Another week of former SKC Wizards updates, some extra news this week as well. By now you've heard about Craig Rocastle signing with the Missouri Comets, but there's other news as well. Eddie Johnson's club career continues to spiral down for him, as he's already out at Puebla in Mexico. Apparently the forward failed his physical and was not fit and was released basically 2 days after showing up in Mexico.

Another week of former SKC Wizards updates, some extra news this week as well. By now you've heard about Craig Rocastle signing with the Missouri Comets, but there's other news as well. Eddie Johnson's club career continues to spiral down for him, as he's already out at Puebla in Mexico. Apparently the forward failed his physical and was not fit and was released basically 2 days after showing up in Mexico.

The Columbus Crew announced on Wednesday that their technical director and US National Team alum Brian Bliss will be assisting Under-20 National Team coach Tab Ramos. He will remain in his role with Columbus. "Having played for the national team, it is an honor to be asked to return and contribute in another way," Bliss said in a press release announcing the additional role.

Columbus Crew technical director Brian Bliss can add U.S. Under-20 national team assistant coach to his resume after becoming the first assistant appointed to Tab Ramos' staff on Wednesday.

Bliss will maintain his duties with the Crew while assuming the added international responsibilities.

As Revolution president Brian Bilello's self-imposed 7 day deadline approaches, we here at The Bent Musket wanted to take a look at a few of the "serious" names on the short list of possible candidates. With Paul Mariner re-upping his contract with Toronto FC (amazingly, Mariner re-signed almost IMMEDIATELY after meeting with the Revs) New England was left with only a few truly solid choices that made sense, followed by quite a few question marks.

As Revolution president Brian Bilello's self-imposed 7 day deadline approaches, we here at The Bent Musket wanted to take a look at a few of the "serious" names on the short list of possible candidates. With Paul Mariner re-upping his contract with Toronto FC (amazingly, Mariner re-signed almost IMMEDIATELY after meeting with the Revs) New England was left with only a few truly solid choices that made sense, followed by quite a few question marks.

Brian Bilello's announced seven-day window from the time of his conference call until the naming of a new head coach is winding to a close, and so far we've learned a few things about the Revolution's quest:

• There were around a dozen candidates identified and interviewed
• Jimmy Conrad announced, to no one in particular, that he was not interested in the job because he hated football lines and had too much respect for Steve Nicol
• Paul Mariner, Steve Ralston, Jay Heaps, and Brian Bliss are definitely among the candidates
• Paul Mariner ruled himself out immediately after interviewing, accepting a 2-year extension with Toronto
• The candidates were gleaned from a diverse array of backgrounds, with MLS and non-MLS experience throughout

It's probably a little late, but I'd like to take this opportunity to put forward my number-one, most prized candidate for the job.

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com

By THOMAS FLOYD

The Chicago Fire haven't had much to celebrate in a season marred by the ouster of coach Carlos de los Cobos and a league-low four wins through 26 games.

But Tuesday's 2-1 triumph over the Richmond Kickers put Chicago in the U.

Photo by Jose L. Argueta/ISIphotos.com

By THOMAS FLOYD

Through a couple twists of fate, Saturday's match between D.C. United and the Vancouver Whitecaps will be an unlikely clash between a mentor and his onetime apprentice.

Vancouver interim coach Tom Soehn will be matching wits on the touchline with Chad Ashton, his top assistant when he coached United from 2007 to 2009.

The rumors are flying (presumably on Air Canada) about whose name will come up when the Montreal Impact name their first MLS coach on Wednesday.
The frontrunner, according to The Washington Post's Steven Goff, is former Chivas USA and Chicago Fire star Jesse Marsch, who is reportedly a friend of Matt Jordan, the former MLS goalkeeper who is now director of soccer operations for the Impact.

Their Words "With the coach, his teammates and the fan base, there seems to be an incident around every corner he turns." Columbus technical director Brian Bliss, speaking to The Columbus Dispatch about Andres Mendoza. Other Sources US sticks to its tried-and-true formula - from ESPN.com's Leander Schaerlaeckens: The US tends to sort out its own game before looking over to see what everybody else is doing.

By THOMAS FLOYD

The first day of the Chad Ochocinco era in Kansas City wasn't exactly a smashing success.

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver acknowledged he was behind the pace Wednesday as he began his trial with Sporting Kansas City, telling reporters, "The only thing I'm probably good at is just being fast as hell.

By Clemente Lisi - NEW YORK, NY (Mar 2, 2011) US Soccer Players --There was a time when the only mentors American soccer players had growing up were foreign-born. Whether it was Pele or George Best during the 1970s in the original NASL or Tatu and Steve Zungul of MISL fame throughout the 1980s, a lot has changed in this country's soccer landscape over the last several decades.

-Jason Davis
Some will call it a mercy killing. The New York Post's Brian Lewis tweeted this morning that Red Bulls coach Hans Backe was told by GM Erik Soler not to expect SuperLiga to happen in 2011. On top of Columbus technical director Brian Bliss sharing the same news last week, it looks like the tournament everyone loves to hate might finally be put to rest.

Hello one and all! I'm Dizzo and you may remember me from my extensively long look at the recent drafts. I had plenty of write-ups on candidates although I missed many of the Sounders selections. It just goes to show I have a long way to go before I get an invite from the Sounders front office to do scouting.

If you believe Columbus Technical Director Brian Bliss, it could be true.

#Crew96 TD Brian Bliss said he is doubtful the SuperLiga tournament will be played this season. Crew might sked some summer friendlies.

That is news a lot of MLS fans will be happy to hear.

For those outside Seattle and Toronto who can consider the Columbus Crew in a context other than what city you think the team needs to relocate to, there's been quite an upheaval at Ohio Fairgrounds Soccer Park this winter. Technical Director Brian Bliss and Coach Robert Warzycha have taken the torch to the Crew's roster, leaving only 10 players from the 2008 Championship team.