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    Guest
    It was just words, and Canadian fans have been burned by words before, but Julian de Guzman delivered some news today that few dreamed they would ever hear.
    Speaking to The Score’s James Sharman, de Guzman said the following about his younger brother, Villarreal’s Jonathan de Guzman:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Jonathan, of course, burned Canadian fans four years ago when he declared his intentions to play for the Dutch. He represented Holland at the 2008 Olympics. Many Canadians were turned off by the way the decision went down, as Jonathan had told Sportsnet’s Gerry Dobson that he had yet to make up him mind in an interview that had been taped less than a week before he declared for Holland.
    He remains eligible to play for Canada because he was never called by the full Dutch senior side. Although he is undoubtedly talented – he would instantly be Canada’s most accomplished player -- he appears to be far down Holland’s depth chart.
    Understandably Canadian fans were excited by the revelation. Within minutes, people were speculating as to where he’d fit into a Canadian line-up. After a mediocre round of World Cup qualifying, and at the end of a four year stretch for the national team that has been, to put it mildly, underwhelming that’s understandable – no one should blame a Canadian fan for being a fan today.
    However, some caution is necessary. CSN confirmed that the CSA is looking into the procedure that would need to take place to repatriate Jonathan, but sources close to the situation stressed that this is still not close to being a sure thing. Jonathan has told them that he is considering a return, but has in no way committed to it.
    Some have even speculated that this could be a ploy by Jonathan to force the Dutch to call him up or risk losing him. That seems a tad too cynical, but you can understand why some may be cautious – once burned and all that.
    As important as it is to remain cautious, it’s also vital that Canadian fans celebrate the positive. Julian has been asked what Jonathan’s plans were several times in the past and has always consistently answered the same way – it was his brother’s choice and his brother had decided to play for Holland. Additionally, Jonathan has been asked several times since the switch and there has never been any indication that he would ever come back to Canada.
    Until today.
    It’s too early to celebrate his return, but for once there is hope. And that’s a lot more than there was not long ago.
    Guest
    First off... holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit!
    Now then, James Sharman of The Score delivered the most unexpected -- and significant -- blockbuster news in Canadian soccer this week (month? year?) when he got Julian de Guzman to spill the beans that his brother, Jonathan, was considering playing for the Canadian men's national team.
    This, years after most Canadian fans assumed Jono -- or JDG2 -- was gone forever, choosing as he did to play for Netherlands youth squads in several international tournaments. Then, in 2009, FIFA changed its cap-tying rules -- in a cruel twist, those rules allowed a certain young goalkeeper to switch his allegiance from Canada to Bosnia. But that same rule change made it possible that JDG2 could, one day, theoretically, still play for Canada.
    And while Sharman's scoop is what has the Canadian soccer world buzzing, Jonathan de Guzman actually opened the door for this news during an appearance on the Beyond The Pitch podcast on Sunday.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    When asked by one of the hosts about whether he'd ever consider playing for Canada, Jono said:
    One of those "close ones" would, presumably, be his brother Julian, who then passed it on to Sharman.
    Now, the cynic might say that Jono is just fudging the truth, or trying to be diplomatic. But think about it: what possible reason would be have to lie about his intentions at this point? The super-cynic would say that he's just using the prospect of playing for us as a means to get back on the Dutch radar. But then, why get his brother involved? Why would Julian also lie to the Canadian fans, for whom he proudly plays?
    The extra-super-duper-cynic would present the ridiculous theory that Jonathan is just manipulating his brother for his own, Netherlands-themed purposes. At this point, the cynic would be shown the location of the door and provided with a non-negotiable invitation to leave promptly.
    Interestingly, the Beyond The Pitch crew ask Jono if he's talked about the matter with Villareal teammate Giuseppe Rossi, an American-born striker who chose to represent Italy in international play, and Jono says that he has. We can only guess as to the content of that discussion, but one would imagine Jono is aware of the extent to which Rossi is reviled in the land of his birth...
    ... which brings us to another point. A lot of Canadian fans are probably doing big-time 180s now when it comes to JDG2. Let's not kid ourselves, there was plenty of scorn heaped on Jono's decision when it was made -- and in the ensuing years -- and plenty of folks who once spewed vitriol are now bubbling with excitement about the potential reunion of the de Guzman brothers in the Canadian midfield.
    Frankly, they're right to do so (be excited, that is, not be hypocrites). The younger de Guzman would almost certainly be a boost to the Canadian roster, if he played to his full ability. If he was able to actively contribute to the team, it would -- in whatever small way -- increase their chances of making it to the World Cup. And that's why you support the team, isn't it? In the hopes that they'll qualify for the finals of the world's biggest sporting tournament?
    To be clear, this may all amount to nothing. Perhaps he won't get the right paperwork, perhaps he'll get injured... hell, perhaps he'll change his mind again. Absolutely nothing is guaranteed until he actually sets foot on the pitch, in a Canadian jersey, in either a World Cup qualifier or Gold Cup match. Canadian fans are preconditioned to assume that any positive development will be turned on its head or ripped away from them in some way... and maybe that's what will happen here.
    But for the sake of our collective mental health, let's all just allow ourselves -- for a day or two, at least -- to think some positive thoughts about what this development, if it comes to fruition, could mean for Mission 2014.
    Guest

    JDG2 back in picture

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    The Score's James Sharman released a portion of an interview he had with Julian de Guzman today. In it, Julian reveals that his brother, Villarreal midfielder Jonathan de Guzman, is now considering representing Canada internationally.
    More soon, but for now you can watch the clip here.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Guest
    Long Balls can’t remember the last time we shook ourselves awake on Monday morning so eager to spill tales of the weekend’s Canadians-abroad action to our buddies. A Premier League debut, a Scottish Premier League scoring debut, a brace of braces and even an encouraging tactical headbutt receipt.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    A series of Google searches leads Long Balls to the conclusion that prior to Saturday, the last time a Canadian international started a match in the English Premier League was on May 24, 2009. That day saw David Edgar line up in the Newcastle defence in what became a 1-0 loss to Portsmouth, sealing the latter’s relegation from the English top flight after 16 seasons.
    Whether a similar fate awaits Simeon Jackson and Norwich City next spring remains to be seen, but Canada supporters could be forgiven for hoping it won’t take two-and-a-half more years for another Canadian international to debut in the self-billed “best league in the world.”
    Jackson played 70 minutes in a 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers, the minor spoiler occurring when his direct substitute, Grant Holt, scored the winner two minutes after entering the match. Although assuming one adopts logic that says any point earned by Norwich is a good because it increases their chances of staying in the Premier League and providing Jackson a platform at the highest level, well, it’s not much of a spoiler at all.
    Jackson now sits at 130 minutes with Norwich on six appearances and continues to await his first goal in the English Premier League.
    Speaking of David Edgar as Long Balls did in the opening paragraph, the Canadian’s Renaissance continues in the English second division, as he scored the first two goals of Burnley’s fightback from a 2-0 deficit to eventually defeat Hull City 3-2 and move into 14th spot in the 24-team Championship. The Long Balls hype machine spent all weekend deciding on the adjective “spectacular” to describe the two goals by Edgar - a central defender - in one match. Even better for Canada supporters, the Edgar rejuvenation gives national team manager Stephen Hart another solid option at the centre of defence along with Kevin McKenna and Dejan Jakovic. This frees up other ostensible centrebacks like Andre Hainault and Adam Straith to pull duty in the problematic right flank of defence if necessary.
    It’s been awhile since he pulled Canada duty, but for a time in 2010 Stephen Hart often employed Issey Nakajima-Farran as a super-sub for the national team. The midfielder/winger is off to a good start in the A-League, with 523 minutes and eight appearances in eight matches for the first-place Brisbane Roar. Nakajima-Farran’s three goals this season include two scored on the weekend in a man-of-the-match performance as the Roar beat Perth Glory 4-0.
    Marcus Haber finally notched his first Scottish Premier League goal for St. Johnstone after 13 appearances this season. Who knows? Perhaps if this strike spurs a good run of form for Haber we could see him paired with Jackson up front for Canada in next year’s qualifying series. Considering the failed attempts at using Olivier Occean, Rob Friend and even Ali Gerba in a similar capacity Long Balls feels it’s definitely worth a shot.
    And finally, Milan Borjan played 90 minutes on the weekend for Sivasspor in a 2-1 loss to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray. A shrewd and penetrating account of the match by a person described as Grizzly in one of the online message boards Long Balls lurks silently in said Borjan played an important role in keeping the score reasonable in a match his team did not have the best of. More importantly, however, his reaction to being on the receiving end of a headbutt resulted in a red card for the opposition. The action kicks off at about 3:50 of this video, although we don't quite see Borjan's reaction.
    Don’t for a moment be so naive as to think Long Balls would condone cheating or "making a meal" of something on the football pitch. We’re simply speaking about making the best of having another human skull cracked into your own, possibly in an important World Cup qualifier against Central American opposition next summer. In the aftermath of such an event one could: a) stagger around heroically for a few moments in the manner of someone who’s slightly overshot their insulin dose as the ref waves on play; or make the quite reasonable decision to fall to the ground immediately, grabbing your forehead and releasing a guttural moan in the process. And if, following option B, a match official happens to decide that the offending player headbutted with less than pure intent and ejects him, well then, that’s hardly Milan Borjan’s problem is it?
    Correction: Norwich City beat QPR 2-1. This article originally said the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
    Guest

    Reds pick up defender

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Toronto FC traded its 2013 second round SuperDraft pick to Dallas for defender Jeremy Hall.
    Hall is just 23 years old and coming off a year that saw him play 19 games, split between Dallas and Portland. He's part of the 2009 Generation adidas class.
    We will have more soon, but the initial reaction to the deal is that a second round pick very rarely results in a team getting a player. By picking up a sure thing in Hall -- he's no star, but is a MLS quality player -- this is a nice piece of business for TFC.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Guest

    Lessons from the home opener dates?

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    As CSN first reported several weeks ago, MLS will be kicking off March 10. The early kick-off is to allow the league to break for World Cup qualifying. The consequence of the early start is some northern teams will be playing home dates a little earlier than they might like. In Toronto’s case, it means for the second straight year the home opener will be in the last week of March.
    Vancouver goes really early, playing at BC Place on March 10 and Montreal will play its first game March 17 – St Patrick’s Day in one of the biggest party cities in the world. Interesting.
    It’s been strongly rumoured that Toronto’s first visit to Montreal to play a MLS game will be on Easter Weekend, April 8. That info, combined with the fact that Toronto will be in LA for the second leg of its CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal on March 14, strongly suggests that Toronto will not be the Impact’s first opponent.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The March 24 home opener means that it’s possible that TFC could play three home dates in March. If the Reds get by L.A. they could play the first leg of the semi-finals on March 27.
    Does that possibility now make BMO Field the likely location for the March 7 game against the Galaxy? It might. If you have to get the stadium ready for March 24, what’s a couple weeks earlier? With TFC on record saying that they are going to bring grass up from the US south, and with couple players already on record saying they want to play the game at BMO Field, the evidence might be suggesting that Rogers Centre is not worth the hassle or expense.
    Guest

    MLS 2012 home opener dates revealed

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Major League Soccer announced today the dates for each of its team's home openers in 2012. As first reported by CSN, the new season will kick off earlier than ever -- Saturday, March 10, 2012 -- with six sides hosting matches on that day.
    As one of the aforementioned six teams, Vancouver will be the first Canadian team to host a league game next year. Montreal Impact will host their first ever MLS home match a week later, and TFC opens their BMO Field schedule on March 24.
    MLS will release the First Kick matchups and the full schedule later this year.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Full list of First Kick dates:
    WEEK 1

    Saturday, March 10: Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    Sunday, March 11: Chivas USA, FC Dallas
    Monday, March 12: Portland Timbers

    WEEK 2

    Saturday, March 17: Sporting Kansas City, Montreal Impact, Real Salt Lake
    Sunday, March 18: Philadelphia Union

    WEEK 3

    Saturday, March 24: Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, Toronto FC
    Sunday, March 25: New York Red Bulls

    WEEK 10

    Saturday, May 12: Houston Dynamo (new stadium opener)

    Guest
    It was a small moment – but deeply significant.
    At a closed-door Canadian Soccer Association meeting last spring, Canadian soccer journalists and former national team stand-outs Jason de Vos and Kara Lang were Tweeting details of the reform run-up proceedings to the outside world.
    A visibly angry CSA president Dominique Maestracci huffed over to them, and ordered them to stop.
    They refused.
    It is the spirit of that refusal that brings us together here today.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    With absolutely no help from Maestracci – the embodiment, to many, of the Old Boys Network that has long hamstrung Canadian soccer – reform passed. Beginning tomorrow, and culminating with the CSA’s annual general meeting in May – it will be implemented.
    Canadian Soccer News resolves, this day, to cover this selection process exactly as if we were a major television network, and this was a national election.
    Candidates will be profiled and interviewed. Agendas will be mapped. Backroom side deals will be hauled out of the back rooms.
    A traditionally private organization, the CSA is about to become much more public.
    The CSA is meant to have an amateur board of directors, with the experience, connections and wisdom to drive the game forward. It is not meant to be a cushy place with nice travel perqs, where personal political agendas rule the conversation, and divert the resources.
    The hope of this investigation is to ensure the new board is composed of people ready, willing and able to help build and develop Canadian soccer first, and their own ambitions second.
    There will, of course, be a very different CSA board come spring. Provincial soccer association presidents have traditionally been CSA board members as well – however many conflicts of interest that might create. Almost all will be gone soon, although a provision exists to let a very small number continue to do double duty for a couple more years.
    The other major change – there will be six appointed directors, who will come from outside the soccer bureaucracy, bringing real-world experience – and connections. Things like marketing, corporate sponsorship, actual nuts-and-bolts best business practice.
    Right now, a nominations committee is being set up – and the deadline to apply is tomorrow.
    There’s a little bare-bones note about this, awkwardly hidden away on the back pages of the CSA website. It notes that this very important committee will consist of two CSA directors, and three outside independents. It further notes that directors on the committee will not be eligible to run for CSA office in the spring.
    If you ever wanted to really have a say in the future of Canadian soccer, you might want to toss your hat in the ring. I find it very intriguing, but I’m going to stay out here and cover this story instead of trying to leap right into it.
    Canadian Soccer News has a call in to CSA vice-president Rob Newman, who headed the governance committee that drafted all the changes, and who will now oversee the nominations process. He is apparently travelling this week, but as soon as he’s got 15 minutes free for a phone call, we’ll get his considered overview of all that is about to happen.
    You’re going to know who the committee members are, what insight and experience bring to this significant task, and whether there are any apparent agendas we need to be concerned about.
    Also – at a full CSA board meeting in December – interested candidates must declare their intention to run for president, vice-president and the six available elected directorships. Again, you’re going to know who everyone is.
    It has been proven, time and again, that the CSA runs more efficiently – and effectively – when the spotlights are on. These conditions greatly favour inspired people who want to make the game better, and make life uncomfortably awkward for those who are in it more for their own reasons and benefit.
    In the book Moneyball, Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane builds an impoverished last-place baseball team into a contender, using sound mathematics. A former high draft pick who failed as a player because his skills weren’t really what wins ball games, he once said his intention was to make sure no one like him ever got drafted in the first round again.
    Our intention – starting now – is to illuminate, question, clarify … and ensure that no one like Dominique Maestracci ever becomes CSA president again.
    Onward!
    Guest

    Marsch's gamble

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Jesse Marsch was completely within his rights to select Brian Ching in the expansion draft. However, selecting Ching was a short-sighted and potentially dumb move that could end up biting him in the ass.
    And I’m not talking about the political reasons that it was misguided – although they are not insignificant. MLS is a single entity league and the clubs do scratch each other’s backs from time to time. By demonstrating straight out of the gate that he doesn’t play well with others, Marsch is already going to be viewed with scepticism. He can overcome that – teams still dealt with Mo Johnston after all – but it’s a risk. If the Impact are in need of some allocation later this year you can expect that they won’t be calling Houston to see if a deal can be worked out.
    However, as stated, the reason this move doesn’t make sense is not political. Rather, it’s just a poor soccer decision.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Ching is a broken player that is paid max money. He had two fewer goals in 2011 than Chad Barrett. He has already indicated that he’s going to retire after the 2012 season and was candid in telling the world that he would hang them up early if the Impact selected him. The only reason Ching wanted to play in 2012 at all is because he wanted to be there to open Houston’s new stadium.
    Ching is loyal to the Houston Dynamo. He will retire as a Dynamo because it’s important to him. If the Impact won’t deal him back at a fair price he’ll make peace with the fact that he’ll be in a suit at the stadium opening, rather than in his boots. There’s always the possibility of a testimonial after all.
    If you believe the player to be bluffing, you’re probably not paying attention. Houston will work with Montreal to find a reasonable deal -- to a point. However, if the Impact expect the sun and the moon (or Andre Hainault) they’ll likely be disappointed.
    Hainault is, of course, the carrot (forgive the pun) that most Montreal fans are hoping for. A home town boy returning to Montreal – it makes sense. Well, except for one nagging detail. In 2012 terms, Hainault is of much, much greater value than Ching to a MLS team. The Impact might be able to swing a deal for him, but it’s not going to be straight up for Ching and it’s likely going to involve the first overall pick in the SuperDraft. That would be a big price for a player that, it’s been suggested, is looking to go back to Europe after the 2012 season.
    What could Montreal reasonably expect? Allocation, maybe. Perhaps Houston’s natural pick in the first round (18th overall). Could Montreal have found something of greater value in the expansion draft? Absolutely they could, which is why selecting Ching was a mistake.
    And we haven’t touched on the worst case scenario for Montreal yet – that Ching actually shows up to play. Then they would be stuck with an old, disgruntled, broken down $400,000 cap hit.
    Guest
    Today, we're joined by Phillipe Germain, host of the SoccerPlus podcast and Canadian correspondent for World Soccer magazine, to discuss the Montreal Impact's latest wheelings and dealings, what their motivation was in going after Brian Ching and why the Andre Hainault trade will not work, plus his thoughts on the Nicholas Anelka rumours and how that personality might clash within the Impact organization
    We'll also get into the legal wranglings that are holding up Ottawa's stadium progress, talk about price vs value in MLS and what Toronto and Vancouver's waived players mean for the direction of their club
    The archived show is now up.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
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    Subscribe and download It's Called Football on iTunes
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    ---
    We are hoping to do a live show on Friday where we take your questions and answer our mail bag. This will be dependent on Ben's shooting schedule, so we'll update you mid-week on Twitter when we know for certain.
    Guest
    Apparently the Montreal Impact weren't done dealing today.
    After announcing that they'd traded for Davy Arnaud earlier this afternoon, the newest MLS side also added former LA Galaxy 'keeper Donovan Ricketts to their growing roster. Montreal sent an unspecified amount of allocation money to the Galaxy in return.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Ricketts is a former Goalkeeper of the Year in MLS, as well as a two-time league All-Star. The 34-year-old started the 2011 season as the Galaxy's number one, but an injury suffered at the Gold Cup allowed backup Josh Saunders to snatch the starting job for the remainder of the campaign.
    Guest
    You've got to feel sorry for Brian Ching and Davy Arnaud.
    Not because they've been reassigned (in Ching's case, temporarily, most reckon) to Montreal -- since, really, among North American cities, it's tough to beat Montreal when it comes to pretty much any metric that makes life worth living. But Ching and Arnaud, over long tenures in Houston and Kansas City, respectively, had surely built up the sort of personal connections that make life worth living: family, friends and familiarity.
    Sure, it may be naive for any athlete to think -- in this day and age of perpetual franchise "rebuilding" across all leagues -- that they've got a shot at having an extended, celebrated career in only one jersey. Still, when your perception of an athlete momentarily shifts away from "interchangeable widget" and towards "human being", Ching and Arnaud suddenly become worth of some sympathy.
    And that, in a way, has already cast the Montreal Impact as an MLS villain. Frankly, it's a role that suits them -- and one they should relish.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The club's iconoclasm starts with their much-ballyhooed new crest. Despite its intrinsically apolitical status as a provincial emblem, the fleur-de-lis can't help but stir passions in this country. Some in the "Rest of Canada" have a tendency to view the symbol not as a sign of mere provincial pride (a strong feeling that exists in every part of the nation... well, maybe not Ontario), but as a statement about the issue of Quebec sovereignty.
    So, of course, it's plastered all over the Impact's logo.
    Of course, the Quebec Nordiques used the fleur-de-lis on their jerseys for years. But that team played "Canada's game" in a league with eight Canadian franchises, two of which were based in Quebec. The Impact, meanwhile, are playing the world's game in a league with three Canadian teams wherein they are Quebec's sole standard-bearer.
    They are, indeed, a distinct franchise within Major League Soccer.
    Without wading too deeply into the intractable debates surrounding the subject matter, suffice to say that language and culture issues mean that even diehard federalists (inside and outside the province) can't deny that Quebec holds a bit of a different place within North America than the rest of Canada does.
    So why wouldn't their MLS franchise do things a little differently?
    The explosion of "MLS 2.0", as it's been dubbed, has meant plenty of fans in northern North America are clamouring to see their city represented at the highest domestic level, without necessarily giving due consideration to the existing structure that's allowed the league to operate long enough to become a desirable destination for footie fans on these shores.
    And Montreal -- well, they've already shown they're willing to do things differently. So why not pry away Ching from his comfy home in Houston? Why not bring Arnaud north after a decade in K.C.? And if it runs afoul of the suits in Houston, K.C., New York or (ugh) Toronto -- well, so what?
    Whether the Impact are shooting themselves in the foot and burning bridges with other teams remains to be seen. And, of course, these early moves could be the exception rather than the rule over the long term.
    But thus far, the Impact are coming across as self-assured outsiders, unafraid to make waves if they believe it benefits their squad's chances.
    So, is anyone that surprised?
    .
    Guest
    The Montreal Impact have made another splash in Major League Soccer, picking up former Sporting Kansas City captain Davy Arnaud in exchange for Seth Sinovic and allocation money.
    Arnaud has made 240 appearances, and scored 43 goals, in his 10-year career in Kansas City, while also earning seven caps with the U.S. men's national team. In a press release, Impact head coach Jesse Marsch called Arnaud "a fierce competitor, an incredible leader and a hard-working player."
    Additional details and reaction to follow.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Guest

    2012 MLS season ticket prices

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    With TFC following through on a promise not to raise ticket prices for 2012, there has not been the same controversy surrounding season ticket prices this year as there was last. Yet, Toronto remains near the top of the table when it comes to how much it costs to go to a MLS game.
    A breakdown of season ticket costs across the league.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]High end (high end refers to the highest regular ticket price – it excludes field side seats, club seats and other special options)
    1 - $1500 – Salt Lake
    2 - $1438 – Seattle
    3 - $1400 – Kansas City
    4 - $1292 – Toronto
    5 - $1278 – Philadelphia
    6 - $1250 – Montreal
    7 - $1160 – Galaxy
    8 - $1080 – Dallas
    9 - $1000 – New York
    10 - $999 – Chicago
    11 - $988 – Vancouver
    12 - $900 – Houston
    12 - $900 – Portland
    14 - $864 – New England
    15 - $855 – DC United
    16 - $840 – San Jose
    17 - $666 – Columbus
    18 - $629 – Colorado
    19 - $504 – Chivas
    Low end
    1 - $400 – Galaxy
    2 - $361 -- Toronto
    3 - $360 – Salt Lake
    4 - $342.50 -- Seattle
    5 - $342 – DC United
    6 - $329 – Vancouver
    7 - $320 – New York
    8 - $290 – Philadelphia
    9 - $260 – Kansas City
    9 - $260 – San Jose
    11 - $250 - Montreal
    11 - $250 – Houston
    13 - $238 – Colorado
    14 - $234 – New England
    15 - $216 – Columbus
    16 - $199 – Chicago
    17 - $170 – Dallas
    18 - $162 -- Chivas
    19 - $99 – Portland
    But, what team offers the best value? That’s a hard thing to quantify, but let’s try. Assuming winning equals value, let’s see which supporters pay the most per point based on 2011 results (we will use the low end costs).
    1 - Portland - $2.35
    2 - Dallas - $3.26
    3 - Chivas - $4.50
    4 - Columbus $4.59
    5 - Chicago - $4.62
    6 - Colorado - $4.85
    7 - Kansas City - $5.09
    8 - Houston $5.10
    9 - Seattle - $5.43
    10 - Galaxy - $5.97
    11 - Philly $6.04
    12 - Salt Lake - $6.79
    13 - San Jose - $6.84
    14 - New York - $6.95
    15 - New England - $8.35
    16 - DC United – $8.76
    17 - Toronto - $10.93
    18 - Vancouver - $11.75
    Oh, Canada...
    Guest
    (Sunday 11:15 a.m. -- Updated, with result)
    Alright, I won't even pretend that there's any sort of Canadian connection here*. But sometimes, amid all the scandals and bullshit that seem to surround "the beautiful game" these days, it's nice to see something that reminds you of just why soccer got that moniker in the first place.
    As you may have already heard, American Samoa (dead last in the FIFA rankings, tied with four other teams at 204th) got its first win in 17 years -- and its first win ever in World Cup qualifying -- with a 2-1 victory over Tonga earlier this week. That result means they'll advance to the next round if they can defeat their final opponent in this group stage.
    That opponent? Samoa -- a team who, as luck would have it, is one of those other squads in the 204th-place logjam in the FIFA rankings. It's a clash between, literally, the two worst teams in the world. And I'm itching to know if somehow, some way, we'll be able to watch it.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    My best estimation -- and I stand to be corrected, as I'm no time zone expert -- is that the match kicks off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on Saturday. Pfft. Forget Hockey Night in Canada. This is a much better story than the Leafs' latest attempt to drag themselves back into mediocrity, wouldn't you say?


    Now, let's be clear here: this preliminary group (comprised of the two Samoas, Tonga [#202] and the Cook Islands [the group's supposed heavy hitter, at #196]) exists only, in FIFA's words, "for sporting reasons".
    Even so, whichever Samoa emerges will head into a second-round group where it will avoid regional heavyweight New Zealand, instead squaring off with New Caledonia (#163), Vanuatu (#171) and Tahiti (#182). And in this wacky game, who the hell knows what could happen?
    I bet the footie fanatics down in Vanuatu think they've got nothing to fear from Samoa, American or otherwise, but then did we (#72) really expect to run into difficulty against Puerto Rico (#106) or St. Kitts and Nevis (#117)? Or, more dramatically, did Trinidad & Tobago (#86) foresee that their World Cup campaign would essentially be derailed by Bermuda (#109)?
    Sure, the FIFA rankings are flawed. Every team mentioned here (except us and T&T, sometimes) is pretty crappy. But there you go, innit? Ten years ago, American Samoa became a footie punchline by succumbing to a record-breaking 31-0 thrashing at the hands of the merciless Aussies (who were, I can only imagine, a bunch of ruthless, heartless assholes).
    Now, they just might turn heads worldwide for another reason entirely.
    Or, they'll lose and be eliminated, but still have a story to tell their great grandkids.
    Either way, thanks to all Samoas for producing a litany of high-quality pro wrestlers who entertained me -- and legions of other nerds -- for years.
    Update: As it turns out, the American Samoans will need to rest on the laurels of that victory over Tonga from now till the end of time, as their heroic quest was scuttled in the final Samoa showdown on Saturday evening. Despite hanging on to a 0-0 score line for nearly the entire match, putting the win within their potential reach, a 90th-minute tally from Silao Malo sealed the deal for the host Samoans, sending the just-over-half-filled-stadium in Apia into, presumably, ecstasy.
    Godspeed, Samoa, as you embark on the next leg of your journey: serving as fodder for slightly-less-crappy Oceania teams.
    *The only vague Canadian connection is that, on the last episode of the Some Canadian Guys podcast, Grant -- jokingly, I hope -- suggested that American Samoa's unlikely victory was likely a precursor to them meeting Canada in the CONCACAF-Oceania playoff to determine who gets a spot in Brazil 2014. I then threatened him with physical violence, as rational adults do. (Update: Thankfully now I won't have any reason to follow through on that threat.)
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