Lockout looming Around the time MLS was patting itself on the back for securing the services of Landon Donovan for four-year extension, less progress was being made toward ensuring that the Los Angeles skipper will actually kick a ball in competitive anger next season. Six weeks from the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement, a new deal continues to look some way off. Kasey Keller had some interesting things to say regarding the CBA in his blog last week, the most pertinent of which was his acknowledgment that a player lockout looks increasingly likely to begin on Feb. 1, around the time preseason training is getting underway. Given the modest salaries earned by all but a select few in MLS, the players' insistence on fighting their corner is both understandable and laudable, not just from their personal points of view but on behalf of future generations of professionals. However, how much power do they have? Their cause certainly took a hit when FIFA -- under whose guidelines (free agency, guaranteed contracts etc.) they would like to operate more closely -- opted not to become directly involved in the process. So MLS holds most of the cards in this battle and, to be honest, their stance is understandable. For example, the risks of awarding guaranteed contracts within the confines of a salary cap are clear. Meanwhile, according to a September 2008 report by Forbes, although the financial footing of the league is better at the end of the decade than it was at its beginning, overall it continues to run at a loss. However, the league must be careful to ensure it strikes a balance between prudent growth and alienating its employees. As Keller himself noted, "This isn't a negotiation for a bunch of players wanting 8 million a year instead of 7 million a year." In the wake of Donovan being awarded a contract, which, reports suggest, is worth $9m, should the league fail take care of the other 99.99 percent of its players to their satisfaction, little will be done to enhance the state and reputation of soccer in this country. As another veteran goalkeeper, Pat Onstad, put it: "I don't think any work stoppage has ever been beneficial." What does DC do now? Those associated with DC United might be among those who would be less upset than most with a lockout, given the way the club's search for a new coach is going. After Caleb Porter rejected United's overtures, instead opting to stay at Akron, John Spencer also politely refused the chance to interview for the vacant post at RFK Stadium. The speculation is that the Scot is at the top of a shortlist to lead Portland in its first MLS season. So where does DC turn next? Curt Onalfo and Richie Williams are names that have been linked, and either one would represent a safe choice, given the knowledge and experience of the league each has. However, despite their obvious credentials and the fact that both have been available for some time, that neither has been offered the job to date suggests to me that Onalfo and Williams will be overlooked for the position. The search for a leader goes on in the nation's capital. Things that made me go hmmm … Bob Bradley has named a 30-man squad for January's training camp in California, which concludes on the 23rd of the month with a friendly against Honduras. The party, which features 15 players who won at least one cap in 2009 and nine who are yet to make a national team appearance, contains a number of intriguing names, including: Geoff Cameron: Could he be a contender for a World Cup squad spot? Definitely, if he continues to impress in the coming months.
Robbie Findley: Another that needs to kick on from his late 2009 form. If he does and Charlie Davies does not get fit in time, he has a chance.
Omar Gonzalez: Can the Defender of the Year take the next step in his development? Will benefit from specialized coaching.
Kevin Alston: Perhaps more of a candidate for Brazil than South Africa but has the raw materials to develop into an accomplished two-way fullback.
Alejandro Bedoya: Davies' teammate at Boston College, he plays in Sweden and was one of the more surprising inclusions.