It’s never too early for World Cup qualifying talk, and one prominent site believes it might be Canada’s time. “With more players playing overseas than ever before, star Dwayne De Rosario coming off an incredible year … and with Stephen Hart finally being able to put together a solid back line, this very well could be the year Canada asserts itself.” Despite the upbeat tone, the piece goes on to rank Canada seventh out of 10 CONCACAF nations heading into qualifying, and the sleeper pick might surprise you.
DC United rewarded Golden Boot winner Dwayne De Rosario yesterday with a massive contract his recent form has earned. After making a reported $500,000 last season, the Post reports the Canadian was made the highest-paid player for the Black-and-Red and will receive an increase in 2012. In a written statement, De Rosario said “ever since I came (to DC United), the organization and the fans have accepted me as part of the family, and I want to keep this family growing.” The club has scheduled a press conference at RFK Stadium today.
The LA Galaxy’s Robbie Keane is set to return stateside after Aston Villa’s match at Wigan on the weekend. And after joining the Villans on a short-term loan earlier this winter, the Irish international isn’t ruling out an EPL return. “There’s been talk about me staying on at Villa but LA Galaxy are my parent club … In March they have some big games – there is the start of the new league season and a quarter-final in their Champions League. I’ve enjoyed my spell here … but it was my choice to go to the States.” The Express and Star reports an attempt to extend Keane’s stay was denied by the Galaxy.
Seattle’s Sigi Schmid is answering questions as to why his club deciding to trade a pair of fan favourites to take a chance on Eddie Johnson. “If O’Brian White was healthy and wasn’t injured and hadn’t gone through what he went through last year, maybe we’re not talking about this trade … Sammy Ochoa is a player who I thought came on very well for us at the end of last year … but he’s a player that needs to continue to work.” It’s clear Schmid didn’t view Mike Fucito or Lamar Neagle as first 11 options up front, lacking the hold up play the club has lacked since White went down early last year.
The Scottish Sun reports Portland Timbers and former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has touched down in Portland, but not before lashing out at his former club. Boyd told the Sun he left Ibrox in shock wondering “what will happen next.” In terms of his decision to sign a massive deal at PPL: “I know for a fact there are better players out there, but what I’ll do is score.” The Scottish international won’t have big shoes to fill following Kenny Cooper’s lackluster display in the Pacific Northwest.
The Montreal Impact announced yesterday that veteran defender Nevio Pizzolitto and Simon Gatti will not be named to a 30-man roster prior to the 2012 season. Montreal’s front office is reported to have met with Pizzolitto, who will turn 36 this season, to discuss opportunities within the club moving forward. The club’s website reports Pizzolitto will take a few days to consider his offers while Gatti is exploring a role with the Impact’s academy.
Although brief, in an interview with Houston’s Brian Ching, MLS commentator Glenn Davis hinted that the Hawaiian-born target man hasn’t ruled out staying on for an additional year after returning to the club from Montreal last week.
After failing to stick in New York, German ‘keeper Frank Rost has announced his retirement from the game. Plagued by injuries during his time at Red Bull Arena, Rost announced his decision saying “my career is over. I enjoy it now, to get away. I am telling you — it feels good!” And I’m positive the feeling is mutual as the Red Bulls were paying Rost somewhere close to $550,000 a year for service that was hardly superior to the club’s original options.
Following yesterday’s release of the 2012 MLS Reserve League schedule, the Kansas City Star is praising SKC’s decision to host a majority of its reserve games at night and inside Livestrong Park. “It’s going to be a good way for the fans to get their fill of the stadium … More games, more fans and no double-headers. Seems like a good idea.” Although access for non-members of the media hasn’t been determined, TFC’s reserve schedule (below) is a little less spectator friendly.
Brad Davis has been cleared to rejoin the Houston Dynamo after tearing his quad (video below) during last season’s Eastern Conference semifinal at Livestrong Park. “The doctor cleared me this morning,” Davis told the Chronicle. “I’m excited to get back out there and be full on and part of the group again. I’m looking forward to it.” Davis was a huge miss during last year’s MLS Cup in a match the Orange failed to produce any real threat going forward. The Chronicle reports that Calen Carr also looks ready to return.