So last night New York Red Bulls took down FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park to become the first team to advance out of the wildcard games. They subbed in Mehdi Ballouchy in the scoen half, and he immediately made an impact, getting the ball to Joel Lindpere who slotted home the eventual game winning goal. Thierry Henry score his first career MLS Cup playoff goal deep into stoppage time to make the full time result 0-2.
Tonight the Colorado Rapids went into the Eastern Conference with a home win over the Columbus Crew at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Omar Cummings scored the game's only goal right before half time. They built on a nice effort from Brian Mullan and Sanna Nyassi, and also managed to keep Mendoza quiet and ineffective for the Crew.
So the MLS season is now over for Columbus and FC Dallas. New York Red Bulls will host the LA Galaxy in the first of a two legged series this weekend. The Rapids will host Sporting KC in the first leg of that semi final as well.
Congrats to both clubs that managed to keep their seasons alive for at least a couple more games.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Stevie Nicol Out As Manager of New England Revolution
Major League Soccer's New England Revolution announced today that they are parting with long time head coach Stevie Nicol. It is being described as a mutual agreement to part ways.
Despite a very successful career with the Revs, including 4 MLS Cup Final appearances, a US Open Cup, and a Super Liga title, Nicol has seen the team flounder the last couple of years as manager. The Revs had not made the MLS playoffs since 2009. This season they finished dead last in the Eastern Conference and tied the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps with only 28 points for the lowest total. They also won one fewer match.
That's a tough job up there in New England, and Stevie had held it for ten years. That's a record tenure as an MLS manager. His career record in MLS is 112-108-81. The 112 wins puts him fourth on the MLS all time list.
Best of luck to Mr. Nicol in the future. He's a quality manager.
Despite a very successful career with the Revs, including 4 MLS Cup Final appearances, a US Open Cup, and a Super Liga title, Nicol has seen the team flounder the last couple of years as manager. The Revs had not made the MLS playoffs since 2009. This season they finished dead last in the Eastern Conference and tied the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps with only 28 points for the lowest total. They also won one fewer match.
That's a tough job up there in New England, and Stevie had held it for ten years. That's a record tenure as an MLS manager. His career record in MLS is 112-108-81. The 112 wins puts him fourth on the MLS all time list.
Best of luck to Mr. Nicol in the future. He's a quality manager.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Mario Balotelli's "Why Always Me" T-Shirt vs. Manchester United
Photo Credit: epltalk.com (View the original here)
Mario Balotelli sporting his "Why Always Me?" shirt after putting City up 1-0 over United in the 22nd minute of Sunday's Manchester Derby. Balotelli was given a yellow card on the play for pulling his jersey over his head. No humor allowed in soccer.
At least it didn't say "John 3:16"
Mario Balotelli sporting his "Why Always Me?" shirt after putting City up 1-0 over United in the 22nd minute of Sunday's Manchester Derby. Balotelli was given a yellow card on the play for pulling his jersey over his head. No humor allowed in soccer.
At least it didn't say "John 3:16"
EPL: Queens Park Rangers vs. Chelsea
This match just drove me nuts as a Chelsea fan. A stupid penalty, two idiotic red cards, and a whole bunch of yellows. Oh, and a loss on a day where we could have picked up points and moved to second.
While the sides were even on men, Chelsea were definitely the better side. They were zeroing in on the goal, meanwhile QPR was hardly seeing anything of the ball.
However the house started to come down at Loftus Road in the 8th minute. David Luiz pushed Heidar Helguson in the box, with his back to the goal. In a somewhat delayed reaction, the QPR man fell on the floor and the ref awarded a PK, which Helguson himself barely managed to get out of reach of Petr Cech to make it 1-0 to QPR. Yes, Luiz gave him a little shove. Certainly not enough to knock him over. If it was, he's a wimp. Not to mention seconds before he was pushing on Luiz. A soft penalty if there ever was such a thing.
It would be the game's only goal.
Chelsea made their situation steadily worse. In the 32nd minute Bosingwa brought down Shaun Wright-Phillips. He was judged to be the last man. Bosingwa saw red and was sent off. Personally, I thought John Terry was also in the play, but the ref disagreed.
Then Didier Drogba got himself sent off a few minutes before half time with a stupid two footed tackle. Not blaming the ref for this one at all, just a dumb move by Drogba.
Chelsea played the entire second half down to NINE men. Despite this, they had the best chances and were still clearly the better side. Anelka had a couple of really good looks and both Lampard and Luiz had penalty appeals turned down, each of which I thought were at least as legit as the softer than soft one QPR got.
QPR went on to win 1-0. I'm not going to blame the ref. He doesn't kick the ball, and Chelsea had plenty of chances. Still, Foy was obviously card happy and seemed bound and determined to play a lead role in today's match. Unfortunately in the end it was the lack of discipline that undid the Blues.
While the sides were even on men, Chelsea were definitely the better side. They were zeroing in on the goal, meanwhile QPR was hardly seeing anything of the ball.
However the house started to come down at Loftus Road in the 8th minute. David Luiz pushed Heidar Helguson in the box, with his back to the goal. In a somewhat delayed reaction, the QPR man fell on the floor and the ref awarded a PK, which Helguson himself barely managed to get out of reach of Petr Cech to make it 1-0 to QPR. Yes, Luiz gave him a little shove. Certainly not enough to knock him over. If it was, he's a wimp. Not to mention seconds before he was pushing on Luiz. A soft penalty if there ever was such a thing.
It would be the game's only goal.
Chelsea made their situation steadily worse. In the 32nd minute Bosingwa brought down Shaun Wright-Phillips. He was judged to be the last man. Bosingwa saw red and was sent off. Personally, I thought John Terry was also in the play, but the ref disagreed.
Then Didier Drogba got himself sent off a few minutes before half time with a stupid two footed tackle. Not blaming the ref for this one at all, just a dumb move by Drogba.
Chelsea played the entire second half down to NINE men. Despite this, they had the best chances and were still clearly the better side. Anelka had a couple of really good looks and both Lampard and Luiz had penalty appeals turned down, each of which I thought were at least as legit as the softer than soft one QPR got.
QPR went on to win 1-0. I'm not going to blame the ref. He doesn't kick the ball, and Chelsea had plenty of chances. Still, Foy was obviously card happy and seemed bound and determined to play a lead role in today's match. Unfortunately in the end it was the lack of discipline that undid the Blues.
EPL: Manchester United vs. Manchester City
Well, if you've ever wanted to see United totally get their butts kicked at Old Trafford, then I hope you caught this derby today. Personally, I pretty much never pull for either of these sides, but as the match wore on, I kept pulling for City to keep pouring it on and give United a bit of their own medicine.
Things didn't start out bad for the Red Devils though. In fact they controlled the possession for a good bit of the opening half. What they weren't doing though is creating any chances. Joe Hart wasn't quite able to pull out a deck chair, as the action was in his half, but United seemed to be having trouble breaking down City's defenses. The only half chance they got came in the 17th minute, but Ashley Young saw his shot blocked.
Then City climbed into the match. Actually I'd say they put everybody on notice. In the 22nd minute James Milner sent a cross into Mario Balotelli. The somewhat troubled Italian striker slotted it past David De Gea cool as you like in the bottom corner to give City the 1-0 lead. Balotelli promptly pulled up his shirt to reveal a T Shirt that read "Why Always Me?" It was hilarious. The referee didn't fins it funny though and gave Balotelli a yellow card.
Now it was time to see if the strike would wake up the Red Devils. It didn't really. They tried, a little. Both Anderson and Rooney forced saves out of Joe Hart before half time, but neither of them were particularly difficult, at City lead 1-0 at the break.
Whatever Sir Alex said to his club during the interval was tossed out the window almost immediately in the second half. In the 47th minute Johnny Evans hauled down Mario Balotelli around the penalty arc denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. He received the red card and put United down a goal and a man. Thirteen minutes later Balotelli completed his brace, flicking home yet another beautiful ball from Milner to make it 0-2. Then in the 69th Sergio Aguero got his first derby goal off another cross to make it 0-3, and that looked to be all she wrote,
Well, not so fast. United did manage a goal here. Darren Fletcher managed to beat Joe Hart in the 81st minute to make it 1-3. Chicharito checked in and the United crowd came to life, hoping for another historic comeback.
Well it wasn't to be today. In fact, after the Fletcher goal, United fell completely apart. City would pour on not 1, not 2, but three goals in the remaining minutes. Dzeko scored 2 after subbing in and David Silva added one to make the final tally 1-6 in favor of City.
How historic was this? Well, It was the worst home loss for United in 80 years. It was their worst loss in the Premier League era, and was the worst loss ever for Sir Alex either as a player or manager.
Noisy Neighbors indeed.
Things didn't start out bad for the Red Devils though. In fact they controlled the possession for a good bit of the opening half. What they weren't doing though is creating any chances. Joe Hart wasn't quite able to pull out a deck chair, as the action was in his half, but United seemed to be having trouble breaking down City's defenses. The only half chance they got came in the 17th minute, but Ashley Young saw his shot blocked.
Then City climbed into the match. Actually I'd say they put everybody on notice. In the 22nd minute James Milner sent a cross into Mario Balotelli. The somewhat troubled Italian striker slotted it past David De Gea cool as you like in the bottom corner to give City the 1-0 lead. Balotelli promptly pulled up his shirt to reveal a T Shirt that read "Why Always Me?" It was hilarious. The referee didn't fins it funny though and gave Balotelli a yellow card.
Now it was time to see if the strike would wake up the Red Devils. It didn't really. They tried, a little. Both Anderson and Rooney forced saves out of Joe Hart before half time, but neither of them were particularly difficult, at City lead 1-0 at the break.
Whatever Sir Alex said to his club during the interval was tossed out the window almost immediately in the second half. In the 47th minute Johnny Evans hauled down Mario Balotelli around the penalty arc denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. He received the red card and put United down a goal and a man. Thirteen minutes later Balotelli completed his brace, flicking home yet another beautiful ball from Milner to make it 0-2. Then in the 69th Sergio Aguero got his first derby goal off another cross to make it 0-3, and that looked to be all she wrote,
Well, not so fast. United did manage a goal here. Darren Fletcher managed to beat Joe Hart in the 81st minute to make it 1-3. Chicharito checked in and the United crowd came to life, hoping for another historic comeback.
Well it wasn't to be today. In fact, after the Fletcher goal, United fell completely apart. City would pour on not 1, not 2, but three goals in the remaining minutes. Dzeko scored 2 after subbing in and David Silva added one to make the final tally 1-6 in favor of City.
How historic was this? Well, It was the worst home loss for United in 80 years. It was their worst loss in the Premier League era, and was the worst loss ever for Sir Alex either as a player or manager.
Noisy Neighbors indeed.
A League Action: Adelaide United vs Sydney FC
Coming into this one at Hindmarsh Sydney FC had yet to score a goal on the new A League campaign. I guess you'd have to forgive Adelaide if they thought they were going to have it easy in front of a great crowd at their home ground. However, it didn't quite turn out that way.
Sydney was really the better side from the opening whistle. You could tell by the the crisp way they moved the ball that they were coming out in a positive frame of mind and were determined to give the Reds all they could handle. Brett Emerton seemed to be playing a more important role and was settling in a bit, which should please Sydney fans. He forced a save from Galekovic in the 8th minute, and Bruno Cazarine hit the post in the 13th, preventing Sydney from taking a deserved lead.
Then in the 29th minute, a defensive blunder cost Sydney dearly. During some scrambling in the Sydney penalty area, defender Michael Beauchamp tried to chest the ball down so he could clear it from in front of his own net. However, his touch was poor and the ball bounced off him right to the waiting personage of Dario Vidosic who emphatically slammed it into the net giving Adelaide a 1-0 lead.
Sydney had two more nice chances before the half. Terry Antonis forced Galekovic into a point blank savw in the 36th minute, and then in the 43rd Nick Carle watched his strike hit the crossbar. Antonis got the rebound for a followup shot but once again Galekovic stoned him, preserving the 1-0 Adelaide lead at half time.
The second half was pretty much all Syndey. Adelaide seemed to really go into some kind of funk, even in front of their own fans. In the 60th minute Jamie Coyne lashed a golazo into the roof of the Adelaide net to tie the match at 1-1. As good as Galekovic had been in goal, he had no shot at it.
In the 82nd minute Nick Carle got the goal that gave Syndey the three points that they richly deserved. Driving into the Adelaide area, the Syndey midfielder slotted a shot through the legs of Galekovic to make it 1-2 to Sydney. Adelaide never really threatened in the closing minutes, and that was our final score.
Sydney really put it all together in this one. They did have a scare in the second half as Emerton pulled up lame and subbed out, but the bench said it was just a severe case of cramps.
Sydney was really the better side from the opening whistle. You could tell by the the crisp way they moved the ball that they were coming out in a positive frame of mind and were determined to give the Reds all they could handle. Brett Emerton seemed to be playing a more important role and was settling in a bit, which should please Sydney fans. He forced a save from Galekovic in the 8th minute, and Bruno Cazarine hit the post in the 13th, preventing Sydney from taking a deserved lead.
Then in the 29th minute, a defensive blunder cost Sydney dearly. During some scrambling in the Sydney penalty area, defender Michael Beauchamp tried to chest the ball down so he could clear it from in front of his own net. However, his touch was poor and the ball bounced off him right to the waiting personage of Dario Vidosic who emphatically slammed it into the net giving Adelaide a 1-0 lead.
Sydney had two more nice chances before the half. Terry Antonis forced Galekovic into a point blank savw in the 36th minute, and then in the 43rd Nick Carle watched his strike hit the crossbar. Antonis got the rebound for a followup shot but once again Galekovic stoned him, preserving the 1-0 Adelaide lead at half time.
The second half was pretty much all Syndey. Adelaide seemed to really go into some kind of funk, even in front of their own fans. In the 60th minute Jamie Coyne lashed a golazo into the roof of the Adelaide net to tie the match at 1-1. As good as Galekovic had been in goal, he had no shot at it.
In the 82nd minute Nick Carle got the goal that gave Syndey the three points that they richly deserved. Driving into the Adelaide area, the Syndey midfielder slotted a shot through the legs of Galekovic to make it 1-2 to Sydney. Adelaide never really threatened in the closing minutes, and that was our final score.
Sydney really put it all together in this one. They did have a scare in the second half as Emerton pulled up lame and subbed out, but the bench said it was just a severe case of cramps.
Match Thoughts: Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers
I'm not going to pretend that I didn't have a good time last night, it would have been perfect except for that last minute Portland equalizer. Before I get to the match, I just want to say how awesome it was having Timbers Army in the house at the RioT. That might sound weird coming from an RSL fan, but the way those guys party is the class of the league. More people in our section spent more time bitching about how the Timbers fans were obnoxious than they did watching the match, which is horribly lame. Those are football fans, people. The atmosphere in our section at Rio Tinto is more like that of a golf tournament. We did have some Timbers fans sitting next to us that were guests of some of the other season ticket holders in our section. I tried to join in the Tetris dance/chant, but failed.
As for the match itself, for the most part it was the Real Salt Lake that most of us have been hoping to see again for weeks, particularly in the first half. We controlled the ball and created quite a few chances. You can't underestimate how important having Javi Morales back in the midfield is. He directly orchestrated more than a few of the chances.
RSL took the lead right before half time in cheeky style. Fabian Espindola, who played like a beast all night, sent in a gorgeous long ball that found Alvaro Saborio slipping in behind a ball watching Portland defense. He lobbed the ball over Troy Perkins and into the net to give RSL the lead at the half, 1-0.
Portland came out and got in RSL's face a little in the second haalf, and I think it threw us off a bit. Nick Rimando had to knock a way a distance shot from Eric Alexander as soon as the 47th minute.
Then it looked like Portland was sure to equalize in the 55th minute as Wingert conceded a PK for a handball in the box. Many people in our section were upset about it. It was a handball, not intentional, but a handball. I've seen PKs given for less, and I think it was justified, then again, I try not to be too much of a homer. Portland captain Jack Jewsbury stepped up, but knocked the spot kick off the crossbar and into the crowd. Oops.
Potland did find their equalizer in the 90th minute though. RSL really had their only lapse at the back all evening, and Portland took advantage on the break. Brian Umony sent a ball into a pretty much unoccupied RSL 18 and Futty Danso headed it in. Too many people forward for RSL. They should have just controlled the ball at the end and not pushed as much. Instead, they gave Portland the one chance they needed and the Timbers took it. The match finished at 1-1.
RSL will be the third seed in the West following FC Dallas' loss at San Jose later Saturday night. They will begin a 2 legged series against the Seattle Sounders next Saturday night at Rio Tinto. Portland was eliminated from the playoffs prior to the match.
As for the match itself, for the most part it was the Real Salt Lake that most of us have been hoping to see again for weeks, particularly in the first half. We controlled the ball and created quite a few chances. You can't underestimate how important having Javi Morales back in the midfield is. He directly orchestrated more than a few of the chances.
RSL took the lead right before half time in cheeky style. Fabian Espindola, who played like a beast all night, sent in a gorgeous long ball that found Alvaro Saborio slipping in behind a ball watching Portland defense. He lobbed the ball over Troy Perkins and into the net to give RSL the lead at the half, 1-0.
Portland came out and got in RSL's face a little in the second haalf, and I think it threw us off a bit. Nick Rimando had to knock a way a distance shot from Eric Alexander as soon as the 47th minute.
Then it looked like Portland was sure to equalize in the 55th minute as Wingert conceded a PK for a handball in the box. Many people in our section were upset about it. It was a handball, not intentional, but a handball. I've seen PKs given for less, and I think it was justified, then again, I try not to be too much of a homer. Portland captain Jack Jewsbury stepped up, but knocked the spot kick off the crossbar and into the crowd. Oops.
Potland did find their equalizer in the 90th minute though. RSL really had their only lapse at the back all evening, and Portland took advantage on the break. Brian Umony sent a ball into a pretty much unoccupied RSL 18 and Futty Danso headed it in. Too many people forward for RSL. They should have just controlled the ball at the end and not pushed as much. Instead, they gave Portland the one chance they needed and the Timbers took it. The match finished at 1-1.
RSL will be the third seed in the West following FC Dallas' loss at San Jose later Saturday night. They will begin a 2 legged series against the Seattle Sounders next Saturday night at Rio Tinto. Portland was eliminated from the playoffs prior to the match.
Friday, October 21, 2011
On Why MLS Fans Should Also Be A League Fans.
I don't write much pure opinion on this blog, but for this, I'm going to give it a shot. There are parallels and potential connections between Major League Soccer and the Hyundai A League, and I'm very passionate about both. I'm not very familiar with Australia, it's culture, and the wonderful people who live there, but I am very familiar with the American sports fans and the American footy fan, and that's why I'm going to advocate MLS fans giving the A League a shot.
1. For MLS fans, looking at the A League is like looking back at the not so distant past of MLS.
Right now the Hyundai A League is beginning it's 7th season of play. MLS is finishing it's 15th season. Sure, right now MLS has been having a bit of a boom, with new teams coming in and new TV contracts. If we think back just a few years though, we see that MLS had some clubs going through some rough patches and the league was having a hard time drawing fans.
I think the A League is a bit ahead of that pace. At the end of last season, they unfortunately lost the North Queensland Fury. However they've also added the Melbourne Heart (now in their second season), creating a great derby between the two Melbourne clubs. The crowds at the stadiums and the buzz around the clubs in increasing as well, which will help generate the revenue the Clubs need to keep at it and keep growing.
2. The similar standard of play.
Sure, the A League isn't the EPL. Well, neither is MLS by any stretch. Both of these leagues are still growing in this regard. While MLS seems to be a bit more physical than the A League, sometimes I see a bit more of a technical game in the A League. One thing is for sure, I rarely finish watching an A League match and think I've wasted my time as a football fan. I'm certainly not an expert, but as a hardcore footy fan, I enjoy watching the A League, and I think other MLS fans would as well.
3. Connections between the two leagues could open more markets for players from both countries.
While both the USA (Dempsey) and Australia (Tim Cahill) have high profile players in the European leagues, I think having a relationship between MLS and the A League could give players from both countries chances to diversify their games and get exposure in different markets. I'd love to see players going back and forth in future. Heck, Fred already has. I highly doubt most MLS fans know that Fred was a playmaker for the Victory before coming to MLS. Where did he go after leaving DC United? He went back to Melbourne to be the Captain for the Heart.
So, in the end, I know this isn't riveting analysis. However, as an MLS fan, I enjoy the A League and I'd like to spread the word to other American footy fans. Now if I could just get World Soccer Shop to carry the Victory kit and scarf........
1. For MLS fans, looking at the A League is like looking back at the not so distant past of MLS.
Right now the Hyundai A League is beginning it's 7th season of play. MLS is finishing it's 15th season. Sure, right now MLS has been having a bit of a boom, with new teams coming in and new TV contracts. If we think back just a few years though, we see that MLS had some clubs going through some rough patches and the league was having a hard time drawing fans.
I think the A League is a bit ahead of that pace. At the end of last season, they unfortunately lost the North Queensland Fury. However they've also added the Melbourne Heart (now in their second season), creating a great derby between the two Melbourne clubs. The crowds at the stadiums and the buzz around the clubs in increasing as well, which will help generate the revenue the Clubs need to keep at it and keep growing.
2. The similar standard of play.
Sure, the A League isn't the EPL. Well, neither is MLS by any stretch. Both of these leagues are still growing in this regard. While MLS seems to be a bit more physical than the A League, sometimes I see a bit more of a technical game in the A League. One thing is for sure, I rarely finish watching an A League match and think I've wasted my time as a football fan. I'm certainly not an expert, but as a hardcore footy fan, I enjoy watching the A League, and I think other MLS fans would as well.
3. Connections between the two leagues could open more markets for players from both countries.
While both the USA (Dempsey) and Australia (Tim Cahill) have high profile players in the European leagues, I think having a relationship between MLS and the A League could give players from both countries chances to diversify their games and get exposure in different markets. I'd love to see players going back and forth in future. Heck, Fred already has. I highly doubt most MLS fans know that Fred was a playmaker for the Victory before coming to MLS. Where did he go after leaving DC United? He went back to Melbourne to be the Captain for the Heart.
So, in the end, I know this isn't riveting analysis. However, as an MLS fan, I enjoy the A League and I'd like to spread the word to other American footy fans. Now if I could just get World Soccer Shop to carry the Victory kit and scarf........
Philadelphia Union's Disallowed Goal vs. NY Red Bulls (10/20/11)
YOU MAKE THE CALL:
I don't know, footy fans, what do YOU think?
At issue:
Did the ball strike Valdes' head? If it didn't, did he impede Rost from making a play? Was Valdes actually offside in the first place?
I don't know, footy fans, what do YOU think?
At issue:
Did the ball strike Valdes' head? If it didn't, did he impede Rost from making a play? Was Valdes actually offside in the first place?
Match Thoughts: New York Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union.
Well, there's no WAY a match where the New York Red Bulls are fighting for their playoff lives could be boring, right? The task going into the match tonight was simple: win and you're in. Heck, even draw and you're probably in. Had they had a draw, the only way they could still fall out of the playoffs would have been for Portland to utterly destroy RSL to make up goal differential.
Of course, the Red Bulls were having to play this match without Thierry Henry. The Frenchman picked up a red card against Sporting KC last week and was ineligible to help his team tonight.
The Red Bulls got their goal early. In the 7th minute, Dane Richards hit a header off of a Jan Gunnar Solli cross off the post, but it bounced off the back of Philly 'keeper Faryd Mondragon and into the goal. It was offically credited as a Philly own goal, but NY had the 1-0 lead. Surely Mondragon's back broke the hearts of Timbers fans tonight.
New York bunkered in for defense after that, and you can't blame them. The Union did get a couple of chances though. Danny Mwanga smacked a shot just off target shortly after half time. In the 67th minute, Philly put the ball in the back of the net. Le Toux sent in a free kick that appeared to be headed in by Carlos Valdes, however, he was ruled offside. The replays aren't really clear cut. To me it looked like it went straight in and didn't go off of Valdes' head. Plus I don't really think he was off. I would have to say the Union got screwed a little.
That being said the Red Bulls wasted two great chances to score in the second half. In the 52nd minute Tim Ream, who I love to hate, had a total sitter for a goal off of a corner and somehow headed it wide. Why do we think he's so great again? In the 58th minute Luke Rodgers came flying in and struck a Mondragon rebound at point blank range, but somehow hit it over the bar. I bet he makes that 98 out of 100 times. Wow.
In the end, the Union couldn't muster the equalizer and the Red Bulls hung on to win 1-0. The result gives them the 10th and final playoff spot in MLS. It also leaves the Portland Timbers out in the cold. The Union could finish anywhere from 1st to 4th in the East, though the scenarios for them finishing 1st are all real long shots.
Of course, the Red Bulls were having to play this match without Thierry Henry. The Frenchman picked up a red card against Sporting KC last week and was ineligible to help his team tonight.
The Red Bulls got their goal early. In the 7th minute, Dane Richards hit a header off of a Jan Gunnar Solli cross off the post, but it bounced off the back of Philly 'keeper Faryd Mondragon and into the goal. It was offically credited as a Philly own goal, but NY had the 1-0 lead. Surely Mondragon's back broke the hearts of Timbers fans tonight.
New York bunkered in for defense after that, and you can't blame them. The Union did get a couple of chances though. Danny Mwanga smacked a shot just off target shortly after half time. In the 67th minute, Philly put the ball in the back of the net. Le Toux sent in a free kick that appeared to be headed in by Carlos Valdes, however, he was ruled offside. The replays aren't really clear cut. To me it looked like it went straight in and didn't go off of Valdes' head. Plus I don't really think he was off. I would have to say the Union got screwed a little.
That being said the Red Bulls wasted two great chances to score in the second half. In the 52nd minute Tim Ream, who I love to hate, had a total sitter for a goal off of a corner and somehow headed it wide. Why do we think he's so great again? In the 58th minute Luke Rodgers came flying in and struck a Mondragon rebound at point blank range, but somehow hit it over the bar. I bet he makes that 98 out of 100 times. Wow.
In the end, the Union couldn't muster the equalizer and the Red Bulls hung on to win 1-0. The result gives them the 10th and final playoff spot in MLS. It also leaves the Portland Timbers out in the cold. The Union could finish anywhere from 1st to 4th in the East, though the scenarios for them finishing 1st are all real long shots.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
UCL: Barcelona vs. Viktoria Plzen
Every time I sit down to an entry about Barcelona, I find myself pretty much unable to come up with anything that I haven't said before. I'm not a Barca supporter by any stretch, in fact I prefer Real Madrid in La Liga, but I can't deny that Barca play some of the most entertaining and attractive football out there.
A lot of folks thought this match was going to be a goal fest for the European champs. It really wasn't though. Viktoria Plzen, the Czech camps, were obviously outgunned and outclassed, but they really did the best they could and did a decent job of containing Barca. To that end, they basically camped two rows of four in and immediately in front of their penalty area.
It took some doing for Barca to break this down, but they did. Honestly, when you have guys like Messi and Iniesta, you've got a pretty good shot against any defense. In the 10 minute, these two combined on some glorious 1-2 play, and Iniesta finished the move with some fancy skill work to get around the last defender and slot home the goal to make it 1-0.
Play continued in much the same manner in the second half. Barca had many chances, but most often couldn't get the final ball. Messi himself hit the post twice. David Villa scored the second goal in the 82 minute, pounding home a loose ball to give Barca the 2-0 win.
At one point in the match, Messi went down with a knock after a hit. However, he was treated on the pitch and continued in the match. Plzen did not register a single official shot in the match.
A lot of folks thought this match was going to be a goal fest for the European champs. It really wasn't though. Viktoria Plzen, the Czech camps, were obviously outgunned and outclassed, but they really did the best they could and did a decent job of containing Barca. To that end, they basically camped two rows of four in and immediately in front of their penalty area.
It took some doing for Barca to break this down, but they did. Honestly, when you have guys like Messi and Iniesta, you've got a pretty good shot against any defense. In the 10 minute, these two combined on some glorious 1-2 play, and Iniesta finished the move with some fancy skill work to get around the last defender and slot home the goal to make it 1-0.
Play continued in much the same manner in the second half. Barca had many chances, but most often couldn't get the final ball. Messi himself hit the post twice. David Villa scored the second goal in the 82 minute, pounding home a loose ball to give Barca the 2-0 win.
At one point in the match, Messi went down with a knock after a hit. However, he was treated on the pitch and continued in the match. Plzen did not register a single official shot in the match.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
UCL: Otelul Galati vs. Manchester United
Well if you thought Manchester United was just going to have a nice little vacation in Romania and come out with an easy three points, you were wrong. United could have really used an easy three points though. They've only taken two points from their opening two group games, and they have the Manchester derby coming up this weekend.
Otelul Galati had some other ideas though. Before the match they were saying all the "we're just happy to be here" type stuff, including comments about how they just hope they didn't get humiliated by the English giants.
United certainly had the lion's share of possession throughout the game. However more often than not they just seemed to walk their way through the match. Looking forward to Sunday maybe? Galati had a couple of chances in the first half that should have woken them up. Vidic turned the ball over in his own end in the 12th minute, and the 'keeper barely managed to keep Punosevac's shot out. The Galati attacker got a similar chance three minutes later, but this shot rolled harmlessly into the 'keeper's hands.
United had a couple of half chances, but nothing came of them and we went to half time at 0-0.
If the first half was uneventful, the referee decided the second half would not be, even if he had to do something about it himself. He handed out four yellow cards in the first 16 minutes, three to Galati and one to United. Then he pointed to the spot in the 63rd.
It was a deserved PK though. Galati captain Costin stuck his arm out and deflected a cross coming in from Hernandez in the 18. He received another yellow as well as the penalty call. Rooney nailed the PK and put United up 0-1.
Things got tense again just a few minutes later when the ref handed out his first red card of the match. Vidic went in on a flying tackle as a Galati player countered and earned the sending off. I thought it was just a yellow. However, the Fox Soccer crew pointed out after the match that Vidic did have both feet off the ground, which probably entered into the the ref's choice.
The red card count was leveled in the 89th minute though. Perendija received his second yellow for Galati and earned a trip to the locker room. Then just a few minutes later, Rooney was tripped up in the box and awarded a second PK. He drilled it home once again in stoppage time to seal the 0-2 win for United.
Otelul Galati had some other ideas though. Before the match they were saying all the "we're just happy to be here" type stuff, including comments about how they just hope they didn't get humiliated by the English giants.
United certainly had the lion's share of possession throughout the game. However more often than not they just seemed to walk their way through the match. Looking forward to Sunday maybe? Galati had a couple of chances in the first half that should have woken them up. Vidic turned the ball over in his own end in the 12th minute, and the 'keeper barely managed to keep Punosevac's shot out. The Galati attacker got a similar chance three minutes later, but this shot rolled harmlessly into the 'keeper's hands.
United had a couple of half chances, but nothing came of them and we went to half time at 0-0.
If the first half was uneventful, the referee decided the second half would not be, even if he had to do something about it himself. He handed out four yellow cards in the first 16 minutes, three to Galati and one to United. Then he pointed to the spot in the 63rd.
It was a deserved PK though. Galati captain Costin stuck his arm out and deflected a cross coming in from Hernandez in the 18. He received another yellow as well as the penalty call. Rooney nailed the PK and put United up 0-1.
Things got tense again just a few minutes later when the ref handed out his first red card of the match. Vidic went in on a flying tackle as a Galati player countered and earned the sending off. I thought it was just a yellow. However, the Fox Soccer crew pointed out after the match that Vidic did have both feet off the ground, which probably entered into the the ref's choice.
The red card count was leveled in the 89th minute though. Perendija received his second yellow for Galati and earned a trip to the locker room. Then just a few minutes later, Rooney was tripped up in the box and awarded a second PK. He drilled it home once again in stoppage time to seal the 0-2 win for United.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Heart Captain and Former MLSer Fred to Miss Melbourne Derby
The Herald Sun is reporting that Melbourne Heart captain Fred will miss this weekend's Melbourne Derby due to injury. Fred injured his hamstring in the first half of last weekend's 1-2 loss to Perth Glory.
MLS fans will be interested because of Fred's MLS career with DC United and the Philadelphia Union. What they may not be aware of is the fact that before coming to MLS,he was a play maker for the Melbourne Victory, notching 4 assists in the 2007 A-League Grand Final. Needless to say, with his history with the Victory, it would have been interesting to see him on the pitch this weekend.
Melbourne Victory captain Adrian Liejer will also miss the derby after picking up a red card (via two yellows) in last week's match with Adelaide.
MLS fans will be interested because of Fred's MLS career with DC United and the Philadelphia Union. What they may not be aware of is the fact that before coming to MLS,he was a play maker for the Melbourne Victory, notching 4 assists in the 2007 A-League Grand Final. Needless to say, with his history with the Victory, it would have been interesting to see him on the pitch this weekend.
Melbourne Victory captain Adrian Liejer will also miss the derby after picking up a red card (via two yellows) in last week's match with Adelaide.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
EPL: Chelseas vs. Everton
Us Chelsea fans have learned to not to expect too much when the Toffees coming calling to Stamford Bridge. After all, Chelsea had failed to beat Everton at home in the last 6, with the last 5 being draws. Still after the beat down of Bolton before the international break, we were hoping for something different this year.
In the early moments, it looked like it might be as it usually is between these teams. Everton tried to carve out some chances, and despite Chelsea's edge in possession, the Toffees looked to be by far the more dangerous team. Everton was doing a good job utilizing the counter attack. Saha had one good chance that was saved by Peter Cech, and Marouane Fellaini nearly put Everton on top in the 21st minute with some nifty moves in the 18, but John Obi Mikel managed to poke a foot in at the last second and force the corner.
Chelsea finally capitalized on their possession in the 31st minute with a nice build up to a goal. Juan Mata played a beautiful ball into to Ashley Cole who flicked it over to the onrunning Daniel Sturridge, who headed it in to give Chelsea the 1-0 lead. The goal put Everton back on their heels a little bit, and the Blues tacked on another goal before the half, as John Terry got his head on a Lampard free kick and totally destroyed Tim Howard, rippling the back of the net and making it 2-0 Chelsea at the half.
The second half was more possession for Chelsea. Everton fought hard to try to claw back into the match, but the Blues were not to be brought down this time. In the 61st minute Mata triggered another beautiful passage of play for Chelsea, finding Drogba, who put in a cross to Ramires, who put it home to make it 3-0. Unfortunately, it looked as though Ramires injured himself on the play and was subbed out shortly after.
Everton got a consolation goal from Apostolos Vellios in the 81st minute, but that was about the only positive for the Toffees, who fell 3-1 at full time. They continue to slog through their difficult October fixture list.
These two teams will meet again shortly in the next round of the Carling Cup.
In the early moments, it looked like it might be as it usually is between these teams. Everton tried to carve out some chances, and despite Chelsea's edge in possession, the Toffees looked to be by far the more dangerous team. Everton was doing a good job utilizing the counter attack. Saha had one good chance that was saved by Peter Cech, and Marouane Fellaini nearly put Everton on top in the 21st minute with some nifty moves in the 18, but John Obi Mikel managed to poke a foot in at the last second and force the corner.
Chelsea finally capitalized on their possession in the 31st minute with a nice build up to a goal. Juan Mata played a beautiful ball into to Ashley Cole who flicked it over to the onrunning Daniel Sturridge, who headed it in to give Chelsea the 1-0 lead. The goal put Everton back on their heels a little bit, and the Blues tacked on another goal before the half, as John Terry got his head on a Lampard free kick and totally destroyed Tim Howard, rippling the back of the net and making it 2-0 Chelsea at the half.
The second half was more possession for Chelsea. Everton fought hard to try to claw back into the match, but the Blues were not to be brought down this time. In the 61st minute Mata triggered another beautiful passage of play for Chelsea, finding Drogba, who put in a cross to Ramires, who put it home to make it 3-0. Unfortunately, it looked as though Ramires injured himself on the play and was subbed out shortly after.
Everton got a consolation goal from Apostolos Vellios in the 81st minute, but that was about the only positive for the Toffees, who fell 3-1 at full time. They continue to slog through their difficult October fixture list.
These two teams will meet again shortly in the next round of the Carling Cup.
A League Action: Central Coast Mariners vs. Gold Coast United
I have to admit that the coolest thing about this match to me was seeing another pretty good sized crowd at an A League match. I've said before in my blog and tweets that the A League reminds me a lot of MLS, albeit a little bit younger. I think the league and the clubs are really going about it the right way. Fox Soccer here in the USA plays at least one game live every week and then usually replays it once or twice later. That's good because it catches hardcore footy fans like myself in the USA that can contribute as well.
I had to watch this one on the interwebs though, lol.
It was a fairly entertaining match to watch, especially being only two weeks into the new season. Both sides had some pretty good chances in the opening half. For Central Coast Matt Simon took a nice ball from Pellegrino on 9 minutes, but had his driven shot saved by Glen Moss in goal for Gold Coast.
A little later Gold Coast had their best chance of the half when James Brown sliced a ball in that somehow found it's way to the foot of Ben Halloran. Unfortunately for Gold Coast, he hit the shot high and we went to the interval at 0-0.
James Brown showed up again for Gold Coast just a couple of minutes into the second half. He's been doing pretty well for himself. Last week he had the A League goal of the week in rescuing a draw against Wellington Phoenix. This week he banged a shot in from just inside the area in the 47th minute to give Gold Coast the lead.
Central Coast was guilty of looking perhaps a little lethargic at times, but in the end they showed their colors and came back. In the 87th minute, Captain Patrick Zwaanswijk headed home a goal to earn the late draw.
Not the best match from either side, but all in all some pretty decent football to stay up late and watch. It's nice to have the A League back.
I had to watch this one on the interwebs though, lol.
It was a fairly entertaining match to watch, especially being only two weeks into the new season. Both sides had some pretty good chances in the opening half. For Central Coast Matt Simon took a nice ball from Pellegrino on 9 minutes, but had his driven shot saved by Glen Moss in goal for Gold Coast.
A little later Gold Coast had their best chance of the half when James Brown sliced a ball in that somehow found it's way to the foot of Ben Halloran. Unfortunately for Gold Coast, he hit the shot high and we went to the interval at 0-0.
James Brown showed up again for Gold Coast just a couple of minutes into the second half. He's been doing pretty well for himself. Last week he had the A League goal of the week in rescuing a draw against Wellington Phoenix. This week he banged a shot in from just inside the area in the 47th minute to give Gold Coast the lead.
Central Coast was guilty of looking perhaps a little lethargic at times, but in the end they showed their colors and came back. In the 87th minute, Captain Patrick Zwaanswijk headed home a goal to earn the late draw.
Not the best match from either side, but all in all some pretty decent football to stay up late and watch. It's nice to have the A League back.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Match Thoughts: Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake.
Once again this year, as the cool breeze and chill of autumn descends over the mountain west, two heated rivals clashed in Commerce City to determine who would take the Rocky Mountain Cup home for the next year. Let's face it, neither Colorado or RSL have had the season they wanted this year. Both will most likely be in the playoffs, but this is a chance for silverware.
RSL led the cup tie 1-0 coming by virtue of a late winner earlier this season in SLC. All they had to do to win the cup was keep the Rapids out of the back of the net. it was tough at times, but they managed. Barely.
It was a physical match, as this derby always is. RSL picked up four yellows and Colorado had one. One of the talking points came in the 28th minute, as Rimando looked to bring down Nyassi in the box. Referee Guzman wasn't buying though, and no PK was given on the play. I don't think it was, but then again, I'm biased. I'm sure Rapids fans feel differently.
RSL had a couple of chances in the second half, most notably by Javi Morales. Still, it must be said that the Rapids had the better chances, especially late. Caleb Folan had two great chances, one saved Rimando and one saved by the crossbar. In the end, the Rapids couldn't put it in the back of the net either and RSL retained the cup by virtue of the 1-0 win from earlier this year.
The point helps the Rapids a little in the playoff race, but they're still looking over their shoulder a bit.
RSL led the cup tie 1-0 coming by virtue of a late winner earlier this season in SLC. All they had to do to win the cup was keep the Rapids out of the back of the net. it was tough at times, but they managed. Barely.
It was a physical match, as this derby always is. RSL picked up four yellows and Colorado had one. One of the talking points came in the 28th minute, as Rimando looked to bring down Nyassi in the box. Referee Guzman wasn't buying though, and no PK was given on the play. I don't think it was, but then again, I'm biased. I'm sure Rapids fans feel differently.
RSL had a couple of chances in the second half, most notably by Javi Morales. Still, it must be said that the Rapids had the better chances, especially late. Caleb Folan had two great chances, one saved Rimando and one saved by the crossbar. In the end, the Rapids couldn't put it in the back of the net either and RSL retained the cup by virtue of the 1-0 win from earlier this year.
The point helps the Rapids a little in the playoff race, but they're still looking over their shoulder a bit.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
International Friendly: Ecuador 1-0 United States
Some of us were hoping things were looking up after the USA's win over Honduras earlier this international break. Well, not so much huh?
Honestly the USA didn't play horribly in this match. Ecuador really didn't have many chances until they actually scored late in the match, and a lot of that can be pinned on a particular player.
The question now is, "Where are the goals going to come from?" The USA has just two goals under the new regime, and they're attacking more, which is kind of odd. Dempsey provided a goal against Honduras, but there was nothing doing against Ecuador last night.
Of course the USA might have still gotten a result had it not been for a glaring mistake in defense. Again, as in the Gold Cup, this mistake was provided by Time Ream. In the 79th minute, Ecuador sent in a cross toward Jamie Ayovi. Ream got caught looking looking between the ball and the man, and Ayovi smoked him and headed the cross past Tim Howard to seal the 1-0 win for the South American side.
I'll ask again: Is Tim Ream really a better defender than Nat Borchers?
So another loss under Klinsmann. I think American fans are still willing to be patient, but like it or not the expectations have been raised for soccer here in the United States. It will be interesting to see what happens when the results actually matter come World Cup Qualifying time.
Honestly the USA didn't play horribly in this match. Ecuador really didn't have many chances until they actually scored late in the match, and a lot of that can be pinned on a particular player.
The question now is, "Where are the goals going to come from?" The USA has just two goals under the new regime, and they're attacking more, which is kind of odd. Dempsey provided a goal against Honduras, but there was nothing doing against Ecuador last night.
Of course the USA might have still gotten a result had it not been for a glaring mistake in defense. Again, as in the Gold Cup, this mistake was provided by Time Ream. In the 79th minute, Ecuador sent in a cross toward Jamie Ayovi. Ream got caught looking looking between the ball and the man, and Ayovi smoked him and headed the cross past Tim Howard to seal the 1-0 win for the South American side.
I'll ask again: Is Tim Ream really a better defender than Nat Borchers?
So another loss under Klinsmann. I think American fans are still willing to be patient, but like it or not the expectations have been raised for soccer here in the United States. It will be interesting to see what happens when the results actually matter come World Cup Qualifying time.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sydney FC's Bridge Suspended For Two Matches.
Folks down in Australia already have this news, but on Monday Football Federation Australia announced that Sydney FC forward Mark Bridge has been given a two match ban for his red card hit on the Victory's Rodrigo Vargas during the season opener between the two clubs.
Bridge will miss Sydney's home opener against the Roar as well as their next match away to Adelaide. Sydney have indicated they will not appeal the ban.
(Information from the Associated Press was used in this entry.)
Bridge will miss Sydney's home opener against the Roar as well as their next match away to Adelaide. Sydney have indicated they will not appeal the ban.
(Information from the Associated Press was used in this entry.)
Monday, October 10, 2011
A League Action: Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC
About this time last year I was looking for any and all live soccer to watch on TV. One Saturday night I stumbled across the Australian A League on Fox Soccer. I gave it a shot. Sure it's not EPL or Serie A, but it's a good league that is gaining strength and skill every season. Sort or like MLS, only younger.
After watching a few matches I decided to support Melbourne Victory. Every year their fixtures with Sydney FC are called "The Big Blue." This was the first Big Blue of the season on it's very first day.
The crowd in Melbourne was electric as these two teams, arguably the most successful in the A League's short history, kicked off. Both sides were bolstered by Australians returning from Europe to play in the A League. The Victory had Harry Kewell and Sydney had Bret Emerton. Both would figure in the match.
Things got off to a torrid start as both sides had chances in the early minutes. In the 4th minute Victory man Danny Allsopp had a close up shot that Reddy managed to save by taking it in the stomach. On the Sydney counter, Mark Bridge rifled a shot at the Victory goal, but Covic was able to stop that as well. Then in minute 29 Sydney had a free kick right outside the 18. The kick itself took a ricochet and Bridge made his presence felt by firing it back on goal, but again Covic was up to the task.
Sydney looked to be gifted the lead in the 33rd minute as Leijer committed a foul in the box. Former Blackburn man Emerton stepped up to take the spot kick, but his pedestrian effort was easily saved by Covic and we went to the half tied at 0-0.
Even though there were no goals in the second half, there was still a big story to talk about. As the Victory set up for a free kick just outside the Sydney 18 in the 74th, a scrum erupted in the wall. Mark Bridge elbowed a Victory player in the throat and earned himself a straight red card for his trouble.
Unfortunately for us Victory supporters, Melbourne was not able to take advantage of being a man up. They had some nice chances down the final 15 from Allsopp, Broxham, and Rojas, but Reddy was just as good in the Sydney goal as Covic was for the Victory and the match ended in a 0-0 draw. There were quite a few good chances though.
All in all it was an energetic start to the new A League season.
After watching a few matches I decided to support Melbourne Victory. Every year their fixtures with Sydney FC are called "The Big Blue." This was the first Big Blue of the season on it's very first day.
The crowd in Melbourne was electric as these two teams, arguably the most successful in the A League's short history, kicked off. Both sides were bolstered by Australians returning from Europe to play in the A League. The Victory had Harry Kewell and Sydney had Bret Emerton. Both would figure in the match.
Things got off to a torrid start as both sides had chances in the early minutes. In the 4th minute Victory man Danny Allsopp had a close up shot that Reddy managed to save by taking it in the stomach. On the Sydney counter, Mark Bridge rifled a shot at the Victory goal, but Covic was able to stop that as well. Then in minute 29 Sydney had a free kick right outside the 18. The kick itself took a ricochet and Bridge made his presence felt by firing it back on goal, but again Covic was up to the task.
Sydney looked to be gifted the lead in the 33rd minute as Leijer committed a foul in the box. Former Blackburn man Emerton stepped up to take the spot kick, but his pedestrian effort was easily saved by Covic and we went to the half tied at 0-0.
Even though there were no goals in the second half, there was still a big story to talk about. As the Victory set up for a free kick just outside the Sydney 18 in the 74th, a scrum erupted in the wall. Mark Bridge elbowed a Victory player in the throat and earned himself a straight red card for his trouble.
Unfortunately for us Victory supporters, Melbourne was not able to take advantage of being a man up. They had some nice chances down the final 15 from Allsopp, Broxham, and Rojas, but Reddy was just as good in the Sydney goal as Covic was for the Victory and the match ended in a 0-0 draw. There were quite a few good chances though.
All in all it was an energetic start to the new A League season.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
International Friendly: USA 1-0 Honduras
This was actually a pretty fun match to watch, even though I don't usually out much effort or time into friendlies. So far the mantra under Klinsmann for the USA has been progress, not results in these friendlies. Still, after going a few without a win, results had to start to matter at some point.
The USA got that first result under Klinsmann against a Honduras team that came to play. They're really one of the dark horses in the CONCACAF region. In fact, if it hadn't been for Tim Howard in goal, the result might have been different.
Honduras had a great chance in the first half. Jerry Bengston got 1v1 with Howard, but Tim made the close up stop. Costly then tried his luck, but Howard came out on top again to keep it scoreless.
The USA took the lead and scored the match's only goal on 36 minutes. Brek Shea sent in a cross that went through several players for both the USA and Honduras and ended up with Clint Dempsey. Deuce then cornered a shot past the Honduran keeper to give the USA the 1-0 lead, which also proved to be the full time score.
Everybody seems to think Landon Donovan is the heart of the USA team. I have to go with Dempsey. Landycakes disappears once in awhile while Clint keeps pluggin away no matter what the situation. Great game for him and a good result for US Soccer. They'll take on Ecuador in another friendly on Tuesday.
The USA got that first result under Klinsmann against a Honduras team that came to play. They're really one of the dark horses in the CONCACAF region. In fact, if it hadn't been for Tim Howard in goal, the result might have been different.
Honduras had a great chance in the first half. Jerry Bengston got 1v1 with Howard, but Tim made the close up stop. Costly then tried his luck, but Howard came out on top again to keep it scoreless.
The USA took the lead and scored the match's only goal on 36 minutes. Brek Shea sent in a cross that went through several players for both the USA and Honduras and ended up with Clint Dempsey. Deuce then cornered a shot past the Honduran keeper to give the USA the 1-0 lead, which also proved to be the full time score.
Everybody seems to think Landon Donovan is the heart of the USA team. I have to go with Dempsey. Landycakes disappears once in awhile while Clint keeps pluggin away no matter what the situation. Great game for him and a good result for US Soccer. They'll take on Ecuador in another friendly on Tuesday.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Euro 2012 Qualifying: Montenegro vs England
So all England needed was a point from this match in Montenegro to win the group. So perhaps the three weren't that big of a deal. It also turns out that all Montenegro needed was a point to seal second place and a spot in the playoff, since Wales beat Switzerland at the same time this match was going on.
Both sides ended up with the result they needed, but I think it would be safe to say that Montenegro was the happier of the two. All in all it was an underwhelming performance from the Three Lions.
It started off well enough for them. In fact, most of the first half was firmly controlled by England and it looked like they might be cruising to another impressive road win. In the 6th minute Theo Walcott had a nice volley chance that was saves, and then in the 11th he assisted on the first goal by knocking in a nice cross that Ashley Young headed in to make it 0-1. Then in the 31st minute Young turned provider, sending in a nice ball that Darren Bent slotted home to make it 0-2.
However, as the first half wore on. England started to get sloppy. Montenegro used this to get a foothold in the match. They got a goal back right before half time as Elsad Zverotic deflected a shot off of Cahill and into Joe Hart's net to make it 1-2 at the interval.
The second half was not much short of lazy for England. I swear I could feel the equalizer coming. it just took longer than I thought. Montenegro was assisted in this effort by the idiocy of Wayne Rooney, who earned a red card in the 77th minute. For some reason, he decided to petulantly kick a Montenegro player in the back of the leg. The red means he'll miss the first two matches of Euro 2012.
The equalizer itself came in the first minute of stoppage time. Delibasic headed in a cross from Pekovic to make it 2-2. Hart stood no chance. Coupled with the Wales result, the goal jazzed up the crowd and a couple of minutes later the ref blew for full time. England left the pitch in disinterest as Montenegro celebrated their birth in the playoff.
Both sides ended up with the result they needed, but I think it would be safe to say that Montenegro was the happier of the two. All in all it was an underwhelming performance from the Three Lions.
It started off well enough for them. In fact, most of the first half was firmly controlled by England and it looked like they might be cruising to another impressive road win. In the 6th minute Theo Walcott had a nice volley chance that was saves, and then in the 11th he assisted on the first goal by knocking in a nice cross that Ashley Young headed in to make it 0-1. Then in the 31st minute Young turned provider, sending in a nice ball that Darren Bent slotted home to make it 0-2.
However, as the first half wore on. England started to get sloppy. Montenegro used this to get a foothold in the match. They got a goal back right before half time as Elsad Zverotic deflected a shot off of Cahill and into Joe Hart's net to make it 1-2 at the interval.
The second half was not much short of lazy for England. I swear I could feel the equalizer coming. it just took longer than I thought. Montenegro was assisted in this effort by the idiocy of Wayne Rooney, who earned a red card in the 77th minute. For some reason, he decided to petulantly kick a Montenegro player in the back of the leg. The red means he'll miss the first two matches of Euro 2012.
The equalizer itself came in the first minute of stoppage time. Delibasic headed in a cross from Pekovic to make it 2-2. Hart stood no chance. Coupled with the Wales result, the goal jazzed up the crowd and a couple of minutes later the ref blew for full time. England left the pitch in disinterest as Montenegro celebrated their birth in the playoff.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Match Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Real Salt Lake
Well, is it time to go back to the drawing board for RSL? One thing I know: they have to get it together and stop putting themsleves in these horrible positions with red cards and early conceded goals. It's pretty frustrating to watch, I can't imagine how frustrating it is for the players and coaches.
RSL had a number of factors going against them for this match. First, it was a match that was taking place during an international break, so they were missing a number of key players, including Kyle Beckerman, Will Johnson, and Alvaro Saborio. We have the stupid Vancouver vs. Man City friendly to thank for that. Plus, Fabian Espindola was out with yellow cards. Finally, Coach Kreis had to watch from the press box after dealing with illness from food poisoning.
I'm sure Coach K would say no excuses though. The first half was pretty even-stevens until the 43rd minute when Collen Warner was hit with a red card for handball in the box. I'm not going to recite handball rules or bitch about the ref. I thought it was pretty harsh to give a red, but that's just my opinion. Anyway, Camilo smacked home the PK to give Vancouver the 1-0 lead at the half.
The second half wasn't much better for 10 man RSL. In the 53rd minute, Vancouver earned another PK for a tackle that we'll just say was on the edge of the area. I have seen these calls go both ways. No complaining about the ref. RSL just put themselves in a bad position again. So Camilo notched his second PK of the night to make it 2-0. The Whitecaps added a third and final goal in the 88th by Khalfan to make the final score to make it 3-0.
Ouch
RSL had a number of factors going against them for this match. First, it was a match that was taking place during an international break, so they were missing a number of key players, including Kyle Beckerman, Will Johnson, and Alvaro Saborio. We have the stupid Vancouver vs. Man City friendly to thank for that. Plus, Fabian Espindola was out with yellow cards. Finally, Coach Kreis had to watch from the press box after dealing with illness from food poisoning.
I'm sure Coach K would say no excuses though. The first half was pretty even-stevens until the 43rd minute when Collen Warner was hit with a red card for handball in the box. I'm not going to recite handball rules or bitch about the ref. I thought it was pretty harsh to give a red, but that's just my opinion. Anyway, Camilo smacked home the PK to give Vancouver the 1-0 lead at the half.
The second half wasn't much better for 10 man RSL. In the 53rd minute, Vancouver earned another PK for a tackle that we'll just say was on the edge of the area. I have seen these calls go both ways. No complaining about the ref. RSL just put themselves in a bad position again. So Camilo notched his second PK of the night to make it 2-0. The Whitecaps added a third and final goal in the 88th by Khalfan to make the final score to make it 3-0.
Ouch
Monday, October 3, 2011
EPL: Manchester United vs. Norwich
Sorry to say it, United fans, but this match was a snoozer. Maybe Chelsea, Man City, and Liverpool should learn something from Norwich. They certainly gave the Red Devils everything they could handle at Old Trafford, much the same as they did versus Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The big story of the day was the chances that Norwich was able to carve out against the champs. In the early going, Elliot Bennett sliced his way into the United area and appeared set to find Steve Morison for a great chance at goal. Unfortunately, his cross went right to United defender Phil Jones and the danger ended. Anthony Pilkington had a couple of chances as well, but came off more like Karl Pilkington. He hit the post once and put another great shot wide of the target.
Norwich also played great defense. For most of the match they kept two 4 man lines in and around their penalty area and United had a real tough time breaking them down.
It didn't last forever though. Finally The Champs found a way to crawl on top. Anderson headed in a flick on by Rooney in the 68th minute to put United on top. Danny Welbeck added an insurance goal in the 87th that made the final 2-0 to United.
Not the most entertaining match you'll ever see, but you have to give Norwich credit for coming out with a good game plan and sticking to it. United seemed really frustrated throughout the match. In the end, it just wasn't enough for the Canaries.
The big story of the day was the chances that Norwich was able to carve out against the champs. In the early going, Elliot Bennett sliced his way into the United area and appeared set to find Steve Morison for a great chance at goal. Unfortunately, his cross went right to United defender Phil Jones and the danger ended. Anthony Pilkington had a couple of chances as well, but came off more like Karl Pilkington. He hit the post once and put another great shot wide of the target.
Norwich also played great defense. For most of the match they kept two 4 man lines in and around their penalty area and United had a real tough time breaking them down.
It didn't last forever though. Finally The Champs found a way to crawl on top. Anderson headed in a flick on by Rooney in the 68th minute to put United on top. Danny Welbeck added an insurance goal in the 87th that made the final 2-0 to United.
Not the most entertaining match you'll ever see, but you have to give Norwich credit for coming out with a good game plan and sticking to it. United seemed really frustrated throughout the match. In the end, it just wasn't enough for the Canaries.
Goal.com: Montreal Impact Make First MLS Signing for 2012
Goal.com is reporting tonight that the Expansion Montreal Impact have made their first signing toward their 2012 MLS squad. The club has announced that they have signed former Inter Milan defender Nelson Rivas. Rivas will not be a designated player.
He appeared for 28 matches for Inter Milan, and his time as the property of the Italian giants included a loan stint at Italian side Livorno and Ukranian club Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Before moving to Europe he played for River Plate in Argentina.
Rivas is 28 years old and has one cap for the Colombian national team.
He appeared for 28 matches for Inter Milan, and his time as the property of the Italian giants included a loan stint at Italian side Livorno and Ukranian club Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Before moving to Europe he played for River Plate in Argentina.
Rivas is 28 years old and has one cap for the Colombian national team.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Italian Match Thoughts: Juventus vs. AC Milan
While the traditional Derby d'italia is Juve vs Inter. The Juve vs. Milan matchup is always one of the biggest matches of the Serie A season as well. This one had special meaning as the grand Old Lady of Italian football was hosting the champs for the first time in their new stadium in Torino. Juventus wanted a win.
Unfortunately though, there wasn't a lot to talk about, especially in the first half. It was like AC Milan didn't even really show up. To be fair, they played a Champions League match mid week, and Juve only has Serie A to worry about, but still, Juve dominated. However, they couldn't hit the broadside of barn and Milan somehow stumbled into half time still tied at 0-0.
In the second half, it was clear AC Milan were playing for a point. Juve almost got on the board in the 47th minute though as Bonucci chested one at goal from close range that Abbiati just managed to save. At the other end of the pitch, Milan got their only real chance of the night in the 51st minute. Cassano took a ball in and got a close range shot on goal, but Buffon got out of his easy chair and saved it to preserve the 0-0 score.
It all came apart for Milan in the closing minutes. In the 87th minute, Marchisio managed to just dribble a shot past Abbiati to make it 1-0. Then two minutes later, Prince Boateng got sent off for picking up a second yellow. Juventus took advantage deep into stoppage time as Marchisio nutmegged a flabergasted Abbiati to make the final score 2-0.
I think it's safe to say that after this weekend, both Milan teams need to wake up, or it's going to be a long season.
Unfortunately though, there wasn't a lot to talk about, especially in the first half. It was like AC Milan didn't even really show up. To be fair, they played a Champions League match mid week, and Juve only has Serie A to worry about, but still, Juve dominated. However, they couldn't hit the broadside of barn and Milan somehow stumbled into half time still tied at 0-0.
In the second half, it was clear AC Milan were playing for a point. Juve almost got on the board in the 47th minute though as Bonucci chested one at goal from close range that Abbiati just managed to save. At the other end of the pitch, Milan got their only real chance of the night in the 51st minute. Cassano took a ball in and got a close range shot on goal, but Buffon got out of his easy chair and saved it to preserve the 0-0 score.
It all came apart for Milan in the closing minutes. In the 87th minute, Marchisio managed to just dribble a shot past Abbiati to make it 1-0. Then two minutes later, Prince Boateng got sent off for picking up a second yellow. Juventus took advantage deep into stoppage time as Marchisio nutmegged a flabergasted Abbiati to make the final score 2-0.
I think it's safe to say that after this weekend, both Milan teams need to wake up, or it's going to be a long season.
EPL: Tottenham vs. Arsenal
Coming into this year's first edition of the North London Derby, it looked like these two teams were going in different directions. Spurs, after a horrid start, had won their last two EPL matches. Arsenal were not quite ready to pull out of a slow start, despite winning their last three in all competitions.
No matter what the form of the two sides is, these matches are almost always competitive, and this one was no exception. Most of the possession and indeed the midfield battle belonged to the Gunners in the first half, even though Spurs created most of the better chances. Unfortunately for Arsenal, their defense continues to have communication issues. Scott Parker got a chance in the 7th minute after some defensive bungling, but in the end his shot was on target but not much of a test for Szczesny. Rafael Van der Vaart had nice look in the 28th, but his cheeky shot was again saved by the Arsenal 'keeper.
The Gunners did have their chances in the first half though. The best of these chances came in the 29th minute. Szczesny triggered a counter after the Van der Vaart shot that found Gervinho with a great look at a semi empty Spurs net. However, the new Arsenal signing somehow bungled his shot wide.
In the 40th minute Spurs finally got on the board, making Arsenal pay for having the possession but not chances. They came down on a counter and totally sliced open the Arsenal defense and it resulted in Van der Vaart slotting home a goal to make it 1-0. There was a talking point here though as the Dutchman appeared to handle the ball as he was bringing it down. The goal stood though and Spurs led 1-0 at the half.
Arsenal came out determined to answer in the second half. Whatever Wenger said to them at the break seemed to help. In the 52nd minute Aaron Ramsey, who had been atrocious for the whole match, took a nice low cross from Alex song and put it past Friedel to knot the match at 1-1, and it looked to be game on.
Unfortunately for Arsenal though, it wasn't. That was about the last thing they had to cheer about. Spurs continued the attack and took the lead for good in the 73rd minute as fullback Kyle Walker slammed home a golazo from outside the 18 to make it 2-1. Arsenal never really got much going after that, and Spurs held on to the 2-1 win to move closer to the top of the table and send Arsenal reeling back toward the relegation zone. Poor performance really from the Gunners.
No matter what the form of the two sides is, these matches are almost always competitive, and this one was no exception. Most of the possession and indeed the midfield battle belonged to the Gunners in the first half, even though Spurs created most of the better chances. Unfortunately for Arsenal, their defense continues to have communication issues. Scott Parker got a chance in the 7th minute after some defensive bungling, but in the end his shot was on target but not much of a test for Szczesny. Rafael Van der Vaart had nice look in the 28th, but his cheeky shot was again saved by the Arsenal 'keeper.
The Gunners did have their chances in the first half though. The best of these chances came in the 29th minute. Szczesny triggered a counter after the Van der Vaart shot that found Gervinho with a great look at a semi empty Spurs net. However, the new Arsenal signing somehow bungled his shot wide.
In the 40th minute Spurs finally got on the board, making Arsenal pay for having the possession but not chances. They came down on a counter and totally sliced open the Arsenal defense and it resulted in Van der Vaart slotting home a goal to make it 1-0. There was a talking point here though as the Dutchman appeared to handle the ball as he was bringing it down. The goal stood though and Spurs led 1-0 at the half.
Arsenal came out determined to answer in the second half. Whatever Wenger said to them at the break seemed to help. In the 52nd minute Aaron Ramsey, who had been atrocious for the whole match, took a nice low cross from Alex song and put it past Friedel to knot the match at 1-1, and it looked to be game on.
Unfortunately for Arsenal though, it wasn't. That was about the last thing they had to cheer about. Spurs continued the attack and took the lead for good in the 73rd minute as fullback Kyle Walker slammed home a golazo from outside the 18 to make it 2-1. Arsenal never really got much going after that, and Spurs held on to the 2-1 win to move closer to the top of the table and send Arsenal reeling back toward the relegation zone. Poor performance really from the Gunners.
Two more MLS squads learn their playoff fates
Coming into this weekend, LA, RSL, and Seattle had clinched playoff births and Vancouver had been eliminated from playoff contention.
Tonight, LA pretty much clinched up the Supporter's Shield with a 2-1 win at home over RSL. Toronto FC was officially knocked out of the playoffs by virtue of a 1-1 draw against NY. The New England Revolution were also knocked out after their loss to Seattle. San Jose is barely alive after a draw with Sporting KC.
If you're scoring at home--
IN THE PLAYOFFS--
LA Galaxy
Seattle Sounders FC
Real Salt Lake
OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS--
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Toronto FC
New England Revolution
Tonight, LA pretty much clinched up the Supporter's Shield with a 2-1 win at home over RSL. Toronto FC was officially knocked out of the playoffs by virtue of a 1-1 draw against NY. The New England Revolution were also knocked out after their loss to Seattle. San Jose is barely alive after a draw with Sporting KC.
If you're scoring at home--
IN THE PLAYOFFS--
LA Galaxy
Seattle Sounders FC
Real Salt Lake
OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS--
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Toronto FC
New England Revolution
Saturday, October 1, 2011
EPL: Everton vs. Liverpool
Step right up for one of the first big derbys of the EPL season. Liverpool and Everton's grounds are so close you can walk between them. Today it was Everton's turn to host the festivities.
I actually think the Toffees were the better side for most of this game. Liverpool actually looked quite hesitant for much of the game, and Everton tried their hardest to take advantage. Both sides had great chances in the 9th minute. On one end of the pitch Luis Suarez had a gorgeous header on target, but it went right at Tim Howard. Then right at the other end Tim Cahill had his own header on goal only to see Reina pull it down.
The game took a radical change in the 23rd minute. Rodwell went in on Suarez with a sliding tackle around the midfield stripe. It was one footed, foot down, and he got the ball, but the ref showed him a red card. Honestly, in all the matches I've seen in recent years, that might be the worst red I've seen, and I watch a lot of MLS.
That put Everton down a man for the last 2/3 of the match. It nearly bit them in the 43rd minute when Phil Jagielka, lately of my fantasy team, took Suarez down in the box to concede a PK. Dirk Kuyt stepped up and hit a cheeky spot kick, but it was saved by Tim Howard to preserve the 0-0 score line going into the half.
Everton didn't come out in a shell in the second half, and you have to applaud them for that. Saha had three or four decent looks but could not find the target to save his life.
In the 65th minute, Liverpool brought on Gerrard and Bellamy and it really changed the tempo of the game in favor of the reds. Just 6 minutes later Jose Enrique slipped a ball into Andy Carroll who slotted it past Howard to give Liverpool the 0-1 lead. Everton was tired, and it showed. In the 82nd minute Suarez took advantage of a giveaway by Distin in the area and eased it across the goal line to give Liverpool the 0-2 lead, which was the final score.
I don't think Everton deserved to lose that one. The game would have been totally different had it stayed 11 on 11. The red card really was horrible. Still, Liverpool did what they had to do to collect the three points.
I actually think the Toffees were the better side for most of this game. Liverpool actually looked quite hesitant for much of the game, and Everton tried their hardest to take advantage. Both sides had great chances in the 9th minute. On one end of the pitch Luis Suarez had a gorgeous header on target, but it went right at Tim Howard. Then right at the other end Tim Cahill had his own header on goal only to see Reina pull it down.
The game took a radical change in the 23rd minute. Rodwell went in on Suarez with a sliding tackle around the midfield stripe. It was one footed, foot down, and he got the ball, but the ref showed him a red card. Honestly, in all the matches I've seen in recent years, that might be the worst red I've seen, and I watch a lot of MLS.
That put Everton down a man for the last 2/3 of the match. It nearly bit them in the 43rd minute when Phil Jagielka, lately of my fantasy team, took Suarez down in the box to concede a PK. Dirk Kuyt stepped up and hit a cheeky spot kick, but it was saved by Tim Howard to preserve the 0-0 score line going into the half.
Everton didn't come out in a shell in the second half, and you have to applaud them for that. Saha had three or four decent looks but could not find the target to save his life.
In the 65th minute, Liverpool brought on Gerrard and Bellamy and it really changed the tempo of the game in favor of the reds. Just 6 minutes later Jose Enrique slipped a ball into Andy Carroll who slotted it past Howard to give Liverpool the 0-1 lead. Everton was tired, and it showed. In the 82nd minute Suarez took advantage of a giveaway by Distin in the area and eased it across the goal line to give Liverpool the 0-2 lead, which was the final score.
I don't think Everton deserved to lose that one. The game would have been totally different had it stayed 11 on 11. The red card really was horrible. Still, Liverpool did what they had to do to collect the three points.
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