It has been a great couple of weeks in the world of soccer watching, with the U.S. stunning the world (but not me) with their play at the Confederations Cup. A great performance against Egypt, a surprising upset of Spain, and a fantastic first half against Brazil had the U.S. this close to its first title at a major FIFA competition (for the full national men's team). Fortunately, that's not all the soccer we have to take in.
Next up is the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where is decidedly younger squad will take on decidedly less-challenging opposition. And of course, there's still MLS, where those that are left are battling to get their teams close to an all-important playoff spot. Several of the MLS players in action this past week have been clamoring for their own attention, and I'm going to give it to them.
First up is Fredy Montero of the Seattle Sounders. The Colombian youngster lit up the first match of the season but then seemed to lose focus. He's definitely back now, having found the net in four straight games. I'd tell you to snatch him up right away, but the Sounders have the July 4 weekend off. Definitely keep an eye on him, though, and grab him in time for Seattle's match against Houston on July 11.
Then there's also Nate Jaqua. Montero's teammate has three goals in his team's last three games, including a pair Sunday as the Sounders blew away the Colorado Rapids. Jaqua is another player that could make a fine addition to your team after Independence Day.
Real Salt Lake's Clint Mathis might be trying to get U.S. coach Bob Bradley's attention as well. The former U.S. star had a great game against Toronto FC Saturday, scoring a goal and setting up another. That's two goals and six assists for him on the season, which is two more goals and six more assists than he had in all of 2008. He's got a long way to go to get back to the glory days, but in the meantime he could probably help you gain some points, particularly since RSL's next game is at home Friday against the lowly San Jose Earthquakes.
And while we're on the subject of lowly teams, how bout those New York Red Bulls? They are just horrible. An MLS finalist last year, the club is now the worst team in the league with a 2-12-4 record. I would say they should send Juan Carlos Osorio packing, but what good would that do? They fire their coach every year, and every year they still stink (including last year, when a bit of luck and a short run of good form got them to the final). If Juan Pietravallo is on your team, you might want to drop him. Why? Because the team terminated his contract last week, that's why. Ouch.
I've already mentioned that the Sounders have next weekend off, but you should be aware that Chivas USA and Toronto FC also have some down time. Replace members of those clubs with others for this week. You can always go back and reclaim Zach Thornton or Amado Guevara if you want.
Make sure you tune in to the Gold Cup starting July 3, and get out there and support your local MLS teams as well. Enjoy the summer soccer!