Musket Rounds

Happy St. Patrick's Day, lads and lasses!

New England Revolution news continues to proceed at a glacial pace, so there isn't much to update on that front. However, I do have a selection of articles from around the beautiful game to share with you.

There's news on the latest USA squad, as well as an examination of one NFL star's decision to trial with an MLS club. Also, bloggers look at what it will take for MLS to become a watchable league in the UK, and somewhere a crazy owner has decided to build a Michael Jackson memorial - at a soccer stadium.

And happily, one of my favorite professional journalists in the soccer world has landed on his feet and broken some serious new ground.

So grab a Guinness, fix a plate of corned beef and cabbage, put on your best green shirt and join us after the jump for today's Musket Rounds.

The Revolution held media day yesterday. The Bent Musket was not in attendance, because the event was at noon and I have a 9-5 job, but the digital team over at Gillette posted several relevant videos. [revolutionsoccer.net]

The organization also debuted their new Far Post podcast. Episode 1 is available for streaming. [revolutionsoccer.net]

Bob Bradley named his 24-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay. It's a decidedly young roster with a few surprises, and features our latest favorite over-hyped teenager, Juan Agudelo. [New York Times]

In case you live under a rock, I should let you know that Cincinnati Bengals wide-receiver Chad Ochocinco will undergo a 4-day trial with Sporting KC. Terez Paylor lets us know how it all began. [The Kansas City Star]

On that note, some bloggers, pundits and fans have been painting Ochocinco's trial as a negative for MLS. Raf Crowley, on the other hand, sees it as a positive, and I agree. [Yanks Are Coming]

Brian Straus, formerly of AOL Fanhouse Soccer, was given the raw end of the deal recently when Sporting News bought Fanhouse and cut soccer coverage. However, it looks like he has landed back on his feet and was officially hired as the first soccer writer for Sporting News in the company's 125-year history. SB Nation's own Scott Kessler interviewed him. [Brotherly Game]

Fulham, Clint Dempsey's club in Europe, is planning to erect a fairly curious monument. Owner Mohammed Al Fayed wants a statue of Michael Jackson outside of Craven Cottage. [Mirror Football]

The Vancouver Whitecaps have been knocking it out of the park in terms of marketing their first MLS season, but they stirred up some controversy when they posted a video of a model having the ‘Caps kit body-painted for a photo shoot. Magnakai Haaskivi takes the other side of the argument and explains why. [Avoiding the Drop]

Chris Nee speculates on what it will take for MLS to be seen as a watchable league by the greater UK public. He also begs the question: how much does it really matter? [Two Footed Tackle]

Finally, Jason Davis gives his two cents on CONCACAF's decision to stick with the hex format for World Cup qualifying. You know that means? USA vs. Mexico remains a relevant rivalry! [Match Fit USA]