The New AC Milan Jersey for 11/12 from World Soccer Shop:
Monday, May 2, 2011
AC Milan 11/12 Home Soccer Jersey - WorldSoccerShop.com
AC Milan 11/12 Home Soccer Jersey - WorldSoccerShop.com
The New AC Milan Jersey for 11/12 from World Soccer Shop:
The New AC Milan Jersey for 11/12 from World Soccer Shop:
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Congrats to Queens Park Rangers!
Congratulations are in order for QPR, who clinched a promotion spot to the Premier League with a 0-2 win away at Watford. Now we wait to see what 2 other teams from the nPower Championship will join them.
EPL: Liverpool vs. Newcastle United
This entry is probably gonna be pretty short as this match kind of sucked, despite three goals.
Let's put it this way, Liverpool wanted the match, Newcastle is quite obviously already on summer vacation, their goal of remaining in the Premier League complete. That attitude really showed for both sides.
Liverpool started the scoring in the 10th minute as Maxi Rodriguez slammed home a strike that deflected off the side of Newcastle's Simpson. A nice little bit of luck for the Reds, and they took a 1-0 lead.
Newcastle tried to respond, and got quite a few chances. In fact, they really held onto the ball more than Liverpool did the rest of the first half, but their was no inspiration or motivation in their game at all. They had corner after corner and set piece after set piece but it all came to nothing, 1-0 to Liverpool at the half.
The second half was scarcely more entertaining. In the 58th minute, Luis Suarez was taken down in the area and a PK was awarded. Dirk Kuyt easily scored the spot kick and it was 2-0. In the 65th minute Suarez himself got on the score sheet after a nice little 1-2 with Dirk Kuyt. The Uruguayan eased the ball into the net through a Newcastle defense that was obviously already out playing golf and sipping martinis.
That's about all their is to say. Great job by Liverpool, but Newcastle didn't exactly put up a fight. Still, the Reds move into 5th place ahead of Spurs on goal difference as they look to cement a place in next year's Europa league.
Let's put it this way, Liverpool wanted the match, Newcastle is quite obviously already on summer vacation, their goal of remaining in the Premier League complete. That attitude really showed for both sides.
Liverpool started the scoring in the 10th minute as Maxi Rodriguez slammed home a strike that deflected off the side of Newcastle's Simpson. A nice little bit of luck for the Reds, and they took a 1-0 lead.
Newcastle tried to respond, and got quite a few chances. In fact, they really held onto the ball more than Liverpool did the rest of the first half, but their was no inspiration or motivation in their game at all. They had corner after corner and set piece after set piece but it all came to nothing, 1-0 to Liverpool at the half.
The second half was scarcely more entertaining. In the 58th minute, Luis Suarez was taken down in the area and a PK was awarded. Dirk Kuyt easily scored the spot kick and it was 2-0. In the 65th minute Suarez himself got on the score sheet after a nice little 1-2 with Dirk Kuyt. The Uruguayan eased the ball into the net through a Newcastle defense that was obviously already out playing golf and sipping martinis.
That's about all their is to say. Great job by Liverpool, but Newcastle didn't exactly put up a fight. Still, the Reds move into 5th place ahead of Spurs on goal difference as they look to cement a place in next year's Europa league.
EPL: Chelsea vs, Tottenham
Both of these teams came into this London Derby with something to play for. For Chelsea, they needed a win and hope for a Manchester United loss at the Emirates to have a realistic shot at the title. Spurs have had a bit of a tough time following their Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid. A run of draws coupled with decent form by Manchester City and Liverpool had put not only a Champions League spot in question, but perhaps even a Europa league spot.
The match started open for both sides. After all, a draw wasn't going to do anybody any good. Spurs had some good possession in the Chelsea area early, and got a free kick for Rafael Van der Vaart. Unfortunately, it sailed over everybody and and resulted in nothing.
Chelsea took charge for a bit after that. Both Torres and Drogba started up front. Torres had a nice look in the 11th minute, but his shot was deflected. He certainly played better today. Drogba was doing his thing too. In the 13th minute he set up a free kick, that he promptly drilled off Spurs' crossbar. Replays showed Gomes got a finger to it that probably kept it out. The Blues were having the better of possession now.
Spurs were undaunted though, and they got a goal against the run of play. They came up the pitch in the 19th minute and Brazilian Sandro fired off a hell of a strike that bent beautifully into the top corner to give Spurs a 0-1 lead. The Blues fans were stunned. The game got a little contentious after that. In the 23rd, Essien had a header saved by Gomes. Torres got a shot off in the 24th, and in the 25th, Gareth Bale took a dive that was disgusting to watch.
The first bit of real controversy came on the stroke of half time. Lampard took a shot from about the top of the area. It looked to be a given for Gomes, but he messed it all up in a Robert Green type fashion. The ball squirted between his legs and went at least mostly over the goal line. Indeed, the linesman gave the goal, and we were tied up at 1-1. However, all replays pretty much suggested that the whole ball didn't cross, and Lampard shouldn't have scored. Nonetheless, the goal counted and we went to the half knotted at 1-1.
The second half was really the Chelsea show, mostly run by Drogba. The Spurs never really threatened again, but the half was not controversy. In the 68th minute Malouda was clearly taken down in front of goal, but no penalty was given. Chelsea were screwed over there. Maybe it was a bit of a makeup call. Who knows? It ended up being all good for Chelsea though, in the 88th minute Kalou put the winner in the back of the net after a flurry of activity in front of Gomes' goal. Replays showed he might have been offside, but Chelsea will take it either way, and they took the derby 2-1.
It's hard to not feel like the Spurs got screwed a little bit here. Both Chelsea goals were dubious. However, goal line technology debate aside, if Gomes hadn't committed yet another howler, it wouldn't have been an issue. Plus, the Spurs really didn't make an effort, especially in the second half despite Van der Vaart's whining and Bale's diving. It doesn't look like Bale will have any Champs league glory next year unless he's playing for someone else.
For Chelsea, this result combined with Arsenal beating United puts them to within 3 points of The Red Devils going into next week's showdown at Old Trafford. They outplayed Spurs, who really lack a striker, and they didn't deserve to go down in defeat either. Next weekend will be awesome.
The match started open for both sides. After all, a draw wasn't going to do anybody any good. Spurs had some good possession in the Chelsea area early, and got a free kick for Rafael Van der Vaart. Unfortunately, it sailed over everybody and and resulted in nothing.
Chelsea took charge for a bit after that. Both Torres and Drogba started up front. Torres had a nice look in the 11th minute, but his shot was deflected. He certainly played better today. Drogba was doing his thing too. In the 13th minute he set up a free kick, that he promptly drilled off Spurs' crossbar. Replays showed Gomes got a finger to it that probably kept it out. The Blues were having the better of possession now.
Spurs were undaunted though, and they got a goal against the run of play. They came up the pitch in the 19th minute and Brazilian Sandro fired off a hell of a strike that bent beautifully into the top corner to give Spurs a 0-1 lead. The Blues fans were stunned. The game got a little contentious after that. In the 23rd, Essien had a header saved by Gomes. Torres got a shot off in the 24th, and in the 25th, Gareth Bale took a dive that was disgusting to watch.
The first bit of real controversy came on the stroke of half time. Lampard took a shot from about the top of the area. It looked to be a given for Gomes, but he messed it all up in a Robert Green type fashion. The ball squirted between his legs and went at least mostly over the goal line. Indeed, the linesman gave the goal, and we were tied up at 1-1. However, all replays pretty much suggested that the whole ball didn't cross, and Lampard shouldn't have scored. Nonetheless, the goal counted and we went to the half knotted at 1-1.
The second half was really the Chelsea show, mostly run by Drogba. The Spurs never really threatened again, but the half was not controversy. In the 68th minute Malouda was clearly taken down in front of goal, but no penalty was given. Chelsea were screwed over there. Maybe it was a bit of a makeup call. Who knows? It ended up being all good for Chelsea though, in the 88th minute Kalou put the winner in the back of the net after a flurry of activity in front of Gomes' goal. Replays showed he might have been offside, but Chelsea will take it either way, and they took the derby 2-1.
It's hard to not feel like the Spurs got screwed a little bit here. Both Chelsea goals were dubious. However, goal line technology debate aside, if Gomes hadn't committed yet another howler, it wouldn't have been an issue. Plus, the Spurs really didn't make an effort, especially in the second half despite Van der Vaart's whining and Bale's diving. It doesn't look like Bale will have any Champs league glory next year unless he's playing for someone else.
For Chelsea, this result combined with Arsenal beating United puts them to within 3 points of The Red Devils going into next week's showdown at Old Trafford. They outplayed Spurs, who really lack a striker, and they didn't deserve to go down in defeat either. Next weekend will be awesome.
Match Thoughts: Seattle Sounders Vs. Toronto FC
There was great football played at Qwest field last night, and every bit of it was played by the Sounders. Yet another road MLS side that didn't even bother to show up: Toronto FC. If I was TFC I'd be embarrassed as hell, it was like they didn't even care for large parts of the match.
Seattle was looking for a pick-me-up after huge injuries to Steve Zakuani and O'Brian White. I wondered in my MLS preview: Who will score the goals? Well, turns out Seattle didn't have an issue with that tonight. Uruguay International Alvaro Fernandez had an outstanding match, and his impact was felt in the 9th minute. Brad Evans put a lovely ball in that found the head of Fernandez, and Frei, who actually played pretty well, didn't have a chance. 1-0 to Seattle.
We sat back and waited to see if TFC would respond, and they didn't. Instead it all just became one way traffic for Seattle. Montero had a couple of looks in the 15th and 26th minutes, but both were off target. He looks like he still needs a little discipline. Finally, in the 29th minute, TFC got a chance. Martina broke down the pitch on the counter, but the Seattle defense did a great job and forced his shot wide. Nothing went right for TFC the rest of the half either. They had two nice set piece chances late, but nothing came of either of them, and honestly it just looked like TFC was bumming around the pitch. Seattle led 1-0 at the break.
Frei was tested hard after the half as Seattle came out on fire, looking to finish off the match. Montero finally got on target in the 47th, and slammed one in in the 49th, but Frei saved both. Seattle wasn't done though, and in the 52nd Brad Evans nailed a gorgeous shot into the top corner to make it 2-0 and send the fans into a craze.
The rest of the match reads as if Frei were facing a firing squad, which he was. Evans and Alonso got more shots off, and Nate Jaqua had couple of great looks. You could feel another goal coming and TFC just looked lost. Then it the fan in the 74th as Sounders were awarded a PK. Evans hit a nice penalty and gave Seattle a 3-0 lead, which was the full time result. The PK was the first time Seattle had scored an MLS penalty kick at home.
TFC is obviously in some trouble, they're playing like crap. Aron Winter has to be frustrated. They did have Gordon back in, but he had no effect. As @TotalMLS tweeted me during the match, it's a good thing that TFC can't get relegated, cause, damn.
It was surely an inspirational win for Seattle, and they showed great character. The fans all held up papers with the number 11 after the 11th minute in tribute to Steve Zakuani, and it was very moving. I love my comrades at the RioT, but I really think Seattle fans have a leg up on everyone in MLS. A big three points for them puts them right in the thick of things in the West.
Seattle was looking for a pick-me-up after huge injuries to Steve Zakuani and O'Brian White. I wondered in my MLS preview: Who will score the goals? Well, turns out Seattle didn't have an issue with that tonight. Uruguay International Alvaro Fernandez had an outstanding match, and his impact was felt in the 9th minute. Brad Evans put a lovely ball in that found the head of Fernandez, and Frei, who actually played pretty well, didn't have a chance. 1-0 to Seattle.
We sat back and waited to see if TFC would respond, and they didn't. Instead it all just became one way traffic for Seattle. Montero had a couple of looks in the 15th and 26th minutes, but both were off target. He looks like he still needs a little discipline. Finally, in the 29th minute, TFC got a chance. Martina broke down the pitch on the counter, but the Seattle defense did a great job and forced his shot wide. Nothing went right for TFC the rest of the half either. They had two nice set piece chances late, but nothing came of either of them, and honestly it just looked like TFC was bumming around the pitch. Seattle led 1-0 at the break.
Frei was tested hard after the half as Seattle came out on fire, looking to finish off the match. Montero finally got on target in the 47th, and slammed one in in the 49th, but Frei saved both. Seattle wasn't done though, and in the 52nd Brad Evans nailed a gorgeous shot into the top corner to make it 2-0 and send the fans into a craze.
The rest of the match reads as if Frei were facing a firing squad, which he was. Evans and Alonso got more shots off, and Nate Jaqua had couple of great looks. You could feel another goal coming and TFC just looked lost. Then it the fan in the 74th as Sounders were awarded a PK. Evans hit a nice penalty and gave Seattle a 3-0 lead, which was the full time result. The PK was the first time Seattle had scored an MLS penalty kick at home.
TFC is obviously in some trouble, they're playing like crap. Aron Winter has to be frustrated. They did have Gordon back in, but he had no effect. As @TotalMLS tweeted me during the match, it's a good thing that TFC can't get relegated, cause, damn.
It was surely an inspirational win for Seattle, and they showed great character. The fans all held up papers with the number 11 after the 11th minute in tribute to Steve Zakuani, and it was very moving. I love my comrades at the RioT, but I really think Seattle fans have a leg up on everyone in MLS. A big three points for them puts them right in the thick of things in the West.
Match Thoughts: Columbus Crew vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
The Crew have been on a roll and have been in perhaps the best form in MLS since opening weekend. They looked to continue that run Saturday against Vancouver, who has yet to capture an MLS road win.
There really isn't much to say about the first half. Both sides had a couple of half chances, but not much really promising. In the 27th minute Jay Nolly misplayed a Crew ball in, but it was expertly cleared by his defense. We went to the half at 0-0 and it really was anybody's match.
The second half got interesting though and it was game on. Columbus was awarded a PK in the 49th minute and Renteria stepped up to take it. He calmly scored the place kick and the Crew led 1-0. It then really looked like the Crew were in control. The Whitecaps looked dazed. In the 59th minute Renteria struck again, this time from open play. He took a nice cheeky ball from Eddei Gaven and put Crew up 2-0.
For all intents and purposes, it looked like it was over, but Vancouver had other plans. They actually showed up. They pushed more men forward and started to get a lot fo the ball around the Crew 18. Finally in the 69th minute, Dunfield put a lovely ball in for Salgado who managed his first MLS goal and the Crew lead to 2-1. They kept coming. Salgado got another chance just a couple of minutes later when she slid in on a cross but just barely hit over the bar. That woke Hesmer up, and successfully fended off the Caps for the rest of the match to seal the 2-1 win for Columbus.
All in all, it wasn't the most entertaining match you'll ever see. The game proved tougher to close out for Crew than it probably should have been, but they got the points and played pretty well. The Whitecaps showed a lot of character, especially after going down two goals, but it was too little too late. They've played some good football at times this year, but haven't been able to quite grind out the results.
There really isn't much to say about the first half. Both sides had a couple of half chances, but not much really promising. In the 27th minute Jay Nolly misplayed a Crew ball in, but it was expertly cleared by his defense. We went to the half at 0-0 and it really was anybody's match.
The second half got interesting though and it was game on. Columbus was awarded a PK in the 49th minute and Renteria stepped up to take it. He calmly scored the place kick and the Crew led 1-0. It then really looked like the Crew were in control. The Whitecaps looked dazed. In the 59th minute Renteria struck again, this time from open play. He took a nice cheeky ball from Eddei Gaven and put Crew up 2-0.
For all intents and purposes, it looked like it was over, but Vancouver had other plans. They actually showed up. They pushed more men forward and started to get a lot fo the ball around the Crew 18. Finally in the 69th minute, Dunfield put a lovely ball in for Salgado who managed his first MLS goal and the Crew lead to 2-1. They kept coming. Salgado got another chance just a couple of minutes later when she slid in on a cross but just barely hit over the bar. That woke Hesmer up, and successfully fended off the Caps for the rest of the match to seal the 2-1 win for Columbus.
All in all, it wasn't the most entertaining match you'll ever see. The game proved tougher to close out for Crew than it probably should have been, but they got the points and played pretty well. The Whitecaps showed a lot of character, especially after going down two goals, but it was too little too late. They've played some good football at times this year, but haven't been able to quite grind out the results.
Borussia Dortmund claim Bundesliga title!
Well, one of our big European Leagues was decided on Saturday. With a 2-0 win over Nuremberg, Borussia Dortmund claimed it's 7th Bundesliga title. The win was sealed by Bayer Leverkusen's 2-0 loss at Cologne.
It is BVBs first title since 2002.
It is BVBs first title since 2002.
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