DC United announced that Francis Doe, who had been on trial with DC then signed with the club on April 22, has received his work permit. He will be available for Sunday’s match at Colorado.

Popularity: 9%

Last season DC started the season at 0-3-1. After that start DC went on to go on a 13 game unbeaten streak. This season, before the match started, DC was in a similar spot at 1-3-0. After a classic DC United match, DC walked away with 3 points, the first time since playing Toronto FC on April 5.

Jaime Moreno added two more goals off of two penalty kicks to the all time leading goal scoring record. Santino Quaranta is making a statement after being with DC for a couple seasons then a couple of other teams then back to his stomping ground of DC. He scored another goal in this match to make the lead even bigger for DC. Finally DC United’s Designated Player, Marcello Gallardo, also scored again. He is fitting into the missing spot left by Christian Gomez.

What is next for DC? They travel away to take on Colorado. Could DC be settling into what they did last season and go on an unbeaten streak? They need to work as a team. It seems in the games that they fell apart in, they were not flowing in the game as a team. DC has the talent, some may say the best in the league, but if they can not find their flow, they fall apart quickly.

Popularity: 9%

I have to give it up to Alex, the Chivas USA columnist here at American Soccer Reader. He is professional and his writing style could fit seamlessly into any publication. I, however, have no such lofty aspirations. I am a Blogger, plain and simple. I post my opinions and am in no way unbiased. That’s why I can say, I hate Chivas USA. Everything from their fans, to their players, to the fact I have to see their banners in the parking lot. Now that that’s cleared up, lets take a look at tonight’s 5-2 Galaxy win.

You’ll have to excuse Chivas’ early 1-0 deficit, they were still in shock of seeing what a full Home Depot Center looks like. Better take note Goats, because rent is due on the first and you can’t pay it in empty seats. There were no empty seats tonight though. What an atmosphere at the HDC. It must be said that all the supporters groups showed great spirit. Having both the Angel City Brigade and The Riot Squad at separate ends really fills the stadium with sound. In the last 15 minutes even the soccer moms started picking up the chants.

The Super Classico always brings out the best of these two teams and tonight was no different. Every ball was fought over and as usual there was controversy. Landon started it off early with an intentional hand ball to try and create a goal scoring opportunity. He was rightly carded, but what a great way to start the game off… instant animosity. Speaking of Landon, what a great month the Inland Empire native is having. Eight goals in five games is good enough to put him atop the league goal scoring list. Best of all he did it with grit tonight. It was a very Taylor Twellman like effort, scrappy. He fought for every goal and was rewarded with a hat trick.

Another person enjoying a great first month of the season is Sacha Kljestan. His curler into the far 90 was a superb strike. What I didn’t enjoy however was his taunting of the Galaxy supporters groups and fans afterwards. Haven’t players learned yet not to piss of Landon Donovan? Once you do, you bring him into the game. Donovan’s response? Two more goals. It felt so good to see Sacha make the walk of shame past the Riot Squad with the scoreboard reading 5-2 above him.

Not everything was rosy with the Galaxy however. Another defender goes to ground, another goal scored by their opposition. When will the Galaxy backline start staying on their feet? Abel Xavier had no need to go to ground to clear the ball that would eventually result in Chivas’ second goal. The Galaxy insist on playing a crazy style of soccer that is both absolutely infuriating and entertaining as hell.

I guess I owe Alan Gordon a bit of an apology after his two goal performance tonight. But in my defense, tonight, he was playing where he should be, up top as a target man. And credit to him for not giving up on the third goal. His desire to will that ball into the net completely eclipsed Guzan’s routine approach to a very dangerous ball.

In all, the Galaxy sent this fan home happy tonight. My belly is warm with a Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog, my heart is full of pride for my team and my mind is at ease that perhaps my team has turned a corner from the dark memories of last season.

Popularity: 21%

How sweet it is to enjoy a win once again. My whole week has been a little brighter, and I’ve found myself smiling for no apparent reason in the middle of the day (which is probably disturbing to those around me). But in soccer, as with most things, joy doesn’t last forever. Another weekend means another match, and whether the next week will be bright or dark will be decided on Sunday.

Popularity: 14%

OVERVIEW:

Week 5 is underway, and the Bulls prepare for the expansion San Jose Earthquakes in this, their fourth official fixture of the season. The injury bug continues to ravage the Red Bulls depth, and Marco Echeverry has now been declared unfit to play, and will be gone for at least four weeks.

Meanwhile, San Jose comes to Giants Stadium on a bit of a winning streak. Okay, its one win, but for an expansion side, that just may qualify as a streak.

Will San Jose be able to take advantage of the undermanned and wounder Red Bulls?

CURRENT STANDING (including Thursdays Crew v. DC game):

……………………….GMS……….PTS

Kansas City …………5………….10

New England ………6…………..10

Columbus ……………4………….9

Chicago ……………….4………….7

Toronto FC ………….4…………6

New York ………….3…………..4

D.C. United ………….4……….3

INJURIES:

Freeman - (has started light participation at training sessions)

Richards - (has started light participation at training sessions)

Eric Brunner - (has started light participation at training sessions)

David Roth - 3-4 weeks - knee

Marco Echeverry - 4-6 weeks

PROJECTED LINEUP:

=======Altidore====Wolyniec=======
Van Den Bergh==Magee=======Sassano
====Stammler========Reyna======
===Goldthwaite==Parke===Leitch===
==========Conway==============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ The forward lines take another blow as both JP Angel and Marco Echeverry are out for this game. Wolyniec is looking to take a start for this one.

+ Expect a few players to see their first action of the year, including Mike Magee, Chris Megaloudis and/or Eric Brunner

+ Chris Leitch, though scolded and vilified for his back turning performance on the wall against the Larentowitcz goal last week, is expected to start Sunday.

+ Kei Kamara recently lost a brother, which is why he broke down on the field last week against Colorado after scoring his goal. Faith and motivation can take a person a long way. Kamara will be a danger.

+ San Jose is looking for their first winning streak in their revitalized franchise history. All engines will be revved up for this one.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Jozy Altidore v. Cochrane, Garcia

Once again, Jozy is being asked to carry the offensive responsibilities for the team. This time, he faces a vicious defensive duo, which ranks with some of the best in the league. Ryan Cochrane and Nick Garcia, captain of this San Jose squad, will be looking to shut down the only true offensive threat they will encounter this Sunday. Its up to Jozy to make them look foolish, as he did to Igwe and Heaps last Saturday.

Dave Van Den Bergh v. James Riley

Van Den Bergh will have to compensate for his lack of speed in order to work his way around the feisty James Riley. Riley has become a key cog in the Earthquakes machine, playing persistant defense and throwing in solid crosses from the wings when pushing up. Will Van Den Berghs experience be able to out due James Rileys tenacity?

Jon Conway v. The San Jose Earthquakes.

Its Conway v. the entire SJ team come this Sunday. Knowing the wounded state of the Red Bulls team, expect a barrage of shots from various directions, in an attempt to make New York beat themselves, and not vice versa.

PREDICTION:

No disrespect to San Jose, but even with their depleted lines, the Red Bulls have a near healthy backline and keeper that should be able enough to push aside any threats, and the superstar in Jozy, along with the leadership of Claudio Reyna, to overcome the odds. Red Bulls win 2-1.

Goals by:

+ Jozy Altidore (2 - one with a Reyna assist)

+ Gavin Glinton (with a Kamara, O’Brien assist)

Popularity: 8%

Nothing can excite a city like a Derby. A sense of pride, a feeling of place and plenty of passion. The Honda SuperClasico is a feud that has been four years in the making and has become one of the most exciting games to watch in MLS. All the ingredients have been added including competitive clubs, world class stars and passionate fans.

The Chivas USA were introduced to Los Angeles as an expansion team in 2005. With historic ties and a winning pedigree inherited from sister Club Deportivo Guadalajara, Chivas USA have been taking MLS by storm. In three short years the team went from bottom to top, winning the Western Conference and qualifying for several prestigious tournaments. However, perhaps the most passionate trophy attained last year was the SuperClasico. The Chivas USA defeated their neighbor, the Los Angeles Galaxy, and won bragging rights in the City of Los Angeles.

In those three years, the Chivas USA have grown with the league. The team currently caters to the Mexican-American market, but is starting to attract interest from everyone with the style of play displayed by the club. The team plays a possession and passing game, not often seen in the MLS. It’s this beautiful style that attracts fans that follow different leagues and international teams.

With the quality of soccer contained by the two clubs in Los Angeles, the biggest rivalry in the league has formed. Historically, the match up has not been pretty. Last year we saw on the field match-ups as England International David Beckham and MLS original Jesse Marsch battled in the midfield. Shoulder charges from Beckham and an irrational challenge from Marsch generated a yellow card. The ejections of both Galaxy defender Kevin Harmse and Chivas USA defender Alex Zotinca due to a confrontation added fuel to the flame.

However, this year is a fresh start and both teams are looking for a win. It hasn’t been easy for either club. Chivas USA have suffered from injury and suspension, missing up to five starting players at times. The LA Galaxy has been trying to find their form, with inconsistent results the past few matches. However, all lights are green for the game this Saturday. Slowly, Chivas USA are getting healthy and stronger while the Galaxy has been finding their form. This should be the most exciting game yet.

Chivas USA are starting to take the shape of the team that was the Western Conference Champion last year. Suspensions and injuries are slowly subsiding. Upcoming MLS star Sacha Kljestan is back in the lineup after a one game suspension. The midfielder is the catalyst for the Chivas USA offense. World Cup veteran Claudio Suarez is training again after a rocky start to the season. Suarez spent the first two weeks of the season in Mexico with family after his father passed away. He then came back to training and a teammate accidentally broke his nose. Claudio will need surgery after the season ends, but is currently training with the team and should make an appearance Saturday night.

Other Chivas USA stars should be back, including midfielder Pancho Mendoza, defender Lawson Vaughn and striker Ante Razov. Razov looks to capture the record for all time MLS goals this season. He is currently in second place, four goals behind DC United veteran Jaime Moreno. Swiss International Raphael Wicky has been dealing with a few injuries but has been training with the team as of late. This new addition in the midfield is one of the strongest acquisitions of the winter. Wicky has played for several European giants, including Hamburg SV, Werder Breman, FC Scion and Athletico Madrid.

The Los Angeles Galaxy is no stranger to stardom. English International David Beckham and all time leading US goal scorer Landon Donovan have paired up this season for a strong partnership. If the Chivas USA can keep this partnership in check, the Chivas USA has a strong chance of success. This responsibility could fall on the shoulders of fan favorite Pancho Mendoza. This speedy midfielder could be responsible for applying pressure to Becks in conjunction with defender Jonathan Bornstein. Thomas will largely be marking Donovan.

Big players show up at big games. And this is no exception. Will this be an easy game for either team? No. Who will win? Probably the fans. These derby’s usually end up exciting and suspenseful.

The three game series starts Saturday at the Home Depot Center in Carson and should be exciting. If you are in the mood for excellent soccer, great company and the biggest feud in MLS, I will see you at the Home Depot Center Saturday at 7:30.

So come over to the Chivas USA!

Popularity: 24%

Toronto FC have waived Canadian U-23 defender Tyler Hemming. Hemming joined TFC via the supplemental draft in 2007 as 40th pick. Tyler made 4 appearances in Toronot FC’s first season.

Popularity: 11%

New York Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel saw a nerve specialist this week and was told his recent injury problems stemmed from nerve damage, not what had been thought to be a hamstring injury. Angel will receive a cortizone shot and most likely be available for NYRB’s game against Toronto FC. Striker Oscar Echeverry has sustained a strained left lateral collateral ligament in training on Tuesday and will miss around 4 weeks. New York plays the San Jose Earthquakes this sunday at Giants Stadium.

Popularity: 23%

Rating- 2(possible)

The 34 year old Spanish midfielder is set to join an MLS side this summer according to several reports out of England. Mendieta is currently under contract with Middlesborough, but is said to be ready to move stateside. The spanish midfielder has 38 caps for Spain, and has previously play for Valencia, Lazio and FC Barcelona. More details should be coming in soon.

Popularity: 8%

Hello Fans,

Well it has been a while, but I am here to tell you that I am back training with the squad!  I know that may not sound too exciting to you, but trust me I am thrilled.  As well is my teammate, Dane Richards.  We both got back into the swings of things starting Tuesday (the team had Monday off).  Still trying to knock the dust off our boots, but with every new day we are both making progress.  I know for me, I am definitely looking forward to getting back on the field with the boys.  There is nothing worse as a player then having to watch your team and not be able to really help.  For those of you wondering when I will play in my first game, I unfortunately don’t have an answer for you.  For any of you that followed the team last year, the last thing I want to do is repeat what I did when I came back a bit too early from an ankle injury last year and struggled.  So we are going to make sure the time is right and everything makes sense.  I’m not ruling out that this weekend I couldn’t possibly be a sub for the San Jose game, but a more realistic date is probably the Toronto game the following Thursday.   

Competition in training has been good this week.  Today’s session was quite competitive with quite a few strong (and questionable) tackles.  But don’t worry fans, no one was hurt!  Some psyche’s might have been hurt, but that’s about it.  Training ended with a mini round-robin tourney with 4 teams of 5 players.  Two teams were off resting, while the others competed. Each player paid $2, and the winning team split the pot amongst its players.  The dark blue team was victorious on the day.  I’d tell you who was on that blue team, but to be honest I cannot remember.  Unfortunately I was not part of that squad, so I tried to forget about it ASAP. Coach tends to have all the guys pay a couple bucks when we are playing small-sided games.  It always makes the games a bit more competitive and definitely allows more room for trash talking.  At the end of the day its all fun and games and we are all out there to win, so going home the victor always makes your day a little bit better.

Since the weather has been so nice the past week or so, my roommate (Mike Magee) and I have been working on our golf game.  We have probably been to the driving range 3 times in the past week.  I started playing golf when I was about 13 or so, and I love it.  Golf is my favorite hobby, my second being hunting.  Magee has not played much, but he can hold his own.  As with anything, the more you practice the better you become.  Our typical visit to the range usually starts with us just hitting our own shots and practicing, but always ends in a friendly little wager.  We will pick a certain target and for every time you hit that target (in the air) the opponent owes you $1.  We switch up the targets from short pitch shots, to getting out the big boy (the driver) and letting it rip.  Once again, we are athletes and competition is in our blood.  It always makes for some good laughs, bragging rights, and every now and then a great story.  Those of you wanting to know my handicap, I would say its around 15 now.  When I  was younger (16-17yrs old) and played a lot, I was a 9-10 handicap.  However, I don’t play as often as I did back then, so its safe to say it has gone up a bit.  On a good day I might be able to get back to 10.  If anyone is every looking for a golf game, feel free to let me know.  Name the place and I will be there.  

I will close out this week’s blog as I do every week by answering your questions, but I hope to see you all this Sunday at our game against the San Jose Earthquakes.  We look forward to getting you a win and playing some good football for you fans.  San Jose will prove a tough match, but I think if we play to our strengths and finish our chances we can be victorious.  

Hello Hunter, hope the recovery is coming along! I was wondering, if you weren’t a professional soccer player, what do you think you’d be doing?

Jean T

Jean,

I would have to say that if I wasn’t playing soccer I would probably be coaching.  I would have just finished up college, and would have probably applied for a graduate assistant position at a University.  That way I could get my feet wet, and go from there.

Hi Hunter, which of your teammates do you spend the most amount of time with off the field?

Stephanie C

Stephanie,

Off the field I spend the most time with Mike Magee.  We live together, and we have known one another since we were about 15.  We lived together down in Bradenton, FL and attended the US Soccer Residency program together. 

Hunter, what is your normal pre game buildup usually like? Any routines? Specific kind of tunes/food?

Jeff H

Jeff,

My pre game build up usually starts with a nice meal the night before the game.  Usually chicken, steak, or fish and pasta of some sort.  The day of the game, I usually sleep in and then go eat breakfast around 10-11am.  I like eating out because it gets me out of the house for a bit.  After that I usually come back and just lay around the house and watch TV until its time for my main meal before the game.  I usually eat that about 4 hours before each game and it is always some type of chicken and pasta combination. 

As for tunes, nothing really specific. It is usually something up beat and loud.  It has to get me in the mood to play, run around for 90 minutes, and focused.

HI Hunter, are there any team(s) that you’re looking forward to playing in particular?

Derek E

Derek,

Not really a team in particular, although I always look forward to playing in Dallas.  That is my hometown, so I always have a lot of family and friends attending the game.  Living far away from home, it is always nice to go back home and play in front of your family and friends.

Hey Hunter, are there any websites you visit daily? Whether its news, entertainment or soccer news?

Christian M

Christian,

Some of the websites I tend to check out regularly are any soccer website, yahoo,com, espn.com, Americansoccerreader.com (of course!), facebook.com, and google.com.  I am always googling something I feel like.  Not sure what I would do without those search engines.  It is not really a website, but I am always searching around the iTunes store online. 

Popularity: 37%