A Day Off

MLSR is taking a day off this Friday, we'll be back Monday . Hopefully we will have some big news to report. We may check in this weekend if anything breaks on other sites. In the meantime, enjoy the footb... soccer.

EXPANSION: Philadelphia's Logo/Crest?

MLSR received this logo/crest from someone purported to be part of the marketing and design firm employed by an investment group looking to bring MLS to Philadelphia. Source claimed that it was "an early mock up for Philadelphia Independence FC" which would begin playing in the 2009 season if the logo is to be believed. MLSR can not vouch for the veracity of this source but we as a rumors blog pass it on for what its worth.

BREAKING: LA Galaxy's Frank Yallop to step down in 24-48 hrs

MLSR has learned that within the next 24-48 hours Frank Yallop will be history. He may be gone before or soon after the SuperLiga final according to conflicting reports. Our trusted source states that how his departure would be orchestrated was discussed at a meeting last night at the Home Depot Center.

OUTGOING: Brian Carroll and/or Bobby Boswell from DC United

MLSR has learned from one of our new sources that DC United midfielder Brian Carroll and last year's MLS Defender of the Year, Bobby Boswell are currently on the chopping block for trade or movement within the league. With both Chicago and Dallas having surplus players they need to get rid of, Thiago, Adrian Serioux and Marcello Saragosa, that them prime candiates for a trade. It should be noted that Boswell has been benched for the last two game and there have bee n rumblings of a possible trade for about a week. Previously we reported Thiago being a possible target for DC United, one thing to consider is that With Mapp out with ankle injury, a Carroll pick up would certainly help out Chicago's mid-field. Meanwhile Thiago could bolster DC's already deep attacking options. It must be stressed that the source for this rumor is new to us and we are unable to judge their veracity.

INCOMING: Shevchenko to DC United?

MLSR has learned that officials from MLS and DC United have recently approached Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko about becoming a Designated Player in the 2008 season. While MLSR is doubtful of the possibility that he'd be playing here next season, it should be noted that DC United has been aggressive in the transfer market pursuing such high profile players as Riquelme and Veron. Talks were described by our source as "exploratory and introductory". It should be noted that Shevchenko's wife is American model Kristen Pazik who has family in the Washington, DC area and expressed interest in having her kids learn and speak American English. Previously the Ukranian striker has admitted that he would someday like to follow David Beckham to the United States. MLSR will keep a close eye on this story and report any further developments.

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SPONSORS: Chicago Fire to be next to announce shirt sponsor.

MLSR has learned that following an announcement of the complete sale of AEG's Chicago Fire, the club is poised to complete a transaction and announce their shirt sponsor. Adidas has already produced several jerseys that have been redesigned to include the sponsor.

OUTGOING: Frank Yallop asked to resign next week.

MLSR has learned through a trusted source that Frank Yallop, coach of the LA Galaxy was asked to turn in his resignation after Sunday's game vs Colorado. "Yallop seemed almost relieved when he received the news. He has been under a great deal of stress and it looked as if the weight of the world had lifted off his shoulders." If this is true then Yallop will be gone before the Galaxy's next home game which is likely to be Beckham's next match vs Real Salt Lake on September 1.

INCOMING: Jurgen Klinsmann OUTGOING: Frank Yallop

As the search for a replacement for Frank Yallop proceeds, MLSR sources report that Jurgen Klinsmann has formally been offered the job of LA Galaxy coach/manager.Sources say Klinsmann has been seen touring the Home Depot Center facilities. Jurgen Klinsmann does not live far from Carson, CA and would a natural choice for a high level coach with international experience.



Frank, San Jose awaits.

EXPANSION: A tale of three cities: Philadelphia, Seattle, St Louis on track for '09 and 2010 expansion.

According to a source close to MLS HQ, "There are three cities in advanced stages of their plans. The Commissioner will announce two of them by this year's MLS Cup. A third may yet be announced in early 2008."

MLSR has learned that Philadelphia and Seattle have reached 'an advanced stage in their path towards becoming MLS expansion cities for 09. In Seattle, at least one investment group has hired an architectural firm to draw up plans for a 21,000 seat soccer specific stadium. The political process is moving forward in Philadelphia with the Governor giving the plan to build a soccer specific stadium in Chester, PA just outside of the city. In both cities the services of several sports marketing firms have been procured by would-be owner investors. Trademarks are pending and Internet domain names are being registered. In St Louis, the owner and MLS are awaiting the results a September vote on a plan to build a stadium in Collinsville, IL just outside of St Louis.

In an ever changing MLS expansion picture, Las Vegas and Portland have dropped to being likely in the 2010 expansion one of which would likely join a 2nd New York City club.

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INCOMING: Denilson to FC Dallas - Done Deal

Here is an update on one of our DP signing rumors: Multiple MLSR sources indicate that the Denilson to FC Dallas deal is complete, The hold up was that Denilson was awaiting Visa paperwork clearance and other red-tape issues. Sources indicate that he will trade his red tape for red hoops and appear at a news conference Monday or Tuesday of next week.

OUTGOING: Player released from Fire, possibly headed to DC United INCOMING: Yet Another Brazilian to DC United?

MLSR has learned from a source in Chicagoland that Chicago Fire striker Thiago has been released and is likely part of a trade with DC United. What Chicago Fire would get from DC at this point is unclear. Even more unclear is why DC would want to make such a trade for a striker when they have a pretty deep roster at that position. Should such a trade happen, Thiago would be joining two of his countrymen. DC United already has two players from Brazil, league leading goal scorer Emilio and Fred. Perhaps it is a case of "3 is a charm"?




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INCOMING: William Conde to Chicago Fire

The Fire Just Got Hotter.

MLSR has learned the Chicago Fire have signed 26 year old defender William Conde from Columbian side Millonarios. Conde is a member of the Columbian national team. Conde has also played for Argentina's 1st division side, Tigre.

OUTGOING: Clavijo to be shown the door soon?

MLSR has learned that going into tonight's match vs New England, Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo has a bit more to worry about. His job. A source known to us and close to Kronke Sports and Entertainment said: "If the Rapids do not win tonight's nationally televised (ESPN2), game vs New England, some heads are gonna roll sooner rather than later." When pressed further this sources said, "the chopping starts at the top". MLSR presumes that to be Fernando Clavijo. When asked about these rumors one source close to the club said, "I would not be surprised. our 'game winning goal' and only recent win came from an own goal by Houston, we lost 5-0 to a USL team in Seattle and they just built this new stadium and spent a ton of money marketing the team around town. Somethings gotta change and it would be nice if it did before the playoffs" Earlier this week the radio show "On The Pitch" made light of the situation, almost to a point of it sounding forced. "On The Pitch" airs on the Radio Colorado network and podcast through MLS's website.

SPONSORS: Houston Dynamo get shirt sponsor, Colorado and Chicago next

This report indicates Houston Dynamo becomes the latest MLS club to ink a deal with a shirt sponsor. A MLSR source we checked with says deals are likely to be announced in Colorado and Chicago next.

EXPANSION: BMO Field to Expand?

Usually when we start an expansion entry we have a story of a city's plan to enter MLS. This story is different in that it does not deal with a city but a stadium.


An MLSR source close to Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects, the firm which designed BMO Field states that the firm was hired to draw up plans for expanding the newly complete BMO Field facilities, home of Toronto FC. This request came from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and is said to consist of two plans or phases.


Phase one would consist of two parts (a and b) which would see BMO Field's 20,200 capacity increased by 5,000 to each time to reach a total capacity of 30,500.

Phase two would see the addition of a partial canopy roof as seen above many stadiums around the world.

When asked when these changes might take place our source said that if ticket demand remained high next season then we could see phase one construction in the 2009 and 2010 off seasons and phase two sometime around 2012-2013.

COMPETITION: MLS to Consider Changing International Player Rules at this years Board of Governors meeting

With the greater interest in investing in Major League Soccer, slightly more ambitious expansion (18 clubs by 2012) and increased international competition fixtures, MLSR has learned that the MLS Board of Govenors will meet later this year to discuss the following:

* Adding a 2nd Designated player per team.

* Increasing the salary cap to between 3.5 and 4.6 million for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

* Changing rules on international players to make any US or Canadian player count as a domestic player

* Changing the rules on Senior and Youth Internationals to allow one more of each per team.

More as it develops....

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INCOMING: Oscar Echeverry to Chivas USA

A confidential trusted source in the US and this report from Colombia indicates that Chivas USA will soon be announcing the signing of Colombian forward Oscar Echeverry from Colombian side Atlético Nacional.

EXPANSION: St. Louis United to become #15 or #16

MLSR has learned that assuming a positive vote after a meeting on Monday, the 15th or 16th expansion city most likely will be St. Louis with the club to be called St Louis United. Their website and this MLS report explains their plans to build an 18,500 seat Soccer Specific Stadium just outside of St Louis in Collinsville, IL. (pictured left) The group behind St Louis United went so far as to register their domain name.

BECKS: Beckham will make MLS debut against DC United tonight

MLS Rumors has learned from a Washington, DC broadcast media source that David Beckham is going to make his debut at tonights sold out 45,000 match at RFK stadium.

Our source states, "He d (Beckham) trained and felt a bit better. He can run and his ankle is far less sore than a week ago. While he is not fully 100% fit he is feeling good enough to play a little. He won't start. He'll likely come on in the 65th minute as a substitution."

When asked about the reasoning behind this change of plans (MLSNet.com still lists him as doubtful) our source said:

"England manager Steve McClaren is a special VIP of DC United and will be watching him to decide whether to include him in the England team for their Euro qualifying. David Beckham desperately wants to continue playing for England.