An intriguing topic to so many who follow MLS is just how good is this league? I commonly refer to it as between the 15-25 range, but that is a wide range, and highly subjective. Without the Holy Grail of statistics finding a unified number across leagues though can there be an objective study on league strength rather than the classic arguments centered on the top third of a league or its middle third?

One of the top priorities in Dallas this winter was signing some defensive help. Today the club has announced the signing of 29-year old Ghanian defender Aziz Ansah. He was most recently with Heartland FC in Nigeria. He has nine caps with the Ghana National Team and was named the Sportswriters Association of Ghana Best Footballer of 2003.

To fans of American soccer, I really don't think that Jeff Agoos really needs any introduction. Jeff currently works with the Red Bulls New York as their Director of Scouting, but we all know Jeff for his many years as a player in MLS and with the U.S. National Team. He was one of the key guys in helping both to get to where they are today and is also a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Well it looks like Carlos Alberto Parreira is making headway with Bafana Bafana. They managed to score three goals at Moses Mabhida Stadium against Zimbabwe last night.

Bafana Bafana Magic

Although the game was no walkover for the South African National team, there were certainly moments of sheer Bafana magic.

Last week, U.S. defender Heather Mitts invited anyone on the WNT who was interested, to attend a free Yoga session at the Green Yogi in Manhattan Beach. Seems that Mitts made friends with an instructor there (who like Mitts, happens to be from Cincinnati) and she offered to lead the U.S. WNT through a session of vinyasa yoga.

Liverpool are considering a move for Greek international right-back Vasilis Torosidis as a replacement for crocked Glen Johnson.
England full-back Johnson, 25, faces three months out after tearing medial ligaments in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Aston Villa.
And Reds boss Rafa Benitez is now deciding whether to bring in a cheap replacement.

Soccer America's Ridge Mahoney has chosen Colorado Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni for his all-decade U.S. men's national team.

Mahoney notes the turnover in the team from 2000 to 2010, and he had this to say about the Rapids' captain, who earned 65 caps in the decade:

"Broke into the starting lineup at the 2002 World Cup less than a year after making his debut and having never appeared in a qualifier, Mastroeni featured regularly in central midfield throughout the decade and captained the team several times.

I am a difficult person to buy things for at Christmas. And to make matters worse my birthday is just 12 days later. But this year I had a few nice surprises, one of which was a selection of England programmes from yesteryear. So let me take you back to October 1979 for England's European Championships qualifier against Denmark at Wembley, and what everyone was talking about.

photo credit: wyliepoon

The Team: Unlike their North Korean dopplegangers, the South Korean people are known as lovers of democracy and all that accompanies it. I think the freedom they express in their daily lives has translated to the soccer field too, as they have sharply risen in the FIFA rankings over the last two decades.

photo credit: EduardoZ

The Pick: Nilton Santos is one of only a few defenders who made my Top 100, but his position can be somewhat misleading because he scored more goals over the course of his career than many star forwards. The Brazilian legend also had amazing knowledge of the game, so he was nicknamed "The Encyclopedia.

By STEFAN BONDY - NEW YORK, NY (Jan 15, 2010) USSoccerPlayers -- Tobin Heath had many reasons to play it safe, to restrain her flashy ambitions during such a precarious moment. First caps are always nerve-racking. It would seem especially true for a 19-year-old playing an unfamiliar position at left back.

D.C. United has announced the signing of Australian forward Danny Allsopp this afternoon; he will be available pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
"Danny has shown an ability to score goals wherever he's been and we are confident he will continue to do so for D.C. United," said general manager Dave Kasper.

The Portland Timbers announced the club has appointed USL Division II head coach Gavin Wilkinson as the Technical Director for the Timbers' Major League Soccer franchise, which is slated to begin play in 2011.

Former MN Thunder player and coach, Amos Magee

As technical director, Wilkinson, 36, will oversee team-related areas of the MLS franchise, including scouting, player acquisition and management, coaching personnel, the club's development team and various youth programs.

photo credit: - Nahum -

The Pick: Well, I had to have one Mexican player in my Top 100, and I decided to go with Hugo over Blanco. Hugo played in three World Cups for El Tri, and he notched almost 30 goals in his 75 career caps. His pro career was also stellar, featuring two Primera titles with UNAM and five La Liga titles with Real Madrid.

Ever wanted to play for a national team side? Go to Singapore, accept their citizenship and you shouldn't have a lot of problems to earn a couple of caps. Poland defeated Singapore 6:1 in our last game of the King's Cup, but our opponent must be classified somewhere between San Marino and Andorra.

Qwest Field will be full again in 2010. (Getty Images)

Just a few notes to pass on this evening. I thought about going into each of these stories individually but couldn't find the right time to actually do so today. All stories are MLS related in some capacity too.

Seattle Caps Season Ticket Sales at 32,000

Link

You've got to be freakin' kidding me.

Japanese International, Takuya Yamada (pictured below, number 23), came on as a late substitute for Thai Port in yesterdays friendly match against Tampines Rovers at PAT Stadium.
The 35 year old, who has won 4 caps for Japan, has been described as, 'One of the iconic players of the J-League, known for his physical and charismatic strength on the field.

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is reportedly close to an Anfield exit, with Sunderland ready to renew their interest.
Dutchman Babel has struggled to make a major impact on Merseyside since moving in 2007, used sparingly by Benitez despite the Reds' lack of attacking options.
Linked with a move to Birmingham City earlier in the month, Babel has stood firm over a possible move.

Last week, U.S. defender Heather Mitts invited anyone on the WNT who was interested, to attend a free Yoga session at the Green Yogi in Manhattan Beach. Seems that Mitts made friends with an instructor there (who like Mitts, happens to be from Cincinnati) and she offered to lead the U.S. WNT through a session of vinyasa yoga.