STORY OF THE DAY
James Montague of the New York Times with an article on one of the surprise teams in all of world soccer right now - Ironi Kiryat Shmona in Israel.
Argentine-American Bryan Gerzicich is a key member of the team.
LANDON DONOVAN V CLINT DEMPSEY
FA Cup Match
-Fri Jan 27
Everton v Fulham - live at 2pm CT on Fox Soccer
TEAM USA - EL EQUIPO DE TODOS
The team is done with the annual January training camp.

DU NORD AT THE CONTROLS
du Nord at the Controls - Jan 24, 2012 - new music mix at Spotify.
STORY OF THE DAY
Reuters with an article on the record profits in the German Bundesliga for 2011.
-Also the highest average attendance in the world at 42,000+ per game.

Lots of business stories from the weekend. We'll start with the broadcast of the Arsenal/Manchester United match televised, live on Fox. The Sunday telecast was part of a large block of sports programming on the new FIFA partner that included the NFC Championship game from San Francisco. Rob Stone anchored the pregame and halftime festivities, but the network relied upon its English crew for the play by play.

U.S. Soccer Development Academy alum Bill Hamid earned his first cap with the U.S.
MNT and became the ninth goalkeeper to earn a shutout in his
debut.

The U.S. Men's National Team opened 2012 with a 1-0 victory over Venezuela on Saturday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Ricardo Clark headed home Jermaine Jones' corner in the 7th minute of stopping time to help the United States to a 1-0 victory over 10-man Venezuela before 22,403 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The American's win was its third in eight matches since Jurgen Klinsmann took over from Bob Bradley as coach last year.

Highlights from the January 21st, 2012 friendly between the United States and Venezuela from University of Phoenix Stadium.

U.S. Soccer Communications
GLENDALE, Ariz. – The U.S. Men's National Team opened the year in dramatic fashion as Ricardo Clark tallied a game-winning goal seven minutes into second-half stoppage time for a 1-0 win against Venezuela at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
The U.

It wasn't that long ago that Providence product Michael Parkhurst and Attleboro native Geoff Cameron were just two local talents hoping to play their way from the grassy fields of southeastern New England onto the big stage.

Cue the big stage.

On Saturday, the defending duo both of whom played club soccer for Rhode Island-based Bayside FC found themselves paired together in the center of the United States defense for the first time during the squad's 1-0 shutout of Venezuela.

For 90 minutes the U.S. Men's National Team dominated play against Venezuela on Saturday night at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz, but couldn't find the goal they needed to take the lead. Substitute Ricardo Clark finally had the answer with a stoppage time header to give the U.S. a deserved 1-0 victory.

By FRANCO PANIZO

Just when it looked like the U.S. men's national team was destined for another scoreless game, a familiar face came up with the timeliest of goals.

Substitute Ricardo Clark powered home a header deep into stoppage time on Saturday night, giving the United States a 1-0 victory over Venezuela at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona in its opening match of 2012.

The United States opened its 2012 schedule with a 1-0 friendly draw against Venezuela at University of Phoenix Stadium. The USA got a last gasp goal, with Ricardo Clark scoring from a corner kick late into stoppage time. Both teams were using experimental lineups, with the game falling outside of the international window.

The U.S. men's national team kicks off 2012 in Arizona, taking on Venezuela at University of Phoenix Stadium in its first match of the year (9 p.m., Galavision/ESPN3.com).

The friendly comes as part of the culmination of January training camp, and it provides Jurgen Klinsmann a chance to see some of the players he has yet to observe in international game situations on a competitive stage.

US Soccer Communications previews the USA - Venexuela friendly with interviews from players during Friday's public practice at University of Phoenix Stadium.

January is treating TSG like Gio Dos Santos doing the US at the 2011 Gold Cup. Unmercifully. Ouch.

Parkhurst gets his shot?

Thanks for baring with us.

On to what you came here for.

The US attempts to break down Venezuela at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona Saturday night 6pm PT.

The United States national team will open up its 2012 schedule on Saturday night when they host Venezuela Saturday night at the University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

STARTERS
African Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday. Who is going to meet me at Marina's in Northeast Minneapolis to watch:
Senegal v Zambia at 3:00pm CT on Saturday - and - Cote d'Ivoire v Sudan at 10:00am CT on Sunday.
dN
If the LA Galaxy is seriously pursuing Chelsea's Frank Lampard, as they say they are, then which of their other 3 Designated Players is out the door?

The USA has an all-time record of 2-0-1 in matches played in Arizona. In addition to the 2-0 win against Mexico on Feb. 7, 2007, the U.S. played in two matches in the early 1990s at Sun Devil Stadium. The U.S. played to a 2-2 draw against Denmark on Jan. 30, 1993, and a 2-1 win against Norway on Jan.

By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 20, 2012) US Soccer Players – Following the annual January training camp, the United States National Team opens its 2012 schedule with a friendly against Venezuela on Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. For US coach Jurgen Klinsmann, the game will be his first chance to test new players five months before the USA begins the task of trying to reach for the 2014.

STARTERS
David Beckham made it official today and signed a new 2 year contract with the LA Galaxy.
-But Beckham is staying with a team that will have at least 2 giant holes to fill this season - central midfielder Juninho returned to Sao Paulo and centerback Omar Gonzalez blew out his knee.

STARTERS
Two big MLS player moves are on the front burner today:
-Philly to sell Sebastien Le Toux to Bolton.
-LA to re-sign David Beckham tomorrow.
dN
Barca beat Real Madrid again! 1-2 today in the 1st Leg of the Copa Del Rey Quarterfinals. 2nd Leg is next Wednesday.

Graham Zusi was flying down the flanks throughout the first half
Graham Zusi and Jack McInerney traded sweet strikes as the National Team and the U-23's finished with a 1-1 draw in the second of two scrimmages played here between the teams at The Home Depot Center.

In honor of the fact that the U.S. is playing Venezuela the University of Phoenix Stadium, and that the stadium staged Super Bowl XLII, and that it's playoff time in the NFL, we decided to look at the USA's record in venues that have hosted the Super Bowl.
The U.S. has played in 13 stadiums that have hosted the domestic American Football championship, one as many as 15 times (Rose Bowl).

STARTERS
Say hello to Minnesota Stars FC:
-Plus a nice video clip used at the unveiling.
dN
Yesterday a reader posed this question in the comments section: "what can we do to help the NASL survive and grow in 2012?

Columbus Crew forward Emilio Renteria and Chivas USA forward Alejandro Moreno are among the players called in for Venezuela's friendly against the United States on Jan. 21 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Former New York Red Bulls defender Gabriel Cichero is also part of the 24-man group that will face Mexico in Houston four days later.

Venezuela head coach Cesar Farias named his 24-man roster for the upcoming match against the U.S. Men's National Team at 9 p.m. ET Jan. 21 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Venezuela's attacking group includes Alejandro Moreno of Chivas USA and Emilio Renteria of the Columbus Crew:

VENEZUELA ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (2): Alan Liebeskind (Lara), Leonardo Morales (Anzoategui)
DEFENDERS (8): Joel Caceres (Lara), Gabriel Cichero (Lens), Javier Gonzalez (Petare), Rubert Quijada (Monagas), Carlos Rivero (Anzoategui), Andres Rouga (Tachira), Carlos Salazar (Anzoategui), Jose Manuel Velazquez (Mineros)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Angel Chourio (Real Esppor), Diomar Diaz (Petare), Agnel Flores (Mineros), Francisco Flores (Anzoategui), Edgar Perez Greco (Lara), Alejandro Guerra (Mineros), Diego Guerrero (Tachira), Miguel Mea Vitali (Lara)
FORWARDS (6): Richard Blanco (Petare), Darwin Machis (Mineros), Alejandro Moreno (Chivas USA), Hermes Palomino (Cherno More), Emilio Renteria (Columbus Crew), Jose Reyes (Anzoategui)

STARTERS
Its the worst case scenario for Omar Gonzalez - Torn MCL. Yesterday he was introduced at Nurnberg, went out to train with the team in hopes of earning a contract and promptly blew out the ACL in his left knee. (In German)
dN
Arsenal has announced that they have signed Thierry Henry for a short term loan through an unspecified date in February.

The United States National Team will hold a public training session at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 20th from 5-6pm local time, the US Soccer Federation has announced. The training session will be free and open to the public, but fans are requested to register through ussoccer.com. The US plays Venezuela the next day at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The U.S. Men's National Team has begun the annual gathering known as the January Camp, and with the start of World Cup qualifying now six months away, the next 22 days represent a huge opportunity for this group of largely untested internationals.
Jurgen Klinsmann has gathered his charges farther east than the usual starting point of the National Training Center in Carson, Calif.

New England Revolution midfielder and member of the 2010 U.S. World Cup Team, Benny Feilhaber will make his return to the U.S. National Team for its January camp after being left out in the cold since head coach Jürgen Klinsmann took over in July.

Revolution midfielder Benny Feilhaber will make his return to the U.

Klinsmann names January training camp roster, SJ makes the cut!

The US is set to host Venezuela on January 21st at University of Phoenix Stadium. On January 25th, the USMNT will face off against Panama in Panama City. This should provide some quality competition for the US.

Even better news is that Jurgen is finally paying attention to Sean Johnson.

U.S. Men's National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced the 20-player roster for the annual January camp leading up to the games against Venezuela on Jan. 21 at the University of Phoenix Stadium (TICKETS) and Panama on Jan. 25 in Panama City.
ussoccer.com spoke with Klinsmann about his plans for the January camp and where this opportunity fits into the bigger picture of the development of the U.

By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 21, 2011) US Soccer Players – Arizona will be the epicenter of American soccer over the next two months. The United States will play at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on January 21st against Venezuela to open their 2012 schedule. A month later, on February 22nd, four MLS teams – the Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake –.

The first few months of the Klinsmann era weren't as successful as many might have hoped in terms of wins and losses, but after ending the 2011 calendar with a respectable 1-0 defeat in France and a solid 3-2 win in Slovenia, there's definite positive momentum heading into 2012.
The slate for next year is far from finalized, but it will give fans an opportunity to gauge just how much progression is being made and who will play significant roles going forward, as along with multiple friendly matches, the U.

The USA will face Panama in a Gold Cup rematch.

Less than six months before the start of its campaign to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Men's National Team will continue preparations with a pair of international friendlies in January.
The U.

STARTERS
DC United has passed on the original option to buy Charlie Davies from Sochaux.
-That doesn't mean they can't negotiate to buy him at a lower price, or sign a new loan deal etc etc.
-This press release from DCU is worded in a way that suggests the door is not closed.

photo by Florian Eisele/ISIphotos.com

The U.S. men's national team's final preparations for World Cup qualifying will begin in January with a pair of friendlies against Venezuela and Panama, U.S. Soccer announced on Thursday.

The United States will open its 2012 schedule on Jan.

On Thursday, the United States Soccer Federation announced two January friendlies. The National Team will play Venezuela on January 21st at 9pm ET at the University of Phoenix Stadium and Panama in Panama City on the 25th. "It's very important that we start the year off in the right way with a good training camp and two challenging games," US coach Jurgen Klinsmann said.

After a two-week training camp that featured 30 players, U.S. WNT head coach Pia Sundhage has named the 18 players that will suit up against Sweden on Sat., Nov. 19 at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m. and fans can watch live via a webstream on ussoccer.com and also follow along on ussoccer.

The U.S. Women's National Team match against Sweden on Nov. 19 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., will be streamed live exclusively on ussoccer.com. Fans can follow the live stream by logging on to ussoccer.com shortly before kickoff, which is at 7 p.m. MT.

More than 14,000 tickets have been sold for the match, setting a record for the largest crowd to ever watch the U.

All U.S. Soccer fans are invited to come watch the U.S. Women's National Team public training session Friday, Nov. 18 from 11-12:30 p.m. at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Admission is free and open to the public. Parking lots are free of charge. Fans should enter through Gate 3 on the southeast corner of the stadium which opens at 10:30 a.