Cunningham ready to make mark for Hoops

FRISCO, Texas -- Even at age 32, Jeff Cunningham still has a burning drive to succeed -- and shows no signs of slowing. On Saturday morning, FC Dallas held an intrasquad scrimmage that was open to club supporters at Pizza Hut Park. Cunningham delivered a pair of goals and an assist, all of which came in the first half of play.

After coming out at the break, Cunningham spent some 20 minutes running around the field before finally taking a rest. For FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman, his veteran striker has shown him a lot so far in preseason.

"I think Jeff has done well," Hyndman said. "He's a seasoned pro. He knows his body very well and is always fit. I thought in our scrimmage the other day, we saw another side of him. Even though we're in preseason and people might be pacing themselves, I thought he stepped it up a bit and looked like the Jeff we remember from last year. He's going to hopefully be a strong threat for us this year."

The veteran scorer, who has 104 goals for his 11-year MLS career, agrees.

"I'm just getting back into things and still have a ways to go," Cunningham said. "I think as a team, we're OK. We've got a good fitness base and the coaching staff is working on some tactical stuff. I think we're good as far as this part of the year to be where we are."

When he was traded to the Hoops last August, Cunningham greeted his new teammates in a cowboy hat. And with his wife and young daughter now also living in Frisco, the seasoned pro has really taken a shine to his new surroundings.

"I feel like a Texan now," he said. "I have one (cowboy hat) but am waiting for the boots. I am eating more steaks and barbecue now. I'm good now. My family is here and they are very settled. Everything is in place off the field. It's time now to prove myself again."

Cunningham made 11 starts for FCD last fall and had five goals and two assists for his new team. After the Hoops missed the playoffs, he resolved that he would be ready for 2009 and look to return to the form he showed in 2006 when he had 16 goals and 11 assists for Real Salt Lake. At least so far, he is making good on that claim and looks very fit.

"It (preseason) is a long time," he said. "I believe we have 50 days left and that's a long time. I think we started as a group with a good base. With the remaining time left, it's going to be perfect because you want to be playing your best football at the right time. I still have a ways to go but I feel like I'm making the right progress."

Hyndman concurs. "I think he's got God-given genetics," he said. "You also have to appreciate how much he's taken care of himself. Players like him when they hit a certain age, they start to slow down. But he doesn't look like he has. He's worked at it, whether it's his diet, exercising or rest. He's taken care of himself very well."

The FCD forward is clearly anticipating the benefits of having one of the league's best crossers on his side in newly acquired midfielder Dave van den Bergh.

"He's going to create more scoring chances by getting balls into the box," Cunningham said. "He has that vision to create space for us and to play balls into us in goal scoring spots. It's good to have that veteran player on the field as well to help some of the young boys. It's a good addition and I'm looking forward to getting some crosses from him."

Cunningham also has some familiar company on the FCD roster. Late last week, the Hoops signed another big striker in fellow Jamaican Sean Bucknor. Growing up in Montego Bay, Cunningham was coached by Bucknor's father, Steve, who is now a well-known cricket official.

"It's funny because there is a lot of history with me and his dad," Cunningham said. "He took a group of probably around 30 players and became that father figure to us. He basically saved us from the streets. He's the reason why I'm here, am able to do this and to be a good human being. If he wasn't in my life at that point, I don't think the outcome would be where I am today. I'm happy that his son is here. The least I can do is to help teach him how to become a good pro. I can't tell you how much his father made a difference in my life."

Cunningham remembers the last time he saw Sean Bucknor before he became one of his teammates with the Hoops.

"When I left Jamaica, he was probably like two," Cunningham said. "Now, he's a grown man and bigger than me. He's worked hard to get to this point. For his son to be here now, it's just a little opportunity to be helpful and to thank his father. For him to be here and to be able to help him settle in, at the end of the day, I can say I did well."

Cunningham couldn't help but begin showing some emotion when discussing the impact that Bucknor's father had on his life.

"His dad has done so much for me," he said. "He's a great man and I owe everything I have to him. You know, in life, there are a few people that shape you and give you direction. He's one of those persons. I was 12 at the time and in Jamaica, there weren't any options besides the streets. He helped us and used football as an avenue to shape us. That life lesson has stayed with me and that's the reason why I'm here. I don't know what to say. I'm just grateful that I was able to get that direction so early in my life."

Hoops view Houston as measuring stick

FRISCO, Texas -- In-state rivals FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo will open their preseason slates against on Friday morning when the teams meet in the Bayou City. The two sides are very familiar with one another but things have changed a bit since the sides last met on June 26, 2008 at Robertson Stadium, a match that ended in a 1-1 tie, a draw that meant FCD won the season series for the first time.

All rivalry talk aside, there have been a number of personnel changes for both sides. FCD has jettisoned defender Duilio Davino, traded defender Dominic Oduro and seen veteran Bobby Rhine retire.

New to the Hoops is midfielder Dave van den Bergh, who came over from New York in the Oduro deal; defender Steve Purdy was signed after a stint in Germany; forward Sean Bucknor, a former U-17 player in Jamaica, also was inked; and former Real Salt Lake defender Daniel Torres is also new to the fold.

Houston no longer has midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, defender Patrick Ianni or forward Nate Jaqua in the fold. But FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman knows that despite those subtractions, the two-time MLS champions still have a formidable group.

"They are an extremely well-disciplined, well-coached team that follows a team structure. They can remove a player from the lineup and the next guy comes in and you didn't realize he was that good," Hyndman said. "It's because it's a team structure where people fit into what they're doing. Now with De Rosario gone, you think they're not going to be the same. But when you've got (Stuart) Holden in there, they're just the same. It is a good measuring stick for us. I'm looking at this for how far we have come compared to a good team and how far we have to go."

The Orange likely won't be happy to see van den Bergh, who in last fall's MLS Cup Playoffs, scored the lone goal for the Red Bulls in the Western Conference Championship to send New York to its first-ever league title game.

"I think they're one of the best teams in the league and think that's not going to change," van den Bergh said. "They lost two valuable players in Dwayne DeRosario and (Nate) Jaqua. I still think they're very good at what they do. They're very predictable but they execute almost to perfection. It's a good task for us. It's a new team for us. We can take a lot of from these games to see how we hold up against one of the best teams in the league."

FCD will still be without star forward Kenny Cooper, who is away with the U.S. national team. Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha is experiencing visa problems in his home country and has yet to report to camp. Defender Adrian Serioux, a member of Houston's 2006 championship team, is also out as he continues to recover from a hernia.

No matter who his personnel is, Hoops head coach Schellas Hyndman's goal for games like this remains basic.

"One of the things I said to [the front office] was that I would like to get as many games as I can," he said. "A big part of it for me is team structure and getting people to buy into what you're doing. Some of the best results you can get from games is taking a loss where you can see the areas you need to improve in. I'm looking at the preseason games as a learning opportunity for the coaching staff and for the players. The emphasis is on being able to win games when we get into the season."

Two FCD veterans who have played in their share of Lone Star derbies are clearly looking forward to facing their in-state adversaries once again.

"We don't want to lose any game or show any weaknesses, especially with our state rival," goalkeeper Dario Sala said. "It's really important for us that we move the ball and start to play as professionally as we can. We have to be as prepared as we can. This game should give us an idea of where we stand right now. Hopefully we win the game and start to show a little bit of what the coach was working with us on the defensive mentality he is trying to build on this team. If we start to show a little bit of that, I will be happy."

Fellow Argentinean and midfielder Pablo Ricchetti concurs. "It's good for us," he said. "We want to play and it's good to have a team like Houston with such quality players to play. It will be good to have two games against them to see where we are."

The sides will turn around and meet again on Monday morning in Dallas at 10 a.m. CT.

Dynamo dominate Hoops on flanks

HOUSTON, Texas -- With less than three weeks until their first competitive game, the Houston Dynamo held their first preseason game against FC Dallas Friday afternoon at Robertson Stadium. Houston coach Dominic Kinnear was the happier coach on the day as the Dynamo got imposed their will on the flanks and scored on two set pieces for a relatively easy 3-0 victory.

Houston's three goals all came from great service. In the sixth minute, a Brian Mullan cross found Chris Wondolowski who beat FC Dallas center back Steve Purdy and finished nicely past 'keeper Ray Burse. In the 13th minute, a Brad Davis corner kick found Craig Waibel who headed home. On the third goal, a Richard Mulrooney corner was cleared poorly to Julius James and James didn't miss from short range to round out the victory.

"All three periods we looked sharp," Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear said. "First game for both teams and I am happy with how we started and ended the game."

The game was divided into three 30-minute periods and while Kinnear maintained the same group for the first hour, the final period gave him an opportunity to get a look at several new faces on his roster.

In addition, some starters were missing for the Orange, with Brian Ching and Ricardo Clark away with national team duty and Stuart Holden and Corey Ashe were both injured. Veteran defender Eddie Robinson was also unavailable as he was being inducted into the Greensboro (N.C.) Youth Soccer Hall of Fame, and that allowed him to play center back Julius James for the entire 90 minutes. James was acquired from Toronto FC in the deal for Dwayne De Rosario.

"I thought he looked good on and off the ball," Kinnear said. "He is enjoying it here so far and he is learning the way the guys are looking to play all around him."

With Holden out injured, the game provided Brad Davis the opportunity to get some minutes in central midfield as the Dynamo look to replace De Rosario in their attack.

"I like it. It's different. You have to be more aware at all times, but it's something I grew up playing in there and it's something I don't have a problem doing," Davis said. "It's something I'll work hard on because I know if there are injuries, I may have to step in there and play."

Overall, Houston was happy with the result.

"I thought it was fantastic. We showed well. We played a good game and deserved to win and we did," Davis said.

On the other side, FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman was disappointed with his team's performance.

"I didn't think we played well," he said. The FCD boss indicated he thought his team would have been better prepared. "Practice has been great. Today was an eye-opening," he said.

In particular, Hyndman had been trying to improve his team's flank defense in the preseason and so to give up a goal in the run of play from wide service was troubling.

"There are things we have been working on and we were not able to do, so that is disappointing," he said. "Last year we gave up 44 goals throughout the year, 31 or so on the flank, so we talked about that a lot. ... So it's disappointing, of course."

The good news for Hyndman was that the season's first competitive outing offered him an opportunity to evaluate some new faces. In particular, Hyndman praised his new center back, Steve Purdy, signed last month from German second division side 1860 Munich.

"I thought Steve Purdy did a good job in his first game against an MLS team," Hyndman said. "I don't know if anyone really stepped up and did really well."

Arena: Beckham won't be distraction

CARSON, Calif. -- Los Angeles Galaxy head coach/general manager Bruce Arena on Thursday said the club "will do whatever is in the best interests of the team and the organization" regarding the ongoing saga of David Beckham.

The 33-year-old midfielder, currently on loan with Serie A powerhouse AC Milan, on Wednesday stated his desire to remain in Italy once the loan agreement expires on March 8. The team's official website quoted Beckham as saying after a 2-2 draw with Glasgow Rangers, "I express my desire to remain here because I am doing very well with the team and the coach. I feel a lot of love from the fans."

AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani earlier this week said the sides have started talking about a possible resolution. Arena had no comment on the situation after the team's closed scrimmage against Loyola Marymount University later that day, but on Thursday he did say the matter will be resolved one way or the other.

Even UEFA president Michel Platini got into the mix on Thursday, when the Canadian Press quoted him as saying there was a "question of ethics" at stake.

"My problem is not Beckham," Platini reportedly said. "It's Milan buying a player for three months. Why then, could they not buy a player for the one game, for the final?"

Milan officials have been so impressed with the play of Beckham, who has two goals and two assists in five games, they have included him on their roster for an upcoming UEFA Cup series against Werder Bremen.

Arena, who earlier joked he wouldn't be surprised if he heard rumors that he is interested in another job, said he doesn't pay attention to the various reports concerning Beckham.

"Whatever is on record I don't really concern myself with too much," he said. "This is a business, and we'll attend to this matter like we attend to every matter related to the Galaxy. We'll do whatever is in the best interest of the team and the organization.

"Most of the things I enjoy when I do read them. Not only those about David but everything. It's kind of humorous when you understand what's going on behind the scenes."

Arena, who said only a week ago that the Galaxy will live up to its end of the loan agreement and he expected Beckham to return to Los Angeles on March 9, said he will not let the drama affect his team's preparations during training camp.

"I won't let it be a distraction. It won't be," he said. "Whatever happens, happens, and whatever concludes will be in the best interests of the Galaxy."

Hoops bolster attack by adding Bucknor

FRISCO, Texas -- FC Dallas added some depth to their front line last week when the club signed 24-year-old striker Sean Bucknor to a contract.

Originally born in Jamaica, Bucknor spent two years at Owens Community College in Ohio, where he scored 28 goals as a freshman and sophomore. He then transferred to the University of Tampa but never played a game there. Since leaving school, the former Jamaican under-17 national team player has been staying busy and has now landed in Frisco.

"Since I left school, I have been in the gym working out every day to use my size as an advantage," he said. "When I'm not on the field, I'm in the weight room and running to keep fit."

At 6-foot-4, Bucknor is an inch taller than FCD's top scorer Kenny Cooper. But size isn't all he brings to the table.

"We saw a lot of good qualities in Sean," FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman said. "He's 6-3 and close to 200 pounds. When you see a player with that kind of size, you're really impressed when they've got athletic ability to go with the speed and power. The other day in our intrasquad scrimmage, he had one really good chance and scored. Hopefully that's a sign of things to come. I think he's got tremendous upside. We're very excited to have Sean with us."

Bucknor thinks he brings something else that his coach didn't mention.

"I've got tremendous speed as well," he said. "I've got some speed and a tremendous right foot. I bring size, speed, strength and a good shot. With all those things, I should do well."

Coming to FCD means that Bucknor joins fellow Jamaican Jeff Cunningham on the Hoops' roster, someone his father, Steve, coached back in their home country a number of years ago.

"To play with Jeff has been really tremendous," Bucknor said. "I've seen him play on the TV and on YouTube. He's been inspiring. So coming here to play with him has been great. (My father) coached a lot of players that are in the pros right now. He's a tremendous coach. Once Jeff has been through his hands, I knew Jeff is going to be a good player. My dad has told me a little bit about how to play off Jeff or with him."

Even though Cunningham last saw Sean when he was only two, he quickly offered a scouting report on his new teammate.

"He's a great athlete," Cunningham said. "The direction the game is going in, better athletes are the ones who are going to find ways to be successful because every team is very organized tactically and everyone is in the same boat. Athleticism is going to give players an advantage and make a difference. He's hungry. In front of the goal, he takes his chances well. He's still got a lot to learn as far as positioning but he has that natural ability. When he fine tunes some of those other things, he's going to be tough. He has everything he needs to make it as a pro. He has that itch and natural knack to put goals in. He's going to be a good one."

Even though he has only been with FCD for a short time, Bucknor has already noticed some big differences between college and professional soccer.

"It's been a tremendous experience to play in the pros," he said. "Leaving junior college and university, it's a different level and you've got to step up the pace. The work rate, you've got to step up the work rate. On offense and defense, you've got to stay focused every minute of every game. You've got to stay focused because it's a very quick pace."

Part of his education includes learning from the Hoops' veterans such as Pablo Ricchetti and Dave van den Bergh, among others.

"Those guys you can really learn a lot from," Bucknor said. "Today in practice, I was watching how Jeff and those guys run off the ball. I take that into consideration and see how I can use it in my game to compete with them."

And Bucknor still has several aspects of his skill set that he wants to work on. "I still want to work on perfecting touches, communicating with the guys better and moving off the ball," he said. "It's really going to come naturally."

Hype minimal as Dynamo camp opens

HOUSTON -- The Houston Dynamo opened training camp this week, and for the first time since the team moved to the Bayou City before the 2006 season, the environment around them was, for lack of a better word, normal.

Their first training camp here was hectic and brand new for soccer fans in Houston. After all, the team just moved from northern California after playing in San Jose as the Earthquakes.

In 2007 and 2008, the team started the season as defending champions, so naturally expectations were high and members of the team were asked over and over what it was going to take to repeat as champions.

Before the regular season started last year Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear was asked if he thought about becoming the first coach every to lead an MLS team to three consecutive titles. Kinnear wanted no part of that question and explained how hard it was just to win one based on how competitive and balanced MLS has become.

The Orange did not win a third title and were ousted in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs by New York last November.

Now, for the first time, the Dynamo are not the new kid on the block, and they did not make their first appearance of the year as defending champs.

In fact, they are not even done building their team for the 2009 season. The Dynamo still have two senior spots open and one for a developmental player, and they are not hiding the fact they would like to add a forward.

"Our quest for that forward is ongoing," said Dynamo chief operating officer Chris Canetti. "We have also been transparent with our fan base in letting them know that it may or may not happen quickly. We have the desire to make the right move instead of the knee-jerk quick move.

"If you look at what we've done historically in adding the Nate Jaquas and the Joseph Ngwenyas and the Kei Kamaras during the season, those ended up being the right move. Even though they did not happen during the preseason, they ended up helping us be successful. We have the time, we have the money and we have the slots to really be smart about it."

Kinnear echoed that, and said the recent signing of Felix Garcia, an 18-year-old striker from Laredo, Texas, does not change the fact that the Dynamo are looking for a veteran to fill the void with the loss of Jaqua.

"That is something we are not going to be sneaky about," Kinnear said. "Yeah, we are looking for someone right now. But that has nothing to do with the signing of Felix at all. That has something to do with us trying to win a championship that we don't have any more. We are always trying to improve our team."

And that is something that Kinnear has been trying to do since they were defeated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the New York Red Bulls. It has been a busy time, especially recently for he and Canetti.

First, two-time MLS Cup MVP and fan favorite Dwayne De Rosario was traded to Toronto FC for rookie defender Julius James in mid December. Then there was the MLS draft, where the team picked up U-20 national team midfielder Daniel Cruz and picked up the rights to forward Marcus Tracy, currently playing in Denmark.

Next, to cap off a busy month, the Orange signed Tally Hall on Jan. 23, to replace the departed Tony Caig; signed defender Bobby Boswell to a multi-year deal and traded Pat Ianni to the Seattle Sounders on Jan. 26. Three days later, the team announced the signing of Garcia, who Kinnear said, has no other pressure on him right now than to show up to practice every day and train hard.

So has it been a busy offseason? Yes, Kinnear said, but not anything out of the ordinary when there are spots to fill.

"It's definitely an ongoing thing to put these teams together," Kinnear said. "Sometimes it takes six months and sometimes it just takes a week. I will say, though, that the process has been about three months, and then everything has just kind of come together in the last week.

"But we have been busy the whole time and I think we are just now seeing the reward of the hard work that we have put in."

The Dynamo will play a home-and-home preseason series against their intrastate rivals, FC Dallas, beginning this week. The week might be filled with introductions and getting to know each other both on the field and off. There has not been a lot of turnover this offseason, but several players, including midfielder Stuart Holden and forward Corey Ashe, will have bigger roles with the departure of De Rosario and the need to add a veteran striker.

This is the first time in a while the Dynamo will not be regarded as defending champions. But their roster is coming together, and they are hungry to get back on the pitch with mindset to prove that last year's early playoff exit, after winning their first-ever regular season Western Conference title, was nothing more than the result of one bad day.

US could make strong World Cup bid

If you want to get technical, U.S. Soccer's bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup is actually the organization's third attempt to secure the world's greatest sporting spectacle.

In 1983, the U.S. put forth a misguided effort of a bid to earn the right to host the cup after Colombia dropped out. Mexico was awarded the competition. The less said about that, the better. But it served a lesson on how to deal with FIFA.

In 1988, the U.S. Soccer Federation demonstrated that it learned from its mistakes and got it right as it was awarded the 1994 World Cup.

Since the USA delivered record crowds (3.6 million), innovation (the beautiful game played on grass in a domed stadium) and a memorable tournament and legacy from World Cup USA '94, the soccer landscape has changed dramatically in the past generation or so.

Before that, in 1987, the landscape, well, there was no or little landscape, it was so barren.

There was no professional league in which the U.S.'s best players could develop and move on.

The U.S. had failed to reach the World Cup in nine consecutive tries, dating back to 1950.

And like it or not, the game did not get respect from the media.

Hours after U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati announced the U.S.'s current quest on Monday, comparing what transpired a generation ago is night and day. MLS will kickoff its 14th season next month. The U.S. will continue its quest to clinch its sixth consecutive World Cup berth in week from Wednesday against Mexico in Columbus, Ohio. And the profile of the sport has never been higher (there are games -- domestic or international -- on TV just about every day).

On Monday, not only did Gulati officially tell the world of the USA's goal, he also started to assemble an impressive World Cup bidding committee, which included executive director David Downs, who recently stepped down from Univision, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, U.S. Soccer executive director Dan Flynn and Philip Murphy, an investor with Women's Professional Soccer, which will kick off its inaugural season in April.

For the next 15 months, it will be up to the committee to answer all of FIFA's inquiries and put together the best possible bid. In 1988, the U.S. spent $500,000 on two books that totalled 381 pages -- "two phone books" that knocked FIFA's collective socks off.

If the bid committee follows that comprehensive tact, it should be in good shape.

Come December 2010, we'll find out which two countries will emerge as the winners in FIFA's rather unusual bidding process. Instead of giving a host team six years to get its act together, the winners will have eight or 12 years to prepare.

"We're completely prepared," Gulati said during a conference call. "We're going to put in the best bid we can."

First of all, the fact the U.S. proved it could pull it off is worth one gold star.

The infrastructure is there from stadiums to transportation, hotels and communication.

There are more stadiums from which to choose. For example, the 1994 bid, which was sent to FIFA in 1987, did not even include Giants Stadium because its field size did not meet FIFA's World Cup specifications and because the process of placing grass over artificial turf had not been perfected yet. Within a few years, it had been and voila -- the Pontiac Silverdome in suburban Detroit hosted first-round games with grass.

Gulati said there would be 35-40 stadiums he could use on the bid. And between now and 2022 -- that's 13 years -- how many more state-of-the-art stadiums will be built, he noted.

"We haven't reached out to cities yet," he said. "We've had some reach out to us. We have 25, 30, 35, 40 venues in the country as well as some not built yet, and there's plenty of time.

"We'd need guarantees, but our bid would include anywhere between 25 and 35 cities with signed guarantees that we could present in the bid. We have a lot of options across the country."

And then there's the pro league. When it awarded the 1994 World Cup, FIFA stipulated that the U.S. Soccer Federation had to start a viable soccer league. It did -- in 1996.

"We are what we are because of the World Cup in '94," Garber said. "Without it, I don't think Major League Soccer exists. If we get the World Cup in '18 or '22 it will similarly impact ... [to the] benefit to the league in terms of growing the passion."

While soccer has taken a backseat to recent successful World Cup bids (South Africa, the 2010 host, could not even qualify for its own tournament, which also was used as a qualifying tournament for the African Nations Cup), it certainly doesn't hurt that the U.S. has gone from CONCACAF patsies to powerhouse in almost two decades.

Ultimately, it will be up to FIFA's executive committee to decide the fate. Also in the running are bids from England, Russia, Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg, Spain/Portugal from Europe, Mexico from CONCACAF, Australia, Tokyo, Qatar and Indonesia from Asia and Egypt from Africa.

Given the fact that Europe will not have hosted a World Cup since 2006 (South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014), the logical choice would be the competition on the continent. This is the first time two consecutive World Cups were held away from Europe.

Let's say that happens, which would leave the CONCACAF and Asian countries for the 2022 competition.

Gulati likes the U.S.'s chances.

"What the U.S. bid will offer FIFA in the development of the game will be clear to FIFA over the next 20 months," he said.

Confidence growing in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY -- For the Kansas City Wizards, and surely all of the 15 MLS teams, preseason is a time for a team to confirm their identity and build a solid foundation. Individually, it's time to form a lasting impression on the coaching staff, and, during down time, bond with your teammates -- or continually rip them.

"We're finding something we can compete in at all hours of the day," said Wizards captain Jimmy Conrad of the team's time in Bradenton, Fla. "If something happens, you make fun of that person incessantly for the rest of the day."

The good-natured ribbing that comes out of an animated game of cards or an impromptu challenge of water-bottle ball serves to bring the team together to compete in all the competitions of the next nine months -- MLS league play, the U.S. Open Cup, SuperLiga, and the MLS Cup Playoffs. A 7-0 win against the U.S. under-17 national team last Saturday, though a good start, is just a small sign that Kansas City is making progress.

"We're hitting the ground running," said head coach Curt Onalfo. "We want to build on a strong finish to last year. We're playing similarly tactically; it's just a matter of fine-tuning all that stuff."

The five wins and a draw in their last seven games last season that propelled the Wizards into the playoffs and the accompanying discovery of a lineup that provided a stronger balance on both sides of the ball have the Wizards confident heading into the season. The focus, beyond fitness and tactical concepts, has been on offensive patterns of play in the early weeks of training.

"The concepts we're working on now will put us in a better position to find that consistency that every team looks for. It will put building blocks in place so that we're ready for any situation," Conrad said. "For Year 3 under coach Onalfo and [technical director] Peter Vermes it is very clear to them what we need to do to have success. That confidence is fun to be around."

Providing more fun, beyond the typical rookie razzing, are players like first-round SuperDraft choice Matt Besler. The 21-year-old is a strong candidate to become Conrad's new partner in central defense after the expansion draft departure of Tyson Wahl to Seattle. For the Kansas native, it's so far, so good.

"His decision-making or his on-the-ball presence and composure have never been an issue," Conrad said of Besler. "It's being tuned in the whole time. That happens to most guys."

"With each training session, he gets more and more confident, and he's improving," Onalfo added. "That's what we want to see with our young players."

And qualities that will make the team better is what one wants to see out of a trialist. Ferenc Beres of Tatabanya, a Hungarian second division side, is currently on trial. The 26-year-old, coached by former Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Octavio Zambrano, currently leads his team with five goals in 15 total matches.

"He's actually a midfielder who can play as a forward. He can play pretty much anywhere along our midfield for us. ... He's showed fairly well to start [two goals vs. the U.S. U-17s]. We'll see how he does against MLS competition," said Onalfo.

Conrad has been impressed by the athletic Beres. "You can tell that he's been a professional for a number of years in certain decisions he makes," he said.

Beres may be able to beef up what is a maturing Wizards midfield. Defensive midfielder Jack Jewsbury and left winger Roger Espinoza are currently on extended training camps with the U.S. and Honduran national teams respectively. Additionally, Chance Myers, last year's top pick overall in the SuperDraft, is training again as a wide midfielder after mostly playing as a right back last season.

But how much progress is being made will be clearer after Wednesday's match against the Chicago Fire and Saturday's encounter with the New York Red Bulls. Wins are not necessary, just more good signs.

"Can we create good habits regardless of the situation we're in? Whether it's [against] the U-17s or Chicago or New York or in the Superliga, can we still be effective in the style that we want to play?" are the questions Conrad hopes are answered.

One thing is for certain, Kansas City is more sure of itself than ever.

"Columbus last year and Houston and New England before them have done a good job of knowing what their strengths and weaknesses are. For our team, we have a good idea of what [those are] now," Conrad said.

The coming season could be a year of fulfillment for the Wizards. They know their CommunityAmerica Ballpark home now after a season of introduction, Argentinean star Claudio Lopez is fully integrated into the club, and young players like Espinoza, Myers, and Kevin Souter have grown.

"There are going to be some expectations. [Those factors] should put us in a position to have more success this year than we have had in the past," Conrad said. "However, it's one thing to talk about it and another thing to actually make it happen."

Bradley sticks with MLS-heavy U.S. side

Why mess with a good thing? That seems to be the thought process behind U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley's decision to call in almost the exact same group for a training camp before the Feb. 11 World Cup qualifier against rival Mexico as prepared for last Saturday's friendly against Sweden.

In that game, Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan scored all three goals -- his first with the national team -- in a 3-2 victory at The Home Depot Center, becoming only the second player in U.S. history to score his first three goals in the same game.

Kljestan leads the way in a group that is almost exclusively comprised of Major League Soccer talent. Fourteen players on the squad played in the Sweden friendly, with Real Salt Lake fullback Chris Wingert and Columbus Crew left-sided midfielder Robbie Rogers made their senior team debut in the game.

Once again, the goalkeepers in camp are Chicago's Jon Busch, Will Hesmer from Columbus and Matt Pickens, recently signed by Colorado. Joining Wingert in the back are Jonathan Bornstein of Chivas USA, Ugo Ihemelu from Colorado, Toronto FC fullback Marvell Wynne and three-time World Cup veteran fullback Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), who is the lone addition to the squad.

In addition to Kljestan and Rogers, the midfield is comprised of Brian Carroll and Eddie Gaven of the Crew, holding midfielder Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden of the Houston Dynamo, Jack Jewsbury of the Kansas City Wizards and Chicago's John Thorrington.

Houston's Brian Ching, Kenny Cooper of FC Dallas and Chris Rolfe of the Chicago Fire join Charlie Davis of Hammarby IF, the lone European-based player in the camp.

The players will train at The Home Depot Center for nine days before leaving for Columbus on Feb. 7, though the final roster for the Mexico contest will not be decided until then. Tickets for the highly anticipated match, the first of 10 in the final hexagonal stage of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, at Crew Stadium were sold out in 90 minutes.

U.S. Men's National Team Roster By Position

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids)

DEFENDERS (5): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)

FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)

Revs get back to work, eye return to MLS Cup

NORFOLK, Mass. -- The New England Revolution ended last season wondering how a once promising campaign ended in such a downward spiral.

The Revs started the process of putting 2008 in the rearview mirror and preparing for 2009 as training camp opened on Monday morning.

"For us, it was a long offseason in the sense that we thought we finished the year on a down note," Revs defender Jay Heaps said. "In the same breath, it's nice to get back here, see the guys and get that focus again."

Heaps and his teammates will need that focus as the team tries to improve on last season's Eastern Conference Semifinal Series exit to Chicago and return to a fourth MLS Cup Final in five years.

Most of the core is back, though replacing Michael Parkhurst and Khano Smith remains high on the team's agenda. Twenty-six of the 27 players on the training camp roster are in camp this week; Kheli Dube will arrive soon soon after tending to personal matters back in Zimbabwe.

Revs boss Steve Nicol said the assembled players were happy to return to training and ready to return to business.

"It's good to get back and get on with it," Nicol said. "It's nice to have a break, but it's nice to start again. We just want to get back to work."

Fitness training dominates early training sessions. Nicol and his coaching staff set up drills focusing on running and strength training rather than tactical and ball work to open camp.

"Every player dreads it," Heaps said. "It's just part of the game. But if you have to do it with anyone, Stevie and Paul [Mariner, Revolution assistant coach] are the best to do it with."

Nicol and Mariner played the game at the highest level and approach the preseason program with that experience in mind. The necessary game fitness arrives without burning players out, according to Heaps.

"They have a good sense about the length of the season," Heaps said. "They've never overdone anything in terms of fitness. They know exactly what players need. That's what the young guys are starting to learn. It's not going to blow you away, but it's going to get you to the point where you're ready for the season."

Heaps embraces the Revs' training method because both players and coaches approach the work seriously while enjoying themselves at the same time. Heaps said the combination has made the Revs one of the fitter teams in the league.

"It's light in terms of having a few laughs and having a good time," Heaps said. "It's light in terms of everything that we're doing. It's not blow everything out early. That's been a huge success for us. Last year, we had some injuries, but the three or four years before that, we peaked at the right time."

One key injury -- Steve Ralston's broken fibula -- crippled New England's playoff hopes last season. After rehabbing his leg during the offseason, the Revs' captain said he's back and ready to go.

"I haven't felt it at all," Ralston said.

Now 18, LA's Bowen ready to act own age

CARSON, Calif. -- Now comes the hard part for the Los Angeles Galaxy's Tristan Bowen.

It was easy for him to lie about his age and participate in the team's open tryout almost two years ago, when he first caught the attention of then-general manager Alexi Lalas. He trained with the team for most of last season and officially signed with the club in November, which made him the first player in MLS history to be signed by a club through the league's Youth Development Initiative that started in November 2006.

But the truly difficult part is just beginning for Bowen, who turned 18 on Jan. 31. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound forward from nearby Van Nuys has to prove he belongs as he participates in his first official training camp.

"I'm still kind of picking my spots," Bowen said, "but I'm feeling more and more comfortable each day. I'm trying to get the hang of the pace of the game. My ball control is coming along, too.

"It's my first camp, so everything is new to me. But it's going good every day."

Bowen, who went on to play for the U.S. U-18 and U-20 national teams after being discovered by the Galaxy, still vividly recalls seeing a notice on the team's website in early 2007 that advertised an open tryout for players 18 and over. Bowen knew that could pose a problem since he was only 16 at the time, but it didn't stop him.

"I just thought it would be a great idea for me to go in and see where I stacked up against those guys," Bowen said. "I snuck in and I lied about my age. I can't forget that part. The first couple of rounds I did pretty well and it started building from there. Alexi came up to me, said I was the first pick and that's where everything started."

What makes all of this even better for Bowen is he grew up as a fan of the team.

"I used to come to the games and watch guys like Cobi (Jones) and Landon (Donovan) and cheering them," he said. "It's amazing. Who would have known a couple of years later I would be playing on the same field as them."

Not only that, but Bowen is coached by one of them. Jones, who Bowen said he has admired for years, is in his second year as an assistant coach with the Galaxy and has been more than willing to lend Bowen his soccer expertise.

"I'm just trying to better him as a player and a person," Jones said. "I know it's a little tough for him at such a young age to come into a professional atmosphere. There's a lot of changes, probably a lot more than most young players, and a lot of things he has to do.

"As a young player, he's not going to have any respect from anybody in the league. He has to keep up with the pace of the game and keep up with players who are older and stronger and have more experience. That's going to be a tough situation for him."

Jones said he likes what he sees so far and said Bowen has even surprised him a little.

"I think he's making a very good adjustment," he said. "It's a slow process for him, but considering where he's come from he's improved by leaps and bounds. I think he's showed enough maturity already as a soccer player that it's going to help him eventually get on the field."

There's no telling when that will happen, but Bowen still has the same youthful energy he exhibited when he literally came out of nowhere to impress coaches and management in 2007. And if he occasionally looks a little wide-eyed as he talks about a career in its infancy, who can blame him?

"I'm just trying to improve my game every day, whether that's physically or mentally," he said. "I have a lot of good people around me making sure I'm doing the best I can and taking care of myself. When I step on the field I want to make sure I can perform with the rest of the guys.

"Maybe I can offer a spark. Once I get my turn, I want to make sure I go out there and play hard and hopefully provide some energy."

Reds' rookies eager to make impact

TORONTO -- The high temperature on Monday in Toronto reached 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius), leading to what was actually one of the warmest days the city has seen this winter. It still wasn't enough for rookie midfielder Sam Cronin.

"It's cold," said Cronin with a grin. "Much colder than in North Carolina."

The Winston-Salem, N.C. native got his first taste of his new city and new professional team on Monday when Toronto FC officially began its 2009 training camp with medical testing at BMO Field.

After a stellar collegiate career at Wake Forest, Cronin was projected to be a top-five selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. With trade buzz surrounding the event in St. Louis, however, Cronin wasn't sure where he would end up before TFC called his name as the No. 2 overall selection.

"The rumors were spreading and I have people telling me what was going on, but I had no idea I was being selected by Toronto at all," Cronin said. "I was just focused going into the combine, just doing what I've done well in four years at college and not trying to change the way I play or anything."

Cronin was the first of three first-round selections for the Reds in the MLS SuperDraft. UConn striker O'Brian White was picked fourth overall, though the Scarborough native isn't expected to make an impact for his hometown team until 2010 due to a torn ACL suffered last fall.

Taken 13th overall was goalkeeper Stefan Frei, whose availability in this slot was something of a surprise to many analysts. The University of California 'keeper was projected as a top-five pick in some mock drafts, and thus many pundits felt TFC got a steal late in the first round.

From Frei's perspective, his draft number didn't matter as much as the identity of the team who picked him.

"There's so many mock drafts and stuff going on that I try to not listen to it," he said. "It's quite a ride, you're just sitting there and just waiting to figure out where you're going to end up. I don't think I could've ended up in a better situation than in Toronto, I'm really excited."

High draft positions don't mean as much in MLS as in other pro sports, but it is certain that the first-year players will get every chance to prove themselves. Head coach John Carver has openly stated that nobody on the roster -- be it a rookie or an established veteran -- is guaranteed a starting position.

Carver pointed to last season, when first-year 'keeper Brian Edwards started Toronto's opening game ahead of incumbent starter Greg Sutton, as an example of how Frei could rise up the TFC depth chart.

"It's not as if you have two really good goalkeepers and a backup," Carver said. "We have three top quality goalkeepers. Of all the draft picks for me [in 2008], Brian Edwards was the one who stepped forward and improved the most and really caught my eye. He's going to put pressure onto Greg, Stefan will put pressure on the other two."

This situation is fine with Frei.

"I don't expect to play, but I'm going to work as hard as I can and if I can't play, hopefully at least I can push the other guys to get better," Frei said. "I'm going to bring my best and hopefully get the best out of them as well, and whoever plays will play."

As for Cronin, the 23-year-old jumps into a crowded Toronto midfield that includes such notables as Amado Guevara, Dwayne De Rosario, Rohan Ricketts and Carl Robinson. While it remains to be seen what TFC's alignment will look like, Cronin knows that he'll have to earn playing time amongst so many proven stars.

"I'm confident that I can contribute to the team in training or in games," Cronin said. "We'll see a little more as preseason goes on how my role fits in. ... I'm just looking to work hard and fit in wherever I can. My job is to help the team better and whatever my role is going to be I'm going to accept it and do my best."

One teammate who may play a key role in Cronin's development is Robinson. Carver said that the two players play a similar type of physical game, and that the veteran has already proven his mentoring abilities with other past rookies.

"Carl ... has done that the last couple of seasons with Mo Edu and Pat Phelan," Carver said. "Carl is such a good professional he's going to improve the younger players. He's an experienced international football player. If Sam develops the way that Robbo did as a young player, then the world's his oyster."

Cronin, for his part, is eager to learn from his elders.

"I'm just a young guy coming in hoping to learn a lot," Cronin said. "To have a guy like Robbo, who has tons of experience around the world playing the game. ... I'm really excited to pick his brain and be on him as much as I can to learn from him. I'm excited to learn and to get better."

Time will tell if TFC's draft picks will be as impressive on the pitch as they are on paper. After the first day of camp, however, Frei has moved ahead of Cronin in at least one key area of the Toronto experience.

"We have snow, which we didn't have in California," Frei said. "I'm originally from Switzerland, so I miss the snow in the winter."

Reds start camp with high expectations

TORONTO -- Like the protective bubble erected over BMO Field in the winter, there are no signs that the bubble of enthusiasm felt amongst Toronto FC's players and coaches for the upcoming season is anywhere close to bursting.

"I'm really excited," said team captain Jim Brennan. "I think there's going to be big things this season. The guys are all here, everybody's buzzing, the coaches are buzzing. Good things are coming for Toronto FC."

The Reds' preseason camp officially began on Monday as the players gathered at BMO Field for medicals and fitness testing, followed by an afternoon training session. The team will spend two more days this week training in Toronto before departing for their full camp in Bradenton, Fla. on Friday.

Nearly the entire roster was on hand on Monday, with the only exceptions being those away on international duty (Marvell Wynne, Amado Guevara, Gabe Gala, Nana Attakora-Gyan) or rehabbing an injury (first-round draft pick O'Brian White).

The offseason news for TFC has been dominated by the acquisition of star midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, a four-time MLS Cup winner in San Jose and Houston. Brennan said he was pleased that the club added not just a top player, but also a fellow Canadian international.

"I've known Dwayne since I was a kid," Brennan said. "We've played a lot together and now he's back home. That's a big motivator. He's playing in front of his friends and family just like I did. He gets the ball and does his own thing, but he's not a selfish player either, he likes to bring other players into the action and into the game. We need someone like that."

Co-captain Carl Robinson said that he is looking forward to playing with De Rosario, but Robinson also noted that the rest of the team can't sit back expect De Rosario to single-handedly put the side into the playoffs.

"Dwayne is a fantastic player but he's one piece of the jigsaw," Robinson said. "There's a lot of pressure on him coming in because people will be expecting him to score 20 goals but the players won't. We know he's a match-winner, he can turn games that are tight for us ... we know he brings quality to the table and adds to the quality we already have."

The talent on the TFC roster played a factor in Robinson's decision to return for a third season in Toronto. The Welsh midfielder was courted by several teams in England, but after consulting with his family, he decided to stay with the Reds.

"It was a big decision I couldn't make lightly," Robinson said. "I had to think with regards to, if I committed myself to Toronto, I maybe might not go back and play in England ever again. For someone who's played 15 years in England, that's hard.

"My two years have been fantastic here. I had some offers to join some super clubs over there, but having said that, this is a super club here. ... I enjoyed my football so much over the last two years that I was willing to extend my future here."

After finishing just four points out a playoff spot in 2008, TFC are looking for a more consistent standard of play in order to earn the club its first postseason berth.

"As a player you want to win things," Robinson said. "It's not about how much money you have, it's about trophies and medals. We should've got into the playoffs last year, we had our run too late, we've got to make sure we don't do that this year. We have pick up results early in the season and continue things on positively after that."

Robinson and striker Danny Dichio had their contracts extended for 2009 in January, while it was announced on Monday that winger Rohan Ricketts had also been signed through the next season. In Dichio's case, the veteran forward was considering retirement before deciding to return for another season.

"It was emotional for me since I've been doing this since I was nine years old," Dichio said. "I felt I was strong enough. I spoke to the coaches, players and some coaches back in England who said you regret it when you retire too young. There is a path I want to take when I'm done my career as a footballer, but I'm not ready for that yet. I still think I can give something to the team."

Monday's session also marked the first time that TFC's 2009 SuperDraft picks had a chance to see their new surroundings. First round picks Sam Cronin (No. 2 overall) and Stefan Frei (No. 13 overall) were highly regarded by many pundits going into the draft, and third-round pick Kyle Hall is both a Toronto native and a member of the Canadian under-23 national team.

Carver said that he hopes these rookies can follow in the footsteps of some other notable SuperDraft picks who have worn the Toronto red.

"We've seen what happened with [2007 SuperDraft No. 1 overall pick] Mo Edu stepping up to the plate and handled the situation. [2006 SuperDraft No. 1 overall pick] Marvell Wynne did a similar thing when he was in New York," Carver said. "I've said to these guys don't think you're coming into a football team where you can't compete for places. Come and compete for the place and if you earn the right, you know what I'm like, I'll play you. ... To be fair as a coach to your players, you have to give everybody an opportunity to step up and earn their due."

Many scouts tabbed Cronin and Frei as two college players that could step in any play right away in MLS, which would be a boost to a Toronto side that fielded some less-than-ideal lineups last year due to injuries and an abundance of international absences. One of those internationals, Jamaican defender Tyrone Marshall, thought the rookies would challenge the veterans in camp.

"We won't be lacking in talent when those competitions come around and that's what we were covering our bases on this year," Marshall said. "It's good when you have depth on your team. It makes a person play a little bit harder and raises your standards, and that helps the team play at a higher level."

The pieces seem to be in place for Toronto FC as the club prepares to head south, and everyone involved with the Reds seems to be chomping at the bit to begin work on the upcoming season.

"I just couldn't wait to get going this morning," said Carver. "I was like a young school kid and was awake early. I was driving to the stadium by 6 a.m."

US joins race for 2018, 2022 World Cups

The United States Soccer Federation has joined 11 other nations to officially submit a bid to play host to either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati announced on Monday.

The United States joins CONCACAF rival Mexico, England, Russia, Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium from Europe, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Australia and Qatar from Asia and Egypt from Africa to submit bids at the FIFA deadline.

"We've got some very serious competitors," Gulati said in a conference call Monday afternoon. "Our neighbor Mexico has hosted two spectacular World Cups, England is home to the No. 1 league in the world in the eyes of many, Spain has put on terrific events and has a great national team...There's a lot of very strong competitors."

The entire bid process will span 16 months, with FIFA setting May 2010 as the deadline for countries to submit their final paperwork. FIFA's 24-man Executive Committee will then review each bid and name the two hosts for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups in December 2010.

"The bidding has become much more competitive since we last did this in 1987 and 1988. The number of countries that have applied should be a pretty strong indication of that," Gulati said. "FIFA's requirements have become much more rigorous...We think we can meet all those standards."

World Cup USA 1994 was the most successful event in FIFA history, shattering attendance records -- both in terms of average attendance and overall attendance.

The success led to the birth of Major League Soccer two years later and Women's Professional Soccer, which will begin its inaugural season in the spring.

"There were a lot of doubters about the World Cup and whether we could fill stadiums -- we did that," said Gulati, who will serve as chair of the USA Bid Committee. "There were a lot of doubters that we start a professional league -- we did that. There were a lot of doubters whether we would be around after a couple of years of a professional league - we did that and have more people wanting to get in now than we ever had before."

Gulati said one of the strengths of the U.S. bid is that there isn't the same infrastructure concerns that other nations have, which is why he'd prefer to host the 2018 World Cup.

"Sooner is always better in the case of a country like the United States because we're not talking about building stadiums, highways, hotels, airports or any of those sorts of things," he said. "From that perspective we don't need more time to build any infrastructure."

Gulati said it is too early in the process to mention any potential cities or stadiums to host games, but he did point out current construction projects in Dallas and New Jersey. While the building of soccer-specific MLS stadiums has been a big part of the growth of soccer in the United States, it is highly unlikely that any of those stadiums would host because the minimum seating requirement would be 40,000 and 80,000 for the opening game and final.

Gulati said there are about 40 venues throughout the country, including a few that are in the process of being built, that could potentially host games. Eventually, he said, the list of 25-30 cities will be reduced to between nine and 14.

"We have an abundance of choices in this country," Gulati said. "We're going to have stadiums in this country that are between 80,000 and 90,000 seats that have never hosted a game."

David Downs, previously the president of Univision Sports, will serve as the executive director of the USA Bid Committee. Downs also worked at ABC Television Network for 21 years, where he was instrumental in broadcasting World Cup games without commercial interruption.

"I feel very honored to be part of the effort to bring the World Cup back to American shores and I look forward with great enthusiasm to the challenges ahead in this bid process," Downs said. "I know that the United States has all the qualities necessary to once again host a first-class World Cup tournament."

Also named to the bid committee are U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn, MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Phil Murphy, the former National Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Other members of the USA Bid Committee will be announced in the near future.

"We are what we are today because of the World Cup in 1994. Without it, I don't think Major League Soccer exists," Garber said. "Should we get the World Cup in '18 or '22, I think it would have a similarly impactful benefit to the league, in terms of growing the passion people in this country have for the sport."

Gallardo era comes to an end in D.C.

WASHINGTON -- After a week of indoor fitness work with nary a ball in sight, D.C. United's players gratefully returned to the RFK Stadium auxiliary turf field for drills and small-sided games on Friday. But the biggest revelation of the afternoon -- by far -- took place in RFK's subterranean media room afterwards, when general manager Dave Kasper officially confirmed a development which had fueled a week's worth of rumors and reports about D.C. playmaker Marcelo Gallardo.

"We've reached an agreement with Marcelo to let him go back to Argentina and finish his career, basically releasing him from his obligations," said Kasper. "He is now free to sign and finish his career down south."

Thus ends Gallardo's star-crossed stint in Washington, one year and one day after he was unveiled as United's first-ever designated player amid great fanfare and enthusiasm. Despite his indisputable talent, the Argentinean World Cup veteran never really settled in with D.C. during an injury-riddled 2008 campaign and in many ways, his departure closes the door on a strange and lamentable 12 months for the Black-and-Red.

"Obviously, we know the difficulties we had last year -- we wanted him on the field more. But it's his desire to finish over there, and you can respect that. He's had a long history there," said United coach Tom Soehn. "I respect his decision. He is going to move on and we are going to move on."

Presently recuperating from his latest ailment, an adductor release surgery in December, "El Muneco" spent the offseason in his homeland and had been excused from United's early preseason workouts to date.

Kasper said the midfielder had briefly expressed some desire for a permanent return to Argentina last month. But those thoughts apparently kicked into high gear when the prospect of a return to River Plate, Gallardo's first and most beloved club, materialized in recent weeks.

"He was pretty up front about it," said Kasper. "We thought that he was coming back, but he had some last-minute thoughts. I am sure part of it is that he had a couple clubs interested in him, and at the end of the day, we all know where he started and where he wanted to finish up. I think that became much more of a possibility over the past few days."

Gallardo was eager to make his mark in Major League Soccer when he arrived from French side Paris Saint-Germain last winter, but a season of struggle in his new country tested him mightily and in the end, the opportunity to return to his roots was too good to pass up. Having made his name with River -- he made his debut as a 17-year-old in 1993 and would soon help Los Millonarios win four Argentinean league titles and a Copa Libertadores triumph -- he remains a cult hero for many fans of the Buenos Aires giants and his affection for the club lingered throughout his time abroad.

"I think when he got back down there and did his rehab, it kind of hit him," said Kasper. "He had been away, in France and then here."

Gallardo's vision and class illuminated MLS during United's 2008 midsummer hot streak, but it proved only a brief flash as sports hernia and knee troubles sidelined him for the vast majority of the season's second half. Noting his absence this preseason, his former D.C. teammates have already begun to move on.

"We haven't even brought it up," said midfielder Santino Quaranta of Gallardo. "Last year it was a problem all year for us, and you never knew what was going to happen next and it was really like a soap opera, man. I know he's a great guy, I like him on a personal level, but when you're not here -- this brings a team together, the week that we just had. You go through the blood, the sweat and the tears."

Gallardo's departure leaves a significant gap in the United midfield and while 2008 MLS squads are not finalized until April, the impending closure of the current international transfer window (which ends at midnight on Saturday night) leaves little time for the club to arrange a move for a player of his caliber and resume. But Kasper and Soehn expressed confidence in the group they've already gathered, and seem content to learn more about the squad on their upcoming preseason travels before making any more major moves.

"It's a bit of a challenge. You really have to look for the right situation, players who can basically walk away from their club," said Kasper of securing a foreign playmaker in the weeks ahead. "It is an ongoing process. You look to make your team better in each transfer window, and that could extend on into the summer."

McCarty back in Hoops' fold

FRISCO, Texas -- After much speculation about his future with FC Dallas, Hoops midfielder Dax McCarty has returned to Frisco, participating in his first training session of 2009 on Thursday evening after missing the first week of preseason practice.

McCarty had been sitting home in Florida at the request of FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman. The 20-year-old was just several months removed from a tumultuous 2008 season that ended with him expressing his displeasure over a lack of playing time and requesting a trade.

Hyndman and McCarty have now cleared the air and all is well, good news for a side still in need of a central attacking midfielder, a role both feel McCarty can play.

"It feels really good to be back," McCarty said. "It's the first time in two years where I've had the full offseason off. It's a blessing because you get your legs back. I had a little extra time off and used it to work myself back into shape. I just wanted to make sure that when I got back in somewhere, I was in shape. It's been a little frustrating, now knowing what's happening but now that everything is sorted out, I couldn't be happier to be back in Dallas and join my teammates to prepare for the new season."

Count his coach as equally happy with the resolution of the situation.

"He's great," Hyndman said. "We had a really good conversation today. I think we put a lot of things aside and realized that he can be a very important part of FC Dallas. I really appreciate him coming in fit, mentally focused and wanting to make it a good year for us."

McCarty is glad to now have a clean slate with the fifth coach of his four-year professional career.

"Last year is in the past," he said. "It was just something that two guys had to sit down and talk about, communicate and resolve things. They weren't even big things, they were small things. It's a learning process for both of us with a new coach coming into the league trying to figure out the best way to handle things. We had a meeting and everything went well. Now my sole focus is to help the team and try to win a spot like everyone else."

One possibility for McCarty is the attacking midfield spot.

"Yes, of course (he could play there)," Hyndman said. "There are certain things I want in those positions. In all fairness to Dax, we've never really worked our way through those job descriptions. I think he can do it. He could be that No. 10. There's no doubt about it."

A big asset for McCarty is that he is the type of two-way player that Hyndman wants.

"I think he has all the fitness," he said. "I think he's got the ability to do it. It's kind of like defending. Before you go out and do it, the mind has to say that I'm going to defend. It comes down to understanding the job description."

McCarty agrees that he could fill that need but adds that he will contribute anywhere Hyndman asks him to.

"I like to see myself as a two-way midfielder," McCarty said. "I see myself as a guy who can fit at multiple positions in the midfield. I've played pretty much everywhere in the midfield since I've been here. It ultimately comes down to what the team needs. I can absolutely play the No. 10 position. I've played it before and know what Schellas expects from that position. I can also play defensive mid. I'm all for whatever is going to help us win."

Even though McCarty has missed a week of practice, Hyndman isn't worried about him catching up.

"Watching him today and talking to him, he's a player that stays fit," he said. "What he has missed is the one-v-one defending and how much we have worked on that, two-v-two defending, three-v-three defending, the covering, pressure and the balance. But he's not the only one who has missed that."

McCarty, who was a member of the U.S. Olympic team that played in China during 2008, said he has put last year behind him and views the entire situation as one big life lesson.

"(The biggest thing I learned is) to be mature and be professional about everything," McCarty said. "Ups and downs are going to occur and you're not always going to agree with every decision that's made, but that's part of the game. It's how you deal with it that's really the main thing. I've learned a great deal about how to deal with situations differently. I've gotten a lot of great advice and have had a lot of support from teammates. I love it here, love the team and everything about this organization. So it's good to be back and have the support of everyone around you. You grow and you mature as a player. Ultimately, that's my goal, is to mature and help the team in any way I can."

His teammates have also put the situation behind them and welcomed McCarty back.

"It was like I didn't miss a beat," he said. "It's just good to be back out with the guys and be part of a team again. You sit at home, get a little antsy, and itch to start playing again. I definitely wanted to come back. I was ready to come back on a couple of occasions but they told me to hold off and make sure that nothing happened at the last minute. Once I got the call to come back, I was excited. It's great to be back. My teammates are great and they welcomed me back with open arms."

When asked about a purported trade to San Jose, McCarty offered a succinct response.

"I really tried to stay away from it," he said. "If that was the case, I was going to accept it, embrace it, try to move on and use this as a learning experience. I knew in the back of my head that I would love to come back to Dallas. You put things in the past. I don't hold grudges and the good thing about it is that neither does Schellas. It's great to be back where I am. I'm feeling really good about the situation here and the team we're putting together. You can just tell after my first training session that it's already sharper and that guys are already more prepared and focused for the upcoming year. It feels good."

First XI: The early slate

Like opening a new Christmas toy, it's the MLS schedule for all to see!

Every year, the schedule brings us our first glimpse of what's ahead in the MLS campaign. Who's got it tough in the early going? Who can make ground? Hey, it's anyone's guess, but First XI likes to plan things out, prep the DVR, clear the schedule, etc. So, from March to May, here's a list of 11 games I'm not going to want to miss:

11. Seattle Sounders FC vs. New York Red Bulls. Qwest Field, Thursday, March 19.
How can you not get excited about a First Kick game that is a curtain-raiser for an entire organization? Man, I remember like it was yesterday getting all jazzed up for the Miami Fusion's first game (vs. D.C. United) and the Chicago Fire's first game (against Miami). I vividly recall Real Salt Lake taking on the MetroStars in a monsoon in their first-ever game. The opener for Seattle promises to be a fun night for Kasey Keller and Co., and an interesting test for Juan Carlos Osorio's Red Bulls, who enter the season with high goals and expectations after their run to the final a year ago. Expect a huge crowd, too.

10. Houston Dynamo vs. Columbus Crew. Robertson Stadium, Saturday, March 21.
In my heart, I'm thinking that Houston believes it was the team that could've kept Columbus from raising the Cup last year, if it weren't for their hiccup against the Red Bulls. To be fair, it was more than a hiccup. They lost 3-0 on their home field. Now, with that bitter memory on their mind, Dominic Kinnear and his crew will look to get back to the top of the MLS mountain once again. How better to prove your back than by taking down the defending champions right out of the gate?

9. Colorado Rapids vs. Kansas City Wizards. Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Saturday, March 28.
Two teams -- one from each conference -- with a lot to prove in 2009. The Rapids need to show they're a playoff team once again, while the Wizards need to prove they're a team ready to take the next step up, to contender. These two teams split their two meetings a year ago, with both teams holding serve at home. Both games were tight, one-goal affairs. Add in a 2-2 draw in the U.S. Open Cup (a game won by K.C. on penalties) and you can see a couple of teams that match up very closely. This should be a good opening month match.

8. San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo. Buck Shaw Stadium, Saturday, March 28.
I still get a kick out of this rivalry. How could you not, given what went down, when the old Quakes became the new Dynamo and went out and won a couple of Cups. Frank Yallop will have a firm grasp on things in San Jose in Year Two, and the Quakes are going to challenge for a playoff spot for sure. Can they take down the Dynamo in this early-season match? On their homefield, with a whole lot of crazies screaming for them, for sure. What's more, I expect this rivalry to be one of the big ones out West this year.

7. LA Galaxy vs. Chivas USA. The Home Depot Center, Saturday, April 11.
The SuperClasico belonged to the Galaxy a year ago, even though it was Chivas making the playoffs for a third consecutive year and LA missing for the third year in a row. With injuries and defections taking their toll on Preki's squad, and Bruce Arena doing an Extreme Makeover of the Galaxy, there's no telling what will happen this year. But for sheer color, drama and pageantry, this game is always a must-see match on the schedule.

6. Toronto FC vs. FC Dallas. BMO Field, Saturday, April 11.
Two teams who missed out on the playoffs a year ago who are expecting to dance into the postseason this year. For Toronto FC, it's time. They were near-misses a year ago, but continue to make progress, both in the way they play and in their overall effectiveness. Plus, factor in the BMO Field advantage for this game. As for FCD, a good start is critical for Schellas Hyndman, after a winless October in 2008.

5. Chivas USA vs. Seattle Sounders FC. The Home Depot Center, Saturday, April 18.
While Sounders FC are not the USL Sounders, it should be noted that there is a bit of history between Chivas USA and Seattle. Chivas USA went down to the USL Sounders in the U.S. Open Cup in each of the last two years. As well, the two clubs were involved in a couple of player transfers in recent years, most notably the move of Maykel Galindo from Seattle to Chivas USA a couple of seasons ago. In addition, Galindo, if healthy, will certainly want to make an impression on the team that represents the city where he found U.S. freedom.

4. Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution. Toyota Park, Saturday, May 9.
For my money, the best rivalry in MLS right now. Not sure exactly how it evolved, probably back in the 2002 season when then-interim coach Steve Nicol's club came back from the dead, beginning with a miracle win in Naperville. Last year, however, the rivalry took a turn for the weird, as Chicago took all three meetings, including 3-0 and 4-0 blowouts in the early part of the season, then eliminated New England in the MLS Cup Playoffs with a 3-0 second-leg drubbing. That's got to be sticking in the Revs' mind.

3. New York Red Bulls vs. Houston Dynamo. Giants Stadium, Saturday, May 16.
OK, here we go. Grudge match in the Meadowlands. Not much needs to be said here, except that Houston's still hurting from that 3-0 loss to the Red Bulls last October. It was perhaps the greatest playoff upset in league history, and it came out of nowhere. I think the scoreline was pretty deceiving as Houston got down 2-0 quick, spent much of the day pounding away to make it a one-goal game, only to see it get away late. That said, the Dynamo have probably been looking at the scoreline all winter.

2. New England Revolution vs. D.C. United. Gillette Stadium, Saturday, May 30.
One of my favorite traditional East Coast rivalries. The spin this year is: what direction are these two traditional powers going? While the Revs made the playoffs a year ago and D.C. did not, I'm not so sure these aren't two teams going in the opposite direction. That is, I am expecting United to make a climb this year while New England remains a mystery to me. I hate to ever sell Steve Nicol short as his teams always seem to rise, but I can't help but wonder if the Revs are going to be a scrambling outfit this year. This game will provide many insights into what lay ahead for both clubs.

1.Seattle Sounders FC vs. Columbus Crew. Qwest Field, Saturday, May 30.
And who won't be able to sink their teeth into this match? Sigi Schmid and his Sounders playing host to his old friends from Columbus. Will the Crew carry Sir Sigi's ring out to the Pacific Northwest for a little pregame presentation? I doubt it. Will Robert Warzycha want to make a big impression on his former boss? Something tells me yes.

Dynamo introduce 18-year-old striker

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Houston Dynamo officially announced the acquisition of their newest player Thursday, 18-year-old U.S. youth international forward Felix Garcia.

Garcia was acquired through the MLS allocation process and signed to a Generation adidas contract. The Dynamo traded spots in the MLS allocation order with Toronto FC, who held the third spot. Houston sent an international roster spot to Toronto for two years in exchange for moving up in the allocation draft order.

The Laredo native comes with an impressive resume for an 18-year-old. During his two years with the Laredo Heat of the PDL, the team played in two championship games. During the first year, Garcia scored the only goal in the semifinals as his team advanced to the title game. The championship was decided on penalty kicks, where it was Garcia who converted the game winning penalty.

Last year, Laredo advanced again to the PDL championship game, but lost in the final. However, Garcia was named the PDL Under-19 Player of the year and led his team with an impressive 11 goals.

While admitting he has never seen Garcia play, Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear noted he came highly recommended.

"I put a lot of faith in (U.S. under-20 national team coach) Thomas Rongen's assessment of Felix. About all the players that were in his camp, the person he thought has the best potential to be a very good professional, the name was Felix Garcia," Kinnear said.

While Garcia nervously said that he hopes to make the starting 11, Kinnear noted that there is no pressure on him to play.

"We want him to play, but the pressure is to grow as a soccer player and be a good productive player on and off the field." Kinnear said. "If I feel that Felix is good enough to play for us and help us win games, he is going to play. There is no pressure."

Kinnear was pleased that another young player elected to come into Major League Soccer, and for their part, Dynamo executives also counseled patience.

"It is unrealistic to expect any player, no matter how talented, to come right in an make an enormous difference," said Dynamo president Oliver Luck. "But we see a lot of potential in Felix and he has a chance at a great age to learn from our players and from what we think is the best coaching staff in the league."

Regardless of how quickly he makes his professional debut, Garcia's enthusiasm of realizing his dream of becoming a professional athlete at age 18 was infectious.

"I feel very happy to be here. I came here to play soccer and enjoy my life with my girlfriend. I want to take the opportunity to thank those that had something to do with this. It's a dream come true, and I can't wait to get on the pitch," he said.

Buddle feels healthy, ready for encore

CARSON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy's Edson Buddle had one of his best seasons in 2008 with 15 goals, third in MLS behind Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan and FC Dallas' Kenny Cooper. Buddle said he feels ready for an encore in 2009.

The reason for his enthusiasm has to do with the fact he's feeling injury-free, which is a major improvement from his history of foot problems. He has spent much of the last six years battling sore Achilles tendons, and he thinks he finally found the solution late last year.

Buddle, who turns 28 on May 21, underwent a blood therapy called PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). The plasma was injected directly into both of his tendons to facilitate healing and improved blood flow, and Buddle said he's already noticed a difference.

"It's good," he said. "I got through the first week, and I want to get through this one. I could tell the difference a week or so after I had it done. This should be a year when it's probably 90 percent better."

Buddle said he originally injured both Achilles in 2003 while training for the U.S. Olympic team at The Home Depot Center. The accumulation of two-a-day practices eventually proved to be too much, he said, and he's had problems ever since.

He did score 15 goals (second to Donovan's league-high 20) and had three assists in 26 starts last season but, true to form, his feet started to give him trouble late in the regular season.

"It's been the same every year," he said. "Toward the end of the year it bothers me and picks up. It's like it has a mind of its own ... some days it's good while other days it's not so good. I've tried to capitalize on those times it's feeling great. When it's feeling bad, I try to ice it and just stay on top of it."

Buddle laughed when asked if his feet bother him more on cold days -- "Fortunately, we don't have many of those here in Los Angeles," he said -- but he said it often took him anywhere from 20-30 minutes before he could get going in the morning.

He tried various other suggestions -- hydrating, stretching and keeping the tendons lengthened as much as possible -- but they often went to no avail. He decided last November to undergo the PRP, something he'd never heard of before, because he was close to feeling desperate. The fact that the procedure might have cost him a possible call-up to the U.S. national team for a recent friendly against Sweden was of no concern to him.

But his feet were.

"I've tried just about everything else," he said of undergoing the procedure in early November. "I wanted to give it a shot."

He finally was cleared by doctors on Dec. 19 to resume workouts, and Buddle took it easy during his first week of training camp. Now that he got through it in one piece, he's getting a little anxious to starting pushing it. He feels he's ready to have an even bigger season than what he had in 2008, thanks to his improved feet.

"I'd like to have another good year, and I think I can," he said. "Last year was a good one for me, but it was bittersweet because the team struggled. Collectively, you always want to do well.

"I'm looking forward to this season. With all of the new players in here, I think we can jell. We'll see what happens."

Champion Crew begin new era

COLUMBUS - Call it Robert Warzycha's team version 1.5.

The Columbus Crew coach belatedly held the first preseason training session for the defending MLS Cup champions Thursday morning at an indoor facility north of the city.

Warzycha went from first assistant to the top job when Sigi Schmid left for Seattle Sounders FC in December. While Warzycha is a full-time head coach for the first time, he's been in charge of the Crew before under different circumstances.

In 2005, he took a team that was 4-10-2 under Greg Andrulis to a 7-6-3 record the remainder of the season while carrying the interim tag. He was interviewed for the permanent post before it ultimately went to Schmid.

Now, it's Warzycha's unenviable task to try and replicate the 2008 season when the Crew -- non-qualifiers for the playoffs the previous three seasons -- shocked most everyone, including their fans, by winning the Supporters' Shield and the title in their first MLS Cup appearance.

"There was much more pressure in 2005," said Warzycha. "When I took over in 2005, the team was in the hole because we had only 14 points and we were losing games. That was a little bit different.

"We have a championship team, now. If you look at the players and their mentality it was a little bit different from last time. It's two different situations. It feels great to be here."

The former Crew player was anxious to get going on Wednesday but a rather large ice and snow storm paralyzed Columbus and forced the cancellation of the first day of camp.

"I was anxious to get on the field with the players. I was happy to see them today," he said. "Happy, too, that everyone is healthy."

It was a not a full squad that went through almost two hours of training. Goalkeeper William Hesmer, defender Frankie Hejduk and midfielders Brian Carroll, Eddie Gaven and Robbie Rogers are training in Carson, Calif., in preparation for the U.S.-Mexico World Cup qualifier that will be played Feb. 11 in Crew Stadium.

League and MLS Cup MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto is expected to arrive from Argentina this weekend as is forward Jason Garey, who was given an excused absence to celebrate his wedding with family and friends in Louisiana.

Also, goalkeeper coach Vadim Kirillov missed practice because of the flu but first-year assistant coach and former Crew defender Ricardo Iribarren was in hand to help Warzycha and assistant coach Mike Lapper.

SuperDraft picks Alex Grendi and Chris Clements and non-roster invitees Ty Shipalane and Tom Heinemann participated but the first selection, defender Paul Gerstenberger, will join the club in Florida next week.

The Crew will train in Columbus through Wednesday then begin 12 days in Bradenton, Fla., on Feb. 6. After resuming training in Columbus Feb. 20-24, the team will be based in Liverpool, England Feb. 26 to March 6. The final stops before the season opener March 21 at Houston are games March 12 in Laredo, Texas, and two days later in Austin, Texas.

"It's the eighth year I've been doing this. In preseason you try to get ready and get back into the rhythm of things and hopefully get some good work not only here but in Florida," forward Alejandro Moreno said. "It's not ideal (in Columbus) but it is what we have. We try to make the best of it. When we get down to Florida next week, with the heat and humidity perhaps we might be thinking it's better to be in the cold weather."

The Crew are in unchartered territory as they start season No. 14. For the first time, the label "defending champion" is in front of the name.

"We have a target on our back. It's up to us to realize that's the case but not feel the pressure. We have to use it to our advantage. It will be a tough challenge," defender Danny O'Rourke said.

Being the hunted is better than the alternative. Just ask forward Pat Noonan. He was on the losing side of the MLS Cup the previous three years with New England before he joined the Crew in August and earned his first championship three months later.

"We've had enough time to relish it and enjoy it," he said. "It's over now. It's the first day of a new season and the start, hopefully, of working our way back to a championship."

The theme around the team is that there is no sense living in the past.

"Every season is different and every season posts a different challenge," Moreno said. "It's a new story. It's up to us to make the most of it and up to us to make the best of it.

"We're not sneaking up on any team. We're not a team that people perhaps didn't give much of a chance. We're now a team people talk about getting back to the MLS Cup. For us, the key is getting back to the things we know how to do the best -- that is to work very, very a hard for each other and sacrifice for each other and make the most of our opportunities going forward."

Spirits high as Chivas USA camp opens

CARSON, Calif. -- With many of the same faces that have been defending the team's colors for several seasons now, Chivas USA opened the fifth training camp in club history on Wednesday.

Some new faces, such as Cuban forward Reiner Alcantara and rookie draft pick Michael Lahoud, meshed with veterans Jesse Marsch and Maykel Galindo as the club set forth on the long and challenging road towards March 21 and the 2009 MLS season opener.

Players felt that day one passed on as well as could have been expected.

"Every day has to be about getting a little sharper and getting a little better and establishing yourself within the team for each individual and as a group," Marsch said. "As much as you have two months to get ready, you don't really have any time to waste. You want to make sure every day you get something out of it and that you're pushing each other the right way and I feel like today was a good start."

Part of the day's events included Sacha Kljestan, who cut off most of his locks following Saturday's U.S. national team match, and Jonathan Bornstein. Kljestan had a hat trick in the United States' 3-2 win against Sweden while Bornstein started the match.

Another familiar face who was a welcomed sight was Galindo. The club's leading goal scorer with 12 goals in the 2007 season was hampered with injuries a year ago and scored just once, in the 2008 season opener.

Galindo said he was excited about the opportunity to get back into the swing of things.

"I feel happy," Galindo said. "We all know what happened last year with my injuries and now to be back with the team it feels good. I'm doubly happy."

Another familiar face to return to the fold was former defender Carlos Llamosa. The U.S. World Cup veteran did not find the fountain of youth and re-join veteran Claudio Suarez on the backline; instead Llamosa will serve as head coach Preki's right-hand man as Llamosa is now an assitant coach with the club.

"I'm very happy to be back to the team, the team where I finished my soccer career," Llamosa said. "Now as an assistant coach it's a good challenge."

The soccer Wednesday was not necessarily pretty, but the club's sights are set on getting to the postseason and winning their first-ever playoff series. If the soccer is not attractive on the first day of training camp, there is nothing wrong with that.

After all, there are other things that must come first.

"Everybody's adrenaline is flowing on the first day," Marsch said. "It's not always the best soccer but it's fun to get back out here and get at it again and establish starting points."

Galaxy get bigger, stronger -- better?

CARSON, Calif. -- It is no stretch of the imagination to say the Los Angeles Galaxy could reach new heights this season.

There are those who might argue the Galaxy have only one direction to go after a 2008 season in which they led MLS in goals scored (55) and allowed (62). A look at their roster, which has undergone a substantial makeover during the offseason, reflects an emphasis on size, something that was sorely lacking a year ago.

The defense could feature, among others, 6-foot-4 Jamaican international Donovan Ricketts in goal -- that's if 6-3 Steve Cronin doesn't start in his place -- 6-5 rookie Omar Gonzalez, 6-3 Leo Bautista (on trial from FC Caracas) and 6-2 Tony Sanneh (trying to make a comeback at age 37) on the back line. The forwards also have size in, among others, 6-3 Alan Gordon, 6-1 Stefani Miglioranzi, 6-1 Jovan Kirovski, 6-1 Chris Klein and 6-1 Edson Buddle to offset the likes of Landon Donovan, who stands just 5-8.

The Galaxy certainly shouldn't be confused with a collection of redwoods in cleats, but they definitely look bigger and stronger this season.

"I think that's one thing Bruce wanted to do," Cronin said of head coach/general manager Bruce Arena's offseason rebuilding strategy, "to bring in more size, especially on defense. An extra couple of inches never hurts."

Klein in particular, is pleased with the new physical makeup of the team.

"It was no secret that Bruce felt that we got not pushed around ... but pushed around," he said with a laugh. "Defensively, we weren't that big in the middle. And in set pieces, we were hurting. We had a guy like David (Beckham) serving the ball, and I don't think we scored a goal off a corner kick all season. More size definitely was one need we addressed in the offseason.

"When you're going through the season, you don't realize that soccer is a very democratic sport where you can be 5-6 and dominate. Size in itself does not carry the game, but in certain aspects it definitely helps."

Arena, who took over the Galaxy last Aug. 18, said he wasn't simply looking for more size on defense. He mostly was looking for improvement, and it just so happened many of the new players he has brought into camp by either trades, the draft or on trial are taller and more athletic.

It was no secret the Galaxy had a major weakness last year in defending set pieces and corner kicks. Their center backs, for example, often consisted of Troy Roberts and Sean Franklin, who are generously listed as 5-11 and 5-10, respectively.

"You'd have to be a complete idiot not to think we had to improve there," Arena said of the makeup of his defense. "When you give up 62 goals, that ain't right. If it's broken, you fix it.

"Getting bigger is part of it, too. The notion that this game is a game of all sizes and shapes is accurate. But if all your sizes and shapes tend to be small, when all things are equal the bigger, stronger athlete wins in every sport. We need to have our share of those as well.

"Even though we could probably live with 11 Landon Donovans."