Major Link Soccer - Happy Fourth of July Edition

Good morning everyone and a happy belated 4th of July.  The Seattle Sounders played the LA Galaxy to a 0-0 tie this weekend and were a bit unlucky not to get the full three points.  Young LA goalkeeper Brian Perk did well in his first MLS game to keep a clean sheet including a good PK save against Fredy Montero.  Perk was helped in his task by a very stout and determined Galaxy defense that fought through injuries to both A.J. DeLaGarza and Omar Gonzalez. 

You can see highlights from the match here.  Also, don't forget to vote in the MLS All-star ballot.

Red Bulls Not Done Dealing: It's no secret that the New York Red Bulls are looking to improve their squad during the transfer window.  Moving Dwayne De Rosario to DC United for Dax McCarty frees up some valuable cap space for a squad.  They're searching for a free-agent keeper and it appears that Marcus Hahnemann is not on their radar.  Erik Soler, sporting director for RBNY, thinks the Sounders have already locked up the services of USMNT keeper.  Of course, Sigi Schmid knows it's not that easy.  Soler is also looking for an outfield player, most likely a center-back to help shore up the reserves when Rafael Marquez or Tim Ream are out.

More links after the jump:     

US Women Rout Columbia: The US Women's team's 3-0 win over Columbia on Saturday actually does a disservice to the dominate play of the women's team on Saturday.  The scoreline could have easily been 6-0 if the US had been able to finish off more of their many chances on goal.  One notable thing from the game is Abby Wambach's inability to buy a goal.  The frustration is beginning to show.   

Zakuani Works Out: The recovery of Steve Zakuani seems to be going well (photos).  This Saturday in training at Starfire, the young midfielder was out in sweats doing some light jogging and fitness work.  It was his first time working out at Starfire during training since the injury.  We all wish him the best as he works to recover his fitness and his league leading form from earlier this season.  The hard work has just begun.

A Look at Hanauer: Sounders general manager and minority owner Adrian Hanauer has done as much as anyone in Seattle to preserve the legacy of top-flight soccer in Seattle.  Hanauer was a fan of the NASL Sounders and became an investor in the USL Sounders as a bit of a lark.  Later he come to love the team and the dream of bringing a MLS franchise to Seattle.  The rest is history as they say.

KC Wins Saad Lottery: Earlier this morning the league held a weighted lottery for Soony Saad.  The former Michigan Wolverine scored 19 goals his freshman year before leaving college to try ply his skills in Europe.  Saad still needs time to transition to the professional game and is not expected to have an immediate impact for a Sporting Kansas City squad with plenty of talented young strikers.   

Whitecaps Playing for Their Jobs: At the start of the season the wise sages in Vancouver were talking about the slow process of building up an expansion team.  Following that philosophy they picked for the future with young striker Omar Salgado in the Superdraft.  Now, with a new coach, and only two wins this season, the team is scrambling to bring in new players during the transfer window and the old ones are playing for their jobs.  You can see the frustration building.