Lots of interesting things going on in the world of soccer. Lets start first with MLS.

* Dynamo have their main point of contention up front trying to figure out what Joseoph Ngwenya and Nate Jacqua are doing in Europe. Leverage, real interest, Joe phone home?
* The Colorado Rapids still are a poor situation when you look at the overall MLS picture. Kroencke sports has been a disappointment. I still have a hard time figuring out what executive Jeff Plush is trying to achieve? Is he a corporate ladder climber? Is he truly trying to bring this club organization to a competitive level in MLS? Do they really want to win an MLS Cup and become a part of the Colorado sports scene. One has to wonder based on action…………………….
MLS has a number of club executives that’s leadership has to be questioned? For the growth of the sport it has to be questioned.
Those who jacked ticket prices up and only sold “David Beckham” need to be held accountable. Those who have not created relationships in their communities have to be held accountable. Those who meddle in the team affairs while nobody comes to games have to be held accoutable.
The exodus in Colorado continues with goalkeeper coach Leo Perkovich moving on. Rapid goalkeeper Bouna Coundal who is with Senegal in the African Nations Cup has credited Perkovich with his growth in goal.

*Duilio in Dallas. Man do I want to see this work for alot of reasons. I want to see Dallas draw Hispanic fans and create a wild, fun loving supporters group to come out to see the former Club America defender. He could be a great partner for Alex Yi or Drew Moor. I am a big believer in the experienced veteran paired with a young defender. Davino a Club America legend will be under the microscope after an indifferent season with CA which promted the move. FC Dallas management pulls a great move off here but this is not where it stops. Now, get out in the community, win over the top Hispanic leaders, loosen the tie up and have some fun at Pizza Hut Park more often. Get aggressive, the fans will not come to you, you must go to them. Is their leadership in this organization that can deal with top Hispanic leaders in Dallas. If not , hire one.
Davino will be a waste if their is not a comprehensive plan in place to support what could be an excellent signing.
Not to mention that he can put people in the seats around the country.

*Speaking of FC Dallas Carlos Ruiz who is a fan favorite in Houston has been traded back to the LA Galaxy .
So the Pescadito experiment never took off in Dallas but what will he bring to LA. He is cleary not as mobile and dangerous as he once was and his movement is limited in and around the penalty area. Maybe the change will do him good.

*The podcast of my radio show last night is up (790thesportsanimal.com or houstonchronicle.com) and you can listen to Chris Rolfe of the Chicago Fire and the US National team comment on Cuauhtemoc Blanco and the hiring of Denis Hamlett. For me Chicago will find it tough to play their form of defend deep and break out quickly soccer next year over the course of an entire season.
As for Hamlett , he basically gets the job by default since John Spencer declined. It is opportunity for Hamlett who has been an assistant for 10 years and has been loyal to the Fire to make a mark. Makes you want to root for him.

*David Beckham training at Arsenal…..I wonder if that ticks off Alex Ferguson and Manchester United. And after all his time and great moments with United why wouldn’t he go back their to train? Hmmmmmmmm.

*Manchester United will win the English Premier League and will widen the gap during the African Nations Cup . Arsenal and Chelsea lose lots of players to that competition. Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Ryan Giggs continue to rule.

*We forget in the U.S. that alot of poor soccer is played in the Premier League that sometimes seems out of control like a train coming off the tracks. At times it is unwatchable and only about the result. Passion yes, quality soccer , not exactly. I say this with all reverance to history and fan support.

*DC United are looking to sign three foreigners with Franco Neill of Argentino Jrs a forward, defender Gonzalo Martinez a Colombian and goalkeeper Jose Carvallo.

* KC’s Eddie Johnson to Fulham: This may break the four million paid to get Clint Dempsey but I am not convinced with Johnson yet I am glad to see him making this move. Apparently 6 million will be paid to MLS for the fleet footed striker.
Lets hope Johnson can adapt as well as Dempsey. I for one question his mental strenght in the English game. I hope I am strong. He will get kicked.
Technical director Peter Vermes has not conceded Johnson to England.

*MLS Superdraft this Friday.

*African Nations Cup begins this Sunday ……….

*US/Sweden this Saturday night on FSC