No clever title today, and I'm in a bit of a rush to get this out, so you're going to have to take what you can get.

Eddie Johnson is desperate for a loan move away from Fulham according to the London Informer. After returning from Cardiff, where he spent last season on loan, Johnson has not figured significantly in manager Roy Hodgson's plans; without playing time, Johnson is an extreme long shot for the US World Cup roster next year. I'll admit to having a soft spot for EJ, so I hope he can himself into a first team somewhere..

• The issue of immigration and soccer has come up again. This time, a progressive political website is refuting an earlier piece we linked to that suggested the lack of immigrant representation on the US Nation Team proved immigrants have trouble assimilating into American culture. The Center for American Progress argues that Latinos have added much to the soccer scene in this country, and it's hard to argue against them.

• The Portland Timbers just completed their penultimate year as a USL-1 side (or maybe not, there's is that little TOA business still lingering), and while it was ultimately a disappointment thanks to their playoff ouster at the hands of future fellow MLS expansion-mates Vancouver Whitecaps, there is plenty to celebrate. Here's a nice rundown of the Timbers' 2009 campaign.

• I'm still working through this because it's epically long, but American Jack McCormick attended two Premier League matches, and runs down the differences between the two experiences. One was at Fulham's Craven Cottage, the little club that could and one of the smaller venues in the Premier League, and the other was at Manchester United's Old Trafford; in typical American fashion,when discussing these things, an analogy is used. " Fulham Fans : Stanford football fans :: Manchester United fans : SEC football fans". The number of people he might offend with that statement are numerous, but I'll admit that it made me chuckle.

Deep Cuts appears daily and is an attempt to bring you soccer news and commentary from off the beaten path or of particular interest to American soccer fans. If you come across something you think would make a good Deep Cut, please send it along to matchfitusa@gmail.com.