Soccer to Look Forward to in 2009

2009 Will be a wonderful year for the soccer fan around the world.  World Cup qualifying will be in full swing.  Champions League, EPL, Serie A and leagues across the globe will crown champions.  Under 17 and Under 20 Mens World Cups will be held.  It should truly be a wonderful soccer year!

2009 will hold the massively important qualifying games for the South Africa World Cup in the summer of 2010.  The Americans open play in February against arch-rivals Mexico in Columbus, Ohio.  Costa Rica looks to be very strong in the final group of 6 CONCACAF teams.  Honduras could be a spoiler as well.

World Cup qualifying will also be playing itself out around the world to decide who gets to play in South Africa.  In Europe, England looks to be comfortably on their way with 4 wins in 4 matches.  Spain, Greece and Germany are also off to fast starts.  On the other hand, Portugal and France put themselves in tight spots with slow starts.  In South America,  Paraguay has been a pleasant surprise and is all but assured of a spot in 2010.  Favorites Brazil and Argentina have both come on of late and look solid as well.

In MLS play we will see the introduction of the Seattle Sounders expansion franchise along with respected American goalkeeper Kasey Keller.  Columbus will try to defend their title without coach Sigi Schmid.  Will the Los Angeles Galaxy and David Beckham get it together?  Which players will head to Europe?  Kenny Cooper?  Will Landon Donovan stay in Germany once his loan finishes?

The Under 17 and Under 20 Mens World Cups will be played next summer as well.  The U20s will play in Egypt while the U17s will face off in Nigeria.  The American squads will attempt to qualify for both tournaments in early 2009.  Look to Soccermogul for stories on the qualifying.

Who will take the Champions League this year?  Will it be an all England affair as last year?  Or will Barcelona or Inter push their way into the final?

Finally, the Confederations Cup will be played in South Africa this summer.  It wil be a tuneup for the World Cup of the next summer.  The United States has been drawn into a very tough grouping with Brazil, Egypt and Italy.

2009 should be a magical year as we get closer to the 2010 World Cup.  Hopefully the United States squads can continue to improve and make gains on the world stage.  MLS hopes to continue to grow and offer quality soccer to fans across the country.  Watch Soccermogul as we report on all the great soccer of 2009!