The Gold Cup is coming to and end as Major League Soccer enters the summer and the second half of its season. It was another good week in Major League soccer as the Western Conference continues to flex their muscles. et’s take a look at the weekly review.
Team of the Week: Los Angeles Galaxy
LA took what was thought to be a routine road trip to Colorado last weekend to take on the reigning MLS champs. Playing at Dicks’ Sporting Goods Park is a challenge for any team, but the difficulty was raised to another level when Bruce Arena was forced to create a lineup without Landon Donovan or David Beckham. Nothing more than normality was expected of the Galaxy without their stars, but normality was simply not on the menu as the Galaxy romped their opponents 3-1. The win not only proved the Galaxy’s depth and lack of reliance on LD and Becks, but helped LA pull 6 points clear of second place and into prime Supporters Shield position. For Bruce Arena and LA, this was far from a routine trip to Colorado Springs.
Player of the Week: Austin da Luz
Austin da Luz continued to earn his starting spot last week as the Red Bull winger netted his first ever MLS goal. The former Wake Forest product has been a bright spot of the New York offense recently and has impressed with his speed and control on the wing. He only gained his playing time through Gold Cup absences, yet his recent play might cause Hans Backe to reconsider who he selects off the bench in the near future. Simply put, da Luz is da future.
Goal of the Week: Alain Rochat
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
gJx15V6EzZk[/youtube]
A phenomenal strike by Rochat earns my Goal of the Week award.
Transfer Rumors
We are just a week away from what is likely to be the biggest transfer window in MLS history. With multiple rumors flying around the web, here is my initial guide on what will be fact or fiction by August 31st.
Top Five Rumors:
Marco Materazzi
Club: Inter
Age: 37
Possible Destinations: New York, Chicago
Probability of Move: High
The Verdict: The Italian legend’s contract was recently terminated causing the MLS to have high hopes about gaining this international superstar. Although Materazzi might put people in the stands, don’t expect his physical impact to be nearly as successful as his economic impact.
Rodolfo Zelaya:
Club: Alianza
Age: 22
Possible Destination: Houston
Probability of Move: Medium
The Verdict: The El Salvadorian Forward would be beneficial to any MLS club willing to spend the extra dough. Zelaya has proven he is capable of playing with the best on the continent in this Gold Cup and would compliment Will Bruin perfectly if he were to sign with the Dynamo.
Torsten Frings
Club: Werder Bremen
Age: 34
Possible Destination: Toronto FC
Probability: Medium
The Verdict: Yes, the real Torsten Frings! Not the Formula 1 racer Torsten Frings who we all blatantly fell for last month. Frings is out of a job and TFC is in desperate need of his services. Do you need any more convincing?
Ze Roberto
Club: Hamburger
Age: 36
Possible Destination: New York
Probability: Low
The Verdict: Every summer Ze Roberto is linked with a move to the Big Apple, and every year Red Bulls fans feel disappointed on September 1st. No matter how much he says he is coming, he will find a way to postpone his arrival.
Patrick Vieira-
Club: Manchester City
Age: 34
Possible Destinations: Anywhere
Probability: Low
The Verdict: If you honestly think Vieira is finally destined for the States, shame on you!
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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