Gregg Berhalter Is First American to Coach Professional Soccer in Europe

After decades of American soccer players failing to catch on with clubs in Europe, America’s brightest young players are finally getting the chance. In the 1990s, many of the US national team players were college players or guys that were signed full-time to be with the national team. Very few exceptions played in Europe. But now, guys like Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Steve Cherundolo, Michael Bradley and Carlos Bocanegra are fixtures on teams in the most elite leagues on the continent. Youngsters like Brek Shea, Tim Ream and Juan Agudelo are knocking on the door, all training with teams in the English Premier League. Playing in Europe is no longer an improbable dream but a realistic possibility. So naturally, it’s time to start venturing to the next frontier—coaching in Europe.Gregg Berhalter, a former USMNT defender, has been hired by Hammarby IF of Sweden’s Superettan (second division) to be its new head coach. Berhalter signed a two-year deal with an option for a third. He is the first American-born former national team player to coach a team in Europe. Hammarby, the former club of Charlie Davies, is ...

MLS: Sporting Kansas City, Omar Bravo Agree to Cruz Azul Move

Sporting Kansas City announced Monday they had agreed to terms to allow striker Omar Bravo to transfer to Cruz Azul for the upcoming 2012 season.Bravo played in the Mexican Primera División for 10 years before signing with Sporting Kansas City in August 2010. In accordance with club and league policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.In the press release announcing the move, Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes thanked Bravo for his service to the club.“We want to thank Omar (Bravo) for his time with Sporting Kansas City on and off the field,” Vermes said. “His competitive nature and savviness played a big part in our first season at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. We wish him nothing but success in his new ventures.”This transaction will open up an international rosters spot as well as a Designated Player position for Sporting Kansas City.In the same press release, Bravo did not rule out a return to Kansas City or MLS.“I want to thank Peter (Vermes), the Sporting Kansas City ownership, and MLS for a great opportunity and experience during the memorable 2011 season,” Bravo said. “For personal reasons, I am returning to the Primera División ...

LA Galaxy Transfers: 10 Potential Replacements for David Beckham

With the 2011 Asia Pacific Tour finally in the rear view mirror of Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, the million-dollar question is officially asked: who is going to replace midfielder David Beckham as the team's third designated player?A number of names have been thrown around. and Bleacher Report, courtesy of yours truly, offer 10 of these names for your consideration.Begin Slideshow

MLS: 10 Things It Does Better Than the Premier League

Some people don’t realize that the English Premier League is only a few years older than Major League Soccer. Nevertheless, it’s the tradition of the soccer teams in England that has allowed the EPL to become one of the best leagues in the world.  Yet, the little ‘ole MLS has thrived in the United States, and even though not at the caliber of the EPL, there are several things that MLS was done better than the EPL over the last decade of its existence. Begin Slideshow

New York Red Bulls: 5 Things to Be Done for Next Year

New York had a disappointing season last year, we can all agree on that one.  They also had quite a few breakdowns (most were quite ugly), but they did show some great play from time to time and could be exciting and enjoyable to watch.  They certainly should be in the MLS elite.  Here's my five changes to help New York.Begin Slideshow

David Beckham: 10 Bold Predictions on What LA Galaxy Star Will Do Next

David Beckham's future is source of constant speculation at the moment.Since the storybook finish to his career with the Los Angeles Galaxy, there have been a variety of rumors concerning what Beckham will do with his future.Common thought processes would dictate that Beckham's future lies in the football world in some way, but as much as he is likely to keep playing, he could also retire.The Beckham's have built a pretty cozy life in LA since their move and it would be hard to see the family moving again, but it could happen. Some of these bold predictions should definitely be taken lightly, but there is always the possibility that they could be in the mix as well.In the end, what Beckham does will be his decision and everyone will wait to see what it is.Here are 10 bold predictions on what the LA Galaxy star will do next.Begin Slideshow

LA Galaxy-Melbourne Victory: Final MLS Game for David Beckham?

The Los Angeles Galaxy wrapped up their whirlwind tour of Asia and the Pacific, and also put an end to one of the most productive seasons a Major League Soccer team has ever had.In possibly the final game featuring David Beckham in a Galaxy jersey, L.A. matched up against a team who resembles their Australian mirror image.As a fan, it was an interesting game to watch. It resembled a Premier League game, as the opposing squad's style of play is reminiscent of English football.One could almost envision this game being played in England, and Fox's coverage and the stadium atmosphere reinforced it—albeit without the soccer chanting common to Premier League games.A fatigued Galaxy team playing their third game in six days, halfway around the world, helped level the competitive playing field.The Galaxy were obviously running on fumes—their body language showed a tired team during the game—but it looked like they were trying to win. One could see it in their faces. Outside of Omar Gonzalez, who flew back to Los Angeles in order to tend to family matters, and Juninho, sidelined by an injury picked up in Indonesia during the first game of the Asia trip, the Galaxy largely played ...

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Melbourne Victory: Analysis, Reaction and More

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy wrap up what has been a sensational 2011 campaign when they take on Mehmet Durakovic’s Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on Tuesday, Dec. 6. This is the final leg of the Galaxy's Asia Pacific Tour 2011. The Galaxy are coming off a 6-1 rout of the Philippine national team and are taking on a Victory side that suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Newcastle Jets on Saturday at Ausgrid Stadium in Newcastle, New South Wales. Los Angeles, led by David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane, finished their season 19-5-10 (67 points), earning a Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup double. As for the Victory, who are led by Harry Kewell, Archie Thompson and Carlos Hernandez, they are in the doldrums, managing a 2-2-5 record (12 points) this year. The match will be televised by Fox Sports 1 in Australia and Fox Soccer Channel in the United States and Canada. Keep it right here on Bleacher Report for continuing coverage of the Major League Soccer offseason and all things World Football.Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Union 2011: End of Season Awards

With the disappointment of the postseason still lingering, it is easy to forget just how much of an improvement this season was for the Philadelphia Union. The team made a 16-point increase and moved up in the East standings from 7th to 3rd in the matter of just one season.The offense and defense both improved, increasing the team's goal differential from minus-14 to plus-8. Also, the Union were able to make PPL Park a fortress, conceding just one loss at home. Only the L.A. Galaxy, who were not defeated at the Home Depot Center, had fewer home losses.The players really stepped it up this year, and these particular players were the best of the best.Begin Slideshow

MLS: Sporting Kansas City Acquires Bobby Convey from San Jose

Sporting Kansas City announced today they had acquired Bobby Convey from the San Jose Earthquakes. In exchange, the Earthquakes will receive an international roster spot.Convey, 28, has played for the United States national team, including in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and joins Sporting Kansas City having played in San Jose for the last three years. He was named an MLS All-Star in 2010 and 2011 and has scored 11 goals to go along with 35 assists in 164 MLS matches.In a press release, Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes highlighted why he thought Convey would do well with his new team.“Bobby Convey has been a difference-maker in this League for many years, with experience at the highest levels of soccer,” Vermes said. “His competitiveness and attacking qualities stand out and we feel that he can thrive within the culture created at Sporting Kansas City. We are very excited to welcome Bobby to our club.”A native of Philadelphia, Convey became the youngest player to ever sign with MLS at the age of 16 before the 2000 season. He appeared in 72 matches for DC United before the age of 21, earning not only a starting role ...