Lauren Cheney gets a step on Amy Lepeilbet, but Hope Solo stands between her and the goal
After a brief week-long break since winning the 2012 Olympic Women's Qualifying Tournament in Canada, the U.S. team has re-grouped in Frisco, Texas for a five days of training before facing New Zealand on Saturday, Feb.

The FIFA Club World Cup officially got under way today with two goals just before half-time giving Kashiwa Reysol a 2-0 win over Auckland City in the qualifying play-off to send the Japanese club through to the quarter-finals.

Kashiwa, who clinched the 2011 J-League title last weekend, had Junya Tanaka and Masato Kudo to thank as the pair struck in the 37th and 40th minutes respectively to send the host nation's representatives into the next round.

By CALEB SONNELAND

While the rest of the USMNT fan base was busy mourning the recent loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, the U-17 team was celebrating its progression in the Round of 16 at the U-17 World Cup in Mexico.

A scoreless draw against New Zealand was enough to see the United States finish Group D in second place behind Uzbekistan.

Aussies found the game a little more meaningful against Serbia than the run out against the Kiwis.
Michael Zullo was tested and showed he has a lot to learn but still showed enough to get some more opportunities.
Adam Federici and Brett Holman were both outstanding against top opposition and Serbia were a class outfit - recently beaten by South Korea it should be noted despite missing 4 or 5 key players.

Mexico warmed up for defense of its CONCACAF Gold Cup in much the same fashion that 'El Tri' walked off with the title two years ago in a rout.

Mexico, which beat the U.S. 5-0 to claim the 2009 cup, delivered a similar undressing to New Zealand at Invesco Field on Wednesday night. Even with the team's best forward resting in preparation of the start of Gold Cup play, Mexico had more than enough firepower against the All Whites.

Photo by Alex E. Proimos

With it being February the league is just over halfway complete. Accordingly, I thought I'd choose the eleven players that have impressed me the least this Premier League season. Consider it a mid-term report of sorts.

Could your club or favorite player be one of the 11 featured?

Photo by Miranda Christlock/UCSB Media Relations

BY ADAM SERRANO

The MLS combine is a high-pressure situation that is sometimes the most pressure-packed setting some players have ever faced.

Not so for UCSB defender Michael Boxall, who has played in his fair share of high-profile matches.