I apologize if you're one fo the three people out there that are used to coming here and getting some soccer news tidbits. Sometimes life gets in the way. But, Sam kicked me in the tail last night and I hope to be back to my semi-regular updates.

We are less than a month away from the Lancers opening up their second season in Syracuse. Sam broke some news last night by saying that "The Duke" Danny Earls has agreed to a contract with the Lancers and the signing will be made official once it gets league approval. The Lancers will also have Mauricio Salles, Patrick Hannigan, and "The Living Legend" Doug Miller back in 2012-13. Sam expects at least a dozen players back from last season.

Sam also said that this week will be a big one for team news. So, stay tuned as the Lancers march toward the 2012-13 season.

News & Notes:

The Syracuse Silver Knights are re-signing some of their own players for this season. 

- NASL commissioner David Downs will step down at the end of the season. 

Jurgen Klinsmann explains the make up of the 24 player roster he called up this week for the final two semifinal World Cup Qualifying Round matches. 

Landon Donovan's injury may not be as bad as first feared and Sacha Klejstan is back with the USMNT. 

Jozy Altidore is the most obvious snub this time around. 

Eddie Johnson has snuck back into the USMNT picture with a call up. 

Zac Lee Rigg says don't expect these two matches to be easy. 

Steve Davis doesn't like US Soccer trying to kill high school soccer. 

- The USSF may help run a new Women's Pro League.  

- Could Indianapolis be headed to the NASL and Milwaukee be headed to the USL PRO League? Peter Wilt thinks so.  

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to jamesrweise@gmail.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.