A few derby day things...

I've decided all relevant happenings should pause while I sleep. Until I can get that rule into effect...

#1 - Due to injuries, suspension and a few cases of on-set senility, Mexico will show up in Columbus with an unusual amount of new names for a big World Cup qualifier against the nemesis.

In an effort to help these El Tri players ease into the rivalry, I think we should just go ahead and maintain competitive continuity in the series.

So... is 2-0 again okay with everybody?

#2 - Bobby Convey is now officially a San Jose Earthquake, joining an increasingly more impressive attack. Expect coach Frank Yallop to hand the former Reading winger his #10 keys.

I'd also expect quite a bit of quality from Convey. I'm sure the way of his Madejski exit leaves him eager to prove he's still got it. As you might imagine, I will soon be having a talk with BC and you can look for something at Soccer365 in the coming days.

By the way... is it just me or do the Quakes have a good bit trade bait in attacking midfield? Does Huckerby move up front? Can Alvarez play the right? Or is it 4-3-3 time?

Ooh, please let it be 4-3-3 time!

#3 - On a related (and NSC previously mention) note, Andrew Jacobsen has indeed signed with D.C. United. The young central midfielder had spurned the club as a SuperDraft pick last year and spent a season with the Lorient second team in France.

#4 - Chivas USA have added three hispanic players to their south-of-the-border preseason camp, two with Mexican league experience and once most recently with Newell's Old Boys in Argentina.

#5 - Yes, I have another Top 5 List ready, but I didn't want to bunch up the posts. Each should get a little run at the top, I think. Expect this one to drop near lunchtime in Columbus.

#6 - Guus Hiddink (for my money, the best manager in the world) is set to take over at Chelsea through season's end. Beyond that is a mystery to all involved.

Look for the Blues to do some damage down the stretch. I doubt he will be pushed away.

#7 - Seriously, I love getting the story too... but what kind of delusion does one need to have before repeatedly asking Landon Donovan about his loan situation the day before a USMNT v. Mexico hex opener? Did you really think he'd start going into that or maybe even give away the surprise ending to the whole affair? Why even embarrass yourself by asking?

(sigh)

Rant over.

#8 - A little bout of illness can't contain Columbus Dispatch all-star Shawn Mitchell, who has a bit on U.S. backline Godzilla Oguchi Onyewu.

#9 - And let's make one more visit to Studio 90 before the big game...



- Greg Seltzer