US/World Cup

The final 23-player roster for the US will be announced live today at 1pm on ESPN’s Sports Center. Those of us who are stuck at work tied to a computer can watch the announcement on Free Live Sports TV.

The New York Times looks at what was learned from yesterday’s friendly. Beasley, Buddle, Edu, Gomez, Holden impress. Johnson, Pearce don’t. Open verdict on Goodson. Findley and Marshall don’t play.

The Washington Post’s Steve Goff liked Beasley and Holden on the flanks, Buddle and Gomez up front, and Edu’s grit. Goff didn’t like Bornstein or Pearce and has doubts about Guzan. He thinks Pearce, Marshall, Rogers, Kljestan, Bedoya, Johnson, and Findley will be cut.

SI’s Grant Wahl thinks Pearce, Marshall, Kljestan, Rogers, Findley, Johnson and Buddle will be cut.

Goal.com thinks Buddle, Klestan and Pearce will be among those cut.

The Associated Press and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel have some more food for thought. The Boston Globe daringly calls the roster game “sloppy.”

With both US goals coming from set pieces, here’s two observations from Soccer365 that are sure to keep US soccer fans awake at night: the inability of the US to score from the run of play and vulnerability to counterattack following set pieces.

More on Beasley: “My head’s on right.”

The Washington Post looks at how Onyewu fared in yesterday’s friendly.

Yahoo Sports focuses on Hercules Gomez with more from the San Diego Union Tribune.

Claudio Reyna, the recently appointed youth soccer technical director for US Soccer, talks about what the US needs to do to develop new and better talent. “We need to be honest and recognize that as a country, we are behind.” Two goals behind, last I czeched.

Bolton are offering Stuart Holden a new deal.

Jurgen Klinsmann talks about why he didn’t take the US coaching job—something to do with the MLS— and the chances of the national team at the World Cup. “This is the easiest group the U.S. has ever been in. If they don’t get out of this group, not only will it be a disappointment, but it will be a failure.” We know, we know we know.

The US team will visit the White House on Thursday.

With the World Cup looking to be a huge financial disappointment for South Africa because international fans are staying home, FIFA release an additional 164,000 tickets for sale.

Union/Local/MLS

Manchester United’s Denis Irwin was in town yesterday to talk to the media about the upcoming match against the Union. Those players participating in the World Cup—which includes the likes of Evra, Nani, Rooney, and Ferdinand—will be excused from the tour so that means no Evra, Nani, Rooney, Ferdinand. Players who will be on the tour: Neville, Giggs, Scholes, van der Saar, Valencia, Evans, O’Shea, Fletcher, Macheda, Welbeck. “I’ve spoken to a few players already and they’re really looking forward to coming across here to Philadelphia and playing the game.” He might have added, but didn’t, “The beauty of your fair city is renowned throughout the world and soccer players are naturally excited to play in such beautiful surroundings.”

Today’s award for headline statement of the obvious goes to this piece in the Delco Daily Times: “Manchester United will pose big test for Union.”

Jack McInerney scored a goal in the USMNT U-20 team’s 2-1 loss to Japan in the Cor Groenewegen Tournament in the Netherlands. He also scored the lone goal in the team’s 1-0 victory over SC Heerenveen. At least I think he did because the match report is in Dutch. For all I know they were talking about his flowing hair and dreamy looks. The team went 2-1-2 to finish 8th in the tournament.

Reading United advance to the US Open Cup with 4-0 victory over Carolina Dynamo.

Juventus defender and Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is linked to a move to MLS after the World Cup. Reportedly “he is being targeted by” the Union, LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls as well as Napoli.

MLS vice president Todd Durbin talks about bringing back the reserve league.

And finally…

UEFA announces new rules for fair play with club finances that are to start in 2012. In a nutshell, clubs cannot spend more than they earn, which means no more wealthy owners spending truckloads of their own cash. Could be fun . . .