Tim Ream move to Bolton gives Wanderers a lift

Tim Ream cut his honeymoon short to finalize his move to Bolton. The New York Red Bulls defender becomes the newest American to join the Premier League's ranks.

 By Ryan Fleming

So, it’s settled then. Tim Ream, a product of the New York Red Bulls, is off to Bolton to try to help that shipwreck from becoming the next Concordia, albeit a far less tragic event. Bolton currently boasts the worst, hapless, defense in the English Premier League, allowing a tremendous 47 goals this season, six in the last four games and 16 in their last 10.

Ray Hudson talks el Clasico, Pep Guardiola, and Jose Mourinho

Ray Hudson is widely known for his amazing color commentary on GolTV, but he first made an impression on American soccer as a player for NASL side Ft. Lauderdale Strikers in the '70's and '80's. (Courtesy Ray Hudson courtesy nasljerseys.com)

 By Kevin Koczwara

Ray Hudson is a legend in the broadcast booth. His passion for soccer is unmeasured. On a scale, his passion rises above Mt. Everest. And right now, his passion runs at it’s peak when Real Madrid and Barcelona face off. Tomorrow (today, depending on when you read this), those two epic clubs in Spain will face-off in round two of their combative Copa del Rey clash, and Ray Hudson will be doing back-flips in the GolTV studio while Phil Scheon tries to wrangle him in (or really let him loose) and provide the play-by-play. I got to talk with ‘Rockin’ Ray Hudson today on the phone about the game, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guidola, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.

[For context, Barcelona leads the two game series, 2-1, and hosts Real Madrid in the second leg tomorrow, Wednesday, January 25, 2012.]

New England Revolution hope it can solve left back problem with Tyler Polak

The New England Revolution landed left back Tyler Polak in the second round of the 2012 SuperDraft. The Generation adidas player was a stand out at Creighton. (Courtesy RevolutionSoccer.net/New England Revolution)

 By Kevin Koczwara

New England Revolution General Manager Mike Burns felt pretty good about his team’s draft picks in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. New England picked Generation adidas (GA) and UCLA midfielder Kelyn Rowe with the 3rd pick in the draft and GA defender Tyler Polak from Creighton with the 22nd pick. But there is always a hint of doubt when talking about MLS draft picks because, like with every other draft in professional sports, there are intangibles that can’t be measured and no one knows how a player will develop as a professional.

New England Revolution fill needs with signing of Lozano and Cárdenas

Players signed on one-year loans with option to buy

 

By Kevin Koczwara

On Monday, Jan. 9, the New England Revolution announced the signing of two players from Colombia, John Lozano and Fernando Cárdenas. Cárdenas and Lozano signed with the Revs from América de Cali, which competed in Colombia’s Apertura league until it was relegated at the end of the season after losing in a playoff in penalty kicks.

Robbie Keane loan makes sense for MLS and Aston Villa

By Kevin Koczwara

It’s January and that means the transfer window is open in Europe. It also means it’s time for Robbie Keane to make what seems to be an annual trek to a new club. This year is a bit different for Keane, though. Instead of shipping out to find playing time or a new “favorite club”, Keane is going out on a short loan to play in the Premier League with Aston Villa with the hope that it will keep him sharp for the upcoming Major League Soccer season. Keane isn’t in search of playing time to keep his national team spot as in years past. He’s in search of another challenge and another chance.

Kelyn Rowe hopes to add attacking force to New England Revolution

Kelyn Rowe is a top-talent from this year's MLS SuperDraft. The New England Revolution selected him third in the draft. (Courtesy MLS Soccer)

 By Kevin Koczwara

The New England Revolution struggled to score goals last season. One part of the problem  was the finishing. The other  part of the problem: creating quality chances.  With the third pick in the 2012 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, the Revolution tried to address the issue of creating opportunities by drafting UCLA and Generation adidas midfielder Kelyn Rowe. With the third pick, New England had plenty of options, and instead of filling a positional need, the Revs picked arguably the best player on the board.

Video: Kelyn Rowe Highlights

With the third pick in the 2012 Major League Soccer Super Draft the New England Revolution selected UCLA and U.S. Under-23 midfielder Kelyn Rowe. The creative midfielder has a lot of upside and is known for his skill on the ball. To get an idea of the upside, here are some clips of the midfielder.

 

 

Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane on the Same Page with Winter Loans

By Ryan Fleming

Their moves back to the Premier League are more than to keep their fitness up. Their moves now pin supporters’ hopes on the backs of these once greats. Theirry Henry and Robbie Keane are in their own respects, two different players with more things in common than one would think.

New England Revolution Make Important Moves Before MLS Draft

By Kevin Koczwara

The New England Revolution has been quiet for a large portion of the Major League Soccer offseason. The team has been doing more cutting than adding since the end to the dismal 2011 season. But ahead of this week’s MLS 2012 SuperDraft, the Revolution went out and made a surprise move. A move that should help the team in the upcoming draft.

Stephen Ireland continues to fall from great heights

Stephen Ireland enjoying his Christmas with his girlfriend a little too much. (Courtesy twitter)

 By Kevin Koczwara

Trouble and controversy follow Stephen Ireland. The Aston Villa midfielder stirred more controversy after his girlfriend posted a picture on twitter of him lounging, smoking and drinking shirtless on Christmas day. The once promising midfielder no longer seems to find himself in the headlines for the right reasons. Instead of making headlines with his play on the field, he makes the back pages for his inconsistency and poor choices.