ASN snagged this exclusive and, it turns out unauthorized, interview with Clint Dempsey in the “mixed zone” at Ellis Park Stadium immediately following the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia on Friday. Enjoy the video, because it turns out we ran afoul of FIFA ordinances when shooting it–an infraction that earned us a healthy tongue-lashing from the FIFA official in charge.

ASN and some other reporters caught up with DaMarcus Beasley at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn., immediately following the U.S. national team’s World Cup roster announcement. Beasley had previously fallen out of favor with U.S. soccer brass after a poor run of form. But he was sure to point out that making the team was [...]

The Philadelphia Union are preparing to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies today in what will be their last preseason test before their first season in Major League Soccer (hopefully) begins. It’s true that the anticipation and buzz surrounding First Kick has been doused by labor talks, but if there’s one person out there that’s [...]

ASN moonlighter and fellow Seeing Red!… moderator Dave Martinez attended the New York Red Bulls media day March 16, where he caught up with Dane Richards. His report and interview follow. The fear of failure can be a huge motivating factor, and last year, the New York Red Bulls became the definition of the word. [...]

Chris Seitz wasn’t fazed when he started for the University of Maryland in the College Cup final in 2005. The Terps won. He wasn’t rattled, either, when he was between the pipes for a strong US U-20 squad that upset Brazil in group play during the 2007 U-20 World Cup. The Yanks won. And even [...]

In his latest guest column for ASN, Luke Sassano relives the New York Red Bulls trip to La Manga, Spain and tells us what’s in store for the rest of the preseason. The defensive midfielder, now in his third year as a pro, is clearly excited about the attitude taking hold with the team as it looks forward to the Grand Opening of Red Bull Arena on March 20.

Professional soccer player in Belgium, MLS youth academy product, Jersey guy, columnist? Either way you look at it, Nicholas (Niko) Gkionis makes for an interesting case study. His recent guest column in this space attracted a lively debate. Now ASN delves a bit deeper with this Q&A, querying the 24-year old on everything from national [...]

It was draft day and Brian Perk stepped out of his hotel to meet up with his father. Waiting for the rendezvous, Perk was blindsided by a cohort of chanting Philadelphia Union supporters–over 200 strong. Even with this omen, however, Perk says landing in Philadelphia didn’t even cross his mind. “Philly is probably one of the last places I thought I’d end up because of the two [goalkeepers] they already had.” he told ASN Philly.

ASN tracked down Real Salt Lake defender Chris Wingert and found him more than willing to talk about his experience in MLS Cup 2009. Even better for us, he was willing to write the whole thing down himself! The result is a truly remarkable first-person account of the biggest game in RSL franchise history. Update: Read Part II!

With things starting to get hectic for the Union’s inaugural SuperDraftees, ASN Philly had to settle for an introductory Q&A this time with Amobi Okugo, the #6 pick and 18-year old defensive midfielder out of UCLA. While #1 pick Danny Mwanga is in Portland tying up loose ends, Amobi and Jack McInerney are in Mexico [...]