During the inauguration of his own futsal sporting complex in Bogota, Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel of the New York Red Bulls declared that it would be a dream come true to return to Argentine giants River Plate in the future. Angel has been linked with a return to Los Millonarios and the fact that River are searching for an experienced striker means it could become reality.

Angel, 34, has fond memories of his time at River, which he describes as being the happiest of his entire career. During four years at River, where he made 132 appearances, Angel converted 62 goals and helped the club to two national championships.

“Don’t retire me yet, please,” joked Angel. “A return to Nacional de Medellin [his first club] or River is something that one always thinks about. I’m always going to be grateful for everything those clubs and Aston Villa gave me.”

Angel, who scored twice on the weekend as the Red Bulls beat Dallas FC 2-1, believes he is still the player he was in England and that he is hoping to be provided with a greater challenge than MLS can offer before announcing his retirement.

In recent months several clubs throughout Latin America have shown an interest in Angel, with the majority of them coming from Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. Angel has already stated that he is open to listening to offers.

Angel is confident that a move away from MLS will also improve his chances of returning to the Colombian national team, looking ahead to the 2011 Copa America and the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

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A year-and-a-half ago, Juan Sebastián Verón got cold feet and backed out of a deal that would have made him one of the biggest stars ever to join Major League Soccer. Could the Argentine international be ready to try again?

After years of speculation, it seems Verón finally may leave his beloved Estudiantes de La Plata for a move elsewhere. He has attracted heavy interest from well-established European, Mexican and Brazilian clubs, but Verón’s most viable option could be MLS.

Verón, who turned 34 on Monday, rejected a lucrative move to D.C. United in the summer of 2007, turning his back on a reported annual salary of more than $3 million. In the end, La Brujita said, he wanted to claim an international trophy with Estudiantes before the end of his career.

But after experiencing his fair share of success with his homegrown team, Verón could be forced out. In recent weeks, he has been blamed for his team’s poor form, not because of his on-field performances, but because of the influence he has on the club and its finances.

Last month the playmaker said he wished to stay at Estudiantes, but that he was “sick and tired” of the ongoing accusations linking him with “secret” negotiations with players and agents over big-money transfers.

“I feel like staying, but I have been accused of things that at this stage of my career I would prefer not to be involved in,” Verón said. Then, this past Monday, he reiterated his frustration, stating: “In these moments when things aren’t going well, those who want me to leave appear.”

Verón has taken much of the responsibility for Estudiantes’ disastrous start to the Argentine Clausura Championship, where it finds itself in 18th place in the 20-team league with only one win in its first five games. To make matters worse, Estudiantes is on the brink of elimination from the Copa Libertadores after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Quito in Ecuador on Tuesday. Estudiantes has one of the strongest squads in the competition, and many believe the internal conflict within the squad is the reason why it’s underachieving.

The damage is unlikely to be repaired and, according to the Argentine press, Verón’s exit could be near. He has admitted that all his confidence in mending the rift is lost, and that he could have no choice but to find another club when his contract expires in June.

This is where MLS has a perfect opportunity to intervene. D.C. United may have failed to secure Verón’s services a couple years ago, but that doesn’t mean clubs should back off. The midfielder evidently was keen on a move and was just a signature away from making it reality before changing his mind at the 11th hour.

Although D.C. has filled both of its Designated Player slots this season, several clubs could make a bid for the experienced Argentine international. Despite his age, last year Verón played some of the best soccer of his career, leading Estudiantes to the final of the Copa Sudamericana. As a result of his accomplishments, he was honored as South American Footballer of the Year for ’08.

Much like the way MLS Cup ’08 winner Guillermo Barros Schelotto has exceeded with the Columbus Crew, Verón has the potential to make a huge impact on the league and the players who surround him. Not only does Verón have 10 years of experience in Europe’s big leagues with clubs such as Inter Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea, but he also was a key member of the Argentine national team at the ’98 and ’02 World Cups.

There’s no doubt he’s a world-class player, but if one day he were to move to MLS, the best way for him to make a smooth transition would be by being surrounded by capable players with ambition. Throughout his career, Verón has been characterized by his exceptional radar-like vision and dead-ball accuracy. If his teammates aren’t up to his level, he could get frustrated and his adaptation could take longer than expected. Such a thing happened last season to highly paid D.C. United reject Marcelo Gallardo, who has made an instant impact since returning to River Plate with two superb goals last Sunday.

Another factor that could severely dent the chances of Verón moving to MLS is the fact that his national-team position could be at risk. With the ’10 World Cup just around the corner, it may not be a smart choice.

Although an ankle injury kept him out of Argentina’s 2-0 friendly victory over France in Marseille in February, Verón was initially part of Diego Maradona‘s squad. He’s expected to continue to be part of Argentina’s World Cup qualifying campaign, which picks up again at the end of this month. (And with Juan Román Riquelme announcing he’s quitting the team — for now, anyways — Maradona desperately needs veteran leadership.)

Verón might not be guaranteed a spot in Maradona’s starting XI, but as many South Americans have learned, a switch to a league like MLS — thousands of miles away and of a lower caliber than the Argentine First Division — likely would take him out of consideration altogether.

At this stage of his career, Verón isn’t willing to give up his national-team spot for the sake of earning a bigger extensive salary. He may even have learned a lesson or two from former Manchester United teammate David Beckham, who knows how it feels to be out of the limelight.

To be sure, MLS has gained increased popularity around the world. But although the league continues to progress each year, its credibility is still a step behind. Verón may be tempted by a move to MLS in the future, but he might have to think twice — again — before making a final decision.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

When Guillermo Barros Schelotto arrived in Major League Soccer in 2007, most were unsure what kind of impact the Argentine legend would have on the league. Sure, he was a proven champion, having won a host of titles during 10 successful years at South American powerhouse Boca Juniors. But in less than two years in MLS, his achievements have surpassed all expectations.

Having claimed league MVP as he guided the Columbus Crew to their first MLS Cup in November, it’s no surprise that rival teams are now pursuing his fellow countrymen. And what a wise move it is — Argentine players are generally renowned as some of the finest in the world, and at bargain prices (because of Argentina’s struggling economy), MLS clubs can’t afford to miss out.

Conversely, Guille’s accomplishments have been a major factor in making MLS an increasingly desirable destination for Argentines, particularly for those players reaching the end of their careers. Other determining influences include better wages, more security, less media spotlight and essentially the opportunity to play week-in, week-out.

With the January transfer window about to open, several high-profile Argentines are on the agenda of various clubs. Here is a list of the top 10 players who could join MLS teams in ’09.

1. Juan Sebastián Verón

No introduction needed here. Verón continues to be one of the most intelligent midfielders in the game and played a key role as Estudiantes de La Plata reached the final of the Copa Sudamericana. Like a fine wine, the 33-year-old Verón seems to get better with age. If an MLS club manages to capture him, it will be a huge purchase (arguably one of the most significant in league history).

D.C. United had been tracking Verón for months, but last year he backed out of a lucrative Designated Player deal to sign with the four-time MLS Cup champs at the last minute. Then only last October there were reports that Red Bull New York was considering a similar offer.

But La Brujita is devoted to his beloved Estudiantes, and despite speculation linking him with a move to MLS, his intention is to participate in the ’09 Copa Libertadores with the club. In June, however, the former Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan superstar will be open to offers. MLS clubs may have to beat Brazilian giants Corinthians (Ronaldo‘s new club) and Santos to his signature, however: Verón recently has admitted he would be tempted by a move to Brazil.

Likelihood: Low (for now)

2. Martín Palermo

If Palermo joins MLS in ’09, one thing seems likely: He’ll instantly be among the league’s scoring leaders. With 194 goals, the Boca Juniors icon is the most prolific scorer in the history of the Argentine superclub, and his future could well be in MLS. He may be 35, but his skills as a poacher and aerial target have shown few signs of decline.

Palermo, who for several years played alongside Barros Schelotto in Boca’s intimidating attack, has said he would like to join Guille in Columbus, and apparently there has been contact between both clubs. Now is the perfect time for such a move. El Loco is coming off a serious knee injury and may not be guaranteed a first-team place at Boca next season thanks to the emergence of several young new stars. Columbus would be the ideal setting for Palermo, as he’d be able to relive his once amazing partnership with Guillermo.

Likelihood: High

3. Ariel Ortega

MLS clubs have to act fast, because signing Ortega would be an absolute bargain. Arguably the best close dribbler of his generation, Ortega may be 34, but he hasn’t lost any of his magic. A few months ago, FC Dallas made a pitch, but the midfielder opted to remain in Argentina.

El Burrito played a key role as River Plate lifted the ’08 Clausura Championship, but immediately after that triumph, he was loaned out to second-division club Independiente Rivadavia of Mendoza in order to cure his worsening alcohol addiction (which has affected his performance in recent years).

Forget Argentina — the best possible rehabilitation environment for Ortega is the U.S. In MLS, he’d be out of the spotlight and provided with all the necessary support to get back on track. A player of his undisputed quality can’t afford to be playing in second-tier competition. The good news for interested MLS clubs is that Ortega probably won’t figure into new River boss Néstor Gorosito‘s plans next year. MLS can’t afford to miss out on this rare opportunity.

Likelihood: Medium

4. Kily González

The former Inter Milan and Valencia winger has been one of Rosario Central’s only bright spots since returning to the club in ’06 after 10 successful years in Europe. Despite its extensive struggles, Rosario has relied heavily on the experience of its captain. But after another poor season where it finished second to last with only four wins in 19 matches, the club last week released him for good.

MLS has a great opportunity at snapping up a former Argentine international with the ability to lead a team to success. Kily’s vast experience and leadership skills could prove vital for most MLS clubs. If he’s offered a decent contract, there’s a great chance he’d accept it.

Likelihood: High

5. José Sand

By signing Sand, MLS would be investing in one of the most underrated strikers in Argentine league history. Sand is a class act, and finished as the leading scorer of the ’08 Apertura Championship with 15 goals. At 28, he’s in his prime, and it’s somewhat of a surprise that he still plays for a small club like Lanús. Sand is big-league material, and he’d be a huge buy for any MLS club.

Apart from a brief stint in Brazil with Vitória in ’01, Sand has played his entire career in his homeland with six different clubs. Last week Lanús rejected an offer for the player from an unidentified club, rumored to be from Italy. Apparently the sum was too small. No matter the asking price, Sand would be a valuable investment. Need goals? Buy Sand.

Likelihood: Low

6. Rolando Schiavi

The Newell’s Old Boys captain won everything with Boca at the international level: the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana, the Intercontinental Cup and the South American Super Cup. After brief unsuccessful stints in Spain and Brazil, he returned to Argentina, and since then has been an instrumental player for Newell’s. MLS isn’t only in need of attackers, but high-quality defenders as well. Schiavi is a proven leader and is also strong in the air and secure on the ground. He’d be interested in trying his luck abroad for the final time, and MLS is definitely an alternative.

Likelihood: High

7. Cristian Fabbiani

Although highly undisciplined both on and off the field (he’s constantly in and out of relationships with some of Argentina’s top models), Fabbiani is one of the greatest talents to have emerged from Argentina in recent years. He’s a chubby yet exciting forward with lots of personality, but that often plays to his disadvantage.

The unsettled attacker, who has played in Chile, Israel and Romania, declared earlier in the week that he hasn’t been paid since joining Newell’s earlier in the year, and he has no choice but to part ways with the club. With a good offer, he’d be more than happy to try his luck in MLS. But whichever club wants to sign him has to be prepared to dish out large sums of cash, because El Ogro has attracted interest from Spain, Italy and Mexico, as well as that from two top clubs (River Plate and Independiente) from his homeland. A DP deal could be the only way to lure him to the U.S., and an MLS club isn’t likely to dish out that kind of money.

Likelihood: Low

8. Juan Román Riquelme

There has been talk that Riquelme might be keen on a move to MLS in the future. While that might be the case in three or four years, right now it’s impossible. The Argentine international is happy at Boca and could well end his career there. He was offered deals by AC Milan and Atlético Madrid this past year, but as was expected, he rejected them both.

In April it was reported in Argentina that an unidentified MLS club had offered Boca $15 million for Riquelme’s services. But he affirmed that he has no intention of leaving Boca, no matter the price. If he eventually moves to MLS, the league will have added one of the best playmakers in the history of the game. A player of Riquelme’s quality could make a greater impact on the league than someone like Barros Schelotto.

Likelihood: Very Low

9. Hugo Ibarra

Perhaps the best right back in Argentina, Ibarra is not only a great motivator, but whenever he moves forward to the attack, he unleashes a venomous drive. Like Palermo, Schiavi and Riquelme, Ibarra has won every possible title in South American club soccer with a total of 12 trophies. Despite his age, the 34-year-old Ibarra was in inspired form with Boca this past year as the club claimed the Apertura Championship. In recent months, there has been talk linking him with a possible MLS move, and if presented with a tempting offer, Ibarra would make a smooth transition. Like Guille when he joined Columbus, Ibarra is looking for a relaxed environment to bring an end to a glorious career.

Likelihood: Medium

10. Eduardo Tuzzio

Like Ortega, the former River Plate captain will be released from the club because he doesn’t fit into the plans of Gorosito. The 34-year-old Tuzzio has consistently been one of the best defenders in the Argentine First Division, and his vast experience could be valuable to any MLS club. Apparently he has been offered a contract by Colón de Santa Fe, but the defender has yet to make up his mind. Formerly of San Lorenzo, Olympique Marseille and Real Mallorca, Tuzzio would be a great buy. He is a solid defender who rarely makes mistakes, and certainly has at least a couple more years of top level soccer ahead of him.

Likelihood: High

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

When Guillermo Barros Schelotto made the unconventional switch from Boca Juniors to the Columbus Crew in 2007, most American soccer fans knew little, if anything, about him, nor did they know what kind of impact he would have on Major League Soccer.

What they might have known, or at least learned, was that Guillermo was the player who had claimed the most titles in the history of Argentine soccer, including major international trophies such as the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana and the Intercontinental Cup, after having enjoyed a decade of success at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Upon his arrival, most expected the Argentine to add a touch of class to the league, to perhaps help take Columbus out of the doldrums, and maybe to inject some South American flair into a league that was starving for more high-quality players.

Guillermo has surpassed all expectations. On Thursday he was named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player (as well as SI Latino‘s Sportsman of the Year).

More importantly, the 35-year-old has played a key role as the Crew look to claim their first MLS Cup when they face the New York Red Bulls in the championship game at Home Depot Center on Sunday. In 27 regular-season matches, Guille has a competition-high 19 assists to go with seven goals.

Such an impact from the veteran was unimaginable for most, as that kind of success seemed more appropriate for world-famous Designated Players such as David Beckham and Cuauhtémoc Blanco. Perhaps only the fans of Guille’s former club, Boca Juniors, could have expected it.

“I don’t think they knew what kind of player they were signing,” said Martín Álvarez Noseda, a devoted Boca fanatic who lives blocks from the club’s legendary La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. “There’s no doubt he is a player who has given so much to the club he plays for and to the league. He is a legend in the eyes of all Boca Juniors fans. After Diego [Maradona], he is the greatest player to have ever worn the Boca shirt.”

Guillermo is considered a legend in his own right in Argentina, not only for Boca fans, but for those of Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata, the club where he turned professional back in 1991.

Because of the manner in which he is idolized back in his homeland, for everything he achieved during his time there, he continues to be as popular as ever these days. Even if he now finds himself in the U.S., his fans continue to monitor his footsteps and he is frequently invited to give his take on affairs at his former club.

“Here he is permanently in the headlines, but mainly because of Boca-related issues,” said Miguel Bossio, a leading reporter for popular Buenos Aires newspaper Clarín. “Obviously his opinion is always very valuable to us and it is always well respected because Guillermo is always a topic of interest. He continues to be a great player who is always motivated to learn more and to win things. It is clear that he didn’t go to the United States for a fatter pay check but to continue to accumulate glory and prestige.”

Bossio believes Guillermo has transmitted the awareness he gained in his years at Boca to MLS, and that’s how he has managed to rediscover his top form in his mid-30s.

“He has given MLS what he gave to Boca: energy, quality and attitude,” Bossio said. “He is very intelligent, and because of this, he adapted quickly, and you can tell he is comfortable and happy. Last year, I was in Columbus with him and I could see he was very enthusiastic. I could tell that this year he was expecting to have a great season like he has had.”

The success of Guillermo hasn’t gone unnoticed in Argentina, and his outstanding performances for the Crew have helped promote MLS in the soccer-mad nation, and throughout South America.

Only a few years ago, MLS wasn’t considered a worthwhile league to follow. It had limited coverage in South America, and with the overload of soccer in the continent, most fans wouldn’t even bother taking an interest in it. But since the emergence of Guillermo, and other established South Americans like Juan Pablo Ángel (who will meet Guille in MLS Cup with the Red Bulls), Marcelo Gallardo and Claudio López, the popularity of MLS has increased at an accelerated rate. Matches are now broadcast live on TV, especially when Columbus is playing.

“I don’t know if he helped all Argentines ‘discover’ MLS,” Bossio said, “but definitely with Guille there, the Boca fans have begun to follow the tournament much closely.”

Boca superfan Martín agrees. “Boca fans try to watch Guille in action as often as possible,” he said, “so if he plays in MLS they watch it as well. MLS has grown a lot, and whenever Guille does something of significance, they show it on TV straight away, and it allows viewers to get to know MLS better.

Not only has Guillermo achieved wide success in less than two seasons in MLS, but he has also increased awareness of the league in his country to the point that fans are now beginning to take an interest in the competition and its players. Since its inception in 1996, MLS has been looking to attract foreign talent. And although its clubs have attracted their fair share of Argentines in the past, no one has come close to making such an impression back home in Argentina like Guillermo has.

Schelotto’s exploits could prompt many other high-profile Argentines to opt for a move to MLS in the near future. As Bossio says, Guille’s success could “surely open the door to other players like Hugo Ibarra, Martín Palermo, Ariel Ortega, Juan Sebastián Verón and Kily González, who might just want to showcase their skills for a last time on the MLS stage. All of them will surely be able to perform to Guillermo’s level.”

Beckham may have attracted the headlines off the field this season, but on it, Guillermo’s contribution has been much greater. He lifted Columbus from being an ordinary side to the strongest team in the competition, and as the Boca faithful will affirm, his dedication makes all the difference for any club.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

If you’ve noticed that Major League Soccer headlines have taken on a Spanish feel lately, it’s no accident. But by the time the 2007 season ended, the league’s greatest victory was the success of its Latin American players.

And while Mexico’s Cuauhtémoc Blanco got most of the ink, it was the accomplishments of South American players like Luciano Emilio, Juan Pablo Ángel and Guillermo Barros Schelotto that took the league by storm. It’s no surprise that this season, MLS has accelerated the trend of bringing in talented South Americans. If the 13-year-old league’s goal is to eventually join the world’s elite, this is certainly a step in the right direction.

South America, of course, has contributed heaps of world-class players to the world game over the years, and the thought of bringing Argentines, Brazilians, Colombians and Uruguayans to MLS couldn’t be a better one. If you scan the top leagues in Europe — Spain, Italy, Germany and now even England — the rosters are dominated by large amounts of South Americans.

This is nothing new to the world, but for a league like MLS, which has prided itself on homegrown talent, the recent influx of talented South Americans is a big change in philosophy. South American soccer is renowned for the skill and quality of its players, its different styles, the interest it attracts among its fans and the dedication they have for the sport.

If the South American imports are able to inject all this into MLS, as the great Pelé did when he joined the New York Cosmos in 1977, the league may well undergo such a huge transformation that its teams may eventually compete with the top clubs of Europe, both in success and popularity. This isn’t an exaggeration.

The league is taking its first step this season. MLS will count on the services of more than 25 South Americans, and the number is likely to increase before the primary transfer window closes in mid-April now that the league allows clubs to have more foreigners.

From all the teams looking at acquiring talented South Americans, the club leading the charge is a familiar one, D.C. United. On Tuesday it unveiled its latest signing: highly rated Argentine playmaker Marcelo Gallardo, who joined the club on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. El Muñeco became D.C.’s fifth South American acquisition in less than a week.

Although the club’s other four purchases, José Carvallo, Gonzalo Peralta, Gonzalo Martínez and Franco Niell, are relatively unknown commodities, they promise to impress this season, and are likely to help the four-time MLS Cup champs mount a strong title challenge.

D.C. has been MLS’ trendsetter when it comes to signing South American players over the years and much of its success has been defined by the South Americans among its ranks. In the league’s inaugural season of ’96, D.C. boasted Bolivian soccer legend Marco Etcheverry, and a young Jaime Moreno, another Bolivian.

Etcheverry went on to lead the club to three MLS Cups before retiring after the ’03 season. Moreno, who this week signed a one-year contract extension, has been on all four of D.C.’s title-winning teams and is the all-time leading scorer in MLS history with 112 goals.

Heading into ’08, United counts nine South Americans on its 23-man roster, including last season’s MLS MVP, Emilio, as well as fellow Brazilian Fred. But with Gallardo’s arrival, Argentine playmaker Christian Gómez (the ’06 MVP) will reportedly be dealt to Colorado, where he’d agree to a new deal with the Rapids.

D.C. hasn’t been the only club that has counted on top-quality South Americans over the years. While Carlos Valderrama is considered one of the greatest imports to ever play in MLS, a host of his Colombian compatriots have also made names for themselves in MLS.

But it was last season’s trio of Colombians who were perhaps the most impressive since the lion-maned Valderrama hung up his cleats in ’04. Former Aston Villa striker Ángel notched up an impressive 19 goals for the New York Red Bulls, while mullet-topped Juan Carlos Toja breathed life and creativity into the FC Dallas attack. Meanwhile, late addition Wilman Conde added consistency to the Chicago Fire defense, and was part of the biggest turnaround story in MLS.

The rush for teams to land gifted South Americans is unlikely to lose any momentum. According to recent reports from the Argentine press, former Argentine internationals Ariel Ortega and Claudio López are also on the verge of joining MLS.

They could be followed by Boca Juniors legend Martín Palermo, who has admitted he’d be interested in a move to MLS in the near future. And the book still isn’t closed on Juan Sebastián Verón, who at the last minute rejected a big-money transfer to D.C. United to stay at his beloved Estudiantes de La Plata. La Brujita is still keen on a move to the U.S., and may do so at the end of the ’08 Copa Libertadores.

Talent, creativity and soccer smarts — that’s what MLS is after when it turns to South America, not to mention one of the few strong exchange rates on the relatively weak American dollar. So what’s in it for the players?

MLS offers what most South American leagues can’t: a stable playing environment where players can focus completely on the soccer without getting hassled by the media. And they’re given the opportunity to play in a competitive league that provides them with security and comparatively good salaries.

When Gallardo rejected Argentine Clausura champions San Lorenzo in favor of D.C. United, he explained to the Argentine press that his choice had much to do with the fact that in MLS, he wouldn’t have to put up with the pressures associated with Argentine soccer.

MLS clubs are taking advantage of this attitude to great effect. The majority of coaches take scouting trips to the southern hemisphere now to unearth a gem. MLS has earned a worldwide reputation for being a second- to third-tier, but highly physical, league. But the quality of play is improving, and much of that is due to the influx of South Americans.

David Beckham may have supplied the initial pop, but it’s the South Americans who have brought the substance. It’s the next step in making MLS a world-class soccer league.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

When Argentine legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto joined the Columbus Crew in April, he promised to pass on 10 years of experience at Boca Juniors to his new teammates. He has not only managed to do that, he’s also become one of the best players in MLS and is much of the reason why his team is fighting for its first playoff berth in three seasons.

Schelotto’s arrival had an immediate impact on the Crew, and the 34-year-old winger leads the side in both goals and assists, and has been a sparkplug for the team. He’s clearly enjoying his first MLS season, and his sensational form has made him an MVP contender.

But that really depends on whether Columbus can keep up the momentum in a tight race to the postseason. The Crew had lost only once in their last eight matches before last Saturday’s narrow 3-2 defeat to FC Dallas, and they’ll need the inspiration of their main man to get back on track as they look to move up from fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

“Guille” recently took time to discuss what has so far been a remarkable season for him. He also touched on several other important issues, including his views on the league, the rise of its Latin American players and Columbus’ playoff chances. In addition, he gave an insight into Boca’s plans to establish an MLS franchise.

SI.com: How are you finding the level of soccer played in MLS?

Schelotto: Good — it’s at a pretty high level. Hopefully it can continue to improve.

SI.com: What did you expect when you signed for Columbus?

Schelotto: I expected to be playing here on a regular basis, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I looked forward to having an opportunity to keep on playing, and to live in the U.S. It is a very nice experience.

SI.com: You’re having a great season, and lead your team in both goals and assists. Are you happy with your current situation?

Schelotto: Yes, I’m happy with the way things are going, but I’m happier with how the team is playing. We are doing well and have a good chance of making the playoffs. That’s the main objective.

SI.com: Was it difficult to adapt to the style of soccer played in the league?

Schelotto: It took me time, but that is normal. I’ve adapted well to the different style of soccer played here, when compared to the style played back home in Argentina.

SI.com: How are you coping with the language? Do the Latin American players in the team help you?

Schelotto: Yes, they help me. I’m slowly improving with the language. Hopefully I can continue to improve.

SI.com: Do you think MLS’ Latin players are leaving a good impression on the league, and from all of them, which player has impressed you most?

Schelotto: I think their influence on the league is growing. Hopefully more South American players can keep on coming to play here — the best soccer in the world comes from there because of the high-quality players they produce. They can do a lot of good for this league. Juan Pablo Ángel has played well; he has scored lots of goals. Now Cuauhtémoc Blanco is here, and he is already doing very well.

SI.com: What is the biggest difference between American and Argentine soccer?

Schelotto: Here they play with personal man-marking and in Argentina they play in zones. I think this is the biggest difference.

SI.com: Do you feel you have much less pressure, compared to when you played at Boca Juniors?

Schelotto: No, because it’s a different type of pressure. In Argentina, the pressure comes from the people from the outside [the supporters]. But I always try to put pressure on myself to perform, and feel the same pressure to keep on winning.

SI.com: You left Boca as a club idol. Do your teammates at Columbus understand what this means?

Schelotto: My teammates respect me a lot. They’ve treated me very well, but I’m not too sure about that [laughs].

SI.com: Boca is contemplating establishing an MLS franchise — much like Chivas of Guadalajara did with Chivas USA. Do you support that idea?

Schelotto: It’s a good idea, but we first have to find the best area in which to locate the team. But I think it’s a very interesting idea.

SI.com: What does that mean for the growth in popularity of MLS in Argentina?

Schelotto: It will without doubt make a huge difference. But first I think soccer over here has to affirm itself, and then perhaps it will become more popular around the world.

SI.com: Do you think the Argentine community in the U.S. will support a Boca USA if it happens?

Schelotto: I think the Boca fans will follow the team, but I’m not sure about the Argentina fans. Because they are so passionate about the rivalries between their soccer teams — I don’t think they will support Boca.

SI.com: Assuming it happens, do you see yourself becoming part of it and playing for that team?

Schelotto: If this project becomes a reality, definitely. But first there’s a lot of work to be done.

SI.com: There’s a big possibility that Juan Sebastián Verón and Martín Palermo could play in MLS soon — would you recommend it to them?

Schelotto: They are two very high-profile soccer players and they’ve done a lot of good for their teams. And yes, I would recommend them to play here because they are reaching the end of their careers, and it’s very difficult to enjoy playing soccer in Argentina like you can over here.

SI.com: Columbus is having a very good run, losing only once in its last eight matches. Does the team have what it takes to reach the playoffs?

Schelotto: If we continue to play like this, yes, it’s possible that we’ll qualify. I think our chances are 50-50, but it only depends on us.

SI.com: Rather surprisingly, you didn’t make the MLS All-Star team. Do you think you deserved to be there?

Schelotto: I’m not too sure what the selection criteria were for this. But I’m OK with the fact that I wasn’t chosen.

SI.com: MLS is definitely increasing in popularity, but what needs to be done for it to be considered one of the best leagues in the world in the future?

Schelotto: I think they have to administer the league better, and should try to further develop the ideas that they already have. They should carefully select the players that play in the league, both those they bring in from overseas, and the ones they select from their universities. Everyone has to work harder.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Guillermo Barros Schelotto is on his way to Major League Soccer. The Argentine superstar will join the Columbus Crew on a one-year deal with an option for a second year that will be announced this week, according to his representative Gustavo Goñi.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Guillermo Barros Schelotto is no David Beckham. But in a lot of ways, he’s an even bigger prize for MLS.

Of course, most MLS fans have little to no idea who Barros Schelotto even is. He’s certainly not the glitzy media hound Beckham is, at least not internationally. But in Argentina, he’s one of the biggest cult heroes in the game’s history.

Guillermo received a conquering warrior’s send-off on Sunday, when he made a late appearance for Boca Juniors in Argentina’s Superclásico, the stage on which he flourished for a decade. But instead of moving to a bigger club in Europe or Mexico, he went for the unthinkable: joining the Columbus Crew as MLS’ latest high-profile signing.

When the Crew officially confirm the deal, they surely won’t be as excited as the Los Angeles Galaxy were in January when they signed Beckham. After all, Barros Schelotto doesn’t have much in common with Becks.

But Barros Schelotto has something that’s even the envy of a superstar like Beckham: trophies. Lots of them. His impressive record at Boca Juniors speaks for itself. “Guille” has won 15 titles with the club, the most of any player in the history of Argentine professional soccer. That includes six league championships, three Copa Libertadores crowns, two Intercontinental Cups and two Copa Sudamericana trophies. During his 10 years at Boca, he scored 87 goals in 303 matches and helped transform the team into one of the leading clubs in the world.

The implementation of the designated-player rule rule by MLS last November allowed the Crew to attract an icon who is looked up to like a god by the supporters of Argentina’s most popular club (although Guillermo apparently won’t be a designated player). The most significant thing about the deal is that Columbus was able to do what higher-profile foreign clubs haven’t. Since Barros Schelloto moved to Boca in 1997, he turned down numerous offers to leave the club — until now.

That says a lot for MLS’ growth and international reputation, as well as its appeal to international superstars. Columbus promised him a more than reasonable deal that assures significantly less pressure and exposure to the press than at any other Latin American club. He had several opportunities to move to second-tier clubs in Spain and Argentina, but felt he needed “a change of air.”

His gamble seems worthwhile, although the process could get off to a slow start. After all, the Crew are a small-market team that finished with MLS’ worst record last season, and it’s too early to tell if they can turn it around this year. Obviously, there’s no way Guillermo will be able to generate as much interest as Beckham, even if he scores a hat trick in every game this season.

But the move should work in the long term. The Crew are desperately in need of a player with Guillermo’s big-stage background. He has the experience to take the club to the next level, and although he won’t succeed in drawing in crowds right from the beginning, his skill and fiery temper are likely to win him respect.

At Boca, he earned a status similar to mega-superstars such as Diego Maradona and Juan Román Riquelme. But MLS is like starting from scratch. Apart from the minority of fans who tune into Argentine soccer and tournaments like the Libertadores, Guillermo is a relatively unknown commodity.

American sports fans love their flamboyant icons — stars like the NBA’s Ben Wallace, the NFL’s Chad Johnson, baseball’s Manny Ramirez and, when he arrives, probably Beckham, too. Guillermo isn’t on a level with these guys, but if he’s able to make his mark on this league, he has the tools to become a fan favorite. He will always be remembered at Boca for his performances during the Superclásico showdowns with River Plate, and could come in handy for the Crew as a player who rises to the big occasion.

If Columbus’ gamble works, it could set a new trend for MLS. The league has had a handful of Argentines on its rosters during its 12 years of operation, but the only real superstar has been D.C. United’s Christian Gómez, last season’s MVP.

If Guillermo is able to build on Gómez’s success, the popularity of MLS could increase in Argentina and throughout South America. When former Boca icon Carlos Tévez transferred to Corinthians in ’04, the popularity of Brazilian soccer skyrocketed in Argentina. Barros Schelotto is a bigger celebrity than Tévez, and Argentine fans will follow Guillermo’s venture as well.

The biggest concern, however, could be his age. Guillermo turns 34 in May, and he clearly isn’t the player he once was. So far this season, he hadn’t seen much first-team action at Boca, which is stocked with fresh talent. But the good news for the Crew is that he still has a lot to give, especially when it means passing on his vast knowledge to the younger squad members, as he did at Boca.

Since ’04, Guillermo was primarily used as a role model for Boca’s strikers. International superstars such as Tévez, Martín Palermo, Rodrigo Palacio and even Riquelme looked up to Barros Schelotto for inspiration and advice as they looked to establish themselves in the Boca first team.

That’s exactly what the Crew are hoping to get from him. Like Beckham, Barros Schelotto has the potential to pass on his first-rate skills to Columbus’ emerging talents, such as strikers Jason Garey and Andy Herron.

What Guillermo is looking for is an opportunity to play on a regular basis, something the Crew are definitely going to give him. They may not be good enough to fight for the MLS Cup this season, but Barros Schelotto’s experience is priceless — he’s likely to help the Crew in their aims to increase their status in a fast-growing league.

Guillermo is clearly motivated by his newest challenge. It remains to be seen how much of an impact he’ll make on MLS. But if things turn out as planned, the Crew could be celebrating their greatest victory yet.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

If you’re a fan of U.S. soccer, you were undoubtedly focused on head coach Bruce Arena last week as he named his 23-man roster for this summer’s World Cup. But 6,000 miles away, another American is very quietly making headlines of a different kind.

Mark Schulte, a former defender for the Columbus Crew, has broken new ground, becoming the first American to play professionally in Uruguay (and one of the few Americans ever to play in South America) after signing with the first-division club Montevideo Wanderers a few months ago.

Since most young American soccer players dream of one day playing in Europe, heading south across the equator seems like a curious path to choose. Predictably, the circumstances of how Schulte arrived in Uruguay are unusual. After falling out of favor in Columbus, he was lured to Wanderers by a friend of his agent’s who is a fanatical supporter of the club. Schulte signed within days with the approval of Daniel Carreño, the club’s high-profile manager who lifted the Intercontinental Cup as a player with the Uruguayan giants Nacional in 1988.

Schulte was out of action for much of this season’s Uruguayan Clausura championship because he was nursing a chipped bone in his ankle. But thanks to an impressive debut in Wanderers’ first win of the season, a 2-0 victory over Cerro on April 9, he has landed himself a permanent position in the center of the club’s defense.

Wanderers hasn’t been victorious in its subsequent five matches and is currently languishing near the bottom of the league, but Schulte is optimistic about the club’s potential. The well-traveled defender — whose career has taken him to Iceland, England and Belgium — seems to have had no problem integrating with his new teammates and with the Uruguayan style of play.

The Brecksville, Ohio, native isn’t yet fluent in Spanish, but he’s enthusiastic about a new adventure that goes beyond the soccer field.

“I’m just excited to come down here,” he said on a recent chilly Montevideo morning. “I’ve always wanted to check out this continent, never been here before, and always wanted to speak Spanish.”

Schulte sat down with SI.com to discuss his career and the differences between Uruguay and the U.S., both on and off the field.

SI.com: How is Uruguayan soccer different from American soccer?

Schulte: It’s hard to compare. I would say Americans focus on different things. A lot of the guys are bigger, stronger and faster than the guys here. But the guys here have a better soccer head, so they’re better soccer brains.

SI.com: How about the competition?

Schulte: Again, it’s different. Whereas there is a lot of running in the States, here I’ve got to be aware of guys who sneak behind my back — there are a lot of short passes and not so much of the driven ball and switching of the field.

SI.com: What new things have you learned from Carreño and from Uruguayan soccer in general?

Schulte: How to play on a bouncy field [laughs]. In defense I just always try to be aware of the man I’m guarding, because they’re pretty good at moving off the ball — especially when the ball is close, not so much when the ball is away from them, but they are crafty. One-on-one defending can be difficult at times. From what I’ve heard, Carreño was a great player back in the day and he has been able to give me some good advice on how to improve my game. It’s also the first time that I’ve had to train twice a day.

SI.com: Do you think MLS would benefit from hiring more South American coaches and players?

Schulte: I think MLS will benefit from just having new coaches, period. They use all the same coaches; if one gets fired he just gets hired at another place. So I think any sort of new blood will help MLS. As far as South American coaches, for sure, I think the game is different up there. MLS has had some Latin American guys, and some have had a tough time adjusting because everybody has to defend there. Here, you can kind of relax sometimes. You can’t really do that in a game in the States or else your team really gets hurt.

SI.com: Do you know any other Americans who have played professional soccer in South America?

Schulte: Yeah, I do. Actually, before coming here I talked to my old goalkeeper in Columbus, Jonny Walker, who played for Colo Colo in Chile. I talked to him and he had some friends who played here before, so they recommended some good clubs. Jonny’s a respectable person — that’s how I ended up here.

SI.com: What did he tell you about his experience?

Schulte: He said he had a great experience in Chile and told me things are different here. They have a passion for the game like nowhere else, both on the field and off the field. I guess with some unfortunate consequences, like the tragedy we experienced over here in Uruguay a couple of months ago when a fan was murdered.
SI.com: Would you recommend that more Americans try their luck in South America?

Schulte: Yeah, I would, just to learn a little more about soccer, because it’s so different. As you see in the World Cup, every country plays a completely different style, yet it’s still soccer and that’s the beautiful thing about it. The tough thing is getting down here, because it’s an expensive flight and traveling often can be a problem because of the economy, as people over here can’t really get paid like in the States.

SI.com: Is there a big economic difference in terms of the contract?

Schulte: Not a huge one, but there is a difference. For an American, things down here are cheaper and so is the way of life, so at the end of the day it sort of evens itself out. Any country you find, it’s different; Iceland was also different from the States.

SI.com: Tell us about your time in Iceland and what you achieved there.

Schulte: It was a bit like a fairy tale. We [IBV Vestmannaeyjar] did pretty well and ended up second in the league and qualified for the UEFA Cup the next year, but I returned home.

SI.com: Tell us about your injury. Are you fully recovered?

Schulte: In the beginning of the season with Columbus, I chipped a little bone in my ankle. I kind of played with it through the season and offseason and was thinking about surgery before it got better. I didn’t have any problems when I came here and tried out, and then when we went to Buenos Aires, we trained heavily on very hard fields and it took a nosedive and got real bad. The doctors told me if this happened, I needed to have surgery. It’s not quite 100 percent yet, but it’s getting better every day.

SI.com: Do you think Wanderers will soon get back to winning ways?

Schulte: I really think so. I think just like these fields, the bounces haven’t gone our way. We’ve had a couple of unlucky decisions against us. Our last game [a 2-1 loss to Deportivo Colonia on April 30] was an odd game. I made a couple of mistakes on defense that I usually don’t make and we missed some goals that we usually don’t miss, so we were unlucky. A couple of games before that we had great opportunities to pull out a win, but luck wasn’t on our side. We just don’t have that winning attitude yet. I think once we find that, we will be able to put quite a bit of a run together. I’m looking forward to this stretch we have — I think in two weeks we have five games, so I’m looking forward to this because if we don’t get a good result, we will be able to get back
on the field again and address what we have done wrong for the next game.

SI.com: Are there any players who have really impressed you in Uruguay?

Schulte: Our team has some great players, but as far as the other teams right now I’m just so busy trying to get my own game back on track. I’ve never been a guy who pays attention to other players. I’ve had some friends who can remember players from three seasons ago, but I just try to concentrate on myself. I have to say, some of my teammates have impressed me, especially the creative ones who are especially great in one-on-one situations.

SI.com: Uruguay is traditionally a great platform for transferring to the elite leagues of Europe. Is that one of your ambitions?

Schulte: Of course, I’d love to play in Europe, like anyone on this field.

SI.com: Have you had much difficulty with your Spanish?

Schulte: Yes, it comes in spurts. It’s funny — for instance, I had a meeting with my church the other day and I actually understood around 95 percent of what was going on for about an hour, but then my brain gets too tired and I can’t even say “hi” in Spanish and just forget all the words, even the basics.
SI.com: But are you able to communicate with your teammates on the field?

Schulte: Yeah, that’s going pretty good. The language of soccer on the field is pretty simple, I can communicate that. But it’s different when trying to have a conversation with the guys in the [locker room], for instance, when trying to find out what’s going on.

SI.com: Have you been able to adapt to the lifestyle of Montevideo?

Schulte: Yeah, sort of, but things are very different over here. It’s the first time I’ve ever ridden a bus before — buses just aren’t a part of where I come from, so that’s something new. I’ve been adjusting to other things like eating dinner at 10 p.m. instead of at 6, and people here go out really late; I’m not used to going out at 2 or 3 in the morning. But otherwise, things are quite similar because people are people.
SI.com: How long do you intend to stay?

Schulte: I don’t know. It’s amazing to think that this championship is almost over in a month and a half, but I’ve missed a huge chunk of it because of injury. My contract is until December, so I’ll see what happens after that. Whatever happens, I’m really starting to like it here in Uruguay.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com