A quick video from US Soccer of US supporters taking booze buses from a couple of Chicago bars to the Trinidad match at Bridgeview. Watching it reminds me that I'm going down to D.C. for the US-Cuba World Cup Qualifier next weekend. I'll be embedded with the North Jersey Brigade, who are rolling down to the nation's capital 60 deep. Click to continue reading...

Hey y'all. SF from The Offside Rules in for Il Bruce as he traverses his way across the midwest. He's on his way back home from last night's US match in Chicago last night so let's start there. Then we'll hit some MLS stuff. Then that's it because frankly I feel too disconnected to the Mexican and Euro leagues right know to even bother; long-distance relationships (no matter how hot she is) kinda suck. Click to continue reading...

The United States men can all but stamp their ticket to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with a victory over Trinidad and Tobago tonight (7 p.m., ESPN2, Galavision) at Bridgeview, Ill. What?! You don't... Click to continue reading...

We'll discuss separately whether the USA's second 1-0 qualifying win is a wonderfully efficient and professional performance or a boring show by a team that should have the confidence to get after it.

No U.S. fans will be complaining about the standings, at least. With Trinidad and Tobago managing only a home draw against Guatemala, the USA could clinch a spot in next year's finals with two games to play.

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U.S. vs. Cuba
Sept. 6
Havana, Cuba
8 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic
ESPN360.com

U.S. vs. Trinidad & Tobago
Sept. 10
Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Ill.
8 p.m. ET, ESPN2
ESPN360.com

Cuba cautiously optimistic

U.S expects hostile reception in Cuba Click to continue reading...

NEWS: He was a couple of hours late, but Bob Bradley finally released a 20-man roster that is set to take on Cuba (Sept. 6 in Havana) and Trinidad and Tobago (Sept. 10, Bridgeview, Ill.) in World Cup qualifying action.... Click to continue reading...

Sir Bob has released his 20-man roster for next week's World Cup qualifier in Cuba (Sept. 6) and for the home match in Bridgeview, Ill., against Trinidad and Tobago (Sept. 10). GOALKEEPERS: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan. DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, Frankie Hejduk, Danny Califf, Steve Cherundolo*, Michael Orozco, Marvell Wynne. Click to continue reading...

NEWS: While we await Bob Bradley's list of U.S. call-ups for the upcoming qualifiers, against Cuba (Sept. 6, Havana) and Trinidad and Tobago (Sept. 10, Bridgeview, Ill.), we bring you Mexico's, which Sven-Goran Eriksson announced earlier today: Keepers: Oswaldo Sanchez... Click to continue reading...

Chicago acquire a 20 year old midfielder.

Read all about it here.

Follow the stories that led up to it here.

Chicago Fire press release:


BRIDGEVIEW, ILL. -- The Chicago Fire announced Wednesday the club has acquired the services of midfielder Marco Pappa (full name: Marco Pablo Pappa Ponce) on a one and a half year loan from Guatemalan side CSD Municipal. Click to continue reading...

This comes to us courtesy of a Chicago MLSR reader who claims "inside knowledge" of the Blanco determination at the US Soccer Federation.

"Hi, I wish to be anonymous but I can tell you I have a connection inside the USSF and that is where my info comes from. After reviewing video supplied to them by MLS and D.

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I haven't watched this game. But a quick look at the stats had me wondering what the Rapids were doing. Last week the Fire lost 1-0 to KC. They had 19 shots to KC's 10. The week before they traveled to San Jose, winning 1-0 and getting off 9 shots to San Jose's 19. The week before that they beat NE at Bridgeview 4-0 getting off 10 shots to New England's 7. Click to continue reading...