We have just gotten word and it has been confirmed that the Seattle Sounders have signed Álvaro Fernández as their 3rd DP.

We here at Soccer Jones think Seattle has done well with their latest addition.  Fernandez is a 6’1″ 24 year-old midfielder, and played in four matches this year at World Cup 2010 for semifinalist Uruguay.

Image Source

Last night at Houston’s Reliant Stadium, EPL powerhouse Manchester United put the beat down on the MLS All-Stars in a 5-2 victory during their final U.S. stop of their North American tour.

Manchester United’s Federico Macheda netted two early goals that completely set the tempo for the rest of the match.  His first goal came within the first 30 seconds of play after an absolutely brutal back-pass from Kevin Alston, and his second was netted just 11 minutes later off a corner kick after MLS’ Sebastian Le Toux fell and decided not to play defense.

“He [Macheda] is outstanding in those positions,” Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said of Macheda. “You always feel very confident. When he went through, I expected him to score. It was a well-taken goal.”

Darron Gibson and Tom Cleverly added another two goals for the Red Devils in the 69th and 72 minutes.  Mexico’s Javier Hernandez who was subbed into play in the 63rd minute, also netted a goal in his opening debut for Man U in the 83rd minute.

MLS All-Star goals came from Houston’s Brian Ching off a sensational header in the 64th minute, and Toronto’s Dwayne De Rosario who slipped a shot past Edwin Van der Sar in the final ticks of the match.

What does this say for Major League Soccer?  One way you can look at it, is that Man U played without several of it’s top players (Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, etc.) and still soundly beat the MLS All-Stars.  If the EPL were to compile an all-star squad, what would the score of that have match been?!

Now, on the other hand, the MLS All-Stars were without their beloved Landon Donovan for the first 70 minutes of play.  His LA Galaxy teammate and league-leading goal scorer Edson Buddle, didn’t step on the field after playing a full 90 minutes in a CONCACAF match the night before.  Also, had Kevin Alston not played back a horrendous pass less than a minute into the match, the tempo and flow of the match may very well have been somewhat different.

Despite the final outcome of the game, more than 70,000 people packed into Reliant Stadium on a Wednesday night, and had viewers all over the world tuning in.

“It’s been really nice since I have been back to realize how many people cared about what was going on in South Africa,” Donovan said. “For us, it’s exciting and it’s fun and it’s emotional for us to be there. But when you come home and realize that they were there with you, it was special.”

Not only was it great for MLS to pack the stadium against one of the EPL’s best, Manchester United was also pleasantly surprised by the growing love of the sport here in the U.S.

“We were really delighted,” Ferguson said. “When you go and play in the stadium, the size of the crowd and the atmosphere, you’re motivated by that. I think that was a good omen for our players. To come out, see the stadium, good pitch, big crowd, it was perfect for them.”

The MLS All-Stars have won five of their last six matchups against international competition, including a win over the EPL’s Chelsea in 2006.

Source, Image Source

Rafael Marquez is now set to join Thierry Henry as the newest member of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.  Rumor has it that this change will be made official at the end of this week, with Marquez joining them shortly after.

The 31 year-old defender will have an immediate impact in the league and put a heavier anchor in an already solid back line for the Red Bulls.  This was an excellent move by both Rafa Marquez and the New York Red Bulls.  Marquez will end his career in a city and league that will embrace him.  The Red Bulls will only sell more and more tickets with their two newest additions, and the 2010 MLS Cup champions title is looking more and more attainable every day in the ‘Big Apple.’

Source, Image Source

Tonight, make sure you tune into ESPN2 at 8:30pm EST to catch the 2010 AT&T MLS All-Star game being played at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.  To catch the special edition of MLS’ ‘Extra Time,’ click here.    This year’s match will showcase Major League Soccer’s best against English Premier League powerhouse Manchester United.

Our prediction for tonight’s game is a big 3-1 victory for the 2010 MLS All-Stars.  Sorry, Man U fans.  You think we’re wrong?  Watch and see…

Image Source

This afternoon, 52,342 people came to watch Kansas City take on English Premier League powerhouse Manchester United in the recently renovated Arrowhead Stadium.

Both Davy Arnaud and Kei Kamara netted first-half goals in the 2-1 victory Sunday.  The scoring started with Arnaud’s 11th minute finished the through ball that was played in from Kei Kamara.

Just four minutes before the break, Dimitar Berbatov equalized with a penalty kick after Kansas City Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad was sent off for a sliding tackle.

Our thoughts… referee Terry Vaughn blew it.  What?!  You mean a referee made another bad call that potentially would change the final outcome of the game?!  Are you shocked?  We didn’t think you would be.

Replays of the play clearly showed that Conrad made contact with the ball before Berbatov went down, yet Conrad was issued a straight red.

Just moments later, Kamara would find the back of the net off of a header to put the Wizards up on top of the Red Devils 2-1 at the break.

A lot Manchester United fans will argue that it was the ‘B Team’ that played this afternoon, and that’s why Kansas City pulled out the “W.”  Manu U was without Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and Michael Carrick.  Guess what though… it’s still Manchester United playing a middle of the pack MLS squad.

Manchester United will next take on the 2010 MLS All-Stars in Houston this Wednesday.

Source, Image Source

Red Bull Arena hosted yet another MLS vs. EPL showdown this afternoon between the New York Red Bulls and Manchester City.  We think it’s about time that the MLS started getting more credit.

Dane Richards’ 68th minute blast from distance was enough to put the New York Red Bulls over Man City with a final score of 2-1.

The scoring started early when Richards played a ball into the box to have Macoumba Kandji tap it in past goalkeeper Joe Hart.

“Dane can run, and when I saw him I took off and found the blind spot in the defense,” Kandji said.

To everyone’s surprise, it was the Red Bulls who were controlling the match and putting pressure on the opposing defense.  At the break, New York outshot Man City seven shots to two.

The game was tied in the 55th minute after Man City’s Jo put a shot into the upper right corner of the net.

The game’s final goal came in the 68th minute of play when Richards sent in a sensational shot from about 30 yards out that hit the cross bar and found its way into the net.

The Red Bulls lost to Tottenham 2-1 earlier this week, but rebounded to beat a strong Man City 2-1 this afternoon.  While top-to-bottom MLS can’t compare to the EPL, they do deserve a whole lot more credit than what they get.  Nuff said.

Source, Image Source

Image Source

In 2008, it was Preki who noticed you while playing in in the George F. Donnelly Cup, an amateur soccer tournament that was played at The Home Depot Center.  He later invited you to pre-season training with his squad and eventually extended you a development contract with Chivas USA.  What do you think it was exactly that caught Preki’s eye?

To be honest, I am not really sure.  I didn’t think that I was having my best game… but I think my work ethic and speed I bring to the game would probably be the two things that he saw.  In that game, I was able to get behind some defenders and create some chances.

Last season, you missed a number of games due to a concussion. Have you ever thought about pulling a Petr Cech or an Alecko Escandarian and wear a field helmet just to play it safe?

Well, [laughs] from what I hear, he got a pretty good contract to wear the helmet.  But you never know… if someone were to come to me and offer me a deal, I might have to throw it on.  But I would definitely prefer not to be wearing one.

So you’re all good now and fully recovered from injury?

Yeah, I’m good but hoping not to take any other knocks to the head anytime soon.

MLS is approaching the All-Star break and you’re mid-way through the season.  What are your individual goals and team goals for the second half of the season?

Individually, I made a personal goal to score 10 goals at the beginning of the season.  I am hoping to achieve that by the time the season is over and I am currently on pace.  If I can keep things going, maybe I can get even a few more than 10.  As a team, our goal right now is to make the playoffs.  We’re a little behind but as of late, we have been playing some good soccer and we’re starting to find the zone.

Currently, you’re leading Chivas USA in goals and assists.  You’re netting more and more goals each season, but which has been your most memorable thus far?

So far for my career, I would probably say my most memorable goal was against Real Salt Lake during the playoffs my first season.  We didn’t win the series, but it’s definitely fun to score against your hometown team.  The goal brought us back into the picture to try and win the series, but unfortunately, we gave up a late goal and weren’t able to advance.  My best goal, however, probably came against Real Salt Lake earlier this season [2010] when I hit a volley over [Nick] Rimando.

Midfielder Sacha Kljestan recently left to join the reigning Belgian champions, Anderlecht.  What changes has your squad made to fill the hole Sacha left?

Well, him leaving changes the team as a whole.  Sacha was a huge part of our team and kept our offense going but everyone has been stepping up their game to fill the void.  Paulo Nagamura is a huge addition.  He was with us two years ago and having him back in our lineup is going to help tremendously.

What role did Preki play in your development from the amateur level to the professional level?

He definitely played a huge role in my development. Preki really took me under his wing and molded me into the player I am today.  He would hold me after practice and work on the things I needed improvement on.  I owe a lot to him.  He was the guy who was willing to give me the chance, and I took that chance and made the best of it.  I am here where I am today because of Preki.

Growing up playing the striker position, what players did you look up to?

Growing up, I actually didn’t play forward as much as you’d think.  That really started in high school.  I always liked the way Van Nistelrooy played.  I feel like I sort of have the same style as him and try to put myself in good positions to score the goals like he does.  As of late, I’ve been watching [Nicklas] Bendtner from Arsenal.

Who is the world’s best striker right now?

That’s a tough question… after looking at World Cup performances, I would have to say David Villa.  I think the good thing about him is that he can score and create chances for other people.  He’s great with the ball at his feet, and he’s one of those forwards who isn’t just scoring goals, but getting assists and creating chances for others.  I enjoy watching Arsenal play though.  I really like the controlled game that Arsenal plays.

You’re originally from Salt Lake City but currently reside in sunny Los Angeles.  Have your loyalties shifted, or do you still cheer for the Utah Jazz when they come to LA?

I despise the Lakers and I’m sticking with my Jazz.  I cheer for anyone who plays the Lakers.  I’m not at all a big Lakers fan.

So, what you’re saying is your two favorite teams are the Jazz and anyone who plays the Lakers?

Exactly.

Image Source

Prior to 2010 World Cup tournament play with his Mexico squad, Marquez made it known that he had his eye on MLS action.

Following a successful tournament in South Africa, Marquez has negotiated a release with Barcelona.  His contract had been set to run up until 2012, but has now opted to go to New York on a more lucrative deal.

“Marquez has signed for a four-year contract with the New York Red Bulls and will join up with Thierry Henry,” a Goal.com source said.

“Marquez has gained his contract release from Barcelona and will get a salary of £2 million per season. The official announcement of the deal will be next week.”

Putting Thierry Henry, Juan Pablo Angel, and now Rafa Marquez on the same squad just put the Red Bulls at the top of the power rankings in our book.  They currently are sitting in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference standings behind Columbus, without the help of Henry and Marquez.  Bringing over two Barca boys is only going to sell more tickets and make their squad a whole lot more solid top to bottom.

Source, Image Source

Adidas presents customized adiPure soccer cleats for this year’s MLS All-Star game that will be played in Houston on July 28.

Real Salt Lake’s Javier Morales and New York’s Juan Pablo Angel opted to go with the World Cup’s highest scoring boot, the adidas F50 adiZero.

LA’s Omar Gonzalez customized his adidas adiPure3 XTRX kicks with his initials, number, and team colors.

You can check out the customized cleats at Miadidas.  Make sure that you tune in to see the MLS All-Stars take on EPL powerhouse Manchester United on July 28.

Source, Image Source