Twitter: Soccermattersgd, FoxSportsHouston.com

It is destination viewing on Wednesday at 1:00pm on FSC……the return of David Beckham to Old Trafford after seven years to play for AC Milan against Manchester United.
Milan are looking to overturn a 3-2 deficit and will have to deal with Wayne Rooney who according to the Manchester Evening News is fit to play.
United will be missing defender Wes Brown who is out with a metatarsal injury.
So can the likes of Pato, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf pull off something special at Old Trafford?
Both clubs are involved in tight domestic races with United holding a one point lead over Chelsea heading into a Sunday encounter at home against Fulham.
AC Milan who was written off after a derby loss to Inter Milan remarkably is only four points behind their rivals in the Serie A and take on Chievo also on Sunday.
VERDICT: United advance 5-4 on aggregate.

LD WANTS TO STAY AT EVERTON
Ok, so here is the quote from Landon Donovan about staying in England with Everton:

“I haven’t given up hope of staying here at Everton a little longer. I think we will know more during the week. Both clubs know how I feel, which is I would like to stay, though I can’t end the season here. I’d have to go back April 15th at the latest.
The saga continues but if you want to see how both Dominic Kinnear and Brian Ching of the Houston Dynamo feel about Donovan in Europe you can check out the podcast of Dynamo All Access where I interviewed them both…go to Sportstalk790.com, click podcasts, click Glenn Davis for thoughts from two men who know him well.

TOP DEFENSIVE SQUAD IN THE EPL
Well, that would be Aston Villa who have only conceded 21 goals. Their goalkeeper? A man named Brad Friedel.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
You may not have seen it, than again you may have. Columbus and Toluca tied 2-2 at Crew Stadium in Concacaf Champions League play.
A valiant Crew fought back after going down 2-0. The star man was Steven Lenhart who produced two stunning second half goals. Did you ever notice that he bears an amazing resemblance to former Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark “the bird’ Fidrych with his crazed hair. Lenhart was an irritant the entire second half against Toluca.
His goals counter one from Sinha and a spectacular blast from Antonio Rios. The return leg is at altitude at Toluca and the Crew will have to buck a trend as MLS teams have lost 10 of 11 two leg affairs against Mexican clubs. The Crew played without Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Chad Marshall while Toluca rested players in advance of weekend Mexican League play.

DYNAMO CHANGES
Francisco Navas of course was signed today and presented to the media. From Deportivo Cali, to the Houstonians youth club to the Dynamo Academy. The story is a great one and like great local stories that have come before him from Johnny Torres, Chris Gbandi, Rusty Pierce, Josh Gardner, Stuart Holden, Imad Baba who have all played in MLS it is a source of pride for our soccer community. Expect to hear more signings from the Dynamo Wednesday or Thursday and don’t forget an interesting pre-season match against Chicago on Thursday night at Carl Lewis track and field complex at UH starting at 7pm.

SOCCER MATTERS WITH GLENN DAVIS on FOX SPORTS HOUSTON PRESENTED BY MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE
The show was taped today at Fox Sports Houston downtown with special guest and former Dutch national team goalkeeper Jan Van Beveren who visited on a variety of topics.
Also present was Dynamo CEO Chris Canetti…..of course top ten goals and other topics will air in this show………….Catch it this week in the Comcast and ATT UVERSE cable systems on Friday at 4:00 pm and Tuesday at 5:30 pm. Times will vary a bit this month so stay connected for the times.

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute…..Friday at 4pm
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Fiesta Smart Soccer Tips with Glenn Davis…pick them up at Soccer 4 All, podcast of Dynamo All Access available at Sportstalk790.com

The Dynamo have put in an offer on Ghanian midfielder Anthony Obodai. The 27 year old is currently playing in the Netherlands for RKC Waalwijk who is at the bottom of the table in the Eredivisie. Abodai spent 4 years at Ajax from 2001 to 2005 and appeared in Champions League action against Juventus. He was not listed as either a starter or bench player in this past weekends 1-0 loss to Twente Enschede.
He has featured in his career for Ghana youth national team sides and reports in February showed that KC was also interested in him……….Expect more Dynamo player moves this week including today’s press conference announcing the signing of Francisco Navas.

Thoughts on Obodai, Navas and what is your preference for the Dynamo in central midfield this year? And by the way, don’t forget to catch Champions League action this week and the return of David Beckham to Old Trafford tomorrow when AC Milan visits Manchester United.

*Join me for the best in soccer talk tomorrow night from 7-9pm on Sports Talk 790 AM Radio for Dynamo All Access (Sportstalk790am.com)……..Guests Martin Vazquez manager Chivas USA, Dominic Kinnear Houston Dynamo manager, Carlos de los Cobos manager of the Chicago Fire plus more…..call in number is 713-212-5790……

*Former Houston area youth product Chris Gbandi has signed with Miami FC ……Gbandi played 111 times for Dallas Burn/ FC Dallas and scored the final goal at the Cotton Bowl before the Burn made the infamous move to Southlake to play at a high school facility called Dragon Stadium. At that point hispanic support which was evident at the Cotton Bowl was lost.

*Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute this week features Dynamo midfielder Francisco Navas, former Dutch National team goalkeeper Jan Van Beveran now the coaching director at Spindletop select in Beaumont and more…….foxsportshouston.com to catch clips of this show and more blogs from me and Dynamo defender Bobby Boswell……..Twitter: Soccermattersgd

LANDON DONOVAN SHINES…..

What an amazing day for U.S. Soccer and what an amazing day for Landon Donovan. Donovan in what MAY be his final game for Everton scored a fantastic goal and assisted on another in 20 minutes off the bench in a 5-1 win. Donovan struck a sweet half volley promptly got picked up in the goal celebration from Jack Rodwell in front of frenzied Everton fans at Goodison park. Then Donovan made a clinical one time pass to Rodwell who scored goal number five. Rodwell again lifting Donovan up to the crowd.
Bruce Arena of the LA Galaxy and others may want him back in MLS but even he can’t deny that the best thing for this player is staying in England with Everton. It is also the best thing for MLS. Landon Donovan has been a one man PR machine for MLS in recent weeks with his performances against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and more.
It is also possible his loan is extended.
On another note, Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden has had surgery for his leg fracture and is on the fast track to get healthy for the World Cup. Bolton without Holden got a critical win this weekend over West Ham 2-1 . West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola now under pressure………

DYNAMO NOTES

Not much to say about this one which left alot to be desired at Carl Lewis track and field stadium on a windy afternoon.
Game ended 1-1 with Eric Ustruck scoring a good goal from an angle for the Dynamo in the 86th minute after on own goal had given Austin Aztex the lead.

GOOD SIGN…Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson looked impressive today with his marking, tackling and overall edge he brought to the game. Robinson seemed quicker of foot and mind plus positionally looked solid.

WORK IN PROGRESS…..Geoff Cameron will need time to settle into his ‘new’ midfield role. Much like last year he is going to need some time to feel fully comfortable. Will he play as a holding midfielder? Will he play as defensive midfielder? Alot of this dependent upon who the Dynamo may sign capable of playing central midfield. Two of the brightest young American talents in Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark as you know have moved on. It makes it an intriguing and big challenge for the Dynamo!!

REGGAE BOY TRIALIST…Lovel Palmer played in central midfield for the Dynamo today and had moments but was far from making a large impact. A real test for him will be how he performs against the Chicago Fire who come to Robertson on Thursday night at Carl Lewis Track and Field Stadium. This will be a great opportunity for fans to see the Dynamo against MLS competition prior to 2010.

WORRIED ABOUT LUIS……I am one who is really hoping that Luis Landin can provide for the Dynamo on the field. If he does it opens up another potential element of attracting fans and attention to MLS and the Dynamo here in Houston. With that said, I am worried it will happen. Yes, I know that he turned his ankle but he clearly does not look fit at the moment and time is running short for a kid that is gifted with talent.
Landin was sourrounded by press after the game and I know if he starts scoring goals he could be a Houston idol to many fans but I am beginning to wonder.

KIERON BERNARD RETURNS….Former San Jacinto college player Kieron Bernard played against the Dynamo at center back for Austin.

SAY THAT AGAIN….Fans who buy a pair of season tickets in the month of March will receive two free. I kid you not…this is a crazy good promotion that fans need to jump on.
Houstondynamo.com to jump on this bargain…..

GOATS CRUSHED
Chivas had won eight straight matches heading into this weekend’s 4-0 loss at Chiapas……..a game they were never comfortable in. Thoughts?

Soccer fans, bring some opinion tomorrow night on Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis on Sports Talk 790 between 7-9pm……..Donovan, should he stay or come back? Dynamo Austin, what did you think? Mediator for CBA agreement, Mexican League, EPL , Argentine first division and more……..Call in at 713-212-5790

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston is every Thursday at 5pm presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute and Danish Inspirations Contemporary Furniture…

The LA Galaxy are adamant about Landon Donovan coming back to their club March 15th so this could be Donovan’s final game for the Toffees tomorrow morning at 10am cst. Of course the Galaxy want the ‘face of MLS’ back. Having him on their roster makes them an instant contender every year as we all know. What complicates this potentially? A players strike or work stoppage of some sort.
Donovan’s match tomorrow against Hull could be his last in the EPL…….personally I know the loss he would be for MLS and the Galaxy but I just can’t believe that from a playing standpoint that he can be as enthused coming back to MLS even though this is an MLS year. Then again, less pressure from playing in MLS could be beneficial for him as the World Cup approaches as opposed to playing in the EPL. A good question as many players come World Cup time are fatigued and challenged to live up to it. Playing in the EPL could also be the perfect preparation for America’s most important player…..

DYNAMO FANS can catch their squad tomorrow at Carl Lewis Track and Field Stadium for a scrimmage against the lower division Austin squad……..the Dynamo will also play Chicago this week as Carlos De Los Cobos brings his Fire to Houston……

MEXICO…still in awe of Mexico attendance of 90,000 at Rose Bowl. Unlike the U.S., the promotion of El Tri and the World Cup in going full bore south of the border with the World Cup trophy touring Mexico City. Fans are hoping for Mexico to get to the semi-finals.

March 20th the first ever game will be played in Red Bull Arena as New York takes on Santos and on loan Robinho who recently lashed out at Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini. When Pele played his last game for the New York Cosmos many moons ago he played a half for the Cosmos and a half for Santos his boyhood club……Lets hope this stadium is a platform for the struggling Bulls because all I am hearing from the East Coast is that this facility is amazing and that excuse for poor attendance now is off the table for ‘team energy drink’.!!!!

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Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute Friday at 3pm…Hear from Dominic Kinnear, Bobby Boswell and Danny Cruz…..Twitter: Soccermattersgd

So we might just have that reggae vibe in Houston. Reggae Boy Lovel Palmer who scored a long range goal in Florida for the Dynamo against FC Dallas is apparently coming in for another week on trial according to the Dynamo. Palmer who is the captain of Harbour View has represented Jamaica at the youth and senior international levels.
Find out more about Palmer as he is expected to get a game against both Austin Aztex this Sunday at 1pm and Chicago Fire Thursday at 7pm…….Just for an FYI here are my favorite reggae bands:

1.) Bob Marley
2.) Peter Tosh
3.) Third World
4.) Jimmy Cliff
5.) Toots and Maytals
6.) Mighty Sparrow
6.) Burning Spear
7.) Black Uhru

NAVAS to Dynamo
Francisco Navas will be an interesting signing and has slowly gotten in little ways more comfortable with his playing environment with the Dynamo.
He will be a marketable story for the Dynamo coming from the Dynamo Academy and local soccer but I am sure Dominic Kinnear would not extend a contract to him if he did not believe in his abilities. Lots of growth for this player has to come in his future and fans need to give him room to fail. The real question will come in the form of where will he get his ‘games’ in the future without a reserve league. His signing was held up by paperwork but fans should be real encouraged to see a young player get a shot on a professional environment. You can imagine how daunting it has been for Navas making the job to being a full time player who is expected to perform on a daily basis against experienced players.

PICK OF THE WEEKEND…

Saturday: Roma vs AC Milan 1:45 FSC- Brazilian manager Dunga hinting Ronaldinho not going to the World Cup, Beckham, Pirlo, Seedorf and Totti….

Sunday: Everton vs. Hull 10:00am FSC Landon Donovan looks to bounce back after a monster miss last weekend against Spurs and a disappearing act vs. Netherlands.
Marcus Hahnemann in goal for Hull who looks set to go to the World Cup.

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis Friday at 3pm on Fox Sports Houston presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Insitute….

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Munich, Germany-

The headline in the national paper Bild mirrored what everyone was saying on the walk to the train after the match: ‘Jogi’ so we are scared heading into the World Cup’.
The #1 choice for goalkeeper made a decisive mistake, the defense was shaky, and nothing was happening up front, continued the bold text. Jogi (prounounced Yogi) Loew spent his press conference defending the players expected to be the starting 11, especially Lukas Podolski and Miroslave Klose, saying ‘we know what they can do’. But after newer, younger players came in and showed some flashes of brilliance, this will make the next few days tough for the coach and his staff as they will decide on the final roster.

“We didn’t get it done against a strong opponent, we did nothing to create pressure upfront, and we didn’t follow through on our opportunities,” said Loew. But he remains optimistic by adding, “we will play well at the World Cup.”

Notes: Lukas Podolski had an altercation with a reporter in the mixed zone. He claims the reporter provoked him and thus he came back with strong opinions.
With nothing to cheer for their home side, the almost 66,000 fans started the ‘Ole’ chant as Argentina controlled possession and put on a clinic.

Salman Mitha in Munich

*Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis today at 5pm brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute and Danish Inspirations Contemporary Furniture…..
Interviews with Dynamo midfielder Danny Cruz and defender Bobby Boswell. You can catch Boswell’s blog as well as mine at foxsportshouston.com.Top ten goals and what some are calling the worst tackle in soccer history……..

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Bolton and U.S. international Stuart Holden as we all saw went off injured yesterday during the U.S vs. Netherlands match. According to the Bolton website, Holden will be out for 6 weeks with a right fibula fracture after a tackle from Nigel De Jong. Bolton manager Owen Coyle has assured Holden and his agent that they intend on signing him to a longer term deal. Holden at the time was playing well against Holland….thoughts?

Dynamo signing today…..At 1pm today the Dynamo are expected to ink 19 year old midfielder Francisco Navas who has spent time with the Dynamo Academy program.
Manager Dominic Kinnear has been high on the young player who has grown in the environment. If you go back to Monday’s Dynamo All Access on Sports
talk 790 you can get the sense of Kinnear on Navas.

Give me your thoughts on the U.S. and Mexico yesterday or other matches on the huge international day. What players have stated a case for themselves ?

More from me later………

*Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston tomorrow at 5pm brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute…..and Danish Inspirations.

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MLS Commissioner Don Garber is urging English Premier League clubs to invest in teams or start new franchises in the United States.
Garber told the AP that helping to grow the sport in America is the next logical step for them. He also said that money can be made in the expanding MLS.
So what do we read into this? Would you like to see a U.S. version of Manchester United or could this type of branding be harmful for MLS?

HOLDEN TO SIGN LONG TERM DEAL?

The Daily Mirror says that Bolton manager Ownen Coyle is eager to sign Stuart Holden to a long-term deal prior to this summer’s World Cup.
Thoughts?

*Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis tomorrow on Fox Sports Houston presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute and Danish Inspirations Contemporary Furniture

Normally I stay away from friendlies, but this was hard to avoid. Messi, Ballack, Tevez, Scweinsteiger. Maradona! And in a World Cup year the chance to see the first teams of two title contenders to play against each other are high. And I expect to see some of the younger stars come on in the second half, they will be fighting for a spot on the bench this summer or starting role in the future.

For the Germans, who are ranked #5 in FIFA Worold Rankings, they will showcase young stars like Mesut Oezil (Bremen), Thomas Mueller (Bayern) and Toni Kroos (Leverkusen). All three have have contributed to their clubs tremendously this year, with Kroos impact the greatest, keeping Leverkusen on top of the table with timely goals until they slipped this past weekend. Mueller earned a starting spot on Bayern, helping to stablize the club after a rough start and they now sit atop the table.
Oezil helped Bremen win the German Cup and Germany to win the u21 Euros last year, has now become a solid star in Bremen this year after Diego left for Juventus and now hopes to become a fixture on Jogi Loew’s national side for years to come. On Monday, Loew’s staff also announced that Rene Adler of Leverkusen will be the starting goalkeeper with Manuel Neuer (Schalke) and Tim Wiese (Bremen) backing him up.

There will be another Bayern connection, as Martin Demichelis will be defending the Argentinean side against club teammates and strikers Mario Gomez and Miroslave Klose. DeMichelis said the game offers a small chance for #9 ranked Argentina side to get some revenge after their loss to Germany at the 2006 World Cup. However, since a lot of the current team were not there, it’s more of a chance for players to prepare for South Africa against a strong opponent. Argentina arrived Monday and practiced at the 1860 Munich facility. Maradona was of course the star of the practice, smoking a cigar and buying 1860 gear.

Germany vs. Argentina today on goal tv at 1:30 pm from the Allianz Arena.

*Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston Thursday at 5pm brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute and Danish Inspirations Contemporary Furniture

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It is fascinating at this stage to watch players pushing to find form and make impressions both with club and country with the hopes of getting to this summer’s FIFA WORLD CUP in South Africa. With that in mind lets take a look at both the United States and Mexican national team rosters for tomorrow’s matches and state cases for or against players that are involved. Clearly a good performance by any individual against the Netherlands could make a statement and influence a choice from a manager. Does the Mexico match against New Zealand hold the same value for Mexican players who are striving to make the final roster?
On a local note, my former teammate with the Houston Dynamos in 1984, 1985 was the talented Beto Dos Santos. He is the uncle of both Giovany and Jonathan who have been called up for Mexico. Lots of mix between old and young should occur for Javier Aguirre and Mexico Wednesday night.

UNITED STATES VS. NETHERLANDS at the AMSTERDAM ARENA Espn2 at 1:30 PM

U.S. roster

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann

Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Heath Pearce, Frank Simek, Jonathan Spector

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley, Alejandro Bedoja, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Stuart Holden, Jose Torres

Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Robbie Findley, Eddie Johnson

*On another note former Chicago Fire defender Lubos Kubik has joined the U.S. national team as an assistant coach.

MEXICO VS. NEW ZEALAND Telemundo 10:00pm

Interesting match and fascinating choices will have to be made by Aguirre. The old guard of Rafa Marquez, Carlos Salcido and Ricardo Osorio all should be a part of the next World Cup but youth is staking it’s claim through Giovany Dos Santos, Carlos Vela, Pablo Barrera and Javier Hernandez.

Goalkeepers: Luis Ernesto Michel, Jonathan Orozco

Defenders: Efrain Juarez, Carlos Salcido, Ricardo Osorio, Maza Rodriguez, Hector Moreno, Rafael Marquez

Midfielders: Gerardo Torrado, Israel Castro, Andres Guardado, Jonathan Dos Santos, Braulio Luna

Forwards: Aldo Di Nigris, Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Gio Dos Santos, Cuauhtemoc Blanco

Thoughts from U.S. and Mexico fans about both of these rosters?