Ahead of Landon Donovan’s farewell match, coach Jurgen Klinsmann took an upbeat tone on giving the U.S. Men’s National Team legend a proper send-off — even after the Donovan had harshly criticized Klinsmann’s decisions during the World Cup. Klinsmann told reporters on Tuesday that the farewell match won’t be awkward in light of Donovan’s post-World Cup comments. Donovan’s reaction was “good” because it showed he cared, Klinsmann said.
Klinsmann was less upbeat about Major League Soccer’s scheduling, though. He called MLS scheduling games through FIFA dates a “lose-lose” situation that was compromising American players who balance club and country duty. He added that MLS’ schedule “is not working anymore.”
Meanwhile, more minor league clubs are fighting to prove they can be the next MLS expansion city. The San Antonio Scorpions put together a proposed expansion of their current stadium to show they are nearly ready for MLS-sized crowds. Also Tuesday, details of an upcoming MLS viability assessment in Sacramento were announced.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI Tuesday:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Klinsmann on Donovan’s upcoming USMNT farewell: “Not awkward for me at all”
Klinsmann lashes out at MLS scheduling games on FIFA dates
Altidore to captain USMNT vs. Czech Republic
Who should the USMNT start vs. the Czech Republic?
The SBI Show: Episode 162 (Talking Transfer Deadline Day, USMNT, and more)
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Scorpions propose 10,000-seat stadium expansion as part of MLS push
MLS executives set visit for Sacramento viability check
MLS Ticker: Houston’s Hall out for season with torn ACL, Kamara ineligible until 2015, and more
SBI MLS Goal of the Week: Robbie Keane
SBI MLS Save of the Week: Bill Hamid
Red Bulls Notes: Cahill away for key stretch, Petke takes blame for Robles miscue, & more
YOUTH SOCCER
29 players invited to U.S. Under-17 residency program
College Soccer Weekend Rewind: UCLA starts strong, Indiana impresses, and more
EUROPEAN SOCCER
EPL summer transfers smash spending record
Tuesday Kickoff: Schweinsteiger named Germany captain; Monaco VP expresses regret; and more