Chivas USA steps up to help LA scholastic athletics.

Interesting Reads

• Can the Old Firm make an impact(rake in $$$) in the US?
• SBI: USSF D2 week 3 preview.
• NASL website now offering match previews. Look under 'Schedule' on right side of page.
• As if anyone needed reminding that soccer will not displace American football in the US sports foodchain, the NFL draft(???) drew higher TV ratings than the NBA playoffs. WTF!
• A read for Seattle fans.

World Cup

• Security concerns may effect hotel choices.
• Slovenia profile.
• Serbia national team defender Ivica Dragutinovic ruptured his Achilles yesterday and will miss the World Cup.
• USMNT plans fitness regimen.
• SoccerLens: Best XI not at the World Cup.
• Ridge Mahoney: Sharp form of unproven players complicates U.S. World Cup prep.

Club Tournaments

• Thai Port have asked to move next week's AFC Cup Group H match against Tai Po for financial reasons.

• CAF Champions League(Africa)
  
• AFC Champions League(Asia)
  
• UEFA Champions League(Europe) -
  
• CONCACAF Champions League(North America)
  
• Copa Libertadores(South America) - Corinthians thru to knock-out - Here is the Rd of 16 draw.
  
• Europa League(Europe) -
  

Enjoy the Weekend!!

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News and Views from Thur Apr 22

MLS

• Jeff Carlisle: Dallas playing well despite only 2 points.
• Seattle/Dallas draw 2-2. Another poor turnout at PHP.

Interesting Reads

• A good read(really) about Freddy Adu. 
• Mario Balotelli, the stupidest player in football?
• US Players feeling the stress of relegation.

World Cup

• Honduran Suazo's injury threatens Cup appearance.
• After hearing the complaints about ESPN's broadcasting lineup for the WC, the BBC is now catching flak.
• Bringing the World Cup back to the US.

The Business of Soccer

• Not a Coca-Cola fan. In this case, nor am I.
• The 'football creditor's rule' and the case of Portsmouth. It ain't pretty.
• Man City: Rising in the table, falling at the bank.
• Beckham heads Forbes list of highest earners.
• Footy Finance: What is a parachute payment?

Club Tournaments

• CAF Champions League(Africa)
  
• AFC Champions League(Asia)
  
• UEFA Champions League(Europe)
  
• CONCACAF Champions League(North America)
  
• Copa Libertadores(South America) -
  
• Europa League(Europe) - Fulham 0-0 Hamburg, Liverpool 0-1 Atl. Madrid
  

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News and Views from Thur Apr 15

MLS

• TFC wins home opener vs Philadelphia.

Player Moves(MLS transfer window closed Apr 15, reopens July 15)

Many people expected a flurry of DP signings by April 15th. Unless teams are holding back announcements, it appears that the window after the World Cup will be the busy signing period. And of course, the cap will only take a half hit for the balance of the season for July signings.

• RBNY signs midfielder Nielsen on loan.

Interesting Reads

• The Yanks are Coming: Idiot's guide to the World Cup, Part 1.
• I often see commenters to articles about the Designated Player bemoaning the failures. Let's face it, any sports fan knows that DP's or high priced free agents in many sports fail to live up to expectations. Here's Footy Factor opinion on this season's Euro big transfer fails.

The Business of Soccer

• World Cup over the counter sales not without problems.
• The Guardian: The Premier League will launch a legal challenge to Ofcom's ruling forcing Sky to cut the price it charges rival broadcasters to carry their sports channels.
• FIFA: Nepotism, it's everywhere.
• An article on Toyota Park's economic impact.

Around the World

• Mexican midweek roundup.
• USSF D2 at Wikipedia - Not bad.
• Premier League extends parachute payments.
• CFU Club Championships get under way.

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News and Views from Friday Mar 19

MLS Preseason

• WV Hooligan with a little preview.
• Frank Dell-Apa's preview of the Rapids.
• Jeff Carlisle's preview of the Quakes.
• Union lose in preseason finale.

MLS

• Sueño 2010 details will be unveiled on Sunday.

Player Moves

• RSL adds 2, drops 1.
• Houston signs Jamaican midfielder.
• Former ChivasUSA keeper Parker signs with Miami FC.
• ChivasUSA defender Talley waived.

Interesting Reads(and listens)

• In defense of American soccer.
• Football - Better heard than seen?
• Richard Farley, Drew Epperly and Bruce McGuire - Pocast - A good listen.

Around the World

• FIFA lifts ban on Iraq.

The Business of Soccer

• FIFA politics(and money).
• MLS tells players they will have to pay for own health insurance if they strike.

Club Tournaments

• CONCACAF Champions League - A failure?

• CONCACAF Champions League. All Mexican semifinals.
• Asian Champions League. Click for the quarterfinal draw.
• UEFA Europa League. Click for the quarterfinal draw.
• Copa Libertadores. Sao Paulo defeats Libertad.

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News and Views from Thursday Mar 11

Openers

• You may read how the DC United win at Santos Laguna is the first club victory for a US team in Mexico. When the feat is repeated in a game that means something, I'll make a point of it, but for now, so what.

• Word is out that the MLS players have voted to strike if no labor agreement is reached by March 25, the scheduled opening day. More meetings with the Federal mediator have been set, so again, it's wait and see. If you want to read every smidgeon or rumor, use Google or Bing.

MLS Preseason

• DC United beats Santos Laguna 3-2.
• TFC heads to Carolina Challenge Cup.
• LA defeats Puntarenas FC of Costa Rica.
• Houston/Chicago scrimmage relocated.
• RBNY/Miami FC scrimmage relocated.
• Timbers beat Sounders 1-0.

MLS

• ChivasUSA report.

Player Moves

• RBNY signs former TFC keeper Sutton.
• RBNY makes Carl Robinson move official.
• Eskandarian's career likely over.
• ChivasUSA signs Costa Rican international defender Michael Umana.

Interesting Reads

• Last week I linked to Goal.com's first post in a series called Where Would the USA be Without... when it addressed the Netherlands influence on football in the US. This week, it's Argentina.
• FIFA says costs preclude goal-line technology.

The Business of Soccer

• In the 4th post in the series on fan ownership of football clubs: the Bundesliga model.

Club Tournaments

• CONCACAF Champions League.
• Asian Champions League.
• UEFA Europa League.
• Copa Libertadores.

Around the World

• Drogba named African Footballer of the Year.

News and Views from Monday Mar 8

MLS Preseason

• Quakes defeat West Ham, no, not the first teamers.
• Fire beat FC Dallas, will play Notre Dame.
• WV Hooligan's look at the Seattle Sounders.
• Galaxy set to face Costa Rican side Puntarenas FC.

MLS

• CBA: What the mediator needs to bring to the table.
• New England academy update.

 Player Moves

• Toronto releases veteran Carl Robinson.
• Kevin Hartman, released by the Wizards, has signed with FC Dallas.

Interesting Reads

• Grant Wahl with an excellent piece on Landon Donovan as his Everton loan ends.
• Tom Dunmore castigates the IFAB and FIFA for their decision to eschew technology.
• Andrew Guest on African Soccerscapes.

The Business of Soccer

• The MLS-bound Portland Timbers have entered into a jersey sponsorship deal with SolarWorld.
• Pitch Invasion begins a series looking at Supporter ownership of football clubs.

After the Weekend - Mar 6-7

 Arizona Sahuaros/Kansas City Wizards action

MLS Preseason
Dallas/Chicago will scrimmage in Magnolia state.
ChivasUSA to scrimmage with Fresno.
RSL preseason scrimmage.
The Fullback Files looks at DC United's roster.
Houston and Austin scrimmage to a draw.
Sounders and Whitecaps in scoreless draw.
Wizards end Arizona stay with win.

MLS
One of my favorite writers, Bill Archer, lays into both sides of the CBA. One shot for the players, one for the owners.

Player Moves
Philadelphia signs Colombian Roger Torres.
Toronto release Carl Robinson, who is on trial now with RBNY.

Interesting Reads
International Football Association Board (IFAB) say no to technology in football.
Thanks to Richard Whittall for this own goal.
A brief intro to the 2010 J-League.

The Business of Soccer
Painting an un-pretty picture of EPL club finances.
FC Moscow go out of business.
A proverbial guide for new football owners.
Footiebusiness: What it means to mediate.

Club Tournaments
An Idiot's Guide to the Asian Champions League.

Around the World
Melbourne will play in the A-League's Grand Final for 3rd time in 4 years.

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Title and Champions League Races in Europe

	GP	W	D	L	GD	Pts
EPL
Manchester Utd	29	20	3	6	43	63
Chelsea	28	19	4	5	39	61
Arsenal	29	19	4	6	37	61
Tottenham	28	14	7	7	23	49
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich	25	15	8	2	30	53
Schalke 04	25	15	6	4	21	51
Bayer Leverkusen	25	13	11	1	29	50
Hamburg	25	11	10	4	18	43
Ligue 1
Bordeaux	25	16	4	5	22	52
Montpellier	27	16	4	7	9	52
Lyon	27	14	8	5	17	50
Marseille	26	14	7	5	19	49
Serie A
Internazionale	27	17	8	2	30	59
AC Milan	27	16	7	4	20	55
AS Roma	27	15	7	5	16	52
Palermo	27	13	7	7	7	46
La Liga
Real Madrid	25	20	2	3	47	62
Barcelona	25	19	5	1	45	62
Valencia	24	13	7	4	16	46
Sevilla FC	25	13	4	8	10	43

News and Views from Friday Mar 5

Pablo Escobar, Sergio Herrera and Jason Garey in preseason action

MLS Preseason

• The Quakes are across the pond.

MLS

• Efficient use of money in MLS??
• Man City in MLS??
• Wizards and AC St. Louis to play home and home series.
• Jason Davis' thoughts on MLS in Baltimore.
• WV Hooligan's look at the San Jose Earthquakes.
• I'm sure you've read it by now, MLS labor negotiations will continue with the addition of a federal mediator.

Player Moves

• Red Bulls make Lindpere signing official.

Interesting Reads

• International FA Board (IFAB) considering red card rule change.
• Overweighted British influence over the laws of football?
• An entertaining read by Jason Davis, yes him again, on the English blog FourFourTwo.

The Business of Soccer

• New owners of Birmingham City miffed at loss of 20.5M pounds.

News and Views from Wednesday Mar 3

If you are looking for commentary or links on the US/Netherlands match, sorry, but the soccersphere is crawling with blog posts and articles. Shouldn't be too hard to find. Instead, I offer you the usual potpourri of MLS news and other interesting reads on the beautiful game.

MLS Preseason

• DC United to play Santos Laguna in Mexico.
• FC Atlas 2 Chicago Fire 0.
• FC Dallas to host Columbus in the 2nd Pioneer Cup.

MLS

• DCU News from Goff.
• Garber looking for English investment in MLS.
• U-17 teammates talk about their leap to MLS.

Interesting Reads

• Offside Rule - Going the way of the buggy whip??
• About tactics.
• Paraguayan shooting victim leaves hospital. Soccer future still in doubt.
• Fans, Clubs and Colors.
• The future of soccer in Haiti remains uncertain.
• Dutch influence on US Soccer.

Club Tournaments

• MLS Play-in brackets for the US Open have been drawn.

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US Women win Algarve Cup.

News and Views from Wednesday Feb 24

MLS Preseason

• FC Dallas take new approach to preseason.
• LA Update from Arizona.
• Revs academy update.
• Sounders reserves fall to FC Mitjtylland.
• ChivasUSA/Wizards scrimmage to 1-1 draw in Phoenix.
• Colorado loses to LA in Arizona.

MLS

• An interview with Jeff Parke, now in camp with the Seattle Sounders.
• An article on Damani Ralph, now in camp with RBNY.
• Adrian Hanauer has confirmed that Colombian striker Miguel Montaño will join Seattle after his paperwork is completed.

Club Tournaments

• The Europa League.
• Inter over Chelsea, CSKA Moscow and Sevilla draw in UCL. 
• Brasilian clubs win in Copa Libertadores.

Interesting Reads

• Foreign internationals playing the La Primera in Mexico.Howard Hamilton discusses his CONCACAF club and league coefficients.

The Business of Soccer

• EPL owes 56% of European football debt.
• FIFA sets new rules for the transfer market.
• Thanks to The Offside for providing a link to the UEFA Football Club Finance Report.

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US Women open Algarve Cup with 2-0 victory.

News and Views from Friday Feb 19

I try to make sure that everything I link to has some interesting aspect to it, but today I must say that if you read nothing else, make sure you look at the Richard Snowden piece listed in the MLS section and Adam Spangler's article in the Interesting Reads section.

MLS Preseason

• DC United's preseason roster from The Fullback Files
• A different preseason for the Houston Dynamo.
• Union news.
• Rapids preseason details.

MLS

• Keeper, keeper, who's going to be your keeper?
• USMNT U-17 Luis Gil signs with MLS.
• Richard Snowden: MLS worse than Walmart when it comes to its employees.

Player Moves

• Moves and Trialists around MLS.

Interesting Reads

• Fake Sigi gives his opinion of Sports Illustrated choice of World Cup reporters. Warning, not for the faint of heart.
  
• Adam Spangler on the American soccer media landscape. A must read.
• Rating Official American Soccer Blogs from Pitch Invasion.
• Richard Farley's look at the USMNT.

Club Tournaments

• Copa Libertadores: Defending champs Estudiantes loses big.
• Scotland loses Champions League slot.

The Business of Soccer

• A contributing factor to poor World Cup ticket sales.

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The USMNT pre World Cup friendly schedule.

News and Views from Thursday Feb 18

MLS Preseason

• FCD trying Harris at forward.
• New additions looking to impress at RSL.
• Rosenborg 3 Sounders 0 - match report.
• WV Hooligan looks at the New England Revolution.
• The Revs Florida schedule.
• RSL opens camp in Arizona.
  
• Young Galaxy players prepare to contribute in 2010.

MLS

• Garth Lagerway of MLS Cup winner Real Salt Lake on MLS and youth academies.
• Have questions about the structure of MLS? So does Richard Whittall of A More Splendid Life.
• Fake Sigi takes a look at the CBA with the NBA in mind.

Interesting Reads

• A Danish star in the making?
• A Big (welcome) change coming to FIFA?
  

Club Tournaments

• Argentine champion cruise in Copa Libertadores.
• Tom Vickery podcast with an in depth look at the Copa Libertadores.
• Europa League.

The Business of Soccer

• The Portsmouth saga continues.
• Pay cuts at West Ham?

Player Moves

• Steve Goff reports on DC United player moves.
• The Portland Timbers have signed defender Ian Joy.