So this week's midweek MLS action featured Toronto FC and Vancouver live from BMO Field in Toronto. Now, in any week, this probably wouldn't be a game most people would crave a chance to watch, but this week, both of these teams are squaring off again on Saturday for the NCC Final. Winning the NCC would not only give them a trophy, but the right to go to CONCACAF Champions League and get destroyed.
Anyways, since there was another game on Saturday, the teams rested some guys. In Vancouver's case, they rested their entire offense. The first half blew as the two teams kicked the ball around midfield and the keepers sat inside the 6 yard box drinking Molson Ice. Not a single shot on goal.
The second half sucked too. However, we got a goal when TFC got a soft penalty. It was a penalty, not arguing with it, but it was a tough call. Soolsma slotted it, even though he had to retake it, and gave TFC the margin they needed for three points in a 1-0 win. Hopefully the NCC match will be better.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Manchester Unites Comes to Terms With De Gea
Looks like the Red Devils have decided who is going to get the next shot in net for the Premier League champs. The club announced today that Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea has agreed to a five year deal to play at Old Trafford.
De Gea is 20 years old and is the keeper for Spain's under 21 team. This is United's third major signing of the summer.
De Gea is 20 years old and is the keeper for Spain's under 21 team. This is United's third major signing of the summer.
Trade Talk: DeRo for Dax,
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this trade here on the blog. On Monday, New York traded Dwayne De Rosario to DC United for Dax McCarty. This would be a big move under any circumstance, but seems even weirder since NY just made the trade for DeRo in April.
So whats going on here? For DC, they acquire one of MLS's brightest stars. DeRo will have a chance to be the main man more in DC, and his veteran influence will be appreciated as well I'm sure. However, it must be noted that he never really clicked in NY, and it might be that at 33, his days of brilliance are getting fewer each season.
At 24, Dax definitely makes the Red Bulls younger, and he might fit in the scheme better. It's still odd though? Was DeRo not getting along in the Big Apple? However, the most obvious thing NY gets is money, Dax is a lot cheaper than DeRo. Perhaps NY will look to bring in a DP in the MF, or, I think more likely, it will free up some money so they can try to sure up in goal.
So whats going on here? For DC, they acquire one of MLS's brightest stars. DeRo will have a chance to be the main man more in DC, and his veteran influence will be appreciated as well I'm sure. However, it must be noted that he never really clicked in NY, and it might be that at 33, his days of brilliance are getting fewer each season.
At 24, Dax definitely makes the Red Bulls younger, and he might fit in the scheme better. It's still odd though? Was DeRo not getting along in the Big Apple? However, the most obvious thing NY gets is money, Dax is a lot cheaper than DeRo. Perhaps NY will look to bring in a DP in the MF, or, I think more likely, it will free up some money so they can try to sure up in goal.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
US Open Cup: Real Salt Lake vs. Wilmington Hammerheads
So earlier in the week, some doofus on the Wilmington squad said the pressure was all on Real Salt Lake for this one. Really? If that's true, why did RSL play great and did Wilmington play like crap?
It's hard to be too tough on the USL side though. It was clear from the opening kick that they weren't going to be able to keep up with RSL. The heat and altitude surely had a impact as well. It was a little bit nervy for awhile, but Beltran got a goal and Jean Alexandre added one toward the end of the first half. It was 2-0 at the break.
RSL did nothing but attack in the second half. Unfortunately they didn't score again though. They did hit the woodwork in every way imaginable. In the end, the Hammerheads never really threatened, and RSL won 2-0. It was a really fun game to attend. Good times.
It's hard to be too tough on the USL side though. It was clear from the opening kick that they weren't going to be able to keep up with RSL. The heat and altitude surely had a impact as well. It was a little bit nervy for awhile, but Beltran got a goal and Jean Alexandre added one toward the end of the first half. It was 2-0 at the break.
RSL did nothing but attack in the second half. Unfortunately they didn't score again though. They did hit the woodwork in every way imaginable. In the end, the Hammerheads never really threatened, and RSL won 2-0. It was a really fun game to attend. Good times.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Match Thoughts: San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy
This was just one of those bizarre matches. Things you don't see very often, but you saw them in this one. First off, both teams were missing big guns. For San Jose, Chris Wondolowski was still away with the US National Team. LA was missing Landon Donovan with the National Team as well David Beckham with back spasms. Earlier in the week, the Galaxy had been fined 5,000 dollars by MLS for purposefully omitting Beckham from their injury report prior to their win over Colorado.
Despite missing Wondo, the Quakes came out strong and aggressive in the attack. They had a flurry of chances in the opening minutes, and if not for some stellar goal keeping by Ricketts, could have been up by two or three goals after just five minutes. Those missed chances would come back to haunt the Quakes.
After the opening volleys by the Quakes, LA started to settle in some. They tested the San Jose goal a time or two, but never as seriously as San Jose attacked in the opening minutes. San Jose didn't go away though. A little later in the match, Kari Stephenson tried to get on the end of a ball in from Ryan Johnson and had a wicked collision with Donovan Ricketts, who was trying to punch the ball clear. The LA keeper, just back from Gold Cup, left the match with what is being described as a "forearm injury." Josh Saunders entered the game.
Saunders and Lenhart immediately started having trouble with each other. Lenhart is a great player, but he was a real douche in this match. In the 43rd minute, Lenhart headed the ball out of Saunders' hands in the box. As Saunders brought it back up, he elbowed Lenhart. Of course, Lenhart made a real meal of it, and went down like he'd been shot in the face. Saunders was given a red card, Lenhart a yellow. LA looked to be in trouble as they slipped Mike Magee into goal. La fought the Quakes to a 0-0 score at the half.
You'd think the Quakes would have no trouble getting three points against a Forward as emergency keeper, but you'd be wrong. For much of the second half, LA looked like the more likely team to score. Finally, in the 80th minute, the Quakes started to unload some on Magee, but he notched the clean sheet and earned the Galaxy a precious point on the road.
Magee for keeper in the MLS Best XI this week? Why the heck not?
Despite missing Wondo, the Quakes came out strong and aggressive in the attack. They had a flurry of chances in the opening minutes, and if not for some stellar goal keeping by Ricketts, could have been up by two or three goals after just five minutes. Those missed chances would come back to haunt the Quakes.
After the opening volleys by the Quakes, LA started to settle in some. They tested the San Jose goal a time or two, but never as seriously as San Jose attacked in the opening minutes. San Jose didn't go away though. A little later in the match, Kari Stephenson tried to get on the end of a ball in from Ryan Johnson and had a wicked collision with Donovan Ricketts, who was trying to punch the ball clear. The LA keeper, just back from Gold Cup, left the match with what is being described as a "forearm injury." Josh Saunders entered the game.
Saunders and Lenhart immediately started having trouble with each other. Lenhart is a great player, but he was a real douche in this match. In the 43rd minute, Lenhart headed the ball out of Saunders' hands in the box. As Saunders brought it back up, he elbowed Lenhart. Of course, Lenhart made a real meal of it, and went down like he'd been shot in the face. Saunders was given a red card, Lenhart a yellow. LA looked to be in trouble as they slipped Mike Magee into goal. La fought the Quakes to a 0-0 score at the half.
You'd think the Quakes would have no trouble getting three points against a Forward as emergency keeper, but you'd be wrong. For much of the second half, LA looked like the more likely team to score. Finally, in the 80th minute, the Quakes started to unload some on Magee, but he notched the clean sheet and earned the Galaxy a precious point on the road.
Magee for keeper in the MLS Best XI this week? Why the heck not?
Match Thoughts: Real Salt Lake vs. Toronto FC
It's been awhile since I left Rio Tinto as a truly happy man. Yeah, we've had a couple of draws, but that draw last week felt like a loss. With this match against Toronto FC, RSL felt like the three points were definitely there to get, and they needed them.
Real came out the aggressor and controlled the match from the opening whistle. The men in Claret had several chances. Early on, Olave got a header down in the box, but he had a bad angle and TFC got it clear from the 6 before Sabo could get there. Collen Warner just about had his first career MLS goal as well. However, Frei got a last second fingertip on it.
The goals started coming after that though. Kyle Beckerman served up a great corner that found the head of Nat Borchers in the 39th to make it 1-0. Then, 3 minutes later, Saborio finally got his first MLS goal of the year to make it 2-0 RSL at the half.
I'm not saying much about TFC because there isn't much to say. They looked horrible. They looked tired, gassed, and they had no fight. The comment that I made several times during the match was that it looked like they didn't even want the ball.
Saborio scored his second goal in the 60th minute, making it 3-0 to RSL. That put it away and the party was underway at the RioT. Toronto's Maicon Santos scored a goal off a counter in the 66th, mostly because Olave fell down. That was really TFC's only chance, and the match finished 3-1.
Really great to see the swagger back in RSL in general and Saborio in particular. Hopefully, they can build on these three points. As for Toronto, it really looks like they're toast.
Real came out the aggressor and controlled the match from the opening whistle. The men in Claret had several chances. Early on, Olave got a header down in the box, but he had a bad angle and TFC got it clear from the 6 before Sabo could get there. Collen Warner just about had his first career MLS goal as well. However, Frei got a last second fingertip on it.
The goals started coming after that though. Kyle Beckerman served up a great corner that found the head of Nat Borchers in the 39th to make it 1-0. Then, 3 minutes later, Saborio finally got his first MLS goal of the year to make it 2-0 RSL at the half.
I'm not saying much about TFC because there isn't much to say. They looked horrible. They looked tired, gassed, and they had no fight. The comment that I made several times during the match was that it looked like they didn't even want the ball.
Saborio scored his second goal in the 60th minute, making it 3-0 to RSL. That put it away and the party was underway at the RioT. Toronto's Maicon Santos scored a goal off a counter in the 66th, mostly because Olave fell down. That was really TFC's only chance, and the match finished 3-1.
Really great to see the swagger back in RSL in general and Saborio in particular. Hopefully, they can build on these three points. As for Toronto, it really looks like they're toast.
New Man In Charge at Inter Milan
Inter Milan have announced that former Genoa manager Gian Piero Gasperini will be their new manager next year. He is expected to sign a two year deal. Gasperini lead Genoa into the Europa League in 2009.
Inter won the Coppa Italia last season under Leonardo, but he is set to become the new manager at PSG in Ligue 1.
Inter won the Coppa Italia last season under Leonardo, but he is set to become the new manager at PSG in Ligue 1.
Congrats to Mexico, 2011 Gold Cup Champions
It wouldn't be difficult for anyone who spent much time at all watching the 2011 Gold Cup that Mexico was the best team by a pretty large margin. The USA showed a lot of fight in coming back from the defeat at the hands of Panama, but the sense I got after every game was, "they're gonna have to do a lot better than that to beat El Tri." In the end, they didn't.
USA talked a good, confident match coming in, and they even jumped on top of Mexico 2-0, but it all went downhill from there. Cherundulo went out and Bornstein replaced him. A nightmare of a defensive effort later, Mexico took the totally deserved win 2-4.
So Mexico reestablishes themselves as the dominant team in CONCACAF. Now. let's face it, not a great tournament from the USA. Things need to get better heading in to World Cup Qualifying. We can't be "just happy to be here." I still stand by my opinion that the USA has gone as far as Bob Bradley can take them. Yes, he made some nice tactical choices during the tournament, but in the end the Achilles heal of defense and maybe player selection cost the USA a chance at Silverware.
Congrats to Mexico, they certainly earned it.
USA talked a good, confident match coming in, and they even jumped on top of Mexico 2-0, but it all went downhill from there. Cherundulo went out and Bornstein replaced him. A nightmare of a defensive effort later, Mexico took the totally deserved win 2-4.
So Mexico reestablishes themselves as the dominant team in CONCACAF. Now. let's face it, not a great tournament from the USA. Things need to get better heading in to World Cup Qualifying. We can't be "just happy to be here." I still stand by my opinion that the USA has gone as far as Bob Bradley can take them. Yes, he made some nice tactical choices during the tournament, but in the end the Achilles heal of defense and maybe player selection cost the USA a chance at Silverware.
Congrats to Mexico, they certainly earned it.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Gold Cup Semifinals
I really looked forward to getting home from work last night and watching the Gold Cup semis. Could the USA and Mexico set up their dream final, or would Panama or Honduras spoil the North American party?
The USA versus Panama was up first. I was interested to see if Panama would just bunker in like last time, but to their credit, they really didn't. They also played much higher along the back line than they did in the group stage, but the USA had a hard time taking advantage of that. Both teams had some chances, but a rather lackluster first half ended 0-0.
The USA put Landon Donovan in to start the second half. They were obviously looking for an influx of energy. Jozy Altidore wasn't going to be available for the rest of the tourney, and they needed more of an attacking presence, someone to open the game up. Landon helped, but Freddy Adu came in and really did the trick for the Americans. It was really great to see. Adu and Donovan teamed up to find Dempsey in the 77th and Clint slipped the only goal of the game in far post. Tim Howard made some great saves near the end to secure the 1-0 win.
Panama was without the services of Blaz Perez, who picked up a red card vs. El Salvador.
Mexico beat Honduras in a compelling 0-2 win that went into extra time. Despite dominating much of the game, El Tri was at a loss to find the back of the net. Honduras nearly scored right at the death, but the keeper kept it out. In extra time, De Nigris scored in the 93rd off of a corner and Chicharito added a goal in the 99th. The last 15 minutes were crap, as Honduras was basically trying to beat up Mexico, but El Tri held on for the 0-2 win after 120 minutes.
So the dream final it will be, the USA versus Mexico for all the Marbles.
The USA versus Panama was up first. I was interested to see if Panama would just bunker in like last time, but to their credit, they really didn't. They also played much higher along the back line than they did in the group stage, but the USA had a hard time taking advantage of that. Both teams had some chances, but a rather lackluster first half ended 0-0.
The USA put Landon Donovan in to start the second half. They were obviously looking for an influx of energy. Jozy Altidore wasn't going to be available for the rest of the tourney, and they needed more of an attacking presence, someone to open the game up. Landon helped, but Freddy Adu came in and really did the trick for the Americans. It was really great to see. Adu and Donovan teamed up to find Dempsey in the 77th and Clint slipped the only goal of the game in far post. Tim Howard made some great saves near the end to secure the 1-0 win.
Panama was without the services of Blaz Perez, who picked up a red card vs. El Salvador.
Mexico beat Honduras in a compelling 0-2 win that went into extra time. Despite dominating much of the game, El Tri was at a loss to find the back of the net. Honduras nearly scored right at the death, but the keeper kept it out. In extra time, De Nigris scored in the 93rd off of a corner and Chicharito added a goal in the 99th. The last 15 minutes were crap, as Honduras was basically trying to beat up Mexico, but El Tri held on for the 0-2 win after 120 minutes.
So the dream final it will be, the USA versus Mexico for all the Marbles.
Manchester United signs Ashley Young
United said they weren't going to sit back this summer, and Goal.com is reporting this morning that the Red Devils have completed another major signing. England international Ashley Young has moved to Old Trafford from Aston Villa, reportedly on a 5 year deal. It is rumored to be worth about 17 million pounds.
This is United's second big signing of the summer after acquiring Phil Jones from Blackburn.
This is United's second big signing of the summer after acquiring Phil Jones from Blackburn.
Chris Hughton New Boss at Birmingham City
Just a few days after seeing Alex McLeish leave to got back to the Premiership with Aston Villa, Birmingham City have appointed former Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton as their new manager. Just two years ago, Hughton lead Newcastle back into the Premier League, where he was dismissed about halfway into last season. He will try to get Birmingham back as well.
Hughton will also face the task of managing in the Europa League, which Birmingham qualified for by winning the Carling Cup.
Hughton will also face the task of managing in the Europa League, which Birmingham qualified for by winning the Carling Cup.
Chelsea Appoint Andre Villas-Boas as New Manager
Forget all the rumors, it's now reality. Chelsea have appointed former Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas to take the place of Carlo Ancelotti. In his only season as manager, Villas-Boas guided Porto to the Europa League crown. At 33, he is the youngest manager to ever win a major European title.
Villas-Boas was an assistant at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho. The Blues undoubtedly hope that he can recreate that era if not better it.
Villas-Boas was an assistant at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho. The Blues undoubtedly hope that he can recreate that era if not better it.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
RSL's Jean Alexandre Suspended and Fined
MLS Communications announced today that RSL Forward Jean Alexandre has been suspended for one game and fined 500 dollars. The penalty comes as a result of an "egregious and reckless tackle that endangered the safety of his opponent" in the 49th minute last Saturday against DC United.
I know it's apples and oranges, but still, too bad MLS wasn't interested in disciplining CD9 for his dive that cost RSL two points
Alexandre will sit out Wednesday's game at the Chicago Fire.
I know it's apples and oranges, but still, too bad MLS wasn't interested in disciplining CD9 for his dive that cost RSL two points
Alexandre will sit out Wednesday's game at the Chicago Fire.
Match Blurb: Vancouver Whitecaps Vs. Philadelphia Union
Not a lot of goals in this one, but it sure was fun to watch. Say what you like about Vancouver, but they're in every game. It was great to see them get their second win. I love the city of Vancouver, having been there a few times. So, I have a bit of a soft spot for the 'Caps.
Vancouver really took it to Philly in the first half. DeMerit blocked a half chance for Le Toux early, but the rest of the half was all Vancouver. Rochat took a ball from Chiumiento and laced it into the back of the net to score the game's only goal in the 12 minute, 1-0 to Vancouver.
Both sides had chances in the second half. Both teams' main threats, Hassli and Le Toux got off nice shots, but neither team could find the back of the net. The momentum swung back and forth a few times, but the Whitecaps held on for a 1-0 win, their second of the season. It also snapped an MLS record 14 game winless streak. Congrats to them, and I really hope they build on it, just not against RSL. For the Union, they need to figure out how to score goals.
Vancouver really took it to Philly in the first half. DeMerit blocked a half chance for Le Toux early, but the rest of the half was all Vancouver. Rochat took a ball from Chiumiento and laced it into the back of the net to score the game's only goal in the 12 minute, 1-0 to Vancouver.
Both sides had chances in the second half. Both teams' main threats, Hassli and Le Toux got off nice shots, but neither team could find the back of the net. The momentum swung back and forth a few times, but the Whitecaps held on for a 1-0 win, their second of the season. It also snapped an MLS record 14 game winless streak. Congrats to them, and I really hope they build on it, just not against RSL. For the Union, they need to figure out how to score goals.
Match Thoughts: Colorado Rapids Vs. LA Galaxy
Yes, I don't like the Rapids. Sorry. I'm a RSL supporter. Often I don't watch the Rapids games even though they're all carried locally for us. Their announcers drive me nuts. However, once I saw the final score for this match, I was keen to hear what they had to say. The Rapids don't lose very often.
First off, the Colorado folks whined and bleated about Bruce Arena not telling anybody that he left Beckham in LA, so the Rapids wouldn't have time to adjust their game plan. Hey, sounds genius to me, and I'm hardly a Galaxy fan. Colorado looked really uncertain as to what they would encounter, and it turned into hesitancy and complacency on the pitch in the first half. It looked for all the world like LA was the home team. Jamie Smith was out for the Rapids, and they didn't deal well at all with attacks up their left (LA's right). This burned them in the 25th minute. LA sent a ball into the six that found it's way onto the foot of the Rapid's Drew Moor, who knocked into the net for an own goal, putting LA up 0-1.
It didn't get better for the rest of the first half. Juninho hit a long range bomb after coming off that flank in the 42nd minute that went into the back of the net. That gave LA the 0-2 lead heading into the break.
Colorado had some chances to make adjustments in the second half though. One thing they did was bring on Omar Cummings, his first game back after an ankle injury. He immediately injected life and confidence into the Colorado attack and they put the Galaxy back on their heels a little bit. They capitalized on the pressure in the 64th minute as Connor Casey slammed home a goal off of a Cummings rebound to make it 1-2. The Rapids were back in the match.
Then it all fell apart in the 74th minute. Folan went to ground to try and tackle Juninho, and brought his back foot into scissor him. Juninho went down and Folan received a Red Card, putting the Rapids down a man.
LA quickly capitalized. The momentum of the match swung instantly in their favor. They scored the last goal of the game in the 80th minute, when Chad Barrett slipped it by Pickens to make the final score 1-3.
Clearly the red card changed the game. However, looking back on it, it was totally deserved. Speaking of dirty tackles, Brian Mullan returns to the Rapids lineup next week. No, Z isn't back yet for Seattle.
First off, the Colorado folks whined and bleated about Bruce Arena not telling anybody that he left Beckham in LA, so the Rapids wouldn't have time to adjust their game plan. Hey, sounds genius to me, and I'm hardly a Galaxy fan. Colorado looked really uncertain as to what they would encounter, and it turned into hesitancy and complacency on the pitch in the first half. It looked for all the world like LA was the home team. Jamie Smith was out for the Rapids, and they didn't deal well at all with attacks up their left (LA's right). This burned them in the 25th minute. LA sent a ball into the six that found it's way onto the foot of the Rapid's Drew Moor, who knocked into the net for an own goal, putting LA up 0-1.
It didn't get better for the rest of the first half. Juninho hit a long range bomb after coming off that flank in the 42nd minute that went into the back of the net. That gave LA the 0-2 lead heading into the break.
Colorado had some chances to make adjustments in the second half though. One thing they did was bring on Omar Cummings, his first game back after an ankle injury. He immediately injected life and confidence into the Colorado attack and they put the Galaxy back on their heels a little bit. They capitalized on the pressure in the 64th minute as Connor Casey slammed home a goal off of a Cummings rebound to make it 1-2. The Rapids were back in the match.
Then it all fell apart in the 74th minute. Folan went to ground to try and tackle Juninho, and brought his back foot into scissor him. Juninho went down and Folan received a Red Card, putting the Rapids down a man.
LA quickly capitalized. The momentum of the match swung instantly in their favor. They scored the last goal of the game in the 80th minute, when Chad Barrett slipped it by Pickens to make the final score 1-3.
Clearly the red card changed the game. However, looking back on it, it was totally deserved. Speaking of dirty tackles, Brian Mullan returns to the Rapids lineup next week. No, Z isn't back yet for Seattle.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Gold Cup Quarterfinals: Day Two
I was glad I was off work on Sunday so I could take in both Gold Cup matches from RFK. Still, I really wish FSC would have covered the rest of the matches throughout the tourney in English, not just the USA matches. I'd really rather watch those live games than EPL/Serie A reruns or WPS matches, but that's just me. I watched them on Univision and brushed up on my Spanish.
I was really wondering if the USA could pull it off against Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz had a ton of confidence and a ton of weapons coming in. Then the US announced that Landycakes was starting on the bench. Now, I don't begrudge Clint and Landon going to those weddings at all. Family is most important. However, it worried me that Landon wasn't gonna be on the pitch.
Luckily it worked out though. Gutsy call by Bob Bradley. Gotta give him credit. Had it not panned out he would have been a major goat. It had it's moments though. Howard made a great save on the Reggae Boyz early, that made the US nervous. Despite the fact that the USA played pretty well in the first half, it was goalless at the break.
They really fired it up in the second half though. In the 49th minute Jermaine Jones hammered a shot that took a deflection and went in to give the USA a 1-0 lead. For my money, it was an own goal, but a great strike nonetheless for Jones. Then in the 66th minute, Jermaine Taylor took a swipe at Jones on a counter. Jones got through it, but went to ground after a couple of steps and earned the Jamaican a red card. To me, it was a total flop. That was pretty much all she wrote for the Reggae Boyz. Dempsey scored a nice goal in the 80th to seal it up.
Bad news was that Jozy Altidore left the game with a hamstring injury. His status for the semis is still up in the air.
Now, who would the USA face in Houston? El Salvador or Panama? This one was another hard fought match that went to penalties. It shouldn't have though, as Zelaya missed a PK in the first half that would have given La Selecta the lead. He did score later, but Tejada just managed to get the ball over the El Salvador line in the 90th minute to equalize. There were no goals in extra time, and Panama went on to win 5-3 on PKs.
So it will be a rematch in the Gold Cup Semifinal in Houston: The USA vs. Panama. Who will get the last laugh?
I was really wondering if the USA could pull it off against Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz had a ton of confidence and a ton of weapons coming in. Then the US announced that Landycakes was starting on the bench. Now, I don't begrudge Clint and Landon going to those weddings at all. Family is most important. However, it worried me that Landon wasn't gonna be on the pitch.
Luckily it worked out though. Gutsy call by Bob Bradley. Gotta give him credit. Had it not panned out he would have been a major goat. It had it's moments though. Howard made a great save on the Reggae Boyz early, that made the US nervous. Despite the fact that the USA played pretty well in the first half, it was goalless at the break.
They really fired it up in the second half though. In the 49th minute Jermaine Jones hammered a shot that took a deflection and went in to give the USA a 1-0 lead. For my money, it was an own goal, but a great strike nonetheless for Jones. Then in the 66th minute, Jermaine Taylor took a swipe at Jones on a counter. Jones got through it, but went to ground after a couple of steps and earned the Jamaican a red card. To me, it was a total flop. That was pretty much all she wrote for the Reggae Boyz. Dempsey scored a nice goal in the 80th to seal it up.
Bad news was that Jozy Altidore left the game with a hamstring injury. His status for the semis is still up in the air.
Now, who would the USA face in Houston? El Salvador or Panama? This one was another hard fought match that went to penalties. It shouldn't have though, as Zelaya missed a PK in the first half that would have given La Selecta the lead. He did score later, but Tejada just managed to get the ball over the El Salvador line in the 90th minute to equalize. There were no goals in extra time, and Panama went on to win 5-3 on PKs.
So it will be a rematch in the Gold Cup Semifinal in Houston: The USA vs. Panama. Who will get the last laugh?
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Gold Cup Quarterfinals: Day One.
Had to watch both of these matches after the fact since I was going to Rio Tinto to watch RSL battle the DC Divers. I'm a bit surprised by both results, in different ways.
I've really had Costa Rica pegged as a dark horse in this tourney since day 1. I was really hoping for a rematch between them and Mexico in the semis. Also, as an RSL fan, I wanted to see Sabo do well and come back with confidence.
Not sure that's gonna work out.
Anyway, the first half was kind of a physical beatdown. I thought Honduras porbably looked a little better though. There really weren't a lot of chances. Honduras striker Bengston got them ahead 1-0 with a goal in the 49th, but Costa Rica equalized just a few minutes later when Marshall headed in a corner to make it 1-1.
Then it all came crashing down. The Ticos earned a PK in about the 80th monute and Sabo stepped up to take it. As an RSL fan, I can tell you that Sabo is usually money in these situations. However, the keeper got in his head by bitching about the ball not being spotted right. Sabo had to wait, then hit a poor pen that was saved. It got worse for the RSL star, as he missed a PK in the shootout, which Honduras went on to win 4-2.
As far as Mexico vs. Guatemala goes, I'm not shocked Mexico won, but I thought they'd do better. Philadelphia Union star Ruiz put Guatemala ahead in just the 5th minute, and it seemed to shock at least the crowd. I thought it put El Tri on their heels a little as well. They came back strong in the second half with the addition of De Nigris (groan) who scored in the 48th. Then leave it you know who, Chicharito, to come through and give Mexico the winner on the 66th.
It certainly wasn't the best performance from Mexico, but they got the job done. They were tested really for the first time in the tournament and passed with flying colors, now knowing they can really win the come back game as well.
Mexico and Honduras will square off in Houston on Wednesday in the first Gold Cup semifinal match.
I've really had Costa Rica pegged as a dark horse in this tourney since day 1. I was really hoping for a rematch between them and Mexico in the semis. Also, as an RSL fan, I wanted to see Sabo do well and come back with confidence.
Not sure that's gonna work out.
Anyway, the first half was kind of a physical beatdown. I thought Honduras porbably looked a little better though. There really weren't a lot of chances. Honduras striker Bengston got them ahead 1-0 with a goal in the 49th, but Costa Rica equalized just a few minutes later when Marshall headed in a corner to make it 1-1.
Then it all came crashing down. The Ticos earned a PK in about the 80th monute and Sabo stepped up to take it. As an RSL fan, I can tell you that Sabo is usually money in these situations. However, the keeper got in his head by bitching about the ball not being spotted right. Sabo had to wait, then hit a poor pen that was saved. It got worse for the RSL star, as he missed a PK in the shootout, which Honduras went on to win 4-2.
As far as Mexico vs. Guatemala goes, I'm not shocked Mexico won, but I thought they'd do better. Philadelphia Union star Ruiz put Guatemala ahead in just the 5th minute, and it seemed to shock at least the crowd. I thought it put El Tri on their heels a little as well. They came back strong in the second half with the addition of De Nigris (groan) who scored in the 48th. Then leave it you know who, Chicharito, to come through and give Mexico the winner on the 66th.
It certainly wasn't the best performance from Mexico, but they got the job done. They were tested really for the first time in the tournament and passed with flying colors, now knowing they can really win the come back game as well.
Mexico and Honduras will square off in Houston on Wednesday in the first Gold Cup semifinal match.
Match Thoughts: Real Salt Lake vs. DC United.
It's really taken me some time and some thought to try to put this one in some perspective. What a frustrating game to witness. It's been pretty frustrating at Rio Tinto lately, but this is a tough patch for RSL, dealing with a couple of significant injuries and players out on international duty.
DC looked a little better than I thought they would coming out, and they created a few chances. They had one goal called back for offside. That seemed to wake RSL up a little bit, but not quite enough.
Still it seemed like RSL's luck might have turned a bit. They were awarded a penalty kick in the 38th minute. Fabian Espindola made a great one and give the Claret and Cobalt a 1-0 lead that they were able to hold until the break.
Right before the second half kick, I looked at my Buddy Rick and said, "we better get another goal before CD9 checks in." Those words proved prophetic.
RSL never got that second goal. Davies checked in and looked dangerous right off the bat. Dude is fast on TV, he's faster in person. Anyway, he hit the deck in the penalty area in the 85th minute. It was obvious to everybody in the stadium that it was dive, except for referee Terry Vaughn. Terry Vaughn, the latest idiot MLS zebra to step off the short bus and cuck up a match. Anyway, he gave Davies the PK. You know CD9 isn't gonna miss a PK. Nicky guessed right and ALMOST got it. Still, it went in, and we were tied at 1-1, which was the final.
I'm not pissed at Charlie. He did his job. I'm pissed at Terry Vaughn, and the fact that MLS seems to have no trouble with the fact that it's officials are consistently influencing the results of matches. Oh well, what else is new? RSL needed that second goal, then it wouldn't have mattered.
DC looked a little better than I thought they would coming out, and they created a few chances. They had one goal called back for offside. That seemed to wake RSL up a little bit, but not quite enough.
Still it seemed like RSL's luck might have turned a bit. They were awarded a penalty kick in the 38th minute. Fabian Espindola made a great one and give the Claret and Cobalt a 1-0 lead that they were able to hold until the break.
Right before the second half kick, I looked at my Buddy Rick and said, "we better get another goal before CD9 checks in." Those words proved prophetic.
RSL never got that second goal. Davies checked in and looked dangerous right off the bat. Dude is fast on TV, he's faster in person. Anyway, he hit the deck in the penalty area in the 85th minute. It was obvious to everybody in the stadium that it was dive, except for referee Terry Vaughn. Terry Vaughn, the latest idiot MLS zebra to step off the short bus and cuck up a match. Anyway, he gave Davies the PK. You know CD9 isn't gonna miss a PK. Nicky guessed right and ALMOST got it. Still, it went in, and we were tied at 1-1, which was the final.
I'm not pissed at Charlie. He did his job. I'm pissed at Terry Vaughn, and the fact that MLS seems to have no trouble with the fact that it's officials are consistently influencing the results of matches. Oh well, what else is new? RSL needed that second goal, then it wouldn't have mattered.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Portland Manager Spencer Suspended and Fined.
MLS has announced that Portland Timbers head coach John Spencer has been suspended for one game and fined $2,500. Spencer was ejected near the end of The Timbers 0-1 loss to Colorado last weekend. The fine includes the automatic $500 dollar fine for that, plus $2,000 dollars for making inappropriate comments about the match officials.
That being said, I think Coach Spencer is awesome, and I'm not even a Timbers supporter. Coaches shouldn't be allowed to go off on refs, but MLS needs to realize just how HORRID most of it's officials are.
That being said, I think Coach Spencer is awesome, and I'm not even a Timbers supporter. Coaches shouldn't be allowed to go off on refs, but MLS needs to realize just how HORRID most of it's officials are.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Gold Cup: Guatemala vs. Grenada
Not much to say about this match, except that it was pretty fun to watch. Plenty of chances, plenty of goals, from Guatemala anyway. Chapines beat up on the Spice Boys all match long.
I hate to say it, but Grenada was one of the most over-matched teams I've seen in an international tournament. Even Guadeloupe played better, and they played like half of the group stage down a man. The 2011 Gold Cup was certainly a tough task for Grenada.
Anyway, Chapines really grabbed the match by the horns from the opening whistle. They managed 4 goals, 2 in each half. They were electric in the attack pretty much all night.
The win wasn't enough to ease Chapines into 2nd place ahead of Honduras, but finishing better than El Salvador out of group A puts them through to the next round anyway. Grenada was officially eliminated with an 0-3 record, 0 points, and a -14 Goal Differential. Oh, and a coach that wore a backwards ball cap like a street thug. I don't know man.
I hate to say it, but Grenada was one of the most over-matched teams I've seen in an international tournament. Even Guadeloupe played better, and they played like half of the group stage down a man. The 2011 Gold Cup was certainly a tough task for Grenada.
Anyway, Chapines really grabbed the match by the horns from the opening whistle. They managed 4 goals, 2 in each half. They were electric in the attack pretty much all night.
The win wasn't enough to ease Chapines into 2nd place ahead of Honduras, but finishing better than El Salvador out of group A puts them through to the next round anyway. Grenada was officially eliminated with an 0-3 record, 0 points, and a -14 Goal Differential. Oh, and a coach that wore a backwards ball cap like a street thug. I don't know man.
Gold Cup: USA vs. Guadeloupe
The task before the USA National Team coming into the Guadeloupe match was clear: win and advance. Actually Panama's 1-1 draw with Canada meant that the USA could advance with a draw, but after the horrid performance against Panama, the USA wasn't in the mood for a draw. That could have been a disaster.
The first half was a banner half for the Americans. Jozy Altidore put the USA on top in just the 9th minute with a great strike from distance. 1-0 to the Yanks. We held possession and got several good shots. Guadeloupe's keeper kept them in the match, coming up with a couple of gems against Chris Wondolowski, who I thought did much better tonight.
Really, whether he did or not, we can't criticize him anymore. The second half was a just nightmare of missed chances for the USA. Really, this match should have been at least 4-0. Landon Donovan missed a point blank shot, causing Kyle Martino to say he would have lost his home because he would have bet everything on Landycakes hitting that.
The more disturbing performance came from the usually reliable Clint Dempsey. Now, I'm not gonna pile on Clint here. He's just coming off of a long season in Europe where he really shined for Fulham, and represented the US overseas very well. However, he missed three point blank shots, including one where he tried to walk the ball over the line instead of just striking it, which allowed a Guadeloupe defender to recover and poke it away from him at the last second.
All in all, The US held on for the 1-0 win. Good enough to advance? Yes. Good enough to beat the stronger teams in the tournament? Doubt it.
The first half was a banner half for the Americans. Jozy Altidore put the USA on top in just the 9th minute with a great strike from distance. 1-0 to the Yanks. We held possession and got several good shots. Guadeloupe's keeper kept them in the match, coming up with a couple of gems against Chris Wondolowski, who I thought did much better tonight.
Really, whether he did or not, we can't criticize him anymore. The second half was a just nightmare of missed chances for the USA. Really, this match should have been at least 4-0. Landon Donovan missed a point blank shot, causing Kyle Martino to say he would have lost his home because he would have bet everything on Landycakes hitting that.
The more disturbing performance came from the usually reliable Clint Dempsey. Now, I'm not gonna pile on Clint here. He's just coming off of a long season in Europe where he really shined for Fulham, and represented the US overseas very well. However, he missed three point blank shots, including one where he tried to walk the ball over the line instead of just striking it, which allowed a Guadeloupe defender to recover and poke it away from him at the last second.
All in all, The US held on for the 1-0 win. Good enough to advance? Yes. Good enough to beat the stronger teams in the tournament? Doubt it.
Gold Cup: Canada vs. Panama
Ok, catching up on watching my Gold Cup matches before the next stage begins. I do feel bad for the Canadians. The Canadian team goes out of the Gold Cup, the Canucks blow the Stanley Cup, and TFC just stinks.
Tough tournament for team Canada. It's not that they played poorly, it's just that they didn't play well enough. Particularly, in order to advance in a tournament like this, you have to be able to score goals. Getting one PK per game then hoping your defense will hold isn't going to cut it.
Still, they were oh so close to going through.
In the 62nd minute, DeRo was taken down in the box. He converted the spot kick to give Canada a 1-0 lead. This made US Fans nervous. If Canada pulled out all three points, the US would have to win and take care of goal differential to go through.
Unfortunately for the Canucks, that's all they could muster. Panama attacked the rest of the game, and you could really tell that it wasn't a matter of if the equalizer would come, but when. It came in first minute of stoppage time. Perez tapped a goal in front of a crowded net to equalize 1-1. Panama clinched first place in Group C, and the with the USA's 1-0 over Guadeloupe, the Canadians were eliminated.
Good news for RSL fans, we get Will Johnson back early. Canada has some work to do heading into World Cup qualifying.
Tough tournament for team Canada. It's not that they played poorly, it's just that they didn't play well enough. Particularly, in order to advance in a tournament like this, you have to be able to score goals. Getting one PK per game then hoping your defense will hold isn't going to cut it.
Still, they were oh so close to going through.
In the 62nd minute, DeRo was taken down in the box. He converted the spot kick to give Canada a 1-0 lead. This made US Fans nervous. If Canada pulled out all three points, the US would have to win and take care of goal differential to go through.
Unfortunately for the Canucks, that's all they could muster. Panama attacked the rest of the game, and you could really tell that it wasn't a matter of if the equalizer would come, but when. It came in first minute of stoppage time. Perez tapped a goal in front of a crowded net to equalize 1-1. Panama clinched first place in Group C, and the with the USA's 1-0 over Guadeloupe, the Canadians were eliminated.
Good news for RSL fans, we get Will Johnson back early. Canada has some work to do heading into World Cup qualifying.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Nolan Looks to Leave Newcastle
Things have appeared to grow very uneasy these days at Newcastle. Going into the summer window they looked to lock up their core of talent and then hopefully add to it to further their Premier League Position next season.
Well all that seems to have taken a pretty big hit the last couple of days. First off, Kevin Nolan has rejected a deal to stay at St. James Park and looks to be headed to West Ham, where he would be reunited with Big Sam Allardyce.
That news is bad enough, but some players have taken exception to the sale. Among them is Joey Barton, who tweeted his displeasure. Barton has also been told he will not be offered a new deal. Jose Enrique has yet to respond to the club's latest offer as well. It seems that Newcastle may be in jeopardy of losing all three.
I doubt the Toon Army is very pleased.
Well all that seems to have taken a pretty big hit the last couple of days. First off, Kevin Nolan has rejected a deal to stay at St. James Park and looks to be headed to West Ham, where he would be reunited with Big Sam Allardyce.
That news is bad enough, but some players have taken exception to the sale. Among them is Joey Barton, who tweeted his displeasure. Barton has also been told he will not be offered a new deal. Jose Enrique has yet to respond to the club's latest offer as well. It seems that Newcastle may be in jeopardy of losing all three.
I doubt the Toon Army is very pleased.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Phil Jones to Manchester United
Manchester United today confirmed one of the more significant transfers of the period so far. They announced the Blackburn defender Phil Jones has officially been sold to them.
The deal is supposedly a five year deal worth about 16.5 million pounds. 19 year old Jones has been playing a starring role with the England U-21 side. Liverpool were also interested but apparently Jones said he wouldn't go anywhere but Old Trafford.
Great catch for the Champions.
The deal is supposedly a five year deal worth about 16.5 million pounds. 19 year old Jones has been playing a starring role with the England U-21 side. Liverpool were also interested but apparently Jones said he wouldn't go anywhere but Old Trafford.
Great catch for the Champions.
Donovan Says US Criticisms are Overblown
Interesting piece on Goal.com tonight talking about how Landon Donovan thinks that the criticisms of the US Team are overblown and that there's no point in thinking about the Panama loss anymore.
Gee, really, because that's the same thing you guys said after Spain kicked your asses. I'm sorry, I don't buy it anymore. I'm really tired of this "It's no big deal" attitude with the US team. Yes it is. A pathetic performance against an inferior team on national tv. If that was the first ever US Soccer match I watched, I sure as hell wouldn't watch another one. Every time a big time tournament comes up we get up and say we're ready to play with the big boys. We're obviously not.
It's just my opinion, but major changes are needed. Especially with the coaching. We're obviously not picking the best players. Again, can anyone who's not a Red Bulls fan honestly say that Tim ream is a better defender than Nat Borchers? Is the Gold Cup really a time to be experimenting? I for one don't want us to get our asses handed to us by El Tri.
We do need to dwell on the loss a bit. We can play so much better than that. I really think all the criticisms are right on the money. I really want Landycakes (who was invisible most of the Panama game) to come out and prove me and a lot of people wrong. I hate bashing on US Soccer, but we have to do better if we want to be a factor on the international stage.
Gee, really, because that's the same thing you guys said after Spain kicked your asses. I'm sorry, I don't buy it anymore. I'm really tired of this "It's no big deal" attitude with the US team. Yes it is. A pathetic performance against an inferior team on national tv. If that was the first ever US Soccer match I watched, I sure as hell wouldn't watch another one. Every time a big time tournament comes up we get up and say we're ready to play with the big boys. We're obviously not.
It's just my opinion, but major changes are needed. Especially with the coaching. We're obviously not picking the best players. Again, can anyone who's not a Red Bulls fan honestly say that Tim ream is a better defender than Nat Borchers? Is the Gold Cup really a time to be experimenting? I for one don't want us to get our asses handed to us by El Tri.
We do need to dwell on the loss a bit. We can play so much better than that. I really think all the criticisms are right on the money. I really want Landycakes (who was invisible most of the Panama game) to come out and prove me and a lot of people wrong. I hate bashing on US Soccer, but we have to do better if we want to be a factor on the international stage.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Match Thoughts: FC Dallas vs. Sporting KC
Now don't get me wrong here, I respect FC Dallas a ton. They're a great side with great players. Hartman is a beast in goal. However, I hate them. The only team I hate worse than Dallas is our rival, Colorado. No offense Dallas fans, I hate your team because they're good, not because I think they suck. So it's like a respect hate. Anyways, I'm always up for seeing Dallas get spanked because let's face it, it doesn't happen very often. (On a side note, I did pull for Dallas in the MLS Cup last year, I'm sure you can figure out why. Plus if Dallas were to get through to the CONCACAF Finals, I'd pull for them to represent MLS.)
You wouldn't have picked this to be the game Dallas got spanked in though. Sporting KC, really? I mean the men in the baby blue kits looked horrid the other night against the Fire, and Dallas had a whole week's rest. Not to mention it was 97 degrees at Pizza Hut Park at kickoff.
Well things didn't go according to script tonight for Dallas. I really think they overlooked Sporting. They were sloppy on both ends of the ball all night. Even their announcers were full of attitude coming into the match, talking like the Hoops are God's Gift to MLS. I mean hey, after Saturday night, we all know that God's Gift really is Eric Hassli.
Sporting were the far more active and motivated team from the opening whistle. They put just enough pressure on Hartman and Dallas's back line to make them uncomfortable. In the 28th minute the pressure finally paid off. Zusi came running up his left and slammed a shot from just around the edge of the Penalty area. It caught Hartman napping and went in, making it 0-1 to Sporting.
That woke up Dallas a bit though, as they probably thought, "Oh crap, we're losing at home to KC." Just four minutes after the Zusi goal, Brek Shea waltzed his way through the Sporting Midfield and defense and banged home a goal to equalize at 1-1. Dallas pushed for the rest of the first half after that but we went to the interval tied at 1-1.
The second half was pretty much all Sporting, as they came out to prove that their great job in the first half wasn't a fluke and they wanted to walk away from Frisco with three points. In the 49th minute, Sapong batted a corner back into play and Colin headed it down into the goal to give KC the 1-2 lead. It looked like Dallas was on the ropes.
In the 55th, KC appeared to throw the knockout punch. Dallas gave up a seemingly harmless free kick just at the edge of the center circle. Zusi lined up over it and struck it perfectly, like 50 yards into the back of the net. A stunned Kevin Hartman could only watch and sputter into action late but in the end it was 1-3 for KC. This would be goal of the week in any other week.
However, Sporting's fortunes took a turn for the worse just two minutes later. Stojcev made a horrible challenge on the sideline and picked up his second yellow of the match, earning him the red card. For the second game in a row, KC was down a man.
Dallas was never able to capitalize or even get back into the match though. Sporting closed it out in the 78th minute when Cessano beat a tired and spent looking Hartman to make the final score 1-4.
Probably this was the worst outing of the year for Dallas. They looked horrible, especially on defense. I'm pretty sure it's the worst outing Hartman has had in a long time. They need to make sure it doesn't happen again, and they can't count on Brek Shea to do it all, every game. Great win for Sporting KC. Coming off an emotional night on Thursday, this could be a real turning point in their season.
You wouldn't have picked this to be the game Dallas got spanked in though. Sporting KC, really? I mean the men in the baby blue kits looked horrid the other night against the Fire, and Dallas had a whole week's rest. Not to mention it was 97 degrees at Pizza Hut Park at kickoff.
Well things didn't go according to script tonight for Dallas. I really think they overlooked Sporting. They were sloppy on both ends of the ball all night. Even their announcers were full of attitude coming into the match, talking like the Hoops are God's Gift to MLS. I mean hey, after Saturday night, we all know that God's Gift really is Eric Hassli.
Sporting were the far more active and motivated team from the opening whistle. They put just enough pressure on Hartman and Dallas's back line to make them uncomfortable. In the 28th minute the pressure finally paid off. Zusi came running up his left and slammed a shot from just around the edge of the Penalty area. It caught Hartman napping and went in, making it 0-1 to Sporting.
That woke up Dallas a bit though, as they probably thought, "Oh crap, we're losing at home to KC." Just four minutes after the Zusi goal, Brek Shea waltzed his way through the Sporting Midfield and defense and banged home a goal to equalize at 1-1. Dallas pushed for the rest of the first half after that but we went to the interval tied at 1-1.
The second half was pretty much all Sporting, as they came out to prove that their great job in the first half wasn't a fluke and they wanted to walk away from Frisco with three points. In the 49th minute, Sapong batted a corner back into play and Colin headed it down into the goal to give KC the 1-2 lead. It looked like Dallas was on the ropes.
In the 55th, KC appeared to throw the knockout punch. Dallas gave up a seemingly harmless free kick just at the edge of the center circle. Zusi lined up over it and struck it perfectly, like 50 yards into the back of the net. A stunned Kevin Hartman could only watch and sputter into action late but in the end it was 1-3 for KC. This would be goal of the week in any other week.
However, Sporting's fortunes took a turn for the worse just two minutes later. Stojcev made a horrible challenge on the sideline and picked up his second yellow of the match, earning him the red card. For the second game in a row, KC was down a man.
Dallas was never able to capitalize or even get back into the match though. Sporting closed it out in the 78th minute when Cessano beat a tired and spent looking Hartman to make the final score 1-4.
Probably this was the worst outing of the year for Dallas. They looked horrible, especially on defense. I'm pretty sure it's the worst outing Hartman has had in a long time. They need to make sure it doesn't happen again, and they can't count on Brek Shea to do it all, every game. Great win for Sporting KC. Coming off an emotional night on Thursday, this could be a real turning point in their season.
Match Thoughts: Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire
I was really relishing the chance to be able to watch some MLS action in English on a Sunday afternoon. I wasn't really excited about the teams though. Crew beat RSL last Wednesday night in a result I don't think they deserved, but again I'm biased. Chicago played to scoreless draw crapfest at Sporting KC on Thursday.
At any rate, this one had the look of another yawner for most of the game. Sure, both teams played midweek matches, but the weather was great in Columbus and both teams looked really lethargic out of the gate. The Crew had some decent chances early, but couldn't trouble Johnson's goal. The Fire never really tested Hesmer at all in the first half, and that's pretty much all there is to say about half number one, which ended scoreless.
Frank Klopas must have said something to the Fire at half time, because they came out with much more of a spring in their step for the second half. The Crew just continued to look flat, like they didn't even want to be there.
Chicago started to move the ball around pretty well, and that started to create chances. Patrick Nyarko in particular put some great balls in for the Fire. Unfortunately, they just could NOT finish at all. The final touch was lacking all afternoon, and you could feel their frustration growing.
All that changed in the 90th minute though. Will Hesmer hit the deck and got a hand on a ball coming in from wide. Unfortunately, he spilled it. Nazarit was right there for the Fire, and he poked it in to give Chicago the 0-1 win.
It certainly was the right result. Chicago played pretty well in the second half, and again, the Crew looked like they'd rather be home napping. The Fire are going to have to do better in the final third if they want to improve though. Still, it's a great win and something to build on. As for the Crew, they need a much better effort. That was pretty pathetic.
At any rate, this one had the look of another yawner for most of the game. Sure, both teams played midweek matches, but the weather was great in Columbus and both teams looked really lethargic out of the gate. The Crew had some decent chances early, but couldn't trouble Johnson's goal. The Fire never really tested Hesmer at all in the first half, and that's pretty much all there is to say about half number one, which ended scoreless.
Frank Klopas must have said something to the Fire at half time, because they came out with much more of a spring in their step for the second half. The Crew just continued to look flat, like they didn't even want to be there.
Chicago started to move the ball around pretty well, and that started to create chances. Patrick Nyarko in particular put some great balls in for the Fire. Unfortunately, they just could NOT finish at all. The final touch was lacking all afternoon, and you could feel their frustration growing.
All that changed in the 90th minute though. Will Hesmer hit the deck and got a hand on a ball coming in from wide. Unfortunately, he spilled it. Nazarit was right there for the Fire, and he poked it in to give Chicago the 0-1 win.
It certainly was the right result. Chicago played pretty well in the second half, and again, the Crew looked like they'd rather be home napping. The Fire are going to have to do better in the final third if they want to improve though. Still, it's a great win and something to build on. As for the Crew, they need a much better effort. That was pretty pathetic.
Match Thoughts: Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Now if you wanted to watch some great soccer last night, some really entertaining soccer, I hope you tuned into the Cascadia Cup on FSC. Honestly, the last goal in this game, I don't know if I'll ever see a better goal. Period. More on that in a minute.
Despite the recent tumult in Vancouver, it was easy to see from the opening minutes that the Whitecaps came to play. This rivalry dates all the way back to 1974, and it looked the derby part all game long.
Vancouver got on the board first in the 29th minute. Ozzie Alonso tackled Camilo in the box to give up a PK. Big Eric Hassli stepped up to face Goal Keeping legend Kasey Keller. Hassli is pretty damn good when he's actually on the pitch. With ice in the veins, he sent Keller off to the side and calmly chipped the ball right down the middle. Nice. 0-1 to the Caps.
Seattle had the better of possession all game long. However, we went to the break at the 0-1 score. The second half really started to pick up the intensity though. The fireworks really started in the 80th minute though. Tyson Wahl put a ball into the box that eventually found it's way to the foot of Rosales, he put it past a badly positioned Joe Cannon to tie it at 1-1.
Then, for some reason, Seattle took out Rosales. It didn't seem like it would matter though. In the 84th, Alonso collected the ball near the top of the 18 and smacked it past Joe Cannon, who again was in a really odd position, and gave Seattle the 2-1 lead. It looked to be over.
However, hero became goat just a few seconds later when Alonso gave up the ball to Hassli on the edge of his own Penalty area. Hassli somehow turned and lofted the ball at an impossible angle toward Keller, who had no chance. It sailed into the far post corner and equalized at 2-2. Qwest Field exploding with all kinds of different emotions. This has to be goal of the year. I really can't imagine anything topping it:
Big result for the Whitecaps, I really want to see them heading in the right direction.
Despite the recent tumult in Vancouver, it was easy to see from the opening minutes that the Whitecaps came to play. This rivalry dates all the way back to 1974, and it looked the derby part all game long.
Vancouver got on the board first in the 29th minute. Ozzie Alonso tackled Camilo in the box to give up a PK. Big Eric Hassli stepped up to face Goal Keeping legend Kasey Keller. Hassli is pretty damn good when he's actually on the pitch. With ice in the veins, he sent Keller off to the side and calmly chipped the ball right down the middle. Nice. 0-1 to the Caps.
Seattle had the better of possession all game long. However, we went to the break at the 0-1 score. The second half really started to pick up the intensity though. The fireworks really started in the 80th minute though. Tyson Wahl put a ball into the box that eventually found it's way to the foot of Rosales, he put it past a badly positioned Joe Cannon to tie it at 1-1.
Then, for some reason, Seattle took out Rosales. It didn't seem like it would matter though. In the 84th, Alonso collected the ball near the top of the 18 and smacked it past Joe Cannon, who again was in a really odd position, and gave Seattle the 2-1 lead. It looked to be over.
However, hero became goat just a few seconds later when Alonso gave up the ball to Hassli on the edge of his own Penalty area. Hassli somehow turned and lofted the ball at an impossible angle toward Keller, who had no chance. It sailed into the far post corner and equalized at 2-2. Qwest Field exploding with all kinds of different emotions. This has to be goal of the year. I really can't imagine anything topping it:
Big result for the Whitecaps, I really want to see them heading in the right direction.
Gold Cup: Canada vs. Guadeloupe
Honestly, there wasn't much to this match. I'm kind of surprised Canada didn't take more advantage considering they played against 10 pretty much the entire match. I am proud to say that RSL's Will Johnson once again looked to be one of Canada's most dangerous attacking options.
We did hold our collective breath in the 3rd minute though when Jean-Luc Lambourde made one of those "what the hell are you thinking" tackles on Will just outside the 18. You know, the kind Tim Ream makes when he gives up costly penalties. Anyway, Will was down for a few minutes, and Lambourde got a red card. Luckily for Canada and RSL, Will returned just fine.
There was no scoring until the second half. DeRo converted a PK in the 51st minute to seal a vital 3 points for the Canadians, and perhaps further add to the misery of the USA. Guadeloupe played pretty will with 10 men. Group C is certainly going to be interesting on the last day.
We did hold our collective breath in the 3rd minute though when Jean-Luc Lambourde made one of those "what the hell are you thinking" tackles on Will just outside the 18. You know, the kind Tim Ream makes when he gives up costly penalties. Anyway, Will was down for a few minutes, and Lambourde got a red card. Luckily for Canada and RSL, Will returned just fine.
There was no scoring until the second half. DeRo converted a PK in the 51st minute to seal a vital 3 points for the Canadians, and perhaps further add to the misery of the USA. Guadeloupe played pretty will with 10 men. Group C is certainly going to be interesting on the last day.
Alex McLeish Resigns at Birmingham City
More manager movement news from England this morning. Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has resigned. The club isn't making any comment about it at this time. Rumors around England are that McLeish, who formerly coached Rangers, will take over at Aston Villa. We'll see I guess.
McLeish was given a vote of confidence at Birmingham even though the club was relegated. His job was conditional on them returning to the Premier league immediately. However, as we remember, his side did win the Carling Cup this year.
McLeish was given a vote of confidence at Birmingham even though the club was relegated. His job was conditional on them returning to the Premier league immediately. However, as we remember, his side did win the Carling Cup this year.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Gold Cup: USA vs. Panama
Where do you even start with this crapfest? When the USA got their clocks cleaned by Spain we were told that everything was ok, that it didn't matter. After all, Spain is the world champs. We played our B-team, and we were saving it for the Gold Cup.
Well, tonight we got our clocks cleaned by Panama. Panama: Not anywhere close to the World Champs. We had our A-Team on the field. Also, hey guess what, Gold Cup is here, let's go!
Sitting and looking at the 1-2 loss tonight, I think we have glaring problems in all three areas. As I've read other blogs and articles tonight, I don't think I'm alone.
The worst part is the defense. We're an absolute shambles in central defense. Whoever let Tim Ream anywhere near the national team should be fired, (hint hint). Ream was puzzled all night against the tough, physical Panama attackers, and his horrible tackle in the 18 directly led to the game winning goal via PK. If Bradley turns in a lineup sheet with him on it for the next game, he ought to be fired on the spot. I don't really care that he can pass. I thought we selected defenders based on their ability to DEFEND. He's proven that he's obviously not ready to defend at this level.
The second big issue is the attack. Where are the goals? Don't tell me this is fine because Jozy scored against Canada. It's not. He's inconsistent at best. Agudelo is too young. He's been invisible off the ball. As much as I love Wondolowski, he's missed a few point blank shots, including a potential equalizer tonight. He's not ready either. Charlie Davies anyone?
Finally, despite the fact that midfield is supposed to be our strength. We need an injection of creativity. Donovan didn't show up until the end, and we had to switch Dempsey up top just to create pressure. Goal.com suggests we should start Freddy Adu. I'm down with that, it can't get any worse for the USA.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Mexican Government puts Players' Defense In Question
The story broke like a whirlwind around CONCACAF yesterday that Mexico had banned five players from the Gold Cup side for testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. The Mexican players said it was from eating contaminated beef (not chicken as first reported).
Well, Mexico's own government put a massive dent in that theory today. The Health Department says Mexico's beef is not tainted, and that poisoning cases from tainted beef in Mexico are less than 1 in 1 million. Oops. Pretty sad when your own corrupt government won't back you.
The players have gone to LA for further tests, and CONCACAF has yet to decide whether Mexico will be allowed to call for replacement players.
Well, Mexico's own government put a massive dent in that theory today. The Health Department says Mexico's beef is not tainted, and that poisoning cases from tainted beef in Mexico are less than 1 in 1 million. Oops. Pretty sad when your own corrupt government won't back you.
The players have gone to LA for further tests, and CONCACAF has yet to decide whether Mexico will be allowed to call for replacement players.
Real Madrid 11/12 Home Soccer Jersey
Real Madrid 11/12 Home Soccer Jersey - WorldSoccerShop.com
Check out the new Real Madrid home jersey for 2011/2012.
Check out the new Real Madrid home jersey for 2011/2012.
Jordan Henderson Moves to Liverpool
Looks like the Reds will be adding to their midfield fire power next season. They announced yesterday that they have completed a transfer deal for Sunderland MF Jordan Henderson.
Henderson has one senior cap for England, and is taking part in England's U-21 squad as they go for the European U-21 championship this summer.
Aston Villa striker and former Henderson teammate says he should do well at Liverpool with players such as Steven Gerrard to help him improve even more.
Henderson has one senior cap for England, and is taking part in England's U-21 squad as they go for the European U-21 championship this summer.
Aston Villa striker and former Henderson teammate says he should do well at Liverpool with players such as Steven Gerrard to help him improve even more.
Chelsea 11/12 Away Soccer Jersey - WorldSoccerShop.com
Chelsea 11/12 Away Soccer Jersey - WorldSoccerShop.com
The New Chelsea away jersey for next year. I think I like it better than the home!
Check it out and get your 2011/2012 gear at World Soccer Shop!
The New Chelsea away jersey for next year. I think I like it better than the home!
Check it out and get your 2011/2012 gear at World Soccer Shop!
Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. El Salvador
Now this was an enjoyable match to watch. I mean, that's the thing about soccer. You can have a low scoring match and still have it be fun, like this one. You can also have a low scoring match that's just a total crap fest, like in KC tonight. At any rate, this one didn't keep the high scoring tradition of Group A as laid out on match day 1, but it was exciting to the final whistle.
If you were to watch the whole match, you'd have to say Costa Rica was the better team. Saborio got them started in the 3rd minute, putting a shot on target to force a save. The Ticos continued to assault the El Salvador goal, and Sabo himself had some real nice looks. They just couldn't quite find the back of the net in the first half.
El Salvador had their chances too. While they were holding on at the defensive end, they got some nice looks off of counters and set pieces. Zelaya was the biggest trouble men for them, and he pestered the Costa Rican defense all day. However, he himself couldn't really find the target until the 45th minute. After a foul, he set up a free kick just outside the 18. He put a nice bit of curl on it, and bent it in just past the keepers fingers to send El Salvador to the break up 0-1.
The trend kind of continued in the second half. Costa Rica would build the pressure, then El Salvador would get a chance or two. You could really tell that Costa Rica was going all out for the equalizer though.
The match got a little chippy, and that put Marrufo in a bad mood. As MLS fans know so well, you don't give Jair a reason to go to his pocket, he loves his pocket, and he started to dispense the yellows freely.
Despite all the pressure from the Ticos, El Salvador had a couple of chances to seal it. In the 76th, Romero had a shot at an empty net and missed it. Quintanilla had a couple of chances late, in the 89th and stoppage time, but he couldn't finish either.
Lightning struck for Costa Rica in the final minute of stoppage time. Randall Brenes had come on as a sub in the 80th minute. Deep into to stoppage time he got his chance and took it. He put a low shot in far post to equalize at 1-1, which was the full time result.
After the match, the El Salvador coach whined about the amount of stoppage time. I don't know why. There were subs and yellow cards galore. It seemed about right to me. Besides, they had chances to finish the match and didn't take them. Plus, you play to the whistle, period. The result has Costa Rica in the driver's seat for 2nd in group A, but El Salvador plays Cuba next, and the Ticos play Mexico. It's not over yet.
If you were to watch the whole match, you'd have to say Costa Rica was the better team. Saborio got them started in the 3rd minute, putting a shot on target to force a save. The Ticos continued to assault the El Salvador goal, and Sabo himself had some real nice looks. They just couldn't quite find the back of the net in the first half.
El Salvador had their chances too. While they were holding on at the defensive end, they got some nice looks off of counters and set pieces. Zelaya was the biggest trouble men for them, and he pestered the Costa Rican defense all day. However, he himself couldn't really find the target until the 45th minute. After a foul, he set up a free kick just outside the 18. He put a nice bit of curl on it, and bent it in just past the keepers fingers to send El Salvador to the break up 0-1.
The trend kind of continued in the second half. Costa Rica would build the pressure, then El Salvador would get a chance or two. You could really tell that Costa Rica was going all out for the equalizer though.
The match got a little chippy, and that put Marrufo in a bad mood. As MLS fans know so well, you don't give Jair a reason to go to his pocket, he loves his pocket, and he started to dispense the yellows freely.
Despite all the pressure from the Ticos, El Salvador had a couple of chances to seal it. In the 76th, Romero had a shot at an empty net and missed it. Quintanilla had a couple of chances late, in the 89th and stoppage time, but he couldn't finish either.
Lightning struck for Costa Rica in the final minute of stoppage time. Randall Brenes had come on as a sub in the 80th minute. Deep into to stoppage time he got his chance and took it. He put a low shot in far post to equalize at 1-1, which was the full time result.
After the match, the El Salvador coach whined about the amount of stoppage time. I don't know why. There were subs and yellow cards galore. It seemed about right to me. Besides, they had chances to finish the match and didn't take them. Plus, you play to the whistle, period. The result has Costa Rica in the driver's seat for 2nd in group A, but El Salvador plays Cuba next, and the Ticos play Mexico. It's not over yet.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Gold Cup: Jamaica vs. Grenada
Ok, sorry we're going a little out of sequence here. Work has really been in the way of my soccer watching this week.
First off, this was one of those matches that you knew who was probably gonna win, but you look forward to it anyway. Jamaica plays nice soccer. Grenada, well this probably their World Cup.
Anyway, the Reggae Boys didn't disappoint at all. They literally controlled the ball pretty much the whole game. They got two goals in the first half. One from Shelton in the 21st and one by the Quake's Ryan Johnson in the 39th. One got the feeling that the Spice Boys were glad to be going into the break just down 2-0.
The Second half wasn't any better. All Jamaica, all the time. Grenada just looked lost. Ricketts might as well have pulled up a chair in goal and had himself a drink.
The Reggae Boys got two more goals in the second half. The first came from Phillps in the 79th, then Daley in the 84th. Finally, after three minutes of stoppage time, it ended 4-0. Another Gold Cup rout. It probably could have been worse for Grenada though, it could have been 6 or 7 fairly easily. Nice game from Jamaica.
First off, this was one of those matches that you knew who was probably gonna win, but you look forward to it anyway. Jamaica plays nice soccer. Grenada, well this probably their World Cup.
Anyway, the Reggae Boys didn't disappoint at all. They literally controlled the ball pretty much the whole game. They got two goals in the first half. One from Shelton in the 21st and one by the Quake's Ryan Johnson in the 39th. One got the feeling that the Spice Boys were glad to be going into the break just down 2-0.
The Second half wasn't any better. All Jamaica, all the time. Grenada just looked lost. Ricketts might as well have pulled up a chair in goal and had himself a drink.
The Reggae Boys got two more goals in the second half. The first came from Phillps in the 79th, then Daley in the 84th. Finally, after three minutes of stoppage time, it ended 4-0. Another Gold Cup rout. It probably could have been worse for Grenada though, it could have been 6 or 7 fairly easily. Nice game from Jamaica.
Match Thoughts: Sporting KC vs. Chicago Fire
I can't believe I looked forward to a Sporting KC match all week. I really should have known better. Oh well.
First, the good. Live Strong Park is awesome. The stadium looks great, the pitch looks great, the atmosphere was great. The KC supporters were in fine voice. The stadium also gives a real nice impression on TV. I really wish we had those electronic side boards at Rio Tinto. It's great for KC to finally have their home, where they can establish themselves.
Now, the bad. The pitch was great, the soccer sucked. Not really much to say about the first half. Sporting had the possession (57%) but couldn't make anything out of it. They did put the ball in the back of the net in the 15th minute, but the goal was negated because Omar Bravo (who wasn't the one that scored) was ruled offside, and interfered with the play. The Fire had a couple of nice shots on target, and forced Nielsen into a couple of good saves, but we went to the break even at 0-0.
There were no goals in the second half either, but we did get a couple things to talk about. In the 67th minute, Nielsen came charging up on a ball for KC, and jumped up and handled it. Unfortunately, he was a few steps outside of the 18. The ref gave him the straight red card treatment. Sporting brought in their back up keeper and went down to ten men.
Chicago had the best chance of the match in the 80th minute. Paladini took a shot from distance, and Kronberg spilled it in goal for KC. Paladini got to the rebound, but hit his shot off the wood work, no goal.
The last bit of controversy came a couple of minutes later. Omar Bravo went down in the Chicago penalty area in spectacular fashion. No PK was awarded, and replays showed the defender got the ball. Good call, but the crowd felt different. What's worse for Sporting is that Bravo seemed to sustain a fairly significant injury on the play. Keep an eye on that one folks.
The ref gave an astounding 9 minutes of stoppage time. Still nobody could muster a goal. 0-0 was the final. To sum it up, great park, great fans, bad football.
First, the good. Live Strong Park is awesome. The stadium looks great, the pitch looks great, the atmosphere was great. The KC supporters were in fine voice. The stadium also gives a real nice impression on TV. I really wish we had those electronic side boards at Rio Tinto. It's great for KC to finally have their home, where they can establish themselves.
Now, the bad. The pitch was great, the soccer sucked. Not really much to say about the first half. Sporting had the possession (57%) but couldn't make anything out of it. They did put the ball in the back of the net in the 15th minute, but the goal was negated because Omar Bravo (who wasn't the one that scored) was ruled offside, and interfered with the play. The Fire had a couple of nice shots on target, and forced Nielsen into a couple of good saves, but we went to the break even at 0-0.
There were no goals in the second half either, but we did get a couple things to talk about. In the 67th minute, Nielsen came charging up on a ball for KC, and jumped up and handled it. Unfortunately, he was a few steps outside of the 18. The ref gave him the straight red card treatment. Sporting brought in their back up keeper and went down to ten men.
Chicago had the best chance of the match in the 80th minute. Paladini took a shot from distance, and Kronberg spilled it in goal for KC. Paladini got to the rebound, but hit his shot off the wood work, no goal.
The last bit of controversy came a couple of minutes later. Omar Bravo went down in the Chicago penalty area in spectacular fashion. No PK was awarded, and replays showed the defender got the ball. Good call, but the crowd felt different. What's worse for Sporting is that Bravo seemed to sustain a fairly significant injury on the play. Keep an eye on that one folks.
The ref gave an astounding 9 minutes of stoppage time. Still nobody could muster a goal. 0-0 was the final. To sum it up, great park, great fans, bad football.
Five Mexican Players Suspended For Failing Drug Test
News out of the Gold Cup today, potentially bad news for Mexico. Five Mexico players have been suspended from the Gold Cup side after testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol.
The Mexican soccer federation is saying that the substance was ingested via tainted chicken. They've provisionally suspended the players pending the outcome of an investigation. Goal Keeper Guillermo Ochoa is among the players banned.
Doesn't sound like it's phasing El Tri though as they currently slaughtering Cuba in their second group phase game.
The Mexican soccer federation is saying that the substance was ingested via tainted chicken. They've provisionally suspended the players pending the outcome of an investigation. Goal Keeper Guillermo Ochoa is among the players banned.
Doesn't sound like it's phasing El Tri though as they currently slaughtering Cuba in their second group phase game.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
RSL Earns 3 Spots in MLS Best XI
Congratulations to three RSL players who earned spots on the MLS Best XI for week 12! They are:
Jean Alexandre: Forward
Ned Grabavoy: Mid-Field
Nat Borchers: Central Defense
Nice job guys helping get the Claret & Cobalt back on track!
Jean Alexandre: Forward
Ned Grabavoy: Mid-Field
Nat Borchers: Central Defense
Nice job guys helping get the Claret & Cobalt back on track!
Martin Jol Takes Over at Fulham
Fulham has been looking for a new boss since Mark Hughes stepped down. Preferably someone who happens to be ok with giant Jacko statues.
Well today Fulham hired Martin Jol. Jol was linked to the Fulham job last summer, but Ajax wouldn,t let him go. He ended up quitting Ajax in December.
Jol previously coached in the Premier League with Tottenham.
Well today Fulham hired Martin Jol. Jol was linked to the Fulham job last summer, but Ajax wouldn,t let him go. He ended up quitting Ajax in December.
Jol previously coached in the Premier League with Tottenham.
Gold Cup: USA vs. Canada
So coming into this match, the Gold Cup opener for both Canada and the USA, most everyone was wondering if the USA would be able to put the loss to Spain behind them. Canadian supporters have reason to be happier than the US. They're fielding a better team than they have in a long time. Could they get revenge for their loss to the USA in the last Gold Cup?
I was pretty critical after the Spain match, but tonight, I gotta give credit where credit is due. That starts with Jozy Altidore. I'm still not 100% sold on him, but he had a great match tonight, scoring the first goal and getting an assist on the second. It earned him man of the match honors. Great to see a goal come from a forward. He also had great chemistry with Agudelo.
The other glaring problem for the USA against Spain was the defense. Much, much better tonight. Not perfect, but better. Tim Howard seems to have a little more confidence in the back four after this match, though I think it was still a little shaky. We'll see though.
All in all, good for the USA. Canada? Well they just could never get much going on offense. Both DeRo wand Will Johnson looked dangerous at times, and Derba did as well after he came in. I think they're gonna have to tighten it up on defense and push the ball some more if they want to advance in this tourney.
I was pretty critical after the Spain match, but tonight, I gotta give credit where credit is due. That starts with Jozy Altidore. I'm still not 100% sold on him, but he had a great match tonight, scoring the first goal and getting an assist on the second. It earned him man of the match honors. Great to see a goal come from a forward. He also had great chemistry with Agudelo.
The other glaring problem for the USA against Spain was the defense. Much, much better tonight. Not perfect, but better. Tim Howard seems to have a little more confidence in the back four after this match, though I think it was still a little shaky. We'll see though.
All in all, good for the USA. Canada? Well they just could never get much going on offense. Both DeRo wand Will Johnson looked dangerous at times, and Derba did as well after he came in. I think they're gonna have to tighten it up on defense and push the ball some more if they want to advance in this tourney.
Monday, June 6, 2011
RSL's Jean Alexandre is MLS Player of the Week!
Congratulations are in order for Real Salt Lake's Jean Alexandre. His 1 goal, 1 assist performance in RSL's 2-0 win over the Whitecaps earned him MLS Player of the Week honors for week 12.
Nice job by Jean who is also a full international for Haiti. Now MLS knows what us RSL fans have known for awhile, Jean is awesome!
Nice job by Jean who is also a full international for Haiti. Now MLS knows what us RSL fans have known for awhile, Jean is awesome!
Match Thoughts: Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
I didn't go to the match live Saturday night, so I was able to watch it on Match Day live with a different perspective. This was a game RSL had to have all three points from. This next week they're going on the road to two of the better teams in the East, Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union. Not to mention the 'Caps suck, and they just fired their coach, so it was certainly a winnable match at home.
Really the first 15 minutes were spent feeling people out. Most of this was RSL feeling out the 'Caps defense, trying to find the key to unlock it. They were also doing a pretty good job of being confident in their possession and passing. Right at the end of this period Jay DeMerit earned a yellow card for blowing up at the ref after he took down Fabian Espindola.
Then the shots started coming. Beckerman hit one just high in the 16th. Wingert got forward from his fullback position and bombed one in that didn't miss by much. Joe Cannon started to look worried in goal. In the 24th minute Jean Alexandre, playing up top because of RSL's injury and International Duty problems, got his first shot off, only to have it blocked.
Fear not though, fans of the Haitian Sensation. In the 32nd minute Kyle Beckerman slipped a nice ball in to Jean, and he slotted it home past Cannon for his first MLS goal, and gave RSL the 1-0 lead. The very next minute Tony Beltran got forward and smacked a shot in on Cannon, who made a great reaction save to keep it 1-0.
Vancouver woke up a little bit right before the half. Well, Camilo woke up a little bit. The Brazilian managed to get a couple of shots on target in the 41st and 45th minutes, but Rimando saved them both without much trouble. 1-0 RSL at the half.
Vancouver's manager obviously didn't like what he saw in the first half, so he made two subs at half time. One of them was 17 year old sensation Omar Salgado. He didn't do much, Borchers and Schuler handled him really well.
Things continued in much the same fashion for RSL. In the 52nd minute Beckerman had a shot the just squeaked over the bar, like just barely. Grabavoy had a couple of nice looks too, his first forcing a save of the week candidate out of Cannon in the 56th.
Despite a ton of pressure and a ton of shots, it started to look like RSL wasn't going to find that second goal, and you could feel Vancouver just waiting for that one mistake that would let them hit on the counter. Fabian Espindola had other ideas though. In the 79th minute he got one on one with Cannon after a great ball from Alexandre and scored in the bottom corner to give RSL the 2-0 lead. Huge goal for Fabi, as the Monterrey loss has been weighing on him a lot. Vancouver went on to force a couple of saves from Home Boy late, but nothing got in, and RSL held on for the 2-0 win.
I already talked about why RSL needed the three points, and they got the job done in all phases. Nice to see the clean sheet and the multi goal game. Vancouver is in trouble. Honestly, I think they need more than a new coach. They need Hassli to stay on the pitch, and they need Harris back from injury. They also need to sure up their defense, which was pretty awful.
Really the first 15 minutes were spent feeling people out. Most of this was RSL feeling out the 'Caps defense, trying to find the key to unlock it. They were also doing a pretty good job of being confident in their possession and passing. Right at the end of this period Jay DeMerit earned a yellow card for blowing up at the ref after he took down Fabian Espindola.
Then the shots started coming. Beckerman hit one just high in the 16th. Wingert got forward from his fullback position and bombed one in that didn't miss by much. Joe Cannon started to look worried in goal. In the 24th minute Jean Alexandre, playing up top because of RSL's injury and International Duty problems, got his first shot off, only to have it blocked.
Fear not though, fans of the Haitian Sensation. In the 32nd minute Kyle Beckerman slipped a nice ball in to Jean, and he slotted it home past Cannon for his first MLS goal, and gave RSL the 1-0 lead. The very next minute Tony Beltran got forward and smacked a shot in on Cannon, who made a great reaction save to keep it 1-0.
Vancouver woke up a little bit right before the half. Well, Camilo woke up a little bit. The Brazilian managed to get a couple of shots on target in the 41st and 45th minutes, but Rimando saved them both without much trouble. 1-0 RSL at the half.
Vancouver's manager obviously didn't like what he saw in the first half, so he made two subs at half time. One of them was 17 year old sensation Omar Salgado. He didn't do much, Borchers and Schuler handled him really well.
Things continued in much the same fashion for RSL. In the 52nd minute Beckerman had a shot the just squeaked over the bar, like just barely. Grabavoy had a couple of nice looks too, his first forcing a save of the week candidate out of Cannon in the 56th.
Despite a ton of pressure and a ton of shots, it started to look like RSL wasn't going to find that second goal, and you could feel Vancouver just waiting for that one mistake that would let them hit on the counter. Fabian Espindola had other ideas though. In the 79th minute he got one on one with Cannon after a great ball from Alexandre and scored in the bottom corner to give RSL the 2-0 lead. Huge goal for Fabi, as the Monterrey loss has been weighing on him a lot. Vancouver went on to force a couple of saves from Home Boy late, but nothing got in, and RSL held on for the 2-0 win.
I already talked about why RSL needed the three points, and they got the job done in all phases. Nice to see the clean sheet and the multi goal game. Vancouver is in trouble. Honestly, I think they need more than a new coach. They need Hassli to stay on the pitch, and they need Harris back from injury. They also need to sure up their defense, which was pretty awful.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Match Thoughts: FC Dallas vs. New England Revolution
Ok, with the first day's Gold Cup action complete, back to some thoughts on MLS. Last night I picked the FC Dallas vs New England match to watch live. I've watched quite a bit of Dallas, not so much of New England. Now I remember why. Remember a few weeks back when the Revs got the kit sponsor and signed Feilhaber and life was good? Neither do they.
Honestly the match wasn't all that enjoyable. If you're looking to catch a match on the Match Day Live archive in between Gold Cup matches, well, skip this one. The Revs looked ok early, Lekic tested Hartman early on in the 10th minute, and they played some decent central defense, shutting down some Dallas scoring chances. They couldn't really get any good looks though. Boggs took a shot from midfield in the 26th, and Joseph took another long shot that Hartman saved in the 27th, but that really was all the Revs could muster.
Dallas had about 67 percent of the first half possession and started to convert it into chances late in the first half. Castillo and Alexander both had decent looks go off target, then Brek Shea showed up. He forced a save out of Reis in the 38th, and then hit just wide from the angle as the half closed. 0-0 at the break, but Dallas had been the better team.
Dallas picked up where they left off to end the first half and the Revs just looked overmatched. Alexander had a shot blocked in the 65th, then shortly after Reis came up with a save on Castillo. Shea also shot high in the 68th, then it all came crashing down on the Revs, who had already thrown a couple of defensive subs in, playing for a 0-0 draw. Castillo got Chavez the ball on the right angle in the 69th, and he slipped it by Reis near post to give Dallas the 1-0 advantage. The Revs never threatened again, and Dallas went on to win by that margin.
Congrats to Kevin Hartman, who earned his 100th career clean sheet in MLS. Nice job from a great keeper. Dallas keeps up at the top of the West, and New England looks horrible. I'm ultimately wondering if the best thing wouldn't be to blow that team up and start over.
Honestly the match wasn't all that enjoyable. If you're looking to catch a match on the Match Day Live archive in between Gold Cup matches, well, skip this one. The Revs looked ok early, Lekic tested Hartman early on in the 10th minute, and they played some decent central defense, shutting down some Dallas scoring chances. They couldn't really get any good looks though. Boggs took a shot from midfield in the 26th, and Joseph took another long shot that Hartman saved in the 27th, but that really was all the Revs could muster.
Dallas had about 67 percent of the first half possession and started to convert it into chances late in the first half. Castillo and Alexander both had decent looks go off target, then Brek Shea showed up. He forced a save out of Reis in the 38th, and then hit just wide from the angle as the half closed. 0-0 at the break, but Dallas had been the better team.
Dallas picked up where they left off to end the first half and the Revs just looked overmatched. Alexander had a shot blocked in the 65th, then shortly after Reis came up with a save on Castillo. Shea also shot high in the 68th, then it all came crashing down on the Revs, who had already thrown a couple of defensive subs in, playing for a 0-0 draw. Castillo got Chavez the ball on the right angle in the 69th, and he slipped it by Reis near post to give Dallas the 1-0 advantage. The Revs never threatened again, and Dallas went on to win by that margin.
Congrats to Kevin Hartman, who earned his 100th career clean sheet in MLS. Nice job from a great keeper. Dallas keeps up at the top of the West, and New England looks horrible. I'm ultimately wondering if the best thing wouldn't be to blow that team up and start over.
A Few Thoughts on the USA vs. Spain Friendly
Ok, so I also watched the USA vs. Spain match. I'm confused on a number of points. First off, why schedule this match right before Gold Cup? You can't call it a tune up if you run out your B-team and they get their collective asses kicked. I'm all for saving the big guns until we start Cup play, but come on, if that's gonna be the case, schedule Bolivia or something. It can't be good for morale to take that beating right before your regional tournament kicks off. If you're gonna play the World Champions, play your best XI.
Two, don't give me this crap about how we got killed because we played the B-team. You know what? Spain had half of their B-team out there most of the time too. It wasn't David Villa that was scoring goals. Torres, as much as I hate to say it, hasn't been able to score on a bunch of school kids lately, but he scored on us. No excuses, we sucked.
Three, how are we gonna score goals? Altidore isn't the answer, sorry. Agudelo and Wondolowski looked ok, but they can't do it by themselves. The MF, which was supposed to be our strong point, got their asses handed to them. They couldn't get the ball to the forwards if they wanted to.
Fourth. Hello defense? Again, Spain, yeah I know. I heard the announcers make all the excuses. Hell ESPN could probably hear the sound of the TVs changing channels as Spain lit us up. I've seen better defense down at the City Park on Saturday morning when the second graders play. Ball Watching, no challenging anybody. Unacceptable. I hope the USA saw Costa Rica and Mexico put up big numbers tonight and get their heads straight, cause damn. Tim Ream needs to go back to Red Bulls.
Finally, why the hell is Bob Bradley still our manager? Come on. Oh ok, Landycakes was sick. Right. Just an excuse not to play him and still have it be ok when Spain wipes the floor with us. Freddy Adu? You pick him and don't play him? Come on. I'll say it again, this team has gone as far as Bradley can take it.
Let's hope we play better, or the Gold Cup is gonna be a tough ride.
Two, don't give me this crap about how we got killed because we played the B-team. You know what? Spain had half of their B-team out there most of the time too. It wasn't David Villa that was scoring goals. Torres, as much as I hate to say it, hasn't been able to score on a bunch of school kids lately, but he scored on us. No excuses, we sucked.
Three, how are we gonna score goals? Altidore isn't the answer, sorry. Agudelo and Wondolowski looked ok, but they can't do it by themselves. The MF, which was supposed to be our strong point, got their asses handed to them. They couldn't get the ball to the forwards if they wanted to.
Fourth. Hello defense? Again, Spain, yeah I know. I heard the announcers make all the excuses. Hell ESPN could probably hear the sound of the TVs changing channels as Spain lit us up. I've seen better defense down at the City Park on Saturday morning when the second graders play. Ball Watching, no challenging anybody. Unacceptable. I hope the USA saw Costa Rica and Mexico put up big numbers tonight and get their heads straight, cause damn. Tim Ream needs to go back to Red Bulls.
Finally, why the hell is Bob Bradley still our manager? Come on. Oh ok, Landycakes was sick. Right. Just an excuse not to play him and still have it be ok when Spain wipes the floor with us. Freddy Adu? You pick him and don't play him? Come on. I'll say it again, this team has gone as far as Bradley can take it.
Let's hope we play better, or the Gold Cup is gonna be a tough ride.
Gold Cup: Mexico vs. El Salvador
So in the first game of the night, we had a 5-0 thrashing by an obviously superior team. Surely El Salvador could do a little better against Mexico, right? Right?
Well it looked that way for awhile. The first half was very competitive, and one might might actually say that El Salvador was the better squad. They had some nice chances and played some pretty decent team defense. This all seemed to frustrate El Tri quite a bit. They even picked up a couple of yellow cards. Mexico also passed up some pretty good chances. Chicharito was offside more often than not, and in the 38th Guardado had probably the best chance of the half, but it hit way high right in front of goal. El Salvador had to be brimming with confidence as they headed into the half time break tied at 0-0.
Well the second half was a totally different story. Mexico stepped up big and made a huge statement. Juarez opened up the scoring in the 50th minute, then the flood gates opened. El Salvador looked like a deer in the headlights as De Nigris checked into the game and scored in the 58th.
Then it was Chicharito time. He got his first in the 60th to make 3-0, then in the 67th, he got a free header to make it 4-0. The party was on for the Mexican side. El Salvador conceded a PK in stoppage time, and Gonzalez got sent off on the play, straight red. Chicharito hit the PK in cheeky fashion to give Mexico the final 5-0 margin.
So at the end of Gold Cup day 1, the two favorites in group A got the job done. Both Mexico and Costa Rica earned 5-0 victories. Should be fun when they get together.
Well it looked that way for awhile. The first half was very competitive, and one might might actually say that El Salvador was the better squad. They had some nice chances and played some pretty decent team defense. This all seemed to frustrate El Tri quite a bit. They even picked up a couple of yellow cards. Mexico also passed up some pretty good chances. Chicharito was offside more often than not, and in the 38th Guardado had probably the best chance of the half, but it hit way high right in front of goal. El Salvador had to be brimming with confidence as they headed into the half time break tied at 0-0.
Well the second half was a totally different story. Mexico stepped up big and made a huge statement. Juarez opened up the scoring in the 50th minute, then the flood gates opened. El Salvador looked like a deer in the headlights as De Nigris checked into the game and scored in the 58th.
Then it was Chicharito time. He got his first in the 60th to make 3-0, then in the 67th, he got a free header to make it 4-0. The party was on for the Mexican side. El Salvador conceded a PK in stoppage time, and Gonzalez got sent off on the play, straight red. Chicharito hit the PK in cheeky fashion to give Mexico the final 5-0 margin.
So at the end of Gold Cup day 1, the two favorites in group A got the job done. Both Mexico and Costa Rica earned 5-0 victories. Should be fun when they get together.
Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. Cuba
The disparity between these two teams seemed evident coming in via the FIFA Rankings. Costa Rica is 56th, Cuba 81st. By the end of the day, the disparity would show on the scoreboard as well at Cowboy Stadium.
Honestly it looked like Cuba might hold their own through the opening minutes. They had some possession, but while they weren't really putting any pressure on the Costa Rican defense, they weren't giving it up to Costa Rica either. The men in red did get a couple of chances on the break, but no goals early.
Then Costa Rica got possession and you could feel the goals coming. Cuba's defense must have stayed in Havana for this one. In the 7th minute, Urena knifed through the previously mentioned poor Cuban defense, and put it past a bewildered keeper to make it 1-0 to Costa Rica.
Things didn't get any better for the Cubans throughout the rest of the first half either. The match commentary reads as one Costa Rican shot after another. In the 23rd minute RSL's Alvaro Saborio came very close, but dinked it off the post. Sabo put one in the net in the 37th, minute only to have it called back for offside. Finally Sabo got the goal in the 41st to put Costa Rica up 2-0 at the break.
Cuba must not have fancied their chances in the 2nd half, but turns out they stayed in locker room. At least their defense did. Costa Rica doubled their lead, scoring two goals in the first 2 minutes. One by Urena again, and the other by Mora to make 4-0. The Cuban keeper looked like he was gonna cry. Can't blame him, he got no help from his defense.
The goal of the match came in the 71st. Campbell, who had previously missed for Costa Rica, found himself totally unmarked on the angle. He made a gorgeous strike and put it in the corner far post to seal the victory for Costa Rica, 5-0.
All in all, pretty easy match for Costa Rica. They got their stars a nice run out and some goals. That nice goal differential could come in handy later in the tournament. From a RSL fan's perspective, it was great to see Sabo play well and score. I don't really see Cuba giving anyone any trouble in the tournament. Sorry, just calling it like I see it.
Honestly it looked like Cuba might hold their own through the opening minutes. They had some possession, but while they weren't really putting any pressure on the Costa Rican defense, they weren't giving it up to Costa Rica either. The men in red did get a couple of chances on the break, but no goals early.
Then Costa Rica got possession and you could feel the goals coming. Cuba's defense must have stayed in Havana for this one. In the 7th minute, Urena knifed through the previously mentioned poor Cuban defense, and put it past a bewildered keeper to make it 1-0 to Costa Rica.
Things didn't get any better for the Cubans throughout the rest of the first half either. The match commentary reads as one Costa Rican shot after another. In the 23rd minute RSL's Alvaro Saborio came very close, but dinked it off the post. Sabo put one in the net in the 37th, minute only to have it called back for offside. Finally Sabo got the goal in the 41st to put Costa Rica up 2-0 at the break.
Cuba must not have fancied their chances in the 2nd half, but turns out they stayed in locker room. At least their defense did. Costa Rica doubled their lead, scoring two goals in the first 2 minutes. One by Urena again, and the other by Mora to make 4-0. The Cuban keeper looked like he was gonna cry. Can't blame him, he got no help from his defense.
The goal of the match came in the 71st. Campbell, who had previously missed for Costa Rica, found himself totally unmarked on the angle. He made a gorgeous strike and put it in the corner far post to seal the victory for Costa Rica, 5-0.
All in all, pretty easy match for Costa Rica. They got their stars a nice run out and some goals. That nice goal differential could come in handy later in the tournament. From a RSL fan's perspective, it was great to see Sabo play well and score. I don't really see Cuba giving anyone any trouble in the tournament. Sorry, just calling it like I see it.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Match Blurb: Chivas USA vs. Portland Timbers
So Chivas has been playing better on the road than at home this season. Prior to tonight they'd only won once at the Home Depot Center. Portland has been the opposite, great at home but dog meat on the road. The home unbeaten streak ended last week to DC United, could the Timbers bounce back and pick up points on the road?
The game started out nice and wide open on both sides. Both teams were really looking to counter attack and it was a pretty good tactical match. Also, both teams got some shots on goal, but you really got the feeling that Chivas was having a better time of it than the Timbers. They were definitely the more confident side. They had a couple of really good chances as well. The best came right before the half as Justin Braun had a wide open header at an empty net, but put it wide, to secure the 0-0 half time score.
The second half was pretty much a carbon copy of the first. Chivas had the possession and the better chances. Portland menaced a bit from set pieces, but rarely got them on frame. They continue to look pretty horrid from open play. Jewsbury did have one really good crack, but Kennedy got hand on it to put it over the bar.
Chivas finally struck twenty minutes from time. They moved the ball up the pitch pretty much at will against an over matched Portland defense. Finally after some cheeky moves, Mondaini, aka ANKLE BREAKER, put it in the back of the net to give the Goats a 1-0 lead. That proved to be the full time result as Portland never seriously threatened.
Great win for the Goats. Robin Fraser is doing a really good job with this team, and you can see their confidence growing. On the other hand, Portland seems to be on a bit of a downer. Just a couple weeks back, during that stretch of home games, they looked invincible. Still, the glaring weaknesses were there, and they haven't been fixed. They still have a hard time playing a possession game, their defense is still shaky at best, and they can't score goals from open play. These need to be addressed. They need to stop pretending they're an elite MLS side until they can get it done on the road.
The game started out nice and wide open on both sides. Both teams were really looking to counter attack and it was a pretty good tactical match. Also, both teams got some shots on goal, but you really got the feeling that Chivas was having a better time of it than the Timbers. They were definitely the more confident side. They had a couple of really good chances as well. The best came right before the half as Justin Braun had a wide open header at an empty net, but put it wide, to secure the 0-0 half time score.
The second half was pretty much a carbon copy of the first. Chivas had the possession and the better chances. Portland menaced a bit from set pieces, but rarely got them on frame. They continue to look pretty horrid from open play. Jewsbury did have one really good crack, but Kennedy got hand on it to put it over the bar.
Chivas finally struck twenty minutes from time. They moved the ball up the pitch pretty much at will against an over matched Portland defense. Finally after some cheeky moves, Mondaini, aka ANKLE BREAKER, put it in the back of the net to give the Goats a 1-0 lead. That proved to be the full time result as Portland never seriously threatened.
Great win for the Goats. Robin Fraser is doing a really good job with this team, and you can see their confidence growing. On the other hand, Portland seems to be on a bit of a downer. Just a couple weeks back, during that stretch of home games, they looked invincible. Still, the glaring weaknesses were there, and they haven't been fixed. They still have a hard time playing a possession game, their defense is still shaky at best, and they can't score goals from open play. These need to be addressed. They need to stop pretending they're an elite MLS side until they can get it done on the road.
Friday, June 3, 2011
An American Goalkeeper in London
Fox Soccer made it official last night: American Goalkeeper Brad Friedel, formerly of Aston Villa, will ply his trade for Tottenham next season. Friedel is currently sitting on 275 straight top flight matches, a record in England.
Current Spurs' net minder Heurelho Gomes made several high profile blunders in goal down the stretch last year, inflicting damage on Tottenham's Champions League run, as well as their league form. Some speculation says that he might be linked with a return to PSV Eindhoven.
Friedel's contract expires at the end of the month so it will be a free transfer.
Current Spurs' net minder Heurelho Gomes made several high profile blunders in goal down the stretch last year, inflicting damage on Tottenham's Champions League run, as well as their league form. Some speculation says that he might be linked with a return to PSV Eindhoven.
Friedel's contract expires at the end of the month so it will be a free transfer.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Mark Hughes steps down as Fulham Manager
Sky Sports news is reporting that Fulham manager Mark Hughes has stepped down after just one year at Craven Cottage. Speculation is that he will go after the Aston Villa job, now likely vacant after Gerard Houllier's health concerns.
Stay tuned to your favorite Football sites and the Puddle as summer transfers and the coaching carousel heat up!
Stay tuned to your favorite Football sites and the Puddle as summer transfers and the coaching carousel heat up!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sam Allardyce Is the New Boss at West Ham United
Recently relegated club West Ham United announced on Tuesday that Sam Allardyce will be their new manager for the upcoming season as they push to be promoted back to the Premier League.
The Hammers fired Avram Grant immediately after their relegation last month. Rumor has it that Big Sam stands to get a big bonus if he can get the side promoted again at the first time of asking.
Allardyce was fired from Blackburn last December after the club was purchased by some chicken people. Rovers then fell down the table and were nearly relegated themselves.
The Hammers fired Avram Grant immediately after their relegation last month. Rumor has it that Big Sam stands to get a big bonus if he can get the side promoted again at the first time of asking.
Allardyce was fired from Blackburn last December after the club was purchased by some chicken people. Rovers then fell down the table and were nearly relegated themselves.
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