As I sit here writing this blog above me on monitor I am watching the World Club Championship match between Atlante and yes Barcelona.
So why am I in pain? Because simple this is a competition that MLS needs and should be in on a more regular basis.
You remember when the Dynamo defeated Atlante right?
How great would it be for an MLS team or more specifically in our case the Dynamo playing in Abu Dubai in front of a world audience!
How amazing would this be for MLS and the city of Houston ? How unbelievable would this have been for the marketing of the Dynamo to international fans in our city that have yet to become supporters of the Dynamo.
I am hoping that one day MLS will enable it’s teams to truly compete and win the Concacaf Champions Cup so as to be regular participants in the World Club Championships and get in real competitive matches against Barcelona and other world powers!!

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston presented by MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE on hiatus for 4 weeks.

Check out my other blog at Foxsportshouston.com……this one on Stuart Holden who I believe will remain a Dynamo…..

Follow me on twitter: Soccermattersgd

THANK YOU FIESTA , DANISH INSPIRATIONS CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE Mark West Pinot Noir, Sterling Bank, Tesars Restaurant in the Woodlands, San Jacinto College, Soccertots, Space City Futbol Club……………….For your support of soccer in Houston, Texas……

Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis tonight on 790 AM

Guests: Geoff Cameron
Pat Onstad Dynamo goalkeeper
Dario Sala FC Dallas goalkeeper
Gustavo Rangel Rumbo newspaper
Others to be announced……………….call in at 713-212-5790…streaming live at mlsnet.com, 790thesportsanimal.com or HoustonDynamo.com

Topics: Stadium and our new mayor, Monterrey wins MFL, CBA agreement, Stuart Holden, United lose in EPL plus much more…..

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute on hiatus till after the holidays.

Twitter.com: Soccermattersgd

Monterrey won the Mexican League Championship buoyed by a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul in Mexico City. Rayados won the home and home series 6-4 on aggregate and one has to question the poor managing of game one in Monterrey where Cruz Azul was leading.
Aldo Di Nigris scored on a 55th minute header to give Rayados a 1-0 lead but things were then tied up by Alejandro Castro in the 77th leaving Cruz Azul 13 minutes to try and find another goal to put things into an extra session.
With seconds remaining Humberto Suazo then produced another goal for Monterrey and the championship was won.

A few things to consider:

*Monterrey are the 7th champion in 7 seasons just underlining the unpredictability of the Mexican league playoffs which are much like MLS. Every year, every team has a shot at the title and some teams that make the playoffs morph into an entirely different team. No one can argue that the Mexican League playoffs are boring.

*Duilio Davino whose impact in MLS was nothing ends up a center back on this Monterrey championship team. Now having watched him for Monterrey I believe he packed in while playing in MLS. Yeah, for whatever reasons, I don’t think he cared when he wore the FC Dallas uniform.

*Aldo di Nigris playing in honor of his brother recently passing.

* How about credit to manager Victor Manuel Vucetich who wins his fourth championship in four tries……amazing.

*Humberto Suazo seals the deal as the most dangerous striker in Mexican. While he be moving on from Mexico..?

I caught the second half at El Pacifico restaurant after finishing up the FIESTA KICK CANCER Camp in Bellaire. Lots to tell you about a great group of young players and also a staff that was excellent during the last three days as we raised funds and awareness (not to mention had a great time which included visits from Craig Waibel, Geoff Cameron and Dario Sala of FC Dallas who amazingly drove 10 hours in one day to visit with these campers. More on this story in the future).

Cameron will be a guest on DYNAMO ALL ACCESS WITH GLENN DAVIS on Tuesday as well as Sala. Pat Onstad guests on SOCCER MATTERS with Glenn Davis this week on Fox Sports Houston presented by MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE…………follow me at twitter: Soccermattersgd

Oh, almost forgot. What are your thoughts on Virginia defeating Akron for the NCAA MENS COLLEGE CUP championship?

I know there is tons of interest around the Mexican League final between Monterrey and Cruz Azul.
Monterrey holds a one goal edge going into tonight’s match at the Estadio Azul in Mexico City.
What are your thoughts on this match. Is it Humberto Suazo and Rayados who will get it done? Or will the edge at home give it to the Blue Machine?
Tell me your thoughts and if this match tonight at 6pm interests you?

Twitter.com: Soccermattersgd

With injuries to U.S. starters like central defender Oguchi Onyewu and striker Charlie Davies the U.S. and manager Bob Bradley have some real challenges.
Every January the U.S. has a national team camp that can become pivotal to solving problems. Which leads me to Dynamo defender/midfielder Geoff Cameron who is vying to get selected to go to this camp with other Dynamo players like Stuart Holden, Brian Ching and Brad Davis.
Could Cameron if he gets picked in January slip on to a U.S. National team roster for the World Cup based on the injury to Onyewu. Is he seasoned enough and could he close the gap on players like Chad Marshall? It is an interesting thought.

Ronaldinho was picked the the player of the decade by World Soccer Magazine. Ronaldinho ironically has been in better form as of late for AC Milan and may have curtailed his partying habits a bit. The Brazilian led his country to the World Cup title in 2002 and helped Barcelona win the 2006 Champions League. I like the more motivated amazing talent of Ronaldinho as of late……

AKRON vs. VIRGINIA

This is your NCAA MENS COLLEGE CUP final and I am pulling for the ZIPS. Akron defeated UNC in penalty kicks and is undefeated at 24-0 and apparently out-recruiting Indiana in the midwest. Their coach Caleb Porter is a former player at Indiana. Virginia against the run of the play got by Wake Forest in the other semi-final.
Do you watch the college game? Did you see these games and what are your thoughts>

SECOND LEG is tomorrow between Cruz Azul and Monterrey who hold a one goal edge in the Mexican League final.

CHECK out my article in the Houston Chronicle on area talent FERNANDO PINA…I love how unique this goalkeeper is……go to Chron.com

The FIESTA KICK CANCER CAMP gets underway today at 4pm in Bellaire with top area coaches and a visit from professional soccer player Craig Waibel.
Walk ups for the three day clinic will be accepted and it will be a great learning and fun environment for players of all ages……Geoff Cameron of the Dynamo, Dario Sala of FC Dallas and Davey Arnaud of KC will make appearances during the three day event.
ALL PROCEEDS go back to TEXAS CHILDRENS CANCER CENTER and nicksteam.org for the fight against cancer. For information gdavis98@swbell.net, nicksteam.org, glenndavissoccer.com to print out the application and get further info

SOCCER MATTERS with GLENN DAVIS today on FOX SPORTS HOUSTON presented by MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE at 3pm……..Don’t miss this episode!!!

Follow on twitter: Soccermattersgd

RAYADOS HERO IS SUAZO in opening 4-3 win over CRUZ AZUL

Monterrey striker Humberto Suazo scored twice to save Monterrey in their opening 4-3 win at home in the Mexican League Championship.
Suazo the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying struck twice at the Estadio Technologico including an emotional game winner in the 88th minute to give Rayados a one goal advantage heading to Mexico City this Sunday for the final leg.
Rayados fans….is a one goal advantage enough going back to the Estadio Azul?

The FIESTA KICK CANCER CAMP gets underway today at 4pm in Bellaire with top area coaches and a visit from professional soccer player Craig Waibel.
Walk ups for the three day clinic will be accepted and it will be a great learning and fun environment for players of all ages……Geoff Cameron of the Dynamo, Dario Sala of FC Dallas and Davey Arnaud of KC will make appearances during the three day event.
ALL PROCEEDS go back to TEXAS CHILDRENS CANCER CENTER and nicksteam.org for the fight against cancer. For information gdavis98@swbell.net, nicksteam.org, glenndavissoccer.com to print out the application and get further info

SOCCER MATTERS with GLENN DAVIS today on FOX SPORTS HOUSTON presented by MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE at 3pm……..Don’t miss this episode!!!

Follow on twitter: Soccermattersgd

RAYADOS HERO IS SUAZO in opening 4-3 win over CRUZ AZUL

Monterrey striker Humberto Suazo scored twice to save Monterrey in their opening 4-3 win at home in the Mexican League Championship.
Suazo the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying struck twice at the Estadio Technologico including an emotional game winner in the 88th minute to give Rayados a one goal advantage heading to Mexico City this Sunday for the final leg.
Rayados fans….is a one goal advantage enough going back to the Estadio Azul?

The FIESTA KICK CANCER CAMP gets underway today at 4pm in Bellaire with top area coaches and a visit from professional soccer player Craig Waibel.
Walk ups for the three day clinic will be accepted and it will be a great learning and fun environment for players of all ages……Geoff Cameron of the Dynamo, Dario Sala of FC Dallas and Davey Arnaud of KC will make appearances during the three day event.
ALL PROCEEDS go back to TEXAS CHILDRENS CANCER CENTER and nicksteam.org for the fight against cancer. For information gdavis98@swbell.net, nicksteam.org, glenndavissoccer.com to print out the application and get further info

SOCCER MATTERS with GLENN DAVIS today on FOX SPORTS HOUSTON presented by MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE at 3pm……..Don’t miss this episode!!!

Follow on twitter: Soccermattersgd

RAYADOS HERO IS SUAZO in opening 4-3 win over CRUZ AZUL

Monterrey striker Humberto Suazo scored twice to save Monterrey in their opening 4-3 win at home in the Mexican League Championship.
Suazo the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying struck twice at the Estadio Technologico including an emotional game winner in the 88th minute to give Rayados a one goal advantage heading to Mexico City this Sunday for the final leg.
Rayados fans….is a one goal advantage enough going back to the Estadio Azul?

FIESTA KICK CANCER CAMP starts tomorrow and we are still taking campers. Top college and youth coaches will provide instruction and pro’s like Craig Waibel , MLS best 11 Geoff Cameron and Davey Arnaud of KC will be on hand. FC DALLAS goalkeeper Dario Sala will be at the camp on Sunday!!! For info gdavis98@swbell.net, nicksteam.org, Fiesta.com……..ALL PROCEEDS GO BACK TO TEXAS CHILDRENS HOSPITAL for the fight against Cancer and please feel free to come to camp as a WALK UP………

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis today on Fox Sports Houston presented by MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE at 5pm the show re-airs Friday at 3pm…top ten goals, innovative rehab and performance based techniques from the institute and World Cup draw coverage……..great viewer mail as well.
Thanks also to Danish Inspirations Contemporary Furniture !!!!!

DONOVAN MOVE COMPLETE
Landon Donovan will go on loan to Everton of the EPL. I am looking forward to seeing Donovan perform once he joins the club in January.

KEI KAMARA on trial in France…..apparently Kamara on an 8 day trial at Le Havre AC in the French 2nd division. Kamara is out of contract in MLS.

Don’t forget to catch Monterrey at home tonight against Cruz Azul in Mexican league playoffs………

*Thank you Fiesta and Kick Cancer Soccer Camp this weekend organized by Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis…info at Nicksteam.org…join us this weekend.
If you are willing to donate $100 you will enable a young player to attend the camp……I have received a few donations from around the country.

*Thank you Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute the presenting sponsor of Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston…Thursday at 5pm and Friday at 3pm

*Thank you Soccertots, Space City Futbol, San Jacinto College, Mark West Pinot Noir, Danish Inspirations, Tesars Restaurant and Houston Express Soccer Club !!!!!!!!

*twitter.com:soccermattersgd and check out my new blog on FoxSprortsHouston.com……..Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Insititute on Fox Sports Houston this Thursday at 9am………

LANDON in EPL
So the latest coming from the press overseas is Landon Donovan potentially joining Tim Howard at Everton on loan during the January transfer window. Would you like to see Landon Donovan go to the Toffees and play in the EPL? I believe this would be a great move for Donovan to continue preparation for the World Cup. By the way just consider if there was to be a work stoppage (I don’t believe there will be) if MLS and the Union do not come to a collective bargaining agreement and how it would not only effect the future of MLS but also the preparation for the World Cup for MLS players? Not playing games would MLS players even be picked?

HOLDEN…why wouldn’t he want to play for legendary Rangers?
Here are a few more thoughts on Stuart Holden and is situation which right now is precluding the Dynamo from making other moves until they realize what he will do.
Holden is expected to meet with Don Garber of MLS and no doubt MLS will want to assure Holden that they will be doing all in their power to put the best financial package they can together and they will sweeten it by letting him know that they will promote him everywhere. He is a great story and has been promoted everywhere which leads me to this……If he doesn’t re-sign will this be a letdown for Dynamo fans? I would think so……..the good news…..I think he will re-sign because if he did have a deal he would have jumped on it by now….the only clubs I have heard is Aberdeen and Glasgow Rangers who both have financial problems in the Scottish Premier League.

GOOD MOVES
Thoughts on England and Mexico…..both came under the wrath of the Svengali. Yes, I am talking about Sven Goran Ericksson who is as slippery as a snake in an olive oil bath.
Ericksson did alot to set both of these programs back and I frequently get amazed how many teams give opportunity to ethical challenged coaches like him. Look at the qualities of both Javier Aguirre of Mexico and Fabio Capello of England who have brought discipline and unity back to Mexico and England….a lesson to be learned.

OUR FRIEND CALLED RUBIN

Rubin Kazan takes on Inter Milan today on FSC at 1:30 central time in Champions League play. The Russian Champions have only lost once in 5 matches and defeated Barcelona 1-0. An interesting team that you should check out if you have not seen them. Today they will be missing two key players but based on poor Inter form in Champions League under Jose “special one” Mourinho who has not been so special in ‘Europe’ I predict a very game Rubin Kazan at the San Siro….check it out.