Duran brings instant credibility to the UD soccer program. First, it was the Dayton Dutch Lions and the creation of a first-class organization at the PDL level. Sources tell us that the Dutch Lions are contemplating a move to USL-2 or a refurbished USL-1 in 2011. Second, news of quite a recruiting coup came as the University of Dayton landed one of the nation’s best players. Central midfielder Marlon Duran was ranked #6 in the country overall and was the captain of
Great start to the season! Here are our thoughts on Week 1 in Major League Soccer: Philadelphia at Seattle: Too early to tell if there will be a sophomore slump for the Sounders. They embarrassed the expansion Union 2-0 in front of 36,000+ fans. Great market + great players + great expectations=Seattle Sounders FC. Philly fans are in for a long, long season. The Union had problems on both sides of the ball. Not sure where goals will come from and not sure who
Shocking news came out of Chicago as the Fire waived their projected starting goalkeeper Jon Busch. Busch, widely regarded as one of the best in the business, is known for his work on and off the field. Busch was always seen as a classy individual and became a fan favorite at every stop. Jon is still loved by Crew fans even though he has been gone for several years. This is quite a shock to all involved.We last saw him at the
I don’t mean to be dramatic, but the future of the beautiful game in America is in jeopardy. Officials from the league office and the players union have not been able to come to a new agreement. Extended deadlines have come and went and even a federal mediator has stepped in. A prolonged strike/lockout/work stoppage would be simply devastating to a league that is finally gaining the respect and admiration of casual fans and the mainstream media. Even a delayed start
It has been good news and bad news the past two weeks in Major League Soccer. Concerns about the CBA have put a big question mark on the 2010 season. Any chance of a player strike or a lockoutgt by the ownership during a World Cup year could be crippling to the growth of soccer in America. Do you remember how long it took the sport to recover after the collapse of the NASL? The staff at International Soccer Network
There was quite the sense of disappointment as we discovered that Mark Blades and Hunter Gilstrap were not making the final cut in Chicago and Toronto respectively. Blades, a St. Ignatius grad, is still being courted by several other MLS clubs despite the early setback. Gilstrap, a former keeper with the City Stars, is searching for options after his trial with Toronto FC ended without a contract. Both have the talent to play professionally, while Blades looks to be the best bet
When one looks at the hotbeds of soccer in the United States, the great Northwest with the Seattle Sounders (MLS), to California and the Los Angeles Galaxy, to the East Coast where D.C. United (MLS) won three of the first four MLS titles, spring to mind. The Midwest is often overlooked by the masses as a soccer hotbed. An easy picture of farms stretching further than the eye can see does not bring athletic, silky soccer players to mind. For Jacob
This weekend is our last chance to catch the Ohio Vortex at the Canton Civic Center. The Vortex take on the Detroit Waza (Friday, Jan. 15th) and the Louisville Lightning (Saturday, Jan. 16th). They will then embark on a long, long road trip to finish the season. The Vortex have quietly created a talented squad with a good mix of youth and experience. Seasoned veteran Wes Sechrist matches perfectly with the passion and fire of midfielder Allen Eller. Defender Mike Pertz
Top-flight soccer in Cleveland has had some bad luck as of late. First, news of the collapse of the City Stars became public. Then we heard no mention of a Cleveland franchise in the new USSF Division 2 league. Now we hear the worst news of all: Cleveland is no longer being considered as a host city for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup bid. We are not alone in our sorrow as Chicago, the home of U.S. Soccer and President