MLS Notes: TFC’s Lindsay out for 2011, D.C. lands Uruguayan defender and more | Soccer By Ives

World Cup Soccer Live

By AVI CREDITOR

Hope and promise surround Toronto FC after the revamping of its coaching and techinical staff, but those good feelings have been tempered by the word that homegrown player Nicholas Lindsay is expected to miss the entire 2011 season with a knee injury.

Lindsay, 18, thrived after joining the senior team toward the end of the 2010 season, registering three assists in four games while playing on the wing. He was expected to play an even bigger role in 2011.

According to the teams press release, Lindsay, a Canadian youth international, will undergo a first surgery on Wednesday followed by a second operation in the next 4-6 months. Details of the injury were not disclosed. Barring any setbacks, Lindsay should be ready for the 2012 season.

Here are a few more notes involving MLS teams leading up to Thursdays draft:

D.C. SIGNS BRASESCO

In a move that could foreshadow D.C. United using its third overall selection in the draft on a striker, the club acquired Uruguayan defender Rodridgo Brasesco.

The 24-year-old Brasesco will join the club on loan from Racing Club in Uruguays top flight and can play either at center back or right back.

Brasesco, who featured for Racing Club in the 2010 Copa Libertadores, brings experience and skill to an area in which D.C. struggled last season.

CUNNINGHAM TRAINING WITH IK START

Jeff Cunningham, who was picked by the Columbus Crew in the Re-Entry Draft but has yet to sign with the club, is reportedly training with Norways IK Start, the same team that previously employed Clarence Goodson and Hunter Freeman.

The club is not calling the visit a trial, but should the out-of-contract Cunningham impress, an offer wouldnt be out of the question. The Crew still maintains his MLS rights.

REVOLUTION SIGN DOMI

The New England Revolution signed French left back Didier Domi, the team announced on Tuesday.

Domi, 32, has had an extensive career in Europe, most recently playing for Greek power Olympiakos. Other teams on his resume include Espanyol, Newcastle and Paris-St. Germain. He should contend for the teams starting spot at left back.

What are your thoughts about the Lindsay injury? Think Brasesco can help stabilize D.C.s defense? Do you see the Crew eventually signing Cunningham? Do you like the signing for New England?

Share your thoughts below.

MLS Combine 2011′s Top Performers | Soccer By Ives

World Cup Soccer Live

By FRANCO PANIZO

The 2011 MLS Combine is in the books, but before all of the focus turns towards where these guys will be playing this season, were looking back at the events top performers.

Several of the top prospects did not participate in the Combine, but there were still many players who showed considerably well over the three days worth of matches in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Now this list isnt about who will be grabbed up first in the upcoming SuperDraft, nor is it a list of the most talented players at the combine. Rather, this list is of the guys who played best over the course of the three days.

are my top performers of the 2011 MLS Combine:

5. Hector Jimenez, Midfielder, California

AdiPure was probably the best team at the combine this year, and Hector Jimenez was a big part of the teams success. Jimenez looked solid on Day 1 and Day 2, and although he could have finished better on Day 3, he was still very active in his teams attack. Jimenez showed he could whip in a few good crosses and he also demonstrated his powerful shot.

4.CJ Sapong, Forward, James Madison

One of the best one-on-one moves at this years combines came from CJ Sapong on Day 1, but that was just the beginning of a solid three days of work for him. Sapong showed quickness, a willingness to go at defenders and he always put in a strong effort on both sides of the ball. Day 2 was his worst, but he bounced back on the final day by scoring a goal in a much better showing.

3. John Rooney, Midfielder, England

Yes, his surname drew more attention to him than was warranted, but John Rooney still had himself a good combine. On Day 1 he came off the bench and showed flashes as an attacking midfielder in his 30 minutes of action for AdiPure. Day 2 was his best day, as he showed his willingness to unleash shots from range, and get them on frame, too. On Day 3 he was a bit more quiet in a central midfield role, but he made some good tackles and hit a beautiful long ball at one point.

2. Joao Plata, Midfielder, Ecuador

He may be as small as they come, but Joao Plata made a big impression at the combine. The 5-foot-3 attacking midfielder was the combines top scorer with three goals, and he also showed good technique, and explosiveness with the ball at his feet. Plata was willing to take on defenders and shots without hesitation, and he was trusted with the freedom to roam across the field, behind the forwards for AdiZero. Platas defensive abilities certainly werent a strength, but he always hustled, and he also had a nifty swerving run-up on a penalty kick he scored on Day 2.

1. Jalil Anibaba, Defender, UNC

Joao Platas only quiet performance came on Day 3, and part of that was due to the stout defending of Jalil Anibaba, who was the combines top defender. Anibaba was a rock in the back for AdiPure, constantly breaking up attacks with his physicality and solid positioning. He also dealt well with aerial balls and looked a step ahead of most of the attackers he faced. Anibaba distributed the ball as well as any center back at the combine, especially with his knack of unleashing pinpoint long balls to the right flank.

What do you think of the list? Who impressed you at the Combine? Who didnt impress you?

Share your thoughts below.

U.S. Under-20 midfielder Gatt signs with Molde | Soccer By Ives

Usa Soccer

U.S. Under-20 national team winger Josh Gatt has signed with Norwegian club Molde, the club announced on Wednesday.

Molde, coached by former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, purchased the 19-year old striker from Austrian side Rheindorf Altach.

Gatt enjoyed a strong year in Austria, and recently established himself as a top prospect on the U.S. Under-20 national team.

Afternoon ticker: Braun, Ihemelu released from U.S. camp, Cristman dealt to L.A. and more | Soccer By Ives

World Cup Soccer Live

By JOHN BOSCHINI

Chivas USA forward Justin Braun and Dallas defender Ugo Ihemelu have been released from the U.S. National Team camp due to injuries and will miss the teams upcoming friendly against Chile on January 22.

Braun is out for a week after four stitches were required to close a cut on his Achilles tendon and Ihemeluwas unable to shake off nagging hip and groin injuries.

Here are some more stories to help you through your Wednesday.

Cristman dealt to L.A.

The Los Angeles Galaxy has acquired forward Adam Cristman from D.C. United in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft. The Galaxy is looking to fill the striking void left when Edson Buddle left for Europe. Cristman, 26, has scored 12 goals in 68 appearances for three different MLS clubs and was a finalist for the 2007 rookie of the year award. Cristman scored two goals and provided one assist for D.C. last season.

Platini says Qatar should Co-host World Cup

UEFA President Michel Platini has suggested that the Arabian Gulf should be the host for the 2022 World Cup instead of just Qatar. This is just the latest suggestion as FIFA officials try to cope with hosting a World Cup in the tiny Middle Eastern country. This, coupled with FIFA President Sepp Blatters intent on playing the World Cup in winter, has caused controversy because neither suggestion was made during the bidding process in December.

Higuains surgery successful, will miss four months

Real Madrid will be without Gonzalo Higuain for at least four months after the Argentine striker underwent back surgery in Chicago this week. The four-month absence is nearly double what Madrid had hoped for when Higuain went down in the beginning of December. The striking duties will largely fall to French forward Karim Benzema, who has performed with mixed results over the past few months.

Group A back in action at Asian Cup

Uzbekistan all but qualified for the knockout rounds while Qatar pulled off a surprising victory over China in todays Asian Cup action. After taking the lead, Uzbekistan surrendered a penalty just after halftime, but in the 65th minute Server Djeparov of FC Seoul slotted home the winner. Qatar made the most of two first-half goals from Yusef Ahmed Ali to secure a 2-0 victory.

–

What do you think of todays stories? Will the National team miss Braun and Ihelmu? Can Cristman make a difference in L.A.? Can Real Madrid cope without Higuain?

Share your thoughts below

Red Bulls confirm three signings, draft intentions; Kassel, team close to deal | Soccer By Ives

Usa Soccer

After a quiet beginning to the offseason, the New York Red Bulls announced they have signed three players on Wednesday, less than 24 hours ahead of the 2011 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

Red Bulls General Manager Erik Soler confirmed that English striker Luke Rodgers and Norwegian midfielder Jan Gunnar Solli, who have long been rumored to be added to the club, have officially joined the fold.

Soler also announced the signing of 20-year-old Brazilian attacker Marcos Paullo from Atletico Paranaense, the same club for which reigning league MVP David Ferreira used to play.

Paullo, who Soler said can play a number of attacking positions, was on trial with the Red Bulls over the summer. Soler also indicated on a conference call that the team is looking to address needs at right back and centerback in Thursdays draft and that the club is close to coming to terms with homegrown player and University of Maryland midfielder Matt Kassel.

We want to sign Matt, Soler said. We have told Matts representatives and the league what we can do and where we can go salary-wise. So I know that they are working on that now to get the last pieces together for us. Matt has the potential, of course you never know if hes going to break through, but hes homegrown and thats important to us.

Finally, the team also announced that Mike Petke will be returning to the club in an administrative role. Petke, the longtime defender who retired at the end of last season, will be an individual development coach as well as a business operations manager.

Do you like the signings for New York? Who do you want the Red Bulls to take in the draft? Pleased to hear that Kassel is likely to sign with the club? Happy that Petke will remain with the organization?

Share your thoughts below.