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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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United States

News and Views for Friday, December 2

US Soccer

Charlie Davies’ road back to full strength likely won’t continue with DC United. The striker’s agent has revealed that they are in talks with other clubs and a move could come in the next week.

Chicago Fire keeper Sean Johnson will begin a week-long training stint with Everton beginning December 4.

The Montreal Impact revealed their new kits for the team’s inaugural MLS season.

A sigh of relief for Houston fans, as the Dynamo locked up a new deal with defender Bobby Boswell.

Global

The Euro 2012 draw is ready to go. Follow along here (12:00 PM ET) to see if the last four champions all get put in the same group…that’s right, France, Germany, Spain, and Greece could all wind up together…and that wouldn’t even be the deathliest of groupings. Ahead of the draw, topless protestors voiced their concern over possible attempts to legalize prostitution during the upcoming summer tournament.

UEFA President Michel Platini has revealed he supports a winter World Cup in 2022, when Qatar plays host to the world’s biggest sporting event.

Martin O’Neill is back in the Premier League, agreeing to terms with Sunderland to take over for the recently dismissed Steve Bruce. Arsene Wenger doesn’t agree.

Weekend

Your weekend soccer listings here.

10 Kit Originals

Travis Clark projects the next GA class.

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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, Nov. 18

U.S.

Sepp Blatter is taking heat…again. One of the only MLS players with the ability to really get Blatter’s attention has spoken out, calling the FIFA President’s comments “appaling.” Blatter is now “sorry,” but he’s not going to resign.

Some things to know about David Beckham’s Sunday opponents. Beckham’s side are certainly being touted as the favorites, with one pundit saying anything less than lifting the trophy would be a “disaster.”

If history is any indication, should Houston go down a goal Sunday night, don’t count them out.

All the weekend’s soccer listings for your perusal.

Global

Manchester City has posted breathtaking losses of nearly $315 million for 2010-11, the biggest loss ever in English football. Some perspective on United’s opulent neighbors.

Ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Stamford Bridge (Sunday, 11:00 AM ET), former Red Fernando Torres is once again defending his move from Anfield.

Carlos Tevez will not play for Manchester City again, according to Roberto Mancini.

10 Kit Originals

Brent takes a look at some tricky semi-final qualifying groups for CONCACAF’s traditional powers.

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United States

News and Views for Friday, Nov. 11

U.S. Soccer

Ahead of USA-France (3:00 PM ET, ESPN2), MLS Soccer is out with an exclusive interview with USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Check it out.

The NYT takes a look at the growing number of players developing in Germany who are choosing to play for the US.

MLS has overtaken both the NBA and NHL in attendance per match.

For those in the New York/New Jersey area, check out the weekend’s Big East action at Red Bull Arena as Louisville, Connecticut, Villanova, and St. Johns face off for conference honors and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Semifinals kick off tonight at 5:00 PM ET.

An interesting article on an up-and-down season for Bobby Boswell, who will likely be pairing with Geoff Cameron along the Houston back line as the Dynamo attempt to upset the Galaxy next Sunday. And in case you missed it, Gregg Berhalter isn’t counting out another Dynamo from suiting up on the 20th.

Global

Fabio Capello is taking heat, Frank Lampard will captain England when the Three Lions as they face Sweden (Wednesday, 3:00 PM ET), Sergio Aguero is injured, and Andres Villas-Boas has been charged.

10 Kit Originals

Be sure to check out our USA10Cast as Brent and Jon break down the USMNT and U-23’s.

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United States

MON Oct. 10 (AM): Adu, MLS, USMNT, Euro 2012, and More

An impressive performance from Freddy Adu assured a team almost 3,000 miles of the Supporter’s Shield. A 2-0 victory (highlights here) over visiting Seattle ensured the Los Angeles Galaxy would finish the season top on points. That may not, however, bode well for the Galaxy in the playoffs.  Another potential concern for Galaxy fans is the current condition of Robbie Keane. Ireland’s all-time leading goal scorer has been ruled out of his country’s important match against Armenia on Tuesday, which will go a long way towards determining qualification for Euro 2012.

The Union victory also pushed Philadelphia back on top of the crowded Eastern Conference standings with two games to go for most teams.

With another late season strike in San Jose’s 2-1 win over New England, Chris Wondolowski is tied with Thierry Henry and Dwayne DeRosario for Golden Boot honors.

Following his side’s 1-0 win over Honduras, USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was quick to point out two players who excelled.

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United States

FRI Oct. 7 (AM): MLS, Blazer, USMNT, and International Matches

The Vancouver Whitecaps got their first win at BC Place while adding to the misery that has become the close of Real Salt Lake’s regular season. Now losers of four straight, a PK and red card did the early damage as Vancouver rode goals from Camilo and Nizar Khalfan to a 3-0 win.

Chuck Blazer, CONCACAF’s number two man, is resigning from his post at year end.

Roster notes as the US prepares to take on Honduras Saturday (6:00 PM ET, FSC).

Scary news for USMNT fans, which has Jurgen Klinsmann defending his team selections.

An interesting piece on the Klinsmann effect.

International fixtures this weekend and next week will go a long way in determining who will compete in Euro 2012. All the times and tv listings here.

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United States

MON Oct. 3 (AM): MLS Playoffs, Americans Abroad, Europe, and More

The Vancouver Whitecaps played their first competitive MLS match in their BC Place in front of a sellout crowd of 21,000. The result – a 1-0 loss to bitter rival Portland (highlights) – may not have been what the ‘Caps faithful or players had in mind to inaugurate the new grounds, but the stadium is already getting talked up for major MLS events.

Portland, however, picked up a vital three points as they look to squeeze into the playoffs. The 1-0 win thanks to a 25th minute strike from Kenny Cooper puts the Timbers level on points but behind on goal-differential for the final playoff spot.

Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley, and Edson Buddle scored over the weekend for their respective clubs. Dempsey’s Fulham side demolished QPR, with the midfielder contributing a goal and an assist.

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News in brief

FRI Sept. 30 (AM): MLS, USMNT, EPL, and More

Thrilling Thursday MLS action saw the Philadelphia Union take a vital three points from DC United. Philly sprinted to an early 2-0 lead thanks to Sebastien Le Toux before Dwayne De Rosario and Andy Najar led DC back before the half. The winner came from Michael Farfan in the 57th minute. Highlights here.

Dwayne De Rosario limped off in the 61st minute,  which had some DC folks pretty upset.

Paris St. Germain is ready to step up its efforts to sign David Beckham when his contract expires in November.

Gooch is back. Oguchi Onyewu is back on the USMNT roster as Jurgen Klinsmann has named his 22-man roster for October friendlies against Honduras and Ecuador.

Americans were in fine form Thursday during Europa League action. Jozy Altidore scored again, while Clint Dempsey assisted for Fulham. A full rundown of the results.

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