Jozy Altidore could leave Sunderland in January, will NYCFC be his next destination?

Jozy Altidore and the US men's national team are in Boston, Massachusetts training for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador in East Hartford, Connecticut (Oct. 10) and Honduras in Boca Raton, Florida (Oct. 14) so we were bound to hear about Jozy's current form - or lack there of - with Premier League side Sunderland.

What we weren't expecting was to hear him speak so bluntly about the possibility of leaving his club team as early as January.

In Wednesday's media session Altidore said that if his situation doesn't turn around by January that he'll be looking elsewhere for a new team.

Jozy Altidore on situation at Sunderland. "If it doesn’t turn around, in January then I’ll be looking to start elsewhere." #usmnt
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) October 8, 2014

Jozy has one goal in 33 league appearances since joining the Sunderland in July of 2013 and has played a total of 57 minutes in the team's first seven PL games this season.

With a ton of speculation already suggesting a move back to Major League Soccer for the USMNT forward, and more specifically a move to New York City FC, U.S. fans will now be keeping a much closer eye on him over the next few months.

• READ: More quotes from Jozy Altidore in Wednesday's media session

NYCFC recently acquired the No.1 spot in MLS' Allocation Ranking, which is the mechanism used to decide the destination of  "a U.S. national team player who signs with MLS after playing abroad, or a former MLS player who returns to the league after having gone to a club abroad for a transfer fee."

Having said that, Altidore would be a prime candidate for NYCFC head coach Jason Kreis to add before his team takes the field in March of 2015 for their inaugural season in MLS.

Pep Guardiola refuses to shake hands with MLS All-Star coach Caleb Porter

The MLS All-Star had some great goals and spectacular moments, but all of that went away when the final whistle was blown.

Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola was upset with a couple hard tackles from Portland Timbers midfielder Will Johnson and Seattle Sounders defensive mid Osvaldo Alonso. And he made it clear with one little Dikembe Mutumbo-esqu finger wave.

The MLS All-Star game is supposed to be all fun and games, but the tackles clearly bothered Pep who voiced his frustration on multiple occasions throughout the game.

Caleb Porter considers Pep and idol of his so one can only imaging how he felt when. After numerous attempts to shake his on the field (and striking out) Porter moved on.

Pep Guardiola is a hero to Caleb Porter. Can only imagine how mortified Porter is that Guardiola wouldn't shake his hand. Undeserved.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 7, 2014

According to Sunil Gulati, President of US Soccer, all is now well though, with the two coaches shaking hands later on outside the locker room.

All good with Pep Guardiola and Caleb Porter. With them for nice handshake outside the locker room after the game. #MLSAllStar
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) August 7, 2014

Jurgen Klinsmann, Tim Howard and Kyle Beckerman recap the game vs Germany, "Group of Death", Beligum & more

RECIFE, Brazil - US men's national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Tim Howard and Kyle Beckerman share their thoughts and opinions with the media after Thursday's 0-1 loss to Germany. Here's a recap of the post-game press conference.

Jurgen Klinsmann & Tim Howard: Post-game Interview (On the field)
 
Thoughts on the game...

JK: "We can still do better. We got through the group, but we have to do better in the Round of 16. And we will do better."

On Germany & getting out of the group... 

TH: "Proud of the group. We still got a lot left in us. I thought we played well throughout the group. Today was a tough game, tough conditions. Hats off to Germany. I think they have the opportunity to win the World Cup. That's how good I think they are."

"It's shows how far we've come. That we're not happy just getting there. That we want to progress. We still got a little left in us."

On the offense and not having many opportunities vs Germany...

TH: "We're going to try and get as much rest as we can. Everybody comes into this last game tired. Germany's a top team. they're going to make it difficult on us. Not only do they defend well, they use the ball well. So they don't give you many opportunities. But offensively I thought we've been good in this tournament so that will continue."

On Jozy Altidore...

TH: "Anytime you lose a big player it stings a little bit, but I think the top teams and the top players move on. You realize that injured guys can't help the team and you use what's in reserve and you go again."

Kyle Beckerman: Post-game interview (In the tunnel)

On playing Germany...
 
"We knew it was going to be a huge challenge. Germany is such a good team...one of the best in the world. They really came at us in the beginning of the game, but I thought we responded well after the first 20 minutes or so. We tried to get in their and get a win. We didn't play for a tie. We just came up short."

On advancing to the Round of 16...

"It's huge. We knew it was going to be extremely tough. But we believed in it. We felt like there was a chance. Everybody's got to play the same game, and if that's the case, we have a chance. We did enough to advance. We can start to dream. Hopefully we can make some upsets."

On facing Belgium in the Round of 16...

"Extremely good team. Got a ton of great players that play all over the world at some big clubs. It's going to take a huge effort from us. We're going to have to score our chances and defend with everything we got, but it's a game that two teams have to go out and play, so we feel like we got a chance. And with a chance, we're going to give everything." 

Jurgen Klinsmann (Post-game Press Conference)

 

On Germany and advancing to the Round of 16...

"It's a huge achievement by our team to come through that group and qualify for the knockout stage. We knew it was going to be a very tricky game that a tie was going to be enough. It was not easy to handle it mentally. We had a little too much respect the first 20-25 minutes of the game and then the nerves settled a little bit and we got better."

"It's tremendous for this team, for our group. If somebody would've said that after the draw, that Germany and U.S. would be going through - and we're sitting with the German team in the driver seat for the last game (after two games) - probably nobody would've believed it. But, we have a very, very strong team. The players are so hungry to do well. The effort and the commitment they showed for all 90 minutes was outstanding. I wish we would've created more chances and find more ways to take it to Germany, but overall it's a fantastic achievement by all the guys."

On the "Group of Death"...

"I think that most of you would agree (maybe with another group or two) that this was by far the strongest group to go through. Ghana and Portugal bring such quality to the table and Germany is among the top 4 or 5 favorites to win this title. It was hard work... Whoever we face now, we're going to take it to them."

On starting Omar Gonzalez over Geoff Cameron...

"Everyone is so important. We wanted to give [Geoff Cameron] a break. Omar has worked so hard and he was ready for it."

On Jermaine Jones... 

"He is who he is. He's a warrior. He's so important to us & to the team b/c he has this never-die attitude. He is playing a very good tournament so far. Hope he steps it up another notch in the round of 16."

On the weather/conditions of the field...

Reporter: Were you tempted to do you trademark dive slide?

"It would've been no problem. It was wet already. [chuckle] Might be difficult after defeat.

On what the U.S. needs to improve...

"We have to improve. We have to keep the ball longer. Every time we connected 4, 5, 6, 7 passes and shifted it to the other side we looked really good. We have to be calmer on the ball and make the opponent run. We have to be a little bit calmer under possession. We have to stay composed and move the ball around with one/two touches and make the opponent run."

On facing Belgium...

"We're familiar with Belgium because we played two friendlies with them over the last few years... We will be prepared."

On U.S. conceding a goal to Thomas Mueller...

"We'll look at the video and see what we did wrong. Every time you concede a goal you did something wrong. It's just normal. It's mostly a sequence of events... Thomas is a player who doesn't need two chances. He's fine with one and puts it in the net. We'll have a closer look at it tomorrow."

13 Quotes: USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann talks about Michael Bradley, DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Besler, Jogi Low and more

MANAUS, Brazil - US men's national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann shared some interesting thoughts and opinions with the media after Sunday night's 2-2 draw with Portugal. Here's a recap of his press conference summed up in 13 quotes.

Thoughts on the game...

"It was a thriller...a real exciting match. Everybody who had the chance to be in Manaus today will talk about this game for a long time."

"We discussed it at halftime that we were going to get a goal and then get a second goal. And we could’ve added a third or a fourth goal with the chances we had."

"These finishes are very emotional for all of us. For the fans, the players, the bench. That’s what a World Cup is all about. It was a little bit of a bummer, but you move on and get the next one."

"It is what it is. Now we’re going to get everybody hungry and excited. We are full of confidence. We are right there. We have one foot in the door and we just need to walk the other one in there and get it done." 

On the final play (Portugal's equalizer)... 

"Michael got caught in the middle of 3-4 guys and lost the ball unfortunately. And then the counter break comes. Even with 3 centerbacks on the field we were not able to get to that cross. It was a beautiful cross."

On arranging a draw with Germany coach/friend Jogi Lov... 

REPORTER: If Jogi calls you and says let’s just play a draw, you’re going to say no, 100 percent?

"There’s no such call. We’re good friends, [but] Jogi’s doing his job and I'm doing my job. My job is to do everything to get us to the Round of 16 and that’s what I’m going to do. There’s no time right now to have friendship calls. It’s about business now." 

"I don’t think we are made for draws, except if it happens like tonight. [USA and Germany] go into this game and they want to win the group. We want to recover fast, go at Germany and get 3 points. That is our goal. 

"The United States is known to give everything they have in every single game. We’re going to go into Recife very ambitious, with a lot of confidence to beat Germany. This is our goal. I’m pretty confident that we’re going to get a good game there."

On Michael Bradley... 

"Michael is undoubtedly one of our key players and I think he showed that tonight. He has an engine that is unbelievable. He’s covering for other players all over the place. His vision and his passing is outstanding."

"I’m not expecting any perfect games from anybody. I expect that they give everything they have and if somebody makes a mistake the other guy is there to help him out."

On DeAndre Yedlin...

"He has the qualities to make an impact right now in this World Cup. Which he did. We knew it. That’s why he’s here... It’s fun to watch that kid.” 

On Matt Besler...

 
"It’s fun to watch Matt [Besler]. He’s one of our most promising young centerbacks that we’ve brought along for the last two-and-a-half years."

Final Statement...
 

"Our goal is to go to the next round so we will do everything in our capability to go into the next round. I’m not thinking about what’s going on in other people’s minds. We’re going to take our game to Germany. We are going to give everything we have and give it a real fight. If you see the team from tonight we are capable of surprising even more teams in this tournament. I’ll see you guys in four days in Recife."

NYCFC's Jason Kreis "very, very happy" with 110 x 70 field dimensions at Yankee Stadium

NEW YORK - On Monday, Major League Soccer's 21st team, New York City FC, released field plans for their inaugural season. The main kicker, all homes games are expected to be played at Yankee Stadium - 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451 - and could continue like that for the next three years.

NYCFC have not given a specific timeline as to how long they'll be staying at Yankee Stadium, but did note that it could be less and it could be more.

The field will stretch from the first baseline to the left field wall as opposed to a more traditional approach in years past with the field being situated on an angle from right field to left field.

The sidelines will run along the outfield wall (right-center) and the third baseline (image, above).

Yankee stadium will be redoing the current pitchers mound so that it can be removed and put back in via crane (for easy access), however the mound itself will not affect the actual playing field.

The projected field dimensions, 110 x 70, will make NYCFC's playing surface the smallest of any other team competing in MLS.

Current field dimensions for all 19 teams in MLS:

• 110x75 - 1 team
• 110x76 - 1 team
• 114x74 - 1 team
• 115x70 - 1 team
• 115x74 - 2 teams
• 115x75 - 2 teams
• 117x74 - 1 team
• 117x75 - 1 team
• 120x75 - 7 teams
• 120x77 - 1 team
• 120x80 - 1 team

Seven teams call home to a field that is 120x75 - 30 feet longer and 15 feet wider than what is expected at Yankee Stadium. The field which resembles the closest comparison is RFK Stadium (110x75).

Despite playing on a much smaller pitch than what is currently being used at Rio Tinto Stadium (120x75), NYCFC head coach Jason Kreis said he's "comfortable" with the reduced width. "Rio Tinto was 70 yards wide in 2009-10. I'm a very, very happy man."

Tim Pernetti at NYCFC Press Conference

After a barrage of questions regarding NYCFC's length of stay at Yankee Stadium and any future plans of building a soccer-specific stadium of their own, Chief Business Officer for the club, Tim Pernetti, put an end to the presser with one simple statement...

"When we open the door to a new soccer-specific stadium it will be spectacular!"

For more information on acquiring season tickets for NYCFC's first season in Major League Soccer, click here!

MLS Fantasy prizes for the 2014 season do not get any better than this!

The 2014 Major League Soccer season starts in less than two weeks (March 8th) so if you haven't yet registered a team for this year's new-and-improved version of MLS Fantasy Soccer Manager, it's about time you get that going.

If you have registered a team and joined my private league I have some great news for you!

(Note: If you want to join click this link or enter the code 2-30 on the "Leagues" page)

After agreeing to terms with two incredible sponsors from the New York City area, I am able to confirm the prizes I'll be giving away for the upcoming 2014 FMLS season. My two sponsors are Upper 90 Soccer and Daniel Nyari.

Playmakers hoody by Daniel Nyari

I have some incredible prizes to offer you so let's get to it!

All players in my league will be entitled to a special promo code good for 10% all online purchases from Upper 90 soccer - the No.1 soccer store in New York City. You can find this code in the "Forum" section when you join the league.

This code is valid through May 31, 2014. Upon entering their site you will also have the option to register an email address. Do that and you'll receive another promo code valid for $10 off that can be used in combination with one another. Also, there's free shipping for any orders over $90.

Upper 90 Soccer will also be giving away some very generous prizes for the Top 3 finishers overall.

Here's how the league will work --> Head-to-Head format with the regular season winner (best record and overall points at the end of Round 29) taking home any one item from the online store of New York based artist/illustrator Daniel Nyari.

There will be a 16-team playoff from Rounds 30 to 33. The Top 3 finishers at the end of it all will receive the following:

1st Place - Adidas 2014 World Cup Brazuca match ball and a $100 gift card to Upper 90 Soccer

2nd Place - Adidas 2014 Major League Soccer match ball and a $50 gift card to Upper 90 Soccer

3rd Place - Adidas 2013 Major League Soccer match ball and any short-sleeve jersey of your choice from the Upper 90 store

I am very honored to have these two sponsors on board and I hope you can appreciate the length we all went to in order to be able to offer this to you for the 2014 season.

Neither of my sponsors are receiving huge benefits from doing this so please show them some love. If you're on Twitter please give Upper 90 Soccer and Daniel Nyari a follow. They have both been very supportive of my efforts to make this the No.1 private fantasy league in all of MLS and I think that with the prizes being offered we definitely accomplished that.

Leave a note in the comments below or send them a brief message to thank them on Twitter. Best of luck this year everyone. Cheers!

Upper 90 Soccer store located at 697 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025 (646) 863-3105

Note: All winners will need to provide proof of residence in order to be eligible to receive prizes. Players who create more than one team will be removed from the game and will not be eligible to receive prizes.

The MLS SuperDraft may be small for the fans, but it's huge for the media

If you've never been to the MLS SuperDraft don't knock it. The player pool isn't as great as it was in the years past, but when it comes to media-related events, it doesn't get much bigger than this.

Major League Soccer has changed the format of the draft several times over the years, but here's what the setup looked like for 2014.

Draft day

10am: Media credentials
11am: Fans start trickling in (DC, PHI and NY)
12pm: Draft class enters followed by some brief announcements
12:15pm: Speech from MLS Commissioner Don Garber and then the draft begins

• Two rounds: 19 picks for each = 38 total selections

4pm: Draft is over. Article time for media. Everyone else is out the door.

While the draft may not mean much to the "average" fan, the media eats it up. This year, after a player was selected they made their way down a catwalk and answered a couple questions from broadcaster Brian Dunseth in front of the entire audience - roughly 2,000 people. Then they walked over to a brand new 2014 Adidas Brazuca match ball and signed it before being greeted by team personnel.

After they greet each other they walk past the media area and into a side room for a quick photo opp before interviews. The players posed with a Brazuca alone, then with the coaches (some with jerseys), before moving on to the interview portion.

Players and coaches are interviewed separately. Players get player questions and coaches get it all.

Most of the players are nervous and don't really know what to say so the really good stuff comes from the coaches. And this is exactly what makes the draft so special.

Think about it. Where else can you get media scrums and one-on-ones with coaches and general managers from every team in MLS? Not only that, after Round 1 commences, Don Garber heads back to the media room and to do a presser of his own.

Questions were thrown at Garber regarding Camilo, TV deals, Edu and much, much more. The @thesoccerdon was out-spoken as always. He wasn't happy about the Camilo situation or the Edu rumors, but he gave the media a chance to grill him for a solid 20-30 minutes. What more could one ask for?

This might seem like the norm for people who've been in the business, but for a first-timer like myself, it couldn't have been a more fulfilling experience.

Is Philadelphia the cleanest city? No. But the people within Major League Soccer and from the different media outlets around the nation made this event something very special. Coaches, GM's. players and MLS front office members ready and willing to drop knowledge on everything you ask of them. Doesn't get much better than that.

The fans were great as well. D.C. United came in first, followed by Philadelphia and New York. Loud chants between the Philadelphia and New York supporters - separated by a mere two feet - gave the room a chilling, invigorating vibe before the draft even started.

Parents brought their kids and friends and family showed up to support the draftees in attendance. It was an amazing turnout filled with people of all ages and an incredible atmosphere for everyone who took part.

For media members, there were stories flying around all over the place. NY Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke addressed the Xavi rumors, Bruce Arena told us why LA needed another center back, John Hackworth talked in detail about Maurice Edu and Don Garber said a lot. A LOT.

Plus coaches and general managers were wheeling and dealing:

• DC United traded No.1 to Philadelphia for No.2 and allocation money
• FC Dallas traded No.5 to Montreal for No.10, allocation money and an int'l roster slot
• Philadelphia traded No.6 overall to Dallas for No.10 and allocation money
• Philadelphia traded No.10 overall to Toronto for No.15 and allocation money
• New England traded No.11 to Colorado for No.12 and No.19
• Montreal traded No.29 overall to DC for int'l roster slot

So while the draft may not be the best or most efficient way to bring talent into this league, the MLS SuperDraft will be around for a very long time.