Strong bids for Soccer Hall glory

It has become the rite of every winter -- the National Soccer Hall of Fame selection ballot.

Who deserves to go in? Who doesn't deserve the honor?

It is a task many soccer writers take seriously. Everyone has his or her own criteria of who belongs in a sports hall of fame. It should be someone who dominated his or her position. Of course, soccer becomes a bit more complicated than baseball or football because there is the international angle as well.

Unfortunately, after last year when no one got in, you have to wonder if everyone takes it seriously because there were a number of players who should have been locks, including former U.S. women's national team defender Joy Fawcett, Preki and Jeff Agoos, among others.

The Hall's board of directors in August lowered the minimum percentage of the vote needed for election from 75 percent to 66.6 percent. The change in the vote was in reaction to that election, when no recently retired players making the 75 percent threshold. Fawcett and Preki would have been elected under the new format.

The list has been pared down to 25 as a number of former players are gone. At this point, the votes all are in -- the selection committee comprised of all present and former coaches of the U.S. men's and women's full national teams; all active MLS coaches with a minimum of four years as head coach; MLS management representatives; MLS commissioner; U.S. Soccer secretary general; designated members of the media; and all Hall of Famers had from Nov. 3 to Dec. 3 to submit up to 10 selections on the player ballot.

The inductees will be announced at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention in St. Louis on Jan. 15. The announcement will be broadcast live as part of Fox Soccer Channel's Center Circle Live show from the convention (8 p.m. ET). The induction will be held in Oneonta, N.Y. on induction weekend July 31-Aug. 2.

A look at the candidates for election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame:

THE PLAYERS

Hall worthy These players can be considered leading contenders and it wouldn't be surprising if any of them were elected.

• Jeff Agoos. He played in the back (central defender or on the left side) for D.C. United, San Jose Earthquakes and the MetroStars (244 regular-season games, 39 postseason), winning a record five MLS championship rings (three for D.C. two for SJ). The current Red Bulls sporting director made 134 international appearances, while playing in the 2002 World Cup. He also performed at the 2000 Olympics.

• Joy Fawcett. In the excitement of Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy being elected in 2007, Fawcett somehow missed out on reaching the Hall on her first appearance on the ballot. As a defensive cornerstone along with Hall of Famer Carla Overbeck on those great U.S. women's national teams, Fawcett was key member of two world championship sides (1991 and 1999) and two Olympic gold medal teams (1996 and 2004), never finishing out of the medal round in six overall appearances. Literally a "soccer mom" while in her prime with the team, Fawcett performed in 239 international matches.

• Preki. Now this is a rarity, someone who has won MVP honors in three separate soccer leagues. Well before he earned two MLS scoring titles and league MVP and playing for the U.S. in the 1998 World Cup (28 international appearances), the current Chivas USA coach starred in the original Major Indoor Soccer League (MVP in 1989) and Continental Indoor Soccer League (MVP in 1995). His MLS accomplishments are not too shabby, either. That includes four all-star selections, a member of the 2000 MLS Cup champions. Preki collected 79 goals and 112 assists in 242 matches, winning the MLS scoring title in 1997 and 2003 (as a 40-year-old). He also played three seasons in England and two in the Yugoslavian first division.

• Earnie Stewart. He played but two years in MLS, but he played an integral role in D.C. United's 2004 MLS championship. Moreover, he was a key performer in World Cup qualifiers (30 over three tournaments) and World Cups (1994, 1998 and 2002) for the U.S. He wore the red, white and blue 101 times and played 16 seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie.

• Robin Fraser. One of MLS's early stars, Fraser earned Best XI honors in four of the first five years for the Los Angeles Galaxy, missing out in 1997. He also was named the league's defender of the year in 1999. Fraser also was an American Professional Soccer League (A-League) all-star for four consecutive years. He played for the Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew, earning defender of the year honors and his fifth Best XI designation in 2004. He performed in 260 regular-season matches and another 30 in the playoffs.

The four amigos These four outstanding midfielders stood out in their own way and were key players on their teams during the MLS early days. But if you vote for one, do you have to vote for all of them?

• Marco Etcheverry. The former Bolivian international was the kingpin of D.C. United's attack, helping the team to three MLS Cup championships (1996, 1997 and 1999). A perennial member of the MLS Best XI and a member of the league's all-time team, the man nicknamed "El Diablo" finished his career in 2003 with 34 goals and 101 assists in 191 regular-season games.

• Mauricio Cienfuegos. He played all of his eight MLS seasons with the Galaxy, helping the team to the 2002 MLS Cup, his final season. The former El Salvador international's playmaking ability allowed him to be elected to the MLS Best XI three times and to play in seven all-star games. Cienfuegos collected 35 goals and set up 78 others in 206 MLS regular-season games.

• Peter Nowak. The current U.S. under-23 national team coach was a major reason why the Chicago Fire were in the middle of things from 1998-2002. A one-time Bundesliga star in Germany and Polish international, Nowak earned MLS MVP honors with the championship Fire in the team's 1998 expansion season. He also was named to the league's all-time Best XI and guided D.C. United to the 2004 MLS title, the only player-coach to do so in league history.

• Carlos Valderrama. If they had a hair hall of fame, Valderrama would be a first-ballot selection. His stats with the Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion and Colorado Rapids weren't too shabby either, thanks to his vision and uncanny ability to put a pass on target -- 16 goals and 114 assists while being named to the MLS all-time Best XI. The only mark against the former Colombian international's MLS career is that he never won a title.

On the bubble In other years, they might have a chance, but it could be difficult for these former MLS or U.S. internationals to get the necessary votes.

• Raul Diaz Arce. A great scoring machine, mostly for D.C. United, but also for New England, San Jose, Tampa Bay and Colorado. A member of United's 1996 and 1997 MLS championship sides, Diaz Arce connected for 82 goals in 150 regular-season matches.

• Thomas Dooley. It would be easy to get lost in the shuffle of the above-mentioned players. A member of the 1994 and 1998 World Cup teams, Dooley made 81 international appearances, including 12 World Cup qualifiers. He played four seasons in MLS for the Columbus Crew and MetroStars after performing for 11 seasons in the German Bundesliga.

• John Doyle. A regular on the U.S. national team from the late '80s to early '90s, (53 internationals), Doyle played five seasons in MLS for the San Jose Earthquakes (135 appearances) He currently is the general manager with the Earthquakes.

• Roy Lassiter. The 1996 MLS scoring champion, he still holds the single season record of 27 goals. He finished with 88 in 179 MLS regular-season games after playing for Tampa Bay, D.C. United, Miami and Kansas City. As lethal as he was at the club level, Lassiter could never bring that scoring touch to the national team -- four goals in 30 international matches. He was a key member of D.C.'s 1997 championship team.

• Joe-Max Moore. He played exactly 100 international matches and found the back of the net 24 times while participating in the 1992 Olympics and three World Cups (1994, 1998 and 2002). But that play never translated into MLS, where he endured an injury-laden six-year career with New England (93 games) after three seasons in the English Premiership and two in the German second division.

• Mike Sorber. Currently an assistant coach on the U.S. national team, Sorber made 67 international appearances and enjoyed a memorable 1994 World Cup as one of the best American players. While performing for Kansas City, the MetroStars and Chicago in MLS, the former defensive midfielder played in 116 regular-season games.

• Tisha Venturini-Hoch. While not as flashy as some of her teammates, Venturini-Hoch certainly was a serviceable player during her playing tenure with the women's national team (132 internationals). She was a member of the 1999 Women's World Cup championship side and the 1996 gold medalists at the Atlanta Summer Games. Venturini-Hoch also played in 60 Women's United Soccer Association games, including for the 2001 champion San Jose CyberRays.

• Peter Vermes. Currently the Kansas City Wizards technical director, Vermes extended his career by moving back from the front line to midfield and eventually to defense. He enjoyed an interesting career, playing in the Netherlands, National Professional Soccer League, U.S. Interregional Soccer League and MLS (184 appearances). He was the 2000 MLS defender of the year for MLS champion Kansas City.

Long shots They had decent careers in MLS or with the national team or both, but they could have trouble finding widespread support.

• Mike Burns. A member of the New England Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes, Kansas City in MLS, Burns made 75 international appearances. The defender competed in a major tournament at every level -- the under-16 world championship (1987), U-20 world championship (1989), the Olympics (1992) and the World Cup (1998). He is vice president of player personnel for the New England Revolution.

• Dominic Kinnear. He scored nine goals in 54 appearances for the U.S. national team while performing in the A-League (San Francisco Bay Blackhawks, San Jose Hawks, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Seattle Sounders) and in MLS (Colorado Rapids, San Jose Clash and Tampa Bay Mutiny) and Necaxa (Mexico). The way he's going, Kinnear probably will get in as a builder -- having led the Houston Dynamo to back-to-back MLS titles in 2006 and 2007.

• Frank Klopas. The technical director of the Chicago Fire found the back of the net 12 times in 39 U.S. international matches. The forward scored 13 goals in 99 games for Kansas City and Chicago.

• Shannon MacMillan. Like it or not, MacMillan earned the reputation as a super sub for the U.S. women's national team at the 1996 Olympics and 1999 Women's World Cup. She came off the bench to strike for the game-winning goal in extra time in the 1996 Olympics semifinal win against archrival Norway. An M.A.C. Hermann Trophy winner as the top college player in 1995, MacMillan scored 60 goals in 175 internationals as a midfielder or forward.

• Pato Margetic and Victor Nogueira. They both made their names as indoor players and both have been around forever. Nogueira, a goalkeeper, had an indoor career that spanned 22 seasons -- nine in the original MISL (1991 and 1992) and another 13 in the NPSL/MISL II (MVP in 1996 and 1998). He also played six seasons in the NASL. Margetic, an attacker, played six seasons in the NASL, six in the old MISL and nine in the NPSL.

• Cindy Parlow. This forward scored 75 goals in 158 international appearances for the women's national team, but might have trouble getting in because a number of other former teammates will have more impressive credentials in coming years.

• Steve Trittschuh. He made one appearance for the U.S. on defense in the 1990 World Cup en route to 37 international matches. He became the first U.S. player to play in the European Champions' Cup, for Sparta Prague. He played for the St. Louis Steamers and St. Louis Ambush (both indoors), Tampa Bay Rowdies and Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Montreal Impact (A-League) and the Colorado Rapids and Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS).

VETERAN'S CANDIDATES

They are a number of viable candidates in this category. Only one person will be elected, as per the rules. But which one will get the nod? Only the Hall of Famers themselves will know because they get to vote on this. The veteran who receives the most votes, as long as the total is at least 50 percent of the ballots cast, will be elected.

There might be an emotional vote for the late Glenn (Mooch) Myernick, the former U.S. assistant national coach who distinguished himself in college (Hermann Trophy winner in 1976), who died in 2006. A U.S. native who actually played during the North American Soccer League days (after the Dallas Tornado made him the top pick in 1977), Myernick he had a seven-year NASL career) and who made 10 international appearances on the U.S. national team during an era when the team wasn't playing regularly.

A number of interesting names are on the list, including the late Northern Ireland standout George Best, who starred for the NASL's San Jose Earthquakes; former Cosmos goalkeeper Hubert Birkenmeier (two-time NASL champion); Peruvian great Teofilo "Nene" Cubillas, who starred for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL); U.S. international defender Desmond Armstrong (81 international appearances); striker Bruce Murray (21 goals -- which was a record -- in 85 caps, including a World Cup goal); current New York Red Bulls TV color announcer Shep Messing, who made a name while playing for the Cosmos and indoor New York Arrows; U.S. international defender Desmond Armstrong, a member of the 1990 World Cup team; U.S. women's international Linda Hamilton (71 caps), a member of the 1991 Women's World Cup championship team; and NASL pioneers Bob Rigby and Kyle Rote, Jr.

Other veteran players on the ballot include U.S. international and NASL player Barry Barto, NASL scoring champion Steve David (from Trinidad & Tobago), former U.S. international John Kerr, Jr., the Duke men's coach, and American Soccer League standouts Bill McPherson, who won five league titles and seven U.S. Open championships in 10 ASL seasons, and John "Harp" Connell, a two-time league MVP over 10 seasons, and Andy Racz, an MVP and three-time champion.

BUILDERS CANDIDATES

This is an impressive list of names. You can't make a mistake with any of them. Unfortunately, only one name can be picked a year. Perhaps the Hall of Fame can revisit that rule and make it two builders a year because it will take forever to get some of these names in and you want to honor these people while they are still alive. The decision will be made by a select group of U.S. Soccer and MLS executives, along with all Hall of Famers.

If you want an opinion, it would be former Kansas City Wizards coach Bob Gansler, who guided the U.S. into its first World Cup in 40 years in 1990 and Joe Machnik, the current assistant to the deputy commissioner for on-field competition at MLS who has done a ton of stuff in U.S. soccer, including ironically, serving as the goalkeeping coach on the 1990 team (remember, this is an not an official MLS endorsement, just one viewpoint).

The other candidates include Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, two-time MLS champion coach and former U.S. national coach; Chuck Blazer, general secretary of CONCACAF and a member of the FIFA Executive Committee; Bob Contiguglia, past U.S. Soccer president and past U.S. Youth Soccer chairman; Bill Cox, International Soccer League founder and president and president of the NASL's San Diego Toros; Tony DiCicco, past U.S. women's national team coach, 1996 Olympic gold medal and 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup champion; Don Garber, MLS commissioner; Burton Haimes, chairman of the board for American Youth Soccer Organization and member of the board of directors for U.S. Soccer; Robert Kraft, investor-operator of the New England Revolution; Francisco Marcos, founder and president of the United Soccer Leagues; the late Fritz Marth, former executive director of U.S. Amateur/Adult Soccer Association; Thom Meredith, former U.S. Soccer executive and consultant for numerous soccer organizations and events; Kevin Payne, president and CEO of D.C. United; David Socha, NASL and international referee (officiated at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups).

Keeshan relishes time with EPL clubs

FRISCO, Texas -- Last month, FC Dallas goalkeeping coach Drew Keeshan ventured across the pond for a 10-day trip to England where he got to see a number of sessions with Premier League side Everton FC before moving over to Hull City to complete his experience.

"The experience in general was a different class with the way I was treated," Keeshan said. "I went to Everton for five training sessions, Hull City for three. Then, I was supposed to go to (Aston) Villa but they were down to two 'keepers that were training -- Brad Guzan and Brad Friedel. They were keeping their training sessions very low key because they could not afford another injury. Instead of going there and watching them doing stretching, jogging and very light stuff, I came home early. The goalie coach at Villa is going to videotape an extended session that they do and send me that. That will give me a different idea of what the goalkeeping coach does."

Keeshan spent the bulk of his time at Everton and saw the facilities a Premiership club can offer.

"They are world-class," he said. "It's a new facility that they built last year that is closed to the public, very private and away from the city a little bit. When you get in there, everything is top of the range and I don't think the players want for anything. Chris Woods is the goalie coach there. He was an international for England and played over here for the first year of MLS with the Rapids. He was very aware of what the MLS was all about and keeps an eye on what's happening on this side of the water. He's a class guy. I've had a lot of 'keeper coaches in the States who have mentored me as I was getting into the coaching part of the game. From looking at Chris, it's another level, what he does. A lot of it is unique. I guess that's why he's at a club like Everton. He's very highly thought of in England."

His trip was a success due largely to FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman, who not only tapped into some of his European contacts to make it happen but also felt that the experience would pay big dividends for Keeshan both in the short and long term.

"All of us (the FCD coaches) sat down at the end of the year," Keeshan said. "I had an opportunity to do certain things to get a coaching license but Schellas thought this was something that would benefit me more both in the short term and long term. I think he knows that I didn't want to take a break. I had been to Brazil, have seen the CAP facilities twice and know what they're doing coaching-wise with the goalkeepers and wanted to get a fresh perspective."

One thing that wasn't lost on Keeshan was how rare of an opportunity he had to get up close and personal with two clubs in the EPL.

"I had never had the opportunity to do that in a hands-on situation and it's very rare to get that opportunity," he said. "It's very difficult to get into these clubs these days. It's not something that is possible. I was very lucky that Schellas had a contact, Steve Round, the first assistant at Everton. He has a great relationship there and Steve was able to open the door for me there with David Moyes and the OK would have to come from him, the manager."

Keeshan tapped into his own network of fellow coaches to help set up his visits to Hull City and Aston Villa.

"I spoke to Mark Prudhoe (of Hull City), the goalkeeping coach there and a really good friend of mine," he said. "He opened the door for me there. It was the same at Aston Villa, where Seamus McDonagh the goalkeeping coach and a good friend of mine, opened the door for me there. They were more than happy to have me there and welcomed me."

Before leaving the States, Keeshan admitted he thought he would mainly be present to observe training sessions, but his experience was much more hands-on, a big positive.

"I thought it would be more of me being on the side observing but it was very hands-on," he said. "They always wanted feedback on what I thought about certain things like what their sessions were about and the goalkeepers they worked with. It was very much a two-way conversation about everything. It was a very good learning experience in that regard that we were able to bounce things off each other."

Keeshan just completed his first season of coaching in MLS and he admits that he did get asked about the league as well as about a couple of FCD players while overseas.

"The Everton players more so than the Hull City players because they had been over here a couple of times and had played in Dallas before," he said. "They've also got an American 'keeper (Tim Howard) and are a little more aware of MLS than at Hull. I spent more time at Everton and they became more comfortable with me and talking to me.

"Phil Neville, the captain, asked me about Kenny Cooper because they were at Man United together when Phil was on the first team and Kenny was in the reserves. He was interested in what Kenny was doing. Chris Woods asked about Josh Lambo because he has been there and trained with them. They were asking about him, how he was doing and wanted me to pass on their regards to them," Keeshan continued. "When I went to Hull, it was a little different. They had just come off a 4-1 defeat, so it was a little bit more somber mood as one would expect. I was there three days and took in three sessions. One of the 'keepers, Boaz Myhill, who is the starter, is an American-born player and he keeps tabs on MLS as well. They're aware of the league."

During his stay at Everton, Keeshan got cleated by Howard during the early part of a training session.

"At the start of the session, we were doing four-v-one in the middle," he recalled. "Everything was hands-on, so I was obviously involved in that. Tim (Howard) was in the middle and I won't say I made them on purpose, I made them by mistake and the other 'keepers started giving him a hard time. So, the next 50/50 ball that came to me, I ended up on the deck. I loved the intensity of that. Tim Howard is an intense guy. He works very hard to improve his game session by session. The sessions that I watched, he never took a rest. He set the tempo of the session and did that on a daily basis."

Five-a-Side: What's hot around MLS?

MLS Five-a-side:Five things you should know about as the offseason moves forward.:

1. Big choices ahead for debuting Seattle: The days ahead will be critical for Sigi Schmid and the debuting Sounders, who will have more on the line than any of other club during next week's MLS SuperDraft in St. Louis. Obviously, it's an important event for all 15 sides. Every team can improve in spots, and the draft is among the chief vehicles for doing so.

But as Seattle currently employs just 15 professional soccer players at the moment -- with at least two of them still on the injury shelf -- Schmid and Co. absolutely cannot afford to whiff on too many of the choices, especially at the high-profile and valuable lucrative No. 1 spot overall.

Even amongst the players most solidly in place on the roster, choice lay ahead. Perhaps the most important is where to fix Freddie Ljungberg among the starting 11.

The Sounders' Designated Player is recovering from December surgery to correct a hip condition. He's iffy for the club's March 19 opener at Qwest Field.

Schmid, making the long trek from Seattle to Florida on Friday for the adidas MLS Player Combine, said he's spoken to the retired Swedish international about where he best fits.

Most people might remember the noted Calvin Klein model -- Ljungberg, that is, not Schmid -- as a menace on the Arsenal flanks. That's where Ljungberg spent the bulk of his pro career before moving across London to West Ham United in 2007.

But he played a central role occasionally for Arsenal, and also played there at times during 75 appearances for Sweden. So, ideally, that's where Schmid would like to station Ljungberg, either as an attacking midfielder or a second forward. (Remember, that's how Schmid used Guillermo Barros Schelotto so successfully during last year's title dash in Columbus.)

"If he can give us the same kind of attacking verve centrally, then that's where we'd like to have him," Schmid said. "But a lot of it depends on where all the other pieces fall and how it all fits together."

Then-Galaxy manager Frank Yallop had the same thought about David Beckham when the England international arrived on scene in 2007. But Beckham struggled to make an impact, and Yallop soon had his stylish midfielder back on the right side, where he felt most comfortable.

For Ljungberg's part, Schmid says the two have talked and that the player is willing to ply his trade wherever it works best for the team.

By the way, even if Ljungberg can't make that debut match, it will surely be a big time at Qwest Field. Team officials have sold 18,400 season tickets, and individual seats for matches, including the opener, won't even go on sale for about another month.

2. Huge weekend looms for a Chivas USA original: This is shaping up to be an important few days for Chivas USA's Francisco "Panchito" Mendoza, who could soon join Chivas HQ below the border.

Mendoza has always been property of CD Guadalajara, the popular Mexican club that sits at the top of the Chivas food chain. His four years at The Home Depot Center have been courtesy of a series of loans.

During the winter the technically gifted midfielder has been training with the Mexican side in Guadalajara. With only limited minutes so far in the on-going InterLiga, he is expected to get significant playing time Friday at The Home Depot Center as Chivas battles Tigres, and perhaps more minutes Sunday in Los Angeles as the tournament concludes.

If Mendoza performs well, Chivas USA could find themselves without the services of the last original Chivas USA performer -- which would surely be a bittersweet outcome.

On the one hand, Mendoza has served as a picture for what development and partnership between the U.S. and Mexican brother clubs could be. He grew up through the system in Guadalajara, found his professional legs in the United States and now could go back and join the Mexican mothership.

On the other hand, Mendoza is quite popular with the Chivas USA fans in southern California, and he's been a reliable contributor since Day 1. In fact, no other Mexican-born player has participated in as many MLS matches. His 111 appearances include just five as a substitute.

Soon after this weekend, officials from Chivas de Guadalajara, Chivas USA and Mendoza himself will have to combine to determine what's best for all. One of three things will happen: He'll simply remain in Mexico, as the club there already holds his player pass; the sides could arrange another loan, which would see Mendoza return for a fifth season at The Home Depot Center; or Chivas USA could buy Mendoza's contract outright. That's the least likely option, as MLS generally does not pay transfer fees, and his outright acquisition would almost surely involve one.

Mendoza, 23, has always maintained that he wants to play once again for the mother club. Still, that doesn't mean that people won't miss him around Victoria Street.

3. A delight of options at left midfield: Officials in New York are trying to determine the best course of action for valuable, versatile midfielder Dave van den Bergh. His contract is up and Red Bull deciders would prefer to negotiate a slightly lower salary for 2009. They have also made efforts to move the Dutchman to another MLS club, one that might have a little more room beneath the cap.

But there's something in the way of those efforts. At some points past, left midfielder has been a tricky spot to fill around the league -- but the winter of 2009 doesn't happen to be one of those times. Just look at some of the two-way men who will line up at that position when the league's 14th season begins in March (assuming nothing changes between then and now): Robbie Rogers, Justin Mapp, Mauricio Castro, van den Bergh, Ivan Guerrero, Brad Davis, Mendoza (or Chivas USA teammate Jonathan Bornstein, who sometimes moved up from the left fullback spot), Will Johnson, Colin Clark, Eddie Lewis and Darren Huckerby.

You may not have heard much about Johnson, the Canadian international at Real Salt Lake. You will. He's got some game.

You can debate the merits of some of the others. Maybe Castro wasn't productive enough for your liking, or maybe Mapp isn't rising to the potential that some have assigned. Maybe you think Lewis, at 34, is past his sell-by date. But the fact remains, those are valued MLS starters. So a league stable that's comparatively well-stocked at the spot might eventually say a lot about what happens to van den Bergh -- and whether he'll be in a New York uniform when officials open Red Bull Arena later this year.

4. Where to play Shea: Officials in Dallas love Brek Shea, the well-regarded Generation adidas talent and U.S. under-20 international. It's just that nobody has ever been certain about how best to exploit his versatility.

Shea, who is 6-feet-3 and has yet to reach his 19th birthday, has shown potential in the ability to play pretty much anywhere on the field. His first MLS minutes came as a left-sided midfielder last year. But Shea has also played at various spots in the midfield and along the back line for the U.S. junior national teams.

Now FC Dallas manager Schellas Hyndman believes that center back might just be the player's best spot. Shea is currently on the mend following a pair of knee surgeries in the offseason, and he hopes to set by opening day.

Hyndman loves Shea's confidence on the ball as center back, and his general adaptability and comfort playing anywhere on the field. He played there in a couple of reserve team matches, and his size and relative strength make it a good fit, Hyndman believes.

He'll have to continue to work on conquering those midfielders' instincts, Hyndman said; Shea is still learning that the risk calculation is different as a defender.

5. Not just an internet rumor: You never know from which direction the next big media bombshell will fall. For example, this little gem from Brightstar Communication owner Marcelo Claure was dropped earlier this week in Diario de Las Americas, a Spanish-language publication in Miami:

Carles Puyol or Thierry Henry could be the Designated Player target if Miami's bid to gain an expansion team in 2010 comes through.

Wow.

Claure's Brightstar organization is knee-deep in the Miami effort, all bundled in with Barcelona's ambitions to attach itself to MLS. Together, all parties are being very aggressive, not content to wait until 2011 or 2012; they want to get going ASAP. The plan is to play at Florida International University initially.

Here's what Claure told Diario de Las Americas: "We don't want to raise false expectations, as of this moment we can't bring Lionel Messi nor Samuel Eto'o, but we can say that Carles Puyol or Thierry Henry could be the marquee player."

Puyol, 30, has more than 400 appearances for Barcelona, and is surely one of the classiest defenders of his time. Henry, 31, a two-time FIFA Player of the Year runner-up, barely needs introduction.

Officials in Miami-Dade County and at the Spanish soccer giants are also bullish on stadium development plans; FIU would be a stop-gap venue pending the development of a permanent facility.

Hendrickson goes out on top

COLUMBUS -- Ezra Hendrickson sat in front of his locker in The Home Depot Center and took in the scene around him.

The Columbus Crew players were still filing in after celebrating with the fans following a 3-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls on Nov. 23 for the team's first MLS Cup and Hendrickson had a look of satisfaction and reflection.

He accepted and offered congratulations to his teammates, some of whom were in elementary school when he began his Major League Soccer career with the MetroStars in 1997.

"Winning never gets old," said Hendrickson, who became a champion with his third different club. "You have to enjoy the moment; soak it all in."

Hendrickson did, like the carpet that would soon absorb the torrents of champagne from the victors. His gut told him this would be the last go-around for the almost 37-year-old (on Jan. 16) defender from the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

His head and heart eventually agreed and Thursday Hendrickson announced his retirement.

"Immediately after the season I kind of knew I wanted to but I had to get some things in place first," he said. "It was hard because I've been at it 12 years now. It's hard to leave it all behind. That being said, I'm very happy I came to that conclusion and I'm content with the way my career went."

There's nothing like going out on top.

"That played a part in it and I just reached a point where I had done basically everything in the league. I had won the championship and every competition an MLS team can join, I had won," he said. "I felt like it was an accomplished career and I was content with what had transpired."

He consulted with recent retirees in former Los Angeles teammates Cobi Jones and Greg Vanney before making his decision but it might have been the advice of former Crew player and current Real Salt Lake assistant coach Robin Fraser that he weighed the heaviest.

"He said when you wake up every day and can hardly move you'll know that the sport is not for you," Hendrickson said in late August, just before going on the disabled list for the second time during the season.

Hendrickson was not immobilized by any means after missing four games with a quadriceps strain, but that injury and a groin strain that sidelined him in early June had him contemplating retirement.

"I had a couple of injuries this year. For the first time in my career I missed several months," he said.

While Hendrickson appeared in only 13 of 30 regular-season matches (7 starts) he contributed in other ways. He was a veteran voice of experience for a club that missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons until 2008.

"He's a guy who set an example for the rest of the team, especially the young guys because he brings his lunch pail to work every day," Crew president and general manager Mark McCullers said. "He did whatever he could to help the club, whatever that means, and guys see that and then they say, 'OK, if Ezra can conduct himself in that fashion then what can I do to help the club be successful?' I'm going to miss seeing him around."

Hendrickson made one playoff appearance this year, that being in stoppage time in the second game of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals vs. Kansas City to help preserve a 2-0 victory.

The Crew acquired Hendrickson from Chivas USA on April 28, 2006, as part of the massive overhaul of the roster by coach Sigi Schmid during his first season in Columbus. The Crew struggled for two seasons before everything clicked in 2008 when they won the Supporters' Shield and advanced to the MLS Cup Final for the first time in five tries.

"A lot of players should be Ezra-type guys over the course of their careers in terms of how he played the game, carried himself off the field and came to play and train every day. He was a true professional," Crew technical director Brian Bliss said.

Hendrickson appeared in 60 games with 48 starts in his Crew career and had two goals and two assists.

"The first couple of years we really got bit by the injury bug and the team wasn't as deep as it needed to be to win a championship in MLS," he said. "Once Sigi got the players in that he wanted and it was finally his team the team would eventually become a good team and win a championship."

Schmid was Hendrickson's coach when LA won its first MLS Cup in 2002. Hendrickson started in the league with eight games for the MetroStars before being dealt to the Galaxy during the 1997 season. He was with LA for championship match losses in 1999 and 2001 before defeating New England in overtime the next year.

"The LA one was the most special, for one, because it was my first ever and, two, we had been there a couple of times before and lost both," he said.

Hendrickson was traded to Dallas midway through 2003 and then found himself playing for Charleston in the A-League at the start of 2004 before being signed by D.C. United. It was a fortuitous move. He played 12 games in the regular season and two more in the playoffs as D.C. won the MLS Cup.

"I never gave up on my confidence," said Hendrickson. "What happened to me in Dallas, it was a situation where it didn't work out for me there. When I got to D.C., I was able to play and contribute on the field. It reaffirmed what I believed all along that I could still play and was a big part of that championship."

Yet, he was dealt to Chivas the following season before finally settling with the Crew for the better part of three seasons. He made 266 MLS appearances (225 starts) with 23 goals and 30 assists. Hendrickson played in 32 postseason games and had five goals and three assists.

"He's had a great career," said Bliss. "He was a little known player coming into the league but was a guy who made a big impact over the course of his career."

Hendrickson has already moved toward a post-playing career by acquiring his 'B' coaching license last month. He definitely wants to give it a try, especially at the professional level. While McCullers said the Crew's situation won't allow Hendrickson start his new career in the organization he has no doubts that "EZ" will succeed.

"He's got an opportunity to be a great coach. He has a great understanding of the game," McCullers said. "He's played all over the field so he brings a lot of perspective and he's great with the guys. His demeanor and experience are going to make him effective pretty quickly as a coach."

Hendrickson said he has several options and could land a job in the next couple of weeks to start a new chapter in his life.

Asked how he would like to people to remember his career, he said, "Here's a guy that loved the game and enjoyed the game and always played with a smile on his face and was a winner, a champion. He gave effort day in and day out.

"There wasn't a day from when I was a rookie to last November when I didn't give the same effort every day. I played the game for this long because I had a love for it."

Washington-bred Eylander joins Sounders

SEATTLE -- Chris Eylander, who has led USL First Division goalkeepers in saves over the last two years with the Seattle Sounders, has been signed to a Major League Soccer contract by the expansion club.

At only 24, Eylander has an impressive resume under his gloves, having been Auburn Riverside (Wash.) High School's male athlete of the year before playing for four years at the University of Washington, from 2002-2005, where he shared starting in his final two years. He finished third in school history in career shutouts, No. 4 in saves and No. 5 in goals against average.

Eylander played the past three seasons with the USL Sounders, making 78 appearances and finishing No. 2 in career shutouts (29). Each of the past two seasons Eylander led USL1 in saves and finished second in league shutouts. He starred in the 2007 USL1 championship game, in which Seattle defeated Atlanta 4-0.

He joins Kasey Keller in the goalkeeping squad, and former USL Sounders goalkeeping coach Tom Dutra on the Seattle Sounders FC roster.

"He's not here to be solely a bench player," said Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson. "He's a proven goalie in the USL, and had a great career here with the USL Sounders. We want to see him play. We want to see him develop because he's a professional and a hard worker."

With a goalkeeper of the caliber of Kasey Keller in front of him on the depth chart, it's going to be difficult for Eylander to break into the starting squad.

"He's one of the best in the world, if not the best," said Eylander. "He came to train with us [the USL Seattle Sounders] four or five times, and I got to work with him and learn from him. I observed him and saw his angles, his positioning and that. He's been playing for a long time, and I intend to learn from him."

It's too early to tell yet whether Eylander will be a true reserve, or if he will be splitting time with the more experienced Keller.

"That will be down to [head coach] Sigi [Schmid] and Tom Dutra," said Henderson. "When they get into camp and when they train from week to week decisions will be made. It's great to have someone of his quality to compete for a spot."

Since the first announcement of the team, co-owner Adrian Hanauer has repeatedly said he's looking for players that not just exhibit quality on the field but also integrity off the field. Henderson repeated Eylander possesses those qualities.

"He's a great guy that we're happy to have here," Henderson said. "He's professional in everything that he does."

Eylander himself, at 24, is showing responsibility to his new team. In the offseason he's been working hard to prepare himself, long before any negotiations were finished.

"I've been training with some of the Sounders guys, keeping myself fit, and working out at the gym. I've also had an operation on my ear, and had my wisdom teeth removed," he said. "I don't want anything to get in the way of doing the best possible job found the Sounders FC once training camp opens."

He's no stranger to MLS either, having played with the USL Sounders against MLS opposition in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

"The quality is a little higher than with the USL players," he said. "When they make a decision to do something, you see they do it faster and act on it faster. It makes the game quicker and more exciting."

Eylander in particular remembered facing the San Jose Earthquakes, who the Sounders defeated 2-1 on Sept. 2 in a friendly at Buck Shaw Stadium.

"Their finishers were crafty," he said, "and a good example of the type of player I'll be going up against. I'm looking forward to it and very confident I can do it. It would be cool to go up against the likes of David Beckham and some of the other superstars around this league."

The Seattle Sounders FC will begin play in their inaugural MLS season on Thursday, March 19 at Qwest Field in Seattle when they take on MLS Cup finalist New York Red Bulls in their first game.

"2008 was a crummy year for sports in Seattle," said Eylander, "but 2009 will be different. We have so many season tickets sold, and a passionate fanbase for soccer. It's great to be a part of it and I'm proud to be playing in Seattle where I grew up."

Three Hoops headed to Brazil

FRISCO, Texas -- With the start of preseason less than two weeks away, three FC Dallas players -- midfielders Eric Avila and Bruno Guarda plus defender Blake Wagner -- headed to Brazil on Jan. 6 to train with the Hoops' South American partner, Clube Atletico Paranaense for 10 days. The three will return ahead of FCD's preseason camp opening on Jan. 21.

Avila, a second-round pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft who played in 14 games, three of those starts and had two assists, was excited when asked about the trip.

"I think it's something that will be great for me," he said. "We're not doing anything in the offseason and I have no plans to go and play. So when this came up, it was perfect. I will be training with the CAP first team twice a day and getting ready for the season. After that, I think I will be ready to go."

Guarda, who was born in Brazil, comes off a rookie season where he played in 12 matches, including nine starts and had one goal and one assist. After coming to FCD in late July, he played for his former collegiate coach at SMU, Schellas Hyndman, who took the Hoops' coaching job in mid-June.

"I don't think (my first year) was good enough because if it was good enough, we would be in the playoffs," Guarda said. "We could have done better and I could have done better. Hopefully next season, we can do better. It's very disappointing (to not make the playoffs). I play to win and always to my best. This time it didn't happen. Next season we've got to make it happen."

The young Brazilian added that he didn't feel like any one event from his first year stood out over all others.

"I don't think I had a best moment," Guarda said. "I had good moments, which was my goal and assists but the best moment, it didn't happen."

Wagner, who just completed his third season in MLS, finished 2008 as FCD's starting left back. He too summed up his performance in pretty basic terms.

"This was my real first season getting some playing time," he said. "I thought I did well but think I can do even better next year. So, I just have to work on some things in the offseason to be stronger heading into next year."

Like the rest of his teammates, he couldn't help but comment on what turned out to be a season of upheaval for FCD.

"There were obviously a lot of changes that affected the team tremendously," Wagner said. "But everyone didn't really change their mindset. Everyone still wants to win and to make the playoffs. Obviously we didn't but there were a lot of different things that happened this year. But what can you do besides move on? I think we're getting better and better. I think things are looking forward."

Just after the end of the 2008 season, Hyndman, who feels the experience of training at CAP will prove invaluable to the trio, offered his own evaluation of each player's season.

"Eric is a good young player but another young player that didn't really know that there were two sides of the ball," Hyndman said of Avila. "He would run with a player but never really get close enough to tackle and would let guys run by him. On the positive side, being a young player and his mental approach right now is how can I get better? I have encouraged him to be a defender more often. I'm telling him straight, this is what's stopping you from getting on the field, with this coach. As soon as he learns the defensive phase and embraces it, he could be a center midfielder but he could also be a flank midfielder."

He also offered his thought's on Guarda's first half-season in MLS.

"Bruno is a player that I know very well," Hyndman said. "He got better as the year went on with playing time with his sharpness and his conditioning. If we would've stayed in the 3-5-2, I don't think he would've been on the field as much as he was."

As for Wagner, Hyndman said: "He's been solid. He really wasn't playing with a lot of confidence. We spoke a lot about his game, reviewed it with videos, match analysis and tried to get him to simplify his game a little bit and also try to get him to get a little bit quicker on his recovery. There were times where he wasn't recovering as quick but he has put it all together. He's still got a ways to go to be as good as he potentially could be but I think he was a solid player for us the last six weeks (of the season)."

Generation adidas to dominate SuperDraft

Wondering who some of the names you'll hear at next Thursday's MLS SuperDraft are? Major League Soccer on Wednesday unveiled a list of nine players who make up the 2009 Generation adidas class and each will surely be prominently featured at the St. Louis Convention Center.

Last year's class of nine players made up six of the top eight picks in the 2008 SuperDraft, including the top three selections -- Chance Myers (Kansas City Wizards, No. 1 overall), Brek Shea (FC Dallas, No. 2), and Anthony Beltran (Real Salt Lake, No. 3). The No. 1 overall selection in each SuperDraft since 2003 has been a member of the program.

This year's list includes three players from the University of Maryland national championship team, as well as the leading scorer in the nation, who is also a finalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy, college soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy.

The nine players are: Kevin Alston (Indiana University), Danny Cruz (University of Nevada Las Vegas), Stefan Frei (University of California), Omar Gonzalez (University of Maryland), Jeremy Hall (University of Maryland), Baggio Husidic (University of Illinois-Chicago), Peri Marosevic (University of Michigan), Rodney Wallace (University of Maryland) and Steve Zakuani (University of Akron). Gonzalez, Wallace and Hall each helped lead Maryland to the NCAA championship last month.

Gonzalez, a 6-foot-5 central defender, was an adidas/NSCAA First Team All-American, M.A.C. Hermann Trophy semifinalist, and the NCAA Men's College Cup Most Outstanding Defensive Player. The Dallas, Texas native was named ACC Defender of the Year as a sophomore.

Before Maryland, the 20-year-old joined the U.S. Soccer Residency Program, earning eight caps and scoring three goals to help secure the U.S. under-17 national team's berth in FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Wallace, a 20-year-old midfielder from Rockville, Md., started 25 games for the Terps in the back and was the lone freshman to start all 21 games last season. Hall, a fellow 20-year-old junior from Tampa, Fla,, was Maryland's leading scorer with 14 goals and seven assists.

The first-team All-ACC selection was also the first Maryland player ever to be picked ACC Freshman of the Year in 2006. Hall earned 22 caps with the U.S. under-17 national Team, starting 12 games in 2005, including six in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Peru.

Steve Zakuani, a 20-year-old forward from the University of Akron, led the nation in goals (20) and points per game (2.14). The sophomore from London, England, scored seven game-winning goals and was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the year, NSCAA/adidas NCAA Men's Division I All-America Team, and the Soccer America Player of the Year.

He is a finalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy, honoring the country's top Division I collegiate soccer player. The award will be announced Friday, Jan. 9 in St. Louis.

Before attending Akron, Zakuani, who was born in the Republic of Congo, was in the Arsenal youth system from 1997-2003 and his older brother, Gabriel, plays for Peterborough United in England.

Kevin Alston, a junior at Indiana, is also on the list. The 20-year-old from Silver Spring, Md., was named First Team All-Big Ten and started all 24 games at left back for the Hoosiers. Alston was also in the residency program and earned 17 caps as a member of the U-17 national team with coaches John Ellinger and John Hackworth.

He started opening two matches at back at the 2005 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, including the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands until sustaining a broken leg in the 16th minute.

Peri Marosevic was also a member of the Under-17 squad. The Michigan forward, a 19-year-old from Rockford, Ill., was second in the Big Ten with 13 goals and was named First Team All-Big Ten.

Stefan Frei, a 22-year-old from the University of California, is the lone goalkeeper in the 2009 class. He started 21 games for the University of California and had a 0.77 goals against average. He was named adidas/NSCAA First Team All-American and First Team All Pac-10 selection in 2007.

The native of Widnau, Switzerland was a member of the Swiss under-15 national team.

Baggio Husidic, a junior at the University of Illinois-Chicago, scored nine goals and added six assists and was named adidas/NSCAA First Team All-American and Soccer America First Team MVP.

Originally from Velika Kladusa, Bosnia, Husidic ran the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter dashes at Libertyville H.S.

Danny Cruz, a 19-year-old midfielder at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, is the youngest member of the Generation adidas class. The native of Glendale, Ariz., began playing soccer just in his freshman year of high school.

The former youth football and hockey player adapted quickly to the sport and is now a member of the U.S. U-20 national team and in 2007 was the first UNLV player named Conference Newcomer of the Year.

All nine players will participate in the adidas MLS Player Combine Jan. 9-13 at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Combine gives MLS coaches and general managers a final chance to evaluate talent in preparation for their draft day selections.

Team-by-team winter checklists

What do most of us need? An economy where boxed wine won't be de rigueur at holiday parties a year from now.

But that's a pretty big "fix." Let's worry for now about things that can plausibly be accomplished.

With that in mind, here are, in alphabetical order, each MLS teams' most pressing needs going into the heavy season of winter roster repair. Avenues for improvement include next week's SuperDraft, swaps within the league and the currently open international transfer window.

Chicago: The Fire might be suspect due to age in two prominent spots (Brian McBride and Cuauhtemoc Blanco), but Denis Hamlett's roster has ample cover with several up-and-comers. Marco Pappa and Patrick Nyarko seem ready for more time, and either could be to 2009 what Robbie Rogers was to 2008: the year's young breakout guy in MLS. So, what does Chicago need to round out the mix? Perhaps one more attacking element on the right, and some depth in the back to cover a center back situation that seems tenuous.

As for that right midfield spot, Chris Rolfe filled in often in 2008. But he seems better suited to play closer to goal. John Thorrington can fill the position but seems better suited to play inside (or perhaps even at right back, an intriguing option opened by his presence there recently on Bob Bradley's national team.)

The Fire might need an additional element in the back, depending on the resolution to Wilman Conde's situation. Chicago's punishing center back has expressed some desire to play elsewhere, although he has two years remaining on his contract.

Chivas USA: Preki's team looks strong in the midfield, but has some shoring up to do on either side of that line. Specifically, goalkeeping remains an issue, and top-choice striker Ante Razov isn't getting any younger. The Red-and-White have a stable of promising goal scorers, headlined by Alecko Eskandarian and well-regarded youngster Justin Braun. But what they really need is a featured man. Razov will be 35 by the time Chivas launches its fifth season. He was healthy enough for just 17 starts in 2008, and counting on an injury-free season seems foolhardy.

In goal, Dan Kennedy, 26, finished the season as the No. 1 at The Home Depot Center. And he wasn't bad by any stretch. But he probably needs a strong challenger, at least. As next week's MLS Draft seems particularly well-stocked with netminders, the Red-and-White might indeed go that route.

Colorado: Here's the tricky part for Gary Smith this offseason: the Rapids manager must render his best assessment of whether Conor Casey's splendid late-season form was the long-awaited realization of what the big fellow can do when healthy, and whether the Rapids' target man can maintain that health and high level. If Smith believes Casey can continue to get the job done in front of goal, he is free to pursue midfield depth and a take-charge type for the back line. And the Rapids have not felt great about their situation in goal since Joe Cannon left after the 2006 season.

Without a selection in next week's draft until No. 20 overall, Gary Smith and Co. will most likely look toward the international transfer market to turn over an impact player.

Columbus: The good news was delivered, officially, a day after Christmas: MLS Defender of the Year Chad Marshall would maintain his Crew Stadium address, spurning European offers in favor of remaining with the league champs.

With that, newly appointed manager Robert Warzycha and technical director Brian Bliss could ditch those plans for a replacement search. Instead, they can concentrate on shoring up the attacking midfield spot and gaining a little more cover at forward. Adam Moffat is the likely replacement for Brad Evans, last year's man at attacking midfielder; Seattle selected Evans in the November expansion draft.

Otherwise, the league champs are in pretty good shape heading into 2009. They'll be busy, with CONCACAF Champions League matches added to the slate, so a little more depth along the back line won't hurt. Outside backs Gino Padula and Frankie Hejduk are both in their 30s.

D.C. United: It's a good year to be in the market for a goalkeeper in the United States. Congrats, United! Big Stefan Frei from Cal could be the target, but three or four others could conceivably be ahead on the rating charts at RFK. United currently owns the sixth and seventh picks in the first round, so a goalkeeper worth having will surely be there, one who can push incumbent Louis Crayton, and who could conceivable grow into a replacement.

Otherwise, Tom Soehn's team could certainly use some help in the back -- United's 51 goals allowed was 13th among 14 clubs last year. The club stands to improve most at center back and left back.

FC Dallas: Assuming that Kenny Cooper is staying at home through early summer, at least, the Hoops' big need is at center back. Duilio Davino is gone, having never settled into the MLS game, which requires a little more speed and a more physical approach. So, that's exactly what manager Schellas Hyndman needs: someone with enough athleticism to deal with MLS forwards.

Drew Moor is a good MLS center back, and Aaron Pitchkolan demonstrated the ability to fill in capably in spots. But neither is the big, booming, experienced voice that can steer the back line through choppy waters. That's the major offseason target.

Elsewhere, FCD's left side is in desperate need of reinforcement. The club continues to pursue (within MLS and beyond) a midfielder and a defender who can play along that side and get the wider 4-4-2 shape Hyndman wants -- but that he couldn't have in 2008 due to the a roster construct that favored central players.

Kansas City: So desperate was the search to find flank players who could pep up the attack last year, manager Curt Onalfo had world class striker Claudio Lopez playing out there at times. Still, 37 goals in 30 games (12th among 14 teams) pretty much says it all: the Wizards' attack simply must improve.

Lopez and slashing attacker Davy Arnaud represent a good start. But Onalfo's side needs another striker and, more importantly, a slick midfielder to pull all the attacking elements together.

The forward class of this year's draft is well-stocked. But the Wizards' offseason history under technical director Peter Vermes might be instructive here.

Last year the club selected UCLA defender Chance Myers with the top overall pick, then immediately stated that Myers didn't necessarily need to start or contribute right away. And Vermes certainly showed he wasn't afraid to trade away important players when he sent Nick Garcia to San Jose a year back. So perhaps the Wizards, with their initial selection at No. 8 overall, will prefer to improve via the trade instead of attempting to do so through the draft.

Houston: The Dynamo's needs are in evolution, largely contingent on whether Bobby Boswell remains stateside or takes his game abroad.

Even if Boswell stays, Houston could use more speed along the back line. Right back is a bit of a trouble spot. Richard Mulrooney filled in ably, and provided the Dynamo with a swell passer from the spot. But Mulrooney is a midfielder by trade, and a right back who can defend comfortably and then get forward would be a blessing. A pacey center back to push Eddie Robinson -- who didn't have his best year in 2008 -- could also make Robertson Stadium a tougher place to play.

Otherwise, manager Dominic Kinnear could use some depth at forward to replace Nate Jaqua. And veteran Brian Mullan will need some periodic breaks at the right midfield spot. Kinnear previously had cover there, but Stuart Holden will now inherit a starter's role as Dwayne De Rosario's heir at attacking midfielder.

LA Galaxy: Where to start? The Galaxy are pretty much set at right midfield with that Beckham fellow. And young Sean Franklin seems like a good bet to be aligned at one of the center back spots on opening day. Otherwise, the field looks wide open.

Even the second striker spot could be a potential target for acquisition. Not because Landon Donovan, who led the league with 20 goals last year, isn't a great player. Rather, we don't know just yet if Donovan's loan to German heavyweight Bayern Munich will turn into a longer arrangement.

So, the Galaxy executives absolutely must find a player capable of challenging to start immediately when they select next week at that No. 3 overall spot in St. Louis. Otherwise, they'll look to climb back into the playoff picture through trades, transfers and discovery options. They desperately need a big presence at holding midfielder, and are similarly desperate to land an experienced goalkeeper. After that, the Galaxy need another center back, another central midfielder, depth at the outside fullback spots and greater speed in midfield generally. Oh ... and maybe a goal scorer to replace Donovan. Someone who could turn up, say, 20 goals. Ya know, because guys like that are just hanging around on trees, right?

New England: We're all about to find out how much Michael Parkhurst really held things together in the back for Steve Nicol's bunch. The brainy young defender is in Denmark now, and Nicol's ability to turn up a suitable replacement will say a lot about how things go this year in the land of shamrocks and chowder.

Nicol's team could also use a left midfielder. Everyone thought highly of Mauricio Castro, who held that position for most of 2008. But zero goals and three assists in 24 games just isn't the kind of production that will take Revs where they want to go.

They'll need some cover at attacking midfielder, too. Steve Ralston was more than adequate there when healthy in 2008. But he made just 20 starts, and the league's all-time assist leader turns 35 this season while coming off a season-ending injury.

New York: Claudio Reyna's midseason retirement in 2008 gives manager Juan Carlos Osorio some options -- starting with one huge decision. The Red Bulls can chase a headline grabber, placing a second designated player alongside Juan Pablo Angel. But Osorio has said he's leaning instead toward trading the DP asset, which would presumably free up cap room for two or three capable parts.

Where could New York use those players, whether it's a DP or otherwise? The back line was up and down last year, and some additional stability wouldn't be a bad thing. (Especially in light of Diego Jimenez's recent departure to Mexico's Tecos.) The Red Bulls could target a center back, or rely on Mike Petke's return to fill up Jeff Parke's minutes; Parke was selected by Seattle in the expansion draft.

Much of the offseason tinkering depends on the Red Bulls' ability to re-sign Dave van den Bergh. The veteran left midfielder (or left back, or center midfielder, or pretty much anything) is out of contract. Red Bull would love to re-sign him, but the Dutchman won't come cheap, and he's ready to return to Europe if the MLS offer isn't deemed sufficient.

Osorio also has a decision to make in goal. Will Jon Conway be in the right frame of mind once he gets past his 10-game suspension? (The Red Bulls' former No. 1 has five games remaining before regaining eligibility for matches in 2009.) And if so, is young playoff hero Danny Cepero at a point where he could be a bargaining chip in trade talks, or is he too valuable as depth in the net?

Real Salt Lake: If Jason Kreis' side had a forward capable of finishing more consistently, those 10 wins in 2008 could easily have been 13 or 14. And perhaps that one menace in front of goal could have finally pushed one past a Red Bulls back line that bent and bent but never broke in that memorable conference final last November.

Fabian Espindola, Robbie Findley and Yura Movsisyan -- take your pick, really -- can be good building blocks at forward. But how good would any of them look next to a real game-breaker, a guy who can simply fill up the net at Rio Tinto?

San Jose: Who could possibly complain about the fine job manager Frank Yallop did in building from the ground up in 2008? Assuming central midfielder Francisco Lima, who turns 38 in April, can hold up in 2009, the Earthquakes are about two players away from being a legitimate MLS Cup contender.

They need a striker who can chip in 10-15 goals. Add that element to Ronnie O'Brien's passing and to Darren Huckerby's attacking industry, and the attack at Buck Shaw is suddenly something the talk about.

So the real need is in the back. Everyone along the back line is OK, if somewhat limited. Nick Garcia is tough and experienced, but lacks some pace. Jason Hernandez is a good, versatile presence, but not a match-turner. It goes on. So, one big presence back there could easily raise the level of the surrounding parts.

Past that, one additional central midfielder to push or backup Lima and Ramiro Corrales couldn't hurt.

Seattle: With just 15 players on the roster, including headliner Freddie Ljungberg, who won't be tearing up the flanks any time soon, the newbie Sounders could use a little bit of everything. (Well, Sigi Schmid's team is set at goalkeeper, with Kasey Keller in command. But they'll need a little of everything else.)

At present, they're probably best stocked in the midfield, where Brad Evans, Khano Smith, Nathan Sturgis, Peter Vagenas, Stephen King and the recovering Ljungberg present some good options. But they'll need more bodies in defense and at striker, plus depth for the midfield. As for another recognizable name, look for someone with "goal scorer" on his resume. At present, former Toronto reserve Jarrod Smith and Sebastian Le Toux are the only two strikers signed up. Le Toux had 14 goals in 30 games last year in USL for the Sounders; he'll be monitored closely this year as a test-case for how a big scorer in USL stands up in the MLS game.

Toronto FC: Talk about sitting pretty in the draft. The BMO bunch will select at Nos. 2 and 4 overall next week in St. Louis. Which way will they go?

They still need some help along the back line, but the most pressing need remains at forward. Chad Barrett and Danny Dichio might be too much the same; both are physical target strikers. Is there a player in the draft capable of making an instant impact as a second striker? That's what technical director Mo Johnston and manager John Carver must decide.

Of course, Johnston and Carver remain interested in pursuing a designated player, and that unnamed biggie is more likely to fill the forward spot. So, the BMO brain trust may look elsewhere to find a much-needed center back, someone with a little speed, but someone who can stabilize the back line in moments of pressure. TFC was tied for last in the league in 2008 in goals allowed over the last 15 minutes.

The other shoe that needs to fall here is Dwayne De Rosario, and for more than one reason. "De Ro" may yet land in Europe instead of settling into soccer life in his hometown. And if he stays, where will he play? At attacking midfield, where he was so successful in Houston? If he's there, what of playmaker Amado Guevara? Or will De Rosario line up as that second striker, in front of Guevara?

Pachuca, Morelia close group play

Pachuca and Morelia meet Thursday night to open the first of six InterLiga 2009 matches to be played at The Home Depot Center.

But after each team completed matches in Houston and Frisco, the clubs come in to the final leg of group play with different perspectives.

Pachuca have already clinched a slot in one of two finals Sunday and are looking to claim the top slot and finish undefeated in the group. That's why the Tuzos didn't mind having the last part of their training session suspended Tuesday night.

The Home Depot Center's Track and Field stadium lights went out on Coach Enrique Meza's team toward the end of practice. But Pachuca comes into their match against the Monarcas with plenty of confidence.

After all, the Tuzos are coming off a 1-0 win against Toluca, the Apertura champion, on Monday in both teams' second match of the eight-team tournament. Pachuca routed UAG Tecos 4-0 on Jan. 2 in Dallas in the second match of Group A play.

The Tuzos are not only seeking nine points in the standings and move closer to earning a slot in Copa Libertadores, but want to continue to use Interliga as a means to help mesh some of their newcomers with younger players. Most of those are backups as the team rests its stars, prepping them for the upcoming Clausura tournament.

Paraguayan forward Edgar Benitez is tied with Chivas de Guadalajara's Carlos Ochoa as the tournament's top scorers (two goals). Benitez' first score came against Tecos, which marked his first official game with Pachuca. He raked in his second goal against Toluca.

Victor Maсуn, Edy Brambila and Marco Perez have also found the back of the net, while goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota and the Pachuca defense is yet to allow a goal.

That has helped the Tuzos, the two-time defending CONCACAF Champions League titleholders who finished 5-6-6 with 25 points and were third in Group One during the 2008 Apertura, to a plus-five goal differential in the standings.

The Tuzos' last trip to InterLiga was in 2006 when they finished with a 1-1-1 record with their only win coming against Morelia. That was a 2-1 victory in Frisco led by goals from Luis Angel Landin and Richard Nunes.

While Pachuca looks to rest as many players possible, Morelia could come out strong. They might not have another choice.

Morelia needs a win against the Tuzos to end group play with four points. They also need a favorable outcome from the second match of Thursday's doubleheader.

A Toluca (1 point) win over Tecos (3 points) to earn an outright slot in the finals.

Coach Luis Fernando Tena's team sits at the bottom of the group table with one point, having scored only one goal. Morelia has given up one goal in the tournament but has struggled to produce a fluid brand of soccer.

Morelia hopes that changes against Pachuca. In three InterLiga appearances, the Monarcas have reached the finals once, a 3-1 loss to America.

Fire search for diamond in rough

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- From the movie website IMDB, here is the description of the movie "The Natural", starring Robert Redford: "An average baseball player comes out of seemingly nowhere to become a legendary player ..."

When the Major League Soccer coaches and general managers gather in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for the MLS Player Combine beginning this weekend, there will be no surprise players, a la Roy Hobbs.

"You have a good idea about the players because you have seen them," Fire coach Denis Hamlett said as he prepared to make the trip from very cold Chicago to very warm south Florida. "But you can't wait to see them against better players to see how they match up."

The combine is very important for the Fire, who do not have a first-round pick as a result of the deal they struck with Toronto FC that brought Brian McBride to Toyota Park. The Fire won't make a pick until the 28th pick, which is very late in the second round.

Hamlett and the other coaches are waiting for the announcement of the new list of Generation adidas players. Generation adidas is a joint program between MLS and adidas that is aimed at developing exceptional domestic talent, and the players selected are signed to MLS contracts and placed in the SuperDraft. Most of them are expected to participate in the combine as well.

The advantage of having Generation adidas players on a team's roster (such as Fire defender Bakary Soumare) is that they don't count against a team's salary cap.

"Having them (in Fort Lauderdale) makes for a good combine," Hamlett said.

What the combine does, said Hamlett, is allow teams to trim and tighten their player evaluations that have come from watching players in college atmospheres.

"You see these guys individually at different times during the team, and some are rated higher than others," Hamlett said. "You get excited when you see these players during the year, but you have to be cautious. You have to gauge them against better talent."

The combine could end up being very frustrating for Hamlett and Fire technical director Frank Klopas, simply because their first pick will come so late. If they fall in love during the combine, perhaps they will find a way to get the player they want.

"We are going to take a back seat and wait and see," Hamlett said. "We will see if there is someone that makes it worth it to us to move up by making a trade."

Tecos UAG squeak past Morelia

HOUSTON -- In a seemingly must-win game for both teams, Tecos UAG and Morelia met Monday night in Group A action in Interliga 2009. Fantastic goalkeeping by both teams, but in particular by Tecos goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona, kept Morelia at bay all night. A controversial goal in the 71st minute gave Tecos a much-needed 1-0 victory.

Tecos are led by their midfield dynamo Rodrigo Ruiz and all good things seemed to flow through him early. In the 6th minute, a Ruiz set piece fell to Tecos defender Joel Sanchez, whose beautiful back-heel went perfectly to Diego Jimenez. Jimenez's effort though was saved by Morelia goalkeeper Moises Munoz.

Ruiz continued to exert his influence in the first half in the 29th minute. A Ruiz corner was poorly cleared and fell to Mario Ortiz at the far post. The Ortiz shot was cleared off the line by a Morelia player and the clearance ended up finding Jimenez, whose effort was again blocked.

Tecos continued to push for a first half goal and they almost got caught on the counter attack. In the 37th minute, Ruiz had a cross deflect into the path of teammate Marcelo Sosa who was behind the defense. Sosa's shot was saved by the Munoz and the Morelia counter exploded down the field. Huge Droguett broke free down the left side and was breaking in on goal when Sosa tracked back and made a sliding tackle to prevent a sure goal.

The counter seemed to jumpstart the Morelia attack as the best opportunity for both teams in the first half came in the 44th minute. A poor Tecos clearance resulted in a turnover to Elias Hernandez. Hernandez quickly found Droguett again down the left side. This time Drouguett was in on goal with only the 'keeper to beat, but Corona stepped up to cut out the angle and saved Droguett's effort to preserve the scoreless first half.

The second half started out identical to the first with Tecos looking to capitalize off of the quality service of Ruiz. In the 53rd minute, Ruiz found Jimenez again and his header was placed well, but Munoz was once again up to the task.

Morelia coach Luis Fernano Tena had seen enough and turned to his bench. Having already made one change at the half, Tena also brought in Ever Guzman in the 55th minute. The move almost paid immediate dividends as some great passing between Marvin Cabrera and Andres Mendoza found Guzman at the top of the box, but his effort was saved well by Morelia's Corona.

Corona was tested twice more in a matter of three minutes. Guzman attempted to chip Corona in the 55th minute, but the keeper tipped the ball over the bar. In the 56th minute, Huge Droguett ripped a shot from distance but once again Corona was up to the task.

Tecos finally got the lead they were pressing hard for in the 71st minute amid some controversy. As Marvin Cabrera was down on the ground seemingly injured, the ball fell to Tecos defender Adrian Cortes. Rather than play the ball out, Cortes delivered a perfect cross to the far post finding Jimenez and this time the Jimenez header could not be stopped, giving Tecos a 1-0 lead.

Jimenez felt a little redemption after not scoring earlier, remarking after the game, "Third time's a charm."

Morelia was upset that no foul was whistled and that Tecos failed to play the ball out. Their complaints seemed justified as moments later Cabrera was subbed out.

Tecos coach Miguel Herrera disagreed with Morelia's complaints.

"It was a ball where Cabrera faked an injury that didn't exist," he said. "The rules of the game call for the team to play the ball out of bounds when there is an injury. However, when the ball is in play, you have to know where the ball is on the field. The referee judged the play well; it is just a through ball like any other."

The 1-0 lead held tight for the next 20 minutes as Morelia continued to press for the equalizer. Their best effort came in the 90th minute when a Andres Mendoza shot from 30 yards out was saved once again by Corona, this time diving to his left.

Moments later the final whistle blew, preserving the 1-0 victory for Tecos. With the win, Tecos now sits second in the group pending the outcome of Monday's late game between Pachuca and Toluca. Regardless of the result in the late game, one thing is for sure, Tecos will have an opportunity to advance out of the Group Stage with a victory in their final group game against Toluca; something they can thank a controversial goal and their 'keeper for providing.

Jimenez was happy with the goal, but more happy about the position the win has now put Tecos.

"I am very happy because the team won and we are now very close to being able to move on to the next round," he said. "I am happy more for the win than for scoring the goal."

America rally, thwart Tigres UANL

FRISCO, Texas -- Club America rallied from a goal down to earn a 3-1 victory over Tigres UANL at Pizza Hut Park Tuesday night in an InterLiga 2009 Group B match featuring two teams with three InterLiga titles between them.

Tuesday's clash was played at a breakneck pace and featured plenty of offense, pleasing a raucous, capacity crowd.

Tigres drew first blood in the 22nd minute when Guillermo Marino knocked a rebound from a Pedro Benitez shot that hit the right post seconds earlier into the back of the net, giving his side a 1-0 advantage. The sequence began when midfielder Lucas Lobos struck a perfect corner from the near-side flag, leading to Benitez's shot. The goal was Tigres' first of InterLiga 2009.

America, the defending InterLiga champion, answered 14 minutes later when Enrique Vera scored in similar fashion. A great chip over the top of the Tigres defense by Salvador Cabanas was corralled by Brazilian forward Robert de Pinho, but his shot was saved by Alfredo Talavera. Vera was waiting to punch the rebound into the back of the net for the equalizer.

Just before the half, America went on top 2-1 after Cabanas converted a free kick from just outside the arc. His shot from about 20 yards from goal was deflected off a visiting player inside the wall and fluttered into the back of the net to give the Aguilas the lead at the break.

The Aguilas added another goal to their cushion when de Pinho drove home a penalty kick in the 59th minute. The penalty was awarded by referee Baldomero Toledo after Talavera took out de Pinho hard inside the box. De Pinho marched to the spot and calmly knocked the ball into the right side of the net, setting off his flying eagle goal celebration complete with a swooping arm motion, much to the delight of the numerous America supporters in attendance.

"It was a difficult game," De Pinho, who was playing in his second official game with America after coming over from UAG Tecos, said. "It was my first goal (of the year) of hopefully many more to come in the future. In every game, I like to improve and get to know my teammates better. What was most important was that the result was positive."

While De Pinho admitted finding the back of the net was a nice bonus, he was far more concerned with the bigger picture for the Aguilas, defending their InterLiga title.

"It was most important that the team won, that the team was victorious," De Pinho said. "It's most important that the team comes together and wins titles."

Almost from the opening whistle, it was apparent that this clash would be one with plenty of offense. The Aguilas fired the opening salvo in the first minute when de Pinho made a nice run in the box but saw his shot deflected away. It was the first of many scoring opportunities created by the two sides.

"There were a lot of things that happened on the field but winning our next match puts us close to a spot in the finals," Talvera said. "There were circumstances in the match, goals scored off rebounds and a lot of fouls. But that's the way it is. We have to prepare and get ready for our next match."

Tigres' first chance came in the fifth minute. Marino created some space inside the America box. His shot, however, was aimed directly at Aguilas goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and Tigres were unable to do anything with the resulting rebound.

One minute later, America forward Salvador Cabanas, who had three goals in last year's event, got an opportunity of his own inside the opposing box. Like Marino's effort, Cabanas' shot went right at the 'keeper, enabling Talavera to make the stop.

A ninth-minute corner kick by America's Alejandro Arguello, who also has found the back of the net a few times for the Aguilas in past editions of InterLiga, was deflected away. In the 13th minute, Vera put a shot high over the Tigres goal.

In the 15th minute, Lobos attempted to connect with a sprinting Francisco Fonseca inside the box, but his effort was also pushed over the endline. The side from Monterrey had another chance by Marino just a minute before his tally but it was deflected.

Even though America held a 2-1 lead after 45 minutes of play, it was Tigres who held the edge in shots, 11-8.

Holding a one goal edge, America did not relent in the second half. Before de Pinho's penalty kick goal in the 59th minute, midfielder Andres Chitiva got his head on the end of a corner kick in the 47th minute but his effort went inches high, just missing the top of the goal.

Tigres also was far from finished. A free kick by Lobos in the 70th minute was deflected away and an apparent goal by midfielder Francisco Acuna several minutes later that would have made it a one-goal affair was waived off after Toledo ruled Acuna offside.

In the 90th minute, Tigres nearly drew one back. A cross from the left flank by defender Jose Rivas found Acuna near the far post. Acuna's header was a bit off the mark, striking off the lower part of his forehead and landing on the playing surface.

In stoppage time, Lobos stepped up to the flag for another Tigres corner. The midfielder delivered a quality ball to Mario Ruiz, who struck the ball solidly but saw his shot glance off the outside of the left post and out of play.

Just seconds later, America made one final push for a fourth goal. Cabanas sprinted up the left flank before dropping the ball off to fellow forward Enrique Esqueda, who was streaking toward goal. Esqueda had a near open net in front of him but put his shot high. Just seconds later, the final whistle blew to end the match.

Tuesday's win puts the Aguilas' InterLiga record at 1-0-1 with four points, moving them atop the Group B standings pending the outcome of the CD Guadalajara-Atlas game later in the evening. America next faces Atlas on Friday night at the Home Depot Center.

As for Tigres, their loss drops them to 0-1-1 with one point in Group B, making their next match with CD Guadalajara on Friday night at the HDC a must-win if they are to have a chance to advance to the InterLiga finals on Jan. 12.

Oduro's development a bright spot for FCD

FRISCO, Texas -- For the most part, last season was one to forget for the majority of the FC Dallas squad. But along with striker Kenny Cooper, who finished second in MLS in goals, another attacking bright spot was the continuing development of Dominic Oduro.

All told, Oduro played in 25 games, nine of those starts and the 23-year-old from Ghana finished the year with five goals and two assists, tying another career best he set in 2007. Before Jeff Cunningham's arrival in late August, the former Virginia Commonwealth star played an average of just more than 67 minutes in 14 of FCD's first 18 games he played in.

After Cunningham joined the team, Oduro played in eight of the Hoops' final nine games, but averaged just 20 minutes of action down the stretch. Despite his lack of playing time, Oduro handled the midseason coaching change from Steve Morrow to Schellas Hyndman like a seasoned veteran.

"I thought I was more professional about it," Oduro said. "It wasn't easy for me but I thought I was very good. He (Hyndman) came in and I thought I would have more playing time. I was disappointed in sitting on the bench but at the same time, it's what he wants for the team. I just took it in good faith. I still did my best and it wasn't easy for me but I just think I did what I had to do. It was a tough position to be in but I made the best of it."

Still, even though he didn't score a goal after July 27, Oduro feels his third year in MLS went pretty well.

"We had a little bit of change in coaching from Steve Morrow to (interim coach) Marco (Ferruzzi) and then to Schellas, which was a big transition for us," he said. "I thought I had a great season. It's unfortunate that we didn't make the playoffs. I think next year we will do better than we did last year."

And even though it was Cunningham who saw the bulk of the playing time instead, Oduro savored the opportunity to learn some tricks of the trade from such an experienced scorer.

"I have learned a lot," he said. "Let's face it, he's a veteran of this league and he's been through a lot. Both on and off the field, we communicate a lot. He's a great motivator for me. He tries to give you confidence and he's a great guy."

While much of the season went well for Oduro, he admits that missing the playoffs for the first time in his MLS career was a bitter pill to swallow.

"I wouldn't say that we're mad, we're just disappointed that we didn't make it," he said. "That was the first time we hadn't made the playoffs (since I had been here) so it was more a disappointment. I think there were one or two games that we could've won to make everything right. At the end of the day, it is what it is. So all we have to do is try to win more games, finish games and hopefully things will go well next year."

He did watch much of the 2008 MLS Cup Playoffs on TV but did say it was more than a little painful.

"It was a little difficult watching it," Oduro said. "When I was watching it, I felt like we could've been there and we could've been the guys playing. At the same time, it's our league and we have to show commitment to it. It wasn't all that exciting. I would say it was more heartbreaking. I thought Columbus deserved it, so kudos to them."

Last season, Oduro showed a better ability to finish, something that had been a big question in his game during his first two seasons. This offseason, he wants to continue laying the groundwork to make such big strides.

"I've been trying to work on the little things that happened last year," he said. "Nobody is perfect and everybody has things they have to work on. I am trying to work on my speed and trying to get better and better. I am running and weightlifting to get better for next season."

Just before the holiday season, Oduro surprised his family by returning to Ghana for the first time in a number of years. It was clearly a big moment.

"I haven't been home since 2004," he said before Christmas. "This is something I have been looking forward to. I'm excited to be going back home. It's more like it's one of my dreams come true. They don't even know I'm coming home. It will be a huge surprise for them and I know they will be very happy. It will be like a big family reunion."

With preseason training beginning in mid-January, count Oduro as one player who is ready to start anew.

"It's kind of boring sitting at home right now," he said. "I'm ready for the season to start and am ready to show what I can contribute to the team."

Pachuca blank Toluca, advance

HOUSTON -- Two of the best teams in Mexico squared off Monday night at Robertson Stadium as CONCACAF Champions Pachuca defeated 2008 Apertura Champions Toluca, 1-0. Two second-half substitutes, Christian Gimenez and Edgar Benitez, combined to secure Pachuca's advancement to the next round of InterLiga 2009.

With frigid temperatures and both teams still in preseason form, the clubs came out a little cold offensively. Pachuca had the best of the ball early, but to little or no avail. The teams combined for only five first half shots, with none forcing saves.

The best efforts in the first half came in the final minutes. In the 44th minute, Pachuca midfielder Damian Alvarez broke free down the right side behind the Toluca defense. The Tuzos midfielder tried to send the ball across to forward Blas Perez, who was making a dangerous run, but a great play by a Toluca defender cleared the ball out for a corner.

The resulting corner kick was cleared easily by the Red Devils but the ball made its way to Alvarez again, this time 40 yards from goal. His blast from distance went narrowly wide and the halftime whistle blew, ending a drab first half.

Both teams came out with more attacking flair in the second half. Toluca opened when Carlos Morales ripped a shot from the top of the box right at Tuzos goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.

Pachuca didn't take long to counter. Gimenez sent in a ball from the right side across the Toluca defense. The ball found Alvarez who sent the ball low and across the face of the goal, missing just wide.

Tuzos coach Enrique Meza gambled early in the second half when he made his third and final substitution in the 58th minute bringing on Benitez for Alvarez. The move almost paid immediate dividends in the very next minute when Benitez drove in on goal and smoothly cut the ball back beating his defender. His shot, though, went narrowly wide into the side-netting.

Pachuca Coach Enrique Meza was pleased with the play of his team, and in particular, the performance of his substitutes.

"Yes, I think that once they came in they took their toll on the opposition," he said. "Afterwards the others came in and we were able to win the game."

Midfielder Jose Francisco Torres agreed. "We have good players and they came out motivated. They came in strong with a lot of attitude," Torres said.

Pachuca's pressure finally turned out to be too much as they were rewarded for their large advantage in possession. Gimenez again broke down the right side of the Red Devil defense and his cross was perfect, finding Benitez at the far post. Benitez mishit the ball downward but the ball deflected off of him a second time and into the goal. It wasn't pretty, but it counted just the same.

Pachua almost extended the lead twice in the 73rd and 74th minutes, again through their second half substitutes. A Pachuca cross found Gimenez in front of goal, but he deflected the cross just wide. In the very next minute, Benitez broke free behind the Toluca defense with a perfectly placed pass by Jose Francisco Torres. He drove on goal, but Toluca keeper Cesar Lozano parried the effort just over the bar.

Toluca are champions, however, and they weren't going down without a fight. Second half substitute Raul Nava drove in on goal down the left side in the 79th minute. His effort was saved easily by a well-positioned Cota to preserve the 1-0 victory for Pachuca.

With the win, the Tuzos now sit with six points atop Group A. They have guaranteed themselves advancement to the next round regardless of the outcome of their final game. In addition, they have the inside track on the top spot in the group as the only team that can catch them in points, Tecos UAG, has to make up a whopping eight goals in goal differential, the first tie-breaker.

Tuzos midfielder Torres was happy with his team's performance and the position in which Pachuca now sit.

"I think we are one step closer to the final," he said. "We had a good game tonight. We did the simple things, and we came out with a good score."

Would-be Revs take a shot at tryout

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The resumes started to pour into the office of New England Revolution vice president of player personnel Mike Burns in the days after last January's invitation-only tryout.

From far and wide, a couple hundred aspiring professionals sent packages to the Revolution technical staff in hopes of landing a slot in this year's invitation-only tryout, held Monday night.

"If you look back through the history of the Revs, there were some years where we had an open tryout, but then we got 200 players showing up and some guys would be in workboots," Burns said. "You want to be realistic, but at the same time, you want to give guys an opportunity."

Approximately 30 players earned a chance to show off their abilities at the Dana-Farber Field House. Most of the lucky few were Division I college players from local universities who missed out on a chance to attend the MLS Player Combine slated to begin on Saturday. Players from other local colleges comprised the remainder of the pool.

"Some of these guys were up to go to the combine, but never made it," Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said. "This year, the standard was probably as high as it has been in the last two or three years because we've invited a lot of players from Division I schools and a few of them were close to getting in the combine."

Nicol and his coaching staff oversaw the tryouts, which consisted of scrimmages between three assigned teams. Within two hours, the chance to impress passed and the hopefuls were left to wonder whether their name would be called in the MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 16 or whether the Revs might invite them to preseason camp for an extended look.

"We don't know yet if we'll invite any of these guys to preseason or if we'll ultimately end up signing any of them, but I can say that over the last five or six years, this was the best group of players we have invited," Burns said.

The comparatively shallower tryout pool in previous years still yielded results. Current players Chris Tierney (2008) and Brad Knighton (2007) joined the team through the tryout process, while former Revolution striker Connally Edozien (2005) spent a year with New England before carving out a successful career in the USL First Division.

"If you find one player, it's worthwhile," Burns said.

An opportunity for that one chosen tryout player may not exist on the senior roster this season. New England holds seven draft picks in the four-round SuperDraft and has four open roster slots. Experienced players could also arrive and take the roster spot of a tryout participant or draft pick. Smaller roster sizes and the elimination of the reserve league have already led to the release of most of the Revs' developmental players.

"It's more difficult for sure," Burns said. "Without a reserve division, it's going to be more difficult for guys to make roster spots. From my perspective and from our coaches' perspective, that's better because it means more competition. From their perspective, I'm sure they'd rather have a few more roster spots because it would make their job a little easier."

Even if this year's tryout reaps no dividends for the senior roster and even with the avalanche of resumes bombarding the office over the course of the year, Burns said the team will likely continue to hold similar tryouts in the future.

"We feel like it's worthwhile to have," Burns said. "I'm sure there are some people out there who would like us to have more than one tryout a year, but this time is conducive for us in terms of our schedule, our coaches' schedules and the facility schedules here. It's something we've always done and I don't foresee us not doing it."