October 25, 2007
Impact.com - Gjersten re-signed
There hasn't been a lot of signings around the USL 1st Division. However, Montreal has announced that starting goalkeeper Matt Jordan and 2006 USL 1st Division MVP Joey Gjersten will return to the club in 2008.
Gjersten signed a two-year deal and Jordan received a one year deal with an option for 2009.
Gjersten was a major pick up down the stretch for the Impact in 2007. Despite only playing in 10 games for Montreal, Gjersten led the Impact in assists in 2007 with five.
It didn't take long for Hackworth to land on his feet
Ousted US U-17 head coach John Hackworth has merely been re-assigned by US Soccer has he has been added to Bob Bradley's staff an assistant coach with the USMNT. This move caused Adam Spangler of This Is American Soccer.com to go off on the old boy's network that is US Soccer.
And in U-17 head coaching rumors, the hottest name in the rumor mill is former Colombian international defender Wilmer Cabrera. Cabrera finished his playing career with the Long Island Rough Riders and is currently heading up MLS' Verano program that works with Hispanic grassroots and youth programs.
If Cabrera does get the job, it could be a significant move by US Soccer to try and tap in to the Hispanic talent base in this country. And, the best case scenario is that we see fewer stories of players with Mexican-American heritage playing for El Tri.
Other News and Notes:
- It is expected that FIFA will name Brazil as the host of the 2014 World Cup.
- MLS has put out a statement on expansion. Was San Jose joining the league in 2008 in question? I find it weird that they had to announce that. But, the rumors of MLS to Seattle and an as yet un-named East Coast market (Philly perhaps.....) continue to float out there.
- Speaking of Philly and MLS, check out the description of Chester, the potential home to a Philly MLS stadium, in this article. Is it me, or does that sound like where PAETEC Park was built?
- And here is a cool story on where the Kansas City Wizards supporters group called the Cauldron got their start. College students spending time on more than partying? No way......
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 news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.