Soccer

Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff was online Wednesday, Oct. 4, at noon ET to chat about D.C. United, MLS, Europe and anything else soccer-related.

The transcript follows.

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Steven Goff: Greetings...

Before we get started, a few items to share:

*First, a clarification. I wrote last week that the MLS Cup runner-up would receive the second bid to the Champions Cup in case DC United won both the regular season and postseason title. Not true. It would be the second-best team during the regular season. (Not that it affects D.C.U. in anyway.) My bad.

*A pretty reliable source tells me Argentine Jose Pekerman was/is the USSF's top choice for the USA job, but he apparently is interested in club-level jobs in Europe. USSF still not giving up hope. We'll see how it unfolds.

*Other sources tell me the sale of DC United is just about done, with Discovery Communications founder John Hendricks as a major backer. Barring last-minute complications, expect an announcement soon. (We're heard that before, eh?!)

*Hopefully, you saw the TENTATIVE dates of the Champions Cup quarterfinals in today's paper. Bundle up for that DCU home game in late February or possibly March 1.

*Huge Friday of college soccer coming up: Maryland at North Carolina, Virginia at Duke, George Mason looking for eight straight when they host Delaware, undefeated Navy women at Army.

Okay, let's get started...

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Long Island, N.Y.: Hi Steven,

How long do you think it will be before Freddy Adu plays in England? I've read various reports that Reading is interested and would like to acquire him in January.

Thanks for doing these chats!

Steven Goff: Hi Long Island,

Dozens of clubs in Europe are interested in Adu and rumors are floated in the British press all the time, but unless MLS receives a lucrative offer, he isn't going anywhere for a while. Keep in mind, too, that's he is not eligible to play in England until he's 18 (next June).

Then there is the question of whether he is good enough to play overseas. It depends on the league. Could he start in the English Premiership right now? No.

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Washington, D.C.: Can United do anything in the playoffs without a healthy Eskandarian?

Steven Goff: As I mentioned in today's story, United lacks a menacing presence when Eskandarian is not on the field -- and that has to be a concern heading into the playoffs. Adu, Gomez and Moreno are creative players, but without Esky, there is no lethal threat in the box. Eskandarian strikes a ball with incredible authority.

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Arlington, Va.: Any word on whether U.S. Soccer is planning to accept its invitation to Copa America? I sure hope it does.

Steven Goff: No decision yet, but I imagine they will find a way to compete in both the Gold Cup and Copa America next summer.

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Washington, D.C.: I just read in the Boston Globe that the Jules Rimet trophy will be on display somewhere in D.C. in the very near future. Do you know any details?

Steven Goff: I had not heard that. Anyone out there with information?

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Poplar Point, D.C.: Are people asking about me? Wake me when they do. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Steven Goff: Dear Mr. Point:

I know you are very lonely without the long-promised soccer stadium. Hang in there. It will happen someday.

Regards,

United, Congress and D.C. government

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Fairfax, Va.: Steve, thanks for your continued coverage of the beautiful game. Did Piotr Nowak get fined for his post game comments on the officiating? I don't recall seeing anything on that.

Steven Goff: Thanks for your kind words.

No, as far as I know, he was not fined. But the league usually announces such things late in the week.

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Bethesda, Md.: Has it gotten to the point where the complaining about officials is just getting to be sad? I mean, we all know they are bad, but at some point you just have to get on with life, win games, try to improve officiating and stop whining about things every week.

MLS officials aren't going to become magically better overnight just like Josh Gros isn't going to get Ronaldinho's skills in the blink of an eyes.

Steven Goff: Agreed.

Every team seems equally impacted by the officiating.

Move on and play...

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U.S. Depression: I have to say that while Clint Dempsey is a decent player, he is such a jerk. Is he a sign of things to come -- the next crop of soccer players acting like our friends over in the NFL, NBA and MLB? Me, me, me first! Hey, look at me!

Steven Goff: Why is he "such a jerk"? I've heard him called eccentric and unpredictable, but never a jerk.

Dempsey is an interesting character who has brought some personality to U.S. soccer. He also wants very badly to play in Europe. I imagine he will get his wish this winter.

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Arlington, Va.: When you say that Peckerman "was/is the top choice," does that mean that they're leaning towards him at this point but haven't made a decision yet, or that they've decided that he's the guy and are just waiting to see if they can get him?

Steven Goff: From what I've heard, they are more interested in him than he is in them. Things could change, however. The next six weeks will be interesting.

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Northern Virginia: What would you say is the best women's soccer to watch in the area? I took my friend's kid to a D.C. United game and she said, "Why aren't there any girls on this team?" So we need to achieve some balance in our soccer viewing.

Steven Goff: The University of Virginia women's team is always in the top 25 nationally. You can find their schedule at virginiasports.com

Maryland has a decent ACC program (umterps.com), George Mason competes in the CAA (gomason.com) and, if you're up for a drive to Annapolis, the Navy women's team is one of only two undefeated, untied teams in the country (navysports.com).

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Adams Morgan: Is that a burst of optimism by you about the stadium? Who are you and what have you done with Steve Goff?

Steven Goff: Ha -- I've always said a new stadium would come along someday. Just don't hold your breath.

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East Capital St: Hi. I'm Peter Nowak. Got a few questions.

-- Who do I sit the next two weeks?

-- Who would I rather face in the first round?

-- Assuming we make it to the Eastern conference finals, how do we beat the Fire?

Off for a smoke break,

PN

Steven Goff: Welcome, brother Nowak...

It's imperative to get some of the regulars a rest (i.e. not playing 90 minutes), but it's also important to build some momentum and reestablish a rhythm heading into the playoffs. I'm sure you will see some unique lineups and substitutions in these final two games.

First round opponent? I don't think DCU has a preference (KC or NY), although the artificial turf at Giants Stadium is not to United's liking.

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Towson, Md.: At this point in time, who would be your pick to win the MLS Cup?

Steven Goff: United is certainly the favorite, but they're probably going to have to get past Chicago, a team that plays very well against D.C. In the West, no one is afraid of Dallas and Chivas seems a year away from contending for a championship. I would go with Houston to reach the final.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I love going to University of Maryland soccer games and was at the MD-Duke game last Friday (greatest atmosphere in college soccer, by the way) -- Depending on who you ask hundreds to thousands of people were turned away at the gate because of the sellout -- my question: Is it time to expand? I know Sasho wants to but are you hearing anything about a larger stadium?

Steven Goff: Yes, Sasho has said he would like a new stadium and I imagine it will happen in the next few years.

Ludwig is fine for those midweek games, but on weekends and for big ACC matches, it's hard to squeeze everyone in there.

Also, the fact that the main bleachers are pulled back so far from the field because of the running track detracts from the atmosphere.

Having said that, it was a pretty spectacular scene at Ludwig for the Duke match.

For those interested, the annual Maryland-Virginia showdown will take place next Wednesday in Charlottesville.

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Nick, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Steven, great work, thanks for chatting again. There are lots of rumors swirling around about big-name players coming to MLS (Figo, Ronaldo, Beckham). Knowing the league and the realities of the teams the way you do, would you say that will actually be a reality next season?

Steven Goff: Yes, I imagine you will start to see European superstars (actually, former Euro superstars) arrive in MLS. Perhaps next year, more likely the following season.

Personally, I think it's a waste of money since these guys are nearing the end of their career. The exceptions, however, could be made for goal scorers. Goal scorers will attract a mainstream audience. Just my opinion.

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Eugene, Ore.: Goffer: Clint Dempsey, now proud holder of the Honda Player of the Year trophy, has been critical of MLS and its transfer policies after they rejected an English club's bid to sign him. It seems MLS rejects virtually every bid that comes their way. Even Der Bruce took the Steve Sampson stance saying U.S. players need to play in Europe to get to the next level. What gives? And what reaction will the league have when Adu wants to leave?

Steven Goff: Indeed, a tricky situation for MLS -- they don't want to lose their marquee American players but perhaps also feel an obligation to allow players to fulfill their dreams (and earning potential) by pursuing European opportunities. Dempsey is at a point in his career where he needs to go overseas now, but in defense of MLS, they're not going to sell him for what they consider less than market value. I can see it from both sides.

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Washington, D.C.: Who gave Sasho my phone number? I have never attended a Maryland sporting event and resent getting phone spam from him and the school's athletic department.

Steven Goff: Really? You must be on some university phone list.

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Duff in D.C.: Assuming United has a successful playoff run -- which, for United, means winning the Cup -- which players stay and which players go in the offseason?

Steven Goff: For the most part, too early to say, but I can't imagine Nick Rimando will return next season. He's a proven MLS goalkeeper who rarely plays anymore because of Troy Perkins's emergence. Also, he makes too much money to be sitting on the bench.

The jury is still out on Donnet and Ssejjemba.

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Atlanta: Imagine how fat Ronaldo would get eating American food...one thing is for sure, he'd be an easy target to pick out.

Steven Goff: Good point.

Dairy Queen, anyone?

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Blacksburg, Va.: You need to come down to Blacksburg to watch a Va. Tech soccer game. Patrick Nyarko (sophomore, forward) is amazing and the best college player I have ever seen.

Steven Goff: Indeed, one of the best players in the country. Tech, however, has struggled a bit since their fast start.

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Anonymous: How do you feel about Jamil Walker's play so far? For me, I do not approve of the way he seems to shy away from the ball, or shy away from going one on one. He seems to just run around the field without being in the game.

Steven Goff: He has not taken advantage of his playing opportunities. No goals since April in league play.

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Barra Brava: Steve, haven't really seen enough of Ssejjemba to say, do you think he's viable up top if Esky can't go?

Steven Goff: We won't find out this weekend since he is off to Africa for a Uganda national team match. I imagine he'll get some time in the regular season finale and then be a late-game option in the playoffs.

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Washington, D.C.: Namoff looked pretty good against Houston, didn't he? He made some nice defensive plays and if that shot of his had been just a few inches over he'd have had a heck of a goal as well.

He also has ADORABLE freckles. FYI.

Steven Goff: I'll address his play, but not his freckles.

Yes, great shot from distance that nearly snuck into the upper right corner. Namoff is a solid MLS outside back.

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Milwaukee: I've been watching the UEFA Champions League on ESPN and I am kind of confused as to how all the different leagues in Europe work. (Yes, I'm new.) I get the idea that these are winners and runners-up of different European Club Leagues. But aren't the leagues having their season now? Are the teams that are participating in the Champions League effectively playing in two leagues at the same time? How does that all work? Thanks for you time.

Steven Goff: Good questions.

Yes, a team such as Chelsea is playing in two "leagues" at once, although the Champions League games are not nearly as frequent as league play. (To compound matters, they're also involved in domestic cup competitions.)

Champions League matches and cup games are played mid-week, league matches almost always on the weekend.

Indeed, those are strenuous times for Euro clubs, who often must rely on their roster depth to maintain success during busy periods.

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Chantilly, Va.: Will there ever be relegation in U.S. soccer? It would be fun to see the Richmond Kickers getting relegated up or any of those other USL teams.

Steven Goff: Nope.

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Falls Church, Va.: Steve,

If United has our full compliment of players for the playoffs (including Esky to play up top) then it seems we'd have Donnet, Adu, and Gros competing for two spots on the wings. How do you handicap this competition right now?

Steven Goff: Good point. At the moment, I don't see how Eskandarian could be considered to start; he has missed a lot of time.

However, the flank positions are intriguing. Gros has to be out there because of his work rate and Adu brings a creative dimension. Donnet's crossing ability is a concern, and he seems more effective in a central role.

Nowak will have some difficult decisions to make.

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Copa, America:: Send the "full squad" to the Copa America and the U-23 team to the Gold Cup. Given the importance of the Olympics to American fans (if not soccer fans in general) I think you could sell it, especially if Adu plays for the U-23s.

Of course, we have no U-23 coach...

Steven Goff: Not a bad idea.

As for the u-23 coach, the new national team coach will have the option of guiding that squad as well. If he chooses not to, I imagine his top assistant will handle it.

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Arlington, Va.: Put me down as being dead-set against the idea of has-been Euro stars coming to the MLS for lucrative swansongs. To make the league more competitive, I would take an opposite approach, i.e., see if they can't pick off some of the younger, not yet known players with the prospect of coming to the US (still a big deal for may East Europeans, not to mention Africans) and immediate playing time. I don't see what good it will do to pay a 240-pound Ronaldo $10 million a year to nurse injuries.

Steven Goff: Great point!

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To Chantilly: Uh, no team in any league in the world will ever get "relegated up."

Steven Goff: Was that the wording in the reader's relegation/promotion question? I read right over it.

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Duff in D.C. : Rimando a "proven MLS goalkeeper?"

Yes, proven to have very little command of balls entering the box in the air, proven to account for poor positioning with athletic, dramatic saves that should have been effortless with proper positioning, and proven to punch or spill balls that a quality keeper should be able to catch and hold.

I hope your guess holds true.

Steven Goff: Is he the best keeper in MLS? No. Perkins is a more complete player.

Is he proven? After six years as a starter in this league, yes. I imagine a couple MLS teams will express interest this offseason. His salary of around $100,000 might have to come down, however.

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Falls Church, Va.: Steve,

I'm really excited that D.C. is going to be in international play next year, but will this be the same team? Among the key players on this team, there's potential retirements, potential opportunities in Europe, potential losses to the expansion draft, etc. Who is D.C. most at risk to lose next year, and what plans are they making to keep or replace players at risk?

Steven Goff: DCU seems very serious about succeeding in Champions Cup this time around.

As the case is every year, players will come and go, but the nucleus of this team should remain the same. Also, as I've said in previous chats, DCU has forged a strong pipeline with Brazil clubs and could add an attacking player this offseason.

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Washington, D.C.: How is MLS going to handle a 13-team league next year? I can't see how they would have two divisions, since that would mean teams in the East would play four more games than the West.

Steven Goff: Indeed, a unique dilemma.

It has not been decided yet, but I'm guessing they'll play in the East and all seven of those teams will face West opponents less frequently.

We should know for sure next month.

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Reston, Va.: Steven, thanks for these chats. I see that many of the Post's writers have started blogs recently, any plans for a soccer related one of your own? Also, would FIFA and FA rules allow Freddy Adu to sign with an English team in January, with the understanding that he couldn't play for them team until June? Assuming he could attain a work permit on appeal based upon an outstanding ability exception.

Steven Goff: I have not been asked about a blog. Maybe next season.

I do not know the details of English foreign-player rules as they pertain to underage players. Sorry.

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Raleigh, N.C.: Any predictions about which United players will win postseason honors?

Steven Goff: Gomez should win MVP -- the most important player on by far the best team during the regular season.

Boswell (defender), Perkins (goalie) and Nowak (coach) seem the favorites in their respective categories, but these award announcements always include a surprise or two.

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Steven Goff: Thanks for your questions. We'll do it again in two weeks before the playoffs start.

Feel free to reach me directly anytime at goffs@washpost.com

SG

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