Camaraderie. It’s something U.S. Men’s National team fans take a lot of pride in, I think. When I talk amongst fellow USMNT faithful and among my friends, it might not be spoken, but it is an underlining current. We may not have the best national team, we may not have the strongest national team, but we have a team with heart and a camaraderie like none other.

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that it’s a hard thing to be called up to the national team. You’re under a different coaching staff, you come in for three or four days at a time and it’s demanded of you to switch gears quickly. Players have to not only prove themselves to their coaches, but they are expected to gel with guys they rarely see during the year. It’s not an easy task. Some teams do it better than others.  Some teams make it enough to pass by.

There’s a romanticism, I think, about camaraderie in national teams. Fans want to believe that these players come in and old wounds are put aside, rivalries forgotten, jealousy is left at the door. I’m a victim of this line of thought, and I’m sure we’ve all been that way at least once. But the truth of the matter is, players are humans. There’s going to be fights and rifts and cliques and everything else you can imagine. The important thing will always be if they can get it together on the pitch, on the training grounds, and get the work they need to do, done.

If you haven’t read Brian Straus’ article today concerning the recent performance of the USMNT and the disconnect between head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and the players, you really need to stop what you’re doing and read it. It’s an excellent piece, one that has opened the Pandora’s box of debates in the US Soccer community: Is Jurgen Klinsmann the right leader for the USMNT?

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to give my reaction about the information in that story. There are two sides to every coin. Some might say this article is a blasting of Klinsmann and his staff. Some might say this is a huge amount of evidence that the players of the USMNT are close-minded and unwilling to open to change in their playing style.

My thoughts amount to this. I was very optimistic when Klinsmann came in as head coach. Bob Bradley wasn’t the most horrid coach we ever had, but I believe there had been a staleness that settled over the team. The US was lackluster at best and Bob had done what he could with them. It was time for a different tactic, not the same rut. Again, not to bash on Bob; the U.S. were mildly successful under his command and his years should not be taken for granted.

But I was ready for something new. Jurgen promised that. And hey, with his laundry list of accomplishments, I think the high expectations were founded. I knew it wouldn’t take over night. I knew it would take more than his first few months. Changes in rosters, different training exercises and more MLS players going into camps made me feel hopeful.

In the last six months though, my mentality and those of several USMNT fans I know has changed. We started reading about players spending lots of time with nutritionists and yoga instructors. A phone-book ripping preacher was another “delightful” surprise that left us spinning. What in the hell was going on? Maybe we wouldn’t have questioned it so much if it was translating to something on the pitch. But the truth of the matter was, nothing seemed to change. In fact, to me, it seemed a little worse. Not only that, it felt like something was off. You could see it on the pitch; a kind of tiredness, a bit of confusion. The January camp and horrid game against Canada, followed by last month’s dismal match in Honduras was the bottom line.

Something was up in the locker room, not necessarily on the pitch. Reading through Straus’ article, the overwhelming feeling I got as a USMNT fan was confirmation. Confirmation that players weren’t exactly getting what Klinsmann was selling. Because hell, I wasn’t buying it anymore. The biggest knock as of late has been the absence of U.S. Captain Carlos Bocanegra. I have a laundry list of my own to ramble on about how this is the epicenter of the recent dissent, but it’s not important for this point.

Change is what is needed and I honestly believe what is wanted through out the federation, its players, staff and fans. But it’s not going to happen with this squad or even in this generation. Klinsmann can challenge them, can work to gradually implement strategies that will help the play of the USMNT change.

As Straus pointed out in his article:

Teaching players to challenge their assumptions and to consider new approaches to their sport, their careers and in some cases their lifestyles is a tall task, especially when a national team gathers for only a few days at a time. Injuries, problematic club situations, deep-seated player development issues far beyond Klinsmann’s control, rough road trips and his effort to broaden the U.S. talent pool have added to the growing pains. It’s also important to note, as multiple sources stressed, that no team is completely happy and harmonious—especially after a tough loss.

But there has to be a give and a take between Klinsmann and the players. Klinsmann should expect commitment in his players and he is not out of line by asking them to trust him, to be open to this change. In turn, however, Klinsmann must recognize what the USMNT is and what it isn’t at this point in its existence. Players need more guidance than a pep talk; they need strategy. They need stability. They want to know the night before the game that they are up on deck for the start. They want to know what strategy they will be implementing. And as a few pointed out in Straus’ article, tactics seem to not be Jurgen’s cup of tea.

One paragraph rang very true to me:

 “We do all this stuff. OK, it’s good for us and it’s scientifically proven. But in the end it’s a round ball. The Pelés and the Maradonas in the world weren’t doing all these things,” a U.S. player said. “I think we spend more time worrying about gyms and nutrition, and we don’t do enough of what we need to do on the field.” Another source said the players are “overtrained and undercoached.”

To me, if Klinsmann wants the players to change their style, then he must also change and part ways with assistant coach Martin Vasquez, a man who seems no better with communicating strategy and tactics than Klinsmann himself. This is what is breeding the confusion, cultivating that disconnect that is starting to show. Klinsmann thinks he’s keeping players on their toes and there for making them more effective in the long run. However the fact is, it’s not translating like that to the players. The fact that there has been 23 different line ups in all 23 games Klinsmann has coached furthers the rift and the lack to build any sort of camaraderie the team could hope to have in a short time frame.

It’s a pot of calamity that the U.S. fans have been watching anxiously come to a boil over the past few games. And now we’re heading into the second set of Hex qualifying matches. What does it all mean? Who knows, I know I don’t. I know myself and other USMNT fans will back the team to whatever ends. But I also know that now that most of our suspicions are confirmed, we’ll all be wondering what will become of our team now. And if this disconnect will turn into an American revolt.

By now, if you’ve read a few of my articles or know me at all, you know I’m a panicky person. I freak out a lot. And no more do I freak out than when it concerns the U.S. Men’s National Team. Today the boys in red, white and blue took on Honduras in San Pedro Sula in the first of their hexagonal matches on the road to qualify for World Cup 2014.

Going in, I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game. As I stated so eloquently in my post about the friendly against Canada last week,  I wasn’t expecting this match up to be smooth sailing with an easy three points going the U.S.’s way. At best, I was hoping for a draw and praying for a win. But a loss? Oh Lord, no.

But a loss is what happened. When the final whistle blew, it was 2-1 and the stadium in San Pedro Sula was shaking with the noise. And I wanted to find a pint of beer. Don’t get me wrong, Honduras is not a push over team. In the last few years, they’ve become a strong force to reckon with. Get them on their home turf, and it’s down right scary. But man, I thought with the squad on the books for U.S. Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann, a draw was surely in the team’s future.

Now, the debate has raged since the ending of the game – to panic or not to panic. It’s only the first game of the Hex, but in any tournament in which CONCACAF teams are facing off, every game and point counts. Even the first one. I’ve seen people make statements from both sides. But here’s what I can say for sure; I’m definitely one of the people slamming my hand against the panic button.

I feel I am justified in this as well, considering the sort of play that came from the U.S. Most of the first part of the match was spent chasing after Honduras, who pressed in the final 18 of the U.S. half and even had the midfielders pressing deep to help defend. Seriously people, Eddie Johnson was helping in the final third! This shouldn’t be happening.

There was a bright spot where the U.S. started to hold possession, which helped lead to the fantastic service from Jermaine Jones that put the ball in front of a sprinting Clint Dempsey. That first goal was brilliant. But the joy that goal brought didn’t last long.

So I should really wrap this rambling up with a point, shouldn’t I? Okay, here it is.

My biggest pet peeve about this game? It wasn’t that the USMNT players were sluggish, because there were a lot of factors in that – heat, humidity, the grass, the pitch, etc. Honduras struggled a bit with the heat as well, I believe, but they bore everything else better. It wasn’t that Jurgen used all three of his substitutions pretty early and very quickly. Though that did touch a nerve, I don’t pretend to know what plan he had. No, the biggest pet peeve was the lack of some experience in our back line.

The USMNT’s captain, Carlos Bocanegra, didn’t start the match. He didn’t even get subbed in! I know Bocanegra is getting up there in the years – he’s not the fastest horse out there. But I’ll tell you what he is, he’s a war horse. He’s been there, done that, bought the T-shirt, yadda, yadda. Could he have provided a header goal? Not necessarily. Could he have dashed after Jerry Bengtson and stopped Honduras’ second goal? Eh, probably not.

But what Bocanegra offers is something far more valuable – leadership. Something severely lacking in the team that took to the pitch today. The two guys in the US back line center are young. Geoff Cameron and Omar Gonzalez are good, and they have matured, but they don’t talk to each other or others on the pitch. Bocanegra talks, pushes, points out holes and looks around at what’s going on instead of tending to worry solely about his spot. He’s not the perfect defender, he’s not the best or the fastest. However, he’s got the experience and the knowledge to help settle the team – to anchor it when things get a little out of hand or too stagnant.

I’m not saying get rid of the back line – though I will not get started on my opinion of Timmy Chandler. What I think Jurgen Klinsmann flubbed up on today was leaving out his seasoned vet. Yes, Boca is playing with a second-tier Spanish team. But this isn’t his first rodeo. And that fact could have helped settled the young back line today.

And who knows, maybe that scoreline would have looked a little different.

The USMNT take to the pitch again March 22 against Costa Rica for their next Hex match up. Here’s hoping they can nab those needed three points.

Image courtesy of US Soccer official Facebook

Some of my friends can attest to what I’m about to admit. I some times think I’m a jinx for the USMNT. I have two scarves, one I refuse to wear at any time because it’s tainted. And the other I only wear on game days when I am not attending in person.

I never dress in red, white and blue on game days when I’m not in the stands. I don’t even wear my AO bandana on my purse anymore because I was sure it was jinxing them.

It’s superstitious, yes and maybe a little bit childish. But I was certain I was the biggest jinx there was.

Today, I grew up. Quite a bit.

The U.S. Men’s National Team took on No. 9 ranked Russia today in the motherland. I didn’t feel too much fear about this match heading in. It was just a friendly and Russia would be a great test for the guys. Also, fans would be get a chance to see some new blood in the team, which I’m always excited about seeing, to be honest.

What I wanted to take away from today’s game was how certain individuals on the team performed. Most notably, my eyes were on Timothy Chandler and Jozy Altidore.

Most will remember the shunning the USMNT got from Chandler earlier this year. Apparently he’s “1000-percent” committed to the U.S., but I won’t believe a word of that until he gets cap-tied, which could be in February if he keeps his word.

I was also interested in seeing what Altidore would do now that Jurgen Klinsmann has apparently brought him out of the “dog house,” so to speak. Sure, Jozy has been amazing with his club, but those goals and work haven’t translated to the national team. Now was Jozy’s chance to show he was also committed to the national squad.

So what did we get out of this match up? A whole lot of “What the …” that’s for sure. Yeah, my superstitions broke today because I realized the US lose is because they are just a hot mess out on the pitch.

Whatever blog or recap or opinion you are going to read today about this game is going to focus on the biggest glaring flaw of the USMNT. The defense. Within in the opening minutes of the game, captain Carlos Bocanegra was pulled from the match with a hamstring injury. The US were already down a goal to Russia after a miss-pass from Danny Williams. Things would not look up for the team from this point defense wise.

I could lament about this until the sun sets. I have done that several times on this site. That’s old news. Any U.S. fan knows what the problem is and it’s that freakin’ back line. It’s a wound Jurgen Klinsmann inherited from Bob Bradley and with the first three hexagonal games coming up in the next couple of months being away matches, it’s one Klinsmann will need to address quickly. However, the biggest thing that is picking my brain right now is on the other end of the pitch; the US offense.

There are two things that saved the USMNT today and they are things no one will be surprised by:  Timmy Howard and Michael Bradley. They are these two mighty freedom pillars on which US games stand on as of late.

Timmy Howard saved his team’s collective can in the the second half, no bones about it. He had six phenomenal saves through out the match. And it’s clear why Russia are ranked what they are; they are a force to be reckoned. The USMNT defense struggled helplessly sometimes against them. It’s because of Tim Howard this match didn’t end 4-2. Ian Drake had a fantastic comment, which he made after the US’ second goal. Cameras showed Russia Head Coach Fabio Capello shaking his head and laughing slightly in disbelieve. “We’ve bossed this game and it’s 2-2,” Drake said, giving his own narration to Capello’s reaction.

And it’s the truth. And U.S. fans can thank Tim Howard for that.

As for Michael Bradley – when I was thinking about this match this morning, I hoped  I could focus on how amazing Michael is. I’m thankful I get to do that now. This guy is just brilliant. He’s technical, he pushes, he’s in the right place at the right time. He fights for possession and he creates play. Michael Bradley is the USMNT’s key in the midfield and offense. His performances are fantastic to watch and the team always seems to struggle when he’s not on the pitch. Michael has honed this ability to filter the ball from the defense, through the midfield and provide needed service. What’s more is he also has this habit of making sure he continues to push forward for rebounds or, as he did today, be available for a forward to nod a ball back to him.

Taylor Twellman had an excellent point to make about the U.S.’s midfielders and forwards. The two goals for the U.S. came from two very, very similar plays. Namely, center forwards being big, using their size to muscle and control the ball with defenders on them, then provide service back to someone rushing up the mid. Juan Agudelo did it for Michael Bradley’s goal, making a beautiful header back to MB. Terrance Boyd did it for Mix Diskerud, controlling the ball around the Russian defenders and laying it back to Mix. Which brings me back to the offense point. The U.S. forwards and wingers need to work on providing service. Sure, they can get the ball up through the midfield, but then what do they do with it? Most of the time, nothing magical happens and a build up is wasted. How many games have fans watched the U.S. create some heart-stopping build ups, only to have the opportunity wasted?

And this isn’t just about the service, it’s about taking the opportunity too. Taking the service given to you and capitalizing on it. Putting it in the back of the net. Hell, at least putting the shot on goal! The U.S. have a scary problem of not only missing opportunities and service, but not even getting shots on goal. No surprise that Altidore couldn’t do it again today. Even Herc Gomez was a ghost on the pitch, which is disappointing as he is always such a strong forward for the U.S.

But Bradley and Diskerud did it. The prime opportunities opened up to them from service from center forwards and they targeted goal and let loose.

So yes, the defense is scary as all Hell and something the USMNT need to get under control before the first Hexagonal match in February. But let us hope Klinsmann doesn’t neglect the offense either. I don’t operate under the belief that if the defense is okay, the offense will fix itself. If we don’t have solid performances up top, a good defense would be all for not.

Photo courtesy of Major League Soccer’s Twitter account

How to start this, how to start this. Hmmm.

At the conclusion of the U.S. Men’s National Team match against Guatemala in Kansas City tonight, I did one thing I think the majority of USMNT fans did. I let out a big, huge breath. One I think I had been holding since Friday and that ugly, ugly game in Antigua. And let me tell you, if feels so nice to breath easy again.

I feel like praying to the soccer gods because tonight I saw a U.S. team I would like to see continually. Was it perfect? Lord, you know this song and dance from me by now. It wasn’t perfect at all. But it was something. And that something was solid. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what this national team needs.

Remember, we are still in the infancy of the Klinsmann era here. He’s smack in the middle of a push of World Cup qualification and it puts the pressure on immediately, but that doesn’t take away the fact that he’s implementing a change here. A change revolving around attack. It’s created some trials, a whole lot of errors, but it’s shown fans and critics there is a lot of potential under it.

We saw the worst of it in Antigua. But tonight we saw where he can start. In the first five minutes of the game, it seemed like the same old song and dance. USMNT held the majority of possession, but a simple mis-communication between Carlos Bocanegra and Geoff Cameron found Carlos Ruiz with free range to slap one past Tim Howard.

The death blow? Not quite. In the post game interview, Kasey Keller said, “With that, (Guatemala) poked the bear in the beginning and the U.S. woke up a bit.” What I believe is always the telling factor of a team is how they respond. Do they get frustrated? Do they continue to error? What happens, as a team, after they go down in a crucial match?

Tonight, the U.S. responded just as they should; they dug in and they took that control back. They responded effectively, clinically, and most importantly, calmly.

Yes, they were smooth and cool. Frankly, a USMNT I’m not use to seeing. It was a solid performance from everyone. Every. Single. Player.

Sure, Boca and Cameron had that miscue earlier in the night. But you could see, by the mid of the first half, it became a “Ruiz who?” game. If Bocanegra wasn’t shutting down the speedy Guatemalan forward, Cameron sure as hell was. Because of that, Parkhurst and Cherundolo could push up.

Did the midfielders get passes picked off? Yeah, but they tracked back to help shut down the Guatemalan offense. Hell, even Tim Howard seemed to be having an off night, which would have normally frightened the ever-lovin’ dickens out of me. But tonight … it didn’t really bother the USMNT that much.

Granted, this was just Guatemala, who have one speedy forward in Ruiz. But like I said, if the USMNT can be solid like they were tonight, consistently, then it’s a platform to build on. To get stronger and be able to be formidable opponents  to say, our neighbors to the south?

So really, what does this mean? Other than the U.S. won their group and their moving on to the hexagonal? Well, it means a few things actually.

It means that if no one knew it before, they know it now – Michael Bradley is not just needed in the USMNT line up, he is  essential. I remember first watching Michael and thinking he had a lot of growing to do. And now, he’s matured so much as a player, it’s fantastic. He’s one of those resources the U.S. cannot afford to lose. He was pure class tonight and when the USMNT is working as a well-oiled machine, the things Michael Bradley can do are pure magic.

It means that Eddie Johnson has come full circle. I’m not going to hate on Jozy Altidore, but Eddie Johnson has done in two games what Jozy hasn’t been able to do in a long time. And that’s score in open play and if he’s not scoring, he’s creating the chances to help score. He, Clint Dempsey and Herc Gomez played beautifully off each other. He could have been the missing link we needed all along.

It means that Geoff Cameron is clearly the heir apparent to the throne that is Carlos Bocanegra’s reign over the back line. And he’s definitely capable of that crown and the responsibility that comes with it. I admit, I was weary of Cameron at first. But he’s done well, he’s learned and he’s come into his own. And tonight after the blunder, instead of continuing to fumble, he and Bocanegra learned from the mistake. Cameron took what happened and built on it. It’s a positive thing and also shows that he’s versatile – he plays on the right for Stoke, not the center.

I could go on, (Graham Zusi, Herc Gomez, etc., etc.) but this is already a novel. So, here’s my sum up. Solid play gets solid wins. If this team continues being cool and collected, Klinsmann can finally start going more forward with his grand scheme. And that’s good news indeed. Because a cool, calm, smooth USMNT is one that can be a force to be reckoned  with.

And that will help me breathe easier again.

Throwback Thursday is a new feature we’re starting here at Aerys Soccer. We’ll talk about our favorite team, player, moment, goal, jersey etc. from the past. First up, I thought I’d choose someone who’s no longer in MLS, but got his start there. I chose him for many reasons; he’s a great defender, good looking, a down to earth person, and he just happens to be the captain of U.S. Men’s National Team. Who am I talking about? Carlos Bocanegra of course!

Sure he plays in Europe now, but he got started in Chicago Fire. Even back then, he was a great defender. However, he did have some questionable moments. Does anyone here remember when he was blonde? ….Yeah, that was pretty awkward! Enjoy some pics of him from back in the day.

Yikes! Not all his pics were this bad though. Here are some more pics of Bocanegra looking much better.

Look for Throwback Thursday every week! Have a great idea for Throwback Thursday, Midweek Muscles or Getting to Know you? E-mail our editor at trista.lutgring@gmail.com or send us a shout out on twitter at @AerysSoccer!

Where will Captain America fly to next?

 TGI Saturday, am I right? It’s time to sit back, relax and revel in the fantastic slate of MLS games this weekend, including another clash between RSL and San Jose for the top spot in the West, a Galaxy trip to the Pacific Northwest and a Sunday afternoon national broadcast of RBNY and Seattle.

But it’s not all MLS grabbing our attention this weekend. We’ve got some news to share about the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup qualifying journey, what league USA captain Carlos Boganegra might end up with and who Chelsea’s bringing to the U.S. for the World Football Challenge.

Grab a beer (or a cup of coffee if you decided to sleep in today) and kick back with us for today’s Daily Kick Around.

U.S. Men’s National Team

Carlos Bocanegra is a modern day renaissance man. He captains the U.S. National Team.  He models for ESPN the Mag. He hits home runs in celebrity softball games. But this renaissance man is suddenly without a club team, after his Glascow Rangers in the Scottish Premier League were dropped to the fourth tier of the country’s professional soccer. So where is Bocanegra to go? MLS? Europe? Maybe south of the border?

The veteran told press after the MLB all-star game’s celebrity soft ball game… that he’s considering Europe or a return to MLS.

But if the still-in-form 33-year-old wants to play in the 2014 World Cup, he would be wise to consider another alternative: the new Liga MX.

Though a move to MLS is no longer the death knell it once was for an international player’s career, it’s clear that Jurgen Klinsmann is looking abroad for the bulk of his roster.

Despite its proximity to the U.S. geographically, Mexico seems to be a particular infatuation. The German has tried just about every Yank playing at a high level south of the border, from Jose Torres on down to the woefully under-qualified Michael Orozco.

Perhaps Klinsmann just likes the style of the attack-oriented Mexican game better. Whatever the reason, Klinsmann seems to be much more in tune with the Mexican roots of the American game than any being nurtured in MLS, particularly when it comes to returnees.

With the 2014 World Cup now exactly two years away, the USMNT must get through two more rounds of qualifying before they can claim a ticket to Rio.  MLSSoccer.com’s Greg Lalas looks at what Klinsmann’s boys need to do to qualify, and what happens if they don’t finish in the top three of the final round.

MLS

Omar Gonzalez made his triumphant return from ACL surgery last week to lead the Galaxy over the Philadelphia Union, but some nagging scar tissue is causing him problems and he may be unavailable for the Galaxy’s trip to Portland and Vancouver this week.

“For the game against Philly, I felt great,” Gonzalez said. “I had no nagging injuries, so I felt really confident to play in that game. But now I’ve got some other problems, and, you know, it just doesn’t feel right right now. I’m kind of hitting a little spot where I’m kind of questioning it a little bit. I think I have to really think about things right now.”

World Football Challenge

Chelsea has revealed the roster for their World Football Challenge trip to the United States.

According to Chelsea’s official site, UEFA Champions League heroes including goalkeeper Peter Cech, defender Gary Cahill and Brazilian midfielder Ramires will lead a large group which also includes three new additions: Kevin De Bruyne, Marko Marin and Eden Hazard.

Five Euro 2012 participants — Ashley Cole (England), John Terry (England), Florent Malouda (France), Raul Meireles (Portugal) and Fernando Torres (Spain) — will join the group during the US tour. 

Okay, who hasn’t heard about this year’s ESPN Magazine Body Issue? If you haven’t, I’m sorry but you’ve been living under a rock. EVERYONE is talking about this year’s issue and the athletes posing in the buff for the annual issue. The soccer stars baring all in this issue are none other than Carlos Bocanegra and Abby Wambach.

I leave the pics for you to drool – because let’s face it. These two are in sick shape and look freakin’ gorgeous.

We’ve got lots of international soccer news for you today, and a couple soccer stars bare it all.  Oh, and we make a visit to Sesame Street.  It’s all here in today’s DKA!

Hirings and Firings

D.C. United introduced their new investors today at a press conference.  United fans will be happy to know that their first priority is finding the team a new home.

Diego Maradona (or as I like to call him, Prima Donna) was fired from his position as coach for the Dubai club Al Wasl, despite having signed a two-year deal in May 2011.  His team finished 8th in the 12 team league.

U.S. Soccer

In case you haven’t heard, Abby Wambach and Carlos Bocanegra were both featured in ESPN Magazine’s body issue.  Check out the shots here and here.

Speaking of Captain America, he took some time out from making life-decisions to play some softball.  He even scored a home run during Major League Baseball’s All-Star celebrity softball game.  Way to represent, Los!

World Football Challenge 2012

For all you fans of international soccer, make sure you don’t miss a single match of the WFC.  Check out the full TV schedule here.  Its not often you get to see your favorite MLSers take the field with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and John Terry.

MLS

Guess which midfielder made an appearance on Sesame Street?  I’ll give you a hint: his favorite song is “Mama” by the Spice Girls.

Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com

Wow… this Monday has been insane, guys! I couldn’t keep track of all the stories that broke today. From Hope Solo’s brush with USADA, John Terry’s trial starting, transfer rumors, managers fired and everything in between, my head is spinning a bit. But I love it, as I’m sure all of you do. As you wind down your Monday, check out all the headlines in today’s Daily Kick Around!

U.S. Women’s National Team

Probably topping all headlines today was the startling news that the U.S. Anti-Doping Association issued a public warning to USWNT keeper Hope Solo after a non-competition drug test revealed she had the banned substance Canrenone in her system. Of course, news and media jumped on the story immediately – Kick TV even had this rude meme on their tumblr with the words “Dope Solo.”

However, Solo was not “doping” up – on the contrary, the Canrenone unfortunately was a part of some pre-menstrual medicine Solo’s personal doctor prescribed her.

“I took a medication prescribed by my personal doctor for pre-menstrual purposes that I did not know contained a diuretic,” Solo said in a statement. “Once informed of this fact, I immediately cooperated with USADA and shared with them everything they needed to properly conclude that I made an honest mistake, and that the medication did not enhance my performance in any way.”

Solo is still cleared to play with the team in this year’s Olympic games.

Major League Soccer

D.C. United will have some new ownership at the helm this week, but you won’t be able to find out who until after a media-only press conference tomorrow afternoon. However, fans and supporters can submit questions to the owners through the club’s official Web site.

Huge news came from Portland today as the club announced long-time manager John Spencer was released from his duties as head coach of the MLS team.

“Obviously, this is a tough announcement,” Paulson said. “I want to thank John Spencer for his significant contributions to the Timbers. Our focus now is on improving the team and finding the right long-term head coach.”

Spencer has been with the club since it’s first season in the United Soccer League back in 2001. Tough, tough call.

Do you like wine? How about the San Jose Earthquakes? Then you are in great luck my friends! I’ve seen and heard of some really cool things MLS players and teams have done to stir up interest in the league, but San Jose has a pretty classy one here. In September, fans can attend a wine tasting and dinner with eight Earthquake players. Pretty cool!

English Premier League

I don’t know about other Manchester United fans, but I was a little sad today when I heard the news that Ji-Sung Park was released by the Red Devils and signed a two-year contract with Queens Park Rangers. Ji-Sung has been with United for seven years, and I, for one, am very sorry to see him leave Old Trafford. Good luck, Ji-Sung!

The big John Terry trial started today folks, and it’s already looking pretty interesting. ESPN Soccernet tweeted out today that an expert lip reader was brought in to review match footage to see if she could read what John Terry said that fateful day. Hmmm… The trial resumes tomorrow morning.

Welp, Manchester City bit the bullet today and signed a new five-year contract with manager Robert Mancini. After he lead the Blues to a EPL title, I’m sure City fans are thrilled by this. I think it will be interesting to see if Mancini will keep the steam at City going.

Okay, so I think it’s save to say the biggest news coming out of the EPL this afternoon was the wild-fire rumor that Liverpool zoned in on Fulham and USMNT forward Clint Dempsey — and signed him. Nothing official has been released yet, but Twitter and several UK papers are buzzing with the rumor. 

Scottish Premier League

MLS fans are probably teaming as USMNT captain and Glasgow Rangers Carlos Bocanegra admitted he’s “100 percent” considering a move back to the States after the disastrous events at Rangers. It’s been no secret that Jay Heaps and the New England Revolution – who are a top of the MLS allocation list – are very interested in the defender.

U.S. Men’s National Team

Do you know your U.S. Soccer history? Even if you are a new fan or a life-time die hard, you’ve got to check out Andrew Lewellen’s article on a very pivotal moment in U.S. Soccer history and how a nation started to wake up to the beautiful game.

We have a huge matchup in the first semifinal match of the Euros plus some interesting drama stemming from it. Also, it looks like Arsenal locked in a new signing, all in today’s DKA!

Euro 2012

Today is a battle between the Iberian Peninsula as Spain face Portugal in a semifinal match (actually the game is on right now!). Spain are favorites behind Germany to win the trophy, however you shouldn’t underestimate Portugal, who have had a good run so far in the tournament. Last time the two countries played each other, Portugal ravished Spain with a 4-nil victory. Needless to say, today should be an exciting match! The match is underway at the moment (kick off was at 2:45 p.m. ET) on ESPN.

On the topic of Spain, it looks like UEFA has rejected a request by La Roja to have a moment of silence for Real Betis player Miki Roque, who passed away Monday at age 23 after losing a battle with cancer, before the semifinal clash with Portugal. But here’s where it gets interesting, UEFA are denying that they rejected it! UEFA released a statement via their website:

Further to media reports of the alleged refusal to allow a minute of silence in memory of Spanish football player Miki Roque ahead of tonight’s UEFA Euro 2012 semifinal between Spain and Portugal, UEFA would like to underline that it has not received any such request from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

You’d think that out of respect, they’d allow it anyway. That’s UEFA for you.

English Premier League

Olivier Giroud has chosen Arsenal over Chelsea! Giroud completed a £13 million transfer from Montpellier to Emirates yesterday, preferring the set-up at Arsenal. When asked why he chose the Gunners, his answer was simple: He loves the club.

”Why did I choose Arsenal rather than Chelsea?’ Because it is a club I love and I thought it would be easier for my adaptation. Arsenal is a great club, the facilities are wonderful, but I feel it is a club that takes big care before signing a player, notably considering human values. ’There are French players. There is also Arsène Wenger who let me understand he really wanted me.”