Mario Balotelli is back in Premier League. Liverpool announced Monday the Italian would join the Reds as soon as his registration is processed. He had to watch Liverpool’s season-opener from the stands Monday night, a thrashing at the hands of rival Manchester City.
Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata is reaping the benefits of his impression season with in Major League Soccer. Plata earned his first call-up to Ecuador’s national team since 2011 to take part in two U.S.-based friendlies in September.
Meanwhile, Tim Howard may be taking a break from U.S. National Men’s Team duty until next year, but he will be keeping plenty busy. In addition to continuing club duty with Everton, he will also publish a memoir about his life.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI Monday:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Howard memoir to be released December 9
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
MLS Ticker: Red Bulls not in for Podolski; Plata receives Ecuador call up; and more
SBI MLS Player of the Week: Obafemi Martins
SBI MLS Rookie of the Week: Adam Bedell
SBI MLS Team of the Week: D.C. United
MINOR LEAGUE SOCCER
NASL Week 7: A Look Back
NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE
Solo, Rapinoe push Reign past Spirit in NWSL playoffs semifinal
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER
Liverpool seals Balotelli transfer from AC Milan
Monday Kickoff: Di Maria to undergo medical; Falcao dismisses exit rumors; and more
Monday Evening Ticker: Manchester City thrashes Liverpool; Simeone handed new ban; and more
Soccer Monday: Your Running Commentary
We are about to find out just how good Luis Suarez really was last year.
Balo will finish the season with 15 goals and Liverpool no higher than 8th place.
I’ve said it a dozen times, a team that could clobber people 5-0 doesn’t need more striking, and w/ Sturridge, Lambert, and Balotelli it will be more than sufficient. What Liverpool needs is a set of backs who can pitch a shutout when they play the teams they are challenging for silverware. People keep telling me it was a transfer priority but what I see is 4 league GA and 3 shipped to City.