Seattle to Sign Freddie Ljunberg?

According to a Swedish newspaper, the Seattle Sounders are preparing to announce the signing of former Sweden international Freddie Ljungberg.

Rumors had been swirling around the Internet for a couple of weeks about Ljunberg heading to Seattle to play for the newest MLS side in 2009. The former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder, who is currently clubless, is reported to complete a deal later this week that will see him become the Sounders' designated player.

If the Ljunberg rumors are indeed true - and they appear to be with each passing day - then he will join midfielder Sanna Nyassi, forward Sebastien le Toux and former U.S. national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller as the first players on the Sounders' squad.

Seattle starts their 2009 campaign in March.


What do you think of Ljunberg to Seattle? Smart move by both sides? At 31-years-old is he worth a DP slot? Will Seattle be the worst team in MLS in 2009? Share your thoughts below.

Fire Dominate Red Bulls 5-2

A Chris Rolfe hat trick was all that was needed against the New York Red Bulls for a victory on Thursday night, but the Chicago Fire forward also set up two more goals in what was one of, if not, his best performance of the year as the Fire beat up on the Red Bulls 5-2.

Rolfe's inspired performance started in the 11th minute as he headed the ball into the open net from close range with nobody marking him. His seventh goal of the season was followed up by two more first half goals, the second of which was a splendid volley, and he then capped off the night with two second half assists.

"It's the first time I have had a hat trick since, I don't know, college or high school," said the Man of the Match. "It feels great. It was just one of those nights."

Last night's loss automatically forces the Red Bulls to become die-hard Colombus Crew supporters. A win or a tie by the Crew over D.C. United this weekend sees the Red Bulls advance to the play-offs, while a win by D.C. would mean the end of New York's post season dreams.

"Collectively, except for one or two players, everybody else should be very ashamed of how we played," said Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio. "To be honest, as it is right now, I have a big question mark about whether we deserve to be in the play-offs."

Regardless of his post-game sentiments, Osorio wants to extend this year and make it into the post season, but his team must now sit anxiously and hope that the Columbus team, which has already secured its Eastern Conference play-off spot, can manage at least one point against a D.C. United side that will be fighting for their play-off lives.

Osorio may not have admit it, but at this point, that's all that matters to him.


What did you think of last night's game? What about Rolfe's jaw-dropping performance? Will D.C. United beat Columbus this weekend? Share your comments below.

Chicago Fire v New York Red Bulls

The 2009 MLS regular season initiates its final week with an entertaining yet interesting match-up tonight. The Chicago Fire, looking to secure their spot as the #2 seed in the East, will be hosting the troubled New York Red Bulls, who have just started to recover from the hang over that was last week when lengthy suspensions were issued to goalkeeper Jon Conway and defender Jeff Parke for taking banned substances.

The Red Bulls can secure their position in the play-offs with a victory tonight, and head coach Juan Carlos Osorio would love for nothing more than to get to the postseason by defeating his former team. However, the opposite also holds true as the die-hard Chicago fans would be pleased with derailing New York's play-off aspirations.

Tonight's match can be seen nationwide on ESPN2 at 9:00 PM eastern. The windy city is the venue for this evening's bout and the Fire should expect to have a rowdy crowd in attendance. Can Osorio's Red Bulls overcome all the adversity they're facing and secure their play-off spot or will Chicago ruin their dreams with a win at home? Tune into ESPN2 tonight and find out.


Who do you think will come out on top tonight? Any key match-ups your looking forward to? What's your prediction for tonight's match? Share your thoughts below.

UEFA Champions League: Matchday 3 Results

Well Matchday 3 has come to a close and there were some very entertaining games on display. We witnessed some impressive team play as well as incredible individual efforts. All in all, it was a good two days of football action.

If you missed any of the matches or didn't get to catch some of the final scores, here are the results from Matchday 3:

Group A

Chelsea 1-0 AS Roma
Bordeaux 1-0 CFR Cluj

Group B

Inter Milan 1-0 Anorthosis Famagusta
Panathinaikos 2-2 Werder Bremen

Group C

FC Basel 0-5 Barcelona
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1 Sporting Lisbon

Group D

PSV Eindhoven 2-0 Olympic Marseille
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Liverpool

Group E

Manchester United 3-0 Celtic
Villarreal 6-3 AaB Aalborg

Group F

Bayern Munchen 3-0 Fiorentina
Steaua Bucharest 3-5 Olympic Lyon

Group G

FC Porto 1-0 Dynamo Kiev
Fenerbahce 2-5 Arsenal

Group H

Zenit St. Petersburg 1-1 BATE
Juventus 2-1 Real Madrid


Which games did you get to watch? How did your favorite club team do? Which goal scored was your favorite for Matchday 3? Share your comments below.

Eriksson on the Hot Seat in Mexico?

Could Sven-Goran Erikkson really be on his way out of Mexico already? It's a possibility.

According to the secretary general of the Mexican Football Federation, the Swedish-born manager's future will be decided after Mexico's World Cup qualifier against Honduras. Mexico needs at least one point against the Catrachos to secure their spot in the final round of World Cup qualifying for CONCACAF in 2009.

"There is full support for this process of the national team and we'll meet again after this round of the qualifiers" said secretary general Decio de Maria.

El Tri opened up this round of qualifying with three home victories but failed to win either of their last two road qualifiers as they lost to Jamaica 1-0 and had to come from behind twice to draw with Canada 2-2.

It's simple for Mexico, a draw or a win and they're through to the Hexagonal. Either result will be enough to satisfy their rabid fan base, but a loss could end their World Cup dreams prematurely.

Sure the men in charge will review Eriksson's first six months as Mexico's manager regardless of the result, but I just don't see how the FMF goes searching for their third coach in as many years unless the Mexicans fail to get out of this semifinal round, which is possible but improbable.


What is your take on Eriksson's results so far with the National Team? Is he to blame for the situation they're in? Even with a win, could you see Eriksson getting the axe? Share your thoughts below.

Beckham to Train with AC Milan

Updating previous reports, it appears that David Beckham will indeed train with a European team this winter. However, it won't be with an English club. Reports have come out stating that the MLS poster boy will be heading to Italy to train with AC Milan.

"If Beckham would like to train with us, there wouldn’t be a problem for me,” said Milan's Head Coach Carlos Ancelotti, who also admit to the team being in the running for Becks' services when he was set to leave Real Madrid two summers ago. But the Los Angeles Galaxy were also interested in Beckham and offered him a lucrative deal that he couldn't refuse as he put pen to paper for the MLS side instead of the Italian heavyweights.

The Galaxy wraps up its 2008 season this weekend and the former England captain should head out for Italy not too long after the season finale. With Beckham leaving to train with Milan, could a potential loan work itself out? One would think so, especially with England Manager Fabio Capello asking for first team minutes from his players.


How do you feel about Beckham training with AC Milan? Do you see a loan in the works? If so, how would a Ronaldinho-Kaka-Beckham-Pirlo midfield pan out? Share your comments below.

Becks Eyeing Premiership Loan?

David Beckham could be heading back to England to play his club ball, but only temporarily. The Spice Boy's LA Galaxy have been eliminated from play-off contention after last night's 3-0 defeat to the Houston Dynamo. Becks will be heading into another long offseason, one which England Manager Fabio Capello is not too fond of.

"For the next game Beckham can play. Whether he will play, I don't know. But for the game against Spain he won't play. He will not be in the squad." said the Three Lions manager.

Beckham is hoping to find a loan move during the MLS offseason in an effort to stay in playing shape while also maintaining himself in Capello's good graces. With Beckham only being a role player for England, he is expendable, at least in Capello's eyes.

For the former England skipper to prolong his career with the one time World Cup Champions, he's going to need to make the move to Europe soon, especially if he wants to earn that coveted 108th cap.


How do you feel about Beckham's situation? Think Capello is doing the right thing? What team would you like to see Becks loaned out to? Share your thoughts below.

Caught in the Middle

It's been difficult for the U.S. to replace the midfield tandem of Claudio Reyna and John O'Brien since their retirements from the International game following the 2006 World Cup. Their departures left two vacant spots in the center of the pitch.

2007 rolls around and in comes new head coach Bob Bradley, who has quite the task at hand as he has to attempt to rebuild a team that has lost key veterans, including the pair of talented center mids that retired the previous summer.

Bradley introduced a plethora of youngsters who had talent but lacked experience. Two faces emerged during the opening months of 2007 in the mold of Brazilian-born Benny Feilhaber and Bradley's son, 20-year-old Michael Bradley.

Both players were asked to take on key roles but the dynamic duo was up for the challenge. Michael Bradley showed outstanding hustle and great defensive efforts as he would run all over the pitch to break up plays while Feilhaber was more attack oriented in his game, setting up teammates with pinpoint passes and scoring goals with a touch that isn't often seen for the United States. The two midfielders secured their starting spots and aided the team in their run to Gold Cup glory in June of 2007. The sky was the limit.

Since then however, it's been a different story as the two promising youngsters have gone down two completely different roads. While Bradley progressed as a solid midfield candidate for both country and club, Feilhaber fell on hard times that he has yet to come out of.

Due to Feilhaber's fall from grace, Bob Bradley has looked for other potential candidates to start next to his son, who has become a mainstay with the squad due to his willingness to defend as well as his ability to jump into the attack. While some players have shown glimpses of skill, they've also made errors that can't be afforded at the top level if the United States wants to be competitive.

With no clear cut winner and more midfielders rising their stock at the club level, it looks to be a pretty intense race as the American center mids all battle it out for the remaining starting spot. Here's a look at the players vying for that starting central midfield position and the order in which is most probable that you'll see them starting along side Bradley in 2010:

7) Ricardo Clark - Has looked less than impressive in his latest stints with the National Team. Looked to be a top of Bob Bradley's list until the end of 2007, when Maurice Edu was introduced to the senior squad. Clark still has the potential but he needs to make a move abroad to really improve his game.

6) Pablo Mastroeni - Some say he's too old to be considered but with him likely making a move to Spain or Italy this January, some European seasoning can't hurt his chances. There's a real possibility that a 33-year-old Mastroeni could still get the nod in 2010.

5) Benny Feilhaber - The player who looked so prepared to fill in the big shoes left by Claudio Reyna has fallen on tough times. Injuries, limited playing time and coaching changes have all affected Benny's career for the worse. If he can somehow get through all the adversity and get back to the player he was in the summer of 2007, then he can't be denied of a starting spot as he has the tools to add a different element to the American attack which makes him a unique asset. But asking him to do that is a pretty tall order.

4) Danny Szetela - At the moment, he's one of the few younger midfielders actually seeing playing time with his club. He has become a regular for Brescia Calcio and his chemistry with Michael Bradley is well documented as the Americans made an impressive run to the quarterfinals in the 2007 U-20 FIFA World Cup with both Danny and Michael manning the center of the field. Szetela deserves more looks and he may get them once 2009 rolls around.

3) Jose Francisco Torres - By deciding to play for the U.S. just a couple of weeks ago, Torres has already shown in two caps what has made him such a hot commodity at Pachuca. Torres has a strong set of attributes such as a good first touch, long range shooting and a vision that most other American central midfielders don't possess. 2009 will be a big year for him.

2) Maurice Edu - His last two efforts left for much to be desired, but one can't deny that he has all the physical attributes to be a successful midfielder for the United States. Mo needs to see time with Rangers and work vigorously on his passing, but if he can accomplish that, then a starting role awaits him.

1) Sacha Kljestan - 2008 was Sacha's coming out party. From his incredible goal against the Netherlands in this summer's Olympics, to his pair of assists against Cuba in a World Cup Qualifier, Kljestan looks poised to take control of the vacant center midfield position. Needs to work on not giving the ball away so easily but that'll come as he's destined to make a move to Europe during this winter's transfer window. Heading into 2009, it's Sacha's position to lose.

Argentina Coach Basile Resigns

Argentina head coach Alfio Basile has called it quits. Wednesday's loss to Chile capped off what was an uneventful second stint for Basile as the man in charge of the albiceleste.

The two time World Cup champions have only managed to win one World Cup Qualifier this year and that was during this past weekend when the Argentines took on Uruguay, beating them 2-1. Before that victory however, four consecutive draws this year had fans questioning the coach's decisions.

But Basile hasn't left the team in shambles, as they're currently sitting in third place of the CONMEBOL standings. While they appear to be a lock for the 2010 World Cup, being in third place is unacceptable for the Argentines. Only first place matters, at least to the Argentine fans. A prime example of this was when Basile took heavy criticism after becoming runners-up in the 2007 Copa America Final, as Argentina was demolished by arch-rivals Brazil 3-0. His resignation has left the team coachless.

The AFA has three possible candidates they're looking at to possibly hire as Basile's successor before Argentina resumes World Cup Qualifying in March of 2009. Former Argentine International, and current River Plate Manager Diego "El Cholo" Simeone is one of the three candidates for the job. The other two potential head coaches are San Lorenzo's Miguel Angel Russo and Sergio Batista, who coached the Argentina Olympic team to Gold this past summer.


What do you think of Basile's resignation? Surprised? Who would you like to see take the role of the manager of the albiceleste? Share your comments below.

Lesson Learned: U.S. Fall to T&T 2-1

When the young and inexperienced Americans took the field on Wednesday, all that fans were looking for were solid performances out of players who were ready to prove they are ready for the real deal as the Hexagonal looms closer. The fans were disappointed.

The Yanks lost to Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain by the final score of 2-1. Trinidad was quicker, stronger and more composed while the United States struggled to find its rhythm. Bob Bradley's youngsters found themselves outmatched physically as the home team earned a crucial three points.

"It was a hard fought match. I thought both teams went after each other in a way that made it hard," said Head Coach Bob Bradley "In the second half, I thought we had a good response when we went down 1-0, and unfortunately when the game is 1-1 and everything is to play for, we have a foul."

The first half saw the stars and stripes come out flat-footed as Trinidad showed aggressiveness from the start. A dangerous free kick early on resulted in a poor clearance by Brad Guzan, gifting the home side with an open net. Fortunately for the Yanks, Michael Orozco managed to kick away the loose ball.

The first half was uneventful for the most part, but the second half saw more of an upbeat tempo, especially after T&T found the back of the net in the 61st minute. The home side was rewarded after Frankie Hejduk hit a wayward pass at midfield. A quick counter attack ensued and Trinidad found space down the right flank. Carlos Edwards took Heath Pearce for a dance before crossing the ball to a wide open Russell Latapy. The 40-year-old struck the ball as it fell to his right foot, and lady luck gifted him a goal. The ball stung off the left post and crashed into Brad Guzan's back before rolling over the goal line to give Trinidad the lead.

The U.S. equalized with a goal just 15 minutes before the final whistle blew. A faulty touch by Maurice Edu luckily fell into the path of Jozy Altidore, who pulled the ball backward and sprayed a low cross to substitute forward Charlie Davies. Davies easily knocked the ball in and the American juveniles looked to potentially leave T&T with a point.

But Altidore, who looked so brilliant just moments prior, made a costly mistake in the 79th minute as he yanked on Makan Hislop's jersey on a corner kick in full view of referee Walter Quesada. Quesada awarded the home side a penalty kick, and the 37-year-old Yorke converted from the spot.

Most fans wanted to see what the former could do when given the chance and last night's performance showed that although they have talent, they're not capable of winning games without some more veterans to lead the way. But make no mistake about it, this experience will go a long way for guys like Altidore, Freddy Adu, Jose Torres and co.

Even though the Soca Warriors triumphed on Wednesday night, Bob Bradley found some positives to take out of the match that meant nothing to the Americans as they've already clinched a berth in next year's Hexagonal.

"One of the objectives is that we have some players who have talent and need the experience playing difficult games. This was an intense game with a lot on the line, and it's important for players to experience that" declared Bradley "We continue to work as a team to improve and I think we've shown in this round that we're a good team, but we still understand that we have to get better. We're working very hard and we have a good pool of players."

The experience was indeed necessary as the next generation of Americans continue to grow as players. Bradley's approach to next month's qualifier looks to be similar, as he'll call in youth instead of seasoned veterans once again.

Perhaps the youngsters will have learned from last night's performance and will end the year with a win.


Player ratings (scale of 1-10)

GK, Brad Guzan, 5 -- Guzan's lack of playing time was evident today as he fumbled a couple of balls that he needs to hold on to. Nothing he could do about either goals, but still, not his best game.

D, Heath Pearce, 5 -- Being one of the more seasoned players on the pitch for the Americans, you would've expected a bigger performance. Heath got forward well in the second half, but he was outmatched against Dwight Yorke, especially as he was tossed and turned on the first goal.

D, Danny Califf, 4 -- Had a prime opportunity to show that he is capable of taking a starting role for either Oguchi Onyewu or Carlos Bocanegra but he lacked composure at the back. Got away with a mistake on a corner kick in the first half and was ball watching on T&T's first goal. Still decent for depth purposes, but a starter he is not.

D, Michael Orozco, 6 -- Not bad for his first International cap. Had some nice positioning and defended well. Cleared the loose ball that Guzan's flubbed punch failed to do. He could be moving up the Center Back depth chart.

D, Frankie Hejduk, 4 -- As always, he showed life and energy as he was all over the right flank. However, tonight could be the beginning of the end for Frankie. His poor distribution of the ball was costly, especially the wayward pass that caused T&T's counter attack on the first goal. Marvell Wynne is awaiting in the wings.

M, DaMarcus Beasley, 6 -- Beasley did a good job at staying active as he captained the team for the first time. He's no Donovan though as he wasn't able to carry the offense and kick it into third gear.

M, Maurice Edu, 3 -- Ouch. All the Edu fans that believe he warrants more minutes with the regulars instead of Michael Bradley were silenced tonight. Edu made turnover after turnover and didn't even defend competently. He was nowhere to be seen on T&T's first goal.

M, Jose Francisco Torres, 5 -- Did a decent job in his first start and showed off his vision as he layed off a nice pass behind the defense in the first half that Altidore couldn't get to. Was physically overpowered on a few occasions.

M, Sacha Kljestan, 4 -- The right wing is not for him at the International level. He made numerous mistakes and lost possession far too often.

M, Freddy Adu, 6 -- Retained possession better than most in the first half but as the second half unraveled, he started to drift out of the match. If Adu wants to become a starter by 2010, he needs to find minutes at the club level.

F, Jozy Altidore, 5 -- One minute he's celebrating his first assist for the National Team, the next he's hanging his head in disbelief as he made a boneheaded error that gift-wrapped T&T a penalty kick. If he can prevent mistakes like this, he's a bonafide starter in 2009.

SUBS:

F, Charlie Davies, 7 -- Moving up the depth chart at forward after a nice performance tonight. His goal was simple yet he was effective and put himself in good positions during his short stint.

M, Danny Szetela, 6 -- Did a good job at getting forward in his limited time. His late cross looked dangerous but none of his teammates managed to get a foot on it.

F, Chris Rolfe, NR -- Not enough time on the pitch to make an impression.