MLS News Roundup

Here is a brief look at some of the top stories related to MLS and American players abroad.

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan is officially set to join Aston Villa. As discussed here, Villa had already agreed on a transfer fee for Guzan with Chivas USA. The only potential obstacle to the transfer was Guzan's lack of a work permit. In a hearing today, Guzan was granted a work permit and will officially be moving to England to continue his career.

Chicago midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco has been banned from US Open Cup play for at least two years after an incident during the July 8 quarterfinal. Blanco punched DC United midfielder Clyde Simms in the stomach and also poked him in the eye. After being ejected, Blanco head butted a DC employee who was trying to lead him to the locker room. Blanco is ineligible to compete in any US Open Cup matches in 2009 or 2010.

Two MLS clubs will be competing for the Superliga title this summer. Houston Dynamo defeated Mexican side Pachuca 2-0 in their semifinal, while the New England Revolution knocked out Atlante in a match marred by four red cards. The final will take place on August 5.

The Chicago Fire defeated English Premier League side Everton 2-0 in an international friendly last Wednesday. Chris Rolfe and Tomasz Frankowski scored goals for the hosts, knocking their shots past American international goalkeeper Tim Howard. Everton plays the Colorado Rapids in their next friendly match.

FC Dallas have agreed to sell midfielder Juan Toja to FC Steaua Bucaresti of the Romanian top division. More information on the transfer can be found here.

Chicago and Toronto FC have finalized the deal that will send former American international and Fulham FC star Brian McBride to Chicago in exchange for Chad Barrett and a first round pick in the 2009 MLS Superdraft. McBride is one of a handful of active players who participated in MLS in its inaugural season.