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Le Toux back in Philly? More news.

Photo: Paul Rudderow

Philadelphia Union

Sebastien Le Toux tweeted this morning, “I spent a great week at BWFC. Great club with great people. Now back in Philly.” We are waiting for confirmation on this from the Union. Is Le Toux back for good or is he packing for a longer stay?

Following the successful appeal to secure Tim Ream the UK work permit necessary to complete the defender’s move to the Wanderers, Owen Coyle tells The Bolton News that he plans to “add one or two more to take us on to the second half of the season” before the close of the transfer window on January 31. The report mentions interest in signing striker Esmael Bangoura, currently signed with Al Nasr of the United Arab Emirates Pro League, but does not mention Sebastien Le Toux.

That this morning’s press conference at City Hall will be used to announce that PPL Park will be the site of the 2012 MLS All-Star Game is widely expected. And while details such as the date of the game, as well as “guidelines on ticket allocation and right-of-first-refusal for Union fans remain unclear,” Kerith Gabriel writes, “the biggest question is whether Garber will announce an opponent at today’s news conference or whether MLS is still ironing out that detail.”

Brian Carroll has his sights set on a tenth consecutive playoff season and more. “It’s about time I get a third MLS Cup.”

Zach Pfeffer, who recently trained with the US U-18 squad, gets a profile at MLSsoccer.com.

The Sons of Ben have found a new permanent home nearby PPL Park for pre-game tailgating. The location is on Law Street, between PPL Park and Second Street, just a short march from the Club/Suite entrance to the stadium, and contains a building that will be used for “storage, tifo painting, and shelter on rainy game days.” Away game viewing parties and other events are also planned to be held there. SoB members can support the project by purchasing a new SoB parking pass before March 18 by calling Union fan services at 877-218-6466.

CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers

The US will be looking to finish top of their group when they face Mexico tonight (10:30pm, universalsports.com), as well as looking for some revenge.

Canada is one step closer to the Olympics after defeating Costa Rica 5–1 to finish top of their group. Haiti defeated Cuba 3–0 for little more than bragging rights.

Cuba was without two key players for their loss to Haiti. Both players are presumed to have defected.

Ali Krieger, injured by a reckless challenge in Friday’s 14–0 win over Dominican Republic, hopes she will be recovered in time for the Olympics.

MLS

This report on the finalization of Tim Ream’s move to Bolton notes that the fact that he won his appeal after initially being denied a UK work permit signals an important shift:

Times are changing on that front, in no small part because of the growing relationships forged by American-based soccer agents in England. Work permit appeals processes are very much a political game of knowing the right people and having allies positioned in prime places. As more players have moved and done well abroad, American sports agencies have forced ties to European-based agencies; as the connections in the UK and throughout Europe have led to more transfer opportunities, and an easier road for Americans to make moves.

Jeff Cunningham, the all-time leading goalscorer in MLS, has signed a one-year deal with Guatemalan club CSD Comunicaciones.

While he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent says the Swedish striker is likely to end his career in MLS.

US

Soccer America says that, despite the USMNT’s continuing scoring woes, Saturday’s match against Venezuela contained some glimmers of creative scoring chances that bode well for the future.

MLSsoccer.com lists the top ten USMNT stoppage time goals.

Elsewhere

Early reports indicate that the Arsenal vs. Manchester United game broadcast live on Fox failed to get a 1.0 overnight rating. National ratings will be out later this week.

SI says the only things left for Clint Dempsey to accomplish this year are to top the record of 12 goals scored by an American in the Premiership and to move to a Champions League club.

This report says the outstanding performances by Americans in the Premiership is proof that the league is on a downward spiral.

Jonathan Wilson looks at Côte d’Ivoire’s Golden Generation.

Is Jose Mourinho facing a player revolt at Real Madrid?

6 Comments

  1. Whoever wrote that article about the epl vs mls is a complete idiot

  2. MikeRSoccer says:

    Interesting piece about Gomez apparently organizing on behalf of the Panamanian players in reference to their commitments to club contracts. I have come across a decent amount of articles describing his recent community service and charity events. He seems like a very intelligent and dedicated guy from what I have seen. Seems contrary to his unstable clubs past.
    http://laestrella.com.pa/online/impreso/2012/01/24/jugadores-se-organizan.asp

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