"Don't worry; this man just needs some football."

A friend of mine sent me a fascinating article today about a tiny Swiss club on the verge of Champions League qualification. There's a great quote in the article which neatly sums up the success of MLS' San Jose Earthquakes the last five seasons: "Gerber, a hard-working midfielder who spent three seasons at both Grasshoppers and Young Boys Bern, is a good example of Thun's ability to get the best out of other clubs' cast-offs." That's exactly what San Jose has done. They won by trading for proven commodities and for players unhappy with their current situations, placing them with a club that emphasized creativity and teamwork above all else. Good luck to Thun on Tuesday.

Yanks-Abroad strikes again, with a tremendous DaMarcus Beasley interview. The passion, committment, and fire in this young man is incredible. Biggest regret last season?

"'Basically, the penalty kick I missed in the quarterfinal (against Lyon),' Beasley replies, disregarding the fact that his miss did not stop the club from advancing past the four-time reigning French kings."

"'But at the same time... if that chance came again, I'd definitely go again.'"

DaMarcus does not back down from any challenge, and that included taking the leap of faith and making the move to Europe. His improvement whilst at PSV has been nothing short of astonishing, and he should no doubt improve even more this season (once healthy). He also makes an interesting comment regarding who should become the next US Men's National Team coach:

"'If he [PSV coach Gus Hiddink] ever did decide in the future that he wanted to coach the US, I think it would be a good move for our federation to consider,' he suggested. 'He's a great coach and he demands a lot.'"

MLS really wants to piss off its fans. Check out their idiotic MLS Cup ticket lottery for proof.

Now, time to preview this weekend's MLS match-ups:

Kansas City v. Chicago: While Chicago has been slumping (they desperately miss Ivan Guerrero and Nate Jacqua), Kansas City has been absolutely resurgent, coming back to defeat Chicago in Chicago last Wednesday. Unless Chicago's defense improves, I don't see them getting any points out of Kansas City tonight. Prediction: Wizards 2: 0 Fire

Columbus v. Dallas: Both teams have found themselves in a rut of late. Unfortunately for Dallas, new signing Mark Wilson still hasn't finished his paperwork and won't be with the squad for this game. Dallas is a team in desperate need of a spark, and until that spark comes, I don't suspect that they'll get the three away points that they'll want Saturday night. Prediction: Crew 1: 1 FC Dallas

D.C. v. Los Angeles: Los Angeles the team that can't win on the road, facing D.C. United, the hottest team in MLS currently. D.C. United will have new Argentine defender Facundo Erpen available. LA have no such new signings available. Prediction: United 3: 1 Galaxy

Salt Lake v. San Jose: Real Salt Lake signed three defenders this week to help shore up MLS' second worst defense. However, I'm not certain that all of them will be available this weekend, and even if they are, it's doubtful how effective they'll be against the Earthquakes, who have been one of MLS' best over the last two months. San Jose will no doubt come hungry after a disappointing home draw against Colorado last week. Expect fireworks. Prediction: Earthquakes 2: 1 Real Salt Lake

Metrostars v. CD Chivas USA: The Metrostars have been playing well lately. Unfortunately for them, the fourth playoff team in the East (currently Kansas City) have the same number of points as the best team in the West (currently, San Jose). However, if they can get a home win against the theoretically much improved Chivas, they'll still be in the hunt for a playoff spot. Prediction: Metrostars 2: 2 Chivas