Soccer By Ives

Songo'o shines as Timbers defeat Galaxy 4-1 in preseason scrimmage

 

BY ADAM SERRANO

CARSON, Calif. -- Cameroonian midfielder Franck Songo'o stole the show for the Portland Timbers as the trialist set up a pair of goals to help lead the Timbers to a 4-1 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday in the first MLS pre-season match for both teams.

Bright Dike opened the scoring in the eighth minute finishing a corner kick from trialist Franck Songo'o. A minute later, Songo'o helped the Timbers double their lead after connecting with Jorge Perlaza for the Timbers second goal.  

After both teams made wholesale changes at outset of the second half, James Marcelin gave the Timbers a 3-0 lead finishing a chance created by a through-ball from Khalif Alhassan in the 67th minute. Dan Keat ended the Timbers' shutout hopes in the 80th with the second-year midfielder scoring on an overhead kick from six yards out.

The Timbers finished the scoring the 85th minute when Mamadou "Futty" Danso converted on a penalty kick after a Kyle Nakazawa hand ball. After a through victory over the defending MLS Cup champions, Timbers head coach John Spencer was encouraged by his club's performance. 

"It was a good first half from all of the guys that played in that half," said Spencer. "We went up on two quick goals with some good plays and passing movement and two very good finishes. "

Observations, notes, lineups and highlights from the scrimmage are after the jump:

Juninho returns on loan to Galaxy

The Los Angeles Galaxy's search for Juninho's replacement has ended with Juninho himself.

The Sao Paulo central midfielder is on his way back to Los Angeles for another loan spell with the Galaxy. Multiple reports out of Brazil say that Sao Paulo manager Emerson Leao had no plans to use the 23-year-old Juninho, who signed a new three-year deal with Sao Paulo during the MLS offseason. According to a team release, the loan will span the 2012 MLS season.

In addition to Juninho returning, the Galaxy also announced that they've acquired the full rights to former Sao Paulo centerback Leonardo, who is still on the comeback trail from a torn ACL and LCL, on a free transfer.

After initially losing Juninho, the Galaxy added Marcelo Sarvas from Alajuelense and acquired Kyle Nakazawa from the Philadelphia Union. Now that his return is completed, they'll both provide backup depth for the Brazilian and David Beckham, as the Galaxy will return their entire starting midfield from their 2011 MLS Cup run.

Buddle believes German detour has made him better

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIPhotos.com

BY ADAM SERRANO

CARSON, Calif. -- Fresh off his year and a half long stint in Germany, Edson Buddle does not feel like the same player that departed the Los Angeles Galaxy after a stellar 2010 season. 

He believes that he's even better.

Buddle's return to the Galaxy became official last Thursday when the U.S. International returned to the club that he scored after spending the past year and a half with 2. Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt 04.  During his time in Germany, Buddle tallied nine goals in 32 appearances for Die Schanzer before having his contract terminated in mid-January. 

The 30-year-old striker may have found some success in Germany, but was forced to watch from a distance while many of his teammates lifted the MLS Cup. After his first training session with the Galaxy since returning, Buddle insists he has not second-guessed his move to Germany. 

"No regrets, I do things without regrets and I think that I learned a lot as far as European soccer and the system and I got to appreciate how hard that they train in Germany,"  Buddle told reporters on Monday morning. "That’s probably one of the weaknesses of my game is training and conditioning. I’ve been able to condition myself and prepare myself a lot better for each and every game." 

Expectations high as Buddle returns to LA

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIPhotos.com

By ADAM SERRANO

CARSON, Calif. -- With Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Robbie Keane, the Los Angeles Galaxy boasted one of the strongest rosters in MLS.

Now with the addition of Edson Buddle, the Galaxy's attack may be the finest in league history. 

Buddle returns to the Galaxy after leaving the club at the outset of the 2011 season to join 2. Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt 04. During his three and a half year stint with the Galaxy, Buddle amassed  44 goals in 82 games during three and a half seasons with the club.  

Excitement over Buddle's return has reached a fever pitch with Galaxy fans intending to meet the forward when he arrives in Los Angeles International Airport on Friday evening. 

“It's nice to have Edson back,” said head coach Bruce Arena, who also confirmed Buddle would return to training Monday. “He's going to be a good addition to our team...We've been in contact with Edson's representative for a while, and we've always made him aware of the fact that if the opportunity presented itself where he could come back, we'd sure like to get him back.”

Galaxy Notebook: Villarreal out six weeks, Birchall's status in question and more

 

BY ADAM SERRANO

The Los Angeles Galaxy enjoyed a banner day on Wednesday, but it was by no means a perfect one. 

After signing forward Edson Buddle and acquiring midfielder Kyle Nakazawa in a deal from the Philadelphia Union, the Galaxy learned that homegrown signing Jose Villarreal will be out for six weeks. The youngster had missed several training sessions this week and now must undergo surgery to repair  bilateral lower-leg compartment syndrome, an aliment discovered by Galaxy staff that has bothered the youngster for some time. 

With the midfielder not expected to play major role in the upcoming season, the Galaxy were quick to correct the issue.

"[Villarreal] probably had this issue for awhile," head coach Bruce Arena told reporters on Wednesday. "I'm happy it has been identified and we can get him fixed up so hes headed in the right direction. He's still a young kid and we he'll be back on the field in the near future."

Galaxy acquire Nakazawa from Union

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com

The Los Angeles Galaxy and Philadelphia Union both made their fair share of headlines this week, so it is only appropriate that they combined for another one.

Los Angeles acquired central midfielder Kyle Nakazawa and a second-round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft from Philadelphia Wednesday in exchange for an international roster spot.

The move loosens up a bit of a logjam that the Union have at central midfield while giving the club a ninth international roster spot. Seven of those spots are currently being used.

As for the Galaxy, who have seven international roster spots for this season following the trade, they get a player who provides another alternative for Bruce Arena as the club searches for a steady replacement for Juninho. Nakazawa, a UCLA product and California native, played in 22 games -- and started 14 -- last season, his second in MLS.

What do you think of the trade? Do you see Nakazawa being a factor for the Galaxy?

Share your thoughts below.

Buddle returning to Galaxy

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com

For the other 18 teams in MLS, knocking the Los Angeles Galaxy off their perch atop the league just became a bit more difficult.

U.S. national team forward Edson Buddle is rejoining the Galaxy after being released from his contract with FC Ingolstadt 04 on Tuesday, sources told SBI. Los Angeles maintained his MLS rights following his free transfer to Ingolstadt last January, and the club will welcome him back into the fold for what is shaping up to be the league's most potent attack. In 2010, his last season in MLS, Buddle scored 17 goals, finishing second to Chris Wondolowski for the league's golden boot.

With Buddle starting alongside Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan and David Beckham occupying spots in the midfield behind them, the Galaxy will have a wealth of All-Star-caliber attacking talent. Buddle also provides more than ample cover for when Keane has to leave the club for Republic of Ireland duty at Euro 2012.  

Sarvas eager to build his own legacy with the Galaxy

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIPhotos.net

BY ADAM SERRANO

CARSON, Calif. -- Marcelo Sarvas has some big cleats to fill. 

Brought in from Costa Rican side Alajuelense, the 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder was signed by the Los Angeles Galaxy during the offseason as a replacement for fellow Brazilian Juninho. A fan favorite, Juninho served as the club's midfield engine for two seasons, helping the Galaxy to consecutive Supporters Shield titles and the 2011 MLS Cup. 

With Juninho called back to Sao Paulo after a stellar two year stint in MLS, expectations are high for Sarvas to immediately pick up where his countryman left off. While expect him to be a carbon copy of his replacement, Sarvas is interested in building his own legacy with the Galaxy. 

“I know the Juninho’s story here is great. He did good things during the years that he spent here,” Sarvas said. “But I am not here to replace Juninho. I am here to play my own game. We have different characteristics and I’m hoping to win my own place."

MLS Notes: Saputo addresses Del Piero talk, Boyd passes on Houston and more

Juventus and Italian national team legend Alessandro Del Piero has long been linked with a move to MLS, and despite recent reports having him wind up with the Montreal Impact, the club's president set the record straight on the matter.

Joey Saputo admitted to having discussions with the 37-year-old Del Piero's representatives on two occasions -- last April in Montreal and last June in Italy -- while discussing a potential move to MLS, but offered that Del Piero has his eyes on the league's two major markets should he come to America.

"We were advised by his group in August 2011 that Alessandro would rather focus on New York or Los Angeles," Saputo said in a statement released by the Impact. "There has been no discussion since then. There is no truth to the rumour that we want the player at all cost. Although we feel that Alessandro would have been a good addition to our club and the city, we respect his decision to look elsewhere in MLS. With the knowledge of soccer in the city, Montreal deserves a Designated Player but the conditions must be right."

The Los Angeles Galaxy currently would not be an option for Del Piero, because all three of the club's Designated Player spots are occupied (David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane). New York would be a potential fit, because the departure of goalkeeper Frank Rost leaves Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez as the two lone DPs.

Here are a couple of more items from around MLS:

Several familiar faces missing as Galaxy open training camp

BY ADAM SERRANO

CARSON, Calif. –Fresh off one of the most successful seasons, the Los Angeles Galaxy returned to the practice field amid a steady downpour at the Home Depot Center.

Missing several pieces like Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane (both on loan), Omar Gonzalez (injury) and Juninho (joined Sao Paulo) the club returned to the training ground in preparation for their CONCACAF Champions League matches against Toronto FC in March.There may have be a number of faces missing on the first day of camp, but the Galaxy revealed that one member of the 2011 MLS Cup Champion side would be returning.

Brazilian defender Leonardo is set to return to the club on an extension of his previous loan agreement from Brazilian club Sao Paulo.  The Brazilian defender is still recovering from tearing his ACL and LCL in his right knee last April.

“Leonardo will be coming back. He’ll be in this week,” said head coach Bruce Arena. “He’s getting close [to returning], he should be fully able to play in April.”

Wolves 2, Aston Villa 3: Match Highlights

Leiweke ponders Galaxy legacy after bringing Beckham back with new deal

By ADAM SERRANO

LOS ANGELES -- David Beckham has always been a vital part of AEG president Tim Leiweke's plans for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Now as Beckham prepares for his second stint with the club, Leiweke is considering the legacy that he will leave on his team. 

On Thursday, the AEG-owned Galaxy announced that Beckham had re-upped with the club on a new two-year contract, turning away interest from several teams including French giant Paris-St. Germain. Now as he looks ahead to the next two years, Leiweke hopes that the Galaxy will build the foundation for a storied legacy. 

"When I grew up, you always heard about the legendary Cosmos and the impact that they had on soccer," Leiweke said. "Even today there are people that argue that the Cosmos is the greatest brand in soccer, but I think that the Galaxy is the greatest brand in soccer ever, and we're trying to create that legacy right now."

Breaking down Beckham's comeback

The biggest MLS story of the off-season hit Los Angeles on Thursday, as news of David Beckham's return to the LA Galaxy made headlines around the world.

What does Beckham's return really mean for the Galaxy, MLS and American soccer? Here is my Fox Soccer column on what it means, and how we got to this point.

Also, here is my Fox Soccer video breakdown of Beckham's return to MLS:

What do you think of Beckham coming back? Excited about the move? Think it's a mistake? See it as a sign that MLS is growing?

Share your thoughts below.

Beckham re-signs with the Galaxy, hints at future ownership in MLS

Photo by Kevin Cardem/Fox Sports

BY ADAM SERRANO

LOS ANGELES --It is official, David Beckham will be returning to MLS and it appears that he may be staying for quite some time. 

The Los Angeles Galaxy presented Beckham before a group of reporters on Thursday to announce his new two-year-deal with the club. 

The 36-year-old Beckham returns to the Galaxy after enjoying a career year for Los Angeles in 2011 leading the Galaxy to the MLS Cup title. In addition to clinching the first MLS Cup since 2005, Beckham was awarded with the MLS Comeback Player of the Year as well as an MLS Best XI selection while helping the Galaxy to their second consecutive Supporters Shield. 

After a year of speculation about his future, linking him to teams in London and Paris, Beckham admitted that it was his family, who came first when he ultimately made his decision. 

“At this stage of my career, at this moment of my life, my family and my children are the most important thing to me,” Beckham said in a press conference on Thursday afternoon at Staples Center. “My children love living here and, at the end of the day, at 36 years old, to have the offers I had thrown at me, you have to look at it.”

Beckham returns to Galaxy on 2-year deal

Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com

At long last, the David Beckham sweepstakes is officially over, and the Los Angeles Galaxy are the winners.

The league's original Designated Player signed a two-year deal with the Galaxy on Wednesday, putting an end to a long-winded bout of speculation regarding his future. After spurning Paris-St. Germain's advances, it was expected that Beckham would return to MLS. The fact that his new deal is for more than just one season, though, is a bit of a curveball.

"This was an important decision for me," Beckham, whose initial five-year deal with MLS expired at the end of last year, said in a team-issued release. "I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, I'm still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy."

"I've seen first-hand how popular soccer is now in the States, and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here. My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America, and we look forward to spending many more years here."

As SBI reported earlier in the day, Beckham is going to be re-introduced at a Thursday press conference. The event is set for 2 p.m. PT at the Staples Center. 

Sources: Beckham to re-sign with Galaxy, announcement set for this week

BY ADAM SERRANO

David Beckham is returning to Los Angeles.

Sources confirmed to Soccer By Ives on Wednesday that the English star would be returning to the Los Angeles Galaxy for the upcoming 2012 season. 

A press conference is expected to take place on Thursday in Los Angeles to announce Beckham's re-signing.

Beckham will head into the 2012 MLS season, his sixth with the Galaxy, looking to help lead the Galaxy in the CONCACAF Champions League, and will try to help LA repeat as champions.

Beckham had been rumored to be joining French side Paris St. Germain, but turned away their advances last month, paving the way for a return to the defending MLS Cup champion Galaxy.