Landon Donovan scored twice in the Galaxy's 8-0 scrimmage win this morning over Hollywood United (AP Photo).

More here on Donovan's first scrimmage back with the Galaxy.

Updated
And here's Donovan on returning to Everton, MLS labor negotiations, etc.:

CARSON (AP) -- Landon Donovan will attend the resumption of Major League Soccer bargaining and says he might return to Everton if players go on strike next week.

Donovan had two goals and three assists in 13 games during an impressive 10-week loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy to Everton that ended Saturday, helping the Toffees beat Manchester United and Chelsea, the top two teams in the Premier League. He rejoined the Galaxy on Tuesday ahead of their March 27 opener against New England.

"There's nothing concrete set up," Donovan said at a news conference Wednesday. "I think we've all been very clear about the possibility that I could go back if something happens. It's crossing that bridge when we get to it, right now."

Negotiators for MLS and the MLS Players Union met Tuesday and talks are set to resume Thursday in Washington, D.C., More than 20 players were expected after the union accepted an invitation from the league to have a large group of its members attend the session.

Players want greater free agency and a higher percentage of guaranteed contracts. MLS owns all player contracts and restricts movement within the league when deals expire.

"Nobody wants to go on strike if it can be avoided," Donovan said. "We've made it very clear from the beginning that we're not trying to bankrupt the league and ask for tons of monetary increases. But we need basic rights if we're going to continue playing. We want rights afforded other players in other countries that we don't have. We're very unified on the way we think."

The union said last week that it will strike if an agreement is not reached by March 25, when the expansion Philadelphia Union plays the league opener at Seattle.

The league notified the union that medical, dental and vision insurance would expire March 31 in the event of a strike, and players would have to continue coverage under the federal COBRA program. Life insurance would end on the start date of a strike, and players could covert to individual coverage.

If and when the Galaxy start the season, Donovan said his role would not substantially change because of David Beckham's Achilles' tendon injury. The English midfielder was hurt Sunday while on loan to AC Milan and will be sidelined about six months, causing him to miss the World Cup. Beckham, starting the fourth season of a five-year contract with the Galaxy, was not due back until July.

"Where I play might tweak slightly," Donovan said. "But I know what my role is and what I need to provide for the team, regardless of who's on the field."

Donovan called Beckham's loss "devastating" for the Galaxy.

"He's sacrificed, I think, more than anybody in the world to have a chance at playing in a
World Cup," Donovan said. "When you do that and something like this happens, it's awful."

Lew Wolff of the San Jose Earthquakes became the latest owner to speak out Thursday, saying his team's "plans for a new venue and expansion of our youth program will be set back for a period that certainly does not benefit the current or future players."

Wolff, who also owns baseball's Oakland Athletics, said he was "at a loss as to how to
respond" to players' statements that the rules of the expired five-year labor contract are
unfair and asked the union to continue bargaining without a strike.

"The Earthquakes and the majority of MLS teams did not generate a profit in 2009, nor do they expect to generate a profit in 2010," Wolff said in a statement. "I am hopeful that the players and their representatives will carefully measure the importance of having labor peace and recognize the negatives to the sport that a work stoppage will cause."

From the Finnish clinic where he was operated on for his torn achilles tendon.

Here's an actual picture of David Beckham's actual legs and his actual crutches getting in an actual airplane to take an actual flight back to London. Apologies to Monty Python. (AP Photo)

Here's the full story (and by the way, don't you just love it's AC Milan rather than the Galaxy commenting on Beckham's rehab plans in this story; just which club does he supposedly belong to anyway?):

LONDON (AP) -- David Beckham arrived in London with his wife Victoria on Wednesday after flying in from the Finnish clinic where he had surgery for a torn Achilles' tendon.

With his left leg in a cast, Beckham flew in on a private jet. He injured his foot on Sunday
and will be sidelined for about six months, forcing him to miss the World Cup in South
Africa.

The Beckhams, who have yet to speak publicly since the injury, are expected to spend a few days at their home in England before returning to Los Angeles.

"I did say that perhaps it would not be wise to fly straight off to Los Angeles ... that he
should stop somewhere first," said Sakari Orava, the orthopedic surgeon who performed the operation.

Orava said Beckham was "well and in a good mood."

"He has to take it easy for about a month -- that's how long it will be in a cast -- and then week-by-week he can move the foot and use it more," Orava told The Associated Press.

When the Beckhams left the clinic in Turku, Finland, on Thursday, police pushed back dozens of shouting fans as the couple got into a silver Volkswagen van. Escorted by two police cars, they were taken to the local airport.

The 34-year-old Beckham tore his left Achilles' tendon when playing for AC Milan and underwent surgery in Turku on Monday.

Before Beckham's departure, Orava and medical teams reviewed a rehabilitation program he had planned for the midfielder.

Beckham, who flew to the Mehilainen Clinic in Turku on Monday, was joined a day later by his wife, who also spent the night at the clinic.

Orava said they ordered pizzas and watched soccer on a large-screen TV on Tuesday evening but that he left the couple just as the Champions League match between Chelsea and Inter Milan started.

"They looked happy," he said.

Orava, who has operated on several international sports stars, including runners Frank
Fredericks, Merlene Ottey and Haile Gebreselassie, said Beckham was an exemplary patient.

"He was a very easy and good patient. Even the nurses said they wished that all their patients were like him," Orava said. "He was very satisfied and didn't complain about anything and thanked everyone."

Orava said Beckham's tendon was totally torn, ruling out his hopes of playing in his fourth World Cup. The tournament starts June 11 in South Africa.

AC Milan said Beckham would begin rehabilitation right away.

"The plan includes a complete recovery in six months, at the end of which he can play again," the club said.

Apparently.

Britain's poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy was inspired by David Beckham's Achilles' tendon injury to write this verse titled "Achilles."

"Myth's river -- where his mother dipped him, fished him, a slippery golden boy flowed on, his name on its lips.

"Without him, it was prophesied, they would not take Troy.

"Women hid him, concealed him in girls' sarongs; days of sweetmeats, spices, silver songs...

"But when Odysseus came, with an athlete's build, a sword and a shield, he followed him to the battlefield, the crowd's roar,

"And it was sport, not war, his charmed foot on the ball...

"But then his heel, his heel, his heel..."

As one wit wrote, can't wait to read the poem about Toger Tiger Woods.

Galaxy players reacted Tuesday to Beckham's injury; Coach Bruce Arena sounds like he's taking it in stride, however:

CARSON (AP) -- David Beckham's prolonged absence because of an injury suffered in Europe will affect the Los Angeles Galaxy profoundly, Galaxy players said Tuesday.

"With this team, it's massive," said Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter, who played for the
United States in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. "He's a huge part of this team. It's (a matter of) trying to figure out what to do next."

Beckham tore his left Achilles' tendon Sunday while playing for AC Milan during his second offseason loan to the Italian club from Major League Soccer's Galaxy. He underwent surgery in Finland on Monday and will be sidelined for about six months.

The Galaxy's season ends in October so Beckham will miss most of the MLS season.

"He's an important part to AC Milan, he's an important part to England and he's a vital part to us," Galaxy midfielder Chris Klein said. "On the field, the leadership, the quality he brings, you don't replace that."

Beckham was trying to earn a place on England's World Cup roster. Had he done so, he would have been the first English player to appear in four World Cups.

"I know he's very down about this," said Klein.

Galaxy midfielder Bryan Jordan said Beckham provided a positive example for young players.

"I look at how he does things, how he keeps the ball, where he loses the ball, how he gets his crosses in," Jordan said. "I've looked up to him even before playing with him."

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said he had no idea when Beckham would return.

"I don't think I've ever had a player with an Achilles' tendon tear," Arena said. "When they say 'six months,' it's probably accurate. That might even be aggressive. You don't know how the player reacts to the surgery, therapy, rehab, all that stuff."

Nevertheless, Arena said Beckham's absence will not alter the Galaxy's basic approach to offense.

"We're not going to change anything," Arena said. "We were going to be playing without him up until July, anyway. We won't need to be making any adjustments if he's not back in July."

Incidentally, Landon Donovan will meet the media Wednesday for the first time since returning to the Galaxy from Everton.

As Michael Jackson showed yet again today, dying is a great career move.

I doubt the same applies to David Beckham's torn achilles tendon (at least in the U.S.).. (Mrs. Beckham has now arrived in Finland, BTW).

As much as the injury is a personal tragedy for Beckham, one writer Monday observed it was merely "inconvenient" for England given his limited role on the national team these days.

And for the Galaxy, the injury is virtually irrelevant.

Except, of course, for the fact the Galaxy won't make money this year. Wonder how much is due to the ridiculous amount of money showered on a part timer (if that) like Beckham?

Agree? Disagree? Too cynical? Or realistic? Have at it in the comment section.

More on David Beckham's injury in Tuesday's column.

Also noted today:

*The U.S. plays Australia June 5 in South Africa, one week before its World Cup opener. ESPN2 airs the game at 5:30 a.m.

*Chivas USA officially presents new central defender Michael Umaña Tuesday at Costa Rica Restaurant in Anaheim.

*Galaxy striker Alan Gordon is still rehabbing a bone bruise to his left knee he suffered shortly before the club's 10-day camp in Arizona, while Jovan Kirovski sprained the MCL in his left knee in training at the start of this month. Neither played in last week's friendly in Fullerton. Clint Mathis remains out for at least another four weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

*MLS labor negotiations from a legal perspective. Essential reading. Tip of the hat to du Nord for the link.

Galaxy GM and Coach Bruce Arena released this statement Monday morning regarding the career-threatening Achilles tendon injury David Beckham suffered Sunday in AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo Verona:

"Injuries are an unfortunate part of our game and they are even more disappointing when they happen to a player who was so close to realizing his dream of representing his nation at this summer's World Cup. We will give David our complete support to make sure that he is able to get himself back to full health before he returns to the field. David remains an important player for the Galaxy and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club and assisting him in his recovery."

Beckham went under the knife today in Finland.

And here's confirmation Beckham will miss the World Cup.

David Beckham is stretchered off in tears Sunday, his World Cup dream over (AP Photo).

Full story here.

Updated Monday

More here.

Also:

* Galaxy 0 Chivas USA 0

Galaxy lineup: Josh Saunders; Todd Dunivant, Leonardo, Yohance Marshall, A.J. DeLaGarza, Chris Birchall, Eddie Lewis, Michael Stephens, Chris Klein, Mike Magee, Bryan Jordan

Chivas USA lineup - Dan Kennedy, Mariano Trujillo (Gerson Mayén 76), Michael Umaña, Jonathan Bornstein, Ante Jazic (Jesús Padilla 55), Michael Lahoud, Blair Gavin, Marcelo Saragosa, Sacha Kljestan, Maykel Galindo (Justin Braun 54), Osael Romero (Emilio Viades 46)

*Landon Donovan's "life experience."

David Moyes (AP Photo).

Surprise, surprise:

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- Everton manager David Moyes says a possible Major League Soccer players' strike could enable Landon Donovan to extend his loan at the Premier League club.

Everton's match against Birmingham on Saturday is expected to be the last of Donovan's 10-week loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

But MLS players voted Thursday to strike if a new labor contract isn't agreed on before the season opener on March 25.

Moyes said Friday that if the players do strike, "we can keep" Donovan.

But Galaxy coach Bruce Arena expects his captain back after this weekend, saying Thursday "we're proceeding ahead like we do a couple of weeks before any season."

Moyes says he's not sure if Birmingham will be Donovan's last game with the team.

"There is still a chance that there could be a players' strike in the US and that could give
us the chance of having him a bit longer," Moyes said. "He has done really well. He settled in very quickly and he has had an impact on the club in the short time he has been here, so we couldn't have asked for more from him.

"We have never talked about a permanent deal. But I think he will return to the States and say, 'Wow, the Premier League is where I want to be.'"

And Moyes would like Donovan back next year during the MLS offseason.

"If Landon was available again next January, I would probably try to bring him back here," Moyes said. "Everyone wants to be somewhere that they are loved and cherished, which he certainly is in the U.S.

"But there is a different situation when you can be playing in the best league in the world
against the best players. And if you want to be recognized at that level, Landon would
probably want to have the opportunity to give it a go."

Fox Soccer Channel airs the Birmingham City-Everton game at 7 a.m. Saturday.

The move was expected as 100 Percent Soccer blog readers knew, with Chivas USA Coach Martin Vásquez pleased with the showing of the 27-year-old Costa Rican central defender in camp.

"Michael has impressed us throughout preseason, and we're excited to have him join the team for 2010," Vásquez said. "He is a versatile, talented and experienced defender who is going to be an important part of our success this season."

Umana made six starts for the Galaxy in 15 appearances for Steve Sampson's 2005 MLS championship-winning side; he did not appear in the MLS Cup final that year.

Chivas USA needed central defenders after the loss of Shavar Thomas and the potential retirement of 40-something former Mexican international Claudio Suarez.

From the Chivas USA press release:

Umaña has made 40 appearances with the Costa Rican National Team, including playing 90 minutes in all three matches the team played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He also played the bulk of Costa Rica's matches in 2010 World Cup Qualifying, has played in three Gold Cups with the squad, and was a part of Costa Rica's Olympic Team in 2004. Umaña joins the Red-and-White after playing for Liberia Mia in Costa Rica for the past three years. Prior clubs in Costa Rica include CS Herediano, Brujas, and AD Carmelita, which was Umaña's first professional team, joining in 1999 as a 17-year-old.

Updated:

Meanwhile, former Chivas USA and currnet Galaxy striker Alecko Eskandarian, who hasn't played since suffering (yet another) concussion last season, Tweeted this today:

"As some of you have already heard i haven't been medically cleared to play pro soccer and am forced to step away from the game at this time."

Which is probably the closest thing you can get to a retirement without actually saying you've retired.

If this is the last we've seen of Esky on a soccer field,the eight-year MLS veteran will be missed.

Two Three for Thursday:

*Chivas USA midfielder Michael Lahoud has the chance to become a regular in the Chivas USA midfield. Also in this piece by reporter Phil Collin, meet the Chivas USA co-captains.

*An MLS players strike edges closer.

*Should Landon Donovan return to the Galaxy or stay in England? Soccer America took a poll.

It appears SA readers are thinking along the same lines as some readers of this blog. Here's an e-mail from reader Stephen Gordon that expresses some of those thoughts:

I wanted to weigh in on Landon Donovan and his status for the MLS this spring.

I hope the Galaxy grants him an extension to stay in the Premier League, because our future depends on it.

Here's why...

*The World Cup and matchup with England. The need for players with European experience is at a premium, particularly those who understand the rugged English style of play, which often resembles a rugby match. Americans who play in England (and play regularly) understand the English mentality: physical prowess, work rate, long balls and crosses, and aggressive surges across midfield involving the entire swarm.

I've seen England overwhelm opponents who weren't prepared for the onslaught, but I've also seen England neutralized by teams with players who know how to counter the surge through smart tactics, namely ball control and counter attacks via their skill players. Nevertheless, this England team had a great qualifying campaign, and last week they scored a resounding victory over Egypt while we were outplayed by the Dutch.

*Weather. This year's World Cup will take place in chilly weather, and yes, it will be very cold in South Africa. European players thrive in cold conditions, at the expense of their warm-blooded counterparts in other parts of the globe. The MLS season begins and ends at the winter thaw, and Los Angeles has none, so forcing Donovan to return will not bolster his mental preparation, especially after his strong second-half performance with Everton last weekend.

*We need to make sure Donovan stays at Everton, where he must fight for playing time. The MLS doesn't need Donovan to survive. It needs World Cup success. The NHL can attest to this, thanks to a fine Winter Olympics.

Do you agree or disagree with Stephen? Do you fear what will happen to the Galaxy this season without Donovan? Or are you more worried about U.S. chances at the World Cup and believe American chances will benefit from Donovan staying in England?

Feel free to speak your piece in the comment section.

Galaxy 1 Puntarenas 0

Puntarenas midfielder Ricardo Garcia and Galaxy defender Alex Cazumba vie for the ball in Wednesday's exhibition game at Titan Stadium in Fullerton (AP Photo).

The second 45 minutes was better than the first and the Costa Ricans probably had the better of the chances with speedy counter attacks that caught the Galaxy back four flatfooted on several occasions, until Chris Birchall scored a late goal in the 88th minute from outside the box. UCLA product Michael Stephens provided the assist on the give and go with Birchall on his Galaxy debut.

Indeed, the visitors had a goal disallowed for offside in the 52nd minute and it appeared to some of us in the press box goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts used his hands outside the box - and got away with it - to prevent what could have been a dangerous cross.

Jose Macotelo for Puntarenas also had a 13-yard shot go over the bar in the 77th minute.

Who impressed for the Galaxy?

Well, Tristan Bowen was fairly industrious up the right flank, looking sharp and threatening on occasion.

Temple City's Bryan Jordan came on for Eddie Lewis and had two good shots at goal, the first a stinging, low drive in the 65th minute, one minute entering the game.

Birchall also had a strong, low shot with the final kick of the game from 25-30 yards out the goalkeeper needed to tip around the post to prevent a second late goal.

Not much else stood out; we'll see what Bruce Arena has to say about the performance.

Updated:
In case you were wondering, Jovan Kirovski and Alan Gordon sat this one out with minor knocks.

Puntarenas did indeed field what was essentially their first team in the second half, hence their better effort.

BTW, the Galaxy finished with 20 shots on goal, Puntarenas six.

"We needed to play a little quicker tonight," Arena said. "We needed to play a little sharper in the last third."

But overall, Arena said he was glad for the run out, observing the playing time for the younger players on the field was valuable.

Said Birchall: "It's more pleasing we're playing good soccer and our passing game has improved."

Complete game story here.

Next for the Galaxy: El Salvador's CD Aguila at 5 p.m. March 21 at Home Depot Center. Tickets start at $15.

A fan fest including a State of the Galaxy address by Arena, a Galaxy equipment sale, and beer garden runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Lot 13.

Galaxy 0 Puntarenas 0

Well, that was a fairly ghastly 45 minutes.

To say the Galaxy dominated the half is an understatement; Puntarenas managed to get over the halfway line all of three times by my count.

The closest the Galaxy came to a goal was a Tristan Bowen blast off the bar from about 20 yards out in the 17th minute. Mike Magee had a shot saved seven minutes later.

All told the Galaxy had 10 shots, the Costa Ricans zilch.

Really, the Galaxy should have had better chances considering the possession they had.

I don't whether the Costa Ricans are freezing, this is their second team or what, but they appear slow and disorganized. And that's being charitable.

I'm sure Coach Bruce Arena would like to see more out of striker Edson Buddle. I know I would.

BTW, available off the bench are Yohance Marshall, A.J. DeLaGarza, Leonardo, Chris Birchall, draft pick Michael Stephens and Bryan Jordan, as well as goalkeepers Josh Saunders and Kevin Guppy.

Galaxy union reps Chris Klein and Todd Dunivant are busy, um, repping back east.

Updated: Gregg Berhalter is off to start the second half; Leonardo is in for him in central defense.

We're about five minutes in (I just love the 91 Freeway) here at Titan Stadium.

The Galaxy lineup (4-4-2) sees Donovan Ricketts in goal, young Brazilian Alex Cazumba at left back, Gregg Berhalter and Omar Gonzalez in the middle of the back four as usual and Sean Franklin at right back.

In midfield it's Dema Kovalaenko, Eddie Lewis (who is captain tonight), another of the trio of Brazilians, Juninho, and Van Nuys' Tristan Bowen on the right.

Mike Magee and Edson Buddle start up front on this chilly evening.

There are seven subs allowed tonight so we'll see virtually everyone get off the bench.

Before I head out to tonight's Galaxy game at Cal State Fullerton there's time to note that:

*Former Galaxy midfielder Sasha Victorine, who was most recently with Chivas USA, has retired because of injury, the club announced today.

The UCLA product has accepted a front office job with former club Kansas City Wizards, who traded him to Chivas USA in 2008. He will also serve as the club's color commentator for its TV broadcasts.

Victorine, 32, made just 15 appearances for Chivas USA in 2008 and 2009, scoring two goals before injury derailed his career. In ten MLS seasons Victorine played 242 games and scored 32 goals and 41 assists,

"I'd like to thank all of my teammates that I've played with over the years, and all of the fans who have given me their support," said Victorine. "Growing up in Orange County, I feel lucky that I was able to play in front of my home fans for so much of my career. I am now eager to start the next phase of my career."

Victorine spent the first five years of his career with the Galaxy, which drafted him out of UCLA.

*Chivas USA beat UCLA 5-0 in a scrimmage at Home Depot Center today, with striker Maykel Galindo scoring a second half hat trick and Michael Lahoud and trialist Mario Padilla, most recently a defender with Mexican team Necaxa, adding the others.

Chivas USA lineups:

First half - Dan Kennedy, Carey Talley, Emilio Viades, Carlos Borja, Jonathan Bornstein, Michael Lahoud, Marcelo Saragosa, Sacha Kljestan, Gerson Mayén, Mario Padilla, Chukwudi Chijindu

Second half - Dan Kennedy, Mariano Trujillo, Michael Umaña, Yamith Cuesta, Ante Jazic, Blair Gavin, Ben Zemanski, Jesus Padilla, Jorge Flores, Osael Romero, Maykel Galindo

*Lastly, there's no resolution on a new MLS labor agreement yet. A statement from the two sides was issued this afternoon:

"This week Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Union met in Washington, D.C. under the auspices of George H. Cohen, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). MLS and the Players Union have agreed to continue collective bargaining agreement discussions with the FMCS."