U.S. soccer team set to open new season

CARSON, Calif. (AP) - As the U.S. soccer team prepares for its first game of the year Saturday night, Taylor Twellman's thoughts turn to England.

Twellman is expected to be in uniform for the Americans against Sweden in an exhibition at Home Depot Center after being the focus of intense interest overseas.

England's Preston North End offered Major League Soccer $2.5 million for Twellman, who spent his entire career with the New England Revolution. But Twellman is signed with MLS through 2010 so the league rejected the proposal.

"It's frustrating," he said. "Last year, I didn't have a permit. Now, I have a permit and there's a market for myself if I can continue to keep that permit."

British labor laws require soccer players who are not citizens to have played in at least 75 percent of their national team's games to earn a work permit.

Twellman scored 91 career goals, fifth all-time in MLS history, and led the Revolution to four MLS Cup finals. Preston North End raised its most recent offer by $500,000.

"It's pretty cool that Preston's interested and wants me that bad," Twellman said. "If a team wants you that bad and offers an offer that high, then I think the Revolution needs to do me right. I hope they do."

U.S. coach Bob Bradley said the national team improves when players compete abroad.

"It's important for players to find the right clubs," he said. "We certainly count on the idea that guys are moving on, improving, finding better levels, finding better teams and growing as players. That helps us."

Saturday's game is the first of two within three weeks. The Americans play Mexico on Feb. 6.

"Sweden gives us an opportunity to test our depth and see where some different players fit into the bigger picture," said Bradley, adding that several Americans currently in Europe are expected to join the team against Mexico.