Steve Bruce's time as manager at the Stadium of Light is history. It's been a tough year for the Black Cats. Last weekend, they lost at home to Wigan, and that seemed to have been the last straw. Currently Sunderland sit only two points above the relegation zone.
Assistant Eric Black will be the interim manager while Sunderland looks for their next head man.
Bruce guided the Black Cats to finishes of 13th and 10th in his previous two seasons.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Columbus Cuts Loose Mendoza and Cunningham
Well, turns out that scoring 13 goals isn't more important than not being a douche bag on the pitch. Excuse my bluntness.
The Crew let DP Andres Mendoza go on Tuesday, as well as MLS All Time leading scorer Jeff Cunningham. Cunningham both tied and broke the career record for most goals this year, but didn't play a ton of minutes.
Mendoza is a different story. He spent most of his first full season making the team, the coaches, and the supporters mad. His attitude on the pitch always seemed like he couldn't care less. He also consistently put himself ahead of his teammates. He denied Cunningham a PK against RSL which would have tied the record, Luckily he got it anyway.
The Crew also jettisoned 5 more players, while making new offers to Robbie Rogers and Emmanuel Ekpo.
It will be interesting to see if anyone else in MLS gives Mendoza a shot.
The Crew let DP Andres Mendoza go on Tuesday, as well as MLS All Time leading scorer Jeff Cunningham. Cunningham both tied and broke the career record for most goals this year, but didn't play a ton of minutes.
Mendoza is a different story. He spent most of his first full season making the team, the coaches, and the supporters mad. His attitude on the pitch always seemed like he couldn't care less. He also consistently put himself ahead of his teammates. He denied Cunningham a PK against RSL which would have tied the record, Luckily he got it anyway.
The Crew also jettisoned 5 more players, while making new offers to Robbie Rogers and Emmanuel Ekpo.
It will be interesting to see if anyone else in MLS gives Mendoza a shot.
RSL Deals Russell to DC United
There's a lot of wheeling and dealing going on in MLS right now, after the expansion draft. It'd be hard to comment on everything, nut I'll try to hit the highlights on the blog.
Real Salt Lake made a move in the market today, sending veteran defensive man Robbie Russell to DC United. Honestly, the move makes sense for all parties. For RSL, it clears the way for Tony Beltran to become a permanent starter. For DC United, Russell will provide a veteran influence for a young defense that let in a lot of goals in front of Bill Hamid. Russell will still get to play the minutes he wants without having to be subordinate to Beltran.
It's tough to see Robbie go, however. His PK against the Galaxy secured RSL's MLS Cup win in 2009. He was also steady and key during RSL's CONCACAF Champion's League run. Best of luck to Robbie in DC, and I hope it works out for the best for RSL as well.
Real Salt Lake made a move in the market today, sending veteran defensive man Robbie Russell to DC United. Honestly, the move makes sense for all parties. For RSL, it clears the way for Tony Beltran to become a permanent starter. For DC United, Russell will provide a veteran influence for a young defense that let in a lot of goals in front of Bill Hamid. Russell will still get to play the minutes he wants without having to be subordinate to Beltran.
It's tough to see Robbie go, however. His PK against the Galaxy secured RSL's MLS Cup win in 2009. He was also steady and key during RSL's CONCACAF Champion's League run. Best of luck to Robbie in DC, and I hope it works out for the best for RSL as well.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Montreal Impact Expansion Draft List
I know I'm late to the party on this, but in case you missed it, here's who the Impact picked up in Wednesday's MLS expansion draft.
Jeb Brovsky--VAN
Bobby Burling--SJE
Brian Ching--HOU
Josh Gardner--CREW
Justin Mapp-PHI
Sanna Nyassi--RAPIDS
James Riley--SEA
Seth Sinovic--SKC
Zarek Valentin--CHV
Collen Warner--RSL
Brian Ching has said he will not play for Montreal, so I guess it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Expansion drafts for existing clubs are stupid anyway.
Jeb Brovsky--VAN
Bobby Burling--SJE
Brian Ching--HOU
Josh Gardner--CREW
Justin Mapp-PHI
Sanna Nyassi--RAPIDS
James Riley--SEA
Seth Sinovic--SKC
Zarek Valentin--CHV
Collen Warner--RSL
Brian Ching has said he will not play for Montreal, so I guess it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Expansion drafts for existing clubs are stupid anyway.
EPL: Arsenal vs. Fulham
All eyes were on Arsenal's Robin Van Persie coming into this match. It's perfectly understandable. Only Real Madrid's Ronaldo has scored more goals for club and country in the 2011 calendar year. However, it wasn't the prolific Arsenal captain that found the back of the net, but a center back, and he found the net for BOTH teams.
As is typical, Arsenal controlled much of the match. Fulham had never won at the Gunners, and it seemed like it would be a tough ask today as well. Andrey Arshavin got a look in the 11, after sitting out the Champion's League fixture midweek. He looked pretty good. Early on he took a pass from RVP and smacked it into the back of the net, but the flag was up and replay showed he was indeed offside.
Theo Walcott and Ramsey also had great chances for the Gunners. Ramsey in particular forced a great save out of Mark Schwarzer to keep the game level. Fulham had two solid chances in the first half, one from Bobby Zamora and the other from Mousa Dembele. However they couldn't beat Wojciech Szczesny and we went into the half time break at 0-0.
Business then picked up in the second half. Van Persie got his best look of the game early on, only to see his shot cleared off the Fulham goal by Chris Baird. Then in the 65th minute we had our first goal of the day. Thomas Vermaelen tried to play a bouncing ball in his own area, but ended up putting it past his own 'keeper to make it 0-1 to Fulham.
A few minutes later, Bobby Zamora knocked in another for Fulham. However, he was also flagged for offside, but just barely. It was a lot closer than Arshavin's called back effort.
Vermaelen redeemed himself and snatched a point for the Gunners in the 83rd minute. He got his head onto a Theo Walcott cross and directed it into the back of the net to make it 1-1. Arsenal put on a lot of pressure in the final 7 minutes, but Fulham held on to snatch a road point at the Emirates.
As is typical, Arsenal controlled much of the match. Fulham had never won at the Gunners, and it seemed like it would be a tough ask today as well. Andrey Arshavin got a look in the 11, after sitting out the Champion's League fixture midweek. He looked pretty good. Early on he took a pass from RVP and smacked it into the back of the net, but the flag was up and replay showed he was indeed offside.
Theo Walcott and Ramsey also had great chances for the Gunners. Ramsey in particular forced a great save out of Mark Schwarzer to keep the game level. Fulham had two solid chances in the first half, one from Bobby Zamora and the other from Mousa Dembele. However they couldn't beat Wojciech Szczesny and we went into the half time break at 0-0.
Business then picked up in the second half. Van Persie got his best look of the game early on, only to see his shot cleared off the Fulham goal by Chris Baird. Then in the 65th minute we had our first goal of the day. Thomas Vermaelen tried to play a bouncing ball in his own area, but ended up putting it past his own 'keeper to make it 0-1 to Fulham.
A few minutes later, Bobby Zamora knocked in another for Fulham. However, he was also flagged for offside, but just barely. It was a lot closer than Arshavin's called back effort.
Vermaelen redeemed himself and snatched a point for the Gunners in the 83rd minute. He got his head onto a Theo Walcott cross and directed it into the back of the net to make it 1-1. Arsenal put on a lot of pressure in the final 7 minutes, but Fulham held on to snatch a road point at the Emirates.
Football Mourns The Death Of Gary Speed
Some bad news cast a somber pallor over today's football matches. Former EPL veteran and current Wales manager Gary Speed was found dead at his home in Cheshire. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Some sites have been talking about the manner and circumstances around Speed's death. I'm not going to do that. The information is out there if you want it. All I'll say is that the police released a statement saying there were no suspicious circumstances around Speed's death, and that the family wished to have privacy at this time.
Speed was a Welsh football legend, winning 85 caps between 1990 and 2004. That's a record for outfield players for Wales. He was the captain of the team upon his retirement. His club career was remarkable as he scored in every EPL season until 2007. He played for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton, and Sheffield United.
The death was announced shortly before today's EPL fixture between Swansea and Aston Villa. Swansea debated calling off the match, and Villa would not have objected. However, the match went ahead. A moment of silence eventually ended in of respectful chants of "There's only one Gary Speed." The two teams played to a 0-0 draw.
The Speed family have said that they will release a tribute at a later date. My thoughts and condolences to them at this difficult time.
RIP GARY SPEED 1969-2011
Photo: ryangiggs.cc
Some sites have been talking about the manner and circumstances around Speed's death. I'm not going to do that. The information is out there if you want it. All I'll say is that the police released a statement saying there were no suspicious circumstances around Speed's death, and that the family wished to have privacy at this time.
Speed was a Welsh football legend, winning 85 caps between 1990 and 2004. That's a record for outfield players for Wales. He was the captain of the team upon his retirement. His club career was remarkable as he scored in every EPL season until 2007. He played for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton, and Sheffield United.
The death was announced shortly before today's EPL fixture between Swansea and Aston Villa. Swansea debated calling off the match, and Villa would not have objected. However, the match went ahead. A moment of silence eventually ended in of respectful chants of "There's only one Gary Speed." The two teams played to a 0-0 draw.
The Speed family have said that they will release a tribute at a later date. My thoughts and condolences to them at this difficult time.
RIP GARY SPEED 1969-2011
Photo: ryangiggs.cc
Monday, November 21, 2011
MLS Expansion Draft: RSL Protected List And General Thoughts
Today all Major Soccer Teams announced their protected list for Wednesday's expansion draft for the Montreal Impact. As an RSL fan, I'll post their list here and leave a link to all the lists.
RSL is protecting the following:
Kyle Beckerman--MF (C)
Tony Beltran--DF
Nat Borchers--DF
Fabian Espindola--F
Will Johnson--MF
Javier Morales--MF
Jamison Olave--DF
Nick Rimando--GK
Alvaro Saborio--F
Chris Wingert--DF
Chris Schuler--DF
No big shocks here. Schuler at first blush, maybe, but he played really well most of the year and is obviously part of the future on defense. If I were Montreal, I might look at Yordany Alvarez, Arturo Alvarez, Paulo Jr, Ned Grabavoy, or Collen Warner. Conventional wisdom is that players over about 30 or with hefty salaries have little chance of being picked. Luis Gil is a Generation Addidas player who has not played enough minutes to "graduate," so he does not need to be protected. Still, Garth Lagerwey fully expects to lose a player to the Impact on Wednesday.
As for other interesting unprotected names on other teams: Zarek Valentin is a big prospect unprotected by Chivas USA. Andres Mendoza in Columbus, but he's pricey. Houston's Brian Ching is unprotected, but older. LA left Chad Barrett unprotected. New York left all of their 'keepers unprotected, which is hilarious. Freddy Adu will be available from Philly. Omar Bravo is a pricey option from Sporting KC. Vancouver also makes both of their 'keepers available. So, a few intersting names out there. Supposedly, Portland has a deal with Montreal that none of their players will be picked.
There will be 10 rounds to the draft, and once a player is chosen, his team may not lose another player. We'll see what happens on Wednesday.
Here's a link to all of the teams complete lists via MLS
RSL is protecting the following:
Kyle Beckerman--MF (C)
Tony Beltran--DF
Nat Borchers--DF
Fabian Espindola--F
Will Johnson--MF
Javier Morales--MF
Jamison Olave--DF
Nick Rimando--GK
Alvaro Saborio--F
Chris Wingert--DF
Chris Schuler--DF
No big shocks here. Schuler at first blush, maybe, but he played really well most of the year and is obviously part of the future on defense. If I were Montreal, I might look at Yordany Alvarez, Arturo Alvarez, Paulo Jr, Ned Grabavoy, or Collen Warner. Conventional wisdom is that players over about 30 or with hefty salaries have little chance of being picked. Luis Gil is a Generation Addidas player who has not played enough minutes to "graduate," so he does not need to be protected. Still, Garth Lagerwey fully expects to lose a player to the Impact on Wednesday.
As for other interesting unprotected names on other teams: Zarek Valentin is a big prospect unprotected by Chivas USA. Andres Mendoza in Columbus, but he's pricey. Houston's Brian Ching is unprotected, but older. LA left Chad Barrett unprotected. New York left all of their 'keepers unprotected, which is hilarious. Freddy Adu will be available from Philly. Omar Bravo is a pricey option from Sporting KC. Vancouver also makes both of their 'keepers available. So, a few intersting names out there. Supposedly, Portland has a deal with Montreal that none of their players will be picked.
There will be 10 rounds to the draft, and once a player is chosen, his team may not lose another player. We'll see what happens on Wednesday.
Here's a link to all of the teams complete lists via MLS
Puddle's MLS 2011 Wrap Up.
Last night the 2011 MLS season came to an end at the Home Depot Center with the Galaxy defeating the Houston Dynamo 1-0 to take the Cup. Not the greatest Cup final ever, but Don Garber said during half time that the season itself was the best in the league's history and I have to agree. Here's my take on various things in the 2011 campaign, and I'll try my hardest not to be an RSL homer.
Best Surprise Team--To me, this comes down to two teams from the east, Sporting KC and Toronto FC. Sporting overcame their monster road trip at the beginning of the year to make it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, I'm going to go with TFC. This is a team that looked like they were just going to tank at the beginning of the year, even trading away the eventual MVP, Dwayne De Rosario. In the end, Aron Winter and TFC front office acquitted themselves well by totally changing up their roster and becoming a very competitive team toward the end of the season. They also won the Canadian Championship and made it to the CCL group phase for the first time, even though they ultimately missed out on a playoff spot. I see that finally changing next year for TFC.
Most Disappointing Team--This absolutely has to be the New York Red Bulls. With all the money they've spent, they barely scraped into the playoffs ahead of an expansion team. The obtained DeRo from TFC, only to trade him later in the year to make room for a DP GK--Frank Rost. Now it's believed Rost might not be back. One of their other DPs, Rafa Marquez, imploded toward the end of the season, and the Red Bulls actually had a better record without him in the line up. Tim Ream continued to stink, and the GK situation never did get settled. The only positive in the season was Thierry Henry, who finally came into his own in the league.
GK of the Year--MLS gave this award to Kasey Keller, which is asinine to me. No way did he have the best season in MLS. It was basically a life time achievement award. While Keller is a good sentimental choice and a US Soccer legend, I'm going to go with.....Josh Saunders of the LA Galaxy. I'll give an honorable mention to RSL homeboy Nick Rimando, but again, I'm trying not to be a homer. Nicky had one of the best years in MLS, but Saunders really stepped up for LA down the stretch, turning in some unreal performances late in the season both in the league and CCL. He then proceeded to guide them to the trophy, putting up a clean sheet in the final. Supporter's Shield and the MLS Cup. Trophies do matter.
Player of the Year--DeRo got the MVP, but I can't go along with that. Yes, his individual season does warrant it, but he played for three different teams, two of which failed to make the playoffs. Yes, he had an MVP TYPE year but not the Player of the Year. This goes to Brek Shea of FC Dallas to me. My friend and I have said every time we watched FC Dallas, if you want the goals, go through Brek Shea. Dallas could have totally fallen apart after the injury to Ferriera, but Shea steadied the ship, stepped up, and guided them into the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Dallas fans, the grind of the league and CCL was too much for them and led to an opening round playoff exit.
Well, that's my take. It certainly was a great season in MLS, though as an RSL fan, I would have loved to see it end differently. However, only one team is going to hoist the Cup, and the Galaxy certainly deserve it. Now, onto the expansion draft and into a new season!
Best Surprise Team--To me, this comes down to two teams from the east, Sporting KC and Toronto FC. Sporting overcame their monster road trip at the beginning of the year to make it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, I'm going to go with TFC. This is a team that looked like they were just going to tank at the beginning of the year, even trading away the eventual MVP, Dwayne De Rosario. In the end, Aron Winter and TFC front office acquitted themselves well by totally changing up their roster and becoming a very competitive team toward the end of the season. They also won the Canadian Championship and made it to the CCL group phase for the first time, even though they ultimately missed out on a playoff spot. I see that finally changing next year for TFC.
Most Disappointing Team--This absolutely has to be the New York Red Bulls. With all the money they've spent, they barely scraped into the playoffs ahead of an expansion team. The obtained DeRo from TFC, only to trade him later in the year to make room for a DP GK--Frank Rost. Now it's believed Rost might not be back. One of their other DPs, Rafa Marquez, imploded toward the end of the season, and the Red Bulls actually had a better record without him in the line up. Tim Ream continued to stink, and the GK situation never did get settled. The only positive in the season was Thierry Henry, who finally came into his own in the league.
GK of the Year--MLS gave this award to Kasey Keller, which is asinine to me. No way did he have the best season in MLS. It was basically a life time achievement award. While Keller is a good sentimental choice and a US Soccer legend, I'm going to go with.....Josh Saunders of the LA Galaxy. I'll give an honorable mention to RSL homeboy Nick Rimando, but again, I'm trying not to be a homer. Nicky had one of the best years in MLS, but Saunders really stepped up for LA down the stretch, turning in some unreal performances late in the season both in the league and CCL. He then proceeded to guide them to the trophy, putting up a clean sheet in the final. Supporter's Shield and the MLS Cup. Trophies do matter.
Player of the Year--DeRo got the MVP, but I can't go along with that. Yes, his individual season does warrant it, but he played for three different teams, two of which failed to make the playoffs. Yes, he had an MVP TYPE year but not the Player of the Year. This goes to Brek Shea of FC Dallas to me. My friend and I have said every time we watched FC Dallas, if you want the goals, go through Brek Shea. Dallas could have totally fallen apart after the injury to Ferriera, but Shea steadied the ship, stepped up, and guided them into the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Dallas fans, the grind of the league and CCL was too much for them and led to an opening round playoff exit.
Well, that's my take. It certainly was a great season in MLS, though as an RSL fan, I would have loved to see it end differently. However, only one team is going to hoist the Cup, and the Galaxy certainly deserve it. Now, onto the expansion draft and into a new season!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Congrats to the LA Galaxy, 2011 MLS Cup Champs.
So tonight was the 2011 MLS Cup Final. The LA Galaxy squared off against the underdog Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center. Unfortunately for Houston, they were without their MLS MVP candidate and MLS leading assist man Brad Davis. It showed on the pitch.
The Dynamo never really got anything going all night. The 1st half in particular belonged to the Galaxy. They got a few really good looks in the first half, most of which falling to the feet of Cristman. Unfortunately, he couldn't net even one and the first half ended as a snooze fest, 0-0.
Things did pick up a little in the second half, and Houston got some time in possession, but really couldn't fashion any solid tests for Josh Saunders. Fairly early on in the proceedings, Robbie Keane put the ball in the back of the net, but was ruled offside. The ESPN announcers, very pro-Galaxy (and pro-Beckham) in my opinion, really bemoaned this, but it looked like a good call in a tight circumstance to me.
It ended up not mattering though. In the 72nd minute Landon Donovan poked a shot past Tally Hall into the far post netting to give the Galaxy the 1-0 lead. A Houston defender nearly got there to clear the ball off the line but it was to no avail. The Dynamo never seriously threatened in the last 18 minutes and the Galaxy held on to win 1-0.
Now I'm not going to say the Galaxy didn't deserve the win. They were the better team tonight for sure and the best team in MLS over the course of the season. I'm also not sure having Davis would have made that much of a difference, the Dynamo just weren't in the same class.
So ends to the 2011 MLS campaign, in rather anticlimactic fashion. However, I'm sure the league will be happy with the end result.
The Dynamo never really got anything going all night. The 1st half in particular belonged to the Galaxy. They got a few really good looks in the first half, most of which falling to the feet of Cristman. Unfortunately, he couldn't net even one and the first half ended as a snooze fest, 0-0.
Things did pick up a little in the second half, and Houston got some time in possession, but really couldn't fashion any solid tests for Josh Saunders. Fairly early on in the proceedings, Robbie Keane put the ball in the back of the net, but was ruled offside. The ESPN announcers, very pro-Galaxy (and pro-Beckham) in my opinion, really bemoaned this, but it looked like a good call in a tight circumstance to me.
It ended up not mattering though. In the 72nd minute Landon Donovan poked a shot past Tally Hall into the far post netting to give the Galaxy the 1-0 lead. A Houston defender nearly got there to clear the ball off the line but it was to no avail. The Dynamo never seriously threatened in the last 18 minutes and the Galaxy held on to win 1-0.
Now I'm not going to say the Galaxy didn't deserve the win. They were the better team tonight for sure and the best team in MLS over the course of the season. I'm also not sure having Davis would have made that much of a difference, the Dynamo just weren't in the same class.
So ends to the 2011 MLS campaign, in rather anticlimactic fashion. However, I'm sure the league will be happy with the end result.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
EPL: Norwich vs. Arsenal
Actually, a better title for this post might have been "Norwich vs. Robin Van Persie. He seems to be the only gunner capable of finding the back of the net, but as far as they're concerned, at least somebody is I guess.
Arsenal came out absolutely on fire. They set up Van Persie in the area within the first minute, but he inexplicably hit his shot wide. It wouldn't be the only close call of the first half for Norwich though. Defender Russell Martin cleared not one, not two, but three balls off of his own goal line in the first 25 minutes.
However Norwich managed to take the lead in that first 25 minutes. How, you ask? Well of course through a characteristic Arsenal defensive blunder. In the 16th minute, Per Mertesacker failed to get to a ball into the area. In all fairness, it looked like the big German was just asleep. Norwich's Steve Morison jumped on it and put the shot into the net to make it 1-0 to the home side.
Arsenal's offense didn't skip much of a beat though. Robin Van Persie made sure of that. In the 26th minute, Theo Walcott found the captain in the six. Van Persie equalized with an easy tap in and we went to the half tied at 1-1.
The second half was mostly Arsenal, though both sides were a little sloppy. Arsenal seemed to just be comfortable and it was like they thought they could score anytime they wanted. That contributed to the sloppiness and choppiness of play. Norwich had their chances as well, but it was Robin Van Persie who put it way for Arsenal. A little past the hour, he chipped in over the Norwich keeper to make it 1-2 to the Gunners. They held on to win by that score.
All in all it was a less than convincing performance for Arsenal, especially on the defensive side of things. However, once again Norwich played hard but just didn't have the tools to deal with Van Persie or the weapons to create a ton of chances. Good match though.
Arsenal came out absolutely on fire. They set up Van Persie in the area within the first minute, but he inexplicably hit his shot wide. It wouldn't be the only close call of the first half for Norwich though. Defender Russell Martin cleared not one, not two, but three balls off of his own goal line in the first 25 minutes.
However Norwich managed to take the lead in that first 25 minutes. How, you ask? Well of course through a characteristic Arsenal defensive blunder. In the 16th minute, Per Mertesacker failed to get to a ball into the area. In all fairness, it looked like the big German was just asleep. Norwich's Steve Morison jumped on it and put the shot into the net to make it 1-0 to the home side.
Arsenal's offense didn't skip much of a beat though. Robin Van Persie made sure of that. In the 26th minute, Theo Walcott found the captain in the six. Van Persie equalized with an easy tap in and we went to the half tied at 1-1.
The second half was mostly Arsenal, though both sides were a little sloppy. Arsenal seemed to just be comfortable and it was like they thought they could score anytime they wanted. That contributed to the sloppiness and choppiness of play. Norwich had their chances as well, but it was Robin Van Persie who put it way for Arsenal. A little past the hour, he chipped in over the Norwich keeper to make it 1-2 to the Gunners. They held on to win by that score.
All in all it was a less than convincing performance for Arsenal, especially on the defensive side of things. However, once again Norwich played hard but just didn't have the tools to deal with Van Persie or the weapons to create a ton of chances. Good match though.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Reports Say Revs To Name New Manager
There hasn't been a ton of soccer news during the international break, but we did get some potential news today out of MLS.
The Boston Globe is reporting that the New England Revolution are set to name their new manager. According to the paper, former Revs defender Jay Heaps as their new boss sometime this week.
Heaps made a record 294 appearances for New England, and won the 1999 MLS Rookie of the Year Award. He also was capped by the USMNT four times. In recent years, Heaps has provided color commentary on the Revs TV broadcasts.
According to the Globe, Heaps will be announced on Tuesday and introduced at a press conference on Wednesday.
The Boston Globe is reporting that the New England Revolution are set to name their new manager. According to the paper, former Revs defender Jay Heaps as their new boss sometime this week.
Heaps made a record 294 appearances for New England, and won the 1999 MLS Rookie of the Year Award. He also was capped by the USMNT four times. In recent years, Heaps has provided color commentary on the Revs TV broadcasts.
According to the Globe, Heaps will be announced on Tuesday and introduced at a press conference on Wednesday.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Congrats to C.J. Sapong, MLS Rookie of the Year
Congratulations are in order to C.J. Sapong of Sporting Kansas City. Today Sapong was named MLS Rookie of the Year. This wasn't really a surprise to anyone, Sapong is by far the most deserving candidate, and he had a great year.
As it happens, the voting wasn't even close. According to MLSsoccer.com, Sapong won 34 percent of the club votes, 42 percent of the media vote, and 30 percent of the player votes. He played in all 34 games for SKC and started 22. He scored 5 goals and dished out 5 assists, which put hime ahead of all the other rookies on points. He also scored a goal in the playoffs versus the Colorado Rapids.
The two other high profile candidates were Perry Kitchen and Darlington Nagbe. Sporting Kansas City lost the Eastern Conference Final to the Houston Dynamo.
As it happens, the voting wasn't even close. According to MLSsoccer.com, Sapong won 34 percent of the club votes, 42 percent of the media vote, and 30 percent of the player votes. He played in all 34 games for SKC and started 22. He scored 5 goals and dished out 5 assists, which put hime ahead of all the other rookies on points. He also scored a goal in the playoffs versus the Colorado Rapids.
The two other high profile candidates were Perry Kitchen and Darlington Nagbe. Sporting Kansas City lost the Eastern Conference Final to the Houston Dynamo.
Monday, November 7, 2011
EPL: Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur
This is one of those matches that the score line just doesn't do justice. Initially, I had my doubts about getting up early to catch it, but I'm glad I did.
Fulham got off to a bright start, getting a lot of possession and controlling the flow of the match. However the best chances and the only two goals of the first half belonged to Spurs. In the 10th minute Mark Schwarzer pushed an Aaron Lennon pass away to the side, but Gareth Bale sliced it back toward the goal where it deflected into the net off of a Fulham defender. The goal was credited to Bale.
Spurs struck again in first half stoppage time, with Aaron Lennon again involved. This time he slashed his own way into the penalty area and slotted home the second goal to give Spurs the 0-2 lead at half time.
The second half was pretty much all Fulham, and was great fun to watch. They poured chance after chance and shot after shot in at the Spurs defense and Brad Friedel. Their first break of the match came in the 57th minute when during a scrum off of a corner kick Ledley King headed the ball off the back of Younes Kaboul and into the Spurs net, that made it 1-2.
The own goal just energized Fulham even more, as Friedel was forced to make save after save into the match's final minutes. At one point, Clint Dempsey worked his way around Friedel and put the ball in for what looked like a sure equalizer, only to have it cleared at the last second by King.
In second half stoppage time Fulham ended up feeling very hard done by. In yet another scrum in front of the Spurs goal, Kyle Walker clearly handled the ball and Fulham should have had a penalty kick to try and equalize, but it wasn't given. In the end, substitue Jermaine Defoe broke loose toward Schwarzer's goal and slotted home the Spurs' 3rd on virtually the last kick of the game. The full time result was 1-3 to Tottenham.
The result puts Spurs just out of the Champion's League spots on goal difference.
Fulham got off to a bright start, getting a lot of possession and controlling the flow of the match. However the best chances and the only two goals of the first half belonged to Spurs. In the 10th minute Mark Schwarzer pushed an Aaron Lennon pass away to the side, but Gareth Bale sliced it back toward the goal where it deflected into the net off of a Fulham defender. The goal was credited to Bale.
Spurs struck again in first half stoppage time, with Aaron Lennon again involved. This time he slashed his own way into the penalty area and slotted home the second goal to give Spurs the 0-2 lead at half time.
The second half was pretty much all Fulham, and was great fun to watch. They poured chance after chance and shot after shot in at the Spurs defense and Brad Friedel. Their first break of the match came in the 57th minute when during a scrum off of a corner kick Ledley King headed the ball off the back of Younes Kaboul and into the Spurs net, that made it 1-2.
The own goal just energized Fulham even more, as Friedel was forced to make save after save into the match's final minutes. At one point, Clint Dempsey worked his way around Friedel and put the ball in for what looked like a sure equalizer, only to have it cleared at the last second by King.
In second half stoppage time Fulham ended up feeling very hard done by. In yet another scrum in front of the Spurs goal, Kyle Walker clearly handled the ball and Fulham should have had a penalty kick to try and equalize, but it wasn't given. In the end, substitue Jermaine Defoe broke loose toward Schwarzer's goal and slotted home the Spurs' 3rd on virtually the last kick of the game. The full time result was 1-3 to Tottenham.
The result puts Spurs just out of the Champion's League spots on goal difference.
Colorado Rapids "Part Ways" With Gary Smith
Well, talk about high expectations. This afternoon the Colorado Rapids announced that they would not be renewing the contract of head coach Gary Smith. Why, you ask? Well, I guess that might be a tough answer.
The best answer the Rapids front office is giving out is the whole "we need to go in a different direction" line. It's hard to see what different direction the Rapids front office wants them to go in. Last year, they won the MLS Cup. This year was a bit more rocky. They finished 12-9-13, which put them 5th place in the West and into the playoffs, where they beat the Columbus Crew and fell to Sporting Kansas City. The Rapids were eliminated in the group stage of CONCACAF Champions League, but aftyer falling flat early in that tournament, they played better toward the end. Plus, they dealt with injuries all season long, including a season ending injury to forward Conor Casey in July. Not the season they wanted, but a lot better than many other MLS teams, and certainly something to build on.
I'm not an expert on the Rapids, but I don't think Smith was the problem. When I did catch the Rapids it seemed like they were giving up a lot of goals, which seemed to get better as the season progressed. Then they had a hard time scoring goals, but I think a lot of that was due to their injury weakened front line. Both of these were certainly within Smith's abilities to deal with.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Smith and the Rapids vacant coach position.
The best answer the Rapids front office is giving out is the whole "we need to go in a different direction" line. It's hard to see what different direction the Rapids front office wants them to go in. Last year, they won the MLS Cup. This year was a bit more rocky. They finished 12-9-13, which put them 5th place in the West and into the playoffs, where they beat the Columbus Crew and fell to Sporting Kansas City. The Rapids were eliminated in the group stage of CONCACAF Champions League, but aftyer falling flat early in that tournament, they played better toward the end. Plus, they dealt with injuries all season long, including a season ending injury to forward Conor Casey in July. Not the season they wanted, but a lot better than many other MLS teams, and certainly something to build on.
I'm not an expert on the Rapids, but I don't think Smith was the problem. When I did catch the Rapids it seemed like they were giving up a lot of goals, which seemed to get better as the season progressed. Then they had a hard time scoring goals, but I think a lot of that was due to their injury weakened front line. Both of these were certainly within Smith's abilities to deal with.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Smith and the Rapids vacant coach position.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo Advance to MLS Cup Final
Well, my predictions for the conference finals SUCKED. So I picked my home club, and I thought Sporting KC would actually show up. Sue me.
Ok, so yes, Sporting DID show up. They attacked and put some pressure on the Dynamo. However when it came to actually getting scoring chances, they didn't have much going for them. Meanwhile Brian Ching continued to drive the Dynamo. Houston jumped to the lead with a 53rd minute set piece goal from Andre Hainault, and iced it in the 87th off the foot of Carlo Costly. The closest KC got was a PK appeal in the 77th minute, which was denied. Despite the huge crowd behind them, KC couldn't really threaten Houston. I guess your fancy new stadium isn't a sure win after all. Funny how that works.
In the Western final, the LA Galaxy just proved too much for RSL. To their credit, both teams slugged it out all night. I hate to use analogies from other sports for soccer, but this was clearly like two heavyweights hitting it out toe to toe right to the end. The teams traded first half goals, first LA got a PK from Landycakes, then Saborio scored on a set piece for RSL.
The sides came out of half time at 1-1, but LA took their chances where RSL didn't. The Galaxy got goals from Magee and Keane to seal it up, though RSL was fighting and creating chances right to the end. LA got the job done, period. I said before the match that these really were the two best teams in MLS, and they proved it tonight. Great match.
Ok, so yes, Sporting DID show up. They attacked and put some pressure on the Dynamo. However when it came to actually getting scoring chances, they didn't have much going for them. Meanwhile Brian Ching continued to drive the Dynamo. Houston jumped to the lead with a 53rd minute set piece goal from Andre Hainault, and iced it in the 87th off the foot of Carlo Costly. The closest KC got was a PK appeal in the 77th minute, which was denied. Despite the huge crowd behind them, KC couldn't really threaten Houston. I guess your fancy new stadium isn't a sure win after all. Funny how that works.
In the Western final, the LA Galaxy just proved too much for RSL. To their credit, both teams slugged it out all night. I hate to use analogies from other sports for soccer, but this was clearly like two heavyweights hitting it out toe to toe right to the end. The teams traded first half goals, first LA got a PK from Landycakes, then Saborio scored on a set piece for RSL.
The sides came out of half time at 1-1, but LA took their chances where RSL didn't. The Galaxy got goals from Magee and Keane to seal it up, though RSL was fighting and creating chances right to the end. LA got the job done, period. I said before the match that these really were the two best teams in MLS, and they proved it tonight. Great match.
Mexico Match Thoughts: CD Guadalajara vs. Pachuca
Now this was the kind of match you'd expect from the Primera Division. Chances on both sides, goals, red cards, you name it. Chivas controlled most of the match, but in the end, Pachuca snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat, barely.
After a lot of back and forth play, Chivas finally opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Miguel Ponce sent a low pass along the ground centering into the six. Marco Fabian slid into the six and toe poked it past the 'keeper to give the Goats the 1-0 lead. It was a solid play and enough to give Chivas the half time advantage.
After a pretty tame first half, all hell broke loose in the second half. In the 49th minute, Chivas 'keeper Luis Michel smacked Pachuca defender Javier Mustafa with the ball. Mustafa then kicked Michel in the groin. Both players were shown the red card and a penalty was awarded to Pachuca for the original foul on Mustafa. Chivas back up 'keeper Victor Hernandez came in but couldn't stop Enrique Esqueda's PK, and the match was even at 1-1.
This didn't stop Chivas from keeping up the attack though. It only took them eleven minutes to retake the lead. Jesus Sanchez sent a ball in that Erick Torres knocked home to give Chivas the 2-1 lead.
As we went into stoppage time, it looked like the lead would hold up and the Torres goal would be the winner. Pachuca had other ideas though. Their salvation came again in the form of Esqueda, who escaped the Goat defense and smashed the equalizer into the upper 90. Chivas couldn't threaten in the last minute or so, and the full time result was 2-2.
The result might prove costly for Chivas, especially in light of Cruz Azul's win earlier. When you stop and consider that a good portion of it was directly due to their lack of discipline, it makes it even worse.
After a lot of back and forth play, Chivas finally opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Miguel Ponce sent a low pass along the ground centering into the six. Marco Fabian slid into the six and toe poked it past the 'keeper to give the Goats the 1-0 lead. It was a solid play and enough to give Chivas the half time advantage.
After a pretty tame first half, all hell broke loose in the second half. In the 49th minute, Chivas 'keeper Luis Michel smacked Pachuca defender Javier Mustafa with the ball. Mustafa then kicked Michel in the groin. Both players were shown the red card and a penalty was awarded to Pachuca for the original foul on Mustafa. Chivas back up 'keeper Victor Hernandez came in but couldn't stop Enrique Esqueda's PK, and the match was even at 1-1.
This didn't stop Chivas from keeping up the attack though. It only took them eleven minutes to retake the lead. Jesus Sanchez sent a ball in that Erick Torres knocked home to give Chivas the 2-1 lead.
As we went into stoppage time, it looked like the lead would hold up and the Torres goal would be the winner. Pachuca had other ideas though. Their salvation came again in the form of Esqueda, who escaped the Goat defense and smashed the equalizer into the upper 90. Chivas couldn't threaten in the last minute or so, and the full time result was 2-2.
The result might prove costly for Chivas, especially in light of Cruz Azul's win earlier. When you stop and consider that a good portion of it was directly due to their lack of discipline, it makes it even worse.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Shea To Train With Arsenal In the MLS Offseason
Some fairly big news out of the FC Dallas camp yesterday for fans of MLS and the US National Team. The club confirmed that midfielder Brek Shea will spend some time this winter in England training with Arsenal.
The move came after USMNT coach Juergen Klinsmann suggested that some of the national team players spend time overseas to be in better shape come January camp time. Kilnsmann has also said that he thinks the MLS season should be longer.
Shea recently resigned with FC Dallas/MLS through 2015, though he has attracted attention in Europe. FC Dallas has said this is only for training purposes.
The move came after USMNT coach Juergen Klinsmann suggested that some of the national team players spend time overseas to be in better shape come January camp time. Kilnsmann has also said that he thinks the MLS season should be longer.
Shea recently resigned with FC Dallas/MLS through 2015, though he has attracted attention in Europe. FC Dallas has said this is only for training purposes.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Major League Soccer Sets It's Final Four
After a less than barn burning round of 2nd leg fixtures, MLS now has it's final four teams that will square off in the conference finals.
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL: SPORTING KC vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO
Game Time: Sunday, November 6, at 5:30 PM Eastern from Livestrong Sporting Park.
Kansas City put another 2-0 result on the defending champion Colorado Rapids last night to earn their birth. To be fair to the Rapids, they were missing probably 8 of their preferred starters to injuries and suspension, but KC did the job, as Colorado never seriously threatened the lead in KC.
Tonight, Houston totally shut down the Philadelphia Union. They got a 45th minute goal from Brian Ching to cement the result after a 1-2 win at PPL Park earlier this week. The Union looked like they were just happy to be in the playoffs.
I have to tip KC at home in this one, though Houston is a veteran club that has been playing well. I'll call it 2-1, with KC advancing to MLS Cup.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL: LA GALAXY vs REAL SALT LAKE
Game Time: Sunday, November 6 at 9:00 PM ET from the Home Depot Center.
After drilling Seattle 3-0 last Saturday at Rio Tinto, RSL just managed to hold on against the Sounders at the CLink, conceding 2 second half goals but holding on to win the aggregate 3-2. It's a little deceptive, as the first Seattle goal via PK was total Horse Shit, but whatever.
LA defeated a lackluster NY Red Bulls side tonight. The New Yorkers jumped to a lead in the 4th minute via Luke Rodgers, but from then on it was mostly LA. Magee scored a Beckham corner kick in the first half, and then Donovan iced it with a PK in the second, making the final 3-1 to LA on aggregate.
RSL and LA have been on this collision course all year. I truly believe they are the best two squads in MLS, with Seattle being right there as well. It's going to be a battle, but I'll take RSL 1-2 over the Galaxy.
Now we just wait and see!
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL: SPORTING KC vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO
Game Time: Sunday, November 6, at 5:30 PM Eastern from Livestrong Sporting Park.
Kansas City put another 2-0 result on the defending champion Colorado Rapids last night to earn their birth. To be fair to the Rapids, they were missing probably 8 of their preferred starters to injuries and suspension, but KC did the job, as Colorado never seriously threatened the lead in KC.
Tonight, Houston totally shut down the Philadelphia Union. They got a 45th minute goal from Brian Ching to cement the result after a 1-2 win at PPL Park earlier this week. The Union looked like they were just happy to be in the playoffs.
I have to tip KC at home in this one, though Houston is a veteran club that has been playing well. I'll call it 2-1, with KC advancing to MLS Cup.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL: LA GALAXY vs REAL SALT LAKE
Game Time: Sunday, November 6 at 9:00 PM ET from the Home Depot Center.
After drilling Seattle 3-0 last Saturday at Rio Tinto, RSL just managed to hold on against the Sounders at the CLink, conceding 2 second half goals but holding on to win the aggregate 3-2. It's a little deceptive, as the first Seattle goal via PK was total Horse Shit, but whatever.
LA defeated a lackluster NY Red Bulls side tonight. The New Yorkers jumped to a lead in the 4th minute via Luke Rodgers, but from then on it was mostly LA. Magee scored a Beckham corner kick in the first half, and then Donovan iced it with a PK in the second, making the final 3-1 to LA on aggregate.
RSL and LA have been on this collision course all year. I truly believe they are the best two squads in MLS, with Seattle being right there as well. It's going to be a battle, but I'll take RSL 1-2 over the Galaxy.
Now we just wait and see!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Victory Blog: Two Victory Players To Go On International Duty
The next FIFA International break will be upon us in a couple of weeks, and managers around the world are starting to announce their squads. As per Victory Blog: Melbourne Victory supporters will see two players called up.
Carlos Hernandez will head to Costa Rica for two friendlies. Harry Kewell will join Australia for two World Cup Qualifiers.
The Victory picked up their first win of the new season last weekend, beating Wellington Phoenix 2-1.
For more info, see Victory Blog's post HERE
Carlos Hernandez will head to Costa Rica for two friendlies. Harry Kewell will join Australia for two World Cup Qualifiers.
The Victory picked up their first win of the new season last weekend, beating Wellington Phoenix 2-1.
For more info, see Victory Blog's post HERE
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