BANG! Dempsey's wonderstrike

He didn't start the match, but damn, when he comes on, he comes on with a fury.  Just check the tape, and I'll shut-up.

No keeper in the world...would've saved that.  My goodness.

Who is Aris FC?

This is the question most American soccer fans are asking themselves today.  Why they are asking it is because Eddie Johnson and Freddy Adu, two of the more hyped players in the US player pool in the last 5 years are headed to the Greek club after years of turmoil and let downs in England and Portugal/France respectively.  Johnson was axed from Fulham, who is trying to cut some expenses.  Adu, after a coaching change at then loan club Beleneses was sent back to Benfica, who have no need, nor want for the young American.  It is understood that Johnson has signed a six month loan deal, at the end of which Aris will have an opportunity to buy him outright from Fulham.  Adu, though it is unclear if Benfica simply released him from his contract or if there was a transfer fee involved, it seems will sign a one and a half year deal in the coming days. 

What does this mean for the Americans?  Well it serves as a lesser stage for these two maligned American's to shine on.  EJ was over-matched in England, and though he enjoyed some success while on loan at Cardiff City, never really grabbed hold of his opportunities.  Adu's Benfica misadventure was one of constant change.  In his first season in Portugal Adu appeared in 11 matches and scored twice, including in a Champions League qualifier.  But Benfica went through three managers, and the latter two saw no need for the young American.  He was then loaned out to AS Monaco in France, where he only appeared 9 times in 6 months, then comes the most recent failed loan attempt, this time across town to Benfica rivals Belenenses.  Following a manager change there Adu was axed and sent back to Benfica.

If these two can break into the starting 11 it will bring a wealth of confidence to many an American fan who have given up on both.  Need I remind you that Johnson is only 25 and Adu only 20.  There is plenty of time for both players to get their careers back on track and a move to a smaller league will only help separate both from the crowd.

Now some background on Aris FC:

• Founded in 1916
• Colors: Yellow and Gold
• Nickname: God of War (the club is named after the ancient Greek god of war Ares, hince the nickname)
  
• Manager: Hector Cuper (Argentina)
  
• City, Province: Thessaloniki, Macedonia 
• Ground: Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium (Capacity 22,800)
  
• Fun Fact: Alexander the Great was born in the villiage of Pella, outside the city.
• Domestic League Titles: Three (1928, 1932, 1946)
• Domestic Cup Titles: One (1970)
• Last Season: 6th place
  
• Current season: 5th place
  

I'm back...A few things

*Landon Donovan's loan with EPL side Everton officially began today but wasn't on the bench for their 3-1 win over Carlisle.  Everton manager David Moyes has said he want's to get Landon in and through a full weeks training before putting him on the field.

*Stuart Holden will go on trial with 14th placed Burnley in the EPL according to the Houston Dynamo.  While the Dynamo are still trying to sign him, they will begin looking at potential replacements.

*Ricardo Clark has been linked with Scottish powers Celtic FC.

*DaMarcus Beasley and Brek Shea have been linked with a move to EPL side Fulham FC.

*Eddie Johnson has gone on loan to Greek side Aris Salonika.  This is a good move if he gets playing time.  Freddy Adu is rumored to have interested the side as well and an Adu/Johnson tandem could be fun to watch.

*Adu by they way, after Beleneses' new manager released him, has gone back into training with Benfica.

* Reports have Oguchi Onyewu being back to full fitness by March.  This is great news.

Merry Christmas to All NP fans.

To: My Readers

From: Your faithful Editor in Chief of Ninety Plus

Some videos for you to enjoy when your done unwrapping presents.

First, a 2009 wrap-up of the US team:

US Soccer 2009 Recap (Best Songs of the Year)
Uploaded by arkjayback. - More professional, college and classic sports videos.

Landon Donovan to Everton preview from my good friend Lawrence Cernaglia:





USA vs England teaser trailer from friend Rob Usry:

Yanks Transfer News

Some quick hits from the transfer front:

*Landon Donovan has been granted his Work Permit by the Home Office and will join Everton on loan.  His first appearance can come on January 2 in the FA Cup.

*Stuart Holden's current tabled offers are from Aberdeen and Rangers in Scotland and Blackburn in England.  Rumors have Blackburn offering Holden a four year deal.

*Ricardo Clark is being linked with Premiership clubs according to to Sky News.  Finally some news on Rico and to be honest, its better than expected as I never thought Rico was on any English clubs radar, but lets hope this pans out as we head into the official transfer period. 

Look for more on Holden and Clark in the coming weeks.  The January camp guys will begin gathering in LA on January 4.