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The U.S. men's national team had plenty of bright spots and highlights in 2009, but the final game of the year had few moments worth remembering.

With most of the team's top stars unavailable, Bob Bradley handed opportunities to several players to show that they deserve more playing time.

Photo by ISIphotos.com

The voting for the 2010 National Soccer Hall of Fame closed on Thursday evening, and while I was able to squeeze my ballot in just under the deadline, it was far from an easy decision to make.

There were 24 names on the ballot.

Photo by ISIphotos.com

The voting for the 2010 National Soccer Hall of Fame closed on Thursday evening, and while I was able to squeeze my ballot in just under the deadline, it was far from an easy decision to make.

There were 24 names on the ballot.

Landon Donovan was named the 2009 MLS Most Valuable Player on Thursday, and while it is tough to argue against awarding the U.S. national team star for his performance this season, the MVP results still raised a glaring question.

What about Shalrie Joseph?

It isn't a question so much about choosing between Joseph and Donovan, which is a subjective debate that has supporters on both sides.

Landon Donovan was named the 2009 MLS Most Valuable Player on Thursday, and while it is tough to argue against awarding the U.S. national team star for his performance this season, the MVP results still raised a glaring question.

What about Shalrie Joseph?

It isn't a question so much about choosing between Joseph and Donovan, which is a subjective debate that has supporters on both sides.

Looks like the RPI called it right by labeling the Big East as a weak conference. Of the three schools involved in the first round out of the conference, two fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday.

UConn traveled to Monmouth in a match-up of two top 25 teams who failed to earn a seeding in the tournament.

Looks like the RPI called it right by labeling the Big East as a weak conference. Of the three schools involved in the first round out of the conference, two fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday.

UConn traveled to Monmouth in a match-up of two top 25 teams who failed to earn a seeding in the tournament.

by FRANCO PANIZO

World Cup qualifying is in the rear-view mirror, and for the Americans Abroad that means it is time to get back into club soccer.

After missing international duty due to an ankle injury, Tim Howard should be healthy enough to start for Everton in possibly the most intriguing match of the weekend when the Toffees host Manchester United, Howard's former club.

by FRANCO PANIZO

World Cup qualifying is in the rear-view mirror, and for the Americans Abroad that means it is time to get back into club soccer.

After missing international duty due to an ankle injury, Tim Howard should be healthy enough to start for Everton in possibly the most intriguing match of the weekend when the Toffees host Manchester United, Howard's former club.

Thierry Henry has backed calls for a replay of the Ireland-Italy World Cup playoff he helped decide with his now infamous handball, even though FIFA has already rejected a request for a replay.

"Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa," said Henry.

Thierry Henry has backed calls for a replay of the Ireland-Italy World Cup playoff he helped decide with his now infamous handball, even though FIFA has already rejected a request for a replay.

"Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa," said Henry.

The final postseason award was announced today, and to no surprise Landon Donovan was named the league's Most Valuable Player for the 2009 season.

For Donovan, it's the very first time in his MLS career that he's been selected as the top player in the league. This despite the fact he's been around since 2001 with the San Jose Earthquakes.

The final postseason award was announced today, and to no surprise Landon Donovan was named the league's Most Valuable Player for the 2009 season.

For Donovan, it's the very first time in his MLS career that he's been selected as the top player in the league. This despite the fact he's been around since 2001 with the San Jose Earthquakes.

As the MLS season winds towards the end, the excitement continues to build in Philadelphia. On November 25, the Union will continue to take shape as the expansion draft takes place. The first players in Philadelphia Union history will come off the books of ten other clubs.

MLS released the specific rules that the other MLS clubs must follow when they make players available for Peter Nowak and his staff to select.

As the MLS season winds towards the end, the excitement continues to build in Philadelphia. On November 25, the Union will continue to take shape as the expansion draft takes place. The first players in Philadelphia Union history will come off the books of ten other clubs.

MLS released the specific rules that the other MLS clubs must follow when they make players available for Peter Nowak and his staff to select.