The U-17 team resides in Brandenton, Fl. at the IMG Training Academy. The system used at IMG is similar to the youth academies of Europe, where students receive an education at the local school while intensively practicing soccer. It was founded in 1999, and out of the 300 players who have attended, about 100 have gone professionally into MLS or Europe. Union youth product Zach Pfeffer has spent a semester in residence, as well as Kyle Nakazawa, Amobi Okugo, various other players on the Union and coach John Hackworth. (This was originally written for The Brotherly Game)

Currently, Fox Soccer Channel is showing a series of friendly matches known as the Nike U-17 International Friendlies. This is the US's ninth game in the series against France. It is their second time facing this French youth side, having lost 3-0 in the initial match. After the jump, some notes regarding the first half of the USA vs. France game.

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 I am sure plenty of you will be familiar with the format used in this post. It is a breakdown that MLSSoccer.com often does for big games, and I thought I would make one today. I did it somewhat quickly, so excuse me if I have any small mistakes, and please let me know if anything needs to be changed. Tell me what you think will happen!

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Maybe not quite yet but if you read between the lines then a move may be imminent.

According to the Washington Post article, Major League Soccer is attempting to gauge fan interest about a team in Baltimore.  While the article does state through either expansion or relocation, when you read between the lines it is pretty clear they are taking about DC United.

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2011 NASL Champions

I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster. I believe in a Scottish lake monster.(75 words)

Baseball stole soccer's birthright this summer.  Remember when on the last day of the major league baseball season, the Rays and the Red Sox finished their games within minutes of each other, with postseason outcomes shifting rapidly?  Fans were ecstatic that once-in-a-lifetime events had made for such a thrilling synchronized end to the season.  Very few mentioned that the same sorts of thing happen every year in almost every first tier soccer league worldwide.  In Europe and many other places, it is a given that all final-day league games kick off concurrently, adding extra thrill to races, and avoiding added advantage to late starters.

Going into this weekend, only 5 teams are already eliminated from the playoffs, and only 2 playoff teams are completely locked into their current seed.  That has led to 7 games this week week that make a difference to one or both teams' playoff seeding.  At least, that would be the case if all the games were synchronized.  As it is, multiple Sat and Sun are likely to be far less meaningful after Thursday's Red Bulls vs Union match.  On the flip side, by the time LA and Houston play Sunday, the Dynamo will have a clear indication of what a win draw or tie will mean to them; an advantage that no other club will have.  Now, I'm not usually a Eurosnob that says MLS should follow every cross-Atlantic example, but in this case the old way looks like the best way.  When Houston, NY, Portland, DC, and Chicago all have a chance at the last playoff spot, they should be playing at the same time.

So, why doesn't MLS play all final games at the same time?  Obstacles include:

 - Four time zones.  Teams have certain times of day that they see as the ideal window for ticket sales.  So they wouldn't want East hosts to have a cushy 7:00 kickoff, while those on the West coast have to start at 4:00.

 - Three TV network contracts.  So far, ESPN, FSC, and Telefutura have leaned toward have a certain day of the week that is theirs for MLS.

 - Odd number of teams. Next year Montreal joins, and it seems the league will have 19 clubs until an NY2 ownership group gets its act together.

I've come up with a couple approaches that should mitigate those concerns (after the jump).

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My first love is football! I'm a die hard Cleveland native and love my Browns to death. So of course I was a happy camper on my birthday when I got the Madden 12 edition with our beloved RB Peyton Hillis on the cover. Being able to play--and loose badly--to anyone in the world is truly amazing. 

  But I wanted something else. 

  You see I wouldn't have come to love the beautiful game without the help of the FIFA PS3/X-BOX games. The more I play it, the more I appreciate the tech guys and gals who put together a wonderful game. The 12 is no exception and I made it very clear I'd get it at the nearest Game Stop by hook or by crook. 

  If you haven't played this years FIFA 12 game trust me this is as interactive as it gets. From managing the team to going head to head with a whole team of players or one on one with one player. This alone is making me realize that a man my age (46) will need to read up and try and play better than my younger counterparts if I'm going to have a chance at this game. 

   So my daughter and I finally get to see a live professional soccer team and we both are hooked!! Drove all the way from Dayton, Ohio to see the Columbus Crew play against Toronto FC in the Trillium Cup. All I can say is we were both left with little voice, but lots of stories and good times to share with others.  I'm telling you if you have had the chance to see a match of MLS you got to. Tickets were very affordable ($28 a pop for lower seats) and not a bad seat in the whole building. 

   I was at Crew stadium before, but for a concert venue when the Dave Mathews Band played to a packed house a few years ago. Our seats for the concert was near the stage area in the penalty box in front of the goal.  I marvel over the fact they can change the field for a concert venue so fast. 

   All I can tell you is WOW! The supporters for the Crew are incredible and if they were loud and slamming I can only imagine club supporters for Seattle, KC or LA are like at their venues. 

   Although the Crew lost to Toronto for the first time since the Trillium Cup was bed 2-4 the entire experience is something we want to bring out friends and family to so they can experience what a soccer match is like.  I want to share pictures on here, and I hope to do so, but for the time being I just want to let you know we're converted! Our resistance earlier was futile; just enjoy the game! 

Nearly lost in the hubbub surrounding Jurgen Klinsmann's debut in the friendly against Mexico was an announcement that may have as much of an impact on the influence of soccer in this country as the selection of the national team coach.  MLS and NBC Sports have announced that they've reached a deal to televise some 43 MLS matches, including three playoff games, as well as four contests featuring the national team, over the next two seasons. 

This deal, which replaces the current relationship with Fox Soccer Channel set to end in 2011, will just about double the number of homes receiveing the broadcasts, even though the lion's share of the matches will be broadcast on the new NBC Sports Network, currently known as Versus.

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Some news on the WPS...

- California based investors are among many investors around the country that have had a "positive" conversation regarding expansion teams sources have told me.

- The Vancouver Whitecaps' women's team will NOT be heading to the WPS next season as they will stay in the W-League. League sources have told me this.

- The Boston Breakers are looking to sell part of the team. Rumor is that 55% is up for sale if a good investor comes around.

News come from my WPS blog... wpsworld.webs.com

After watching the Rapids v. Revolution in person last night, I was surprised at the lack of professionalism of the head referee.  This guy must have received his MLS Ref license at Walmart?  He was horrible and his mistake(s) changed the outcome of the game.  He should have been ran off the field.  My comment from the stands was, "bend over and use your good eye!"  He was horrible.  Is there an official site fans can go to to voice their displeasure or pleasure regarding MLS refs?