Finals week sucks...but some thoughts on soccer during a slow(ish) week.

Well it seems that Landon Donovan has signed a new 4 year/$9 million deal with MLS which will keep him in LA until 2013.  At the same time he is very close to securing a three month loan deal to Premiership side Everton FC.  I guess this is a win/win for Donovan, who gets his payday (finally) from MLS.  Also means he'll play regularly up until the World Cup.  Though I'd have preferred a permanent move abroad there are rumors that there is a buy out clause if he explodes in the World Cup or continues to give MLS MVP performances while in LA.


Another potential yank abroad candidate, Stuart Holden has been offered ten fold his former salary from MLS, which would put his yearly earnings in the 350K range.  A significant increase to be sure but with Aberdeen, Rangers, and Blackburn all able to beat that salary easily his best options remain overseas.  Mums the word on teammate Ricardo Clark's dealings.


DaMarcus Beasley is on a surge in Scotland.  In a dramatic turn of events, the lost DaMarcus has seemingly re-found his old PSV self.  He's started in Rangers last three games and has tallied three assists and a goal.  I'm saying that this is a ploy by Rangers to get a favorable transfer for him, but all the same, could we be witnessing Run DMB's return to form?  I hope so.


Confirmed friendlies to tell everyone about:
Jan. 23 vs Honduras @ the Home Depot Center
Feb. 24 vs Mexico @ the Rose Bowl
March 3 vs the Netherlands @ Amsterdam Arena
Rumored other friendlies include matches against Northern Ireland in March and against Tunisia in May.