Today was the MLS SuperDraft which is always exciting, but before I jump into that, I need to catch everyone up on the latest LA Galaxy news.

JUNINHO IS BACK!!!! Yes it’s true. The Samba King is back and has signed a multi-year deal with the LA Galaxy. Mike Magee and Robbie Keane also extended their contracts. All of this is exciting news! LA also have a new goalie coming into the mix, Carlo Cudicini from Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer. Cudicini will likely take the place of starting keeper Josh Saunders. There have also been rumors of Kaka and Lampard joining the Galaxy.

When asked about it Bruce Arena said ,”Those are players that we’ve spoken to.” Who knows what that will actually boil down to, I’ll keep you updated with the latest! In all honesty I am looking forward to this season, but I’m also nervous. There’s nothing like being back-to-back MLS Cup Champions, so it puts a big target on their back. Should be an interesting season. Now, onto the MLS SuperDraft.

With LA Galaxy’s first pick (19th overall) in the MLS SuperDraft, they picked:

Charlie Rugg – Position: Forward

Hometown: Roslindale, MA

Club/College: Boston College; According to Boston College’s Web site, Rugg is ranked fifth all-time in goals, scoring 28. Rugg also became the first Boston College soccer player (in three seasons) to be named to the All-ACC First Team.

My expectations: I do not see much coming from this. He’s a forward, maybe Bruce Arena will try to transition him into a midfielder at some point, but for me it seems as though LA has enough forwards. He could bring an aspect to the game with his speed.

With their second pick LA Galaxy picked:

Kofi Opare – Position: Defender
Hometown: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Club/College: University of Michigan; According to Michigan Soccer’s Web site Opare was named to the College Sports Madness Preseason All-Big Ten squad. He was a four year starter, and raked up 6,411 minutes total game play.

My expectations: In the aspect of defenders, LA is pretty much set. They did not lose anybody, and everyone’s fitness is back to normal (A.J and Omar are taking part in the USMNT camp). Opare was apaprt of the USMNT U-20′s so he does bring some talent and strategy to the game. We’ll just wait to see what comes of this.

With their third and final pick LA Galaxy picked:

Greg Cochrane – Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Holland, PA
Club/College: University of Louisville; transferred to Louisville after two years at Virginia Tech. Started as a midfielder/defender.

My expectations: LA needed another midfielder. He’ll make a good addition to the team, and will hopefully feel some of the void.

P.S- Only 44 days left till MLS First kick!!

Frank Lampard handed Chelsea the 2-0 win over Everton with a double.

Frank Lampard took responsibility for Chelsea’s fourth win in a row by scoring twice to win 2-1 at Everton today.  The 34-year -old England midfielder has been with the club since 2001 and has yet to be offered an extension to his contract ending in June.

Today’s win helps to keep the Blues in contention for the Premier League title race and also might give some hope the club will hold onto the seasoned Lampard.

On Saturday, Manchester United took their seventh win in eight matches thanks to star striker Robin van Persie.  His 90-minute shot, his League-leading 14th goal of the season, made the score 2-0 over West Brom.  United now have a seven-point lead in the standings going into 2013.

Arsenal dominated Newcastle 7-3 with help from a Theo Walcott hat trick.  The England national has refused to re-sign with the Gunners and there is speculation he will be sold in January.  In an attempt to change his mind, for the last few games, Arsene Wenger has allowed the winger to start as center striker, his requested position for many years.  He has been very effective, but is it too little too late will remain to be seen.

Manchester City squeaked out a 4-3 win over Norwich Saturday no thanks to Samir Nasri’s first half send off.  The thrilling match was a fight to the finish, but Edin Dzeko replaced the ill Carlos Tevez up front to score two plus the usual quality from Sergio Aguero helped City hold on to the lead.

Even after Sunderland beat Manchester City 1-0 last Wednesday, Tottenham managed a come-from-behind win over Sunderland in the 52nd minute thanks to a fine strike by England winger Aaron Lennon.

Other matches played over the weekend:

Stoke City 3 – 3 Southampton

Fulham 1 – 2 Swansea

Reading 1 – 0 West Ham United

Aston Villa 0 – 3 Wigan

QPR 0 – 3 Liverpool

You’ve got to love Mondays! Today’s big news revolved around transfers, possible transfers, talking of transfers … it’s a transferpalooza! And with summer winding down very quickly, it’s safe to say we might see more.

But for today, we’ve got Tim Cahill, Frank Lampard, Kaka and more! It’s your Monday Daily Kick Around!

Transfers

The biggest news today has got to be the afternoon announcement of Australian international and Everton star Tim Cahill getting the clear to transfer to the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. This is pretty huge, considering Tim is a world-class player and a legend on the pitch! This statement from New York is pretty clear; they want the MLS Cup and they’re pulling out all the stops!

Could Frank Lampard join Cahill in Major League Soccer? Eh, he could in the future. While on tour with Chelsea in the states, the English star was asked if he would ever consider MLS, to which Frank replied  he wouldn’t “rule anything out.” Hmmm.

Maybe Real Madrid and Brazil wonder Kaka will consider MLS. Twitter was a buzz this morning with claims Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has basically asked Kaka to leave the Spanish giants. A google search for Mourinho and Kaka yields … well a lot of speculation. And what would the start of the La Liga season be without speculation about Kaka? Never the less, without the promise of a starting spot, could we see the Brazilian move in the closing transfer window?

Finally, Sir Alex Ferguson has never been shy about what players he wants for Manchester United. Recently he owned up to making a bid for Arsenal’s Robin van Persie. Today, he admitted the club is in talks with Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura. This 19-year-old is in hot demand in Europe at the moment, so only time will tell where he goes!

What will is take for Arsene Wenger to change his philosophy?

It’s Sunday footy fans! Check out what’s happening today in the soccer world!

English Premier League

Looks like the loss of Robin van Persie has no affect on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The frenchman refuses to change the way he runs the club by focusing on developing young talent rather than becoming a big-spending club. Wenger is modelling his Arsenal club after the 1990′d Ajax club, which had a very powerful academy, however it’s the frugal ways of Wenger’s philosophy that’s backtracking the success of the Gunners.

Don’t start customizing your LA Galaxy kits to say Lampard on the back. Chelsea player Frank Lampard is dismissing all rumors that he’s heading to the MLS after his contract at Stamford Bridge expires next year. Lampard was spotted at the Galaxy-Union match with his agent Steve Kutner, which began the rumor speculation. Lampard claims he was with his fiancee on holiday while Chelsea manager hints at a new contract offer for Lampard next season.

Serie A

Andrea Stramaccioni, manager of Inter Milan, suggested that he wouldn’t block the sale of Wesley Sneijder, if it came at a good price.

“Sneijder is fundamental from a technical and tactical point of view, but I can’t say that he is not for sale. That would be an abuse of my power. I would only ask the president to think carefully should an important offer arrive.”

La Liga

As of now, David Villa will remain at Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain announced that they will not launch a bid for the striker this summer, even after weeks of a €30 million offer was anticipated.

Speaking of Barca, Seydou Kieta has quit as a blaugrana and will be heading to China. The new club? Dalian Aerbin. Kieta only started about half of Barca’s matches last season. He is to sign a 2.5 year deal with the Chinese side, joining Didier Drogba, Yakubu and Freddie Kanoute as the Far East’s recent imports.

Major League Soccer

Last night was a special night for fans of MLS soccer, especially supporters of the Seattle Sounders. It was the MLS debut for Steve Zakuani after his tragic injury that took place against the Colorado Rapids on April 24th, 2011.  Last night Zakuani was subbed on in the 84th minute, at home against, the Colorado Rapids. The Sounders won 2-1 and our own Liz Ibsen was at the match and wrote up a beautiful piece of lat night’s match. You can read it here.

Landon Donovan was selected in the MLS All-Star First XI for the 12th year in a row. The All-Star match will be on July 25th against European Champs, Chelsea FC at PPL Park is Chester, PA. For the rest of the First XI, click here!

All this week, I’ve been preview the groups and national teams of this year’s Euros. We’re now down to the final group!

Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

The stakes are higher than ever for these teams. There are so many unanswered questions and uncertainty swarming them. Will the Ukraine disappoint on their home turf? Can France move on from the absurd episode that took place in South Africa just two years ago? Will England pack their bags early once again? And will Sweden quietly exit the way they entered?

Unlike their co-host, Poland, the Ukraine did not draw the easiest group, but they did draw two countries they played and lost to last year in friendlies, Sweden (1-0) and France (4-0). With those games fresh in Coach Oleh Blokhin’s mind, he will know areas of weaknesses to work on. The health of the team is questionable with a reported 10 players suffering from food poisoning just days before their first game. Ukraine’s key player is Captain Andriy Shevchenko. He is a legend and fantastic leader for the team. Sheva is past his prime and his physical condition is not 100 percent, but he is fearless and will take on any defender. Youngster Andriy Yarmolenko is talented, young and expected to have a good campaign. They are a long-shot to get out of the group and will need A LOT of luck on their side.

Sweden is overall well-organized and well-formed. This team will keep their fingers crossed that England slips with all of the distractions surrounding them. Key players for Sweden are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sebastian Larsson and Kim Kallstrom. Ibrahimovic is a world-class player, but his style of play is much different than his teammates and may ruin the chemistry or enhance it. Sweden could definitely get out of this group; it all depends on which English and French team shows up this year.

Are the images of the 2010 World Cup just distant memories for France? It looks as though the French have moved on past their embarrassing display and relinquished the title to England. Les Bleus have been unbeaten in their last 21 matches and even upset a very good German squad in Germany. France should win the group with the likes of Karim Benzema up top and a dynamic midfield backing him. Yann M’Vila, Franck Ribéry and Samir Nasri are technical and skillful. M’Vila is nursing an ankle injury and may miss the England game, but other than that, France is at the top of their game and should go far.

Two words, train wreck. All eyes are on England this year with the array of problems they are bringing in: suspensions, snubs, law suits, injuries, egos and questionable call-ups to name a few. Brand new coach Roy Hodgson came in to reign merely weeks before the tournament, so the question of how prepared this team is, is uncertain. The Three Lions will be without Cahill, Lampard and Barry. Waza (Rooney) will miss the first two matches to suspensions. With all the bad press, the English still have a talented roster. Goalkeeper Joe Hart was fantastic for Manchester City this past season and is one of the best keepers in the world. Familiar faces, Terry, Gerrard and Cole will provide leadership and newer faces Wellbeck and Oxlade-Chamberlin will be wild cards and perhaps provide a fresh spark. England will either arise to the occasion or be the laughing stock of the tournament.

Predictions: 1. France 2. England 3. Sweden 4. Ukraine

Okay, I hope you guys are feeling great today. After a crazy race to the airport in Baltimore, I’m back after the USMNT game yesterday and there are tons of headlines to report! The English National Team have bad news, Liverpool get their man and Barcelona and Real Madrid might actually agree to share something.

And after you read the headlines, don’t forget to head over and check out this week’s Midweek Muscles post featuring David Luiz!

Here’s the Thursday Daily Kick Around!

USMNT

Fed Ex Stadium was rocking last night as the USMNT took on Brazil. Being there in person was crazy and I have to say I enjoyed pretty much all of it – except the U.S.’ loss to the Brazilians, 4-1. U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann basically said after the game that from a learning stand point, it was a great game for the U.S. And I agree . Look for a post from me soon on what I saw not only in the game, but in the open U.S. practice I attended two days before the match.

Euros 2012

As if the England National team didn’t have enough on their plates, today they were hit with the news they would have to head into the tournament without Frank Lampard. Apparently the Chelsea man picked up a thigh injury in practice and is out for the June competition. Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson is coming in as his replacement.

English Premier League

Speaking of Liverpool, seems like a new manager has been pulled into the Reds. A deal has been reached between Liverpool and Swansea City for manager Brendan Rodgers. ESPN is reporting Rodgers will be “paraded around Friday” during an official announcement.

I don’t think anyone thinks EPL teams don’t spend beyond their means and provide players massive ego boosts in the way of pounds. That was confirmed when reports were released to show that EPL wages have gone up £201 million in the 2010-11 season! That’s crazy!

La Liga

Here’s something that might surprise you. Real Madrid and Barcelona are thinking about sharing something – TV rights that is. In hopes to make La Liga more competitive, Barca and Mardid have said they are open to negotiating TV rights. They own the most of any other clubs in the league, which means more of their games are broadcasted and they get more money. More money means bigger players, etc, etc. The hope is that if the wealth is shared, other teams will use the money to get better and the league will grow.

Everyone is trying to sign Porto player Hulk, and it seems Real Madrid are adding their hat to the pile, competing with the likes of EPL side Chelsea. Not only that, but free agent Didier Drogba is showing interest is hooking up with Madrid. Summer transfers are going to be interesting guys! UPDATE – ESPN is now reporting Chelsea will sign Hulk for an estimated 38 million!!

Major League Soccer

Yikes, eight – EIGHT- MLS clubs were knocked out this week in U.S. Open Cup play. Sporting Kansas City, DC United, San Jose, Philly, New York, Chivas USA and Colorado remain standing after the carnage Tuesday night, and Seattle joined them Wednesday. Congrats to all the winning teams though! Makes the US Open Cup interesting this year!

UEFA Champions League

Today’s clash of European titans, Chelsea FC and Bayern Munich, in the UEFA Champions League Final headlines a huge day in soccer.  ESPN’s Paul Carr previews the match for Five Aside with nuggets of statistical goodness, including the ignominious record Chelsea could hold if they win.

Chelsea captain Frank Lampard is not bothered by Chelsea’s underdog mark in the match:

Lampard, who is aiming to become the first man to captain the Blues to European Cup glory, insisted he was relishing the atmosphere that had resulted from Bayern Munich having home advantage.

“The atmosphere here is amazing,” he said. “We’ve sampled a bit of it from airport to hotel. It gives them an advantage. We can play around with how much so, but playing at home, in your own changing room, the city with your fans – it’s an advantage.

“But to be underdogs gives you a determination. Bring it on. The fact they’re the home team is a great challenge for us.”

The match kicks off at 2:45pm EST on FOX. Not FOX Soccer Channel — actual FOX. Sorry, baseball fans. The world’s most popular sport took over your afternoon today.

 English Premier League

West Ham are back in the EPL after winning the nPower Championship today against Blackpool. Their fans certainly have an… ahem, unique way of celebrating.

Major League Soccer

It’s not only a big day for European soccer — today’s MLS slate includes the L.A. Derby between the Galaxy and Chivas, and the Cascadia Cup between the Seattle and Vancouver. SB Nation previews and predicts today’s matches with just a splash of snark.

Women’s Professional Soccer

It’s all over for WPS. The league announced yesterday that they would be closing shop for good, which is not surprising after the battle between the league and magicJack owner last winter caused the league to suspend operations for 2012. ESPNW’s Beau Dure discusses the future of women’s professional soccer in this country:

The bottom line from all parties: Women’s Professional Soccer is dead; long live professional women’s soccer.

“I don’t believe soccer in the U.S. is done, thanks to the many leagues around the country that are still being held to high standards like the WPSL,” Boston Breakers defender and former U.S. national team player Cat Whitehill said. “I believe we can keep top soccer in this country if everyone from the ownership to the players commits to it 100 percent. I understand there are amazing leagues across the world, but I believe the U.S. will find a way to create a professional environment as long as the commitment is there.

La Liga 

I can’t stop watching this video breakdown of Barcelona’s Tiki Taka style. Mesmerizing to watch.

Keep tuned to @AerysSoccer on Twitter and check back here for Champions League and MLS recaps later today.

Forget about March Madness, we’ve got Messi Madness.  The man who seems to be able to score hat tricks at will has now surpassed Barcelona’s all-time goal scoring record with a whopping 234 career goals.  Also in today’s news we give you an update on Muamba’s condition, today’s schedule for some exciting table-shaking EPL matches, and much more.  Happy Hump Day soccer fans.  Here’s your daily dose of football news:

La Liga

The big news today is the accomplishment of Lionel Messi.  The 24-year old Argentinian scored a hat trick in yesterday’s match giving him a total of 234 goals in his career with Barcelona and 54 in all competitions this season.  The Spanish champions’ won 5-3 over Granada but the real accomplishment goes to Messi.  And with weeks left in the season to score more goals, will anyone ever be able to surpass his record?

English Premier League

Fabrice Muamba continues to rest comfortably and remains in the hospital after suffering a heart attack on Saturday during the FA Cup tie at Tottenham.  We will keep you updated on his progress here on Aerys Soccer.

While the Aston Villa v Bolton match was postponed due to their respect for their Bolton teammate Fabrice Muamba, the Blackburn v Sunderland went on as scheduled.  Blackburn stay adrift of relegation by pulling out a 2-0 win thanks to goals by Junior Hoilett and Yakubu.

There are some very exciting and well-anticipated matches scheduled this afternoon which could likely juggle things around on the very tight upper half of the EPL table:

Manchester City host Chelsea

Tottenham host Stoke City

Everton host Arsenal

QPR host Liverpool

Chelsea manager Roberto Mancini has announced that Carlos Tevez may not make an appearance in today’s big match against Chelsea.  Mancini would like to see the Argentinian cry baby make three to four substitute appearances before he is ready for a full 90 minutes.

Veteran EPL players Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United and Frank Lampard of Chelsea are on the short list as possible signings for Chinese team Guizhou Renhe.  The Chinese Super League is expected to spend big money this summer to improve their clubs.  Renhe is following in the footsteps of Shanghai Shenhua, who signed Nicolas Anelka this past January.

Rumors claim Roberto Di Matteo conspired against former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas in order to get him sacked and take over his job.  Di Matteo, the interim coach for Chelsea, denies the claims.  The Italian has led the Blues to four wins in four matches.

FA Cup

Understandably, the FA have decided to change the date of the FA Cup final match.  The match was originally scheduled to be played on the 23rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster where 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death.  Liverpool will meet either Everton or Sunderland in the final, now scheduled for April 14.

Champions League

UEFA have announced that the 2014 Champions League final will be played at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. 

Serie A

Juventus advances to the Italian Cup Final after drawing 2-2 with AC Milan yesterday.  An extra time goal by Mirko Vucinic pushed Juventus on as the two-game series ended in a score of 4-3.

Hello footy fans! It’s Thursday and I, like every other US Soccer fan, am still all smiles from yesterday’s games. It was a great day for international soccer. We’ve got those headlines, plus the floundering Chelsea, MLS’ newest player and how the UEFA answered the outcry about overpriced tickets. It’s all here in your DKA!

U.S. Soccer

Not only did the USWNT dominate with a win yesterday over Denmark in the Algarve Cup, but the USMNT pulled out a great shocker against Italy. If you missed Clint Dempsey’s strike yesterday, check out my recap here!

The U-23 USMNT also played yesterday in a friendly against Mexico’s U-23′s. If you are a USMNT fan, you are more than familiar with the phrase “Dos A Cero!” And yesterday’s game was just another notch to add to the 2-0 victories against Mexico. Congratulations to all teams!

English Premier League

It’s troubled waters and choppy seas in Chelsea. Apparently instead of solving problems, players and staff are playing the blame game.

Our first instance, the curious case of Fernando Torres. Ever since his startling transfer from Liverpool to the London team, he’s had two goals in 21 starts. Just two! It’s hard to deny that the once star Spanish striker is in more than a rough patch. But why is that exactly? Torres’ mentor Antonio Sanz would like to blame the club and Andre Villas-Boas for Fernando’s woes.

And that isn’t the only problem in the dressing room for the Blues. Frank Lampard – yes, he still plays for them – has been vocal about his displeasure of being left out of the Chelsea starting line up. Apparently things are “not ideal” between the English player and AVB. And it doesn’t look like ol’ Frank is getting any sympathy from his teammates either. In fact, defender David Luiz has told Frank to suck it up and get over it. Fall in line, Frank!

Major League Soccer

While MLS fans are used to seeing top American players head off to European teams, we’re starting to get used to the fact that European players are coming over here! It was announced today that after a trial period, Montreal Impact are signing former Italian international Matteo Ferrari. While some are already critical of Ferrari’s age, I personally think he can bring a lot to this MLS team. Congrats to Ferrari and the Impact!

Serie A

A.C. Milan are going to have to mark Pato off their starting line up for their upcoming match against Palermo. The Brazilian striker – who has suffered through one injury already this season – has picked up another muscle injury last week during the team’s match against Juventus.

Champion’s League

Last year’s final of the Champion’s League in Wembley brought many negative headlines regarding the ticket prices. General sale tickets were 150 pounds! After the outcry from the public about such outrageous prices, UEFA apologized and decided to slash the prices – but don’t get too excited. Tickets for this year’s final in Munich will be 75 pounds, plus a booking fee. Oh, and don’t forget to factor in that exchange rate.

La Liga

Missed the Midweek Muscles post yesterday? Well, you might want to go check it out. Our own Tamara Reinhart shows you why Cristiano Ronaldo is definitely worthy of a MWM post.

Happy Tuesday everyone! A lot is happening in the soccer world. For example, waking up this morning to news that USWNT’s Alex Morgan joins the Seattle Sounders Women in the W-League, realizing that this week is busy for international friendlies or that Ashley Cole has his own opinion on England teammate John Terry. All that and more in today’s Daily Kick Around!

USWNT

After the dramatic downward spiral that is known as the suspension of the 2012-13 WPS season, the USL W-League club Seattle Sounders Women have officially added their third USWNT player by bringing in Alex Morgan. Morgan now joins her national teammates Hope Solo (who is a Sounders supporter) and Sydney Leroux, who joined the Sounders last month. Alex Morgan will now play in the same city as her boyfriend, Servando Carrasco, who plays for the Seattle Sounders in the MLS. Welcome to Seattle ladies!

International 

There’s three international friendlies being played today. For all the fixtures for today as well as tomorrow click here!

The England National team attended the England Footballers Foundation Lions and Roses Charity Dinner last night and posed for a team photo with Ashley Cole standing directly in front of John Terry, blocking him from view. Was this done on purpose or not? Probably not.

English Premier League

Despite rumors of a rift between Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and manager Andre Villas-Boas, AVB hopes that the England midfielder will continue wearing blue next season. On Saturday, Lampard became the only Premier League player to hit the double-figure mark in goals, showing his manager how much of a key player he really is.

There’s no doubt that Ryan Giggs and newly unretired Paul Scholes are United’s best players, perhaps even legends. And manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made that clear. Both men scored against Norwich City with Fergie praising the two gents in a post-match interview.

Scholes and Giggs are the best players this club has ever had. We could have played him against Ajax on Thursday but this game was more important and I knew we would need all our experienced players and Ryan and Scholesy in particular. That experience is really going to help us in the next couple of months.”

Fabricio Coloccini has yet to renew his contract with Newcastle after some disagreements in terms. The 30-year old insists to supporters that he wants to stay and hopes to be a part of any plans Newcastle will bring in the future.

Serie A

Lesson to all soccer players out there: If you punch someone, you will get banned. AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has been banned for 3 matches following his attack Juve’s Marco Borriello Saturday. At first, Italian refs didn’t see the incident but the league reviewed the match, calling it a violent misconduct between the former Roma teammates.

La Liga

Not only was Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing back-heel goal the highlight of Real Madrid’s match against Rayo Vallecano Sunday, but apparently so was Sergio Ramos’ elbow. It’s never an entertaining match unless Ramos gets a yellow, but in this case, he was lucky it wasn’t a red. Ramos elbowed Rayo’s Diego Costa right in the face. Ouch!