Philadelphia Union

Are the Union shopping Danny Mwanga, as was reported by Ives Galarcep on Wednesday? "For the record we are not shopping Danny Mwanga," Diego Gutierrez tells Kerith Gabriel. "A lot of teams are finding themselves in a tough spot in the market and are looking within the league to supplement.

I can confirm: the short loan deal with buy option to send George John to West Ham is now signed and sealed. The official announcement is forthcoming.And now I must hurry off before I miss my own game.- Greg Seltzer

George John Apparently Going On Loan To West Ham

Local boy George John will apparently be going out on loan to West Ham. It's not yet being called a full transfer, but it sounds like it could turn into one.

After finally receiving a call up to the US Men's National Team, Omar Gonzalez has backed out of camp in order to go on loan. The LA Galaxy defender is headed to Germany to play for FC Nurnberg until mid-February. The 2011 MLS Defender of the Year will be joining the team at their training camp in Belek, Turkey.

Photo: Earl Gardner

Philadelphia Union

MLS is scheduled to release the 2012 schedule today at 2pm. We'll post the Union schedule as soon as it is available.

Who will the Union play in their home opener? After using some logic based on what schedule details are already known (the Union open the season at Portland on March 12, play in Chicago on March 24, play in Toronto on May 26 and September 15 while playing host to Toronto on July 7), The Goalkeeper writes, "I would not be surprised if it is against the New York Red Bulls, the Houston Dynamo or David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy.

George John could be on the move (again). (Getty Images)

A fun bit of news broke late yesterday evening. Two US National team defenders George John and Omar Gonzalez were said to be leaving the national team camp for "club-related matters". Naturally their two teams instantly sent out messages about those matters.

Major news broke out of the US National Team camp on Wednesday night when it was announced that central defenders Omar Gonzalez and George John have left camp to attend to club related issues.

FC Dallas was an up-and-down team last season, getting off to a slow start (remember Brek Shea as a fullback) before surging in the summer then falling off a cliff in the fall. The team ended the season on a ...
Visit http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com for the rest of the story.

George John had to hold off on his dreams of a move to Europe this summer when a proposed transfer to Blackburn fell through in the final stages. Those events may ultimately lead John to wind up at a better club this winter, if reports are to be believed.

According to the UK Daily Mail, Everton and Wigan are both on the trail of the FC Dallas defender and are expected to make January bids for the big centerback.

It's been a busy week in American soccer news, gaining a German-born player in Fabian Johnson and potentially losing two American-born players in Joe Corona and George John who have been recently linked to Mexican Under-22 and Greek National Team camps, respectively.

You ever tell a girl "it's not you, it's me" and then break up with her for another chick that looks flyer only to find out in the 11th hour that there is a total dealbreaker with new chick so you go back to the original bird so fast that it's like you weren't really broken up?

I have been told by someone who'd know that Blackburn have not ruled out coming back to actually complete a deal for George John in January. It's just my hunch, but I still think "Mr. Manager" could soon be looking for a job at the banana stand - and that's why this folded. Or maybe I've just spent too many consecutive days with my head in the silly season and I'm dizzy.

All of at the PSP hope that all of you, yours and all of your stuff made it through Hurricane Irene safe and sound.

Union

RSL's Kyle Beckerman will not join the US team for the Costa Rica friendly on Friday but will stay in Salt Lake City for Saturday's match against the Union.

With the rescheduled New England game meaning the Union will play three games in seven days—Real Salt Lake (A), New England (H) and Portland (H)—Chris Vito writes in the Delco Times that it is time for the Union to get some points.

Happy Monday to you! Here are a few talking points for you to start your week off with all that water-cooler MLS talk. Obviously that happens everywhere. Prepare yourself:
Real SaltLake hold on to a win against Chivas USA despite being a man down. Nat Borchers was received a red card in the 24th minute and RealSaltLake was forced to play the majority of the game with ten men.

FC Dallas defender George John was all set for a transfer move to English club Blackburn, and had done everything but sign a contract with the club only to have Blackburn back out and pass on the standout MLS centerback over the weekend.

According to multiple sources, MLS and Blackburn had agreed to terms on the transfer, which was to be for about $1.

George John To Join FC Dallas In Seattle After Blackburn Deal Collapses

Looks like FC Dallas will have George John when they play the Sounders on Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup. John is on his way to Seattle to join his teammates after his transfer to Blackburn fell through, presumably when the two sides failed to come to an agreement on personal terms.

It really is a bittersweet moment for FC Dallas and their fans. Defender George John is returning home to the club after his deal with EPL side Blackburn Rovers fell through this weekend.

The hulking defender will now join his club in Seattle for a USOC semifinal game on Tuesday with the Sounders.

It really is a bittersweet moment for FC Dallas and their fans. Defender George John is returning home to the club after his deal with EPL side Blackburn Rovers fell through this weekend.

The hulking defender will now join his club in Seattle for a USOC semifinal game on Tuesday with the Sounders.

Alexi Lalas MLS blog: Why big George John can make a big impression at Blackburn

Welcome to MirrorFootball's new MLS blog, brought to you in conjunction with ESPN. Every week USA legend Alexi Lalas will be on hand to bring you the latest news from the States, and you'll also be able to watch the week's best goals and highlights.

A few things are on my mind this Wednesday morning. It would seem that the rippling effects of last year's CCL is paying dividends for the league this year. As are several other league changes. Enjoy the rest of your week!
CONCACAF Champion's League: Major League Soccer is being represented extremely well in the region tournament.

George John will take his talents to England. (Getty Images)

I really wanted to get to this yesterday since the player's agent actually contacted me about it. Ah never the less it was still reported well over at my other hub at BigDSoccer.com.

FC Dallas defender George John is on his way to Greece to pick up his Greek passport.

Over the past week rumors have been surrounded FC Dallas central defender George John regarding a potential transfer to Blackburn Rovers. John's agent confirms to YA a deal progressing but not yet final.

Blackburn make bid for George John

Way to go local product and former Husky George John. This can only help the MLS (and our chances this season too).

Photo: Paul Rudderow

Game time: Saturday, 8:00pm ET

TV: 6 ABC

Freddy Adu and Peter Nowak are not the only reunion on tap for this weekend as former Union midfielder Andrew Jacobson and goalkeeper Chris Seitz return to PPL Park for the first time since leaving the club.

A lot of changes will be made by new head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. (Photo via MLSSoccer.com)

Yeah go ahead and throw this one on the massive pile of other stories similar to this one. I've stayed away from the Klinsmann talk for a few reasons, mainly lack of time on my part to devote to discussing it is the biggest.

The Sunday afternoon clash between the Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas (4 pm FSW and Galavision) should, on paper, be a wide-open affair. A young team filled with speedsters playing in a warm-weather city versus a more mixed team of savvy veterans and young developing talent with a proven set of attackers should provide for many gol-scoring chances and back and forth action.