The Seattle Sounders FC have acquired Uruguay National Team midfielder Alvaro Fernandez, it was announced today. Fernandez, 24, played in four matches for semifinalist Uruguay during the recent 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Fernandez qualifies as the club’s third Designated Player. His signing will be finalized upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. Fernandez has not yet been added to the active roster. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.
Fernandez started for Uruguay in the quarterfinal against Ghana and was a substitute in wins over South Africa, Mexico and South Korea. La Celeste took fourth in South Africa, its best finish since 1970. He has been capped 11 times by Uruguay-including appearances in six qualifiers-since his debut in 2008.
“I’m very excited to be playing in the U.S. because the football has grown a lot in the last few years and keeps getting better,” said Fernandez. “Seattle is beautiful and I think it’s the ideal place to be with my family. All these things helped in making my decision.”
“Alvaro is a versatile player who can play in a number of midfield positions,” said Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC head coach. “He brings good energy to the game as well as World Cup experience. He can score and also set-up others.”
Fernandez played the 2010 season for Chile’s Universidad. Universidad, located in Santiago, finished second in the Primera Division and is currently in the semifinal stage of the Copa Libertadores, the South American club championship.
Said Fernandez: “My goals are always the same whenever I join a team: try to help, on and off the field; help the club achieve its goals; and, obviously, win championships. I believe I can contribute through my experience. I describe myself as a fast, smooth player, who can play on either flank. I am strong in the air, and I work very hard.”
“Alvaro is experienced internationally and he has demonstrated a tremendous work rate and great tactical awareness,” said Chris Henderson Sounders FC technical director. “He likes to connect passes, possesses good pace and moves well off the ball.”
Fernandez earned his first selection by the Uruguay National Team while playing for Nacional. In addition to national team play, Fernandez has top-flight experience in Uruguay, Mexico, Portugal and Chile. In 2009 Nacional won the Uruguayan Primeria Division and reached the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores.
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The Chicago Fire Soccer Club formally introduced Chicago Fire forward Nery Castillo as the club’s newest Designated Player today, Thursday, July 29 at an afternoon press conference at TOYOTA PARK in Bridgeview, IL. The Fire revealed that the Mexican international will proudly don the number 10 Fire jersey when he takes the pitch for the Men in Red.
Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas, Head Coach Carlos de los Cobos and Andell Sports Group Managing Director Javier Leon were in attendance to discuss the Fire’s newest addition.
“This marks another historic day in the 13-year history of the Chicago Fire,” said Klopas. “It’s taken us two years to get here, today I am proud to introduce the Fire’s new Designated Player, Nery Castillo.”
“Castillo is a player who will have an immediate impact on our team,” said de los Cobos. “A player of his caliber should help us as we work to win games, gain points and fight for a playoff spot.”
“The Fire have made me feel very welcome and I am pleased with my decision to join the club,” said Castillo. “I come to Chicago committed to the club and its fans, with the objectives of playing at my highest level and bringing championships to the Fire.”
Castillo joins the Fire after spending eight seasons with FC Olympiakos where he tallied 30 goals in 105 appearances leading the team to four Greek Super League Championships (02/03, 04/05, 05/06 and 06/07) and two Greek Cups (2005 and 2006.) Following his departure from the Greek side, Castillo spent time with Ukrainian clubs Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, in addition to English Premier League club Manchester City.
A native from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Castillo has represented the Mexico Men’s national team 21 times since 2007, scoring six goals.
The Fire head west to Los Angeles, California where they will take on the league-leading LA Galaxy on Sunday, August 1 at 6:30 PM CT at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA (FSC/FSE).
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Jul 10
29
A Big Day for John O’Shea
Over 44,000 fans traveled to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to see the world’s most valuable sports franchise in action. Manchester United, valued at $1.84 billion in a recent report by Forbes magazine, defeated the Philadelphia Union 1-0 using a mix of regular starters and youth.
O'Shea served as a soccer ambassador during Manchester United's North American Tour
Most of the crowd was loyal to the Red Devils and came to see their stars that made the trip for the North American Tour. Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov, and Edwin van der Sar all made appearances for Man U, but it was defender John O’Shea who quietly gained the attention of fans.
O’Shea spent extra time with reporters, but more importantly signed autographs and had pictures taken with young fans. He didn’t do it for the fanfare, but as a goodwill gesture in a nation that has yet to fully embrace the beautiful game. O’Shea was also quick to praise United’s opponent for the night. “It has been obviously very impressive tonight in particular,” the Waterford, Republic of Ireland native commented. “I was impressed with a lot of their play. Physically they are definitely capable of playing at much higher levels.”
The Man U defender with over 350 appearances under his belt was quick to show optimism towards MLS and American soccer as a whole. “It is only a matter of time before the league gets better and better,” O’Shea declared. “I particularly watched America in the World Cup as well. You see the standard of players that they have. Lots of their outstanding players are in the MLS.”
When asked the ever popular question about coming to play in MLS later in his career, O’Shea replied, “I would like to come maybe one day, you never know. It’s just a big if as they say. I am very happy, very happy playing in England and playing with Manchester United. You can’t get much better than that.”
It is certain that O’Shea has wisdom beyond his 29 years. He has a great perspective on the game as a whole and is fully aware of what to expect in the 2010/11 season. He was able to provide a scouting report of their competition in the Premiership. “It’s going to be the same guys again. Manchester City, Liverpool are starting to sign some players again. Then you have obviously the reigning champions Chelsea. They are looking to improve their squad all the time. Arsenal, the younger players are getting more mature. It is definitely going to be so close again. We lost it last season by a point. Hopefully we can be on the other side of it this season.”
A player who has dedicated his entire career to the Red Devils, O’Shea knows what it will take to bring home the hardware at the end of the season. “Just the consistency in our team. It makes a huge benefit if you can keep the core of the team fit for the whole season. We had too many interruptions last season with injuries.”
The dedication and passion O’Shea shows for the game can also be found in his service to the Republic of Ireland National Team. He is a valuable member of the squad that is looking forward to the Euros and the 2014 World Cup. “We are definitely on the improve with the manager we have, Trapattoni. And the young players that he is trying to introduce into the team also. We played two friendly games at the end of last season. We beat Paraguay and we beat Algeria, obviously two teams that went to the World Cup. We used them as stepping stones obviously for the European qualifiers.”
“We have an easy game against Argentina,” O’Shea said jokingly. “In a friendly match to open up our new stadium, the Aviva Stadium in early August. That is going to be great preparation for the beginning of the qualifiers in September. We all know what happened in the qualifying for the last World Cup, how close we got.”
The player known as ‘Mr. Versatile’ by many in the Premiership was kind enough to offer his thoughts on the U.S. Men’s National Team as well. “They were very unlucky in the World Cup I thought. Obviously they topped the group, but they had a lot of decisions go against them too. They have lots of players now attracting a lot of the big clubs in Europe.” O’Shea sure knows a thing or two about bad luck as his Ireland squad was denied a trip to the World Cup by the controversial Thierry Henry handball.
The Union's Danny Mwanga marked by O'Shea
You can understand why Concave Sports chose John O’Shea as the face of their brand. He is often described as a coach’s dream, a world-class player who cares about how the game is played and has given his all for his club and country.
O’Shea was proud to discuss his involvement in Concave Sports and their line of high tech, revolutionary football boots. “They are a young and up and coming company. They have a lot of obviously stiff competition. I am just hoping that I can play a part in them becoming more successful. I tested out the boots extensively before I wore them. Eventually decided they were good enough to put my name to them and to wear them. Everything has been great since.”
He was eager to point out what separates Concave from the competition. “They have to have a bit of a different edge to them. The protection that it is going to give and when you are striking the ball the power you can get from it. It’s definitely going to be a huge advantage.”
Concave Sports is lucky to have O’Shea leading the charge in the football boot market. You couldn’t pick a better person or player to be the name behind the brand.
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Jul 10
29
Four Leagues=Bad Idea
The past two weeks have been quite bizarre for the sport of indoor soccer. Two new leagues, the USL-I League and the ASA, announced they will begin play in 2011.
The announcement of USL’s professional indoor league was not much of a surprise considering their roots in the indoor game. Rumors of the league have been around for several months.
Three teams will begin play in fall of 2011: Syracuse (NY), Rochester (NY), and Hampton Roads (VA). I completely respect Chris Economides, but have to wonder if the USL should focus their attention on the outdoor game. Who knows what the federation is going to do with the USSF D-II Pro League next year. I think they should be working on recreating USL-1 and defending their turf against the NASL.
The Arena Soccer Association (ASA) also announced they will be part of the indoor game in 2011. The Canton, OH based league has no member clubs, but appears to have several full-time employees. Our requests for an interview have gone unanswered. Their website has a “Coming Soon” message and their Twitter feeds offer no new information.
Our take on this situation is simple. The indoor game needs something drastic to guarantee its long-term survival. A merger between the MISL and PASL would be the best solution for the growth of the game. The MISL has some notoreity and the PASL has lots of clubs managed in a fiscally responsible way. It would be a perfect combination and would take the game coast to coast.
I think the ASA and USL-I League will struggle to get teams of their own and may not be around to see the fall of 2011. Neither league offers anything new or innovative; it is just more of the same. Ask the Xtreme Soccer League what they think of the idea? Wait. You can’t; they folded after one season.
One league (MISL/PASL) is plenty. No one in their right mind would think four independent leagues are a good idea. Let us leave the indoor game to the experts at the PASL and MISL and focus on growth in the outdoor game.
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Graydon Lynch on the attack with Cameron Lewis defending
Over 65 elite high school and club soccer players participated in the 2010 edition of the Concave Sports National Soccer Combine in Canton, OH.
The event consisted of combine drills, structured practices, and exhibition matches. The level of competition was incredibly high with players from 8 states and Canada participating.
Emerson Barros (Pawtucket, RI) registered the fastest times in both the 40 yard and 100 yard dash with times of 4.26 seconds and 10.34 seconds respectively. Barros also tallied three goals and an assist in just two exhibition matches.
Zach Smith (Parma, OH) was the leading scorer at the event with 4 goals and 1 assist. Alex De Carolis (Sarnia, ON) led all players with 2 assists, while Brandon Johnstin (Alliance, OH) led all goalkeepers with 12 saves.
Bijan Malaklou (Irvine, CA) put in an impressive performance for the Concave Accuracy squad, leading the team with 3 goals and 1 assist.
Philip Pirogowicz (Mogadore, OH) led a Concave Power defense that allowed 0 goals in 2 matches. The Concave Power squad finished the event with 2 wins and 11 goals scored. Concave Control was led by Texan John Vasquez and Canadian Nakeno Amiri, while Ohioans Darius Scott and Hunter Gordon paved the way for the Concave Protection squad.
The event was made possible by sponsors that included Concave Sports, Chick-fil-A at the Mall, and Mercy Sports Medicine.
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No, it’s not a World Cup or Olympic final— heck, it’s not even a playoff or anything proportionate.
Yet if one gets the feeling they’re witnessing something much more extraordinary than a run-of-the-mill regular season match up between Washington Freedom and league-leaders F.C. Gold Pride Saturday afternoon, that’s because they’re right.
On the field, the world’s current two best players, Freedom’s Abby Wambach, whose leading the league in goals and assists, and Gold Pride’s four-time FIFA Player of the Year, Marta, will face each other while off it, the world’s best player of all time, Mia Hamm, will be in attendance and watching on.
Think Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi— with Pelé palling around on the sidelines.
“Freedom has been a big part of my career and of my life; any chance I get to come back to the area and be a part of the franchise is very special for me,” said Hamm. “And I’m so thrilled to watch two of the best players in the world compete against each other.”
Gold Pride are by far and away the class of WPS with 34 points, leading the nearest competitor by 13 points; the Freedom by 17. However this match up provides Washington with a chance to try and revamp a campaign that started decently but has since seen them winless in their last seven attempts.
“(Playing against the) Freedom is always a hard game, especially playing away from home,” said Marta. “But we’re looking to stretch the gap between first and second place and keep the momentum we have right now.”
Aside from the game itself, the two-day event also will feature a special charity match Friday night between Freedom alumni and a local police department as well as the 2nd Hall of Freedom induction ceremony Saturday, where new inductees will join Hamm, former U.S. goalkeeper Siri Mullinix and German great Steffi Jones in Freedom folklore.
The match up also helps whet the appetite for next year’s 2011 women’s World Cup in Germany— where ticket sales are apparently already going well— just as World Cup fever from South Africa seems to be dying down.
“I’ve been so impressed with the commitment to making the (2011 women’s World Cup) the best women’s World Cup ever,” said Hamm. “I’m excited for those participating and competing because it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere.”
So will Saturday, according to Wambach.
“It’s just going to be an exciting weekend,” said Wambach. “It’s not often you get Mia, myself and Marta on the same field, so I’m thrilled.”
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Chivas USA of Major League Soccer announced on Monday that defender and captain Jonathan Bornstein, a four-time MLS All-Star and recent standout at the FIFA World Cup, will join Tigres UANL of the Mexican First Division following the 2010 MLS season. Bornstein, of Los Alamitos, Calif., will complete his contract with Chivas USA before moving to the Monterrey, Mexico based team on January 1, 2011.
“First and foremost, I remain focused on finishing this season with Chivas USA,” said Bornstein. “There is a lot we can accomplish, from SuperLiga this week to the Open Cup semifinals in September, getting into the playoffs and making a run at MLS Cup. When the season ends, I’m excited to join Tigres and ready for all the changes that will come with the move. It will be a big moment for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
“Jonathan has been a wonderful member of the Chivas USA family since coming to the team in 2006, helping the club both on and off the field,” said Chivas USA President and CEO Shawn Hunter. “We know he will continue to bring his passion to every match for the rest of 2010, and while we will be very disappointed not to have his presence at the club next season, we’re thrilled for the opportunities that he has ahead of him. We are pleased to have helped shape his career, and also proud of the important role he has played in the history of Chivas USA.”
Jonathan Rey Bornstein joined Chivas USA as the team’s fourth round pick (37th overall) in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, and earned Rookie of the Year honors in his first season, leading all rookies in scoring with six goals and four assists. An MLS All-Star from 2007-2010, Bornstein has played a total of 112 regular-season games (110 starts) in his MLS career, with nine goals and nine assists. With the U.S. National Team, the Los Alamitos native scored a goal in his debut match against Denmark on January 20, 2007, and has played a total of 34 games with the squad, scoring twice. Selected to the United States’ roster for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Bornstein played in matches against Algeria and Ghana, and was one of the team’s top performers.
“From his first day with the club, you could see that Jonathan was a special player, both for his talent and his dedication,” said Chivas USA Head Coach Martín Vásquez. “He is a player who worked hard for every opportunity he has been given. We’re happy that our captain will keep fighting with Chivas USA for a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs and for the U.S. Open Cup, and excited to see what else he can accomplish in his career starting next year.”
Bornstein was born on Nov. 7, 1984 in Torrance, Calif., and grew up in Los Alamitos, just minutes from The Home Depot Center. A star at Los Alamitos High School, he had two successful seasons at Cal Poly Pomona before transferring to UCLA for two years. Of Jewish and Mexican descent, Bornstein helped the U.S. win a silver medal at the 2005 Maccabiah Games in Israel, and will not count as a foreign player in the Mexican First Division because his mother is a native of Mexico.
Chivas USA will face Pachuca of the Mexican First Division on Wednesday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. at The Home Depot Center, and the match will feature a pair of United States National Team players in addition to Bornstein, with José Francisco Torres and Herculez Gomez both on Pachuca’s roster. For more information on the match, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.
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Jul 10
19
A New Test for Buddle
Photo/Gatorade, Susan Goldman
Lead Major League Soccer in goals. Check.
Lead the Galaxy to an 11-2-3 record, good for first in the West. Check.
Earn a spot on the USMNT’s 23-man roster for the World Cup. Check. Make two appearances at the World Cup in South Africa. Check.
Undergo a battery of tests that included an air displacement chamber, the MOXUS Metabolic Cart System, and cognitive function speed tests. Check.
The last item seems to be out of place, but it is actually quite a match for Edson Buddle, one of the “new” stars in MLS. Buddle had frequent muscle cramps during matches and needed a solution. Enter the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) and the Gatorade G Series.
You might call the GSSI testing process rigorous, but it wasn’t overwhelming for the L.A. striker. Surprising stuff, considering all of the high-tech equipment involved in the process. Cycling for 30 minutes and breathing into a mask, no problem. Climbing into the “Bod Pod” to get an estimate of body composition, no worries. Actually Buddle would say that it was a good way to spend a few hours of his time. “It was a good learning experience,” the two-time MLS All-Star suggested after learning the science behind the G Series.
Photo/Gatorade, Susan Goldman
2010 has indeed been a whirlwind for Buddle, who has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts in the new year. Buddle came into this MLS season as a player with untapped potential, but has become quite an enigma over the years. Everyone knew that Buddle had the ability to become the best pure striker ever to grace MLS. A pure scorer of his caliber has not been seen since Roy Lassiter of the Tampa Bay Mutiny, who still holds the record for most goals in a season with 27. He is on pace to challenge that record and will certainly surpass his personal career best of 15 goals scored in 2008.
Buddle has been near unstoppable in MLS and is the league leader in goals despite missing time with the national team. He provided Bob Bradley with another attacking option in South Africa: a player with speed, energy, and superior fitness.
Observers believe he may be in the best form of his career, but Buddle said that may be the case on paper. In reality, he went on to say that he was younger and sharper during his tenure with the Crew, but maturity and experience have made a difference. He also talked about the importance of team chemistry. “Having the same guys around me makes my job easier,” Buddle commented. Being a striker means depending on the play of others, which is a good thing if you are paired up with a megastar like Landon Donovan.
He is determined to show that L.A.’s great start will continue and that the club will not peak too early. It is safe to say that the second half of the MLS season is going to be incredibly exciting for fans of the Galaxy, especially with Buddle on the attack. Maybe Gatorade will prove to be the difference maker for the fan favorite named after the one and only Pelé.
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When people think of a soccer powerhouse, they may not think of a high school in Montana. However, Billings West is such a school, winning consecutive Class AA state championships. 2008 Montana Gatorade Player of the Year Jack Pueringer led the squad to a state title two years ago, but it was junior Zach Moyers who got the job done this past fall. Moyers too received the Montana Gatorade Player of the Year, but was quick to give credit to his coach and teammates. Zach praised Pueringer for being a mentor and leader on the team. “Jack is a star at his position. He is one that teaches you a lot, just by watching him.” Moyers commented. ”He inspires, motivates you.”
Photo Credit: Jon Moyers
Moyers is also the star of Magic City SC, a local club team that competes all across the U.S. in prestigious tournaments. The speedy midfielder, who will be a senior in the fall, is on the radar of almost every college program in the country. Schools like UNLV, Colorado, and UCSD hope they are among the favorites.
Billings West Head Coach Mike Mayott desribes Moyers as “a spark plug of a player.” Mayott praised Moyers’ leadership abilities as well, saying “Zach has the ability to increase the energy and desire of his team to rally to their best. Couple this with his technical abilities and one will find a successful soccer team.”
And successful they have been as individuals and a team. Moyers tallied 3 goals and 15 assists in his award-winning junior year, leading West to a 14-0-1 record. Everyone looks forward to seeing Billings West go for a third consecutive state title this fall. Moyers will be counted on again to contribute and is the likely favorite to repeat as Montana Gatorade Player of the Year.
ISN Next Gen players are the “best of the best” when it comes to the next generation of soccer stars. These players may come from the high school or club ranks or could be the next big thing at the collegiate level. We even select young professionals that are worthy of such an honor. Feature articles, based on a specific player, will be released each month on our blog. The ISN Next Gen for July 2010 will be announced at the conclusion of the 2010 Concave Sports National Soccer Combine on July 16-17.
ISN Next Gen Player of the Year will be selected by a committee of our staff every January.
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