Mario Balotelli Heading to AC Milan

City's Mario Balotelli is headed to Milan to seal a transfer move (Bleacherreport.com)

So it looks like one of the more controversial, and shall we say "interesting" Premier League tenures is about to come to an end.  The rumor that Man City striker Mario Balotelli would head back home to Italy and sign for AC Milan has been circulating throughout the transfer window, and now it seems to be all but a done deal.

According to AC Milan's Umberto Gandini, Milan have agreed to terms and signed a transfer agreement with City.  All that is left to do is for Balotelli to pass a medical and sign on to personal terms, rumored to be a 4 and a half year deal with the Rossoneri.  Hopefully the move back to his home country will be a good thing for the firebrand striker, possibly reigniting the form he flashed at Euro 2012.

Balotelli's time with City was always highly watchable, if a bit unpredictable.  He made many off the field headlines in England including car accidents, strip club sightings, and outrageous hairdos to name a few.  On the pitch he was involved in several training dustups, including a recent confrontation with City manager Roberto Mancini that was caught on camera.  Memorably, he lifted his jersey after scoring a derby goal against United last year to reveal a shirt underneath that asked "Why Always Me?"  However his form has left much to be desired this year.  After crapping out against United in December, he found himself completely relegated to the bench, only making two substitute appearances in the last two months.

It is worth noting that Balotelli did land a couple of trophies with City, the 2011 FA Cup and the 2012 Premier League title among them.  Personally, I would have loved to have had him back at Inter, but best of luck to him in his return to the San Siro with Milan.  I hope he can straighten out some but still find a way to entertain like few can.

"Experimental" RSL Squad Drops Friendly to Denmark U-20s

Javier Morales in preseason action for RSL. (RealSaltLake.com)

Real Salt Lake kicked off their preseason friendly campaign yesterday in Casa Grande, AZ, fielding a largely untested lineup in dropping a 0-2 decision to the Denmark U-20 squad.  According to RSL's website, Javi Morales was the only starter likely to see time as a regular for the Claret and Cobalt this season.

The Danes seemed to have the better of the first half, and RSL 'keeper Lalo Fernandez had to put a stone stop on an opposing forward in the 9th minute to keep the match scoreless.  However, RSL MF David Viana was hit for a PK in the 37th minute that the Danes promptly slotted home to make it 0-1, which held until halftime. 

RSL grabbed more of a foothold in the second half, inserting a more experienced lineup.  They nearly equalized in the 65th minute when former Earthquake Khari Stephenson rolled a shot just wide of the opposing goal after some trademark RSL buildup action.  In the end, the second goal of the match came off of the Claret and Cobalt's Yordany Alvarez, who accidentally deflected an opposing free kick into his own net and past new RSL 'keeper Jeff Atinella to make 0-2 in the 72nd minute.

The good news is that the staff got a good look at a lot of players in a game situation after the first training camp.  New boys Jeff Atinella, Lovel Palmer, Aaron Maund, Cole Grossman, John Stertzer, and Devon Sandoval all saw minutes, as well as guys like Enzo Martinez, Sebastian Velasquez, David Viana , and Kenny Mansally, all of whom will probably be expected to make bigger contributions this year.

All in all, I wouldn't put too much in stock in the result, after just a week or so of training together.  Also keep in mind that RSL were missing several internationals and  veteran players like Beckerman, Beltran, and Saborio (international duty) and guys like Rimando, Grabavoy, and Findley who did not see the pitch.

Other Notes: Javier Morales came off with a slight knock in the first half, but is not expected to miss any time.  Both Kyle Beckerman and Tony Beltran are in the 23 man squad for the USA's friendly against team Canada tonight.  Alvaro Saborio captained the Costa Rica side as the Ticos won the Copa Centroamericana earlier this week.  Congrats to Sabo and his teammates!

30 Dead In Egypt After Soccer Riot Verdict Sparks Violence

Football Fans in Cairo cheer the verdicts in the Port Said Riot case. (BBC)

A fresh round of violence spread through Egypt today, leaving at least 30 people dead in the aftermath of the verdicts against the defendants in the Port Said Soccer riot case.  Last February riots broke out in Port Said after a league clash between local club al-Masry and Cairo based club al Ahly.  74 people died in the violence at the soccer pitch, and the violence in turn caused more riots back in Cairo resulting in the death of 16 more people.

On Saturday the Egyptian court handed down verdicts and sentences in the case.  Twenty-one individuals were sentenced to death.  Seventy-Five people were charged with premeditated murder, while 9 police officers and 3 al-Masry officials were charged with assisting the murders.  Some of the alleged behavior included purposefully not confiscating weapons and turning off the lights above the visiting stands to facilitate the violence.  The police were also charged with knowing about the planned violence beforehand.

Saturday in Port Said, much of the violence occurred when crowds, including relatives of the condemned, attempted to storm the prison to free their kin.  This was according to Egyptian Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Osama Ismail.

The experience in Cairo was quite different, as pictured above.  Supporters of al Ahly gathered outside their local ground to celebrate the verdicts and remember the loss of their loved ones and friends.  CNN quotes a woman from Cairo as saying:

"I finally felt that I am in a civilized country.  My son (did) nothing wrong. But my son's legacy will live on, because of the true justice served here."

Violence has consumed Egypt more and more in recent days as Egyptians have taken to the streets on the 2nd anniversary of their popular uprising with saw former President Mubarak removed from power.  In recent weeks the public has seemed to grow increasingly dissatisfied in their new government, largely run by the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Puddle offers sincere condolences to those who have lost friends and family in the violence surrounding the Port Said case.  It's yet another case of a major black mark on the beautiful game, inflicted by so called "supporters" who are most likely just looking for a reason to start a brawl.

Check out the complete CNN story here.

MLS Notes: NYRB Coach, Rapids New Boy, and 'Caps Cutting Losses

The Red Bulls have finally settled on a new head coach (MLS)

It's time for a quick hit around the league this Friday, going into a the first real weekend of training for most of the MLS clubs.  First up, the New York Red Bulls have finally concluded their international search for a head coach.  Turns out they went all the way to......their own backyard to find a new man.  Former Red Bulls player Mike Petke has had the interim tag removed, and will now take up full time duties as the Red Bulls head man.  Petke takes the reigns after two international coaches reportedly turned down the job: Aston Villa assistant Gary McAllister and former Portuguese international Paulo Sousa.    Petke has been on the staff since 2011 and has been interim coach since Hans Backe was canned after last season.

Next we stop at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Colorado, where the Rapids have added a new player to their growing squad.   Colorado today won a weighted lottery for 18 year old Cameroon International attacker Charles Eloundou, beating out Real Salt Lake and DC United.  Eloundou had signed a contract with MLS prior to the draft, but did not obtain his visa in time for the combine, thus the lottery process.  Rapids technical director Paul Bravo describes him as a winger who might also be able to play underneath a lone striker.  Eloundou is in MLS for a one year loan from Cameroon side AS Fortuna de Mfou, with the Rapids/MLS having an option to buy at the end of the season.  After winning this lottery, the Rapids will be ineligible to participate in further lotteries for 2013 season.

Meanwhile, the axe is falling on more heads in Vancouver after their disappointing end to the 2012 campaign.  Ives Galarcep is reporting that the Whitecaps have waived center-back Martin Bonjour, who they have been quite keen to part ways with.  Earlier this week the 'Caps had dumped disappointing DP Barry Robson.  The former Celtic and Dundee United man lasted less than a full season in MLS and will seek a return to a club in his native Scotland.  There have also been rumors that Kenny Miller's time in Vancouver maybe coming to an end, but on Jan. 21 the former Rangers man said that he was looking forward to a full preseason in Vancouver that might help him contribute more during the regular season campaign.

Of course there are many other rumors flying around various MLS clubs right now as well.  The player movement and on pitch action will ramp up in the next couple of weeks as training camps get underway in earnest.

West Ham Struggles Continue Versus Gunners

Olivier Giroud & Lukas Podolski celebrate an Arsenal goal.

Arsenal supporters were very happy at the end of this rearranged Boxing Day match.  The West Ham supporters weren't quite so amused, despite being in rapture earlier in the match when their club took the early lead in this London derby.  However, at the end of the day the Gunners' somewhat maligned strike force showed exactly what they were capable of, using a scintillating second half performance to down the Hammers 5-1 at the Emirates.

One would not have guessed that the full time result would include so many goals judging from the opening minutes of the match, when both sides looked a little lethargic and out of sync.  Chances were non-existent in the first ten minutes, and when the first one finally came, it was hardly noteworthy.  On the tenth minute Ricardo Vaz Te put his head to a cross from Guy Demel, but pushed it well wide of the target.

West Ham did look the slightly more dangerous side though, as they tried to press the Arsenal goal.  Carlton Cole missed the target in the 15th minute, but the Hammers finally took the lead in minute 18.  Arsenal failed to totally clear a corner kick, and the ball fell to Jack Collison sitting outside the penalty area.  Collison unleashed a wicked drive that soared past Wojciech Szczesny and tore into the back of the Arsenal net to make it 0-1.

The strike seemed to finally jolt the Gunners awake though, and they responded almost immediately.  In the 22nd minute Jack Wilshere dropped the ball off to Lukas Podolski who was lurking outside the Hammers' box.  The German smacked a shot of his own into the net with a huge drive that probably exceeded the greatness of Collison's effort four minutes earlier.  The Gunners were back in the match at 1-1.

Arsenal finally started to hit their stride with their passing game and started to mount more attacks on the West Ham goal.  They came close to taking the lead right before halftime, when Jussi Jaaskelainen just managed to parry Santi Cazorla's effort away from the top corner, keeping the sides even going into the break.

There was nothing even about the second half though, as Arsenal opened an all out assault on the Hammers from the opening whistle.  In the 47th minute Olivier Giroud volleyed a home a Theo Walcott corner to give the Gunners their first lead of the evening at 2-1.  They were hardly done though.

In the 53rd minute Cazorla got on the board as he took a pass from Podolski and knocked home a goal from close range to make it 3-1 to the Gunners.  Podolski would play provider again just a minute later, hitting Walcott in the center of the box with a spot-on through ball.  The England international promptly slotted it home to make it 4-1 and the blowout was in full effect.  They would tack one more goal on in the 57th minute when Giroud tapped in from up close to complete his brace and make it 5-1.

The venom went all out of the match in the 72nd minute though, when West Ham's Daniel Potts dropped to the floor after a clash of heads with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna.  He was treated on the pitch for some 18 minutes with an emergency blanket, gas, and a neck brace.  He was eventually stretchered off and West Ham continued with 10 men as they had already used all three substitutions.

The match faded out through the 90 and 12 minutes of stoppage time, with 5-1 being the score at the full time whistle.  The three points were huge for Arsenal after back to back losses to City and Chelsea.  Potts spent Wednesday night in a London hospital and tests showed that he had indeed sustained a concussion.  He returned home on Thursday, thanking well wishers on West Ham's website.  He will be evaluated further before he is allowed any future training.

Ownership Change at Real Salt Lake

Today marked the end of an era for Real Salt Lake and the club's supporters.  Founder Dave Checketts, who originally brought the franchise to Salt Lake City as Major League Soccer's 12th club, sold his share of the team to Dell Loy Hansen, who now becomes the sole owner of the franchise.  The deal had been previously agreed to by the Major League Soccer Board of Governors.

First off, I need to do something that I try to avoid doing on this blog.  I have to be a homer.  As an RSL supporter and Season Ticker Holder, I would like to personally thank Dave Checketts not only for bringing the club to Utah, but for keeping it here despite some rough times in the early going.  Many folks, myself included, were skeptical about whether Major League Soccer could succeed in Salt Lake.  Some folks were sure that the small market would be forever dominated by the Utah Jazz of the NBA and the local college sports scene.  All credit goes to Checketts and the staff at RSL for not only staying the course, but for bringing the franchise out of the dark days of Rice-Eccles Stadium to the glory and wonderful atmosphere of Rio Tinto Stadium, making RSL into one of the league's top clubs.  Not only has MLS hung around in Utah, but it has flourished, largely thanks to Checketts and his staff.

The big question now is: what's next?  Dell Loy Hansen bought into RSL in 2009 and has been very active in the operation of the club, so it should be a smooth transition.  He's a Native Utah businessman and real estate entrepreneur who has also overseen the development around Rio Tinto Stadium.  One of his passions has been to build first class sports facilities for Utah's youth, much of it in the Cache Valley.  He also served on the State Board of the Department of Business and Economic Development for nine years.  For more on Mr. Hansen's background, see the write-up on RSL's site.

So what does this mean for the RSL supporters and the club?  For the moment. probably not much.  Both Jason Kreis and Garth Lagerway will continue in their respective roles, which largely determine the on-pitch product.  It has been speculated that Hansen has deeper pockets than Checketts does these days, and he said this afternoon that he wants to provide Jason and Garth the resources they need, which is a big relief to RSL fans.  Personally, I don't follow the business side of things in Utah, so I can't say much beyond that speculation.  The deal has apparently been in the works for awhile, so surely Mr. Hansen has had a say in the dealings of the club in the off-season, and the Claret and Cobalt should continue on the same trajectory.

There's always some nerves and trepidation when a football club changes ownership, but from what I've seen on social networks and RSL blogs today, the feelings are pretty positive.  Hopefully under Mr. Hansen's watch, RSL will be able to set the bar even higher in the future.

2013 Gold Cup: Sites Announced, Field Coming Together

CONCACAF has announced the host sites for the 2013 Gold Cup

CONCACAF today announced the 13 US Cities that will play host to the 2013 Gold Cup, the Confederation's international football championship.  Among those 13 cities are 5 MLS venues, 3 of which will play host for the first time.

The Five MLS venues are:

Rio Tinto Stadium: Sandy, Utah.  (RSL)

Jeld-Wen Field: Portland, Oregon. (Portland Timbers)

BBVA Compass Stadium: Houston, Texas. (Houston Dynamo)

CenturyLink Field: Seattle, Washington (Seattle Sounders FC)

Red Bull Arena: Harrison, New Jersey. (New York Red Bulls)

The other eight sites are as follows:

Cowboys Stadium: Dallas, Texas.

Georgia Dome: Atlanta, Georgia.

M&T Bank Stadium: Baltimore, Maryland

Soldier Field: Chicago, Illinois.

Sports Authority Field at Mile High: Denver, Colorado.

Rentschler Field: Hartford, Connecticut.  

Rose Bowl: Pasadena, California.

Sun Life Stadium: Miami Gardens, Florida.

The host city for the final has yet to be announced.

The field for this year's tournament is filling out as well.  The USA, Mexico, and Canada all qualify automatically from North America.  Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, and Martinique will join from the Caribbean.  Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize will be in from Central America.  This will be the debut for Belize in this competition.  Guatemala and Panama will play for the final Central American spot on Friday.

This year's tournament will be affected by the ongoing qualification process for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, 2014.  The USA is expected to field a squad largely made up of the U-23 team that failed to reach the London Olympics.  In addition, Mexico will playing in the Confederation's Cup this summer, so perhaps will field an Olympic type squad as well.  It will be interesting to see if this opens the door for another country to sneak in and grab the trophy.  The tournament will take place from July 7th-28th.

RSL Aquires Pieces Through Re-signings, Draft.

Javier Morales has signed a new contract with RSL (AP Photo)

Earlier this offseason when RSL cut a number of their core players loose, the club urged the fans to be calm, promising that the pieces would fall into place.  Those pieces have indeed started to come together now, with some fans being pleased more than others.  Some of the major issues have begun to work themselves out this week through the MLS Superdraft and re-signing a couple of key players.

The two biggest pieces of news so far occurred yesterday.  First off, the Claret and Cobalt and made it official that former RSL striker Robbie Findley was indeed returning to the team.  RSL paid $75,000 dollars in allocation money to the Portland Timbers in exchange for Findley's rights, which they had acquired in the expansion draft a couple of years back.  Nottingham Forest and Findley terminated their contract "through mutual agreement" allowing Findley to both move without a transfer fee and to come before the US transfer window opens on January 21.

This has easily been the most controversial move of the offseason for many RSL fans.  Findley had gotten a bit of a reputation for not hitting the target later in RSL stint, a rep that he possibly deserved to a certain extent, his 29 goals and MLS Cup aside.  People who are concerned about Findley have valid points, and it's my fervent hope the Robbie will prove them wrong.  I think he will.  Not to mention he will not be the only part, or even the biggest part, of RSL's strike force.  I would also say that Fabian Espindola's miss in the second leg of the CCL final will always stick in my memory way more than anything Findley did or didn't do, but that doesn't make Fabi a bad striker either.  Strikers by nature are a streaky bunch.

Also last night, Javier Morales announced via his twitter account that he had re-signed with the club.  To me, this is the most significant piece of news this offseason.  Javi is perhaps the biggest part of our offensive engine room, and he still brings an incredible, hard to beat skill set to the pitch.  That's the reason why he gets fouled so much.  As Matt Montgomery (@TheCrossbarRSL on Twitter) pointed out, Morales started 17 consecutive matches for RSL last year, going 90 minutes in most of them.  He also logged the third most minutes in his career.  That kind of puts a dent in the "Injury-prone Javi" argument, especially when you consider how much gets fouled.  I know some people disagree, but for me Morales brings a talent that cannot be matched for the price.  Basically, if RSL were to go out on the market and try to replace his skills, even post major injury, I doubt they could do it for the amount that they're probably paying Javi.

Today RSL added two more pieces through the MLS "Superdraft."  If you follow my twitter account, you know my opinion of the draft.  For the most part, I think it's pretty useless, especially when looking for players who can significantly contribute right away.  In most other countries, pro players begin playing at some kind of a professional level in their early teens, dealing with largely the same set up that they play in at the top level.  College players from the United States generally have no pro experience, and the college game differs significantly from the pro version, both in quality of play and in structure/rules.

However, I think RSL may have stumbled on a couple of solid guys here.  In the first round they selected Maryland midfielder John Stertzer.  He has decent size at 6' and 170 pounds, and rated well in front of goal.  That should be music to the ears of RSL fans.  The scouting report also says that he is a "bright player" who "gets the game," which I'm sure is one of things that attracted Kreis and Lagerway to him.  My concern is speed.  A couple of things I've read about him question whether he has the pace to really play in MLS.  In my opinion, pace is something RSL has started to lack the last year or so, especially dropping back to defend in transition.  We'll see, but he still seems like a solid pick at Number 12.  Check out his MLS bio here.

RSL traded up a couple of picks in the second round to grab forward Devon Sandoval.  MLS Armchair Analyst Matthew Doyle calls him a "home-run pick."  I agree.  I'm loving what I'm reading about him.  This guy is STRONG.  The scouting in fact says "You're not going to see a stronger person."  What interests me more is the part where it says that he can hold the ball up against anybody and key here--"He does NOT turn the ball over."  He's also known for being good on throw ins and set pieces.  Basically, this young man, who had trained with RSL before, seems like the perfect understudy to Alvaro Saborio.  He seems like he could develop into a franchise type scorer, especially learning from the awesomeness that is Sabo. "Good feet," "clever first touch, and "a nose for goal" are music to MY ears.  The knock on him is that he is a bit one dimensional, however, he will have a very specific duty in RSL's setup, and he looks to be the type who can do it well.  Read his MLS bio here.

So there's the skinny on what's going on so far.  I still think RSL is in the market for at least two, maybe three more forwards, depending on how much they expect Sandoval to contribute right off the bat.  Look for more to come in a few days when the USA transfer window officially opens.

Sporting KC Ends Livestrong Agreement

Chicago Tribune

Unsurprisingly. the tumult surrounding Lance Armstrong and his Livestrong foundation came home to roost with it's involvement with the Sporting Kansas City franchise.  Livestrong Sporting Park has been the name of the club's new stadium since it's opening a couple of years ago.  Today in the wake Armstrong's interview with Oprah Winfrey, the club ended the stadium naming rights agreement with Livestrong. 

The situation turned ugly this afternoon as both Livestrong and the club put out competing versions of the events surrounding the termination of the agreement.  Livestrong issued a statement saying that Sporting Kansas City had not lived up to the financial terms of the agreement.

Sporting CEO Robb Heineman released a statement on the club's website refuting that saying in part:

"This morning we were disappointed to learn LIVESTRONG is utilizing aggressive tactics designed to force us into an unsatisfactory arrangement. We willingly admit we were not expecting the foundation to treat a partner in this manner. Even more surprising is that LIVESTRONG would take this action in the midst of a significant transitional phase for their organization."

Livestrong has removed Lance Armstrong's name it's foundation in an attempt to distance itself from him, but it doesn't seem to have worked.  At least dumping the name will spare them more of the "Cheatstrong" or "Liestrong" Sporting Park. I really can't blame them.

For the moment Sporting KC's stadium will be known as "Sporting Park," as per the club's website.  MLSSoccer.com reports suggest that the "Livestrong" light-up signing on the stadium has been turned off.

Sunderland Pummels Flat Looking West Ham

Seb Larsson celebrates his opening goal vs West Ham. (Telegraph.co.uk)

Saturday was a largely forgettable day across the EPL with several 0-0 draws.  For Sunderland supporters, however, it was just what the doctor ordered, in the form of a visit from West Ham.  Though higher in the table, the Hammers have been struggling on the road this year, and they've yet to really get their transfer acquisitions into the mix.

From the opening whistle it appeared that the Black Cats were just going to smother West Ham, who came out awfully dull and flat.  They rarely pushed Sunderland in possession and were beaten to nearly every loose ball by a Sunderland squad who knew they desperately needed the three points to distance themselves from the drop zone.  Throughout the opening ten minutes Sunderland worked methodically to stitch the Hammers closer into their own penalty area, and everyone could feel the pressure build.  The said pressure finally paid off in the 12th minute when Sebastian Larsson collected the ball near the top of the penalty arc and smashed a drive into the back of the Hammers net to make it 1-0.

West Ham started to wake up after conceding the goal, but had a really hard time stringing 3-4 passes together, let alone really threatening up in the offensive third.  Newly acquired Joe Cole could not find hardly any time on the ball, and what service that was sent into Carlton Cole was poor.  Finally Matt Jarvis prodded Simon Mignolet out of his easy chair in the 20th minute, but his low shot went pretty much right to the center of the goal and was easily collected.  It would be West Ham's only real chance of the half. 

Sunderland did get a decent look at doubling their lead in the 26th minute when Stephane Sessegnon collected the ball at the top of his offensive third and gave James Collins the traffic cone treatment before rushing onto goal.  Unfortunately for the Sunderland faithful his shot was rather off balance, sailing well wide of the goal and sealing the 1-0 scoreline going into the interval.

It didn't take long for Sunderland to widen the gap after halftime though.  Sessegnon freed James McClean on goal in a 1v1 situation, but Jussi Jaaskelainen showed fine form to perry the shot toward West Ham defender Daniel Potts.  However, instead of at least clearing the ball out for a corner kick, Potts tried to bundle the ball back to his keeper, and Sunderland pounced.  Steven Fletcher got in the way and took a shot from point blank range that was again well saved by Jaaskelainen, but it didn't go away from danger and effectively took the West Ham shot stopper out of the play.  Adam Johnson was on hand for Sunderland and easily tapped into the gaping net to make it 2-0 on 47 minutes.

Sunderland kept their foot on the gas and iced the points in minute 74.  Sessegnon had a close range shot blocked, but it deflect out to McClean, who threaded the ball into the net from a difficult, but possible, angle to make it 3-0.

As for West ham, they never really got off the ground in the second half either.  They subbed in Arsenal loan man Marouane Chamakh to try to provide some punch, but it didn't really help as he never got the required service either.  His one contribution came in the 64th minute when he headed a ball embarrassingly wide off a corner kick.

In the end, Sunderland easily mopped up the points to move up to 25, just one behind West Ham and six points clear of the relegation zone.  Both teams will face FA Cup replays later this week.

FC Dallas Strengthens at the Back

FC Dallas have signed Stephen Keel, who they selected in the Re-entry draft

According to the league website, there's some interesting news coming out of the FC Dallas camp this morning as they've looked to bolster their defensive options after the departures of Hernan Pertuz and Carlos Rodriguez.  Perhaps more interestingly, they've done it at about half the price, freeing up more money for the transfer window, but more on that in a minute.

First off, the Hoops have signed former Red Bull Stephen Keel (above).  Keel was selected by Dallas in last month's re-entry draft, and should plug in central defense almost immediately.  Keel played under current FCD Technical Director Fernando Clavijo at Colorado.  He played in 25 games over two seasons with New York.

Dallas also announced their newest homegrown signing, the ninth for the team.  Former Maryland University standout London Woodberry looks like he'll be seeing minutes with the senior team in 2013.  Dallas will be looking to play him at fullback in the near future.

As I mentioned earlier, the extra money and two freed up international slots will almost certainly be put to good use.  Daniel Robertson, who is the MLSSoccer.com beat writer for Dallas, is reporting that Dallas have nearly secured the services of Peru's international 'keeper Raul Fernandez.  While the move has yet to be announced by the Hoops, according to Robertson it's a done deal.  The 27 year old will be coming on a loan from OGC Nice in France and should be the number 1 in Dallas after the departure of Kevin Hartman.

Look for more info on this from the league shortly, and follow Daniel Robertson on twitter @DRobertsonFCD.

RSL Seeks Findley Return

Former RSL striker Robbie Findley has been linked with a return to Salt Lake

Okay, so normally I don't get into the business of transfer rumors on here, and I try not to post things until they're a done deal, but this was pretty much given official legs this afternoon.  In a radio interview RSL GM Garth Lagerway discussed the option that Real Salt Lake are looking to bring former team leading scorer Robbie Findley back to Rio Tinto Stadium.

Findley departed the club after the 2010 season.  He was left unprotected in the expansion draft, and was selected by the Portland Timbers.  However he moved across the pond and signed a two year deal with English Championship side Nottingham Forest. After an injury filled campaign in his first season, Findley was loaned to League 2 side Gillingham FC, where he has been playing so far this year.  Findley has 1 assist in 7 appearances so far for Gillingham. He's taken 4 shots, with all 4 on target.  Last year he scored 6 goals in 26 appearances for Forest in all competitions. 

This is not a done deal though.  As Lagerway commented, there is red tape to go through on two different continents.  Here in the USA, the Portland Timbers still hold Findley's rights as per the expansion draft.  RSL would have to compensate them in some way.  If that occurs, his contract in England would have to be dealt with, as he is signed with Forest until June.  Whether Forest would release him or RSL would have to pay a transfer fee remains to be seen.  I tend to think the latter, as the current buzz in England is that Forest are after QPR backup keeper and former England International Goat Robert Green.  So basically, even though it was first reported yesterday by SoccerByIves, things still have a ways to go.

The move has been semi controversial in RSL social media circles.  Many fans, myself among them, see Findley as a natural speed merchant who could benefit from a return home and a pairing with Alvaro Saborio.  Others point to the fact that in 2010 Findley had a bit of an issue hitting the target for RSL.  Indeed, Findley hit the target just under 50% of the time in all competitions. 

So what are the potential advantages to bringing him back?  Well, his speed is the obvious plus.  I think he is a little more dependable than Fabian Espindola was, as Fabi often went too far wide for my taste.  He's also a proven scorer in MLS who is familiar with the team, the pitch, the fans, and of course the altitude in Salt Lake City.  Plus, he's not as volatile as Espindola, whose mouth and emotions sometimes got the better of him despite his fantastic work rate.

The drawbacks?  Well, fitness is a key issue.  Findley spent much of his time either injured or not totally fit in his final year at RSL.  As I mentioned earlier, he's also had a few issues in England.  Fans that gripe about his lack of finishing, or his tendency to miss the target also have a point, and to an extent the stats show that.  However, Findley has showed that he can score goals, even in England.  Perhaps the return to Rio Tinto would be good medicine for him

In the end I would urge skeptical RSL fans to give him a chance.  After all, he did help us win the MLS Cup.  Jason Kreis knows what he's doing.  Besides, with Saborio as RSL's only signed forward right now, there will be much more to come in the days ahead, Findley or no.

Montreal Impact Name New Coach.

The Montreal Impact have named Marco Schallibaum their new head coach

You probably missed this headline, in fact I had to dig for it, but yes the Montreal Impact have named their new head coach for next season.  This is probably a good thing for them as the MLS Combine kicks off later this week.  (Somebody might wanna wake up the Red Bulls.)

Today the Canadian franchise named Marco Schallibaum as the man to take the helm next season.  Who is he, you ask?  Well, apparently he's been a big deal in the Swiss Super League, managing FC Basel, FC Sion, and BSC Young Boys.  He's also worked as a FIFA coaching instructor in Qatar, South Korea, and Mongolia....of all places.

Seemingly more importantly to L'Impact, Schallibaum speaks four languages.  Among those languages is Italian, which will obviously help as Montreal further attempts to become the first Italian Serie A side based outside of Italy.  Either that or they just like washed up Euros.

If you sense my skepticism and sarcasm, sorry.  Honestly I thought Jesse Marsch did a pretty decent job last year, but rumors suggest that part of his issue was not being on the same page as the club's almighty Italian contingent.  In the end, I'm also somewhat skeptical of "Euro" coaches ultimately finding a lot of success in MLS, Exhibit A: Aron Winter.  Exhibit B: Hans Backe.

At any rate, Montreal seems to have a pretty good fanbase going up there, I'd hate to see them become another TFC, but time will tell.

Liverpool Escape Mansfield Town With More Suarez Controversy

Luis Suarez clearly handled the ball on his match winning goal. (AP Photo)

Luis Suarez.  Is there a more controversial player today in the Premier League?  Perhaps Mario Balotelli, but to be fair, a lot of his "issues" happen off the pitch.  As for Suarez, he put himself right back in the thick of things in an FA Cup third round tie at Mansfield Town today, clearly settling the ball with his hand before banging into an empty net for what turned out to be the match winning goal for Liverpool.

The Reds visited the non-league side at One Call Stadium, where 93 places separated the clubs on the English pyramid.  Despite the rather horrendous condition of the pitch, Liverpool were able to employ their passing game early on to control the match.  It looked like they might run away with the proceedings after Jonjo Shelvey slipped a through ball to new man Daniel Sturridge in the seventh minute.  Sturridge easily tapped  the ball by Mansfield 'keeper Alan Marriott to make it 0-1 to Liverpool.  It was his first goal in a Liverpool shirt.

After that, Mansfield Town went into survival mode and were somewhat able to stymie Liverpool's offense, largely through the efforts of Marriott.  In the 15th minute he managed smother the ball as Sturridge once again drove on goal, then got low again in a 1v1 with Shelvey in the 29th to keep the score 0-1.

Manfield finally found their feet though, and weren't about to roll over for the EPL side.  Forward Matthew Green, in particular, gave Liverpool fits for much of the match.   In the 33rd minute he came up with Mansfield's best chance of the first half, driving a shot in on goal from the edge of the penalty area and forcing a good save out of Brad Jones for Liverpool

Toward the end of the first half Liverpool really sat back and started to absorb Mansfield's pressure, resigning themselves to try to hit on the counter attack.  It almost worked in the 45h minute as Sturridge again found himself through on goal.  He drove the ball along the ground toward the outside of the far post only to be foiled by Marriott, who hit the deck at full stretch, parrying the shot away to keep it 0-1 going into halftime.

Mansfield came out like a whirlwind in the second half and immediately took the match to Liverpool, heaping the pressure on Brad Jones' goal.  In the 52nd minute Green put a ball on target that Jones was able to haul in, but not before it took a bounce off of a Liverpool player's hand.  It would not be the last controversial handball no-call of the match.  One minute later Louis Briscoe slammed a shot in from aways out, but Jones was again up to the task.

Knowing his team needed a second goal in a bad way, Brendan Rodgers subbed Luis Suarez into the game.  He made an immediate impact and caused immediate controversy.  In the 58th minute, he used chaos in the box for cover as he raised his right hand, settling the bouncing ball down to his foot.  Now having the ball under control, he tapped it into the net for the second goal, with all the Mansfield town players instantly screaming for handball.  Suarez even kissed his arm as he celebrated, but it seemed everyone in the stadium saw it except for the referee and the linesman, and the goal stood.  It really was obvious.

The "goal" really took the steam out of Mansfield, and the match devolved into a scrappy affair on both sides as the pitch continued to scar up.  However hope was restored to Mansfield fans in the 79th minute.  Colin Daniel crossed the ball into the box where Green was waiting for it.  He turned it toward the goal, where it defected off of a couple of different players and in to make it 1-2 with 11 minutes left.

Mansfield piled on the pressure in the final minutes, but was never able to get the equalizer.  They came the closest in the first minute of stoppage time when Green cranked a shot in on target, but once again Jones turned him away to preserve the full time score at 1-2 to Liverpool.

So in the end, Liverpool moves on in controversial style.  Mansfield Town acquitted itself very well though as Liverpool's second line players again failed to impress.  As for Suarez, as much as he handles the ball, he should take up goalkeeping.  You have to feel for Mansfield, who really were hard done by.

Friday EPL Roundup: Chelsea, Newcastle, and West Ham Make Moves

Striker Demba Ba has officially joined Chelsea (Photo: Chelsea FC)

The European, particularly English, transfer window is now in full swing as clubs seek to strengthen their sides for the second half of the season.  The big news is flying in England today as Newcastle striker Demba Ba has officially signed with Chelsea FC.  The Blues offered Newscatle enough in a transfer fee to trigger Ba's automatic release clause.  The fee was rumored to be 7 million pounds.  Ba commented that he is excited to be at Chelsea because "when the team that won the Champions League wants you, it's a fairly easy decision to make."  Ba will replace the recently departed Daniel Sturridge.  Hopefully for the Blues, his knee holds out.  As a side note, since Senegal will not be playing in the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea will retain his services for the next few weeks.  He'll be eligible to play for the Blues during their FA Cup tie this weekend.

Newcastle hurriedly put the transfer fee to good use though.  They have announced the signing of French international fullback Mathieu Debuchy from Lille for a fee rumored to be about 5 million pounds. Debuchy has 12 caps for the French senior side.  Alan Pardew wanted this deal done last summer, but the two sides could not come to agreement.  Debuchy will not be in the squad for Newcastle's FA Cup match this weekend, and the Frenchman is targeting the next EPL match against Norwich for his debut.

West Ham United bolstered their squad today as well with two signings.  First off they signed Joe Cole on a free transfer from Liverpool.  The former Chelsea standout was a major flop at Anfield.  He took a red card in his first EPL match there, and missed a penalty in his next match, a Europa League tie.  He never recovered.  Last season he was loaned to French club Lille, where he scored 9 goals in 42 matches. He did score a goal for Liverpool against West Ham at Upton Park earlier this season , but earned the fans admiration by not celebrating. The Hammers also signed Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh on a loan for the rest of the season.  Chamakh has not started an EPL match for Arsenal in over a year, and has not made a league appearance yet this season.  However, the paperwork did not come through in time, so he will not be available for West Ham this weekend.

In other news, earlier this week West Ham announced that Yossi Benayoun has left the club and returned to Chelsea, ending his loan spell.

Chivas de Guadalajara Sack Former Heart Boss

John van' Schip has been sacked by CD Guadalajara

So as it turns out, it's not just Chivas USA that seems to be in total disarray.  The franchise's Mexican "parent club" tossed yet another coach today, former Melbourne Heart boss John van' Schip.  The Dutchman's firing comes after his adviser Johan Cruyff was sacked last Decemeber.

Initially it appeared that van' Schip and his staff would dodge the axe.  Chivas scraped enough together toward the end of the 2012 Apertura campaign to finish 8th and qualify for the Liguilla.  However, the Goats fell to eventual finalists Toluca by an aggregate of 5-2.  The final straw seemed to be losing to lower division side Estudiantes Tecos 3-2 in a friendly on Sunday.

Schip seemed to be fairly confident that he'd be staying on earlier this week, mentioning that he might have to juggle his lineup for Chivas' Clausura kickoff against Toluca.  He observed that his players didn't look ready to face the challenges ahead.  Well, now they'll face them with a different manager at the helm.

That the Chivas organization would whack a coach a couple of days before their opener shouldn't shock anyone familiar with Liga MX or the Goats' little American stepchildren, Chivas USA, who have been the doormat of MLS for a couple of years now.  The brand seems to have lost a little bit of it's luster, and it sometimes it seems like the Vergaras make changes for changes sake.  If they were going to sack van' Schip, why wait until now, because you lost a friendly?  The new manager is going to have quite a bit of work to do.

Reports suggest that former Chivas and Santos Laguna boss Benjamin Gallindo will take the helm for the time being.

Transfers Kick Off: Sturridge to Liverpool

Forward Daniel Sturridge has signed a deal at Liverpool (football.co.uk)

The January transfer window has been open less than two days, and already Liverpool is off to an active start.  Today they have announced that they have acquired Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge and signed him to a long term deal.  The move has been long rumored, as Liverpool had sought him in the last transfer window.  It is thought that the transfer fee was around 12 million pounds.

Sturridge, the former Manchester City product, has been frustrated at his lack of playing time at Chelsea and hinted early this season that he was ready to move on.  He has scored 24 goals in 96 career EPL matches, including 8 goals during a loan stint at Bolton that lasted for five months.  He has started 31 matches in his EPL career.  Recently his playing time has been hampered by a couple of nagging injuries.

Liverpool hopes that the 23 year old will take some of the load off of Luis Suarez, who has been left as the club's only viable strike option after Andy Carroll was loaned out to West Ham and Fabio Borini was sidelined with a broken foot after failing to impress early on.  Both Sturridge and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers have said that they expect him to stay at the club for a long time.  That remains to be seen.

It also remains to be seen if Sturridge can handle the the load as a top line striker.  A lot of his production has come from the substitute's bench.    It will also be interesting to see if he can remain healthy.  Still, he'll be number 2 behind Suarez, and if he can develop chemistry with the Uruguayan, it could end up being a major coup signing for Liverpool.

On the international level, he represented Great Britain at last summer's Olympic games in London.