A few things...

Sorry for flaking out for a couple of days, but I've been dominated by an exquisite neck/headache since Thursday night. Now that I can look at a computer screen for longer than seven seconds at a time, it's time for a rally...

#1 - US Soccer has opened up fan nominations for five Best of 2008 categories, including (ahem) Best Soccer Blog. Get all the details here.

#2 - Speaking of awards and voting, MLS has narrowed the Goal of the Year field down to 10. Check them all out and pick your favorite here.

#3 - I'm feelin' nutty, let's go for some fearless MLS Playoff predictions:

KC @ Columbus
The Crew have home field advantage, the Defender of the Year in Chad Marshall and Guille Schelotto's mad genius... but for some reason I keep thinking the Wizards will have the upset touch if this game gets some goals. I say: KC 3-2

RSL @ Chivas USA
Another upset special, I'm afraid. The Goats are banged up bad and Real is feeling pretty authentic. I say: 1-1 draw, RSL advances

NYRB @ Houston
In keeping with my "vibe" calls, let's say New York scores first, but the champs find a way to flip it around. I say: Houston 2-1.

#4 - I got the word from Gregg Berhalter, who will soon begin work on his A coaching license in Germany - but hopes to put it to use back home in the States.

Now that me headache fog has lifted, I'll get to work on a Luis Robles feature. The Kaiserslautern keeper is suddenly the starter on a team one point from the top of the second Bundesliga and I have some great stuff from the former Portland Pilot. Expect that tomorrow.

#5 - Grrrrr, I had another item to note and now I can't remember what it was. I'm sure I will later. It will be here then.

UPDATE: Ha! I remembered. Finally.

Add Arsenal defender Mickaël Silvestre to the list of Euros hoping to play in MLS before they are done.

- Greg Seltzer