Photo by ISI Photos
Good morning folks. If you’re hungry for some American soccer news, I’ve got some tidbits to tide you over.
Here are some news and notes:
Polish media is reporting a USA-Poland match in Poland on March 26. US Soccer officials insist that no match has been set. (UPDATE– US Soccer president Sunil Gulati wrote me back this morning about this match with the following gem. "I can confirm the presence of rumors about this match." Yes, he’s a president AND a comedian.)
Alecko Eskandarian is re-signing with MLS, but his career with Real Salt Lake is over. According to sources at RSL, Alecko is set to be dealt to Chivas USA. The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that Real Salt Lake will receive a major allocation in the deal.
D.C. United is set to re-open contract talks with Christian Gomez this week. D.C. general manager Dave Kasper stated that the club hopes to re-sign Gomez and that several MLS clubs have expressed interesting acquiring the Argentine playmaker.
Columbus Crew head coach Sigi Schmid acknowledged that the Crew is considering hiring a technical director.
At least one MLS team is already in trade talks that could see a first-round pick in the upcoming MLS Draft shipped away.
The Chicago Fire head coaching search is STILL going. According to sources, John Spencer and Denis Hamlett are the final two candidates. A decision is expected by Thursday, but given the way this search has gone, nothing is guaranteed.
Chicago Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens has already begun impressing at his trial with English club Norwich City. Pickens, who is out of contract, is exploring his options overseas and is far from a safe bet to return to the Fire.