With the MLS season coming to a close, and with the January window rapidly approaching, steam is building behind another winter loan for Landon Donovan.  Everton are the most vocal bidders, of course, and Donovan has regularly expressed his desire to return to Goodison since leaving England in the spring.  Newcastle is also rumored to be interested in the Galaxy attacker.

As I begin this post, Hull is beginning the second half of a crucial EPL fixture with Sunderland, and doing so without Jozy Altidore. The young American striker was sent off for violent conduct late in the first half, when he lashed out after Sunderland's Allan Hutton tossed the ball at Altidore's head while the latter was on the ground. It was an ugly scene that leads to questions over's Altidore's maturity.


It will also likely be the last thing Jozy ever does in a Hull shirt. The loan that sent the American to England from Villareal, after he struggling to find a game in Spain, comes to an end after the season. Hull has the option to buy Altidore, but that seems unlikely if they are relegated, and that ignominy seems almost a certainty now.


Hull is a poor, poor team. While the excitement, at least for American fans, that followed Jozy's loan to Hull was rightly placed, with a young player who needed time landing at a club that would likely play him in one of the world's best leagues, it was always going to be an up-and-down proposition. Make no mistake: Altidore has played enough for the loan to be termed a success from an experience standpoint, despite a few fits and starts. But if frustration won out, as it seemed to today, then we must wonder if the stint has done more harm than good. Is Jozy Altidore a better player today than when he arrived at Hull in August?


Again, from a purely physical standpoint, it would be difficult to argue that Altidore has regressed; playing is always better than not, and even in a bad team that struggles to consistently mount an attack (meaning Altidore sees the ball rarely), Jozy's skills look to have improved. There have been more than one occasion, despite a lack of goals, where Altidore was Hull's lone bright spot. Winning balls, pressuring the defense, and drawing fouls; it's not flashy, and it's not clear-cut evidence that Jozy is getting better in a way that would make USMNT fans comfortable, but it is something.


But what about his head? Today's transgression isn't Altidore's first issue with maturity. He started his Hull stint on the wrong foot last year, arriving late and being admonished for tweeting about his omission from the match day roster. A manager change, the stress of a relegation battle, and larger problems at the club have only made it more difficult; it might even be fair to call Hull's environment "toxic", a situation ill-suited for a player of Altidore's age and experience.


That's not to give Jozy a free pass. It's up to him to commit himself, perform professionally, and not allow his frustration to carry over into his actions. His sending off today will only have people asking if he will ever grow up, or if his attitude and penchant for stupid behavior will inevitably lead him to a disappointing career.


Everything that Altidore does is subject to close scrutiny in the US because of his status as a entrenched USMNT starter (in part due to lack of better options) and his being one of a handful of American regulars in England's top division. If Altidore was a rising American player, but one whose performance at his club was not seen as directly related to US chances in South Africa, would we have so much criticism for him?


Maybe. From certain segments of the American fan base, always. The fortunes of talented young players is the subject of obsessive analysis because there are still too few. Altidore, for better or worse at twenty years of age, is an important player in a World Cup team despite his lack of professional credentials in Europe. Such is the state of Bob Bradley's team.


And so Altidore's Hull experience is probably over. I might be the first to attempt an assessment of his time there, but I certainly won't be the last. More important for Altidore is how he leverages his experience; was it simply a frustrating exercise in futility, both from a team and personal standpoint, that ended sourly and spiraling him downward, or was it something to be learned from, a bit of adversity that will serve him well as he strives to fulfill his potential?


I have a sense that Bob Bradley will play a role in the ultimate fallout. The timing could not be better for Altidore now, to leave Hull after a terrible ending and head directly into US camp for the World Cup. Altidore has been at his best in an American jersey, and if there's any way to mitigate the damage from this debacle, it could be found back in Jozy's home state of New Jersey.


Maybe Jozy is a brat. Maybe his development is stunted by a poor attitude, and much of what happened this season at Hull is direct evidence of that.


He's still very young, and playing on a bad team has detrimental effects on many players. Let's hope the adversity is just rough patch on Jozy's road to ultimate success.

Landon Donovan boarded a plane at London's Heathrow Airport today for the long journey back to the sun and fun of Southern California. His 10-week loan stint at Everton has come to an end, and while the experience was success for him professionally, he now heads into an uncertain situation.


Not because LA is in disarray, or because Donovan is set for an adjustment period, but because there's a good chance that the fifteenth MLS season won't kick off when it's scheduled to.


Donovan should be coming back to excitement in LA over his English run, especially as it ended when originally planned; Donovan went and shined, and won't miss the Galaxy's start to the season. The fans must be proud of their star, a player whose previous struggles in Europe were a black mark on his resume despite the good he's done in Major League Soccer. It will be tough for the Galaxy faithful, and those fans around the league who manage to like Donovan no matter the colors he wears, to produce the right enthusiasm considering the labor environment.


And let's not forget that Donovan himself has been vocal (in press releases at least) during the process, reiterating the MLS must change its ways and give players their deserved rights. His status as the preeminent American player makes him the most obvious mouthpiece for the MLSPU as they work to sway fans to their side. Here's Landon Donovan, on top of the world and American soccer's golden boy, to soften up the fans before the players walk out in the face of owner intransigence.


Or perhaps Donovan will join his LA teammates in camp, train for the new season, and lay low on all of this labor unpleasantness. He has been away for two and a half months, after all, so even though he knows the league and it's ways intimately, it might not be the best idea for him to jump into the fray with both feet. Better to let the Twellmans, Kellers, and Garcias of the world do the talking while he himself remains in the background.


Whatever Donovan decides to do, his words, or lack thereof, will have weight in the public perception of the MLS labor drama. Donovan might compare the plight of MLSers to the rights his Everton teammates have in England; or he might argue that MLS needs to "grow up" to one day reach the level that he played on in Merseyside. If he doesn't speak out, it could just be that he's leaving the battle to others, or that he knows he's not long for this league anyway; it's impossible to know. That won't stop observers from guessing at his motives.


It's unfortunate that the highlight of Donovan's career is followed by a return to a league that remains in labor purgatory. Any attention MLS might have garnered from abroad with the return of their biggest American star, and any additional fans that might have gravitated towards the league because one of its players went and starred in England, could be lost. Marketing coup turned into a "what if".


Landon Donovan landed LA today, fresh off of a magical run at Everton. He now finds himself smack in the middle of a mess. Such is the life of American's greatest footballer.

Consider this a Sunday diversion. Landon Donovan's loan with Everton is set to end in a week, and the buzz has started for him to remain through the end of the season. Bruce Arena, naturally, said it won't happen and that Donovan will return to the Galaxy for the start of the MLS season. His saying anything else would be newsworthy, but his "strong" words on the subject mean little. Similar things were said during David Beckham's loan limbo last year.


But perhaps most interesting to me than the machinations of the will-he-stay-or-will-he-come-home tennis match is why, as fans, so many of us are of the opinion that Donovan should absolutely remain at Everton.


Is it because we think he'll play better at the World Cup in June if he stays with the Toffees? Are his fans just happy to see him succeeding in one of the world's best leagues and want that to continue? Is it because we see Donovan as the American standard bearer and want him to remain in England where he can increase the Yank reputation?


Or is something else entirely, perhaps a combination of factors or a more complicated permutation of one of the suggestions above?


For those of you who want Donovan to stay at Everton, explain your reasoning below, and those of you who have had a change of heart on Landon, I definitely want to hear from you.


To get it started, I'll give my own reasoning; I'm a fan of Donovan's, always have been, and am happy to see him proving his quality in a top league. The longer he stays, the quieter those disapproving voices that have criticized him repeatedly will get.

Until it's proven impossible, I'm usually the type to believe in the best case scenario, meaning that I refuse to acknowledge something won't happen until a preponderance of evidence exists making it undeniably clear that it really won't.


That doesn't mean that I don't intellectual assess possible outcomes and have a different opinion of what will likely happen, it just means that I don't close the door, no matter how small the opening might be, on my preferred result.


I suppose in some ways, I'm a hopeless optimist.


And so it was with Landon Donovan and his loan deal to Everton. I didn't know that Donovan would succeed with the Toffees, because no one did for sure, but I certainly had a strong belief that he wouldn't fall flat. Far from falling flat, he has now contributed enough to Everton to be the subject of much speculation over his immediate future. Will MLS extend his loan? Can Everton afford to buy him permanently?


As little as a few days ago, after Donovan helped Everton beat league-leaders Chelsea by putting in a Man of the Match-quality performance, I still believed it possible he would remain in England till the end of the season. Even after David Moyes states publicly that he sees no way for Everton to keep Landon, I still thought he would stay. I discounted Moyes' words, just as I did with Bruce Arena's company line, chalking up the statement to keeping expectations low just in case a deal couldn't be worked out, or to a negotiating stance on the part of a savvy manager.


I don't think I could even identify for you what has changed, but I'm not convinced that Donovan will in fact return to MLS next month, and play with the Galaxy until the World Cup. Maybe it's the words of people who know things, or deferring to the path of least resistance; either way, I'm no longer optimistic that Donovan will stay with Everton. He's on his way back, just as was originally planned, and it doesn't matter how well he's played since landing in Merseyside.


There's just too much that needs to happen for Donovan to stay, and I can't convince myself that just because he's become indispensable for Everton (which he clearly has) that MLS will allow for a loan extension. It's still possible, just as is almost anything with the less-than-predictable suits in New York, but without a strong financial incentive for the league, I don't see them letting him play in England while the MLS season is happening.


Donovan has done much to exorcise some European demons this winter. I suspect that he'll return at some point in the future. I just don't think he'll be staying past March this time around. It's a disappointing realization to come to.

I kid, I kid. Sure felt that way though, both with how well Donovan played and the praise being heaped on him by almost everyone who watched the game; this wasn't one of those "Well, he had some good moments, but..." matches for American soccer's lightning rod, this was an out and out fantastic performance across the board.


Against what many would argue is the best team in the Premier League, with England first-choice left back Ashley Cole his main opposition most of the day, Donovan somehow managed to improve the perception of a move that has already been lauded as a massive success. He was dangerous in attack, but a perfect corner on the head of Louis Saha for Everton's first goal, drew a penalty (which Saha unfortunately missed), tracked back effectively all day, and just generally played a spectacular match.


The amazing thing is that none of that is hyperbole.


The Independent named him their "Man of the Match" (despite Saha's brace), as did the Daily Mail, and the Star gave him their "Star Man".


Against the stiffest competition possible, Donovan raised his game.


Not only does this bode well for June and the US World Cup hopes, with the showdown between Donovan and Cole rightly drawing some attention, it begins to push us towards a very real question: Would Donovan returning to MLS in March not only be disappointing, but actually be a disaster?


I know "disaster" is a serious, heavy, word, but it seems the most apt here. American fans, after watching Donovan finally see success in Europe, are generally rooting for him to stay at Everton. There's a sense that no matter how highly the league values him, they should either extend the loan through the end of the EPL season or sell him outright at a reasonable price.


If neither of those happen, how will it affect Donovan himself? Would he really just be okay with heading back to LA before seeing the season out with him new teammates?


This appears to be a new, mentally stronger Donovan. Failure in Germany hasn't kept him from showing off his abilities with Everton. But he wouldn't be human if he didn't feel a little let down playing back at home after drawing praise in one of the world's best leagues.


That, for USMNT fans, could be a disaster. The Yanks need Donovan at the top of his game, as he is at this very moment with the Toffees, when they kick off against England in Rustenburg on June 12th. Root for an extended loan or sale because Donovan deserves it, but also root for it because it's the best thing for American World Cup chances.

Image Courtesy NASL.com

by Adam Soucie - Captain Positive


It is a commonly forgotten reality that sports teams are businesses. The theses in Soccernomics aside, the goal of any professional sports team is to make money. Traditionally, owners make money by building the value of a franchise over time and then selling it. During that time period, the team usually loses money (or makes very little). It is the basic concept of investing. You have to spend money to make money. Soccer is no different. Until now.


It seems that some NASL teams have found a new business model. Leading the charge is Traffic Sports Football Management, owners of NASL club Miami FC and co-architects of the new NASL itself. Traffic is a fitting name for this movement’s leaders for a simple, albeit cryptic, reason. With the way they are handling recent player loans, Miami FC, Crystal Palace Baltimore, and Whitecaps FC of Vancouver are participating in human trafficking.


Before you label me Sepp 2.0, understand that I’m not implying ANY mistreatment of these players or claiming they are being forced against their will here. I have no doubt the players in question are well aware of the clubs’ intentions and are the reason they entered the deals to begin with. In every case except one (Bryan Arguez), the players in question are under the age of 18 or have just turned 18. Because FIFA does not allow players under the age of 18 to sign multi-year contracts with a club outside of their own country (or their country of residence, to be more specific). FIFA rules practically necessitate a middle man. At the very least, they create the market for this kind of business.


For Part I of this story I’m going to focus on the player that inspired me to write this piece in the first place: former US U-17 midfielder Korey Veeder. It was announced yesterday by the NASL, and was the lead story on the league’s site no less, that Veeder was signed by Crystal Palace Baltimore. At first glance, the headline sounds like a great thing for the NASL. Once you begin reading the press release, the veil is lifted.


As I understand it, Veeder will never suit up for Crystal Palace Baltimore. He will train with the team, or at least will train in the same city, but he is due to be sent over in several weeks. Specifically, he will be joining the team’s parent team in the England’s Coca-Cola Championship League, Crystal Palace. After training with Palace, he is due to be loaned out. A borrower has yet to be found.


None of these seems sinister, and in no way am I saying it is. What bothers me is that the NASL is trumpeting Veeder’s signing. He has nothing to do with the NASL at all. Palace has been after Veeder for two years. They admit as much in the press release. FIFA regulations and EU/Great Britain laws are the only reason Veeder isn’t playing for Palace right now. The question remains, what does this have to do with the NASL?


Veeder’s situation is ultimately vanilla. His story only scratches the surface of this problem. Next I’ll take a look at the journey of Bryan Arguez and examine how he went from the 11th overall pick of the 2007 MLS Superdraft to loan fodder for Traffic Sports.


Cross-posted to Captain Positive

Whether you be a Landon Donovan fan or detractor, it would be difficult to argue that his performance at Everton doesn't mean something for the broader reputation of American soccer.


Fair or not, that's just the way it is; Donovan's name is fairly well known abroad (perhaps thanks in part to one particularly famous teammate he has with the Galaxy), and his reputation of as a failure in Europe drags down perceptions of American despite the success of players like Howard, Dempsey, Bradley, etc.


Which is why Donovan's solid performance yesterday in his Everton debut against Arsenal was a nice thing to see. Let's not go over-the-top and declare his England stint a success quite yet, but what we can say that if properly focused, Donovan can play, and play well, in the world's most visible league.


That can only be a good thing in many ways. Perhaps most important is Donovan's form and confidence heading towards June and the World Cup; but the added bonus of European observers arching their eyebrows in mild surprise as "America's captain" (you and I know he's not, but apparently the English press hasn't gotten the memo) contributes in Merseyside. Not only was Donovan's strong performance nice to see from an American perspective (apologies to you Yank Gooners), but the circumstances in which he did it can only foster optimism.


Donovan was at Goodison for less than a week when manager David Moyes tapped him to start against a Big Four side away from home. He was coming off of a seven week layoff, and while he's naturally a very fit player, rust is impossible to avoid. With more training time, which will help him to operate better within in the Everton system as well as increase the understanding he has with his teammates, Donovan should only be fitter, more prepared, and better able to truly show off his quality.


That doesn't necessarily mean he will, of course, but there's no reason to believe any differently. After showing he belongs, contributing to Everton's attack, and gaining the confidence of his manager and teammates, Donovan's loan has gotten off to be very good start.


I'm guessing that will a few more performances of that quality, the perception of American players abroad will only improve.

Everyone knew it was coming, and today it was finally done; Landon Donovan will join Everton on a two and a half month loan starting in January. It's up to Donovan now, with his MLS future secured by a new Galaxy contract, to make this his first successful stint abroad.


What could be said has already been said, and multiple times. Weeks before he even suits up for the blue side of Liverpool, Donovan's potential in the world's most visible league has been analyzed to the point of coma.


Still, now that there's no doubt that Donovan will get a little premier playing time, I'll saunter forth with my best guess of how he'll do.


He'll get a few goals. He'll deliver a few more nicely placed passes that lead to goals. He'll do a lot of running, and engage in some high-energy defending. His speed will cause defenders trouble, forcing teams to play Everton differently. He'll be okay, not great, and will ultimately return home with the same reputation that he carries at present. His stint won't be a crushing failure, but neither will it be some sudden revelation of his talent to the wider world.


Call if fence sitting if you want, but the preponderance of evidence, that being Donovan's "growth" in the last year, the lack of time to adjust to England, uncertainty over how David Moyes will use him, there's really no other conclusion to draw.


But Moyes made it clear he actively wanted Donovan, and because the situation at Goodison Park from a management perspective is much more stable and less political than Bayern Munich's last year, that's a good sign.


Come March, some will still label Donovan's loan a failure, and some will frame it positively as long as he doesn't stink up the joint or fail to play. Neither will be exactly right, but as long as Donovan remains confident and healthy heading into the World Cup, I'm not really sure anyone should be too concerned.


Step on up and share your predictions on how Donovan's stay with Everton will go in the comments.

After posting the news that Landon Donovan could be headed to Everton in January, I've held off on a follow up. Until either the Galaxy/MLS or Everton make a statement, there's always a chance that the proposed loan could fail to materialize, or that Donovan would be headed somewhere else. Why write hundreds of words on the wisdom of Donovan to the EPL if it doesn't actually happen?


Still, Ives' sources have it as done, and though the Galaxy attempted to rain on everyone's parade (we'll get to the tone of that release in a moment), the general sense is that Donovan will be playing on the blue side of Liverpool come January. Whether it's a done deal or not, the news of Everton's interest immediately set off an understandable rash of unsolicited opinions; depending on who you talk to/listen to/read, Donovan to England is either the worst possible move or a stroke of genius that will finally allow him to exhibit his considerable skills in Europe.


Me, I'm an admitted Donovan fan. I don't know that I've ever used "Landycakes" in the pejorative sense. I root for Donovan to succeed, largely for selfish USMNT fan reasons, but also because I really do believe he has the talent to shine in a top European league. If the Everton deal goes through, and Everton manager David Moyes sees fits to give him enough playing time, he may just get his last and probably best, shot to do so.


He's certainly better equipped this time around than at any other point in his career to play well in Europe. Last winter's loan to Bayern Munich, unfairly called a "failure" by some, kicked off the best year, both for club and country, that Donovan's probably ever had. He didn't stick in Munich, and he failed to make a significant impact beyond a few winter friendlies, but the stint in Germany clearly did the American some good.


And really, no matter how or how much he actually plays for the Toffees during what is reported to be a three-month loan, that's all USMNT fans should care about. If 2010 sees Landon Donovan playing in June like 2009 did, the most of us will be happy, whether Donovan finally succeeds in Europe or not.


Nevertheless, I hope he does play well and open some eyes on the other side of the Atlantic. The maturity and confidence he needs to make that happen appear to be there in spades.


As for the Galaxy and their "statement" on the Donovan-to-Everton rumors, released through their official blog; thanks for the chuckle.

"We are aware of Everton’s interest in Landon Donovan, as they are one of a number of clubs who have contacted the Galaxy about the possibility of a short term loan agreement for Landon. The Galaxy, MLS and Landon’s representative will work together to determine if and whether an arrangement with Everton or any other club would be beneficial to all parties."

The bottom line is that there's no reason for the Galaxy to keep Donovan here during the off-season, especially with Beckham's annual Italian adventure setting a fairly lax precedent. I don't care that Beckham is a bigger star and probably has more pull with AEG; Donovan deserves to spread his proverbial wings just as much as Golden Balls. If the loan terms are three months rather than five because the club already has one of their stars gone through the World Cup, so be it. That's not really fair, and I'm with many people who would prefer to see Donovan stay in England through the end of the EPL season, but I do get it from a club standpoint. It would be awfully tough to fill up the HDC in March, April and May if neither one of the Galaxy's biggest names were suiting up for Bruce Arena.


The Galaxy appear to be grasping at straws, showing off for everyone by making it clear that they'll decide what's in the best interest of Donovan and the club. That's probably true to a point, but again, there's no reason for the Galaxy to object to a loan if it brings their American star back to them at the beginning of the MLS season.


Donovan to Everton is a good move for a player that needs a new challenge, especially since it seems the management there truly wants him. Whether the speed, physicality, and style of the league suits Donovan is really up to him; the quicker he adjusts and understands what his teammates are trying to do, the better off he'll be. He certainly has the ability to make an impact for a club that needs quality players.


I'm rooting for Donovan success in England, even if I don't know that it will mean anything for the rest of 2010.

Premier League side Everton, hampered by a severe injury crisis, is considering a January loan move for US international Landon Donovan, according to The Guardian.


The report indicates that the LA Galaxy have been approached about the deal, which would be a temporary loan only due to the Toffees' budget constraints.


Already the value of the move for Donovan is being debated in soccer circles, and though many would love to see the American attacker playing in a prominent European league, several prominent writers believe it would be a mistake.


Donovan has also been linked to Mexican giant Club America since the end of the MLS season (a rumor I have avoided addressing due to the lack of reliable sources), stating through his Facebook fan page that he would be interested. Donovan has also put a January move (though he has not specified if it would be a loan or a permanent transfer), at "50/50".


I've remained convinced Donovan needs to be playing in Europe ahead of the World Cup next year, and while I doubt a permanent transfer is likely due to his contract status and Major League Soccer's fee demands, a loan is a strong possibility for a second year in a row.


Donovan's stint at Bayern Munich last year was unsuccessful for various reasons, but it was always going to be difficult for him to break into a the loaded German squad. Everton represents a better opportunity for playing time, though the usual concerns about playing style cannot be ignored.


Is Donovan the right fit for Everton, and vice-versa?


What do you make of a move to Everton for the MLS star?

*UPDATE* The Guardian is now reporting that negotiations are "at an advanced stage" for a three month loan deal.

The LA Galaxy still have six league games remaining in the 2009 MLS regular season, appear to be headed for the playoffs, and could still overtake Houston for the Supporters Shield; simply put, David Beckham and company have everything to play for, a shocking turn of events after last years complete and utter debacle.

But instead of discussing his club's chances for the MLS Cup or Supporters Shield, LA's English superstar is covering anything but. His potential destination after the American season has concluded is a hot topic; throw in some rumblings about his possible involvement in the ownership of an MLS club when his career is over, and we seem to have veritable "flurry" of distracted Beckham news this week.

First, the loan: that Beckham is bound for European shores come January is not news, but which club he ends up with is a hot topic for some. Most of us assumed it would be back to AC Milan, and the Italian giants are at the top of the player's list; but other teams have been mentioned, and Beckham himself claims that "three or four" other clubs are interested. Beckham is desperate to get into Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad, of course, and heading back to Europe is therefore a necessity.

Beckham has also hinted that a return to the Galaxy after the World Cup is not necessarily a foregone conclusion, despite his earlier statements that he was committed to a return; the Englishman's MLS contract has an option in his favor after this season, one he could use to get out earlier than expected.

That Beckham is considering leaving America early isn't much of a surprise, especially in light of the negative response he's received since returning to MLS this year. At this point, it's almost impossible to take anything he says at face value, with his consistent flip-flopping on his "commitment" having become the most reliable thing he does.

The other bit of Beckham news revolves around his potential involvement in MLS as a team owner. According to Jack Bell at the New York Times Goal Blog, Beckham and the various entities that surround him have reached out to Montreal Impact owner Joey Saputo to partner in the Canadian club's MLS future.

Saputo danced around the subject of potential partners when questioned, and the league stated that they have no knowledge of Beckham's interest in Montreal. The timetable on the Impact entering MLS (something which is viewed as a certain eventuality) is still undertermined, with most observers believing 2012 is the best bet. Saputo, interestingly enough, has registered domains for both 2011 and 2012 (following the MLS model for expansion teams of "montrealmls20XX.com").

Beckham "owning" the Impact in some capacity is an interesting is a possibility that I had never considered, though I suppose it's as good a place as any for this option to be exercised. MLS would still like to place a second team in the New York market, and it's believed that Garber would push Beckham in that direction.

Either way, I question exactly how "involved" Beckham would be, no matter which franchise he becomes involved with; I suspect that he would be a silent partner trotted out on occasion for a photo op every now and then, rather than a integral part of the club's operations.

What do you make of Beckham's most recent volley of Europe talk, and his potential involvement in a Montreal MLS team?

Freddy Adu's immediate, and possibly distant, footballing future rests on the transfer deadline today. The young player is desperately looking for a loan move away from Benfica, who seem to have no plans to play the American.

Magnakai Haaskivi at Avoiding the Drop posted that this week could be the biggest of Adu's career; while I agree with that sentiment, I'm hesitant to buy into the thought that "there’s a very real possibility that his career is already over."

I find myself feeling for Freddy. He's not faultless in creating his own struggles, so I'm not shifting blame elsewhere; I'm just always loathe to judge a young player with so much pressure on his shoulders, when I myself have no real way to relate.

And so we wait, as the clock ticks down and the future of Freddy Adu rests in the balance. Freddy himself seems down about the prospects, if his Twitter updates are any indication:



I'll be back to update this post with whatever the outcome may be for Adu.

If Freddy isn't able to get his loan, and therefore playing time, we can pretty much write him off as a possibility for the World Cup roster next year.

*UPDATE* And just that quickly (maybe even before I posted this) comes reports that Adu is headed to Lisbon side Belenenses for a year long loan. Belenenses is in the Portuguese first division, avoided relegation last year on a technicality, and might give Freddy a chance to play regularly.

Just a couple of things on my mind this bright Sunday morning, so I'll try to keep it brief

ESPN USA-Mexico Commercial

Apparently I haven't been watching enough ESPN recently, because I just saw this for the first time this morning. It wasn't bad, but it also didn't give me that tingly "holy crap I can't wait for that game" feeling either. ESPN attempted to play up the rivalry angle, they just didn't capture it very well. I'd be interested to see what you guys think.

Donovan in Germany

For some reason, GolTV and FSC are on different packages on my cable system, and I've only been able to convince my wife to let me have one at this point. So I'm watching a live stream of Bayern Munich-Borussia Dortmund. Donovan didn't start, with Klose healthy enough to play despite a knee strain. We'll have to see if Donovan is subbed on (which I expect he will be), and at what point Klinsmann turns to him. I'm hoping Landon gets a little more time to settle in this week than he did against Hamburg last week.

Loaning MLS Players to Europe

Obviously, Beckham is the big story when it comes to players who have been loaned to Europe during the MLS off-season; but with Fulham attempting to bring McBride back until the end of the EPL season, and being frustrated that Chicago turned them down, it's worth a look at how these loans are playing out. If European leagues start to look at MLS as some kind of minor league, from which they can pick up players for temporary duty whenever they feel like it, then MLS will have to review their policy. I'm a bit of a hypocrite on this, as I want Donovan to stay in Germany (because I think it's important for American soccer on the whole), so feel free to call me on the carpet for it. Because the MLS schedule allows for these loan possibilities, we'll more than likley continue to seem them proposed. The league may need to come up with an across-the-board policy that applies to every player under contract with MLS, because allowing/rejecting each loan on a case-by-case basis will only lead to problems when situations like Beckham's continue to happen.

There will probably be more later.