Is Blanco the best DP MLS has seen so far? (Getty Images)

I’ve had this thought for a little while, on the surface the Designated Player rule is good as it brings quality players into Major League Soccer that do help in more areas than just on the field itself. We know the cons against it like teams spending so much money on one player but I started looking at all the past and present DPs and started wondering if this rule really is worth it.

Now first of all I’m not going to advocate for or against this rule today. I just merely want to point out who’s done well with it and who’s not. We’ve seen this rule in place for a couple seasons now and so far only a few clubs have ventured out with this rule. Now it seems like most clubs are going away from the rule, currently only five clubs have a DP (Toronto, New York, LA, Seattle and Houston).

Also, so far five clubs (or six if you count Philly too) have yet to use their DP slot. RSL won MLS Cup 2009 without one so maybe they aren’t worth the money.

So let’s take a deeper look into each DP. What worked about it and what didn’t work on and off the field. We’ll go from worst to best in this instance. I’d also like to note that two fo the DPs on this list have only played a little under a half season with their clubs so grading and discussing them at length seemed unfair at this time. If you are wondering about who I am talking about here those two are Houston’s Luis Angel Landin and Toronto’s Julian De Guzman. (For the record I like De Guzman but don’t care of Landin…but saying that I am very curious about their upcoming seasons.)

Denilson (FC Dallas):

What worked: This may be the one DP in league history that had very little good come from it. Possibly the only good that we can see is it will keep teams like Dallas from spending money on a washed-up player like Denilson in hopes of putting more butts in the seats.

What didn’t work: Nearly everything on and off the field. When former Dallas GM Michael Hitchcock made this move it seemed like he was reaching a good bit at the time on this one. No doubt it was a weak attempt on his part and the rest of the Dallas front office part to sign Denilson. The hope was to put more fans in the stands and improve the on field product in the process due to the flashy Denilson. What happened was no one in Dallas cared and Denilson was a waste on the field.

Final thoughts: I think it is safe to say this is the worst DP in league history. No one in Dallas cared that he was here and most that did care were happy to see him go. Looking back I’m sure Dallas wishes they hadn’t wasted the money on him but that’s what happens when you gamble, sometimes you waste your money.

DP Grade: F

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Claudio Reyna (New York Red Bulls):

What worked: When Renya was healthy you’d see a quality New York team on the field back in 2007. The midfield was a little more complete and the offense had a nice spark to it with him. I think had the timing been right when him coming to MLS we probably would have even seen a decent pump in attendance with him but probably nothing major like Beckham.

What didn’t work: Injuries and overall poor management on New York’s part really did this number in for me. Reyna was never going to be 100% while playing on turf (see Juan Pablo Angel for that too) and with the Red Bulls changing coaches every year stability was always going to be an issue.

Final thoughts: I liked this move at first for the club back in 2007 but as time wore on this move really showed some early flaws in the DP system.

DP Grade: D+

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Marcello Gallardo (DC United):

What worked: He probably came in with too much hype and in some way he wasn’t really the guy DC actually wanted at the time (remember the Juan Sebastian Veron debacle?). Injuries did him in quickly and he was only limited to 15 games. In that time he scored four goals and assisted on a couple others but that was it.

What didn’t work: From what I recall there was always some attitude issues with Gallardo. At times it seemed like he didn’t want to be there and I’m sure that sports hernia didn’t help one bit either.

Final thought: Early on I thought Gallardo could be a big time impact player for DC but after a couple games that thought quickly went away. He disappeared in games that he was needed in and injury aside was just not a good fit for DC or MLS. Then again about every player DC brought in back in 2008 was not a good fit for both.

DP Grade: D+

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Claudio Lopez (Kansas City Wizard):

(Note – Lopez was originally a DP but KC reworked his contract to not be a DP after 2008)

What worked: Late in 2008 we saw exactly how dangerous Lopez could be with the Wizards. The Wizards had a late surge towards the playoffs and were even able to upset Chivas USA in the opening round of the second season. A lot was thanks to Lopez and his efforts on the offensive side of the ball.

What hasn’t worked: He was truly never worth the DP money at the time, also he’s shown his age just a bit while in KC. Also he hasn’t been the offensive spark that some thought he’d be in KC. Only 15 goals in 57 games for the Wizards isn’t DP worthy.

Final Thoughts: Thankfully for KC they got his contract below the DP mark after one season. Since then he’s been doing okay as a non-DP player. I’d say he may still be a little more than he is worth right now but his leadership has been solid nonetheless in KC.

DP Grade: C

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Luciano Emilio (DC United):

What worked: No one can deny that when Emilio was on he was on. After the 2007 season he earned his way into a DP contract with his MVP performance. The only thing was after his stellar non-DP year of 20 goals his production dropped in the final two years with the Black-and-Red with only 21 more goals, 10 of which did come in 2009. Still when he was on his game he was one of the best strikers in the league.

What didn’t work: I suppose his downfall was getting the DP contract after 2007. DC traded for the DP slot from Colorado, only then to trade it back. As mentioned his production dipped considerably after earning the DP money. A pretty typical thing of most athletes that earn a big contract after a strong year.

Final Thoughts: I liked Emilio as a DP last year for the most part, he was one of the few offensive bright spots for DC. After going for 20 goals in 2007 there was a lot expected of Emilio. He got the DP contract and still got 11 goals in 2008 and 10 in 2009 but its hard to live up to what got him the DP contract, that 20 goal tally. DC was smart to low ball him going into 2010 and in a way he was smart to reject it and go home to Brazil.

DP Grade: B-

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David Beckham (LA Galaxy):

What’s worked: For the most part anytime he is on the field people are watching. He brings a lot to the table for Bruce Arena’s side and does create still create a decent amount of buzz for the league.

What hasn’t worked: For starters this loan thing with AC Milan has been a pain for the league. Second of all things did get off on a bad foot (excuse the pun) when he first came over with his injuries. He was expected to some to bring MLS into a lot of people’s houses but let’s be honest he really hasn’t spark that big of an interest in casual sports fans across the country like some thought he would.

Final thoughts: Hey the rule was made for him. He’ll eventually own a team in this league and his footprint will be all over when it is all said and done. While I have seen some issues with him making so many more money in a single season (or half season in his case now with this loan) than a couple clubs combined. But I’d still be willing to bet the positives have outweighed any negatives from him being here. He’s still done more for the league than most who have come over and tried their hand at playing in MLS.

DP Grade: A

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Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle Sounders FC):

What’s worked: When he’s fit he is a dangerous part of the Seattle offense. Even though he’s only been in the league for a single season he has brought a ton of credibility to the league in my eyes. I knew it was a good signing for Seattle last year and I’m standing by it again today. The thing I do like about this signing is he wasn’t brought in to put more butts in the seats at Qwest, he was brought in to facilitate the offense. I think if Ljungberg is fully fit again this year he could have an even more productive campaign.

What hasn’t worked: Injuries have been an issue thanks to his age and the nasty field turf at Qwest. His off the field comments this winter also sparked some issues with teammates for him not showing up on time to camp.

Final Thoughts: Still one of my favorite players all together (gotta stick by my Swedes). Ljungberg will continue to be what’s right with the DP slot. Quality talent on the field and for the most part good stuff off the field that gets fans excited.

DP Grade: A

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Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls)

What’s worked: He’s been a goal scoring machine, despite some injuries and playing on the lovely field turf at Giant’s Stadium. He loves New York and it seems like he is definitely at home in MLS.

What hasn’t worked: Injuries and lots of coaching/management turnover has probably cut into his production. I often wonder at times if he had gone anywhere else in the league as a DP would he be setting some scoring records each year?

Final thought: A move to Red Bull Arena this year will definitely help out with his injuries, which should definitely help New York get some wins this year for a change. Angel has been one of the better DPs the league has seen, some will even say the best. He brings a lot to the field and a good bit off of it.

DP Grade: A

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Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew):

What worked: While GBS only spent a single season as a DP he was still very much a good one. Not only did he help get the Crew to their second straight Supporter’s Shield trophy but he also did help them be the only MLS club to make it through the group stages of the CONCACAF Champions League.

What hasn’t worked: Injuries, his age, and the constant threat of him leaving (which has pretty much vanished this winter).

Final thoughts: Even though he was only a DP for a single season he is still one of the best DPs the league has had up until this point. He brings so much to the field and from the sounds of things he brings a good bit of things off the field. He’s a player you build your club around and who knows maybe he’ll become the first DP to turn into a coach in this league.

DP Grade: A

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Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire):

What worked: Its really hard to pinpoint something that didn’t work out right for Blanco in Chicago. He was an instant success on and off the field. While the Fire never got to a MLS Cup with Blanco they did see some quality soccer on the field and in a way the Fire help get his international career back on track. I won’t even mention what he brought to the table for the league in terms of growth in the Latino department.

What didn’t work: Blame it on coaching or management but the one big flaw with Blanco was that he never was able to lead them to any sort of domestic or international Cup while in Chicago. Oh and that US Open Cup mess wasn’t anything fun to discuss either.

Final thoughts: For me Blanco is and will continue to be the best DP the league has seen so far. GBS is a close second for me but Blanco edges him out because of what he brought to the game and the crowds he brought in when the Fire were on the road. He had his issues like any other player but he was well worth the DP price in my book, even though I’m still not the biggest Blanco supporter.

DP Grade: A

Expect a new look Fire in 2010. (Getty Images)

The 2009 season for the Chicago Fire was expected to be a big one. Talks of MLS Cup and Supporter’s Shield were all the rage to begin the season. Early on this year it looked like the expectations were being met as the Fire lost a single game in the first three months of the season.

Then came the summer where sometimes good teams go to waste. The Fire found some injuries got in the way of a dream season as Brian McBrdie went out with a shoulder injury while head coach Denis Hamlett struggled to keep a locker room happy. The Fire defense, which was once one of the best in the league started to come up short and even more so once Bakery Soumare left town.

Down the stretch the Fire kept coming up short as injuries piled up and their home play was anything less than stellar. In the final 12 games the club only won four games while never really finding any sort of consistent play.

In the end PKs did the club in against Real Salt Lake in the eastern conference finals. Their home play at Toyota Park was still a weakness and now they head into an offseason with a load of questions.

What Went Right In 2009:
When things were clicking and all parties involved were healthy this was one hell of a club. The depth early on was there for this bunch but towards the end even that depth wasn’t enough to push them towards a MLS Cup. McBride and Blanco were still a force to deal with and guys like Wilman Conde in the back were still some of the best in the league. On any given day the Fire could beat you any way around the field they wanted to with Blanco leading the attack.

What Went Wrong In 2009:
Let’s just say expectations were not even close to being met in the Windy City. Sure they reached the conference final but this bunch had better things expected out of them to start the year. The injury to McBride was a real killer in the middle of the year as the offense really never found it’s punch even though guys like Chris Rolfe were still tough to hold up around net. Once the word got out about Hamlett and Soumare and the locker room issues there the club really never was the same again. Questions surrounded whether or not Hamlett would return and they still will for the coming weeks.

What’s Next:
A lot of changes are going to take place over the next few weeks. Blanco is going to Mexico as we know. Rolfe is out to Europe and I’d expect a few more changes to come after that. No word yet on if McBride is coming back for another year and I would imagine a lot of that comes down to who will be coaching this club next year. Hamlett may still come back for the 2010 season but one has to wonder if he really is the right man for the gig. I’d imagine we will hear about his status over the next week or so before the expansion draft. After that expect some moves to happen and some player to leave.

Who to protect and who to expose is the guessing game for the Fire. (Getty Images)

This year unlike the last couple the expansion draft caught up with me here. I almost feel like I am a little late getting these lists out for the draft which is a couple days after MLS Cup. Starting today I will release a team-by-team list of who I think will be protected and who I think will be left exposed.

Now I know I don’t have connections to every club but I will say this year seems to be a little easier to do than in year’s past. Maybe it is because I’ve been doing this for a couple years now and I am starting to get how clubs do this sort of thing.

Today I am starting at the top of the alphabet with the Chicago Fire. I know they are still in the running for MLS Cup here but they too will have to make a decision or two about who to keep and who not to keep.

Chicago is an interesting group that should see plenty of changes this winter. The two I go back and forth on are Blanco and McBride. We know Blanco has signed in Mexico for next year but has an option to return to Chicago if he wants after the World Cup. So do you protect a guy that may not come back? Or protect a high salary of an older guy who’s future is also a bit uncertain?

The one guy I could see go in place of McBride is Justin Mapp, but even his higher salary seems like a gamble to take in this draft so for now I have him unprotected. Also keep in mind Rolfe is gone after this year is up so no need to protect him.

See anyone you think I missed on the protected list? Let’s hear it.

Blanco is headed back to Mexico after the playoffs. (Getty Images)

Like we didn’t see this news coming at the start of the 2009 season. Chicago Fire designated player Cuauhtemoc Blanco stated he would not return next year after his contract ended this season and he has made good (for now) on that word.

Reports out of Mexico say that the Fire star has signed with his old club Veracruz for the 2010 season with an option to return to Chicago after the 2010 World Cup.

He stated a while back that he could return next year to the Fire or even another club in the league but with his recent play for the national team in Mexico most figured those comments were just him being nice.

This will be the first of many moves that will effect the Fire this winter. With Blanco gone to Mexico and Chris Rolfe to Europe along with the expected departure of head coach Denis Hamlett we will certainly see a new look to the Fire in 2010. I just wonder where this club goes from here as far as their designated player slot goes, do they go young or try to make another big splash?

What do you all make of Blanco going home to Mexico next year to a division two team?

First up the playoff talk. Most of you know I mention Sportsclubstats.com when I talk about playoff chances for each club. I followed that site regularly last year and again this season, so far it’s been pretty good at showing how each club is doing and what they need to do to get in the playoffs.

Well, another interesting site has popped up. Playoffstatus.com has an interesting MLS section on a few different things including playoff chances. They break things down a little differently and probably not as flashy as the other site but still worth looking at if you get the chance.

Below is what they have for playoff chances.

I know the font is a little small towards the bottom so I will explain it a little more.

The red X means the club has no shot in hell at making the playoffs (New York), the numbers in red with a percentage mean the club has no control over their own destiny at reaching a certain playoff spot, while on the flips side a number in green means the club does control their own destiny. One would argue every club controls their own fate no matter what but we will go with what they have for this time for argument sake.

Most interesting thing that I gathered from this is Chivas’ chances to crash the western conference automatic bid party this year. They were a lock the first months of the season to do so before their summer decline but now they could be back on the way up. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a real easy schedule from here on out (home games against New York, San Jose, KC; and a road trip to Chicago who owns one of the worst home records).

Still plenty of soccer to be played and nothing is really locked up except for New York’s elimination from the playoffs this year.

Blanco Not Ruling Out Chicago Return?

Link

We all recall this quote from back in the winter:

“My contract will be done [after the 2009 season] and I will leave happy because I have great teammates. It’s a decision I made. I’m going to look for other options. I want to return to Mexico or see offers from another [MLS] team, but this is my last year with the Fire.”

Now it sounds like Blanco is taking a step back from that comment. Sounds like this season he has learned to love the Windy City a bit more than he thought he would and now he could be returning to the club even though his contract will be up. Do I see him re-signing with the Fire this winter? Maybe, its really too early to tell with him but with the amount of time he is getting with the Mexican national team I wouldn’t be shocked to see him stick around here.

I still don’t like the guy but I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing him stick around for another year.

Peter Wilt Talking New York

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I’ve always been a big Peter Wilt guy. He’s one of those guys that really loves the game here and does a very good job hyping it up in whatever position he is doing. Right now he is with the WPS’s Chicago Red Stars (great name by the way) but he isn’t ruling out a return to MLS, possibly with New York. Honestly, Peter stay in Chicago.

Purdy Gets Released and Re-signed All In A Week

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Must have been a rough few days for Steve Purdy. First you learn your getting let go by FC Dallas but now your being brought back so the club can place injured defender Anthony Wallace on the IR. Interesting nonetheless but I do kind of see this as a move for the future and not the present for FC Dallas. I kind of thing this is Dallas preparing for the up-coming expansion draft later this year. I know call me crazy but I just see this move being something like that.

I wanted to get into some MVP race discussion. I mention earlier that I felt Colorado’s Omar Cummings deserves to be in the discussion, well I have a few other names that are right up there with Cummings.

- Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy): Aside from his 10 goals and five assists, Donovan is the cog that keeps the Galaxy going. When he is on his game the Galaxy are a tough team to beat. You will see that when he is gone with the National team in the coming weeks, LA just doesn’t look the same without him.

- Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids): Current leader in goals in the league with 11 (and one assist). Casey will probably get more mentions than his teammate Cummings due to the number of goals. One thing is certain though, Casey has stepped his game up in a big way this season and the Rapids are finding out just how good he can be.

- Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders FC): Some may say that there are better candidates on the Sounders’ roster but Montero gets my nod. His 10 goals and six assists is more than enough for me to place him here. We know just how dangerous he can be and when he is on it is something else to see.

- Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew): Before he went out with an injury GBS was the clear favorite in this race but his injury made it worth watching again. He still is up there in the top of the league leaders in goals with 10 and isn’t doing too bad with three assists on the year. If he returns to even half the form we saw out of him early on this season he still has a great shot at another MVP award.

Others to mention:

Shalrie Joseph (New England): Without him the Revs would be dead in the water.

Brad Davis (Houston): While Brian Ching scores all the goals it is Davis who does the dirty work that sets him up.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago): While I’m not a fan of his work he is second in the league in assists.

Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto): The Reds wouldn’t even be near playoff contention this year if it weren’t for DeRo.

Got any other names that I am missing?

Shea Upset In Dallas?

Link

Gotta love seeing an angry comment or two from a young player that really needs PT. Believe me folks you want to see Brek Shea do well because he has the potential to be something special. Thing is he is stuck in a system in Dallas that doesn’t utilize young talent properly. He knows it and now he is sounding off about it. My bet he will be on the first plane to Europe this winter after the U-20 World Cup wraps up next month in Egypt.

Union Front Office Discusses Stadium

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Philly execs discuss the on-going stadium project in Chester. Good to see some solid progress on the new stadium for next year’s expansion club.

DC’s “Next Trophy” Photo:

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I do wish more teams knew how to market themselves better like DC and Seattle. Right now the two are at a pissing war over next week’s US Open Cup final at RFK Stadium. DC posted a photo of this year’s trophy on their blog today and Seattle fans were quick to discuss it.

Portland Timbers Prepare For MLS Jump

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I’ll be honest, I don’t follow the USL first division nearly the way I should. I know there is quality soccer there but I just don’t go for it nearly as much as I do MLS. Probably my lack of FSC has something to do with it. Anyways, its great seeing Portland getting more pup due to their play on the field and what is going on off the field. This year’s Timbers are a pretty impressive bunch going on a 23-game unbeaten run in the USL. Yeah only one loss this year for the Timbers and that was way back at the first game of the year.

Vancouver Expansion Looking Darker?

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Let’s just say the reports up in Vancouver are going from bad to worse as we speak. Apparently the roof at BC Place is a big part of their expansion bid with the league. Honestly, the league shouldn’t go nutty over the lack of retractable roof if the city can’t pay for it. Sure its nice to have open air stadiums like the article says but it isn’t the end of the word is it?

Blanco and Wilman Conde look to shutdown the Galaxy tonight. (Getty Images)

Week 23 in Major League Soccer gets started a little early. Tonight we get a primetime clash on ESPN2 as the Chicago Fire host the LA Galaxy. Now of course this game has lost a little appeal with David Beckahm (and Eddie Lewis) being suspended for a red card in last week’s game against Seattle. But it should still promise to be a good game between two of the league’s upper level clubs making a push for the Supporter’s Shield.

The Fire are on good form right now as they have only lost once in their last seven matches. LA on the other hand as we just mentioned stumbled a bit last week at home in the loss to Seattle, but even that was their first loss in a while.

Tonight’s game will be without David Beckham and Eddie Lewis but the Fire will also be missing Bakery Soumare.

I think tonight’s game will get bogged down a bit in the midfield but look for Chicago to control the pace there. LA will get a little lucky as the weather has been raining there today in the Windy City from what I’ve been told. If the rain can slow down things it could be to the visitor’s advantage.

Chicago will do well to slow down Landon Donovan and company. All the Fire need to do is get on the board and camp on the lead. They do well with the lead and holding teams to little offense. I look for them to do just that as Blanco and company look to inch their way up the standings. Chicago wins a nasty midfield battled game tonight thanks to Chris Rolfe and Blanco.

WVH Prediction: Chicago 2, LA 1

Blanco and Kljestan Grace FIFA Soccer 10 Cover

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Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Chicago Fire and Sacha Kljestan of Chivas USA will be featured on the front packs of FIFA Soccer 10. Anyone excited? Yeah, I’m honestly not. I use to be a big FIFA guy but I honestly haven’t bought the game in a couple years. The combo of Blanco and Kljestan is an odd one for EA if you ask me. I guess EA is trying to pick up on the Latin market a little more this year? Beats me. At least EA was wise enough to go with Frank Lampard too.

Look at Portland-Seattle Success in American Soccer

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If you haven’t taken the time to visit Pitch Invasion, do so and fast. Its a quality site with plenty of good material to read. Today we get a great look at the Portland-Seattle rivalry and its successes over the years. There is a reason why MLS will be great in two years, and this rivalry (along with Vancouver in the three-way rivalry) will be just the reason. Do yourself a favor and read all about these two clubs.

Ty Harden’s Track Back To MLS

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This was one of those stories a couple years ago that no one really understood but we all sort of respected the person involved for doing it. Ty Harden retired from soccer before the 2008 season, just out of no where, to focus on school and volunteering. It caught everyone with the LA Galaxy and throughout the league off guard since it wasn’t a retirement for injury purposes like we see with most young players. Harden did what he wanted to do and we should all respect him more for it. Now he is back with the Colorado Rapids after getting the itch to compete again. Good for him too.

Kyle Martino’s Story

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Here is a story from the Connecticut Post on ESPN’s B-team broadcaster Kyle Martino. Martino is one of those guys that deserved more love as a player and now deserves more as a broadcaster.

Cooper Scores In Munich Debut

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It took 17 minutes for Kenny Cooper to set his mark on his new club. The goal also ended up being the game-winner, as 1860 Munich defeat TuS Koblenz 2-0. The former FC Dallas striker was subbed off in the 72nd minute and was given a loud ovation from the 1860 Munich supporters.

Adu To Denmark?

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Could we finally see Freddy Adu get some real PT? It’s possible as Steve Goff is reporting that Adu is in final negotiations with Odense on a one-year loan from Portuguese club Benfica. Odense finished second in the Danish Superliga last season and will face Genoa in a Europa League playoff later this month.

Odense isn’t a big name club and Denmark isn’t a high profile destination at this point for Adu but let’s be honest as long as the kid gets some playing time it won’t matter where he is at. Denmark has plenty of American’s playing there right now so the move wouldn’t be the worst thing for him at this point.

Red Bulls New Project?

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Jack Bell over at the New York Times dicusses the possible resurrection project for New York. Again I will say, they need to take mold after some other MLS clubs and get some quality young American talent mixed in with some gritty MLS veterans. The MLS veterans are key because right now this club has veteran players but none are quality and most are over the hill foreign talent.

It still comes down to management and their lack of knowledge of the game. Bell runs down the list of talent that this club has missed on over the last year:

Agoos has always been quick to point out that constructing a team in M.L.S. takes a certain kind of alchemy. He is not wrong, and bad choices can be deadly: Juan Pietravallo, Diego Jimenez, Oscar Echeverry, Carlos Johnson, Gabriel Cichero, Jorge Rojas, Khano Smith, Dominic Oduro represent more misses than hits. Before the current season, the Red Bulls gave away Dave van den Bergh, ultimately for nothing in return. The team allowed their most consistent, albeit unflashy, defender Jeff Parke walk away.

Bad choices lead to a terrible record. In a league with pairity it doesn’t take much to suck. Talent wins and bad talent gets you fired or at least we thought it did.

Beckham Linked To Chelsea?

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England manager Fabio Capello has told David Beckham to leave the US as soon as possible if he wants to be a part of next year’s World Cup squad. Now we all know Beckham will end up back in Europe but with clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham eyeing the midfielder it may be end up being a battle for his transfer rights. Then again it may end up being another ugly loan from LA.

Collection of US-Mexico Links

Instead of commenting on each, here is just a simple hype list for Wednesday’s game against Mexico.

USA Roster Breakdown (Avoiding The Drop)
USA-Mexico Update (Soccer Insider)
Guardado: “Of Course We Will Win” (SBI)
Five factors favor the US as it looks to break curse in Azteca (SI.com)
USA-Mexico behind tennis on Extra Mustard event for the week (SI.com)
US Players Like Their Chances at Estadio Azteca (ESPNSoccernet)

Chicago's Patrick Nyarko and Seattle's Osvaldo Alonso battle again this weekend. (Getty Images)

We steam roll into another weekend of soccer here starting with one game tonight along with a full slate of games tomorrow. Week 19 is the final week before the league’s All-Star break next week.

Plenty of good things will come out of next week during the league’s usual meetings that will go. We should more than likely hear a lot about certain things going on in the league like Beckham’s return, expansion, CBA talks and more.

But until then we have to wait it out for the news to come down the pipe with all of those goodies. Thankfully the full slate of games this weekend should keep us entertained until then. Everyone is in action this weekend except for Chivas USA, good thing too since they really need a week to regain focus here after their stumble these last two months. They pretty much are the New England of 2009, hot out of the gate then cooled off too much in the summer. At least the Revs won SuperLiga last year, Chivas can’t say the same.

Anyways, as always feel free to drop in your predictions below as well.

Friday:

FC Dallas – at – Real Salt Lake:

One thing we know is RSL is possibly the biggest roller coaster of a team this season. One week they are way up and looking good (usually at home) and the next down in the dumps after a tough loss (typically on the road). All I can say by looking at this club, which is what I’ve been saying for month is they won’t make the playoffs until they win on the road. I’m even close to grouping them with their opposition tonight in the “won’t make the playoffs this year” category.

Anyways, the rant aside RSL is returning home after a tough blow in Columbus last week. Dallas comes off some much needed rest from last weekend to head back on the road to a place that they’ve done decently at before. Somehow Dallas has done well in RSL before but I just wonder if that will be the case tonight. I think Dallas will come in with a good bit of confidence after the week off and shock RSL early. Thing is I still don’t trust the Dallas defense on the road against guys like Robbie Findley or Javier Morales. This one will be close but I see RSL coming out with a Pioneer’s Day win thanks to a late goal (this series always has weird late goals).

WVH Prediction: RSL 2, Dallas 1

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Saturday:

Chicago Fire – at – Seattle Sounders FC:

Game of the week right here and even ESPN has it. Yes ESPN, not ESPN 2 (that’s the LA-KC game). Good thing too because Chicago should be right back on track after their 2-0 win last week against San Jose at home. They now take their show on the road. So far this year Chicago has been one of the best road teams in the entire league. They will need all they can get as they face a hot Seattle side. How Chicago hands not having Brian McBride going forward will be interesting to see. I’d take it Chris Rolfe and Patrick Nyarko are going to be called upon more up top for the Fire. Seattle should have the defense to handle what Chicago has up top in this one but will they handle Blanco? I think so because of the turf. Blanco’s play on turf usually isn’t nearly the same as it is on grass.

I think Seattle takes the three points here. Not because of the turf but because of just how well they are playing. Also throw in the fact that Fredy Montero is getting a lot of attention on the other side of the pond right now and you can bet he will be gunning for a goal or two in this one. The Fire will keep it close but Seattle will find a way to come out on top.

WVH Prediction: Seattle 2, Chicago 1

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Toronto FC – at – Columbus Crew:

Nothing like a little rivalry to get you into this weekend. If the last game mentioned wasn’t enough we get this tasty matchup as well. Columbus as we know are playing extremely well at home while Toronto really needs to find a good groove on the road here. What better place than Crew Stadium right? We know how their last meeting went back at the start of the season in Columbus, I don’t see it being much different aside from the late own-goal that gave Toronto a road point. I’m also curious to see how Toronto manager Chris Cummings handles his roster with their upcoming CONCACAF Champions League game coming up next week. I’d say he has to go for the valuable points here no matter what, which gets me thinking Toronto will jump on the board early to only see it slip away at the start of the second half. We know what Columbus can do without Guillermo Barros Schelotto last week and I think it will be enough to keep the stellar home unbeaten streak alive, but only with another draw.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 1, Toronto 1

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New England Revolution – at – Houston Dynamo:

If there is one club that can knock Houston off in Houston it is New England. Even with the strong performance last week against Chivas at home by the Revs I just don’t see them surprising Houston in this one. The Dynamo played pretty well to be without some key players last week in Toronto and I think they’ll only play better this weekend at home with a couple of them returning. I see Houston playing their typical style of play, get a goal (probably thanks to a set up from Brad Davis) and play tough defense the rest of the way out. Should be more than enough as I just don’t see New England having enough firepower to get by the Dynamo defense. I like Steve Ralston and Shalrie Joseph and I’d like the Revs even more with a healthy Taylor Twellman for this one but the lack of a big offensive punch hurts them yet again here.

WVH Prediction: Houston 2, New England 0

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LA Galaxy – at – Kansas City Wizards:

The second stop on the Beckham 09 Summer Tour takes us to the middle of the country in Kansas City. I believe this game is being played at the Wizard’s old stomming grounds, Arrowhead Stadium. I’m curious to see just how empty it will be there for this one. I’d much rather them jack up the ticket prices at their current place and have 9-10k there than an empty Arrowhead. But anyways, back to the story at hand.

If last week showed us anything, the Landon Donovan-Alecko Eskandarian-Edson Buddle group up top works. Best of all it doesn’t even have to use David Beckham that much. Now that Becks has had two games to get back into gear with the club (one league game and one friendly) we should see him more into the run of play with those three. That’s dangerous for KC due to how up and down their defense can play. KC is a good young club but without the proper parts they really aren’t anything great. Look for LA to be all over the place in this one and control the pace just as they did early against New York last week. KC just doesn’t have the offense to stay with LA, nor do they have the defense right now to slow them down.

WVH Prediction: LA 2, KC 0

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New York Red Bulls – at – Colorado Rapids:

What’s the key to getting back into the playoff race when you are on the outside looking in? A visit from the lowly Red Bulls. New York hasn’t won anything in a while and after last week’s game I wouldn’t expect them to start anytime soon. Colorado should be better than what we saw last week in DC out of them. So far they’ve only dropped one home game this year too. Look for Colorado to handle the play throughout this one and grab one goal to finish off New York in typical fashion. What do I mean by that? Expect a late first half goal to be the difference maker and it could also be an own-goal on New York’s part.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 1, New York 0

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DC United – at – San Jose Earthquakes:

Last game before the All-Star break is out west with the Quakes and United. San Jose looked pretty looks last week in Chicago and now they host another of the best from the east, that doesn’t look good for them as they head towards not making the playoffs for the second straight season. DC needs the points no matter what in this one so look for them to be gunning for a goal early on with guys like rookie Chris Pontius and Luciano Emilio. I like the Quakes but not enough to pick them in this one though. Darren Huckerby and company are nice but not enough against what DC has right now on the pitch. I do expect the Quakes to make it interesting but stumble late, DC is always good for a late goal.

WVH Prediction: DC 2, San Jose 1

Blanco was selected based on being the next highest vote-getter among midfielders, edging out Houston’s Ricardo Clark due to a high media vote count. Let me just say the league hands out a lot of media votes so it wasn’t shocking to see the Latin media vote more for Blanco than anyone else. Blanco did draw more fan votes than Clark, but Clark had twice the votes Blanco did from players and coaches/GMs.

Honestly this wasn’t a shocker to anyone who saw the voting tallies yesterday when the first XI was announced. Blanco may not be the most deserving Fire midfielder to make the roster (Marco Pappa gets my vote for that) but he will bring in some fans for sure.

Houston Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear will fill out the rest of the roster along with two picks from MLS Commissioner Don Garber. I may have more thoughts on the two comissioner picks later this week.