Chris Hughton claims he will fight to improve Newcastle United's squad in the January transfer window. Since being made permanent manager it seems many people think he'll just be a 'yes man' a puppet and apologist for Ashley's regime but Hughton was keen to dispel such rumours, indicating that he's strong enough to get [. Click to continue reading...

With J Hutcherson -- Yesterday, the United States opened group play in the Under-17 World Cup. They also opened themselves up to the expected criticism that comes with giving up two short-handed goals and losing the game. It's hard to come around on a 2-1 loss. At the same time, you don't have to be an apologist to opt against putting this squarely on the team. Click to continue reading...

Four straight losses in all competitions. One goal in nearly a month. Injuries to four of the first-choice eleven. Fading chances (in October, no less) both domestically and in Europe. Now's as good a time as any to start listening to the Cure.

Already introduced by Rob on the Premier League Offside, the issue of Rafa's job security is one that has gained momentum of late, and if results don't start to go Liverpool's way it's a discussion that will be increasingly serious.

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I've read a great deal about perceived MLS failures in CONCACAF over the last week. As many of our readers know, I am not defender or apologist for MLS. But, calling two loses to FMF sides," failures" again show many MLS fans live in an alternate reality. If anything Columbus and DC United should be applauded for competing against the best this hemisphere has to offer.

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If you're from the tri-state area, and your name isn't Jerseyeppe Rossi, you probably enjoyed a fairly nice weekend of soccer action. Not only did the US Mens National Team advance to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, but the Red Bulls actually took part in a fairly exciting back and forth game this weekend against the Seattle Sounders.

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While watching the US defeat Mexico (again) on Wednesday, I was keeping an eye on Ives Galarcep's running commentary.� One of his halftime thoughts kind of struck me:

Will the "Frank Hejduk is awful" people finally relax? He's not Dani Alves but he can step up and play well when needed.

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So, after beginning his career in a strange little federal district, Freddy Adu continues it in a strange little principality. From DC to Salt Lake to Lisbon to Monaco: one of the more unusual soccer career paths, even today. I'm a little puzzled as to why Adu's Benfica performance gets such bland reviews; 21 appearances, five goals and an established role as a super-sub seem like worthy accomplishments for a 19-year-old playing in Europe for the first time. Click to continue reading...

As we all know by now Ricardo Clark received a hefty fine (10k) and a lengthy suspension for his kick to Carlos Ruiz in last Sunday's contest between the Dynamo and the Hoops. First off the suspension and the fine is justifiable to a degree. MLS Commissioner Don Garber is taking a page out of the [...] Click to continue reading...