MLS Newsletter

Published on July 22, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release

Houston Dynamo at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. ET (DK, MLSLIVE.tv)

(Note: Game Postponed to Wednesday, July 23 due to power outage)

1. Back in MLS Play, United Hopes to Feel Right at Home (Washington Post)

2. Doe emerges for D.C. (Washington Times)

3. Dynamo still have a lot to prove in MLS play (Houston Chronicle)

4. Dynamo Try for Two in D.C. (Goal.com)

SuperLiga

5. Pachuca rematch more than a game for Dynamo (Houston Chronicle)

6. Pachuca to face Dynamo again (Houston Chronicle)

More Stories

7. Beckham's US move: One year on (BBC News)

8. David Beckham effect is felt across America (Daily Telegraph)

9. Olympic Hopes Ignited by One Phone Call (New York Times)

10. Donovan expects motivated MLS all-stars (Toronto Sun)

11. De Rosario happy to be headed home (National Post)

12. Steve Nicol excited for All-Star game (Associated Press)

13. TFC faces uphill battle (Toronto Sun)

14. Pride on the line as TFC battles Impact (Toronto Star)

15. All to play for (Globe and Mail)

16. Bragging rights on the line (Montreal Gazette)

17. Calabro to call Sounders FC action (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

18. Sounders find voice: Kevin Calabro (Seattle Times)

19. Calabro to give voice to soccer (Tacoma News Tribune)

20. Good Golly, Calabro to Call Sounders' Games (Kitsap Sun)

21. Sounder's stock soars (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

22. Expansion Sounders sign multi-year TV deal (Soccer America)

23. Red Bulls let win slip away (The Jersey Journal)

24. Red Bulls' house not yet a home (Newark Star-Ledger)

25. Crew fans say they're getting bum rap (Columbus Dispatch)

26. Pappa to join Fire on loan from Guatemala (Chicago Tribune)

27. Ortega leaning toward coming to FC Dallas (SI.com)

28. Galaxy trying to land Peruvian star Solano (Los Angeles Daily News)

29. Former Arlington Oakridge player to turn pro (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

30. All-Stars aim to maintain perfect record (ESPN.com)

31. Ten most memorable moments in All-Star history (ESPN.com)

32. Young talent on the rise in MLS (ESPN.com)

33. Gunning for a title (Big Apple Soccer)

34. First XI: What makes it great? (MLSnet.com)

35. West Ham visits land of opportunity (MLSnet.com)

===================================================== (Additional articles for consideration can be submitted directly to Stephen Rodriguez of MLS Communications at stephen.rodriguez@mlsnet.com. To request to be removed from this list please contact MLS Communications by replying to this e-mail.)

1. Back in MLS Play, United Hopes to Feel Right at Home

By Steven Goff

Washington Post - July 22, 2008

Thanks to soccer's unique scheduling traditions, D.C. United is both MLS's most prosperous and most troubled team.

United has not lost an MLS regular season match in two months and has generated goals at a torrid pace at RFK Stadium against league competition. At the same time, it is going through one of the worst stretches at home in club history and showing signs of regressing to its dodgy, early-season form.

How is that possible?

After extending its unbeaten streak in league play to six with a 4-1 rout of David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy on June 29, United took a three-week break from the regular season schedule to concentrate on a pair of tournaments.

Things continued to go well with two victories in the low-key U.S. Open Cup, but in the SuperLiga, a demanding MLS-Mexican event, United lost three consecutive games at home and finished with the worst record among eight participants.

So when the Houston Dynamo visits RFK tonight for a league match, United will attempt to simultaneously continue a hot streak and end a frigid stretch.

"It's time to get back to work," United Coach Tom Soehn said yesterday. "We are back to [the] season, starting the second half of the regular season and making sure we address it in the right way. And obviously it's always important to come out and play well after you feel like you let yourself down."

Soccer teams worldwide typically play in tournaments concurrent to the league schedule, and in this case, United's regular season momentum came to a screeching halt with losses to Mexican clubs Chivas Guadalajara and Atlante in a four-day stretch and then to Houston, 3-1, on Saturday night.

United had lost three straight at RFK only twice previously -- in 2000 to New York, Columbus and New England, and in 2001 to San Jose, German club Bayer Leverkusen and Chicago. The club has never lost four in a row at home since its inception in 1996.

"The situation that we've been in the last few games, losing three games straight, we don't want to think we are in the same track as the beginning of the season" when United started 2-7 in league play, team captain Jaime Moreno said. "We want to go back to where we were a month ago."

It is an opportune time for United to make a move in the Eastern Conference. In part because of the tournaments, fourth-place United (7-7-1, 22 points) has played the fewest regular season games in MLS and, despite its unbeaten streak, is just one point ahead of last-place New York (5-6-6, 21) and Kansas City (5-5-6, 21) and even with Toronto (6-6-4, 22).

Injuries have been a factor in United's decline. Starters Marcelo Gallardo, Gonzalo Peralta and Santino Quaranta have been sidelined for much of the month and will not return for at least two weeks. Reserves Dan Stratford and Domenic Mediate also remain out.

Moreno is expected to start after sitting out Saturday's match and will probably drop back from his forward position and play in central midfield in place of Gallardo. Defender Gonzalo Martínez is likely to return to the lineup after entering in the second half Saturday.

United's primary problem in the SuperLiga was defense. In conceding eight goals, the club made many of the same mistakes that plagued it in April and May.

"We got into some bad habits defensively," central back Devon McTavish said. "We've approached that and talked about it. We need to get to the way things were."

United Notes: Tonight is the makeup game for the June 4 match, which was postponed by severe thunderstorms. Tickets from the original game will be honored. . . .

The Dynamo (4-4-8) has played three straight league ties. . . . Houston midfielder Ricardo Clark, who scored the first goal of Saturday's match, is serving a one-game suspension for accumulating yellow cards in regular season play. . . . United midfielder Joe Vide and Dynamo forward Nate Jaqua are eligible to play after being acquired last week.

2. Doe emerges for D.C.

By John Haydon

Washington Times - July 22, 2008

The emergence of Francis Doe as a potential striker partner for Luciano Emilio might be the only positive to come out of a three-loss campaign in the 2008 SuperLiga for D.C. United.

The Liberian forward has scored three goals in four matches - two in three SuperLiga contests and one in a U.S. Open Cup win over Chicago on July 8. His efforts might have earned him a starting role against the Houston Dynamo in a makeup MLS game at RFK Stadium on Tuesday night.

Both of Doe's SuperLiga goals came from near the 6-yard box. He right-footed Craig Thompson's pass to score in the 3-2 loss to Atlante FC on July 15 and headed home Marc Burch's fine cross in the 3-1 loss to the Dynamo on Saturday.

"When I first came here I didn't understand the way of playing," Doe sad. "[Coach Tom Soehn] has told me where to be - to get into the space - and it's getting better for me."

If Doe can start scoring in regular-season games, he will provide United with some attacking punch alongside Emilio. Veteran forward Jaime Moreno is filling the playmaking void in the midfield while Marcelo Gallardo remains sidelined with an injury. Outside of Gallardo, United is missing two other regulars to injury - midfielder Santino Quaranta and defender Gonzalo Peralta - making Doe's emergence all the more important.

The 5-foot-8, 150-pound Doe has played in four MLS games and started once this season but has yet to score. He scored two goals in eight games for the New York Red Bulls last year and was acquired by United in April after the Red Bulls released him.

Associated Press Liberian forward Francis Doe has scored three goals in the last four games for D.C. United.

"He had a bad infection in his foot from the New York days," Soehn said. "He's gotten over that now, and his play is getting better. I think he still has to learn how to open the field up and when to take guys on, but when he is on the ball he is a handful."

Doe missed a number of games when he was called up to play for Liberia in 2010 World Cup qualifying in June. His absence was prolonged when his passport went missing.

"The team manager of Liberia's national team told me my passport had gone missing when we got back from Senegal, so I couldn't come back on time," Doe said.

Finally back with the team, Doe seems to be finding his niche. He said United could take some lessons away from the SuperLiga.

"The game is 90 minutes," Doe said. "We can't just play 50 minutes and just relax."

Will he get to start Tuesday?

"I don't know. I hope so," Doe said.

Notes - The three SuperLiga losses interrupted a six-game unbeaten streak for United in MLS play. "In our last stretch of league play we were playing well, and that is what we have to pick up again," Soehn said. ...

Soehn has the option to play former San Jose midfielder Joe Vide, who joined the team July 16. ...

Tuesday's game is the makeup match for the June 4 game at RFK against Houston that was postponed after 16 minutes because of a waterlogged field. Fans who purchased tickets for the June 4 game can get into the game free.

3. Dynamo still have a lot to prove in MLS play

By Bernardo Fallas

Houston Chronicle - July 22, 2008

Guardedly optimistic about their successful showing in the group stage of SuperLiga, which earned them a berth in the semifinals of the international tournament, the Dynamo return to the real world that is regular-season play, where plenty of work awaits them.

As Major League Soccer enters the second half of the season, the Dynamo, who tonight visit D.C. United (6:30 p.m., Channel 55) in a makeup of a rainout last month, find themselves being only as good as their competition.

And this year, that's not saying much.

One look at the Western Conference, where no team is above .500 and the combined record for the top four clubs is 24-26-18, and the Dynamo can't be too proud.

The thought of being labeled a middle-of-the-pack team has left the two-time defending champs disconcerted. They still consider themselves the league's top team, and there is no arguing that player for player, the Dynamo's roster is the envy of most MLS sides.

"I think we're still the top team because we're the MLS champions," midfielder Dwayne De Rosario said.

But their early-season struggles and resulting 4-4-8 record have dampened their status as one of the league's elite teams, if only temporarily.

While the New England Revolution, MLS Cup runners-up the past two years, are running away with the top spot in the East, the Dynamo have been unable to break free from the mediocrity of the West.

"Consistency is something we've talked about," coach Dominic Kinnear said.

Currently fifth in conference - yet only four points behind leader Real Salt Lake and with two games in hand - they trail 11 teams in points, including the entire East.

Much of that could change tonight. A victory over United would send the Dynamo into a tie with Los Angeles for second place in the West. Just like that, they would trail only four teams in points heading into the MLS All-Star Break.

The Dynamo's needs, however, extend well beyond a win at RFK Stadium.

The team's lacking offensive output (17 goals, tied with Kansas City for second to last in the league) has been a major factor in the Dynamo's woes. The team has been shut out seven times in league play.

The re-signing of Nate Jaqua and the release of Argentine rookie Franco Caraccio last week aim to address the problem. The team has indicated that another forward signing is in the works.

Offensive struggles have also affected the midfield, which has had to volunteer the likes of De Rosario and Brian Mullan as forwards in recent weeks. Even when fully staffed, production along the flanks, a forte in the Dynamo's game of seasons' past, has suffered.

The team is also looking for consistency on defense. While recent performances point to a solid back line, defensive lapses earlier in the season proved costly.

Despite solid showings of late, it has allowed nearly twice as many goals (19) as it did at this point last year (10).

"We need to have an all-around good performance," De Rosario said.

The Dynamo can be encouraged by their recent SuperLiga performances. Not only did the team win two of three games, it outscored opponents 7-2, including a 4-0 shutout of Mexican side Atlante and a 3-1 win over D.C. on Saturday.

"Hopefully we can continue the run," De Rosario said.

The results propelled them to a rematch of last year's semifinals with Pachuca on July 29 at Robertson Stadium, with the winner playing the final Aug. 5.

"But our focus right now has to be D.C.," De Rosario said. "You'll see us at the end of the season at the top of the standings."

Dynamo's to do list

Five things the Dynamo must do to win the West and reclaim their top place in MLS:

Score more: The Dynamo's 17-goal total is tied for second lowest in MLS, ahead of only expansion San Jose.

Shore up on defense: The team may be tied for second best in the league, but it has allowed nearly twice as many goals (19) as it did at this point last year (10).

Exploit the flanks: With two target forwards available, the outside mids need to get back to crossing into the box.

Watch for injuries, cards: Depth will be tested with the Olympics, World Cup qualifying and other tournaments. The Dynamo don't need more injuries or suspensions.

Get speed up front: The team is looking for another forward. It should look for a speedy forward to complement Brian Ching and Nate Jaqua.

Power Rankings

With the MLS season at the halfway mark, a look at the top teams in the league:

1. New England

Record : 10-4-3 (first in East, best in league).

2. Columbus

Record: 8-5-4 (second in East).

3. Chicago

Record: 7-5-4 (third in East).

4. D.C. United

Record: 7-7-1 (tied for fourth in East).

5. Chivas USA

Record: 6-6-4 (third in West).

Best of the rest: No. 6 Dynamo; No. 7: Real Salt Lake; No. 8: Toronto FC; No. 9: Galaxy; No. 10: Red Bulls; No. 11: Rapids; No. 12: Wizards; No. 13: FC Dallas; No. 14: Earthquakes.

4. Dynamo Try for Two in D.C.

Houston will try and beat D.C. United for the second time in four days when they square off at RFK Stadium on Tuesday night in a makeup game for their rain-shortened match on June 4

By Pat Walsh

Goal.com - July 22, 2008

D.C. United v. Houston Dynamo

When: 7:30 pm ET

Where: RFK Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C.

The Gist: Making up a match that was rained out in early June, Houston has a chance to beat United for the second time in four days. The Dynamo were convincing in a 3-1 win on Saturday night that ended group play for both teams in SuperLiga, knocking United out of the tournament in the process. However, D.C. will welcome back Jaime Moreno and Gonzalo Martinez into the starting lineup. Those two may not be enough as United, who were just hitting stride when this match was originally scheduled, have lost their last three games, all at home, and did not look good in the last few wins prior to embarking on their losing ways.

Why You Should Care: Though rain will not prevent this game from happening again, the weather will still play a factor as the typical oppressive heat and humidity has descended on the nation's capital. As United didn't press for the win, rested a couple of players, and have been sleeping in their own beds they should be slightly fresher. However, up and down the roster the Dynamo have better players. Houston will miss Ricardo Clark due to suspension, but will still have the services of Patrick Ianni and Stuart Holden before the duo departs for the Olympics. With Dwayne De Rosario and Brian Ching up front, Houston should be able to score first, forcing United to play from behind as they did in all three SuperLiga games. United will have to used Jaime Moreno in an attacking midfield role as Marcelo Gallardo is sidelined and Fred will have to chip in from the flank in providing creative play. Though Luciano Emilio has cooled off after his red-hot June, Francis Doe is contributing, as the Liberian striker has scored in three of United's last four games. For United to win, and grab three important points, Doe will have to be in form again, not an easy task going against Pat Onstad and the rest of the Dynamo defense

He's So Hot Right Now: Brad Davis. The Houston midfielder was dangerous in Saturday's tilt on set pieces, a typical weakness for United. Davis set up Ricardo Clark and Bobby Boswell on first half goals, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime. Even with Moreno and Martinez back in the mix, Davis will still be dangerous all night.

Prediction: Houston Dynamo 2, D.C. United 1

5. Pachuca rematch more than a game for Dynamo

By Glenn Davis

Houston Chronicle - July 21, 2008

These are moments other MLS clubs wish they were involved in. Meaningful international games in meaningful tournaments.

The so called "friendly" game, if it doesn't involve world-renowned clubs, may just be dying a slow death as far as the fan is concerned.

When the Dynamo advanced to the semifinals of the Superliga on Saturday, opportunity was reborn. When they take on Mexican power Pachuca on Tuesday at Robertson Stadium, a young but important rivalry will continue to blossom.

Yet for the Dynamo, it is so much more. The game provides the franchise another chance to brand the club at the national and international level. It also provides a major opportunity to win over fervent soccer fans who follow the Mexican First Division and root for teams such as Pachuca.

The formula is simple and working. Want to earn respect? Beat your opponent.

The game also can win over the casual sports fan because of its international nature. It is rare for any Houston team to play foreign competition. It just doesn't happen regularly in the NFL, NBA or MLB.

Time to shine

With the spotlight on them, the Dynamo have the opportunity to make history, grow their fan base and put a few bucks in their coffers. Yes, next Tuesday against Pachuca is an important moment for soccer in the United States.

These moments of opportunity seem to come consistently for the Dynamo. Over the last two years, they have earned the right to face top competition by winning two MLS Cups and getting close to the "holy grail" of winning an international tournament.

The semifinals have been reached, and now the question is whether the Dynamo can win SuperLiga.

Fans again will flock to the stadium for a late-night encounter with one of Mexico's most consistent and most decorated clubs in recent times.

Add to that the fact that the Tuzos play entertaining soccer.

Pachuca's history dwarfs the Dynamo's, yet in just two years an amazing amount of respect has begun to flow between the clubs. Who will ever forget last year's marathon of a match that lasted more than three hours and was eventually won on penalty kicks by Pachuca? The game featured eight yellow cards, three reds and a dramatic Dynamo comeback.

Seizing the chance

For years, MLS and its clubs have wanted to attach themselves to the international game, longing for the opportunity to be embraced. When an opportunity to play the world's greatest clubs was made available, MLS jumped on it. Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Celtic and others all became allies in growing the game in the United States.

Tournaments like Superliga have been created to make money, but also to grow the game.

The fact remains that the Dynamo have consistently delivered on these nights of "opportunity," and something tells me that Tuesday we are in for a special night.

6. Pachuca to face Dynamo again

By Bernardo Fallas

Houston Chronicle - July 21, 2008

Pachuca's 1-1 tie against Santos in SuperLiga action Sunday night in Frisco advanced the defending tournament champion to the semifinals, where the Mexican club will meet the Dynamo for the second time in as many years.

Pachuca, which finished second in Group B play, will play the defending MLS champions, winners of Group A, at 9 p.m. July 29 at Robertson Stadium. Ticket information will be released by the Dynamo today.

Last year, Pachuca won a semifinal against the Dynamo on a shootout.

Earlier Sunday, the New England Revolution tied Chivas USA 1-1 in the other Group B game in Fullerton, Calif., to win the group and set up a semifinal showdown against Atlante on July 30 at Foxborough, Mass.

7. Beckham's US move: One year on

America loves its celebrities, and it loves its winners

By Matthew Price

BBC News - July 21, 2008

David Beckham is both, and they clearly love him too.

In the year since he first played for LA Galaxy after a multi-million dollar deal, the one-man marketing machine has helped fuel record attendances and record sales of merchandise across a country where soccer (aka "football") is hardly a sporting passion.

When the New York Red Bulls hosted LA Galaxy this weekend, the obligatory group of young female fans was screaming for Beckham.

They'd painted B-E-C-K-S onto their midriffs.

"It's so surreal to see him. He's right here in front of us! He smiled at us!"

They were not, though, Galaxy fans - but New York Red Bull supporters.

This match was clearly testing their allegiance.

"David Beckham was one of the reasons we wanted to come to this game," one woman admitted, as children swarmed around in "Beckham, 23" shirts.

"David Beckham brings class to the game in America. He whips the ball in the mixer," another fan added.

Along with whipping in the mixer - whatever that may be - there's no doubt that Beckham has raised the profile of the game in this country.

Most of the fans at the game wouldn't have come if he hadn't been playing.

'More experimenting'

Is it, though, Beckham's football or his celebrity that's attracting them?

"I don't care as long as they're here and as long as they're watching the game," Beckham said at a pre-match press conference.

"Whether it's because of my celebrity or whether they just want to see a soccer game, it's so important that people turn out and enjoy the game."

In fact, if you ask the bosses of Major League Soccer in the US the same question, it's clear that the celebrity aspect was the driving force behind bringing him here in the first place.

"David is to Major League Soccer in many ways what Michael Jordan was to the NBA [basketball] or Wayne Gretsky was to the NHL [hockey]," says Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer.

"When they go on the road the attendances are far higher and that's a good thing because more people are experimenting with soccer in America.

"As long as a percentage of them stay with us and become bigger fans, that's a good thing."

Certainly the last year has made Beckham even more of a star in the States.

He and his wife "Posh" now get the kind of attention in the US gossip magazines that they might well rather not have.

Coast to coast, he sprawls across billboards in his underpants, or his sunglasses.

He even - with a wry smile - steals pens off autograph hunters in one television ad.

It is exactly what the money-men who signed the deal wanted.

To what end though? Few here believe that soccer could ever attempt to rival the big three: American football, basketball, and baseball.

'Going well'

"Our goal is not to beat the NFL or beat the NBA - our goal is to be a respected sport," says Mr Garber.

He argues they have the fan base already.

Major League Soccer's Don Garber wants football to be 'respected' Five million people in America, he says, watched the European Football Championships this year.

"There is no doubt in our mind that we will be a major, major league in the United States at some point," Mr Garber adds.

As for David Beckham, he says football here is growing, "but it's going to take time".

"It's a long term plan.

"It's going well, and that's obviously what this game needs in this country. The hype's there, we've got to keep it going."

Hype, though, may not be enough.

Besides a few exceptions, the quality of play is pretty low.

Standing in a sweltering Giants stadium, watching the Red Bulls and Galaxy scratch a 2-2 draw, felt a little like watching second division football back in England.

Don't just take my word for it.

One of Beckham's reported successes was the role he played in attracting the former Dutch international Ruud Gullit to sign up as manager of LA Galaxy this season.

As Gullit told journalists just after the game, "a lot of players still need to work on their own game, and that means they can't think for the team, so you have to start at the beginning.

"For me it doesn't go quickly enough."

How often do you hear a manager of a supposedly major club say he's basically starting from scratch?

8. David Beckham effect is felt across America

Just over a year ago, David Beckham made his debut for Los Angeles Galaxy. His impact on his new club and Major League Soccer has been phenomenal.

By John Ley

Daily Telegraph - July 22, 2008

For every excited American awaiting his arrival in California, there was a critic ready to denounce the move. Yet the Beckham effect has not only improved the profile of the club, but also put the midfielder back in the England fold, a member of the 'Century Club' now that he has passed 100 caps.

On the field, Beckham has become a one-man show, responsible for the Galaxy averaging a league-best 25,513 at home and a league-high 27,094 on the road this year. The Galaxy website could not be accused of understating Beckham, describing him as "one of the world's most recognisable people".

New York Red Bulls had a crowd of 46,754 for the visit of the Galaxy on Saturday. Usually around 10,000 watch their home games. The 66,237 - an MLS record - who went to Giants Stadium last August to see Beckham and the Galaxy was more than for their five previous home MLS games put together.

Indeed, every away match the Galaxy have played this season has seen the home team's best attendance.

Tim Leiweke, chief executive of Anschutz Entertainment Group who own the Galaxy, asked: "How can you not pay attention to the impact this guy is creating?"

Off the field, Beckham is smiling, autograph-friendly and happy to speak to the media whenever he is asked, while he and his wife, Victoria, fit comfortably into the LA image and lifestyle.

Ivan Gazidis, the deputy commissioner of MLS, said: "I don't think any player could have had the impact with the general public that David Beckham has had."

Beckham's five goals and seven assists have helped Galaxy to second place in the Western Division, one point behind Real Salt Lake.

Beckham remains modest, satisfied with the manner in which he has settled. "I think we've moved the needle slightly," he said. "I said when I first moved here that it's not going to take a year or two. It will take five or maybe 10 years to make this league grow to a much higher level.

"You see many families turn up with their young kids and watch the Galaxy playing. In 10 years those kids are going to be 15 and 16 years old, turning around and saying 'I remember when we saw the Galaxy play'.

"It might take that long, but hopefully we've made the footprint that obviously takes it further on."

9. Olympic Hopes Ignited by One Phone Call

By Jack Bell

New York Times - July 22, 2008

Robbie Rogers took a telephone call last week and could barely comprehend the news. Rogers, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder for the Columbus Crew, was one of 18 players picked by Coach Peter Nowak to represent the United States at next month's Olympics in China.

"After not making the team for qualifying, I had my doubts about the Olympic team," Rogers said in a telephone interview before joining the American team for training in Palo Alto, Calif. "When I didn't make the qualifying team, I just thought that my style of play didn't blend with his style. I was pretty bummed. I just hoped they would qualify so I would get another chance."

Rogers, one of the stars of the team that played well in last summer's FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada, went back to work. He earned a starting spot with the Crew and has scored five goals in 17 M.L.S. games this season.

"It's no secret that Robbie has had a great season and the whole team is playing very well," Nowak said, referring to the Crew, during last week's conference call announcing the Olympic team. "In the last couple of months, Robbie started to play the game everybody loved to see him play. He's had a lot of very significant progress in the last six, seven, eight months, and this is good to see. He's healthy, he's fit, he's scoring goals, and he's helping his team win. He fits the picture very well."

Quick and skillful, Rogers is among the most coveted of soccer players - adept on the left side (even though he is right-footed) and capable of scoring or putting a cross in a dangerous area in front of the goal.

Had he not been selected for the Olympic team, Rogers would have been the youngest player on the M.L.S. All-Star roster for Thursday's game in Toronto. He was named among the first 11 players picked in voting by fans, players, general managers and the news media.

"That definitely wasn't expected," said Rogers, a native of Huntington Beach, Calif. "I just laughed when I heard the news. Of course it's been one of my goals, and to reach it this soon is pretty awesome."

"But I'm going to the Olympics. I can't complain."

ALL-STAR FOOTNOTE The 2009 M.L.S. All-Star Game has been awarded to Real Salt Lake, which hopes to be playing in a new stadium outside Salt Lake City before the end of this season. The club has a close working relationship with Real Madrid, and it certainly would not be a surprise to see Real Madrid, the defending champion in La Liga, in the United States next summer to play a team of M.L.S. stars. It would be a shift from four straight games against opponents from Britain: 2005, Fulham; 2006, Chelsea; 2007, Glasgow Celtic; and 2008, West Ham United.

U.S. Women's Team

Abby Wambach said she knew what had happened - and it was not good.

"After the collision, the trainers came out and asked me if it was my knee or my ankle," Wambach said Monday during a telephone conference call.

"No. I told them I had fractured my tibia and fibula. And I told them not to touch it."

Wambach, 28, broke her left leg last Wednesday night in San Diego in the final exhibition game, a 1-0 victory against Brazil, before the United States Olympic women's team was to leave for China to defend its gold medal.

She led the team in 2008 with 13 goals and 9 assists. She was replaced on the Olympic roster by Lauren Cheney.

"Some people have said that I looked calm on the field, but it really was only an acceptance of reality," Wambach said. "I believe in my future and the future of the team. I know I'm an important player, but the injury has also made me realize how insignificant one player is in the team environment. It takes a team to win a championship."

Wambach could be sidelined for up to a year.

"I didn't want to react on the field because I know what it takes to win a gold medal and I know one person isn't going to be the answer," she said. "I wanted to set an example for my teammates so they could see on my face that I know, whether I'm on the field or not, that they can win. I think that helped them accept the fact that I'm gone."

The United States enters the Olympics with a new coach, Pia Sundhage, and an unbeaten record in 2008 (20-0-1).

Obscured by David Beckham's visit to Giants Stadium with Los Angeles last Saturday was a strong effort by the Red Bulls that was squandered when the Galaxy scored in second-half injury time to secure a 2-2 draw. Los Angeles, the highest-scoring team in M.L.S. with 36 goals (eight more than D.C. United), also leads the league with nine goals in the final 15 minutes.

The Red Bulls (5-6-6, 21 points) received a promising performance from the newly acquired Venezuelan midfielder Jorge Rojas. Rojas had an assist on the first Red Bulls goal and could have easily put away the game when he missed an open chance late in the match (one of several missed chances that would have enabled the Red Bulls to lock up the victory).

Midfielder Seth Stammler had perhaps his best game of the season, spraying well-timed passes around the field. And striker Juan Pablo Ángel, the club's only representative in Thursday's All-Star Game in Toronto, scored a candidate for goal of the year when he walked around defender Greg Vanney and expertly chipped the ball over goalkeeper Steve Cronin.

AROUND THE LEAGUE After last weekend's 0-0 draw against visiting San Jose, Toronto F.C. has not won in its last eight games in all competitions (four M.L.S. games, two games in the Canadian championship and two friendlies) since June 14.

Darren Huckerby, 32, made his first start for the Earthquakes after his rights were traded by Toronto. Huckerby played out his contract with Norwich City in England and told Toronto he would not play for the club because he could not endure playing on the artificial turf of the team's BMO Field, citing a chronic hip injury.

Schellas Hyndman, the coach of F.C. Dallas since mid-June, has yet to win (0-1-3), and the club has only one league win in its past eight games dating to May 28. Cuauhtémoc Blanco will be Chicago's lone representative in Thursday's All-Star Game against West Ham United while the Fire's goalkeeper, Jon Busch, watches from home. After 16 games. Busch is the league's top goalkeeper with an 0.88 goals against average and six shutouts. After failing to make the playoffs in its first three seasons in the league, Real Salt Lake (6-6-6) has a 1-point lead over Los Angeles for first place in the Western Conference.

Notes

¶The first season of U.S. Soccer's Development Academy ended last weekend with two clubs winning national titles. The Development Academy, which includes nearly two dozen elite clubs from around the United States, is an effort by the American federation to identify players for national team programs while also emphasizing meaningful training and competition instead of a crowded schedule of games. In the U15/16 age group, Carmel United of Indiana defeated P.D.A. of New Jersey, 1-0. In the U17/18 final, Baltimore Bays beat the Los Angeles Fútbol Club, 4-2, in overtime.

¶In Spain, Valencia, which won the title in La Liga in 2002 and 2004 but finished 10th last season, is in financial distress and may have to sell two of its biggest stars. The sports daily Marca reported Monday that the club would probably sell striker David Villa, 26, the leader scorer last month in Euro 2008, and David Silva, 22. The club stands to make about $100 million in transfer fees.

¶The Montreal Impact of the United Soccer Leagues First Division will play Toronto F.C. of M.L.S. at BMO Field in Toronto on Tuesday night in the Canadian Championship with a berth in the inaugural Concacaf Champions League at stake. The Impact would advance with a win or a tie, Toronto must win to advance to a first round home-and-home series against Real Estelí F.C., the Nicaraguan champion.

10. Donovan expects motivated MLS all-stars

By Dean McNulty

Toronto Sun - July 22, 2008

Don't think for a moment that beating the daylights out of English Premiership side West Ham United won't be the prime motivator for the Major League Soccer all-stars Thursday at BMO Field.

Los Angles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, in Toronto yesterday in advance of the mid-season exhibition match, said that in every conversation he has had with fellow all-stars so far, the talk has been about nailing the Hammers to the carpet.

"Of course we want to show them that our brand of soccer is good," Donovan said. "This is a showcase for our fans too, to see the best players in the league against some of the best in the world."

The seven-time all-star credited his L.A. teammate, and fellow all-star, David Beckham for raising the profile of the MLS in Europe, but said that he thinks the West Ham players already know and appreciate the level of play in North America.

"We're not getting any points for this game, nor are we moving up in the standings for this game, so our only motivation is to beat them," Donovan said.

"When we are in the locker room and in the hotel guys talk about how this is a big opportunity to show that we are good players. I think in years past (Premiership) teams came over here and thought it was going to be a little bit of a cakewalk. Judging from West Ham's game (a 3-1 win) against Columbus (Sunday) and who they played, they are taking Thursday's game very seriously."

The Hammers played most of their regular starting 11, including forward Dean Ashton, who has been hailed as England's next big international scorer.

Also expected to play will be Craig Bellamy, who once threw a chair at Toronto FC coach John Carver, in a post-game flare up when both were at Newcastle United.

Sir Bobby Robson, Newcastle's legendary coach, said of Bellamy after the incident that he was the only player he ever met "who could start a fight in an empty room."

Donovan, for one, is looking forward to playing at BMO with the fans, this time, on his side.

"The crowd, as always, will be tremendous," he said. "Only this time they won't be cheering against those of us who travel here in league play."

Security is expected to be tight at the game after about 30 West Ham fans were involved in a post-game brawl with Columbus fans. And Toronto fans are known throughout the MLS as the most vociferous anywhere.

11. De Rosario happy to be headed home

From Scarborough; Houston striker gets late call to all-star team

By Mark Masters

National Post - July 22, 2008

Dwayne De Rosario has booked a downtown Toronto club for a huge party set to start when the Major League Soccer all-star game ends on Thursday night.

The Scarborough native is expecting A-list guests from the MLS all-star team, Toronto FC and even some players from visiting English Premier League side West Ham United.

All that was missing until last week was De Rosario's invitation.

The Houston Dynamo striker was left off the list of the first 11 players voted on to the MLS all-star team. Then the team's coach, Steve Nicol of the New England Revolution, did not pick him with his five selections.

Finally, commissioner Don Garber used one of his two final picks to make sure De Rosario got a chance to play.

"I was starting to get a little concerned," De Rosario said.

"I was like, 'Man the all-star game is in my city and I didn't make the best 11.' "

His next challenge is trying to get tickets for his family.

"Do you have any extra tickets?" De Rosario asked jokingly during an interview yesterday. "I'm definitely going to have a lot of support coming out."

De Rosario, who scored the game-winning goal for the MLS all-stars in a 2006 win over Chelsea, said he will be ready to play the full game Thursday even though Houston plays a league game tonight.

"I'm looking to go there and play 90 minutes and Steve Nicol would have to choose otherwise if I don't," De Rosario said.

Allotting playing time amongst his talented 18-player roster appears to be Nicol's biggest challenge heading into the game.

"My biggest concern will be trying to get everyone on the field and at the same time win the game," Nicol said in a conference call with reporters.

"At the end of the day it's only fun if you win it." All three Canadians taking part in the all-star game will also play games today, with De Rosario and Houston teammate Pat Onstad playing a league match and Toronto FC captain Jim Brennan leading his team into a CONCACAF Champions League qualification match.

The MLS all-star roster also includes L. A. Galaxy teammates David Beckham and Landon Donovan.

Donovan said divvying up playing time is difficult because of how important the game is to the players involved.

"I think the guys understand this is a big opportunity to show we're good enough," Donovan said during a conference call.

"West Ham United is here to take it seriously and they don't want to be embarrassed like some teams in the past, so it's going to be a good game and it's our chance to show we're better than people think."

The MLS is undefeated since the all-star format changed to allow the best MLS players to face off against a club team. The four-game winning streak includes victories over Celtic, Chelsea, Fulham and Guadalajara.

Donovan, whose family moved from Nova Scotia to California before he was born, has scored 12 goals for the Galaxy this season to lead the MLS and help secure his eighth consecutive all-star appearance.

12. Steve Nicol excited for All-Star game

Associated Press - July 22, 2008

TORONTO - With David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Cuauhtemoc Blanco at his disposal, New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol loves considering his attacking options for Thursday's Major League Soccer All-Star game.

"They're all pretty tasty, to be honest," Nicol said Monday in a conference call. "All you're going to get is quality. For me, it's fantastic."

Nicol is still debating how to best use his offensive-minded lineup when the MLS All-Stars face English Premier League team West Ham at Toronto's BMO Field.

This is the fifth time in six years that the MLS All-Stars will face a foreign squad; they're unbeaten in the previous four games and haven't allowed a goal the past two years, edging Chelsea 1-0 in 2006 and beating Scottish side Celtic 2-0 last summer.

Both Nicol and Donovan said it's important for MLS to keep the streak alive.

"We want to show people what we're made of and this is the perfect way to do it," Nicol said.

With only four defenders on the 18-man All-Star team, Los Angeles Galaxy forward Donovan said keeping West Ham in check won't be easy.

"Guys understand this is a big opportunity to show we're good enough," Donovan said. "If anyone comes in and thinks this is a walk in the park, I'm going to let them know."

West Ham finished 10th in the Premier League last year, a five-place improvement over the previous season. Led by England striker Dean Ashton, Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg and American defender Jonathan Spector, the Hammers beat the Columbus Crew 3-1 Sunday in an exhibition match marred by crowd violence.

Donovan, who leads the MLS with 12 goals and seven assists this season, is making his eighth consecutive All-Star appearance. He expects a high level of competition because West Ham's fringe players will be trying to earn regular places once the English season begins in August.

"They're going to be a very good team and they're going to be difficult to play against," Donovan said. "I think they'll be as prepared as any team we've ever played in an All-Star game."

A target of good-natured abuse from fans on previous trips to Toronto, Donovan said he's looking forward to being on the home side for once. He called on Toronto's rowdy fans to give the MLS All-Stars an edge.

"It feels like a real game," he said of the atmosphere at BMO Field. "It feels like some of the games we play in Europe. I hope they're in full voice and make the night special."

Donovan's Galaxy teammate Beckham will be making his first All-Star appearance, as is Chicago Fire midfielder Blanco. The MLS team will also have New York Red Bulls forward Juan Pablo Angel and Galaxy forward Edson Buddle, second in the league with 11 goals this season.

13. TFC faces uphill battle

By Dean McNulty

Toronto Sun - July 22, 2008

Tonight's Canadian socccer championship final against the Montreal Impact -- a CONCACAF game that wasn't even contested last season -- is being hailed as the biggest soccer match played in the short history of Toronto FC.

Some are even hyping the BMO Field showdown as simply the most important played in the history of soccer in this country.

In reality, it likely ranks somewhere in the middle.

TFC, with a record of 1-1-1 in the round robin tournament that also included the Vancouver Whitecaps, must win against Montreal to advance in the CONCACAF Cup against the best clubs in North and South America next winter.

And TFC coach John Carver admitted yesterday his Major League Soccer club has all the pressure going into the 7:30 p.m. start against a Montreal side that plays in the lower wrung United Soccer League.

"Everyone expects us to win," he said. "But I'm expecting our big players to handle the pressure."

Carver knows all too well the pitfalls of playing against a team that plays in a lower league.

"We learned from playing Vancouver twice (a 1-0 loss and a 2-2 draw) that these teams are quality sides," he said.

"I'm telling you they may be in a lower league but if you put white shirts on one team and black shirts on the other it would be hard to tell which is the MLS team."

Carver has reason to be concerned because in their previous win over the Impact, TFC dominated ball possession and offensive tries but was only able to manage one goal.

"Of course we are concerned about how we are not scoring goals," he said. "But one of these games we'll break out and give a team a good spanking."

TFC goalkeeper Greg Sutton has as much, or more, at stake than the majority of his teammates in that he spent much of his professional career in Montreal.

"The Impact gave me my first chance at starting," the 6-foot-5 'keeper from Hamilton said yesterday, after a light workout for team regulars. "I still have many friends on the team and in Montreal so I am really looking forward to this game.

"I think it will be the most important soccer match ever played in Canada."

Carver has a feeling Montreal might come out and play for a 0-0 result, but he hopes not.

"If I were them I would come out giving everything for a win," he said.

That is exactly what Carver intends to do by fielding his best starting 11, in spite of having come off a string of four games in just 10 days.

"I will throw everybody out there in order to win," he said. "Any top player wants to play in big games like this. I won't have to do much motivating."

A big part of tonight's final will be the presentation of the George Gross award, named for the Toronto Sun's late sports editor, to the most valuable player in the tournament.

Toronto Sun publisher Kin-Man Lee will hand over the hardware to the player at the conclusion of the match.

14. Pride on the line as TFC battles Impact

‘It's probably going to be the most important game in club history,' says Toronto goalkeeper Sutton

By Morgan Campbell

Toronto Star - July 22, 2008

When Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact kick off the final game of the Canadian Championship tonight, they'll be playing for much more than a trophy.

They'll play for pride. Major League Soccer's setup doesn't lend itself to derbies, but some TFC players say today's game - to decide the top pro team in Canada this year - sure feels like one.

And for a chance at a bigger stage. A TFC win earns them a spot in the inaugural CONCACAF Champions League later this year. Impact only needs a tie to advance.

Finally, they'll play for credibility. A tournament title would bolster the Impact's case for inclusion in Major League Soccer, while TFC hopes to prove that Canada's highest profile pro team is also its best.

Add all those factors and tonight's game isn't just big - TFC goalkeeper says it's one of the biggest. In Canada, at least.

"It's probably going to be the most important game in club history, and probably one of the most important in Canadian history ... on a club level," said goalkeeper Greg Sutton, who spent six seasons with the Impact before joining TFC last season. "It's going to be exciting. We know we have to win the game."

When the tournament was first announced earlier this year TFC became the automatic favourite to beat the lower division USL squads from Montreal and Vancouver and claim the Champions League berth.

When play kicked off in Montreal in late May TFC dominated the Impact on the way to a 1-0 win.

But since then Montreal hasn't lost a tournament game - winning twice against Vancouver - while Toronto hasn't won one. On Canada Day TFC lost 1-0 at home to Vancouver before giving up a late goal and settling for a 2-2 tie on the road the following week.

Now TFC - who haven't won a game at any level since June 14 - needs a win to claim the tournament title.

"We learned that there's no easy pushovers and certainly we found that out when we played Vancouver here," TFC head coach John Carver said.

Since Montreal can claim the tournament title with a tie, it means they can lay back and hope to escape with one.

Carver doesn't advise playing that way.

"We know that we're in for a real tough game (and) I'll be interested to see how they approach it," he said. "If it was me I'd come and try and win the game ... sitting back and trying to defend for 90 minutes can sometimes not be the best thing to do.''

When the underdog has the upper hand, Carver says it's tough for them to lose, even if they don't win.

"If they go through, they've overachieved. If they go out they've still done very well," he said. "They're in a no-lose situation for me."

Sutton says his teammates feel the pressure that comes with high stakes games, but says they're well equipped to deal with it.

"We relish that," Sutton said. "We have a group of characters in here that are used to being put under difficult situations and I think we're going to come through with flying colours."

15. All to play for

By Peter Mallett

Globe and Mail - July 21, 2008

Canadian bragging rights and sweet revenge are on the line in tonight's final match of the Canadian Championship between Major League Soccer's Toronto FC and the visiting Montreal Impact of the United Soccer Leagues.

Toronto (1-1-1) must win the final fixture in the three-team round-robin to advance to the CONCACAF Champions League preliminary round of 16, but the Impact (2-1-0) need only a tie to qualify.

"We are going into the game looking to win," Adam Braz, a Montreal Impact defender, said. "It's good because we have put ourselves in a position to advance. It's a chance for us to prove that we are the best team in Canada, but also [it would be] a huge honour to represent Canada in the CONCACAF Champions League."

Born in Montreal, Braz was used sparingly by Toronto last season, playing in 13 games before being released in the off-season and returning to the Impact, where he had spent four seasons previously.

"Obviously, they were frustrating times last year not playing as much as I would like to," Braz said. "You always want to prove you can play at the highest level possible. But at the end of the day, I look back at it [playing in Toronto] as a positive experience. It was a great organization with great fans, but I'm really happy to be back in Montreal."

Toronto FC goalkeeper Greg Sutton is also looking forward to tonight's game against his former club, where he spent six seasons as the Impact's starting goalkeeper.

"We know how important it is to win the game and get through to the next stage of the Champions League," Sutton said. "We know Montreal's season rests on what happens in this game, so they will be up for it. We're excited and just can't wait to get out there."

Sutton won the USL's top goalkeeper award four consecutive seasons (2003 to 2006) in Montreal before moving on to Toronto to become one of its first signings ahead of its inaugural 2007 season.

Toronto FC is 6-6-4 in MLS matches this season, but is coming off a lacklustre 0-0 tie against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.

While they recorded a 3-1 win over Miami on Sunday, the Impact have struggled in the 11-team USL First Division this season and are second from the bottom.

Despite their lack of success in league play, the Impact jumped into first place in the Canadian Championship after recording a pair of 2-0 wins over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Toronto defeated Montreal 1-0 in the opening game of the competition. But TFC lost 1-0 to Vancouver and tied the Whitecaps 2-2.

MLS is widely considered to be a superior league in both quality of play and player salaries, but some meetings between top teams in the two leagues bring this notion into question.

During Lamar Hunt Open Cup competition in the United States, USL teams have a history of upsetting their high-class cousins, with the Rochester Rhinos winning the tournament in 1999. This year, the USL's Seattle Sounders upended the Kansas City Wizards of the MLS 6-5 on penalty kicks to move into the tournament's semi-finals, where they will face the Charleston Battery of the USL. The Battery upset FC Dallas of the MLS 3-1.

"There are always going to be people who think it is a bad league, but we know what we are capable of and know our league has quality players and parity," Braz said. "We might even be a league below the MLS, but regardless of that, we believe in ourselves, have a lot of confidence and know we can compete with MLS teams."

The Canadian champion will face a Nicaraguan club in a home-and-home series beginning Aug. 27 in Canada and concluding Sept. 2 in Nicaragua.

16. Draw with TFC would clinch Canadian title for Impact

By Pat Hickey

Montreal Gazette - July 22, 2008

Don't let anyone tell you that tonight's game between the Impact and Toronto FC is an exhibition.

The match doesn't count in their respective league standings, but the winner will capture the inaugural Canadian Champions League and advance to the CONCACAF Champions League against the top club from Nicaragua.

"This is one of the most important games in this franchise's history and maybe the most important game in Canadian soccer history on the club level," said Greg Sutton, the goalkeeper who moved to Toronto after playing most of his professional career with the Impact. Each club can claim an advantage going into tonight's game (7 p.m., bold TV, Team 990 Radio).

The Impact leads the standings in the three-team competition with six points on two wins and a loss. Toronto has four points on a win, a loss and a tie. Montreal needs only a tie to wrap up the competition. The third team in the competition, the Vancouver Whitecaps, finished with four points on a 1-2-1 record.

While the Impact needs only a tie, coach John Limniatis said the objective is to leave the national soccer stadium tonight with a win.

"A tie obviously favours us, but you can't go into a game looking for one," Limniatis said after the Impact held a late-afternoon practice here.

"We're here to win," said defender Adam Braz, who played for Toronto FC last season. "It's good because we put ourselves in a position that going into the last game we have a chance to qualify. We all have to understand what the situation is and make sure we all show up to play and put in the effort.

"It's a chance for us to prove that we are the best team in Canada, but also a huge honour to represent Canada in the CONCACAF Champions League."

Toronto FC coach John Carver said that's the right attitude to have.

"I hope they're not coming in here to lay back and play for the draw," Carver said. "There are so many things that can go wrong when you try to play that way."

Carver has no choice. His team needs a win to claim the championship and they also need a win to boost his team's flagging confidence. In a scenario all too familiar to Impact fans, Toronto FC dominated the play in its last game Saturday, but had to settle for a 0-0 draw against San Jose Earthquake.

That stretched Toronto's winless streak to eight games, dating back to June 14.

Carver said the Impact might also enjoy an edge because they've had an extra day to recover from its last game.

"To be honest with you, we could have used another day," Carver said. "We have some guys with weary legs and we just sent them out for a walk today. (The Impact) played Friday and had an extra day, but they also had to travel."

The Impact came here by bus, arrived shortly before 4 p.m. and then had a 5:30 practice.

Toronto FC will have the advantage of knowing that it beat the Impact in the opening game of the series, 1-0 in Montreal on May 25. And Carver said he hopes a sellout crowd of more than 20,000 will give the home team a boost.

"Our players are going to have to be patient and so will the fans," he said. "There are so many games that are decided in the final five or 10 minutes. If the first half ends 0-0, the fans can't get down on the team."

Limniatis said he didn't expect many changes from the lineup that beat Miami 3-1 Friday night. Braz, who was a substitute in the game, will start tonight to give the team more size and experience in the back row.

U.S. Olympian Maurice Edu will be back with Toronto after serving a one-game suspension, but TFC's leading scorer, Danny Dichio, is out with a concussion.

17. Calabro to call Sounders FC action

BELO contract puts all matches on television

By Matthew Gaschk

Seattle Post Intelligencer - July 22, 2008

Less than three weeks ago, Kevin Calabro was in the doldrums after the city of Seattle agreed to a buyout of the Sonics lease with KeyArena, clearing the way for the NBA franchise to move to Oklahoma City.

The voice of the Sonics would not be following the team.

His path to recovery was accelerated Monday when he was announced as play-by-play voice of the Seattle Sounders FC for its inaugural season in Major League Soccer next year.

The club announced a multiyear television partnership with BELO to broadcast games on KING/5 and KONG/6, 16.

"When one door closes, many will open," Calabro said. "It's hard to see the Sonics moving on as they have, but this is something new on the horizon that many people can rally around and I'm enthused to be a part of."

Excluding games broadcast nationally, KING/5 or KONG/6, 16 will broadcast all Sounders matches with exclusive pregame and postgame shows.

"I think anything local of this magnitude is attractive to us," said Ray Heacox, BELO president and general manager. "And the chance for us to be involved with anything that says leadership and great effort locally excites us."

Along with broadcasting the games, KING/5 will broadcast a weekly soccer show hosted by sports anchor Paul Silvi, Heacox said.

For the Sounders FC, it marks another in a line of successful decisions after already announcing the name amid a maelstrom of support for retaining the Sounders name and a partnership with Microsoft and Xbox Live.

In BELO and Calabro, they add two more big local names to that list.

"This is huge," Sounders FC part-owner Adrian Hanauer said of Calabro's hiring. "He's world class. There's certainly a learning curve, but I have zero doubt that he's going to make the broadcast fantastic for casual sports fans and purists as well. It's just one more in a long list of things that have gone our way."

Calabro will serve as play-by-play voice; his color commentator has not yet been determined.

In addition to his 21 years with the Sonics, where he won several regional Emmy Awards, he has also been a contributor on NBA broadcasts for TNT, TBS and ESPN Radio.

"I was absolutely shocked when things developed the way they did with the Sonics, but you have to get over those and you have to move on from a professional standpoint," Calabro said. "I'll cry, then I'll wash my hair and get out of the bed and I'm good to go."

Calabro told Seattle P-I columnist Jim Moore in a July 9 article that the team formerly known as the Sonics, now reportedly called the Oklahoma City Thunder, offered him a job in their new home.

He said the basketball team offered "top, top dollar," but Calabro is too happy in the Pacific Northwest.

Now he doesn't have to look anywhere elsewhere.

Calabro's son, Joe, 12, got the five-time "Sportscaster of the Year" interested in soccer, and the father and son have watched MLS games along with a healthy schedule of European games over the past year. Though he has not broadcast soccer before, Calabro's résumé features a wide range of sports including minor league hockey in Indianapolis and college football and basketball in several markets.

The Sounders FC will launch its inaugural season in March, 2009. Hollywood producer Joe Roth is the majority owner. Other owners include Hanauer and comedian Drew Carey.

The team has already sold more than 16,000 season tickets.

18. Sounders find voice: Kevin Calabro

By Jerry Brewer

Seattle Times - July 22, 2008

When Kevin Calabro raised his trusted voice Monday, he spoke of hope. His golden tongue, formerly used to broadcast Sonics games, turned his new soccer venture into a fantasy, a chance to "embark" on a journey with "the world's game." Calabro made moving on - c-ya, NBA; greetings, Major League Soccer - feel more like a chic opportunity than a drab fallback.

Only Calabro could've sold the thought with such gusto. On Monday, the Sounders FC and Belo Corp., owner of KING-TV, announced a five-year partnership to televise all of the new franchise's matches on KING (Channel 5) and KONG (6 and 16), and then they threw the treat of Calabro's voice atop the big news.

For this burgeoning team, it's another shrewd move. For Calabro, it's a chance to soothe the sting of losing the Sonics. He can stay in Seattle, which was always his intention, and help create something new. It sure beats prolonging the grief.

"It hurts," said Calabro, who spent 21 years broadcasting Sonics games. "It still hurts. But we have to move on. You keep moving on. That's what you have to do. As one team moves on, another one is here on the horizon. This is very exciting stuff."

So for you, the distraught Sonics fan, it's time to do what you've done for years: Listen to Calabro. Follow the sound of his voice down a path of solace.

There is no replacing the Sonics. You can't play musical chairs with sports, either. But there is an opening to try something new, something fresh. When the MLS season starts next spring, there is an opening to diversify your sports résumé.

And Calabro will be there to assist.

"He is awesome," said Tod Leiweke, the Vulcan Sports & Entertainment chief operating offic

Major League Soccer Stories from July 22, 2008

• MLS Newsletter - MLS
• Wizards weekly update - Sporting Kansas City
• MLS Futbolito Coming to Salt Lake City on August 2 - Real Salt Lake
• KCW Reserves Down New York Red Bulls Reserves 3-0 - Sporting Kansas City
• Dynamo game in D.C. postponed again - D.C. United
• Crew statement regarding events of Sunday, July 20 - Columbus Crew SC
• RapidFire: Four-Game Home Stand Kicks Off This Sunday - Colorado Rapids

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