Although Sacha Kljestan, US international midfielder, performed well at the Celtic trial and scored a hat trick against Sweden, Celtic appears to be unwilling to pay the reported 3.5 million transfer fee. According to the Evening Times, "other consideration such as incentives for games played and a sell-on clause were also part of the deal and could’ve played a role in Celtic’s decision to look elsewhere".
Sacha Kljestan has also received interest from from Germany and Dutch clubs, but his European move appears to be delayed until the summer which could lead to an increase in his summer asking price. With the current credit crunch and strengthing dollar, MLS and US international players might not be seen as such a bargain as they were several years ago. This development could be a positive for Kljestan who could find a more ideal club and situation. In addition, Kljestan could increase his asking price by performing well for both club and country.
This soccer video features what Celtic will be missing. LOL!!!
Carlos Ruiz, former MLS MVP forward and Guatemalan international, was released from Toronto FC and now has signed a six month contract with Olimpia de Paraguay.
Rumors exist that owner Robert Kraft is interested in bidding for a share of Liverpool. Kraft denied these rumors stating that he is extremely busy with his current professional teams the New England Patriots and Revolution.
Speculation exists before the close of the transfer window that Tottenham Hotspurs would be interested in swapping Mexican international, Giovanni Dos Santos for Lyon forward Fred. With a few days remaining before the final day of transfers, it appears unlikely that Dos Santos will make another move this season.
Samuel Osei Kuffour, the ex-Ghanaian international defender, has been mentioned in a move to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer according to Ghanaweb.com. It is reported that the two parties are trying to finalize the contractual details and should have an agreement shortly.
Coach Steve Nicol is on a scouting trip to Ghana to evaluate a few prospects for the upcoming 2009 season. Will he be able to pull a rabbit out of his hat like he did with the acquisitions of Gambian internationals Mansally and Nyassi last season?
According to the Washington Post, Andrew Jacobson, Lorient midfielder, is in the final stages of signing with DC United and should be in training on Friday.
According to No Short Corners, a Belgian report claims that Russian holders Rubin Kazan have Oguchi Onyewu on their short list for the obligatory Champions League strengthening.
In another report from No Short Corners, Heath Pearce will play out the season at Hansa Rostock, then be free to choose this summer. Two Danish teams and a Dutch team tried (to varying degrees) in recent days, but the Germans have insisted on keeping him.
What do you think of these recent developments? What is your opinion? Let us know.
In the latest soccer news, Ives Galarcep of Soccer By Ives confirmed from sources that Jozy Altidore has reported to Spanish Second Division Deportivo Xerez.Although Altidore and Pellegrini did not want to make the loan deal, Villareal's management would like Altidore to experience the opportunity to play and develop in Second Division leaders Deportivo Xerez. The benefits of his Xerez loan will be that Altidore should receive plenty of playing time and will be game fit for the upcoming US' qualifiers.
U.S. U-20 standout Kamani Hillcurrently with Wolfsburg has declined an offer to join German 3 Bundesliga club Erzgebirge Aue. Kamani Hill inidated to Soccer 365 that "I have some opportunities that I'm tracking down now for the summer that are looking pretty optimistic. They are more optimistic than anything I've had before." Earlier in the year, rumors existed that a couple of undisclosed Major League Soccer teams were interested in Hill, but the rumors dissipated in recent weeks.
Do you think Kamani will return to MLS or is he staying in Europe? Will Jozy go on a goal spree in Spain's second division? Don't forget that Bayern Munich plays at 2:30 p.m. est. on Gol TV
In the spirit of forgeting to record one of those special matches, I present to you the first segment of the DVR Reminders. Landon Donovan and Bayern Munich will face Hamburg SV at 2:30 p.m. on Gol Tv. If you are unable to watch or record the game, Greg Seltzer at No Short Corners will be doing a play by analysis on line. Since it is Friday, it would be cool if your boss would stop production and flip on the Bayern Munich game. If this were to happen this would go down as a hall-of-fame esque Friday. But, for those of you who do not have that type of boss, please don't forget to set your DVR because it should be an exciting game. Rember Bayern Munich will face Hamburg SV at 2:30 p.m. on Gol Tv.
Coach Bob Bradley has called in 20 players for training camp in preparation for the Mexican qualifier on Februay 11th, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. This group consists of mainly players that were at the January camp. Frankie Hejduk, Columbus Crew midfielder and local icon, is the new addition to the list. Let's see if he can win the beep test yet again.
U.S. Men’s National Team Roster By Position
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids) DEFENDERS (5): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC) MIDFIELDERS (8): Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire) FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)
Will most of these players make the squad for the match? Probably not...but it is possible that several could challenge for one of the fringe positions. Who would you like to see on the roster for Mexico? Let us know.
Although some El Tri fans have resorted to voodoo to win upcoming qualifiers, Sweden displayed its own Nordic potion defeating the Mexican National Team scoring a second half goal. The Swedish goal was conceded in the 57th minute because Mexico's back line of four failed to man-mark Alexander Farnerud the only player in the penalty area . The Swedish winger capitalized on the open space settling the cross and sending it far left post into the back of the net. It appears that Karma has prevailed and has prevented Sven-Goran Eriksson, coach of El Tri, another chance of a victory which gives the Swedish born coach only one victory in the last six appearances.
This soccer video features Mexico vs Sweden friendly 1-0.
Although Mexico had its' chances in the first half, El Tri appeared to fatigue in the second half as Sweden began to impose its' physicality and utilized the open spaces in the Mexican formation. For the most of the game, Sweden played very direct relying on the long ball for offense, but in the second half, they flipped the switch and began to possess and distribute much better illustrating that the Swedes can offer a technical aspect to their game.
Who impressed me from Tri? Leandro Augusto, the naturalized Mexican midfielder, showed quick play and energy. Fausto Pinto, current Cruz Azul defender, played well at left back and could be an option for the upcoming USA/Mexico qualifier. He possesses the lateral speed to stay with speedy midfielders and forwards. In the last meeting, Carlos Salcido played left back against the USA in February 2008, and Landon Donovan ate his lunch and stole his milk money playing at right midfield. Coach Hugo Sanchez yanked Salcido in the 55th minute opting for a new defensive option. Will Eriksson prefer Salcido or will he go with Fausto Pinto? Is it possible that Edgar Castillo, New Mexico native, could play left back or wing?
With the Marquez, Guardado, Pardo, and Vela unable to play due to injury or suspension, it is possible to see a completely different lineup for the US game. This could be a possible lineup for Mexico on February 11th.
------Vuoso------Naelson----
Dos Santos-Augusto-Torrado-Arce
Salcido-Magallon-Galindo-Osorio
----------Sanchez----------
Notes: Pinto could start at left back, but Salcido gets the nod for experience. Hector Moreno could start in place of Aaron Galindo. At the forward position, Omar Orellano could replace Sinha. Nery Castillo would be a more likely second half player being that he has not played club ball in almost a year. Guillermo Franco could start over Vuoso due to his experience, but I think Eriksson will go with Vuoso.
