SHORT TAKES
• The NASL announced a number of national television deals in the lead-up to the season. It will have games televised on CBS Sports Network, beIN Sports and One World Sports, and streamed on ESPN3. For local fans, though, the important thing is Minnesota United's own television contract, which will see all but one game broadcast on WFTC (Ch. 29). The exception is an Aug. 31 game at Fort Lauderdale. It will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
• The knives were out again for U.S. men's national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann after Team USA's 2-0 loss to Guatemala in World Cup qualifying. A 4-0 home win against the Guatemalans, four days later, dampened some of the anger, but it's clear that American fans don't agree whether Klinsmann's coaching or the lack of talented players is to blame for the team's struggles.
• The Minnesota Thunder Academy girls' U-17 team is making a few waves on the national scene. It has won 11 of 12 games this season to climb to the top of the standings in the nationwide Elite Clubs National League, the highest level of girls' club competition.
