Soccer Blogs Posts Tagged offseason

Down to the wire

2008-10-20T01:35:36+00:00

Our season has come down to this: cheering for Chicago and New England. Makes you wonder what you're doing with your life, doesn't it? Now, as I've stated before in posts and in comments, I'm of two minds on what I'd prefer to occur this week. Do we, A) eek into the playoffs, lose [...]

A Word About This Site, Sponsors

2008-09-30T05:17:00+00:00

"Football is a balancing act between business and culture." - Tim Vickery

Hi there,

We know you enjoy the rumors. That's cool. We also know that some of you could do with less ads and a faster site over all.

Well here's the deal, we're in the process of doing something which may mean less ads but we need YOUR help.

Free Designated Players For Everyone

2008-09-25T16:53:00+00:00

Tim Leiweke, the mastermind behind the Designated Player rule, is lobbying for Major League Soccer to change its rulebook once again in the offseason, this time to allow DP signings to be exempt from the league's salary cap altogether.

Leiweke, the president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, says that by making a designated player signing count for $400,000 against a salary cap of just over $2 million, owners are being penalized for taking a big risk.

Morales Signs New RSL Contract

2008-09-24T23:38:00+00:00

Real Salt Lake announced Wednesday that the club has reached an agreement on a contract extension with Javier Morales, a deal that will keep the Argentinean midfielder in Utah through 2012. As part of the deal, RSL has purchased Morales' contract rights from UD Vecindario, a team in the Spanish Segunda Division B.

Award 4: The Donnety

2008-09-23T21:13:00+00:00

By definition, the Donnety award goes to the player who has been the biggest disappointment this year. Yes, harsh, I know. But this award's definition could probably be interpreted in a couple different ways. And because I love controversy, of course I will leave that interpretation up to you. Do you give the award to a guy who has played well at times, but hasn't lived up to the hype or to his high salary?

Hull city look to ‘Haul-in’ Stelios

2008-09-22T14:40:35+00:00

Stelios Giannakopoulos has had an awful offseason, which has seen the 34-year-old be released from Premier League club Bolton Wanderers and dropped from the Greek National Team. After a summer of speculation regarding Giannakopoulos' next stop, a long lasting rumor has returned to the spotlight as media reports link Giannakopoulos

Gullit Speaks Out On Beckham, MLS

2008-09-22T04:46:00+00:00

Ruud Gullit has kept his silence for the most part since leaving his post as head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy on August 11th, but is now speaking out about David Beckham and Major League Soccer among other things. The former AC Milan and Oranje star took over the reins of the "Jewel of MLS" in the most recent offseason, but left L.

Lyon vs. Nice

2008-09-13T16:58:35+00:00

Sorry that this match preview is so late, but I've been on vacation for the last two weeks, and John, who has kindly been covering in my absence, is traveling as well. So this is going to be a little shorter than normal.

This is the fifth game of the season, and Lyon and Marseille are still tied for first place, with Marseille ahead due to more goals scored.

The Raging Bull Is Back With A Vengeance

2008-09-13T12:45:00+00:00

TORONTO - He got hurt in the 2008 preseason at BMO Field in Toronto. Running onto the pitch, his ankle rolled. He was never the same. But, being Ivano the "Raging Bull" Volpe, he roared on game in and game out playing through injury, and playing his game.

And he was effective. Playing through pain, he never showed it on the field, always charging, tackling, and dribbling the ball up the right flank, ever so often creating chances in the middle for the strikers.

Clarke leaving the Bridge?

2008-09-12T18:03:13+00:00

Sad news people. It looks as if it's only a matter of time before the last link between the old Chelsea backroom and the new staff departs.

The club has confirmed assistant first team manager Steve Clarke has tendered his resignation. Chelsea, in an unsurprising move, has not accepted the request nor the approach made by West Ham to speak to Clarke it's understood Blues legend and new Hammers manager Gianfrancola Zola wants Clarke as his No.

Trade: Herculez Gomez to Kansas City

2008-09-03T20:14:00+00:00

The Colorado Rapids have traded forward Herculez Gomez to the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, as well as a first-round pick in the '09 Supplemental Draft and an undisclosed sum of allocation money.Gomez, 26, was once one of the brightest young stars in the league when he was with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Manchester City, a Powerhouse in the Making?

2008-09-03T15:38:00+00:00

Manchester City could become the new powerhouse of English football. For anyone that doesn't know, City was recently bought by an Arab company Abu Dhabi United Group which means that City now has more money to spend then ever before. City has brought in Shaun Wright-Phillips and Robinho this offseason, and reports are coming in on last minute bids that were also made by City.

Pistolas FC End Season With Tough Loss

2008-09-01T03:13:00+00:00

MARKHAM - After a strong season and better play this year, Pistolas FC dropped an unlikely 4-1 loss to Silver.

Missing many quality players in Ivano, David Breau, Gus, Jay Shumski and Andrew Traetto the team didnt have many options in changing things up or trying different options.

Poorly scheduled as an early start on the the Sunday of the long weekend, the game started quickly without necessary defencemen Rocco and Luch, and Silver got out to an early 2-0 scoreline.

2008/2009 Greek Super League Predictions

2008-08-30T16:39:52+00:00

The new season is among us, and kickoff is just under a half hour away. With last year's edition going down to the wire, a busy offseason promises more of the same as titleholders Olympiacos look to defend their crown. Despite their stranglehold on the Greek Championship, the Piraeus club

Adios, El Pescadito

2008-08-20T03:17:00+00:00

The second time around wasn't nearly as sweet for Carlos Ruiz, as the Guatemalan forward was mercifully traded to Toronto FC on Tuesday afternoon, ending weeks of speculation over his future with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

It wasn't clear what the Galaxy would be getting from Toronto in return for one of Major League Soccer's most prolific goal-scorers, but the trade certainly falls into the 'addition by subtraction' category.

The world's top 25 soccer clubs, Aug. 18, 2008

2008-08-18T04:57:00+00:00

And so, it begins. The offseason, if we even had one, is now officially over. EPL clubs are back at it, the Champions League qualifiers are in the final round and the hottie interns have left the office to return to campus. The signs, in other words, are everywhere: summer is ending. But don't be sad.

STT's 2008-09 Season Predictions

2008-08-15T16:11:00+00:00

It's back! Thank fuck! The Championship and SPL are in full flow already, while the Premiership kicks off in earnest today after 97 painful football-less days. It hasn't been the most explosive offseason in recent memory, dominated by the tedious Ronaldo saga and a mildly enjoyable European Championships devoid of any UK interests, but full of beer.

Mid-Season Review part 1: Departures

2008-07-28T22:14:00+00:00

Continuing on in our mid-season review of DC United's roster decisions in the offseason, we move on to the departures. For this entry, our definition of "departure" will be any player who was on the club roster last season, but who is no longer under contract with the team, for reasons other than a trade with another MLS club.

The Season Is Dead; Long Live The Season!

2008-07-28T00:21:00+00:00

As you've probably seen, the Aztex U23s suffered a tough loss last night in Orlando, going down 3-1 to the Laredo Heat in the Southern Conference Final. You can read the gory details, if you don't already know them.

And so ends the inaugural season of the Austin Aztex. As I've commented elsewhere, I find it oddly difficult to feel too sad about the loss last night.

Mid-Season Review part 1: Acquisitions

2008-07-26T16:05:00+00:00

Given the focus that this blog has given to United's roster this year, I thought it would be appropriate to base our Mid-Season Review specifically on the roster moves that the team has made. In part 1, we will look at United's acquisitions, meaning the players that the team added since the end of last season that they didn't have to give up anything for.

Sangre americana preview: Padilla

2008-07-23T22:04:00+00:00

San Jose, Calif., native Jesus Padilla had a once-promising career at some point. But now, he seems firmly entrenched in the second division. That much was evident last season when he spent all but a brief moment of his time with Tapatio.

How much has changed entering the Apertura 2008 season?

Barnet vs. Arsenal Match Preview/Coquelin transfer made official

2008-07-19T05:30:07+00:00

It has been over two months since Arsenal played out their last match, a one-nil win away to Sunderland. The offseason has been rather tedious. We seen the departures of Jens Lehmann, Mathieu Flamini, Alex Hleb and most recently Gilberto Silva while the future of striker Emmanuel Adebayor remains up in the air.

Is Benfica tired of Freddy?

2008-07-14T17:46:00+00:00

Ives has taken the lead on this topic, noting that the Portuguese side is closing in on signing Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar.

Rumors have swirled for weeks about a potential Adu departure (to Monaco especially) and it would seem that the club isn't keen on having the young American fill the void of the retired Rui Costa with the players it has targeted this offseason.

Unconventional retirement

2008-07-14T15:56:02+00:00

The day before the transfer window opens, we have a great "only in MLS" story: New England's Chase Hilgenbrinck is giving up soccer to join the priesthood.

In terms of surprise retirements, that ranks alongside Tampa Bay's R.T. Moore, who left the Mutiny to go to dental school.

We're Back

2008-07-13T16:21:54+00:00

Vacation is over, it's time to get cracking on this here website again. I had some nice travels to San Francisco and New York, including getting to meet Stephane, super-fan of Belgian club RWDM. Very nice to meet you! I've started the lengthy process of updating all the clubs and leagues to reflect the various promotions, relegations and reorganizations of the offseason.

The Good Signings, 2008 Edition

2008-07-09T15:31:56+00:00

Over last weekend I brought to you a list of players that just didn't cut it or have it this year. Guys that were brought in expecting to start in some cases and contribute to their club's run at a MLS Cup this season. Those guys didn't work out but some signings from the offseason [...]

About That Offseason…

2008-07-03T14:12:57+00:00

It's so quiet. Is everyone enjoying their offseason? Mine was kind of short - optional practices are starting up in a week or so. It's going to be HOT. But what are you all up to? As the next season approaches, I wanted to reach out to you all and see what you'd like to see [...]

Rojas, Pietravallo Signings To Be Announced Today!

2008-07-02T04:05:16+00:00

Venezuelan Captain Jorge Rojas and Argentine defender / midfielder Juan Pietravallo will be announced as the newest Red Bulls come today, so says Big Apple Soccer (GREAT work boys).

An Argie? A Red Bull? Ill be the first one on line for that name on my jersey. Better do well .

Berbatov Emerges as Sole Manchester United Target

2008-07-01T05:54:00+00:00

After declaring that United are looking into making one solitary signing, Sir Alex Ferguson's side are hot on the heels of Tottenham target-man Dimitar Berbatov once again. After previous attempts to sign the talented Bulgarian have failed, newspapers are beginning to stir the pot again.

Just yesterday Ferguson said, "But I wouldn't think we would buy any more than one player.

Spurs Sign Heurelho Gomes

2008-06-27T14:12:00+00:00

Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes signed a four-year deal with Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur. Gomes recently had a falling out with PSV managing director Jan Reker.
The London side is certainly living up to its Latin motto (Audere est Facere) this offseason.