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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, February 17

While rumors are floating about a possible return to MLS with Vancouver (a story countryman Jay DeMerit doesn’t believe), Carlos Bocanegra is focused on his current side’s performance following a trying week for the club.

Eddie Johnson is set for his return to MLS, while Luis Robles path to the US isn’t quite as clear.

Brian Ching, meanwhile, is back in orange in a deal that appears pretty one-sided.

In need of some MLS action? Check out the first LA derby of the season – a 3-2 win for the Galaxy.

LA Galaxy owners AEG could soon become EPL owners, as management looks set to make a bid for ownership of Tottenham.

All your weekend soccer here.

Global Soccer

Fresh off rumors of a possible deal to join Spurs, Lille starlet Eden Hazard has revealed his interest from Arsenal as well.

With Chelsea manager Andres Villas-Boas struggling to keep the Blues on track, Didier Drogba has voiced his support for the embattled boss.

Need some help picking a Bundesliga side to support? Click here for some help.

Guus Hiddink has joined the growing list of stars headed to billionaire-backed Anzhi Makhachkala.

More bad news for Arsenal fans.

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United States

News and Views for Friday, February 10

Charlie Davies is back. The Sochaux forward has made the club’s 18 for its important match against Stade Rennes. Sochaux currently sit bottom of the Ligue 1 table. Davies’ also took some time to speak with MLS ExtraTime radio, and revealed his disappointment with the end of his time in DC.

Grant Wahl speaks with Egypt head coach Bob Bradley.

Remember last summer? Remember that incredible run to the World Cup Finals, where the USWNT came PK’s away from hoisting another World Cup trophy? Well, US Soccer has confirmed that Abby Wambach & Co. will be back at it in April, when the team will take on Brazil and Japan.

Tim Ream looks set to get his first start for Bolton Wanderers as the team looks to crawl further out of the relegation zone.

Your weekend soccer listings here.

Much like his LA counterpart Robbie Keane, Thierry Henry will not be extending his stay in England. The Arsenal legend will return to training with New York on February 16.

Global Soccer

The ageless wonder, Ryan Giggs, will be back for another year. The Manchester United legend has agreed to terms with the club ahead of a crucial match with Liverpool (Sat. 7:30 AM, ESPN2).

Harry Redknapp has quashed England hopes that the Tottenham boss would take over the Three Lions for the departed Fabio Capello.

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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, February 3

The fallout continues in Egypt following the death of 74 soccer fans. Former US coach Bob Bradley was among those involved in a non-violent protest.

Another fixture is on the horizon for the USMNT, who will face our neighbors to the north on June 3 in Toronto.

Grant Wahl takes a look at the coming return of Steve Zakuani.

DC has their newest DP.

Your weekly fixtures and TV listings here.

Brazilian courts have instructed striking workers to get back to work on a stadium in Recife being constructed for the 2014 World Cup.

John Terry has lost the England armband, but his club manager is sticking by him. He won’t line up this weekend though as Chelsea face a crucial match against Manchester United. On the other side of things, Manchester United fans have reason to be pleased…four regulars are back and healthy as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side makes their title push.

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United States

News and Views for Friday, January 27

Landon Donovan and Tim Howard v. Clint Dempsey. The American showdown gets underway at 3:00 PM ET (FSC). Howard likes the Toffees chances.

US households turned viewed in record numbers for last weekend’s Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates.

The USWNT will look to wrap up an Olympic birth as they take on Costa Rica (8:00 PM ET). Despite already outscoring their first three opponents 31-0, they’ll need a victory here to progress.

Add Timothy Chandler to the USMNT injured list.

All your weekend fixtures here, highlighted by Villareal v. Barcelona (Sat., 4PM ET) and Liverpool v. Manchester United (7:45 AM ET, FSC) in an FA Cup clash at Anfield.

Global Soccer

Anyone looking for a diminutive soccer god on Time Magazine’s US cover will be disappointed. The Barcelona star didn’t make the cut.

Jack Wilshire’s hopes for a February return look doubtful as the midfielder aggravated his injured ankle in practice on Friday.

Want away Chelsea defender is getting his wish. Paris Saint-Germain has announced the signing of the Brazilian centerback on a roughly $6 million transfer fee.

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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, January 20

The LA Galaxy and owner Tim Leiweke have another soccer legend in their sights. While the Galaxy currently have the maximum allocation for DP’s, LA is still monitoring the availability of the Chelsea star. It’s all part the plan for Leiweke, who wants the Galaxy to become “the greatest brand in soccer, ever.”

David Beckham, fresh off committing to the Galaxy for two more years, wants to be England’s captain for the 2012 Olympics. He also discusses his reasons for staying in LA.

The NY Times takes a look at Michael Bradley’s work with Chievo Verona so far.

Grant Wahl takes a look at the hurdles facing some US players plying their trade in Mexico.

A weekend full of soccer awaits, highlighted by the USMNT’s showdown with Venezuela (Sat., 9:00 PM ET, Galavision, ESPN3), Arsenal v. Manchester United (Sun., 10:30 AM ET, FOX – yes, just FOX), and the African Cup. All games and TV listings here.

Global

Pepe’s apologized, but insists his foot stomp on Lionel Messi’s hand was unintentional.

Rumored MLS target Didier Drogba’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge may be cleared up soon, as Shanghai Shenhua claim they are close to securing the Ivorian’s services for over $400,000 a week.

Drogba’s current club coach is making news for his belief that Premiership clubs need to have B teams competing in the lower levels of English football in order to compete on the European stage more effectively.

Finally, if anyone needs some inspiration for a weekend dive, check this out.

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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, Jan. 13

New York Red Bulls GM Erik Solér believes that new addition Kenny Cooper is better suited to his new club than he was to the Timbers.

Landon Donovan and, more permanently, Tim Howard have a new teammate.

 

Ives evaluates the MLS Draft, with two Canadian clubs earning the highest marks.

Following a failed move to Blackburn in 2011, FC Dallas defender George John has secured passage to England, landing with West Ham on a two month deal with an option for the Hammers to make the deal permanent.

Your weekend games and TV schedule here.

A potential MLS target is not for sale, according to his manager.

Global

Mario Balotelli can’t stay out of the news.

With AC Milan out of the picture, Inter have reopened talks with Manchester City for Carlos Tevez.

 

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United States

News and Views for Friday, January 6th

One day into his loan move to FC Nurnberg, Omar Gonzalez will be heading home. The Galaxy have confirmed that the star defender has torn his ACL on the first day of training in a collision with – of all people – fellow US international Timothy Chandler.

Thierry Henry is back in Gunner red. The Arsenal legend’s loan move to the London side has been approved, and Henry has been cleared to suit up for the club’s FA Cup match against Leeds.

Fellow MLS star Robbie Keane may also be headed back to the EPL for a brief stint. Alex McLeish, however, isn’t ready to call it a done deal.

Grant Wahl takes a look at Keane’s former – and likely future – teammate’s decision to stay in LA.

The 2012 MLS schedule is out. Click here.

All your weekend games and TV listings here.

The New York Times takes a look at the somewhat accidental club Tim Howard has now joined.

Global Soccer

Amid speculation of interest from outside the Bundesliga, Jermaine Jones’ teammate Raul is enjoying life at Schalke and would like to extend his stay.

Frank Lampard will not be switching out his blue for red, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, December 30th

Done deal. Reports out of Arsenal are confirming that a two-month deal for Gunner  legend Thierry Henry is complete. With Arsenal set to lose both Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho, Henry will help bolster a strike core that has become heavily reliant on goals from Robin van Persie.

Want some New Year’s MLS rumors? Click here.

2012 will add five more Generation Adidas players to the MLS.

Chelsea appear close to locking up their first signing of the January window, as Gary Cahill and the Blues are working to agree on terms. Cahill’s departure could spell more trouble for a Holden-less Bolton side. It could, however, usher in the signing of Tim Ream for the Wanderers.

Carlo Ancelotti will take over at uber-rich PSG, while David Beckham’s move to the Paris club is in doubt.

Rob Hughes of the NY Times takes a look at the fall of Blackburn.

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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, December 16th

Landon Donovan is headed back to England. The LA Galaxy star has re-joined Everton on a two-month loan. The earliest Donovan could suit up for the Toffees would be January 4 against a Stuart Holden-less Bolton. Here’s a list of the fixtures that could include the MLS Cup MVP. The BBC takes a look at what’s going on with Holden’s listless side.

Grant Wahl reveals his “Ambitions Rankings” for MLS sides.

The NYTimes takes a look at American owenership’s ambitions in charge of AS Roma.

The Europa 32 were drawn as well. Manchester City will play holders Porto, while Jozy Altidore and Sacha Kljestan will face off for their respective clubs. Draw and dates here.

Some tasty matchups lie ahead in the Champions League. In the draw of 16, Arsenal will face AC Milan, while Chelsea will play Manchester City-ousters Napoli. The full draw:

Marseille v Inter Milan
CSKA Moscow v Real Madrid
Lyon v APOEL Nicosia
Napoli v Chelsea
FC Basel v Bayern Munich
Zenit St Peterburg v Benfica
AC Milan v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona

Luis Suarez awaits a verdict on charges of racism against Patrice Evra. The decision could come down to cultural interpretations.

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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, December 9

US Soccer

Timmy Chandler could be headed out of Nurnberg. The US international is drawing interest from Stuttgart.

The Washington Post has revealed that Jurgen Klinsmann makes a base salary of $2.5 million, representing an enormous increase over Bob Bradley’s annual compensation in charge of the Nats.

The Generation Adidas squad dropped a 4-2 result to Ajax. Highlights here.

The Times takes a look at Creighton coach Elmar Bolowich as he leads the Bluejays towards an NCAA title. The second ranked Jays face Charlotte tonight in the semifinals (6:00 PM ET) while UNC v. UCLA (8:30 PM ET) rounds out the Final Four.

All your weekends games and tv listings here.

 Global

A crushing blow to Manchester United’s Champ…err…Europa and Premiere League seasons. Nemanja Vidic is done for the year.

Vidic’s teammate Wayne Rooney, however, received a little good news. Not everyone’s happy about it though.

10 Kit Originals

Brent chats with potential US target Kenneth Di Vita Jensen.

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