First off, congrats to the US U-17 team for beating Canada, 3-0, and becoming the 2011 U-17 CONCACAF Champions.  A game recap from US Soccer can be found here and check out Nathan Smith’s awesome game-winning goal right here.

Brent Latham also has some post-game/post-tournament thoughts worth checking out.

Canadian Soccer News is reporting that CONCACAF will receive four spots for the 2014 World Cup, a bump up from the 3.5 spots CONCACAF had for the 2010 World Cup.  Basically, South Africa is losing a spot and South America and CONCACAF will split the extra spot.   While the US should make it most cycles, this is a little bit more breathing room and no more playoffs with a team from South America.

Apparently Juan Agudelo has pulled a muscle in his groin and NY Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe is worried that he could miss the season opener and possibly the US U-20 World Cup qualification tournament.

As for another injury update, Pribram FW forward Brian Ackley is recovering from a knee injury and should be returning to the field soon.  The Czech Liga resumed its season this past weekend with Pribram battling Mladá Boleslav to a 0-0 draw.

And finally, Jemal Johnson returned to the field today, going 90 minutes in his debut with Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Sofia in their 2-0 victory over Montana.

I hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving tomorrow, but here are some things worth reading while you are nearly passed out on the couch from turkey and mashed potatoes.

Mike Grella’s great play at Carlisle United has caused the Cumbrians to get an extension from Leeds United on their month-long loan.  Grella will now stay at Carlisle United until Jaunary.

The guys over at Yanks Abroad spoke to talented youngster Sebastian Lletget as he prepares for this weekend’s Torneo de las Americas with the rest of the US U-20 team.  Lletget is finally getting back into the full swing of things after battling a bad case of mono.

Neil W. Blackmon of The Yanks Are Coming fame dives into the curious case of Clint Dempsey.  Does Dempsey play differently for Fulham compared to how he plays for the USMNT?  As for my opinion, he does “disappear” at times with the USMNT compared to when he plays at Fulham, but I don’t think there is a huge difference in his play or how hard he tries.

Greg Seltzer is reporting that former Indiana product Brian Ackley is close to signing a two-year deal with FK Pribram in the Czech Republic’s top league (Czech Liga).  The 24-year-old forward spent time with Auckland City and Team Wellington in New Zealand last season.

And finally, Rob Hughes of the New York Times tells the always changing story of Freddy Adu.