The U.S. U-17 team (currently an U-15 team) started off the Nike Friendlies in Florida Wednesday with a lively 2-2 draw with France. A stoppage time equalizer for the hosts leveled things after France had dominated the second half, even if the Americans were a little unlucky to go down a goal on an unfortunate own goal.

In what may prove to be their toughest matchup in the tournament against a team they lost to 3-0 last month, and one which cruised through the early stages of European U-17 World Cup qualifying, the Americans came out strong and showed some attacking verve in the opening half hour.

The U.S. took the lead in the 25th minute when midfield creator Herber Mejia Flores setup forward DeAndre Robinson who cracked a shot into the upper 90 from about 25 yards. Wilmer Cabrera’s team wouldn’t make it to the half with the lead, as some lax defending meant an easy finish for France just before the halftime whistle.

France took it to the U.S. for much of the second half, and it looked as if they would take three points when centerback Tyler Turner turned a free kick into his own net 15 minutes from time. (more…)

The magic of Barcelona has been well documented, and at times Messi and his 10 counterparts do the improbable. Actually, I would say they do the impossible and are righteously considered the picturesque version of football. However, what everyone fails to mention is the dark side of soccer that the entire Barcelona team loves to delve into.

Before anyone misinterprets what I am trying to say, I agree that Barcelona is the best team in the world and their tica-taka passing is a form of artwork on the pitch. There is a reason why this team has dominated La Liga in recent years; least I forget their two Champions League titles in the past three years. Messi is a pure genius on the pitch and should simply be sued for being way too talented. All of these are reasons why it is confusing that Barcelona practices the dark arts of diving. (more…)

U.S.

Major League Soccer has started to roll out it’s opening dates for the 2012 season. The season will kick off on March 10 with the Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC all in action.

Midfielder Jeremy Hall has been traded from FC Dallas to Toronto FC for a second round pick in the 2013 MLS Superdraft.

Global

Chelsea and Arsenal crashed out of the Carling Cup this afternoon, losing to Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively. Chelsea gave up two second half goals to Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly to fall 2-0, while Sergio Aguero struck in the 83rd minute to push Man City into the semifinals.

In other Carling Cup action, Cardiff defeated Blackburn 2-0.

Didier Drogba has rejected Chelsea’s one-year contract extension and will go to the club that offers the most money, according to his agent.

USA

Montreal continues its wheelings and dealings, acquiring Donovan Ricketts from LA for an allocation, after trading Seth Sinovic back to KC for Davy Arnaud.

While Amobi Okugo heads to Germany to train with Freiburg, former U-20 international and clubless Greg Garza will head to Mexican stragglers Club Tijuana for a trial.

With MLS in a post-season slumber, it’s a perfect time for the College Cup to take center stage, according to 10 Kit’s Travis Clark.

Global

Becks doesn’t think Citeh have what it takes to win the EPL.

Real’s surge and Barca’s struggles defines the Liga weekend. The always useful (if you can spare the time) Phil Ball.

The MLS expansion draft is in the books, and the Montreal Impact made waves by snatching “face of the franchise” forward Brian Ching from Houston.

Montreal selected James Riley from Seattle then traded him to Chivas USA for Justin Braun and Gerson Mayen. They’re not giving back Zarek Valentin, though.

Global

Sepp Blatter wants reporters, fans and players to know that the racism issue is now closed. Finally, after centuries of struggle.

Coach Thomas Rongen, on loan from the USSF (the whole story coming to 10Kit via ESPN soon), lead American Samoa to their first win in 31 tries. He’ll now need to beat Samoa and the Cook Islands over the weekend to lead his team to the Oceania group stage round on the road to Brazil, 2014.

American Samoa is  No. 204, tied for last in the Nov FIFA rankings, while the U.S. remains No. 34. Seems a little low when you consider they’re behind Slovenia, Algeria, Korea, and Egypt among others. Then again, the U.S. hasn’t won much of late. Neither has Spain, which remains No. 1.

U.S.

Freddy Adu is a definite “possibility” for the Montreal Impact.

Zonal Marking breaks down Sunday’s MLS Cup tactics.

Global

In Champions League action, Man City looks all but done after losing 2-1 to Napoli today, while Manchester Untied were held to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford by Benfica, meaning that the Red Devils will need a result against Basel next week to advance.

Other scores included a 3-1 Bayern Munich win over Villareal and a 6-2 thumping of Dinamo Zagreb by Real Madrid.

The Shin Guardian takes a look at EPL fantasy football.

10 Kit Originals

Brent looks at who the Montreal Impact should take in tomorrow’s expansion draft.

Brent also gives three final takeaways from Sunday’s MLS Cup.

There are some interesting names available in the expansion draft for the expansion Impact.

From Freddy Adu to Bobby Convey to Brian Ching, Montreal could easily build a very competitive core to add to the group they’re already working with.

MLS teams should probably be able to protect more than 11 players. At this rate, there are more than a few GMs who might trad in their whole hand for a chance to pick from the players available this year.

But who’s the cream of the crop? My best team is below. Please feel free to take a look at the list and play along. (more…)

The Galaxy cruised to a deserved title Sunday night, one of the few times in recent memory that the team that really merits and MLS title has won it. They did so behind the strength of a teamwide effort, and that of the their three superstar group of Beckham, Keane, and Donovan.

The effort, combined with MLS’s best coach and relatively young defense, leads to the question of how good this team can become. Three thoughts about the Galaxy in the wake of their third title:

LD can turn it off an on, but for how long? Donovan’s MVP performance was scintillating and reminded of his rampaging form at Everton early last year. It’s the kind of display Galaxy fans have seldom been treated to of late, and one USMNT fans almost never get from LD. (more…)