With 2012 marking the beginning of the USA's FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and the players here hoping to make a big impression, we decided to look back at the January camp roster from this time in the previous two cycles to see if there is any forecasting to be done on how many players will actually reach the World Cup.

Good afternoon! Even more snow today, in RBNY Land, and the last batch hadn't even fully melted yet. But nevermind that, let's get to some news.
Theirry Henry recently had a training stint with London's Arsenal FC, as he wanted to get a head start on pre-season training. Now comes word that Rafa Marquez will also do the same by training with Mexican First Division club Atlas starting this coming Monday.

Back from an enforced vacation and a voluntary trip to a (very) soggy Seattle it's time to play a little catch-up and note that:

*On Wednesday the Galaxy announced the signing of their third designated player, former Aston Villa and New York Red Bull striker Juan Pablo Angel, with the presence of the man who brought the Colombian to MLS - Coach Bruce Arena - proving pivotal to LA getting their replacement for the now departed Edson Buddle.

Update

It's official, the Union have signed Faryd Mondragon and Carlos Valdes. From the announcement on the Union website:

"We are very happy to have agreed to deals with both Faryd and Carlos," said Team Manager Peter Nowak. "It is great to have an experienced player, such as Faryd, show his desire and commitment to become a member of the Philadelphia Union family.

Another week of former SKC Wizards updates for you. Will John's time with the Missouri Comets is over, the team had hoped to extend the deal but were unable to. Two bits of news that have come out today on former Wizards players, first Carey Talley, who was apparently a finalist for the Real Salt Lake assistant coach position has announced his retirement, ending his long career.

Another week of former SKC Wizards updates for you. Will John's time with the Missouri Comets is over, the team had hoped to extend the deal but were unable to. Two bits of news that have come out today on former Wizards players, first Carey Talley, who was apparently a finalist for the Real Salt Lake assistant coach position has announced his retirement, ending his long career.

By AVI CREDITOR

Another old-timer has decided to hang up his cleats.

Defender Carey Talley, who played with six teams over a 13-year career, retired on Wednesday.

Talley, drafted by D.C. United in 1998, had career stops with Kansas City, Dallas, Salt Lake, Chivas USA and a return to D.