Australia
Tim Cahill (NY)

Canada
Kyle Bekker (TOR)
Doneil Henry (TOR)
Ashtone Morgan (TOR)
Jonathan Osorio (TOR)
Simon Thomas (VAN)

Costa Rica
Jairo Arrieta (CLB)
Gonzalo Segares (CHI)
Rodney Wallace (POR)

El Salvador
Steve Purdy-Ramos (CHV)

Gambia
Sanna Nyassi (MTL)

Haiti
Mechack Jerome (SKC)
Peterson Joseph (SKC)

Honduras
Jerry Bengtson (NE)
Victor Bernardez (SJ)
Marvin Chavez (SJ)
Boniek Garcia (HOU)
Mario Martinez (SEA)

Ireland
Robbie Keane (LA)
Darren O’Dea (TOR)

Jamaica
Ryan Johnson (POR)
Darren Mattocks (VAN)
Donovan Ricketts (POR)

Lebanon
Soony Saad (SKC)

Sierra Leone
Kei Kamara (SKC)

Trinidad & Tobago
Keon Daniel (PHI)

USA
Corey Ashe (HOU)
Matt Besler (SKC)
Brad Davis (HOU)
Brad Evans (SEA)
Omar Gonzalez (LA)
Tally Hall (HOU)
Bill Hamid (DC)
Eddie Johnson (SEA)
Sean Johnson (CHI)
Nick Rimando (RSL)
Graham Zusi (SKC)

USA U-20s
Kellyn Acosta (DAL)
Mikey Lopez (SKC)
Shane O’Neill (COL)
Victor Pineda (CHI)
Dillon Serna (COL)
Oscar Sorto (LA)
Wil Trapp (CLB)

USA U-18s
Marky Delgado (CHV)
Amando Moreno (NY)

The post List of MLS Players Called Up appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Saturday, May 25

Sunday, May 26

The post 2013 MLS Season, Week 13: TV Schedule appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Sporting KC hopes to extend Houston’s losing streak this weekend. (Photo by Mark Shaiken – WVHooligan staff photographer)

First off, forgive me for the lack of posts yesterday. I had the day off from the real world and took full advantage of it by just getting tons of other little things done that I’ve been putting off for ages. So thanks.

Now on to the task at hand. MLS rolls into the final week of the May. I skipped over the What To Watch For this week so I’ll try to provide a little more context to the weekend ahead before I get into my predictions.

1. Montreal humming along. The Impact are still a club that I feel is not getting the respect that they deserve so far this season. It may be due to the fact that they’ve only played ten games where the clubs above them in the Eastern Conference have two or three more games in the books on them. I look at these next few weeks as huge for the Impact both in the league and in the Canadian Championships. If they want to be taken serious by all, winning in both is key. They host a streaky Philadelphia club this weekend, which brings another chance for Marco Di Vaio to do his usual thing up front for them.

2. Rivalry budding between SKC and Houston. We know where this one has been going for years. Ever since the Dynamo were moved to the Eastern Conference to make way for Portland and Vancouver to join the league in the West, these two have been getting a nice rivalry going. Most of that is due to the fact that they’ve met in the conference finals the last two years and throw in the fact that Sporting just ended Houston’s long unbeaten streak at home and this one has a lot to be excited by. Houston knows how to win at Sporting, so this one will certainly go either way this weekend. Easily the game I am looking forward to the most.

3. Sounders hope to continue hot form. No team is hotter in MLS right now than Seattle. Eight goals in their last two games, both at home against conference foes is a big deal. But I look at what Dallas was able to do against Seattle in the second half of last week’s 4-2 win for the Sounders as proof that good teams will give this Sounder club trouble if they aren’t pressing enough. Sigi Schmid’s team took the foot off the gas for just long enough for Dallas to get two quick goals. Seattle may have won that game but they have to play a complete game to continue their charge up the standings. They get LA on the road this weekend, never an easy game for the Sounders. The contrasting style of play out of both clubs makes it difficult for Seattle to play their speed game from the wings and up front.

4. Is anyone talking about RSL? The quick answer is no. Everyone in the West is focused on Dallas, Portland, LA and Seattle while Jason Kreis’ club is sneaking up and around everyone. Currently RSL is second in the West and have been sneaky good as of late.  One reason why they may not be getting the respect is due to who they have lost to. They’ve dropped games against good clubs like Montreal, Dallas, LA, and even against rivals Colorado. Kreis and company just need to continue to win no matter what and with Chivas USA in town, that form should continue. 

Saturday

Portland Timbers at D.C. United: The Timbers still only have one loss on the season, an early loss at home to Montreal. But there is something about this roadie to D.C. that could be trouble for Caleb Porter’s bunch. United have been much better these last couple of weeks and now that Chris Pontius and Nick DeLeon are healthy to go with Dwayne De Rosario, some results should begin to trickle in.

WVH Prediction: D.C. 1, Portland 1

Philadelphia Union at Montreal Impact: Who will be in defense for the Union now that Bakary Soumare is back in Chicago? Honestly, I don’t think he would have made that big of a difference against the Impact, who are rested and at home.

WVH Prediction: Montreal 2, Philadelphia 0

Toronto FC at New England Revolution: A good defense against a bad offense. Yeah, this one could be ugly or just plain boring.

WVH Prediction: New England 2, Toronto 1

San Jose Earthquakes at FC Dallas: A tricky game for both clubs. Dallas should be fairly healthy for this one as David Ferreira and Andrew Jacobson are at least projected to return to the lineup. If George John comes back as well three points should follow. San Jose is a tricky team that doesn’t go away easy but their form isn’t that great either (one win in five).

WVH Prediction: Dallas 2, San Jose 1

Chivas USA at Colorado Rapids: Another club no one is talking enough about is Colorado. They get Chivas for what feels like the fifth time already this season. Chivas is a bit of a joke these days and going to Colorado won’t change that fact.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 2, Chivas 0

Chicago Fire at Real Salt Lake: That trade for Soumare was about three or four weeks too late for the Fire. But they have more issues than their defense too. Salt Lake has just enough talent on offense to continue their solid form at home.

WVH Prediction: RSL 3, Chicago 1

Sunday

Houston Dynamo at Sporting KC: Game of the week in my books. Both teams love to battle and play their style of games. How Houston responds to their two game losing streak will be interesting to see as well, especially on the road. My money is on a tight draw out of this one.

WVH Prediction: SKC 1, Houston 1

Columbus Crew at New York Red Bulls: I want to see the Crew do well in this one but honestly, I’m not expecting anything big out of them on the road against a very good New York side right now. Mike Petke has everything working correctly at the moment and most of that is due to the fact that his defense is healthy. A healthy Red Bulls defense is a dangerous thing.

WVH Prediction: New York 2, Columbus 0

Seattle Sounders at LA Galaxy: Both teams want the points, so this battle should be a good one. Seattle is red hot while the Galaxy have lost three out of their last four (most of them being on the road). Form speaks and I think Seattle edges out LA in this one if they are able to continue to get production out of Eddie Johnson and Lamar Neagle.

WVH Prediction: Seattle 2, LA 1

The post 2013 MLS Season, Week 13: Predictions appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Two that jumps right off the mat would be the Texas Derby between FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo and the Cascadia Cup between Portland and Seattle.

Both Seattle and Dallas would get their rivals at home in these matches.

Elsewhere, Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy could meet in the forth round.

One match that does sound pretty interesting is Orlando City and Sporting KC, another one of those MLS-USL partnerships potentially meeting. That would be very interesting given how Sporting KC loanee Dom Dwyer is killing it with the USL side this year. 

FOURTH ROUND SCHEDULE:
53. Reading United AC (PDL)/New York Red Bulls (MLS) winner at New England Revolution (MLS)
Harvard University; Cambridge, Mass.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

Reading United AC (PDL)/New York Red Bulls (MLS) winner at Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO)
Sahlen’s Stadium; Rochester, N.Y.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:35 p.m. ET

54. Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)/Philadelphia Union (MLS) winner at D.C. United (MLS)
Maryland SoccerPlex; Boyds, Md.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. ET

OR

Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL)/Philadelphia Union (MLS) winner at Richmond Kickers (USL PRO)
Richmond City Stadium; Richmond, Va.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. ET

55. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO)/Columbus Crew (MLS) winner at Chicago Fire (MLS)
Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. CT

OR

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Columbus Crew (MLS)
Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) at Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO)
Beavercreek High School; Beavercreek, Ohio
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. ET

56. Colorado Rapids (MLS)/Orlando City SC (USL PRO) winner at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. CT

OR

Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, Colo.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. MT

OR

Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Orlando City SC (USL PRO)
Florida Citrus Bowl; Orlando, Fla.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET

57. FC Tucson (PDL)/Houston Dynamo (MLS) winner at FC Dallas (MLS)
FC Dallas Stadium; Frisco, Texas
Wednesday, June 12, at 8 p.m. CT

OR

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
BBVA Compass Stadium; Houston, Texas
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. CT

OR

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) vs. FC Tucson (PDL)
TBD 

58. Chivas USA (MLS)/Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO) winner at LA Galaxy (MLS)
StubHub Center; Carson, Calif.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. PT

OR

Chivas USA (MLS)/Los Angeles Blues (USL PRO) winner at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:15 p.m. ET 

59. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)/Charleston Battery (USL PRO) winner at Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks Park; Chamblee, Ga.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET

OR

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)/Charleston Battery (USL PRO) winner at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. MT

60. Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)/Portland Timbers (MLS) winner at Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, Wash.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. PT

OR

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at Portland Timbers (MLS)
JELD-WEN Field; Portland, Ore.
Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. PT

OR

Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) vs. Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO)
TBD

The post Fourth Round US Open Cup Pairings Released appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

[Click the image to make it larger.]

Obviously this is a big dream for someone but I have to admit, I love the color scheme. It is very New York City to me. I love the ideas of pinstripes for the home jersey.

Have you seen any other better mock-ups for NYCFC yet? Let’s hear them.

The post Fans Already Designing NYC FC Logo, Kits appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Here is the complete list of third-round matchups, based on U.S. Soccer’s draw, with the home team listed first:

• May 28: Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) vs. D.C. United (MLS), 7 pm ET
• May 28: Philadelphia Union (MLS) vs. Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL), 7:30 pm ET
• May 28: Orlando City SC (USL PRO) vs. Colorado Rapids (MLS), 7: 30 pm ET
• May 28: Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) vs. FC Dallas (MLS), 7:30 pm ET
• May 28: Charleston Battery (USL PRO) vs. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), 7:30 pm ET
• May 28: Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) vs. New England Revolution (MLS), 7:35 pm ET
• May 28: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) vs. Des Moines Menace (PDL), 8:30 pm ET
• May 28: Real Salt Lake (MLS) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL), 9:30 pm ET
• May 28: LA Blues (USL PRO) vs. Chivas USA (MLS), 10:30 pm ET
• May 29: Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) vs. Chicago Fire (MLS), 7 pm ET
• May 29: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) vs. LA Galaxy (MLS), 7:15 pm ET
• May 29: Columbus Crew (MLS) vs. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO), 7:30 pm ET
• May 29: New York Red Bulls (MLS) vs. Reading United AC (PDL), 7:30 pm ET
• May 29: Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) vs. Seattle Sounders (MLS), 7:30 pm ET
• May 29: Houston Dynamo (MLS) vs. FC Tucson (PDL), 8:30 pm ET
• May 29: Portland Timbers (MLS) vs. Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO), 10:30 pm ET

Nine MLS teams on the road including Seattle and LA. Very interesting seeing teams like D.C. United and New England go against their USL-Pro affiliates as well.

Lastly, four PDL sides go through to the third round but no amateur sides like last year’s Cal FC.

The post Third Round Set For 2013 US Open Cup appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

- The stadium. MLS officials thought they were close in negotiations with New York City suits on league plan to develop a 25,000-seat facility in Queens, just east of Manhattan. The facility, at a price tag of around $350 million. They hope to have it up an running by 2016.

- Expansion fee. That $100 million price tag for the expansion fee is huge. That is $60 million more than what Montreal paid to get into the league.  the Yankees and Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City’s owner, represent the kind of deep pockets MLS has long sought. No one else buying into this league has their kind of money. The only one that could rival it would be Carlos Slim but he’s not taking over Chivas USA anytime soon.

- The MLS CBA expires in 2014, one year before this new club enters the league. I’d imagine this new CBA won’t be as much about players vs league like the last round of updates to the CBA went. No, this time around may focus more on owners against other owners in getting more money for salary cap space and DP limits. Seriously, things will get very interesting following the 2014 season.

- The salary talks. Another big money owner likely means another big talker at the table for the owners meetings that usually take place. The number of clubs that want to spend are quickly going to outnumber those who would rather kept things tight. Throw the soon-to-be David Beckham club into that mix and the days of low salaries caps could be out the door.

- Current TV deals also expire in 2014. You have to believe that adding this club for 2015 has every bit to do with the TV deals that the league will be going after. Adding a new club in NY for the following season is certainly going to help the league’s case in getting another and possible better TV deal with the outlets they currently have.

- Nike/adidas. Man City has a deal with Nike for 8 years, MLS deal with adidas ends in 2018. Curious to see if there are any conflicts there or not.

- Impact. Garber calls this a ‘transformation moment’ in MLS. In other words, this is just as big as the David Beckham signing.

- YES Network. NYCFC on the YES Network hasn’t been discussed yet apparently. But you can go ahead and expect it. Another big ‘get’ for the league to be on a very widely watched network in NYC.

- Temporary venue. Yankee Stadium is a possible temporary stadium solution for 2015. So is Giant’s Stadium. I do wonder if they could go the route that Vancouver took and place a temporary stadium in some random location like the Caps had with Empire Stadium. Hey, just throwing out suggestions.

- The Cosmos. It sort of sucks to be them right now, don’t ya think? The new version of the famed club begins play in August in the second-tier NASL with games at Hofstra University. They have big plans of their own that don’t include MLS. We’re talking a fancy stadium and the whole nine yards. Makes you wonder that if NYCFC finish their stadium and the Cosmos end up getting their’s as well, that NYC will have three really nice stadiums in the same area.

- Those future expansion sites. So it may be a tough day too for Orlando, Miami and other expansion hopeful cities out there. I can’t imagine any of those future cities having to pay $100 million to get into the league though. We know a Beckham owned team won’t cost that much. I’ve long said that the league would not stop after 20 and more than likely the year following NYCFC we’ll include two more clubs. Yes, two more.

The post Additional Thoughts On NYC Expansion appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Official. (Photo via MLS/NYCFC)

After years of speculating, the talk is now official. Tuesday morning Major League Soccer announced their 20th club, New York City FC.

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced on Tuesday that English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City FC and Major League Baseball’s legendary New York Yankees have teamed up to acquire MLS’s 20th expansion club.

The club is expected to begin play in MLS in 2015. 

“We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer,” Garber said in a statement released by the league. “This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country. The New York area is home to more than 19 million people, and we look forward to an intense crosstown rivalry between New York City Football Club and the New York Red Bulls that will captivate this great city.”

“New York is a legendary sports town, as well as a thriving global city with a rapidly expanding soccer fan-base,” said Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City. “We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City Soccer. In the Yankees, we have found the absolute best partner for developing a world-class sports organization and a winning team that will carry the New York City Football Club name with pride.”

The launch date is one year ahead of what was previously said about the club, meaning they will likely have to play at a temporary venue until the stadium in Queens is finished.

“New York City FC will have a permanent home in the City in the great traditions of New York sports and world soccer — a home that must be a sports, commercial and civic success,” Soriano said. “But in considering any stadium site, we will listen first. This is what we have always done in Manchester and what we will do in New York. Only in this way, can the Club truly represent the City whose name it will carry.”

Initial Thoughts:

It is finally happening folks. The name works for me given the ownership involved.

The light blue colors works for me as well.

I’m still in a bit of shock over the whole Yankees part of this. That may be the best kept secret in league history.

Playing in Queens is a major slap in the face for those Mets fans out there too. Yankees just own NYC.

ManCity + the Yankees = a whole lotta money for MLS. Just some serious money that can’t be understated.

The hate for this team is probably already huge given the two owners involved. But that may not be a bad thing either.

Subway Derby? Subway Clasico? Old Amsterdam Firm? Gotta come up with a clever name for their rivalry with the New York Red Bulls.

The post MLS Announces New York City Expansion Club appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Reports from the Scoring Third this morning suggest that the stadium project will now cost slightly less than what the group had originally estimated.

Again, though not official, the new total for stadium construction/land costs is rumored to be $95M; down from previous estimates of $105M-$110M. Additionally, the cost breakdown would see an adjustment to the team’s contribution as follows:

$50M -  Cash from Orlando City Soccer Club
$20M – Land/Cash from City of Orlando
$25M – Cash from Hotel Taxes from Orange County

The Scoring Third also mentioned that the Orlando group was in New York on Monday meeting with Major League Soccer, including MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Things are still progressing for Orlando after the bill failure in the Florida House of Representatives. Local officials in Orlando are also said to be pleased with the new funding plan for the stadium as well.

It isn’t major progress in some ways like what one would have expected to see had the bill passed through the House in Florida a few weeks back. That delayed a slew of things from what I am told, including design renderings and more.

The post Reports: Updates On Orlando Stadium appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

DeAndre Yedlin has been getting a lot of minutes early this season for Seattle. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

Everything remained status quo for the rookies of Major League Soccer in Week 12. Four players went the full 90 in their weekend games, two of them were usual suspects to do so. Andrew Farrell of New England is now at 900 minutes for the season with Seattle Homegrown defender DeAndre Yedlin just right behind him.

It appears that defenders are getting the bulk of the minutes here so far this season with guys like Yedlin and Farrell. Real Salt Lake Homegrown defender Carlos Salcedo is also starting to earn his keep, as he had made two straight starts in the center of the RSL defense lately.

D.C. United rookie Taylor Kemp was recalled from his loan to Richmond this past weekend, and he made his MLS debut in the process during the 1-1 draw to Sporting KC.

One last interesting note, as you’ll see below in the post, is that there are three players from the first round of the SuperDraft that haven’t made their debut yet with their respective clubs. Sporting KC midfielder Mikey Lopez has and will see more time with the US U-20s this summer than he will with Sporting, probably not a bad thing to bring him along slowly there in KC if you ask me.

Elsewhere, San Jose defender Tommy Muller and Montreal midfielder Fernando Monge have yet to debut. I believe Monge however was let go earlier this year by the Impact.

Here is how the rest of the rookies did in Week 12.

Week 12 Minutes:

90  Andrew Farrell (New England)
90 Deshorn Brown (Colorado)
90 Carlos Salcedo (Real Salt Lake)
90 DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle)
85 London Woodberry (FC Dallas)
83 Erik Hurtado (Vancouver)
63 Devon Sandoval (Real Salt Lake)
48 Adam Jahn (San Jose)
45* Taylor Kemp (DC)
33 Jonathan Osorio (Toronto)
27 Scott Caldwell (New England)
29 Gyasi Zardes (LA)
16 Greg Cochrane (LA)
5 Walker Zimmerman (FC Dallas)
1* Leonardo Fernandes (Philadelphia)

*Made MLS Debut

Total minutes for the season:

Homegrown Players:

DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle) 809 minutes, 1 assist
Scott Caldwell (New England) 343 minutes
Armando Moreno (New York) 2 minutes
Jonathan Osorio (Toronto) 178 minutes, 2 goal
London Woodberry (FC Dallas) 326 minutes
Maxim Tissot (Montreal) 92 minutes
Wandrille Lefevre (Montreal) 36 minutes
Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy) 124 minutes – 1 goal
Carlos Salcedo (Real Salt Lake) 181 minutes

SuperDraft picks:

#1 Andrew Farrell (New England) 900 minutes
#2 Carlos Alvarez (Chivas) 530, 1 goal
#3 Kyle Bekker (Toronto  FC) 123 minutes
#4 Kekuta Manneh (Vancouver) 142 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist
#5 Erik Hurtado (Vancouver) 394 minutes, 1 assist
#6 Deshorn Brown (Colorado) 723 minutes, 2 goals, 1 assist
#7 Walker Zimmerman (FC Dallas) 6 minutes
#8 Blake Smith (Montreal) 46 minutes
#9 Ryan Finley (Columbus) 38 minutes
#10 Eriq Zavaleta (Seattle) 6 minutes
#11 Dillon Powers (Colorado) 930 minutes, 2 goal, 1 assist
#12 John Stertzer (Real Salt Lake) 33 minutes
#13 Jason Johnson (Houston) 13 minutes
#16 Emery Welshman (Toronto FC) 5 minutes
#17 Taylor Kemp (DC United) 45 minutes
#19 Charlie Rugg (LA Galaxy) 126 minutes, 1 goal
#21 Donnie Smith (New England) 53 minutes
#29 Devon Sandoval (Real Salt Lake) 515 minutes – 1 goal
#30 Yazid Atouba (Chicago Fire) 55 minutes
#38 Greg Cochrane (LA Galaxy) 398 minutes

Supplemental Picks:

Adam Jahn (San Jose) 524 minutes, 4 goals
Taylor Morgan (Toronto FC) 15 minutes
Leonardo Fernandes (Philadelphia) 1 minute

The post 2013 Rookie Watch: Defenders Getting More Minutes appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.