Friendly Outlook

On October 9^th Bob Bradley and the USMNT will be hosting the Polish National team in Chicago and three days later Bradley’s boys will face Columbia in Chester, PA. On November 17^th the USSF has said that the Yanks will most likely be headed back to South Africa for the fourth time since their exhibition match in November of 2007.

The question will be what team shows up to play? Certainly most of the US based players will be involved with the November 21^st MLS Cup finals in Toronto as well as the Mexican based players who will be occupied with the Mexican playoffs which open on November 20-21. Also with the games being largely low profile, we can expect that the reserves should receive plenty of playing time. Perhaps Charlie Davis will be called up to make up for time lost after his injury the past year.

What is certain is that the Yanks are in desperate need of a quality speedy forward to compliment the physical approach of Jose Altidore. With Robbie Findley tanking in South Africa this summer and Eddie Johnson failing to impress during his recent loan spell it is time for Coach Bradley to expand his shortlist for his first team; because the last thing he needs is to maintain the status quo.

Of course we’ll have more analysis on the squads once they’re announced.

The Hamsters in the Servers Ended Their Strike...

Hey folks, sorry for the month long absence. We’re back after some technical difficulties with your regularly scheduled PK USA. To get us all back in the mood here are some quick fire items in the news:

In the United States…Bob Bradley is back as the Yanks manager getting a four year contract extension after a promising, yet ultimately disappointing, World Cup. This ends months of speculation that the USSF president would be changing direction by signing Juergen Klinsmann. While no one can question the drive of the US squad this past summer much of the blame for the slow start and poor squad choice lie solely with the American boss.
The question moving forward will be any changes made to the squad in preparation for the Gold Cup and Brazil 2014 as well as any new approach in regards to squad management. Another worry will be worrying results provided by repeating World Cup managers such as Bruce Arena (2004 and 2006) as well as this year’s failures in Raymond Domenech (FRA) and Marcello Lippi (ITA).
In Accra, Ghana… the Ghana’s Football Association (GFA) has confirmed reports that Milovan Rajevac has quit his post as manager for the Black Stars. Rajevac will be “[moving[ on with new challenges,” having signed a four year contract with the Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ahyly Jeddah. The 56 year old Serbian spent two years with the Black Stars including an appearance in the finals of the 2010 African Cup of Nations as well as finishing in the final eight in South Africa.
Rajevac must have been seeing the dollar signs in his eyes because he is surely not seeing the rising star of Ghanaian football. A manager would be foolish to walk away from such a staunch side that will only get better over the next four years as the youth team matures all the further. This is clearly a case of a manager seeing dollar signs in his eyes where stars should be.

In Qatar… the FIFA inspection team arrived to tour the country’s facilities for Qatar’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid. Amongst the stops on the tour were stadiums that are specially designed to protect fans, players, and coaches from the summer heat, which averages 106 degrees Fahrenheit, to a manageable 81 degrees. Qatar will be competing with the United States, Australia, South Korea, and Japan for the privilege to host the world’s game but is considered a long shot. Truthfully I’d love to see the game’s brought to the Middle East; but in 2022 after the games return to U.S. soil of course.

Three quick shots from the EPL:
1) Sir Alex Ferguson’s removal of Wayne Rooney from the Manchester United Squad against Everton this past week seemed off simply for the stated reason. Embroiled in a sex-scandal which is neither her nor there, Rooney was taken off the squad to avoid heckling by his former club’s supporters. Naturally Everton’s fans took the opportunity to heckle the Manchester and English star forward regardless, I think that Ferguson would have been better off just stating that Rooney would be given leave to sort out his legal troubles.
2) Liverpool in the bottom half, I can’t say that I’m surprised; but the big four is looking like it may need to find a replacement.
3) As of the 13th, Blackpool sits at 4th in the standings while Everton mires at 19. Perhaps this January they will make for another push for LA Galaxy and US Star Landon Donovan.

We’ll be back on Friday for a more comprehensive article format.

EPL Predictions

Here are my thoughts as to how the twenty English Premier League clubs will finish this season. Though there’s still another month left in the transfer window, and plenty can change.

#. Team
Last Years:
Additions: Key pieces added to a clubs puzzle
Losses: Significant losses

1. Chelsea
Last year: 1st
Additions: Ramires and Yossi Benayoun
Losses: Michael Ballack and Joe Cole

The 1983 Liverpool squad was the last top club to retain its title following a World Cup; and perhaps Chelsea will be able to achieve that feat in 2010-11. The Blues haven’t had their title winning squad poached in the transfer market and looked poised for a strong campaign.

2. Manchester United
Last year: 2nd
Additions: Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling
Losses: None

After finishing only a point behind Chelsea last year, Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to his forwards to carry the team. Wayne Rooney will still be the focal point, but by bringing in Hernandez to share time with Dimitar Berbatov suggests a very potent attack. I just don’t feel like they’ll be able to measure up defensivly. Though their offense will be somewhat of a clinic if they do indeed sign the now imfamous Uruguayan Striker, Luis Suarez.

3. Arsenal
Last year: 3rd
Additions: Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny
Losses:Eduardo, William Gallas, and Mikael Silvestre

The retention of captain Cesc Fabregas is a tremendous feat for manager Arsene Wenger who is prone to selling players when the right offer is presented. Bringing in Chamakh should provide another layer to their attacking game with Eduardo being shipped out of Emrites Stadium this summer. However the Gunners are still missing a top flight keeper and another solid defender to fill the void left by William Gallas. A weak defense leads me to believe they won’t be able to match up to the offensive play by the top two.

4. Tottenham Hotspur
Last Year: 4th
Additions: None
Losses: None

This isn’t so much a vote of confidence for the Spurs to repeat last year’s performance; but in the inability of Man City to cash-in on their new additions. Tottenham’s season will be heavily dependant on staying injury free.
5. Manchester City
Last Year: 5th
Additions: Jerome Boateng, Aleksandar Kolorov, David Silva, and Yaya Toure
Losses: Martin Petrov

Boateng and Kolorov were brought into patch up a vulnerable defense for City while Yaya Toure at defensive mid should ensure a very solid back third. Silva and potential new signing Bariotelli should provide an extra “oomph” to the Carlos Tevez lead front. This is perhaps City’s best chance to earn a spot in the Champions League; but that’s how it has felt the past few years so I can’t put too much weight in that. Another year of coming close without tasting the competition of the Champions League is in store.

6. Liverpool
Last Year: 7th
Additions: Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic
Losses: Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera,

An instant return to the top 4 seems out of reach for Roy Hodgson and company. Despite a disappointing World Cup Fernando Torres will still be in top form for Liverpool as will Steven Gerrard. This’ll be a better year for the Reds but not by much.

7. Aston Villa
Last Year: 6th
Additions: None
Losses: None

No spending for Villa doesn’t seem to be in their advantage, especially with James Milner and Ashley Young both subject to transfer rumors (to Man City and Tottenham respectively). If the Villians can retain them, they’ll be in the mix, if not they’ll slide down to just above the relegation zone.

8. Everton
Last Year: 8th
Additions: Jermaine Beckford and Jan Mucha
Losses: Dan Gosling

Everton is a team that really should make a push for Landon Donovan this month to replace Gosling as a playmaker in the middle. David Moyes’s club needs to perform more consistently this year to have success. The Toffees have a world class keeper in Howard but lack a true game changing threat at forward.

9. Fulham
Last Year: 12th
Addition: Philippe Senderos
Losses: Chris Smalling

Keeping Mark Schwarzer is the first order of business for the Cottagers’ boss. A top half finish is in the cards if that happens in addition to another year of strong performances by Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora. Senderos should also help strengthen the back line, providing the wingers and forwards more freedom to push up.

10. Newcastle
Last Year: 1st in Championship
Addition: Sol Campbell, Dan Gosling, and James Perch
Losses: Nicky Butt:

Last year Newcastle proved they were just too strong to be playing in the Championship. Perhaps gorging themselves on the lesser talented has made them soft; but I’m of the belief that Chris Hughton will have his men hungry to prove they can do better. The big question will be how the Magpies’ strikers perform against a higher quality of defenders.

11. Birmingham City
Last Year: 9th
Additions: Ben Foster and Nikola Zigic
Losses: Lee Carsley

With Nikola Zigic and the upcoming signing of Belgian Moussa Dembele Birmingham aren’t in danger of being relegated. However, the Blues will be hard pressed to achieve the success they had last year.

12. Sunderland
Last Year: 13th
Additions: Marcos Angeleri, Titus Bramble, and Cristian Riveros
Losses: Lorik Cana

Sunderland is going to need to find a way to win games while away from the Stadium of Light (finished 2-4-13 in away games last season). Riveros is a good replacement for Cana and Darren Bent will be looking to increase on his 24 goals from last season.

13. Bolton Wanderers
Last Year: 14th
Additions: Martin Petrov
Losses: None

Owen Coyle will be trying to bring a more attractive brand of football to replace the vanilla style of play which has come to define Bolton over the past decade. Martin Petrov is a huge addition for the Wanderers and should be able to help push his new club to a near top half finish.

14. Blackburn Rovers
Last Year: 10th
Additions: None
Losses: Steven Reid

The Rovers exceeded many media predictions last year but won’t be able to make many waves this year unless they land a competent striker. With a possible takeover of ownership in the air the ability to do so may not be possible. What is certain is that Jason Roberts (31 appearances, 5 goals) and Nikola Kalinic (33 appearances, 7 goals) will need to step up their respective games.

15. Stoke City
Last Year: 11th
Additions: None
Losses: None

A reliable middle of the table squad; never good enough to surpass the better teams in the league and yet still above those below them. The managers will need to look to the transfer window and crack open his owner’s wallet if they are to change their fortunes.

16. West Ham
Last Year: 17th
Additions: Avram Grant (manager) and Tel Ben-Haim
Losses: Guillermo Franco

West Ham will avoid relegation this year simply by being a better outfit than those below them. Bringing in Avram Grant to helm the Hammer’s ship is a good start, and bringing in Tel Ben-Haim doesn’t hurt either. West Ham should live up to their low expectation by escaping relegation.

17. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Last Year: 15th
Additions: Steven Fletcher and Stephen Hunt
Losses: Chris Iwelumo

No team scored fewer goals than the Wolves last year, but Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher should be able to turn that around. Though they could use a few more men in the back line Mick McCarthy’s side should manage to see another Premier season in 2011.

18. West Bromwich Albion
Last Year: 2nd in Championship
Additions: None
Losses: None

The best of the relegated three is the best I can say for a West Brom side that routinely gets its backside handed to them by bigger clubs. Switching to a more counter attacking side seems to be Roberto di Matteo’s plan; but he lacks the players to pull it off successfully.

19. Wigan Athletic
Last Year: 16th
Additions:
Losses: Titus Bramble and Mario Melchiot

Another squad which couldn’t win on the road and with a defense that conceded 79 goals it was a miracle that the Latics didn’t get sent down to the championship last year. With an unimproved back half Roberto Martinez’s men may just reach the 90s in goals allowed.

20. Blackpool
Last Year: 6th in Championship (promotion playoffs)
Additions: None
Losses: None

Ah the loveable underdog. Blackpool will be routed for by everyone, though when they play against our team we’ll be cheering for blood. Unable to strengthen the Tangerines, Ian Holloway will have to make due with a squad poor on talent whose opening five games include trips to Arsenal and Chelsea.

For the Game. For the World

North Korea, the world’s most sanctioned and isolated country may just become all the more secluded.
Following the rogue nation’s group stage exit during this summer’s World Cup, there was a genuine fear as to the fate of the Chollima. Following the 2-1 loss against the Brazilians, the North Korean squad looked up to the task of playing in the “Group of Death.” So high was the faith in Jung Tae Se and company, that the following game was permitted broadcast on the state-run channel in the DPR – albeit with heavy doctoring. What happened next was a 7-0 shellacking by the Portuguese; an unfathomable feat fir a side that was said to have been receiving important tactical advice from the Dear Leader himself. After another 3-0 shutout, this time at the hands of the Ivory Coast, fans and pundits alike began to speculate the fate of the 23 man roster. There was a tone of humor in the announcer’s voice, but the undertone was all too serious.
Now, a month gone from the drone of the vuvuzelas, word has leaked out from north of the Demilitarization Zone as to the repercussions of disappointing the Dear Leader.
Radio Free Asia has reported that on 2 July, the North Korean football team – minus Japan based Jung Tae Se and An Yong Hak - was brought before 400 members of the Ministry of Sports and students from Pyongyang University, Kim Il Sung University, and Kimg Hyong Juk School of Education. Also present was Park Myoung Chul, the deputy director of the Workers’ Party Organization and Guidance Department, other athletes and commentators.
In a six hour meeting the player’s were “subjected to a session of harsh ideological criticism.” The team was then criticized by the other athletes and sports commentator Ri Dong Kyu, who was tasked with pointing out the shortcomings of each player; then each player being required to criticize their manager.
Aside from the condemnation, Kim Jung-hun, North Korea’s Manager, is rumored to have been expelled by the Workers’ Party and sent to perform forced labor at a residential building construction site. Perhaps more series is the accusation that Jung-hun has “[betrayed] the Young General Kim Jong-un,” – Kim Jong-il’s third son and heir apparent.
According to the RFA “as the North Korean soccer team qualified to the World Cup, Workers’ Party meetings and lectures for students were organized to celebrate “Young Gen. Kim Jong Un’s accomplishment.”
“For the Game. For the World.” That is FIFA’s motto, an embodiment of the spirit of international athletic competition. What North Korea has done is a blatant and offensive contradiction to the harmony cultivated in South Africa this summer. If the reports prove correct,-and anything coming out of North Korea is hard to verify with 100% validity- FIFA must move to ensure that such an event never happens again. Even if it mean’s that the Chollima’s second World Cup is its last for quite some time.

“For the Game. For the World.”

Donovan Rumor Mill, Transfers M-W

Los Angeles Galaxy and US national Landon Donovan has been the subject plenty of transfer rumors. Following a strong World Cup showing with 3 goals and a successful 3 month loan spell with Everton there has been a greater demand for one of the best players in the MLS.
“We have had transfer interest and we will have some time to think about it and see where it goes,” Donovan said after the MLS All Stars 2 – 5 loss to Manchester United. “There is interest from a number of teams.”
Interest is thought to be relatively high for Donovan. A couple of Italian Serie A clubs are said to be in the mix for his services as well as Everton, Fulham, and Manchester City. Roberto Mancini, Manchester City’s manager, went on the record last week to call the approach to sign Donovan “possible.”
Meanwhile Everton captain Phil Neville has told Everton TV that “"I've spoken to Landon and I know for a fact that he wants to come back here."
MLS commissioner Don Garber has been quite vocal about his disproval of any move that would take Landon out of the MLS permanently.
“He’s become a real soccer hero. MLS needs soccer heroes, and we have a great American soccer hero playing for us in LA, holding the torch for the sport in our country, and that’s very important, I don’t believe its something we can do without,” Garber said. “"Landon is in my view the greatest player of our generation and an incredibly valuable part of our history but also of our future.”
While Donovan is an integral part of the Galaxy and the MLS I think having another American perform at a high level can only help the perception of American football. Manchester City has the deep pockets to pry Donovan away from the states; but perhaps going back to Everton or Fulham would give the midfielder a better opportunity to shine.

Now onto the second half of the transfer list:

Manchester City
In: Alex Henshall (Swindon Town), Jerome Boateng (Hamburg SV), David Silva (Valencia), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio)
Out: Paul Marshall (free, Walsall), Martin Petrov (free, Bolton), David Ball (loan, Swindon Town), Gunnar Nielsen (loan, Tranmere Rovers)

Manchester United
In: Chris Smalling (Fulham), Javier Hernandez (Chivas de Guadalajara)
Out: Ben Foster (Birmingham City), Ron-Robert Zieler ( Hannover 96), Zoran Tosic (CSKA Moscow), Tom Heaton (Cardiff City), Matthew James (Preston North End)

Newcastle United
In: James Perch (Nottingham Forest)
Out:

Stoke City
In: Florent Cuvelier (Portsmouth)
Out: Nathaniel Wedderburn (Northampton Town), Andy Griffin (Reading), Diego Arismendi (Barnsley), Ibrahim Sonko (Portsmouth)

Sunderland
In: Cristian Riveros (Cruz Azul), Simon Mignolet (Sint-Truiden), Ahmed Al-Muhammadi (ENPPI), Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes La Plata), Titus Bramble (Wigan Athletic)
Out: Jamie Chandler (Darlington), Roy O’Donovan (Coventry City), Lorik Cana (Galatasaray), Daryl Murphy (Celtic), Conor Hourihane (Ipswich Town), Nyron Nosworthy (Sheffield United)

Tottenham
In: Sandro Ranieri Guimaraes Cordeiro (Internacional)
Out: Sam Cox (Barnet)

West Bromwich Albion
In: Gabriel Tamas (Auxerre), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid)
Out: Luke Daniels (Bristol Rovers), Borja Valero (Villarreal)

West Ham
In: Thomas Hitzlsperger (Lazio), Frederic Piquionne (Lyon), Pablo Barrera (UNAM Pumas)
Out: Bondz N’Gala (Plymouth Argyle)

Wigan
In: Antolin Alcaraz (Club Brugge), Mauro Boselli (Estudiantes La Plata)
Out: Tomasz Cywka (Derby County), Titus Bramble (Sunderland)

Wolverhampton Wanderers
In: Jelle Van Damme (Anderlecht), Steven Fletcher (Burnley), Steven Mouyokolo (Hull City), Stephen Hunt (Hull City)
Out: Jason Shackell (Barnsley), Mark Little (Peterborough United), George Friend (Doncaster Rovers), Andrew Surman (Norwich City), Nathaniel Mendez-Lang (Peterborough United)

Transfer's A-L

With the World Cup over players can now focus on their respective clubs and the long campaign ahead. For managers this is a time to see what talent they can add to their squads. There are rumors afloat, so we’ll take a look at the key additions and losses of the past month. Today is the first half of the English Premier League (Arsenal – Liverpool).

Arsenal:
In: Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux), Laurent Kocielny (Lorient)
Out: Fran Merida Perez (Atletico Madrid), Philippe Sendros (Fulham), Luke Ayling (Yeovil), Eduardo (Shaktar Donestk).

Aston Villa:
In:
Out: Andy Marshall (released), Wilfred Bouma (released), Marlon Harewood (released), Stephen O’Halloran (Coventry)

Birmingham City:
In: Ben Foster (Manchester United), Nikola Zigic (Valencia), Enric Valles (NAC Breda)
Out: Artur Krysiak (Exeter City), Gary McSheffrey (Coventry), Gregory Vignal (released), Jared Wilson (released), Lee Carsley (released), Frank Queudrue (released)

Blackburn:
In:
Out: Michael Hall (Accrington Stanley, free), Marcus Marshall (Rotherham United, free), Steven Reid (West Brom, free), Andy Haworth (Bury, undisclosed)

Blackpool
In:
Out: Daniel Nardiello (released), Hameur Bouazza (released), Al Bangura (released), Danny Mitchley (released), Joe Martin (released), Stephen McPhee (released), Ben Burgess (Notts County)

Bolton:
In: Martin Petrov (Manchester City), Robbie Blake (Burnley)
Out: Ricardo Vaz Te (released)

Chelsea
In: Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool)
Out: Joe Cole (Liverpool), Michael Ballack (Bayer Leverkusen), Juliano Belletti (released), Miroslav Stoch (Fenerbahce)

Everton
In: Jermaine Beckford (Leeds United), Joao Silva (Clube Deportivo das Aves), Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw, free), Magaye Gueye (Strasbourg)
Out: Dan Gosling (Newcastle)

Fulham
In: Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), Jonathan Greening (West Bromwich)
Out: Wayne Brown (Bristol Rovers), Elliot Omozusi (Leyton Orient), Erik Nevland (released), Christopher Buchtmann (Cologne)

Liverpool
In: Jonjo Shelvey (Charlton), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Danny Wilson (Rangers)
Out: Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Robbie Threlfall (Bradford City), Fabio Aurelio (released), David Martin (MK Dons, free), Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea), Albert Riera (Olympiacos)

The French Factor

Our weeklong mourning period is over. The World Cup may have ended but football and life will move on. In the MLS games will continue, in Europe clubs prepare for another campaign, and here at PK USA we continue to cover it.

There use to be a time when retired footballers would simply buy a pub or become a television commentator; those days have passed. This past Thursday I watched former Arsenal stalwart Theirry Henry’s first foray into the MLS and the only thing I could think of was “What a shame.”

Since his career began in 1994 Theirry Henry has been nothing short phenomenal. In 651 appearances with AS Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, and Barcelona he has scored 306 times and contributed 157 assists. His mantle piece is full of individual awards: Two times the runner-up to the FIFA World Player of the Year (2003, 2004), The PFA Player’s Player of the Year (2003, 2004), and Football Writers’ Association of the Year (2003, 2004, 2006) are just a few of his many accomplishments.

So when the four-time French Player of the Year scored against the Spurs two thing became abundantly clear: The MLS is where former Football stars come to die and the most hated man in Ireland has come for a sizable paycheck and the opportunity to do very little.

Just like David Beckham in L.A., Henry is a name recognizable to the casual and hardcore football fans in the United States. However both also share the fact that neither is able to play at the high level they once were because, lets face it, if they did they wouldn’t be playing in the MLS. SI’s Grant Wahl perhaps said it best in that the MLS is 10-15 years away from signing a major talent in their prime; until then the MLS, USL, and DVL will need to do what they can to foster young American talent.

Free Kicks:

1. New French National manager Laurent Blanc has suspended the entire 23 man roster for Les Blues next international match against Norway on August 11th.
2. Following tremendous ratings for the World Cup, the viewership for MLS matches has remained the same. This has to be disappointing for the league who hoped to cash in on many of the bandwagon fans of the U.S. national team. Perhaps the USSF will lower their ticket prices for international games back to their pre-cup prices.
   
3. Monday we'll be addressing the past month of transfer signing and rumors including the growing interest for the services of Landon Donovan.