This Is American Soccer, US Soccer, MNT, WNT, and MLS - Tackling the subject of Soccer in the US, and worldwide.

Yesterday I updated the women’s march toward World Cup 2007, so what’s up with the men this week? While the Klinsmann rumor mill continues to spin, USSF did manage to make an actual announcement. And as we approach the weekend, all eyes are turning toward MLS to see if they can up the ante in the conference finals. Keeping you up to date, after the jump.

1

Has the USSF finally understood the need to play more games? Let’s hope this is the beginning of a long and painful learning curve, peaking at oh, say, 2010. No pain. no gain.

US accepts invitation to Copa America [Yanks Abroad]

2

Jeff Carlisle brings us up to speed in the western conference. I may not always agree with Jeff, but his reportage is stellar. He doesn’t miss much. He’s the Maude-Lebowski-doctor of soccer journalism. Thorough.

Western Conference

Frank Dell’Apa warms up the East coast.

Eastern Conference

And the Associate Press tries to figure out if the MLS playoff structure is better than that implemented in most soccer leagues. Just another American problem.

Winner Take All

3

Obviously, you are not a Yankee. Sports Illustrated’s Grag Lalas breaks down the economics of team building. We could argue over his 5 “good buys” forever, but he’d still be wrong, except for maybe Mapp. I like him and his beard. There are far too few nappy beards in sports outside of the YMCA. Anyhow, pretty-boy hasn’t worked so well thus far.

Buy low, sell high