The Philadelphia Union completed the long-rumored signing of Colombian forward Lionard Pajoy from Itagui Ditaires on Wednesday, adding a piece that can help fill the scoring void left behind by the departed Sebastien Le Toux. Pajoy has received his P-1 visa, according to a team release, and will be joining the club soon for preseason preparations.

Episode 09: Operations Suspended

In this episode, Ginge laments today's announcement that the WPS has suspended operations for the 2012 season...and he has a few words for Dan Borislow who is at the center of the shit storm of fail.

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Episode 08: MLS and the Money Conundrum

In this episode, Ginge expresses his acceptance and concern about MLS and the money conundrum that was highlighted again by the finalizing of Tim Ream's transfer to Bolton. I also make a bad joke in reference to a 70′s TV show.

Image via ontd_football.

We really ought to stop over-analysing these club catalogues. It never makes us happy and what's the point anyway? They're basically devices to get fans to buy branded merch, and as such, don't need a shed load of money spent on them.

But still. It's as good a way as any of giving the office snark some exercise.

Episode 07: America, Fuck Yeah!

In this episode, Ginge reacts to the busy weekend of US National Team matches. Should Pia Sundhage be criticized for celebrating too much? Which players likely impressed Klinsmann? Find out what the Ginge thinks in this US Soccer-tastic edition of the show.

When approached to declare this blog as an ally for basic human rights, it was not a question of whether or not I would support the cause, but rather when I had the time to give the occasion a proper write up.

The ability to utilize one's inherent and unique version of humanity is something that the Brotherly Game strongly supports.

Episode 06: Soccer and SOPA

In this episode, Ginge discusses how the controversial SOPA and PIPA bills currently in Congress are dangerous legislation that could have far reaching implications for the soccer community here in the United States.

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Episode 05: MLS and the Boy Scouts

In this episode, Ginge expresses his concern about MLS and the Boy Scouts of American forming a partnership. As a soccer fan, I feel it sends the wrong message. As an Eagle Scout, it's another reminder that something I worked very hard to earn has been sullied by a narrow minded view of the world.

Episode 04: Wynalda is Even Crazier Than We Thought

On this special edition, I react to Eric Wynalda's free form comedy show at today's NSCAA Convention in Kansas City. The details of which were brought to us via Twitter thanks to Jonathan Tannenwald. More importantly, I'm joined by Sarah Wilson who was there in person for the entire speech and offers her reactions.

Episode 03: SuperDraft is Super/I'm an Ally of Gay4Soccer.com

On this edition of the show, I ask the burning question of the day...what is so fucking super about the SuperDraft. I also explain why I'm an ally of Gay4Soccer.com and discuss the simple truth that things need to change concerning the treatment of gay and lesbian soccer players.

That's the message delivered by Mark Verstegen, founder of Athletes' Performance, to the team as they depart Phoenix after nine days of training, fitness and strength exercises, and nutritional education.
The charismatic speaker spent nearly an hour counseling the players on a holistic approach to achieving success in their professional careers, summed up in the mantra 'Every Day is Game Day'.

Episode 02: Eric Wynalda is the Art Bell of American Soccer

On this edition of the show, I explain why Eric Wynalda is the Art Bell of American Soccer...and why it's either a clever bit of genius or he's just completely insane. Either way, American soccer fans should be warned not to take him seriously.

Episode 01: Twitter Can Suck

In the first episode of "The Ginge Has Lost His Mind", I explain why in the wake of certain news events, something as unique and important as Twitter can really suck. Enjoy!

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A new year may have begun, but familiar problems are already starting to make themselves clear with conflicting stories concerning the well-being of Blue Square Premier club Darlington. A club that has already had two spells in administration in the last decade could well be headed for further trauma following reports in the local press during the break between Christmas and the new year, but upon what were these initial reports based, and can a consortium group which has since announced itself get the assent of the club's current owner to take over a football club that has been shipping money left, right and centre for longer than most people care to remember?

After dominating the first period at Carrow Road last night, Tottenham had to show great patience in turning that dominance into a vital win. With sides all around dropping points, Spurs read the script for once and sealed the victory that cemented third place – four points ahead of nearest rivals Chelsea and with a game in hand.

Sometimes one huffs and puffs, one huffs and puffs some more, but the house just won't blow down and that's just what happened against Wolves today. There may be an element down to slight weaknesses in our squad, Rosicky and Benayoun are very similar to each other and both started today, but I have to say the main problems today were Wayne Hennessey, bad luck and poor finishing (probably in that

Editor's note: At the end of the 2010 season, we posted a series of season reviews of every Philadelphia Union player. Over the next several weeks PSP continues with a review of the 2011 season.

While much has been said about the arrival of Faryd Mondragon and its effect on the stability of the Union's defense, the arrival of Carlos Valdes has been just important.

The tories have outdone themselves this time. Somehow they think they've vetoed a major treaty that's actually gone ahead anyway leaving us basically out in the cold.
Our neighbours have gone ahead and done everything without us so all Cameron has achieved is to drive a wedge between us and Europe for no other reason than to appease his own party's xenophobic Tea-Party element.

I posted earlier this week a rant AVB had about the media coverage of Chelsea and quite rightly so. We had previously see him defend Fernando Torres' form in pre season by claiming that they were "turning him into an obsession".
Last week, we heard him defend David Luiz and his position in the Chelsea side again, because of focus from the media.

It only takes one bad touch for the criticism to start. You know that it's coming as soon as Andy Carroll misplaces a pass or fails to control a ball; the comments that he's not worth the money spent on him, how he's a big mistake, that he's too lazy to try and make it work.
You can even sense some wanting him to fail so that they can tell everyone that they told you so.

The Montreal Impact unveiled their MLS jersey Thursday night, taking the latest step in the run up to their expansion season.

The primary, blue kit comes with matching blue shorts and is a pretty typical MLS shirt -- sponsor across the front, team crest by the heart, three stripes down either sleeve and MLS and country flag patches on the sleeves as well.

The Ultras went 'all in' for Real Madrid during the derby and they certianly enjoyed a windfall There's a new podcast in the block and it's called Real Madrid Weekly featuring: Managing Madrid's Gabe Lezra, Corey Fiske from Real Madrid Football Blog and Yours Truly!
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This podcast is entirely about Real Madrid this time.

We usually try to add an element of humour to our top ten and top five features. However, in the light of the weekend's events, we thought it would be just to examine some of the more heartfelt responses to the death of a true gentleman. He was the normal Gary Speed to me. He [...]

Former Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo has revealed his concern about Andy Carroll's continued inability to stamp his physical authority on games, and he argues that the former Newcastle Striker needs to stop worrying so much and just play his natural game.
Matteo, who made 155 appearances for Liverpool, observed:
"He [Carroll] is too worried about scoring goals.

Arsenal will today face Borussia Dortmund knowing that after months on the sidelines, a welcome element will be added to their midfield. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arsenal manager revealed that Tomas Rosicky suffered an ...

It isn't that Seattle Sounders FC's defense was poor, in fact is was quite good. The team gave up only 50 goals in all 48 competitive games for a 1.04 Goals Against Average. But there were two chronic issues - a weakness on the counter and probably merely average against set-pieces. Underlying the stopping of the opposition is a desire and recognition at the club to be better playing the ball out of the back.

ECS launched their 2012 memberships today. You can purchase through their store. Heavy on black the scarf does have a strong green element to it.

From El Nino to Nando'h: Why time is running out for Torres

The last time Fernando Torres walked out against England, the glances at him were nervous, anxious, maybe even scared. Maybe the then-Liverpool striker did not score as Fabio Capello's side were pasted 2-0 in Seville, but Torres was in his pomp and element, so much the centre of attention that England fatally took their eyes of David Villa for the opener.

On to the quarterfinals, but juuuuuuust barely.

So Brenton got in touch with me yesterday, to see if, since I was going to be watching the match on Arsenal Player, I could come out of retirement to write a match review. So . . . guess who's back? Back again....

Having given myself that over the top introduction, this match report is sure to be pretty anticlimactic, I'm afraid.

An earsplittingly loud tannoy that recalls the musical excesses of late eighties noiseniks such as Swans or Einstürzende Neubauten is one of the side effects of a trip to Burnley's Turf Moor, but through the aural ache, a significant element was discernible. For the announcer for Saturday's encounter with Reading was intent on displaying one clever motif.

Paul Scholes has previously been very damning of the current England set up, believing that the players are too pampered.

Scholes has claimed another damaging element was the rivalry between United and Liverpool players, with the dislike between them effecting the atmosphere.

"There is a big rivalry between clubs in this country and it isn't healthy when you go away on international duty," he said.

• Canetti's Corner - September 26, 2011 [Houston Dynamo]
• First-place Dynamo aware there are no guarantees [Houston Chronicle]
• Houston's late show "comes down to determination" [MLS Soccer]
• Dynamo's Cameron back in his element [Houston Chronicle]
• Distinctive steel tubing placed at Dynamo Stadium [Houston Dynamo]
• Academy College Report - Sept.

Yesterday I rediscovered a valuable element of the art of watching football. It's absent for a good reason when Spurs play it's a serious business as far as I'm concerned and I'm totally absorbed. Wouldn't have it any other way, that complete commitment is the source of the passion, but it can be draining and debilitating sometimes.

There was much excitement garnered after earlier in the summer Milan declared they were searching for a certain Mr. X. As the name suggests, it appeared as if the club were looking for a player who possessed an x-factor element. A player who single-handedly would elevate the team to a higher level and with it bring the club closer to the lofty heights that have characterised it's history in the.

Oliver Holt's big match verdict: Fergie almost looked sorry for humiliating his old foe

Re-births have been ­celebrated with happy and heady regularity in the 25 years since Sir Alex Ferguson took over at Manchester United. But amid the euphoria that accompanied the latest rampage of gilded youth at Old Trafford yesterday, an element of sorrow intruded, too.

The new season in Malta is just about to begin, and Paul Grech is here to tell us all about what we can expect there over the next few months.

When a league changes format, heated debate and criticism is likely to follow. When the rules are changed midway through a season, you can also throw in a significant element of suspicion over what the motives for such a change might be.

Most mornings Arseblog is easy to write. This morning not so much. Not because we haven't gone through the loss of important players before but this one just seems a little different.

Most of the time Arsene lets 'his' players go only when he thinks it's the right time. Thierry went to Barcelona at 29, going on 30.

Andy Carroll – Big pressure, Big fee, Big man.

AnfieldIndex Liverpool FC Stats | Liverpool FC Blog | Liverpool FC Forum When Carroll was signed earlier this year, it is fair to say it was a "big" signing, for many reasons. Firstly, Carroll himself. 6ft 3, and 80kg.

Andy Carroll – The Big Man

AnfieldIndex Liverpool FC Stats | Liverpool FC Blog | Liverpool FC Forum When Carroll was signed earlier this year, it is fair to say it was a "big" signing, for many reasons. Firstly, Carroll himself. 6ft 3, and 80kg. You only have to look at him to see his one big lad.

I posted the other week about what looked like Chelsea's new pressing game so far this season and watching our two recent performances against Aston Villa and Rangers, this has become more obvious than ever.
Barcelona are known in the game for their work ethic off the ball, to win it back in the opposition half and move it forward quickly and we all know the benefits to their game when they do that.