Well into the playoff phase in Central America's domestic leagues, as two leagues approach the
finals and a new champion has been crowned in Panama. Here's a summary of what happened over the
past seven days: BELIZE ??? COSTA RICA Alajuelense and Herediano will meet in the final of the
Invierno tournament.
By ADAM SERRANO
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena was busy adding to the defending MLS Cup champions
Monday, making four picks in the MLS Re-Entry Draft and hitting the international market as well.
Following the Re-Entry Draft, Arena announced the signing of former Alajuelense midfielder Marcelo
Sarvas on a conference call with reporters.
Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com
By ADAM SERRANO
The Los Angeles Galaxy may have won MLS Cup, but there is no rest for the defending champions.
Not with David Beckham being heavily sought after by Qatari-owned Paris St. Germain and numerous
key players out of contract as yet another busy schedule looms in 2012.
Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/ISIphotos.com
Abby Wambach's penchant for coming up big in the FIFA Women's World Cup this past summer has
earned her more individual acclaim six months later.
Wambach was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year Tuesday, becoming the first
soccer player -- male or female -- to win an individual year-end award from the AP.
The Philadelphia Union announced on Thursday the signing of Costa Rican left back Porfirio
Lopez.
The 26-year-old Lopez, who was on loan with Costa Rica's First Division Champion Liga Deportiva
Alajuelense from Chinese Dalian Haichang.
The press release from the Union says, "Lopez will be eligible to join the Union upon receiving
his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.
By CALEB SONNELAND
The Philadelphia Union continue their busy offseason by adding Costa Rican defender Porfirio
Lopez from Chinese side Dalian Haichang.
Lopez, a 26-year-old left back, was most recently on loan at Costa Rican side Alajuelense, where
he was a part of the team's back-to-back Apertura and Clausura championship teams.
By FRANCO PANIZO
BRADENTON, Fla. -- The U.S. Under-23 men's national team wrapped up its December camp with a
second intra-squad scrimmage on Thursday afternoon, and the competition for roster spots set the
tone for a physical and fiery match.
Split up into white and blue teams, the 29 players in camp (Bill Hamid left camp earlier in the
week due to family reasons) took part in a windy match at IMG Soccer Academy that saw its share of
physical play and rough challenges.
It's been a while since I've written on the Central American playoff scene, but all of the
champions have been decided with the exception of Belize. Below is a summary of who won what: Costa
Rica: Alajuelense won their third consecutive league title, and their 27th overall, by defeating
Herediano 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw in the final series.
