* First up today, take a look at the Landon Donovan video embeded above. In the piece he talks about watching the World Cup in 1994. Such a huge moment in American soccer history, and at least for me the moment I can trace my soccer fandom back to. He also talks in the video about playing his first game against Portugal in the 2002, when the US made a surprise run to the quarterfinals. It ends with his belief that the United States can succeed all over the world.
* The LA Galaxy today announced a major signing, fifteen year old forward Jacob Trainor. His wish to be a Galaxy teammate has been granted by the Make-A-Wish foundation, and the Galaxy luck out as he brings a championship pedigree with him as his Pelham, Alabama YMCA team won the whole thing in 2012. He will have his first match on Wednesday May 21st.
"We are pleased to add Jacob Trainor to our roster," said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. "Jacob's experience, dedication and love for soccer are truly inspiring and we believe he will make a great addition to our team."
Jacob continued to play soccer through 3.5 years of chemo treatments for T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Lukemia. His doctor even worked with him choosing ports lower than the upper chest area to deliver chemotherapy, so he would still be able to chest down a ball.
* The StubHub! Center is going to play host to a Chivas Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul match on Wednesday July 9th at 8pm as part of the Chivas summer tour. The presenting partners are the StubHub! Center, Soccer United Marketing, and Club Deportivo Guadalajara so apparently the Liga MX side doesn't have too many hard feelings about the recent divorce from Major League Soccer.