The Seattle Times: Sounders FC Blog

Goodbye to the Sounders FC inaugural season

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:20:03 PST

I've got the closing credits song from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" by Oingo Boingo I think, in my head. "Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye"...etc.

Man it was fun wasn't it? On my end, still have an MLS Cup to cover and some follow-up work to do. So the blog will still be here and I will post. Lots to reminisce about in the days and weeks ahead and then were will be the expansion draft, the Superdraft, then before you know it training camp '10 will be here.

More to come tonight...but first, a couple of photos to call it a day here at Robertson Stadium.

Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:37:03 PST

The Dynamo fox mascot has a fake beard on, playoff beard.

Sounders FC gathers in a circle, Ljungberg with hugs and taps on the chest for his mates, and they take the field.

No sellout today. Plenty of empty seats up high and in upper end zone.

2:06 kickoff. 70 degrees.

3rd -- Ching with a bicycle kick off a good cross and Riley has to clear it out with Keller out of the net.

Sigi Schmid looks like he is going to a barbecue after the match. Dressed casually. It's muggy out.

7th -- Leo blocks Mullan's shot after good cross from Oduro.

12th -- Boswell inexplicably kicks ball over end line for a corner, and Tyrone Marshall's header is too high but Seattle's best chance thus far.

15 -- Ball gets through and somehow no Dynamo player gets a good foot on it, close one.

16 -- Clark with a ball in to Oduro and his shot is saved by Keller, right on point. Dynamo
knocking at the door.

23 -- As a balloon flew in front of Keller, Oduro fired off a blast that hit the post. Third good scoring chance for Oduro alone.

24 -- Marshall with aggressive tackle on Oduro and he had to, or Oduro was going to be on his own. Yellow for Marshall.

27- Montero beats his man and has a great chance but somehow shoots it wide. That has happened too many times this season. At the other end, Keller has to make a save as Seattle doesn't get back fast enough.

30 -- Holden up to Oduro, who beats Marshall down the side and Hurtado has a bad angle, shot to the far post has Keller beat, but it's wide.

31 -- Ching with a good chance and shoots it wide. This has not been a good first half for Seattle at all.

33 -- Just a bad call there as Gonzalez get called for a push on Ching, and now a free kick for Dynamo at top of the arc.
Into the wall and blocked.

36 -- Zakuani crosses and Cameron almost heads it in for an own goal. Sounders' second-best scoring chance of the game so far, that's how it's gone.

42 -- Ljungberg took an elbow and then Cameron tackles Ljungberg hard. It's a foul on Houston. Freddie hears it from the crowd as Sigi protests.

43 -- The free kick is headed by Clark back to Onstad who has to jump for a save as the ball was going in. Montero with the follow but its saved again.

Yellow to Chabala, he will miss next match if Houston advances.

HALF 0-0.

Back to action, Ljungberg fouled and Houston complains.

54 -- Jaqua left foots it near the goal but wide, good ball movement by Seattle but the chance is missed.

58 -- Holden with the corner to Ching and his header goes wide as the crowd rose, thinking something was going to happen.

61 -- Marshall, who already has a yellow, kicked Ching in the leg and got away with it, no call. Very close to being sent off there.

66 - Montero shot wide.

68 -- Levesque in, Zakuani out.

70 - Save Keller on Ching shot.

74 -- Marshall is limping and hurting, and now he's yelling at Mullan. Ching and Ljungberg have also been going at it today. It's getting to crunch time and the pressure is on. Marshall still working out the leg pain but remains on the field.

Attendance announced at 27,465.

78 -- Levesque draws corner...looks like the rain will be here soon. Getting blustery. Player down for Seattle is Montero, working on his left leg, might be a cramp. Now he's up and the referee is rushing him off the field. Montero is off, Ljungberg will corner.

81 -- Montero back on after Ljungberg is called for flop. Levesque to Jaqua and Nate's shot is wide, and Cameron is hurt for Houston and it looks serious.

82 -- Landin on for Oduro for Dynamo.

83 -- Cameron came off. Back on in 84th minute.

Back-to-back offisides calls stop the Dynamo, and then a chance in the 89th minute goes over the goal.

3 min added time.

Cameron with a yellow in extra time, wow, he's been aggressive all game.

TWO 15-minute OT periods coming up. Keller and Ching shake hands before a coin toss. Short break for both teams (oranges and water) and now they take the field.

5th (96th) -- GOAL DYNAMO. Ching with the one-timer blast, a shot right out of the air after Roger Levesque couldn't clear the ball out of the area. 1-0 Houston, 25 minutes left in Seattle's season right now.

10 -- Ljungberg with a shot from the side that was going in, but Onstad leaps for the save and hits the ball over the net.

Marshall is hurt and Leo just signaled to the bench for a sub. It will be Nyassi.

104 -- Nyassi is in for Marshall.

End of first OT period. 15 minutes for Seattle to tie.

Red card in the 120th minute to Riley, and now Sounders FC is showing its frustation. James Riley has to be held back, he has been sent off. Not a good way for this season to end. And end it will. What a year. What a team. What success for the most part. What a spring, summer and fall for Seattle soccer fans. But today it was not to be.

Final -- Dynamo 1, Sounders FC 0.

The scene in Houston

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:02:03 PST

Sounders FC in blue kits. Dynamo walked out to a fog machine

A good 100 strong Sounders FC supporters in the corner of the upper deck on the sideline.
They were pretty excited, a couple even said hi. Nice to meet you! Dynamo player Richard Mulrooney was just introduced and walked onto the field with two Scottish bagpipers.

A shot at two Sounders FC players and a supporters group with this sign.

Today's starting lineups, Marshall to start

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:25:03 PST

SEATTLE

GK: 18-Kasey Keller

RD: 7-James Riley

CD:14-Tyrone Marshall

CD: 34-Jhon Kennedy Hurtado

LD: 19-Leo Gonzalez

RMF: 21-Nate Jaqua

CMF: 6-Osvaldo Alonso

CMF: 3-Brad Evans

LMF: 11-Steve Zakuani

FW: 10-Freddie Ljungberg

FW: 17-Fredy Montero

SUBS:

DF: 4-Patrick Ianni

DF: 5-Tyson Wahl

MF: 8-Peter Vagenas

MF: 9-Sebastien Le Toux

MF: 23-Sanna Nyassi

MF: 24-Roger Levesque

GK: 28-Terry Boss

HOUSTON

GK: 18-Pat Onstad

RD: 17-Mike Chabala

CD: 32-Bobby Boswell

CD: 20-Geoff Cameron

LD: 31-Andrew Hainault

RMF: 9-Brian Mullan

CMF: 13-Ricardo Clark

CMF: 22-Stuart Holden

LMF: 11-Brad Davis

FW: 23-Dominic Oduro

FW: 25-Brian Ching

Freddie Ljungberg calls pitch "a disgrace"

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:31:04 PST

The field doesn't look too nice and the Univ. of Houston football lines and logo are still quite visible, and from up above where I am the soccer lines aren't super clear. But it's not so bad, to me anyway. The grass is brown and faded in spots. See what FL said about it yesterday in his blog.

Live from Robertson Stadium

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:05:03 PST

I got here after a nice breakfast with my friends the Carters and there was a nice tailgate crowd. It's gloomy/cloudy but muggy and probably around 72 degrees, looks like it could rain.

Here's some photos from before the game.

On West Coast time

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:01:30 PST

The game will be on in less than 12 hours and while I still have some energy, wanted to share with you the game advance for today. It's about how officiating could play big part in the match.

So we have Chicago vs. Real Salt Lake on the East side of the bracket, and today we will know the West half.

Dynamo chief operating officer Chris Canetti had a little message for Seattle soccer fans. Shows how formidable the support for Sounders FC is and the fact that it is to be respected when an exec from another team -- see Kevin Payne from DC United -- singles out Seattle. Nothing big, but to say that "We think that we've set the bar for what it means to have a home playoff environment in Major League Soccer," might be going a bit too far. The bar is set at 35,700-plus, all but maybe a dozen who were there for the Rave Green. The bar is set at the best attendance in the league and a conference semifinal record. Houston does deserve credit for getting good crowds for previous playoff games.

But we'll see. Maybe that atmosphere will be right there with Seattle's. And maybe the game will sell out.

Speaking of atmosphere...one of the best parts about an Ozomatli show is the end, when they go out into the crowd. Enjoy my favorite band.

If you decide to come on down, or if you're in Houston already...

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:44:08 PST

Tickets will be available at the Robertson Stadium gates on Sunday, with the stadium box office opening at 11:00 a.m. near Gate 8, located on the Cullen Blvd. side of the stadium.

Fans are advised that Interstate 10 East is closed shortly before its intersection with Interstate 45, so alternate routes to the stadium are recommended.

The winner of the series will advance to the Western Conference championship game against the winner of Sunday night's Chivas USA vs. Los Angeles Galaxy game. If the Galaxy win, they will host the conference final on Friday night at 10 p.m. CT. If Chivas USA wins, the Seattle-Houston winner will host, Seattle on Thursday and Houston on Sunday (3:30 p.m. CT).

Regarding Reda Doulyazal, he indeed did have a trial here, I actually blogged it way back when. Seemed like one of those "feeling out" trials, but perhaps Sounders FC really liked him and no doubt the club kept him on file.

I didn't get to see much of him while he was in Seattle, to be honest, but he looked like he had potential and could hang with the other guys.

Mi viaje a Houston

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:05:03 PST

"My trip to Houston."

It's about to begin, after a little hassle with Southwest Airlines. The plan is to write an extra story from the game on Sunday so there will be the game report and another story.

Could have sworn I heard someone at the Ozomatli show last night at the Showbox chanting "Ole...ole, ole, ole....Sounders, Sounders." The band played that riff at the end of the performance.

Anyway if you haven't seen today's article, here it is. I'm glad to have had firsthand knowledge of how fans travel because I have been able to go to a lot of road games.

Sounders FC practice, 11-6-09, and coach comments

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:22:03 PST

It struck me that this could be the last official one of the season for the team at Starfire, depending on what happens Sunday.

Anyway, the team caught its flight this afternoon for Texas. I leave tomorrow.

Tyrone Marshall said he'll just have to "suck it up" and play. He went through all of practice today. When it was over -- before the rain came at Starfire -- the guys signed autographs.

Here's what coach Sigi Schmid had to say:

On Tyrone Marshall:
"He worked yesterday. He trained and then he did everything with Dave Tenney, our fitness coach. We wanted to see how he came back this morning. He had no problems and said that it felt better than it did yesterday. Today he went through the full training and he feels fine... He did more today again so we will see how it feels tomorrow. But if there are no setbacks he should be able to go. He's a very honest player. He was very honest with us. Early in the season, we had Ozzie [Osvaldo Alonso] get hurt in the warm-ups and he said he could try it and he had to come out of the game two minutes in. With Tyrone it was the same sort of thing but Tyrone was very honest and said 'Look, I can't go.' So he will be very honest with us and if he says he can go he will go and if he can't he will tell us."

On Sounders FC road play:
"I think we have had a good road record of late. I think we are a good team whether we play at home or away. Houston is a good team as well. They're not going to relinquish this thing easily. I think it's going to be a great game. It's going to be a game that is end to end. It's a game that is going to have a lot of drama attached to it. But I like our chances."

On Real Salt Lake beating Columbus Crew:
"Obviously it is sad for Columbus. I still have a lot of friends and people that I know on that team. But it shows what can happen in the playoffs. Over the course of a season and the Supporters' Shield, the cream rises to the top. Once you get into a playoff situation, it's like Fantasy Island - everybody's dream can come true. Last night, Real Salt Lake's dream came true. And we want to make our dream come true in Houston."

On penalty kicks: "We trained on penalties a little bit so we're ready. I don't believe in doing them a lot because for me penalties are a mental thing. Some guys take great penalties at practice and then they get out to the field and their knees buckle and everything gets shaky. And there's other guys who can't score one in practice but when the game's on the line they step up and bury it. If it comes to that point, we are going to be able to pick five guys who are going to step up and put five away."

Schmid said he has selected the two players he'd pick from in the event of a PK during the game, and the five players he'd go with if it goes to a shootout.

Welcoming Sounders FC back after Sunday's match

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:38:06 PST

this came from the team, for those who want to go to SeaTac Airport late Sunday night to see the team.

WHO: All fans of Seattle Sounders FC

WHAT: Fan rally and 'welcome home' celebration for the players and coaches. Fans are encouraged to bring signs and flags.

WHEN: Sunday, November 8, 10 p.m.

WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport

Fans are invited to gather at the "ARRIVALS HALL" which is located at the far south-end of the main terminal on the baggage claim level.

WHY: The Sounders FC will be returning from Houston following their Western Conference Semifinal match.

PARKING: Fans are encouraged to park at the south end of the parking garage on the fourth floor.

For more information visit www.soundersfc.com.

Dynamo players dig Seattle soccer scene

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:28:02 PST

It's in the Seattle Times for tomorrow. Pretty nice guys to talk to. Craig Waibel was spackling the walls at his home when I called him.

How about that Real Salt Lake? That was some win. Give those guys credit, man, Columbus just folded like origami in the second half. 4-2 RSL wins on goals, advances to the East final.

See Sounders FC-Dynamo live on FSN outside of Seattle

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:18:02 PST

This is on the Sounders FC Web site's official blog, so thanks to them. You won't be able to see the pregame show that will air locally on KING-TV, but FSN will air game replays later on Sunday, then Monday and Tuesday.

Also, Sigi Schmid said Tyrone Marshall did do some work today in practice. When I was there he was only watching. Here's what Schmid said.

On nominations for MLS Newcomer of the Year:
"It means Adrian [Hanauer] and Chris [Henderson] did a great job at selecting those players. Obviously one is a DP [Designated Player] and one is Fredy Montero who we brought in early and Kasey Keller who we got to return. So it means that we did a good job on those three fronts in terms of the discovery players, in terms of foreign players, and in terms of a DP. The reason we are in the playoffs and had a good season is because those selections were solid."

On Tyrone Marshall:
"He trained today. He went through the whole warm-up with the team and then we wanted him to work with our fitness coach. He had no problems doing anything. We just want to see how he looks tomorrow and if he reacts fine tomorrow then he's full-on in training on Friday."

More quotes from today:

Freddie Ljungberg

On his role on Sounders FC: "I think there is always a learning period of learning each other. There is of course a learning period. For me, I think that Europe goes a lot quicker and maybe there were certain situations earlier when they haven't looked up yet and I wanted the ball a little bit early. Sometimes maybe when I wanted to play the ball early on I hit it in there when they were not in position yet. But now it feels like we are more in tune and it works well."

On playing Houston Dynamo five times this season:
"It normally makes the games a little bit tighter because you know each other better and you know their strengths. The coaches can see more and they can tighten up in certain areas and make it difficult for each other. Definitely when you play a team more often it normally makes it a bit tighter."

On nominations for MLS Newcomer of the Year:
"I think we should be proud of what the management has done and it's great."

Kasey Keller - Goalkeeper

On second leg against Houston Dynamo:
"It's been nice having that game on Thursday and then having a little bit of a break and now get ready to go. But it's now starting to drag on a little bit and I think everybody is ready to get down to Houston and get focused on the job at hand. We have had a good week of training and we are excited about the prospect."

On playing Houston Dynamo five times this season:
"It's just another game. There's no such thing as tendencies or whatever. We just need to show up and be better than them."

A soggy day at Sounders FC practice

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:27:03 PST

So glad I brought the umbrella.

Tyrone Marshall did not practice, and tomorrow is the last practice the team has before going to Houston so it's not looking too god for him right now as far as playing much if at all.

Sweet goal by Fredy Montero - a sliding header - during practice today. I was able to get this photo of Freddie Ljungberg getting set for a corner kick...it was raining hard but they were out there for a good two hours, maybe a bit more.

"El Presidente" not voted MLS Defender of the Year

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:34:03 PST

The honor went to Chad Marshall of Columbus for the second year in a row. Seattle's Jhon Kennedy Hurtado was a finalist. Also, Alex Prus was named Referee of the Year in MLS.

My take: Wrong choice. The guy is very good, but didn't play all season like Hurtado did and Sounders FC's defense gave up fewer goals. Even Geoff Cameron, the other finalist, would have been a better choice. You have to reward the team with the stingiest defense. And "child please," as Chad Ochocinco would say, it's wrong to vote for a defender based on the number of goals he scored. The award is about defense. Oh well.

Here's the official announcement:

NEW YORK (Thursday, Nov 5, 2009) - Major League Soccer announced today that Columbus Crew defender Chad Marshall was voted the Visa Defender of the Year for the second consecutive season, and referees Alex Prus and Greg Barkey were voted as the adidas Referee of the Year and adidas Assistant Referee of the Year.

Marshall, the 2008 Defender of the Year and 2009 MLS All-Star, anchored a Columbus defense that allowed only 31 goals during the regular season - a record low for the Crew. Marshall played in and started 18 games during the regular season; he missed four games while serving National Team duty with the U.S. and another six games with a knee sprain at the end of the season.

Marshall's leadership helped the Crew capture their second straight Supporters' Shield trophy, awarded to the team that finishes with the best regular season record (13-7-10, 49 points). The Crew's defense allowed the third fewest goals (31) behind the Houston Dynamo (29) and Seattle Sounders FC (29).

Marshall won MLS Player of the Month honors for August after leading the Crew to a 4-1-0 record during the month, which included four shutouts. The 6-foot, 4-inch, 190-pound defender proved again that he's not only an imposing force on defense, but also poses a scoring threat whenever he gets forward. Marshall finished third on the team with four goals scored, including game-winning goals versus New York (June 27), Colorado (Aug. 1) and FC Dallas (Aug. 15).

Now in his sixth MLS season, the 25-year-old Riverside, Calif., native was the second overall pick in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew. Marshall joins Carlos Bocanegra and Robin Fraser as the only two-time Defender of the Year award winners. Marshall led the voting ahead of Seattle Sounders FC defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Houston Dynamo defender Geoff Cameron, the other finalists for the award.

Prus receives the adidas Referee of the Year award for the first time in his career. A veteran center referee of MLS games, Prus has worked 169 games in 13 seasons. Prus first served as an assistant referee in MLS in 1997. He has worked five Men's Division I NCAA Final Four soccer tournaments and was the head referee for MLS Cup 2007 in Washington, D.C.

Barkey has been honored with the adidas Assistant Referee of the Year award. Barkey was one of three assistant referees to represent the United States in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. In 14 seasons with Major League Soccer, Barkey has worked 201 regular season games and 28 playoff games.

The Visa Defender of the Year earned the most votes in polling of MLS players, general managers, coaches, and members of the media. The adidas Referee of the Year and adidas Assistant Referee of the Year were earned the most votes in polling of MLS players, general managers, coaches, referees and members of the media.

MLS Defender of the Year Winners:

2009: Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew

2008: Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew

2007: Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution

2006: Bobby Boswell - D.C. United

2005: Jimmy Conrad - Kansas City Wizards

2004: Robin Fraser - Columbus Crew

2003: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire

2002: Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire

2001: Jeff Agoos - San Jose Earthquakes

2000: Peter Vermes - Kansas City Wizards

1999: Robin Fraser - Los Angeles Galaxy

1998: Lubos Kubik - Chicago Fire

1997: Eddie Pope - D.C. United

1996: John Doyle - San Jose Earthquakes

adidas Referee of the Year Winners:

2009: Alex Prus

2008: Jair Marrufo

2007: Brian Hall

2006: Brian Hall

2005: Brian Hall

2004: Abiodun 'Abbey' Okulaja

2003: Brian Hall

2002: Kevin Terry

2001: Paul Tamberino

2000: Paul Tamberino

1999: Paul Tamberino

1998: Paul Tamberino

1997: Esse Baharmast

adidas Assistant Referee of the Year Winners:

2009: Greg Barkey

2008: Kermit Quisenberry

"Dynamo Day" in Houston tomorrow

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:49:07 PST

The mayor of the city has issued a proclamation, along the lines of what Seattle did last week.

Here it is.

Mayor Bill White today proclaimed that Friday, November 6th, will be recognized as "Dynamo Day" in Houston. In observance of the day, the mayor encourages Houstonians to wear orange, the color of the Dynamo.

The two-time MLS Cup Champion Dynamo will host the Seattle Sounders in the second leg of the Western conference semifinals, this Sunday, November 8, at Robertson Stadium at 2 p.m. With the series currently tied 0-0, the winner of Sunday's game will advance to the Western Conference Championship game.

"Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in Houston, so we really appreciate having a team of the caliber of our two-time MLS champions," said Mayor White. "Win this weekend; and let's make this year championship number three!"

"The Houston Dynamo organization epitomizes what it is to be a Houstonian on and off the field," said Dynamo President and General Manager Oliver Luck. "We're energized by the hometown support."

Cool Sounders FC spot on KING-TV

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:05:03 PST

Thanks to the fan who made me aware of it.

So this is what it must be like in the tunnel...

Also I totally missed this, but D.C. United's coach, Tom Soehn, and the club have parted ways. It was in the team's official blog.

Lower bowl at Robertson Stadium is sold out

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:13:03 PST

No Sounders FC practice today, but thanks to the Dynamo press crew that really does a nice job, I've learned that Houston's home field is down to upper level end zone and sideline seats. The stadium holds 32,000, and having been there, I like it. Some nice palm trees in the corners, good view of everything from the press box and easy parking very close by. The orange of the Dynamo kind of clashes with the Houston Cougar red, though.

Now, we in Seattle would tend to scoff at this, because Sounders FC games are so well-attended and the team even opens up additional seating. But as soccer fans, we all agree, I think, that good crowds are only good for the growth of the sport. So here's hoping that the home of the Dynamo is packed Sunday.

From the Dynamo:

Gates will open at 12:30 p.m. for decisive second leg

HOUSTON, TX (Wednesday, November 4, 2009) - The lower bowl of Robertson Stadium is sold out for Sunday's Western Conference semifinal second leg between the Houston Dynamo and the Seattle Sounders. Good seats are still available on the endlines and sidelines for Sunday's match, presented by Nutrament, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and adidas. Tickets are available at HoustonDynamo.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.

The first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Dynamo playoff rally towel, courtesy of Academy Sports + Outdoors and adidas. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m. for the 2 p.m. kickoff, 30 minutes earlier than for a normal regular season game.

Houston's last three home playoff games have been attended by sellout crowds of more than 30,000.

Thornton wins MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:57:03 PST

I took some personal time this morning, and while I was away, a few things happened.

One, Chivas USA keeper Zach Thornton won Goalkeeper of the Year. He was an All-Star, though he got hurt in the second half of the All-Star Game in Sandy, Utah. Thornton beat out finalist Kasey Keller for the honor.

There were a couple of other awards announced today by the league.

NEW YORK (Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009) - Major League Soccer announced today that Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton was voted the 2009 Goalkeeper of the Year. New England Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston was named the winner of the individual MLS Fair Play award, and the Chicago Fire earned the MLS Team Fair Play award as the MLS club with the fewest disciplinary points during the 2009 regular season.

The Goalkeeper of the Year and the Individual Fair Play award winners earned the most votes in polling of MLS players, general managers, coaches, referees and members of the media.

Thornton, 36, had arguably his best season in his 13-year MLS career. He led Chivas USA to a 13-11-6 record and posted a career best 12 shutouts and 0.87 goals against average. His 12 shutouts were one shy of the club record and his goals against average ranks second all-time behind Pat Onstad's 0.82 in 2007. Thornton led the League in goals against average, shutouts and ranked second in wins with 12.

Thornton took over the starting role for Preki's club this season, after being acquired in 2008 and playing in eight regular season games last season. The 2009 season was his first full season as a starter since 2006, when he was a member of the Chicago Fire. He started 27 of the team's 30 games during the regular season and led Chivas to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

This marks the second Goalkeeper of the Year honor for Thornton. He joins Onstad and Joe Cannon as the only players to win the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award twice. He received the honor in 1998, after being selected by the Chicago Fire in the expansion draft, Thornton led the first-year club to an MLS Cup championship. He finished the 1998 season with 16 wins and a 1.17 goals against average.

Thornton ranks second all-time in shutouts (70) and wins (125), behind only Kevin Hartman in both categories. He played collegiately at Loyola College in Maryland and was drafted by the MetroStars in the 7th round of the 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft. He played two seasons with the club as a reserve behind Tony Meola before spending the bulk of nine seasons with the Fire. In 2004 he spent six months on loan with Benfica in Portugal. Thornton played with the Colorado Rapids in 2007 and New York Red Bulls in 2008. During the 2008 season, he was traded to Chivas USA, where he played seven games before earning the starting role to begin the 2009 campaign.

Thornton led the voting ahead of Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, the other finalists named earlier this week.

Ralston is claiming his third MLS Fair Play Award. The 35 year-old, MLS Original and New England Revolution midfielder from St. Louis, Mo., becomes the first three-time recipient of the award. Michael Parkhurst, Ralston's former Revolution teammate, won the award in 2007 and 2008.

Ralston started 17 games for the Revolution this year and recorded seven goals and seven assists. In 1,543 minutes of play, Ralston committed only four fouls and received two cautions. The all-time leader in games played (378) and assists (135) Ralston helped the Revolution to an 11-10-9 record and the club's eighth consecutive playoff appearance. Before joining the Revolution, Ralston spent six seasons with the Tampa Bay Mutiny, earning the Rookie of the Year award in 1996.

The Chicago Fire claimed the Team Fair Play award for accumulating the fewest disciplinary points (259.5) of any team during the 2009 regular season. Disciplinary points are assigned as follow: 4 points for each caution received, 10 points for each red card, 0.50 points for each foul committed and a reduction of 15 points for each game that a team completes without receiving any cards or action from the MLS Disciplinary Committee.

MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Winners:

2009: Zach Thornton - Chivas USA

2008: Jon Busch - Chicago Fire

2007: Brad Guzan - Chivas USA

2006: Troy Perkins - D.C. United

2005: Pat Onstad - San Jose Earthquakes

2004: Joe Cannon - Colorado Rapids

2003: Pat Onstad - San Jose Earthquakes

2002: Joe Cannon - San Jose Earthquakes

2001: Tim Howard - MetroStars

2000: Tony Meola - Kansas City Wizards

1999: Kevin Hartman - Los Angeles Galaxy

1998: Zach Thornton - Chicago Fire

1997: Brad Friedel - Columbus Crew

1996: Mark Dodd - Dallas Burn

MLS Fair Play Award - Individual Winners:

2009: Steve Ralston - New England Revolution

2008: Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution

2007: Michael Parkhurst - New England Revolution

2006: Chris Klein - Real Salt Lake

2005: Ronald Cerritos - San Jose Earthquakes

2004: Eddie Pope - MetroStars

2003: Brian McBride - Columbus Crew

2002: Mark Chung - Colorado Rapids

2001: Alex Pineda Chacon - Miami Fusion

2000: Steve Ralston - Tampa Bay Mutiny

1999: Steve Ralston - Tampa Bay Mutiny

1998: Thomas Dooley - Columbus Crew

1997: Mark Chung - Kansas City Wizards

MLS Fair Play Award -Team Winners:

2009: Chicago Fire

2008: New England Revolution

2007: Columbus Crew

2006: Kansas City Wizards

2005: Kansas City Wizards

2004: Columbus Crew

2003: New England Revolution

2002: Kansas City Wizards

2001: San Jose Earthquakes

2000: Tampa Bay Mutiny

1999: Columbus Crew

1998: Kansas City Wizards

1997: Columbus Crew

Long wait between games? No big deal

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:01:03 PST

At least not for the guys I talked to. Y yo hable con Leo Gonzalez hoy en espan~ol para obtener mejor entrevista con el.

-And I talked to Leo today in Spanish in order to have a better interview with him.-

Here's the story. Also thanks to those who have written me responses to what I posted earlier.

Sigi Schmid quotes, 11-3-09

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:06:03 PST

On Houston's home field:
"It's 115 by 70 [yards] so it doesn't seems like a lot but when you add it all up and multiply 5 yards times 110 all of a sudden it's like 550 square yards less of space. When you look at it that way it is like a whole room is taken away. We've played there before. It makes it easier to close things down and put pressure on the ball. It makes the game a little more of a bang-bang game. But we had good success there last time and we had success on the small field in Kansas City as well. We are OK because we have a grass training field. Over the past two months of the season we have trained more on grass than we have on turf."

On condition of pitch at Robertson Stadium:
"I coached in Columbus and at this time of the year there were probably a couple of high school football games on there [Crew Stadium] a couple times a week. I guess that's sort of sharing too. I have even coached there on a Saturday night and they had two football games on the Friday before. But the field crew was good and the field was in good shape... We will see what the condition of the field is once we are down there. Obviously nothing we are going to do now is going to change it."

On previous matches against Houston:
"Each game is a mutually exclusive event. It's like the odds of probability. The chance of winning in the next one is just as high as the last one. Once the game gets going, sometimes that enters your mind...But I think for the majority of the game people view it as an independent event."

On feelings on second leg, get a good vibe like Ezra Hendrickson?
"I definitely get feelings as well. I think everybody who has been in the game has feelings inside themselves... A lot of that is you're just trying to think through the game. You're thinking through the situations that are going to occur, what matchups are good for you, what matchups are you worried about, what you need your team to do, what you want to make sure you shut them down."

On Freddie Ljungberg:
"Obviously Freddie [Ljungberg] is an experienced player so the expectations are that he is going to be somebody who is going to come onto this team and with his experience make this a better team. And his experience is not always what he's able to do on the training field or off the field. It's that 'I want the ball in the game' attitude. Go ahead and give the ball to me and I'll take care of it. I'll make some plays for us. I'll help us create some things that we need to be created. That's certainly something that Freddie helps us do...That was our expectation of him coming in and he has certainly fulfilled that. I think he has enjoyed himself here and when you enjoy yourself it makes you play a little better, more relaxed."

Sounders FC practice, 11-3-09

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:22:02 PST

Not much to report. Tyrone Marshall was not out on the field with the team.

More to come later this afternoon.

Ljungberg on having Houston's number:

"I think they're a very good team. I like the way they play and they like to try to play some good soccer for the fans and are enjoyable to watch. Unfortunately the last game was a bit different because the rules are different, and they didn't have to go forward and a tie was good enough. So I felt a little bit sad for the fans in the stadium. It was probably a bit of a stalemate game and not the most fun to watch maybe."

Ljungberg said he feels Sounders FC needs to pick up its passing game a bit more because there was a stretch in the second half where the Dynamo controlled possession.

Props to the ECS for organizing five viewing parties this weekend for the game, including South Sound and Spokane.

Vote for the top MLS individual plays of 2009, and a call out for response

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:10:03 PST

You fans have been pretty darn good about voting for players and plays online this season, I would imagine you'll be stuffing the Internet ballot box with these, too.

This is from the league:

NEW YORK (Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009) - Voting for the most remarkable individual plays of the 2009 regular season kicks off today on the League's official web site MLSNet.com. Fans may vote to determine the 2009 AT&T Goal of the Year and Degree Men Save of the Year selecting from 40 candidates including all Goal of the Week and Save of the Week winners from the regular season and additional nominees.

The voting breakdown follows:

1. Nov. 3 - Nov. 10 - Voting to select top 10 goals and saves from original 40 nominees

2. Nov. 11 - Nov. 17 - Voting to select the 2009 AT&T Goal of the Year and Degree Men Save of the Year from the top 10 nominees

The 2009 Goal of the Year and Save of the Year will be announced on Nov. 18, 2009. This year marks the inaugural season for the Degree Men Save of the Year.

Click on the links provided here to vote for the 40 nominees:

AT&T Goal of the Year - http://web.mlsnet.com/sights/goal_of_the_year/

Degree Men Save of the Year - http://web.mlsnet.com/sights/save_of_the_year/

MLS Goal of the Year Winners

2008: Will Johnson - Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas - October 18, 2008

2007: Cuauhtemoc Blanco - Chicago Fire vs. Real Salt Lake - August 18, 2007

2006: Brian Ching - Houston Dynamo vs. D.C. United - September 30, 2006

2005: Dwayne De Rosario - San Jose Earthquakes at Los Angeles Galaxy - October 15, 2005

2004: Dwayne De Rosario - San Jose Earthquakes vs. D.C. United - August 2, 2004

2003: Damani Ralph - Chicago Fire at Columbus Crew - August 13, 2003

2002: Carlos Ruiz - Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Columbus Crew - July 27, 2002

2001: Clint Mathis - MetroStars vs. Dallas Burn - April 28, 2001

2000: Marcelo Balboa - Colorado Rapids at Columbus Crew - April 22, 2000

1999: Marco Etcheverry - D.C. United at Miami Fusion - May 22, 1999

1998: Brian McBride - Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire - July 9, 1998

1997: Marco Etcheverry - D.C. United vs. New England Revolution - August 27, 1997

1996: Eric Wynalda - San Jose Earthquakes vs. D.C. United - April 6, 1996

One more thing...anyone out there going to Houston for the match, I want to hear from you. Tell me the biggest reason for which you are spending the cash and making the trip, and give me your thoughts, those of you who have travelled to Sounders FC away games this season, as to why fans of this team travel so well, and any stories from road trips you'd like to share. Please email me your responses and give me your full name and where you live, so that if I publish any of these (not on the blog) I have your permission to do so.

Gracias!

Who is Luis Angel Landin?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:51:03 PST

He's the Dynamo's designated player, a big (6-1) forward from Mexico who is only 24.

The guy can play, but it looks like the Dynamo is trying to ease him into the lineup. He'll probably figure more prominently in 2010, but for now Landin (pronounced "Lahn-deen") has played in 8 game including the playoffs with 5 starts. He debuted vs. Seattle on Aug. 23, I was there, and I remember they were selling jerseys of this guy and unless you watch a lot of soccer and follow the Mexican Primera Division, you really wouldn't know him though he has played for El Tri.

Landin left in the first half of the Dynamo's regular-season finale with a knee injury, but came on as a sub a few days later in Game 1 of Seattle series. I would imagine he'll play more Sunday, but he won't replace Ching up top and Oduro had a good game against Sounders FC so I'd be surprised if Landin started in his place.

Landin is on loan through the 2010 season. He has one goal for Houston, and scored it vs. KC on Oct. 4 with the Dynamo at a man disadvantage. His father was at the game, and Landin did a back flip in his honor.

More on him here. Having Landin just goes to show how deep the Dynamo is with talent.

Scrimmage action at Sounders FC practice, 11-2-09

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:43:04 PST

Interesting thing you don't see here, a yellow sideline was painted a couple of feet inside the white sideline on the practice field, because the field at Robertson Stadium is more narrow than the one Sounders FC normally plays on.

Things to think about regarding Game 2

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:51:03 PST

From Sounders FC media relations:

In MLS Cup conference semifinal series which have started with draws, the low seed has come back to win the second leg on the road in two of the six such situations in past seasons. Chicago won 4-0 at D.C. United in 2005. Last season, after tying the Dynamo 1-1 at Giants Stadium, New York won 3-0 in Houston.

Defense Does the Job

A scoreless draw was not exactly shocking, since Seattle and Houston had tied for the top defensive record during the regular season, each allowing 29 goals.

While defense doesn't always win championships, it does quite often. The top defensive team has always qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs. In fact, the top defensive team has advanced to the MLS Cup Final eight of 13 times, wining five times.

Houston (and in its past life as the original San Jose Earthquakes) has been top defensive team six of last nine years, winning four MLS titles. The top defensive team has made the final eight of last 10 years.

Not Necessarily Safe at Home

Houston matched Real Salt Lake for the fewest home losses (1) during the regular season. However, the postseason can prove another matter.

Of the 16 playoff teams with fewest home losses in regular season, seven have lost at least one home playoff game. Two others earned a draw in their only postseason home date. In three of the last four seasons, the team with the fewest regular season home losses has been eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs at home.

In 2005, San Jose (now Houston) was held to a first round draw at home, losing on aggregate, 4-2, to Los Angeles. In 2007 the best home side, Chivas USA, was tied by Kansas City, 0-0, at home, and lost (1-0) on aggregate.

In 2008, Houston and Real Salt Lake each lost just once at home during the season. New York eliminated both the Dynamo (3-0) and RSL (1-0) with wins on the road.

Card Talk

Fredy Montero, Osvaldo Alonso and Brad Evans were each issued yellow cards during the first leg. If one of those players receives a caution on Sunday and Sounders FC advances, they would miss the Western Conference Final. The team's three total cautions were the most in five games, dating back to the September 19 match with Chivas USA.

MLS Cup playoff (conference championship) schedule update, with scenarios

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:49:03 PST

From the league:

MLS broadcast partners Fox Soccer Channel and ESPN/ESPN2 will carry the MLS Eastern and Western Conference Championship matches. The schedule for each possible scenario is below.

Eastern Conference Championship:

Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on FSC/FSE (coverage begins at 7:30pm)

- Chicago Fire or New England Revolution at Columbus Crew OR

- Real Salt lake at New England Revolution OR

- Real Salt Lake at Chicago Fire

Western Conference Championship:

November 12, 13 or 15 on ESPN/ESPN2/Deportes

- Chivas USA at Seattle Sounders FC - Thursday, Nov. 12 at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2/Deportes OR

- Houston Dynamo or Seattle Sounders FC at Los Angeles Galaxy - Friday, Nov. 13 at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2/Deportes OR

- Chivas USA at Houston Dynamo - Sunday, Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN/Deportes

Schmid: Marshall "day-by-day"; Ianni opens week as CD starter

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:03:03 PST

Tyrone Marshall said he had a "procedure" done on his right knee on Friday, and that he needs 48 to 72 hours of resting the knee before he can feel right, or not feel soreness in the knee.

Marshall sprained a ligament in the knee in practice last Wednesday and missed the first playoff game. His status is up in the air for Sunday.

"Today it felt good," said Marshall, who rode on an exercise bike during practice. "Yesterday I could hardly walk."

Here are Sigi Schmid's quotes:

On Tyrone Marshall's health:
"It's an LCL (lateral collateral ligament) sprain so we will just see how it goes day by day. Today was the first day he's done anything and it has loosened up on him and so we will see how he feels tomorrow. So it's day by day."

On not knowing starting lineup:
"Patrick [Ianni] stepped in and played well. We approach it as if Patrick is going to play again and if Tyrone [Marshall] is healthy to go then we will make that decision as we move towards the end of the week...We have to see how Tyrone goes and how he feels and everything else. I don't want to make a speculation. I learned a long time ago that if you speculate at the beginning of the week then by the end of the week it ends up being something different."

On other first round series in MLS Cup Playoffs:
"There were some interesting games. Obviously the Columbus [Crew]-Real Salt Lake with Real scoring the late goal and Columbus with their lineup changes were a little bit interesting. I thought New England [Revolution] just battled. Shalrie Joseph wanted that second goal a lot more and he ended up putting it away. The L.A. [Galaxy]-Chivas [USA] game was a little bit of space and error. There was a lot of space on that field and errors I think led to some goals. But exciting soccer in that regard because there were goals and there were mistakes and everybody gets excited. Coaches aren't happy about that but players and fans are OK with it because they are scoring goals. It is what it is. It's tight and you can see that."

On what Sounders FC must do differently in second leg:
"Finish our chances. Defensively I think we have got to do a lot of the same things that we did against them here. We got to make sure we are still sharp on defending set pieces... We have to make sure we are aware of those guys and don't let them beat us on the flanks. I thought overall we did a pretty good job with that and we just have to do better off the run of play. We have got to figure out a way to expose them a little more than we did. So that's what we are working on this week."

On Steve Zakuani:
"Steve is an important player for us. Early in the game there were two or three times where he got behind the defense. It's something that I wish I knew what the magic formula was or the magic drill because I would be a millionaire right now. I'd be producing players right and left. But there is no magic formula or magic drill. It just comes with experience and so forth. All of a sudden Steve [Zakuani] is going to make that run in behind the defense and the options will be clearer, sharper, the game's going to slow down just that little bit for him. He's going to end up making that choice that results in a goal either for himself or for a teammate. Once that hits then he takes his game to the next level."

On Sounders FC midfield:
"I think we are OK. They are a team that is fairly aggressive and they try to disrupt play by getting tight to people. So they're tight, they close things down quickly. So there's times when we have to move the ball a little bit quicker than we moved it. It's really an issue for both teams because I thought we did a good job of closing them down as well. I think each team probably wants to move the ball quicker this week."

On goalkeepers Kasey Keller and Pat Onstad:
"Experience for keepers is very important... Goalkeepers have the privilege of when experience takes over, which is when your mind does what your body used to do, they can play to a more advanced age as long as their reflexes stay reasonably sharp. Both those guys take care of themselves. They have good training regimens. They live good lives off the field. They take care [of themselves] and they have experience so now the ball seems to hit them a lot more because their positioning is good, their angles are good. That allows goalkeepers to play into that advanced age."

MLS Cup to be played on Qwest's FieldTurf

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:37:03 PST

Let me start by clearing this up for folks, because I have heard from a few people: As I reported during last Thursday's game, Sounders FC-Dynamo Game 2 will be seen locally on KING TV (Ch. 5) with the pregame beginning at 11:30. If you still don't believe me, look at this.

Now, as far as the topic of this post, I received an e-mail from the league with this information.

- MLS worked very closely with the Qwest Field and Sounders FC staff to analyze all of the options to bring in temporary natural grass for MLS Cup at Qwest Field.

- One of the top priorities for this year's championship match is to provide the safest and best playing surface possible for both teams, and after extensive research (MLS) collectively believes it will be artificial surface.

- Qwest Field has relationships with three local sod suppliers (in Eastern Washington, Oregon and Idaho) who have met very high expectations in the past and proven they can deliver the quality and amount of sod that is required in a timely manner. Each local sod supplier said that in Seattle's northern climate their fields will go dormant in October and they can't guarantee the sod will stay viable during the transfer. Thus, the quality of the sod for MLS Cup would likely be in poor condition.

- California sod was considered due to the warmer climate, but Qwest Field used California sod for a game several years ago and it was the most disappointing temporary grass field to date. The time it took to transport was a major factor and most of the grass was starting to die when it arrived. Sod grown in the warmer climate is also a different type of grass that does not fare well in Washington.

The amount of rainfall typical for this month was also a concern. There wouldn't have been good drainage under the temporary sod, and even if the field were covered, heavy rain on match day would have made the field a mess and be unsafe for players.

Sounders FC players (and coach) among finalists for MLS season awards

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:20:03 PST

I had a vote in these awards. The actual winners of each will be announced over the course of the month, but here's what MLS sent out today, which includes the schedule of announcements. Pat Onstad, the Houston Dynamo keeper, is a finalist for the league's Fair Play Award. And look at the Newcomer finalists.

Goalkeeper of the Year and Fair Play Award Winners to be Unveiled Wednesday

NEW YORK (Monday, Nov. 2, 2009) - Major League Soccer today announced the finalists for its 2009 year-end awards. Winners for each award will be announced in the coming weeks, beginning with the Goalkeeper of the Year and Fair Play winners on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player announcement is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19.

The finalists, listed in alphabetical order below for each award, earned the most votes in polling of MLS players, general managers, coaches, referees and members of the media. The MLS W.O.R.K.S. - U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year will be determined by representatives from the U.S. Soccer Foundation and MLS W.O.R.K.S., and is scheduled to be announced on Friday, Nov. 6.

This season's most outstanding individual plays will be honored on Wednesday, Nov. 18 when the Goal of the Year presented by AT&T and the Save of the Year presented by Degree Men are announced. Voting for the Goal and Save of the Year is conducted on the League's official web site MLSnet.com.

The 2009 awards announcements culminate on Saturday, Nov. 22 with the unveiling of the Commissioner's Award winner.

2009 Major League Soccer Awards Finalists

Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists

Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC

Donovan Ricketts - Los Angeles Galaxy

Zach Thornton - Chivas USA

Fair Play Finalists - Individual

Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC

Pat Onstad - Houston Dynamo

Steve Ralston - New England Revolution

Comeback Player of the Year Finalists

Brian McBride - Chicago Fire

Ben Olsen - D.C. United

Zach Thornton - Chivas USA

Visa Defender of the Year Finalists

Geoff Cameron - Houston Dynamo

Jhon Kennedy Hurtado - Seattle Sounders FC

Chad Marshall - Columbus Crew

adidas Referee of the Year Finalists

Alex Prus

Ricardo Salazar

Kevin Stott

Rookie of the Year Finalists

Stefan Frei - Toronto FC

Omar Gonzalez - Los Angeles Galaxy

Chris Pontius - D.C. United

Coach of the Year Finalists

Bruce Arena - Los Angeles Galaxy

Sigi Schmid - Seattle Sounders FC

Robert Warzycha - Columbus Crew

Newcomer of the Year Finalists

Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders FC

Freddie Ljungberg - Seattle Sounders FC

Fredy Montero - Seattle Sounders FC

Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player Finalists

Jeff Cunningham - FC Dallas

Landon Donovan - Los Angeles Galaxy

Shalrie Joseph - New England Revolution

Awards Announcements Schedule:

Schedule subject to change

Wednesday, November 4

Goalkeeper of the Year

Fair Play Award Individual & Team

Thursday, November 5

Visa Defender of the Year

adidas Referee of the Year & Assistant Referee of the Year

Friday, November 6

MLS W.O.R.K.S. - U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year

Tuesday, November 10

MLS Newcomer of the Year

MLS Comeback Player of the Year

Wednesday, November 11

MLS Coach of the Year

Thursday, November 12

Rookie of the Year

Monday, November 16

MLS Best XI

Wednesday, November 18

Goal of the Year presented by AT&T

Save of the Year presented by Degree Men

Thursday, November 20

Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player

Saturday, November 22

MLS Commissioner's Award

It's done: Becks loaned to AC Milan again

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:54:02 PST

The official press release from the Galaxy:

CARSON, Calif. (Monday, November 2, 2009) - The LA Galaxy today completed the loan agreement of midfielder David Beckham to Italian side AC Milan effective in January 2010. Beckham remains under contract to the Galaxy and will play for the club throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs, which continue on Sunday, November 8 at 4:30 p.m. when the Galaxy take on Chivas USA in Game #2 of their Western Conference Semifinal Series at The Home Depot Center. In accordance with team and league regulations, details of the loan agreement were not released.

"We are pleased to finalize David's loan to AC Milan and we look forward to his return to the Galaxy after the 2010 World Cup," Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said.

Following the conclusion of the MLS season, Beckham and the rest of the Galaxy, will travel to Germany for the club's 2009 Postseason Tour presented by Herbalife, which will conclude on December 2. Beckham will officially join AC Milan on December 28 and remain with the club throughout their season which ends on May 16, 2010. He will then re-join the Galaxy when the summer transfer window opens in July 2010.

"After the wonderful experience of last season we are very happy to see David Beckham again wearing the red and black colors," said Adriano Galliani, Vice President and CEO of AC Milan. "We are confident his loan spell will not only improve Milan, it will help the player to take part in the World Cup in South Africa and continue to enhance his career in North America with the LA Galaxy. We would like to thank the Galaxy and MLS for their co-operation and understanding."

The Galaxy's Designated Player, Beckham signed with the club in January 2007 before making his Galaxy debut in a friendly against Chelsea in July of that year. In three seasons with the club, Beckham has appeared in 41 MLS games, tallying seven goals and 15 assists. He missed the first half of the 2009 MLS season while on loan to AC Milan, but returned to the Galaxy in July. Beckham appeared in and started 11 games for the club, helping the team record a 6-2-3 record in games that he played in. Beckham scored two goals and added three assists this season and has played an important role in leading the Galaxy back to the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

"I need to give myself the best chance possible to make the World Cup squad and playing for Milan on loan will help me to do that," Beckham said. "I genuinely enjoyed my time at Milan and I look forward to meeting the players and staff again. I'm thankful to Tim Leiweke and Bruce Arena for allowing me this opportunity. I'm committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and remain as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in America. I'm completely focused on ending this season on a high note with my club by winning the MLS Cup."

A three-time World Cup veteran with the English National Team, Beckham has collected 115 caps, giving him the record for the most caps by a field player in England history. Prior to joining the Galaxy, he spent his club career with Manchester United and Real Madrid, winning six English Premier League titles and one Spanish La Liga crown.