Ljungberg to train away from Sounders

Seattle's Freddie Ljungberg will train away from the team as he continues to explore other playing options. (Getty Images)

SEATTLE – Sounders star Freddie Ljungberg will train away from the team as he continues to entertain other playing options outside of Seattle, according to club officials.

As expected, Ljungberg will not play Sunday night when the Sounders host the Colorado Rapids at Qwest Field in a nationally televised matchup on Fox Soccer Channel.

“At this time he is training by himself, getting healthy, getting fit,” Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer said. “We agreed together that it made some sense to keep him away from the club as he is exploring other options. I don’t think there’s a secret that that’s happening.

“We just thought it was best to keep this team focused right here on winning on Sunday [and] let Freddie explore options.”

Going forward, Hanauer is taking a wait-and-see approach to a possible transfer.

“As that process plays out, we will take things as they come to us,” Hanauer said. “Again, assuming something does or doesn’t happen in the next week or few days or two weeks, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said that the decision to train away from the team will help Ljungberg recover from a nagging ankle injury that has limited him in recent weeks. He hasn't suited up for the club since a July 4 matchup against the LA Galaxy.

“The decision was it would probably be best right now to get his injury cured up and his ankle, which is doing much better,” Schmid said, “and while he is exploring those options, to keep him out of our training during that period of time so that he can explore those options.

“There wasn’t a risk; obviously in training with a team there’s always a greater risk of injury,” Schmid continued. “There’s not a risk of injury [training away from the team] or a risk of making the injury worse.”

Ljungberg, meanwhile, updated his blog Friday with a thank-you message to his teammates and Sounders fans.

“I felt I wanted to say something,” the post reads. “When I’ve been out and about in the city, the enormous support and appreciation I’ve got from people on the street has touched me deeply. So I just wanted to say a humble thank you to all the people of Seattle and to my teammates who have shown me so much love during this time with a million people speculating.”

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Djalo brace lifts Sporting Lisbon over Man. City

Djalo put on an impressive performance and bagged a brace to lead Sporting Lisbon past Manchester City on Friday. (Getty Images)

Sporting Clube de Portugal kicked off their first of two matches in the Barclays New York Challenge with a 2-0 victory over EPL power Manchester City on Saturday.

Yannick Djalo kept up Sporting’s tradition of producing talented wingers (Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo) as he netted a first-half brace to down The Blues.

At first, it seemed the clash would go in favor of the English club. Just four minutes in, Craig Bellamy sped past the Sporting defense and put a shot on target from just outside the six-yard box, but goalkeeper Tiago easily blocked it.

Nine minutes later, Bellamy again missed. This time, Stephen Ireland sent Jo on a run, and the Brazilian striker sent a pass from the outside of the box across to Bellamy. The Welsh striker slid to get his foot on the ball but ended poking it out wide.

Sporting then began to gain more control of the match and Man. City started to look tired and out of sorts. The Lions proceeded to use their superior pace to funnel their attack down the right flank, which is where their first goal would originate from.

Portuguese midfielder Mendes recuperated the ball in the midfield and passed on to João Pereira, who subsequently passed to Simon Vukcevik near the right sideline. The Montenegrin freed himself from the mark of the defender and sent a left-footed cross into the area and Djalo popped up in front of Man. City right back Micah Richards to head the ball home around the 23rd minute.

The speedy Sporting attacker was not done yet and would score his second in the 39th minute. Saleiro, showing a beautiful display of technique, flicked a pass around the Man. City defenders with the outside of his foot and onto Djalo, who danced around goalkeeper Joe Hart at the top of the 18-yard box to slot home.

Both teams made some substitutions in the second half, hoping to give everyone some valuable minutes ahead of their respective domestic and Europa League campaigns.

Sporting picked up right where they left off, showing some nice passing and Djalo again threatened with his devilish speed.

The Portuguese club completely dominated their English counterparts in the second half, their pace and energy far above that of Manchester City. Nevertheless, Sporting were unable to seriously threaten The Blues’ goal until the 80th minute.

First, Sporting midfielder Valdés cut into the penalty box and let loose a shot, but his effort was blocked by Man. City midfielder Vincent Kompany. Just a minute later, Maniche shot from 35 yards out, but it went wide and out.

Though Sporting insisted during the remaining 10 minutes, they were unable to crack the opposing defense and the score remained 2-0.

The Portuguese club will now go on to play Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, July 25, at 1 pm ET. The game is the first of a doubleheader.

Manchester City, on the other hand, will look for some redemption from tonight’s loss when they take on Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls in the latter match of the day.

Scoring Summary:

SCP: Djalo (Vukcevic) 23’

SCP: Djalo (Saleiro) 39’

Disciplinary Summary:

SCP: Carrico (caution) 43’

Manchester City FC – Joe Hart (GK), Joleon Lescott (Nedum Onuoha 46’), Greg Cunningham (Wayne Bridge 46’), Vincent Kompany, Micah Richards, Pablo Zabaleta, Adam Johnson, Patrick Vieira (Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely 64’), Stephen Ireland (Dedryck Boyata 64’), Jo (John Guidetti 73’), Craig Bellamy (Andrew Tutte 74’)

Substitute Not Used: Stuart Taylor

Sporting Clube De Portugal – Tiago Ferreira (GK), Daniel Carrico, Anderson Polga, Evaldo Fabiano, Joao Pereira, Pedro Mendes (Andre Santos 87’), Maniche, Simon Vukcevic (Jaime Valdes 73’), Yannick Djalo, Helder Postiga (Miguel Veloso 79’), Carlos Saleiro (Florent Sinama-Pongolle 46’)

Substitutes Not Used: Rui Patricio, Jaime Valdes, Liédson, Nuno Coelho

Referee: Kevin Stott Referee’s Assistants: Corey Rockwell, Corey Parker 4th Referee: Jeffrey Gontarek Attendance: 13,586

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Mike Chabala's Guide to Houston

When it comes to the city of Houston, Mike Chabala is a man about town. (Getty Images)

When traveling to unfamiliar territory it’s often best to check in with the locals if you want to find the real city—the beating heart of the area, the places that aren’t on the tourist map. You just can’t beat a having a guy on the ground that can tell when to go, what to see, where to eat and how to get there.

Since this year’s All-Star Game is in Houston, a few members of the Dynamo have offered tips on how to best enjoy the Bayou City before and after Wednesday’s match against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United [TICKETS]. Among those players to share their picks for the best of Houston is defender Mike Chabala.

So whether you are interested in good-looking people or shopping for good-looking vintage clothing, this California kid has got you covered when it comes to all things Houston.

Coolest Neighborhood ...


Chabala: “Either River Oaks or Montrose. Montrose is a beautiful area first off, and it’s also where I live. There is always something going on in this part of town, and there are always good-looking people walking around town.”



Best Mexican Food ...



Chabala: “If I'm going for a quick bite I would have to say FreeBirds. But if I'm going to lounge around, then I'll take the party to El Pueblito off of Richmond at Montrose. It has the best outdoor patio in Houston and some of the best dishes!”



Best Shopping ...



Chabala: “It's no secret that the Galleria is where you want to go for your major department stores and shops. I'm a big fan of Saks and Nordstrom, so you'll find me there. But there are some hidden spots around town. Westheimer has some cool vintage shops that I like strolling through, and I also like the Rice Village for some smaller boutiques.”



Something any visitor to Houston must do ...



Chabala: “I would have to say, come to a Dynamo game! What else could be better? If that visitor isn’t fortunate enough to catch us when we're in town then I would tell them that it’s a must to check out a Rockets/Texans/Astros game. Always a good time supporting local Houston teams. The Galleria is on the list for some shopping, followed by a visit to Uptown Park for a Crave cupcake and coffee.

“I would also take some time venturing through Rice Village and the Rice University area before making time for a dinner in Midtown. After dinner, I would take your dancing shoes toward Washington Street to find a good spot to end the night off.”


Need more? Check out the Soccer Fan's Guide to Houston and the All-Star fan information page.

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Debating Chivas USA's pickup, Sal Zizzo

US youth international winger Sal Zizzo will now be representing the colors of Chivas USA (Getty Images)

This past Wednesday afternoon saw Chivas USA nab 23-year-old Sal Zizzo in a weighted lottery for the attacking midfielder. With an impressive resume of experience for a player as young as he is, the San Diego native shows promise as a potential star for the Goats in seasons to come if he can settle quickly into MLS play. The real question is, can he? MLSsoccer.com examines four issues to consider as Zizzo preps to make his MLS debut.

1.International Experience – Zizzo has represented the United States at the U-20, U-23, and senior levels. He has only amassed eight total caps between those three squads, but it’s no small matter to be invited to youth national team camps and play alongside guys like Freddy Adu and Jozy Atidore – both of whom were teammates of Zizzo’s at the 2007 U-20 FIFA World Cup. His experience in the global stage may be limited, but it’s still more than many players can claim and will certainly have benefited his composure and technique.

2. Bundesliga Background – Zizzo spent the last three seasons with Hannover 96 in the German Bundesliga. He was only able to make eight first-team appearances due to illness and injury, but three years of training with and learning from a Top Division German side like Hannover will improve any player’s skill and tactics. The hard-tackling, physical style of the Bundesliga is very similar to MLS, and Zizzo’s ability to learn from players like American veteran and Hannover captain Steve Cherundolo will have its benefits for the youngster on the field.

3. Injury Problems – Zizzo has struggled with injury and illness throughout his professional career. His 2009 loan to German Second Division side Fortuna Düsseldorf, a move that should have given him more time on the pitch, was cut short due to sickness, and he missed the entirety of the following Hannover 96 season with a torn ACL. Much of Zizzo’s success at Chivas USA will rely on his ability to get over the knee damage and to stay healthy. If he cannot, he will likely become a new version of John O’Brien, the former US World Cup veteran who struggled with injuries and never made the impact in MLS that most expected.

4. The Unknown Quantity – The biggest thing standing in Zizzo’s way is his lack of first-team experience. Since turning pro, the midfielder has played startlingly small number of actual first-team games. An impressive two years at UCLA suggest that he is capable of being a highly productive member of the attack, but he hasn’t shown those kinds of numbers since leaving the Bruins. The Red-and-White are banking that a healthy Zizzo is a productive Zizzo, but the truth is that remains to be seen at the pro level.

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Chivas USA young guns thankful for playing time

Flores (above) and Mayen saw valuable minutes against Pachuca in SuperLiga. (Getty Images)

CARSON, Calif. -- Between them, Chivas USA third-year players Gerson Mayén and Jorge Flores have seen the pitch just 242 minutes so far this season. And yet, when the pair was called into action against Mexican First Division side Pachuca last Wednesday, each performed admirably in helping to earn a solid 1-0 victory for the Goats.

WATCH:MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: CHV 1, PAC 0

Mayen’s and Flores’ success against Pachuca, even with so little game experience this year, should come as no surprise to any Red-and-White fan. The two have long been important role-players for Chivas USA and are always able to step in when called upon.

“This team has good players – anybody who comes into the game can make a difference,” Mayén told MLSsoccer.com after Wednesday’s match. “For me, I just try to stay focused at all times. Even when I’m not named in the squad, I watch the game and try to keep my concentration always. That way, when I do get a shot, I’m ready to go.”

Flores entered Wednesday’s game at halftime, replacing left-back Ante Jazic. Mayén was added in the 72nd in place of Rodolfo Espinoza and slotted into the left midfield position in front of Flores.

“Getting actual game time is really important for us younger guys,” said Flores after the match. “It helps to build our confidence and allows us a chance to get into the rhythm of the team. I hope we can continue to get these chances to improve and show the coach what we can do.”

Flores and Mayén are no strangers to one another on the pitch. The two played together in the Chivas USA Youth Academy before joining the Red-and-White first team, and both were included on the roster for the United States U-20 team that competed at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

“Gerson and I have a good friendship on the field,” said Flores. “We’re used to being together and I think our communication is good.”

While both players have done well for themselves in the time that they’ve gotten, both admit that it can be hard to step into a game after not having played in a while.

“It’s hard to get your rhythm out there because we don’t play a lot of games,” said Mayén. “Especially against these Mexican teams – they keep ball very well, so you it’s hard because you feel like you’re chasing the game sometimes.”

Nevertheless, both Mayén and Flores are grateful for any chance they get to step onto the field and will continue to stay focused off the pitch so that they can take advantage of their opportunities on it.

“I’m happy for the minutes I get,” said Flores. “It’s a chance to improve my own game and get some more game experience.”

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Rimando finally seeing recognition he deserves

Nick Rimando becomes only the second goalkeeper in MLS history to win Player of the Month honors twice (Getty Images)

LEHI, Utah — Considering all that Nick Rimando has done as a goalkeeper—two MLS Cups, 263 appearances, more than 100 wins—it’s amazing to think he has been named to the MLS All-Star team only once before. The conventional wisdom is that the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper’s size—he stands just 5-foot-9—has been a factor.

“I always say that maybe you have to be 6 feet tall to get some recognition,” Rimando told MLSsoccer.com recently. “It did [bother me] in the beginning. But you’ve just got to play your game.”

Playing his game has gone very well for Rimando this year. In 16 games, he boasts a .81 goals against average, tied for third in the league. He backstopped a recently broken 566-minute shutout streak, the third longest streak in MLS history. He was named MLS Player of the Month for June.

It was fitting, then, that he was picked by All-Star team coach Bruce Arena for the squad that will face Manchester United on July 28.

“Being named is just special, and a complete honor,” he said.

Rimando is just seven wins away from moving into third place on the all-time wins list. The way RSL are playing, that could happen by the end of this season. And with RSL’s success, the proper recognition is starting to come. For Rimando, his place in the annals of the league may be recognition enough.

“Once you see your name up there with Tony Meola and Kevin Hartman—it feels good,” he said. “It shows that you are doing your job.”

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