USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann has announced a 27 man squad for training and three friendly matches before the start of World Cup Qualifying. The full squad is below along with each players club teams in parenthesis. The squad will be reduced to 23 players for the first WCQ match on June 8, 2012.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

FORWARDS (7): Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

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As the European season comes to an end, it’s inevitable that transfer rumors will start to surface. With MLS continuing to show signs of improvement, more and more European based player are making the jump overseas. This summer’s list of possible transfers includes several Serie A players such as Alessandro Nesta, Alessandro Del Pieri, and Clarence Seedorf.

Alessandro Nesta

The AC Milan star has already publicly stated his interest in MLS and would attract interest from several teams. The chances of a move happening seem very likely but it all depends on if he receives offers from the Middle East or other places that could offer a higher wage.

Alessandro Del Piero

The rumors of Del Piero moving to Major League Soccer have been around for seasons but could actually happen this season. The Italian is playing his last season with Juventus but could still definitely provide something for many teams. It’s not too clear if a move will happen but and could likely depend on which clubs are interested.

Clarence Seedorf

Seedorf will likely not return to AC Milan and could be targeted by several MLS teams. He has been linked with Brazilian side Botofogo but a move to his native Netherlands or MLS are also possibilities. At this point, it’s only speculation on where Seedorf will be playing next season.

Didier Drogba

He’s still a productive striker at Chelsea but is now 34. There’s a good chance he won’t return to Stamford Bridge as his contract expires this summer. Drogba could excel in MLS but it will likely take a team offering a significant contract.

Michael Ballack

The German is nearing the end of his career and will be a free agent in the summer. Ballack’s agent has stated the New York Red Bulls has a possible destination. A move seems very likely this summer but he could remain in Germany as well.

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Chivas USA acquired Philadelphia’s Danny Califf and NY’s Juan Agudelo in trades made on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Califf, returned to MLS when Philadelphia joined the league after several seasons playing in Denmark. Agudelo, who still considered by many to be a key part to the future of the USA National Team, only had played in four matches (one start) this season. Both players have international experience playing for the USA.

Below are parts the press releases on both trades. First is Califf.

CARSON, Calif.(Thursday, May 17, 2012) – Chivas USA has acquired defender Danny Califf in a trade with the Philadelphia Union, in exchange for midfielder Michael Lahoud and allocation money. Califf will be available for selection this weekend as Chivas USA take on the LA Galaxy in the first leg of the SuperClásico on Saturday, May 19, at 7:30 pm (PT) at The Home Depot Center. The match’s live television broadcast will be on ESPN 2 for English and ESPN Deportes for Spanish, and Radio through KWKW 1330 AM (locally).

Califf, a veteran from California was signed by the Union on January 21, 2010 after rights were previously acquired from Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland on December 3, 2009. He has appeared in four matches, all as a starter for the Union in this 2012 season. The Red-and-White have traded midfielder Michael Lahoud, who appeared in 23 games (17 starts) in 2011, for Chivas USA, and has two appearances so far in 2012. Per League and team policy, details of the contract were not revealed.

And here’s Agudelo

CARSON, Calif.(Thursday, May 17, 2012) – Chivas USA has acquired forward Juan Agudelo in a trade with the New York Red Bulls, in exchange for Goat’s defender Heath Pearce and allocation money. Agudelo will be available for selection this weekend as Chivas USA take on the LA Galaxy in the first leg of the SuperClásico on Saturday, May 19, at 7:30 pm (PT) at The Home Depot Center. The match’s live television broadcast will be on ESPN 2 for English and ESPN Deportes for Spanish, and Radio through KWKW 1330 AM (locally).

Agudelo, 19, a product of the Red Bulls Academy, is in his second professional season. He has appeared in 33 matches including 13 as a starter, scoring 6 goals with the Red Bulls. The Red-and-White have traded away defender Heath Pearce, who appeared in 40 games (39 starts) during his tenure with Chivas USA. Per League and team policy, details of the contract were not revealed.

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Below are television listings for all the Major League Soccer matches on May 13, 2012. Times listed are USA Eastern.

Philadelphia Union v New York Red Bulls, 12:15 pm – ESPN2/ESPN Deportes(USA), TSN2 (Canada), ESPN (UK/Ireland)

San Jose v Chivas USA, 7 pm – Galavision (USA), Al Jazeera Sport (Middle East), Setanta Sports (Ireland), C+ Sport (Norway/Sweden/Denmark), Comcast Sportsnet (SJ)

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There are six matches including Montreal hosting the Galaxy and RSL traveling to Seattle in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

Montreal Impact v Los Angeles Galaxy

The Galaxy have struggled to find their form from last season while new franchise Montreal are unbeaten at home. Even though the Galaxy have been inconsistent, they will be expected to get at least a draw in this match.

Houston Dynamo v DC United

The Dynamo open their brand new stadium against a high scoring DC squad. Houston will be favored but the first match at a new stadium but DC are always dangerous.

New England Revolution v Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver have won their last three matches while the Revolution have lost four of their last five matches. Both teams lack scoring (combined 17 goals in 18 matches) and a low scoring close match is expected.

Columbus Crew v FC Dallas

Neither team has won a match recently and both have a negative goal difference. Dallas has yet to get an away win but Columbus’ home form has not been great. It’s a match that could go either way with the slight advantage to Columbus.

Chicago Fire v Sporting Kansas City

Sporting are look to end a two game losing streak while the Fire have struggled at home. The Fire have the home advantage but Kc are more than capable of getting the three points. A close match is expected with both teams having a decent chance.

Seattle Sounders v Real Salt Lake

Two of the top teams in the West meet in probably the best match this weekend. Seattle have won their last five matches while RSL have won two of their last three. The advantage is with the Sounders who have been very strong at home (5-1-0).

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Below are television listings for all the Major League Soccer matches on May 12, 2012. Times listed are EST or USA Eastern.

Montreal Impact v Los Angeles Galaxy, 4 pm – TSN & RDS (Canada), KDOC/KWHY (LA), Direct Kick (USA), ESPN (UK/Ireland)

Houston Dynamo v DC United, 4:30 pm – NBC Sports Network (USA)

New England Revolution v Vancouver Whitecaps, 7:30 pm – Direct Kick (USA), Comcast Sportsnet (NE), Rogers Sportsnet One (VAN)

Columbus Crew v FC Dallas, 7:30 pm - Direct Kick (USA), Fox Sports Ohio (CLB), Fox Sports SW (DAL)

Chicago Fire v Sporting Kansas City, 8:30 pm - Direct Kick (USA), Comcast Sportsnet (CHI), KSMO (KC)

Seattle Sounders FC v Real Salt Lake, 10 pm - Direct Kick (USA), KING-5 (SEA), KTVX-ABC4 (RSL), C+ (Norway/Denmark/Sweden), Setanta Sports (Africa)

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There are nine matches including the LA Galaxy hosting FC Dallas in Major League Soccer (MLS) on April 28, 2012.

Montreal Impact v Portland Timbers

Both teams have struggled early and have a combined three wins on the season. Montreal have been decent at home while Portland have yet to win on the road.

New York Red Bulls v New England Revolution

After an impressive showing early, the Red Bulls are winless in their last two matches as they struggling Revolution side. The Red Bulls are the clear favorites but their defensive lapses often make them unpredictable.

Philadelphia Union v San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose are off to a great start and currently leading the Western Conference. Philadelphia have won their last two matches but struggling to score goals. A low scoring close match seems likely.

Columbus Crew v Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver are off to a decent start while Columbus are in the bottom half of the standings. As with many MLS matches, this one could go either way with a slight edge given to the home side.

DC United v Houston Dynamo

DC United are off to a great start and unbeaten in their last six matches. Houston are still in the process of their long road trip to start the season while their new stadium is being completed. DC have the slight edge but Houston have earned draws in their last two matches.

Chicago Fire v Seattle Sounders FC

Both teams are in the middle of the standings and won their last match. Chicago are unbeaten are home while it’s Seattle have earned a draw in their only away match.

Colorado Rapids v Chivas USA

Chivas USA have won two of their last three matches while Colorado have lost their last three. Colorado have been decent at home but Chivas are unbeaten in away matches.

Real Salt Lake v Toronto FC

It’s been another disastrous season for Toronto while RSL are winless in their last three matches. RSL will be heavily favored in this match against the worst team in the league.

Los Angeles Galaxy v FC Dallas

Two of the top teams from last season who have not gotten off to great starts. The Galaxy are starting to improve defensively while Dallas have not gotten any points on the road. LA appear to be finding their form but FCD will provide a tough test.

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Sporting Kansas City remained perfect and Montreal earned their first away point in Major League Soccer (MLS) on April 18, 2012.

Vancouver Whitecaps 1-3 Sporting Kansas City

Another win for Sporting KC as they are a perfect 7-0-0 in the 2012 season. Defender Aurelien Collin continues to anchor a strong defense but also scored his third goal of the season to make it 1-0. A Vancouver own goal early in the second half made it 2-0 and Kei Kamara padded the lead in the 64th minute. Vancouver did make a late charge with a 78th minute Sebastian Le Toux goal but came up short.

DC United 1-1 Montreal Impact

After a scoreless first half, both teams scored one in the second half to share the points. Montreal took a 1-0 lead with a 1-0 Bernardo Corradi goal but DC equalized with a 71st minute Maicon Santos strike. The point is Montreal’s first on the road (were 0-5-0 before match) while are unbeaten in their last five matches.

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A recap of Bayern Munich’s win over Real Madrid, previews of Chelsea v Barcelona, Reading earning promotion, and more lead today’s top stories. Links for all stories below will open in a new window.

A recap of Bayern Munich 2-1 Real Madrid (ESPNSoccernet.com)

MLS Power Rankings for Week 6 (SI.com)

Reading secures promotion to EPL for 2012-13 season (ReadingFC.co.uk)

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola previews upcoming Chelsea match (FCBarcelona.com)

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo previws upcoming Barcelona match (ChelseaFC.com)

Phil Dowd selected as referee for FA Cup final (TheFA.com)

Fabrice Muamba faces a long road to recovery (Guardian.co.uk)

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The Major League All Star Game will once again feature an English Premier League side. This summer’s match will have the MLS All-Stars facing Chelsea at PPL Park in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 25, 2012. The match will be televised on ESPN in the USA and various channels around the world.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay had the following comments on the match.

 ’We are excited to have the chance of a re-match against the MLS All-Stars and are in no doubt it will provide a competitive fixture as we build towards the 2012/13 season, having lost narrowly in the match six years ago, with Peter Nowak the All-Stars coach that day too.

‘Barclays Premier League clubs regularly take part in this fixture and it will be broadcast live on television around the world.

‘The match also sees Chelsea returning to Philadelphia where we played AC Milan in 2004. There was a large crowd that evening, clearly demonstrating the enthusiasm for the sport in the city and we are looking forward to returning to the States for the sixth time in nine years.’

The match will likely feature many of the top stars in MLS including Thierry Henry, Landon Dononvan, David Beckham, and Robbie Keane. The MLS All Star team will be selected by fan voting along with choices by commissioner Don Garber.

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