Daily news roundups / Featured

Pires & Henry rumors, Union podcast, USMNT news

Union news

Robert Pires admits to SkySports that his future is uncertain at Villarreal and that the Union has been in contact. But he denies that he has spoken to any club about a move. “During the last few weeks I have been the subject of unjustified attacks and lies about my future,” he said. “I have not traveled to France to talk with other teams. I went to London for a private matter and had the authorization of Villarreal to go. I have received some calls about my future, not only from Philadelphia but from France and Spain as well.”

The latest Union Sound podcast is available. WYSP’s Gordon talks with Corey Furlan from the Sons of Ben, John Hackworth, Sebastien Le Toux, Alejandro Moreno, Danny Califf, and Chris Seitz.

Local soccer news

Penn State are eyeing WVU’s men’s soccer Coach Marlon LeBlanc to replace Barry Gorman, who left Happy Valley to become technical director at FC Dallas.

MLS News

MLS players and the league have ratified the new CBA. Eighty-four percent of the players voted for the new contract according to USA Today.

Following a report in the always reliable Daily Mirror that Thierry Henry has negotiated an exit from Barcelona “and is preparing to head to the US”, the New York Post reports that Barcelona boss Joan Laporta has told Sport that he has given Henry permission to leave despite having one more year on his contract with the club. Whether the Frenchman ends up at the Red Bulls as is widely expected or at DC United, Union fans are sure to extend him a welcoming “hand”.

Steve Davis discusses the latest tactical trend in MLS: the 4-5-1.

USMNT/World Cup news

Maurice Edu played 90 minutes for Rangers in yesterday’s Old Firm loss to Celtic. DaMarcus Beasley, who has struggled to find playing time, failed to make an appearance.

Despite reports earlier this week in Sky Sports and Agence France Presse that Charlie Davies had lost his battle to make the US World Cup squad, U.S. Soccer spokesperson Michael Kammarman tells MLS.com, “We’re continuing to monitor Charlie’s progress and the coaching staff will make decision about his availability for training camp by May 11.” U.S. Soccer’s head trainer Ivan Pierra was in France last week to evaluate Davies and has since returned to the United States.

The Wall Street Journal looks at the competition between the Mexico and US national teams.

Forbes looks at the top ten US players in Europe.

Organizers for a World Cup host city bid in Phoenix are worried that the current immigration battle will affect their chances. Jon Schmieder, head of the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission says, “I hope it turns out to not be a big issue.”

Landon Donovan joins Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Samuel Eto’o, Pato and others for a special World Cup photo shoot by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair.

The World Health organization warns visitors to the World Cup in South Africa to avoid mosquitoes and contact with animals after a recent outbreak of Rift Valley Fever.


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