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Not too much going on with D.C. United, but MLS teams are starting to make their moves as the run to the playoffs nears. In the possibly overused words of Marcelo Balboa, let's take a look:
On Soccer column: In international marketplace, D.C. United is just browsing | Washington Post
If you're reading this, you probably a) really hope United will make a big signing and b) really know that it isn't happening until after a groundbreaking at Buzzard Point. As such, Steve Goff's piece here will only confirm your suspicions. Most likely, United's "big" addition is going to be one - maybe two? - respectable MLS names brought in via trades rather than an international signing. Let's just hope said player(s) are potential starters and fill a need - Fullback? Striker? - rather than another defensive midfielder or wide man/second forward sort.
How to disrupt the rhythm of an MLS team | USSoccerPlayers.com
J Hutcherson is not happy with MLS's scheduling, and he uses a couple different examples involving United.
Jurgen Klinsmann makes three changes to Gold Cup roster | Stars and Stripes FC
It should be no surprise that the USMNT made use of CONCACAF's crazy tournament rules that allows you to cycle up to 6 players from your Gold Cup roster mid-tournament. It's also not a shock to see DaMarcus Beasley's brief international retirement - that's international retirement, not just plain old retirement as many sloppy outlets framed it as - end for one last ride. I am disappointed for Perry Kitchen, as the USMNT needs a plan beyond "move Michael Bradley back" when Kyle Beckerman needs a break. However, I'm quite happy to have him for the upcoming games, so at least it's not all bad news.
Galaxy signs Mexico star midfielder Giovani Dos Santos | LA Times
Gross. I mean, good for the league that someone can bring in a current Mexico national team player before he's turned 30, but still. Gross.
On the plus side, the Lletget-Gerrard-Dos Santos influx in LA means players like Ignacio Maganto or Baggio Husidic suddenly become something less than untouchable in the trade market. That's where us proles have to keep up: LA's extravagance means some lightly-used players pretty much have to be made available. A particularly ambitious team might even make a move for Alan Gordon.
Orlando City Acquires Left Back Corey Ashe from Houston Dynamo | The Mane Land
Speaking of useful rank-and-file MLS players, Corey Ashe's long stay on the Dynamo bench ended last night after this trade. It's an odd one, though: Houston now has absolutely no reasonable left back depth just as Beasley heads off to USMNT duty, while Orlando now has Ashe, Luke Boden, and Brek Shea.
Closing Time At The Caldwell Arms: Steven Caldwell Calls It a Day On Seventeen Year Career | Vocal Minority
Toronto FC center back Steven Caldwell is calling it a career, which means MLS's arm-wavingest defender will have to use his skills to further TFC's business interests (he's taken a non-soccer position within their front office).
New York City signs Colombian defender Jefferson Mena | Hudson River Blue
NYCFC desperately needed a defender, but their last trip to South America in pursuit of someone at that position ended with Andres Mendoza barely ever making the bench before being released in about 3 months. In other words, don't be surprised if Mena isn't the answer.
Male, female athletes held to different standards as role models, but it's likely evolutionary | The Goat Parade
Alicia Rodriguez on how female athletes are expected to be role models while male athletes no longer carry the same burden.
Canada 0, Costa Rica 0 | CONCACAF Gold Cup Match Recap | MLSsoccer
Alright, have at it.