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BY ADAM SERRANO
CARSON, Calif. -- Cameroonian midfielder Franck Songo'o stole the show for the Portland Timbers
as the trialist set up a pair of goals to help lead the Timbers to a 4-1 win against the Los
Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday in the first MLS pre-season match for both teams.
Photo by ISIPhotos.com
The tradition of holding a January camp for mostly MLS players looking to break through into the
U.S. naitonal team is going to be maintained during the Jurgen Klinsmann era and the German manager
will be putting together his first January camp very shortly.
The Montreal Impact came away from last week's expansion draft without a proven goalkeeper, but
that void was filled in a major way on Monday after the Impact acquired Jamaican national team
goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts from the Impact for allocation money.
Ricketts had been one of the best goalkeepers in the league before a broken arm sidelined him
and paved the way for Josh Saunders to take the starting job away from Ricketts.
Sorry this took so long. This week had a lot of unexpected turns, and, as always, I could really
use some help here. Still, let's begin.
Winning the Cup last week did a number of things for the Galaxy, including topping off a
magnificent season and giving David Beckham serious reason to consider staying.
Ever read those posts on SI.com, Fox Soccer, or ESPN.com with the "five thoughts about ..." and
then, well, lo and behold, they offer you five random thoughts about a topic?
Yeah, I always thought they were mailing it in too, too rushed or whatever to come up with a
lede, coherent structure for the column, etc.
For the first time in too long, the best team in Major League Soccer won the MLS Cup.
That's great for MLS.
Sure, nobody likes to root for Goliath to beat down David, but there were lots of reasons to
hope and be happy Los Angeles won last night. Now that they've set Houston aside with a 1-0
victory (which would've been 2-0 if Robbie Keane had not been wrongly called offside on his goal),
you don't have to think about some team that played as ugly as Colorado getting hot for a few weeks
and then parading around for a year as your league champs.
Galaxy 1 Houston Dynamo 0 from Home Depot Center
Champion: David Beckham lifts the MLS Cup trophy after what could be his final MLS game (AP
Photo).
Staff Writer Phil Collin has the game story.
Columnist Kevin Modesti has the big picture view.
Old reliable: Underrated Todd Dunivant, as Dane Richards and the New York Red Bulls would
testify, has been among the chief reasons for the Galaxy's smothering defense this season (Photo by
Getty Images).
The telecast from a sold-out Home Depot Center in Carson is set to start at 6 p.
EDITORIAL NOTE: I will be in LA beginning tomorrow afternoon to personally witness MLS Cup 2011, so
the illustrious King of the Plains People Graham Fox will helm the du Nord company truck on Friday,
and the Jester-Midwester Exemplar of Salisbury Paul Demko will enlighten you all on Monday. I will
be back to entertain you on Tuesday of next short week.
By ADAM SERRANO
The Houston Dynamo may be without their MVP candidate, but the Los Angeles Galaxy are keenly
aware that the Dynamo will still have another key weapon in their attack.
Dynamo captain Brian Ching has enjoyed a stellar season since battling back from injuries that
limited him to just 20 regular season games.
A video of Seba Le Toux talking about endurance (careful, it auto-plays!). This is perfect.
Nobody on Earth can possibly be more qualified to discuss this topic. Oh wait, he just says he
works hard? What!? This is like getting superman to talk about his powers and walking away with a
quote like, "I just do it, y'know?
STARTERSI'm getting goosebumps already! MLS Cup is 6 days away.
dN
Bruce Arena of the LA Galaxy has been named the MLS Coach of the Year.
-That was an easy one. No one else was even close.
dN
The New England Revolution has hired Jay "He also played basketball for Mike Krzyzewski at Duke"
Heaps as their new head coach.
When I saw the MLS Best XI the other day, what first struck me wasn't that Kasey Keller made the
list, or Osvaldo Alonso didn't, or that there were 4 Galaxy players. Actually, my first reaction
was "wow, I would NEVER field that XI in an actual match!"
This has nothing to do with talent, of course, but more to do with structure and roles.
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
David Beckham has been selected for the
MLS Best XI
for the first time since he plays in the MLS. He joins Los Angeles Galaxy teammates Landon Donovan,
Omar González and Todd Dunivant.
In the final season of his five-year contract, Becks set his highs in both starts (26) and assists
(15) with the Galaxy as the LA team finished with the MLS' best regular-season record.
There are 11 days to go until MLS Cup 2011 in Carson.
Commissioner Don Garber also announced the MLS Best XI, which includes a league-high four Galaxy
players:
Goalkeeper - Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC)
Defender - Todd Dunivant (Galaxy)
Defender - Omar Gonzalez (Galaxy)
Defender - Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake)
Midfielder - David Beckham (Galaxy)
Midfielder - Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo)
Midfielder - Dwayne De Rosario (D.
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber announced the league's Best XI on Thursday, and a
number of familiar names appear on the list of honorees.
Landon Donovan, Jamison Olave, Omar Gonzalez, Chris Wondolowski and Dwayne De Rosario are all
repeat Best XI performers from 2010; however, a number of players garnered Best XI honors for the
first time, including retired Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Designated Players Thierry Henry
and David Beckham.
During his State of the League teleconference on Thursday, Major League Soccer commissioner Don
Garber named the MLS Best XI for 2011. GK: Kasey Keller (Seattle) DEF: Todd Dunivant (Los Angeles),
Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles), Jamison Olave (Salt Lake) MID: David Beckham (Los Angeles), Brad Davis
(Houston), Dwayne De Rosario (DC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles) FOR: Thierry Henry (New York)
Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis has been named to Major League Soccer's Best XI, league
commissioner Don Garber announced today. It is the first career Best XI selection for Davis, a
finalist for the 2011 MVP award, which will be announced on Nov. 18, and a four-time MLS
All-Star.
The MLS Best XI recognizes the league's top 11 players at each position on the field - one
goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards.
LA has another week or so before they release their protection list. (Getty Images)
This is it the final club in our Expansion Draft protection lists the Los Angeles Galaxy. The
Galaxy won this year's Supporters' Shield trophy for the best record in the league and now are 90
minutes away from winning another MLS Cup.
The 2011 Major League Soccer season was arguably the best in league history, from both a
competition and entertainment standpoint, and as a result, it made for some tough calls when
deciding on the league's Best XI.
MLS commissioner Don Garber will announce the league's official Best XI later today, but based
on the voting of the SBI editorial staff (Ives Galarcep, Avi Creditor, Adam Serrano, Mike Nastri,
Jose Romero, Thomas Floyd, Joey Samuel), we came up with a first, second and third team to honor
those who put forth standout performances this season.
Galaxy center back Omar Gonzalez, seen here challenging for the ball with New York's Luke
Rodgers, is the 2011 MLS Defender of the Year (AP Photo).
Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez, who turned 23 Oct. 11 and stands 6-5, has become the
youngest-ever winner of the MLS Defender of the Year award.
There were plenty of standout defenders in MLS this year, and several who could make cases for
being the top defender in the league, but it is tough to argue that there was a better defender in
2011 than Omar Gonzalez.
The LA Galaxy centerback was the leader and foundation for the best defense in MLS, improving
his game in every facet and going from being an All-Star caliber defender to a dominant force who
was key to LA winning the Supporters Shield and reaching the MLS Cup Final.
One of these two teams will meet Houston at MLS Cup in Carson after the Dynamo, who lost MLS
assist leader Brad Davis to a first half injury, beat Sporting Kansas City 2-0 earier this
afternoon in the Eastern Conference Final.
It's a cool, but dry evening at Home Depot Center as the Galaxy host this fixture for a third
consecutive year.
Galaxy 1 New York Red Bulls 0
The forecast cold front has yet to move into the South Bay here in Carson.
Real Salt Lake awaits the winner of this series that the Galaxy lead from a Mike Magee goal in
the 15th minute of last Sunday's game.
If the score is tied at the end of regulation, we'll have 30 minutes of OT, followed by PK's if
the score is still tied.
- Tale of the Tape: Dynamo vs. Union [Houston Dynamo]
- Union to face sharp passer in Houston's Brad Davis in playoffs [Philly.com]
- Union encounter new-look Dynamo in playoffs [Houston Chronicle]
- Kinnear won't let momentum define Dynamo postseason [MLS Soccer]
- Let the Playoffs Begin and #DavisforMVP [Houston Chronicle]
- Davis, Moffat, and Boswell honored for performances against LA [MLS Soccer]
In Other News:
- Red Bulls rely on defense to land the knockout punch [MLS Soccer]
- Todd Dunivant: "I don't think anyone fears New York" [ESPN LA]
- COSMOS SHAKEUP - Sources: Kemsley to be bought out by Saudi Arabian partners [Big Apple
Soccer]
I visit my neighborhood Whole Foods almost every day. And when I stand at the store's overly
complex recycling labyrinth, straining to make the most Earth friendly decisions on its flummoxing
array of choices, it really is one of the hardest things I do every day.
Then again, I don't have to vote on Major League Soccer's MVP and other awards every day.
At some point today, SI.com editors will put the headlines, captions and final graphical
flourishes on the lengthy MLS playoff preview I just put together. You may, at this very moment,
find yourself trembling in anticipation. Not to worry – you are not alone.
Until that's posted, to keep you sated, here are 15 great things I learned (or knew and
thoughtfully re-considered) while putting that bad boy together.
And moving on...
2011 MLS DEFENDER OF THE YEAR:
Best defender in MLS during the 2011 regular season.
Candidates:
Marshall was a big part of the Crew's surprising success...
Corey Gibbs Chicago Fire
Gonzalo Segares Chicago Fire
Ante Jazic Chivas USA
Heath Pearce Chivas USA
Chad Marshall Columbus Crew
Julius James Columbus Crew
Drew Moor Colorado Rapids
Marvell Wynne Colorado Rapids
Ugo Ihemelu FC Dallas
George John FC Dallas
Andre Hainault Houston Dynamo
Todd Dunivant Los Angeles Galaxy
Omar Gonzalez Los Angeles Galaxy
A.
Good time Gregg: Gregg Berhalter, seen here celebrating a Galaxy goal with David Beckham and
Todd Dunivant, has played a major role on and off the field in the Galaxy's exemplary defensive
record in recent years; they have conceded fewer goals during his three years with the club than
any other MLS franchise (Daily Breeze file photo).
By ADAM SERRANO
CARSON, Calif.-- An own goal proved decisive as the Los Angeles Galaxy continued their pursuit
of the Supporters Shield by overcoming their first halftime deficit of the season in a 2-1 victory
over Real Salt Lake.
RSL was able to put the Galaxy on their heels in the 45th minute when Fabian Espindola opened
the scoring, but a goal by Chad Barrett and an own goal by RSL's Nat Borchers gave the Galaxy the
victory.
Seattle's 2-1 win over the New England Revolution earlier today means the Galaxy can't clinch
the Supporters Shield tonight, but a win or a draw would eliminate Real Salt Lake from contention
for the regular season title.
The Galaxy need five more points from their four remaining games, including this evening's
contest, and the title will belong to them no matter what any other team does.
By ADAM SERRANO It's been a good week for the Los Angeles Galaxy. After keeping
their hopes of advancing from the CONCACAF Champions League alive with a last second win against
Morelia on Wednesday, the Galaxy can clinch the Supporters Shield with a victory on Saturday.
Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com
By THOMAS FLOYD
Todd Dunivant has gotten used to flying under the radar.
As with most solid defenders, not hearing Dunivant's name called throughout a match tends to be
a good thing. While he does get like to get forward and provide service from the flank, the
30-year-old is cautious when choosing his overlapping runs.
Photo by Mike Janosz/ISIPhotos.com
By ADAM SERRANO
CARSON, Calif.-- With their dreams of a place in the Champions League quarterfinals fading
fast, the Los Angeles Galaxy produced the same sort of late-game magic they produced the last time
they faced Morelia.
Things seemed to be slipping away for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Tied at one heading into stoppage time, it looked as if the Galaxy's chances of advancing to the
group stages of the CONCACAF Champions League Tournament would end at the hands of Monarcas
Morelia. But all it needed was one chance.
More Morelia than Galaxy fans in the stands tonight - a bit of a sad commentary on Los Angeles
soccer fans, I'm afraid and half the stands are literally off limits to fans anyway - but at least
the majority of fans here are likely to go home happy.
No goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, striker Robbie Keane (um, apparently resting for Ireland's Euro
2012 qualifiers next week) or fragrance salesman David Beckham (he's suspended) for the Galaxy
tonight so, no chance of LA beating a top tier Mexican team and staying in the CCL I'd wager.
Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com
By ADAM SERRANO
ALAJUELA, Costa Rica --The Los Angeles Galaxy find themselves locked in a three-team dog fight
for the final two places atop the CONCACAF Champions League's Group A.
With Alajuelense, Morelia, and the Galaxy currently tied at six points apiece, the Galaxy's
match in Costa Rica may prove decisive if the MLS club is to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Photo by Stephen Brashear/ISIphotos.com
By ALAN LEDBETTER
With only five weeks left, now is the time to use your remaining transfers and prepare for a
strong ending to the fantasy season. With six teams playing two games this week, there are plenty
of fantasy points up for grabs.
When Galaxy coach Bruce Arena trotted out a different-looking lineup against Colorado, it wasn't
just with Colorado in mind.
Sure, Chad Barrett and Paolo Cardozo did well against the Rapids but playing the likes of Barrett,
Cardozo, Bryan Jordan and Donovan Ricketts allowed for the Galaxy to rest up some players for
Tuesday's match against Morelia.
When Galaxy coach Bruce Arena trotted out a different-looking lineup against Colorado, it wasn't
just with Colorado in mind.
Sure, Chad Barrett and Paolo Cardozo did well against the Rapids but playing the likes of Barrett,
Cardozo, Bryan Jordan and Donovan Ricketts allowed for the Galaxy to rest up some players for
Tuesday's match against Morelia.
