Many of you may still be walking around in a mental haze still trying to come to terms with the DWAYNE DEROSARIO trade (see earlier blog on why it makes sense to the Dynamo and what the challenges are.) Meanwhile, titles were won this past weekend:

*TOLUCA won the MEXICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE title but not without gettting a scare from CRUZ AZUL. The “BLUE MACHINE” headed into yesterday’s second leg at TOLUCA down on aggregate 2-0 with few giving them a chance against a strong, collective defending TOLUCA. Two goals stunned the “RED DEVILS’ from MANULE ALEJANDRO VELA and JULIO JUAREZ to tie things on the aggregate. After a scoreless overtime it was off to penalty kicks to decide the title and TOLUCA reigned supreme. After six rounds of perfect penalty taking MIGUEL ALMAZAN QUIROZ connected for TOLUCA. A miss from the in game goal-scorer VELA for CRUZ AZUL and it was over.
Great excitment in the Mexican league but I think the format is tarnished with two champions crowned per year. You hardly have time to celebrate and it is on to the next crowning of a champion. Sorry AZUL fans, another close sniff of the title. Your thoughts on this title game and did AZUL deserve more?

*Another title decided with the NCAA DIVISION 1 college cup going on up the road at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. MARYLAND knocks off ACC foe UNC to win the title 1-0. The goal-scorer GRAHAM ZUSI. Sadly the NCAA format continues to influence the quality of soccer played at this competition. With teams in semi-final play on FRIDAY by the time the squad’s get to the final it becomes a battle of endurance with the early kick-off. In fact admittedly coaches abandon quality football to focus on winning the battle of “endurance”.
Why not play on the semi-finals on Thursday. The event mainly draws the parents and friends of the players along with MLS coaches…..Focus on turning Sunday into a game with a “big time” feel. Can’t resist the opportunity to once again remind you of the fact that Texas has only 2 NCAA Division 1 men’s programs in SMU a HBU. Simply amazing.
SAN JACINTO COLLEGE is a perennial top team in the Junior College ranks, TEXAS AM Women continues to knock on the door of the final four but just can’t get there, TRINITY at division 3 has won a national championship and continues to produce a great program with Houston area players. So why not NCAA DIVISION 1 soccer for men? Shameful.

*SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL recently came out with the 50 most inspirational leaders in sports.
On the list: MLS Commissioner DON GARBER
AEG’s TIM LIEWEKE
ROBERT KRAFT of the NE REVOLUTION (Are you really trying to build a better stadium for the Revs?)
JOHN SKIPPER-ESPN
MARK CUBAN- HDNET (Will it come back?)

All have ties to soccer and MLS.

* Rough weekend in the EPL for the “big four” who all drew matches. Meanwhile, MANCHESTER UNITED has touched down in JAPAN and is looking to become the first ENGLISH TEAM to be crowned World Club Champions.

*My thoughts on DWAYNE DEROSARIO tomorrow in the HOUSTON CHRONICLE and don’t forget that this WEDNESDAY we will talk over the DeRosario trade and much more on DYNAMO ALL ACCESS with GLENN DAVIS. Join me from 7-9pm on 790 the sports animal. Call in number 713-212-5790.

The stage was set for an exciting finish to the first half of the season. Who would be “Herbstmeister”? I’ve mentioned in this space and on the show the importance – especially emotionally – for a team to be on top of the Bundesliga table going into the winter break. Eleven of the last 17 ‘Fall Champs’ have held on to win the league title the same season. Since 1991, FC Bayern were Herbstmeister NINE times and won the league in seven of those instances. They put themselves in that familiar position after beating league-leading 1899 Hoffenheim last Friday 2-1 on Luca Toni’s injury time goal. The match last week between the German giants vs. the surprise of European soccer was watched by 168 countries last week, so all eyes were once again on the league this week. Both clubs had 34 points, but Hoffenheim’s goal differential gave them the tie breaker.

For 90 minutes on Saturday, it looked like the same ol’ story – Bayern winning 2-1, on their way to leading the table for the first time and applying pressure on Hoffenheim. However, an injury time error by goalkeeper Michael Rensing on a corner kick left the ball free for Sammy Khedira to blast in his 2nd goal of the afternoon. Despite leading table at night’s end, Bayern knew they left points on the field and left the door open for Hoffenheim. At least a draw Sunday vs. Schalke, they would lead the league into the break and can truly claim themselves THE story of the season so far. It was a tense match throughout, especially as Schalke had so much at stake – they were looking to save their 1st half and build some momentum. Schalke took a 1-0 lead late in the first half, but then Hoffenheim remained unbeaten at home by scoring late in the 2nd half on a Beckham-like free kick by Selim Teber. The one disappointing point for Hoffenhiem – they couldn’t beat a 9-man Schalke squad at the end. But they’ll take the draw and the half-way title.

And what a second half it will be. Hoffenheim have adopted Obama’s rallying cry – Yes We Can! – and why not? A team built on the money of SAP billionaire Dietmar Hopp has taken them from the 3rd league two years ago to the top of German football and a chance at European glory next season. They are winning with relative unknowns in world soccer, but have finally signed a key player for the 2nd half. Timo Hildebrand, former #3 keeper for Germany, winner of the Bundesliga in 2007 and King’s Cup for Valencia last year, is saved from the Spanish side’s bench and will be thrown into the fire of a title race. And, they open up a brand new, 30,000-seat stadium. For Bayern, disappointing, yes, but considering they were lost in the middle of the table after a loss vs. Hannover in Week 6, they’ve gone unbeaten the next 11 weeks with 8 wins (and in all 3 draws, they gave up goals at the end). They are statistically the top team that qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League. They’ll be hungry in the New Year to make up the lost chances. In total, 9 teams are separated by NINE points from each other at the top of the table, throw in the 5 teams in the UEFA Cup – the Bundesliga will continue to be the league to watch in 2009.

Maybe outgoing REAL MADRID manager BERND SCHUSTER was right. That this “classico” was not winnable.
BARCELONA in the rain got goals from SAMUEL ETO’O and LIONEL MESSI late in the second half to down a brave “galacticos’ and put themselves in the drivers seat for the LA LIGA title.
Here are some thoughts on this brilliant game:

*Ilker Casillas in goal for Real Madrid was excellent producing fine saves including a poor penalty from ETO’O .
* Barcelona took the game to Real Madrid yet could not find a way to produce a goal till late.
*Messi was fouled repeatedly, some contact he embelished but he was definetly targeted. The player is a “wonder to the eyes”.
* Thierry Henry produced a fine effort and got the assist on the Messi goal after he was shifted inside, he played primarily on the left.
*Carlo Pujol continues to be the “inspirational” hard man for Barca. He outjumped SERGIO RAMOS to gain the assist on the ETO’O goal.
Then Messi would score on a sublime chip in stoppage time that went in despite a valiant effort from Fabio Cannavaro of REAL MADRID who clattered into the post in vain.

Still hard to think of the Houston Dynamo next year without Dwayne DeRosario and the real question is can the Dynamo get the same productivity out of that area from talented Stuart Holden? Can Brad Davis remain injury free? Can Brian Mullan get back to his top form?

The Dwayne DeRosario trade has stirred the pot to say the least. Some can say this is a bold trade, others can say it was a necessity. Irregardless of where you lie in this move I want to hear your opinion. Was this a good move for the Dynamo or not in your opinion. You have heard my feelings in the prior blog. By the way Daniel Childers of Clearchannel has finally gotten the Bob Bradley podcast and interview up on 790thesportsanimal. Interesting interview with the U.S. manager which you can’t miss.
Also GM ADRIAN HANAUER of Seattle on what is happening in this amazing soccer market in the pacific northwest.

It is always good to get the perspective from the other side.
So what is being made of the DEROSARIO trade up in Toronto?

“I think he fits perfect. He can play up front, he can play out wide. He’s a tremendous acquisition for us. I think he’s a hell of a player and we are getting him at a very, very good time at age 30.” TFC Director of Soccer MO JOHNSTON to the Globe and Mail

“Dwayne is a player that we have admired for quite some time.” TFC Director of Soccer MO JOHNSTON to the Toronto Sun

Now the Sun also mentioned in it’s report that DeRosario had approached both Dominic Kinnear and executive Chris Canetti during mid-season asking for a trade to his hometown.
DeRosario has in the past mentioned that he wanted to return to finish his career in Toronto. Toronto F.C. has been a virtual turnstile for player movement and one has wondered what the ultimate plan is in putting the team together. Clearly this year they will be under more pressure to produce winning results for their fans . On that note they have had two losing seasons and again the fans have bought out the 16,000 season ticket limit for the 2009 season. Sounds like allowing fans to have fun at games has also played a part in the amazing attendance in Toronto. HMMMM maybe something to be learned here.

So how will DeRosario fit in Toronto? An organization that somehow entrusted itself to Amado Guevara to win championships…..

MANCHESTER UNITED 0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

So who says a 0-0 draw can be entertaining. This one was with goal chances for both sides and the return of DIMITAR BERBATOV to White Hart Lane.
Everytime that BERBATOV touched the ball he was greeted with a loud chorus of boos. David Bentley came close for SPURS while a late RYAN GIGGS free kick almost won it for UNITED. CRISTIANO RONALDO had a few moments of danger but the hero in the end is GOMES in goal for SPURS who comes up with some quality saves.
ALEX FERGUSON and HARRY REDKNAPP embrace at the final whistle and we are all happy with a point. I suppose.

REAL MADRID VS BARCELONA
Juande Ramos in charge as REAL MADRID currently in 5th in LA LIGA to take on BARCELONA. This great rivalry has been punctuated with the quote of outgoing coach BERND SCHUSTER who said this game was basically a lost cause . He said this a few days before being fired.
GOL TV today at 3 pm central time

THE NCAA COLLEGE CUP FINAL IS SET: UNC takes on MARYLAND this Sunday on ESPN 2

TOLUCA holds a 2-0 aggregate lead over CRUZ AZUL with the 2nd leg tomorrow at TOLUCA.
Championships come and go in Mexico quickly with the system of a winter and summer champion. Feed the consumer I guess and follow that money trail.

Dynamo start DWAYNE DEROSARIO has been traded to TORONTO F.C. for defender JULIUS JAMES and allocation money.
So the DYNAMO superstar is headed back to TORONTO a place that he has hinted at where he would like to end his career.
At well over $300,000 this is a reminder of the salary cap issues in MLS that consistently make teams re-evaluate their positions.
This move will bring out alot of emotion from the Dynamo faithful for sure.

WHAT THEY LOSE:
Excitement……passion and unpredictability.
The DYNAMO lose one of the most successful attacking players in the history of the league and one who has provided as many amazing moments as any player in the league’s history. The Dynamo will lose explosiveness out of the middle of their midfield from an attacking perspective. His always dangerous late running out of midfield has been a DYNAMO trademark.
DeRosario along with Brian Ching is clearly one of the most recognized Dynamo players in the city. Knowing DeRosario is on the field has always added a level of intrigue to any game because of his unique skill and want to try different things. A winner!

WHAT THEY GAIN: Allocation money which they can use to pursue additional elements for the team and stay current in the future.
TONY CAIG and KYLE BROWN have been released.
PATRICK IANNI is out of his generation ADIDAS contract and one wonders if he will be back.
BOBBY BOSWELL has supposed interest from EUROPE according to his agent ,yet we have not heard a single team mentioned. This “apparent interest” could be used as a negotiating ploy but it is feasible he gets opportunity in Europe .
Dynamo needs include a back up goalkeeper and an additional striker.

JULIUS JAMES played at UCONN and had a solid rookie year playing as a center-back and I believe will thrive with the DYNAMO and their environment. He recently earned his first cap with TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO. MIKE CHABALA is now been promoted to a full contract from the developmental side. No telling how important his performances against FIRPO were here.

X FACTOR: Now with the DEROSARIO trade it is apparent that STUART HOLDEN is considered the heir apparent to playmake and bring the creative ideas out of the middle of the field playing with RICARDO CLARK. HOLDEN is a different player but showed that he can get into the box mainly with late runs. He clearly has matured as a player but is he ready to run the Dynamo midfield and bring it’s attacking ideas? All signs point to yes. He will now have to bear a much larger pressure in the final year of his contract.

Players under contract: (15) Pat Onstad, Mike Chabala, Eddie Robinson, Craig Waibel, Cory Ashe, Stuart Holden, Brad Davis, Ricardo Clark, Geoff Cameron, Brian Mullan, Brian Ching, Chris Wondoloski, Kei Kamara, Richard Mulrooney, JULIUS JAMES

Players: Not under contract: WADE BARRETT, BOBBY BOSWELL, PATRICK IANNI. I would expect BARRETT will get re-signed, BOSWELL I am not quite as sure on. IANNI with the acquisition of JAMES in all likely-hood could be done as a DYNAMO.

Players released: TONY CAIG, KYLE BROWN

To summarize:
A move that now allows the DYNAMO flexibility to not only compete for another title but to continue to carry the club forward. International competition through the SUPERLIGA and CONCACAF has allowed the DYNAMO to try and test players like STUART HOLDEN, CORY ASHE, JEFF CAMERON so as to make this decision to move DEROSARIO more confidently. A move looking at the future….you bet!
Don’t expect the DYNAMO to make a knee-jerk reaction type signing just because they now have allocation money. They have a squad that can compete currently and can always make a move in the summer transfer period where they have had success and brought in influential signing like JOSEOPH NGWENYA, PAUL DALGLISH, KEI KAMARA and NATE JACQUA.
The need for a quality back up goalkeeper right now seems to be a priority with PAT ONSTAD set as the starter.

Quotes: We would like to thank Dwayne for his leadership, commitment, and contributions during his tenure with the DYNAMO,,” said DYNAMO head coach DOMINIC KINNEAR.
“He has been a valuable asset to our team, but it is time for both parties to move on. This move is in the best interest of everybody and now gives the Dynamo real opportunity to address a number of its off-season goals. We are receiving a bright young talent in Julius James, and now have great salary cap flexibility to bring in players that can add to our strong base.” DOMINIC KINNEAR

“Julius is an agressive, fast defender that fits really well in our style of play. I think he has a very bright future, not only in our club but in Major League soccer.”
DOMINIC KINNEAR

Give me your thoughts on this move?

*The interview with U.S. National team manager BOB BRADLEY is now up at 790thesportsanimal (really !) Take a listen to this 18 minute interview which is a rarity.

CRUZ AZUL once again look set to break the hearts of their loyal fans here at the finish line in the MEXICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE.
Their 2-0 loss last night against TOLUCA at the ESTADIO AZUL has made the mountain in the 2nd league just too high to climb for BENJAMIN GALINDO’s side.
Paraguayan defender and TOLUCA captain Paulo Da Silva drifted wide to the far post and headed home in the 14th minute to gain the “RED DEVILS” the tactical advantage at 1-0.
The goal set up after a beautifully measured cross from Sinha otherwise known as ANTONIO NAELSON.
Seven minutes later disaster struck for CRUZ AZUL off a free kick from SERGIO PONCE that made the score 2-0.
CRUZ AZUL goalkeeper YOSGART GUTIERREZ must have been livid because once again we see a forward back defending that ducks in the wall. The shot from PONCE should have been blocked easily but now hits the corner beyond an out-stretched GUTIERREZ. This was not a brilliant goal as reported in the press, this was a free kick that should have been blocked.
The culprit who didn’t stand brave in the wall for CRUZ AZUL……EDGAR GERARDO LUGO who failed to hold his position and be brave.
The second leg this SUNDAY at noon at TOLUCA .
This will be a big moment for TOLUCA manager De La Torre who was fired from CHIVAS in recent times.
Great performance by Toluca in front of the ever present HERNAN CRISTANTE in goal.
For me this tournament is sealed and TOLUCA will be champions. Can CRUZ AZUL come back? Where was Torrado, Sabah, Zeballos, Villaluz and company?

In SEATTLE lots of good going on. Just check out the podcast of my interview with ADRIAN HANAUER their GM at 790thesportsanimal.com
Over 18,000 season tickets sold and a unique social website to be launched in February. Sounder fans will have the power to vote out the general manager.
Innovative and thinking “out of the box”…you bet. Player signings include former EPL player FREDDIE LJUNBERG and KASEY KELLER.
THE ONLY DARK CLOUD to this point is tampering charges that have been claimed by the COLUMBUS CREW against SEATTLE int their effort to sign manager SIGI SCHMID.
Schmid turned down the CREW offer and apparently accepted a contract with the SOUNDERS last week according to the COLUMBUS DISPATCH.
The CREW believes SCHMID had contract with SOUNDERS officials during the season.
The outstanding CREW season ends on a sour note and it looks like ROBERT WARZYCHA will be the front-runner for the CREW job you would imagine.
MLS was supposed to release a statement but one would imagine are trying to broker a deal with the clubs in some form of payment to the CREW in order to get past this mess.

*Catch the almost 20 minute interview with U.S. National team manager BOB BRADLEY. Go to 790thesportsanimal.com, click on podcasts, click on Glenn Davis. Also hear from DOMINIC KINNEAR of the HOUSTON DYNAMO and ADRIAN HANAUER GM of the SEATTLE SOUNDERS.
BRADLEY on his central midfield, playing Central America, media pressure in the U.S. and more. KINNEAR on scouting, his squad, ATLANTE match-up and how far away is a DYNAMO ACADEMY player from the first team?

*RONALDO will play for CORINTHIANS while FLAMENGO is looked to try to capture ADRIANO who grew up in their youth system.

*ARGENTINA will use vanishing spray to measure out free kicks. The line will apparently disappear in a minute and will be used to stop walls from moving forward on free kicks. It has been tested in the Argentine 2nd division and now will be used in the first.

*TOLUCA AT CRUZ AZUL this THURSDAY as the MFL final begins. Back at TOLUCA on SUNDAY at noon.

*NCAA COLLEGE CUP has WAKE FOREST as the favorite but historic programs in ST. JOHNS, MARYLAND, and UNC.
ALEX DIXON of the Houston area and Dynamo Academy usually gets minutes off the bench for UNC.
Amazingly this COLLEGE CUP going on in the state of TEXAS which only has two NCAA DIVISION 1 soccer programs.
SMU and HBU. Shameful from colleges and Universities like UT, UH, RICE and TEXAS AM……among others.

*On another college note KIERON BERNARD was named an NJCAA first team All American and has signed with the AUSTIN AZTEX in the USL. Another rumor has former LA GALAXY and SEATTLE SOUNDER member JOSH GARDNER potentially going to Austin.
The AZTEX have a connection to STOKE CITY in ENGLAND.

*CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IN EUROPE is shut down until FEB. 24th the same time the DYNAMO WILL TAKE ON ATLANTE in the CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. If they get past ATLANTE they will take on the winner of SANTOS and MONTREAL. Win this tournament and it is on to the World Club Championships in JAPAN. How do you rate the DYNAMO chances vs. ATLANTE? WILL YOU MAKE THE TRIP TO CANCUN?

And on another note…WILL MANCHESTER UNITED win a second consecutive CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE?

Concacaf came out with the draw for the CCL and the DYNAMO have drawn ATLANTE whom they play in the Superliga and pounded.
Their first leg match will be hosted at home between FEBRUARY 24-26.
I like this draw for the Dynamo and the fact that their is history. Not only that, the Dynamo will get the winner of SANTOS and MONTREAL.
Exciting stuff here for DYNAMO fans are the only MLS team who have a chance to see their team compete in February.
The rest of the draw: CRUZ AZUL/ UNAM PUMAS
MARATHON/PUERTO RICO ISLANDERS

Comment on the draw?

U.S. National Team Manager BOB BRADLEY is a featured guest on DYNAMO ALL ACCESS with GLENN DAVIS.
The show airs tonite from 7-9p central time on 790 THE SPORTS ANIMAL in Houston.
The show can be accessed on the internet at 790thesportsanimal.com and at MLSNET.com

Other guests : Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear
Seattle Sounders GM -Adrian Hanauer
Marc Connelly-Espn

Call in number is 713-212-5790, send your questions for guests to gdavis98@swbell.net

*Show topics:
TOLUCA vs. CRUZ AZUL, NCAA College Cup
Dynamo off-season…what time of player moves can we anticipate?
Reserve league cancelled, what is the fall-out.
Stadium
Champions League

Wherever you go, we’ll be.

Though the Dynamo are enjoying a much-needed break during the off-season, most people I know are counting down the days until our next match.
A match we won’t have until February at the earliest, when the CCL quarterfinals are underway. We’ll have to wait until March to for our first regular-league game.

Time flies, but needless to say, I’m going through Dynamo withdrawal.

I’m part of a group that will do whatever it can to support the Men in Orange. You can expect a TEXIAN ARMY presence at every home game but we don’t stop there. Some of my most memorable moments as a TA member have been getting into a car, bus or plane to see this team play away from home. What makes it even sweeter is knowing that I’m sourrounded by my TA brothers and sisters in this madness.

In 2008 alone, TA members traveled to Honolulu, Toronto, DC, NE, New York, Chicago, San Jose, Denver, Columbus, San Antonio, Dallas and the list goes on.
We’ve even been south of the border for international matches. The new year brings more games, more opportunities to travel and I can’t wait.

Imagine what it’ll be like if we face ATLANTE in Cancun during spring break!

For more information on the TEXIAN ARMY and joining a supporters group, go to www.texianarmy.org

* NOTE : Katy Umana is a leader of the Texian Army one of the top supporters groups in MLS. (Seen here at the Dynamo/Red Bull game played at the Meadowlands)

You got the sense this was coming.
BERND SCHUSTER is out as manager at REAL MADRID and the German has been replaced by former TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR manager JUANDE RAMOS.
RAMOS will jump right in this WEDNESDAY when REAL MADRID takes on ZENIT ST. PETERSBURG in the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.
REAL MADRID currently in 5th place in LA LIGA are a full 9 points behind rivals BARCELONA.
SCHUSTER was successful last year with retains the league title that was won by his successor FABIO CAPELLO.
To be fair injury problems have been large this season with RUUD van NISTLEROOY, GABRIEL HEINZE, PEPE, WESLEY SNEIJDER, MIGUEL TORRES and now MAHAMADOU DIARRA all hit by the bug.
What do you think of the move to bring in RAMOS?

MICHAEL PARKHURST ON HIS WAY TO EUROPE will Boswell follow?

PARKHURST is head to FC NORDSJAELLAND in the DANISH FIRST DIVISION. His move also signals that the REVS are clearly being re-vamped and the rumor of TAYLOR TWELLMAN heading out of NE is also a hot one.
PARKHURST leaves on a free transfer.
BOBBY BOSWELL of the DYNAMO and CHAD MARSHALL (was all that home improvement getting his digs ready for sale?) are other MLS defenders that could follow?
WILMAN CONDE has also bolted out of CHICAGO back to COLOMBIA but is still apparently under contract to the FIRE.