MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

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CHIVAS USA: A most entertaining 'wake'
By Scott French

CARSON -- “This is a funeral, of course. You guys are at the wake of my career. So I appreciate you guys coming. I hope you're enjoying the food at the back.”

With that, Jimmy Conrad was off and roaring in the most entertaining news conference we've seen at Home Depot Center -- and we've seen plenty.

The Chivas USA defender had plenty to say during his retirement announcement Thursday: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soc ... ining-wake" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



On what he'll take from his brief Chivas USA experience: “I think the biggest thing I'll take out of it is knowing the club is in good hands, and for the first time in a long time I have a lot of hope where this sport is going in this country. I think these guys [Fraser and Vanney] get it, they're smart, and I'm glad they're in charge because ... it's time for a new breath of fresh air, and I think these are the guys to do it.

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North American Soccer Almanac: An Introduction

Taking a snapshot of where the game was and where it's going

http://www.mlssoccer.com/soccer-almanac


North American Soccer Almanac: MLS jerseys, past &
present

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 9733218886

Soccer Almanac: Top 10 local announcers

Fans name their favorite commentators and color guys

http://www.mlssoccer.com/soccer-almanac ... announcers

Soccer Almanac: How social media spurs the soccer chatter

Increased availabilty of soccer news mirrors growth of web, MLS

Top 10 soccer journalists on Twitter (as voted by MLS fans)
Rank Name Handle
1. Grant Wahl @GrantWahl
2. Ives Galarcep @SoccerbyIves
3. Steven Goff @SoccerInsider
4. Brian Straus @BrianStraus
5. Joshua Mayers @JoshuaMayers
6. Steve Davis @SteveDavis90
7. Jason DeVos @JasonDeVos
8. Jeff Carlisle @JeffreyCarlisle
9. Jason Davis @MFUSA
10 Jeremiah Oshan @JeremiahOshan

http://www.mlssoccer.com/soccer-almanac ... er-chatter

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Hurricane Irene prompts MLS to make schedule changes
DC-POR, PHI-NE, NY-LA rescheduled as hurricane hits East Coast

NEW YORK — Citing general public safety concerns, Major League Soccer has made the following schedule changes because of the potential impact of Hurricane Irene:

Home teams listed first

D.C. United vs. Portland Timbers (at RFK Stadium)
NOW: Saturday, Aug. 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET*
WAS: Saturday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET

*Major League Soccer, in collaboration with D.C. United and Portland Timbers, will continue to monitor the path of Hurricane Irene before making a final determination as to the status of the game between both clubs, originally scheduled for Saturday at 7:30pm ET at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

A further update on the status of this game will be provided by 12:00 p.m. ET tomorrow (Friday).

Public safety will be paramount in the decision-making process.

Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution (at PPL Park)
NOW: Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET (Galavisión)
WAS: Sunday, Aug. 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET (Galavisión)

New York Red Bulls vs. LA Galaxy (at Red Bull Arena)
NOW: Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
WAS: Sunday, Aug. 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

“With the safety of our fans and clubs top of mind, and thanks to the cooperation of our clubs and broadcast partners, Major League Soccer has rescheduled two games that were originally set for this weekend,” said Nelson Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of Competition and Game Operations. “We expect that Hurricane Irene will likely cause hazardous travel and unplayable conditions throughout the Northeast. We appreciate our fans’ understanding of these decisions and the media’s assistance in communicating the message.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... le-changes" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Montreal now have a team page on http://www.MLSSoccer.com
The logo was just added to the top of the page
link goes to the Montreal MLS 2012 webpage

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Visa renews partnership with SUM

Deal includes sponsorship of MLS, US Soccer and Mexico's US tour

NEW YORK — Soccer United Marketing, MLS’ marketing arm, today announced a multi-property partnership extension with Visa. The agreement renews the global payments technology company’s status as the Official Payment Services Company of Major League Soccer, U.S. Soccer, and the Mexican National Soccer Team’s U.S. Tour, until 2014. Visa has been partners with all three organizations since 2007.

“The recent FIFA World Cup™ performance by the U.S. Men’s National Team in South Africa and the Women’s National Team in Germany has helped increase consumer interest in soccer in the U.S.,” said Alex Craddock, Head of North America Marketing, Visa Inc. “As the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares for Brazil 2014, the renewed SUM sponsorship agreement which supports Visa’s FIFA partnership, will help connect Visa and our clients to a multicultural and passionate soccer fan base across the USA. We continue to invest in sponsorship properties that deliver tangible and proven business building benefits to Visa, its clients and partners.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... ership-sum

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24 Under 24: Fans can now vote on their top 24 young stars

Facebook ballot allows supporters to have their say on the rankings

It’s time for the fans to make their voices heard.

Supporters around the league can now vote for their own 24 Under 24 – the top 24 players under the age of 24 – via a Facebook ballot that launched on Labor Day Monday which features a list of 50 players as determined by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff. Write-in candidates can also be submitted for players that fit the age criteria. Cast your vote today (http://www.facebook.com/MLS?sk=app_146882108705391" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).

Fans can then compare their vote to that of the experts when the countdown to the No. 1 young player starts in earnest on Monday, Sept. 12.

MLSsoccer.com assembled a panel of the most respected MLS observers in the nation, who helped determine the final 2011 rankings for the 24 Under 24: Jeff Carlisle (ESPN.com), Marc Connolly (ESPN), Steve Davis (SI.com), Brian Dunseth (Fox Soccer), Allen Hopkins (Fox Soccer), Alexi Lalas (ESPN), Kyle Martino (Fox Soccer), Taylor Twellman (ESPN) and Grant Wahl (Sports Illustrated).

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... oung-stars" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=112&id=18835" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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NEVER FORGET

Remembering the soccer people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2011

Sunday will be the tenth anniversary the World Trade Center tragedy.

At least 38 then current and former players and coaches and parents of players from the New York metro area perished on that morning.

http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/article.p ... e_id=28352

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Each MLS home team will also host specific events and activities related to the 9/11 remembrances:

LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids (11 pm ET, Friday): The Galaxy will donate a portion of ticket sales to the FDNY Widows and Orphans Foundation and honor local members of the LA County Fire Department, the LA City Fire Department and the LA Sheriff’s Department.

Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake (4 pm ET, Saturday): The Sounders will hand out 35,000 miniature US flags which will be raised from the 9th to 11th minute.

New York Red Bulls vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Red Bulls will have a large American flag be presented by center circle participants, first responders and their families. The five branches of the military will be represented by Star Flags to be held by members of the South Ward, RBNY fans and front office staff, league employees, and troops; the color guard will be on hand for the ceremonies. Players from both teams will be escorted to the pitch by youths of Tuesday’s Children, an organization that provides support to the families affected by 9/11 and global terrorism. First Lieutenant Eddy Valverde, a 2004 Purple Heart Recipient for wounds received as a result of enemy fire while serving in Iraq, will deliver the night’s game ball. Between the 9th and 11th minutes of the match, fans will be asked to raise their flags to honor the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Members of the Red Bulls Academy will be scattered on the concourse during pregame and halftime to raise donations for the 9/11 Memorial Fund. An additional raffle will take place in Section 127 as part of “A Jersey Off Our Backs.”

Philadelphia Union vs. Portland Timbers (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Union’s Sons of Ben supporters club will raise their scarves during the 9th and 11th minute of the match and a water tribute will be staged by fireboats in the river outside PPL Park.

New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Revs have distributed more than 3,500 tickets to Armed Services from throughout New England. The US Army and US Marines will have a significant presence in pregame activities, including enlistment ceremonies at halftime. The club will also distribute 5,000 miniature American flags and auction off game-worn jerseys and armbands in benefit of the 9/11 Memorial Fund.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire (10:30 pm ET, Saturday): San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch will auction off gear for the Navy SEAL Foundation and the club will also air a 9/11 tribute video featuring Earthquakes players and Santa Clara Fire Department.

Chivas USA vs. D.C. United (10:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Goats will grant freed admission to the match against DC to all military personnel, firefighters, police, EMTs, paramedics and their families with valid ID. There will also be on-field and video board tributes to remember the heroes of the Sept. 11 attacks.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... ersary-911" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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24 Under 24: Shea finishes No. 1 in fan vote

Facebook ballot crowns Dallas star as top player younger than 24

24 Under 24 Fan Vote
1 -- Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
2 -- Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls)
3 -- Freddy Adu (Philadelphia Union)
4 -- Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City)
5 -- Steve Zakuani (Seattle Sounders)
6 -- Juninho (LA Galaxy)
7 -- Danny Mwanga (Philadelphia Union)
8 -- Bill Hamid (D.C. United)
9 -- Andy Najar (D.C. United)
10 -- Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers)
11 -- Roger Torres (Philadelphia Union)
12 -- C.J. Sapong (Sporting Kansas City)
13 -- Sanna Nyassi (Colorado Rapids)
14 -- Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo)
15 -- Perry Kitchen (D.C. United)
16 -- Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake)
17 -- Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)
18 -- Fabián Castillo (FC Dallas)
19 -- Omar Salgado (Vancouver Whitecaps)
20 -- Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union)
21 -- Michael Farfan (Philadelphia Union)
22 -- Joao Plata (Toronto FC)
23 -- Gabriel Farfan (Philadelphia Union)
24 -- Sainey Nyassi (New England Revolution)

24 Under 24: The players who missed the cut

The talents that were edged out in the final rankings: Nos. 25 to 40

24 Under 24 Honorable Mentions:
25 – Jackson (FC Dallas)
26 – Ike Opara (San Jose Earthquakes)
27 – Milton Caraglio (New England Revolution)
28 – Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo)
29 – Zarek Valentin (Chivas USA)
30 – Tony Tchani (Columbus Crew)
31 – Emmanuel Ekpo (Columbus Crew)
32 – Blair Gavin (Chivas USA)
33 – Kalif Alhassan (Portland Timbers)
34 – Sanna Nyassi (Colorado Rapids)
35 – Paulo Jr. (Real Salt Lake)
36 – Rich Balchan (Columbus Crew)
37 – Sheanon Williams (Philadelphia Union)
38 – Jalil Anibaba (Chicago Fire)
39 – Soony Saad (Sporting Kansas City)
40 – Kevin Alston (New England Revolution


http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... 1-fan-vote" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... Zf6Crc78Zo

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More than likely, you won’t see a balanced schedule going forward,” Garber said recently during a meeting with fans. “The real question is whether we have a competition that is conference based, which means you’re playing against your conference more, or is it rivalry based, which would work well for television but might be less balanced in terms of the fairness of the competition.”

“Everything’s on the table, from single table to conference-laden, geography-based scheduling,” Rodriguez said. “More games, less games — all on the table. (Calendar) footprint, on the table. We have to look at it all. We have to make a short-term decision for 2012, ’13 perhaps, but we have to take a longer view.”

http://wvhooligan.com/2011/08/23/11817/ ... -schedule/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

When members of the competition committee meet on Friday, holding the line at 34 games or expanding to 36 will be one of the topics up for discussion, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday during a season-ticket rally here for the Columbus Crew.

The perfect symmetry that is 18 teams playing a 34-game schedule will be difficult to maintain next year when the Montreal Impact join MLS, Garber said. No further expansion plans have been announced past Montreal, but the Commissioner said the league is preparing for the inevitable.

“It will be impossible to be balanced at 20 or 22 [teams],” he said. “It’s just too many games for a professional soccer league.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... initiative" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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A comprehensive breakdown of available cities for the 20th MLS team

MLS has come a long way from the early days,
and a host of cities would love to join the growing league.
Goal.com breaks down the available cities

Earlier this year, Major League commissioner Don Garber spoke about the intentions of adding a 20th franchise to Major League Soccer. Garber mentioned the lack of teams in the Southeast, and that the league only has a handful in the Midwest. While MLS has had a steady and consistent increase in teams over the last five years, having added seven during that time, Garber states the plan is for the league to eventually go beyond 20.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/maj ... r-the-20th

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Garber mentioned the lack of teams in the Southeast

Southeast would be awesome.

I would think Raleigh would do better than Charlotte or Atlanta... but, the Southeast as a whole has too much of the "SOCCER IS FOR FAGS!!!" mentality, though.

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Down The Stretch

WATCH: MLSsoccer.com looks at the latest postseason picture

http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=112&id=19316

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2012 MLS season tickets: Secure your package today

Don't miss a moment of your favorite club's action next year

It's that point in the campaign when teams really start jostling for space in the race for the playoffs. But as the regular season enters its final stretch, it's also time to secure your season tickets for 2012. With a new team joining the field and club rivalries approaching fever pitch, there has never been a better time to be an MLS fan. So don't sleep — secure your package today.

Many clubs have launched their 2012 purchase and renewal plans.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... kage-today

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Goddamn Dwayne De Rosario is a beast. Thank you, Red Bulls.

[youtube][/youtube]

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24 Under 24: The expert panel and voting process

Nine of the most respected names
in national media circles comprised this year's voters

For the second annual MLSsoccer.com 24 Under 24 list of the top players in MLS under the age of 24, MLSsoccer.com enlisted the help of nine of the most respected national soccer observers. Their votes were tallied along with those of the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff to establish the final rankings of this year’s edition of the 24 Under 24.

The 24 Under 24 panel
• Jeff Carlisle (ESPN.com)
• Marc Connolly (ESPN)
• Steve Davis (SI.com)
• Brian Dunseth (FOX Soccer)
• Allen Hopkins (FOX Soccer)
• Alexi Lalas (ESPN)
• Kyle Martino (FOX Soccer)
• Taylor Twellman (ESPN)
• Grant Wahl (SI.com)

The Voting Process
Each member of the panel submitted his top 24 MLS players under the age of 24 based on grades in five categories:
• current skill
• upside potential
• intangibles
• Q-rating
• future transfer value

Each player was then assigned a point total based on the final position on each panelist’s ballot. A player received 24 points for earning the top spot on a media member’s Top 24 list all the way down to a single point for the No. 24-ranked player. The totals for each of the 10 voters (including one vote for the MLSsoccer.com editiorial staff) were then added together to determine the players' final score and ranking.


24 Under 24 Complete List
Rank Player Club

1 Brek Shea FC Dallas
2 Juan Agudelo New York Red Bulls
3 Andy Najar D.C. United
4 Steve Zakuani Seattle Sounders
5 Teal Bunbury Sporting Kansas City
6 Freddy Adu Philadelphia Union
7 Fabian Castillo FC Dallas
8 Omar Gonzalez LA Galaxy
9 Danny Mwanga Philadelphia Union
10 Darlington Nagbe Portland Timbers
11 Luis Gil Real Salt Lake
12 Bill Hamid D.C. United
13 Camilo Sanvezzo Vancouver Whitecaps
14 Juninho LA Galaxy
15 C.J. Sapong Sporting Kansas City
16 Sean Johnson Chicago Fire
17 Perry Kitchen D.C. United
18 Joao Plata Toronto FC
19 Omar Salgado Vancouver Whitecaps
20 Diego Fagundez New England Revolution
21 Simon Dawkins San Jose Earthquakes
22 Roger Torres Philadelphia Union
23 Jack McInerney Philadelphia Union
24 A.J. Soares New England Revolution

http://www.mlssoccer.com/24-under-24/complete-list

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Who's In? Who's Close?

WATCH: MLSsoccer.com looks at the latest postseason picture

http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=112&id=19591" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Report: MLS 2012 Season to Start Week of March 4
By Robert Hay on September 30, 2011

A report out of Toronto indicates that MLS fans had better get their overcoats ready for First Kick 2012.

Duane Rollins reports that Toronto FC executives told a fan gathering that they expect the MLS season to begin Saturday, March 10, with the First Game logically falling on March 8. The start, which would be the earliest in MLS history, would be earlier than usual because the league would incorporate the three World Cup qualifying periods into the schedule. The executives also confirmed that the league would be keeping the 34 game schedule which, with the addition of Montreal, would necessitate unbalanced scheduling.

The Toronto FC executives confirm what many season ticket holders knew and subsequent league sources have confirmed, that the league would keep its 34 game schedule for now. How the unbalanced schedule will shake out is unknown, although the league executives did meet two weekends ago to discuss next year’s schedule.

http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/re ... um=twitter" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Down To The Wire

Nine points separate postseason contenders; who misses the cut?

There are 18 days left in the MLS regular season, and 10 teams are still vying for seven remaining playoff positions.

And the field is crowded: nine points separate the contenders. For those on the outside of the postseason picture looking in, there's no margin for error, and those on the inside looking out do so with more than a small amount of nervousness as they fight to punch their ticket to the dance.

Seven of these teams will get in. But what about the three that will miss out?

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... e-playoffs

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Garber: NYC still aim for 20th team, but Cosmos not ready
Commissoner Garber: Investors interested, stadium may be closer


While revealing that he was hosting three prospective investors for a New York team in his suite at Red Bull Arena, the Commissioner also indicated that the New York Cosmos are not at the forefront of the discussions.

“I don’t know that they’re involved,” Garber said. “They’ve got some things that they’re trying to work out within their ownership group. But as I‘ve said many times, I applaud what they’ve been doing. They’re doing a great job building their brand and when we’re ready to get that team launched and they want to be a part of it, we’ll be happy to talk to them.”

Regardless of the status of the various investor groups, however, Garber was unequivocal that the key to landing a second team in New York City was a stadium plan. He cited Flushing Meadow Park, the area around Citi Field, home of baseball's New York Mets, and Randall’s Island as the areas that are being studied

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... -not-ready" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Race Wide Open
WATCH: With two weeks left, tight East still up for grabs


http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=112&id=19965" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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MLS releases details of Montreal expansion draft
Impact will select 10 players during draft on November 23


Head coach Jesse Marsch and the 2012 expansion Montreal Impact have signed two players to date: defender Nelson Rivas and midfielder Hassoun Camara. On Wednesday, they learned when they'll be able to get some teammates, as MLS announced the date and details of the 2012 MLS Expansion Draft.

The draft will take place on Wednesday, November 23, beginning at 2 pm ET.

As in past years, the expansion draft will last 10 rounds, meaning the Impact will select 10 players.

Current MLS clubs will be allowed to protect 11 players from their 2011 roster, though there are several categories of players who have special status. Generation adidas players and Homegrown Players on the team’s Off-budget Roster are automatically protected, without counting as one of the team’s 11 protected spots.

Designated Players do not have to be protected unless the player’s contract includes a no-trade clause.

Clubs must submit their protected roster to MLS on Monday, November 21.

Click here for complete 2012 MLS Expansion Draft rules.


http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/2 ... raft-rules" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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MLS announces Re-Entry Draft set for Dec. 5 and 12

As in 2010, teams to get chance to pick up out-of-contract players

Teams will be able to select players who fall under the following circumstances:

• Players who are at least 23 years old and have a minimum of three years of MLS experience whose options were not exercised by their clubs (available at option salary for 2012).
• Players who are at least 25 years old with a minimum of four years of MLS experience who are out of contract and whose club does not offer them a contract at their previous salary (available at 2011 salary).
• Players who are at least 30 years old with a minimum of eight years of MLS experience who are out of contract and whose club does not wish to re-sign them (available for at least 105 percent of their 2011 salary).

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... -5-and-12t