Much Adu In Philly
It's official: Freddy Adu reunites with Nowak and joins the Union


CHESTER, Pa. – It’s official: Freddy Adu is returning to the league where his career began and reuniting with his first professional coach.

On Friday morning, the Philadelphia Union announced the blockbuster signing of the 22-year-old Adu, who will join the Union on a free transfer from Portuguese giants Benfica. Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, the club confirmed that Adu will not be a Designated Player.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... phia-union

Galaxy sign Ireland international forward Robbie Keane
Former Tottenham striker will join LA as a Designated Player


When the LA Galaxy acquire new weapons, they always go for the big guns.

On Monday, the MLS-leading Galaxy officially announced that they had come to terms with Irish international Robbie Keane, the 10th all-time leading scorer in English Premier League history. He arrives on a transfer from EPL side Tottenham Hotspur.

Keane, who will join the club’s roster upon receipt of his visa paperwork, will be a Designated Player, meaning that the Galaxy will have to get rid of one of their current DPs: Landon Donovan, David Beckham or Juan Pablo Ángel. There are reports that Ángel, the former New York Red Bulls star, will be moved in a trade at some point this week, with Chivas USA and the Philadelphia Union being mentioned as possible destinations.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... bbie-keane

DP rule changed to allow younger players to cost less

MLS says sliding scale for Designated Players will tempt new talent

NEW YORK — Five years after its introduction revolutionized the face of the league, the Designated Player rule just got a whole lot younger.

On Tuesday, MLS unveiled a new type of DP mechanism that is projected to bring in a new crop of young international stars to the league.

Beginning in 2012, teams can acquire Designated Players based overseas who are 20 years of age or younger for a budget charge of only $150,000, while Designated Players between the ages of 21 and 23 will count just $200,000 against a team’s salary budget. Current DPs represent a $335,000 hit to a club’s player budget of $2,675,000, regardless of their age.

“If you look at it, our Designated Players are anywhere from mid to late 20s to early 30s,” said MLS executive vice president of competition and player relations, Todd Durbin, on a media teleconference call. “We’re getting good players, veteran players and players with experience but we’ve been out of the market for young, promising players in this area.

“We’re hoping with this rule change we’ll tear down this last barrier of entry and bring in quality players at every place in their career and truly have the ability to get into the market of young players to be able to bring in and grow stars of the future for Major League Soccer.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... -cost-less

American forward Eddie Johnson returning to Major League Soccer

The 27-year-old returns after three-and-a-half years in Europe and he will be allocated to a club on Thursday.

U.S. international striker Eddie Johnson is on his way back home.

Major League Soccer announced it had signed the 27-year-old on Tuesday. He will be allocated to a team on Thursday, with Chivas USA currently sitting atop the league's allocation order. If Chivas passes, Houston, Toronto and then Chicago will have the next cracks at him.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/maj ... jor-league

CHIVAS USA: A most entertaining 'wake'
By Scott French

CARSON -- “This is a funeral, of course. You guys are at the wake of my career. So I appreciate you guys coming. I hope you're enjoying the food at the back.”

With that, Jimmy Conrad was off and roaring in the most entertaining news conference we've seen at Home Depot Center -- and we've seen plenty.

The Chivas USA defender had plenty to say during his retirement announcement Thursday: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soc ... ining-wake



On what he'll take from his brief Chivas USA experience: “I think the biggest thing I'll take out of it is knowing the club is in good hands, and for the first time in a long time I have a lot of hope where this sport is going in this country. I think these guys [Fraser and Vanney] get it, they're smart, and I'm glad they're in charge because ... it's time for a new breath of fresh air, and I think these are the guys to do it.

Welcome To LA

A look at the Ireland international's astonishing career so far

LONDON — New LA Galaxy star signing Robbie Keane has spent much of his glittering career in the limelight as his ability to score goals of all kinds has tormented defenders across the globe. The Irish national team captain’s move to LA from EPL side Tottenham Hotspur on Monday has created a huge level of interest around the soccer world, and the predatory forward admits his move to the MLS is “a dream come true.”

Here are five memorable occasions from the Irish strikers’ career so far.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... nes-career

Montreal now have a team page on http://www.MLSSoccer.com
The logo was just added to the top of the page
link goes to the Montreal MLS 2012 webpage

MLSsoccer.com's "24 Under 24" returns Sept. 12


One of MLSsoccer.com’s most popular series is back and better than ever. Just in time for the stretch run to the MLS Cup playoffs.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 12, MLSsoccer.com will bring you our second annual 24 Under 24 — the ultimate countdown of the 24 best MLS players under the age of 24. Who will succeed Seattle’s Fredy Montero at the top of the list?

Mark your calendars: The 24 Under 24 fan vote kicks off Sept. 5 with the final countdown to No. 1 beginning in earnest on Sept. 12.

Last year's top three in the rankings earned a DP contract, a US national team call-up and MLS Rookie of the Year honors, respectively. Who's next?

http://www.mlssoccer.com/24-under-24

24 Under 24: Fans can now vote on their top 24 young stars

Facebook ballot allows supporters to have their say on the rankings

It’s time for the fans to make their voices heard.

Supporters around the league can now vote for their own 24 Under 24 – the top 24 players under the age of 24 – via a Facebook ballot that launched on Labor Day Monday which features a list of 50 players as determined by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff. Write-in candidates can also be submitted for players that fit the age criteria. Cast your vote today (http://www.facebook.com/MLS?sk=app_146882108705391).

Fans can then compare their vote to that of the experts when the countdown to the No. 1 young player starts in earnest on Monday, Sept. 12.

MLSsoccer.com assembled a panel of the most respected MLS observers in the nation, who helped determine the final 2011 rankings for the 24 Under 24: Jeff Carlisle (ESPN.com), Marc Connolly (ESPN), Steve Davis (SI.com), Brian Dunseth (Fox Soccer), Allen Hopkins (Fox Soccer), Alexi Lalas (ESPN), Kyle Martino (Fox Soccer), Taylor Twellman (ESPN) and Grant Wahl (Sports Illustrated).

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... oung-stars

Each MLS home team will also host specific events and activities related to the 9/11 remembrances:

LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids (11 pm ET, Friday): The Galaxy will donate a portion of ticket sales to the FDNY Widows and Orphans Foundation and honor local members of the LA County Fire Department, the LA City Fire Department and the LA Sheriff’s Department.

Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake (4 pm ET, Saturday): The Sounders will hand out 35,000 miniature US flags which will be raised from the 9th to 11th minute.

New York Red Bulls vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Red Bulls will have a large American flag be presented by center circle participants, first responders and their families. The five branches of the military will be represented by Star Flags to be held by members of the South Ward, RBNY fans and front office staff, league employees, and troops; the color guard will be on hand for the ceremonies. Players from both teams will be escorted to the pitch by youths of Tuesday’s Children, an organization that provides support to the families affected by 9/11 and global terrorism. First Lieutenant Eddy Valverde, a 2004 Purple Heart Recipient for wounds received as a result of enemy fire while serving in Iraq, will deliver the night’s game ball. Between the 9th and 11th minutes of the match, fans will be asked to raise their flags to honor the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Members of the Red Bulls Academy will be scattered on the concourse during pregame and halftime to raise donations for the 9/11 Memorial Fund. An additional raffle will take place in Section 127 as part of “A Jersey Off Our Backs.”

Philadelphia Union vs. Portland Timbers (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Union’s Sons of Ben supporters club will raise their scarves during the 9th and 11th minute of the match and a water tribute will be staged by fireboats in the river outside PPL Park.

New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Revs have distributed more than 3,500 tickets to Armed Services from throughout New England. The US Army and US Marines will have a significant presence in pregame activities, including enlistment ceremonies at halftime. The club will also distribute 5,000 miniature American flags and auction off game-worn jerseys and armbands in benefit of the 9/11 Memorial Fund.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire (10:30 pm ET, Saturday): San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch will auction off gear for the Navy SEAL Foundation and the club will also air a 9/11 tribute video featuring Earthquakes players and Santa Clara Fire Department.

Chivas USA vs. D.C. United (10:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Goats will grant freed admission to the match against DC to all military personnel, firefighters, police, EMTs, paramedics and their families with valid ID. There will also be on-field and video board tributes to remember the heroes of the Sept. 11 attacks.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... ersary-911

24 Under 24: Shea finishes No. 1 in fan vote

Facebook ballot crowns Dallas star as top player younger than 24

24 Under 24 Fan Vote
1 -- Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
2 -- Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls)
3 -- Freddy Adu (Philadelphia Union)
4 -- Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City)
5 -- Steve Zakuani (Seattle Sounders)
6 -- Juninho (LA Galaxy)
7 -- Danny Mwanga (Philadelphia Union)
8 -- Bill Hamid (D.C. United)
9 -- Andy Najar (D.C. United)
10 -- Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers)
11 -- Roger Torres (Philadelphia Union)
12 -- C.J. Sapong (Sporting Kansas City)
13 -- Sanna Nyassi (Colorado Rapids)
14 -- Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo)
15 -- Perry Kitchen (D.C. United)
16 -- Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake)
17 -- Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)
18 -- Fabián Castillo (FC Dallas)
19 -- Omar Salgado (Vancouver Whitecaps)
20 -- Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union)
21 -- Michael Farfan (Philadelphia Union)
22 -- Joao Plata (Toronto FC)
23 -- Gabriel Farfan (Philadelphia Union)
24 -- Sainey Nyassi (New England Revolution)

24 Under 24: The players who missed the cut

The talents that were edged out in the final rankings: Nos. 25 to 40

24 Under 24 Honorable Mentions:
25 – Jackson (FC Dallas)
26 – Ike Opara (San Jose Earthquakes)
27 – Milton Caraglio (New England Revolution)
28 – Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo)
29 – Zarek Valentin (Chivas USA)
30 – Tony Tchani (Columbus Crew)
31 – Emmanuel Ekpo (Columbus Crew)
32 – Blair Gavin (Chivas USA)
33 – Kalif Alhassan (Portland Timbers)
34 – Sanna Nyassi (Colorado Rapids)
35 – Paulo Jr. (Real Salt Lake)
36 – Rich Balchan (Columbus Crew)
37 – Sheanon Williams (Philadelphia Union)
38 – Jalil Anibaba (Chicago Fire)
39 – Soony Saad (Sporting Kansas City)
40 – Kevin Alston (New England Revolution

More than likely, you won’t see a balanced schedule going forward,” Garber said recently during a meeting with fans. “The real question is whether we have a competition that is conference based, which means you’re playing against your conference more, or is it rivalry based, which would work well for television but might be less balanced in terms of the fairness of the competition.”

“Everything’s on the table, from single table to conference-laden, geography-based scheduling,” Rodriguez said. “More games, less games — all on the table. (Calendar) footprint, on the table. We have to look at it all. We have to make a short-term decision for 2012, ’13 perhaps, but we have to take a longer view.”

http://wvhooligan.com/2011/08/23/11817/ ... -schedule/

When members of the competition committee meet on Friday, holding the line at 34 games or expanding to 36 will be one of the topics up for discussion, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday during a season-ticket rally here for the Columbus Crew.

The perfect symmetry that is 18 teams playing a 34-game schedule will be difficult to maintain next year when the Montreal Impact join MLS, Garber said. No further expansion plans have been announced past Montreal, but the Commissioner said the league is preparing for the inevitable.

“It will be impossible to be balanced at 20 or 22 [teams],” he said. “It’s just too many games for a professional soccer league.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... initiative

A comprehensive breakdown of available cities for the 20th MLS team

MLS has come a long way from the early days,
and a host of cities would love to join the growing league.
Goal.com breaks down the available cities

Earlier this year, Major League commissioner Don Garber spoke about the intentions of adding a 20th franchise to Major League Soccer. Garber mentioned the lack of teams in the Southeast, and that the league only has a handful in the Midwest. While MLS has had a steady and consistent increase in teams over the last five years, having added seven during that time, Garber states the plan is for the league to eventually go beyond 20.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2011/09/08/2534291/a-comprehensive-breakdown-of-available-cities-for-the-20th