Hey footy fans and welcome to Thursday! As international breaks start, countries are preparing for the first of their World Cup qualifying matches. We’ve got news on the USMNT front, plus some headlines from MLS, EPL and … is Nicklas Bendtner too fat to play in Serie A? It’s your Thursday Daily Kick Around!

Serie A

It’s interesting to hear how some players adjust when moving to different leagues. They talk about learning languages and getting around local towns. But rarely do you hear about weight concerns! Apparently that’s what ex-Arsenal not-so-darling Nicklas Bendtner is dealing with at his new club, Juventus. He missed summer pre-season to look for a new club and apparently forgot he needed to stay in shape. Now Juventus coaches are pointing out his waist line is a little out of sorts. That’s the breaks.

Dimitar Berbatov may be getting settled in at Fulham after his trek around Europe, but not everyone is letting go the fact he teased so many clubs. Fiorentina are demanding Berba pay back the club for the plane tickets used by the player and agent Emil Dantchevto take them to Florence for a medical. Only … Berba didn’t go to the medical. Instead he landed in England to meet up with Fulham manager Martin Jol. Whoopsies.

Major League Soccer

It was a crazy night in MLS last night. The Colorado Rapids suddenly showed up and stomped on the Timbers, handing Portland a 3-0 loss. The New England Revolution found their form as well, breaking the Columbus Crew’s winning streak and nabbing three points of their own with a 2-0 win.

The 2012 season might not be over, but that doesn’t mean current league powerhouse San Jose Earthquakes are planning for the future. They currently have out-of-contract EPL left back Jordan Stewart  training with them for a 10-day stint. It seems Stewart might be a replacement for 36-year-old captain Ramiro Corrales.

U.S. Men’s National Team

Who’s excited about the USMNT games against Jamaica coming up? I can’t wait! While the team is now in Jamaica for the first match set for Friday, Columbus is getting prepped for the teams arrival this weekend for the second match. If you’re in the area, hit up Crew Stadium Sunday for an open and free practice session!

If you don’t know much about USMNT call-up Terrence Boyd, you need to check out this ESPN article. Deciding to play for the US wasn’t one of Boyd’s easiest decisions and getting the necessary paperwork to do it proved to be quite the challenge for him. It’s a great read and you should check it out!

English Premier League

Zenit St. Petersburg are still busy attempting to pull players in. And apparently Manchester United’s Nani isn’t immune to getting some calls. It seems the Portuguese winger isn’t too happy with how things are going in the beginning of the session and the Russian club’s general manager confirmed today they are in negotiations with Nani for a move.

Well it’s finally Thursday soccer fans!! One league title is pretty much wrapped up after yesterday’s games and MLS teams had an interesting midweek battle. Also, there’s an Italian manager in trouble for attacking a player and the USMNT adds another date to their friendlies this year. Here’s your Daily Kick Around!

La Liga

They’ve done it! Yesterday after their 3-0 win against Bilbao, Real Madrid – unofficially – could call themselves champions of La Liga. To say it’s been an easy road to get here would be an understatement. It’s the 32nd league title for the Spanish giants and our own Tamara Reinhart, hardcore Madridista, has the run down of the match and some very excited Real Madrid players.

Major League Soccer

What a night for midweek soccer! Have you heard of this San Jose team? If you haven’t, you need to get with the program! The Quakes are on FIRE this season, and they added another win to the tally last night as they notched 5 goals to D.C. United’s 3. The Seattle v. L.A. rivalry heated up last night too, with the Sounders finally coming out on the plus side against the defending MLS Cup champs; Eddie Johnson and Fredy Montero each hit the back of the net to finish off the Galaxy 2-0. New England and Colorado faced off last night too and it would be the Revs that would get the three points, beating the Rapids 2-1.

If you are wondering what in the heck is going on with this Simon Borg guy, check out my post from earlier this week about his remarks that MLS female “super fans” might be unappealing to the opposite sex. Fortunately, MLS responded to his remarks and suspended him for seven days. There’s been a lot of talk from both sides on this issue, and I’ll wrap up my opinion by saying this – diverse opinions and debate in the league is a good thing, it’s what you want. But to be diverse, you don’t have to lash out at half of your fan base. And just because Borg has a reputation for saying remarks such as the ones he uttered April 30 doesn’t make it right to let him continue.

English Premier League

Chelsea may be in the final of the Champion’s League, but they are definitely on the outside looking in when it comes to the EPL. Newcastle defeated the Blues Wednesday 2-0 and it’s quite possible Chelsea will finish below the fourth spot for the first time in 10 years. While it’s clear the club has something – they are in the CL finals after all – it looks like there is still a little struggling at Stamford Bridge.

Serie A

Fiorentina manager Delio Rossi landed in hot water with his club recently when he apparently went after one of his players and slapped him! During Fiorentina’s match with Novara, Rossi subbed out Serbian forward Adem Ljajic. When Ljajic complained about the substitution, Rossie physically attacked him for the remark. While the manager said he would apologize, the power that be at Fiorentina fired him. Can’t say I wouldn’t blame them.

U.S. Men’s National Team

If you are USMNT fan in the midwest, get excited! The team will be back in Columbus, FINALLY, taking on Jamaica Sept. 11 at Columbus Crew Stadium. As a USMNT fan and a Crew fan, I have to say, I’m really excited about this match up!

Good Thursday to you footy fans! Welcome to the second day of February, aka Groundhog Day! As we truck along through 2012, the soccer world is hustling and bustling with news this morning. From the impact the cancellation of WPS will have on Los Angeles, to a surprising Messi statistic, to more Serie A matches postponed due to snow, we’ve got your headlines right here! It’s your Thursday Daily Kick Around!

Major League Soccer

Ten years ago, no one thought MLS would last more than a few years; with few teams and no support, many wondered if the league would even survive. Luckily, it did and today, it boasts 19 teams and a crazy expansion rate. This interesting piece on MLS’ official Web site looks at how big the market is for MLS and how the sport has grown over the years.

An official announcement from U.S. Soccer came recently releasing the names appearing on its 2012 ballot for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Sporting Kansas City cleaned house, with many nominees, including the team’s manager and assistant coach, and many former players.

Women’s Professional Soccer

In the wake of the news that WPS would be canceling its 2012 season, ESPN LA writer Scott French has an interesting piece on the impact of players in southern California – an epicenter for semi-pro and amateur league teams – who look to break into a professional league that is unfortunately crumbling.

La Liga

There’s no arguing with the fact that Lionel Messi is one of the best players in the world. We hear statistics about him all the time. But Goal.com had an interesting one recently - the Barcelona striker has given away possession of the ball more times than any other player in the league. Does this mean anything? Eh, maybe, maybe not. But definitely an interesting tid bit.

Why do you think Barcelona is so far behind Real Madrid in points in the league table? A logical explanation clearly would be that Real Madrid have been performing better against the other teams of the league. But Barca’s present Sandro Rosell is under the belief it’s because refs aren’t giving the Catalans fair calls. Say it with me now: “Awwwwww.”

Serie A

Tuesday, a Juventus – Parma match was canceled in Italy due to a snow storm. Yesterday, two more matches suffered the same fate as a huge snow storm traveled through northern Italy. The Bologna-Fiorentina and Siena-Catania Serie A matches were also suspended yesterday and the league has yet to answer with rescheduled dates.

English Premier League

The EPL is known for many things; quality players, amazing matches and great atmospheres in its stadiums. It’s also been known for it’s hefty spending. Luckily, that seems to be on the downhill slope. Reports are claiming that in this year’s transfer window, the league spent only 60 million pounds in January, down a whopping 70 percent from last year. Interesting…

Stay with the footy ladies of Aerys Soccer for all your soccer headlines, game recaps and Midweek Muscles features!

Major League Soccer

L.A. was a buzz yesterday as the MLS Cup arrived in town. The final against the Houston Dynamo and the L.A. Galaxy will take place in the Home Depot Center in Carson Sunday, Nov. 20. Who do you have winning the cup?

The overhaul for the New England Revolution continues, with the club announcing yesterday that Brian Bilello would be promoted to president and Michael Burns to general manager.

Speaking of overhauls, Columbus Crew fans are buzzing with rumors recently. Four of the clubs players are up for contract renewals; Eddie Gaven, Robbie Rogers, Emmanuel Ekpo and Kevin Burns. Some think Rogers is about to make an exit while there is no doubt star Gaven will be back with the team.

So, MLS game attendance has been at an all-time high this year. Is David Beckham to thank for that? You be the judge.

La Liga

The debate is still swirling in Spain whether fewer teams in La Liga will create a more competitive league. Barcelona’s manager, Pep Guardiola is following the statement of his club, stating he believes cutting teams will improve one of the biggest leagues in Europe.

Here’s an interesting thought: Is the reason Ronaldo and Messi are both so amazing in La Liga because only Real Madrid and Barcelona have the economic stature to house and hone such great players? Forbes contributor Adrian Melville takes a look at the issue. It’s definitely food for thought.

Serie A

New Fiorentina boss Delio Rossi is promising changes for his new team, including “giving the team a soul.” The Italian team is currently sitting in the 13th spot of the league and are hoping the management change will turn around the season.

Italia giants A.C. Milan announced they would NOT be signing Chelsea star Didier Drogba in the January transfer window. He just costs too much.

English Premier League

Here’s something fun to try; describe each of the top seven teams in EPL with one word? Ready, go!

Liverpool just announced the signing of USMNT U-17 captain Marc Pelosi to a three-year contract. The teen chose the Reds over two MLS squads and two EPL teams.

Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli said he’s not crazy, even though his actions lately have been . . . well, a little crazy.

International games

It’s international break in Europe! Here’s a list of some of the national teams facing off on the pitch in the next few days!
Thursday (today) – Brazil v. Gabon
Friday – Italy v. Poland; Germany v. Ukraine; France v. USMNT; Panama v. Costa Rica; Mexico v. Serbia
Saturday – South Africa v. Ivory Coast; England v. Spain.
Monday – Brazil v. Egypt
Tuesday – Slovenia v. USMNT (a rematch of that nail-biting WC 2010 match); Italy v. Uruguay; Germany v. Netherlands; England v. Sweden; France v. Belgium; Costa Rica v. Spain.