Chicago Fire original CJ Brown played in his last professional soccer game on October 23, 2010. Both Brown and teammate Brian McBride had announced their retirements days earlier. Chicago was already eliminated from the playoffs going into the game. Prior to kick-off the players knew it was going to be only the second time in the club's history that the Fire did not make the playoffs.

Following U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo's naked lawn watering in ESPN The Magazine's body issue, Alex Morgan -- Hope's U.S national teammate and fellow recipient of an impressive number of Facebook marriage proposals during last summer's Women's World Cup -- will be one of three female athletes to pose in bodypaint for the upcoming Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

So much for the new number 9.

Less than a week after the Revolution announced the signing of Colombian striker Jose "Pepe" Moreno their biggest offseason signing so far - it appears that the 30-year-old has cold feet about coming to MLS.

Citing his desire to play alongside recent Once Caldas signing Dayro Moreno and displaying a renewed sense of appreciation for the Manizales-based side, the 6-0 striker has reportedly reneged on playing in Foxboro, at least for the time being.

By ADAM SERRANO

CARSON, Calif. -- For months, people have awaited Brian Ching's first match against the Houston Dynamo.

After being left unprotected by Houston in the expansion draft, Ching threatened retirement before eventually being selected by the Montreal Impact.

By Alan Duffy

In the past 12 months or so, the global nature of football has become all the more apparent, as the UAE, India and China have suddenly become legitimate destinations for some of the game's bigger (and mostly older) stars.

Having mastered the art of kicking teammates, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now moved on to slapping opponents. Zlatan was sent off in the 64th minute of Milan's 0-0 draw against Napoli for reaching around teammate Antonio Nocerino to slap Salvatore Aronica in the face. If the slap is ruled to be a violent gesture, then Ibra will have to serve a three-match ban.

Olympique de Marseille vs. Olympique Lyonnais

Stade Vélodrome – Week 22, Ligue 1.

The swords are drawn.

The only two teams in French League alive in four championships play in The Olympico at Stade Vélodrome. Not just another League match, but one that will set expectations for greater games to come.

It probably hasn't escaped your attention that Northumbria bizzies have been investigating what have been described as "sickening" racist comments about Newcastle United forward, Shola Ameobi, on Facebook. This comes after recent similar comments about his younger brother and teammate Sammy Ameobi on Twitter.

It probably hasn't escaped your attention that Northumbria bizzies have been investigating what have been described as "sickening" racist comments about Newcastle United forward, Shola Ameobi, on Facebook. This comes after recent similar comments about his younger brother and teammate Sammy Ameobi on Twitter.

Carlos Tevez has once again refused to enter a match after starting on the substitute's bench, this time during Martin Palermo's testimonial in Buenos Aires. Tevez, who has been frozen out at Manchester City since pulling a similar protest during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich in September sparked outrage from both teams taking part in the tribute to Palermo, a friend and former international teammate.

In the same way that a classroom descends into carnage when a teacher leaves the room for any extended period, the Tottenham dressing room has become a violent and confusing place while Harry Redknapp is away attending to his legal affairs. Yesterday, Spurs winger Danny Rose posted a video on his Twitter showcasing teammate Sandro's full range of high kicks and martial arts poses.

Sebastien Le Toux and Kyle Nakazawa were seen as the two major free kick takers on the Philadelphia Union through the team's first two seasons of existence.

For Le Toux it was because of his massive number of free kicks, coupled with a perceived high failure rate on them. Nakazawa's status as a free kick taker came from a mystique that he developed among the Union's fan base from great technique.

Official D.C. United Press Release:
D.C. United acquires forward Hamdi Salihi as Designated Player
28-year old Albanian international has scored 163 goals in 289 professional matches
Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2012) – D.C. United announced today the club has signed 28-year old forward Hamdi Salihi as a Designated Player.

And I'm not talking about Beckham's 2-year $15 million contract.

I'm talking about Omar Gonzalez. Last month Omar pulled out of the national team training camp for a very exciting loan move to Nurnberg. His very first day there he suffered a season ending injury at the hands well, feet of his USMNT teammate Timmy Chandler.

Bolton - Arsenal 3pm - Fox Soccer Bolton's fortunes have been trending upwards of late. They beat Liverpool in their last Premier League game and advanced in the FA Cup at the expense of Swansea. There's also Tim Ream, adding another US National Team player to the club's roster. Ream isn't expected to play.

Anyone who reads this site and is on Twitter probably knows that Brad Evans is probably the Seattle Sounders top personality there. Not only does he interact with fans, he's also quite funny. On Monday, he decided to "interview" new roommate Michael Gspurning.

Evans solicited his followers for questions to ask his new teammate.

Video: FA Cup: Everton/Fulham

And so it was. In the English matchup of American titans Everton bested Fulhman 2-1, led by the efforts of a Man of the Match-worthy Landon Donovan, who assisted on both goals for his side. Clint Dempsey may have found success where Donovan never could, but in this match, at least, Donovan hushed his frequent teammate.

Defender Corey Ashe gives us his aspect on preseason training so far, his goals, and friend/teammate Geoff Cameron.

Rumors have been swirling recently involving German midfielder Michael Ballack possibly making the move to Major League Soccer.

Ballack, best known for his heroics in the 2002 World Cup Final and time spent with Chelsea and Bayern Munich, has been linked to the expansion Montreal Impact for the past few months.

By Chris Wright

In which, during a training session yesterday, Boca Juniors striker Dario Cvitanich runs into and then through the pain barrier in quite the most literal sense largely courtesy of a helpful shove from an over-zealous teammate.

(Warning: there's a wee bit of spilt claret in the video, so if you're of a squeamish disposition it's perhaps better to stare at this picture of kittens for the next few minutes instead.

By Chris Wright

When 'super duper set-piece' penalties go wrong, you tend to end up looking like a bit of a massive great sopping tit as Uzbekistan U23 striker Aleksandr Geynrikh found out to his cost during a friendly game against Zenit St Petersburg last night.

Iker Casillas played down divisions between the Spanish and Portuguese players in the Real Madrid team after Sunday's win against Athletic Bilbao saying:

"We can't start losing our minds and pointing the finger at each other. Whistles are really aimed at all of us. We must all be united, team and fans alike.

It was another easy win for the USWNT tonight as the rolled right on through Guatemala, winning the game 13-0. Unlike the game against the Dominican Republic, the goals didn't come as quickly during this game, as the US tried to feel out their Guatemalan counterparts during the opening five minutes.

The storm is over, but the need to dig my car out meant I missed session one. If you want a report on that group you will have to go to the Seattle Times or The News Tribune as they were the only print media there today. Most notably was the arrival of Supplemental Draft pick Jason Banton. Banton was still on a London schedule so he did not participate fully.

From Barcelona to Manchester United, there has never been a shortage of interest in Frank Lampard's services over the years as the Chelsea midfielder continues to age brilliantly.

But despite the continuation of his superb form for the Blues, the fact remains that Lampard is approaching his 34th birthday and as many in Europe will say, it is ideal for him to look overseas for a more lucrative opportunity at this stage of his career.

Being blamed for some of the goals that Manchester United conceded in the last few matches, David De Gea doesn't only lost his starting spot to Anders Lindegaard but might also be asked by the club to do an eye operation.

According to the latest reports in England, the Red Devils are preparing a full-time optometrist to treat De Gea, who is actually having a problem with his vision as he always wears glasses since kids, only to replace it with contact lenses during matches.

Rumored to be the case for about a week now and never really in doubt, the Chicago Fire announced Wednesday that they had re-signed midfielder Pavel Pardo. The press release had the usual 'per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed' boilerplate. However, team writer Jeff Crandall stated that Pardo signed a two-year contract.

It turns out that you really can go home again. Just ask Bianca D'Agostino.

The 23-year-old Longmeadow, Mass. native was signed by the Boston Breakers, the team announced on Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

D'Agostino was taken 18th overall by Philadelphia in last year's WPS Draft before she signed on with Atlanta during the 2011 season.

Last night the US national team once again scrimmaged the US under 23 team in Carson, California. And once again for the US, Graham Zusi got a goal as the US tied 1-1 with their U-23 counterparts.
Teal Bunbury and CJ Sapong were also involved in the game. Bunbury spent the first half on the field with the U23 team, as they continue to prepare for Olympic qualifying.

The beat (no pun intended) goes on for the Independence, announcing the signing of former US Women's National Team standout, Lori Chalupny earlier today. Chalupny comes to Philadelphia from the Atlanta Beat, where she played in 17 games and scored two goals. "Lori is a world class midfielder. She has great vision, is a fantastic engine and can play both the percentage and million dollar pass," Philadelphia head coach Paul Riley told the official Independence website today.

Liverpool has made Swansea midfielder Joe Allen one of their primary summer targets reports the Independent.
The 21-year-old Wales international has impressed in the Swans' debut Barclays Premier League campaign, and has captured the attention of a number of rival suitors.
His sensible use of the ball has helped teammate Leon Britton be ranked among Europe's leading passers - beating the likes of Barcelona duo Xavi and Andreas Iniesta.

What had the potential to be a battle of the Americans ended up not happening, with Brad Guzan giving way to the returning Shay Given in goal for Aston Villa. Tim Howard and Landon Donovan started in the 1-1 draw. Donovan assisted on Victor Anichebe's equalizer, with a pass that probably reminded too many of the Everton faithful why Donovan is such an upgrade for their club.

Landon Donovan continued his strong run of form for Everton on Saturday, delivering his best performance since re-joining the Toffees in Everton's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.

Donovan laid off a beautiful defense-splitting pass to set up Victor Anichebe's equalizer in a match that also so Donovan's LA Galaxy teammate, Robbie Keane, make his Aston Villa debut.

BY ADAM SERRANO

CARSON, Calif. -- There were plenty of lessons learned on Friday as the United States senior squad soundly defeated the U.S. Under-23's 4-0 in a scrimmage that took place on the Mooch Myernick Field at the Home Depot Center complex.

Robbie Keane is returning to the Premier League as a short-term member of Aston Villa. The Los Angeles Galaxy has agreed to loan Keane to Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj's club and Keane could be playing against the Americans at Everton this weekend. It's a quick trip for Keane, who has spent most of January training with Spurs in London.

Earlier tonight, the Philadelphia Independence announced that Havertown native, Sinead Farrelly, has re-signed with the team. Farrelly, a midfielder, was the first round draft pick for Philadelphia in 2011, scoring one goal with two assists in her rookie season. In 2011, Farrelly started in 13 of the 14 games she played, bringing her strong presence to the Independence midfield.

Bolton's star defender Gary Cahill is close to completing a switch to Chelsea and join his international teammate John Terry in the heart of Andre Villas-Boas' back four. Chelsea have been far from consistent at the back this season ... Continue reading →

By FRANCO PANIZO

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The 2012 MLS Combine has come to a close, but not before several players used the event to help their stock while others did not.

In a class dominated by attacking talent, several forwards and creative midfielders enjoyed strong combines, showcasing their goal-scoring and playmaking abilities.

The trio of Wisconsin players at the Major League Soccer Combine did their best Tuesday to leave good final impressions on the league's coaches and general managers before the SuperDraft.

Tony Walls (Wauwatosa East/UW-Green Bay) and Calum Mallace (Marquette) came off the bench and scored in an eight-minute span in the second half to help spark the adiPower team beat adiPure 4-1 in the last of six matches at the Combine in Lauderhill, Fla.

By Chris Wright

Given that it was pretty much a forgone conclusion, FIFA took their sweet time in surprising precisely nobody and bestowing Lionel Messi with their World Player of the Year award for the third time on the spin in Switzerland yesterday.

Messi beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Barca teammate Xavi (with whom he vowed to share the award) to the Ballon d'Or and he also went all Noël Coward on our backsides on the night, sporting a rather fetching purple velvet smoking jacket for the occassion just because, y'know, he can.