Friday, January 14, 2011

US Soccer Finalizes March Dates with Argentina and Paraguay

How about this to start the year?  US Soccer is scheduling tougher and tough opponents, inevitably to prepare for this summers CONCACAF Gold Cup.  On January 22, the US will take on 15th ranked Chile for the conclusion of the Camp Cupcake festivities.  The current squad has been training since January 4, and includes many of the future prospects in the US system. 

Then two and a half weeks later on February 9, the US will take on 10th ranked Egypt in Cairo.  In what should be a reunification of all the US big guns, the US will renew acquaintances with the northern African country that the US beat 3-0 in the 2009 Confederations Cup to advance to the semi-finals.

For the two March international dates, the US has scheduled 5th ranked Argentina, who will bring their full side and talents to the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey on March 26.  Timmy "Stonewall" Howard shut down Argentina's attack and the US held on to a famous 0-0 draw in the Jersey rain in 2008.  Three days later, the US travels south to Nashville, TN for a date with 24th ranked Paraguay.  Ninety Plus will be in attendance for that one.

Rumors continue to circulate about a late May or early June re-match with the top ranked team from Spain. 

Well done to US Soccer. 

Jermaine Jones Set for Loan to Blackburn Rovers, and more...

Sky Sports is reporting that want-away Schalke and USA midfielder Jermaine Jones is set for a move across the English channel to EPL side Blackburn Rovers.  Ninety Plus understands that this is a loan with an option to buy for Blackburn, who currently sit 10th in the EPL table. 

After being tossed in the Felix Magath doghouse a couple months ago, this is a welcome relief for Jones, who is looking to secure first team minutes in the hopes of making the February US squad that will travel to Cairo for an international friendly against Egypt.

In other news, Robbie Findley's move to Nottingham Forest was finalized today as he was granted his work permit.  Prove us all wrong Robbie.

The US scheduling for this world cup cycle has been top notch...more coming on that later today.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Silly Season, Updated

Confirmed moves so far this season:

Oguchi Onyewu finalizes move to FC Twente for the remainder of the season, he is expected to compete for a starting job immediately.

Edson Buddle has signed a deal with 2 Bundesliga cellar dwellers FC Ingolstadt 04.  The same club has reportedly offered trialist Freddy Adu a contract, no word on if he will sign, but word to the wise.  DO IT!!!!!