The Quakes have come to the end of another tiring 3-game week with a close loss in Vancouver.

After home wins against Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas, it was disappointing not to come away with at least a point; fortunately, those Quakes who are not playing in the MLS All-Stars game Wednesday will have a week to rest before hosting the Chicago Fire next Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Newly-minted Whitecap Dane Richards opened the scoring in the 20th minute.  San Jose, once again playing without starters Steven Lenhart and Ramiro Corrales, did not allow that lead to stand for too long though.  Alan Gordon, proving that Gordon Time can happen at any time, responded in the 38th minute with a signature header to put the Quakes level at 1-1.

The game was ultimately decided by a somewhat questionable call that led to a penalty kick for Vancouver in the 62nd minute.  Camilo went down after a slide tackle in the box from Sam Cronin.  Referee Jair Marrufo did not initially signal a foul; however, after discussion with his assistant ref he pointed to the spot.  Although Vancouver had not scored on a PK so far this season, Barry Robson made no mistake in powering his shot past Quakes keeper Jon Busch to put his team up 2-1.

That penalty kick seemed to throw the Earthquakes off their game a bit for the next 10 minutes or so; however, as is their wont, they kicked it into high gear in the last minutes of the match.  Despite a flurry of activity in Vancouver’s defensive half, including a couple free kicks from good spots, San Jose was simply unable to snatch an equalizer.

A loss is always disappointing–at home or on the road–wherever you sit in the standings.  However, the Quakes have worked hard enough and put enough of a cushion between them and their closest followers that this loss does not affect their first place status.  In fact, they still have a good 4 points on Real Salt Lake.

As was mentioned above, four of the Earthquakes will now take the trip to Philly and turn their attention to some rather intimidating opponents, Chelsea FC of the English Premier League.  Chris Wondolowski, Steven Beitashour, Ramiro Corrales, and Justin Morrow were all selected to be a part of the All-Stars team that will face off against the Champions League victors.  In keeping with their success so far this season, San Jose is supplying more players to the roster than any other team.

Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com

Hey footy fans! As today’s title suggests, we’re going to be looking at a LOT of MLS headlines today. From Brian Ching back in Texas, Carlos Bocanegra to Vancouver and a new sponsor for Columbus, plus USMNT news and a little fear in the EPL! Here’s your Daily Kick Around!

Major League Soccer

After the heartache for Houston fans at seeing their beloved Brian Ching snatched up by Montreal in the expansion draft, it seems the Dynamo are making amends. Sources are reporting today that Ching will be back in Houston after a deal is set between Montreal and the Dynamo. The Montreal Impact will get a conditional first-round 2013 Super Draft pick in exchange for Ching. But really, the deal also rested on Ching, who will probably have to take a salary cut to fit into the Dyanmo’s budget. It seems he’s a go for it, however, as he is expected to train with the Dynamo today.

Everyone is brushing up on their allocation knowledge as rumors swirl that USMNT captain of choice Carlos Bocanegra could move back to MLS and be snatched up by the Vancouver Whitecaps. The ‘Caps picked up Scottish international Barry Robson today, but coach Martin Rennie is saying the shopping isn’t done in Scotland as the club would like to pick up the U.S. defender as well. With the Glasgow Rangers recently going into administration and being docked 10 points, Boca could be looking for a move to get himself a championship trophy.

Another U.S. International is coming back from overseas. Former Kansas City and Dallas player Eddie Johnson has entered the allocation process and his new club will be named on Friday. 

Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero – the man who woke a little girl from a coma with his voice – may be coming to MLS. His agent is telling media he believes a move to America would be the best option for the Italian super star, whose contract with Juventus will come to a close at the end of the season. With several former European stars currently in MLS making such a great impact on teams, it could be a move everyone would be happy with.

Finally, it looks like the Columbus Crew have a new sponsor to add to their jerseys (you know, the ones we aren’t so sure are good looking). Barbasol joined the team yesterday, announcing a jersey sponsorship, complete with commercials. The jokes have already begun to filter in, but as a Crew fan, I’m excited about possible foam parties on the Nordecke.

U.S. Men’s National Team

There have been so many leaked jerseys, I have no clue what the USMNT will wear in the coming year. However, this latest one MIGHT be closer to the truth than others.  But really, we won’t know anything until it’s out officially. What do you guys think?

USMNT U-23 coach Caleb Porter named his roster for the upcoming camp and match with Mexico on Feb. 29. There are a total of 15 MLS players named and include Brek Shea, Freddy Adu, Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury.

English Premier League

With Scottish team Glasgow Rangers going into administration (bankruptcy basically), there is a little fear the same thing could start happening to English Premier League clubs who see red in their budgets. But the Premier League insists the same won’t happen to its teams and that everything is in tip-top shape… Time will only tell I suppose.

Europa League

After being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League, Manchester United has dropped down to the less-desirable Europa League. But since they’re there, why not try to win it all? They got off to an excellent start today, with a 2-0 win against AFC Ajax in the first game of their two-leg series. They head back to Old Trafford with an easy job: don’t lose.

For all the scores from today’s Europa League action–and there are a lot of games to digest–go here!