Bunbury to play for Canada in surprise switch | Soccer By Ives

When Teal Bunbury scored his first goal for the U.S. national team in January, it seemed like it would be the first of many national team goals for the Sporting Kansas City striker.

Unfortunately for the U.S. national team, any more international goals Bunbury scores wont be for the United States.

Bunbury has decided to apply to FIFA for a federation switch and will play for Canada, sources told SBI on Friday. Son of legendary Canadian national team star Alex Bunbury, Teal is in Vancouver today and has completed the final paperwork to make the switch back to Canada, which he represented on the youth national team level.

I had a great time with the guys on the USA team, but my heart was still with Canada, Bunbury told SBI. I appreciate everything the United States has done for me, but I couldnt really see myself playing against Canada.

The United States and Canada face off in their opening Gold Cup match on June 7th.

Bunburys decision to play for Canada came in February, after an incident that got the young striker thinking about his decision to play for the United States:

APRIL FOOLS!

Sorry folks. Hope you didnt fall too hard. Oh, and sorry Canada.

MLS Week 3: A Look Ahead | Soccer By Ives

By THOMAS FLOYD

Two weeks into the MLS season, the Philadelphia Union stands alone atop the Eastern Conference as one of only three teams in the leaguewith an unblemished record. Philadelphia will face its sternest test yet this weekend when it travels to the West Coast for a Saturday night clash with last years Supporters Shield winner, the Los Angeles Galaxy.

That match highlights a slate of MLS action that will also feature a Friday showdown between FC Dallas and Columbus, two 2010 playoff teams off to sluggish starts, and a Seattle Sounders-San Jose Earthquakes meeting Saturday between two talented squads trying to break through amid the Western Conferences daunting depth.

Here is a rundown of the entire week three schedule and how we see things playing out:

COLUMBUS CREW vs. FC DALLAS (Friday, 7:30 p.m., FSC)

After eventful offseasons that saw key players depart both teams, Columbus and FC Dallas are struggling out of the gate, despite enviable schedules, with just a point apiece through two games. Both sides could receive a boost up top, as newly signed designated player Fabian Castillocould make his first start for Dallas after debuting last week, while Columbusseems set to getVenezuelan striker Emilio Renteria back from injury.

Dallas boasts just too much talent to remain winless this long into the season, even after its sloppyhandling of the expansion draft that saw it lose key starters Dax McCarty and Atiba Harris for nothing. David Ferreira and Castillo find net and Dallas wins on the roaddepite a goal from Emmanuel Ekpo for Columbus. FCD 2, Crew 1.

TORONTO FC vs. CHIVAS USA (Saturday, 1 p.m., TSN)

This meeting at BMO Field between two teams seemingly poised to be bottom feeders in their respective conferences will be key for both squads as they try to shed that unwanted perception. Although Chivas started the season with two home losses, Toronto at least has some momentum to build off after toppling the Portland Timbers last week.

With Jimmy Conrad doubtful for this match with a concussion and Zarek Valentin on U.S.U-20 national team duty, Chivaswill be woefully shorthanded in the back. Alan Gordon scores against his old team as the visitors struggle to create in the final third. TFC 1, Chivas 0.

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS vs. SPORTING KANSAS CITY (Saturday, 7 p.m., Direct Kick)

Two clubs that got off to surprisingly hot starts intheir openersbefore coming back down to earth last week face off at Empire Field. The story of this matchup might betwo players who wont be on the field: Omar Bravo and Eric Hassli.The designated players notched braces in week one but received red cards in week two that will rule them out of this contest.

So who will pick up the slack? Look for Teal Bunbury and Atiba Harris to get on the score sheet as the teams play to a draw. Whitecaps 1, SKC 1.

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION vs. PORTLAND TIMBERS (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Direct Kick)

Portland may have picked up its first competitive win as an MLS side by defeating Chivas in a midweek U.S. Open Cup qualifier, but getting a victory in league play at undefeated New Englandwill bea tougher proposition. With Darlington Nagbe recovered from a sports hernia and ready to make his MLS debut, the Timbers do more or less have their full attacking arsenal availablefor the first time.

On the other hand, New Englands solid back line, led by rookie A.J. Soares and all-star Kevin Alston, is well-equipped to hold Portland in check. And the Timbers will be without goalkeepers Troy Perkins and Adin Brown, forcing 20-year-old third-stringer Jake Gleeson between the posts. Expecta Sainey Nyassi goal to be all New England will need in this one. Revolution 1, Timbers 0.

NEW YORK RED BULLS vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Direct Kick)

Even without international absentees Bouna Coundoul, Rafael Marquez, Tim Ream, Dane Richards and Juan Agudelo, as well as the injured Greg Sutton and Thierry Henry, the Red Bulls still managed to steal a point on the road against Columbus last week. With the national team players back in the fold and Henry listed as questionable, the intimidating starting 11 that had made New York a trendy MLS Cup pick could betogether again.

Houston showed signs of improvement during a 1-1 draw at Seattle last week, but the Dynamo will need another standout performance from goalkeeper Tally Hall if it expects to get a result at Red Bull Arena. Richards and Agudelo carry their fine international form into this fixture with goals, Joel Linpere gets the third for New York, and a Brian Ching tally is mere consolation for Houston. Red Bulls 3, Dynamo 1.

LOS ANGELES GALAXY vs. PHILADELPHIA UNION (Saturday, 10:30 p.m. Direct Kick)

Although the Galaxy was without Donovan Ricketts, Omar Gonzalez and Landon Donovan for its 4-1 shellacking at the hands of Real Salt Lake last week, the result is still a sign for concern in Los Angeles.Picking up three points at home against first-place Philadelphia would go a long way toward reaffirming the Galaxys status as a surefire MLS Cup contender.

With Juan Pablo Angel poised to make his first start after opening his scoring account with the Galaxy off the bench against Salt Lake and the injuredGonzalez upgraded to probable, the Galaxy could be at full strength for the first time this season. Philadelphias defense, much improved with the additions of goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon and center back Carlos Valdes, will keep the Union in the game, but goals from Donovan and Angel will give Los Angeles the win. Galaxy 2, Union 0.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES vs. SEATTLE SOUNDERS (Saturday, 10:30 p.m., Direct Kick)

Seattle has been a team in mild turmoil during the early stages of this MLS season, with the sudden retirement ofstriker BlaiseNKufo andlast weeks benching of former all-star Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and designated player Alvaro Fernandez among the story lines as the Sounders have limped to a 0-2-1 start.

San Jose, meanwhile, silenced some doubts last week as reigning golden boot winner Chris Wondolowski proved he likely wont be a one-year wonder, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Dallas. Considering the Sounders might be without Fredy Montero, who had wrist surgery this week, winning in San Jose will be a tall order for Seattle. Ryan Johnson and Wondolowski both beat Kasey Keller to negate Nate Jaquas first goal since 2009. Earthquakes 2, Sounders 1.

COLORADO RAPIDS vs. D.C. UNITED (Sunday, 7 p.m., Galavision)

United won in Colorado for the first time since 2000 in October, anote made all the more fascinatingwhen consideringD.C. finished the season withthe leagues worst recordand Colorado went on to win the MLS Cup. If the Black and Red is to get another win in the Rocky Mountains, however, it will have to do so with a makeshift back line, as center backs Dejan Jakovic (red card) and Perry Kitchen (U.S. U-20 national team) will be out.

Thats good news for the Rapids vaunted forward tandem of Omar Cummings and Conor Casey. Cummings, who scored for Jamaica in a 3-1 win over El Salvador on Tuesday, will burn the D.C. defense with his speed on one strike, and Brian Mullan will bag his first goal in a Colorado uniform for another. Rapids 2, United 0.

DeRo trade to Red Bulls off for now | Soccer By Ives

The proposed trade that would have sent Dwayne DeRosario to the New York Red Bulls has been put on hold due to a snag in the trade process.

Toronto FC had agreed to a trade sending DeRosario to New York for Tony Tchani, Danleigh Borman and a first-round pick in 2012, but a legal issue involving one of the players in the trade has halted the deal.

According to multiple sources, both teams had agreed to the deal and submitted it to MLS for approval, but in the approval process it was discovered that one of the players in the trade had a past legal issue that could keep them from playing for their new team.

It remains unclear if the proposed trade is dead, or simply on hold while MLS and the teams figure out a solution, but as of Friday afternoon the trade was off and DeRosario was still property of Toronto FC.

Whats our take? The deal is too big not to happen, and something tells me DeRosario will wind up with the Red Bulls one way or another.

Well provide more information as it becomes available.

Who would you like to see at left back for the USMNT? | Soccer By Ives

Help Wanted

A natural left back. Must be quick, naturally left-footed, a good crosser, solid defender and not prone to blunders. If interested, please contact Bob Bradley at 555-NEED-A-LB

This ad isnt a real one, but it may as well be given the U.S. national teams continued lack of a natural left back option.

Carlos Bocanegra can do a solid job defensively, and his work as a left back in Ligue 1 in recent years has been steady, but you can argue hes a better centerback and not the attacking fullback option you think of when considering the ideal left back.

Jonathan Bornstein has tried to fill the role many times, but more often than not he has underwhelmed, and at times he has been downright awful. he was steadier in the World Cup, which gave us some hope that perhaps he would finally become the player Bob Bradley has been hoping to develop into the position, but shaky showings against Brazil and Paraguay have left far more doubts.

Here is are question for you. If it isnt Carlos Bocanegra, who seems like the most logical choice to play left back until a more natural alternative develops, then who would you like to see play left back?

Here are some candidates to consider (as well as a chance for you to tell us who YOU would like to see there):

Heath Pearce. Back in 2008 he was thought as very good candidate to take the job, but he has slipped by the wayside in the past year despite showing well in MLS last year (though at right back). Hes fast, can cross well and is a steady defender.

Bobby Convey. Had a stellar 2010 for the San Jose Earthquakes, though more of it was spent on the left wing than at left back. Hes gone on record as saying he doesnt think Bob Bradley will ever call him in, and theres an old rumor of a rift between the two. If Convey keeps playing well in MLS the clamor for a Convey call-up may grow, but count me among those not convinced he would be the answer as a left back.

Zach Loyd. Athletic, fast and versatile, Loyd impressed in his national team debut playing at left back, and while he isnt a natural left-footer, hes certainly an intriguing prospect. If he can get more playing time at the position for FC Dallas he just might play himself into the national team mix.

Eric Lichaj. A very intriguing option, having played left back on the reserve level before. Hes fast and has good size, but isnt naturally left-footed so it would remain to be seen what he could offer going forward.

Jonathan Spector. Spent a few very rough months playing left back for West Ham, but never looked comfortable there. Probably isnt a realistic option there, but his past experience at the position gets him on the list.

Steve Cherundolo.Think its crazy to put him on this list when hes the best right back in the pool? Consider this. If Timmy Chandler really is as dynamic a right back option as he showed in the recent friendlies then maybe Cherundolo could make the move to the left, where his experience and defensive qualities would make him a solid option.

Time for you to vote. Aside from Carlos Bocanegra, who would you like to see at left back for the U.S. national team? Cast your vote here:

poll by twiigs.com

Who did you vote for? Who isnt on our list that you think should be on it? Who would you like to see at left back for the United States?

Share your thoughts below.

TFC trade DeRo to Red Bulls in blockbuster (OFFICIAL) | Soccer By Ives

The New York Red Bulls have acquired Canadian national team star Dwayne DeRosario in a trade with Toronto FC, sources have confirmed to SBI.

The trade, which will send Tony Tchani, Danleigh Borman and a first round pick in 2012, will be announced this afternoon.

MLS is finalizing details on the first blockbuster trade of the new year.

No, this is not an April Fools Joke.

Toronto FC has been shopping DeRosario for much of the off-season and found a taker in the Red Bulls, who were desperate for a star playmaker.

(UPDATE-After we first reported this trade in the afternoon it hit a snag caused by concerns over a criminal charge on the record of one of the players involved. MLS was able to sort that issue out to allow the deal to be completed later on Friday.)

DeRosario had expressed unhappiness with his contract situation with Toronto FC. New York currently has an available third Designated Player slot but it is unclear whether the Red Bulls would sign DeRosario to a DP contract.

Toronto FC adds a pair of players who can help right away in Tchani and Borman, while also adding a first-round draft pick, which technical director Paul Mariner will be able to utilize. Mariner has a track record as one of the best judges of American college talent.

The addition of DeRosario makes the Red Bulls an even stronger title contender, with a midfield now boasting Joel Lindpere, Teemu Tainio, Dane Richards and DeRosario.

What do you think of this trade?

Share your thoughts below.

Are the Red Bulls the team to beat now? | Soccer By Ives

Todays blockbuster trade sending Dwayne DeRosario to the NewYork Red Bulls just gave one of the best teams in MLS ANOTHER star player and has fans in New York talking MLS Cup.

Just how good is New York now? Heres how the starting lineup looks like now:

Yes, Greg Sutton started the season in goal, but Coundoul was the starter last year and is starting this week. Either way, New York will have a player with national team caps on his resume in goal. It will still be the teams weakness, but looking at that lineup it doesnt stop this lineup from looking like the strongest in MLS.

The team will be hurting badly come the Gold Cup, with nearly half the team likely to be playing in the tournament, but when this unit is together, it will be tough to beat.

What do you think of this squad? Are the Red Bulls the new MLS Cup favorites, or is Real Salt Lake still the team to beat?

Share your thoughts below.

Columbus Crew vs. FC Dallas: Your Running Commentary | Soccer By Ives

The Columbus Crew and FC Dallas are both searching for their first victories of the season and will look to knock each other off when they face off tonight at Crew Stadium in Columbus (7:30pm, Fox Soccer Channel).

The Crew comes in off a disappointing 0-0 draw against a severely short-handed New York Red Bulls squad, while FC Dallas enters having lost at San Jose.

Columbus will be leaning on striker Andres Mendoza as well as midfielders Robbie Rogers and Eddie Gaven, while FC Dallas will feature Colombian striker Fabian Castillo as well as reigning MLS MVP David Ferreira.

If you will be watching tonights match, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action.

Crew takes advantage of extra man with 2-0 win over FC Dallas | Soccer By Ives

By JOSE M. ROMERO

Jeff Cunningham had the perfect opportunity for a historic goal.

His close-range open shot, off a brilliant back flick from teammate Emilio Renteria in the 61st minute, missed wide. A goal would have put Cunningham into a tie with Jaime Moreno for first place all-time in goals in MLS history, and would have given him the Columbus Crew franchise record for goals.

It would have been the most-talked about goal of the match, but the Crew didnt need it. Columbus, with a man advantage for the final 57-plus minutes of its match Friday night with FC Dallas, got a PK goal from Andres Mendoza in the 54th minute and picked up its first win of the 2011 MLS season, 2-0.

Eddie Gaven scored in second-half stoppage time for the Crew to put the finishing touches on a quality performance of possession by the Crew.

The Crew improved to 1-1-1 while FC Dallas, an MLS Cup finalist last season, remained winless at 0-2-1 and lost its second straight match.

FCD fans can take some heart; it took FC Dallas six matches to get its first MLS win last season and the team ended up playing for the championship.

FCD coach Schellas Hyndman used his third different starting 11, as Ruben Luna and promising youngster Fabian Castillo started up top and Brek Shea was back from a one-game suspension at center back. Castillo had a strong first half, using his speed to win one-on-ones down the flank, but faded in the second.

The turning point of the match came in the 33rd minute, when Jackson was issued the second of two yellow cards within a minute of each one. That gave the Crew the boost it needed in the second half.

In the 53rd minute, Emmanuel Ekpo drew a foul in the box on FC Dallas defender George John, as Gaven fed a ball through the middle toward the goal. Mendoza took the PK and the ball glanced off FC Dallas keeper Kevin Hartmans outstretched left hand and into the net.

Gavens goal was just insurance, as the Crew were on their way to winning in the closing seconds.

Soccer Saturday: Your Running Commentary | Soccer By Ives

Whether youre a lover of Premier League soccer, or you prefer a more well-rounded mix of international soccer, todays schedule of matches is attractive enough to entice any soccer fan.

Consider this list of match-ups today:

Borussia Dortmund-Hannover 96, FC Twente-PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan-Inter Milan and Villarreal-Barcelona.

If that isnt enough to excite you, the Premier League features a battle of American goalkeepers as Everton faces Aston Villa, while early birds can watch West Ham try to slow down Manchester United.

MLS fans have plenty of exciting match-ups to look forward to as well, including Dwayne DeRosarios New York debut against Houston and the Philadelphia Unions trip to face the Los Angeles Galaxy.

If you will be watching todays matches, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action (Todays Soccer TV Schedule is after the jump):

TODAYS SOCCER ON TV

7:45am-ESPN2- West Ham United vs. Manchester United

7:45am-Fox Soccer Plus- Leeds United vs. Nottingham Forest

9:30am-GolTV- Borussia Dortmund vs. Hannover 96

10am-Fox Soccer Channel- Stoke City vs. Chelsea

10am-Fox Soccer Plus- West Bromwich Albion vs. Liverpool

10am-FoxSoccer.tv- Birmingham City vs. Bolton

10am-FoxSoccer.tv- Everton vs. Aston Villa

10am-FoxSoccer.tv- Newcastle United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

10am-FoxSoccer.tv- Wigan Athletic vs. Tottenham

Noon-ESPN3.com- Real Madrid vs. Sporting Gijon

Noon-Fox Soccer Plus- Brescia vs. Bologna

12:30pm-Fox Soccer Channel- Arsenal vs. Blackburn

12:45pm-ESPN3.com- FC Twente vs. PSV Eindhoven

1pm-Direct Kick- Toronto FC vs. Chivas USA

1pm-FoxSoccer.tv- Arles vs. Monaco

1pm-FoxSoccer.tv- Lille vs. Caen

1pm-FoxSoccer.tv- Nancy vs. Bordeaux

1pm-FoxSoccer.tv- Paris St. Germain vs. Lorient

1pm-FoxSoccer.tv- Stade Rennes vs. Auxerre

1pm-FoxSoccer.tv- Sochaux vs. Brest

2pm-GolTV- Getafe vs. Valencia

2:45pm-Fox Soccer Channel- AC Milan vs. Inter Milan

3pm-FoxSoccer.tv- Toulouse vs. Montellier

3pm-ESPN2- England vs. USA (Womens Soccer)

4pm-GolTV- Villarreal vs. Barcelona

4pm-Fox Soccer Plus- Wigan vs. Tottenham (Delayed)

5pm-Fox Soccer Channel- Everton vs. Aston Villa

6pm-ESPN3.com- Panama vs. USA (CONCACAF Under-20 Championship)

7pm-Direct Kick- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Sporting Kansas City

7pm-Azteca America- Jaguares vs. UNAM Pumas

7:30pm-Direct Kick- New England Revolution vs. Portland Timbers

7:30pm-MSG/Direct Kick- New York Red Bulls vs. Houston Dynamo

7:30pm-GolTV- America de Cali vs. Deportivo Cali

8pm-ESPN3.com- Honduras vs. Guatemala(CONCACAF Under-20 Championship)

8:55pm-Telefutura- Santos Laguna vs. Cruz Azul

9:30pm-GolTV- Junior Barranquilla vs. Real Cartagena

10:30pm-Direct Kick- Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Philadelphia Union

10:30pm-Direct Kick- San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders

11pm-Telefutura- Atlas vs. Estudiantes Tecos

–

Missed opportunities for TFC lead to 1-1 draw against Chivas USA | Soccer By Ives

BY ADAM SERRANO

All around Toronto, people are discussing the departure of Dwayne De Rosario. Unfortunately for Toronto FC, that may no longer be the sole focus of the discussion.

A shocking miss by Maicon Santos marred the 1-1 draw between Toronto FC and Chivas USA, in what was a high energy match between the two clubs.Alan Gordon equalized for the Reds after an Alejandro Moreno goal gave Chivas USA the lead in the 2nd minute of play.

Both sides featured a number of changes from last week with former New York Red Bulls Tony Tchani and Danleigh Borman making their first starts for TFC while Jorge Flores and Dan Kennedy earned their first starts of the year for Chivas USA.

The Rojiblancos took the lead early when Flores was able to will the ball through several TFC defenders after an errant clearance. Moreno then pounced on the opportunity to score his first goal in a Chivas USA uniform and the first goal by a Chivas USA attacking player during the 2011 season. Appearing incredibly spritely, Chivas USA generated a number of chances in the first half, but could not find their second goal.

This inability to finish allowed Toronto to work their way back into the match, nearly equalizing off a Gordon header that the forward smashed into the post. TFC was able to strike pay dirt in the 32nd minute when Gordon found space due to poor marking by Justin Braun, which allowed him to fire a header and beat Kennedy. The goal was Gordons first in a TFC uniform after being traded from Chivas USA during preseason.

With Chivas USA badly listing at the start of the second half, Santos looked certain to equalize in the 59th minute. Having beaten Kennedy and defender Andrew Boyens, Santos had an open net from point blank range as well as a teammate nearby to shoot at, but fired his shot wide.

The Santos miss appeared to rejuvinate Chivas, which looked the far more threatening side for the rest of the match and was perhaps unlucky not to earn all three points against Toronto.

Chivas USA will now return home to take on the revitalized Columbus Crew while TFC will hit the road to face off against the San Jose Earthquakes.