Ibrahimovic To Barca?

The transfer season arms race at the top of Spanish football continues as today's Gazetto Dell Sport and Marca indicate Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic may be heading for FC Barcelona in a 42 million euro deal. Its reported that Barça President Joan Laporta and Inter Boss Massimo Moratti came to an understanding on the transfer during a meeting last night in Milan.

It is also being reported that Barca striker Sammy Eto'o may be heading to Inter as part of the deal to acquire the the 27 year-old Swede Ibrahimovic, who is currently in Los Angeles training with his Inter teammates.

Ibrahimovic, who scored 25 goals last season for the Italian champions, would add to the Spanish and European champion's already potent offense and make an ideal striker to play off the world's best supporting striker in Lionel Messi.

There remains a chance that Chelsea could still swoop in make a grab for Ibrahimovic and even Moratti admitted on Sky Italia last night that , "We need to wait to see what the player wants."

Szetela To DC united

Midfielder joins. D.C. after two years in Spain, Italy

Washington, D.C. (July 15, 2009) - D.C. United today acquired midfielder Danny Szetela via its #2 allocation ranking. Szetela joins the Black-and-Red after spending two-plus years in Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie B. The 22-year old is currently with the team and will be available for selection upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. He is not expected to be available when United takes on the Colorado Rapids at RFK Stadium this Saturday (8 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet).

“We are pleased that Danny has decided to return to MLS and that he is now part of D.C. United,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “He is a talented young player who now has some terrific international experience including two years playing in Italy and Spain, as well as all of his time at the U.S. Olympic, U-20 and U-17 National Team levels. Danny is very versatile and will compete for regular playing time in a number of spots on the field. We look forward to his future contributions to our club.”

Szetela originally joined Major League Soccer in 2004, when he was allocated to the Columbus Crew at just 17-years old. Over four seasons with the Crew (2004-07), the midfielder played in 34 games (24 starts), collecting three assists. In August of 2007, Szetela was signed by Racing Santander of Spain’s La Liga and in July of 2008, he was transferred to Brescia Calcio of Italy’s Serie B. While with Brescia for parts of the last two seasons, the Clifton, NJ native played in 26 games, tallying a goal and two assists.

Szetela has earned three caps as a member of the full U.S. Men’s National Team, which includes playing in two FIFA World Cup qualifying games last year. His first cap with the full national team came on October 17, 2007 against Switzerland, setting up the game’s lone goal in the 1-0 win.

The 5-foot, 11-inch midfielder has a long history playing with the U.S. youth national teams, as well, seeing time with the U.S. at the U-14, U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels.
Last year as a part of the U.S. U-23 side, Szetela played in two games (one start) at the Bejing 2008 Olympic Games. All told with the U-23s in 2008, Szetela played in four games (one start).

As a part of the U.S. U-20 National Team in 2007, Szetela scored three goals in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Canada, starting each of the team’s five games. In all, he played in ten games (all starts), scored three goals and assisted on two others with the U-20s in 2007. In 2005, at the FIFA World Youth Championship in Holland, he played in two games with the U-20s. He played in a total of six international games in 2005 with the U-20s.

As a 15-year old, Szetela joined the U.S. Residency Program in September of 2002, finishing the year with 23 appearances (17 starts). He was the second-youngest player on the 2005 Under-17 World Championship roster, starting all four matches of the World Championship, and helping the U.S. to a fifth-place finish.

Update: Altidore To Olympiakos?

Word from reliable sources indicates this one is not yet a done deal. Stay tuned.

Greek media are reporting that young American ace Jozy Altidore may be spending the next year with Olympiakos. The 19 year-old Villarreal striker, after turning more than a few heads in the recent Confederations Cup (including scoring against Spain), is still facing the prospect of not breaking into the Yellow Submarine's starting 11.

Last year, Altidore, after making six appearances for Villarreal and scoring one goal, was loaned to second division side Xerez where he sat on the bench for five months. Recent statements attributed to the New Jersey native indicate he wants to find a situation where he can play every week.

The deal being reported in Greece indicates that a loan deal with an option to buy may be near and take Altidore across the Mediterranean to Olympiakos, where the young forward will have the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

What do you think? Could this be a good opportunity for Jozy or is he better off elsewhere?

Methinks any chance to play every week for a good club and get some Champions League action can't be a bad way to get ready for the World Cup.

FIFA Suspends Bradley For 3 Matches

American midfielder Michael Bradley has been suspended three matches by FIFA for a post-match confrontation of referee Jorge Larrionda after being shown a red card in the 87th minute of the USA's recent 2-0 win over Spain.

Read more about it here.

Real Madrid Joins The Chase For Onyewu

According to media reports from the Real Madrid camp, the Spanish giants are considering adding American defender Oguchi Onyewu to their pantheon of Galacticos (as an alternative to Álvaro Arbeloa).

Meanwhile, Belgian news sources seem to indicate he is close to a deal with Ajax while the Italian media are focused on Genoa and Fiorentina. Reports out of Istanbul indicate Fenerbahce is out of the running while the lack of new rumors out of England only indicate that there must be contact with a least a few new Premiership clubs.

So, will it be Ajax, Palermo, Fiorentina, Genoa, Parma, Espanyol, Valencia, Fulham, Marseille, PSG, Real Madrid, or some other team?

Stay tuned because this one is far from over.

Still Speechless

USA beats Spain 2-0 to make it to the Confederations Cup Final.

Atletico Madrid Comes From Behind To Top Barcelona 4-3

What a difference a year makes!

Almost a year ago, seven goals were scored in the springtime Barcelona -Atletico Madrid match, six by Barca, one by Atletico. Tonight, seven goals were scored in the match except this time, four were by Atletico and three by Barcelona. Atletico's come from behind win against the mighty Barca will go down as one of the top matches in the Primera this year.

This year:



Last year:


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Jozy Loaned To Xerez

After much speculation and a couple of false starts, Jozy Altidore's loan deal from Villarreal to Xerez is now complete. The 19-year old American will join the Spanish second division side the rest of the year after scoring once in six appearances for the Yellow Submarine. His new team is currently first in Spain's second division standings and looking for Altidore to add the spark they need to stay on track for promotion to the Primera.


"This is a good opportunity for me because I will be able to get more playing time which will help me adapt to this country and continue to develop my career," said Altidore according to the club's web site.

Some Great Soccer Writing

As we do every now and then, its time to point out some of the great soccer writing out there these days.

Here is piece of brilliant writing by Rob Hughes on how after a terrible storm took the lives of four boys in Barcelona, the team gave the grieving city something to cheer about.

Also, this one is three weeks old but its still worth pointing out Brent Lathem's insightful article on Neven Subotic's decision to play for Serbia instead of the USA. Brent offers some perspectives few others have been privy to (including yours truly) which I've got to say has opened my eyes. So, In my humble opinion, Brent's piece is must reading for anyone who wants to know what happened.

And for you Liverpool fans out there enjoying the club's success after the doldrums of the 1990s, the Observer's Andy Hunter does a great job of examining the downfall of Kenny Dalglish in "The Day The Magic Walked Out Of Anfield."

If you want to nominate some great soccer writing you'd like us to feature, just drop us a line here.

Deportivo Takes Its Turn Behind Barcelona's Woodshed

Barcelona has taken another Spanish primera team behind its woodshed, crushing Deportivo La Coruna 5-0 in the Nou Camp. 5-0 is the kind of score you expect when playing your reserve team, or a lower level club during an off season friendly, not another team in one of the best leagues in the world. Yet Barca seems to be making a habit of it as they stretch their lead to an amazing 15 points in La Liga.

Thierry Henry and Sammy Eto'o scored a pair of goals each with Lionel Messi scoring one. Check out the highlights below.

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Ronaldo Named 2008 FIFA World Player of The Year

Tonight at Zurich's Opernhaus, Portugal and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo was named the FIFA World Player of the Year, beating out Argentina and Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Brazil and AC Milan's Kaka (the 2007 winner), Spain and Liverpool's Fernando Torres, and Spain and Barcelona's Xavi (Euro 2008's Best Player).

As he presented the award, Pele remarked that at last year's ceremony when he handed the award to Kaka, he turned and shook Ronaldo's hand, telling him "next year I'll be handing it to you."

An emotionally charged Ronaldo dedicated the award to his family, his friends, teammates, and all those involved in his career.

Perhaps FIFA was tipping its hand before it made the announcement, having the Zurich Opera perform scenes from Handel's Rinaldo just minutes prior to the final award presentation.

The World's Female Player of the Year was also named; Brazil's Marta, winning for the third year in a row.

The winners of the FIFA Best Player Awards are selected by votes from the captains of all 208 member federations' national teams.

The winners of the 2008 FIFA Fair Play Award were Armenia and Turkey, who overcame years of enmity to play each other three times in 2008, including a September World Cup qualifier attended by both heads of state. These matches set the stage for both sides to begin a reconciliation process which continues to grow.

The FIFA Presidential Award went to the US Women's National Team for their contributions to the popularity and growth of the women's game around the world (not to mention their overflowing trophy case). Heather O'Reilly accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Everton Eyes Altidore

According to the UK's Sky Sports network, Premiership side Everton is interesting in acquiring Villarreal's American striker Jozy Altidore. Check out the story here.

According to the article, manager David Moyes has no money to so they may have the idea to take him on loan for the second half of the season.

Alas, injury issues at the Yellow Submarine and Altidore's early season form have led the club to spurn the Toffee's offer - for now.

And watch this space because Altidore's growth in Spain is not just being noticed by Everton - FIFA just named him as one of the young players to watch in 2009.

Barcelona Takes Another One Behind The Woodshed

Yes, the magic is back at Barcelona as they take yet another Primera team behind the woodshed for a spanking. This time it was Real Valladolid for six whacks. Gotta love the Sammy Eto'o hat trick plus one. Check it out here one of our partner sites Goal Junky.

Other notable thumpings so far this weekend include Slovan crushing Zlaté Moravce 6-0 in the Slovenian Superliga and Flora crushing Vaprus 6-1 in the Estonian Meistriliiga.

Just like my first sandlot coach used to say: it is a sin, to let so many in.

Barcelona: They're Ba-aaack!

After a few lackluster rebuilding years, Barcelona threw down a marker yesterday to prove they are once again a team able to win the Primera championship. Scoring five goals in the first 28 minutes, they demolished Atletico Madrid 6-1 at Nou Camp last night.

Goal scorers were Rafa Marquez, Sammy Eto'o (with two), Lionel Messi, Eidur Gudjohnsen, and Thierry Henry.

Watch them all here:

Altidore Scores Hat Trick in Exhibition Match

While their American brothers were picking up a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win in Cuba this weekend, a pair of young American players kept their shooting boots sharp in a pair of friendlies across the pond.

In Spain, Jozy Altidore tallied a hat trick for Villarreal in a 7-1 romp over semi-pro club San Rafael del Rio. Coach Manuel Pelligrini is still indicating that he may decide to loan out Altidore in January but first wants to get a good look at what he can do. Two clubs in the running for a future loan appear to be Real Sociedad and Valladolid. Of course much can change between now and December.

Over in Italy, Danny Szetela appears to have secured a starting position with consistent strong play, including in a recent Coppa Italia match which Brescia lost 2-1 against Serie A side Torino. This weekend, he scored a goal in Brescia's 7-0 first team exhibition over their own youth team.

Altidore's Loan to Huelva Looking Less Likely

Villarreal's new signing from the New York Red Bulls, Jozy Altidore, is looking less likely to be loaned out to Recreativo de Huelva for a six-month period. While the Yellow Submaine have offered the loan to Huelva, there is less interest in borrowing the 18-year-old American now that they have signed striker Adrián Colunga from Las Palmas of the Spanish Segunda (second division).

Now its a waiting game to see if Huelva will consider bringing on Altidore as well or if Villarreal can find another team wanting a shirt term loan deal. Otherwise, he'll stay with his new team but will have a tough time working himself into the lineup. The fact that Villarreal was looking to arrange a loan means that there was no place for him in the scheme this fall. Of course, he has a chance to change all that if he can prove himself during pre-season training which starts on July 15th. Opportunity may be knocking but the question is - will Jozy Altidore be ready to answer?

Racing Santander, Brescia Still No Deal on Szetela

Racing Santander is still looking to dish off American midfielder Danny Szetela since he does not fit into new coach Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz' plans. He was loaned to Brescia of Italy's Serie B last year where he made 9 appearances. Brescia would like to keep him for another year but Racing wants to sell him and the Italian club does not appear ready to buy.

Part of the loan deal was that Brescia had the opportunity to buy Szetela provided they pick up that option by June 30th. These terms can always be modified if both sides agree to a new deal. If Brescia won't buy, another team may interested. Otherwise, the young American could be left in a bad spot - stuck with a team that does not want him.

Ronaldihno in Talks with LA Galaxy? Doubtful

The Spanish sports daily Sport is reporting that the LA Galaxy have made an offer to Barcelona to buy Brazilian star Ronaldihno for a 3-5 year deal paying nearly $30 million (18 million Euros) per year. With $48 million being the minimum transfer fee Barcelona would accept, its hard ti imagine MLS could outbid the deep pocketed AC Milan, which has been pursuing Ronaldihno for the last year. Even if it did, they would have a difficult time justifying sending him to the LA Galaxy, where truckloads of money are already being spent on David Beckham. If anywhere, a player like him would go to New York.

According to Sport, Ronnie's agent (and brother), Roberto de Assis, will be meeting with Galaxy officials in Houston in the next few days. Since MLS negotiates player contracts, this statement smells fishy. Thus, the whole rumor is hardly plausible and only seems intended to put upward pressure on the pay package AC Milan has on offer.

USA Soccer Team...Still Rebuilding

OK, so the US men managed to earn back a bit of respect in a 1-0 losing effort to Spain but huge holes remain if the team hopes to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, let alone get out of the first round.

It was nice to see coach Bob Bradley rolling the dice and giving the start to Freddy Adu who managed to be the only player to give the Spanish any problems up front. Eddie Johnson proved again that he is not a finisher while the rest of the team looked pretty average (save for a decent defensive effort by Carlos Bocanegra) and they still lack in depth in all positions except at goalkeeper. Sure, the presence of Jozy Altidore, Landon Donovan, and pulling McBride out of retirement would have helped but this still only shows that the US men’s team is a deep as a soapdish. The USA without Donovan is too often like AS Roma without Francesco Totti – the others seem lost without one dominant player consistently calling for the ball. Also, the lack of an instinctive, predatory striker means our opponents can mark just a bit softer in the middle and keep their defensive shape much easier.

The technically superior Spanish side never really appeared troubled by their visitors as they played a conservative style to keep possession, prevent injuries, and test a few combinations before their first Euro 2008 match. Xavi’s sublime run through the lead-footed US defense to score the winning goal was not just a testament to the Barcelona star’s skills, but to how unorganized the US defense really is (and how much we miss players like Eddie Pope).

Despite the lofty goals of Project 2010 and the various efforts to produce larger numbers of quality players, it seems that the best we can hope for now is to restock the level and depth of quality we had over the past 10 years because increasing quality or depth appears to be a bridge too far. Maybe its because the US Soccer Federation (USSF) reached its goals, only to find that the rest of the world had moved on. Maybe its because American players, after years of coming up through highly structured programs, have had their killer instinct coached out of them – something you would never say about our basketball players. And maybe (just maybe) it is because the seeds the USSF planted won’t bear fruit until 2014 or 2018. Such long-term projects are always at risk of failing to reach expectations but I’d rather have the USSF aiming for such high goals rather than aiming for mediocrity and succeeding.

Regardless of how today’s match against Argentina goes, I’ve got to give the USSF credit for scheduling matches against such tough opponents (England, Spain, and Argentina) so the players and coaches can see how much work remains.