2012 MLS Banter

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

Link: The Dream continues...Beckham snubs Paris St. Germain to remain in LA.

If he plays next year like he played last year, this will be acceptable.
The Galaxy have to complete the CONCACAF Champions League in the next few months, and both he and Keane will be indispensable in defeating the mega salary Mexican clubs along the way. With any luck, we could see the Galaxy in the Club World Cup next year. This competition is one that Beckham has never gotten a sniff of, and his best chance to get there is though the Galaxy now.

[sonofben]

We have had a tidy little off season, raiding central America, for a couple players, though now we have 11 Internationals and only 8 spots, so we will see what happens with that.

[luke_golden]

Not sure Houston have done anything besides name the new stadium after a bank.

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

We have had a tidy little off season, raiding central America, for a couple players, though now we have 11 Internationals and only 8 spots, so we will see what happens with that.

I see Alecko Eskandarian is working for the Union now,too.

[matimbers]

New CEO, new management team and a virtually new stadium for the 'caps this year. They need to secure the defence and former Spurs left back Lee Young-Pyo has come in. What we need is a new keeper though, have traded Nolly and only Cannon left and he is far too old to play the regular season. The midfield as well needs considerable strengthening as most players are ex Vancouver residency or little collage experience. Going to be another long tough season I think, lets hope playing at such a nice stadium will help continue what was a relatively decent home record last season.

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

Cannon is 36, but he struggled with injury over the last year or so. He can be quite good when healthy.

Galaxy midfielder Juninho has left to return to Brazil to continue playing with Sao Paulo from whom he was on loan. His contract was extended with a specific stipulation that he get first team time in Sao Paulo this year. Truly, the Galaxy will need to find a emplacement or ther is no way the success of 2012 carries over to 2012.

Omar Gonzalez got a call up to the US training camp this winter, but he just left it to pursue an ambiguous loan opportunity in Europe. In all likelihood, Omar could end up playing in Europe next season which does not make me happy, even though it is probably best for his career. That means the Galaxy need an answer for the defense AND the midfield...

The Galaxy also signed a Brazilian midfielder playing for the Costa Rican champions CD Alajuelense, Marcelo Sarvas. The idea is he can replace Juninho and pair with Beckham in the middle...at least that's the idea. We got a chance to see him play when the G's faced Alajuelense in the CONCACAF Champions League late last year, so I'm sure Bruce Arena took note of him then.

Donovan Ricketts has been released and Toronto FC obtained him. He is a great keeper, and I will miss him, but Josh Saunders proved to the Galaxy that he could do as well or better, and he doesn't get hurt as frequently as Ricketts did.

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

The Ching-a-ling will play in Montreal after all...
link

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

...and this just in:

Omar Gonzalez Injured By Timothy Chandler In First Nürnberg Training Session

Particularly juicy given what American Preston Zimmerman said about "fake Americans" recently.

EDIT: He tore his ACL. Devastating injury...he can recover, but it will take a lot of time and medical care and rehabilitation. Worst case scenario.

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

Primer on the MLS Superdraft.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/b...012-supporters

[luke_golden]

Good article. Thanks for posting. Ching has stated that he'll now report for training camp with his new side. Surely Houston will trade for him. I can't imagine they'll open the new stadium without him leading Houston out. Oh, and Kinnear has himself a new 3 year deal.

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

Kevin Hartman
January 5
What happens if Ching just goes up to Montreal and hangs out? Seems like a real dilemma now that players have guaranteed contracts but no input in where they land. Uh oh....Thoughts? And believe me, I don't think Brian would do that, but man, what craziness!

From the current FC Dallas and former Galaxy great goalkeeper's Facebook page last week... I think MLS is growing out of its current player contract ownership process.

[luke_golden]

Apparently we've made an offer for Kris Boyd. Could be a good signing if he's up for it, but there are question marks over his work ethic from his days with Boro and Forest. Would continue the Scottish theme with Houston nicely.

[matimbers]

Apparently we've made an offer for Kris Boyd. Could be a good signing if he's up for it, but there are question marks over his work ethic from his days with Boro and Forest. Would continue the Scottish theme with Houston nicely.

What are the bars like in Houston? Boyd certainly likes a drink and by all accounts would play fairly regularly for Rangers with a stinking hangover, stand around a bit and then get a nice couple of finishes. You could see steam come off him after being on the pitch for a couple of mins. He knows where the back of the net is certainly and at MLS level, will his lack of fitness count?

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

I remember Boyd from a friendly with the Galaxy. He was a real standout.

[StuBoy]

So is Beckham staying at Galaxy now for sure? I haven't really followed him in the MLS, but I gather he was rather useful last season in their triumph?

[luke_golden]

What are the bars like in Houston? Boyd certainly likes a drink and by all accounts would play fairly regularly for Rangers with a stinking hangover, stand around a bit and then get a nice couple of finishes. You could see steam come off him after being on the pitch for a couple of mins. He knows where the back of the net is certainly and at MLS level, will his lack of fitness count?

Few Irish bars around town, with plenty of Celtic fans to welcome him. Lack of fitness could be the death of him in Houston, Literally. It'll be over 90 degrees with hideous humidity for home games in the summer.

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

Hey Stub,
No not for sure yet...not sure what the hang up is. He did indeed have a good season with far far less douchebaggery than the prior 4 years.

Lukey,
You're right. It's hard to appreciate how dreadful the humidity is there until you've tried to play in it. You acclimate (when you're young and fit!), but it is crazy along the way getting there.

[luke_golden]

I started playing for my new team during the summer months. My first game in 6 months came at 3pm on a day with highs of 106. I played a full 90 minutes and don't think I could actually breathe for the final 30 minutes. Oh, and I got sun burned badly. The heat was fine though, it's just the humidity. Like you say, it's dreadful.

I can think of 4 games I was this season where we scored late winners, deep into added time. I'd put this down to opposition teams just being dead on their feet from 90 minutes in this oppressive heat. It really is brutal.

[sonofben]

Kenny Cooper to NY.. wtf?

[PFCFitz,YellowArmy]

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/t...medium=twitter

Ben, this guy is in a predicament, isn't he?