Soccer Insider - Steven Goff on the beautiful game.

Posted at 05:56 PM ET, 01/31/2013

D.C. United exercises option on Olsen contract

By Steven Goff

D.C. United exercised Ben Olsen's 2014 contract option, rewarding him for reaching the MLS Eastern Conference finals last season and putting him on pace to become the longest-serving head coach in club history.

By Steven Goff | 05:56 PM ET, 01/31/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 03:17 PM ET, 01/31/2013

Weekend soccer & online listings: 67 matches

By Steven Goff

Weekend soccer TV

By Steven Goff | 03:17 PM ET, 01/31/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: TV listings

Posted at 06:14 PM ET, 01/30/2013

Soccer Outsider: The Jurgen Klinsmann conundrum

By Jeff Maurer

Jurgen Klinsmann is either an eccentric visionary working on a master plan that is unknowable to my plebeian brain, or he is a straight-up crazy person. Either way: worth watching.

By Jeff Maurer | 06:14 PM ET, 01/30/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Soccer Outsider, U.S. national team, U.S. soccer

Posted at 04:59 PM ET, 01/30/2013

It's official: Najar sold to Anderlecht

By Steven Goff

D.C. United has completed the transfer of Honduran teenager Andy Najar to Anderlecht in Belgium for an undisclosed fee.

By Steven Goff | 04:59 PM ET, 01/30/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: andy najar, D.C. United, Major League Soccer

Posted at 12:51 PM ET, 01/30/2013

D.C. United selling Andy Najar to Anderlecht

By Steven Goff

D.C. United has sold 19-year-old Andy Najar to Belgian club Anderlecht, ending a relationship that began in the youth academy.

By Steven Goff | 12:51 PM ET, 01/30/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: anderlecht, andy najar, D.C. United

Posted at 12:16 AM ET, 01/30/2013

Thoughts on U.S. friendly vs. Canada

By Steven Goff

In a friendly designed to identify players for World Cup qualifying, the U.S. national team settled for a dreary 0-0 draw with Canada in Houston.

By Steven Goff | 12:16 AM ET, 01/30/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Canada, U.S. national team, World Cup qualifying

Posted at 08:02 PM ET, 01/29/2013

Altidore endures racial taunts in Netherlands

By Steven Goff

American forward Jozy Altidore was the target of racist chants during AZ Alkmaar's 5-0 win over second-tier Den Bosch in the quarterfinals of the Dutch Cup.

By Steven Goff | 08:02 PM ET, 01/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: jozy altidore, U.S. national team

Posted at 10:43 AM ET, 01/29/2013

Honduras roster for U.S. qualifier

By Steven Goff

D.C. United's Andy Najar is among 23 players on the Honduras training camp roster ahead of next Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against the U.S. national soccer team.

By Steven Goff | 10:43 AM ET, 01/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: honduras, U.S. national team, World Cup qualifying

Posted at 09:21 AM ET, 01/29/2013

U.S. friendly vs. Canada tonight in Houston

By Steven Goff

U.S. national team players are vying for spots on the World Cup qualifying roster when the Americans face Canada in a friendly in Houston on Tuesday night.

By Steven Goff | 09:21 AM ET, 01/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Canada, U.S. national team, World Cup qualifying

Posted at 06:45 PM ET, 01/28/2013

D.C. United news & notes

By Steven Goff

D.C. United promotes two executives to run the front office following the departure of longtime president Kevin Payne.

By Steven Goff | 06:45 PM ET, 01/28/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 03:48 PM ET, 01/28/2013

Nick DeLeon declines T&T call-up

By Steven Goff

D.C. United's Nick DeLeon declined an invitation to Trinidad and Tobago's national team, holding out hope he can someday play for the United States.

By Steven Goff | 03:48 PM ET, 01/28/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS, U.S. national team

Posted at 10:58 AM ET, 01/27/2013

Americans abroad weekend roundup

By Steven Goff

American striker Jozy Altidore continues his torrid scoring run for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie, while Clint Dempsey strikes for Tottenham in the English FA Cup.

By Steven Goff | 10:58 AM ET, 01/27/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Americans abroad, U.S. national team, U.S. soccer

Posted at 04:04 PM ET, 01/26/2013

D.C. United falls in preseason opener

By Steven Goff

D.C. United conceded a penalty kick midway through the second half and dropped a 1-0 decision to the Columbus Crew in its preseason opener.

By Steven Goff | 04:04 PM ET, 01/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, MLS

Posted at 07:59 PM ET, 01/25/2013

U.S. men's national team updates

By Steven Goff

BeIN Sport, which holds TV rights to all but one of the U.S. national team's away matches in the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying, will carry the Feb. 6 opener against Honduras on England and Spanish channels.

By Steven Goff | 07:59 PM ET, 01/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: gold cup, U.S. national team, U.S. soccer, World Cup qualifying

Posted at 03:35 PM ET, 01/25/2013

D.C. United trades for ex-Terp Townsend

By Steven Goff

D.C. United acquires former University of Maryland star Casey Townsend from Chivas USA for a second-round pick in the 2014 MLS draft.

By Steven Goff | 03:35 PM ET, 01/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, Maryland Terrapins, MLS

Posted at 09:49 AM ET, 01/25/2013

D.C. United acquires Indonesian midfielder

By Steven Goff

D.C. United acquires Indonesian midfielder Syamsir Alam on loan from Belgian second-division club CS Vise.

By Steven Goff | 09:49 AM ET, 01/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, MLS

Posted at 07:05 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Weekend TV & online listings: 63 matches

By Steven Goff

63 soccer matches on TV, streaming video: African Cup, FA Cup, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Eredivisie, Scotland, Copa Centroamericana, Mexico, South America U-20s

By Steven Goff | 07:05 PM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: TV listings

Posted at 03:47 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Richmond Kickers become D.C. United affiliate

By Steven Goff

The Richmond Kickers will serve as D.C. United's third-division affiliate, an arrangement that will facilitate full-time training and league matches for young MLS players.

By Steven Goff | 03:47 PM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, MLS, U.S. soccer, usl

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Mike Petke named Red Bulls head coach

By Steven Goff

Former MLS defender Mike Petke was named head coach of the New York Red Bulls, whose search for Hans Backe's replacement lasted several months.

By Steven Goff | 12:22 PM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS, new york red bulls

Posted at 06:44 PM ET, 01/23/2013

MLS, USL reach development deal

By Steven Goff

MLS and the third-tier USL have formed a partnership that promises to enhance soccer player development in America. The Richmond Kickers are expected to become D.C. United's affiliate.

By Steven Goff | 06:44 PM ET, 01/23/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, MLS, U., usl

Posted at 01:41 PM ET, 01/23/2013

CONCACAF sets Gold Cup venues

By Steven Goff

CONCACAF announced 13 venues for this summer's Gold Cup, including Baltimore's M

By Steven Goff | 01:41 PM ET, 01/23/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: CONCACAF, gold cup, U.S. national team

Posted at 09:29 AM ET, 01/23/2013

U.S. national team news & notes

By Steven Goff

Two players departed U.S. camp with injuries as preparations continue for the next week's friendly against Canada in Houston and the World Cup qualifier Feb. 6 at Honduras.

By Steven Goff | 09:29 AM ET, 01/23/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: CONCACAF, U.S. national team, U.S. soccer, ussf, World Cup

Posted at 03:29 PM ET, 01/22/2013

D.C. United drafts UCLA attacker

By Steven Goff

D.C. United chose UCLA midfielder Evan Raynr in the MLS supplemental draft Tuesday, the club's only selection in the four-round process. Several players from local colleges were drafted.

By Steven Goff | 03:29 PM ET, 01/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 01/22/2013

D.C. United news & notes

By Steven Goff

D.C. United invites a former Red Bulls goalkeepers coach as a possible replacement for Pat Onstad. Veteran midfielder John Thorrington has signed. A trialist appeared in a Justin Bieber video.

By Steven Goff | 12:04 PM ET, 01/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 04:09 PM ET, 01/21/2013

Soccer and society

By Steven Goff

Soccer and society intersect in our everyday lives, even here in America. A few anecdotes:

By Steven Goff | 04:09 PM ET, 01/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: cristiano ronaldo, Real Madrid, rfk stadium, soccer, tottenham

Posted at 02:56 PM ET, 01/20/2013

Americans abroad roundup: Dempsey late equalizer vs. Manchester United, Altidore hat trick for Alkmaar

By Steven Goff

American midfielder Clint Dempsey scores a late equalizer for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester United and U.S. striker Jozy Altidore records a hat trick in the Dutch soccer league.

By Steven Goff | 02:56 PM ET, 01/20/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Americans abroad, Clint Dempsey, jozy altidore, U.S. soccer

Posted at 05:22 PM ET, 01/18/2013

D.C. United's training camp roster

By Steven Goff

With training camp under way, D.C. United has released its preseason roster.

By Steven Goff | 05:22 PM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Washington Spirit drafts local players

By Steven Goff

The Washington Spirit of the new National Women's Soccer League drafted three college players who starred at D.C. area high schools.

By Steven Goff | 01:22 PM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: NWSL, washington spirit

Posted at 10:22 AM ET, 01/18/2013

No Salihi as United opens training camp

By Steven Goff

Albanian striker Hamdi Salihi was not present at D.C. United workouts Friday and, despite a guaranteed contract, is not expected to remain with the MLS club.

By Steven Goff | 10:22 AM ET, 01/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 02:38 PM ET, 01/17/2013

Weekend TV & streaming video listings

By Steven Goff

Weekend TV & streaming video listings

By Steven Goff | 02:38 PM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: TV listings

Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 01/17/2013

MLS draft, first-round selections

By Steven Goff

Updates on the MLS draft as first-round selections are made in Indianapolis.

By Steven Goff | 10:49 AM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 02:43 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Wednesday kickaround

By Steven Goff

Toronto FC is denying it has hired Pat Onstad, the outgoing goalkeepers coach at D.C. United. Stuart Holden returned to action for Bolton. The NWSL draft is approaching. Georgetown receives a gift.

By Steven Goff | 02:43 PM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, georgetown hoyas, MLS, ncaa soccer, NWSL, Roundup, U.S. national team

Posted at 06:17 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Onstad leaving D.C. United for Toronto

By Steven Goff

D.C. United goalkeepers coach Pat Onstad is leaving the club after two seasons to work for Toronto FC, sources said. Meantime, United appears to have its eye on Diego Restrepo to join its goalie corps.

By Steven Goff | 06:17 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS, toronto fc

Posted at 04:38 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Denver to host World Cup qualifier in March

By Steven Goff

The U.S. men's national soccer team will play its first home match in the World Cup qualifying final round in Denver on March 22 against Costa Rica.

By Steven Goff | 04:38 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: MLS, U.S. national team, World Cup

Posted at 09:55 AM ET, 01/15/2013

Slight price increase for D.C. United tickets

By Steven Goff

D.C. United ticket prices have risen, but only 75 cents. The facilities fee is now included in the charge. RFK Stadium's seating capacity for MLS matches will remain at 19,647.

By Steven Goff | 09:55 AM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 01/14/2013

D.C. United plan for homegrown signing

By Steven Goff

Now that D.C. United has signed Michael Seaton to a homegrown player, how will the 16-year-old forward balance school and his blossoming career?

By Steven Goff | 06:35 PM ET, 01/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 03:34 PM ET, 01/14/2013

United seals deal with 16-year-old Seaton

By Steven Goff

D.C. United announced the signing of 16-year-old forward Michael Seaton to a homegrown contract, the fifth player in 3 1/2 years to rise from the academy program.

By Steven Goff | 03:34 PM ET, 01/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, MLS

Posted at 02:11 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Spirit taking shape without Olympians

By Steven Goff

The Washington Spirit, one of eight clubs in the new National Women's Soccer League, was not allocated any of the 18 U.S. Olympians. However, the owner believes the club has a good core.

By Steven Goff | 02:11 PM ET, 01/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: NWSL, U.S. national team, washington spirit, women's soccer

Posted at 08:57 PM ET, 01/13/2013

American players abroad roundup

By Steven Goff

Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and many other American soccer players competing in foreign leagues were in action over the weekend.

By Steven Goff | 08:57 PM ET, 01/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Americans abroad, U.S. national team, U.S. soccer

Posted at 12:01 AM ET, 01/12/2013

Maryland's Mullins wins Hermann Trophy

By Steven Goff

Junior forward Patrick Mullins became the second University of Maryland soccer player to win the Hermann Trophy. North Carolina's Crystal Dunn won the women's award.

By Steven Goff | 12:01 AM ET, 01/12/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Maryland Terrapins, ncaa soccer

Posted at 06:43 PM ET, 01/11/2013

D.C. United signs homegrown player

By Steven Goff

D.C. United has signed its fifth homegrown player in the past 3 1/2 years: 16-year-old forward Michael Seaton.

By Steven Goff | 06:43 PM ET, 01/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, MLS

Posted at 03:29 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Krieger allocated to Washington women's team

By Steven Goff

Krieger allocated to Washington women's team

By Steven Goff | 03:29 PM ET, 01/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: NWSL, washington spirit, women's soccer

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 01/11/2013

D.C. United news & notes

By Steven Goff

D.C. United's Andy Najar made his loan debut for Anderlecht, playing 90 minutes in a 4-2 friendly victory against Dutch club Heracles.

By Steven Goff | 01:36 PM ET, 01/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 09:18 AM ET, 01/11/2013

Soccer Outsider: D.C. United awards, Part III (the strikers)

By Jeff Maurer

More mostly backhanded compliments from the Soccer Outsider.

By Jeff Maurer | 09:18 AM ET, 01/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Soccer Outsider

Posted at 03:25 PM ET, 01/10/2013

Weekend TV & streaming video listings

By Steven Goff

53 matches available for viewing on TV and streaming video: Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, South American U-20s

By Steven Goff | 03:25 PM ET, 01/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: TV listings

Posted at 04:24 PM ET, 01/09/2013

U.S. vs. Germany: RFK or FedEx?

By Steven Goff

RFK Stadium and FedEx Field are the leading contenders to host a proposed soccer friendly between the United States and Germany on June 2. Pros and cons for both venues and a poll:

By Steven Goff | 04:24 PM ET, 01/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: germany, rfk stadium, U.S. national team

Posted at 01:46 PM ET, 01/09/2013

D.C. United sets 2013 schedule

By Steven Goff

Schedule includes 16 weekend home matches and an earlier start time on many nights at RFK Stadium.

By Steven Goff | 01:46 PM ET, 01/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 01/09/2013

D.C. United acquires Brazilian forward

By Steven Goff

D.C. United has acquired Rafael, a 20-year-old forward from Brazilian club Bahia, on a one-year loan with an option to purchase his contract next winter.

By Steven Goff | 12:22 PM ET, 01/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 01/08/2013

D.C. United news & notes

By Steven Goff

With training camp set to open next week, D.C. United continues to work on its roster and weigh personnel options.

By Steven Goff | 12:10 PM ET, 01/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 10:23 AM ET, 01/08/2013

Payne takes bold step for Toronto FC

By Steven Goff

Kevin Payne's first bold move as Toronto FC's boss? Hiring Ryan Nelsen, a current player in England's Premier League with no coaching experience.

By Steven Goff | 10:23 AM ET, 01/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS, toronto fc

Posted at 02:48 PM ET, 01/07/2013

Wambach, Messi are FIFA players of year

By Steven Goff

U.S. striker Abby Wambach and Argentine forward Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or awards as the FIFA players of the year.

By Steven Goff | 02:48 PM ET, 01/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: fifa, lionel messi, U.S. national team, U.S. soccer, women's soccer

Posted at 11:40 AM ET, 01/07/2013

D.C. United's Najar loaned to Anderlecht

By Steven Goff

D.C. United's Andy Najar, a teenager who has started in MLS for three seasons, will go on loan to Belgian champion Anderlecht for the remainder of the month.

By Steven Goff | 11:40 AM ET, 01/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 08:20 PM ET, 01/06/2013

"60 Minutes" covers FC Barcelona

By Steven Goff

Video of the "60 Minutes" report about FC Barcelona, plus a behind-the-scenes clip.

By Steven Goff | 08:20 PM ET, 01/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Barcelona, FC Barcelona

Posted at 06:54 PM ET, 01/06/2013

American soccer players abroad

By Steven Goff

U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey scored twice in Tottenham Hotspur's FA Cup victory over Coventry. A roundup of how American soccer players abroad fared this weekend:

By Steven Goff | 06:54 PM ET, 01/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Americans abroad, U.S. national team

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 01/06/2013

Klinsmann sets U.S. training camp roster

By Steven Goff

Juergen Klinsmann has set his roster for the U.S. national soccer team's annual winter training camp at Home Dept Center in Carson, Calif.

By Steven Goff | 01:36 PM ET, 01/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: MLS, U.S. national team, U.S. soccer

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 01/04/2013

Soccer Outsider: D.C. United awards, Part II (the midfielders)

By Jeffrey Maurer

Jeffrey Maurer hands out more (sometimes backhanded) praise to D.C. United.

By Jeffrey Maurer | 10:13 AM ET, 01/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Soccer Outsider

Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 01/03/2013

Weekend soccer TV & online listings

By Steven Goff

English FA Cup, La Liga, French Cup, Portugal, Mexico, Australia

By Steven Goff | 06:00 PM ET, 01/03/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: TV listings

Posted at 02:38 PM ET, 01/03/2013

D.C. United news & notes

By Steven Goff

D.C. United is close to finalizing a deal to acquire a young Brazilian attacker on loan. The club is also expecting to send at least two of its current players to U.S. national team training camp next week.

By Steven Goff | 02:38 PM ET, 01/03/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, MLS, U.S. national team

Posted at 06:45 PM ET, 01/02/2013

Garber responds to Blatter's criticism

By Steven Goff

MLS Commissioner Don Garber responds to FIFA President Sepp Blatter's criticism of the U.S. pro soccer league.

By Steven Goff | 06:45 PM ET, 01/02/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: fifa, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 01/02/2013

D.C. United's quiet offseason so far

By Steven Goff

While its Eastern Conference rivals have been busy, D.C. United has not made any major moves this MLS offseason. Training camp opens in two weeks.

By Steven Goff | 02:33 PM ET, 01/02/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Major League Soccer, MLS

Posted at 02:06 AM ET, 01/01/2013

Soccer Insider's vacation ratings

By Steven Goff

Skyfall, Lincoln and Lionel Messi. It was an entertaining 2012 and holiday season. Happy New Year!

By Steven Goff | 02:06 AM ET, 01/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: lincoln, lionel messi, skyfall, soccer

Stats, scores and schedules

Orioles| Oriole Park at Camden Yards, MD

Orioles| Oriole Park at Camden Yards, MD

Nationals| Nationals Park, DC

Soccer Insider: January, 2013