It's been a long time since I did a link post. Aside from the Henry-Hartman incident last night, there's not much top-of-mind to write about. Perhaps something will present itself a bit later.
In the meantime, let's take a look around the webernet for interesting things to read...
US (and former Mexico) youth international striker Adrian Ruelas is joining Celtic as part of some odd exchange program between the Scottish club and Mexican club Santos Laguna. Ruelas starred for the US at the Milk Cup, and while it appears he's still undecided about which nation he'll play for as a senior international, he's definitely one to watch. I'm just a little fuzzy on how what this exchange program means for him - it's not a loan, and Ruelas doesn't seem a candidate for a work permit.
Staying in the realm of Mexican-Americans and the constant tug of war between the two nations for talented young players, Miguel Ángel Ponce of Chivas Guadalajara may have a more complicated choice when it comes to national teams. The Chivas policy of Mexican-eligible players only means that Ponce will no longer be welcome there should he decide to play for the United States.
Noah Davis gets to a topic before me (must be a Davis thing) and spins off Jonathan Wilson's discussion of the messiah complex in English football by asking if the United States has one of its own. I think Noah has a point, though I get the feeling that Klinsmann was simply a stand-in for an unnamed, shadowy messiah figure that American fans hope will show up and lead us to the promised land. I'm also with Noah on that summation that there is no quick-fix, no messiah, and no massive leaps forward. Slow and steady is the only way the United States has a chance of winning any race, and arguments against Bob Bradley without a accompanying suggestion of someone more capable of taking the team forward are essentially pointless.
Jared Montz got himself a little time with Landon Donovan. Check it out. Landon reiterates that fatigue is a factor in his winter plans.
Some guy asses it up over why the World Cup got more attention than the FIBA World Championships.
FIFA.com has an interview with Stuart Holden. Unlike the fake one they had with Jozy awhile back, this one appears to be legit.
One more note - next week's American Soccer Show (which will be recorded this weekend) will be an "E-Mail Special" due to the absence of one Zach "The Ginge" Woosley. I'm encouraging anyone and everyone to send along e-mail with questions, comments, and criticisms to the show's email account (show@americansoccershow.com). Miriti Murungi of Nutmeg Radio will join me as well, so I expect the show to be as good as one without The Ginge can possibly be.
Thanks in advance.
