Batigol still has it at 45

Argentine legend scores a cracker and celebrates with Santa Claus

Gabriel Batistuta scores on a 30-yard goal in an annual charity match in Italy and is immediately mobbed by grumpy old men.

-Tio Pelotas
@TioPelotas74

MLS offseason excites fans as training camp opens

World Cup year, top league signings making headlines

The 2013-2014 offseason in Major Leage Soccer was no ordinary trip for football fans that usually kick back and wait out the longest break in between campaigns for any domestic league in the world. In fact, we'd have to point out that this was--and continues to be--one of the more exciting offseasons in league history.

As preseason training kicked off this past weekend, supporters furiously are trying to keep up with any latest signings or rumors of potential signings before the domestic championship kicks off in early March. Next year, the league welcomes two more teams to its format--New York City FC and Orlando SC.

So ahead of what should be a pivotal year before the expansion teams join the fray, we take a look at some of the top signings and trades that will make for an electric season for MLS this year in the midst of the World Cup in Brazil.

* Toronto FC's double-capture of England international Jermain Defoe and U.S. national-team stalwart Michael Bradley set a precedent not only to other sides but to the league in itself and marks an important chapter in the book of U.S. soccer. The signings represent a new era whereby MLS is announcing to the world that it will seek some of the better players it's strived to obtain earlier in its history, whether that means paying out a larger transfer fee or splashing cash in a hefty contract. Despite a dropoff in attendance, supporters of the Reds are some of the more loyal in the league and BMO Field should be rocking come March.

* While Philadelphia Union's acquisition of U.S. international Maurice Edu hasn't been made official yet, the signing would represent yet another coup for the league if Edu can reignite his form that gave him 45 appearances in the national team kit. The Union is looking to build a foundation in its midfield as Edu is only 27 and the team is already on the hunt for others to upgrade its unit and complement Edu. Philadelphia looks like a good bet to get back into the playoffs and keep PPL Park loud and boisterous.

* Eddie Johnson has had a roller coaster ride in his stint with Seattle Sounders but after the Washington side grabbed Kenny Cooper, EJ's days were numbered. DC United now hope his goal-scoring threats can help United climb out of a disastrous 2013 season in which they finished dead last. 

* Before a car crash that claimed the life of a friend and caused major injuries to him, Charlie Davies had a successful season in France and was riding high. After slowly recuperating, he is now back on the pitch and seeks to seize on the opportunity bestowed on him with New England Revolution, who made his loan from last year into a permanent deal.

* Seven years ago, legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto put MLS on the map in Argentina and his Columbus Crew jersey was seen at Boca Juniors games. Today, Argentine players look at MLS as a viable option as current Crew forward Federico Higuain--brother of Napoli's Gonzalo--noted to a publication in his home country. Case in point, Portland Timbers. The fanatical support, the beauty of the city and its surroundings and the professionalism displayed in training and overall regime have given its four Argentines currently on its roster a new love for the game in the U.S. The Oregon side have brought in Gaston Fernandez from Estudiantes and Norberto Paparatto from Tigre.

Of course, we still have the silly season upon us where players like Xavi, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole continue to be linked with the league. But unlike its early days, MLS is now in a position to capture these and other players, who it seems more and more are looking at America's top flight as a serious competition.

-Tio Pelotas
@TioPelotas74

Pelotas' Ponderings: Is Argie gaffer a 'testardo?'

Tevez in form back in Italy, Argentina move on in N.J.

Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella refuses to discuss Carlos Tevez and his absence from the national team. Although he does his best to be mild-mannered about it, you can sense his tiresome sighs as he fields inquiries from his country's reporters at the Westin Hotel in Jersey City, N.J. where the team is stationed at ahead of tonight's friendly against Ecuador at MetLife Stadium.

Sabella feels it's disrespectful to speak of a player that's currently not with the team and also belittles the ones that are.

Fair enough.

But why--with Lionel Messi out nursing the most famous hamstring in the world--would Sabella not call El Apache up? The man has netted six times in 11 matches so far with Juventus following his transfer from Manchester City and has looked in fine form. He's happy in Turin, is more comfortable with the language and has an array of talent surrounding him that fits his on-the-pitch personality, giving him the fuel to perform.

His last appearance in the famous sky blue and white colors was at Copa America 2011 in Argentina where the home side was eliminated in penalty kicks to Uruguay in the quarterfinals. Tevez missed his from the spot.

From there speculation arose about his commitment to the national team. There were murmurs of attitude, unhappiness and burnout. His rift with then-manager Roberto Mancini at City that led to him taking leave from the team didn't help his cause. Tevez also had made remarks about quitting his international career at 28 years old on several occasions. You have to wonder what his mindset is at now.

However, the joy that is displayed on his face this season is priceless. He comes from a rough Buenos Aires neighborhood called Fuerte Apache and may not be the most articulate or engaging individual to the press and upper management but he is a true warrior of the game, representing what we all strive to do whether on the pitch or off of it. Tevez isn't Cristiano Ronaldo-glamorous but his hard-working personality sparks a demeanor that makes us fans root for him. And he will surely be missed tonight in New Jersey.

O Pierluigi, Where Art Thou?

Godoy Cruz-Boca Juniors 2-2 tilt ends in brawl

Pedro Arganaraz--who reportedly was only officiating his fourth top-flight match in Argentina--was timid throughout the match, missed some penalty calls and lost control of the proceedings before the brawl that ensued at the final whistle continued into the locker rooms.

Arganaraz was left off next week's round of matches in Argentina.

Boca-River is THE derby

Buenos Aires is taken hostage by Sunday's Superclasico 

The silence was defeaning.

Visiting Boca Juniors had just dispatched its archrivals River Plate in the 2004 Copa Libertadores semifinals in penalty kicks but the only cheers heard were on the pitch among the Boca brethren. Violence had condemned both sides to ban its respective away supporters for the two-legged tie.

Almost 10 years later, following a government ban on visiting fans because of several deaths towards the end of last season, this weekend's Argentine Superclasico again will only have home fans, with Estadio Monumental boasting the red-and-white colors as River fans will take full advantage of its home field advantage.

That won't stop from close to 1,000 officers from being deployed for this fixture Sunday as Boca supporters will surely be out in full numbers to accompany the team bus to the stadium.

On the pitch, River manager Ramon Diaz--who just inked a two-year extension--will see his Colombian forward Teofilo Gutierrez get his first taste of this derby. Midfielder Cristian Ledesma will help orchestrate his side's battles against Juan Roman Riquelme and Fernando Gago, both of whom played for the first time together in a Boca kit in last week's win over Quilmes.

We've already mentioned how cool and collected Manchester City boss Manuel Pelligrini was ahead of his first derby against Manchester United when he pointed out that the Boca-River clash was much more intense. The Chilean master also had alluded that the Real Madrid-Barcelona was cake compared with Argentine pressure. But don't take his word for it.  Have a look Sunday.

Boca and River both side in fourth and fifth, four and six points out of leaders and defending champions Newell's Old Boys.

-Tio Pelotas

@TioPelotas74

Remember France '98, Cholo?

Did Simeone pay homage to ex-Argie manager with set piece?

Atletico Madrid steals three points from Porto in Champions League play

Turkey's Arda Turan gave Diego Simeone's side the win yesterday on a late set piece that mirrored former Argentina manager Daniel Passarella's own design in its knockout-round win over England 15 years ago.

How to tackle...with your head !

We search the world for these clips (or spend too much time on YouTube!), but here's a great challenge in the Argentinos v Boca Juniors game this weekend.

He picks up a yellow, but brain damage may be the issue.

Geezer of the day - Batigol

It's the 9th of the 9th, so I thought I'd go with a famous number 9 for today's Geezer.

Diego called him the best number 9 he had seen play, he refused to cut his hair to comply with team rules, stayed with Fiorentina to get them promoted back to Serie A and banged in 56 in 78 for Argentina.

Who can't love a man with the nickname 'Batigol'? Gabriel Batistuta was one of the best of recent times, and you have to agree because Diego said it, so it must be true!

Sunday Funday

Support your team, wave your Argentina flag to the cameraman, but be careful not to decapitate yourself!

Lucky it wasn't Peter Crouch, or he'd be a foot shorter now...and have no head.

Where Are They Now?

You might remember them.

In Argentina's lone Primera league match today, two names that most footy fans may be familiar with--Maxi Rodriguez and Gabriel Heinze--made their marks for Newell's Old Boys against Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata with a 3-0 romp to bring them to top of the table.

Oh, and Newell's third goal by Peruvian Rinaldo Cruzado was assisted by some French bloke named David Trezeguet.

Not a bad squad that current Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino left behind.

Don't worry, Pipa's happy

Not sure which chip was prettier but Federico Higuain, older brother of Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, stole the show again in this weekend's round of MLS play as the campaign reaches the home stretch.

The Columbus Crew, striving to enter the playoff fight with about 10 matches left, climbed on Pipa's back for a second consecutive week behind another two-goal performance by the Argentine.

Last week, Pipa surprised the favored New York Red Bulls with this magnificent shot over Luis Robles:

And, on Saturday, Higuain sent another over Toronto FC keeper Joe Bendik:

MLS supporters have to thank the great Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who previously played with the Crew and brought home their first MLS Cup. He recommended the city and league to Higuain, so safe to say, Pipa's a happy Midwesterner now.

Pelotas' look ahead to Wednesday tilts

Tio Pelotas provides a small glimpse of what's to come on a fun FIFA friendly day

So it's friendly-match day. Some of us don't care because they're just that---friendlies--while others do because it's more football in the middle of August. With summer winding down here in the States, school about to start and, oh yeah, World Cup qualifiers, major European campaigns and MLS playoffs nearing, let's look at some of the matches on tap for tomorrow:

South Korea-Peru (5am) - South Korea went to the World Cup semifinals in 2002; Peru went to the World Cup in 1982. This has 0-0 written all over it.

Chile-Iraq (noon) - Iraq is rebuilding and will face the wrath of Chile's attack. Chile reportedly will play Iran in its next friendly. No word or confirmation if North Korea is on tap as well.

Colombia-Serbia (2pm) - Radamel Falcao is rich, good-looking, scored on his Ligue 1 debut over the weekend, just became a dad and his side is close to a World Cup ticket, its first in more than 15 years. Now he's the most interesting man in the world.

Bosnia-USA (2:30pm) - Clint Dempsey is big news in the US but won't be in Bosnia for this friendly. No problem. Maybe. OK, crap, 'merica may be in trouble. Bosnia is a scary side, ranked 13th in the world, has a goal differential of plus-20 in their qualifying group after six matches without a defeat. 

Italy-Argentina (2:45pm) - So who does avid footy fan Pope Francis root for in this one? (I know, I know, the whole world used that one today.)

Switzerland-Brazil (2:45pm) - Neymar avoided a press conference, just hours ahead of the match, leaving the band of journalists fuming. But poor Neymar was still reeling after being profiled at a local boutique when told a handbag he wanted to look at was too expensive for him.

England-Scotland (3pm) - For the good of this historic rivalry match, please invite Gazza. Oh, and Wayne Rooney too.

Belgium-France (3pm) - Yes, England is not involved here but between these two sides, there's around 20 Premier League players. 20.

Portugal-Netherlands (3:30pm) - Of course all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Robin van Persie but the true supporters will be on the lookout to see whose gonads Pepe will stomp on.

Ecuador-Spain (4pm) - Both sides will honor the late Christian Benitez, who died last month at 27. The match will take place in Guayaquil, Ecuador, home of Barcelona SC, 6000 miles away from the Nou Camp, home of FC Barcelona.

Mexico-Ivory Coast (9pm) - No Chicharito but we do have Drogba, Gervinho, Salomon Kalou and Yaya Toure here in Giants Stadium (not calling it MetLife) in the beautiful outskirts of northern New Jersey. Mexico manager Chepo de la Torre will be seeking out help from state troopers if results don't go his way because you can bet there will be a sea of angry Mexican supporters.

Weekend Geezer

Maybe because people love Curb Your Enthusiasm on the weekend, or that the Argentine league has just got underway, but the weekend Geezer is Larry David, sorry I mean Carlos Bianchi.

Bianchi is in his third spell as manager of Boca Juniors, and is the only manager to have won the Copa Libertadores 4 times.

He was also top scorer in the Argentinian League 3 times (1970, '71 and '81) - in between those titles, other names such as Mario Kempes and a certain Diego Maradona (5 times) won the top scorer award.  Bianchi was also the highest league scorer in France for 5 of the 6 years he was there with Reims and PSG.

River Plate and Boca Juniors making moves

New Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, summed it up last month in an interview when he was asked about his thoughts on the Manchester derby with United --- it'll be a walk in the park compared with the clasico in Argentina.

The Chilean master was boss at River Plate and described how the city shut down, how he had to be trapped at home because of his own fans' wrath if results didn't go their way and the intensity felt inside of River's and Boca Junior's respective stadiums during derbies.

The Inicial part of the campaign (first of two) kicks off today with Boca and River making headlines with some moves.

David Trezeguet, who signed on with River after they were relegated and helped them to promotion, didn't want to leave Argentina and is now at reigning champions Newell's Old Boys. River also brought in Colombian forward Teofilo Gutierrez, who pulled out what was later discovered to be a toy gun on teammates while at Racing Club. It also looks like Uruguayan Rodrigo Mora has reached a verbal agreement to leave Benfica and go to River as well but international slots may be a problem now. In any case, River is looking to build up a credible team to help it forget its descent into the second division just a couple of years ago.

Meanwhile, Boca inked Fernando Gago from Valencia in Spain. Gago played with Velez Sarsfield on loan last year and was average but Boca decided he's a piece to their ongoing puzzle to regain competitiveness after a disastrous campaign last year. Also returning to Boca is Daniel 'Cata' Diaz to help with their defending but supporters are still reeling from the losses of Uruguayan marksman Santiago Silva, who left for Lanus, a side managed by Boca legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Walter Erviti, who took off to Mexico.

One side that won't be participating in first-division action is Independiente, known as the "king of cups," after they were relegated last year.

While Brazilian football has recently attracted stars to its league, which has gotten stronger, Argentina has seen its share of mismanagement and financial debacles lead to distractions that has affected play on the pitch. But the competition has never lost its passion and purity and every supporter should keep up with Argentina's Primera as much as possible.

-Tio Pelotas

Geezer of the Day

A year after retiring, Juan Sebastian Veron returns to the pitch for one last shot

Will donate salary to youth divisions

'La Brujita' hung up his boots last June after six years playing for Estudiantes de la Plata, his boyhood club, and became a club director. But it now appears he'd rather rock a kit than a suit.

Veron, 38, recently began training with the team ahead of Argentina's domestic season, which kicks off in a couple of weeks. Today, he made it official, signing with Estudiantes and agreeing to give a good chunk of his checks to the club's youth teams.

Veron played for Sampdoria, Lazio, Parma and Inter Milan in Italy and Manchester United and Chelsea in England before returning to Argentina about six years ago.