CP Live!: FC Tampa Bay v. Philadelphia Union

I’m here at Pepin Stadium on the University of Tampa campus for tonight’s preseason clash between FC Tampa Bay Rowdies (USSF-2) and the newest MLS side, Philadelphia Union.  I’ll be providing match commentary all night.  Feel free to join in the conversation.

Click Here for the liveblog session!

Beckham out of World Cup, but expect him back in MLS

During a match against ChievoVerona today, Beckham received a pass, took a step back to set himself, and immediately knew something was wrong.  In obvious trouble, Beckham hobbled briefly before signalling for a training and fell to his knees.  One off step and David Beckham is out of the 2010 World Cup. 

MLS not that bad after all

Everyone likes to dump on MLS.  The league isn’t the Barclay’s Premier League, but it isn’t the Belize Premier League either.  Both DC United and Chicago have gone into Mexico recently and gotten results.  Columbus impressed in CONCACAF competition.  If this week’s results are any indication, MLS squads are doing just fine.

What happened to the Pan-Pacific Championship?

The what?  I’d imagine that’s what most of you are thinking.  The Pan-Pacific Tournament is a four team tournament played between teams from the Asian Football Confederation and MLS teams.  It is basically a preseason money grab, but as someone who wants to see MLS test its teams more against international talent, I liked it.  What happened to it?

Are the rumors about Jozy’s work ethic true?

It is likely that most people read Landon Donovan’s recent comments about Jozy Altidore’s skills and how dangerous he can be and thought “Duh.”  Jozy’s skills need no warning.  His sneaky nutmeg backheel to himself against Holland on Wednesday was proof enough of that.  What I got out of Donovan’s comments was, while surely an unintentional admission, is still an admission of what has been questioned ever since Jozy became a star with the Red Bulls.

US injury woes continue – Holden’s leg broken against Dutch

First it was Charlie Davies horrific car accident.  Just days later, Oguchi Onyewu tore up his knee.  Then Clint Dempsey mangled his knee in the EPL.  The injury picture was bleak for the US National Team already.  Today’s news about Stuart Holden just made it worse.  On the bright side, Holden, like all of the other previously mentioned players, should be fully healed in time for South Africa.

The kids are alright – USA loses 2-1 to Netherlands

The USMNT went into Amsterdam today with a weakened squad.  A win wasn’t exactly expected.  For 35 minutes, you had to feel like we could get a nice draw out of the match.  Then Johnny Trainwreck* showed up.  Boy did he show up.  Twice.  That being said, I’m not in panic mode.  You shouldn’t be either.

Disney Pro Soccer Classic a moderate success

For the first time since the 1998 All-Star Game, Orlando had the chance to host MLS for something other than a random meaningless friendly.  The weather severely dampened the festivities, but the inaugural Disney Pro Soccer Classic was, for the most part, a success.  Provided the weather doesn’t return with it, I hope to see it back next year.  Here are my thoughts MLS’ first major visit to Orlando in over a decade.

America needs the WPS

Last week, the untimely demise of the LA Sol scared a few people.  The upstart Women’s Professional Soccer league had just held its draft and looked poised to build on a strong 2009 season.  The loss of the Sol set the league back, causing some to wonder if the league could survive.  Now that the dispersal draft is starting to take shape, it’s clear that the WPS, at least for the time being, will be ok.  It needs to be okay.

NASL: Now Allowing Suspicious Loans? Part II: Vocabulary Lessons

Part II was orginally going to delve into the transfer practices of Miami FC, but I simply haven’t had the time to complete my research. The day after Part I was published, Miami FC graciously offered me a chance to interview Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo about their policies. I have every intention of accepting the invitation, but my schedule simply hasn’t given me the chance yet.