Just before the weekend games kick off a pair of players have new clubs. LA, DC, Colorado and New York were all active late Friday night.

DC has sent Argentina defender Facundo Erpen to the Rocky Mountains for veteran defender Greg Vanney. While the Galaxy have sent Santino Quaranta to New York in-exchange for some draft picks.

It was reported earlier this week that Quaranta had been sent to Kansas City but it has been later proved that that story was false as New York lands the 22-year-old midfielder.

My take, starting with the Quaranta deal is that I think New York made a wise move landing young Quaranta. They didn’t have to give up much in return either. LA, as we have said before, were just merely dumping some salary.

The DC-Colorado trade is an interesting one really. In all honesty I am not really sure who got the better end of the stick. I think Colorado got a player that will fit in well with their club and be a vital part of reworking that defense that has been horrible as of late. The United land a classy veteran that may have seen better days on the pitch but will still be good enough to help lead the United into the playoffs and possibly the MLS Cup.

If I had to say which team got the best end of the deal it would honesty be DC. I like bringing over a veteran like Vanney and getting rid of an occasional headache in Erpen.

I have to be rather brief about these previews this weekend. So again, I apologize for that.

Houston Dynamo at FC Dallas: I think both teams are playing rather well right now. Dallas is fairly back to full strength as they return home to face their in-state rivals from Houston. The Dynamo have been red hot as of late and are perfect against western clubs this season. I honestly think that this one will be too close to call and it will be a draw.

WVH Prediction: FC Dallas 1, Houston 1

New York Red Bulls at Columbus Crew: Columbus is another fairly hot team as they host one of the league’s best from New York. I believe New York has too many weapons offensively and Columbus has a bit of an aging line, plus the keeper situation in Columbus seems dicey as they are changing keepers now. I like the Red Bulls, maybe not in a blowout like last time but in one that they should win comfortably. But I do think Schelotto will make his mark for the Crew in this one and get another assist.
WVH Prediction: RBNY 2, Columbus 1

New England Revolution at Chivas USA: The Revs are still without Twellman but they do get Michael Parkhurst and Steve Ralston back for this one. Chivas loses some big key players in the back and I think it will hurt them this time around. They will be fine up top but in the back will be another thing. I think the Revs break the winning streak that Chivas has at the Home Depot Center and goes back east with three points.

WVH Prediction: New England 2, Chivas 1

Colorado Rapids at Chicago Fire: To of the most desperate teams in the league right now face-off in the Windy City for the first game of July. I think the Rapids are going to be missing too much as we saw last night when they got blown out at DC. They aren’t the best of road teams either. Chicago on the other hand will be missing a couple guys and are a bit of a mess right now with their coaching situation. I honestly see these two in a draw. Colorado has to find a way to score early if they want any points. Their first meeting of the season in Colorado will resemble this one…boring.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 1, Chicago 1

Toronto FC at Kansas City Wizards: I think this is the perfect game for the Reds to get their first road win. I believe they will finally have the Wizards number as the Wizards haven’t been playing too well as of late really. Plus no Eddie Johnson to score goals up top and no Jimmy Conrad to lead the troops in the back. I believe it will be a physical game as you know Mo Johnston will bring it out in his club. I think Toronto needs to win this game to create some sort of rivalry with the Wizards. I think it could be there if they do. I think Jeff Cunningham will be the difference in this game and Toronto will get three points.

WVH Prediction: Toronto FC 2, Kansas City Wizards 1

And lastly, I may not be posting too much over the next few days due to a wedding that I am in tomorrow and I will also be traveling early next week. So the post may be few and far between one another! Feel free to use this post as a forum to discuss the weekend.

The wonderful Buzz over at 3rddegree.net spoke today with during his practice observations that FC Dallas will probably be looking to make another move or two during this transfer window. Even with the recent loan from their sister club in Brazil to land young striker Ricardinho, the Hoops will probably make one or two more moves/signings.

Ricardinho is merely just a replacement for the injured Roberto Mina. Buzz has said before that Dallas is hoping to land a DP player. Head coach Steve Morrow has talked a couple times about how they have looked at various players throughout the Europe and South America.

“I am looking at people, yeah. You wouldn’t expect me to give you names.  I am certainly looking at options.  One or two things that have came up the last couple weeks that I hoped could develop didn’t.  More so for financial reasons, it wasn’t the right fit for us.  But we’re looking hard.  I’ve had options come up from Europe and also from South America.  We’re looking hard now and I’ve got good contacts in both Europe and South American.  At this time of year with the transfer window open, especially with the European season where it is, things are hopping up a little bit.”

I like Buzz believe the Hoops will go after another target player up top. Probably a attacking midfielder of some sort or a striker that likes to withdraw himself a bit. With no Cooper for a while a move like this makes sense if you are Morrow. Depending on the type of signing they get Dallas will also probably go for another midfielder or (what they really need) another defender.

In all honesty I would love to see a good defender signed from South America. Sure another target up top would be lovely for the Hoops as it would with any team but I really hope to see a solid player in the back get signed. Morrow has already done plenty in my book of getting the midfield in order with Toja and Ricchetti. The backline just needs a bit of a touch to make a good deep run.

MLS roster freeze on August 15, so expect something between now and then.

I do expect many other teams to be looking to make moves just like Dallas. Once I hear more on them I will pass them along to you as well.

Decent game tonight when Colorado travels to DC on ESPN2. I can’t honestly say I am excited about this game or will I even be able to watch it (brother’s wedding this weekend, so I may miss a lot of action actually). But I will still provide some previews this week and this weekend starting with tonight’s game.

For Colorado it is a must win for themselves and their coach. Let’s face it the Rapids have stunk up the place just as bad as some other clubs in the league in recent games. No wins in the month of June and this is their final chance to do so.

Oh did I mention that they will be without two of their most important players due to Copa America? Kyle Beckerman and Herculez Gomez are gone with the national team so this should be an easy game for the United.

WVH Prediction: DC 3, Colorado 1

Last night’s second round US Open Cup action has helped MLS clubs learn who they will be playing in the coming weeks. Most of the USL-1 clubs won their games with only two USL-2 clubs going through to the next round.

July 10th matches:

New England Revolution (MLS) at Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
PAETEC Park; Rochester, NY – 7:35 p.m.

Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Richmond Kickers (USL-2)
University of Richmond Stadium; Richmond, VA – 7:00 p.m.

Atlanta Silverbacks (USL-1) at FC Dallas (MLS)
Pizza Hut Park; Frisco, TX – 8:30 p.m.  ** may get pushed to another date due to schedule conflicts

Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL-1)
Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, SC – 7:30 p.m.

California Victory (USL-1) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, CO – 9:00 p.m.

CD Chivas USA (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
Qwest Field; Seattle, WA – 10:00 p.m.

July 11th match:

DC United (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2)
Hempfield High School Stadium; Greensburg, PA – 7:30 p.m.

July 15th match:

Chicago Fire (MLS) at Carolina Railhawks (USL-1)
SAS Soccer Park; Cary, NC – 5:00 p.m.

Oh a week makes all the difference doesn’t it? It sure did for the MLS last week I thought. The rankings here at the Hooligan are a little different than what they have been in recent weeks.

Ranking (last week’s) – Team (points)

1. (4) New England Revolution (22 pts.) – Sure they beat a club that is ghostly on the road but I have to say the defense looked a lot more sure of themselves last weekend and that will carry on once Michael Parkhurst returns this week. And sure, they lose Taylor Twellman for some more games to Copa America but I doubt the Revs are at all worried over their offense. Adam Cristman is playing well beyond his years so far and guys like Andy Dorman have provided a nice spark. Big west coast trip this week against Chivas. Beating of the western’s best on the road will and should solidify the top ranking.

2. (2) Red Bull New York (21 pt.) - Off last week but it doesn’t hurt them in my mind. It gives this club a chance to heal up, which is huge because their defense needed it. They travel to a hot Columbus this weekend. Three points should be in the works for the Red Bulls but with the way the Crew have been playing nothing is for sure anymore. If one team is to shut up the Crew it would be the Red Bulls and Juan Pablo Angel.

3. (6) Houston Dynamo (22 pt.) – I have to say I am a big believer in this club now and really feel they are back in the hunt again. Much like DC a slow start hurt this club but strong play in recent games have really helped this club move back up the ladder in a hurry. They have seven wins to show for in the 13 games that they have played. Only Dallas can say one better but they have played two more games then the Dynamo. And speaking of the Hoops, the Men in Orange travel to Frisco this weekend to face their western and in-state rival. Should be an interesting contest with Brian Ching and Richardo Clark getting back into the fold.

4. (5) FC Dallas (25 pt.) - Let’s face it, Juan Carlos Toja and Pablo Ricchetti have carried this club more than anyone else. Sadly enough I doubt either of them will get the proper recognition that they deserve in the All-Star game coming up in July. With that said, sure the Hoops have played two to five more games than everyone else but if you’re Steve Morrow you have to feel a little bit good about where your club stand mid-way through the season. I’ve said if they double their points in their remaining 15 games then it should be enough for the playoffs. Big test this weekend with Houston coming into town. I think Carlos Ruiz will make his mark.

5. (1) Kansas City Wizards (20 pts.) – A fall from grace is the Wizards. Again, I am unsold about this club and with good reason. Just when you think they can score they show up for two games in one week and do absolutely nothing worthy of winning. The Columbus game wasn’t just a game where the Crew played very well it was a game where the Wizards played very poorly. Scott Sealy is no Eddie Johnson and then again no one on that club is near where Eddie Johnson has been this season. Throw in the loss of Johnson and Jimmy Conrad for the Copa America and the Wizards could be looking at some more losses. Only one win in the month of June. Toronto at home this weekend should be three points to help them out but I think Toronto may have their number now.

6. (3) DC United (17 pts.) - Another fall, and with good reason. Let’s face it DC isn’t a good road team this season. They just aren’t. Someone had to lose to RSL eventually and DC just happened to be that bunch. You can’t lose to a winless team and expect not to fall in a rankings either. A little shot at redemption this week with Colorado coming in for the Thursday night game. I expect three points here.

7. (7) CD Chivas USA (17 pts.) - Even though they were hammered on the road in Houston last Thursday, the Goats don’t drop. Mainly because of everyone else below them. A big test of how this team responds to the bad road loss when they host New England this week. The Goats are great at home so they should be able to at least remain perfect at home right?

8. (11) Columbus Crew (15 pt.) - Wow, big winners here this week. Two straight wins puts the Crew in the playoff fold once again. I have to hand it to the Crew as well. To big time wins and the LA win was real nice with the fact that they had ten men on the field. You have to believe that whatever Sigi is doing there is finally working. Schelotto is finally getting used to his teammates and it is really paying off. Five assists in the last five games. I am telling you he will lead the league in assists this season. Big game at home this weekend with the Red Bulls. Last time they met in Columbus it was a boring 0-0 draw. I doubt that will be the case this time around.

9. (8) Toronto FC (13 pt.) - Boy the Reds are a completely different side on the road huh? The road will be long and hard for the Reds if they don’t start picking up some points now while they can. I think they have a shot at Kansas City this weekend, I really do. They should have at least tied them at home last time around when they opened BMO Field. Getting Greg Sutton back in the net should help out.

10. (9) Colorado Rapids (15 pts.) - Somewhere the Rapids have lost their offensive mindset and that won’t change anytime soon with Herculez Gomez leaving for Copa America. Talk about another fall from grace but the Rapids have been dreadful for the last month and a half. No wins so far in June and I highly doubt they will get one in DC this week. Let’s not forget just how dreadful their defense has been playing either.
11. (10) Chicago Fire (14 pts.) - An off week for the Fire makes people forget that they have a new interim coach in Dennis Hamlet. This club doesn’t have Blanco yet either, as he will probably join the club in mid-July. The road to rebuilding the club’s image starts Sunday with the Rapids in town. Both clubs are in need of a win but the way things have done I probably won’t see more than a draw.

12. (13) Real Salt Lake (9 pt.) - Got the first win and it was a nice one for the most part over DC. You have to start somewhere I guess and even if it is at the end of June, a win is still a win. But let’s get back to reality here, this club still stinks something awful here. The addition of Robbie Findley will only help so much I think. That midfield is still dreadful and we won’t know how good it can be until Nathan Sturgis rejoins the club from his U20 duties. No games this week so I guess from that stand point is a good thing.

12. (12) LA Galaxy (9 pt.) - I’m not going to move them into last place just yet. I almost did but I just won’t until I see their next game. Which for some reason they get another weekend off. I hate the Galaxy’s schedule probably as much as they do. I guess this will give Alexi Lalas some time to make some more ridiculous deals that only make the club older.

A few updates to bring you up to speed with encase you’ve been into something else. A few trades and updates in the league, followed by a very serious talk about locker rooms and reporters. Feel free to comment on any of this…

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As expected, the LA Galaxy have traded midfielder Santino Quaranta to the Kansas City Wizards for a future draft pick. This deal was in the making for a week or so. It was merely a salary dumping on the Galaxy part as they are getting their roster in order before the July 1st deadline for making all contracts guaranteed.

I like this move for the Wizards as I think this could be a good chance to place Quaranta back at his natural position of striker or at least an attacking midfielder. I really never understood why both Frank Yallop and Steve Sampson would play Quaranta in the midfielder. If Curt Onalfo wants to get the most of this kid (yes kid, he is still 22), then he needs to play him up top and now would be the perfect time to do so with Eddie Johnson gone with the National team in Copa America.

Good deal for the Wizards and in a way a bad deal for the Galaxy. I don’t like trading good young talent for the unknown (and no I do not trust Alexi Lalas’s scouting qualities for next year’s draft either).

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Steve Nicol has been named the MLS’s coach for the All-Star game next month. Nicol will lead a group of MLSers against Scottish champions Celtic at Dick Sporting Good’s Park in Commerce City, Colorado.

Very worthy placement for Nicol as he has lead the Revs fairly well this season even though they have missed some of their stars to national team duties and have had some issues with players wanting better contracts.

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Four MLS stars have been nominated for an ESPY away as the MLS best player. Jeff Cunningham, Landon Donovan, Matt Reis, and Christian Gomez were nominated to bring home the hardware. My bet Donovan wins it even though I believe based on the stats and facts given on the ESPY site that Gomez should win it. He had a better season than Donovan did last year but LandyCakes is the poster boy so it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if he takes it home on July 15 award show.

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The Fire apparently had a friendly last weekend with Polish club MKS Cracovia. They won it 1-0 thanks to a goal from William Oliveira. I guess a win from somewhere can do nothing but help this club.

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The second round of the US-Open Cup is going to be underway tomorrow evening. Here is the list of games that the MLS clubs are looking at.

-Harrisburg City Islanders v Ocean City Barons (DC United faces winner)
-Rochester Raging Rhinos v Western Mass Pioneers (New England Revolution faces winner)
-Richmond Kickers v Cleveland City Stars (LA Galaxy faces winner)
-Carolina RailHawks v Bavarian SC (Chicago Fire faces winner)
-Atlanta Silverbacks v Charlotte Eagles (FC Dallas faces winner)
-Charleston Battery v El Paso Patriots (Houston Dynamo faces winner)
-Minnesota Thunder v California Victory (Colorado Rapids face winner)
-Seattle Sounder v Portland Timbers  (Chivas USA faces winner)

All third round games are set for July 10. However FC Dallas is looking to move their third round game, if possible due to their home-and-home series with their Mexican partner UNAL Tigres. That week the Hoops have three games within five days.

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Lastly, on a very serious subject. Over the weekend at the Home Depot Center after the Crew defeated the Galaxy 3-2 with 10-men. Apparently after the game in the Crew locker room there was a rousing affair in the Crew locker room. It seems as though Crew defender Marcos Gonzalez had problems with female reporter Andrea Canalas being in the locker room. For some reason Gonzalez took it upon himself to let Canalas know that he didn’t think she should be in the area and that he felt uncomfortable with her in there.

Now I know how horrible of a place the locker room is to report after games. Believe me I know and I bet the MLS locker rooms are no different than the most I’ve been in over the past few years. The best locker rooms I’ve been in are the ones that let players come out and address the reporters in a media room after they have showered or gotten back into their street clothes. Those are the best type but most aren’t even close to that due to various reason. Most are very damp, humid, cramped and very uncomfortable. Everyone is trying to get into the guy’s face of who scored the winning goal or hit the home run or whatever.
What I find hard to believe is the people out there that have bashed Andrea for being in the locker room in the first place. People, she is a reporter doing her job. She had every right to be in there as the other reporters. I know she wasn’t in there to raise a fuss or anything because I’ve read plenty of her work and I know she isn’t the type of reporter to do so. She is passionate about the game and she is a pretty good writer.

I thought we were well passed this kind of stuff but I guess not.

Personally I would like locker rooms closed to the media and everyone else and let the players come and address the media after they have dressed but that just isn’t going to happen due to time restrictions on most beat writers. Sometimes too the players need a cooling off period after a game, especially if it was an emotional one.

Everyone has the right to their own opinions on this but I believe she has every right to be in there reporting and doing her job.

Thoughts and feelings on this?