Injuries mounting for Red Bulls'attack

UPPER MONTCLAIR, N.J.– The injury bug is beginning to bite the Red Bulls, and head coach Hans Backe told reporters on Monday that he is keeping a careful eye on several players.

New York are preparing to depart for Arizona later this week having spent the first two legs of preseason in Mexico and Florida. However, the team's attack appears undermanned and perhaps overwhelmed.

On Saturday, in a 2-0 win over the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers,Juan Agudelopulled up lame around the 20th minute when going for a cross into the area. The 18-year-old stopped suddenly and then immediately felt pain in his groin area. He was subbed off the field shortly after and said he will most likely miss“five to six days” of training with the team.

“Just a little groin strain,” Agudelo said. “I believe so – from what I heard, it’s not that serious.”

Agudelo is currently on a running regimen and had a gym workout on Monday. Though he said he’s eager to return to the field, he added he woud not rush back for fear of aggravating the injury.

According to head coach Hans Backe, Agudelo had suffered the same injury in January while with the national team.

“You have to be careful,” Backe said. “He’ll have to take his time now to get 100 percent OK.”

Backe is not quite so optimistic about the timeline of recent acquisition Luke Rodgers’ recovery.

The English forward, who most recently played for League One side Notts County, has not yet practiced with the Red Bulls. Since joining New York mid-January, Rodgers has been relegated to just rehabbing his injured knee. It was Backe’s hope that Rodgers would begin training with the team in full in Florida.

The forward has pace and will be a“firecracker” on the pitch, Backe said, but the injuries are holding him back.

“It’s also a question mark with his knee, but it’s his foot more than his knee,” Backe said. “Luke might be out for the season opener.”

Rodgers is currently back in England attending to some paperwork surrounding his visa.

Backe told MLSsoccer.com that out-of-favor forwardSalou Ibrahimwas not considered an option to replace either Agudelo or Rodgers in a starting lineup.

Kristian R. Dyer can be followed at twitter.com/KristianRDyer

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FC Dallas win Disney Classic in dramatic finale

ORLANDO–FC Dallasneeded a penalty kick shootout to see off Texas rivalsHouston Dynamoin the final of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic on Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

Second half substituteChris Seitzsaved Houston’s opening penalty kick fromLovel PalmerandBrek Sheanetted the fifth and decisive kick for FC Dallas as the defending Western Conference champs avenged a heavy 4-0 preseason loss back on Feb. 12.

Academy productsRuben Luna(FC Dallas) andFrancisco Navas Cobo(Houston Dynamo) exchanged goals during regulation, with the Houston youngster netting the late equalizer in dramatic fashion, finding the top left corner with a stunning shot from just outside the penalty area in the 88th minute.

MLS/Disney

The lone Dallas goal came in the 15th minute as Luna, a Mexico Under-20 national team forward, found the back of the net for coach Shellas Hyndman’s group. Right wingerMarvin Chavezwas given all the time in the world to measure his cross into the box and Luna barely had to move from his position near the penalty spot, lofting the ball over Houston goalkeeperTally Halland into the right side netting.

Just three minutes after scoring, Luna again proved a menace in the box, touching anAndrew Jacobsonheader onto the crossbar.

However, Luna’s shots were the only real opportunities of the first half for FC Dallas, while the Houston Dynamo attacked frequently at full speed and with numbers. Head coach Dominic Kinnear’s men also continued to be dangerous on set pieces with central defender Jermaine Taylor featuring prominently on twooccasions, including striking the left post in the 41st minute.

FC Dallas goalkeeperKevin Hartmanhad another solid outing in Orlando, coming up with opportune saves onGeoff Cameronin the 29th minute and on aCam Weaverclose range header two minutes before the break.

There was more for Hartman to do in the second half as he foiled Cameron again on a shot from inside the box in the 56th minute. The FCD netminder didn’t have a chance on Palmer’s bicycle kick a little more than 10 minutes later which bounced wide of the right post.

Chavez, one of the top performers for FC Dallas on the night, had the best look at goal for his team in the second half, hitting the side netting in the 59th minute after forwardMaykel Galindodid well to intercept a ball in Houston’s half.

Two days after Shea starred for 45 minutes at center back against Orlando City, the regular left winger was again given a full 90-minute spell in the back whileZach Loydsat out the match with a quadriceps strain. Also missing the match was Houston’sBrian Ching, who is nursing a right hamstring strain.

The two teams will resume their rivalry in league play in May and September.

SCORING:

FCD–Luna (15’)

HOU–Navas Cobo (88’)

Penalty Kick Shootout

FC Dallas (5):Ferreira (goal) , Galindo (goal), Avila (goal), Guarda (goal), Shea (goal)

Houston (3):Palmer (saved), Davis (goal), Soto (goal),Will Bruin(goal)

FC Dallas lineup (4-1-4-1, left to right):Kevin Hartman (62’ Chris Seitz) –Jair Benitez(46’Moises Hernandez), Brek Shea,Scott Gordon, Jackson–Daniel Hernandez(78’Bruno Guarda)–Eric Alexander(71’Eric Avila), Andrew Jacobson (73’Bobby Warshaw),David Ferreira, Marvin Chavez (78’Charlie Campbell)– Ruben Luna (46’ Maykel Galindo)

CAUTIONS: Shea (71’), D. Hernandez (74’), Jackson (75’)

Houston Dynamo Lineup (4-4-2, left to right):Tally Hall (60’Tyler Deric)–Mike Chabala(60’Jordan Graye), Jermaine Taylor (46’Andrew Hainault),Bobby Boswell(46’Eddie Robinson),Hunter Freeman(46’Kofi Sarkodie)–Corey Ashe(46’Brad Davis), Richard Edwards (70’Josue Soto), Geoff Cameron (60’ Lovell Palmer),Danny Cruz(60’ Francisco Navas Cobo) – Jason Garey (70’Alex Dixon), Cam Weaver (60’ Will Bruin)

CAUTIONS: Navas Cobo (83’)

Referee:Edvin Jurisevic

Assistant Referees:Craig Lowry, James Conlee

Fourth Official:Ted Unkel

Attendance:1,634

Check out the Feb. 24 edition of theExtraTime Radio podcast, featuringD.C. United's Charlie Davies,Real Salt Lake'sNick Rimandoand league executive Nelson Rodrigueztalking about the new playoff structure.

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US top Jamaica to reach U-17 title game

The United States U-17 squad just keeps winning.

In a battle of unbeatens, the Americans defeated host Jamaica 2-0 in the semifinal of the CONCACAF Championship on Friday on the hosts' home turf in Montego Bay.

The victory at Catherine Hall Stadium came courtesy of a Marc Pelosi goal in the 10th minute and Andrew Oliver's tally in second-half stoppage time.

Coach Wilmer Cabrera's side will play Canada in the final on Sunday (7 pm; ESPN3, ESPN Deportes, CONCACAF.com) The Canucks topped Panama 1-0 in the other semifinal Friday, earning their first-ever trip to the tourney's campionship game.

The Americans have not won the tournament since 1992.

Pelosi scored the game's opening goal in the early going when Esteban Rodriguez put a low corner kick into the box that Jamaica only half-cleared. Alfred Koroma out-leaped a defender and headed ball back across the goalmouth where it found the foot of the US captain.

Koroma then earned the game's first yellow card in the 33rd minute for a foul in the midfield on Omar Holness.

The American forward was on the receiving end of a hard challenge in the 49th minute. He won a footrace with Alvas Powell, but the Jamaican centerback took down the American and saw a caution for his effort.

Andre Lewis had Jamaica's best chance to score after the half. Zach Carroll took a heavy touch and the ball squirted to the hard-charging forward. He struck his left-foot blast well, but it flew past McIntosh's left post.

Young Boyz manager Wendell Downswell tried to alter the outcome in the 74th minute, bringing on Romario Jones for Jevani Brown. The substitution failed to have the desired affect.

Cabrera's late substitution, however, paid dividends. Oliver iced the match in the 90th minute with his third goal of the tournament, smashing home a lovely pulled back ball from Pelosi.

Noah Davis covers the United States national team for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis

Check out the Feb. 24 edition of theExtraTime Radio podcast, featuringD.C. United's Charlie Davies,Real Salt Lake'sNick Rimandoand league executive Nelson Rodrigueztalking about the new playoff structure.

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Chivas waiting on versatile Ghanaian DF Owusu

With more players onChivas USA's training-camp roster than the league-mandated quota, the time is fast approaching for Robin Fraser (above) to start making cuts in preparation for the start of the season. But that isn't preventing the rookie coach to continue to bring in new blood.

Expected to join Chivas USA training camp next week is versatile Ghanaian defender Seth Owusu, who can play left back and central defense. The 22-year-old spent last year with Ghanaian Premier League side Kessben and is set to join the Rojiblancos club on loan.

Fraser has also added forward Artur Aghasyan. The Los Angeles-area native nearly made the squad last year under previous head coach Martin Vasquez and spent time in 2009 training with Fraser’s former club,Real Salt Lake. Despite the high number of players training with the team, Fraser has a set number on how many players will be on the roster at the start of the season.

“It’ll be somewhere between 28 and 30,” said Fraser. “We certainly have some players who we're interested in and have some spots for them, but other than that, we’ll use all the resources available to us.”

The most intriguing addition is that of Owusu, who has already started to impress enough to earn a call-up to the Ghanaian national team during an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan last October. Owusu did not play in the 0-0 draw with Sudan, but that match was one that featured many of the Black Stars’ European talent.

The 22-year-old’s loan is believed to last until December, but it's unclear whether that term will be extended. His visa has not arrived yet, but the club is expecting him to join camp next week and Fraser remains optimistic about his ability to contribute in his first year in MLS.

“I’ve been interested in Seth for six months,"he said."When I was with Real Salt Lake, I was scouting {him}. He’s a tremendously athletic player who has good feet and is a good defender with good experience. ... We’ll look at him in a number of different positions because he’s a good left back and a good central defender, but the fact that he’s flexible gives us some options.”

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Crew View: Still fine-tuning as CCL resumes

COLUMBUS– Tuesday’s CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals match againstReal Salt Lakewas never meant to be a barometer of where the Crew stood after an offseason of numerous transactions.

The first leg– a scoreless draw in the Crew Stadium icebox – was another in a series of steps toward refining the club. Coach Robert Warzycha got it right when discussing his team’s fitness level.

“We are in the middle of the preseason,” he said.

The squad that took the field Tuesday will be nothing like the one for the MLS opener March 19 atD.C. Unitedor will be playing in the middle of the summer because there’s a jelling process that comes with having 14 newcomers, including nine rookies.

Also, the Crew were without their regular goalkeepers (William HesmerandAndy Gruenebaum), top defender (Chad Marshall), best rookie last season (defenderShaun Francis) and 2009 team MVP (midfielderDanny O'Rourke).

Last year’s MVP midfielderEddie Gavenis recovering from an ankle sprain and went 63 minutes in his longest outing of the preseason while midfieldersKevin BurnsandDilly Dukadid not dress because of injuries.

“We know we have a very, very good team but we also knew we had to actually go out there and show that,” Gaven said.

MEXSPORT

WATCH AND LEARN:Observations from a frosty night:

• Chilean Sebastian Miranda looked comfortable in his Crew debut as a replacement for right backFrankie Hejduk. Miranda showed why Warzycha likes him when he sent a pinpoint cross into the box in the third minute.Andres Mendozahalf-volleyed the pass over the crossbar, which leads to…

• Mendoza and forward partnerEmilio Renteriadid nothing to alter the opinion that they are not good finishers and their teammates were equally inept. The Crew may have to shoot twice as much to get half as many goals.

• RookieRich Balchanhad a strong performance working alongsideAndy Iroin the central defense. He has the speed to not only cover his mistakes but provide additional support.

• Converted midfielder Josh Gardner was steady at left back. He doesn’t have the savvy of the departed Gino Padula or the pace of the injured Francis, but his many years on the left wing allow him to handle the ball cleanly and calmly as he pushes the play up field.

• First-year defensive midfielderCole Grossmanwas deemed too slow to play in MLS by one observer of the team’s camp in Arizona, but he did not look overmatched. Maybe a faster surface will cause him problems down the road.

FIRST IS WORST:The Crew have now gone seven tournament/playoff series (0-3-4) without winning the first match since defeating host San Jose 2-1 in Game 1 in quarterfinals of the 2002 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Columbus have been outscored 6-3 with three 1-0 losses. They have also lost five of the six series and play at Real Salt Lake on March 1 trying to reverse the trend.

The Crew have a pair of home ties in the past two years in the first leg of the CCL quarterfinals and are 0-3-2 in MLS postseason although all five times they opened on the road where they have scored only once.

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Undermanned Crew see signs of life in CCL opener

COLUMBUS– The Crew went into the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals Tuesday night a heavy underdog, but came away with at least a fighting chance after a scoreless draw againstReal Salt Lake.

The series now turns to Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah for the finale on March 1. The Crew can only hope they can muster an even better effort in a venue where they’ve been outscored 7-1 in three defeats during the past two years.

“We can’t be scared to play those guys,” Crew coach Robert Warzycha said. “We showed today we can really step up and give them a good game.”

WATCH:FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

The Crew have undergone a massive rebuilding project after not bringing back nine of their most proven and popular players, and injuries forced several rookies into the spotlight on Tuesday.

Indiana alumRich Balchan, the Crew’s top pick in January’s MLS SuperDraft, started in the central defense with veteranAndy Iroafter regular starterChad Marshallwas hit in the head during practice Monday and and suffered“concussion symptoms”, according to Warzycha.

Balchan was slated to play defensive midfield, fellow but rookieCole Grossmangot the call instead.

MexSport

“Overall the team did well,” Warzycha said. “I didn’t see anybody on the field that had a bad performance. Balchan was very good. Grossman in the middle was playing well.”

“Cole played great tonight,” midfielderEddie Gavenadded.“He was getting the ball a lot, playing it from one side to the other. It was a very good game for him. Hopefully he can build off that.”

Three fourths of the backline was new, with Chilean Sebastian Miranda playing on the right and Josh Gardner, the formerLos Angeles Galaxymidfielder, adapting to his new spot on the left side for the injuredShaun Francis.

But what could have been the biggest worry actually turned out to be a non-factor.

With starting goalkeeperWilliam Hesmerand backupAndy Gruenebauminjured, ex-FC Dallas‘keeper Ray Burse Jr. got the start in the city where he played for Ohio State from 2002-05.

Real Salt Lake had six only six shots, none on goal, and the biggest concern for Burse was staying warm with the temperatures in the mid-20’s.

On several occasions when there were stoppages at the other end he did sprints from end line to end line of the penalty area.

“He didn’t have to do anything basically, but he looks good,” Warzycha quipped.

Perhaps the most upsetting moment for the Crew was the skirmish in the 72nd minute betweenRSLdefenderNat Borchersand Crew forwardEmilio Renteria.

Borchers said he was tossed for retaliating to a vicious elbow by Rentería, but Rentería said the referee saw him push Borchers away with his hand before Borchers responded with a kick to the leg.

“I’m not one to hit central defenders,” Rentería said. “Every time I was looking for the ball he would hit me, but I’m not one to hit defenders.”

RSL also saw defenderTony Beltranred-carded in the 53rd minute for a second caution, but the Crew managed just one shot on goal the rest of the way.

“Maybe the field conditions had a little to do with our finishing, especially in the first half when we had some chances and they looked at the ball,” Warzycha said. “Playing against a team like Salt Lake, a good team the last few years, is very encouraging.”

And that’s the attitude the Crew is taking into the decisive rematch.

“We played really, really well tonight,” Gaven said. “The boys worked hard. They fought well for each other.

“It was good to come out of here with a tie tonight,” he added. “It would have been better if we could have come out of here with a win. At least we didn’t lose the game. Now we have to go there and do our work.”

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Match Preview: RSL, Crew set for CCL opener

The Basics

2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, first leg

Real Salt LakeatColumbus Crew, Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

TV Info

Tuesday, 8 pm ET, FSC;concacaf.comTV (live streaming video)

Game Intro

Columbus moved into the quarterfinals for the second straight season by finishing second to Santos of Mexico in Group B with four wins in six matches. They've been in this position before, earning a 1-1 draw against Toluca in the first game of the 2010 quarterfinals before losing 3-2 in the series finale and bowing out of the tournament.

Real Salt Lake are in the quarterfinals for the first time after they became the first MLS team to win a group stage last fall. They won four of six games in the group stage, including two wins overToronto FCand one over runners-up Cruz Azul.

The winner of the series becomes the first MLS team to advance to the two-leg CCL semifinals and will play either Olimpia (Honduras) or Saprissa (Costa Rica) from March 15-17 and April 5-7. The finals will be played from April 19-21 with the second match April 26-28.

These teams will meet in the return leg on March 1 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

Columbus

How much has changed for the Crew in almost a year since they faced Toluca in the first quarterfinal match? Seven of the 11 starters and one of the three subs from that game are either no longer with the club or injured and unavailable Tuesday.

Getty Images

Gone are mainstays as Guillermo Barros Schelotto,Frankie Hejduk, Gino Padula, Jason Garey andSteven Lenhart. Both goalkeepers from last season–William Hesmer(right shoulder fracture) andAndy Gruenebaum(groin/hip)– are ailing, although Hesmer will likely be on the bench.

DefenderShaun Francis(hamstring) and midfielderKevin Burns(ribs) are also out and midfielderDilly Duka(abdomen) is questionable.

Needless to say, some of the 14 newcomers– including nine rookies – will see action.

“The young guys have stepped up and really shown they can help us {in preseason} and they’re going to need to do it come Tuesday,” defenderChad Marshallsaid.

Real Salt Lake

Compared to the Crew, it’s been a tranquil offseason forRSL. StandoutJavier Moralessuffered an ankle injury last week but should be called on and Brazilian Paulo Jr. may team up top withAlvaro Saboriofor a combination that should cause trouble for the Crew’s patchwork defense.

“I expect a lot of movement from them, a lot of creative play,” Crew goalkeeper Ray Burse Jr. said of the Real Salt Lake attack.

One deterrent to the free-flowing style could be the condition of the Crew Stadium field but the home players Monday said it played better than they hoped considering there is still a month before the official start of spring.

“We just have to go with it no matter what happens,” defenderChris Wingertsaid.“We've got to be ready to battle. If it ends up being more of a fight than a nice soccer match, then so be it."

Heroes&Villains

Ray Burse Jr. vs.Nick Rimando:In the battle between the posts, RSL have a decided advantage. Rimando has two MLS Cup rings, while the former Ohio State star Burse– signed to a temporary contract while Hesmer and Gruenebaum heal – played 25 games forFC Dallasfrom 2006-09.

Rich Balchanvs.Kyle Beckerman:Another mismatch in terms of experience. Beckerman is the heart and soul in the midfield while Balchan, a rookie from Indiana, may play a defensive midfield role or on the backline.

Stat that makes you go“Hmm...”

The kickoff temperature Tuesday is forecast to be 26 degrees, even three degrees colder than the infamous US vs. Mexico World Cup qualifier on Feb. 28, 2001 in Crew Stadium. The US defeated Mexico 2-0 in theLa Guerra Fria, or“Cold War.”

Join the chaton MLSsoccer.com for the Columbus Crew-Real Salt Lake CONCACAF Champions League match on Tuesday, beginning at 7:45 pm ET!

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RSL vs. Columbus: A budding rivalry?

LEHI, Utah– Is a rivalry is building between theColumbus CrewandReal Salt Lake?

Crew alum Duncan Oughton raised the possibility in a video clip on the Crew’s official website,www.thecrew.com, ahead of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal between the two MLS clubs on Tuesday night.

“There’s a bit of a rivalry building,” said Oughton, before adding that “there’s definitely going to be an intense battle.”

WATCH:Oughton breaks down Crew vs. RSL

There have certainly been some battles between the two, but do those contests rise to the level of a rivalry?

Traditional sports rivalries typically have two elements: an emotional aspect that transcends the routine head-to-head encounters on the field, and a prolonged period of battles in important encounters between the two sides.

In the case of the Crew vs.RSL, an emotional aspect likely entered the equation last season— at least for RSL, who may have felt disrespected by comments made by Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer last year.

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"They're walking around as a champion, saying they're the champion,"Hesmer toldThe Columbus Dispatchafter his team beat RSL early in the 2010 season."They were sub-.500 last year. That doesn't sit well with us. We clearly think we've been the class of the league the past two years, and we wanted to prove it."

This comment reportedly became bulletin board material for the rematch later in the season, but both sides downplayed that factor after the match, which ended in a 2-0 RSL victory at Rio Tinto Stadium.

As far as an extended string of battles against each other in meaningful matches– well, it may be a bit early for that.

The two did face each other in an important first-round playoff match in 2009, a season in which the club finished as league champions, and this week's Champions League matchup may just move the clubs a step closer to a natural and full-fledged rivalry.

But what do those on the Real Salt Lake side think about the potential of this being a rivalry?

“Maybe a little bit, yeah,"RSL head coach Jason Kreis said."You go back to not last year, but the year before in the playoffs. We faced each other, and we’ve had some heated exchanges in matches, both there and in Salt Lake.”

Current RSL defender and former Crew playerChris Wingertagreed.

“I think it makes sense a little bit,"Wingert told MLSsoccer.com."I think the biggest thing is that they won the championship and then we were able to go in and beat them at their place, and go on to win the championship ourselves.”

RSL midfielderWill Johnson, however, said he thinks rivalries are closely tied to history and that the league is still developing in this area.

"Do I think of Columbus as a rivalry? Off the top of my head, no, not really,"Johnson said."But over the last two to three years, we’ve had a lot of games with them. We’ve had a playoff series with them and some different things that have gone down, so you do think of Columbus as a team that’s sort of a rival? Maybe a budding rivalry is the right description.”

So whether it qualifies as a full-blown rivalry may depend on your individual perspective, but this Champions League series will undoubtedly add some fuel to the fire.

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Q&A: Seattle Sounders midfielder Pat Noonan

Don’t forget aboutPat Noonan.

Brought in during the 2010 season, the former New England regular started eight games last year and appeared in 12 overall for theSeattle Sounderslast season, notching a goal and an assist.

Injuries hampered Noonan down the stretch, but offseason hip surgery—the same procedure former Sounders DP Freddie Ljungberg underwent—appears to have fixed his problems. The 30-year old forward/midfielder is ready to reclaim his spot on Sigi Schmid’s roster, and MLSsoccer.com’s Andrew Winner caught up with Noonan on Wednesday to talk about his health and expectations for 2011.

MLSsoccer.com: You were in full training today. Is that your first day back?

Noonan:Yeah, I’ve been working my way up to full training and game fitness. I felt good. Three days off helped. We had a good two weeks in Arizona and it feels good to get your legs back.

MLSsoccer.com: How did you feel today?

Noonan:It was much better. Obviously a little rusty the first day back, and you got to get mentally prepared to go to Bradenton. We have four games in a short amount of time, so it’s going to be good training and we have to be sharp. These next couple days are going to be important.

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MLSsoccer.com: Describe your injury and the rehabilitation progress.

Noonan:I had a labrum tear in the hip, as well as an impingement. They repaired that labrum and shaved down some of the bone so there wasn’t that impingement. It’s a longer process than I expected or would have hoped, but you can tell week-by-week that it slowly progresses and you get that strength back, and you stop compensating for it.

It’s been about four-and-a-half months and I’m feeling better by the week. But, I was hoping a month ago I’d be at this spot, so you have to be patient.

MLSsoccer.com: Any similarities to the procedure Freddie Ljungberg underwent?

Noonan:Same thing, same doctor. Having talked to him, he said he came back even stronger. He had some hamstring stuff going on and he said that his hamstrings felt stronger and all the muscles around it felt better. I’m looking to get to that same point. It’s good to hear from guys who have had the surgery and have recovered well.

MLSsoccer.com: Did you stick around Seattle during the offseason?

Noonan:Yeah, we were rehabbing here. We have a great staff that takes care of us in the offseason and are here for whatever we need. Dave Tenney was here for fitness and we have our trainers, (Chris) Cornish and Randy (Noteboom), here for the treatment. I was able to be in here every day except the weekends to get the treatment and build the strength. The offseason was spent here, but it was well worth it.

MLSsoccer.com: What do you see for the team this year and what’s the attitude?

Noonan:It’s good. There’s a lot of depth on this team. Guys are chippy, which is a good thing. You want that atmosphere going into the first game of the year so you have already had those games under your belt, and that rivalry where you’re battling for a position. It’s good to have that competitiveness in training every day and I think it’s going to help us to a good start to the season.

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Despite weather woes, Crew Stadium ready for CCL tilt

COLUMBUS– Getting the pitch ready for a match during a Midwestern winter might seem like a daunting task. But for theColumbus Crew, it’s business as usual.

For the third straight year and fourth time in the past decade, Crew Stadium will host a mid-winter match when the home side facesReal Salt Lakeon Tuesday in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal.

“It’s nothing really new, although you expect the unexpected,” director of stadium grounds Brett Tanner said. “It’s Columbus and the weather is always changing.”

Temperatures that peaked in the teens last week skyrocketed to more than 60 degrees Thursday. Several weather services are predicting a more typical high of 31 degrees on Tuesday.

No snow is predicted and the remnants of constant snowfall from the past two months have all melted away in Crew Stadium.

Tanner said the field still has some frozen spots beneath the surface but is playable, and both teams may train there Sunday. If not, the fields at the Obetz practice facility are ready as well.

As to how the Crew Stadium grass will play Tuesday,“It will probably be bumpy,” Tanner said.

“I want it to be the best it can but we have to take a step back and make sure it’s safe first and not over-manage it because we have the whole summer ahead of us,"he added.“(The players) will probably say it’s bumpy, (but) the field should be thawed enough to wear studs."

Tanner and grounds staff members Ray White and Ben Jackson were honored last month with the 2010 SportsTurf Professional Soccer Field of the Year award by the SportsTurf Managers Association.

“I wish I could do more to make it better now,” Tanner said. “We’re doing the best with what we’ve got.”

He and vice president of operations Scott DeBolt decided it was best not to tarp the field this winter because removal of a heavy snow might have damaged the covers.

However, grow tarps that keep insulating heat on the grass will be installed next week and remain there until just before the March 26 home opener.

The procedure is nothing new.

Crew Stadium was the site for a World Cup qualifier in Feb. 2001 when the U.S. men defeated Mexico 2-0 in 28-degree conditions.

The Crew also hosted Mexican side Toluca in a CCL quarterfinal last March. There were 20 inches of snow on the ground a week prior, but it was gone by the time the teams played to 2-2 tie in 50-degree temperatures.

DeBolt said the stadium is ready for most anything– the restrooms are heated and the water pipes have been tested.

“My biggest concern is some sort of ice storm,” he said. “With the temperatures we’re having now and through the weekend even if we get a dusting of snow a lot of it is going to melt on impact.”

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American Exports: Johnson, PNE blow lead

AMSTERDAM— Preston North End forward Eddie Johnson worked 65 active minutes, but the visitors squandered a two-goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw at Watford.

The US international, on loan from Fulham, went closest to scoring just before his departure by firing slightly over from a right-wing cross.

The draw snapped the dead-last Lilywhites' three-game losing streak and nudged them to within nine points of a safety in the English Championship.

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Toronto: Fans should be pumped by TSN deal

TORONTO–Toronto FCbusiness director Paul Beirne says Reds fans should be excited by the news that TSN has won the national MLS broadcast rights in Canada.

TSN, which is the biggest sports-media network in Canada, will show 24 games nationally in 2011. Both Toronto and Vancouver will be featured 13 times, with two of those games head-to-head.

“TSN is a big and very influential sports media outlet,” Beirne told MLSsoccer.com."{The deal} will help appease soccer fans that have long been frustrated by not seeing soccer highlights and stories featured.”

Beirne suggested that the biggest difference might be found in an increased amount of highlights during the network’s feature program,SportsCentre. Indeed, Canadian Football League fans have long argued that the TV contract the league entered into with TSN was the single most important factor in that league’s financial turnaround in the late 1990s.

The CFL’sFriday Night Footballis consistently one of the most watched programs in Canada during the summer and fall months.

Some fans, however, are worried that soccer will be lost on the network, especially during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Beirne says he’s confident that won’t be the case.

“The reason it took so long to get the schedule out is because of the work that was going on to make sure that {soccer} didn’t get lost,” he said. “Soccer fans should be reassured by that.”

Beirne indicated thatTFCwould be making an announcement regarding its local TV deal in the next“week or two.” He said that all 32 Toronto games will be available in the Toronto market and that every game will be produced in HD.

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U-17 CONCACAF Championship: USA-Cuba preview

The United States U-17 national team kicks off their 2011 CONCACAF Championship against Cuba on Monday (3 pm ET, follow atUSSoccer.com). 

A rematch of the Americans’ opening game of the 2009 tournament, which the US won 5-0, this one will give Wilmer Cabrera's team an opportunity to stake their claim as the best in Group B. 

Led by striker Mario Rodriguez, who is coming off an ankle injury, and the backline duo of Mobi Fehr and Crew Soccer Academy product Andrew Souders, the US should dispatch their opponents with ease. 

USA

Cabrera has been focused on keeping his boys’ concentration at a peak: He took the side on a weeklong training trip to Jamaica in January. That preparation should benefit the young group as they will be somewhat acclimated to the weather and the surroundings as they line up in the most important match of their lives. 

There is no obvious star on this US squad, as there was on previous rosters (Donovan in‘99, Adu in ‘03), but they might be a more complete team than the one that went undefeated during the '09 event. Cabrera has options at virtually every position and will be able to shuffle his line up throughout the tournament.

Against Cuba, he'll choose the first team, one that should look similar to the starting XI that took the field against Jamaica in January, a 2-1 win with goals from Esteban Rodriguez and Alfred Koroma. The main change looks like Mario Rodriguez, and recently signed Home Grown player for theLA GalaxyJack McBean should be up top, as well. 

Cuba

It's been almost 20 years since Cuba last reached the U-17 World Cup, and Israel Blake's team will have a difficult time earning a ticket to Mexico. Goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez earned two clean sheets—including a solid 0-0 draw against Trinidad and Tobago—as the team went undefeated in qualification for the championship, but finishing in the top four will be hard.

Captain Daniel Saez will attempt to lead the defensive-minded squad against the American attack, with help from backliners David Solier and Emmanuel Aliaga. Israel's side is playing for second place in Group B, so keeping a low scoreline will be key as advancing to the quarterfinal round could come down to goal differential.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

United States: Alejandro Guido

The midfielder keys the US attack. He was at the center of the squad's best passing sequences against South Korea at the Nike International Friendlies in December, and the side struggled to create after he came off with an injury against Brazil (althoughColorado RapidsAcademy product Dillon Serna can provide cover for short periods). 

Cuba: Dayron Perez

The attacker scored three of his team's four goals during qualification for the tournament. He found the net twice against Bermuda and once against St. Kitts&Nevis. He'll face a tougher challenge beating the American backline, but if anyone is going to score for Cuba, it will be Perez. 

US Projected Starting XI

Pina

Acosta-Fehr-Souders-Smith

Dunn-Salkicic

Rodriguez-Guido-Pelosi

Rodriguez

 

Cuba Projected Starting XI

Sanchez

Solier-Aliaga-Diz Pe-Ruiz

Reyes-Perez-Garcia

Collado-Perez-Saez

Final Analysis

Cabrera has his team ready and prepared. It won't be an easy game—none in the tournament will be—but the US should boost their record against Cuba to 4-0-2.

Noah Davis covers the United States national team for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis.

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American Exports: Bocanegra nets in Saint-Étienne rout

AMSTERDAM - It was a hit and miss Saturday for Americans playing in Europe, with Carlos Bocanegra opening the scoring in Saint-Étienne's galling 4-1 home loss to derby rivals Lyon.

The US skipper gave his side a dream start by shoveling home a free kick at the near post on 12 minutes, but would eventually lose track of Michel Bastos on a second half long ball that ended with the visitors' third tally.

In the Bundesliga, Timothy Chandler celebrated his first ever start by notching his first goal and first assist in FC Nuremberg's 4-1 triumph at Stuttgart.

After crossing for Julian Schieber's first half winner, the youngster netted his side's third just after the break by racing forward from right midfield to cap an FCN counter attack with a back post conversion.

Next door in the Eredivisie, Oguchi Onyewu returned to left back for a full shift as FC Twente stayed level on points with the top by pipping guests Vitesse 1-0.

In English Premier League action, Michael Bradley made an 18-minute Aston Villa debut in a 1-1 draw at Blackpool. The loan midfielder helped out keeper Brad Friedel with an important late block on Charlie Adam's drive.

Jermaine Jones worked a lukewarm 90 minutes as Blackburn settled for a scoreless draw with Newcastle.

West Ham United handyman Jonathan Spector returned from injury with 12 midfield minutes and a yellow card to help the visitors complete a comeback from three down for a 3-3 draw.

Down a flight in the Championship, Brad Guzan notched the shutout as Hull City ran their unbeaten streak to seven with a 1-0 victory over an active Eddie Johnson and Preston North End.

Eric Lichaj made a strong loan debut as Leeds United climbed to sixth with a 2-0 win at Bristol City.

Norwich City defender Zak Whitbread came on for the final 11 minutes to help the fourth place hosts top Reading 2-1 near the death.

Heading to Scotland, Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu clocked in for the final 20 minutes of a 6-0 Ibrox rout of Motherwell.

Over in the Jupiler League, Sacha Kljestan made a very late cameo, coming on just after Mbark Boussoufa's 88th minute winner as tabletop Anderlecht edged Cercle Bruges 1-0.

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Cross-country travel marks early going for Revolution

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.— The handwringing over the 2011 MLS schedule started from the moment the league released it on Thursday afternoon.

Just don't expect to find too much of it in New England.

“Every year, you deal with the hand you're dealt,” Revolution vice president of player personnel Michael Burns told MLSsoccer.com. “If you ask every team in the league, they'd probably want to tweak it just a little bit. It is what it is, and we'll deal with it.”

CHECK OUT THE REVOLUTION'S SCHEDULE

Most of the tweaks for the Revolution would likely involve altering a travel-intensive opening five matches. New England kick off their season in Los Angeles on March 20 before returning to Massachusetts for their home opener againstD.C. Unitedon March 26. The next week sees theRevsmake a midweek trip to Vancouver (April 6) in between two home dates against Portland (April 2) andReal Salt Lake(April 9). That’s two West Coast trips in two weeks.

Scheduling intricacies and stadium availability issues make it impossible to cobble together an ideal schedule for each club, but Burns said he'd like to see the league find a way to adjust the transcontinental scheduling.

“You could get some of those pairings where you're able to play a couple of games on a West Coast trip,” Burns said. “It just cuts down on the amount of travel for our guys. Over the course of a long season with 34 games, it takes its toll.”

Those concerns likely mirror similar qualms harbored by other teams in the league about various peccadilloes within their own fixture lists. The scheduling process doesn't leave any club with an ideal slate, so each team is essentially on a level playing field.

“At the end of the day, it's pretty similar for all of the teams in our league,” Burns said. “It washes itself out.”

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Vermes faces tough calls on international players

Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes is meticulous when it comes to the international players who will form part of his roster. The limited number of international slots on a club’s squad places a high priority on making the right choices.

Take, for example, former Ecuadorean international Franklin Salas, who was in for a trial but has since been sent back home.

“Salas is gone – we released him,” Vermes said on a media teleconference call on Wednesday. “He doesn’t necessarily fit what we’re looking for.”

The Sporting manager had hinted at the player’s struggles last weekend after his participation in a training match against theColumbus Crew.

WATCH:Vermes reports on Sporting's intrasquad scrimmage in Arizona

“I think he is definitely more of an attacking player who likes to come inside,” Vermes said last weekend. “It’s a little different for him playing in our system because of what we require and the team he comes from {Liga Deportiva de Quito in Ecuador}. He’s having a little bit of a roughtime with the physicality and speed of the game, which is how it tends to be with foreign players.”

Courtesy of Sporting Kansas City

Sporting have a total of nine available spots for players who do not count as US domestics (i.e. hold a green card or US citizenship). Five of those nine slots are already occupied, leaving four that can be filled.

“With all teams in the league, the international slots are pretty valuable,” Vermes said on Wednesday. “{Salas} just didn’t seem like he was a guy who was going to be able to hold one of those spots. We wanted to be very selective about who we take in those positions.”

One player that Sporting Kansas City wanted to bring into the fold was Portuguese attacking midfielder Rui Miguel. The MLS club had a deal to acquire the Vitória Guimarães player from the Portuguese club, but the negotiations fell apart at the last minute.

“We had an agreement done with the player and with the club and at the last second they tried to throw in a humungous loan fee, and there was no way we could do it,” Vermes said.

Reports from Portugal indicate that figure to be at one million euros. Now Vitória are is reportedly shopping their No. 10 in Russia, with Ruud Gullit’s Terek Grozny a possible destination.

Despite passing on Salas and missing out on Rui Miguel, Sporting Kansas City will not be ending their global search any time soon. Vermes says the club has“quite a few guys lined up right now.”

The manager indicated that there are anywhere from six to 10 roster spots that are currently up in the air. According to him, the new faces making the strongest case for themselves are Daneil Cyrus, Scott Lorenz, draftee C.J. Sapong and academy product Kevin Ellis. Vermes confirmed that the first two players are on the club’s Discovery list.

While evaluations continue with regards to trialists, the club looks forward to getting some of its regulars back to full health.Craig RocastleandShavar Thomasare two players who may see action in matches scheduled this weekend. Meanwhile,Ryan Smithcontinues to rehabilitate back in Kansas City and will join the team on its second trip to Arizona.

In the meantime, the preseason experimenting is just beginning in Phoenix.

“We’re five weeks out before the first game,” Vermes said. “We’re just now starting to play with different positions and systems. We haven’t for sure said we’re going to play a 4-3-3. … I won’t be married to just one way of playing.”

Think you know the game? Test your powers of prediction with MLSsoccer.com's fantasy game,Pro Soccer Picks.PlayNOW!

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Spencer: LA was a quality test for Portland

ThePortland Timbersconcluded a training stint in Southern California on Tuesday by playing the Los Angeles to a 1-1 draw at The Home Depot Center.

It was the Timbers’ second preseason exhibition and followed a 1-1 draw against the Ventura County Fusion last Friday.

“This was a very good test against a well-organized team with a lot of experience and quality,” Timbers head coach John Spencer said. “I’m happy with the 90 minutes.”

Of notice in the match was the return of goalkeeper Adin Brown, who played who played his first significant minutes in more than a year. He played the entire first half and kept the likes ofLandon Donovan,Juan Pablo AngelandChad Barrettoff the board.

“He did very well,” Spencer said of Brown. “I thought his communication with the defense was good.”

Brown last played five minutes of a match in September and missed the rest of the year with injuries. Tuesday’s scrimmage was largely a confidence-booster for him.

Courtesy ofLA Galaxy

“It was fantastic,” said Brown, who was encouraged by his teammates’ play. “It felt good out there and it’s been a long time.

“It was a great building game for us, to get to where we want to be. We showed heart and determination out there.”

Both teams scored in the second half. In the 48th minute, Brian Jordan connected with teammatePaolo Cardozoon a cross from the right flank. Cardozo scored from seven yards out to give LA the lead.

Two minutes later, Brian Umony, a trialist from Uganda, found a loose ball after a corner kick and equalized for Portland with a shot from just outside the six-yard box.

Umony had a chance to score his second in the 60th minute, but was denied in a one-on-one by LA goalkeeperJosh Saunders.

Spencer called the game against the Fusion last week“just a runabout” and a chance to play in the uniform for the first time. But the match against LA, he said, was a bit more serious.

“When you play a very good team like the Galaxy, you starte to judge your guys against top MLS players,” Spencer said. “We’re still way off with fitness level, individually and collectively.”

The bigger issue for the Timbers, though, is the ongoing process of building chemistry.

“Guys are just trying to figure each other out and figure out which role is right for them,” said Brown. “We have a fairly young team and it’s important to get on the same page quickly. I think we’re gelling more and more as days go on.”

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Timbers'Dike has surgery to repair torn Achilles

PromisingPortland Timbersforward Bright Dike underwent successful surgery on Monday to repair a torn Achilles tendon, the club announced.

The 24-year-old suffered the injury during a scrimmage against the Ventura County Fusion on Friday in Ventura, Calif. He came off the pitch in the 20th minute after hearing something snap.

"I didn't do too much,"Dike toldThe Oregonian."I took a pivot step to trap the ball and I heard something pop. I wasn't even sprinting after the ball. I just took a pivot step. That's really all I did."

Dike is expected to be out of action anywhere between six to nine months. His absence is a huge blow to the Timbers' hopes of putting forth a solid 2011 season.

The Notre Dame alum was one of four players Portland signed to an MLS contract in October. Originally drafted No. 12 overall by theColumbus Crewin the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, he failed to make the squad and signed a one-year contract with the Timbers in the USL last April.

He scored 10 goals for Portland in 2010 and was slated to compete for time against perceived Timbers startersKenny Cooperand Colombian import Jorge Perlaza, as well as Portland's 2011 SuperDraft pickDarlington Nagbe.

"It's unfortunate and frustrating because I was really excited for the season to start,"Dike said after suffering the injury."I'm just trying to stay positive and hopefully I'll be back to play a couple of games towards the end of the season."

"It's unfortunate and frustrating, because I was really excited for the season to start,"Dike said."I'm just trying to stay positive and hopefully I'll be back to play a couple of games towards the end of the season."

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Youngsters lead TFC past Red Star Belgrade

Young players are making their mark forToronto FCas the club continues its preseason camp in Turkey.

On Sunday,TFCAcademy product and 2010 Winthrop University MVP Matt Stinson scored TFC’s goal in a 1-0 win over Serbian side Red Star Belgrade.

According to first assistant Bob de Klerk, Stinson’s goal was just the reward for the work the young Reds have been doing in training.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the skill of the young guys,” de Klerk said. “{I have} big compliments {for them}. They have really picked up the new system and have done well with it.”

GALLERY:Toronto FC defeat Red Star Belgrade

Although a win against a club like Red Star Belgrade is always welcome, the real work is happening on the training pitch and video room, where de Klerk said the club is having multiple video sessions a day to learn head coach Aron Winter’s system.

There was evidence of that work in Sunday’s win.

“The biggest thing they did today was stay organized – play what we want to play, how we want to play,” de Klerk said.

The assistant coach said TFC will look to hold the ball and move forward as a single unit in 2011.

“We can play football,” de Klerk said. “As long as we are holding the ball, {opponents} can’t score.”

Toronto will their final game in Turkey– against Dinamo Zagreb – on Thursday before returning to Toronto ahead of their second phase of preseason training.

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Dynamo fan influence vital in stadium project

HOUSTON– TheHouston Dynamocelebrated a landmark event today with the ceremonial ground-breaking of the new downtown soccer-specific stadium.

Numerous politicians and club officials played a role in getting the deal done; however, the influence of the fans has not gone unrecognized.

While the supporters were not in the negotiation rooms, fan influence played a significant role in the stadium project. Dynamo defenderEddie Robinsonmade it a point to attribute this achievement to those fans that have, for the past few years, held rallies and demonstrations to ensure that local government officials knew the fans supported the idea of a new stadium.

WATCH:Dynamo break ground on new stadium

“I am convinced that a lot of this came for the urging of the fans,” Robinson said. “I think the fans are so passionate about it.”

www.houstondynamo.com

“We feel like this is something we’ve been waiting for for the past five years,” said German Sada of Dynamo supporters group El Batallón. “We’ve been organizing rallies here. For us, this is the happiest day of the past five years. Now we got {the stadium} and we can’t wait till 2012.”

The Dynamo have built a reputation for being active in the community, which has helped them build a strong bond with their supporters.Brian Ching’s work with Houston Habitat for Humanity andBrad Davis’ work with military families are just a couple of examples of the volunteer work the players do to help in the community.

Robinson believes it is this that, along with the player’s willingness to take time for the fans, that gives the fans the motivation to support the club and stadium.

“I think the fans are passionate about it because, not what we do on the field, but what we do in the community,” said Robinson. “When we see them, we take five minutes and talk to them. Now, they are coming to games, not to see the Dynamo play, but they are coming to see the guys because theyhave personal relationships with them.”

“Part of a lot of a soccer player’s make up is we are from the community and it is our duty to give back,” Ching said. “It is part of what we do. We get out in the community and talk to the people and that is what sets soccer apart from a lot of other major sports.”

The Dynamo are targeting April 2012 as the date the new stadium will open its doors. Partial team owner Oscar de la Hoya is sure the fans will christen the stadium with their usual boisterous attitude.

“I can imagine how the support groups are going to be. The fans wearing orange, the brand new facility – it really is going to be amazing,” said De la Hoya.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

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Super Bowl Tweet-down into Big Game weekend

Well played,Ben Zemanski.

TheChivas USAmidfielder has upped the stakes in Super Bowl Tweet-down with Jay DeMerit as the Big Game gets closer and closer.

Zemanski, Ohio-raised but Pittsburgh-born, has been taking on Green Bay native DeMerit in a contest of trash talk on Twitter all week– and for the most part, looked like he had been getting one-upped by theVancouver Whitecapsdefender.

READ:Day 2 of the Jay vs. Ben Super Bowl Tweet-down

That is, until Zemanski threw in the dirtiest words there are in Packerville: Brett Favre. DeMerit hasn’t backed down, and has even dealt in some of his friends from the US national team, such as fellow World Cup veterans Jozy Altidore and Herculez Gomez.

And it’s just gotten more surreal, as the guys have name-dropped “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Lil Wayne, B.J. Novak fromThe Office– and insulted each others’ facial hair (and lack thereof).

Be sure to keep following the (friendly?) war of words on Twitter with the hashtag#MLSsoccerbowl. And be sure to follow@D6MERITand@zmnsk21.

Here are some highlights of the latest Ben vs. Jay banter:

zmnsk21:@D6MERIT At least Aaron Rodgers will still have a job on The Office after the Super Bowlhttp://twitpic.com/3vwzov

D6MERIT:@zmnsk21 haha #doppleganger. And Kiesel will finally return to the WWE with his speedo and 2x4.. #hacksawjim

HacksawJDuggan:@D6MERIT @zmnsk21 I never wore a speedo tough guy. Although I do enjoy the comfort of ladies lingerie every now and then. HooOoOoo!

zmnsk21:@D6MERIT"Fear the Beard".. may need a hacksaw to shave that thing

D6MERIT:@zmnsk21 speaking of beards.. Please post a pic of your Steel playoff beard to show your fanaticism.

Getty Images/Whitecapsfc.com

zmnsk21:@D6MERIT Haha I'm genetically incapable #UnrelatedtoBrettKeisel

D6MERIT:You are not 12yrs old #excuse

zmnsk21:@D6MERIT Best your gonna get out of me is a dirty stash

zmnsk21:@D6MERIT At least Bradshaw never left us to play for the Browns #Favrelookedbetterinavikinghatthanacheesehead

D6MERIT:@zmnsk21 this is one thing ill have to agree with. #exceptforthejersey but it seems Favre might have picked up a few tricks from Big ben :)

zmnsk21:@D6MERIT 2 bad it wasn't Super Bowl rings Favre was pickin up. Big Ben already has double what he's wearin in a 3rd the time

D6MERIT:@zmnsk21 and triple the arrests. He's one win away from the Steel thinking he's a great guy again.

D6MERIT:Big tune from Pack fan Lil Weezy! yeah its a remake, yeah its way better.. @zmnsk21 whos reppin the steel?http://tinyurl.com/4s3xgvm

herculezg:@D6MERIT ha! That song is hot! Weezy said they're cutting Troy P's hair off! Haha #plzsaydababy

zmnsk21:RT @KevinZemanski: @D6MERIT Lil Wayne seems to be a Steeler fan here hmmm....plixi.com/p/74540710#awkward

D6MERIT:@zmnsk21 @KevinZemanski. Its funny, that shirt print actually wraps around the side and says I * PITAS.. I do too. #yumweezy

JozyAltidore17:Steelers gona bring another one home

D6MERIT:@JozyAltidore17 you better check that prediction on the big bowl son! PACK all the way.. #greenandyellowgreenandyellow #weezy

D6MERIT:http://plixi.com/p/74771333My two worlds of sport have finally collided.#andtheshirtsponsorrocks @zmnsk21 is ketchup still your sponsor?

zmnsk21:@D6MERIT Not just ketchup... The most popular Heinz. What's your scoreboard do?

D6MERIT:http://plixi.com/p/74845578@zmnsk21 My scoreboard had me on it singing"Roll out the barrel"in front of 75,000 at Lambeau #Heinzdidntinviteyouyet?

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Top NCAA programs reload ranks on Signing Day

On National Signing Day, the top college soccer programs officially began to build towards the 2011 fall season. According to NCAA rules, Wednesday marked the first day players could sign letters of intent, essentially confirming where they’ll continue their playing career.

Official announcements will be revealed over the coming weeks, as international players are enrolled, transfers confirmed and last-minute issues sorted out.

MLS academies continued to play a large role, stocking some of the best programs in the nation.Sounders FCprovided a number of talented players, including the promising DeAndre Yedlin to Akron, Sean Okoli to Wake Forest and Nick Polodichuk to Duke.

Here’s a list of 11 top schools and their respective class, as reported to TopDrawerSoccer. MLS Academy listed in parentheses if pertinent:

School	Players
Akron	Kyle Culbertson, FW (Columbus Crew); Andy Chiu, FW (Real Salt Lake); Will Trapp, MF (Columbus Crew); DeAndre Yedlinm, MF (Seattle SoundersFC); David Murrow, D; Bryan Gallego, D (New York Red Bulls)
Duke	Nick Polodichuk, MF (Seattle Sounders FC); Sean Davis, MF (New York Red Bulls); Riley Wolfe, MF (LA Galaxy); Andrew Morales, MF; Nate Eggleston, MF
Indiana	Lance Davis, MF; Kyle Sparks, MF; Patrick Doody, MF (Chicago Fire); Jack Coleman, D (FC Dallas); Eriq Zavaleta, D (Real Salt Lake); Michael Soderlund, GK
Louisville	Shaquille Hamilton, MF; Isaiah Trejo, D
Michigan	T.J. VanSlooten, FW; Colin McAtee, MF; Caleb Stanko, MF
Maryland	Alex Shinsky, MF; Dan Metzger (New York Red Bulls), MF; Kyle Roach, D; Keith Cardona (New York Red Bulls), GK
North Carolina	Cooper Vandermaas-Peeler, FW; Ryan Dodson, FW; Joshua Miller, FW; Darvin Ebanks, MF; Miguel Lopez, MF; Jodran McCrary, MF; Jon Ray, MF; Nathan Diehl, D; Sam Euler (Chicago Fire), GK
Southern Methodist	Will Smith, FW; Aaron Simmons, MF; Edu Aranda, MF; Alex Blanton, GK; Devin Cook, GK
UCLA	Reed McKenna, FW; Nathaniel Schnitman (LA Galaxy), MF; Alex Padilla (LA Galaxy), GK
Virginia	Chris Somerville, FW; Ryan Zinkhan, FW; Kyle McCord, FW; Matthew Mills, MF; Grant Silvester, D; Matt Brown, D; Will Hare, D; Kyler Sullivan, D; Spencer LaCivita, GK
Wake Forest	Sean Okoli (Seattle Sounders FC), FW; Ted Mullin, MF; Dallas Aminzadeh (D.C. United), D; Sam Fink, D; Matt Pacifici, GK

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Revolution players hit camp raring to go

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.– Cabin fever struck soon after theNew England Revolutiondeparted for the offseason.

While players usually take a bit of time off to recover from the grueling exertions of the nine-month campaign, they soon resume workouts with an eye toward preparing for training camp.

By the time the end of January hits, players are clamoring to end their isolated workouts in the gym to join their teammates on the practice field. While the enthusiasm is appreciated, it must also be tempered a bit in order to ensure the preseason progresses smoothly, according to Revolution midfielderChris Tierney.

Jason Dalrymple/NE Revolution

“Everyone's going to be very eager to get out there,” Tierney told MLSsoccer.com. “I think it's going to be good to ease in a little bit, get to know each other as people and understand everyone else a little bit.”

Revolution coach Steve Nicol prefers to start training camp with a week or two dedicated to strength and conditioning work. Although every player prepares for the early stages of camp, the collective fitness work establishes common ground and lays the foundation for the extended campaign ahead.

“During the first couple of weeks, it really doesn't matter what you did during the offseason,” newRevsdefenderRyan Cochranesaid.“You're still going to come in and you're still going to have some heavy legs. It's about getting your feet under you and building up that camaraderie with the new guys coming in. It's important to meet everybody and get a feel for everybody's personalities.”

The preliminary activities will gradually yield to more emphasis on technical sessions. Scheduled trips to Orlando (Feb. 14-24) and Kennesaw, Ga., (March 3-13) should allow Nicol and the Revs coaching staff to focus on full-field work and tinker with tactical approaches.

“Once the soccer starts, it'll be a little crazy and frantic for the first couple of days, but there's definitely an aspect of pacing to it,” Tierney said.

The preparations will increase gradually as the Revs wind their way through a series of friendlies to get ready for the season opener in Los Angeles on March 20. As the crucial date approaches, the Revs must avoid moving too quickly as they seek to acquire match fitness and develop the necessary chemistry to succeed during the regular season.

“You have to know that it's a marathon, it's a long season,” Revolution defenderDarrius Barnessaid.“You have to take it slow and get yourself integrated into everything. The preseason is the time to get the chemistry right. At first, it isn't about how sharp you are on the ball. We need to get the team gel together a bit and then pick it up as we move along.”

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Chivas'Estupiñán set to back up brash prediction

Bold. Brash. Confident.

These are the qualities all forwards need to have if they're going to be successful. And it appears thatChivas USAfirst-year forward Víctor Estupiñán has all three.

The 14th pick in the 2010 SuperDraft predicted he'd score 25 to 30 goals this season during an interview last month on theTiro Librepodcast. The regular season has yet to start, but the Ecuadorian is now officially on the board, scoring in a preseason friendly against the Fresno Fuego of the PDL on Tuesday. And Estupiñán is clearly not backing down on his bold prediction.

“I said I wanted 30 and that’s what I want,” he told MLSsoccer.com."I know that with hard work that anything can happen and nothing is impossible. I hope to be a champion with Chivas USA and for that, I’m working hard.”

GALLERY:Chivas USA top Fresno Fuego in preseason opener

That bold projection didn't go unnoticed by his new coach at Chivas USA. Not surprisingly, Robin Fraser is quick to temper any hype about a 30-goal season from his new forward.

"What can you say about the bravado of youth?” said Fraser. “I'm sure that Víctor has a lot of learning to do. He’s young and brash. He's an exciting player with a lot of good qualities. It'll be a learning process for him."

Estupiñán comes to the Rojiblancos with major scoring chops after leading the Ecuadorian reserve league in scoring in 2010 with LDU Quito. He impressed during the MLS Combine last month, displaying an impressive ability to both hold up the ball and make daring runs at defenders.

Chivas USA

Can he possibly score 25 to 30 goals? That remains to be seen– Mamadou Diallo's ridiculous haul of 26 in 2000 is still the record for an MLS newcomer, and is tied for the second-highest single-season total in league history.

And the learning curve will be steep for the confident striker, who joins a Goats squad that is eager for a reliable goal-scorer. Chivas USA have not had a double-digit scorer since 2007, whenMaykel Galindoand Ante Razov scored 12 and 11 goals, respectively.

Since then, onlyJustin Braunhas come close to meeting those marks with nine last season. Although the team is hungry for a scorer, Fraser knows it will take time for the rookie to adapt to the style of play in MLS.

"Anytime that you're a young professional going into a new environment, there will be changes like changes in demand and other things that you have to adapt to,” the first-year head coach said. “For him, like any young player, it won't be an easy adaptation process. He's got some special abilities and he should be alright."

The headstrong Ecuadorian joins a strike force that is eager to earn minutes in Fraser’s new system. Headlined by United States national team January camp invitee Braun, veteransAlan GordonandAlejandro Moreno, as well as youngTristan Bowen, all will be eager to stake their claim up top.

And though Estupiñán is out of the gates with his first goal for his new club, Fraser and the rest of Chivas USA hope he saves his best for the regular season. Through all of the bold predictions and lofty expectations, it's the trust Fraser showed in drafting the 22-year-old that Estupiñán is most eager to prove.

“I’m here to earn his confidence,"he said,"and show it on the field.”

Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached atadam.m.serrano@gmail.com. On Twitter: @adamserrano

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