Two weeks ago in Deep Cuts, we passed along a story about the creation of the US Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York, a story with a melancholy feel thanks to the struggles of the Hall and the potential closure of its museum. After a dip in attendance and falling revenue, the Hall of Fame is in major trouble, and may be forced to move. State assistance is lagging due to the poor economy, and US Soccer, which has no real involvement in the Hall beyond donations, has pulled back on their commitment.

I think the Hall of Fame is a nice idea, and certainly fits the American sports mindset, but I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary with the condition of the game in the US. I'm not advocating that it go away, but I'm having trouble working up any indignation that it possibly could.

• ESPN has secured rights to FIFA's World Cup archives, and while I'm unable to determine if they intend to show the programs and matches on their American outlets, it's interesting to see them buy into the history of the game as much as they are into the current product. An understanding of the history of the international game is lacking in the United States, something that comes from simply not being exposed to enough of it. If ESPN is bringing this history to American television, it's definitely time to set up the DVR.

• An interesting sidebar to preparations for next year's World Cup in South Africa is the race to secure training facilities. The Bafokeng tribe of northern South Africa is featured in the New York Times due to their efforts to lure a major nation the new sports complex there. Although seemingly a small detail, the training base a team uses can be a significant part of succeeding at the World Cup; choose the wrong site, or get stuck with a second choice facility, and game preparations become that much more difficult.

• MLS is bringing management of their website in-house after six years partnering with MLB Advanced Media, the digital content arm of Major League Baseball. Fans should expect a revamp of MLSnet.com, with the launch of the new site in March of 2010. This is an interesting move for MLS from a business standpoint, because the in-house production of the website will require a multi-million dollar investment. Either the league believes that having their digital content originate from inside the organization will ultimately improve it, or they are forecasting a large increase in interest next year. Regardless of why, it appears to be a good sign that MLS is moving in the right direction and becoming more "major league" all the time. Now if they could just figure out a way to get a hold of "MLS.com"...

Deep Cuts appears daily and is an attempt to bring you soccer news and commentary from off the beaten path or of particular interest to American soccer fans. If you come across something you think would make a good Deep Cut, please send it along to matchfitusa@gmail.com.