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Soccer goals: After another solid performance with Everton, where Landon Donovan scored his first English Premiere League goal in a 2-0 victory against Sunderland which could have also resulted in a brace, the English media has offered some kind words for the US play maker. Despite his brief time with the Liverpool side, Donovan has integrated seamlessly with the club and has earned an assist and goal in four games.

Soccer videos: Highlights of Everton vs Sunderland and Landon Donovan's goal

The question now remains: will he keep his starting position when midfielder Mikel Arteta returns to full fitness? With the Galaxy attacker impressing in various facets of the game, it will be interesting to see which direction Coach Moyes elects before his loan concludes. Tactical changes could witness Donovan shift left, Mikel Arteta slide into the right wing, and Stephen Pinear move centrally.

Included are some English media excerpts on LD's performance.

From the Times of London.....

Their latest success may have been aided by Sunderland's generosity but that should not detract from Everton's growing sense of confidence in a season that had threatened to go off the rails. The addition of Donovan, an intelligent, thoughtful footballer whose lively movement off the ball was epitomised by Everton's second goal, has clearly helped in this respect.

From the Guardian.....

Chants of "USA, USA" marked the American's first goal for Everton, showing there is still a football ground on Merseyside where that is acceptable.

From the Sun.....

While it opened Donovan's account following his short-term signing from America, the biggest surprise was he did not end up with a hatful against a backline as slapdash as this. Having said that, George McCartney does deserve praise for a wonderful goal-line clearance after Donovan had rounded Craig Gordon.

From the Daily Star.....

The American's 19th-minute strike sent ­Goodison Park wild as he finally found his mark for David Moyes' men.

From the Daily Mirror.....

They have not yet reached the promised land of a European place, but at least Everton saw the Landon they were promised. Landon Donovan scored his first goal for the Goodison club to set them on the way to a comfortable win over sorry Sunderland, to leave his manager David Moyes purring over a polished display from the American

 

What is your thoughts on the LD performance? Will LD clamor for an extended loan? Share your thoughts.

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Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: English Media Reacts to Donovan goal

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Soccer Goals: As Landon Donovan has been persistently knocking on the door, on the verge of scoring his debut goal at Mersey side, the US play maker finally consummated the act on Wednesday night in English Premier League action against Sunderland. After receiving a clever Cahill flick in the 19th minute, Mandon aka Landon Donovan touched the ball to his left, changed directions, and sent home a left-foot shot which took a slight deflection into the back of the net. His first goal gave Everton a two goal lead, after forward Tim Cahill scored earlier from a sublime header in the 7th minute.

Soccer Videos: Landon Donovan's goal against Sunderland

Besides Everton's tendency to bring the ball up the left flank, a strategy that has limited Donovan's touches, the Galaxy forward utilized the center of the pitch to make menacing and daunting runs that spread out the Sunderland defense. In the second half, Donovan's speed exploited the Sunderland's defense as he made a diagonal run that tricked the keeper and allowed him to send a goal-bound shot that was cleared off the line by George McCartney.

Scoring a goal confirmed his strong performance, but his interchange, offensive exchanges, and open-field runs impressed equally, as the outsourced-Everton winger maintained fluidity in the attack with quick and clever passing and good ball composure. In addition, his defensive play inspired not only fans but also his team mates, as he urgently tracked back on numerous occassions maintaining a clean sheet.

After the impressive 2-0 victory and elated to earn another three points, David Moyes commented on Donovan's performances stating that “the games he’s started have been Arsenal and Man City, who are two of the better teams in the country really, and I thought he played really well in those games.  He’s got a great goal-scoring record in America if you look at it. He’s got a great record for his national team. He hadn’t really had chances in those games, but tonight he got the first one and was a bit unlucky not to get a second one. So if he can add us a goal or two that would be great.”

Are you disappointed that he did not score a brace? If good performances continue, will this Yank Abroad seek an extended loan or transfer to Everton? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Donovan nets his first English Premiere Goal

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Soccer goals: After Jozy, Run DMB, and Maurice Edu relegated to the stands and not even the bench, I offer you the greatest gift of all, soccer mixtapes. This foot-skill video features some sick moves and can provide ideas that you can use on your friends. Speaking of dissing your opponents, I used these tapes as motivation utilizing them as I offered a pre-nutmeg declaration: He knew it was coming, and I still pulled it off with finesse. The stylish nutmeg that caused my Latin colleagues to call out the chump that I just punked. Faking the pass and gently rolling it through his legs, while in shock as the ball rolls through his legs in slow motion.

Actually, during the pick-up game, I scored a nutmeg hat-trick (or as they say in spanish a triple cocina).  Tricking my defender has cheered me up because I have been bummed by the recent injury bug and poor club form of some Yanks abroad that I won't mention. Anyway, enjoy the soccer videos and the USMNT game tonight.

Soccer Videos: Tricks that I attempt at the park (still a work in progress)

Top Skills Volume 19 from Torresinho on Vimeo.

Are you disappointed that several key Yanks are either injured or not  performing? What is your favorite trick at the local park? What is your starting Xl for the USMNT game?

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Sick Foot skills Mixtape - Viva Futbol Volume 46

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Soccer Goals: As the USMNT suffers injuries to starters at the same alerting rate of super clubs Manchester United and Arsenal, Bob Bradley must utilize his camps to evaluate potential replacements and tinker with his lineups and tactics to prepare for several key omissions.

Soccer Videos: 2010 January Camp Training session

Preparing for the worst will enable Coach Bradley to handle potential setbacks such as injuries, rehab setbacks, and poor player form. Not being proactive and understanding that his starting Xl could suffer the injury bug or club bench relegation, could spell pain and heartache, especially if the staff can not obtain the magical soccer elixir, the remedy that has solved many problems for top international managers and sent the Stars and Stripes to the Confederations Cup final. 

With that in mind, these injury setbacks could be a blessing in disguise as Coach Bradley and crew must formulate alternative tactics, if several key players do not return to full health or top form. First, experimentation and desperation landed Charlie Davies the opportunity to excel as a starter during the Confederations Cup. Second, Landon Donovan found his ideal position, attacking winger, when many coaches slotted him at forward, where he would disappear for stretches during the game. His increased touches have given him confidence and more opportunities to flourish i.e. USMNT circa 2009 and Everton FC.

In the spirit of obligatory experimentation, Coach Bradley should embrace President Obama's campaign slogan "Time for Change" which could help them find the missing pieces to their World Cup puzzle. Who will that be? Your guess is good as mine. But addressing these issues in the upcoming friendlies will quell US supporters' anxiety. Included are my Starting Xl theme for change.  

Best Xl: January Camp Developments

1. Can Jeff Cunningham score again? - No player has been more overlooked and underappreciated than the speedy FC Dallas forward, second place in MLS history with 121 goals (Shawshank Redemption resembles his current story: Will he retire in the Pacific or Caribbean as a heroic national teamer). After scoring 17 goals in the second half of the season, the USF Bull has punished opposing defenses despite his 33-year old veteran legs. His speed and attacking inclinations could lead to his inclusion after Charlie Davies' absence. Auxere paid attention, allowing him to train with them during the MLS break. If he scores in either upcoming friendlies, Coach Bradley will have to take him to Holland.

2. Will Robbie Findley impress internationally? - Considered the other viable option to replace the injured Chuck D, the strong and speedy RSL striker aspires to make a good first impression. His attacking qualities transformed RSL into a contender during the late stages of the season and playoffs. Scoring 12 goals and adding four assists, combined with his 2009 playoff three goals and one assist, catapulted him higher up the US forward depth chart.

3. Jozy Altidore's club status- Unable to score a goal in English Premier League play, the Hull City loanee could fall further down the Tiger's bench, as reinforcements emerge in the form of Egypt's Zaki and Mido. If the hulkish forward continues to receive the red-haired step-child treatment mostly due to his fault, will coach Bradley opt for different tactics, formation, or return to long ball featuring a more consistent but awkward target forward?

4. Clint Demspey's time table uncertain- Continuing with the forward theme, the Deuce appeared poised to shift to forward after flourishing with Fulham, which witnessed wonder goals and bicycle kicks galore. Fast forward thirty minutes of pure Dempsey offensive bliss, and the Deuce suffered moderate ligament damage.  With Deuce potentially out and Jozy on ice, will coach Bradley opt for two speedy-forwards combo, a cumbersome target forward paired with a burner, or move to a 4-5-1 to accommodate for forward dearth while utilizing the multiple midfield options?

5. Mandon (Landon) to forward- As long as it has taken to find his ideal position, the time it now takes me to run a 10k race, the Everton loanee could slide up top to forward  faster than a Usain Bolt 100m race. Let's hope that several forwards will emerge before this tactic is implemented -- it could mean two steps forward but six steps back.

6. Changing tactics- The Confederations Cup roller coaster ride taught us at least one thing, that depth and tactics can yield improvements in performance (Charlie Davies' emergence and the excavation of Donovan's ideal position). If Dempsey is still injured and Altidore's form disintegrates, would coach Bradley be willing to play a two-speedy-forward pairing? Perhaps, a shift to a possession style that would suit Kenny Cooper, Benny Feilhaber, and Paco Torres would be feasible? Injuries might force the hand.

7. Solidify left back- Whether it be the Honduran hero, Jonathan Bornstein, Heath Pearce, and or Tigres speedster Edgar Castillo, the left back position has received more coverage and scrutiny than the Tiger Woods' sex scandal. Considered the favorite by Coach Bradley, Jonathan Bornstein must further solidify his grasps on the position, a one-game wonder that rightly or not deemed him a Messi killer. Pearce still hasn't recovered from his European odyssey, while Castillo performed poorly in a recent Interliga game in which Coach Bradley went to evaluate his play. Though his potential trumps the formers, questions still persist about his discipline and maturity.

8. What is Geoff Cameron's best position? - Finding a place for a versatile and athletic players should be easy for any coach, right? In Cameron's case, his club and country have yet to identify his ideal position. Let's say he suffers from Jonathan Spector syndrome. The Dynamo jack-of-all-trades performed well in the 2009 MLS All Star Game against Everton, where he utilized his speed on the flank as a right back. If he performs well, his skill set could translate well to the next level and could earn him a spot over a more talented but less versatile player.

9. Alejandro Bedoya's inclusion- With few of his games broad casted on FSC or Setanta, few possess knowledge of his Swedish exploits, as many hope to catch his precious minutes but remain frustrated dealing with the volatile live streams. Known for excellent endurance, good speed, and creative attacking qualities, Bedoya's inclusion would be very welcomed considered many supporters have limited knowledge of his game, myself included. Did he impress enough to receive playing time this Saturday? If Donovan shifts to forward, Coach Bradley will embark on a search to find two-way wingers: He might just fit the bill.

10. Kevin Alston vs Marvell Wynne- After experiencing a superb rookie season, Revs right back, Kevin Alston, aspires to impress in the January Camp and during the Honduras game. Boasting speed galore, good technique, lock-down defensive qualities, and a penchant for dangerous overlapping runs, the former U-17 standout must thoroughly impress, having to compete for spots against Cherundolo, Spector, Cameron, Hejduk, and Wynne.

Receiving the short end of the stick debuting in the away qualifier at Estadio Saprissa, where Los Ticos dismantled Bradley's newly minted 4-3-3, right back Marvell Wynne emerged as a victim of the system, a debut performance that did not experience the suspect game that many had felt, which was more due to an inept midfield than his poor play. Although he boasts immense upside which came into fruition in the Olympics and during a seasoned professional career, questions still remain, regarding his awkward touch, defensive skills reliant on athleticism, and limited tactical sense.

Whoever impresses in the ensuing friendlies could make his case for future callups looking forward to Brazil 2014.

11. And the winner is: Edu, Clark, or Jones?- With all three players vying for a World Cup spot, Jermaine Jones and Maurice Edu recovering from injury, while Ricardo Clark embarks on a new German adventure signing with Eintracht Frankfurt, something has to give in the US central midfield. Although it is luxury to boast such an ample stable of holding midfielders, midfield battle could become even more congested if Kyle Beckerman impresses in the upcoming friendlies, especially given the fact that Coach Bradley could adopt different tactics due to the rash of injuries. Though devoid of the athleticism and range of the former mentioned candidates, Beckerman thrives as a ball winner who can provide quick and deft passing, coupled with perpetual movement and reliable offensive interchanges.

Who will impress in the January Camp? Who will score in the upcoming friendlies? Will Honduras expose the USA's dearth of experience? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: SAN Best Xl January Camp Developments

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Soccer Goals: Dempsey avoids the Knife

 As many US supporters began to debate injury prognosis, potential replacements, and disbelief regarding Clint Dempsey's knee injury, Fulham FC released a statement addressing Clint Dempsey's injury status as "moderate" knee ligament damage. The injury will not require surgery, and he should return before the conclusion of the English Premiere League season.

Adversity has confronted the Deuce on several occassions since his move to Craven Cottage, where he has played under three different coaches, two relegation battles, and battling for a starter position. Despite the physical setback, Dempsey should return healthy before the World Cup on June 12th.

In a statement issued by Fulham FC, they comment on his chances:

During the Blackburn Rovers fixture on Sunday 17 January, Clint Dempsey sustained moderate damage to a ligament in his right knee. Following the results of a scan, early indications are positive in that no operation is required. At this stage it is thought that the injury will not prevent him from featuring for Fulham, prior to the end of the season.

Now that Dempsey will be unable for the Holland friendly, it will be interesting to see in which direction and player Coach Bradley elects. It is possible that a dark horse could impress between now and March 3rd.

US Midfielder Ricardo Clark closes in on Eintracht Frankfurt Deal

Pending a medical exam, midfielder Ricardo Clark will ink a six month deal with a club option for three years with Eintracht Frankfurt . The Frankfurt club currently sits in seventh place with 27 points and is six points ahead of Borrussia Monchengladbach, the team of current US midfielder Michael Bradley. Making an initial impact to earn playing time and securing a starting position will make the top of his to-do list, as he will battle for a US starting spot between Benny Feilhaber, Jermaine Jones, and Maurice Edu.

Stuart Holden to Portuguese Braga?

A recent UK report suggests that the former Houston Dynamo has left the Bolton Wanderers without a contract and could sign with premiere Portguese club Braga. After initially trialing at Burnley, Holden followed coach Coyle to Bolton where the club has yet to comment on whether Stuart Holden's status.

Are you happy about Dempsey's injury prognosis? Will Clark earn a starting role? If Holden does sign with either team, will he earn significant playing time? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Dempsey avoids knife, Clark to Eintracht Frankfurt, and Holden to Braga?

Soccer Goals: With the holiday season slowing down the US Soccer season and MLS hibernating for the winter, several American's abroad have kept the excitement level high. Almost buried and forgotten about by most US supporters, DaMarcus Beasley has found a rich vein of form, scoring a goal, an assist, and setting up a second goal against Motherwell in a 6-1 victory. Stepping up in the biggest of games, Clint Dempsey propelled Fulham to a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, earning an assist. In addition, he set up the game winning goal which lead to the White's advancement, eliminating FC Basel in Europa League action.

Marcus Hahnemann continues to impress as he lead Wolverhampton to another victory with five saves. Over Germany, the steady and stable Steve Cherundolo assisted in Hannover's 3-2 defeat to VFL Bochum. Let's take a look at how the Yanks abroad fared.

1. DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers): Besides making it bling in jewelry stores in the UK, the speedy right winger continued his hot streak against Motherwell scoring a goal and adding an assist. Although the former Fire midfielder clamored for a winter transfer, his recent hot streak, offensive prowess, and Coach Smith's desire for Beasley to stay suggests that his playing time will continue if he does stay with the club.

2. Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC): After advancing to the knockout stages of the Europa League by defeating FC Basel 3-2, Dempsey' creativity sparked the offense with a late cameo appearance (which in reality should have scored a goal on several break-away attempts). Although many anticipated a let down against Super Club Manchester United, the Deuce earned high praises from Sky Sports earning a player grade of nine, while adding an assist and willing the club to a 3-0 victory over Sir Alex Ferguson.

3. Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96): Making his case for the right back position continues to pay dividends as he earned a superb assist and 90 minutes in a 3-2 defeat to VFL Bochum. With his experience and former captaincy in the Bundesliga, he hopes to create distance between to his US right back competition, Jonathan Spector.

4. Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton): Besides notching five saves against Burnley in their 2-0 victory, the veteran keeper has facilitated winning ways for the Wolves winning their last four out of six games. If he continues his strong play, he should forge his place on the USMNT for South Africa.