Eriksson in game of survival

Warning to Mexican national team coaches: Losing to and even playing against the United States can be dangerous for your health and your tenure as coach.

So, it should not be surprising that Mexico's latest coach, Swedish native Sven-Goran Eriksson, finds himself sitting on the hot seat in more ways that one entering Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against the U.S. at Crew Stadium (ESPN2, 7 p.m. ET).

The Mexican media traditionally comes down hard on the team and whichever poor soul has to endure the pressure of coaching a team that has to lose to someone, sooner or later. It has been difficult for Mexicans -- players and citizens -- to come to grips with the fact that the U.S. and the rest of CONCACAF has caught up or is catching up to them.

Several of Eriksson's predecessors met their demise after losing to the U.S., a fourth after playing against the red, white and blue.

A quick history:

Manuel Lapuente (1991): Only two days after losing to the U.S. 2-0 in the 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals in Los Angeles, Lapuente was given his walking papers. Lapuente came back for more and guided the team from 1997-99.

Miguel Mejia Baron (1995): After coaching Mexico to and in the 1994 World Cup, it all went to pieces in 1995. His Mexican team was demolished by the U.S. 4-0 in a U.S. Cup encounter in Washington, D.C. in June and was eliminated by the pesky USA in Copa America in Uruguay on July 17 via penalty kicks after a scoreless draw in Uruguay. Baron, incidentally, was a qualified dentist.

Bora Milutinovic (1997): Baron's replacement turned out to be the old international traveling man, Milutinovic (who directed the MetroStars in their dismal 1999 season). Bora guided the Mexicans into the World Cup, but was axed only three weeks after securing a berth at France '98. Bora, who had been under fire for more than a year, got the axe on Nov. 25, 1997, only three weeks after unbeaten Mexico (4-0-6) qualified. But Milutinovic had unwittingly was caught up in a political battle between rival television networks -- Televisa, which supported him, and upstart Azteca, which wanted him out. Azteca, and many fans thought that Mexico had underachieved in its final four qualifiers, tying each one.

"We never had a problem with the coach," said Mexican captain Marcellino Bernal, who added that Milutinovic was axed "because we didn't get favorable results, especially in the five home games. We didn't win ... we didn't play convincing soccer." He was replaced by Lapuente (see above for his fate). Lapuente coached that team at France '98 and guided the Mexicans to the FIFA Confederations Cup title a year later.

Enrique Meza (2001): Enrique Meza Enriquez wasn't fired immediately after the USA's stunning 2-0 qualifying victory, but it began a tail-spin that left the Mexicans' World Cup aspirations in a shambles during the CONCACAF final round for Korea/Japan 2002. He was bounced in June 2001 and replaced by former Los Angeles Aztecs midfielder Javier Aguirre, who guided Mexico into the World Cup. Meza, incidentally, directed Pachuca to its first SuperLiga title in 2007, when it defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Hugo Sanchez (2008): The former Real Madrid and Mexican international scoring star guided the Tricolores for 16 months before he was axed on March 31, 2008. Less than two months prior, Sanchez's side had tied the U.S. in an international friendly in Houston on Feb. 6, 2-2. It wasn't the U.S. match that did Sanchez in. The full national side went on to tie Australia and Finland, not exactly world powers, and tied Ecuador's under-23 national team in Queretaro, Mexico. Under Sanchez's stewardship, the U-23 teams failed to qualify for the Olympics, getting eliminated in the opening CONCACAF round. Add his controversial decision to change the color of the home national team jersey from green to white, the Mexican Primera Division club owners voted 16-0 to oust Sanchez on March 31.

Cesar Menotti: While it could not be determined whether he was fired after a U.S. match, Mexico lost Menotti, who directed Argentina to the 1978 World Cup championship, not once, but twice. Menotti quit over political problems in the Mexican Federation. The second time was permanent. Menotti left the team, and Miguel Mejia Baron took over.

First XI: Taking down names

Sometimes it's a single play that makes you want to see more from a player. Sometimes it's a move from one team, one system, to another that makes you think a player might be on the verge of a big season.

This is what the offseason is for First XI: anticipation. Here's a list of players we want can't wait to see on the field come late March:

11. Marco Pappa, Chicago Fire. We caught only a few fleeting glimpses of Pappa last season, as he amassed only 217 regular-season minutes. It was, however, Pappa's one playoff minute that has me thirsting to see more. Remember that vicious shot he unleashed in the waning moments of the Fire's Eastern Conference Championship loss to the Crew? Perhaps I'm making too much out of too little, but as the 2009 season opens up, I'm anxious to see if Pappa's got more of that.

10. Maykel Galindo, Chivas USA. All we got to see out of Galindo a year ago was a paltry 549 minutes as he was nursing injury after injury. In 2007, the Cuban striker looked to be well on his way to becoming one of the league's more dangerous attackers. What's more, his partnership with Ante Razov was looking like one of the league's best fire-and-ice combos ever. Can Galindo return to his old form? Can he even take it up a notch? That's what I want to see.

9. Cory Gibbs, Colorado Rapids. After a three-season hiatus from MLS, we got to see Gibbs for eight games a year ago. Upon first glimpse, he still looks to have his speed and his poise, but can he step up and be a leader for a Colorado team that missed the playoffs? Gibbs just turned 29, so he's still in his prime. But it is nearing now-or-never time. Can he stay healthy?

8. Dave van den Bergh, FC Dallas. This is just a case of me wanting to see how a player who developed into such a key figure on one team -- New York -- can do when he steps onto the field for a new team. Especially when that team, FCD, needs for him to be at least the player and leader he had become in New York a season ago. Certainly, this was a bitter pill for Red Bulls fans to swallow, having watched VDB develop into such a key figure on their team. Dallas now hopes the transition is quick and smooth, because this is a player they need at his best.

7. Francis Doe, D.C. United. I'm remembering Doe's two-goal performance against New England in October and wondering, is he a starter or super sub for D.C in '09? In a way, it reminds me of the first go-round for Andy Herron in MLS, when he joined Chicago late and looked like he'd be a terror in MLS for many years ... only to become just another well-traveled forward. D.C. United could use a breakout season from someone. Can it be the 24-year-old Liberian?

6. Julius James, Houston Dynamo. The defender from Trinidad goes from a sometime-starting, rookie player in Toronto to the "guy we traded Dwayne De Rosario for" in Houston. Yeah, that's pressure. Sure, Houston also got allocation money along with James for DeRo, but MLS fans have never had an easy time getting used to the player for money thing. They'll remember James.

5. Dominic Oduro, New York Red Bulls. Like James, Oduro is going to be feeling some heat from the New York fans as he's the player the Red Bulls acquired for the popular van den Bergh. Oduro has speed to burn. That's never been questioned. What is questioned, however, is how come Oduro has never started more than 10 games in an MLS season? Can he earn starter's minutes on the field alongside Juan Pablo Angel, or will he continue only as a late-game spark?

4. Will Johnson, Real Salt Lake. There's little doubt that Johnson added an element to RSL down the stretch, when he joined the team after finishing a stint in Holland. He scored the MLS Sierra Mist Goal of the Year, but that's not what has me wanting to see more. It was the way Johnson seemed to bring a whole new element to RSL's attack. I want to see if the 22-year old is for real.

3. Nate Jaqua, Seattle Sounders. Seems I say this every year, but I keep thinking that Jaqua is on the verge of a monster season in MLS. He had four goals in 14 games in Houston a year ago. I think he's a 10-plus scorer in the right environment. Is Seattle that place? Will Sigi Schmid's first-year collection provide him with enough service to hit double digits? This I want to know.

2. Eddie Gaven, Columbus Crew. How many times have you heard this question in the past year? "Can you believe Eddie Gaven is still only 22?" Well, yeah, he is. And even though (preposterous as it is) some media have called his MLS career "disappointing," there's quite a bit of miles left on Gaven's tires. A Best XI choice at the age of 18. Now, a champion. I have a feeling people are soon going to be seeing Gaven emerge as one of the league's elite players.

1. Dwayne De Rosario, Toronto FC. And if there's pressure on Julius James in Houston, how about the expectations for native son DeRo in Toronto? Was last season -- 7 goals -- a sign that De Rosario is on the downside? Or will a move to Toronto FC re-ignite this all-time MLS great? Toronto is looking at this acquisition as the move that will make them a playoff team. How will he mix with what TFC have already assembled? Will it be magical? Can't wait to see.

Hoops, Dynamo play to scoreless draw

FRISCO, Texas -- In the second match of their two-game in-state exhibition series, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo played to a scoreless draw Monday. The game followed a 3-0 victory by the Dynamo in Friday's first game at Robertson Stadium.

Both teams fielded starting 11s complete with plenty of regular starters. However, each coach had one lineup alteration of note. Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear went with veteran Wade Barrett in the midfield instead of his usual spot in the back line. FCD boss Schellas Hyndman started Brazilian Marcelo Saragosa at right back compared to his usual spot in the midfield.

It was FCD who generated the first real scoring chance of the morning when in the 16th minute, Jeff Cunningham made a nice run into the Houston 18 and got a shot off from about 14 yards out. However, his effort struck the right side of the goal netting.

The visitors' first chance came in the 25th minute when Dynamo veteran midfielder Brian Mullan hit a perfect ball from the right flank that found teammate Chris Wondolowski near the FCD goal. Wondolowski's header was well executed but hit directly to Hoops goalkeeper Dario Sala and the Argentinean international made the save at close range.

In the 29th minute, the home side had what was probably their best chance of the first 45 minutes of play. The sequence began when Cunningham played a ball to Eric Avila on the right side. Avila then crossed to the opposite flank, where Dave van den Bergh was waiting.

Van den Bergh's cross deflected several times before landing at the feet of Kenny Cooper, who was near the opposing goal. Cooper's shot from point-blank range got away from him and sailed high.

Houston generated another quality chance in the 36th thanks to Brad Davis. The Dynamo midfielder spotted Kei Kamara open inside the FCD area and got him the ball. Much like Wondolowski had done a few minutes earlier, Kamara headed the ball squarely but Sala was there to save the day for FCD, making the save before colliding with the left post and appearing to injure his right shoulder, though he remained in the game.

For the most part, each team stuck with their original starting 11 to begin the second half. However, about 20 minutes into the period, both coaches went to their benches.

Both teams to the field later this week. On Thursday, Houston travels to Los Angeles to face the Galaxy in a preseason friendly while FCD will face the University of Memphis on Saturday morning in Frisco.

Five-a-side: What's hot around MLS

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

1. The other shoe to fall: All the news about David Beckham has been about, well, David Beckham. It's all about the illustrious midfielder and how it will affect him, how it will assist his bid for England inclusion in South Africa 2010, etc.

But there is another side that all the breathless Beckham reports, so many coming from across the Atlantic, haven't cared to address. It's about how this potential high-profile relocation to AC Milan will impact the Los Angeles Galaxy. After all, this is a team in the nation's second-largest market, and it hasn't made the playoffs since 2005.

So the Galaxy's rebuilding efforts, with or without Beckham, is a big story in MLS this year.

The international transfer window closed for most countries earlier this week. But MLS teams may purchase players from other leagues until April 15. That means the Galaxy have time to patch up the holes -- but the clock is certainly ticking, with games beginning in less than six weeks. Galaxy manager Bruce Arena will surely want to know soon what he's dealing with, personnel asset-wise.

DaMarcus Beasley is one name that might seem a natural for Arena to pursue if Beckham moves permanently to Italy. The U.S. international is currently languishing on Rangers' bench in Scotland, although he did score in 45 minutes of action during a friendly against AC Milan this week. (How ironic, eh, that Milan would be the opponent?)

Arena has always been a big Beasley backer. It was Arena who tabbed the sleek and slick attacker for starting duty at the 2002 World Cup, when Beasley was just 20 years old. That bold choice by Arena turned out just dandy. And four years later it was Arena who faithfully stuck with the out-of-form Beasley during Germany 2006.

Beasley appears to be stuck in the mud at Ibrox, and the Galaxy is a place where conditions would be perfect for a run at restored confidence.

Otherwise, the Galaxy's needs still include an experienced goalkeeper, a creator in midfield and additional help along the back line.

2. A doozy of a shopping spree: We might or might not ever know the transfer price involved in Beckham's move to the San Siro, if it comes to pass. But we certainly know this much: It will be a significant amount. And the important thing to remember is that two-thirds of it can be used by Los Angeles to buy players in the international market or to buy down salaries.

Suffice to say, Arena and the Galaxy management will have ample money to spend, and will be flush with room beneath the salary cap. Then there's the Landon Donovan factor, which could super-fuel the buying spree.

If Bayern Munich were to make a successful bid to purchase the on-loan attacker, the Galaxy will have that much more cash and room in their salary budget. That possibility seems to be growing, thanks to Donovan's success so far under the tutelage of Bayern manager Jьrgen Klinsmann.

Of course, the alternative for Arena's side isn't that bad either -- to have Beckham and Donovan lining up in the Galaxy jersey on opening day.

3. Why ratings matter: Fox Soccer Channel, one of Major League Soccer's broadcast partners, is surely happy with its decision late last year to invest in Nielsen, the widely used rating system for TV viewership in the United States.

Ad rates are all tied into viewership, of course, and so far FSC must be happy with the results. Just last week, the Chelsea-Liverpool match was seen in about 298,000 homes. The represents the highest rated match since FSC paid $7.5 million to be part of the Nielsen lineup last October.

FSC is in only about 30 million homes across the country. More numbers like that will assist in FSC's push to get onto more systems -- and that's a good thing for MLS.

As in 2008, Fox Soccer Channel will again dedicate a three-hour block to MLS each week on "MLS Saturday on FSC." A 30-minute pregame lead-in will carry viewers into the match, followed by a 30-minute postgame show for 33 regular-season telecasts of FSC.

4. Growing influence of USL: At least three players with recent time on USL rosters have a chance to compete for significant playing time during the MLS preseason. And it should be interesting to see how these players stack up, considering the USL's success in 2008 in the U.S. Open Cup and the CONCACAF Champions League.

Greg Janicki has a chance to land a starting spot at D.C. after his promising spell on loan from USL Second Division's Pittsburgh late in last year's MLS campaign. In fact, Janicki started for manager Tom Soehn last week alongside Kyle Veris at center back in a preseason friendly.

We also have striker Sebastien Le Toux at Seattle. He was the first player signed after two successful seasons for the Sounders in USL-1, where he struck 24 times in 54 appearances. Interestingly, he played as a midfielder for Sigi Schmid in a scrimmage earlier this week. It's probably just a preseason look-see thing for Schmid, but it's interesting just the same.

Perhaps Schmid is exploring his options for how to replace midfielder Freddie Ljungberg early in the season. Ljungberg began running this week as he recovers from offseason hip surgery. As it stands, Ljungberg will miss only one or two regular season contests, although the Sounders are sure to be cautious with their DP attacker.

Last week, San Jose signed former forward Cam Weaver, the USL-1 Rookie of the Year three seasons back. He's a big fellow, about 6-4, part of GM John Doyle's plan for the Earthquakes to get a little bigger and pose a bit more danger on set-pieces. Weaver spent last year with FK Haugesund in Norway, so he probably knows a little about getting physical around goal.

5. A friend abroad: No one in the U.S. soccer establishment could ever be too happy about the potential for English Premier League sides playing a round of matches outside England. That proposition has been floating around for about a year now. And you can bet that one or more would land in the United States.

You could also bet that some officials here wouldn't be happy, competing for the soccer audience against the novelty factor of watching matches from one of the globe's truly premier associations.

One ranking official in England has come out against the idea ... and he happens to have a deep affiliation with Major League Soccer.

Ivan Gazidis recently left his post as deputy commissioner to inherit the CEO seat at Arsenal.

In an article published Wednesday in The Times, Gazidis describes himself as a traditionalist, and says he is not in favor of such propositions.

"Other leagues like the NFL are finding ways to play abroad," Gazidis told The Times. "We have to grow, but how we grow requires careful thought. People constantly focus on globalization and use words like 'brand' and 'equity,' but if you lose your center, your core, and don't take care of central values, you won't have anything to take globally. Whatever steps the league takes, we have to preserve the integrity of the core of the league."

Van den Bergh an instant hit in Dallas

FRISCO, Texas -- Last month, FC Dallas traded for veteran left-sided midfielder Dave van den Bergh and in a flash, the Hoops shored up their midfield, improved their flank play and also gained some much-needed veteran leadership for one of the youngest rosters in the league.

In the first two weeks of preseason, it has been apparent what van den Bergh brings to the field and how much better he makes the Hoops. However, an added bonus has been his fluency in Spanish, something that has gone over well on a team with its share of Spanish speakers.

Last week, the seasoned pro was heard engaging in back-and-forth banter with two of the team's more vocal Latin players in midfielder Pablo Ricchetti and goalkeeper Dario Sala, something that amused FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman.

"Last week when I heard Pablo and Dario having a go at Dave, teasing with him in Spanish and he was laughing, I was wondering if he really understood what they were saying or if he was just laughing along with him." Hyndman said. "I asked him if he really understood those guys and he said yes. He said he learned Spanish when he played two years in Madrid.

"He's a very outgoing person, so when he was in Madrid, he loved the experience of being there and spoke the language," Hyndman continued. "I already know that Dario and Pablo would rather speak to him in Spanish than English because they feel more comfortable in Spanish. I think for Dave, it's another thing he brings to us. We knew we were getting a talented player but we also knew we were getting a person of good character. All these extra things coming along are icing on the cake."

Van den Bergh agrees his language skills have definitely been a big asset in getting acclimated to his new teammates.

"You've got a lot of Hispanic players here," he said. "So it's helped me tremendously. Thank God these guys speak very good English. We had some guys coming in at New York that didn't speak any English. Especially in those types of situations, it helps a lot. I'm glad I've got that under my belt."

Consider Ricchetti and Sala impressed that their new teammate can converse with them in their native tongue.

"It's good," Ricchetti said. "It's always good to have people who can communicate with everyone. He played three years in Spain and speaks Spanish very well. For us, it's great and it makes it easier. Those two (Sala and van den Bergh) are old, so I can joke with them. I'm really young but they are old and they have the same thoughts and stuff, but I'm really smart and can understand that."

Sala agreed. "He came into the locker room on the right foot because he's a really easy going guy and language isn't an issue," he said. "He was in Spain for a few years and speaks perfect Spanish. He's funny and understands our jokes. I was surprised. He speaks four languages but I told him that I've got him beat by one."

Ricchetti definitely likes having another veteran in the midfield to help him direct traffic.

"I think he's a great player," he said. "He has experience, is smart and has a great foot. He can help us a lot. Right now, we are the most experienced guys in the middle. We have to talk to the other guys and organize the team. Last year, that was mostly my job. Now I have another guy to help me and that's always good."

The former Dutch international has definitely been impressed with what he has seen thus far with his new side.

"What I've seen is a very talented team," van den Bergh said. "It's unbelievable. There's a reason that there are six Generation adidas (players) and a lot of under-20 guys here. We haven't even talked about Kenny (Cooper) and Drew (Moor) being on the short list for the men's national team. There is a lot of talent here. We just need to come together and make sure we're a team that's competitive and fights to make the playoffs this year."

He has also enjoyed the methodology of Hyndman, who approaches preseason a bit differently than some of the coaches van den Bergh has played for in the past.

"The thing I've enjoyed the most is that all the exercises have been with the ball," he said. "I've had some coaches in preseason where you didn't see a ball for the first two weeks. So that is a huge improvement. He's very clear in what he wants. So it's up to us to execute."

And his rising comfort level includes playing in the 4-4-2 that Hyndman prefers.

"In Holland and in New York, I played in the 4-4-2," van den Bergh said. "So I'm very comfortable with it. It's just a matter of executing what we feel is the right approach in the next couple of tune-up games to find our best shape."

Even though much of FCD is now in camp, he is clearly looking forward to the return of star forward Cooper, currently with the U.S. national team.

"I think it's important (to start working together)," van den Bergh said. "Kenny is the most prolific forward this team has got. So I'm looking forward to practicing with him. It's just important in preseason to get to know each other, learn what the movements are, what somebody likes and doesn't like to learn each other's tendencies. I think it's important to get that done. Hopefully, he'll have a great game against Mexico and score a couple. Then he can get in here with great confidence."

Another plus for him with the Hoops is that he has a couple of big targets up top to deliver balls into Cooper, who is 6-foot-3 and newly-signed striker Sean Bucknor, who is an inch taller at 6-4.

"It's easier (to get the ball in there to a taller guy) than it is with a 5-foot-3 guy," van den Bergh said. "If you're going to put a cross in, you have options to put it on the ground or put it in the air. I know that in the air, they can get to it.

"In previous years, I have had to put it low because I knew there was no chance that my forward was going to get to it. This way, I can put it in low because they're both good with their feet and Jeff (Cunningham) is also good with his feet. He's got great jumping abilities as well. Don't underestimate him in the air. It's good to know that you can put it at any height that you want and they will be able to get to it."

Kljestan making impact with U.S. squad

COLUMBUS -- When the United States national team takes to the Crew Stadium pitch on Wednesday evening to face rival Mexico to open the final round of World Cup qualifying, it will be almost 10 months since Sacha Kljestan scored a riveting goal on the same field for Chivas USA.

"I hope to get a chance to be a part of the match against Mexico and if I do then maybe if there's an opportunity I can do it again but my main focus is on us winning," he said.

It was April 12, 2008, when Kljestan ran onto the ball and unleashed a wicked 25-yard knuckler that left Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer defenseless as the ball curled into the upper right corner. The midfielder went on to score four more times for Chivas and earn a spot on the MLS Best XI, but none of his goals would be as clinical.

His finishing ability is one reason the Huntington Beach, Calif., native made the 20-man roster for the match against Mexico. It also didn't hurt that he become only the second U.S. player to have his first three national team goals in the same game when he had a hat trick during a 3-2 win over Sweden on Jan. 24.

"It's been important for Sacha to develop a more complete game, to continue to improve, to play at a higher level," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "To play an important role on the national team you have to do things that you do and make them calculable when the games are faster and harder and more difficult."

Kljestan also benefitted from a week-long trial with Celtic FC in January and although he reaffirmed his commitment to start the MLS season with Chivas USA, there is a possibility he could be headed overseas this year at some point.

"Come summertime we'll have a look at what's going on," he said. "I hope to be a mainstay with the national team."

His full attention for now is helping the U.S. hand the Mexicans a third consecutive qualifying defeat in Crew Stadium after victories in 2001 and four years later.

"I remember the '05 game pretty good. The '01 game I've seen highlights but I don't remember watching it," he said. "My main memory is the 2002 World Cup (another U.S. 2-0 victory). I always watched USA-Mexico but that the one that sticks out in my mind of all the games.

"Watching those games and watching the U.S. dominance over the past eight years, especially in the United States, has been quite an accomplishment."

Kljestan, who had a pair of goals in the 2008 Olympic tournament, has a good chance of being in the starting lineup on Wednesday as he continues his development as a steady international player after 13 caps, including six qualifiers.

"We continue to see things that show us he is picking up on certain things and improving and we see certain things that we can point out to him that maybe he can get better," Bradley said.

The most noticeable difference in the 23-year-old Kljestan is his appearance. Gone is the stringy long hair that had been his trademark in favor of a cropped look. The only one upset by the change was U.S. and Crew defender Frankie Hejduk, who won't let go of his rock star locks.

"Frankie's sad I cut my hair. He said he's the only one left now with the long hair. We're not brothers anymore, he says," Klejstan joked.

He's learned quite about the U.S.-Mexico rivalry from Hejduk, who has played in eight of them.

"There always so intense. Neither side wants to give an inch," Hejduk said.

The irony for Kljestan is he plays professionally for a club that is an offshoot of the Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara and he's had several Chivas teammates from the "enemy" side.

"I've always had the support of some of the Mexican players I've played with, guys like Ramon Ramirez and (Juan Francisco) Paco Palencia and Claudio Suarez, especially," he said. "Even though these are guys that if I was a little bit older potentially I could have matched up against in USA-Mexico games now they always tell me good luck when I leave for the national team. They always help me out with tips when I get back from games. I've always had their support. We can always trash talk a little bit, USA-Mexico, but they're all good guys and support me."

Yet to be seen is their reaction if he helps defeat Mexico.

Kljestan is one of eight current MLS players on the roster for the match (including Landon Donovan, on loan to Bayern Munich). The league players and several others spent January training in Carson, Calif., before being joined by their European brethren the past two days in Columbus.

Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching doesn't think it will be hard to get everyone to jell by Wednesday's kickoff.

"If you look at this team and the whole qualifying process it's pretty much the same core group of guys and Bob's done a good job of keeping the guys focused and on the same page as far as coming in and knowing what to expect from every player," he said.

It's the American Way.

"We don't talk much about just the camaraderie of this group of guys when they get together," Bradley said. "That's what's been behind our success. It's a great thing to see."

Bautista excited to train with Galaxy

CARSON, Calif. -- It didn't take long for Los Angeles Galaxy defender Leo Bautista to like what he saw of southern California.

Bautista, on trial from Caracas FC, one of the most popular clubs in South America and a winner of nine Venezuelan national league titles, went to Universal Studios after he arrived in Los Angeles last month. From there it was on to the Kodak Theater, annual site of the Oscars. Then it was over for a look at the Santa Monica pier.

If that wasn't enough to get him to smile, all he has to do is look out from his hotel room and view the Pacific Ocean to know he is in a special place.

Yes, he's far from home, but he could get used to this.

"It's great having this experience," he said through an interpreter. "It's been fabulous so far."

The 25-year-old Bautista, a 6-foot-3, 175-pounder, played two years at Caracas FC after previous stops at Deportivo Italchacao and Estrella Roja. He said he'd always been a fan of MLS because of two fellow countrymen already in the league: Alejandro Moreno of the Columbus Crew and Jorge Rojas of the New York Red Bulls. And when the opportunity to come to North America became viable, Bautista didn't think twice about making the move.

He said four teams -- Real Salt Lake, New York, Columbus and the Galaxy -- were interested in him, with Los Angeles apparently showing the most interest.

Bautista said he had been hoping to play in the States for some time.

"For any player on any team, it's very important on a personal and professional level to go out and play abroad," he said. "When this opportunity came up, I was very interested.

"With the grace of God, hopefully the coaches will like what they see."

Galaxy head coach/general manager Bruce Arena said he has been impressed with the newcomer, but he isn't quite sold on him yet. Arena, however, did say Bautista will be in camp for an "extended period of time."

"Like all foreign players," Arena said, "there's a little transition period. They have to come into this league and environment and see how the game is played here. You have to adapt to a new culture and a new game.

"He's made progress. You want to see him move forward day in and day out, and I think he's been fairly steady. I think in the new few weeks we'll be seeing a lot more out of him."

Bautista said life has been a little less hectic since he arrived in southern California. Venezuela, he said, wasn't as soccer-crazy as, say, some European countries, but he still could walk the streets of Caracas and people occasionally would recognize him.

"It's not like England. No, no, no," he said with a smile. "But you get your moments."

On one occasion, he recalled, he was at a restaurant with his parents when the child of a family sitting nearby recognized him. The boy, Bautista said, had been following his career since before his days with Caracas FC.

"There was plenty of passion among the supporters," Bautista said.

He said he would love to get the opportunity to witness that same kind of passion in Los Angeles, and getting a chance to do it while living in southern California would be the ultimate. He isn't ready to go back home.

"I'm very happy I came here," he said. "If I told you my country was similar to this, I'd be lying. The streets are clean, people respect laws ... it's just spectacular. I would stay here. I've fallen in love with the city."

Dynamo keep focus on long campaign

FRISCO, Texas -- The Houston Dynamo didn't even start preseason practice until Feb. 1, but the two-time MLS Cup champs already have a pair of preseason games on the books, both against FC Dallas. On Friday in Houston, the Orange prevailed 3-0 and the same sides played to a 0-0 draw on Monday morning in Frisco.

While most MLS sides are preparing with their regular-season opener in mind, the Dynamo have something else to focus on, a Feb. 24 match with Mexican side Atlante FC in the 2008-09 CONCACAF Champions League.

"It was a good game," Kinnear said about Monday's draw. "Both games were a great exercise for both teams. I didn't think it was going to be a 3-0 game again today. There were chances on both sides and I think the draw is pretty fair. For us, we're looking to hurry up and get ready for the 24th. I think the two games were great for us and I think they were good for them too."

One encouraging sign was that veteran midfielder Brian Mullan played the full 90 for the Orange, something Kinnear took notice of.

"We're asking certain guys on certain days to play 90 minutes," he said. "He only played 65 the other day. The guys came in pretty good shape and that is helpful for what we're doing. I think it's impressive that he did but the energy that he showed the whole time is what was impressive."

The Houston coach also lauded fellow midfielder Brad Davis for his solid play. Davis created one of the better chances of the first half, a cross to Kei Kamara that was saved by FCD goalkeeper Dario Sala. And Davis himself was denied by Sala in the second frame.

"I think he was good," Kinnear said. "We all know he is a good passer of the ball. He played some good passes in there. He has a little bit different form in there. But I think that any time you give him time and space, he is a threat going the attacking way."

Davis, who has had his share of injury troubles the last few years, said he is feeling better than ever.

"Everybody keeps asking me that (about how I feel)," he admitted. "I know that I have struggled with injuries and that has been my biggest downfall. I've worked really hard the past year-and-a-half to build myself up and to get fit, especially this offseason. I know this is the best I've felt in any preseason. I will keep working at it and my goal is to stay injury free."

While the veteran has enjoyed playing FCD, whom he played for in 2003 and 2004, he is also eagerly anticipating his side's first Champions League match.

"I think they're good games," Davis said. "They're definitely challenging and those guys are in the middle of their season right now while we're in preseason. We're going to be ready. I think this team isn't treating it as a preseason game. We're working hard. I think when we get to that game, guys will be firing on all cylinders and will be ready for that game. It's just preparing us for when the MLS season starts. Our season starts on the 24th."

Playing twice against his team's in-state rival has been a nice plus, but for Kinnear the bottom line remains simple.

"I just want to play games," he said. "Any time you can get games, no matter who your opponent is, it's good for your team. You can only train so much and the guys really want to play. It made it nice to play these guys back-to-back in four days. With this Atlante series coming up, it's important that we try and get in as many games as possible."

With the start of the MLS season rapidly approaching, Davis admits that he and his teammates have already started thinking about how they are going to approach the upcoming campaign after failing to capture a third consecutive league title last fall.

"There is definitely a bitter taste in our mouths because we know we are a better team than what stepped on the field against New York, especially in that game down in Houston," he said. "It was a long year. We played 50 games or something like that. We're not using that as an excuse but it does wear you down. We played through a lot of injuries and without a lot of guys last year. We know that if we play our game, we're going to be a tough team to beat. We think when we step on the field, we thinking that no matter where we're at, we're going to get a result. That's our goal every time we step on the field, to get points no matter where we are at. We have a sour taste in our mouths and are ready to get back after it this year."

Next up for the Dynamo is a Thursday date out West with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Tierney eager to return to play

NORFOLK, Mass. -- New England Revolution defender Chris Tierney wanted to kick the ball. The ball trickled across the field as his teammates went for a water break. The slow pace invited Tierney to strike it.

Just before he started his approach, Tierney stopped in his tracks and aborted the idea.

From across the indoor facility, Revs striker Taylor Twellman yelled out to Tierney, telling him to tap the ball with his toe and forget about lashing the it across the field.

As Twellman correctly pointed out, the temporary satisfaction of hitting the ball wouldn't help if Tierney further aggravated his sprained knee. The warning served as another reminder to the eager Tierney that patience is required with training camp injuries.

"The guys like to give me a little bit of stick," Tierney said. "I'm still a rookie in a lot of the older guys' eyes. They're trying to help me out. They've been there before. They know that it's not worth it. Obviously, I want to be back and I want to be smashing balls around, but it's not the right thing to do right now."

A selection in the 2008 Supplemental Draft, Tierney mainly saw action in Open Cup, SuperLiga and CONCACAF Champions League games during the regular season. He made six appearances, four as a starter, in league play -- five of those coming in a six-game span from Aug. 9-Sept. 6.

But for the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinal Series against Chicago, Tierney was thrust back into the fray, starting at left back. However, a sprained knee in training between matches left him injured and out of the travel party for the Revolution's eventual season finale.

Revs head coach Steve Nicol said there wasn't any reason to push Tierney at this point during training camp, even though Tierney said his injury isn't a serious one.

"It's just a minor sprain," Tierney said. "It's a little tweak that takes a little bit of time. I feel like I could probably go right now if need be. I'm just trying to make sure and take the necessary precautions."

Instead of participating in fitness drills with teammates, Tierney receives extra treatment from head athletic trainer Sean Kupiec and ices down his bum knee. The arrangement isn't one that Tierney particularly likes.

"It's getting frustrating," Tierney said. "I'm getting a little itchy. I'm getting a little sick of not being able to play, but it's necessary. Now is not the time to do anything stupid and make this situation. It's definitely tough, but you have to do what you have to do."

Tierney might be one of the few players who would rather take the field and go through a collection of drills designed to improve fitness rather than sit out, rest and pop onto the field when the drills are over.

"I'm not one of those guys who comes up with a phantom injury when fitness time rolls around," Tierney said.

Over the next week or two, Tierney will continue to watch himself as he gradually returns to training. Despite missing the fitness work, the second-year defender thinks he'll be ready to go once he gets the all clear to resume training.

"I've been training really hard," Tierney said. "Fitness isn't that much of a concern for me. I feel as though I'm pretty fit. I think I can maintain that even with the injury. I hope to be back when we start going full force and we actually start playing."

Bradley names eight MLS players to US roster

United States national team coach Bob Bradley has named a 20-man roster ahead of Wednesday's opening final round FIFA World Cup qualifier against rival Mexico at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Among those selected are 18 players who participated in the first two rounds of CONCACAF qualifying last year and eight Major League Soccer-based players. The defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew have two players on the roster -- veteran fullback Frankie Hejduk, who is in his fourth qualifying cycle and has eight career caps against Mexico, and midfielder Robbie Rogers, one of six 2008 Olympians on the roster.

The Houston Dynamo also have a pair of players on Bradley's 20-man roster. Joining holding midfielder Ricardo Clark is striker Brian Ching, who scored four goals through the first two rounds of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan, who became only the second player in U.S. history to score his first three goals in the same game when the U.S. collected a 3-2 win against Sweden on Jan. 24 at The Home Depot Center, joins teammate Jonathan Bornstein, who is in search of his 15th cap.

Toronto FC speedster Marvell Wynne is the third MLS-based defender on the roster. Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, currently on loan with Bayern Munich of the German Bundesliga, is the leading capwinner on the roster with 105 international appearances. He has scored four goals against Mexico, including the second goal in a 2-0 win that sent the U.S. into the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The remaining 12 players are European-based, many with close ties to Major League Soccer. Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) and Tim Howard (Everton FC) from the English Premiership are the goalkeepers of choice for Bradley. U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France) joins Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland, Norway), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock, Germany) and Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege, Belgium) join Hejduk, Bocanegra and Wynne in the back.

DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mцnchengladbach) and Jose Francisco Torres of Pachuca are the other midfielders and joining Ching and Donovan up front are Jozy Altidore, who is on loan from Villarreal to Xerex CD in Spain, Charlie Davies of Hammarby IF (Sweden) and Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC).

The U.S. has a 3-0-2 record in qualifying and an unbeaten 4-0-3 all-time record at Crew Stadium, including a 2-0 win against El Tri that officially booked their place for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Osorio rests Angel with eye on season

BRADENTON, Fla. -- New York Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio has made a bold decision in February that could very well affect the fortunes of the club this summer and beyond.

Osorio has decided to keep star striker Juan Pablo Angel away from the Florida part of preseason training camp to ensure the former Colombian international has a full, productive MLS season.

Angel, whose back problems early last year almost shelved him for the season, has remained home in New Jersey working out on his own with a personal trainer.

"What I said to the other players is, basically, we're giving Juan and everybody else to not only to have a good start of the season, but a good season," Osorio said. "Last year Juan struggled at the beginning and we also struggled as a team. Now I have a better [idea] of what we need to do.

"We are trying to assess everybody individually and try to decide what is the best thing for each player to be doing. At the moment Juan is OK on what he is doing."

Asked how Angel took the decision, Osorio replied: "He's pleased with that. He has been working with his special trainer on specific things that we believe and he certainly believes is going to make him a better player athlete and hopefully a better footballer."

Last season Angel got off to a horrendous start, finding the back of the net just twice early on before rebounding with 12 goals in a 14-game stretch. He finished with 14 goals. Combined with his stellar 19-goal performance in 2007, Angel has scored more goals (33) than any other player over the past two seasons.

"Now I have a better [idea] of what we need to do," Osorio said. "That has been the case not just for Juan. that has been the case also for Jorge Rojas. By the way, he looks very sharp, very good. He had the benefit of doing some training in Venezuela."

Without Angel, the Red Bulls still scored four goals Saturday in their second scrimmage of the preseason, playing to a 4-4 draw with the Kansas City Wizards.

Their first scrimmage on Wednesday did not go as planned as the Red Bulls dropped a 1-0 decision to the U.S. under-17 national team. Now before anyone says that Osorio should be fired, it should be noted that only three starters from the Red Bulls' MLS Cup team played in the match -- goalkeeper Danny Cepero and defenders Kevin Goldthwaite and Carlos Mendes. Osorio was more than concerned about individual performances than team results in the team's first competitive match of the season.

Translated: No key attacking players such as Dane Richards, Dominic Oduro and Angel played as much as a single second.

Osorio looked at 22 players -- 11 in each half.

"At this particular time I am honestly ... assessing the players that we are not sure we are going to keep," he said. "We all know the limitations, the amount of players we can have on the squad, the roster."

Teams will be allowed to keep 24 players, compared to 28 last season.

"With that in mind, there are 10 players we know for sure that will be here," he said. "We have to make the decisions on the other players. That's why we gave them a chance to play 45 minutes. The score is not an issue for me at the moment. I will grade those players and will have a conversation with the other coaching members and then start making decisions."

Osorio admitted he was not happy with the Red Bulls finishing ability in that opening game. They dominated the game, but could not find the back of the net.

"We had plenty of chances [Wednesday], 10 good chances," he said. "I am looking for the guys who can score and today we failed to do that. That is a minus for the forwards and the offensive players."

But at this juncture, that is not necessarily Osorio's top priority.

"There are other things that I was interested in looking at," he said. "There are two or three good performances today. So I will rather keep that in mind rather than in all the chances that we missed." One good performance was by first-round draft pick and midfielder Jeremy Hall, who ran up and down the field, playing well both sides of the ball.

"Jeremy looks good," Osorio said, without elaborating. "The back looks OK. We have to work more in different things. In general it's good to do this. I personally feel I have better facts for my final decision."

Osorio gave some quick assessments about the trialists practicing with the team during preseason camp:

Saja Leigh, Ghana, defensive midfielder who played in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2005: "A player that was recommended to us from a good coach [who is] a good friend of Des [McAleenan, goalkeeping coach]. He does his coaching in the Middle East. Recommended Saja as a good defensive midfielder. I can see he is a good player, gets good tackles in and regains possessions and can hit the ball quite well."

Ryan Mirsky, Southern Methodist University defender: "We identified him at the combine. Good in the air as as a center back. Right-footed. Again a good competitive player."

Tom Parrett, former Queen of the South defender: "Right fullback in Scotland. Has some experience. He is aggressive, strong and good in the tackle, too."

Juan Manuel, midfielder: "Left-sided midfielder ... strong winger. Played in Hungary last season. FC Tatabanya (coached by former MetroStars coach Octavio Zambrano). Mexican-American. Good ability on the ball. Quick. Sort of like a sharp player."

Carlos Gutierrez, Colombian midfielder: "Just doing preseason with us. Played in Colombia. Experienced player. Midfielder. hard-working player. Has won a few titles with Nacional in Colombia. Good utility player.

Jerry Saintil, Seton Hall defender-midfielder: "Left-footed. Can play as an anchor man. Can play as a defensive midfielder. we are looking at him as a possible left back. We are in the early days of discovering him, putting him through certain sessions and see if he can play in that position."

Lionel Saint-Preux, a forward who played for Haiti during World Cup qualifying and scored two goals Saturday in the draw with K.C.: "I spotted him on that Caribbean tournament [Digicel Cup in Jamaica] after that season was over. Haitian national team. Good striker. Quite aware what is around about him. Quick feet. Strong, good ability on the ball."

Nico Colaluca, former Colorado Rapids midfielder: "Richie [Williams, assistant coach] recommended him. Richie had seen enough of him. Wide player on the right side. Short quick and good ability on the ball."

Mohammed Mashriqi, Long Island University midfielder: "According to some people in the New York area, good talented player that for some reason never made it. We're giving him a chance. He has good ability on the ball. He's almost like a playmaker."

Weaver adds aerial dimension to Quakes' attack

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- When Cam Weaver signed with the San Jose Earthquakes last week, not only did he think he was exchanging the white jersey of former club FK Haugesund for Earthquake black-and-blue, but he also thought he was trading Norway's inclement weather for some California sunshine.

But on Weaver's first two days with the Quakes, a steady, cold rain fell, reminding him just a bit of Scandinavia -- in summer.

"The weather [in Norway] is not something I'll miss, but maybe I brought a little bit of it with me," said Weaver with a chuckle. "The guys were telling me that it was quite a bit warmer and sunnier the week before I came."

Yet the dreary conditions did little to dampen the enthusiasm over Weaver's arrival. The Quakes' primary objective this offseason was to add more size and strength to the team, and with the 6-foot-4 Weaver now officially in the San Jose fold, manager Frank Yallop was feeling more optimistic about the state of his attack.

"[Weaver] has got a mobility to him, and he really adds to what we're trying to do," said Yallop. "Getting some sort of target man, I've made no bones about it. I like that, at least as an option for us."

Weaver has taken a circuitous path to MLS. Back in 2006, he scored 18 goals in 27 matches for the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division. At that point, several MLS teams came calling, but when the offer from Haugesund came, it was one that Weaver felt he couldn't pass up. While the Norwegian second division certainly doesn't qualify as one of the glamour leagues of Europe, Weaver insists that his two seasons there, which saw him net 21 times in 51 league and cup appearances, did plenty for his growth as a player.

"You train a lot there, with not a lot of time off," said Weaver of his time in Norway. "It was good for me going from the USL, where the season was four months, to playing full time every day. That was a good change for me, to experience that and kind of learn how to be a professional, player training every day the entire year through.

"Also, to experience the atmosphere over there ... it's the No. 1 sport, and all of the attention is focused on that. It was good learning how to deal with that pressure and all of the stuff that comes with the game."

Given Weaver's size, it's tempting to think that there is little subtlety to his game. But in last Friday's training session, Weaver showed some considerable skill with his feet, dribbling out of some tight spaces with a defender draped all over him.

The display was reminiscent of Seattle forward Nate Jaqua, another big man with surprisingly good feet. When this similarity is mentioned to Weaver, a wry smile creased his face, as if he wasn't quite buying the comparison. Or perhaps it was a bit of pride at seeing his work in that area pay off.

"I do have quick feet, but it's also something I've struggled with and I'm always trying to improve all the time," said Weaver. "Foot speed is huge in soccer, obviously, but I'm not a guy who is constantly going to turn and go at a lot of defenders. I feel like I do have that ability when there is an opportunity, but I think I definitely like to play with my back towards goal, get the ball at my feet, hold off defenders, bring other guys into the game, and then get in the box."

That kind of presence was sorely lacking from the Quakes attack last year, when their offense was the worst in the league. Now with players like Darren Huckerby and Arturo Alvarez occupying the flanks, Weaver expects to be the guy to finish off much of what those two players create. If that comes to pass, San Jose fans can certainly expect some brighter days ahead.

Galaxy reach into past to help present

CARSON, Calif. -- Todd Dunivant said it's good to be back, although the circumstances have changed dramatically.

The veteran defender has returned to the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he helped the club win MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup in 2005 and played every minute of every game that season, after a trade on Tuesday with Toronto FC. He still has plenty of fond memories of his time spent in southern California, although he revisits a club that has fallen on hard times.

The Galaxy haven't made the postseason in each of the last three seasons, and Dunivant said that is unacceptable. The recovery starts, he said, not so much with new players -- there are at least 12 in training camp -- but with a new attitude.

"It's funny," said Dunivant, who turns 29 in December. "Every organization will go through something like that. There are always ups and downs in programs, even in professional sports. Obviously, it's a mind-set issue that needs to change. When I came on the Galaxy, it was championship or else. Now it's kind of the playoffs or else. The expectations are different, so we need to work on that."

Dunivant, who originally was drafted sixth overall in 2003 by San Jose and helped the Earthquakes win the MLS Cup as a rookie, was traded from the Galaxy midway through the 2006 season. He had just signed a new contract with the club and was expecting to be with the organization for some time when then-general manager Alexi Lalas -- who had just taken over for the late Doug Hamilton and also had traded Dunivant from the Earthquakes to Los Angeles when he was general manager in San Jose -- sent him to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for allocation money. Dunivant arrived on that scene just before Bruce Arena was named head coach in New York. Arena, however, then sent Dunivant to Toronto FC in June of 2007.

Arena, now head coach/general manager of the Galaxy, said he reacquired Dunivant because he fills a glaring need.

"He's an experienced left back in the league who has proven himself at a position where we've been fairly inexperienced," Arena said. "He's demonstrated he's a good, solid player who's obviously familiar with Los Angeles. And I feel he will be good in the locker room as well."

Dunivant still is recovering from microfracture surgery on his right ankle, which he broke last season and limited him to only nine games for Toronto, and hasn't been cleared for full training yet. But he is confident he can return by the time the regular season starts on March 22 against D.C. United.

"It's a six-month injury," Dunivant said. "I'm in the early stages of coming back. My recovery has gone great, and it's just a matter of getting fit and getting back in there with the guys. The good thing is we have a lot of time before the season starts."

In the meantime, he'll be more than happy to do what he can to help a team that is eager for improvement.

"I think I can offer a lot," he said. "I won a championship here, and I've won two championships in my career. This has been a little downturn for the Galaxy, but there's no question everyone has their sights set on making this club what it once was.

"We can't always look to the past, but we have such a storied history here it's hard not to aspire to those expectations again. It feels a bit like coming home again. It's good to be back and get this team going in the right direction again and be part of the Galaxy again."

Sidelined Franklin eager to return

CARSON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy's Sean Franklin has been making his way around the lockerroom, meeting his new teammates and trying to get to know their names. There at least 12 of them he's had to learn.

Unfortunately, that's about all he can do.

Franklin can't kick a ball, run or jump and has been relegated to watching training camp from the sideline as he recovers from sports hernia surgery. Last year's MLS Rookie of the Year recently returned from Munich, Germany, where he underwent the hour-long procedure and admitted he's getting a little anxious to get back on the playing field.

But he knows better.

At this point he's confined to riding an exercise bicycle until he's cleared to start running. Franklin, who turns 24 in March, said he feels great, but he keeps telling himself to take things slowly. And that's the hard part.

"I mess around with the trainers all the time," he said. "I ask them to let me go out there and run, to let me do some stuff, but I know I can't. They're taking good care of me."

Franklin, the fourth overall pick in last year's SuperDraft out of Cal State Northridge, made 26 starts in 27 appearances in 2008 and was one of the few positive developments in an otherwise dreary Galaxy season. The 5-foot-10, 155-pounder, who played primarily at right back, was so impressive he was called up to the U.S. men's national team for a World Cup qualifier against Guatemala but did not play. He was in camp again last month with the national team for a recent friendly against Sweden, but it wasn't long before he started to feel pain in his lower abdomen.

Actually, the pain had been bothering him for some time, he said.

"It was an ongoing thing at the end of the season," he pointed out. "Then with the U.S. team in early January, I could tell it was getting worse. I went to doctors and told them everything, and I realized it was something serious."

He received an injection to relieve the discomfort, but it didn't help. His next option was surgery, which was performed just under two weeks ago.

Franklin thinks he'll be able to do some light running later this week and then what he called "straightforward stuff," but the ill-timed inactivity hasn't kept him from feeling confident he can be ready to go by the start of the regular season on March 22 against D.C. United.

He said he won't even try to go until "I feel it's 100 percent" and he can run without any pain. Franklin said he isn't worried that he's dropping behind as his teammates adjust to the first training camp under coach/general manager Bruce Arena.

"Do I feel left out? Not really," he said. "It hasn't bothered me. I don't feel like everyone else is going to be much farther along. I want everyone to do well and work hard, and when I get my chance to get back out there I'll work just as hard.

"At times it's frustrating, sure, because I do want to get out there. I want to run and I want to put on the spikes. I want to be with everybody, and hopefully I can pick up where I left off last year."

And if he can do little more at this point except listen and watch, so be it.

"All I want to do is get out there and play with the guys," he said. "But I know my time will come."

Backups see plenty of action for Fire

Chicago Fire coach Denis Hamlett entered training camp this year with an advantage over his peers. Barring injury, Hamlett will have his best XI from 2008 available for selection in 2009.

That doesn't mean the 2009 training camp in Bradenton, Fla., has been easy. For one thing, it has been unseasonably cold. "We tried to get away from the cold, but I think we brought it with us," Hamlett said.

Also, three of Hamlett's starters are with the U.S. national team training for the upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Mexico next week. Forward Chris Rolfe, midfielder John Thorrington and goalkeeper Jon Busch are with the senior team.

Defender Bakary Soumare, the 2008 MLS Defender of the Year, has joined his national team in Mali, and defender Gonzalo Segares is with his counterparts from Costa Rica. Marco Pappa returned this week from playing with the Guatemalan national team in the UNCAF Copa de Naciones.

So while Hamlett knows what he is going to have when the season starts, he doesn't have them with him now.

"It's always nice when you have a good core group coming back, but we don't have a lot of those guys back right now," Hamlett said.

Defender Wilman Conde, whose return to the Fire was in question for much of the offseason, is still dealing with visa issues but could join the team by the weekend.

In the absence of all those starters, many backups and newcomers are getting time in the competitions the Fire have had in their first 10 days of training.

For example, 2008 reserves Mike Banner, Dasan Robinson, Peter Lowry, Austin Washington and Patrick Nyarko received a bulk of the playing time as Hamlett divided the first game against the University of Central Florida into thirds, and the game against the Kansas City Wizards on Wednesday into halves, deploying different lineups in each section.

Nyarko scored twice in a 3-2 loss to the Wizards.

"We have a good competitive opportunity for the younger guys to put them in with that (first) group, to see what they are made of," Hamlett said.

It is also an opportunity to look at some outsiders trying to get in, like undrafted rookie Stefan Dimitrov of Concordia College (N.Y.), who scored twice against Central Florida in the training camp opener.

"He's a big target forward," Hamlett said of the Bulgarian native. "He has a lot of good starting points."

Dimitrov was the leading scorer in NCAA Division II soccer last season, with 23 goals in 17 games.

The Fire are also giving a lot of time to free agent pickup Tim Ward, a former draft pick by the New York MetroStars who was last with the Colorado Rapids but could not break into the first team lineup.

Among familiar faces, veteran defender C.J. Brown is playing after missing almost the entire 2008 season with a variety of injuries. Brown, 33, is the only original Fire player remaining on the roster, following recent retirements by Chris Armas and Diego Gutierrez.

"(Brown) has been through all the training sessions, and he is getting his timing and sharpness down," Hamlett said.

In the absence of Busch, Hamlett is looking at last year's backups, Tyler Kettering and Nick Noble.

The Fire next play the Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday in Bradenton.