So the big news in US Soccer this week is the return of the prodigal son – Young Forward Jordan Morris – everyone’s favorite College Player turning pro this winter. After training with German side Werder Bremen for 15 days (at the request of that German US Coach Klinsmann) – Morris has turned down their contract offer and elected to return home to Seattle to turn pro with the Sounders. He claimed he just felt comfortable turning pro and returning to the club where he grew up, where his dad is still the team doctor and where he could become the highest ever paid US Home Grown Prospect in MLS. I love the plan, I think he needs to make sure he has an out clause in say 2 years where he can escape to a European Club without hefty penalty – but I think this is the right time for him to turn pro after his Junior Year a year where he led Stanford to a NCAA Title. I think with the age of Dempsey and Martins, he will definitely get playing time up front for the sounders – hopefully without the pressure to be the NEXT Great US Striker and without the uncertainly that playing overseas when you aren’t proven as a Pro quite yet.
So interesting the continued battle “the German” Read Klinsmann is having with MLS over young players going to Europe to cut their teeth. Listen I understand that in the National Team the coach wants his players playing in the most competitive situation and honestly that is often in the big 5 leagues in Europe. Now I think MLS should be where younger players (home grown especially) make their debuts before heading over after proving themselves in MLS – (see McBride, Bocenegra, Dempsey, Howard, Freidle, Keller) heck I can’t think of any really good US born players who didn’t get over to Europe that way). Now the contracts with MLS have to be conducive to them going over say 1 to 2 to 3 years after they start MLS – but I still think that is the way it should work.
So the Indy 11 have been busy making some moves for more Veteran players – on the surface I like the signings – interesting move to bring in an experienced goalkeeper who can also mentor perhaps the younger keepers. Busch is a longtime MLS veteran Goalie who will also serve as a “player coach” it appears.
Anyway on to this week’s games – the big matchup in the EPL is Arsenal battling Chelsea on Sunday at 11 am on NBCSN right after Timmy Howard and Everton host Swansea at 8:30 am. Arsenal stands atop the table tied with Leicester City and 1 pt up on Man City, while Chelsea continue their climb up from 14th overall. Huge game for both teams to hold serve. Leicester City battles top 7 Stoke City and US defender Geoff Cameron Sat at 10 am, while Man U faces Southampton at 12:30 on NBC with revenge on their mind after losing at home for the first time in 20 years last season. Sunday on beIn Sport Italy’s Juventus and Roma meet in a battle of top 5 clubs in the Serie A. Finally the US Women will face off against Ireland Sunday on Fox Sports 1. Be Like Carli
You Never Know Who’s Juggling that Ball
US MensSoccer – MLS Players in Camp Right Now
This year’s edition of the US camp runs until Feb. 6 and features a mix of senior and Under-23 internationals. It will culminate with friendlies at the StubHub Center against Iceland on Jan. 31 on ESPN 2 at 5 pm and Canada on Feb. 5 Fox Sports 1 at 10:15 pm
Here is the updated USMNT camp roster by position (all US Based Players in Camp):
GOALKEEPERS (3): David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls)
DEFENDERS (8): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Eric Miller (Montreal Impact), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Matt Polster (Chicago Fire), Brandon Vincent (Chicago Fire)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Jermaine Jones (unattached), Perry Kitchen (unattached), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution), Tony Tchani (Columbus Crew SC), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC)
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew SC), Jerome Kiesewetter (VfB Stuttgart), Jordan Morris (unattached), Khiry Shelton (New York City FC), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
USA Soccer
Jordan Morris Chooses MLS and the Seattle Sounders– Wahl SI
Morris Decision – Brian Straus SI
Jordan Morris Comes Home to Seattle – Now What – Armchair Analyst Matthew Doyle MLS.com
Just How Big Could Copa America Be in the US this Summer I plan to go to Chicago’s games at least (join me)
MF Benny Feilhaber Speaks Out on National Team Exile
Seattles Brad Evans Added to US Roster for Jan Camp
US U17 star mid Christian Pulisic is now on First Team at Dortmund Luvi Bird – SI
US Ladies play Ireland on Sunday at 5 pm
MLS and NASL
Klinsmann says MLS Owners Don’t See the World Picture ESPN FC
Colorado Rapids Making Push for Timmy Howards Return to MLS
Former USMNT Star Earnie Stewart has big plans for Philly Union
Dempsey on Morris Joining Seattle
INDY 11
Veteran MLS Goalie Jon Busch Joins the 11
Defender Falvey from Fury FC joins 11
EPL and WORLD
EPL Predictions for the Weekend
Arsenal and Chelsea primed for Battle Sunday Tom Adams and Phil Lythell ESPN FC
Man U’s Winning Streak comes With Caveats EPSN FC
Man U Denies meeting with PEP – ESPN FC
http://www.espnfc.us/barclays-premier-league/23/table
GAMES THIS WEEK
Sat, Jan 23
7:45 am NBCSN Norwich vs Liverpool
9:30 am Fox Sports 1 Hoffenhiem vs Bayern Leverkusen
10 am NBCSN Leicester City vs Stoke, Crystal Palace vs Tottenham, Man City vs Southampton
10 am, beIn Sport (Spain) Malaga vs Barcelona
12:30 NBC West Ham vs Man City
12:30 Fox Sports 2 (germ) Borussia M’Gladbach vs Dortmund
5 pm Fox Sports 1 USWNT vs Ireland
Sun, Jan 24
8:30 am NBCSN Everton vs Swansea
9:30 am Fox Sports 1 (Germ) E. Frankfurt vs Wolfsburg
11 am NCBSN Arsenal vs Chelsea
11:30 am Fox Sports 1 (Germ) Schalke vs Werder Bremen
2:45 pm, beIn Sports (Italy) Juventus vs Roma
Sat, Jan 30
9:30 am Fox Sports 1 Bayern Leverkusen vs Hannover 96
10 am beIn Sports Barcelona vs Athletico Madrid
10 am,?? FA Cup – Arsenal s Burnley
10 am FA Cup- Crystal Palace vs Stoke City
Sun, Jan 31
3:45 pm ESPN2 US Men vs Iceland
Fri, Feb 5
10:15 pm Fox Sports 1 US Men vs Canada
Tues, Feb 16
Champions League
2;45 pm FS 1 PSG vs Chelsea
2:45 pm FS2 Benefica vs Zenit St. Pete
Wed, Feb 17
2:45 pm FS1 Roma vs Real Madrid
2:45 pm FS2 Gent vs Wolfsburg
Thurs, Feb 18
Europa League
1 pm Anderlecht vs Olympiachos, Dortman vs Porto, Fioreentina vs Tottehman, Midtiland vs Man U, Villarreal vs Napoli
3 pm Ausburg vs Liverpool, Sporting Portugal vs Bayern Leverkusen, Valencia vs Rapid Vienna, Galatasaray vs Lazio
Tues, Feb 23
Champ League
2:45 pm FS 1 Arsenal vs Barcelona
2:45 pm FS 2 Juventus vs Bayern Munich
8 pm FS1? Queretaro vs DC United
10 pm FS2? Seattle Sounders vs Club America
Wed, Feb 24
2:45 pm FS1 Dynamo Kiev vs Man City
2:45 pm FS 2 Eindhoven vs Atletico Madrid
8 pm Tigres UNAL vs Real Salt Lake
10 pm LA Galaxy vs Santos Laguna
Tuesday, March 1:
D.C. United vs. Querétaro, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg, 8:00 p.m. (TV TBD)
Santos Laguna vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg, 10:00 p.m. (TV TBD)
Wednesday, March 2:
Club América vs. Seattle Sounders, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg, 8:00 p.m. (TV TBD)
Real Salt Lake vs. Tigres UANL, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg, 8:00 p.m. (TV TBD)
Sunday, March 6:
Portland Timbers vs. Columbus Crew, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Seattle Sounders vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:00 p.m. (Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes)
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. D.C. United, 10:00 p.m. (UniMás, Univision Deportes)]
Friday, March 25:
Guatemala vs. United States men, WC qualifier, time TBD (beIN Sports,)
Tuesday, March 28:
United States men vs. Guatemala, WC qualifier, time TBD (ESPN2,-Columbus, OH)
http://www.1070thefan.com/blogs/soccer-saturday
Jurgen Klinsmann: MLS owners have ‘misconception’ about ‘global picture’
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann says MLS club owners’ “misconception” about his goals for the national team has led to the perception that he is at odds with the league.Klinsmann and Major League Soccer have always had a frosty relationship, with tempers coming to a head in October 2014 as the U.S. coach suggested star players needed to prove themselves after returning to MLS.MLS commissioner Don Garber called those remarks “detrimental,” “wrong,” and “personally infuriating,” and said several MLS owners indicated their displeasure with Klinsmann.But Klinsmann told ESPN FC this week that he would welcome the opportunity to sit down and explain his position.”I think it’s great if people have their opinion out there, that they express that opinion,” Klinsmann said in a wide-ranging interview. “But I think before they express their opinion they should give me a call and ask what is really going on. Because a lot of people mention their thoughts without even knowing what is really going on.”For example, there is the feeling out there that MLS owners are not really on board, but it’s because I was never given the opportunity to speak in front of them and explain the technical side of what we’re doing with the national teams.”So there’s maybe a misconception with some people because I was never given the opportunity to explain, this, this, and this. There are very few people that can explain to you different levels of leagues, different levels of environments, different levels of continents.”Klinsmann suggested MLS owners’ limited perspective may be behind their differences.”Our picture is the global picture,” he said. “We need to know what England, Germany, and Spain are doing in Europe, and then Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay are doing in South America. But our benchmarks are internationally.”So for a lot of people they define their world domestically, which is totally cool. They should think maybe a little bit more before saying things from the outside about the national team program.”Klinsmann also pointed to his inclusion of MLS players, who made up more than half the U.S. squad at the World Cup, as proof that he has players’ best interests in mind, no matter where they play.”We see a lot more than the result. We see the development of players at a specific point in time in their careers. Our job is to help them to build,” Klinsmann said. “We never give up on players because they have a couple of bad months, a couple of bad games. We help them through those phases. No matter where they are in their club environments.”That’s another point with MLS. I always say, ‘We are here for the players, to play at the highest level possible.’ If that highest level is MLS, we are here to help. Why am I here at this camp? Why did I take 13 players from MLS to Brazil, and keep on helping, helping, helping?”
Jordan Morris’s future in fine shape despite passing on Werder Bremen
EmailPosted: Tue Jan. 19, 2016Updated: Thu Jan. 21, 2016
Werder Bremen general manager Thomas Eichin could have said anything (or nothing) in Tuesday’s release regarding Jordan Morris, the Stanford University junior and U.S. national team rising star who has rejected the German club’s contract offer. And Eichin chose to say this:“We’re in a situation now where we need players who fully identify with Werder and the way things are done here, in order for them to focus properly on the task ahead.”Indeed, the 116-year-old club, which has spent only one season in Germany’s second tier, faces a challenge requiring proper focus. Werder (4-10-3) entered the Bundesliga’s winter break on a five-game winless streak that dragged it into the relegation zone. Only one league rival has scored fewer goals this season and only one has yielded more.It’s understandable why Werder, already the home of injured U.S. forward Aron Jóhannsson, would find Morris appealing. He’s a powerful, efficient and confident striker who appeared at ease playing (and scoring) against Mexico before 64,000 fans only a few days after Stanford’s spring scrimmage against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He came recommended by U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann and assistant Andreas Herzog, a Werder alumnus, and assisted on the only goal in last week’s 1-0 exhibition win over Azerbaijan’s Inter Baku. And as a free-agent American, Morris wouldn’t be cost prohibitive.
But the 21-year-old is a free agent in name only. Morris’s heart remains in his hometown of Seattle, where he’s expected to kick off his pro career. The Sounders literally are family—Morris’s father, Michael, is the club’s medical director—and they remained confident they’d get their man even as Klinsmann and Herzog helped open doors in Germany. Morris spent a year in the Sounders’ youth academy, played for the club’s U-23 team and was offered the richest homegrown player contract in MLS history. Werder could offer more, but this decision wasn’t about the money. It was about where Morris wants to play.Morris won’t miss out on a pro environment in Seattle. It may not be the Bundesliga, but it’s a massive step up from Stanford. He’ll have plenty to figure out. The Sounders attract big crowds and have experienced stars from whom Morris can learn. And playing time isn’t guaranteed on a team featuring the likes of Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins and Nelson Valdez. But careful attention to Morris’s development is. The Sounders have a vested interest in his success—one that goes beyond the dollars. Morris’s progress will be scrutinized and may influence decisions made by prized U.S. prospects down the road. PODCAST: What did college soccer do for Jordan Morris (32:00)?
Those who would argue that Morris is hampering his personal development, and perhaps that of the national team, by choosing Seattle don’t give the player much credit. If his commitment, professionalism and will to improve are high enough, then he’ll adapt, flourish and earn additional opportunities. Perhaps he’ll join DeAndre Yedlin and Fredy Montero as former Sounders now making their way in Europe.MORE: Timbers owner Paulson blasts “anti-MLS” Klinsmann
Armchair Analyst: Jordan Morris comes home, and now what?
January 21, 20169:31 PM ESTMatthew DoyleMLSsoccer.com
Jordan Morris has come home. The US international striker spurned an offer from German Bundesliga Werder Bremen to sign a Homegrown player contract with his hometown team, the Seattle Sounders. And in the Emerald City there was much rejoicing.The reason for celebration is obvious: Morris is an exceptional prospect, and as soon as he put pen to paper became the odds-on favorite to be the 2016 Rookie of the Year (though his former college and current US teammate Brandon Vincent is and shall remain my pick for the award). And as Seattle GM Garth Lagerwey said during the SuperDraft, it was essentially “Morris or bust.” While the Sounders have other talented kids in their academy, none of them are Morris, and none of them would have commanded the same kind of outlay of resources.”From a purely salary cap standpoint, either you get Jordan Morris or you don’t. There isn’t another Homegrown in our pipeline and in our group that we’re gonna give that money to,” Lagerwey explained on the draft webcast. “Either it will go unused, or it will go to Jordan.”So to make it clear: This was a zero-sum game for the Sounders, which is why the whole negotiation felt so urgent and why the signing was greeted with such relief. There was no other way to get this kind of talent into the roster:That’s obviously elite stuff, and I expect it to translate to MLS.The question now turns to how, exactly, Morris fits into a Seattle lineup that already has three DP forwards in Obafemi Martins, Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez. This is where it gets tricky, because “fit” is often as important as — or more important than — raw talent.For those who don’t know, Morris played as a pure forward at Stanford in a pretty old-fashioned and uncomplicated 4-4-2 that often looked like a 4-2-2-2. This allowed him the freedom to move inside and out, check toward the ball or (much more often) play off the shoulder of the defenders to use his speed and absolutely devastating first touch. He’s mostly done the same thing for both the full USMNT and the US U-23s.That kind of game probably won’t be an option in Rave Green. Even if Seattle kept the 4-4-2, Morris isn’t going to unseat either Dempsey or Martins as a starter, and more to the point, it looks like the Sounders are going to move away from their “amoeba” to a 4-3-3 set.There are a number of reasons why I think this will work. First is that Dempsey can very easily play on the left side of that formation, offering everything Krisztian Nemeth brought to the table for Sporting KC last year and probably a little bit more.Second, new left back Joevin Jones offers both an overlapping threat and another support valve in possession. Third, is that Morris can play a simplified, direct version of “winger” in the way that Ethan Finlay does for Columbus. Finlay is really just a second forward whose starting points are wide rather than a winger who comes inside. He doesn’t need to do on-the-ball work in possession, he just needs to stretch the field vertically and horizontallyFinally, though, there is Oba. In order to get the best out of Morris, the Sounders need to be able to use his speed in behind defenses, and in Martins they have the league’s best passing No. 9. He is a through-ball artist:
That’s Oba, having dropped way off his line and away from pressure to pick up a pass and put Dempsey through. Now imagine this same type of play, except to A) a faster player, and B) with the run coming from outside-to-inside. That ball becomes a chance on goal.It’s not all going to be this easy, of course. Every team that plays a variation of the 4-3-3 has at least one guy who drops back off the frontline into midfield to regularly help out on both sides of the ball. Columbus task Justin Meram with that job, while for KC it’s Graham Zusi. Mike Grella and Lloyd Sam take turns for the Red Bulls, and for Portland down the stretch it was usually Fanendo Adi, with useful defensive cameos from Rodney Wallace. It’s a balance, and finding the right one week-to-week won’t happen overnight.Seattle also have to get Ozzie Alonso healthy and then convince him to be a pure No. 6 rather than a “run yourself ragged!” destroyer, and they have to make certain that the Erik Friberg/Andreas Ivanschitz presumptive central midfield balance works on both sides of the ball. They have to make sure Jones remembers to defend. They have to hope that Chad Marshall and Brad Evans both have another high-caliber year left in the tank, and they have to hope that Valdez is willing to accept what looks for the moment like a super-sub role.And they have to make sure that Morris et al don’t crack under pressure. I suggest that you click that link and read it, because it’s good stuff from the inimitable Steve Davis.This is all part of the journey, and it’s the right kind of stuff for Lagerwey, Schmid and the rest of the Seattle coaching staff to worry about now that the shopping is done. By getting Morris to put pen to paper, they aced the big offseason project.Now it’s time to make sure the regular season goes according to plan.
Sporting KC’s Benny Feilhaber speaks out on US national team exile: “I don’t think Klinsmann calls in the best players”
January 20, 201612:21 PM ESTScott FrenchMLSsoccer.com
U.S. Soccer records show Klinsmann made $3.2M in 2014 fiscal year
BY SI WIREEmailPosted: Wed Jan. 20, 2016
U.S. prospect Christian Pulisic a fast-rising talent at Borussia Dortmund
BY LIVIU BIRDTwitter EmailPosted: Thu Jan. 21, 2016
BUSCH BRINGS HIS VAST EXPERIENCE TO ELEVEN
Former MLS Goalkeeper of the Year to lead “Boys in Blue” from the back in 2016
Jan 22, 2016
INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, January 22, 2016) – Indy Eleven went one step further in its pursuit of veteran talent today with the signing of goalkeeper Jon Busch, who will also serve as the club’s Director of Goalkeeping. Per club policy, contract details will not be announced. Busch’s signing brings Indy Eleven’s 2016 roster to 19 players with the start of preseason training just under a month away.“Indy Eleven gains more than just a player by bringing Jon Busch on board,” said Indy Eleven general manager Peter Wilt. “Besides his proven ability as a top-level goalkeeper, Jon brings unparalleled experience, leadership, grit and character that the rest of the team will feed off of.”Since entering the professional ranks in 1997, Busch has made more than 450 starts in official competitions during a successful 19-year career. After beginning his playing days with five seasons in the A-League (second division) from 1997-2001, Busch spent the last 14 years climbing near the top of Major League Soccer’s charts in numerous categories during stints with the Columbus Crew (2002-06), Chicago Fire SC (2007-09, 2015) and the San Jose Earthquakes (2010-2014).“I brought Jon into training with the Tampa Bay Mutiny back in 1998, so I’ve been familiar with him for quite awhile,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “Throughout his career in Major League Soccer he overcame injuries and those who doubted his size, proving how good he was through his incredible work ethic and determination. He will be a leader, a voice and a player that brings nearly unmatched experience for a goalkeeper in the American game.”The 39-year-old Busch racked up a 113W-92D-101L record in MLS regular season play and ranks fourth in league history in goalkeeper games played (309), shutouts (83) and saves (1,151) and fifth in wins. The native of Queens, N.Y., helped Columbus (2004) and San Jose (2012) to MLS regular season Supporters Shield titles, won the 2002 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with the Crew and earned the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award and earned a spot on the MLS Best XI Team with the Earthquakes in 2008. After making a career-high 34 starts with San Jose in 2014, Busch returned for a second stint with Chicago last year, making 12 appearances with the Fire.“I’m very excited to join the Indy Eleven. It’s a great opportunity for me to play for a great organization and try to win a championship in the NASL,” said Busch, who played with new Eleven teammates Brad Ring and Lovel Palmer while in San Jose and Chicago, respectively. “At the same time this opportunity provides an avenue for me to start learning the goalkeeper coaching side of the game as well.”In addition to his anticipated service on the field, Busch will serve as the club’s Director of Goalkeeping, with duties to include first team coaching and scouting, serving as a guest coach with the Indy Eleven NPSL squad and assisting with the Indy Eleven Summer Soccer Clinic series.Busch will stay busy in the community as well with the continuation of his Saves for SEALs program. The charitable organization he founded in 2011 raises funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation to assist with family support services, educational programs and legacy activities for active and veteran U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) support personnel, and their spouses and children. For more information, visit www.crowdrise.com/SAVESforSEALs.Keep visiting IndyEleven.com and the team’s social media channels to stay up to date on all things Indy Eleven heading into the team’s third NASL campaign.
ELEVEN ADDS EXPERIENCED DUO VIA TRANSFER FROM SACRAMENTO
MLS vets, USL champs Braun & Vukovic boost Indy roster to 18 … and counting
Jan 19, 2016
Indy Eleven Acquires Justin Braun & Nemanja Vuković via Transfer from USL’s Sacramento Republic FC
Forward Braun Served as SRFC Captain during Club’s First Two Seasons;
Vuković Earned 2014 USL Defender of the Year Award While Helping SRFC to USL Title
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, January 19, 2016) – The building of Indy Eleven’s 2016 roster picked up more momentum today with the transfer acquisitions of forward Justin Braun and defender Nemanja Vuković from 2014 USL champion Sacramento Republic FC. Per club policy, details of the transfer agreements and player contracts will not be released.“Bringing players with championship and leadership experience like Justin Braun and Nemanja Vuković on board is further proof Indy Eleven is serious about building a team that will compete for The Championship in 2016,” said Indy Eleven general manager Peter Wilt. “Coming from Sacramento they are also used to playing in front of a sizeable fan base with tremendous passion, so they should feel right at home in Carroll Stadium.”Today’s announcement brings Indy Eleven’s roster up to 18 confirmed players in advance of the 2016 season, which will be augmented with more new veteran additions in the coming days. The addition of Vuković, a native of Montenegro, means four of the club’s seven international roster slots allotted by the NASL have been filled alongside Dragan Stojkov, Eamon Zayed and Colin Falvey. “Justin Braun is a striker that can serve as a target and bring our attacking midfielders forward. He’ll get his goals but is also capable of coming in from a wing position, so his versatility will be very valuable,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “I first saw Nemanja Vuković play for the Columbus Crew in MLS a few years ago, where he alternated from center back to an attacking left back. At 6’3” he brings great size and stature that will help strengthen the back line, and he also possesses great composure on the ball so his technical ability can help the team get forward.”Braun is entering the ninth season of his professional career, which kicked off in 2008 with a six-year run in Major League Soccer with Chivas USA, Montreal Impact, Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC. After notching 27 goals and 15 assists across 135 regular season and postseason games in MLS, the Salt Lake City native joined his former Chivas USA coach Preki in 2014 as one of the first signings with Sacramento Republic FC, and was named the budding USL powerhouse’s captain for both of its first two years. The 28-year-old striker scored 14 goals and tallied one assist during 49 appearances in official competitions with SRFC across 2014-15.“I am very excited to join Indy Eleven and play in front of the best fans in the NASL. I have heard so many good things about the club and city, and the supporters seem to be very passionate. As a player those are the type of fans you want to play for,” Braun stated. “From speaking with Peter Wilt I am very excited with the direction the club is going both on and off the field. He and Tim Hankinson are building a very good squad, and I look forward to being part of that and doing all I can to bring success to Indianapolis.”Like Braun, the 31-year-old Vuković was one of Sacramento Republic FC’s earliest signings leading up to their 2014 inaugural season and played in the squad’s USL PRO Championship triumph over Harrisburg City Islanders that fall. Vuković contributed five goals and three assists from the back line during his 65 games across all competitions with Sacramento and was named the 2014 USL PRO Defender of the Year and a 2014 All USL PRO First Team selection. Prior to joining SRFC, Vukovic spent part of the 2012 MLS season with Columbus but logged most of the first decade of his career from 2003-2013 between clubs in the Montenegrin First and Second Leagues (FK Kom, FC Budućnost Podgorica, OFK Grbalj & Mladost Podgorica) and the Greek Super League (Panetolikos).”I am really excited about coming to Indy Eleven, especially alongside my friend and teammate in Justin. Indy Eleven is a very well organized club with big ambitions and goals, which is why I accepted the invitation to join the team. The club has a good coach and Justin and I hope we can help him and our teammates achieve a championship title and repeat the success we had in Sacramento,” said Vuković. “I also want to say a big thanks to all the people at Sacramento Republic FC and the club’s fans – especially the Tower Bridge Battalion – for their amazing support during a fantastic two years that I will never forget.”Visit the “Roster” page to more info on Braun and Vukovic and to keep track of the full listing of the “Boys in Blue” as the club’s roster continues to grow leading into preseason in February. Fans can also visit the team’s social media channels to keep up to date on all things Indy Eleven heading into the team’s third NASL campaign.
Indy Eleven Adds More Defensive Experience via Transfer Signing of Colin Falvey
Hard-nosed Center Back Becomes Indy Eleven’s Second Offseason Signing from 2015 NASL Finalist Ottawa Fury FC
INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, January 15, 2016) – Indy Eleven plucked a second experienced member away from last year’s NASL runner-up Ottawa Fury FC with today’s transfer signing of defender Colin Falvey. Per club policy, contract details will be not announced.Falvey joins his former Ottawa teammate midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic in jumping across the “NASL Class of 2014” lines to Indy Eleven this offseason. The native of Cork City, Ireland, will count as the squad’s third of seven allotted international signings and brings the current roster count to 16 players. “Colin Falvey brings great leadership and physicality to the roster,” said Indy Eleven general manager Peter Wilt. “With the additions of Colin, Lovel Palmer and Neil Shaffer our defensive corps will have much greater experience, and there is more to come in the next week. I am confident we will have the deepest defensive unit in the league this season.”VIDEO: Watch the best of Falvey’s 2015 contributions with Fury FC
The native of Ireland arrives after spending the 2015 season with Fury FC, where he started in all 32 appearances made for the Canadian club across all competitions. The hard-nosed center back recorded one assist from his spot on the backline in over 2,800 minutes en route to helping Ottawa secure the 2015 NASL Fall championship.“One thing every defense needs is a voice and an organizer, and we’ve recruited Colin for those qualities,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “He’ll be the glue that creates a defense that will be hard to break down this season.”Prior to his year north of the border, Falvey served as captain of the USL’s Charleston Battery during the latter portion of his five-season stint from 2010-14, and also suited up for the Wilmington Hammerheads in the USL Second Division in 2009. The 30-year-old began his professional career in his native Ireland in 2004 and has also plied his trade in New Zealand and India.“I’m very excited to be joining Indy Eleven and proud I get to call it home this season. Every player in the league always looks forward to the visit to Indianapolis because of the great atmosphere that’s been built,” said Falvey. “Coach Hankinson believes we can be successful, I believe we can be successful, and there is no doubt the fans think so as well as they have turned up in the thousands week after week. I’ll do everything I can to play a massive part in bringing success to the club and the city for those fans.”
#32 Colin Falvey
Position: Defender
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Born: June 20, 1985 (30) in Cork City, Ireland
Hometown: Cork City, Ireland
Nationality: Ireland
Last Club: Ottawa Fury FC (NASL)
Pronunciation: FAWL-veh
Twitter: @falvey32
Instagram: @falvey32
Previous Clubs: Ottawa Fury FC (NASL, 2015), Charleston Battery (USL, 2010-2014), Kerala Blasters [Indian Super League, 2014 (loan)], YoungHeart Manawatu (New Zealand ASB Youth League, 2009-2011), Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Second Division, 2009), Otago United (New Zealand ASB Premiership, 2008), Kilkenny City A.F.C. (League of Ireland, 2007-2008), Cobh Ramblers (League of Ireland, 2004-2007)
Earnie Stewart brings Moneyball to Philadelphia as the Union aim to punch above their weight | THE WORD
January 21, 201611:15 AM ESTDave ZeitlinMLSsoccer.com
ARSENAL vs. CHELSEA
MANCHESTER UNITED vs. SOUTHAMPTON
LEICESTER vs. STOKE
EVERTON vs. SWANSEA
NORWICH vs. LIVERPOOL
SUNDERLAND vs. BOURNEMOUTH
Proud Member of the Brick Yard Battalion – http://brickyardbattalion.com, Sam’s Army-http://sams-army.com , American Outlaws https://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite
The Old Ballcoach – Coach Shane Best
Boys State Player of the Year. This amazing accomplishment marks only the fourth time in Greyhound Soccer history that a player has been named the Indiana Player of the year. Andreas was also named to the All-State 1st Team along with Senior Goalkeeper Justin Faas. Senior Defender Michael Hargis was named 2nd Team All-State and Senior Midfielder/Forward Evan Shaw was named 3rd Team All-State.
The Ole BallCoach 